Ipchun (eul) 1795
Village outside Hwaseong Fortress
It was easier than they expected when they heard the thunder of the nabal, calling everyone in the village to assemble. Under the cover of gloom around them, they made their way to the village center where all the villagers were gathered. Staying out of sight, they waited until they heard the "alarm" from the fortress, summoning all the people near it to take "shelter".
The village chief raised his torch and everyone set off. The five men followed, keeping out of sight of those behind the group. As soon as they reached the main road leading to the Paldamun, they could see another cluster of torches further behind; villagers from the southern hamlet responding in accordance to the drill. Young-joon lit the torch they had prepared as they attached themselves to the tail of the group they were following. If any of those looked behind, they would assume they were people from the group behind.
Young-joon and P'ado kept themselves before Ui-sik and Dae-hyun who each had a hand fastened to the arms of the injured agent between them. A dagger was held ready near his ribs to keep his silence in the event he was able to rouse himself from his fever to shout. The pace was somewhat slow. They had to exert their strength to hold the sick man in an upright posture for quite a distance. Would someone notice his head was slumping in an awkward manner?
The Paldalmun hovered ahead. Young-joon nudged P'ado in encouragement for he could feel him trembling beside him though he was feeling as fearful himself. The second group of villagers caught up. The entire assembly became even more crowded as two more groups appeared from the south-eastern and south-western paths and merged with them. It was a blessing of sorts for now, there were many more strange faces.
Another call sounded, urging the villagers to hurry. All at once, everyone picked up their pace and reached the Paldalmun that was already crowded with those who lived just outside the fortress. Soldiers stood at the guard platforms and beside the gates, urging them to pass within faster, a little annoyed that the villagers were falling behind the ideal response time despite rehearsals weeks before. They should not disappoint the King with a lackadaisical performance!
P'ado searched frantically as the tower passed over his head. Where were they? He was sure they would be present, looking for them. His eyes alighted on a familiar slight figure on the guard platform to the side. Aboji was there! His heart lifted when he spied Yunbok looking down at the crowd earnestly. Yes, he knew they were in trouble and he was looking for them. P'ado tried to wave but the momentum of the crowd carried him forward as he tried to stop. No, no, he did not see him! A hand grasped hold of his arm, bringing his eyes to Young-joon who shook his head, mouthing at him silently. It was not the time. Even if he saw them, it was impossible to stop the crowd or for them to make their way to Yunbok.
The crowd streamed through the gates and up the main road. Half of it went to the western hills while the rest continued ahead. Posted soldiers blocked a third of the main road to prevent any from trying to go near the Haenggung. At the intersection where the main road intersected the Sipjagaro, the rest of the crowd went eastward. With this crowd, the five crossed the bridge at the creek before coming to rest on the small eastern hillocks. Soldiers stood at the small paths to ensure none wandered.
Dae-hyun led them to a spot opposite a row of buildings which P'ado presumed was where they had to go. But how were they supposed to get to those buildings? Security was so tight that hardly anyone would be able to cross over without being seen. A tug on his arm got him to look behind. Dae-hyun gestured with his head at the man he was gripping, indicating that P'ado was to take over. The feverish agent ignored him as he gripped the upper arm carefully, more concerned with his broken forearm which he cradled with his right hand near to his body. With Dae-hyun's help, Ui-sik had been able to bring the infection under control and reduced the pain but he was half-lucid and not involved with what was going on around him.
All around them, the villagers were listening to the signals and watching the torches in the distance. Along the fortress walls, soldiers raised their torches in response to a signal. Dae-hyun took the torch from Young-joon, biding his time. Deep booms of the cannons and firing of rifles were heard. Loud gasps of awe were uttered when the sky was alit with hundreds of fireworks. Those whose view was blocked by the trees got up eagerly and moved into the open to enjoy this spectacle. Even the soldiers looked up.
The false light died away. Then the sky was lit again and again. Was there a more beautiful sight? A roar swelled, gathering strength. Everyone followed the shout. A distant voice called again, exhorting the people to give voice of their feelings to the King. It was heard. Whoever it was must have powerful lungs. The city seemed to tremble before the exuberance that thundered. Before the last roar had even died away, a nearby yell of alarm jerked the attention of those on the hillock away.
"Fire!"
Shock held everyone immobiled as they stared at the blazing leaves of a nearby tree. It flared fiery golden red as fire crept from branch to branch. Still dry and brittle from the winter, the flames flared up easily. The soldiers started foward, breaking their lines as most of the villagers retreated to the paths. Men dashed into the courtyards of the houses for buckets and water jars. Those who found buckets ran to the creek while others carried the water jars from various buildings towards the burning tree, tossing the water up into the burning branches, hoping to put out fire before it spread. None noticed five men who rounded the corner of a house and headed northwards.
"This way."
A man hissed to them from the courtyard entrance of a house next to the small stream that branched off from the creek. Without a word, they headed towards him and followed as he led them to the barn. They came upon a trapdoor lying open in the dirt floor and went in. A short flight of steps ended in a small room. Large sacks were stacked against a wall, exuding a familiar smell with the faint odour of oxen. A tunggyong stood lit in the far corner. A mat was spread on the floor. They set down the injured agent down on the mat. Ui-sik examined him anxiously. It would not do to have their only witness dying from his wound. More medicine and rest should ensure his survival, he decided.
"This is Kyu-seok," Dae-hyun introduced the short slim man who grinned and nodded to them.
For someone harboring three fugitives beneath his roof, he seemed inordinately cheerful. Young-joon and P'ado eyed him suspiciously as he went to the space behind the stairs and returned with a large wrapped package and a small soban. Unwrapping the package, he placed food on the soban. he went to the stairs again and came back with a jug and bowls. As he poured out the makgeolli, the others settled themselves about the soban. Young-joon eyed the food and drink. Were they safe?
"You are safe here," Kyu-seok said, looking at the trio. "Tomorrow, Dae-hyun and I will see what news there is."
"What is there to seek besides how my family is doing?" Ui-sik said crisply, wishing he could go straight to the prison to get Song-mi and Jinjia out immediately. "The King's schedule is already fixed, there should be no changes."
"Ahh, but that fire might change some plans so we must make sure." Kyu-seok wagged his finger at Ui-sik as if he was chiding a child. "If you wish to make your appeal, everything must go according to plan otherwise," he clapped his hands to emphasize his point, "all our efforts go to waste! Then everyone lands in quicksand with no way to pull ourselves out."
"How is it there will be time to double check anything? Doesn't the King distribute rice tomorrow? Haven't we agree that is the best way to approach?" Ui-sik demanded.
Did they have a better plan in mind? Ui-sik did not think there was any as he gulped down the drink before him, Young-joon barely held back the warning he was tempted to voice. Warily, he watched Ui-sik's colour. Would there be any symptoms?
"My friend, I understand you are feeling anxious right now," Dae-hyun said gently. "To you, time is of esence. To us, there is plenty yet to play with. Yes, we will carry out the plan we have decided but let us make sure nothing has changed."
"Yes, yes," nodded Kyu-seok, affecting an air of wisdom. "Plenty of time. There is nothing for you to do right now. Finish the food and rest." He went back to the space under the stairs and brought out another package which he handed to Ui-sik. "Here, medicines for the injured man. Water, hwaro, pot, charcoal and mats for all of you," he pointed to the opposite corner. "And of course, the chamber pot, over by the stairs."
"Rest. Tomorrow should be a better day for all of you," Dae-hyun said jovially. "Think of it." He moved to the stairs with Kyu-seok. The trapdoor shut quietly behind them, leaving the trio to look at one another,
"I'll brew the medicine for him," said Ui-sik, examining the contents of the medicinal package. "Why don't the two of you have your rest?"
Silently, Young-joon made for the rolled up mats and spread them out across the room. Without the sacks, there would be more room to turn. What was in those sacks? As P'ado watched, Young-joon inspected and poked at them, wedging a small hole through the sewn opening to reveal grains of rice. It set him to thinking as he lay himself down, rubbing his nose when it itched. The room would get stuffy soon. He wished he could sleep in the barn for it meant a flow of fresh air despite the odour. A thought struck him. He moved towards the stairs. Silently, he climbed the first few steps and pushed gently at the trapdoor. To his relief, it gave way easily and assuaged his fear that they were locked in. He grimaced at P'ado as he returned to his mat.
"Ajoshi, why do you suppose he stored those sacks of rice in here?" P'ado said softly.
"I think he's running a bootleg business. It makes sense. Gyeonggido does not suffer from drought so there is ample grain. Either he is supplying those in the south with the rice or he is making the liquor here before sending them off," Young-joon sighed, clasping his hands behind his hand as he stared at the ceiling. "The profits must be enormous."
"Profit at the expense of others," said P'ado gloomily.
"There it is, P'adoya. Those who already have it, want more and more. While those who don't, struggle and fall. It has always been like this." A bitter smell of medicine drifted over to them. "I don't suppose we will sleep with that in our noses throughout the night." Young-joon sneezed.
"Try not to make any noise. Anyone who passes by above might hear," warned Ui-sik as he blew on the charcoal.
"Aigoo, I forgot," Young-joon clapped a hand to his mouth in dismay as P'ado grinned. "But wait, the smell of the medicine will alert anyone outside."
"It's not that pungent. I'm not letting it simmer so the smell won't linger."
Watching over the pot attentively, Ui-sik poured out the medicine into a bowl the moment it boiled. He waited for it to cool before feeding it to the injured man who drank it without complaint. Once it was consumed, he lay himself down for the pain was debilitating. Ui-sik waited for him to fall asleep, for the medicine also contained a soporific, before crossing over to the stairs to check the trapdoor himself. It lifted when he pushed at it. How long would it stay like that?
"Listen," he whispered to the other two who sat up. "One of us has to stay in the barn above."
"You don't trust them," Young-joon said sombrely. "I thought you have implicit faith in Dae-Hyun."
"I did. Until he asked Song-mi to help with that meal yesterday which got her and my son caught," Ui-sik said grimly. "My son could not have wandered off as he did unless someone encouraged him to."
"Why do you think they didn't just hand us in at once? Why go through all this trouble of putting us in here?" Young-joon gestured to the underground storage room.
"Ajoshi, you think they still intend to make use of you?" said P'ado.
"I'm afraid so..," Ui-sik affirmed without hesitation before Young-joon interrupted.
"That still doesn't make sense. Why did we have to enter in such a way if their intention is to force you to do what they want? A simple arrangement to bring you in, in an open manner is easier than sneaking about. Arranging a false identity for you should not be difficult. You do what you have to and you leave."
"They don't trust me." Ui-sik scratched his ribs, feeling the dagger he had brought with him under his jacket. "Not when I have already rejected them, not when there's a possibility I will reveal their intentions should they bring me in openly. Even with my family as hostages."
"Ajoshi, maybe it's really an unfortunate coincidence regarding ajumma's discovery," said P'ado. "They didn't lock us in," he pointed to the trapdoor. "We can leave if we want to."
"Where can we go? After tonight's incident, security will be very tight. We walk around out there without the proper identity tablets, we'll simply be thrown into prison. I'm sure our witness will disappear," Ui-sik nodded towards the sleeping man. "Matters will be arranged that we'll end up losing our lives."
"But ajoshi, if security is going to be even more stringent, how are you going to be able to insinuate yourself among the people tomorrow as suggested?"
"I do not think they will want me to do that. Their words was just to lull us."
"What are we going to do?" Young-joon asked anxiously.
"I saw aboji at the Paldalmun. Is there a way to let him know we're here?"
"I think he knows," Young-joon was sure of it. "Didn't you see him looking at the crowd?" P'ado nodded in agreement. "He was probably trying to spot us but there were too many people going through the gates. As for informing him to our whereabouts..," he paused, glancing at Ui-sik inquiringly.
"Impossible to approach the barracks, he might not even be posted there." Ui-sik shook his head to their disappointment. "I can try to find out," he frowned, formulating a plan before reaching into his jacket to bring out his dagger and handing it to Young-joon who stared at it uneasily. "Take this to protect yourself. I'll go now to reconnoiter the barracks..."
"What? Now?!" Young-joon was incredulous. It was a preposterous suggestion to him, to be wandering about so at this time when soldiers would be on the alert.
"Yes. Don't worry, I know how to sneak around. You stay here with the agent. P'ado, you go up to the barn and keep a lookout, just in case they really lock down the trapdoor. If they do, you can release master Han and both of you can help the agent out. Stay hidden in the barn for me to get back. I'm sure they will not think to check further if they think you are trapped."
The protest that gathered in Young-joon's was not released. Ui-sik got up, climbed the stairs to lift the trapdoor slowly and exiting with P'ado. The trapdoor was eased down carefully and he was all alone with their prisoner. Perhaps Ui-sik's idea might work. If they could manage to locate either Yunbok or Suk-kwon, most of their problems would be solved. If Ui-sik was caught. He realised the man did not plan for failure. How long should they wait? He could not even tell what time it was though it must be after second watch. Pain on his finger brought his attention to the dagger he was holding, unconsciously rolling it over and over in his hands until the edge pricked him. He hoped he would not have to use it, he would prefer not to shed blood.
Up above in the barn, the duo stayed still for a while to let their eyes adjust to the darkness. Ui-sik examined the barn and pointed.
"Corner. Don't move too much," he whispered to P'ado who nodded. "Try to stay awake. If I'm not back before end of fifth watch, get master Han out."
"And?" P'ado said when he fell silent.
"Leave the city with him when the gates open at first light. Abandon the witness. Both of you still have your hometown and Siheung identity tablets. Use them and just say you came to see the excitement of the parade, the drill. No one will link you to the Siheung fugitives because by then, I will have been caught. I'll say I escaped with my wife and son and that I set the fire tonight."
"Ajoshi..," P'ado said unhappily for knew what would happen to them.
"You'll be questioned and with luck, released. I'm sorry you will lose the inheritance but it's best to return home and forget about all this."
"Ajoshi, what about your friends? They know about us and..," P'ado ignored the point about the money. It was not important to him.
"Don't worry, I know how to handle them. Do as I say." Ui-sik patted P'ado's shoulder in encouragement before making for the entrance of the barn. Looking around keenly, he slipped out and was gone.
Outside, he paused for a moment to check the night sky. Beginning of second watch. There was no dog about this house when they first entered. Crossing the courtyard, he stepped cautiously onto the porch. No light shone from within. Had Dae-Hyun and Kyu-seok gone to bed? Creeping along the porch, he crouched down outside the back room and pressed an ear to the door. Silence. Lying down flat on the porch, he put his ear to the space between door and floor. Nothing.
He reached for his dagger before recalling he had given it to Young-joon. An oversight not to bring a second dagger. Recrossing the courtyard, he waited at the entrance to make sure no one was about. Following the stream, he made his way south-west. As far as he could tell, curfew was in effect for the paths and roads were empty, saved for patrols across the creek.
Hunkering down in the shadows of the bridge, he studied the patrols patiently. There was not any need for him to be on the other side at the moment but it was better to learn the pattern of the patrols. The barracks was on his side, closer to the Janganmun and just south-east of the Dongjangdae. Closing his eyes, he visualised the image of the rough map Dae-hyun had drawn for him. He would have to keep heading north-east, using the the trees on the hillock on that side for cover. He was confident no soldier could spot him from the fortress walls. The patrols might hinder his progress. Looking about again to make sure no one was about, he set off.
Once past the houses, he worked his way from tree to tree, pausing every now and then to make sure he was going in the right direction. The lights glowing tinnily in the distance guided him as he bobbed up and down the hillock. An occasional patrol would pass along the paths. He lay low, easily avoiding the patrols for the eastern side was not as stringently guarded as the west. Finally he slithered down a three tier slope. He flattened himself when he reached the bottom for there was nothing he could hide behind except for the gentle inclines. As there were buildings lining the main road and the Dongjangdae was nearby, the area was well lit.
Slowly, he made his way across the small path and crawled up the incline. Raising his head, he took stock of the surroundings. A small thicket of trees was before him and beyond were buildings with a grove of trees behind them. There were no gates. Guards stood along the road. Over to his left were what looked like stables. To the east was the Changnyongmun.
Should he risk it? There was another small stand of trees opposite the stables. If he could cross over to them, he would be able to make his way over the wall and into the barracks proper. Retreating down the incline and following the small path, he reached the stables. Stealthily, he checked around the corners; no guards. Looking down the road, he waited for the sentries to look anywhere but in his direction. He checked the other way before running over to the trees, crouched low. From there, it was easy to get to the wall and over it once he was certain no one was about.
There were five buildings in all. He started with the one nearest to him, staying to the back as it was close to the main road. Going from door to door, he listened; officers chattered idily about the drill and the archery contests. Nothing of import. He moved to the second building at the back and hastily retreated around the corner when the first door he approached open. A cough and a shuffle of footsteps that grew fainter. The back of a man moved further away as he looked out. The room was dark. Someone was snoring when he stood outside the first door again. More idle conversation in the following rooms. If only he had more time, he would be able to stay around longer for surely someone would drop the information he wanted.
Stifling a sigh, he silently made his way to the third building near the grove of trees. Someone was complaining bitterly about a relative being given prestigeous consideration in the exams. Was that jealousy in the voice? At the second room, the officers were apparently having a tipple for they were espousing the delights of gisaeng and wine. Wrinkling his nose, he moved on. If a commandant or general caught them at it, especially at this time, they would suffer the consequences. A familiar voice from the third room froze him in his tracks. His heart picked up its pace as he crouched down to the space between door and floor to hear better, making sure nothing of him showed.
"Here, drink something." Lifting the bottle, Hong-do filled a cup and handed it to Yunbok, nudging him in the shoulder when he just sat with eyes closed, frowning. "Eat something. Did you even have your dinner?"
"Too busy to eat." Turning away, Yunbok downed the wine with a gulp, grimacing when it hit an empty stomach. "So many people to round up..," he sighed, replacing the cup on the soban and paused when a hand hesitatingly proffered a sirutteok to him. "What are the chances they look for us at the barracks?" he looked at Suk-kwon, ignoring the food.
"They won't find us there. Bad timing." Suk-kwon glared at Hong-do who returned it with favor.
"It's not my fault, the order does not come from me," he protested. "He has his own ideas of what he wants, who can gainsay him?"
"They'll never think to look for us in the residential mansions."
Knuckling an ache that seemed to throb behind his eyes, Yunbok used a pair of chopticks to pick up a mandu from one of the dishes on the meal table before them, dipping it into the choganjang. The variety of fare was generous, a transparent demonstration of their host's regard for Hong-do. Who also did not seem put out by the sudden addition of more guests to his residence and soldiers at that. The mandu was delicious so he reached for another.
"If they can even make it over here without getting challenge every step of the way." Hong-do refilled Yunbok's cup, wishing it was not liquor. He needed Yunbok clear headed.
"Try the minari-ganghoe," Suk-kwon urged when Yunbok looked set on finishing the entire plate of mandu, an indication of his hunger. "Why send us here?"
"Not you, him." Hong-do pointed at Yunbok who froze in mid chew. "He can't very well gallivant down to the barracks just to speak to a junior officer. That's planting a flag on top of his head if he does that," he pointed at Yunbok's head. "Coming here is more prudent."
"When does he plan to do that?" Yunbok swallowed hastily to get the question out. He had thought he might be able to obtain an audience, remote as it was and now that it seemed that it was possible, possibilities bloomed. "Why didn't you tell us earlier?"
"He did indicate he might do so." Hong-do put up a quelling finger as Yunbok was about to say something. "Might, may I emphasize? I don't know when he will come by even if he will."
"That is true," Suk-kwon agreed. "Don't place too much hope on a visit."
"Say he does, I have nothing factual to present, only suspicions and worries." Picking up the cup, Yunbok stared at it musingly. "Will it help if I mention that woman in the lock up?" he looked inquiringly at Suk-kwon. "She did not have the time to tell us everything."
"I think so too. The only thing I'm worried now is exactly what those three are up to for the next few days. Whoever is helping them has to have a target in mind," Suk-kwon nibbled at a saengran for he had little time for a meal too. "That fire at the south-eastern hillock has to be their handiwork to get past the soldiers."
"You're going to say they will end up as scapegoats for some scheme." Horrific images reared up before Yunbok's eyes; the execution ground or worse yet, murdered and dumped, he shivered.
"I hope those two lie low until the King returns to Hanseong. There will be more room for me to work with than now." Noting the despair in Yunbok's face, Suk-kwon looked to Hong-do and subtly gestured with his head. Time to distract their mutual friend.
"I am sure they will be sensible and keep a low profile," Hong-do said hopefully. "Since you are here, let's get to work." He tugged on Yunbok's sleeve when he did not respond.
"What on?" Yunbok said reluctantly, allowing the distraction.
"Tonight's drill of course." Hong-do moved to the kyongsang, picked up a piece of paper from the pile on top of it and handed it to Yunbok who examined the rough sketch of the fortress layout.
"Not the banquet?"
"No, I was helping Kim Deuk-shin with a sketch or two but he's doing the banquet. I'm not painting ALL of the events. Where are yours, sir?" Hong-do courteously asked Han-pyeong who silently handed over his own sketches. "Right," he muttered, leafing through them. "Let's get at least one draft completed."
"What about the draft for the procession? It's not finished." Yunbok made himself comfortable as he sat across the kyongsang from Hong-do as he spread out a roll of paper.
"I'm still not happy with it. Leave it for the moment. Hmmm," Hong-do studied the blank paper, imposing on it the picture he had in his mind. "This is how I want it to be.."
Leaving the problem of the fugitives aside for a while, Suk-kwon watched as the two set to work once they had determined the layout. He studied the man next to him unobstrusively. The silent observer as usual, Han-pyeong remained where he was, sipping at his cup of wine. Although he had not said much since Hong-do snapped at him, his manner towards Yunbok had been composed and timidly supportive during meal times with an offer of food or pouring of drink. If the old man was trying to reconcile with Yunbok, his former adoptee was not having any of it, rebuffing most of his overtures. Depending on how sincere and peristent Han-pyeong as well as how receptive Yunbok might be, the rift between the two would never be sealed.
He did not know whether to be angry or sorry for Han-pyeong who clearly had suffered years of torment. A part of him wanted to take the old man aside and give him a bawl out for what he had done. There was the no point to it however. It was all over, in the past. Yunbok clearly had no desire to fire up any discord or heal the breach. Looking at the emptiness in the old man's eyes as they fixed themselves to the young painter, he was inclined towards pity. Shaking his head, he turned his attention to the food on the soban as his stomach rumbled.
The draft took shape as the hours slipped by. Instead of a willow shape layout of Hwaseong, Hong-do had opted for an elongated view. Starting with the Seojangdae at the top, Janganmun and Paldalmun respectively at the sides, Hwaseomun was squashed on the upper right for lack of space and Changnyongmun at the bottom. The Seojangdae and Haenggung took up half of the paper, while the other half was of the buildings in the city with soldiers grouped within under various banners. Relying on the planned draft, Yunbok had no trouble painting the royal pavilion even though the paper was upside down to him.
Suk-kwon nibbled at the food. Peering at the progress of the work and reaching for another morsel, more to keep himself awake for his hunger had long been appeased. In between his to-ing and fro-ing between the desk and soban, he noticed Han-pyeong had fallen asleep. Half lying with an outstretched arm on the soban that threatened to topple over. Judging from the wine bottles scattered about, the old man had made heavy inroads into the liquor. He gently lowered the older man to the floor after removing his gat, straightening him properly and went back to his self entertainment.
Eventually, he had to cease for he was getting tired. The two painters were oblivious. They could carry right on to dawn, he realised and that was not prudent for they still had work to do tomorrow. A hiss drew his attention. Yunbok put his brush on the pilga before wriggling his fingers, a pained expression on his face.
"Cramps?" he asked. Yunbok nodded. "Why not call it a night?" he looked at Hong-do. "It's getting late. There are more events in the days to come."
"You are right," Hong-do sighed wearily, laying aside his brush before rubbing his eyes. "I'll see you both in the courtyard tomorrow, two hours after the hare." He put out a hand to stop Yunbok as he made to collect the painting tools to clean. "Just go to your room and rest."
"You're just as tired as I am." There was no insistence in Yunbok however, he was very tired.
"I don't have extra duties like you do. Go on." Hong-do made a shooing gesture.
"Shall we carry him to his room?" Suk-kwon indicated the comatosed Han-pyeong.
"Leave him, I'll just cover him with the spare quilt," Hong-do said, rolling up the incomplete draft after making sure the ink was dry. Suk-kwon nodded and left the room with Yunbok who let out yawn after yawn as they walked down the dark corridor, bone-tired and aching. Feeling as fatigued, Suk-kwon was eager to get to his own room and nearly knocked Yunbok down when he suddenly stopped.
"Is something wrong?" he asked when Yunbok did not move.
"I..don't know," Yunbok said hesitatingly, heart thumping very fast all of a sudden. A chill overcame him. What was this feeling?
"What?" Suk-kwon wished he could see his face clearly for he could hear the fear in his voice. It was puzzling. What was there to be afraid of?
"Is it possible for me to take a day off?"
"Where do you want to go?" The request was odd and sudden. "Are you all right?" Suk-kwon was puzzled and worried.
"I want to make sure Jeong-hyang and Pokkot are all right." The urge to see Jeong-hyang was strong. Yunbok was not sure why.
"I know you miss them but you can't leave because you suddenly want to see them," Suk-kwon said sympathetically. "It's just a few more days." A troubled silence answered him. "Look, I'll try to get someone over there to check, will that do?"
"I suppose..," a chill seemed to pervade Yunbok's limbs. All he wanted right then was to get on a horse and ride to Siheung.
"You're tired and too worred over those two. Let's get to your room. Everything will look better in the morning when you have some rest." Suk-kwon gently maneuvered Yunbok further down the corridor towards his room. "She won't be happy to see you with dark circles under your eyes when this is all over," he said, opening the door and pushing Yunbok into the room. "Go on," he urged when Yunbok stood unmoving. "Don't tell me I have to put you to bed. You're too old for that."
"Heh, I should throw a tantrum and demand you grant my wish," Yunbok jested weakly.
"And I'll most likely take a ..," a yawn caught Suk-kown in mid sentence. "I'm to bed and you should do so."
Yunbok stared at the closed door, listening to the soft tread fade away. The chill had abated but the fear remained. Why was he feeling so? Did something happen back at Siheung or was his worries over P'ado and Young-joon the cause of it? Moving to the windows, he opened them and stared out at the night sky.
Hyangya, I hope all is well with you.
Tossing his jeonnip aside, he sat down and leaned against the window sill, breathing in the faint scent of the flowers from the garden.
"What did you wish for this year?" he murmured languidly, feeling fingers lightly touching his face.
"The usual." She could never get enough of that beloved face as she traced the familiar contours, refreshing her memory of the familiar and learning the new.
"I suppose we should be grateful the flowers are able to bloom for a while with the little rain there is." He opened his eyes to look up at her, reaching to touch her face as she smiled.
"Every little blessing helps. This field was barren last year compared to this year. It is a good sign."
"It is good to see you thus," he smiled, feeling the softness of her skin, pleased that no worries furrowed her brows for the moment.
"Isn't it the same for you?"
"Such as it is, I suppose we will age before our time with so much on our minds...you have new creases."
"So do you. But you're so dark, it's hidden." She looked at the contrast of her hands against his face.
"I wonder what we will look like when we grow old," he mused, trying to visualise her face in the years to come.
"I like that. Hold on to that thought, of the many years we will have," she whispered, bending down to him.
He jerked as he felt himself veering sideways and looked about him in confusion at the dark surroundings. No, he was not at the field with Jeong-hyang, it was only a dream of a trip they had taken four years ago. That restiveness was still hovering. He rubbed his chest for it felt as if something was lodged within. What was this fear?
Despite his fears that he would fall asleep, his apprehensions were enough to keep sleep at bay. Rubbing his nose to try to get rid of the itchiness unsuccessfully for the umpteenth time, P'ado wished there was water to wash his face thoroughly. It would get rid of the stickiness, dirt and the dryness in his eyes for staring so hard into the darkness. How long had it been? Why was he not back yet? Fretfully, he got up from the corner he was huddling in and crept to the entrance of the barn to look at the night sky. Near end of fourth watch. Curfew would end soon. Was he really to get ajoshi Han and leave? The sudden appearance of a moving shadow nearly frightened him to death.
"It's me," the figure said, clapping a hand to his mouth to prevent any sound from escaping. "Come, back to the room." Ui-sik clapped P'ado on the back, aware of his tension and fear. After checking that no one was about, they headed for the trapdoor.
Below, Young-joon started up at the sound and gripped his dagger. The tunggyong had long since burned out so he peered in the darkness, trying to discern who was coming down. The sound of P'ado's voice relieved his fears. The trapdoor was closed. They groped about, felt his outstretched arms and sat down.
"What did you find?" he whispered eagerly.
"Not everything but enough. I got to the barracks but I'm afraid I do not know if master Seo is there. It's impossible to tell." Ui-sik rubbed at the ache at his back. "Both Dae-hyun and Kyu-seok reported to someone at the barracks. I don't know who, he could be an officer or an official. They are running a scam, appropriating and redirecting grain meant for the construction workers for their own gains. The sacks here must be part of the it."
Young-joon could hardly believe the audacity of the thieves. "A greater number of people have to be involved in it."
"Yes, the magistrate of Siheung has a hand in it too."
"But that would mean ..," Young-joon paused.
"I played into their hands by committing the theft. They knew what I planned and allowed it. Those grain I stole will go into their own pockets and I get the blame for it. In hindsight, I should have suspected something," Ui-sik snorted at his own pride and confidence.
"If they knew about it, ajoshi, there must be someone among the villagers who reported to them."
"Yes. I think I know who," grimness in Ui-sik's voice as he contemplated the betrayal. "He must also be responsible for the failure of the crops. However he did it, I will find out later," he vowed. "They were discussing their shares. This official promised everyone their cut of the profits. They still intend to use me to carry out the initial plan."
"How are they going to do that?"
"I don't know because I had to leave. Some of the officers who were drinking decided it was better to carouse outside. They made such a noise and disturbed everyone in the buildings. I had to stay low until all was quiet. It was too dangerous to hang about so I returned here." Ui-sik wished he could filed a report against those officers. They deserved to be demoted to the lowest ranks.
"They will tell you since they are going ahead with their plan," Young-joon said assuredly. "But...will you do it?"
"Of course not but I will make sure the road they're so sure of will trip them."
"Ajoshi, will they threaten you with the safety of ajumma and Jinjia?"
"They will." Ui-sik reined in his rage. "That is their control over me. I will make my plan accordingly to whatever they will tell me, which should be tomorrow. I don't think I will be making any appeal to the King during the distribution of the rice so we will be staying in this room for a while longer."
"Is that wise?" Young-joon was all for carrying out the initial plan instead of trying to twist whatever scheme the consiprators had in mind to their favor.
"We can trust them until I have supposedly completed the task they want me to do. We can outwit them," he said as doubts rose in Young-joon but he did not voice them. "Come, let's take our rest. We need it. Did you check on the patient?"
"I did, before the tunggyong gave out. He's resting well."
"We must do so ourselves to gather our strength."
A rustle in the dark as they lay themselves down on their respective mats. Silence fell as each of them withdrew into their own sphere. Since they had managed to come this far, Young-joon hoped they would prevail. All he wanted was to go home with his friend, everyone, back to Uiryeong. No more worries, he would get back with his life, see to his father's comforts, watch his sons grow up to have children, live to a grand old age with Su-dae. Visions rolled across his eyes.
It was fortunate it was not winter. Song-mi and Jinjia would not be chilled in the lockup. Were they fed well? Ui-sik hoped so. If they managed to get together again, if they managed to win themselves free of their current troubles, he would try harder to make life peaceful for Song-mi. He had failed her for bringing more strife on her after what she had already gone through. His fault. But would she overlook his past? He had seen her aversion, though she tried to hide it, when she learned of his hidden profession. Perhaps she would not be able to accept it. What would he do then?
Home. Every spring, he would make a visit to Min-soo's tombstone on his birthday. This year, he would be late. He hoped she would not mind. Home. At this time, he should be busy, helping with the chores to prepare for spring. Trips out to the hills to collect wild greens, to play with Pokkot and Chang-mi, roughing it up with his friends in the village, trying to trip master Suk-kwon in an occasional bout, sneaking peeks at his parents when they thought they were alone. Home meant laughing joy, warmth in the evenings. Each day was a day of endless tasks to see to but it was safe and secure. Home. They would have been preparing for his coming of age ceremony. P'ado wished he was home.
Korean Words
choganjang - vinegar soy bean sauce mixed with ginger juice
Dongjangdae - east command post
mandu- dumplings
minari-ganghoe - Korean parsley wrapped with meat
saengran - juiced ginger boiled in honey/starch syrup, molded and rolled in ground pine nuts