Ipchun (eul) 1795
"Give me the same sentence, sir." Hong-do's barely restrained anger nearly exploded but with effort he controlled it. Afraid Jeongjo would not allow him to defend Yunbok, he rolled on relentlessly.
"Sir, it is unjust. Their affections for each other is true. It is not a moment's indulgence or deviant prurience to satisfy a whim. If it were so, they would have long since separated, not stayed together for so many years or even raised two orphans and provided a home for them. Having interracted with the children, I have nothing but praises for they are as stolid as any young pine sapling. Heywon's actions, his decisions. Sir, there is one principal justification. His unorthodox upbringing. It was not what it should have been. His confusion, his ambitions were the imposition of another. Such was his circumstance, his path was obscured. He had to make a choice, based solely on what he understands of himself and the need to live." Hong-do took a moment to calm his surging temper. "Since his companion is not here to defend herself, I will speak on her behalf."
He paused for a moment but Jeongjo said nothing.
"I myself did not understand such a relationship. When we were finally allowed to meet once more, I took the chance to understand her point of view. Sir, it was not an easy step for her either. What she thought was simple progress in a liaison, turned out be a different shocking reality. The blow was severe but when she learned of the danger he was placing himself in, in his quest for revenge, her first thought was of his safety. To protect him, to help him even as it imperiled her. She even spoke of running away with him. What could impel her so, sir, to do as she did? In the years they were apart, she did not take another. She tried and failed. If they had not met again, she still would not take another. Even if he obey the order to release her now, against their will, still she will find no other."
His fists clenched as he tried to make an effort to convince Jeongjo. "Sir, she chose to remain with him, knowing what they face if he is exposed. That alone shows her sincerity."
All was still in the room. Soft footsteps returned to the desk.
"Yes, their relationship is not appropriate in institutional observance," Hong-do switched to plea earnestly, "but it is this humble servant's opinion, that when it comes to affairs of the heart, there are no boundaries. Not when it is something that is insubstantial and can only be grasped if one has the fortune to find a true companion. Sir, my student, who I hold dear has already had his childhood blighted and distorted. After going through so much tribulations in his youth," he bowed till his head was touching the floor. Yunbok remained held in depressive chill, half-aware of Hong-do's impassioned exhortation. "He deserves his own niche. Please, I beg your Majesty's magnanimity to allow him to have this opportunity to live out his life with someone who has already sacrificed much and gives freely of herself. Permit them the peace of their lives."
A tiny clink sounded. For a long moment, such was the silence that it was as if the room was empty. A barely audible sigh broke the chill.
"How is it, Danwon, that you could not have managed to finagle better provisions for those in Yeonpung."
"There is a vast difference, sir, on the person one entreats to. I have to confess that I do not have the acumen for adminstration of a district." Hong-do's hopes rose at the mild tone but he did not lift his head.
"I trust you would manage better for the upcoming project." A pause. "Raise your head, Hyewon."
Yunbok was still in a daze when a sharp whisper from Hong-do brought him to awareness. He lifted his head but kept his gaze on the hands that rested on the desk.
After a moment, Jeongjo said, "I can barely recognise you. The years are marked and that beard is truly an inspiration." Was that amusement? The ice that held Yunbok broke a little. "Have you anything further to say?"
"No, sir." Yunbok cleared his throat for tears threatened to spill. He had to hold himself still as the weakness of reprieve replaced deaden spirit.
"Both of you have satisfied an interesting poser that has been on my mind all these years. Danwon, you can stop bending yourself so, your plea is indeed worthy to be written into a talchum."
"May I say, sir, that I am too old to debase myself so." Hong-do winced as a twinge flashed down his back. "May I also add that my hairs are turning greyer from the strain I just went through?"
"I will not witness for myself the bonds that bind the three of you if I do not." A serious note entered Jeongjo's voice. "It is as I've said, such a relationship is unacceptable but I can see that it is not something that is easily defined by words but by actions. Nor is it a shallow indulgence. It is unusual." The contemplative timbre slowly infused more colour to Yunbok's face as Hong-do glanced at him.
What a shock he must have had at the condemnation. In hindsight, just because he and Suk-kwon accepted their relationship, they should have realised it might not be so with Jeongjo. Suk-kwon would have no way to hide it even if he had wanted to. Perhaps it was just as well he did not attempt to do so in his reports. Perhaps it was a question Jeongjo had pondered upon over the years. He turned his attention back when Jeongjo spoke again.
"Hyewon, you are fortunate that you have the affections of those around you. They leaped to speak and protect in peril of themselves."
"I can only hope I am worthy of their gift and return in kind," Yunbok said evenly, not daring to claim Jeongjo as one of them but ventured a statement nevertheless. "How can I ever repay your kindness in appointing master Park?"
"You have already done so through these hidden years," came the kind answer. "I appointed him because of all those who served loyally, he is outstandingly unorthodox in some ways. He is precisely the mentor you need."
Unorthodox? Was that how Jeongjo think of Suk-kwon? Yunbok wondred if the man himself knew the opinions of the masters he served.
"I reserved judgment but Danwon has made sincere argument. I give you leave to continue as you are."
"Thank you, sir, for your compassion." Such was the nitid happiness on Yunbok's face that the room seemed to brighten.
"To find someone who is willing to go through as much is rare. You are fortunate. Your family comprised of two orphans whose background I am well aware of. Am I correct to say that the boy comes of age this year?"
"Yes, sir. We would have held the ceremony this spring if we were not here." Yunbok was not surprised Jeongjo knew so much. Did Suk-kwon send a report every month?
"How long do you intend to keep your secret from him?"
Even the King had thought beyond but then, who wouldn't? "We planned to tell him after the ceremony."
"It is a dangerous revelation you bring to him."
"We are aware, sir but in all fairness to him, he should know for we hold him dear to our hearts. We are also confident that he will not betray us. If he repudiates us, we will make our home elsewhere. The inheritance from his birth father and support from a close friend of ours should tide him till he is able to stand on his own."
"Does this close friend know everything?"
"Only that I was once a royal painter. He is from the family Han, of Hansang, whose father is in your Majesty's service."
"You will not have taken this step if you do not trust in yourselves. However, I will have to interfere since a negative aftermath will have far reaching consequences. Until I am satisfied with this boy's character, you are not to carry out your plan."
It had not occurred to Yunbok that he should ask Jeongjo's permission. In hindsight, he should have, he realised. Since he was forbidden to speak until a decision was reached, he could put it aside and concentrate on his task. He pricked up his ears when Jeongjo spoke again.
"Before we touch on other issues. Hyewon, I'm sure your master has taught you never to sheath a sword without cleaning it and yet I see the results of your earlier handiwork fresh on the blade." A snick as the sword was returned to the scabbard. At that reminder, Yunbok turned red at his oversight. "He has taught you well, to cover your weaknesses against a stronger, larger opponent."
"Indeed, sir. He has been most stringent and thorough," agreed Yunbok. Talking about Suk-kwon brought back his earlier worries. "Sir, I beg a favor."
"Speak."
"Master Park is both loyal and steadfast in his duties. But the years have taken a toll. I humbly asked that he be given the grace to retire to enjoy the peace of his remaining life."
"I see. It is my intention to release both him and his associate in Uiryeong after this task. Both of them have served the royal house devotedly and should have their due. The task of your safety while you are here, will be handed to his assistant."
On hearing that, Yunbok felt light hearted and hastened to bow deeply. "Sir, your grace is immeasurable."
"It is time to hear the stories of the other two. Bring them, Hyewon. You can have this back."
At that, Yunbok bowed, retrieved his paegeom, belted it before getting to his feet and exiting the room. After a brief word with the guard captain, he went to the daecheong. P'ado's eyes lit up when he saw him. He nudged Ui-sik who was deep in thought when Yunbok beckoned. The two followed him to the room, Yunbok whispered quick instructions to P'ado before opening the door to let them enter. They stood uncertainly at the entrance, bowed four times and waited. Hong-do looked at Yunbok and gestured with his head. Yunbok bowed before seating himself opposite Hong-do, leaving a space before the desk.
"You may approach." They stopped after taking a few paces which brought them nearer to Yunbok and Hong-do. "Sit. We shall start with the older since the boy is not the cause of the earlier turmoil."
"Yes, sir," Ui-sik bowed. "I am Mun Ui-sik. I live in Saemal, the village south-east of Siheung..." Carefully and concisely, he narrated what had occurred in the past three years and recent events. "Master Han was taken hostage to ensure our cooperation. They brought along the boy, to further ensure I would not try any tricks. Unknown to them, we had already planned for such circumstance. It was risky and dangerous but we agreed it was the best course. At the earliest opportunity, I was to try to break away and seek help. If P'ado was with me, I was to give him a signal. We would both escape and turn ourselves in to the authorities here as fast as possible. After which, we hoped we would have aid in freeing master Han."
"Dressed as you are, they were going to get you into the Haenggung. What then?" asked Hong-do, glancing at Yunbok and saw he had the same reservations.
"Once into the Haenggung, the others were to "patrol" the premises while I was to change into concealing clothing and make my way into the royal dressing room to taint the royal raiments. After which, I was to wait for the troop to return and get out with them."
"Do you think they would have let you and the others go free?" Hong-do asked skeptically.
"No. I doubt it," Ui-sik shook his head. "Which is why we thought of this counter plan."
"If you do not trust the authorities at all, which is the only reason why you sneaked into Hwaseong as you did, why would you suddenly trust them to do the right thing now?"
Was the man telling the truth? For a rogue patrol to enter and wander at will around the Haenggung, it meant someone knew the exact schedules and passwords to make the arrangements. Someone in the military administration? Yunbok frowned at that disturbing revelation.
"I do not and have not. The only person I trust to give me a fair hearing is his Majesty. I could have simply handed myself in the moment I arrived outside Suwon but that would make it easier for the corrupt officials to hide my presence since his Majesty had not reached the fortress. I wished to make an uproar that will bring intense scrutiny. To try to find any information I can on the collaborators. So I continued to stay on the run and bided my time."
"You did not chance upon his Majesty's troop, did you?" said Yunbok as he recalled the way Ui-sik had spoken to Suk-kwon.
"I spotted the group and noted there were two high ranking officers. While that was not unusual, the glow of the jade emblem gave me a clue. Only a member of the noble house has the authority to wear that. I knew that was the best chance and took it. I signaled P'ado who pretended to be sick, distracting our captors. I knocked down a few of them and ran with P'ado towards the troop I saw."
The keen sound of metal and bright glint of the paegeom, some of it marred by dried blood, before Ui-sik's face froze everyone in the room. P'ado goggled at Yunbok who half-knelt in readiness. What was he doing?
"Remove whatever it is you're still harboring within your clothing." The intense stare in Yunbok's eyes warned Ui-sik not to make a wrong move. "Slowly."
"I do not intend to use it," Ui-sik said as his hand crawled into his jacket to bring forth a small paper packet. He slowly placed it on the floor. "I only wish to expose the plot and ask for clemency. That is all there is," he added when Yunbok did not lower his sword.
Cautiously, Hong-do covered the packet with a piece of paper he removed from his painting tools and wrapped it up. It would be handed over to the Uigeumbu agents later. P'ado nodded at Yunbok's questioning glance; there was only the one packet he saw handed to Ui-sik. Sheathing his sword, Yunbok returned to his seat.
"I beg your Majesty's pardon for drawing a weapon in your presence without your consent," he said.
"It is well done, there is no offence." Jeongjo's approval released the tension in the room. However, his next words were shocking.
"The corruption is no secret." Ui-sik nearly lifted his head in surprise when he heard this but stayed the action in time. "We have been aware of it for some time. Steps have been taken to sift out the guilty parties. Most of all, we also know of your felonious deeds."
Fear seized Ui-sik. He seemed to shrink when the others nearly whipped their heads towards Jeongjo in disbelief.
"You dare to air falsehood in our presence. The deaths that resulted from the conflict between the Chuncheong Governor and Byeongsa in 1792, begun with a false accusation from the Busa Gun Su, was not entirely collateral damage. You were sent to eliminate those deemed an impediment to certain plans."
The coldness and impeccable edge in Jeongjo's voice cut like a knife. "We are aware of the problems at Saemal but allowed developments to see where they would lead. Most especially, we are keen to see how they plan to use you and what you will do. The Uigeumbu agents did not stop the group you were with precisely because of this."
"I beg your Majesty's mercy!" Ui-sik prostrated himself on the floor.
P'ado could hardly credit what he was hearing as he stared at the man beside him. How many sides, how many facades were there to find in those whose purpose was less than veracious?
"How is it possible to overlook the murders of innocents? There is no justification."
"I am prepared to answer for my crimes but please have mercy on my family and those who live in Saemal. They are innocent," pleaded Ui-sik. "I have no wish to continue but my desire to provide the best for my family impelled me to such employments."
"An outrageous casuistry when many in poorer strait work through fair means to live. This kingdom will be awashed in blood with this kind of syllogism if it were prevalent!"
"Your Majesty, my affections for my wife is such that I desire the best for her. That is why I ..."
"Enough." The frosty voice choked whatever Ui-sik was about to say. "You will provide details and complete disclosure of what you know, past and present. Sentence will be decided thereafter."
A loud call brought the commander who heaved a paralyzed Ui-sik to his feet and pulled him out of the room after receiving his instructions. P'ado stared sadly at the door long after they were gone.
"Sir, if I may ask, how many does this plot implicate?" asked Hong-do.
"Once it was clear the inept magistrate at Siheung will eventually expose intentions with his bungling, his masters removed themselves. What is left are the riffraffs."
It was what Suk-kwon had stated earlier. How much did he know of Jeongjo's plans?
"Sir, what will become of his wife, his son and those at Saemal?" a young voice asked tremulously. P'ado gulped nervously at his temerity in speaking up but ploughed on. "They knew nothing of his intentions, only that he was desperate as they were in their sufferings and committed the theft in the belief it would help them."
"What do you think should be done, young man?"
"Ah, they should all be released and the stolen lands returned to the villagers of Saemal." P'ado waited with bated breath for the reprimand he was certain would be unleashed. "Too, they should also be pardoned for their debts since they are uninformed victims of a scheme to trap the traitors."
"Victims, that is very bold."
"I beg your pardon, sir!" P'ado bowed lower. "It is the truth, nevertheless."
"I see you brought up an audacious young fellow." To that remark Yunbok made no comment but acknowledged ruefully with an apologetic bow. "What do you think of the man you have associated with for the past few days?"
"He is honorable towards his friends. My late father entrusted him with a chest of money which he is to keep for me. Despite the hardships of the past years, he did not touch it even though it will lighten his burdens," P'ado hesitated. "He also cares deeply about his family and the villagers of Saemal. Despite his crimes, he is still loyal. I was there when someone came to offer him a way out of his troubles. He refused to accept it."
"Why weren't you killed?"
"When he saw what was intended when I was discovered, he prevented the person from carrying it out."
"What has happened to this person?"
"He was injured in the struggle but we managed to bring him here, into the city. He is with master Han, at the house when we left. I do not know if he is still there."
"In your own view, the assassin is still an honorable man, despite his lies and what he had done?"
"I believe he is a good man at heart, driven to do as he did which he believed is not for his own good but for the others he wishes to protect."
"Interesting." Silence fell. Yunbok visually examined P'ado for signs of injury but other than the weariness of stress, the boy seemed all right. Someone called softly outside the door. It opened to Jeongjo's reply. The guard captain led in a stranger. Yunbok bowed his head slightly so that his jeonnip hid his face.
"Sir, the physician."
"What do you have to report on the patient?"
"He is resting well," the physician said. "Besides the cut on his arm, he has also suffered a slight seizure. I have written down the appropriate prescription to prevent further occurrence but he should be spared further stress and be permitted to rest for several days."
"How will it occur again?" Yunbok could not help but ask anxiously, hoping Jeongjo would overlook his transgression. Truly, they were depending very much on his majesty's magnimity that night!
"If he watches his diet, drink sparingly of wine and a reduction of worries, such incidents can be prevented."
"Very well. See to it that the prescription is filled." The guard captain bowed before showing the physician out of the room. "He is retired as of today. Command of the troop will devolve to you."
"Sir?" Yunbok was not sure he was hearing it right.
"Officially, you are his second and will accordingly be discharged after I have returned to Hanseong. His assistant will help you if you have any problems. Since the lodgings that is arranged for you is secluded, he will also accompany you for his convalescence instead of returning home as scheduled. Your family can join you if that is what you wish."
"Sir, I had originally meant to have the boy return home with master Park after...completing my intended task."
"Moving to the new lodgings will be ideal," Hong-do put in. "This recent incident is traumatic for him. A place to rest and recover is best before you stress him further." Hong-do's eyes flicked to P'ado, indicating who he was referring to.
Danwon had a point, conceded Yunbok as he considered the suggestion. The boy needed to recover from his harrowing ordeal otherwise he might not be able to deal with the shock. That was, if Jeongjo gave his approval for him to go ahead. "Then I shall have my family with me. How long will this task take?" If it took more than a month, he would have to revise previous plans.
"For a eight fold screen." Hong-do tried to come up with a plausible estimation. "Two months. A summer return for you."
"That long," Yunbok thought of an unstarted vegetable patch, a house shut up for months, the chores undone but it could not be helped. "That is how it is going to be."
Another call at the door interrupted whatever else he was about to say. He tried to see who else was with Cheol-ju when he appeared at the door.
"Sir, the hostage has been released. We found an injured man as well. According to master Han, he is the agent who liaises with the assassin and his patrons so we handed him over to the Uigeumbu agents."
"Very well. Send in master Han."
An involuntary grin split Yunbok's face when Young-joon appeared, looking a little worse for wear, relieved to see that his friend was safe and sound. Hurriedly, Young-joon made his bows and was bidden to sit. His eyes alighted on the rest of the occupants. He looked more cheerful despite the dirt on him.
"Master Han, I would know how you and your young companion came to end up where you were."
"Yes sir. I volunteered to shepherd P'ado to see a friend of his late father's. We stayed too long at a shop at Siheung before we went to Saemal. We were locked out of the city. I was totally unaware of what was happening until P'ado came running in, late at night, to tell me we have to run away. Since it was urgent and we were in danger, I complied."
"Why were you visiting the assassin?"
"My late father left me a letter, instructing me to retrieve my inheritance from his friend at Siheung," P'ado replied.
"The chest of money, I see." A tap of fingers on the desk. "Your late father was an assassin as well. You lost him while you were a child and knew him not. What views do you now have of your late father?"
"I'm afraid I will not be able to understand him very well, sir. Because.. I cannot imagine taking other lives for the sake of money."
"How did you know he did not have the same objective as his friend?"
"Because he said so, sir, in his letter to me. They had the skills and were both offered lucrative contracts. My late father admitted to taking up this profession solely for monetary gains and ceased after he married."
"Do you believe it?"
"He confessed to taking up an additional task after I was born but was caught and sentenced to hard labor for breaking in and kidnapping." The hurt the boy was feeling was tangible to the rest. "I ... I think, he would have continued if he had succeeded. It seems to me that... perhaps, killing is something that which he enjoyed."
"Why do you say that?"
"To kill, sir, is repugnant. Moreover, to slay a stranger without remorse, without thought, for reasons not one's own, on the orders of other ambitious, avaricious people is callous. To carry it out... only a person without conscience would have done so. And my late father had done it many times."
"Is that your judgment of him?"
"It is .. an opinion, sir. Based on the contents of the letter and what I have just experienced."
"What have you learned?"
"Covetousness has no limits with many aspect and comes with many faces, sir."
"I can see your encounter has left an impression on you." A soft sigh. "Later today, his wife and son will be released. The rest shall be dealt with accordingly."
"On his behalf, thank you, sir," P'ado said gratefully before addressing Yunbok. "Aboji, can you do something for her?"
"I apologised for his impertinence, sir," Yunbok said hastily. That was the third time P'ado had spoken up without permission. It was getting to be a bad habit. Whatever would Jeongjo think of the way he brought up the boy?
"He is young," overt amusement with a chuckle brought a flush to P'ado's face, "which comes but only once. Do answer him."
"Aarrangements can be made for her to stay temporarily..," Yunbok began, thinking that was what P'ado was referring to.
"No, aboji, you have to speak to her."
"I visited her when she was captured, to find out..," Yunbok was puzzled at P'ado's insistence.
"Did she tell you she met you before?" interrupted P'ado.
"Didn't we meet outside Siheung?" What was the boy getting at?
"No, aboji. You met her long before that, several years ago."
"What?!" How was that possible? Yunbok stared at P'ado in amazement. And yet, did he not find her familiar? "Where?"
"Duryunsan." P'ado saw stunned recognition leaped to Yunbok's eyes.
"How is that possible?" Yunbok shook his head, almost reeling from the news. If it was true, if that was really her. She was alive. Alive. That thought hammered at him. He would need to speak to her.
"Is there a problem concerning this woman?" came the query as Yunbok put a hand to his brow, trying to sort out conflicting memories.
"Only.. a private matter, sir. She poses no danger." He sincerely hoped that was true.
"Danwon, where is your associate assistant?"
Yunbok and Hong-do looked at each other, wondering what they should say.
"He has retired for the night since he was not informed of your intended visit," said Hong-do, knowing Jeongjo would infer enough from that brief statement.
"Very well. Master Han, convey our outmost thanks and gratitude to your father for his loyal service all these years. He has ever been one of the most staunchest supporters. It is our lost to have to release him but in recognition of his years, we feel he should enjoy days of peace with his family."
"Your grace is immeasurable, sir!" Joy suffused Young-joon and he bowed deeply to express his gratitude.
"Danwon, Hyewon, I expect an exemplary accomplishment before long."
"Yes, your Majesty." They chorused, knowing that was the end of the audience.
The captain of the royal guards appeared at Jeongjo's call. P'ado and Young-joon retreated aside as Jeongjo stood up and left. Rubbing his eyes wearily, Yunbok got up and followed. Cheol-ju appeared like a shadow as usual. They saw the royal guards off at the garden gate. After a brief conference with Cheol-ju, Yunbok returned to the room to find Hong-do behind the desk and the other two lounging on the floor.
"Aboji! You are a sight for sore eyes!" exclaimed P'ado happily as Young-joon leaped up to grasp Yunbok's shoulders.
"Truly, how often I wished you were there to get us out," Young-joon agreed, shaking Yunbok who grinned as he held his friend's arms.
"I didn't know you've such stature in their eyes." Hong-do observed Young-joon's apparent affection curiously.
"Ahh, but my friend here is always one to get me out of trouble..," a yawn caught Young-joon in mid sentence.
"I think our host has gone to bed. Instead of troubling him, the both of you can sleep here," said Hong-do as he tidied up the desk. "There is a spare bedding and quilt the two of you can share."
"Aboji, how about I share your room with you?" P'ado asked eagerly for he wished to discuss his adventures with Yunbok and solicit his opinions.
"I have duties later. Sleep here where you will not be disturbed." Yunbok was sorry to disappoint P'ado but he could not afford to have the boy with him. "I'm glad to see you are safe. Rest and we'll talk on some other day. You too, old friend," he smiled at Young-joon who nodded tiredly.
He went to his own room further down the corridor. Collecting the spare bedding and quilt, he returned to Hong-do's room to hand it to P'ado who still looked slightly upset. Thinking he ought to check in on Suk-kwon, he found the older man was still awake when he called outside his door.
"How did it go?" Suk-kwon said when he sat down beside him. "I'm not at death's door yet!" he said peevishly when Yunbok peered anxiously at him. Smiling at his impatience, Yunbok recapped when went on at the audience.
"You said once before that there was another purpose to our journey. Does it have anything to do with the embezzlement?"
"Tracking down where the grain went," Suk-kwon said shortly. "I was collating information the local investigators had come up with at the towns we stopped at so I could hand it in at Hanseong."
"I see. Their movements will be hampered during winter," nodded Yunbok. "Does it go all the way up to a certain faction?"
"Stolen lands, free labour, what do they come up to? Grain at their disposal, to do as they will. It's a free market to them," sighed Suk-kwon, lacing his fingers behind his head.
"Since their little peons have bitten the dust, they will move to something else."
"There is always something. It never ends, get rid of a weed, another one sprouts up elsewhere but I don't get to rip them out anymore."
"Don't tell me you don't want to retire," Yunbok said a little unhappily. On the one hand, he could very well understand how Suk-kwon might feel; deprived of a duty that had become second nature to him, kept him on his toes. For the other, he was really getting old for the constant strain.
"I do. And yet..," Suk-kwon sighed again.
"Master, let the younger ones take over. They are just as loyal and able," Yunbok said softly, discerning what Suk-kwon was really worried over. "It is time for you to get up each day without having other worries on your mind."
"Will I get up each day to see your faces?"
"Master..."
"Don't tell him," Suk-kwon reached out to grasp Yunbok's arm. "Let him live in ignorance."
"I can't," Yunbok shook his head sadly. "It will weigh on our hearts to have to do that to him."
"I have a wish to see the four of you living as you have always been. That one day, they will find a wife, a husband and there will be children to enliven the houses again. That I will hear little voices calling me haraboji."
"I make no promises, master but I do vow that Hyangya and I will try to be with you."
"What? Two millstones around my neck? I will hear no end of dinning in my ears." Suk-kwon waved his hand in disgust as Yunbok laughed but there were tears in the older man's eyes. "Be off with you, it's late as it is."
Back in his room, as Yunbok lie in his bedding, memories long buried came flooding back. How had she survived?