Ipchun (eul) 1795

Despite having only a few hours of sleep, Yunbok was up not long after the drum sounded, signaling the beginning of the day. After a quick look in at Hong-do, he made his way to Suk-kwon's room. The voice that bid him enter rang out strongly, dispelling the notion that the person within was ill. This fancy was borne out when Yunbok entered the room to see the older man having his breakfast. Suk-won waved his spoon at him.

"This dutaejuk is really delicious, you should try it."

"Is it the juk or is it the fact that from this day forth you're free from municipal affairs that's making it so delicious?" Yunbok asked shrewdly as Suk-kwon slurped a little nosily from the spoon.

"Both, both. I have to admit that I feel unfettered, I ought to celebrate," Suk-kwon grinned as he began to think of what he wanted to do.

"Celebrate all you want but keep your hands off the wine," Yunbok said sternly.

"Not women?" Suk-kwon gave a bark of laughter at the dour look Yunbok threw at him. "I haven't had..."

"No wine!" Yunbok interrupted, "I care not if you want to make a foray into the saekju."

"What? Saekju? Why spend my money on those when I can get one for free," Suk-kwon nearly choked on his mouthful at the flabbergasted shock on Yunbok's face.

"Surely you jest." Yunbok glared when Suk-kwon shook his head. "So you feel you can come clean at this time. Who is she?" He racked his mind, thinking of the times there were other women around his master.

"You know her."

"Not ... Iseul?!" Yunbok was momentarily speechless. Such an affiliation had never crossed his mind for it seemed improbable. "Didn't you say you would never take another?"

"I did, I'm not marrying her. We just..have an understanding," Suk-kwon muttered.

Looking at that uncertain expression, Yunbok didn't think it would stay that way for long. "When did it start?" he said

"Oh ... years ago, when we started asking her to do a few errands and I was liaising. I was pretending to be her gibu?" Suk-kwon trailed off as he recalled his public declaration at the gibang in Uiryeong that he was her gibu. How that had angered her.

"And it ended ... ," Yukbok flapped his hand in dismissal. It was none of his business. "Is it fair to her, master?" he added softly, as an afterthought. The discomfiture that crossed Suk-kwon's face was revealing. As they both knew, Iseul had never had any significant relationships of note. There were none in fact. For her to begin one was a sign it meant something to her.

"No," he admitted heavily, dropping the spoon back into the bowl with a clink. "I never intended to start anything, never thought I would. I am happy as I am."

"Perhaps, you should reconsider your stance. There is always room for another."

It was perhaps the first time Suk-kwon was involved with a woman in the years he had come to stay with him. Was it just a fling for him or affection? A dilemma the older man had to sort for himself, Yunbok knew. If it had been a few years already, there was hope. He bent his head to hide a smile. It was high time Suk-kwon had a wife. If he took that step, he himself would have plenty to say for the older man had never failed to air his disparagement for such a state.

"I'm escorting master Danwon for the King's return trip," he said, changing the subject. "He's still not happy with the current theme for the procession so we'll be following them all the way back to Hanseong. He should have some ideas by then. After which, I'll be joining you and the others at the new lodgings."

"What have you arranged with Young-joon since he won't be accompanying us?" Picking up the spoon again, Suk-kwon gave the dutaejuk a stir before swallowing another mouthful. Juk was not his favourite dish but whoever had prepared it had a deft hand with the pulses and flavouring.

"I have not the time to discuss it with him. Perhaps you can have a word with him later. I'm expecting him to spend at least a few more weeks at Siheung to recover from his ordeal. It's better to let him know what we're about of course but," Yunbok hesitated, "if I'm given permission to go ahead as I planned, I'll have to trouble him to get P'ado back to Uiryeong and possibly, remained his guardian until he is able to support himself."

"The inexplicable fallout is going to puzzle him to no end," observed Suk-kwon worriedly.

"I don't have much of a choice. You were originally meant to keep an eye after him for a while," Yunbok sighed. "I'll think of something plausible to explain the quarrel."

"That'll be a tough one," Suk-kwon mused as he chased a bean that seemed to have a mind of its own at the bottom of the bowl with his spoon. "If there are no further delays, we'll both leave for the lodgings later. Do you want to bring Jeong-hyang and Pokkot with you the day after or shall they go with us?" He hid his anxiety behind a bland expression. Would she be able to travel? The wound would not have healed yet.

"I'll fetch them." Yunbok turned as Cheol-ju spoke outside the door, missing Suk-kwon's grimace as he imagined the diatribe that was sure to rain on him when they next meet. "Looks like master Danwon is ready. I'll see you the day after," he said as he got up. "Remember what I said, keep off the wine and eat more namul!"

"I change my mind. I think I'd rather live alone than getting nagged at everyday," said Suk-kwon mournfully as Yunbok grinned at him before leaving.

Neither Young-joon or P'ado was awake when Yunbok stopped at Hong-do's room. Weariness marked the boy's face as Yunbok took a moment to look him over. Did he look somewhat older? How much did the experience of the past few days affected him? Most especially, what was his perception of Hak-sun now that he had a taste of what it meant to be an assassin, to be on the receiving end of devious schemes, to see beneath the facades of those around him? He was not sure he would have the time to examine the issue with the boy in the days to come. Much would depend on Suk-kwon's counselling.

He smiled when he turned to Young-joon. The heavens had gifted him a steadfast and loyal friend. He would never forgive himself if anything had happened to him. He chuckled at the loud snore that escaped from his friend's lips.

Hong-do waited patiently for him by the door, taking in the feel of Yunbok's caring anxiety. Since they had gotten past the unexpected trial last night, he had high hopes Yunbok would get over the next hurdle. He had confidence that the boy would accept the two. How could he not?

They left for the archery competition at Deukjungjeong. Given the fireworks display the night before, there was a general buzz on what was in store for this final event at Hwaseong. After the King had shot his volley, Yunbok lifted an eyebrow at Hong-do. Despite having as few hours of sleep as they, Jeongjo did not seem fatigue at all and missed not a single shot. The finalists tried their best to outdo one another, with one or two matching the King's tally, bringing much anticipation. How were they to be rewarded?

When the last competitor was done and had stepped down, murmurs rose as Jeongjo stepped up once more. For this last practise session, the King would shoot five volleys of five arrows each. A hush fell over the officials at the announcement. It was rare to hit the target with so many volleys in one round. Would he be able to do it?

Eyes and ears were primed to the signals as music played softly. Inaudibly, everyone counted the shots; five ... ten ... fifteen ... twenty. All on target! Amazement and awe swelled as the drum sounded for the next four yuyeopjeon. Heads craned. Ah! He missed one! Twenty-four out of twenty-five volleys. No other King had ever so showcased his mastery so outstandingly. Everyone was consequently overcome by this display and accordingly marked their feelings with plaudits as they bowed. Hong-do grinned at Yun-bok as they followed suit. A remarkable and absolute stamp of ability and majesty.

Awards and commendations were handed out before the event was brought to a close. Long after the King had retired to prepare for the return journey, the officials were still abuzzed with what they had seen. Low were the speculations behind the intention, loud were the praises. As Yunbok and Hong-do made their way out of the Haenggung, they kept their ears opened. Clear were the chatter of trouble with some of the troops the previous night. Rumors of arrests, the dismissal and detention of the Siheung magistrate. The last reminded Yunbok of another matter. After a brief consultation, he went to the lockup with Cheol-ju to oversee the release of Ui-sik's wife and son while Hong-do returned to the Choe residence to get all their packs and the rest of the troop.

The warden nodded as he perused the papers handed to him by Cheol-ju before leading them to the last cell. The lockup was populated with some familiar faces; the renegade patrol of the night before. None of them looked up as they passed the cells, too preoccupied with what was to befall them. Of the man Yunbok had fought with, there was no sign. Nor was Ui-sik in sight. Held elsewhere by the Uigeumbu to undergo interrogation, no doubt. With much to disclose of his activities of the past years, if Ui-sik cooperated, it would take some time. Would he be released? It did not seem likely to Yunbok. The warden unlocked the cell door as Song-mi got to her feet, alerted to changes when she saw who was coming.

Yes, it was really she. Yunbok stared at her searchingly. Older, worn by the struggles of the past years but without a doubt, she was the girl he had run into at Duryunsan. Over the years, his memories of her had steadily receded, buried by time. Seeing her now brought back his failing once more.

"You're free to go," said the prison warden.

"Is this true?" Song-mi hugged Jinjia to her as she looked at Yunbok. There was clarity in his eyes where previously, there was only a polite air. He had remembered who she was, she knew.

"It is true. Please follow me," he said, hoping she would not ask too many questions and was gratified when she nodded her comprehension to his gesture. "I'll have to ask you to trust me and follow Cheol-yu. He will take you to some people who will escort you to Siheung," he said, once they were a distance away from the prison.

"What about my husband? What has happened to him?" Song-mi asked anxiously.

"I'm afraid he is detained, indefinitely. It has nothing to do with Siheung and everything to do with what he had done before," he said sympathetically as tears welled up in her eyes. "I'm sorry but you cannot stay here. There is nowhere you can shelter. The men will escort you to a friend of mine in Siheung. Stay with her until have you decided what you want to do."

"But.," she said uncertainly.

"You can't see him either," he said quickly, deducing what she was about to say. "No one can see him, not without consent from the proper authorities. His fate... lies in the hands of another."

She bowed her head at that, wiping her tears away with her sleeve as Jinjia whimpered in confusion. The sound of drums and nabal caught their attention, the royal procession was going to set off.

"Please, do as I ask," he said softly.

Reluctantly, she nodded her assent and followed Cheol-ju. He waited till they were out of sight before making his way to the Janganmun where the others were waiting. The streets were packed with Hwaseong residents preparing to see off the procession. He used whatever shortcuts he could find, getting stopped every so often by soldiers stationed at almost every corner. Word had seeped out about an incident the night before, courtesy of the residents whose dwellings were about the mansion. Since they were similarly cautioned not to leave their residences no matter what they heard, they had no idea what had happened so wild rumors flew high and low. Having as little information, the soldiers were antsy for they knew of the fresh batch of prisoners at the prison. Patiently, Yunbok endured the numerous run-ins, giving the password before he was allowed to proceed until he reached the Janganmun where he mounted his horse.

As he made a visual check of the men, he noted the redness of Han-pyeong's eyes and the reek of liquor. How much had the man drunk? He looked terrible, as if he had spent the night weeping as well. Noting his gaze, Han-pyeong looked away but not before Yunbok saw the flash of resentment in his eyes. Did he have something new to find fault with him? Yunbok did not care one way or another. The hint of acrimony was somewhat disturbing. The arrival of Cheol-ju interrupted his thoughts. They set off for Siheung without delay.

Retracing their steps north, travelling through a flourishing land now deeply coloured with green, sprinkled with tiny specks of colour and sounds of returning fauna. Birds flew overhead, adding their sweet calls to the faint rataplanning and the great roar that rang out behind them as the royal procession set forth. Hong-do tipped back his gat, looking at the surroundings about him in the hopes of inspiration for the painting of the procession.

"Nothing has struck yet?" Yunbok grinned at him as he scratched his brow irritably.

"Hmmm ...," Hong-do mumbled. "Spring, spring, the beauty of life renewal... a king's journey, of filial piety, of hope and the future that comes with spring ..." He felt he was going in circles with the themes.

"I think it's a mistake to proceed so far before the procession," said Yunbok, "because you are not there to see the small significant details that might occur. Historians are always on hand where the King is, to record his every word to those he spoke to. How should it be any different for you on this occasion?"

"You have a point," conceded Hong-do. "We'll wait for the royal procession at the check point and follow." He did not bother to ask if they would be attracting unwanted attention for he did not think there was anything untoward in the plan.

"As you wish."

The checkpoint was as they remembered it. The tavernkeeper and her helper looked somewhat harassed but were swift with their orders. As they sat there sipping bowls of jindallae-hwachae and nibbling at jeon, waiting for the procession, Yun-bok could not help but note Han-pyeong's furtive glances at him and the surroundings. The restive, impatient air about the old man left him uneasy. Perhaps it was his imagination playing him up. He had nothing but aversion towards the man he once called father. It was why he disinclined to accept even the slightest attempt at rapprochement, not even the return trip to Siheung to check on Jeong-hyang was enough reason to.

Patrols ranged by, stopping for a while to rest before continuing their circuits. The sound of drums and music heralded the procession's arrival. Yunbok sent the troop to ready themselves to follow. They tacked themselves to the tail and for the rest of the day, moved at an even slow pace. It was late afternoon, at the outskirts of Siheung where scores of people were already gathered, the procession came to a halt. What was going on? A slow meander along the column revealed the reason; the King was serving Lady Hyegyong tea and juk to offset any hunger pangs she might have. Nodding to himself, Hong-do mentally visualised the picture he had in mind. Noting his pleased countenance, Yunbok was certain he had finally settled on the layout. Which meant work would proceed at speed.

They reached Siheung by nightfall. To their surprise, the person who received them at the Seoheon was not the son of the magistrate. Rather it was some other official appointed to assume the position. The former magistrate had been arrested, the official revealed when queried. Yunbok and Hong-do exchanged a glance of satisfaction. That probably meant the villagers of Saemal were released. Han-pyeong declined to join them for dinner, pleading fatigue. Cheol-ju came by for another conference as they were marking out the layout for the painting. They worked late into the night, almost into the late hours of the morning before calling it quits.

When the drums marked the end of curfew the next morning, Yunbok toyed with the idea of dropping by the Sohn residence but changed his mind. There was no need to hurry as he was seeing her later. Besides, he had already sent her and Kyoung-mi messages concerning P'ado and Young-joon which should put their minds at ease. He went by Hong-do's room to find out what he intended for there was an archery competition at Siheung. Hong-do was initially disinclined to attend but was persuaded by Yunbok to do so, pointing out it was rare for them to see the King in action. Accordingly, they made their way to the secondary palace at the appointed time.

To their surprise, there was a brief audience held before the officials before the competition. The chief magistrate presented a new petition to the King. A small group of old men appeared when summoned. Farmers from their garb. The Saemal chongye? Silence fell as the elderly spokesman concisely revealed the difficulties they were facing and begged for leniency. To which the King absolved them of their debts and labor obligations. In addition, he announced that henceforth he would have his travels coincide with the farmers' off-season schedule that they would have the chance to speak of their troubles. At that, the wisdom of the King was heartily acclaimed.

They were indeed fortunate to have such an able decisive ruler, Yunbok mused. Would that Jeongjo be graced with long life. The archery competition commenced after the audience. Once again, Jeongjo showed his mastery. Truly, he was akin to the great kings of old. News of his feat at Hwaseong had already spread, adding much illustriousness to the King's esteem.

It was near noon when they returned to the seoheon. The procession would return to Hanseong in a couple of hours so they decided to take the opportunity to rest. There was no sign of Han-pyeong at all since the previous night. They supposed he had elected to stay in his room. When he finally joined them for the return journey, they had a shock for he looked as if he had not slept at all. So dark were the circles under his eyes that they wondered if he was falling sick. To Hong-do's concerned query, he shook his head. It was just the wine he had drunk, he said with a coughing laugh that sounded more like a mournful cry and refused to speak further. What was ailing him? Hong-do looked worriedly at Yunbok who only turned away impatiently to mount his horse.

"I have in mind to stay ahead of the procession, to get another final review of the crossing," said Hong-do as they made their way to the northern gates.

"Do you wish a higher vantage point?" asked Yunbok.

"You suggested Yongsan, didn't you?"

"I think that's the best there is."

"All right, Yongsan it is," agreed Hong-do.

"If you don't mind, I think...I will rather get myself home once we reached Hanseong," said Han-pyeong, that restless furtive look back in his eyes.

"You have not been given official appoval to do so," objected Hong-do.

"What difference does it make? I am not needed," said Han-pyeong peevishly, almost snapping in anger.

Hong-do bit off whatever he was about to say when Yunbok indicated that it was pointless to argue. "If that is what you wish."

It was afternoon when they made the crossing over the Hangang. Once they reached the other side, Han-pyeong left the troop. So blatent and eager was his intention that they did not bother to say any farewells. They could only suppose he had enough of their cold company. To Yunbok, it was a relief to be rid of an irritating and discomforting presence. That was the last he would see of him. The rest of his days would be spent in painting. He was ready for some solitude.

From the vantage point of Yongsan, they watched the procession marched over the jugyo once more before turning into Sinjangno road. The residents of Hanseong were already on hand to welcome back the King, crowding the Namdaemun road as thickly as before.

"That's that," Hong-do said with satisfaction, stowing away the paper sketches when the royal family and officials vanished into the palace. "You'll be reporting in?"

"Have to. I'll see you at the lodgings sometime tomorrow," said Yunbok, signalling the men to gather. "Will your wife be joining us?"

"You are impossible," Hong-do mock scowled at Yunbok who grinned impishly. "Get on with you!"

Chuckling merrily, Yunbok led the troop to the bottom of the hill and waved a farewell to Hong-do. Once he had signed off at the military barracks, he was officially released. Then back to Siheung. He was looking forward to that. The little troop made its way to the Namdaemun and back to the barracks on the outskirts of Hanseong. The place was bustling with returning troops. Most of whom were making preparations to return to their hometowns, others seeking to be discharged that day sought out the clerks.

The queue at the jilcheong was long, the clerks were totally engaged in marking off the sheafs of papers presented by each officer. Discharge documents, pay to be rendered and a hundred and one other tasks to see to. The clerk blinked at the next sheaf of papers placed before him. His eyes were getting cloudy from having to deal with endless papers. He could hardly wait to end his shift. After today, he could take his ease. A turn at the jumak for refreshments with his friends. His weariness vanished when he took note of the name. Indicating to the young officer to wait, he made his way to the back room and shortly returned to gesture to the slight young man.

"The commandant wishes to see you," he said.

"Is there a problem?" the young man said apprehensively.

"He has some questions for you." The clerk beckoned and waited for the officer to join him before leading him into the back room, down a corridor before stopping outside a room. A voice bid him to enter at his call.

"Sir, jungwi Seo is here." He bowed after he opened the door.

"Get him in here," a voice rasped.

"Please," the clerk said and closed the door after the young man and returned to his work.

"You are jungwi Seo?" the man behind the desk said as the young officer bowed in greeting.

"Yes sir." He looked over his shoulders as two men stepped behind him from the corners of the room.

"Jungwi Seo ... or is it ... Shin Yunbok?" the man smiled. "There is someone who will like to meet you. She has waited patiently all these years to find an answer which only you can provide. I suggest you not try to fight, the results will not be pleasant. Come, let us go."

Korean Words

jeon - patties of fried minced meat or chopped vegetables dipped in flour and eggs

jindallae-hwachae - azalea petals, omija punch with pine nuts