Ipchun (eul) 1795

He walked casually through the streets, enjoying the evening breeze and the bustle of a busy city. Pedlars cried out their wares, hoping to snag a few more sales before curfew sounded as they roamed the outskirts of the marketplace. The throng of people was a common sight but there was something strange about the city too. It took a while before he realised what it was. There were no soldiers at every corner. The underlying tension was gone. A more genial atmosphere had sprung forth. The faces and behaviour of those around him reflected the ease from the intense pressure of the past weeks.

The aroma of food floated in the air from the jumak. The smell was a reminder that he had not had his dinner yet. Voices rose and fell, tiny clinks of wine bottles, laughter from the women at the saekju. A pedlar walked by, selling plum seedlings. He stopped and his companion paused as well, as he looked at the back of the retreating pedlar. Should he buy some to plant at home? The thought of the uncertainties ahead changed his mind. Shaking his head, he made his way to the stalls of the marketplace. At the sight of the accessory wares on display, he stopped at the stall. It seemed to bulge with all kinds of items. Clearly, the owner had stocked every conceivable adornment that indulged women's desire to enhance themselves to various wares of the anbang.

"What do you recommend to get for a lady?" asked his companion as he examined pouches, pendants, binyeo, makeup kit, and so forth.

"Wooing one yourself?" he grinned as a red flush bloomed on Cheol-ju's face. "If you are aware of her tastes, there is no difficulty if you desire to please her. If you wish to show your sentiments, that's another tale."

"She seems to have everything," muttered Cheol-ju, deep in thought.

"The best gift is yourself."

"Ah sir, surely you jest," protested Cheol-ju in disbelief.

"What worth are materials compared to a sincere offer?" said Yunbok gravely. "Gifts are accessories of affections, to let her know she is in your thoughts but secondary to yourself. There is nothing more precious as your time and effort to be there for her, whither in happiness or in sadness." He picked up a few buttons, scrutinising some of the designs and engravings minutely. "For some, the gifts meant absolutely nothing but a way of achieving their desire."

"Buttons?" Cheol-ju did not think they would particularly enchant the recipient. Surely a more felicitous item like a pendant would be more suitable.

"She loves to sew, create items with thread and music. Buttons will favor her. These," Yunbok handed over the buttons he chose to the stall owner who dropped them into a small pouch, with a few extra samples, instead of wrapping them up with paper and presented it to Yunbok with his compliments.

Pleased with his purchase, Yunbok decided to waste no more time and made one more stop at a candy stall to buy some for Pokkot. It was but an hour after first watch when he finally arrived at the Sohn residence with Cheol-yu. He wished however he had been released earlier but Cheol-ju had hustled him off to some obscure room instead of the jilcheong at the barracks, leading him in what he believed to be an attempt to squirrel him out of sight before they finally ended up where he should have gone to initially. By then, most of his own troop had received their papers and were gone, saved for the other four who hung around outside, waiting for him. Some signal had passed between Cheol-ju and the others before he was allowed to enter the jilcheong. It was later when they had left the jilcheong that he was told there had been an incident. The details of which they did not tell him, only an assurance all was well. Whatever it was, he had implicit faith in the appointed protectors.

That was all behind him now. He was no longer a military officer. A vast relief for it had been a difficult guise to bear. Restraining his impatience, he applied the knocker with medium force instead of bashing it and called out. Impatiently, he pulled at the straps of his pack as he tried to stop himself from jiggling on his toes, unaware Cheol-ju was trying not to laugh for he was bouncing about. Where was the servant? Just as Yunbok was about to give the knocker another rap, footsteps approached. One of the panjangmun opened. A servant peered out with a chongrong and invited them to enter once he learned who they were.

Showing them to the daecheong, he left them to get master Sohn. Yunbok wished he could just walk straight to the guest room of the anbang instead of cooling his heels where he did not want to be. However, he was obliged to go through the courtesies with master Sohn as he would need to ask lodgings for Cheol-yu.

"Master Han arrived this afternoon, much to our wife's relief. She has been so worried these past several days. It is unfortunate he was mired in such troubles," said the young man.

"It was an unexpected affair," Yunbok said apologetically. "I hope he will recover from his experience."

"He is surprisingly in high spirits," admitted master Sohn."There is one other matter of concern, sir. It's the woman and her child you sent here."

"I'm sorry to have to trouble you with this matter but as she currently has no other support available, I wish to extend whatever aid there is."

"I understand she is a friend of yours."

"A long lost friend. I expect to settle her problems before long."

"Oh, I hope I'm not inferring she is unwelcome or a burden. Such is not the case," the young man hastened to assure, having no desire to offend his wife's relatives. Especially since her cousin appeared to have connections. All the comings and goings of people he could not fathom but suspect was working for the government.

"I'm afraid I will need to trouble you further. My friend here intends to travel with us on the morrow ..."

"He is welcome to stay for the night," the young man said quickly, wondering how he was to refer to the matter he was reluctant to discuss. "There was a ... problem that occurred recently..," he said uncomfortably and launched quickly into explanations as Yunbok listened. The amiable air turned chilly. He hurriedly summoned a maid when Yunbok desired to get to the anbang at once. Cheol-yu knew he was not needed and went to guest rooms of the sarang.

With a thunderous and yet anxious mien, Yunbok followed the maid to the anbang. Could not master Soh have just come straight out with the news about Jeong-hyang? What was all that hedging about on other subjects?! Why did Han-pyeong have to lie? Master Suk-kwon should not have stopped him that day. Why did she write that letter? Making him think all was well with her? A red haze clouded his eyes. The impulse to run was strong. The maid cast a frightened look over her shoulder which he did not see. Rage thundered in his ears. He did not see the girl who had run up and was trying to catch his attention. The sudden yelp of pain pulled him out of his furious rumbling thoughts.

"Aboji." Pokkot stared up at Yunbok's angry face. The sight of her fear cooled his temper considerably.

"I didn't see you," he said, offering his hands to her and pulled her to her feet. "Are you hurt?"

"No. Are you... angry with me?" she said, holding fast to his hands. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry... it's all my fault," she burst into tears before he could say anything.

"I'm sure you never intended it. Stop crying." He wiped her tears away gently. "Come along, I'm on my way to see omoni." He grasped one her hands in his and nodded to the maid to lead on. The sudden halt to his boiling fury calmed him extensively and allowed him to think clearly on the actions of those around him. At the door, the maid called. She opened the door when Kyoung-mi answered. The sight of Jeong-hyang lying wanly on the bedding made him oblivious to everything else.

"I was hoping you will not come for a few more days yet," Jeong-hyang said and smiled in empathy when he said nothing but headed straight for her, knelt down to gather her tightly in his arms. "I am all right. It still pains but it is tolerable," she said softly, clenching at him, trying to keep the tears of happiness that sprang to her eyes from spilling. Safe and sound. She was happy that he was finally there, not realising her nails were digging into him. It was pain he welcomed for it proved that it was no dream, that she was alive. They stayed that way for a long moment before he remembered she was wounded.

"I'm sorry, I should not be moving you about so." He lay her back to the bedding before sitting down, unslinging his pack from his shoulder and unbelting the paegeom. "You should not have kept it from me."

"Was I wrong?" she looked searchingly at him, hearing his anger. "Your foster father came here bearing news of your distress. They were worried for you and so was I. It would have done you no good to rush here."

"Perhaps," he reached out to grasp her hand. "But it pains me not to be here."

"You are already here, even if you were not consciously aware of it." She lifted their linked hands.

"How did it happen?" he said, desiring to hear the story from her lips. "Pokkot is still distressed by her action," he said when she finished.

"They left when you came in," she said as he looked around for the girl, realising that they were alone for the first time. "You will have to talk to her about this."

"Yes, we should. It'll take the both of us, not just me." He lifted her hand to his lips, assured to feel the warmth and anwering pressure.

"Did anything happen at Hwaseong? You only said P'ado and Young-joon are safe and sound. Kyoung-mi was so relieved she cried."

"Master Park was injured but he's all right," he said hastily when she looked alarmed. "I'll tell you the whole story another time but his age caught up with him. The physician advised that he drink less of wine, to watch his diet and reduce his stress," he bent closer to whisper, "and the King has formally released him so there will no more missions for him. Old master Han receives the same benefit too."

"What about you?" she asked anxiously and clenched at his hand when he hesitated.

"I'm afraid I forgot to ask him about that," he admitted sheepishly. "With so much on my mind ..."

"I suppose it cannot be helped," she sighed, her hopes that he would be free from his obligations dashed.

"There is something else. He gave his permission to continue with our lives," he saw her frown of incomprehension. "He does not look favorably on our liaison and ordered me to "release" you. That or I am to be exiled in an extreme way. I refused and requested for death instead."

"No..," she gasped in horror. He asked for death?

"But master Danwon pleaded on our behalf," he paused for a moment to reflect on that moment and smiled as she caressed his face. "I think he was testing me.. us. To satisfy his curiosity perhaps?"

"Like Akeno did with us?" she said, recalling that frightening moment.

"He changed his mind. We are free to stay together," he touched his brow to hers. "He does not approve but granted his permission out of compassion."

"Master Danwon's arguments must have been compelling." A tear rolled from her closed eyes.

"There now, why are you crying?" he said when he drew back and saw her tears. "Ah, Hyangya, there's so much to share with you. I came back not just to see you but to bring you and Pokkot to the lodgings we are going to stay for the next two months."

"Two months!" she exclaimed in surprise.

"The task I have to complete with master Danwon will take up that much time. Arrangements have been made for us to stay elsewhere. We are supposed to set off tomorrow but with your injury," he looked down at her, unable to see the wound since she was covered with the quilt. "I do not think you can travel."

"Why don't you..," she began, about to suggest that she could join him later.

"No. I will not go off elsewhere without you. Not again," he said firmly.

"You cannot remain here. My wound will not heal that quickly" she objected. "His task for you is paramount."

"I will not leave you behind and that's final."

"You risk his displeasure," she warned fretfully. Why did he have to be so stubborn? "I have no wish to be the cause of any tumult," she pulled at his hand pleadingly. "It will not end well. Please, just do as I ask."

"Let's put this problem aside for the moment," he said finally. "No, let's not dispute over it now." He rummaged in the pouch under his coat and brought out the smaller pouch with the buttons. "Here, I saw these at a stall just now." He poured out the buttons onto his hand and showed them to her.

"They are beautiful." She picked up a black button with silver bats etched on it, deciding to follow his lead for she had no wish for them to argue. They should be rejoicing he had returned safe and sound instead of having a fight. "I don't know when I will have a chance to use it. I seem to be collecting instead."

"For later generations." He examined the gold coloured button with the chrysanthemum motif and looked to the door when he heard Kyoung-mi's voice.

To his surprise, when the door opened, Pokkot was the first in. Her face was screwed up in a frown of concentration as she carefully carried in a soban which she placed near the open window before sitting down beside Jeong-hyang.

"Cousin, you have not eaten I'm sure." Kyoung-mi placed another soban beside the first table, a wine bottle and cup on it instead of dishes. "You will not want to shift to the room prepared for you yet, so," she indicated the soban.

"Indeed."

He was grateful for her thoughtful gesture, getting to his feet to sit at the soban proper. As he ate, Jeong-hyang showed the buttons to Kyoung-mi and Pokkot. The low murmur of conversation was a soothing ambience, a reminder of home. The tension within slowly ebbed away. Dinner became something to enjoy than a means to appeasing hunger. The rest of the night became a convivial affair as he shared with them what he had seen for the past eight days which made them wish they had the opportunity to witness the events at Hwaseong Fortress themselves. The sound of the belfry broke the warmth of the tiny soiree. Second watch, the beginning of curfew. Despite his desire to stay longer with Jeong-hyang, Yunbok decided to retire for he could see she was weary. Before he went, he would have to settle Pokkot's mind for he could see she was unhappy.

"Pokkotya," he beckoned to Pokkot, handing her the small packet of candy he had bought. The sight of the candy lifted some of the gloom from her. "What will happen when these candy are eaten?"

"It's gone?" said Pokkot, puzzled.

"Do you think you can get them back as they are again?"

"Get them back?" Pokkot stared at the packet in her hands. Why would she want to do what he suggested? "It's not possible to get them back again when they are eaten."

"True. Like that candy, it's not possible to undo what is already done. Take what had happened as a lesson, that unintended accidents can happen."

"It's still my fault for looking out the door." She hung her head, understanding what he was referring to.

"Ahhh, then it is my fault in bringing omoni and you. I should take responsibility too. If the both of you were elsewhere, nothing would happen."

"But..," she began, frowning at the spurious interpretation.

"Do you see, the blame can only go so far. Nothing is as hard the lesson that a careless action can bring. It will not be forgotten. You will learn to be cautious when a situation is uncertain." He reached out to brush away the tears that trickled down her cheek and shook his head when she folded herself on his lap as she used to do when she was younger.

"Omoni does not blame you nor is angry with you," said Jeong-hyang. "Neither is aboji, do you see? Not even ajumma Joo." Kyoung-mi smiled encouragingly when Pokkot glanced at her.

"The most important thing is that you have already acknowledged your mistake." He touched her hair gently. "You are sincere in your remorse. It is enough for us. Everyone makes mistakes, no one is perfect."

"Everyone?" Pokkot sat up and grasped his hand. "Even you, aboji?"

"I am no different from anyone else."

"Do you have anything else to say?" prompted Jeong-hygang, smiling encouragingly at Pokkot who fell silent, thinking over what he had said.

"Can you teach me how to paint, aboji?" the girl said hesitantly, her eyes fixed the packet of candy she was fingering nervously with her other hand.

"Paint?" He was surprised. Did she have such an inclination? When had it come upon her? There was no sign she was interested ever since they had brought her back with them to Uiryeong. Was it a passing whim or true interest? It did not matter one way or another.

"If you wish, I can teach you," he said, thinking of Akeno who surely would be pleased to know his daughter took after her mother. "There are some matters to look to but when I am free, I shall teach you." He smiled when she bounced up and threw her arms around his neck. "Time for me to turn in. Omoni needs her rest."

"I'll show you to your quarters," Kyoung-mi said, lighting and picking up the chongrong by the door. She waited for him to pick up his pack and paegeom before exiting the room tactfully when he bent to Jeong-hyang. Pokkot buried her interest in the candy, too shy to look on.

"How is she doing?" he said as he followed Kyoung-mi down the corridor to the daecheong of the anbang.

"The wound is healing well. All she needs is rest and should not be exert herself too much at the moment," she said frankly. "The physician advised that she should be extremely careful for a month or so after the wound has healed for she is weakened and can not afford to fall ill."

"I see," he muttered. Transporting her by other means was out of the question then. The risk was too great. What was he to do? It was doubtful he would be able to concentrate on the painting of the eight fold screen.

"What is wrong?" she asked, noting his troubled face. They stopped to put on their shoes at the porch before strolling through the courtyard to the small gate in the wall separating the quarters. "I do not see how you have any choice, cousin," she said when he explained. "She cannot leave at the moment and forgive me for saying this, you will only add to her stress if you insist on staying."

"The thought has come to me," he sighed. "If I stay, I will hamper her recovery. And yet..," he heaved another sigh as no solution came to mind.

"Do you know where you are going?"

"I'm afraid not but it should not be too far." From Hanseong. He looked at her and saw she understood.

"Why not do it like this? Return after every few days to visit her. Pokkot should continue to stay here too so why not combine your visits with her lessons?" Kyoung-mi suggested. "Surely that can be arranged?"

"It is an idea worth exploring," he said slowly. It still piqued him that they could not be at the retreat together but the alternative was better than outright disobedience. "But how would it look to your family if I were to do so? Appearing so often."

"How strange is it when you're busy with military affairs and unable to stay by your wife?" she pointed out. "They will only admire you for your devotion."

"It's..," he coughed uncomfortably.

"Speaking of devotion." She paused at the gate, hiding her smile at his embarrassment. "The old friend who arrived yesterday was very much upset. I understand her husband has been detained indefinitely. She seems lost."

"She's someone I happened to encounter many years ago. I never expect to run into her again." The sadness in his voice kindled her curiosity for it was clear there was some story between them. "I'm not really sure what I can do for her. I am hoping you might have some ideas. Failing that, the last option would be to speak to the elders of Saemal." He did not think they would accept her back once they knew what her husband had been up to. "They will have heard some news of her husband by now and unlikely to accept a person of such disrepute, even by association."

"I can offer her work and a place to stay. Will she accept? Will she be willing to move with us if we return to Uiryeong?"

"It is difficult to say."

"You are not thinking..," Kyoung-mi was surprised at his reticence and could not help but worried over the implication as she recalled her own infatuation. Was that the problem with this old friend? Or was there quarrel between them?

"Matters between us is not as you supposed," he said, reading her doubt, "I do not know how our discourse will turn out when I see her."

"How adverse do you expect it to be?" she said as they walked towards the guest quarters of the sarang. The sounds of the cicadas from the garden rising and falling in time to their footsteps.

"At the worst, I'll have her enmity. Not that I blame her," he said softly.

"Can you not tell me what occurred? I might be able to help," she offered.

"Perhaps later." He turned to her as they stopped outside the room he was to have. "If it turns out badly, I may need your intercession."

"I am always ready to aid you, cousin." She removed her shoes at the porch, opened the door of the room and lit the candle within as he waited outside. "Try to rest, you had a busy day today, no doubt," she said as she exited the room and left.

In that she was right, of a sort. It was more of a troubling afternoon. Thoughts whirled in his head as he locked the door, deposited his packs and paegeom on top of the bandaji, hung up his gat and coat before tossing the bedding onto the floor. He sat down, rubbing an eyebrow absently as he contemplated the incident at the jilcheong. It was troubling and yet not unexpected. He had to give Han-pyeong the benefit of the doubt as there was no proof. Within his heart, however, he knew it was betrayal. All it needed to be fact was a confession but he had no inclination for a confrontation. Preferably, he would finish his task and leave quietly with Jeong-hyang.