Soman 1795
With the days getting warmer, the daily activities of commerce and farming ratcheted steadily into a controlled frenzy to make the most of what everyone inferred as a thriving year. Shouts rang out as oxen and horse driven carts almost jostled one another off the road. The drivers exchanged words at one another's recklessness and carelessness. The others behind shouted they had goods to move and would they just hurry up? People and loaded animals pressed past. Ahead from another trail, bellows rent the air as cattle were driven to their destination, the herdsmen adding their shouts. The cacophony was such that the foursome could barely make themselves heard. They resorted to hand signs as they entered the Anseong market proper.
It was so huge and the press of the crowd so brobdingnagian that both Jeong-hyang and Iseul grabbed hold of each other and onto the others. Pokkot especially, held on tightly to Jeong-hyang's chima as they moved around the market. They bypassed the stalls selling raw food, seaweed, salt, fish, squid and so on, fresh from Nopo and Sinseongpo Bay. Fresh meat gleamed. The smell so rank due to the blood that they wished they could fly past. They pressed on to another section; vegetables, fruits and grain. The women could not resist looking through them, asking the prices, tempted to buy to last a week but knowing they could not. They had to settle for fresh fruits and after a quick debate, some grain, before moving on.
The dry goods section was mind boggling. So numerous were the stalls, it was almost like a miniature city. They felt they could spend the entire day browsing through the wares. An attempt was made to stay together but inevitably Yunbok and Suk-kwon drifted to the weaponry shops, drawn by the thought they might find something to their liking. The others browsed at the woodwares, bamboowares, brasswares, fine furs, before gravitating to the accessories and cosmetics, hard put to decide what they like. After what seemed like hours, the women finally decided enough time had been spent and went to look for the other two, still engrossed with the bows they were examining.
After much nagging, the women finally got the two away and they went in search of refreshments. Sectioned off in their own corner, the food stalls were similarly having brisk business. Since there were no seats, they opted for a quick bowl of soup. Clamps of men stood about, drinking liquor and exchanging news and gossip. Women huddled leisurely in their corners, chattering none stop. They wandered around further, stopping briefly at the cattle market to watch the proceedings of the sale of cattle before making a last stop at the cloth stalls.
Pokkot could not help giggling at the tired expressions on Yunbok and Suk-kwon as numerous swathes of silk and other fabrics were drapped on them. Iseul in particular, wanted something special so Suk-kwon held his tongue, knowing what it was for. They retired to the jumak they were putting up with much relief late in the afternoon.
"Does this look nice?"
When there was no forthcoming answer, Jeong-hyang prodded the prone figure.
"Didn't you ask me that before?" he opened an eye. "Twice," he held out two fingers. "Don't you know your own mind?"
"Is it so bad to ask for compliments?" she quipped as she folded the silk away.
"I don't understand this incessant approach in the selection process," he complained, turning over. "Just lay out the ones you like in a row and choose. It's tiring watching the two of you flipped this and that about before going back to the original choice."
"Isn't that what you do with the bow you bought?"
"Bows are not as bad as the fripperies you two were...no, you don't." He put up his hands to ward her off and a tussle ensued. "Don't wake Pokkot!" then, "I'm tired, I surrender!
"You are really just as bad as a Yangban," she said, sliding down against him, panting a little from her effort.
"What, did you think I was going around markets buying cloths and such back then?" he snorted. "No, I was roughing it up with hyeong and getting stuck in the study room."
"Now that is a freedom I envy," she pinched him, grinning as he protested. "So, what do you think?"
"Your brother's location is really good. The Anseong market is like a city, you can never go for want and you can wander all day long in it," he said. He was pleased that they had personally made the trip for it finally provided her the chance to visit her father's grave and made her peace.
"But it's too close to the capital," she said, knowing what he was thinking.
"I still say the coast is the better option," he yawned for it had been a long day. "I'm really tired."
She blew out the oil lamp and settled back down in the bedding. "What do you suppose he is doing now?"
"Who knows?" he flung off the quilt, finding it too warm. "Trying to come to terms. It's unlikely he would want to enrol at the hyanggyo at the moment. The person I'm putting most of my hopes on is old master Han. He will be able to guide the boy into finding a path for himself."
"What do you suppose he will end up as?"
"Anything he wants to be. When he puts his mind to it, he can do it."
Although he had not been back to Chinhae for five years, the sight of the hills that surround the town felt like home to Yunbok. So too were the tang of salt air, the smell of jeotgal and seafood, the cries of the seagulls and the sight of the ships out at sea. To his eyes, when they entered the town, there were no changes he could discern. A strong wind blew, pulling at jangots, gats, jackets, cloths and banners. Empty baskets went rolling and bouncing as dismayed owners gave chase. He smiled when Pokkot giggled at the amusing sight. The sights, sounds and smells should bring back memories for her surely.
They made their way to the Bae mansion where master Bae welcomed them effusively, inviting them to refreshments. He was however, taken aback when he saw Yunbok. Was this the same man he saw years ago? Why, he looked younger! The story of the mushroom poisoning was brought up. Yunbok could not blame the older man for his skepticism. Master Bae tried not to stare too hard at Yunbok as he fingered his beard.
Mushrooms were such parlous canker should the wrong ones be taken but it was the first time he heard that it would effect a loss of hair. His eyes could not help fixing themselves to Yunbok's head. Suk-kwon, trying to hide his amusement, finally distracted him with some gossip and news from Hanseong. Giving Yunbok's crown a final contemplative look, the old man listened avidly. Yunbok heaved a silent sigh of relief and wondered how many times he would have to endure the scrutiny and questions from those who knew him. Perhaps he ought to consider starting a small shading of hair. He dismissed the thought quickly. He was not too eager to put back the false beard. Enduring the looks and queries was the better option.
Dinner that night was no surprise to the guests: fresh seafood. They enjoyed it immensely, especially with sikhye to drink after. The conversation went long into the night. They retired late and also raise late the next morning. After breakfast, they made their way to the eastern hills. True to his word, master Bae had kept the grave mounds neat and tidy. Yunbok led Pokkot to the tombstone bearing the name; Myung-hee. The others busied with setting out the three dish offerings.
Akeno. I brought your daughter to pay her respects. It's been six years, I hope you don't mind we have been only able to come now. Your daughter has talent, just like her mother. I'm sure you will be pleased to know that. I will try my best to teach her all I know. Please give her your blessings. I have to thank you too, for once again, you have come to my aid when I was in need.
He turned to Hak-sun's grave.
I've done all I can. Perhaps you would say I should have kept my peace until he has established his own family but I'm afraid I cannot wait that long. Whatever happens, he has the potential to be what he wants to be. I have made all the possible arrangements to ensure he has the support he needs. Please watch over him and give him your blessings.
"Is this omonim?" Pokkot looked curiously at the words on the tombstone.
"Yes, here." He handed her a cup of wine and directed her to pour it into the cup of rice. Then he took the second cup and did the same. Jeong-hyang followed with the third cup. The cup was refilled and the cover lifted off the rice bowl. They turned away to look out to sea.
"Is the house still at the island?" asked Yunbok as he looked at the ships bobbing about the sea. Down at the port, fishing boats were coming in with the fresh catch of the day. Merchants were standing by to buy, haggling with those fishermen who had already returned.
"Yes, it is. Do you want to visit?" said Suk-kwon. "I can arrange it."
"Is it the island you visited several years ago?" Iseul asked curiously.
"It's one of those little hidden getaways for us," Suk-kwon explained, "just a hideout when we need it."
"The water is really clear," said Jeong-hyang.
"Oh, I remember it!" Pokkot said excitedly. "There are fishes, crabs and so many things to see at the bottom."
"She meant the haff," explained Suk-kwon when Iseul looked baffle.
"That should be interesting."
"Then it is agreed. I'll make arrangements. We can go the day after," nodded Suk-kwon. "Is it time to eat yet?" he said wistfully, patting his stomach. They laughed. The food offerings were shared out as they sat chatting, pointing out the activities going on below them. The rest of the day they spent exploring the town, avoiding the west side. They ran into a slight snag when they passed the gibang. In hindsight, they should have avoided that particular establishment but they were all too engrossed in seeing what there was to find that they were almost at the gibang before they realised it.
A few gisaeng returning from a trip recognised Iseul and Jeong-hyang. Exclaiming their surprise, they descended on them. Tried as Yunbok might to dodge, they saw him straight off. There was no way he could pretend he did not know them. Just as master Bae was shocked at his appearance, they were stunned. Agog to know what had happened, they surrounded him. One of them made off for the gibang and returned with yet more of her sisters such that they were attracting alot of attention as the group grew bigger. Knowing such public commotion was not good, Suk-kwon interrupted the group loudly and suggested they moved the gathering into the gibang which had changed little since their last visit.
Feeling cornered, Yunbok struggled to find space at the pavilion. It was Jeong-hyang's admonishment at the gisaeng that he was finally able to get himself away from the stifling encirclement. He tried not to make it obvious he was hoping to use Jeong-hyang as a shield by letting her do all the talking with so many eyes pinned on him. Curious customers looked on for a while before continuing with their own leisure. In the meantime, Suk-kwon and Iseul took Pokkot around the gibang, listening to her chatter as she recalled her days there. When they finally rejoined the others, Yunbok could not help but introduced Pokkot, hoping to use her as another diversion. It worked as the gisaeng recalled Myung-hee, marvelling that her daughter had prospered.
It was with much difficulty they were able to depart. The onset of evening meant the influx of customers would increase so the gisaeng bid them farewell reluctantly, calling to Yunbok to visit again and soon. As they walked back to the Bae residence, Iseul commented archly that he could try running a gibang if he could not find an occupation in the near future. For surely, he would not be short of gisaeng willing to put themselves out for him. To which he opinioned he would not last a day for surely he would be henpecked to death. At that the rest could not help laughing at the hysterical tone he assumed.
They spent the next day going through their belongings, tidying up odds and ends. Master Bae got Yunbok to look through the paintings he had acquired, soliciting his opinion while Suk-kwon went off to make the arrangements for the visit to the hideout. Since there was no food to be had at the island, Jeong-hyang and Iseul made a list of what they wanted and sent the servants to acquire them. That night, Yunbok spent some time with Pokkot, encouraging her to recall what she had seen and put her impressions on paper. The details she put down was encouraging for he could see she recalled many of the things she saw. With such progress, he could move her to the next stage.
Before dawn the next morning, they went down to the dock and boarded the ship Suk-kwon had arranged to take them to the hideout. To Jeong-hyang's surprise, she was not in the least seasick and enjoyed the cruise in good spirits. Iseul was not adversely affected either so they were able to chat with the rest as they viewed the ocean around them. Yunbok pointed out the vessels they could see in the distance. The yageori, the danduri, the eojeon. Ships of various uses, transporting goods or fishing, to Pokkot. Did she see that line of boats? She nodded, watching the fishermen dragged in the nets simultaneously. That usually meant the area was filled with fish, explained Suk-kwon. By cooperating in such a way, the catch would be bigger.
They reached the island in good time. The sailors waved as they cast off, they would be back in the afternoon. The house was as they remembered it. Iseul was impressed with the size and location. It was well maintained though the vegetable plot lay barren. The prepared food was moved into the kitchen and they went off to explore the shores and the rest of the island. From the top of the highest hill, they could see the mainland and other small islands. Even farther away, in the haze of the horizon, they could vaguely see the shape of Daemado. Satisfied they had seen all they could, they went down to the haff where Iseul saw that it was as beautifully clear as Pokkot said it was. Could they take a bath? Bathe in salt water? Jeong-hyang was aghast as she imagined the layer of salt on them when they dried. To which Iseul conceded it was too much trouble.
"This place is ideal," she said as they strolled along the shore.
"Yes, it is," Yunbok agreed, "but too isolated. Master Suk-kwon suggested I could apply at one of the nearby paper mills with master Bae's recommendation."
"That settles the job but not where we will stay."
"The paper mill is nowhere near Chinhae so this is not even the place to look for a home," he sighed as he sat down. "I sent off the letter too early."
"You are just anxious to get some news, that's all." She leaned against him. "That was almost two weeks ago, isn't it?"
"Yes. We will not receive a reply for a few more days yet. What do you think Young-joon would say?"
"What you want to hear, isn't it?" she examined the hand of the arm he draped around her.
"I can hope. I don't suppose the others will continue to dog us as we roam around, trying to find a suitable place." That would not sit well with Iseul, he felt.
"If you're thinking Iseul will kick up a fuss, you're mistaken. She will not settle for anything less than to see us secured."
"I shouldn't make them follow us around."
"They are having fun. Once they return and stay still at the paper mill, be sure, there will be feathers flying," she laughed. He shook his head as he chuckled.
"I'm hungry," he said when his stomach rumbled. "This sea air is enervating as it is invigorating. It is already way past noon," he nodded to the sun.
"Then let's go find that feast we have prepared," she said, getting up and pulling at him.
"Now you're making me even hungrier," he said, "What are we having?"
"Seafood! What else can there be?"
"I can use a drink right now," he licked his lips. "Please say there is wine?"
"Kukhwacha."
"What? Tea?" His protests floated away on the wind as they returned to where they had left the others.
The food turned out to be noodles and pancakes with tea. The sea breeze roved at will through the house as they had lifted the doors to the rafters so their appetites were whetted further with the additional flavoring. When the meal was done, Suk-kwon decided to check out the house to ensure there were no leaks in the roof and so forth. With Yunbok's help, the roof and every room, fixtures, windows and doors were inspected. Those that were in need of repairs were fixed. In the meantime, the crockery and kitchen were tidied up. In the midst of these activities, someone shouted at the courtyard. Surprised, the women went to check and saw it was one of the sailors. Was it time to go already?
A storm might be coming, that was why the ship had returned early, the sailor explained. Storm? The women looked up at the clear bright sky but went to inform the other two nevertheless. At that, Suk-kwon ceased his work. Sailors had a better sense of weather. Better to follow the sailor's advice and get back to the mainland. The house was shut up quickly and they followed the sailor to the ship. As they sailed northwards, they looked to the sky, bright and sunny. Meeting Jeong-hyang's gaze, Yunbok saw her skepticism was akin to his. However, it was better they returned, he felt. It was not a good idea to be caught on that island in a storm. Who knew how bad it would be? Yawning, he could not help drifting off to sleep.
The loud billowing of the sail woke him. Startled, he put out his hands to steady himself as he was rocked about. Looking out of the awning, he saw the sailors were right. The sky was overcast. It had grown so dark that it seemed almost night. He could just barely make out the faces of those around him for there was no lantern on the ship. Even if there was, the probability of it staying alight was slim. The wind was blowing, gathering strength. Soon, the sails were bellowing madly.
"Where are we?" he shouted to Suk-kwon for the wind was howling at the top of its pitch that it almost took his words away. Overhead, thunder rumbled and the clouds flashed.
"We are near Chinhae! This wind is pushing us along, we might be able to make landfall before it gets worst!" Suk-kwon gestured to Iseul and Jeong-hyang to hold tight and stay under the awning. "Brace yourselves! It will be rough!"
"It will be all right." Yunbok bent to a pale Pokkot whose eyes were round and terrified as she clung to Jeong-hyang. "Hold on tightly to omoni!"
The ship bobbed alarmingly, rising up and down with the waves as they raced before the wind. The sail was at full extend, Yunbok saw. Would it snap free of the mast? A splat. His eyes went to the sound. A water spot.
"Hold on," said Suk-kwon as he peered ahead. "We should be close."
Another water droplet hit the deck and then it seemed a hail fell. So heavy was the rain that the awning was jumping wildly as if it was dancing to the beat of a drum. The waves grew even choppier that they were rising in the air from their seats as the ship was propelled upwards. It would have been an intriguing experience if it were not so terrifying. The sailors wound ropes around themselves as waves crashed on the deck. They shouted to each other. The sailor manning the sail pointed. Lights from the town. They were very close! Pushing up their satgats which were being hammered down by the rain, they tried to keep their sight cleared and their feet firmly on the deck.
A huge wave rose over the stern, almost knocking down the sailor standing at the rudder but the rope held him fast. His mate was not so fortunate, he was smashed onto the deck. Momentarily stunned, he tried to get to his feet.
"No, he can handle it!" Suk-kwon put out a hand to stop Yunbok. "He's used to this, you are not."
The sailor got up, fumbling at the riggings of the sail. He yelled as he was swept off his feet again and rolled near the awning.
"All right so he needs help," Suk-kwon said, letting go of his seat. He dashed outside and grabbed hold of the sailor, pulling him to his feet.
"Watch out!" Yunbok shouted as the wind whipped the sail free. Ignoring Jeong-hyang's warning, he darted forward to grab hold of the trailing rigging of the sail and pulled it before it could swing round to hit the two men. The ship heaved again, almost tossing everyone into the air. Pokkot shrieked in terror as the sky roared.
"Painter!" Iseul grabbed hold of Jeong-hyang. They nearly went onto the deck. "Master Park!"
"He went over! He went over!" shouted the sailor at the rudder, pointing to the side as the two men collected themselves from the awning they were thrown against, the sail swinging wildly. Cursing under his breath, the sailor grabbed hold of the trailing riggings.
"No! No! Where?!" Suk-kwon stumbled to the side, peering wildly into the darkness. "Where?!" he shouted to the sailor at the rudder who shook his head. "Turn the ship around!"
"We can't!" The ship heaved again. "Get inside!"
"By the name of our ancestors, turn the ship around!" Suk-kwon roared.
"There is no way we can do that! Please, get inside!" the sailor grabbed hold of the sail as he was nearly tossed into the air. "Sir!"
Suk-kwon held on to the side, staring once more into the darkness even though he knew it was a vain hope. There was no possibility of spotting anything out there. They had already gone too far from where Yunbok had fallen into the sea. His knuckles whitened. If only he could turn them back through sheer force of will.
"Gunja! Gunja!" the insistent voice finally broke into the haze of rage and despair. He turned to see Iseul looking pleadingly at him. "Please!"
Anguished, he stumbled back in under the awning, drenched completely. Angrily, he wrenched off his gat and flung it to the deck. How did it come to this? Curse this storm. His fists clenched. He wanted to scream and shout, swim back there if he had to. Iseul said nothing but held on fast to to a white-faced Jeong-hyang as a sobbing Pokkot clung to her.
The ship did not cease to heave as the storm continued to lash out. The sailors slipped several more times, suffering numerous painful knocks but the ropes they tied on themselves held. There was no possibility of sailing into the dock, they would only crash into the ships already anchored there. The lights grew brighter, one in particular was swinging to and fro. Someone at the small pavillion by the dock was waving his lantern as a guide. To risk the dock or head further to the shores? The sudden gust of wind took away any choices they might have for it thrust the ship in the direction of the pier. The sail was taken in. The anchor dropped in an attempt to slow the ship down.
"Hold on fast!" shouted the sailor at the rudder as he strained to get a clearer view ahead and steered clear of any other ships. Despite his best efforts, he had trouble making out which was the pier, which were the ships. He did not think it would make any difference for they would definitely crash into something. There came a violent resounding boom as the bow ploughed into the anchored ships, junks of wood flew into the air. Suk-kwon launched forward to encompass the two women and girl as they were tossed about by the impact. The sailors yelled as they were thrown onto the deck. The ship shook before settling. Shouts could be heard and the thumping of feet.
"Are you all right?" men looked under the awning. "Let's get to shore!"
Hands reached and plucked each of them out, hustling them across the slippery decks of the other ships and onto the pier. The sailors were rushed to the physician for they were gravely wounded from the injuries inflicted by the ropes when they were thrown in the collision.
"Master Bae sent us, sir. Take the horses," one of the men said said as they led the small group to the prepared mounts. "Aren't there supposed to be five of you?" he looked at the group and said nothing more when Suk-kwon shook his head.
Master Bae was waiting anxiously at the daecheong when they arrived. Quickly, he sent the women to the anbang where hot water and dry towels were already prepared. His heart sank when he only saw Suk-kwon. The anger and grief on Suk-kwon's face told him all he needed to know so instead of asking questions, he hurried him off to his room to dry and change. The storm continued unabated throughout the lnight before finally dissipating the next morning.
"I'm going to look for him," said Suk-kwon to master Bae when he emerged from his room and requested to see him. "I'm going to need extra hands."
"I'll get as many as possible and make the arrangements. Where do you want to start?" master Bae did not bother to argue about Yunbok's chances of survival. If he had drowned, which was all too likely, then his body would be washed up to shore somewhere along the coastline. "I'll also hire some of the fishermen to look around the nearby islands. They will make a thorough search if I offer a reward."
"I'll look around the islands," said Suk-kwon.
"I'll send men to search the shores," master Bae said sombrely. Anger flashed in Suk-kwon's face, the denial that Yunbok was dead. He said nothing, only nodded and excused himself to look for Iseul.
"She's ... sleeping, of a sort," she said immediately when a maid passed his message to her to come to the daecheong. "Pokkot's cried the whole night and is resting. I don't think the two of them will be.," she wrung her hands in agitation. "What are you going to do?"
"Search. The nearby islands. Master Bae will send the others to look along the shores here." He went to the porch to put on his shoes. "I may not be back today so look after her .. tell her... not to give up hope."
"How is it possible he survive? Does he know how to swim?"
"I taught him a few years ago." His lips twisted as he thought of his lessons; delivered with his back turned to Yunbok from beginning till the end at the small waterfall at his private getaway in the hills.
Yunbok had complained incessantly that he chose the most terrible timing to conduct the lesson, when the weather was turning cooler. Which was exactly why he had chosen it. Although there was no sign that anyone else had ever gone to his retreat, the cooler weather assured there would be nobody interested in taking a dip. The other was that getting dumped into water was going to be a shock. He wanted Yunbok to get used to the shock of the cold.
"But how long can he keep swimming? It was so dark, where could he head to?"
"I'm not giving up hope. I will not believe he is dead until..," he stopped and stood up abruptly. "I'll see you later."
"Gunja, be careful. I don't want to lose you too," she said softly. He turned and nodded to her before heading for the gates.
As he walked to the dock, the fury of the storm was evident in the town. Several of the goods at the stalls in the marketplace were damaged. The affected unhappy stall keepers took stock of their loses for replacements would eat into their projected profits. At the pier, debris from the colision had been cleared up though there was no sign of the damaged ships. Probably towed to the shipwright. The pavilion was crowded and noisy as men talked about the storm and the incident. There had been word there were other affected ships, in particular, a couple of transport ships that were supposed to be in yesterday. There had been no sign of them. Were they sunk? Dark were the faces of merchants who had goods on the ships.
The babble ceased suddenly when someone ran up and shouted there were corpses along the shoreline. The crowd rushed en masse to the west. He followed with a thumping heart. Don't let him be one of them, he prayed. Exclamations of dismay rose when they saw the corpses, the searchers sent by master Bae picking up each one and lining them in a row. A few merchants recognised some of the dead men; sailors on board the transport vessels. Loud were their laments.
Suk-kwon pushed through the crowd to look at the bodies, his heart dropped when he spotted a smaller figure at the tail end. Frantically, he elbowed his way through, ignoring the annoyed complaints and found himself staring down at a boy. It wasn't him. He closed his eyes in relief. Hope, there was hope yet. He returned to the pier and spotted one of the servants from the Han residence. The man saw him and hurried to him. The hired ship was ready to take him to the nearby islands to begin the search, he said, pointing to the nearby fishing boat and handed him a wrapped package. Victuals, the man said. Suk-kwon doubted he would have apettite but thanked him all the same before boarding the ship.
Yuna, you have to live. He thought bleakly as he stared across the ocean to the distant islands.