Chapter 40
***
Trickle.
Myoyeon pouring tea seemed happy at the rare rest.
It was understandable. Museolwon was a terraced village following the mountain terrain, making it exhausting even to walk around. Moreover, surveying such a vast place with the heart of an owner would be no ordinary task.
“Lady Yuseol hasn’t awakened yet. Yanghui is applying herbal poultices to her swollen ankle.”
Mu-yeong was gazing out the open window. Beneath the young pine tree by the wall, an orchid (nan, 蘭) was growing. It was always a marvel how such a delicate plant could survive the winter. Perhaps it was the result of enduring hardship year after year. That might be why it was called nan (難) — hardship.
Mu-yeong answered quietly.
“I see.”
Clang.
Myoyeon placed the celadon teapot on the brazier. The chrysanthemum fragrance trapped in the teapot spread freshly. As the atmosphere around the tea table warmed, Myoyeon smiled brightly and faced Mu-yeong. A voice more peaceful than before rang through the room.
“I’m looking forward to the orchid flowers that will bloom in the coming spring.”
It was said with Mu-yeong, who liked orchid flowers, in mind. When spring came, he would sit by the window and appreciate the deep, fragrant scent.
However, his face showed no anticipation for this spring. The answer that flowed from his noble features was utterly indifferent.
“I see.”
Myoyeon carefully held the hot teacup with both hands, blowing on it while observing him.
“I’m thinking of preparing the thanksgiving ritual soon.”
Mu-yeong’s gaze swept over the scenery outside the window that had somehow turned green. It was a color that heralded complete spring.
Around this time, Museolwon prepared thanksgiving rituals to offer to the gods who would grant another brilliant spring this year. Soon people would help each other put on new clothes, decorate old trees, and make foods. Quiet Museolwon would welcome spring like that again.
Mu-yeong answered while caressing his teacup.
“It’s already that time.”
Myoyeon set down his teacup while observing Mu-yeong’s expression.
“I’d like to ask Lady Yuseol to participate as well.”
He with his uninterested face answered quietly.
“Yes. Do that.”
When the thanksgiving ritual began, Mu-yeong had come every time. Though he had only sat by the flowerless old trees and watched the ritual, he had never failed to come.
But somehow this year he seemed to have no anticipation. Anxiety appeared on Myoyeon’s face that had been comfortable all along.
“Lord Mu-yeong will attend the ritual too, won’t you?”
Whoosh. In the gentle breeze from beyond the wall, the orchids swayed softly. Fragrance seeped in through the wide-open window.
Myoyeon, who would have joyfully appreciated the fragrance, only looked at his teacup gloomily. Because Mu-yeong’s silence was tantamount to refusal. Soon the voice from his noble features spread anxiously.
“Even if your schedule is busy, everyone would be happy if you could stop by briefly.”
Mu-yeong had a thoughtful expression. In fact, he was scheduled to be somewhere else starting this spring. A place from which he couldn’t return once he left. His voice refusing the request was quite cold.
“I’d prefer if you didn’t wait this spring.”
Myoyeon lowered his head with a disappointed face.
“But….”
Mu-yeong, who had been continuously watching the orchids, turned his attention elsewhere.
“Did you find Han Yuseol’s sister?”
Myoyeon couldn’t hide his disappointment and let out a deep sigh before reluctantly answering.
“Yes. We did find her, but… she refused to come here, saying she would take care of her own life herself. Though we secretly informed her that we were protecting Lady Yuseol, she didn’t believe it and regarded it as a trap.”
“I see.”
“It seems she intends to move only for revenge of the Han family without trusting anyone.”
“Assign soldiers to her.”
“I will do so. However, her movements are so free-spirited that complete protection will be difficult.”
“Yes. If she falls into danger, that would be that woman’s fate.”
Myoyeon, who nodded, added.
“The Han family’s servants imprisoned in government offices will be brought here as soon as we rescue them.”
“Do that.”
Steam rose from the teapot placed on the brazier. Myoyeon lifted the teapot with tongs while looking at Mu-yeong.
“Has Lord Taeryeong returned?”
Mu-yeong narrowed his brow, recalling yesterday’s annoying memory.
“Yes, he returned immediately.”
Taeryeong, who had known Mu-yeong for a long time, had a delicate personality that loved peace and disliked discord. It was a typical characteristic of worriers.
So when he couldn’t control his worries, he would come visiting again. Mu-yeong rubbed his eyes as if quite annoyed and said.
“His nagging was the same as ever.”
Myoyeon smiled. His round jade gat string swayed gently.
“It’s his only pleasure.”
The sun was already setting. At this time, there was a place Mu-yeong visited without fail. Sometimes it was a place where he spent time until dawn. Regret appeared on Myoyeon’s face.
“It’s already getting dark. Will you go see Sahwa again today?”
“Yes.”
Right on cue, rustling footsteps approached from the corridor. A servant’s voice rang softly from in front of the door.
“This is Yanghui. I’ve finished treating Lady Yuseol. Though she hasn’t awakened yet, I’ve changed her into new clothes and braided her hair again.”
Mu-yeong stood up while adjusting his disheveled navy dopo.
“Let’s go.”
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