The following morning they continued on their quest, the land was soft beneath their feet as it had lightly rained the night before. The smell of the earth when rain hit down on it still engulfed the air, emitting a pleasant earthy smell.
Sam Mee Yon walked in front followed by Minhye, he spoke up, "Mee Yon-ssi how much longer is it till we reach this Sasaeum Maeul?"
"A week at most from now, we could lessen that to four days depending on how fast we move, there will be no places to stop by now so we'll have to-" Not finishing her sentence, her eyes locked on whatever was down the hill. Dohyun and the rest made their way over to see what she was looking at.
"Perhaps we can make that two days", she said. Just down the hill was a small farm house, grazing in the fields were enough horses for all of them. Mee Yon tilted her head, "Seonghwa, it seems more people have accumulated the land since we've last passed here." Seeing this, Seonghwa gave a relieved sigh, his feet were long killing him, he'd never walked for so long in his life, even practicing dance routines all day never tired him out.
Finally arriving near the farm house, an elderly man and woman sat outside eating their breakfast, with them was another younger boy picking at his food.
Before moving any closer Mee Yon said, "I'll do the negotiating alright?" Dohyun nodded his head, if they wanted to get there faster, it would be best to follow Mee Yon's advice.
"Can we help you?" The older man said standing up as he saw them arriving.
"Good day uncle, we would like to buy your horses", Mee Yon said nodding towards the fields.
The man shook his head once, "I'm sorry but the horses aren't for sale."
Mee Yon opened her hand to Dohyun, suggesting a pouch of coins. Dohyun gave her one but she still held her arm out, two pouches. The man was at a loss of words, he hesitantly opened the pouches realizing he could actually buy ten more with this amount of money. But still, he looked back at his wife and son who were also now glancing at them curiously.
"How many do you need?" He asked. "All of them", Mee Yon said, counting eight horses with her finger. "I can't sell them all, we need them to work and travel here", he said, "I can sell you six of the eight."
Mee Yon looked at Dohyun for approval, since he needed them for their livelihood then he surely couldn't take all of them. "Six is enough", Dohyun said. There were twelve people, they would be able to all share a horse each.
"Then please choose the ones you wish to take young master, but please leave out the younger brown one, it's my son's favorite", he said with a weary smile. "Ah, take this", he added, handing one pouch of money back to Dohyun. "This is more than enough", he said, raising the other one.
Dohyun smiled at the man's honesty but placed it back in his hands, "Take this uncle and raise many horses, I have a feeling more and more people will pass here in the future." The man was at loss for words again, instead he bowed deeply and thanked him saying he would do as Dohyun suggested.
With that, they reigned-up the horses and took their leave, riding off into the distance under the sun. They rode for a long time without break, on one horse was Dohyun and Jaeyong, on another was Minhye and Sam Mee Yon, Byung Ho and Seonghwa, and the rest of the wonhwa. Mee Yon was confident, leading them through the forest, passing over hills and valleys. Nearing evening, she brought them to a halt, the forest was significantly denser here and the trees posed as a large umbrella over them, "Let's rest here for the night."
The wonhwa, except for Jaeyong, had all taken off, hunting for meat. They had plenty of bread and water but that alone wouldn't be able to satisfy their hunger. The rest of them left behind sat around a small fire of dry sticks and logs they picked up around the area, since they hadn't stopped for lunch during the day, they were all equally hungry.
Everyone seemed able to hold on except for Seonghwa who was looking rather pale on the side, upon hearing the uncontrollable grumbles from his stomach, Byung Ho rolled his eyes and walked off to grab one of the small baskets from the horses. Checking for the right one, he grabbed the songpyeon which Ji Ho had previously mentioned was Seonghwa's favorite.
He walked back over and nudged the basket towards him, "Don't pass out and eat this for now, if you're hungry don't push yourself." His tone, the usual bossy and indifferent voice as always. Seonghwa said a small "Thank you" as he took some out to eat, slowly nibbling on the treats.
"Can you wait?" Jaeyong asked Dohyun, wondering if he too was very hungry. Dohyun smiled and nodded his head. "They won't be too long", Jaeyong added.
"Hmm" Mee Yon sighed, "This again, excuse my boredom but I really hate waiting, well that is if there is nothing to do in the meantime, shall we play a game?"
Dohyun quickly shook his head, Mee Yon pouted seeing no one agreed. "By the way Dohyun-ssi, you're quite generous aren't you? Earlier you still handed the pouch of money away even though you only have two left, leaving you with one."
Dohyun shook his head, "If you always give, you will always have. Money is not something to be-" He blinked a couple of times. "Mee Yon-ssi, how did you know I only had three pouches left?"
"Oh that?", she brushed off, "A woman's hands are gentle, Dohyun-ssi, I guess you didn't notice when I- haha nevermind."
"You-" Minhye scoffed beside her, covering his mouth with one hand.
"You too Minhye-ssi", Mee Yon said raising her hand, from it dangled the tassel Minhye wore on his robes, he would usually wear the royal guard norigae but as their identity was hidden he just chose a random one he had laying at home.
Unaware of how and when Mee Yon untied it from his robes, he could only gasp at her as his face flushed red, "You! You-"
"Hahaha", Mee Yon laughed, finally something fun. It was always messing around with men that made her laugh. "Don't worry you two, I didn't do anything, this is quite cute by the way", she said examining the tassel. "I think a seven year old would love this style."
Minhye snatched it back, tying it right back on to his robes. It was embarrassing in many ways, in the thought that she was purposely messing around with them and the thought that he didn't notice at all. What a shame.
Dohyun sighed, "Mee Yon-ssi…"
Two days later, like Mee Yon had said, they finally arrived at Sasaeum Maeul. At first glance there weren't many people, most of the population seen from the outside were the eldery. They seemed to carry on with their business, not really acknowledging the people who had just arrived.
It was the first time Mee Yon had a look of reluctance on her face, she hadn't been here since she left as a child. She never planned on going back but due to her meeting with Dohyun, a spark of curiosity lit inside of her. She often wondered what her stepmother did after all these years, sometimes she dreamt of the place she used to call home.
"We should find an inn first", she said.
The village gave off a weird vibe, sometimes it seemed like they had gone back further in time, sometimes it seemed like their likes weren't welcome or at least, expected. They stood out too much. They soon found an inn to rest for the next few days, the rest of the wonhwa had left to inspect the vicinity, the area was unknown to them so they all spread out making sure nothing would pose a potential danger.
Byung Ho, Minhye, Dohyun, and Jaeyong were all conversing in one of the rooms when Sam Mee Yon came in. "Do you need anything Mee Yon-ssi?" Dohyun asked, turning around to greet her. Mee Yon shook her head with a faint smile.
She took a few breaths before saying what she had to say, "We've arrived here successfully at Sasaeum Maeul, you should be able to find the lotus silk here, I'll stay and help with that. But you still have to fill in your end of the bargain, I still have my third favor right?"
It was true, she had kept her word and brought them to where they needed to go, during that time she only asked two of her favors to be done.
"Of course, Mee Yon-ssi, what is this third favor of yours?" Dohyun asked, walking closer to her.
She bent her head down, her eyes closed shut, opening with a determined expression. "I need you to take Seonghwa with you and protect him. He can't st-"
"Noona?!"
Seonghwa's voice cracked as he pushed open the door, "Noona what did you say?"
Caught off guard, Mee Yon covered a hand over her mouth, she was planning on telling him later, before she left. "Seonghwa, come here first", she said, glancing towards the others. Seonghwa slowly made his way over, the expression on his face was indecipherable but traces of fear and pain flashed in his eyes.
Mee Yon took his hands in hers, "Seonghwa, listen to me, this place, I have amends to make with this place. There are questions I've long held in my heart and I think now is the time I will search for the answers. As much as I want to watch over you, this is no place for you to stay. You've seen it yourself, there's nothing much to life here, there's nothing this place can offer you. You're still young and there are many things I want you to experience so you can't stay with me here."
"So what now?" Seonghwa blurted out, "Noona is still young as well, what am I supposed to do? I don't want to go anywhere." Seonghwa tried as hard as he could to stand his ground, to make Mee Yon change her mind but every second passing was like another weight added to his shoulders, another pinch threatening to tear up his eyes.
"No", Mee Yon said, her face turning stern. "I won't allow you to stay here, I want you to live a good life and a normal life." Her voice was full of authority, set in stone.
"Noona" Seonghwa bargained, a single tear falling from his eye, desperation falling over him.
Mee Yon turned to Dohyun, "I need you to promise me, I need you to promise me Dohyun-ssi you will protect him." Dohyun was at a loss for words, he knew he couldn't say yes, he knew he wouldn't be able to protect Seonghwa personally for his priorities were far too complicated. He looked down to the side, finding the words to explain.
"Forget it", Byung Ho said. "I will. Dohyun hyung's priorities would prevent him from being able to fulfill that promise."
"Byung Ho", Dohyun said.
Just then, Seonghwa rid his hands from Mee Yon's grasp and slowly took a step back as multiple tears streamed down his face, "Seonghwa…" Mee Yon said, reaching out to him but he ran out slamming the door, he ran away from the inn and from all of them. Just why did he have to be abandoned again, why couldn't he stay here? If it was hard, he would adjust, if they needed money, he would work. So why did the only person he looked up to decide that?
His vision was blurry but he kept running until he couldn't anymore, he had no idea of where he was nor how far he had gone. Sitting down on the ground, he let all his frustrations out. He always thought a day like this would come, but not this soon. He knew he was sometimes a burden for Mee Yon since he didn't know how to go out and work like most men. He had always feared one day she'd get rid of him, but now that it actually happened, he didn't know how to react.
He was mad at the thought that she would actually ask other people to take him but even more to the fact that he couldn't prove his use, that he only made things harder which in the end, caused this. He was mad at himself for only knowing how to dance, sew, apply make up and other womanly things. He loved to do those activities but they couldn't make him useful, they couldn't do anything for him. If only he knew how to cook, if he was strong enough to carry sacks of rice or knew anything about farm work then would noona let him stay?
Back at the inn, Mee Yon rushed to the door outside in a hurry to follow Seonghwa, seeing that there was no sight of him she started to panic. From behind her Dohyun and the rest were talking, "I got it" Byung Ho said before running off.
"Mee Yon-ssi, come back in for a while and have a seat, Byung Ho will bring him back so don't worry too much, he seemed to be in shock with the news." Dohyun rubbed her back as he guided her back in. "I was going to tell him after I told you", she said, guilt smeared all over her face. "He shouldn't have found out that way, he's sensitive and…" she buried her face in her hands.
Minhye brought over some tea and put it to the side. When Mee Yon raised her head, she said, "You'll do as I asked right?" Even at a time like this, she was determined to get their word.
Minhye handed her a cup instead, "Mee Yon-ssi, what Byung Ho said earlier was not wrong, what Dohyun hyung also does may not guarantee Seonghwa's safety."
Dohyun spoke, "It is true, if I said he would be my priority then I'd be lying. But, Byung Ho will. He said so himself. But Mee Yon-ssi, are you sure you won't let him stay with you? Seonghwa is a bright one, he's quick witted and learns fast... "
Mee Yon sighed, "He is and that's why he shouldn't stay here. I don't know how long I will be in this place nor what I will do in the meantime. He's capable of learning anything and that's why I want him to try things outside the life he's lived so far."
"He respects it", Jaeyong softly said, "He may not want to change certain things, to him it was a gift you gave, you made a way and a reason for him to live. That itself is something no one can change."
It was the first time Jaeyong spoke like this to her, or them. The only person he really spoke to was Dohyun. Dohyun was used to hearing Jaeyong speak in such a way, the others, not quite so. Although with that, a small smile rested on Mee Yon's face. She had never once regretted taking Seonghwa with her, she loved him like her own little brother or sister, that's why she had to do this.
Nearing the evening, Byung Ho came back carrying a passed out Seonghwa on his back. "What happened?!" Mee Yon exclaimed as she saw them. Byung Ho shook his head, "He wouldn't come back with me so I waited, eventually he passed out from crying."
"Oh my…" Mee Yon said, reaching a hand to his forehead. "What a brat!" They all turned their heads towards her sudden change of state, "Stubborn as an ox, just wait until you wake up." Byung Ho brought him over to one of the beds and laid him down, Mee Yon tucked him in and placed a damp towel over his forehead, he had a small fever.
Back in the other room Byung Ho explained to the rest. When Mee Yon stepped in she looked to be in a much better state, the worry from earlier now gone. "Dohyun-ssi, shall we start looking for the lotus silk shops?" Dohyun turned to Jaeyong and Minhye, both naturally waiting for his decision instead of saying theirs. "Alright, let us go. Byung Ho, you stay behind in case Seonghwa wakes up."
The village wasn't that big to begin with, most of the shops should be near the proper as the population is most dense. After a while of walking they were yet to find such a shop, Mee Yon decided to ask from one of the locals. "Excuse me, uncle, could you please point us to one of the lotus silk vendors here?"
"Lotus silk?" The man repeated, "I've never heard of that before."
Mee Yon was taken aback, there was no mistake that this village was known for producing lotus silk. Not just that but also the fact that this was the only place the delicate material was made. "You have to be mistaken, are you sure, the cloth had a soft pink hue and is rather delicate, you've never seen that before?"
The man shrugged his shoulders saying, "try asking someone else, they might know." Not too far away from where they were standing was a younger woman sitting outside. Mee Yona and the rest made their way over, "Excuse me, could you point us to the nearest lotus silk shop?"
The younger girl blinked a few times as if she didn't understand what Mee Yon meant, she turned her head to the older woman resting near the door. "Lotus silk you say?" The older woman spoke indicating she was awake. "All those shops closed down a long time ago", she said.
Mee Yon faced Dohyun who had a similar expression, the woman added, "Although, I think if you go up a hill a little bit, you'll find an old shop. No one from the proper uses the material nowadays but there's still a few people who make it."
"Thank you", Mee Yon said relieved she wasn't wrong, for a moment she really questioned herself.
Dohyun had a similar feeling, but now that only a shop was said to be left, that would mean whoever used the silk on the crates bought it from that place alone. Jaeyong was thinking the same thing as they shared glances.
The woman was right, just on top of the hill was a small shop, to the side was lines upon lines of silk hanging to dry. There were also a number of deep basins and other tools. Mee Yon walked closer to the hanging material, with a stroke of her hand she softly nodded. "This is the exact one used on the crates. But Dohyun-ssi, what does the business of those people have to do with you?"
Right now Dohyun couldn't tell her, even though he knew she wouldn't turn her back on them, it was best to keep innocent people out of his mess. Sighing, he said, "It's just something I'm investigating. Thank you Mee Yon-ssi for helping us all this way, we'll take it from here on. Lee Kwan will escort you back to the inn, Seonghwa might have awoken by now."
Lee Kwan was one of the wonhwa who accompanied them right now, the rest were guarding the perimeters of the inn.
Mee Yon nodded, understanding she shouldn't push anymore.
With her gone, it was up to Dohyun to take the next step. To enter the shop and find out who were the usual buyers, sort them out, and find the person most likely to be behind the attacks.