Chapter 17 ….
Mozart in Joseon
Ancestral Rite Grounds
Melancholy (2)
Once the madman’s group left, the people of Chunmongjae crowded in front of me and prostrated themselves.
“Thanks to you, young master, we were spared disaster.”
A man named Danwol stepped forward and greeted me.
“That’s enough. It would be troublesome if word spread that I came here, so forget everything.”
If my grandfather were to find out, it would be a big problem.
Fortunately, even out of fear of that madman, the people here didn’t seem likely to go around talking about what happened today.
“We don’t know how to repay this kindness.”
“There’s no need.”
Danwol, the people of Chunmongjae, and the musicians including Euljisu were all looking up at me.
Granted, because of the unavoidable difference in height, I was technically looking down at them.
“I didn’t do this for your sake, so don’t take it to heart.”
“Still, we truly wish to repay you.”
Danwol persisted.
This is awkward.
I ran into situations like this fairly often in Europe, and experiencing it again after so long doesn’t feel entirely unpleasant.
“Very well. You heard such a wonderful piece, so you probably want to attach words to it at least. But don’t let your heart linger on it.”
“Pardon?”
“I already have a beloved. I cannot accept your feelings.”
Danwol’s eyes widened.
Judging by her flustered reaction, it seems I looked quite impressive playing the geomungo.
But I already have Constanze.
“I’ll be going now.”
“I’ll escort you!”
Euljisu hurried over.
With tears and snot streaked across his face, he was quite a sight.
“Ahahaha!”
When I burst out laughing, Euljisu blinked in confusion before awkwardly laughing along.
“You were truly amazing.”
“Of course. Amazing.”
“I never imagined such a simple melody could sound so warm.”
Yes.
This was it.
The praise of an audience filled with reverence.
I had missed it as much as my family and Vienna.
“Try saying more.”
“The sorrow carried within the deep vibrato that connects sound to sound pierced straight into my heart.”
“Exactly.”
“I didn’t even understand what I was doing—just played as you told me—but my daegeum seemed to comfort your geomungo melody. It was as if you were wielding sorcery.”
“Mm. Mm. And then?”
“Your geomungo could be compared to that of Wang Sanak.”
“Wang Sanak?”
“An ancient Goryeo figure who refined the geomungo.”
“Is he that great?”
“Of course. Young master, you truly lack nothing.”
“No. Not me.”
“Yes?”
“That Wang Sanak fellow. If he can be compared to me, that is.”
Euljisu only blinked, unable to answer.
After chatting about this and that, we soon arrived home.
Since I couldn’t enter through the main gate, I had to climb over the wall—and the tree was inside.
Euljisu gave me a shoulder boost, making it easy to get over.
When I looked down to say goodbye, Euljisu was bowing deeply on the ground.
“What are you doing? Go back now. Curfew is approaching.”
“I will never forget what happened today.”
“It was probably the greatest performance of your life, so that makes sense. Go on.”
I climbed down the tree carefully.
Even after lying under my blanket, my heart kept racing, and I couldn’t fall asleep for quite a while.
“For the past few days, His Highness has not scolded anyone, and he hasn’t missed a single royal lecture.”
“He personally composed and issued condolence letters.”
“His eyes are clear, and his voice does not waver. It seems the fire in his chest has calmed.”
Mo Daehwan felt both pleased and perplexed.
Despite nothing particularly special happening, the Crown Prince’s guards, eunuchs, and even the medical office all spoke in unison of how much the Crown Prince had changed.
If the Crown Prince’s illness were improving, it would be a cause for joy—but an ailment of long-standing rage could not be cured overnight.
Just then, a summons from the Crown Prince arrived, and Mo Daehwan resolved to uncover the truth.
“Your Highness, the Minister of Rites has arrived.”
“Let him enter.”
“Yes.”
Mo Daehwan entered and bowed formally.
“You summoned me?”
“There is something I wish to ask you, Minister.”
“Please speak.”
“How do I seem to you?”
Mo Daehwan hesitated briefly.
“Lift your head.”
Mo Daehwan slowly raised his head, keeping his gaze turned aside.
“Look carefully.”
“Your Highness, why are you doing this?”
“I wish to know your honest thoughts, so do not decline.”
After hesitating once more, Mo Daehwan turned his head and examined the Crown Prince.
As the medical staff had said, the dark shadows around his eyes had noticeably eased.
“Your complexion appears calm.”
“Does it?”
The Crown Prince spoke.
“I am most afraid right now.”
“Your Highness…”
“When everything happens and I suddenly come to my senses, I recall what I’ve done and feel terrified. I fear the calamity that will follow.”
“It can still be undone, even now.”
“Do you truly believe that?”
“I do.”
“Haha! You are unfit to be a loyal subject.”
“Your Highness.”
“You know how many I have personally killed.”
“……”
“I tremble in fear over being discovered for secretly going on excursions, yet when madness overtakes me, I cannot restrain my actions. How can such a person be the Crown Prince of a nation?”
“If you harden your resolve even now and correct your conduct, His Majesty will surely embrace you once more.”
“……I know that the Chief Magistrate of Hanseong is investigating me.”
Mo Daehwan was startled.
To imagine how it must feel for a Crown Prince to be monitored by his own officials was nothing short of tragic.
“Hong Gye-hui—whose orders do you think he follows? You cannot possibly not know. Be honest now.”
Overwhelmed, Mo Daehwan closed his eyes.
“I lost public trust long ago. Those waiting to pounce formed crowds, and since I have piled up my own karma, I now do nothing but tremble in anxiety.”
After a brief pause, the Crown Prince called out again.
“Minister.”
“Yes.”
“While everyone else abandoned me, only you scolded me. Only you did not let go of me. Am I wrong?”
“Your Highness, that is not accurate.”
“What do you mean?”
“All civil and military officials, regardless of faction, are concerned for your safety and health.”
“Haha.”
“Your Highness, trust this humble servant. If you harden your heart and govern with benevolence, everything will right itself. Leave court affairs to me, and focus on treating your illness.”
“……Very well.”
Mo Daehwan reflexively lifted his head.
Before him, the Crown Prince stood resolute, as if he had regained his former sharpness.
“That you recognize my loyalty—I am endlessly grateful.”
Mo Daehwan bowed deeply.
“However, I do not know when my illness may flare again.”
“Then summon a physician—”
“No. My illness comes from the heart. It is not a physician’s domain.”
After hesitating briefly, the Crown Prince spoke again.
“I hear you are a master of the geomungo. Would you play for me?”
“Your Highness, how could I dare? Please withdraw this command.”
“I cannot sleep at all. I believe hearing the geomungo would allow me to rest peacefully.”
Mo Daehwan was deeply flustered.
Never had he imagined he would be ordered to play the geomungo within the palace.
Yet seeing the Crown Prince’s earnest expression, he could not bring himself to refuse.
“Grandfather, I’ve finished writing everything.”
“Mm.”
I diligently copied passages from The Great Learning, but Grandfather barely even glanced at them.
Ever since returning from the palace, he had barely eaten, repeatedly lifting his head to sigh, endlessly smoking his pipe.
Did he hear about my visit to Chunmongjae?
Did that madman say something to him at the palace?
No. That couldn’t be.
That madman wouldn’t want that day to become known either—he wouldn’t admit to meeting me himself.
“Grandfather.”
“……”
“Grandfather!”
“Hm? What is it?”
“Do you have something on your mind?”
“It’s nothing.”
He pretended nothing was wrong and looked over my paper.
After examining it line by line, he nodded.
“You were diligent. Well done.”
“So something is going on, isn’t it?”
When I asked again, he hesitated before speaking.
“I suppose I’ve been troubled after hearing something I’d never heard in my life. Don’t worry about it—focus on your studies.”
“What did you hear?”
“……Wait.”
He brought out the geomungo and took his posture.
Then he played Yeongsanhoesang, as he always did.
“Well? What do you think?”
“Huh?”
“I asked what you think.”
“……”
“Be honest.”
“Your plucking, vibrato, rising tones, falling tones, shifting tones, and split strings are all perfect.”
“Right?”
“Yes. But—”
“But?”
“I hear it every day, so it’s boring.”
“W-What did you say?”
“Can’t you play something else?”
Grandfather started to retort heatedly, then froze.
“……So that’s what it was. Something different.”
It seemed he had found a clue to his worries.
Now that I thought about it, perhaps his proud geomungo hadn’t been getting much of a reaction.
“Who said your geomungo was boring?”
“Ghn.”
“Who was it?”
“That’s none of your concern. If you’re done studying, get ready for bed.”
“Should I help?”
“Hmph! Are you trying to teach your own grandfather now?”
“They say even a sheet of paper is better lifted together. Who are you playing for?”
“……Someone who lacks sleep.”
“Someone?”
Who would he address with such honorifics?
There weren’t many, by age, status, or office.
“No. Just someone like that.”
He hastily corrected himself.
“Then a gentle melody, like a lullaby, would be good.”
“A lullaby?”
“Rock-a-bye, hush-a-bye, our baby sleeps so well.”
Grandfather furrowed his brow.
“They’re not a child. How could I play something like that?”
“Play it for them?”
“No—play it to them.”
I put my hands on my hips.
“If you’re not sure who’s listening, you can’t choose a piece.”
After pondering briefly, Grandfather suddenly raised his voice.
“Who asked you to choose the piece! Go wash up and get into bed!”
“You’re being cranky for no reason.”
“Hmph!”
Thinking I’d get scolded if I said more, I dove under the blanket.
Half-asleep, I heard Grandfather playing a lullaby on the geomungo—but perhaps because he only knew court music, it sounded rather stiff.
“I can’t sleep.”
“That can’t be. I played you a lullaby so you’d sleep.”
“It’s too stiff.”
Grandfather paused for a moment, then set the geomungo down and walked outside.
He was sulking.
