Chapter 007: The Gift
The Sa family was older and more prosperous than the Yangs.
It was around a year after Makri had married Han Sado. Makri was greatly surprised by the story Han Sado had told her.
Her grandmother and Lady Sa shared a personal connection. Han Sado even knew the places Lady Sa usually visited and instructed her to return to her maternal home to go to Gwanghwa Temple with Lady Sa to burn incense. The plan was to use the two ladies’ relationship as a pretext to forge ties with the Sa family, allowing Makri to enter the circle of noblewomen smoothly and pave the way for him.
Only later did Makri realize that Han Sado had already established some connections with the Sa family, even without including Lady Sa. From the Yangs to the Sa, everything seemed tied to him.
“At the time, it seemed odd, but now that I think about it, it all makes sense.”
In truth, the answer had been before Makri all along. She had simply refused to open it because she trusted him.
Half-lidded, she recalled Han Sado’s face.
By now, her friendship with the Sa family had been established for at least a year. How far had Han Sado’s connections reached by now? He might already have established ties with several young masters and government officials.
What future crises might fate place before her?
Lost in thought, Makri felt Lady Mak’s gentle tap on her hand.
“Why are you still holding it? Put it safely in your robe. Since it’s been consecrated, you mustn’t handle it carelessly.”
Makri smiled, nodded, and carefully placed the peace talisman into the incense pouch before asking,
“Grandmother, have you thought about what gift to bring for the Sa family’s suyeon gathering the day after tomorrow?”
“I’m still thinking. Given my long-standing friendship with her, I believe any gift would suffice as long as it conveys our sentiment. Yet, the Sa family is not a household one can approach lightly… There will likely be many attending the celebration. Perhaps I shouldn’t have accepted so quickly. I should have made an excuse about having prior engagements to avoid the commotion.”
“Grandmother, why think that way? You’re visiting an old friend. There’s no need to worry about so many people. Besides, Lady Sa knows our household isn’t extravagant. She didn’t invite you for the gift, but because she wanted to maintain a good relationship with you. Once you return, choose two bolts of the finest silk from the shop—light, delicate pleated silk will do. There’s no need to overthink it. In a household like theirs, nothing will astonish them.”
Lady Mak looked at her granddaughter and laughed.
“You’ve grown quite perceptive recently. Everything you say is so clear and pleasant to hear.”
“Do you think I’m right, Grandmother?”
“Of course. Our little Riri is becoming ever more admirable.”
Makri pressed her lips together and smiled. Lady Mak also smiled as she tenderly caressed her granddaughter’s hand.
Yet, in her heart, she mulled over the injustices of the Yang family countless times.
‘With such a wise and perceptive granddaughter, how could they have ignored her so cruelly? If only they hadn’t delayed the engagement…’
Lady Mak sighed deeply. At Makri’s age, there would be no fear of a broken engagement. But Makri had turned sixteen, and if the marriage fell through, who knew what rumors would spread? Finding another suitable match would not be easy.
Meanwhile, Makri’s thoughts were elsewhere.
‘Since the visit to the Sa family is set for the day after tomorrow, I must go early to meet her.’
Only then could the day’s performance be properly staged.
When the carriage stopped in front of the side gate, Makri helped Lady Mak down. As she stepped onto the threshold, she glanced toward Aseong. Aseong, guiding the carriage to the alley’s end, noticed her gaze and raised his eyebrows in acknowledgment.
Makri said nothing, simply watched him for a moment, then nonchalantly assisted Lady Mak inside.
Mak Yukgeun had gone out, and Han Sado had already departed. Together with Lady Mak, Makri selected two bolts of sky-blue pleated silk from the warehouse. After checking the remaining stock and asking the warehouse workers a few questions, she returned with Lady Mak to the backyard.
Upon receiving the message, Mrs. Joo hurried to Lady Mak, inquiring after her wellbeing. When she heard that they had met Lady Sa at the temple, her eyes widened in surprise.
“Lady Sa lives in Yeongju? I remember her visiting a few times when Riri was just born, but then she returned to Cheongnyeong-hyeon, right?”
“She is straightforward and stubborn, born into a landlord family, so she is not what you’d call a refined young lady. She lived here briefly, but surely managing such a prestigious household was unfamiliar to her. Now, her elders have all passed, and she’s the senior-most in the Sa family. Her descendants are all accomplished. Even in Yeongju, it’s incomparable to the past.”
Lady Mak nodded with a smile. Reconnecting with an old acquaintance seemed to lift her spirits.
As the three women—grandmother, mother, and granddaughter—chatted, lunchtime approached. Makri, intending to ask about Makseol, saw Seollim returning with her from outside.
“I just had Makseol draw two pictures, and meanwhile, you and Grandmother have returned,” Makri noted.
Entering the room, Seollim smiled warmly at Lady Mak and asked with concern,
“Grandmother, are you tired? I made some Bingtang Litang earlier; it should be cool by now. I’ll bring it to you.”
“Pear is cold in nature; it may not suit your grandmother’s age. We don’t want her to get an upset stomach at night.”
Makri smiled at Seollim and said to Lady Mak,
“My throat is a little itchy. Please let me have the pear juice. Are you all right with that, Grandmother?”
“Haha, so you want it for yourself and are using me as an excuse!” Lady Mak chided affectionately.
The conversation paused. Mrs. Joo went out to prepare the meal, and Makri called Makseol to sit beside her, asking not what she had drawn, but whether she had memorized the ten characters taught the previous day.
Seollim wanted to join the conversation, but with Mrs. Joo bringing in food, she had no choice but to wait.
After lunch, as Makri left Lady Mak’s quarters, Seollim approached with a playful smile.
“I didn’t see you drink the pear juice earlier. Was your throat bothering you?”
Makri answered casually,
“I had a big lunch and asked Hongdu to put it in my room. Thank you.”
“Don’t be so formal. If you like it, I’ll make it for you often. Your complexion looks much better than yesterday, which is a relief.”
Seollim’s joy was evident in her fresh, girlish expression. Makri looked at her and smiled faintly.
“Actually, there’s something I’d like to ask you.”
“What is it?” Seollim asked promptly.
“I have a partially finished incense pouch. I intended to embroider a white cat but kept postponing it due to my lack of skill. If you have time, could you help me?”
“Of course. I can manage a cat embroidery, though I wouldn’t say I’m very skilled.”
“Thank you. Let’s go get it.”
Makri smiled lightly and led Seollim to her room.
Seollim’s face lit up as she received the half-finished pouch.
“I’ll start right away. I can finish it in three or four days.”
“No rush. Take your time.”
After seeing Seollim back toward the western wing, Makri turned back to her room, calling Hongdu quietly to give instructions. Hongdu, startled, protested.
“Miss, you can’t do that! If the lady or grandmother find out, it will be serious!”
Makri stared at her silently. Hongdu couldn’t meet her gaze and lowered her eyes, saying,
“I’m not refusing to help… but you must tell me where you’re going and what you intend to do. Otherwise, I could never keep it secret.”
Makri sighed and sat down. After a pause, she said,
“I’m going to the Yang household briefly. It won’t take long; I’ll return soon.”
“You’re not going to confront Young Master Yang, are you?” Hongdu asked.
Makri smiled faintly, neither confirming nor denying.
She trusted Hongdu completely. Though two years younger than her and the same age as Seollim, Hongdu was upright and loyal. Even as their fortunes declined, she had stayed faithfully by Makri’s side.
‘Now I need a completely trustworthy helper in the main house, someone who can assist me outside as well.’
“Don’t worry. Grandmother will handle things for you. You can… explain and consult with them…”
Makri quietly reached for Hongdu’s hand.
“Hongdu, help me. I’ll just be gone a short while, won’t even pass one shijin. Everyone’s napping now. Just make it seem like I’m in the room, especially so Seollim across doesn’t notice.”
“Miss…”
Hongdu bit her lip, hesitating. Normally she’d obey without question, but this task was different.
Makri, noticing the hesitation, quickly rose and urged her,
“First, check the kitchen for the other maid and make an excuse to have her leave briefly. Then, go to the back door and notify Aseong. Most likely, he’ll be there. Tell him I have urgent business and need a moment of his time.”
