Chapter 008: The Ally
“Ah-Seong… Why is he…?”
Hongdu’s eyes widened in surprise once again, but Makri responded calmly.
“There’s no need to be so shocked. Whether I ride the carriage or not is entirely up to me. How else could I go alone?”
“But still, Ah-Seong…”
“Just do as I say. Don’t worry. I’ll handle the rest.”
With that, Makri lightly nudged Hongdu on the shoulder, reminding her to be careful not to be noticed by others.
After Hongdu left, Makri retrieved the box where she kept her money and opened it.
It was nearly empty. Only about ten nyang of silver coins remained—just enough to use sparingly.
‘I expected this, but it’s still a little disheartening.’
At one time, Makri had used far more money than this. The habit of handling large sums left her momentarily stunned by the fact that all she could now use were small coins and scattered change.
She pondered for a moment before opening her jewelry box as well.
A few pieces seemed valuable, but they were all gifts from her mother when the family’s finances were better several years ago. To her eyes, now seeing through the lens of time, they looked somewhat outdated. She had no desire to sell them, and besides, their value wasn’t significant.
Carefully, she selected a few silver coins and some loose change. Not long after, Hongdu returned.
“Was Ah-Seong there? Did anyone see you on the way?”
“He was there. I didn’t meet anyone coming or going. At this hour, most people should be in their rooms. There was no one in the kitchen either.”
Makri nodded with satisfaction and stepped outside.
Just as she was about to leave, Hongdu hurriedly called after her.
“Miss… really…”
Makri patted Hongdu’s worried shoulder and smiled lightly.
Without saying a word, she passed through the small kitchen door and headed toward the workers’ quarters outside.
Fortunately, her father, Mak Yuk-Geun, had sent two of the workers away recently, leaving Ah-Seong alone. Another was guarding the store, and the bookkeeping teacher Go, along with the housewife Go in the kitchen, had separate quarters.
When Makri arrived, Ah-Seong was twisting a thick rope. It was unclear what he intended to do with it.
The summer heat was stifling, and he had loosened the collar of his shirt. His exposed bronze chest, combined with the wolf’s tooth necklace around his neck, highlighted his wildness and free-spirited nature.
“Miss, what brings you to me?”
Seeing her, Ah-Seong paused, lifting his head to study her with curious eyes.
Earlier, on the way back from Gwanghwa Temple in the morning, Makri had noticed something unusual in his gaze as she glanced back.
“How much is your monthly wage now?”
Makri asked first, not answering him. Ah-Seong looked at her, surprised, then smiled.
“It used to be 1 nyang 2 jeon, but after the master sent two people away and I took on Jo Ajusshi’s work as well, it went up to 1 nyang 8 jeon. Why do you ask?”
“I’ll give you an extra nyang per month. Whenever I need to go out, could you help by driving the carriage?”
“If you need a carriage, Miss, you could simply say so. Why offer extra money?”
“Because I’m coming secretly, just as I am now. If one nyang isn’t enough, I could give you two.”
Ah-Seong looked at her silently for a moment, then shook his head. His next words were soft yet firm, as if calming a child.
“Miss, I cannot take on this task. You must return. After recovering from a serious illness, you shouldn’t be wandering about.”
Makri frowned.
She wasn’t angry at his refusal. On the contrary, a small sense of relief washed over her. She couldn’t completely trust him like Hongdu, but among the people available to her, no one was as suitable as Ah-Seong.
‘If this task lets me understand him better, it’s hardly a loss.’
This way, she could gain a capable ally. And she had to leave today. After a brief hesitation, Makri spoke again.
“Just help me this once. Consider it repaying an old favor.”
Three years ago, a heavy snowfall hit the Yeongju region. Many disaster victims flocked to the city, with countless freezing and starving to death. At that time, Makri, together with Mak Yuk-Geun, distributed porridge to those in need, offering a small measure of relief.
Coincidentally, Mak Yuk-Geun was looking for a strong young worker. Among many applicants, Makri suggested Ah-Seong’s name, securing him the position.
Ah-Seong rose from his seat, smiling.
“Miss, why are you leaving so secretly? Tell me. If I can understand, I can help.”
Makri remained silent, then whispered, meeting his gaze.
“The two families are trying to cancel the marriage proposal. I intend to reclaim my right and claim what is mine by my own efforts.”
Ah-Seong did not flinch at her words. Raising his eyebrows, he studied her with mild curiosity.
“You plan to go to the families and demand your rights directly?”
Makri met his gaze and placed her second gamble—a test of his resolve.
“Of course not. You’ll understand if you come along.”
Yeongju sat at the river’s mouth, benefiting from the Yeong River to the west and the route to Sangjeong in the east. It had long been a thriving commercial hub.
Within the city walls gathered wealthy merchants, magnates, and a multitude of licensed professionals and entertainers. Among them, silks, gold, jewels, and exotic treasures overflowed.
The Gugong Bridge area in Yeongju, in particular, drew all classes of people. It was exempt from the city’s nighttime curfew. By day, it appeared like any other bustling street, but by night, it transformed. Music houses, courtesan houses, taverns, and tea shops illuminated the entire district with glass lanterns and large red lamps.
This was a place where elegant courtesans mingled with affluent patrons and heroes alike—a microcosm of worldly wealth and pleasure.
On the west side of Gugong Bridge, along a street lined with Osmanthus trees near Changchun Courtyard, Lee Wora was about to rest after lunch when an old brothel keeper arrived.
“Someone is looking for you. Dress properly and go out,” he said. Lee Wora frowned.
“My body isn’t well. Whoever it is, tell them to come back tonight.”
“Oh, my precious Wora. The visitor is Master Yang.”
The old man pushed open the door, wearing a forced smile. Normally, he wouldn’t make such a fuss, but the man had just handed over three nyang of silver. He had to ensure Wora at least showed her face.
“Master Yang?”
Lee Wora blinked, pouting.
“Even if a noble like Yang arrives, I feel the same. Who’s truly alert in broad daylight? I barely slept last night and woke early today after practicing the zither for half a day! Why do you trouble me so?”
“Alright, alright. Just show your face for a moment. He only wants to say a few words.”
The old keeper helped her dress and adjust her makeup.
“Hurry, and don’t anger him.”
Reluctantly, Lee Wora dressed and stepped outside. A shabby blue-covered carriage stood under a tree.
Suspicious, she asked, “Could Master Yang really be inside that carriage?”
“Yes.”
The old keeper nodded and explained.
“The coachman said he came quietly on purpose. Now that Yang has been promoted, it’s best to maintain family decorum in daylight.”
Lee Wora scoffed but said no more, waving her fan as she walked. The old keeper stepped aside naturally.
As Lee Wora lifted the carriage curtain, she was shocked to see a young, elegant woman seated inside.
“You are…”
Lee Wora’s eyes widened. Clearly, the old man had been mistaken.
Makri studied her carefully. She wore a teal silk robe with a pale skirt, a Mandarin duck sash at her waist. Her figure was slender yet supple, and her beauty was rare.
Her attire was fashionable and perfectly suited. In a few years, any man would be enthralled at a single glance.
“Step into the carriage. I sought you in Master Yang’s name.”
“Who are you? Why have you come for me?”
Lee Wora quickly realized that Makri was of a different social class. Why would a lady from a respectable family come here to seek a courtesan? It was highly unusual.
“I know where your younger brother, So Seokdu, is. Step inside, and I’ll explain.”
The hand waving her fan froze.
Makri added quietly, “Don’t worry. This won’t take more than an hour.”
Hearing the name So Seokdu, Lee Wora’s eyes trembled with emotion.
“What did you just say?”
Before Makri could speak again, she stepped onto the small carriage platform.
Once seated, Makri continued.
“Your younger brother’s childhood name is So Seokdu. He is eight years old this year, has a small scar on his forehead, and disappeared three years ago during winter while coming into the city with relatives. Since then, you haven’t heard from him, correct?”
“Where is So Seokdu? Tell me at once!”
Lee Wora grabbed Makri’s hand, her voice trembling with desperation, tears brimming in her eyes.
“Calm down. Today, my purpose isn’t just to give you this news.”
