Chapter 004: The First Scheme
“It’s June 6th. Lady, you’ve already asked about this three times today.”
“It must be because my body hasn’t fully recovered yet. I worry that I might collapse again at any moment. If you feel even slightly weak, let Mother know and go rest for a while. After a serious illness, one must be even more careful.”
Seeing her daughter’s dazed expression, Lady Ju’s concern deepened. She inwardly blamed herself, thinking perhaps Madam Im’s rude words earlier had needlessly unsettled the child’s mind. But now, she realized it was deliberate—Madam Im had intentionally added worry to the girl’s heart.
What a despicable trick!
“No, it’s fine,” Makri said with a gentle smile, comforting Lady Ju.
As soon as they reached the threshold of the matriarch’s chamber, a small, snow-white child ran out like a little snowball.
“Mother! Sister!”
She looked about five or six years old, her fluffy cheeks reddened like blooming petals—her younger sister, Mak Sul.
Seeing the child’s figure reminded Makri of the sixteen-year-old girl she would become when she eventually married. Suppressing the heat rising to her eyes, she carefully reached out to stroke Mak Sul’s head.
“Were you bringing the herbal medicine to Grandmother?”
“Yes. Sister, are you feeling better?”
Mak Sul lifted her face against Makri’s hand, her large, clear black eyes looking up at her with concern.
“Yes, I’ve fully recovered.”
As Makri smiled, Madam Yu, who assisted the matriarch, appeared and spoke to them.
“My lady, why are you here so early? The Grandmother was just worrying about you. Please come inside.”
“How are you today, Mother? Are you feeling any better?”
Just as Lady Ju asked, the matriarch herself emerged from the inner room, wearing a dark blue silk hanbok with subtle patterns. Her white hair was streaked with silver, and though she appeared slightly fatigued, her gaze remained sharp and clear.
Yu tried to support her, but the matriarch gently pushed her away, smiling.
“I am fine. It’s only these children fussing unnecessarily. Liri, come here and show your grandmother your face. You’ve just gotten better, and yet you rushed out already.”
Makri quickly supported her grandmother and stepped inside.
However, the matriarch held her hand firmly and led her to a seat by the window, examining her closely.
“Good, you’ve recovered. But look at this face—how have you wasted away so much in just a few days? Did you eat anything this morning? And where is Hongdu?”
Hongdu hurried forward, smiling as he replied.
“Grandmother, Lady Liri had a good appetite this morning. She ate a bowl of chicken porridge and three steamed buns with beans. She ate more than usual.”
“That’s not enough. You haven’t eaten properly for several days, so you need more nourishment. And soon, preparations for the families’ visits will begin. We must send our Liri plump and healthy so no one can find fault.”
The matriarch glanced at Lady Ju, urging her further.
“Go to the kitchen yourself and tell the cooks to prepare plenty of nourishing food for the next few days. Did you buy the swallow’s nest that the physician recommended the day before yesterday? I know it’s difficult for you, but I will take care of Liri’s nourishing meals, so don’t worry. Even if business is slow, we must not skimp on the child’s care.”
“There’s no need, Mother. I bought the swallow’s nest yesterday, and I’ll check the lunch preparations in the kitchen now.”
Hearing her mother mention the families, Lady Ju averted her eyes. She hadn’t yet told the matriarch about Madam Im’s visit. Although she had spoken calmly in front of her daughter, it was all to reassure her; inwardly, she struggled to conceal her anxiety.
With her husband out early, she needed to seek advice from the matriarch. But since Makri was present, she had no choice but to wait silently.
“Grandmother, my grandfather appeared in my dream last night.”
Makri suddenly held the matriarch’s hand, smiling as she said this. The grandmother, who had been measuring how much weight Makri had lost, was startled and asked.
“What did you say? Your grandfather appeared in your dream?”
“Yes.”
Makri glanced briefly at Lady Ju before lowering her voice.
“He said that my illness is a critical point, and that I must go to Gwanghwa Temple myself tomorrow to obtain a peace talisman. Otherwise, more trouble will follow.”
“Did your father really say that?”
Lady Ju, who was about to step out, froze in surprise. Makri’s dream, combined with Madam Im’s visit this morning, created a disquieting sense of foreboding.
“Your grandfather truly appeared in a dream…”
The matriarch’s expression remained calm. She didn’t react as strongly as Lady Ju but nodded thoughtfully.
“Indeed, there is wisdom in that. Obtaining a peace talisman and keeping it with you to calm your mind is not a bad idea. But you’ve only just recovered… Wouldn’t it be better for your mother to go on your behalf?”
“Grandmother, the sincerity of the prayer matters. Moreover, since Grandfather appeared in my dream personally, it must mean he wants me to go myself.”
Makri grasped the matriarch’s hand tightly, her brows lowering.
“I am fully recovered, and Gwanghwa Temple is not far. By carriage, it would take less than an hour for a round trip.”
“Mother, if your father truly appeared in the dream, you must carry out this task with sincere devotion.”
Hiding her unease, Lady Ju quickly added,
“I will take Liri tomorrow, make generous offerings, and pray for her safety and smooth journey.”
“Mother, you get motion sickness in carriages. One round trip will leave you bedridden for the whole day.”
Makri smiled subtly at the matriarch, reassuring her.
“By the way, Grandfather said last night that he missed your preserved vegetables.”
“Nonsense. You’ve eaten them your whole life; would you think of them in the afterlife?”
The matriarch scolded playfully but her laughter betrayed fatigue. She glanced at Lady Ju and agreed to Makri’s request.
“Liri is right. I had forgotten you cannot endure long carriage rides. Tomorrow, I will accompany you.”
“Mother, are you sure your health permits it?”
Lady Ju hesitated briefly but, accustomed to obeying her mother-in-law, reluctantly agreed when she saw the matriarch’s mind was made up.
“Then I’ll prepare in advance. Tomorrow, we will obtain the powerful peace talisman at Gwanghwa Temple.”
Seeing Lady Ju’s anxious state, Makri silently sighed. She was not going to the temple merely to obtain a talisman; she had someone to meet there, and the matriarch’s presence would serve her purpose.
“Wait for me, Yang family,” she thought.
Makri was no longer the girl who would be pushed around and bullied. Soon, everyone would know.
Not long after Makri exited the matriarch’s chamber, a sharp voice rang out from within.
“What did you say? That audacious Yang family dares to speak so!”
Makri was just about to step through the garden gate, holding Mak Sul’s hand. She paused, her gaze briefly clouded.
‘This is only the beginning…’
“Sister?”
Mak Sul tugged at Makri’s hand, her voice filled with concern.
“Is Grandmother scolding Mother?”
Makri steadied herself and looked down at her sister, smiling gently.
“No. Grandmother is speaking about another household. She’s not scolding Mother.”
Lady Ju’s health was delicate. After losing her first child in miscarriage, she did not have Makri until nearly thirty, and Mak Sul ten years later. Though now a mother-in-law, her inability to bear a son had left her naturally subdued in front of the matriarch. Makri had only understood this after marrying Hansado.
“Which family is she speaking about?”
Mak Sul tilted her small head curiously.
As Makri considered her answer, Seolrim, staying in the western wing, approached. Makri turned to look at him and instinctively held her sister’s hand tighter. Mak Sul quietly stayed close to her sister, turning to look at Seolrim.
“Sister, are you alright?”
Seolrim came closer, his concern evident. He reached out to stroke Mak Sul’s head, but Makri stepped in first, pulling her sister closer and casting him a sidelong glance.
“I’m fine. But why isn’t Seol Inang here today?”
Makri’s mention referred to Seolrim’s aunt, who had been introduced to the Mak family five years prior for the purpose of ensuring heirs. Initially restrained, she soon revealed her true nature. Despite her family’s decline, the Seols had many relatives and shamelessly coveted the Mak family’s assets. Their interference had contributed to the Mak family’s dwindling fortunes.
Makri silently took note of all of this, already calculating her moves.
Seolrim, embarrassed, retracted his hand slightly, then smiled.
“Aunt has a headache today, so she is resting inside. The Yang family is despicable—how could they bring that up now? I’m upset that you’ve suffered such injustice, Sister! Did Aunt say anything? You didn’t give in to their demands, did you?”
Seolrim’s voice quivered with indignation, but Makri smiled faintly, responding indifferently.
In the past, she might not have noticed Seolrim’s self-serving concern. Now, she saw through it clearly.
“I planned to teach Seola her letters today. Since Seol Inang isn’t well, you can help take care of her. The matriarch is too busy with family matters to pay attention.”
With that, Makri turned and entered the room without a hint that Seolrim should follow.
Seolrim, habitually about to follow, paused. Frowning, she headed toward Seol Inang instead. She was no fool; today, Makri was clearly more guarded than usual. There was no need to provoke anyone while staying as a guest.
