The Charade

Jay Yi was a picture of a prim and proper Joseon noblewoman. Her petite form all but disappeared under a crimson head skirt with more pleats than a bird's feathers. She held the hem of the head skirt secure around her face as if it were a rope that would save her from falling off a cliff, her gait small and dainty as she ambled along. Beneath this extravagant exterior lay a hanbok in soft shades of dull rust and white, significantly less luxurious than her covering. Made of coarse silk, her entire outfit was loud but screamed nobility whose ambition was stamped on their forehead but were yet to arrive at their rightful step up the social ladder. 

Similarly, Hwan was dressed in a plain dark brown hanbok crafted from cheap silk, with light brown sleeves and a hat with no beads. Ga-ram and Mun Jeon were attired in an identical style to her and Hwan. Tae Kang, dressed up as their 'attendant', followed them. 

They presented a perfect picture of noblemen and their families positioned in the middle of the 'ranking' pecking order of the Joseon hierarchy. 

The last month had unearthed some troubling details. The initial investigations had not rendered any helpful information. All families had denied, without exception, any knowledge of food or herbs that might have caused the foetal defects. What they hoped to uncover in a week had stretched to three weeks without any real progress. The team had started to second guess their theory. 

Jay Yi was indefatigable in pursuing the theory that her gut screamed was right. Hwan's faith in her hunches was as unshakable as ever, and he had asked her to continue. Jay Yi had visited two households with similar results and sneaked into a third one outside Hanyang without Hwan's knowledge and came back empty-handed. Then, the rewards of her tenaciousness came calling.

It had been a freezing day. An old couple was trying to get as much warmth as they could from the sun outside. The house was ordinary. Doors with red and green geometrical patterns were open and inviting. The woman was dressed in coarse blue and green hanbok, her sparse greyish hair tied in a small but tidy knot at the nape of her neck. An older man, his face leathery from the ravages of sun, age and toil, sat on a small cot sharpening what looked like a quill. A small boy, about two years old, played next to them with clay and tin soldiers and horses. 

Their inviting curiosity soon changed into chagrin as she asked about the child's mother. At first, they clammed up, refusing any knowledge of anything. Jay Yi soon realised they were hiding something, but they kept mum for fear of losing the grandchild. Numerous assurances and promises of anonymity later, their grief came tumbling out.

"That woman, she killed her!" The old woman's rawness stunned Jay Yi. "My poor daughter, they wanted a boy and fed her poison that killed her daughter. They made her drink the potion." Her husband wrapped his arms around the woman, consoling her. His cheeks were wet. 

They made no sense, but Jay Yi knew she had to be patient. 

The story that unfolded was horrifying. Desperate for a male child, the in-laws had made the young woman visit a Shaman, while pregnant, with her husband. The Shaman promised a male child, provided special medicines, and even assured that if the current child wasn't male, the next one would be. Five months later, a girl had been born. A chronically weak child, the girl died two years later, right before her brother was born. They then learned that the family that had sent them to the Shaman had also lost a female child. Afraid that the Shaman visit could bring trouble at their door once the authorities started asking questions, the in-laws kicked the young woman out, accusing her of witchcraft. Heartbroken, she had not survived to see her son. 

It was enough to send Jay Yi and Myung Jin sniffing back into the original cases. Seven out of twelve families confirmed their suspicion on the condition of anonymity, fearing reprisal and witchcraft accusations and revenge from the powerful Shaman. Their investigation led them to five families who had male children in the first instance. Though weak in the constitution, the boys had survived. However, in all the cases, the girl child had died within the first four years of her life.

"It means the children were born with faulty hearts, which is why they had no other symptoms when they died. Their weakness was brushed away as a trait typical for a girl." Myung Jin surmised. 

A lot of money exchanged hands. The poor peasant families, in hopes of getting a male child, had gone to great lengths to raise the money. Having obtained the promised male child, none of the families wanted to complain. And there was no proof.

The most terrifying detail that had emerged was that the families now sought this Shaman out for a son, even if that meant a girl child could die, almost like a sacrifice. 

It was time to pay the Shaman a visit.

The group made their way through the square. Hwan pulled his hat down some more. He had not ventured out during broad daylight since his return from Gaeseong, as his absence from the Palace could become glaring after he donned the Crown's responsibilities. While people were not supposed to see the Monarch's face, it was not often practical when dealing with people. This was a particularly affluent area and could compromise his anonymity.

"Aashi! Look!"

Ga-ram's excited voice made him turn around, questioning. 

"Is that not -?" 

They all followed her gaze. It led to a stout man of medium height clad in the rich purple silk of the nobility, his gait leisurely and arrogant as he strolled into a store.

"Yes! It is!" Jay Yi turned, her face set in a peculiar expression of determination, anger and excitement all at the same time.

"Do you have it?" Her eyes alight with a devilish gleam, Jay Yi asked Ga-ram.

"Yes, Aashi, I always carry it in case I meet him," Ga-ram sounded excited. 

She retrieved two tiny bottles filled with red liquid and handed them to Jay Yi.

Jay Yi looked at Hwan, "Please excuse us, Scholar Park, Master Mun; I need to settle something. It will be quick."

Before Hwan could pull his scattered, bewildered thoughts together, the woman was gone, her short, quick strides following the man into the store.

"Jung Ga-ram!" Hwan thundered.

Ga-ram froze and turned. 

"What is this about?"

"This man has been bothering Aashi for a few months now, so she wants to teach him a lesson." Not even Hwan's displeasure could curb the excitement he heard in Ga-ram's voice despite her usual reverence for him. Without waiting for him to give her leave, Ga-ram decamped after Jay Yi.

Mun Jeon looked Hwan in the eye. "That is Cha Yoon Gil, the very rich and very powerful Irrigation Minister's spoiled son, a class three Government officer; the bastard is the worst womaniser and leech in Hanyang. His speciality, amongst other things, is preying on young, vulnerable women." 

Every horror that had haunted Hwan ever since his conversation with Mun Jeon flashed before his eyes.

"Yaa..." Forgetting all about compromising his anonymity, Hwan grunted and ran, Mun Jeon and Tae Kang following close on his heels.

 They reached just in time to see Jay Yi approach the man, browsing through some artefacts in the extensively stocked store filled with exquisite glass and china wares. Ga-ram was beside her, standing less than two feet away.

"Is that Master Cha?" Jay Yi said in the most coquettish voice Hwan had ever heard.

She had pulled down her head skirt, the side profile of her flawless upturned face and the line of her swan-like neck in clear view. 

The man turned, his spine straightening and shoulders squaring at the sound of a woman seeking him out, with an expression that was cocky and predatory at the same time. 

The man took one look at Jay Yi and stepped back. 

And paled. 

Dumbfounded, Mun Jeon and Hwan felt their footsteps root to the floor. 

Jay foot a dainty foot forward. And swayed prettily.

Swayed. Jay Yi never swayed. Hwan's mouth fell open. The woman had never shown a single deliberate feminine move to him in her life. What was she up to?

Uncaring of who observed her, Jay Yi demurely batted her lashes. "Why have you stopped visiting us, My Lord?" The shrill, high-pitched voice was back, this time with an added breathlessness. 

Fascinated, Hwan gaped at the unfolding drama, aware of Mun Jeon's arrested face beside him.

His eyes bulging, the man stepped back some more until the shelf he had been browsing stopped his retreat. A delicate, long-necked vase in vibrant green rocked on its base, threatening to fall and shatter at any moment. The man grabbed at it desperately, clutching to stop its motion. Hwan was not sure if Yoon Gil was trying to steady the vase or himself.

"My brother is back from his voyage, and I am sure he will like to meet his dear friend," Jay Yi cooed.

The man cleared his throat. "I - er - I have been quite busy, you know, the exams and all -" came the fumbling reply. Hwan could bet his life the man was sweating despite the freezing weather.

"Ah! Exams!" Jay Yi clicked her middle finger and thumb excitedly. "You know, rat skin and monkey claws are so good for the brain. My Aunt sent some from the village recently. You saw the Ox eyes the other day when you came?"

Rat skin? Monket claws?

Cha Yoon Gil looked ill.

"When you grind raw ox eyes with rat skin and the claws and drink them with goat urine, it makes the brain remember everything you see once. Should I make some for you?"

"NO!" The man all but screamed. Then, taking deep breaths, wiling away his queasiness, he tried in a more self-assured voice. "I do not want to trouble a noblewoman like you ever." It came out horrified.

It all fell into place. Hwan started shaking with mirth. 

"It's no trouble at all! I skinned some rats last night, so I have plenty. Why, only two months ago, you complained about how your heart hurts every time you come to see us, so I made a special potion for you. It cures most heart ailments. My great-grandmother, who is very old, still drinks it and is as strong as an ox. I drink it, too!" 

Retrieving the bottle from her sleeve, Jay Yi held it up and looked at him vacuously. 

"Here, it's made of red berries, monkey entrails, dog poop, pig vomit and special herbs. You must drink it three times a day."

She uncapped the small bottle and took a quick swig, a few revolting drops trickling sloppily down her chin. 

The man had started heaving, physically trying to control his stomach from emptying its contents.

"I always keep extra bottles on me." She produced another bottle and held it out to Cha Yoon Gil. 

 Hwan feared the man would pass away from apoplexy. "No! No, I don't need it," Cha Yoon Gil shrilled.

He almost physically pushed Jay Yi aside, who was lightning fast in removing herself from his way. The man nearly entwined his legs in his rush to get away from her, past them, past Tae Kang, past the shopkeeper, past the door, down the steps. And then promptly deposited every last morsel of food his stomach held to the ground before staggering away. 

Unable to stop his shoulders rocking in mirth, Hwan turned to Mun Jeon and found him a bit green around his mouth. Ga-ram joined Hwan, clutching her middle, her eyes tearing in laughter. For that moment, the difference between the subject and the sovereign melted as they gulped, trying to control themselves and failing.

"What was that all about, Lady Min?" Mun Jeon barely got the words past his constricted throat. 

Jay Yi viciously wiped the red liquid from her chin. "That bastard has been chasing me since I moved into the house. Initially, he followed me to the markets. When I shook his trail, he turned up at home, claiming to be my brother's dear friend," she announced wrathfully. "So last time he came looking for my brother, I offered him some raw ox eyes dipped in dog urine wine as a snack."

"Ox eyes? In do-!" Hwan stared at her outraged, flushed face, dissolving into fresh laughter. How he adored this woman! He wanted to snatch her in his arms and shout with glee. 

"Where did you get fresh ox eyes on such short notice?" Still queasy, Mun Jeon obviously did not share his humour. 

"I didn't. I made them in advance."

"What?" 

"Some clay, paint, a variety of fruits and fabric threads can do wonders, Master Mun!" she informed him darkly.

With a superhuman effort, Hwan managed to suppress his hilarity long enough to gaze tenderly into her indignant face. "What is in that bottle?"

This time, Ga-ram took it from Jay Yi's hand and upended the contents down her throat. "Aashi makes the most delicious magnolia and mulberry jam," she finished impishly.

"Jam-?" Hwan lost control yet again, his shoulders shaking violently, captivated by the sheer joy of Jay Yi's ingenuity, much to Mun Jeon's reluctant chagrin.

"Now, the leech will crawl into a hole if he even sees my shadow!" Jay Yi growled with satisfaction. "That shark should not be allowed loose on Joseon's streets!" Jay Yi warned no one in particular in a dire voice.

That sobered him up. 

"He will be not. You have my word, Min Jay Yi." Hwan's voice held no trace of laughter.

Jay Yi bowed before marching out, still indignant. 

Mun Jeon chuckled, shaking his head, still unable to process the drama he had just witnessed. "She is incredible! I did not know she could act so well."

Hwan chuckled. If only Mun Jeon knew how well! With her around, he could never get bored. No one made him laugh like her. 

"But be careful what you promise; they are very powerful people," Mun Jeon warned. 

"I do not make empty promises, Master Mun Jeon. However," Hwan paused, looking Mun Jeon straight in the eye, "it's not her ability to defeat ten men in hand-to-hand combat that will save her from the sharks of Joseon," Hwan repeated Mun Jeon's words sardonically, "It's her brilliant mind. No sly bastard, with or without a government badge, can touch her. I will not allow anyone to force her into any relationship she does not want; believe me, I have ways to enforce it. Lay off her."

Mun Jeon watched Hwan walk out with a wry smile before following him.

They followed the narrow pathway flanked by ostentatious rock arrangements, ornamental drain heads and clusters of bamboo shoots, with red pine trees punctuating the landscape. Several men and women glanced at them while working around the garden, their disinterest a clear reflection on the steady stream of visitors flocking in and out of the house.

Hwan could feel the nervousness around him. They had decided it would be best for Myung Jin not to accompany them as he could be recognised as the famous good-for-nothing-son of the Chief State Minister everyone seemed to know.

The gate of the rambling house swung open, revealing two servants. The structure was imposing, its wooden panels boasting the rich taste that came with centuries of wealth. Ushered into an open area, the men were directed to a separate seating area in the open. The women followed the servants to an enclosed entrance leading to a green sliding door, opening into a spacious chamber decorated with all kinds of lotus and bird artefacts. The men sat in the open area, looking into a room separated by a mesh curtain covered with more lotuses and birds. 

Surprisingly, there was no Shamanistic ritual set up anywhere in sight. Jay Yi glanced at Hwan, indicating she had noticed it too. 

Confucian in character and creepy in nature, the place sent icicles up Hwan's spine.

A watch over the building had revealed nothing particularly sinister, but it wasn't easy to discern. Jay Yi's plan was bold and fraught with danger. It was also their best chance.

The middle-aged woman who greeted them was tall, with skin drawn back on the angular bones of her face. A large bun hung on the woman's nape, secured by a gold hairpin covered with multicoloured stones. Her fingers were adorned with several gold rings. Her hanbok fitted her like she had been wearing it when the tailor stitched it. Despite having male visitors, the woman did not attempt to veil herself.

"What ails you, my dear ladies?" The woman asked in a soft voice. 

Jay Yi loosened her head skirt just enough to expose her head. "I am here to plead with you for intervention, my lady. It has been six years, and I have been unable to provide my Lord with an heir. This is my sister-in-law, who has five girls and no son. We have heard a lot about your miracles."

Ga-ram, enveloped in a green head skirt, nodded from the side vigorously, adding a sniffle for good measure.

The woman gestured to where Hwan and Mun Jeon were sitting. "Are they your husbands?"

"Yes."

Jay Yi sent a message requesting help with 'their problems' a week ago. In reply, the message was that they needed to come with their 'husbands', or the charms would not work. 

At first, Jay Yi had been adamant about coming alone. Hwan drew in an amused breath. It played out ideally in his favour. Hwan would rather be drawn-and-quartered than leave Jay Yi alone after the horrible conversation with Mun Je-On. The message had settled the debate beautifully.

"Master Mun Jeon and I shall pretend to be husband and wife." Jay Yi had declared. Everyone knew it was all for pretend play and not worth any attention. Her crestfallen disappointment at his lack of opposition to the idea had made Hwan wickedly happy.

Two maid servants brought in a square platformette and kept it on the floor. It was large enough for one person to stand comfortably.

"I shall give you some charms. Your husband and you must carry it at all times for six weeks. Please call in your husband."

"What?" Hwan could hear the concern in Jay Yi's voice. 

"My lady, I do not ask for names or other information if you are uncomfortable. I have wives and concubines who always turn up here asking for charms. Often, the men are fooled or entrapped by them. Hence, I always need both, so I know both are in agreement." The woman said caustically. 

So she was not an ordinary scammer; she scammed with an honour code, Hwan thought cynically. He almost laughed at the ruse. The husband's involvement ensured they would not report if there was a problem, fearing repercussions of being engaged in an illegal activity.

"You and your husband need to step onto that wooden seat."

It would be hard to fit two children on it, let alone a man Hwan's or Mun Jeon's size with a woman who was not their wife. Hwan exhaled in disbelief. 

Hwan glanced at Mun Jeon, who returned his appalled look, shaking his head, his face shadowing with the tell-tale stain of deep embarrassment. They looked back at the women. Ga-ram was visibly shrinking under the folds of her head-skirt. 

Jay Yi gaped at the tiny wooden square. "W-why do you need my husband and me to stand on that?"

"The rituals that will bring the child to your lap must happen there. You will also get a change of clothes to make it easy as you must apply prayer herbs to each other."

Hwan tensed up. He heard Mun Jeon fidget and Jay Yi's horrified intake of breath. Jay Yi's head whipped in his direction, her distress evident in her eyes. Before Mun Jeon could put weight on his legs to stand up, Hwan was already lifting the curtain to step in. 

"My Lady, are you not comfortable?" The woman peered at Jay Yi closely.

Jay Yi once again covered her head. "It is just that I am not used to seeing my husband in the light often, My lady." Jay Yi fabricated quickly. 

"Ah! I see. I understand. You are a true noble lady. However, you must shed some of those constraints to successfully hold an heir in your lap."

Hwan's mouth tightened. Jay Yi nodded, her stiff shoulders and straight back violently rejecting the charade. 

"Before we proceed, you will meet a young shaman. I only agree to the spells if she approves of you. She will meet you first, and then your husband with you. I will now ask your family to step out."

Ga-ram looked at Jay Yi, dismayed. Jay Yi sent her a reassuring look. Ga-ram quickly exited while Hwan heard Mun Jeon practically sprinting out of the seating area. 

"We will not be changing clothes," Hwan's tone brooked no argument. The Shaman recognised authority when she heard it."You can skip changing if you do not mind ruining your clothes."

Hwan could end the farce right here by calling for her arrest. But without proof, he could invite the wrath of the powerful Shaman community.

They needed the concoction and a confession.