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Post by velvet inkbrush of YiSoonShin on Sept 25, 2004 23:43:30 GMT -5
Asan, 1563...
The local market area was bustling with activity. Local vendors peddled their wares while others carried theirs on their backs. Among the busy local inhabitants was Yi Soon Shin, now a young man of 18. Smiling, he jauntily hoisted a crate onto his shoulder and made his way across the pier to add it to the others he had already unloaded.
"Geez, stop going so fast, you'll break it! Slow down!" an old man chided.
"Yes sir," Soon Shin smiled. Setting down the crate, after wiping his forehead with his sleeve, he took a breath and walked on.
As a young yangban stepped off a boat with some of his friends, another some distance aways shouted, "Hyung Nim! (brother)."
"You've come out," he observed.
"Such a long trip, you must have had many hardships," the man smiled.
The other had a dour look on his face. "Ugh. What a piss@ss little sh*thole " he said distastefully, snapping open his fan. "Come, let's be on our way."
Soon Shin stopped at the stand of a local silk merchant. "Sir, did any books arrive for me?" His face was hopeful.
"Of course, why wouldn't they?" the man chuckled. Picking up a book wrapped in purple silk, he handed it to Soon Shin who took it appreciatively. Bowing his thanks, he went on his way.
As the group of yangban men walked, the leader fanning himself, a salt vendor, distracted by the call of a possible buyer ran straight into them, knocking the man dressed in blue to the ground.
"Hyung Nim!" one of his friends shouted with concern.
"Oh, I'm so sorry! Are you okay?" the man asked with worry.
"You jerk!" the other shouted, giving him a swift kick that sent him toppling. "Why don't you watch where you're going?!"
As he hit the ground, the straw box of salt on his back tipped over, spilling its contents onto the dusty road. The peasant fell to his knees, scrambling after it. "Aigo! My Salt!" Clawing desperately at the fallen salt, he looked despondantly up at the man and asked, "Naoori (my lord) why do you step on my valuable salt? If you do that-Ah!" His plea was interrupted by another kick. Now on his back, the poor peasant attempted to get back on his feet but was stopped when his attacker, muttering obscenities under his breath, placed a foot on his neck.
"Stop this at once!"
The men turned around as Soon Shin ran to the aid of his friend. Shoving the haughty man aside, he knelt down to help the fallen salt vendor.
"Soon Shin-ah!" he cried, rubbing his neck
"Come on, get up," Soon Shin said, taking him by one arm.
Waving his fan at Soon Shin in annoyance, the young yangban demanded, "What the hell is your story?"
"What kind of behavior is this?" Soon Shin shot back.
"I was teaching this mannerless oaf a lesson," he snarled, as the peasant fell again on his knees, still attempting to scoop up the salt.
"You can't treat people like this!" Soon Shin admonished.
"What did you say?!"
"Stand aside!" he continued. "This man's life is tied to this salt!"
"Is that right?" Looking down at the man trying to recover his salt, the young nobleman ground the salt further into the dirt with his rubber shoe. All the while he stared directly into Soon Shin's eyes, deaf to the cries of the salt vendor. With a final kick to the salt, he was about to take his leave when Soon Shin's arm shot out, grabbing him by the shoulder. Enraged, he tried to strike Soon Shin but again Soon Shin deftly caught his arm. The yangban was surprised at how strong his opponent was.
"Hey you bastard! Leggo!" the nobleman's friends shouted as they attempted to pry him free of Soon Shin's grip. "This is the county magistrate's son!"
The peasant's eyes widened in fear as he repeated, "The local magistrate..."
The magistrate's son looked at Soon Shin with a condescending eye. "Now that you know, you'd best get your hands off of me."
Soon Shin threw his arm away in disgust. "If the father is a magistrate, does that make the son a magistrate too?"
"Why you-"
"There are people watching. If you don't wish to embarrass your father, you should be more careful of your conduct," Soon Shin pointed out dryly.
"You piece of peasant sh*t, how DARE you?"
"Naoori!" the salt vendor got on all fours as he begged. "Please overlook this incident. Please forgive me! And..." he looked at Soon Shin, "this man is yangban too."
The magistrate's son gave a scornful laugh. "You must be the bottom of the barrel of all yangban." Tossing a coin blithely in front of the peasant, he said, "Fine, go have a drink with your yangban friend. A fine pair." As he walked away, Soon Shin lost his temper and was about to go after him but was stopped by his friends.
His peasant friend attepted to restrain him. "No more! please! What can you possibly do to the magistrate's son?!"
"Don't stop me, aren't you pissed?" Soon Shin said angrily.
"Come on, that's enough! It's just another day in the life of a peasant."
"Chun Soo-ya!" Soon Shin said in a disappointed tone.
"It's okay!" Chun Soo said with a smile. Displaying the coin he chuckled, "He tossed a coin, didn't he?" Somehow, Soon Shin did not find that an even trade.
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Post by velvet inkbrush of YiSoonShin on Sept 26, 2004 18:47:15 GMT -5
Sitting on the rocks by the river, Soon Shin looked at the purple bundle next to him. Opening it, he pulled out a book, and inside the cover was a letter from Song Ryong, now studying at the university. It read: "I received your letter where you mentioned your deep appreciation of the Shiji."
At the university, Song Ryong, now dressed like a scholar was expounding on what the virtues of the king should be while his peers nodded thoughfully. "According to Confucius, we are to govern the people in the same way we worship our ancestors. I believe the highest virtue that any ruler can attain is to respect the people as he reveres his ancestors."
the letter continued: "I too am learning many new things as I read the four books. Being here has made me feel like a frog in a well - the academy is such a vast new world! I'm sending you a summary of my studies here. When is the day when we will all meet here again? My heart longs for that day."
"The academy...the academy..." Soon Shin repeated. Sighing, he shook his head.
As he walked along the road, the sound of trumpets could be heard and many of the villagers were running hurriedly towards the noise. A royal procession was making its way through Asan. As it passed, all bowed low to the ground, but only Soon Shin raised his head to watch in curiosity. _________________________________________________________________________
At the government center of Asan, a minister in blue hurried out to greet an older man who had arrived. "Minister Joo! What a hard journey you must have had!"
"His majesty's care should always be continuous," he replied. "Our future depends on it minister Song."
"How can you think that the king is my only master? I must also serve you just as well."
Minister Joo smiled. "You said your son was going to take the civil service exam."
"Yes! Oh yes!"
"His majesty's hopes for this exam are very high. In asan, are there many hardworking, scholarly men?" _______________________________________________________________________
A small crowd had assembled around a notification that had been posted in the village center. Soon Shin jostled his way to the front and smiled when he read the contents. Spotting a young man in straw hat, he approached him. "Yo Shin Hyung Nim!"
The man turned and smiled. "ah, Soon Shin-ah!"
"When did you arrive here?" Soon Shin asked his older brother excitedly.
"I came down here for a break, "Yo Shin replied.
Soon Shin beamed with pride. "You're confident, right? Nothing to worry about..."
Yu Shin smiled and said dismissively, "You silly little..."
Soon Shin turned to him with a suprised look. "If it is you then you will definitely make it. Mother and I both believe in you." His brother looked at him fondly at his statement. "But, now if that is done, shouldn't you return home?"
"Of course I should," the elder brother stated. "But even if that were not so, I was thinking of going tomorrow."
Soon Shin grinned and nodded with satisfaction. "Understood. In that case I will see you tomorrow."
"Sure," his brother said with a smile. He turned back to read the proclamation once more.
Soon Shin returned home to find his mother working about the kitchen. "Uh Muh Nee (mother)..."
She stopped her work and stepped out of the kitchen. "Well done," she told her son warmly. "Was it difficult for you?"
"No, mother," Soon Shin reassured her. Walking towards the house, he added, "On the way home i saw elder brother Yo Shin."
"Yo Shin? How is he doing? Is being at Mandong making him happy?"
"Yes, mother. He said he will be coming home soon."
"Really?" Her voice was hopeful, but suddently her face fell. "But still, I worry so. I don't know what your father will say. If he learns that your brother is studying, he will be furious."
Soon Shin turned his unconcerned gaze to his mother. "Don't worry too much, mother. Once Yu Shin arrives, father will change his mind."
She smiled hesitantly. "If that were to happen, how wonderful would that be?" She paused a moment. "But it seems a waste that you cannot do anything with your studies as well."
"Please don't say that, mother," he answered. "Yo Shin is...and studying takes such a long time." He smiled again at her. His mother sighed. Changing the subject, he told her, "Mother, I'm going to go out to the field"
Soon Shin was plowing his family's field when he heard his father's voice. "The field has gotten broader," he observed, his fishing rod in hand.
"You're back now?" Soon Shin asked, bowing.
"How much more honest is soil than a man? You can depend on soil not to utter falsehoods," his father thought aloud. "This winter we will not have to worry that much." Soon Shin smiled. "When your brother arrives," his father continued, "we will set him to work." He clucked his tongue and shook his head. " He's a young man and he travels to improve his health?" Clucking his tongue, he continued, "It's about time he came home."
Cautiously, Soon Shin ventured, "It is possible for him to do great things while he is away, father."
His gave him a steely gaze. "If Yo Shin harbors any dreams of entering the court, you had better block him." Soon Shin said nothing. "Life is not meant to be taken too seriously. If a man can live simply without depending on others - that is what's best. We must learn to live simply as a family and be content with what we have." Clearing his throat, he headed home, leaving his son feeling quite unsettled. _______________________________________________________________________
"You rotten worthless-"
Chun Su was doing his best to avoid the blows delivered by the irate old man who blamed him for the salt that he had lost. "You dumbsh*t! How could you drop all that salt on the ground!"
"L-lemme explain!" Chun Soo pleaded with his father.
"Why don't you just sprinkle it all over the road, you idiot! Fine! Let's just die right now!" Chun Soo rolled his eyes at his father's dramatics. "Those d@mn tax collectors want to double my taxes, and you who calls himself a son, goes throwing all my salt all over Asan!" Wringing his hands, he wailed, "The world wants me dead! You little-"
He rasied his broom to strike Chun Soo again, but fed up, his son grabbed it out of his wrinkled hands. The old man's rage was temporarily put on hold as a violent fit of coughing overtook him. Watching his father hack, Chun Soo made a frustrated face. Throwing the broom to the ground he walked out of the yard.
"Eenom-ah! Hey where the hell do you think YOU"RE going?" his father shouted after him between coughs.
"To go rob someone, otherwise we'll starve!"
"You...worthless..." His old father could only cough some more. _________________________________________________________________________
Sitting with Chun Soo by the sea, Soon Shin stared at the mountains across the bay. "Are you still in a lot of pain?" he asked his friend.
"To be in pain would be better," his friend said ruefully. "If it did hurt, it wouldn't hurt here so much," he explained as he thumped his chest. "Hitting me with his hands, that can't be considered real pain. He's just a skinny old man with a cough that keeps him up at night." Chun Soo sighed. "I was going to buy him medicine this time. I was going to do whatever it took to help him get better. But those guys ruined all my salt..."
"Well why did you try to stop me then?" Soon Shin asked irritably.
"Then I wouldn't have gotten ANY money," Chun Soo answered. "Hey, if you take the civil service exam, can you become a magistrate?"
Soon Shin looked at him curiously. "Why?"
"Can you or can't you?" Chun Soo insisted.
"Magistrate?" Soon SHin nodded his head thoughtfully. "I'm sure you could."
Chun Soo grabbed his arm. "Then...take the civil service examination. Take it and become an official."
Soon Shin dismissed the idea. "That's presumptuous," he muttered
"Why do you say that's presumptuous?" Chun Soo protested. "Of the Yangban, the one who is most atteched to books is you! You forget to eat but you never forget to read, is what I'm saying. So why is that presumptuous?"
"Well, my older brother will be doing that. In my house, it's not possible for two of us to follow that path...no there's no way."
Chun Soo's eyes filled with regret. "It must be so suffocating," he observed. "Someone like you has to become a magistrate so that you can teach those jerks a lesson." Soon Shin gave a small chuckle at that. _______________________________________________________________________ Sir, I am Song Byung-Taek," the magistrate's son said, bowing deeply to minister Joo.
"My humble son," Minister Song said affably. "Ive tried my best to teach him in his studies, but there are still many areas in which he is lacking."
"You're taking the civil service exam?" Minister Joo asked Byung Taek.
"Yes, sir."
"I entrust him to your care," Minister Song said confidently.
"Let's try our best," minister Joo said, to which Byung taek's father chuckled happily. "In any case, how has the printing for the king's book come along?"
"I've commissioned the local temple to do the work." He paused and thought for a moment. "It should be ready by now."
"Why don't you have your son write a poem to his majesty to be included in the publication?"
Byung Taek was struck dumb. "A-are you talking about me?"
"That's right. If the king takes notice of your work, where is there a greater honor?" Byung taek looked as if he were going to vomit.
Embarrassed by his lack of response, Minister Song assured, "Of course he will! MY son will write a poem to lift his majesty's spirits."
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Post by velvet inkbrush of YiSoonShin on Sept 26, 2004 20:06:27 GMT -5
"Young master, where are you going, sir?"
Byung Taek walked past his servant. "Now that I am here, I should get to know the local geishas, don't you think?"
"No, you can't do that, sir! Until this poem is finished, the magistrate ordered that you are not to set foot outside this house! Remember?"
"Huh-huh," Byung Taek sighed with annoyance. "So you're going to bug me about this eh? Removing a peice of paper from his sleeve, he waved it in front of his servant's face. "It's done."
"Eh?"
Byung taek looked up at the sky. "Well then, take me to the most beautiful place here." With a loud "ahem" he snapped open his fan and walked past his befuddled servant. ________________________________________________________________________
Running up the steps of the temple two at a time, Soon Shin paused at the entry way to bow once to the right and once to the left and then continued running at his original pace. The monks were the very picture of industry, carving wood blocks, chiselling the printing surface or inking the pages. As he passed, he pressed his hands together and bowed his greetings.
Byung Taek's servant was sitting with the head abbot, wanting a more professional opinion of his young master's literary talent. "How is it? It's the magistrate's son's."
"I'm just an old monk from the country," the abbot demurred. "What could I know?"
"It's very moving," he pressed on. "The king will be pleased, don't you think?"
"Merciful Buddha..." the abbot sighed. He looked up at the sound of soon shin's voice.
"master!"
As he ran up and bowed, the abbot smiled and said, "oh, aren't you soon shin? are you here for your older brother?"
"yes, sir"
"Well, come up here for a moment."
"yes, sir."
Handing him the paper, the abbot asked, "Have a look at this."
The servant was indignant. "Hey! Why are you letting this person look at it?"
"He is a learned scholar. When we were putting our book together, he helped us many times. He'll have better eyes than me, in any case."
The man looked at Soon Shin skeptically. "S-scholar? Oh, well then, go ahead and look." When soon shin read without comment, he said, "How is it? Does it not move the heart?"
Soon Shin didn't look up from the poem. "Of course. These are famous words. But, may I ask why you took selections from different poems and put them together?"
"Huh?"
"'The Phoenix flies above Phoenis peak', that is from Yi Baek's work, 'Soaring Phoenix'. 'He will fly like a bird that has flown for a thousand years,' that DoBo's work, is it not?" he asked, looking at the abbot.
"Huh-huh!" Byung Taek's servant huffed in surprise.
"Merciful Buddha," was all the monk had to say.
Setting down the paper, Soon Shin bowed again and said, "I have to be leaving now." The servant followed Soon Shin's back with an interested eye.
"Young Sir!" he shouted after Soon Shin. "Come here for a second...Uh..How would you like to write a poem? A tribute to the king's virtue? If it is printed, the king himself will see it. IS there a greater honor?"
The servant watched openmouthed as Soon Shin gracefully wrote a series of elegant chinese characters. Setting the brush down, Soon Shin walked away but stopped when he saw many of the monks scuttling in the same direction. He soon saw what it was that had drawn their attention
Seated amongst many kisaeng, Byung Taek and his companions were loudly drinking wine. One of Byung Taek's friends first noticed Soon Shin watching them in stern silence. When this was brought to Byung Taek's attention, he smirked. "And who is this? It's the meddling yangban. So nice to see you again. Come have a drink." Looking at his friend, he ordered, "What are you doing? Pour!"
"Yes!" The man thrust a cup with a grunt at Soon Shin who took it. When he had poured the wine, Byung Taek said, "We have gotten off to a bad start, but we can fix that."
"You're in front of a place of meditation," Soon Shin said flatly.
"I'll take the responsibility," Byung Taek said patting his chest. "Go on, drink!" He was surprised when Soon Shin overturned the cup, slowly and deliberately spilling the wine. Smirking, Byung Taek noted, "You must have been thirsty! Give him another." Soon Shin repeated his previous gesture, never looking away from Byung Taek's face. "Do you need a third?" His friend was about to pour the third round when Soon Shin tossed the cup onto the floor.
"I don't wish to be an ill-bred boor who drinks before a temple."
"Ill bred boor?" Byung Taek crowed with laughter. "You don't wanna drink? Then how about some poetry? I'll recite a verse and then you respond." He smiled smugly as he began, "The Phoenix flies above Phoenix peak-"
"-He flies like a bird who has flown for tn thousand years." Soon Shin gave a smug laugh of his own when he saw Byung Taek's smile disappear. "I was wondering who wrote that anonynous poem...I guess it was the magistrate's son."
Byung taek slammed his cup down on the table. "You son of a b*tch! How dare you call my poem anonymous!"
Soon Shin smiled again. "Then I guess Yi Baek and Do Bo returned from the dead. But then again, to put two poems of completely differing ideas together, well, that's an innovative idea." Byung taek was about to jump over the table when soon shin continued, "Stealing poetry and partying in front of a temple...if you have this much time, go read a book!" With that Soon Shin turned and left.
Byung Taek ground his teeth together in rage. "Who the hell does he think he is?!!" ____________________________________________________________________
When Yo Shin came to pay his respects to the abbot, the old man showed him Soon Shin's verse. "It's Soon Shin's poem. Isn't it brilliant? The magistrate's servant brought it."
Yo Shin took the paper and read aloud, "The Phoenix from a far away place comes - where the sun and the moon reside, and exalted songs of peace come from the glorious virtue of the king." Yo Shin's eyes widened and his reading slowed as he realized how gifted his younger brother truly was.
"It doesn't stop simply at extolling the kings virtue," the abbot continued, as if reading Yo Shin's mind. "It shows the very heart of benevolent rule. Truly marvelous, is it not?" Yo Shin was lost for words. "I thought he had put his studies behind him," the abbot chattered away, mindless of Yo Shin's growing concern. "But...have you been helping him?" Yo Shin found all he could do was reread the poem, his mouth slightly agape. "The talent between you two brothers - you could cover all of Asan with your literary talent!" He chuckled approvingly
As Yo Shin entered his family's yard, he could see Soon Shin sitting outside their house. "Soon Shin-ah..." he called out.
Leaping to his feet, Soon Shin ran to his brother. "Hyung nim, where did you go? I waited so long..."
Yo Shin gave a small smile of apology and looked at his brother thoughfully.
Walking together, Yo Shin asked, "Write any poetry lately?"
"Huh? Oh no..."
"Have you continued with your studies?"
"You know I gave that up a long time ago."
Yo Shin felt a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry," he said sadly.
Soon Shin was caught off guard by his brother's apology. "You said you're sorry? Between brothers, what sort of words are those?"
"How could I not know the sacrifices that you made for me?" Yo Shin said.
Soon Shin sighed. "Please don't say such things." He turned to see that his brother had stopped walking.
Looking earnestly into his younger brother's face, Yo Shin told him, "After I take the exam, you study. I'll take care of the expenses."
"What kind of talk is that, Hyung Nim? You know it doesn't stop there. After the national exam, there's the academy."
"Soon Shin-ah-"
"I told you not to worry about me," Soon Shin reassured his brother with a carefree smile. As he walked away, Yo Shin gave a small sigh. ____________________________________________________________________
"Yi Soon Shin? YI SOON SHIN?!!" The magistrate's voice fairly screeched as he read the poem. "This Yi Soon Shin was the one who identified the plagiarism?"
"Yes, magistrate," the servant said. "Though I am sorry to report it, he called it an anonymous poem."
Slapping his desk in anger the magistrate shouted at his son, "I tell you to write a poem and you use someone else's writing?"
Looking sullenly at the ground, Byoung Taek explained, "I only borrowed the first part - the end, I wrote."
"You moron! How many times has this happened?! The number of times you have taken this test! This is the fifth time! THE FIFTH TIME!!! Have you already forgotten that I turned down an important post to come down here for you?" His son said nothing. "This is your last chance," he told Byoung Taek solemnly. If you behave like this, what good is all the hard work that I do on your behalf?!"
"This time will be different," Byoung Taek promised.
"You think this one event will change everything!" his father scoffed. Picking up the poem again he asked, "This poem...you said Yi Soon Shin also wrote this one?"
"Yes, magistrate. The abbot said that he and all his brothers are extremely talented."
The magistrate's voice took on a panicked tone. "If this person takes the exmination, the first place standing is a sure thing for him!"
"How good can a country bumpkin be?" Byoung taek said sourly.
At this his father's temper flared again. "Aren't your eyes for studying?!!! Can't your eyes see the depth of these words?!!"
"Then get that @sshole to write your d@mn poem," he retorted.
His father looked at him as if he had not heard correctly. "And you said what just now?"
"I said, get him to write the poetry!"
"Why you-"
His servant stepped in. "Please calm yourself, sir. Magistrate, I don't know how my words will be received by you, but what do you think about putting Yi Soon Shin to a different use?"
"Different use?"
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Post by velvet inkbrush of YiSoonShin on Sept 26, 2004 20:35:38 GMT -5
Soon Shin sould not believe the proposition that he had just received. "Did you ask me to serve as a proxy on a test? You want me to take the civil service exam for the magistrate's son? Can you say such words?!"
"Don't get so upset," the servant said defensively.
"Get out of here," Soon Shin said, turning back to his work.
"Just think about it for a-"
"There's nothing more for me to hear!" Soon Shin shouted angrily, throwing down his hoe. "Now get out of here!"
As he walked off, the servant chased after him. "Now look here! Doesn't it hurt your heart to see your family suffer so? Don't you think that they would be better off-"
"Watch what you say!" Soon Shin cut him off. "Living poor is something that I have never ever been ashamed of! So I don't think of my life as hard!"
"You do not understand my point" the servant explained. "On the part of the magistrate, this is not a request, but a decree! It is an order is what I am saying!"
"Whether it be the decree of the magistrate or the king, that kind of order I will never accept! Do not seek me out a second time for such a thing!" Turning proudly, he left the servant standing with his mouth open.
"Wai-Young man! YOUNG MAN!!" When Soon Shin did not look back, he pointed an outraged finger in his direction. "Why that-" ____________________________________________________________________
"WHAT! He refused?! That insolent wretch! He flat out refused?"
"Yes, magistrate. He is as stubborn as a goat."
"That country bumpkin..." Byoung Taek muttered angrily. He stopped when he saw the disapproving look his father gave him.
"What should I do? Should I meet his parents once?" the servant suggested.
"Idiot!" the magistrate berated. "That will ruin all of our chances!" The servant lowered his head. "Find a weakness," the magistrate ordered. "Something that paralyzes him, but find a weakness!"
"Yes, magistrate." _______________________________________________________________________
As Yo Shin bowed the traditional greeting to his parents, his father said, "Good, have your travels done your body good?" When his son nodded, he said, "Then tomorrow you will go do fieldwork." Yo Shin looked up, dismayed.
"Father," Soon Shin said tentatively. "I can do the work myself. Yo Shin needs a little more-"
"The body if not used only gets weaker," his father interrupted. "Start moving around a little and build up your strength."
"Yes, father." It was hard to tell at that point who was more worried - Soon Shin or his brother.
The next day, the two brothers worked side by side on the family plot. Not used to manual labor, Yo Shin had to stop frequently. Seeing his brother's difficulty, Soon Shin suggested, "Hyung Nim, why don't you go inside and do some studying?"
Wiping his face on his sleeve, his brother shook his head. "No, I'm getting better at it..." He made another attempt at hoeing.
Taking his brother's blistered hand in his own, Soon Shin examined it and said in an annoyed voice, "Why, if you keep this up...What if you can't even hold a brush tomorrow?!" He clucked his tongue. "You don't have to be worried about father," Soon Shin promised. "Since he has gone fishing, he won't be home until after sunset so there is nothing to be concerned about."
"No, how could i leave you alone here to work?" Yo Shin took another crack at the ground.
Repsecfully but firmly pulling the hose out of his brother's hands, Soon Shin told him, "The exam is in a few days! Please go inside! Please!"
"Understood," Yo Shin said gratefully. "Then I'll go inside first." Soon Shin smiled with satisfaction as he watched his brother leave.
Inside his room, Yo Shin carefully unwrapped his books and dusted them off reverently. As he read aloud, his mother, bringing food for Soon Shin, could hear his voice from outside his room. Smiling at first, her expression changed to one of concern and she looked in the direction of her youngest son. As she approached, Soon Shin's face broke out into a sunny smile and he shouted happily to her in greeting. Unwrapping his lunch, Soon Shin dug in heartily after his morning's work. As she watched her son shovelling rice and soup into his mouth, she smiled inwardly but said, "You'll choke, drink some water." Soon Shin obliged, taking a long swig from the gourd. Some poured down his chin, but he took no notice. Smiling his thanks to his mother, he continued to inhale his lunch.
As it was getting dark out, Yo Shin lit a candle and continued reading. He was startled to hear his parent's voice outside.
"You said that you'd be late..."
"Soon Shin was alone in the field. What is Yo Shin doing?
Scrambling to hide his books, Yo Shin succeed in concealing all but one before his father entered the room, an ominous look on his face.
"Father..."
His father picked up the remaining book and demanded, "Your brother is alone in the field. What the hell are you doing?"
"Father-"
"I've told you a hundered times!" his father bellowed. "It is better to plow a field than to read a book! Are you still entertaining your delusions?!" He threw down Soon Shin's text.
As he neared his house, Soon Shin was startled to see smoke rising from the yard. Running inside, he was horrified to find his mother attempting to put out a fire with a broom while his brother watched mournfully on his knees. What dismayed him further was the realization that the kindling for the fire was none other than his brother's precious books. "Hyung Nim! What is this?" Grabbing the broom from his mother, he frantically tried to put the blaze out when his father came out from the house holding the last of the books. Raising them above his head, he prepared to throw them in with the rest when Soon Shin ran to stop him.
"Father!"
"Move!"
"Why are you doing this?" Byoon pleaded. "Please stop!"
"Can't you step aside?!" his father screamed
"Father, please don't!"
"I said move!" With that he shook off his son and threw the remaining books into the fire. When Soon Shin attempted to salvage the books, he shouted, "Stop that at once!" and threw his son to the ground. Pointing at Yo Shin, he seethed, "I told you not to do this. How can you not listen to your father's words?!"
"Father! What has Hyung Nim done wrong?!"
"WHAT!!!"
"Soon Shin-ah!" his mother said warningly.
"Why are you trying to stop him! How could a man of good breeding not have ambitions for a position at court!?!"
His father raised his arm as if to strike his son. "Don't you know that the world is rotten and that the court is rotten as well?!" He lowered his arm
"Hyung Nim can change it! Hyung Nim can do it!"
"You think one man can change the whole system?! Never in a million years. In this world a life of seclusion-"
"You are only running away from the truth!" Soon Shin burst in.
"How dare you talk to your father in that way!" Byoon scolded her song.
"What are you running from father? If something is broken you should fix it, should you not? It's a hundred times better than blaming the world and wasting one's life!"
"Neh EeNOM!!"
"I was taught that a real man lives by his beliefs and values. IF you can't have dreams, what is the point of living?!"
"Silence, you ingrate! How dare you try to overturn your father's will. Fine. If that is what you wish, then get out of my house!"
"Husband!" Byoon pleaded.
"I said get out! Why are you still standing there!"
"Enough!" Yo Shin finally shouted, getting to his feet. "I'll leave! You want me to leave, do you not?
"Hyung Nim!"
"Yo Shin!"
"Don't take this out on Soon Shin! From now on, I'll live by your will! I will cut ties with you and this family and wander the earth like a mist!" His voice cracking, Yo Shin fled the house. Byoon sank to the ground and Soon Shin could only look on in sadness.
Drinking alone, Yo Shin took no notice when Chun Soo walked by. Seeing Soon Shin's brother sitting there, Chun Soo smiled and walked in. Yo Shin was about to pour another round when a hand stopped him. Looking up he saw Chun Soo's pleasant face. "You shouldn't pour your own drink alone. I'll pour." Yo Shin nodded as Chun Soo filled his bowl. "What's going on?" Chun Sooo asked as he emptied it. "Why are you drinking in a place like this alone?"
"Here, have one."
"I really shouldn't do this..." Chun Soo said rather unconvincingly as he eagerly held out the bowl.
As he happily slurped his wine, Yo Shin asked, "How does Soon Shin treat you?"
"Huh?"
"In the same was as one fills an empty bowl with wine, does he fill your heart? That's the way he is...that Soon Shin. Always thinking about others first even if it is to his detriment. Always standing firm on what he believes in." He gave a small laugh.
"I don't know very well about that," Chun Soo said honestly. "But though I am a peasant, he never ignores me or treats me poorly."
"You're lucky to have such a good friend - you and Soon Shin together." Chun Soo chuckled and took another swig of his wine. "Chun soo-yah...Can I ask you to do something for me?
Waling to the Yi house, Chun Soo saw Soon Shin sitting outside. When he jumped up he said, "It's me, Yim Chun Soo."
"What are you doing here this late?"
"Your brother asked me to give you this." He handed Soon Shin a letter. "He wouldn't tell me where he was going. It was very strange." As Soon Shin read the letter, his face registered alarm. Dropping the letter, he ran out of the house, leaving behind a confused Chun Soo
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Post by velvet inkbrush of YiSoonShin on Nov 10, 2004 13:50:44 GMT -5
His brother had written:
"I'm sorry. I closed my eyes and ears to your talent and passion, thinking only of myself. Soon Shin-ah, take the civil service exam. You can become a wise and benevolent official. I know that you will realize this dream for us. I'm sorry and thank you."
As Chun Soo stumbled through the streets drunk, Soon Shin was combing the area shouting his brother's name. As he staggered along the road, the magistrate's servant walked by. Recognizing him, he gave a cackle.
As Byoung taek fell out of a bar after a heavy night of drinking, he said his farewells to the geishas. "It was a real pleasure having the honor of putting your hair up...Next time, I'll spend the whole night with you!" He was stopped as his servant ran up to him. "What are you doing here?"
"Something good comes our way..."
Confronting Yo Shin on the road, Byoung Taek observed, "You seem to have drank quite a bit."
"Whaddyou want?" Yo Shin slurred.
"Why you-" Byoung Taek's friend began, but was quickly shushed by Byoung Taek.
Laughing, Byoung taek offered, "How 'bout it? Have one more round?"
"Don't want to."
"If you will, I'll take you to a kibang (geisha house)"
"I said I don't want to and you persist. Outta my way."
He tried to pass when Byoung Taek's friend stopped him and said, "EeNom-ah, the county magistrate's son has invited you for a drink and you're supposed to go quietly. How dare you refuse?"
"Magistrate's son or not, it's not my business." Again he tried to pass. When he was blocked, he pushed the man aside. "Move aside, jerk."
"What are you waiting for!" he shouted, outraged.
"Stop!" the servant shouted. He whispered something in Byoung Taek's ear. The young man smiled craftiy.
"Grab that one!"
Running to the local prison the next morning, Soon Shin was halted at the entry by two guards. "Please move! My brother is inside! Get out of my way!" he begged.
"Stop!" The magistrate's servant stepped into view.
Sequestored in a stuffy room, Byoung Taek's friend fanned himself vigorously but stopped when he heard a warning grunt. Lying down and feigning illness, he began his act just in time for Soon Shin to open the door.
"Look well. Your brother made this man like this."
"No there is no way - there's no way my brother would do such a thing."
"There are four witnesses," the magistrate's servant said coyly. "Would you like for me to arrange a meeting? The punishment for attemtping murder - I wonder how this will turn out."
When Soon Shin was taken to his brother's cell, he felt his heart stop when he saw Yo Shin's limp form. Grabbing the bars, he called out to him, "Hyung Nim! Hyung Nim! Hyung Nim, Hyung Nim, Yo Shin Hyung Nim, it's me, Soon Shin!" His brother remained unresponsive.
Walking outside, Soon Shin heard the magistrate's servant musing, "If we leave him like that, his wounds will become infected. Most likely he will never walk again"
Turning to him, Soon Shin promised, "Save him. If you save him I will do anything!"
"Did you say anything?"
"That's right! If I can save him, I will do anything!"
"Is that the truth?"
Walking out of the prison, Soon Shin thought of the the servant's words. "Become the proxy. That is the only way to move the magistrate's heart. Remember, your brother's life is completely in your hands."
Walking into his home, Soon Shin was saddened to see his mother sitting with a blank expression on her face, staring silently at the ground. As he neared his father, who was fishing, Jung told him, "only God can take a man's life. He will not die..."
"Father!"
"If he has broken the law, he must pay the price." After a pause he added, "But then again, not all lawbreakers are punished for their crimes." He cast his line out again and sat down with a sigh. Looking up, he saw that his youngest son had run off.
Standing in front of the prison, Soon Shin thought again on the days events - the words of his brother and the magistrate's servant ringing in his ears.
Approaching Byoung Taek and his father, Soon Shin stood silent.
"What did you have to say to us?" the magistrate said in a pleased tone.
"What's wrong?" Byoung Taek asked. "Have you gone mute all of a sudden?"
"I-I will be your stand-in," Soon Shin said, nearly choking on his words. The magistrate and his son exchanged a look of satisfaction.
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amber Chicagos NW Side
Guest
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Post by amber Chicagos NW Side on Nov 10, 2004 19:27:14 GMT -5
Dear VIB, Thanks again for all your tremendous work on this show and others as well. For people who miss a show for whatever reason, you are a godsend. I love Admiral Yi-he may be one of the worthiest historical figures who ever lived. Kim Myung Min is a doll and gives a memorable portrayal. I just hope the writers show him being happy again...he deserves it, and then I'll get to see that killer smile!
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Post by FlowerLady on Nov 11, 2004 20:13:44 GMT -5
Dear VIB, Thanks again for all your tremendous work on this show and others as well. For people who miss a show for whatever reason, you are a godsend. I love Admiral Yi-he may be one of the worthiest historical figures who ever lived. --Ditto! I love this show and am appreciating it more with each episode! Velvet Ink Brush---- You have put so much of your heart and soul into this drama (not to mention hours and hours!!) Thank you so very much for everything!!!
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birb
Junior Addict
birbs baby Teddy
Posts: 108
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Post by birb on Nov 11, 2004 23:06:51 GMT -5
--Ditto! I love this show and am appreciating it more with each episode! Velvet Ink Brush---- You have put so much of your heart and soul into this drama (not to mention hours and hours!!) Thank you so very much for everything!!! I'll second that Ditto !! THis is show awesome ! Velvet Ink Brush .... Thank you for posting each episode . Sometimes I have a hard time reading the Subtitles Or I get interupted and Miss a scene . So Im glad I can come here and know whats going on .
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Post by velvet inkbrush of YiSoonShin on Nov 13, 2004 15:53:34 GMT -5
hey guys! thanks so much for the compliments! they really mean a lot could I ask a favor though? if the synopsis is still not finished, could you post your feedback in the comments thread? just until i can get the whole episode out in one continuous run. i appreciate all of your posts! please keep them coming and i'll be sure to keep the summaries coming as well!
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