Peaceful Days – Spring Picnic (2)
Mirang was strange today.
She was completely silent.
She walked ahead, dutifully guiding the way.
The absence of her usual chatter felt more unusual than noise.
From time to time she turned back with a smile, as if checking whether they were following well, as though that alone were her duty today.
Perhaps she restrained herself in front of Lady So-gun, another woman of higher standing, but to So-un—who was accustomed to her endless prattle—the quiet felt unfamiliar.
After climbing the gently sloping mountain path for about half a shi, a small temple appeared.
An Iljumun gate stood upon the ridge, its single beam stretching across the path.
The dancheong colors had faded with time, yet under the spring sunlight they glowed softly.
Passing beneath the gate, the scent of pine and damp earth mingled in the air.
Sunlight filtered through fallen leaves, breaking into warm fragments.
From the bamboo grove came the low breath of wind.
Lady So-gun suggested they stop briefly.
The path was wide enough for two mounts to pass side by side, extending to the end of the monks' quarters.
So-un leapt down first and grasped the donkey's reins firmly.
He helped Lady So-gun dismount and tied the reins securely before following her up.
Two stone pagodas stood in the courtyard.
Their edges had been rounded by years of weather.
Fresh rake lines lay evenly across the sanded ground.
In a small pond beneath the steps, fallen plum blossoms floated on the surface.
Inside the main hall, a large gilt-bronze Buddha sat at the center.
Spring light slipped through the lattice windows and rested gently upon the statue's face.
On either side stood rows of attendant Buddhas, gleaming dimly.
The faint fragrance of incense lingered in the air.
Lady So-gun stood before the principal image and bowed slowly.
Mirang brought incense and lit it, placing more than a dozen sticks into the burner.
Thin streams of smoke rose and dissolved into the ceiling shadows.
Lady So-gun bowed deeply once more.
So-un remained still.
He believed it was courtesy to remain silent before another's faith.
The sight of Lady So-gun bending her entire body in reverence felt unfamiliar.
She had always seemed like someone who would bow to no one.
He did not know how long she remained that way.
After some time, she straightened and adjusted her garments.
So-un stepped outside the hall.
Spring seemed clearer there.
A pair of swallows darted beneath the eaves.
The bamboo leaves shimmered with fresh green.
When Lady So-gun emerged, a monk approached and pressed his palms together in greeting.
"I did not know Your Ladyship had come."
"We were climbing the mountain and stopped by."
The monk turned his gaze to So-un.
"And this young benefactor?"
"This is my nephew, of whom I spoke before. His name is Yu So-un. So-un, offer your greeting. This is the temple's abbot."
It was So-un's first time entering a temple, and his first time greeting a monk.
Unsure of the proper manner, he offered a martial salute with clasped fists.
Among those who joined palms in prayer, his gesture felt awkward.
"My name is Yu So-un."
"I have heard much of you. The young commander. The youth who defeated Gateukrip."
"You flatter me. Others accomplished it. I merely followed."
The abbot smiled gently.
"Merit may be shared, but responsibility is seldom so easily divided. To carry such weight at your age is worthy."
He studied the boy for a moment and added,
"How fares your heart these days?"
"I am learning. Though I do not yet know what it is that I learn."
"To know that you do not know—already you stand upon the path. Spring is the season when all things awaken. The human heart is no different."
The abbot turned toward Lady So-gun.
"Your Ladyship has come often. Even when the mountain winds were cold, you offered incense."
She answered quietly,
"I only wish for well-being. Those who have left their families for distant lands must endure loneliness and hardship. When he departed on long campaigns, I came almost daily."
The abbot nodded.
"Where the heart reaches, there the path lies. Please enjoy the mountain's spring fully today."
"We shall."
The abbot bowed and withdrew.
Descending to the courtyard, So-un spoke softly.
"You have been coming here to pray."
"Yes. To wish for safety. That is what we can do. Wherever they are in this world, we can only hope they remain unharmed."
A surge of guilt washed over him.
He realized that he had nearly allowed daily life to dull his memory.
Lady So-gun had continued climbing this path, remembering and longing.
Today she had brought him along, but clearly she had come many times before.
"Shall we go? The climb must be tiring."
"No. We came for a picnic. We will have our picnic. This was only a stop along the way."
Mirang, who had been waiting below, stepped ahead once more.
The path narrowed into an earthen trail.
After several rises and descents, the view suddenly opened.
The mountainside fell away before them.
Fields in pale green, a winding stream, and thin columns of smoke rising from distant houses lay spread below.
A few low rocks framed the clearing, and short grass rippled in the breeze.
The scent of new growth filled the air.
"This is the place I meant to come."
"It is beautiful."
Standing in that open space, So-un felt his heart widen with the horizon.
"Mirang."
"Yes, My Lady."
"Prepare the meal."
"Yes, My Lady."
Mirang spread a mat and set down the small tables.
Food boxes and a water flask were arranged neatly.
While she prepared, the two walked slowly across the meadow.
Walking side by side upon the height felt different from speaking face to face within the small pavilion.
The wind brushed against their chests.
The breath of spring filled them deeply.
The quiet pulse of nature flowed gently between them.