Moon's Whisper, Heart's Echo

7.The bird

A day had passed since Kim Jun-ho's visit, the folded paper bearing Master Park's address resting like a stone in Nandi's desk drawer.

Each morning, she would catch herself reaching for it, only to draw back. But as the day wore on, her professional obligations – and if she was honest with herself, her curiosity – won out.

"The address has been verified," Young-ah reported, kneeling beside Nandi's desk with a stack of freshly arrived correspondence. "Three different merchants confirmed its location in the eastern district." She hesitated, then added, "Though they seemed... surprised by our inquiry."

Ji-soo, who had been arranging Nandi's hair for the day ahead, paused with a pin held delicately between her fingers. "Surprised?"

"Apparently the Park family rarely receives visitors without formal introduction." Young-ah's voice carried that particular tone that meant she was choosing her words carefully. "The estate is one of the largest in the district."

"And you're certain you want to make this visit today?" Ji-soo resumed her work on Nandi's hair, though her eyes met Young-ah's in the bronze mirror. "Without sending formal announcement first?"

"If I send notice," Nandi replied, adjusting her ginger silk chogori, "they'll have time to prepare excuses or simply be 'unavailable.' Besides," she added, more to herself than her companions, "I've waited long enough."

The trio made a small procession made its way through Hanyang's winding streets. Min-joon had been left in Master Song's care, despite his dramatic protests about missing what he'd termed their "adventure."

"Though he wasn't entirely wrong about the adventure part," Ji-soo murmured as they turned another corner, leaving the familiar district behind. The houses here grew progressively grander, their walls higher, each gate bearing elaborate family markers that spoke of old wealth and older names.

A group of noble ladies passed in their palanquins, servants clearing the way ahead of them. Nandi and her companions stepped aside, observing proper protocol, though she noticed how the ladies' curious gazes lingered on their small group. It wasn't often that a woman like her ventured into this part of the capital, even one as well-known as she.

When they finally reached the address from Jun-ho's paper, Nandi had to admit it was impressive even by noble standards.

The wall tiles bore subtle patterns that only the finest craftsmen could achieve, their deep blue-green glaze catching the morning light.

"My lady," Young-ah whispered, her voice carrying a note of awe. "The family marker..."

Nandi looked up. The wooden tablet beside the gate bore the same seal she'd seen on Lady Park's palanquin in the market – the elegant woman who had shown such kindness to Min-joon, who always seemed to appear at precisely the right moment with encouragement or sweets.

Before she could process this revelation, the gate began to open. A servant emerged, then stopped abruptly at the sight of visitors.

"Oh!" The woman's eyes widened. She bowed quickly before calling over her shoulder. "My lady! We have—"

"Oh my, Min-joon-eommonim!" The formality of her bearing softened immediately.

Lady Park appeared in the gateway, her presence somehow both graceful and commanding. Her grey hair was arranged perfectly beneath ornate silver pins, her hanbok a subtle shade of sky blue. "What a lovely surprise!" Her eyes crinkled warmly. "Though I must ask – how did you find us?"

"I..." Nandi found herself momentarily at a loss. "We're actually here about a potential proposal for your son."

Lady Park's eyebrows rose delicately. "A proposal? For Tae-young?" She looked genuinely surprised. "I wasn't aware he was... that is..." She paused, studying Nandi with new interest. "Perhaps we should continue this conversation inside? The morning air carries quite a chill."