The Last Imoogi

Who is Kwon Jiyong?

It was a relief that Gyeonggi province was just outside the capital. They headed straight to Anseong and followed the location on the small map and before daybreak, they were able to reach the city.

"Mama, what if His Highness finds out about this?" Hong asked as they looked around the still quiet central market of Anseong.

"Didn't I tell you that Doctor Lee's sleeping pill is very effective? That was what he said. Since I used five of them on His Highness' food and tea, that should make him sleep for days."

"Mama… Please don't get me wrong. I know finding Jo Sanggung is important but why do I feel this is very wrong?" Hong blabbered only to be ignored by Sandara. Wearing one of Kwon Jiyong's clothes and making sure she was carrying the jade token Kwon Jiyong gave her before, she disguised herself as a male so as not to earn attention and so that she could move freely. Besides, if Jo Sanggung sees her before she could even find the old lady, then everything she went through would be useless.

As they walked past the city square, Hong guided her to a small shop which sells rice cakes and other sweets. Sandara viewed the map again. Is this the place? She could not help but feel a little sorry for Jo Sanggung. She had a high rank among the palace servants and now she's alone in this place selling rice cakes. Kwon Jiyong, you are so heartless!

Hong looked around but the establishment looked like it was not open yet so he asked one peddler passing by.

"Excuse me, is this woman working here?" Hong showed the man a portrait of Jo Sanggung and the man thought for a moment. Realizing the man might think they were up to no good, Hong further explained. "Don't get us wrong. My Lord here only wants to repay the old lady for her kind deed."

"Ah… That old lady in the portrait is the owner, sir. But the shop is still closed. You might want to wait for a bit. She lives nearby."

"Do you know where?"

Soon, Sandara and Hong found themselves at the foot of a small hill. The peddler pointed on top of it and prepared to leave. Hong gave the man some gold coins before they went uphill and soon, a wide estate welcomed their view. Sandara looked around, unable to believe that this is where Jo Sanggung was staying but there really was no other house nearby. Hong immediately ran towards the gates.

"Excuse me! Anybody home?" Hong knocked on the wooden door but no one answered. Hong cautiously went in and looked around. "Anybody home?"

"Yes! Who is there?" Not too long, a woman wearing a wide farmer's hat ran towards them from the backyard. Sandara covered her mouth as she gasped in surprise.

It really was Jo Sanggung!

"Jo Sanggung! It's me! Hahaha!" Hong met the old lady and held her hands.

"Little Hong!" Jo Sanggung dotingly cupped the guard's cheek and smiled gleefully until Hong stepped aside.

"Jo Sanggung, someone came with me." Hong told her and soon, Sandara removed her hat and smiled tearfully at Jo Sanggung.

"Jo Sanggung, how could you leave just like that?"

________________

"Mama, forgive this one." Jo Sanggung said as she knelt before Sandara. "I am unworthy of your presence. Please go back to the estate before His Highness finds out!"

"Jo Sanggung," Sandara squinted her eyes at the old lady. "Are you shutting me out? Are you telling me to leave when I just arrived from a long journey?"

"Mama! Please don't misunderstand!" Jo Sanggung bowed even lower until her head reached the wooden floor. Sandara immediately rushed to help her rise and sit down.