THE FISHERMAN'S PRIZE - PART 9

 

THE FISHERMAN’S PRIZE

(SECTION 9)

                                                                                   

 

After several gulps, Kaimu then expressed his approval of the choice wine.  “This brew you've brought is the best I've tasted.  It's very good.  It's so, so smooth and so, so tasty.”  Again, he downed some more and licked his lips afterwards, showing his pleasure.

His drinking sessions with Zianko had strengthened his resilience and immured him to last out regardless of the quantity consumed.  “We must have Zianko over one evening and show off our superior brew.” 

Yoansu took his father's words as jest and so nodded his head in assent without inquiry.  Kaimu, pleased, settled back in his chair and explained. “As you well know son, she is no relative of ours. In fact, she’s not even a native of this country. That is why she could not engage in any conversation. She can hear and speak well enough, in her own strange dialogue. We only said she was a relation, to placate Tufan, to place your wife's mind at ease.”  Then he snickered, “If we had told her the truth, she might not have slept a wink at all, this night.”  He took another gulp and passed it down his throat with a gurgle. “And no, despite what you may think, I’m far too old to consider such goings on.” Then after a pause, he pitted his harsh gaze on his son and said, “The fact is, Jiense was kept here for the sole purpose of (mating with you) becoming your wife...How were we to know you would return with one of your own choosing?  This is a clear case of one bride too many.”

The son's eyes opened wide as he inwardly reveled in this unexpected good fortune.  Looking in Jiense’s direction he gasped, then feigning ignorance, he exclaimed in amazement. “But, father, we’ve always lacked the funds for the procurement of any wife for me, foreign or otherwise.  We didn't have it when Elder Brother wanted to marry.  I’m aware of the imposed hardships here and scarcity of such a find. Surely, she did not fall from the sky.” Yoansu shook his head.

 As if you didn’t know or couldn’t guess!  Kaimu mused, with a wry smile. Then softening his gaze, he responded. “What you don't understand son, is that she cost us not a single Zukon.  She came to us free, yes, free as a bird! Almost as good as if she’d fallen from the sky.” He then reasserted, seeing utter disbelief in Yoansu’s eyes.

“But how can one as beautiful as she…?” Yoansu’s curiosity had now peaked.

    “Not snatched up by all the ruffians on the prowl?” Kaimu finished the sentence for Yoansu. “Heaven only knows.” Kaimu shrugged, as if indifferently; then after a brief respite, he consented. “Very well, I shall not prolong the suspense any longer.”  Oh, but he so enjoyed the act of stringing along a captive audience.

Yoansu thence (thus) listened with rapt attention to the incredible accounts of Kaimu’s story:

“Well son, it was a strange day, a day like no other, when I picked up my net and headed out to sea in my boat.”  Now it was his turn to embellish the facts of his story, albeit an actual one.  Kaimu studied his son’s face carefully as he told in detail the dangers he’d faced. His heart sank, reaffirming his belief, when he saw no sign of surprise, concern or compassion in that well-polished, yet hardened face.

“I hauled the body aboard my small craft.  Since the body was still warm and there was a slight movement of the head, I knew that she was still among the living.  By now you see, I had found out that he was she.  Rowing to shore I carried her back home and left her in the care of your mother.  Not wishing to waste the day, I returned to sea once more and that night returned with a bountiful catch.  You can imagine my happiness at having struck out lucky, twice in one day.”

 Even though his mind raced with millions of questions, Yoansu dared not interrupt, lest his father (with his foul temper) halted and left him hanging in a quandary with the unanswered facts.

 “We nursed her back to life and looked after her all this time, in happy anticipation of your safe return.  We looked forward to surprising you with this lucky chance; instead, you had your own surprise for us.  Little did we think you would return with a wife of your own?”  Slamming his hand on the table, in his somewhat drunken state, he cursed the gods of the sea and with undecipherable mumble aired his heart’s grievances.  After which he gulped down the rest of the wine in the cup.  The son again hurriedly filled it to the brim as he’d been doing all night.  After a thoughtful silence, which Kaimu remained perfectly still his chin cupped in his left hand, he then concluded, “Well, that changes everything. Still, since we spent our time and food on her...Hmm.”

Now that he knew all the facts, Yoansu remained most unwilling to let go of this golden opportunity.  In fact, he would like nothing better than to dispose of his tiresome old wife and indulge in pleasure with this tender shoot of a rare find.

Failing that, he would have them both.

Nevertheless, Yoansu knew that it would be a daunting task to convince his upright mother to accept this sort of bigamous relationship. On the other hand, he might have a better chance with this old relic, as Kaimu was an ordinary, ignoble man and hence, more open to such notions.

 In that awkward repose, he’d therefore had pondered on his persuasive arguments:

  Yes, bigamy was unlawful in Wenjenkun, but who abided by laws here, in this remote corner, with no real enforcement to speak of?  Besides, provided one had the monetary means, one could always maintain a mistress or have illicit liaisons (consort) with servants.  After all, was it not men’s prerogative to fulfill their destinies by appeasing their ferocious sexual appetites that ultimately perpetuated the human species and ensured their domination of the world? As many held this viewpoint, no one had paid any genuine heed to this unnatural and unrealistic mockery of a law in the doctrines that imposed quixotic monogamy on the citizens of a civilized society. As proof throughout the land, polygamy had secretly, under the very noses of authorities, had flourished (thrived) even amongst (with) didactic, well-established families. Emperor himself was rumored to have had numerous illicit relations with those noble young ladies, ones in the close company of the Empress.  Meanwhile, houses of pleasure flourished, feeding the egos of lesser, indigent classes. 

As his own wife was in a family way and he meant to leave her to Ensa’s competent care anyhow, why not take Jiense back to town with him as his mistress, a companion of sorts, to ward off temptations from other illicit women (prostitutes). What could be better than that, as it would certainly keep him on the righteous course?”

 “Why can't I have her as my mistress?” Instead, Yoansu suddenly proposed (blurted out).  “I can take Jiense back to the city with me and leave Tufan, as it would be difficult for her in her family way, to adjust to a new lifestyle with you guys and to moreover in future, take good care of you both in your old age. My resourceful wife has a big mouth; everyone back in town will think Jiense’s a relative. Meanwhile, if anything happened to my wife, I would have a perfectly good one for (as) a standby.”

 “You would like that, wouldn’t you?” Kaimu frowned. “Supposed virtuous son; what about the feelings and needs of your pregnant wife… you would forsake her as callously as that?” He growled.

Yoansu bowed his head feigning shame. It wasn’t going to be that easy convincing this old coot!

Kaimu relented; striving for peace, he smiled mischievously and nodded.

“Then again, Jiense is quite a beauty, how can I blame you. Nevertheless, you must constrain your wayward (capricious) love interests, for woman, your wife, can always sense these things.”

Ensa, who had strained her ears and had heard only the last part of what had been said, now seething in anger, bolted to her feet (jumped up in a big hurry) and burst out of the room. Shaking an accusing finger to her husband and then to her son, she scoffed.

 “The pair of you is shameless, talking of her as if she was a tender piece of fish or meat, ready to be consumed!” 

Turning to her husband in a more accusatory tone, she snarled. “You’re the worst. Just because you saved her life and gave her shelter, that doesn’t give you the right to act as if you owned her. She is a living, breathing, independent human being…not some animal to do with as you liked! I thought we’d kept her because we had a good reason to, and that even now, we would strive to do the right thing for her.  But you two...” Then, turning again to face her son, “And you!  Have you no shame?  A brand-new wife in there, already with a child and you talk of having another.  I thought I had brought you up right, but now I am disappointed in you.  Too bad...”

“Hush up, woman!” Kaimu stormed at her.  “Who asked your opinion? This does not concern you.  Now get out of here before I really lose my temper and give you a taste of this.” He showed a threatening clenched fist in the air. And don't think your son being here is going to change anything.”

“Go ahead, I dare you to!” Ensa stuck her chest out in defiance.  

The son at this point hastily interjected to placate his father, meanwhile asking his mother to please stop her goading diatribe and withdraw quietly from this highly volatile scene (the room).  As she with hurtful countenance, reluctantly, seeing sense, turned to go, Kaimu quite incensed still, bellowed after her. “You are always meddling in my affairs and stirring up trouble! What business is it of yours, what I do with her?” Then turning to face his son, he grumbled.  “See what I have to put up with, day in and day out?”

Yoansu nodded; for how else he was to respond.

 Emboldened by this, Kaimu shouted after Ensa once more. “If you continue to anger me, I may dispose of you altogether and take her as my wife instead.  Or better still, give her to Zianko!” Then in that moment being reminded of something, he reverted (turned) his attention back on Yoansu. “That’s right, the rogue knows all about her! The scoundrel wormed it out of me one night during our drinking bout.”

Just one more reason to, (dispose) off that cur, Yoansu mused coldly.

 

Now who could sleep through that entire racket?  But one, that should have understood and taken due caution, could not tell what was being said, while the new bride, Tufan had only woken up midway from her deep slumber, missing most of it, except for the last part. Nevertheless, Kaimu's abusive words to his wife had been enough to cause disgust and a bit of a fright in Tufan. From their last exchange, she now concluded that the old man must have been carrying on impure thoughts or perhaps an illicit affair with someone, and having been confronted with it by his wife, it had spurred his outrage. At this point Tufan had cursed her ill fate, for allowing her to be part of such an ignoble, vulgar family.  She cursed her uncle for deliberately withholding this fact from her and she cursed herself for being so completely beguiled (duped) by one with such base, humble origins.  She would have been more mortified had she heard all that had been said and came to know the truth about Jiense.

Subsequently, as things had quieted down, the already exhausted women folk had succumbed to an uneasy sleep.   In that seeming quietude, Yoansu with his duplicitous design had deliberately plied his father with added drinks.

Precipitately, Kaimu refusing next refill, proposed: “The atmosphere is quite stifling in here, why don’t we go outside for a bit of fresh air.”

Finding this most agreeable, Yoansu nodded in concurrence.

And so, they’d walked quietly for some time under the blanket of night’s sky, their seemingly capricious steps leading them towards the shed and even going beyond it, as far as safety had allowed.

Satisfied that they had gone beyond everyone’s hearing range- Kaimu then abruptly halting grabbed hold of Yoansu’s arm and brusquely pulled him aside. Cocking (tilting) his head to one side, he spoke in a stern voice: “If you’ve had your fill of games son, I would like to now delve into the truth…You still know what that is, right?” Then curtly turning away grumbled under his breath. “I really should be furious with him, far more than I am, for his arrogance and his audacity!”

Yoansu was too amazed, to see his father after the volume (amount) of snifter (alcoholic drink, consumption) being still in full faculty of his senses, to take any offense. “Father, back in there, I did not mean what I said about the girl….” He started to say, but Kaimu put a hand over his son’s mouth to stop him. “Save your breath!” He ejected tersely. “But there’s another matter that warrants clarification.” He then added sternly, as he deliberately turned his back to his son and walked brusquely away. 

Now Kaimu had excellent night vision, but Yoansu stumbled over a rock or two as he hastily rushed to catch up with him. Thank Heaven the moon periodically peeped from the clouds to provide him with some illumination.

“Father, please stop!” The urgency of the latter’s voice brought Kaimu to a reluctant halt. With a wry smile he waited rooted to the spot for his son to reach him.

“Back inside, your claims as to how you’d acquired your wife. That was quite a tale you told son.”

When Yoansu tried to protest, showing indignation in face, Kaimu raised his hand to stop him. “Don’t insult my intelligence!” He scoffed. “I’m not as gullible as your mother. Her love for you is so great; she’ll swallow any lie you utter, always believing in the best of you. I went along, not wishing to dishearten her. But honestly, who is she, your wife? Would you, also care to tell me the real account of how you came to amass your apparent wealth? Gambling, teahouses… feed that chum to the sharks!” Kaimu snarled.

 

(END OF SECTION 9)

 

                                                                                  

(BE SURE TO CHECK BACK AND LEARN, WHAT FACTS WILL BE REVEALED IN NEXT POST OF THE FISHERMAN’S PRIZE, SECTION 10)

                                                                                     ~

 

 

 

THE FISHERMAN'S PRIZE - (PART 8)

 

Tufan Wugan

THE FISHERMAN’S PRIZE
(SECTION 8)

 

Overlooking his father’s antics, Yoansu with a renewed zeal resumed his narrative- by now being most anxious also, in reaching the end.  “The next two days in happy anticipation I waited for Mr. Wugan to pay me back, or rather to fail to pay me back, the sum he’d borrowed.  I had already quit my job and moved to a more comfortable lodging. Now having won enough money, in a week or two I planned to start my own business, a lucrative, competitive teahouse that would be frequented by all. Once the money came pouring in, I planned to begin preparations for the journey home.”

He’s such a scoundrel! Kaimu inwardly scoffed. Things should be that easy.

“You mean you have an established business there… you haven’t come home to stay for good?” Ensa morosely interrupted her son.

“I shall stay a while mom. And I promise I’ll frequent you both more often from now on. But I can make a much better living in town. Besides, this way I can also provide for you both all the comforts (extra amenities) of life that up until now you’ve been denied.”

“I meant no offense dad.” Yoansu had quickly added that last part in a placating tone, to allay (pacify, stem) Kaimu’s rising fury.

“We don’t care about material wealth son.” Ensa’s eyes in gratitude had nevertheless, glistened (brimmed) with tears. “I’d rather not miss you so much!”

“Don’t worry mom.” Yoansu added quickly. “My wife and your future grandson shall stay with you both to help you along with your chores. This is a better environment for them. And it will give me cause for frequent visits. Later still, to lessen the inconvenience, I shall engage workman to construct few more additions to this place.” Yoansu promised magnanimously.

 “Now, having gotten ahead of myself, let me see…. I’ll have to retrace some steps in the story.” Yoansu smiled sheepishly at his father.

“Story, hmm, a rather an apt choice of word!” Kaimu mumbled to himself as he grimaced back. Fortunately, no one had paid any heed to his wry skepticism.

 “Well anyhow, I’d left word at my old lodgings as to where I could be reached in case Mr. Yuksul Wugan called.  When it was well past the promised time, and he had not shown up, I decided to call on him instead.  I had asked the whereabouts of his home at the time I had loaned him the money.  Gaining some directions, I found the place without much difficulty.  The house was quite large and stately. Chief Stuart ushered me in. I threaded timidly with my rough sandals over the plush carpet that lined the floors. His wife greeted me at the reception room with a rather cold demeanor.

 Now the interior of the room was most handsomely decorated and it told of finer days when they must have lived in lap of luxury with countless servants running about on errands.  Presently all I could see was but a few servants. After the customary fragrant tea, I was led into an interior studio, where I saw the master of the house, Mr. Yuksul Wugan, resting on a large, canopied sofa.  I found him to be quite sickly in appearance, as though he had aged still more over time.  There was a strained relationship between him and his wife; she obviously did not approve of my being there.  When he had lost badly that night, returning home broken-hearted, he’d confessed to his wife his wager with me.   I later learned that they had argued the whole length of the night and most of the following day over this concern.  She threatened to leave him for good and, by taking his daughter with her, planned to go live with her parents.  How dare he be so heartless as to sell his daughter, for this was exactly what he had done?  She would desert him and let him stew in his own juice for this grievous wrongdoing. By no means was the wagered daughter their only offspring.  They had three others married off to lofty citizens, living in other parts of the country.  This shame would mar them also… A real loss of face this would bring to them all!”

The old Wugan had never done anything like this before.  That night he had lost his head, certain of his good fortune as augured (prophesied) by a soothsayer (seer), that he had made the bet.  Now feeling ever so foolish, he’d been stricken with remorse, especially since he had failed to raise the funds through other means.  A man of his stature, with a certain reputation to uphold, felt obliged to keeping his end of the bargain.  Hence, he’d begged his wife's forgiveness and understanding; swore never to gamble again, then with deep regret asked her to prepare their daughter, on the sure anticipation of my call. Meanwhile the shame and all that emotional turmoil taking its toll on him, he’d fallen ill. When his daughter was told of part of the truth and her imminent departure, she’d wailed bitterly and tried to kill herself. Fortunately, her mother had prevented her from doing so.”

Yoansu oozed in confidence. He knew that the elaborate narrative, with endless intriguing details would eliminate any doubt or wayward questions from their minds.

Expectantly, as the night wore on, with so much information crammed into their brains, the honest, simple folks appeared completely and utterly duped.

At least she comes from a good home. Ensa reflected.  Our grandson is bound to be someone worthy, as long as he does not take after his maternal grandfather.

No wonder she looked down on us.  A highborn girl like that will remain discontented and hard to please.  I’m afraid she will never fit in.

“Now father,” Yoansu continued, “If it were not for the considerable sum that I had loaned him, I would have forgotten about the debt.  Still, moved by sympathy to his affliction, I offered to give him an extension in time, saying he could pay me back at a future date, but he would not hear of it, and did not allow any extension.  Though, as he spoke, he did throw a cautionary look over his shoulder to assure himself his wife had not returned prematurely with the daughter to overhear what was being discussed.”  As if being reminded, Yoansu too, rose from his seat and quietly peeped into their room to reassure himself that his wife had slept through it all.  When he returned, he caught the last bit of his father's words to Ensa, “What a spineless old man, being afraid of a wife!  I suppose men go soft in the towns.”

“Not so loud,” Yoansu hurriedly cautioned him.  Pointing to the room he said, “She might wake up and overhear.”

“Have you gone soft too?” Kaimu sternly admonished his son.  “So, what if she hears me?”  Then looking away mused. “Or do you fear her exposing you!”

Yoansu, in an effort to silence Kaimu, quickly resumed his story, “As I was saying, he did not allow me to spare him from his obligation.  Now, father, I am not a heartless man, and I prepared myself to offer still more insistence on forgetting that part of the deal and deferring payment of cash till later date. But just at that moment her mother had brought her in, and I saw that she was indeed a rare beauty.  She at once captured my heart and stole all contrary words from my mouth.”

At this point Yoansu had paused for a spell as he’d lowered his head in thoughtful air. “Anyway, after seeing her I’d aborted any notion (thought) of calling off the deal.  I could not bring myself to spurn this chance which had come my way.  Still, to rest in good conscience, being brought up so decently by you both, I made the proposal of doing the right thing by her.  This granted, I then formally asked permission from the father to be united with her in lawful matrimony.  Proposing that the loaned sum be considered instead as her dowry; in so doing, I saved them face.  Mr. Yuksul Wugan was so pleased that he readily assented.”

“A shrewd move,” Kaimu interjected, “he had you save his family's honor and still kept his money.”

“But father, I was the fortunate one,” Yoansu countered, “for how else I could have secured myself such a beautiful wife from an affluent and well-respected family?”

“Respectable families do not gamble away their daughters!” Kaimu brusquely responded. 

Yoansu, for the sake of preserving peace, curtailed his disparaging remarks.

The silence was broken by Ensa’s timely intercession. “You did the right thing, my son.  Imagine, so far from home and you still behaved so admirably.  I am very proud of you.”  She had brought him up right. He had moral integrity.  She took a great chunk of that credit and wore it on her breastplate like a medal.

Kaimu glared at his incurably deluded idealistic wife.

Yoansu could not make sense of his father’s indifference. “I had to do the proper thing for them.” He therefore reasserted. “And yes, in case you’re wondering, I had more than enough funds to cover the wedding formalities and travel expenses.”

In an unbroken silence Ensa nodded her approval.  Kaimu looked away, burrowing his angry gaze on the mounted religious plague.

“On that happiest day of my life, they’d staged a generous feast for the ‘Wedding

 Ceremony’ and invited well over thousand guests.” Meanwhile Yoansu had continued. “It was a magnificent affair (social event), one that far exceeded my dreams. I only wished you two could have been there.”

How did they find the means; where did they procure all that money for such an elaborate extravaganza? Kaimu inwardly chewed on the words. Bah! Loopholes, there’s too many loopholes in your story! At this point Kaimu’s mind straying: he pondered on the question of her respectability. Who was she really? What’s with the charade?

 “After the ceremony when we formally became husband and wife, I continued to stay with them until she was fit for the journey.” Yoansu continued, oblivious to Kaimu's inner resentment.

Fit, as in pregnant? Kaimu scoffed under his breath.

“Some of the finer gifts: the silk embroidered cloth, the jeweled hairpin, one of the wines, as well as the sweets are all gifts from the respected ‘in-laws’.  They were very generous to me during my stay with them and never made me feel out of sorts.  Overlooking my crude manners and coarse habits they made me feel as though I belonged to their class (station in life).  I confess, Tufan's mother was still a bit stand-offish towards me,” Yoansu's voice became softer here, “but Mr, Wugan was most understanding and kind. I’d stayed there you see, for Tufan’s sake.” He then quickly added.

At this point Kaimu’s mounting skepticism had turned into sheer rage, and had it not been for Ensa’s timely intercession, directing their attention to the lateness of the hour, Kaimu would have definitely blown his top. 

Kaimu was incensed, having had heard enough prevarication for one night.  Nodding his assent, he rose to go, but Yoansu had no intention of going to sleep and insisted that he was not tired in the least.  He tugged at his father's sleeve to stop him from leaving and said, “Father, let mother go to bed, but let us spend a little more time together.   I've just come home after a long absence and we still have so much ground to cover, we can always sleep later.”  Hurriedly he then poured still more wine into Kaimu's cup and offered it respectfully with both hands in an attempt to coerce him to stay.  He was counting on the fact that Kaimu had the gift of gab when with male companions, whereas he remained closemouthed with females.

He wants something! Now disposed to the idea of staying, Kaimu ordered his wife to stop pestering him and go to bed by herself, adding that he wished to converse with his son in private for a while longer, without a constant harassment (interruption) from a meddling old woman. 

And so, against her better judgment, Ensa was forced to retire.  Yet despite her fatigue she lay awake in bed, waiting for her husband to join her.

Yoansu had an ulterior motive in detaining his father and keeping him from sleep this night. With Ensa out of the way now, Yoansu felt freer to speak his mind. The whole secrecy about Jiense had aroused his curiosity; herbal pouch cast aside, after renewed bouts of drinking and pleasant exchanges of facts, Yoansu artfully then steered the conversation to the point of interest.

“Now, father,” he began with his amiable tone. “I have told you my story in detail; won't you tell me yours?  I am most anxious to learn more about her.”  Pointing at (cocking his head in the direction of) the space behind the straw curtain, he asked in repetition, without a pause. “How did she come by? How is it that all through the night she’s not uttered a single word? She seems dumbfounded when we speak yet anyone can see she is intelligent enough to comprehend mother’s sign language.  Is she partially handicapped?” For what purpose has she been kept? Then again, she is attractive enough and appears most docile…”

Get your mind out of the gutter! Kaimu wanted to bark at his son but lowered his head instead and said coldly, “Your wife must be anxious for you to join her. Why stay away?

 “She is probably fast asleep,” Yoansu protested. “But I will not be, not unless you resolve this mystery.  Please father let me in on the secret!”

 Let me string you along for a change and see how you like it. After his prolonged silence, pretending insobriety (intoxication) and a soft spot for his son, he supposedly reluctantly gave his consent.  “Very well, then...But first let us have some more wine, I feel parched this very night.” 

Kaimu had also wished to test his son’s stamina.

 

(END OF SECTION 8)

 

THE FISHERMAN'S PRIZE - (PART 7)

 

 THE FISHERMAN’S PRIZE

  (PART 7)

 After Yoansu had exited his old room, he quietly went over and seated himself across from his father who’d also had a change of clothing.

Ensa was quick to rush over with a new pot of tea for them, but the old man pushed it aside and asked his wife to bring them the wine instead. “This is a time for celebration!”  He scoffed, “why begrudge us the wine?”

“But husband,” Ensa countered, “you’d drunk the last of it the day before yesterday in company of Zianko. There is not a drop of it left in the house!”

“Oh, I forgot.” Shamefaced Kaimu lowered his head.

Yoansu did not like hearing of his father’s renewed liaison with that vile, loathsome neighbor. Hadn’t Zianko been forewarned to stay away? I guess he needed a stronger incentive!  Inwardly Yoansu made a note, to take care of it personally, at first opportunity.

“Oh, I nearly forgot, I have brought you some, Father.” Yoansu excitedly interjected, suddenly recalling the rare vintage he’d packed as a special gift for Kaimu. “Let me go and fetch it for you.”  So, saying, he went to his room, unfastened a large bundle and removed from it two large jugs of fine wine in very ornate containers, which spoke volumes of their high cost (worth).  He then gingerly carried them one at a time to the table in the living room.  Kaimu opened his eyes wide in happy anticipation, his mouth already watering and saliva gurgling in his throat; he absentmindedly licked his lips.

“You can afford this?”

Gloating, the son simply nodded. “Let me do the honors father.” He then humbly proposed. Upon latter’s consent, Yoansu quickly broke the seal and filled the two cups that Ensa had provided.

“What about you, mother? Please join us too.” Yoansu would have insisted, but she’d waved a hand in dismissal, firmly declining the offer; then rushed off, saying she had multitude of things to do. This put an abrupt end to Yoansu’s scheme of next inviting Jiense.

As the two men toasted to each other’s health, and gulped down the wine, Ensa knowing her husband's greed, had quietly carried off the second jug to a shelf in the kitchen, to be consumed at a later time. 

Kaimu sneered, seeing this from the corner of his eye, while he had raised the cup to his lip, but said nothing.  As his son filled his father's cup repeatedly, the other consumed it with eager frequency. 

Afraid that her husband would get too drunk and misbehave, therefore scaring off their new daughter-in-law so soon after her arrival, Ensa rushed some tidbits for them to consume; then positioning herself behind her husband's back, gave her son a discrete signal “to slow down with his service!”  The son, understanding, affectionately grinned, and nodded his head to her in assent when Kaimu’s attention was diverted to the choice bit of morsel in front of him.

In a very short span of time that they had conversed, father and son had covered most of what had transpired in each other's absence. 

Yoansu spoke of his many hardships till he’d finally reached Kuno town.

               Contented to staying there and travelling no further, his first act had been to seek cheap lodgings, then to gain honest, decent employment.  The first task had been easy enough to attain, but the second had been harder than imaginable.

As Ensa rushed about, she could not help but utter a sigh, for her heart broke hearing of her son's (imagined) endured hardships.  Kaimu ignored Ensa, but the son gave a consoling smile to his mother without breaking his story.

    Wishing to stay on the true moral course, he’d worn down the soles of his feet trying to gain legitimate employment of some worth.  All he could find, however, had been the most demeaning jobs, that of which he’d cared not to extrapolate on.

“I’m proud of you son.” Ensa at this point coming over had padded her son’s cheek. Encouraged by this response, Yoansu then sewed a lengthier yarn.

According to him eventually his perseverance and tenacity had paid off. He’d gained lawful employment at a reputable teahouse, with still more promising prospects. Before long he’d furthered his position, with his diligence, and became an assistant manager.  There he’d stayed adding up his adequate earnings till it amounted to a respectable sum, after which he’d planned to return home with it.

As such, Yoansu took delight in spinning a convincing fabrication and pulling wool over these foolish but nevertheless much beloved parents.

All this time for the sake of peace, Kaimu had masked his growing resentment and mounting anger at this apparent, rather insulting deception. Not at all blinded to his son’s arrogance and other character flaws as Ensa, he’d detected far too many irregularities and numerous inconsistencies in his son’s accounts. Only, out of deference to his wife, he’d kept his tongue.

Yoansu rounding his story, then had steered the conversation to a point where ceasing the opening, the chance, he renewed his inquiry about Jiense. But, once more, Kaimu avoided responding (averted replying) to his son’s question and instead, rather bluntly shepherded (maneuvered) Yoansu’s attention to yet another topic of conversation.

 Though this further intrigued Yoansu, knowing his father's stubborn and temperamental nature he consigned himself to exercising patience.  Ensa and Jiense meanwhile had busied themselves in the kitchen, readying the supper.  Jiense had felt quite uncomfortable at first being inundated under the burning gazes of Yoansu but deeming it to be nothing more than an idle curiosity on the part of the son, she’d dismissed it eventually and gave it no further thought. 

Finally, the new daughter-in-law Tufan made her grand entrance, emerging from the room all refreshed, powdered and rouged- which made her look totally out of place, and even absurd.  Instead of going over to the womenfolk to offer her help, she accepted the man’s polite invitation and brazenly set herself at the table between them, to be waited on. 

Ensa, the most understanding mother-in -law, overlooked Tufan's arrogant indiscretion and thoughtlessness, and bore her no contempt, something that another in her palace most certainly would not have done.

The storage space at the side of the kitchen meanwhile had been hastily prepared as the new designated sleeping quarters for Jiense.  As it were, the entire dwelling consisted of two bedrooms and one big living room, where they did everything: cooking, eating, entertainment, reading, weaving, sawing etc.  When they had company, as means of privacy they pulled at the string, which lowered a straw mat curtain from the ceiling and divided the living room into two, concealing the kitchen.  After further division, it was the makeshift room at the corner of kitchen that now served as Jiense’s sleeping quarters at night.  During the day, her bedding would be folded and placed in the old couple's bedroom for storage. 

All the preparations for dinner completed, the womenfolk sat themselves at the table as well to consume the rich fare that Ensa and Jiense had done their best to produce.  In this happy atmosphere they toasted endlessly to their future happiness, harmonious relationships and long life.  Of course, since Jiense was still considered part of the family, she was included in their celebration at the dinner table, and even came to share a drink or two with them when they proposed a toast to the newlyweds.  The exciting sounds of happy chatter and laughter ensued well into the night. Finally, the young women were allowed to retire, while Ensa seated well off to the side, stayed up to finish her mending tasks.

In this more private atmosphere, Kaimu then broached the more delicate subject, the acquisition of Tufan, with Yoansu.

“You see, in the same street, at the opposite corner from this teahouse, there was another business establishment, which had many customers streaming in and out of it all the time.” Yoansu now, without abandon, relinquished the rest of the story.  “This place livened up at night, and the most exciting sounds of music, happy chatter and laughter emanated endlessly from it until dawn.  The vitality of this place kept me both curious and sleepless many a night, despite my exhausted state.”

“My discreet inquiries revealed that this place was what was known as ‘House of Pleasure’.  A section of it was reserved for gamblers.” Yoansu leaning forward in a softer voice added. “And another section was earmarked (assigned, apportioned) for the customers to pass their time in the company of loose women, ones that have abandoned all moral conduct and offer services of the most intimate kind to men for a specified price.” Then continuing in a low voice, Yoansu could not resist, in teasing the old man’ with his elaboration of tantalizing accounts and shocking specifics.

Despite his mounting interest, Kaimu all through it all had maintained his stiff composure, and assuming high moral air, now and then, even showed a frown on his face. “I was appalled!  I mean I had heard that cities contained such places, but I had no idea that this town contained one as well.”

Yoansu wanted to roar out loud but playing along, he stifled his laughter. Then feigning modesty, he quickly added, “But I digress.”

Ensa had cocked her ears, trying to overhear the soft-spoken words of Yoansu, but to her chagrin, she’d still missed most of it.  Now she wondered to what “such places” her son was referring.

“Since my curiosity had been aroused,” the son continued, “I don't know how, but, despite my prior resolution, one day I found myself in the interior.”

Overlooking his son’s indiscretions and wanting to ease his mounting apprehension, Kaimu at this point hastily interjected: “Well, I hope you went to the section where only the men congregated.”  He could not bring himself however to say, and I hope you are not leading to the fact that this girl you brought home as your wife came from such a place! 

Surmising this, Yoansu gave a wry smile and shook his head in the negative (from side to side). Leaning back, he then continued, “There, at first, I remained as an observer, buying only a drink or two so that I would be inconspicuous, and watched over their shoulders the strange gambling games they played.  These, I later learned, were slap-yurkin, sondure, and dap-gurken games.  Of course, it was far more sophisticated in form than the kind played in remote areas.  However, over time, I was drawn to the games and took part in them myself.” Yoansu feigning shame admitted.

“Soon I’d become addicted and played frequently, always gambling my day's or week's wages, and even going without food.”

“What an innocent account.” Kaimu mused. “I could almost believe him.”

“Tisk, tisk, tisk,” Ensa was heard expressing her disapproval and disappointment as she shook her head.

“Be quiet, woman!” Kaimu snapped.  “Instead of eavesdropping, why don't you go to bed?”

Though angered, she’d restrained her retort and not wishing to break harmony, she’d simply lowered her head.

Some things never change! Yoansu shook his head, then throwing a sad look at his mother, inwardly asked. Why do you put up with his antics (insults)?

“You always provoke me, making me look (appear) the villain!” Kaimu (surmising this) grumbled plaintively.

“As I was saying,” Yoansu, for the sake of peace, quickly resumed his tale. “My addiction to gambling of course gave me serious concern. But I kept telling myself that one good win was all I was aiming for; then I would quit, take all my winnings and go home.”

What a good son!  Ensa could not help but praise him inwardly. 

Kaimu averted his son’s eyes, to hide his skepticism. Yeah right, wolf in sheep’s clothing!

“Well, father, my fortune came in twofold, in the same night!”

At this point the old fisherman donned a strange expression and a broad smile across his face.  He then turning to his wife winked. “Imagine that!  Two-fold fortune must run in this family's stars!” 

When Yoansu asked what he had meant by that, Kaimu waved a hand in dismissal, saying, “Never mind...Get on with the rest of your story.”

“All right,” Yoansu conceded, “As I was saying, one night I was on a lucky streak.  It was like I couldn't lose, I kept on winning greater and greater sums.”

 Ensa gasped, as if enraptured by the same anticipatory feeling of this spoken moment. 

“In a very short time I had amassed quite a fortune, and before me was a huge pile of (money) funds that I could not have earned in ten years of hard work.  I became deliriously happy, beyond any imagination.”  Yoansu exhaling reached for his drink.

“And no one accosted you! No one tried to steal it from you?” Ensa could not hold back.

Yoansu smirked. “Of course, there’s always that danger mother, but not if one handles things right. First of all, as added insurance, one should offer a reasonable portion of one’s winnings to the proprietor of that place, in order to gain his protection. That will enable you the right to have the ‘so-called’ bodyguards. This is the unwritten law. It was these bodyguards that escorted my wife and me most of the way; being relieved of their duty only a short distance from here. How else do you think we got here in safety, in one piece and with this entire luggage too?”

I forgot there’s an honor system among the crooks! Kaimu inwardly scoffed. 

Filled with a grand vision of all that money, Kaimu rubbed his hands together in a jovial mood.  Surely his son must have brought a good chunk of it with him, home! Why else would he be crowing about this fact?

 In the past proud Kaimu’s long standing policy had been to reject any sort of help. Co-dependency on anyone, especially on this “no good son” would have been unthinkable. But then again, things had changed! Now a pragmatist, “survival” being paramount, he would not scoff at this present boon opportunity. 

 Yes, all this talk had to be a prelude to a great gift.  Kaimu had already made up his mind to accepting the money. That way after a brief visit, Yoansu in good conscience could return to his chosen lifestyle.

A frightening thought just then, however, crossed Kaimu’s mind. He knit his brows as the deep frown etched itself across his face.  What if Yoansu had spent most of the money on a dowry and other worthless stuff for this woman (Tufan), which her sophisticated kind always craved; not knowing there was a free wife waiting for him at home?  What if Yoansu’s intent all along had been (was) to dispose of this burdensome creature on them, knowing their desperation for a grandchild?

Since Kaimu had quickly shifted his gaze from Jiense’s direction to their son’s room, Ensa, who’d been idly rocking her body back and forth, noticed this sudden change and abruptly halted (stayed).  She held her breath in fearful anticipation of the consequences. But Kaimu, displaying unusual patience and self-control, maintained his composure and continued to listen.

In all this time Yoansu had been lost in his own private revere, paying no heed to the gravity of ensued silence. After placing his half-emptied cup down, he resumed his narration.  “At another table an old customer of the house had suffered heavy losses, and was asking for an extension on his credit, insisting that he was good for it.  Being their regular customer, he claimed, no demanded, they owed him this courtesy. His request, however, was flatly denied and he was politely asked to take his leave.  Not only did he refuse but also growing indignant, he then raised quite a row, hurling abuses at the proprietor.  He had lots of supporters, you see, and the proprietor was put in a bind.  On behalf of the gentleman, they demanded that he be given another chance, one final deal in order to recover his losses. The gentleman meanwhile reasserted that he felt his luck would change.”

'What a fool!” Kaimu interjected hotly.

Yoansu’s face flushed red, but continued nonetheless, without rebuking or giving any credence to this rude interruption. “I had picked up my pile and was on my way out, when his eyes spotted me.  Coming right over, he then very politely introduced himself as Yuksul Wugan then asked to borrow some of my winnings.  I tell you, father, I was dumbfounded.  Not because of his request, but that such a fine gentleman would condescend in public to ask me for money.”

“And why not,” Kaimu at this point exploded.  “I hope you did not lend him a zukon!”  Angrily he added, “Imagine that the gall!” 

What if he’d been wrong, and most of the proposed amount had been squandered on her, as the means of acquisition/ barter/dowry? Kaimu inwardly asked. It had suddenly occurred to him, that the gentleman's family name was the same as their new daughter-in-law.

In response to Kaimu’s outburst, Yoansu had grimaced and lowered his eyes to conceal his amusement. After clearing his throat, he resumed his narration. “Now, I hesitated since he was a stranger and all... I mean, he wasn't family.”

“Quite right,” Ensa was heard heaving a deep sigh. Their relief, however, was short lived.

“But Mr. Yuksul Wugan, calling on his friends to bear witness, made me an oath that he would pay his debt to me in full, plus interest by this time tomorrow or he would forfeit his daughter to me in its stead.”

I knew it! Kaimu scoffed inwardly.

“I remained silent, partly out of shock.  I had never heard of such a thing; I mean, throwing one’s own child into the barter as easily as that!  Not something a respectable family would do surely, yet he did not look to be one from a poor family.”

Ensa shook her head, echoing her husband’s silent disapproval.

“Still hesitant, I sought to get away, to ponder on the concern.  But his friends, by then encircling me rushed forth with persuasive arguments to hasten my decision. They assured me that I had no reason to fear any loss, saying that he was as good as his word and that his daughter, a rare beauty, should be more than enough collateral. Therefore, I was a fool to even be hesitating.”

“Aiyyyahh, I’ve never heard such a thing!” Ensa could not hold her peace, while Kaimu's face darkened.

“So enticed, I complied with his wishes and loaned him the required sum.” Yoansu quickly added.

“So, they bamboozled (hoodwinked) you into giving them the money… But not the entire tally (tot), I hope?” Kaimu grumbled.

“No, only a small portion of it was spent on that.” Yoansu lied.

 “Well after I loaned him the amount, I made my way through the crowds and left the premises quickly, disappointing all those that tried to persuade me to stay and to participate in the game, or at least watch to see how Mr.Yuksul Wugan fared. You see, father, I remembered your good advice that the best time to quit anything was while the going was still good.  That's why I sought to leave prematurely.  I could not trust myself to remain objective and not be coerced back into another game.”

“In another words, you kept your wits about you.” Kaimu ejected sternly, not at all impressed.

“That night, I am ashamed to say, I entertained fanciful thoughts,” Yoansu blushed, admitting this: “I’d hoped he would lose still more and be unable to cover his debt. Then I would gain myself a wife.  It did not matter if she was ugly, a wife was a wife!”

Kaimu appeared saddened and seemingly agitated. He rose from his seat and giving an excuse of needing to relieve himself, he darted outside. 

Even Ensa had guessed the rest.  “Imagine; losing good money for a wife when there was no need for it!  But how was he to know?” 

“What a worthless son I have!” Kaimu grumbled under the blanket of stars. His mind then reverting to Jiense, his eyes upturned to the sky, he hissed. “So, my good fortune was a sham.  The Gods have had a good joke and are now laughing at me; he ground his teeth anew as he went about doing his business. 

When he returned with a blank expression, his wife surmising his thoughts remained fearful lest her foolhardy husband unleash his terrible temper and ruin this otherwise joyous union.

Yoansu had also sensed that something was amiss but chose instead to disregard it. Besides, he was thoroughly enjoying himself and he thought himself to be quite clever with his rather convincing spun yarn. But how could he be an offspring of such a gullible pair?  During that respite (brief interval), he’d once more inwardly questioned himself, as he’d done dozens of times… even though his arrogant self knew the answer all too well.

Nevertheless, ironically, he was bound to them out of filial piety and love.  He was the prisoner of his affections, and the deep bond of love that existed between him and more precisely his mother- which could never be disputed or broken! Thus far, he’d been the invisible force of protection that had enabled them their long, relatively untroubled life. Admittedly, his was a dangerous line of work. But he shuddered to think what might have befallen his parents, had he not taken this recourse. If only this proud fool of a father knew how much he owed his son! One day, Yoansu made self-promise, when in private and away from Ensa’s hearing range, he will let him know! Then let him be so smug!

Yoansu with indifference had watched Kaimu walk across the room with a lowered face, fetch his chewing herbs (contained in a pouch) and then begrudgingly settle himself in the chair across from his son. He popped a dried piece into his mouth and offered the same to Yoansu.

Yoansu never liked the bitter taste anyhow; he simply shook his head.

“Suit yourself.” Kaimu shrugged, accepting the spittoon that his wife had provided for him.

 “Well, let’s hear the rest of it.” He intoned with cold irony as he leaned back.

 

(END OF PART 7)

 

 

(THE EXCITING STORY OF THE FISHERMAN'S PRIZE WILL CONTINUE IN THE NEXT POST-  PART 8)

 

THE FISHERMAN'S PRIZE - (PART 6)

 

FISHERMAN’S PRIZE 

 (PART 6)

Days and weeks passed quickly.  Jiense did not know how many, for it had all blended into one.

Then one fine morning, at crack of dawn, Kaimu and Ensa had both been pleasantly surprised by the presence of four stout men, a “supposed friends of their son”, that had suddenly showed up at their doorstep with some oxen carting a heavy load.  According to their claim, their prodigal son, “having heard of Kaimu’s loss, had arranged for this delivery of the small craft”. The relayed message had also stated that “the son would be returning home (soon) in not-too-distant future”.

Though questioned at length, the men had claimed ignorance of all else, and declaring another pressing engagement (agenda, had taken their leave) departed at the earliest opportunity, even declining Ensa’s insistent hospitality.

Needless to say, as precautionary measure, as well, wishing to surprise their son, Jiense had been kept out of these men’s sight.

This gift, a well-constructed boat, more than met Kaimu’s needs and afforded him the unexpected reprieve from certain obligation. Nevertheless, he was of mind to continue with his tribute of fish, partly out of gratitude, for a while longer.

And so, that afternoon, with a generous, joyful heart Kaimu had rushed right over to Zianko’s dwelling to share this bit of good news with him. 

With certain excitement filling his heart, Kaimu now impatiently pounded on his neighbor’s door. When the latter grunting and cursing opened the door and Kaimu came face to face with Zianko, he was quite taken back, startled in fact, (taken back) to see latter’s terrible condition… For Zianko appeared to have been viciously attacked, beaten to a pulp! His disheveled hair, his bloodied, swollen, twisted face and torn garments revealed the severity of his suffered blows, cuts and bruises to every inch of his body.

“What the devil had happened to you?”  Kaimu’s genuine concern however was met with a growl. Zianko’ countenance growing sinister and dark, with snarling curses under his breath, he’d then turning away, violently slammed the door to Kaimu’s face. Kaimu aghast raised his fist to knock, but then on second though (thinking better of it), he’d stayed his hand and abruptly turning about face, left the premises.

Sometime later, swallowing up his deep-seated resentment, Zianko had paid a visit to his old nemesis Kaimu and offered his apologies and some lame (excuse) explanation as to the reason for his unfortunate physical condition. Furthermore, nursing his grievances in silence, he’d listened to Kaimu’s infuriatingly (authentic) genuine concerns and agreed to adopt latter’s sound counsel (advice).

                                                             ~                                                             

Since the weather had looked particularly menacing at sunrise, (with red clouds around the sun denoting rain by midday) Kaimu, who was very good at predicting the severity of the weather, had abstained from going out to sea that day.  He knew that uniformly gray sky with dark clouds scudding across it at a lower altitude denoted high winds and stormy weather.  Now if he’d been few years younger in age, he might have taken the risk, but wizened to his physical limitations and furthermore, in anticipation of his son’s return, he’d opted to playing it safe.  The sea acting as the true master showed no mercy to any man and besides, there was still an adequate supply (quantity) of fish from yesterday's catch to last them for at least two more days, so he could afford to take the time off. 

Staying at home, he’d instead initiated chores that needed his particular skill (handling), like mending that high section of the wall beam and patching up that small crack in the corner of the roof that after the severity of last storm now allowed the rain to leak inside.  Expectantly, shortly after sunrise a violent tempest broke churning the sea, lifting the waves well over twenty feet up into the sky, while the strong gale winds threatened to uproot the small cabin and the recently enlarged (and renovated) shed from their foundation.  Fortunately, the new boat had already been painstakingly secured in a protective grove after the last use and so warranted no concern. When eventually the torrential rains abated in the late afternoon and the winds got tapered down to the calmer state: this could lull the unseasoned few, into state of assurance. But the locals knew through past experiences the capricious weather’s inconsistent quirks, the erratic and the all too prevalent volatile atmospheric shifts at the coast here- even in summer! Hence, over the years they, like Kaimu, through caution fashioned their life’s schedule to suit the volatility of the weather.

By late afternoon, having completed all the set tasks, Kaimu for a spell sat in idleness, drumming his fingers on the table.  But feeling edgy and cooped up, he suddenly sprang to his feet and went outside to have a good look.  His intent was to check on the weather firsthand and, if it did not look too bad, then mosey on to his friend Zianko's place to land him a hand or perhaps, enjoy a few rounds of drinks with the latter.  Zianko had recently returned from another lucrative business venture (deal) and so had an ample supply of drinks at his house. Obviously stranded at home like him, the latter would welcome his company.  One possible snag…! But hopefully he would reach Zianko before the latter drank him-self into a stupor!

Kaimu’s face all this while had been caressed by the refreshing, soft rain that had tapered to light drizzle, nevertheless, the blanket of a low-lying fog still impeded (impaired) visibility.

Detecting a vague, indistinct movement at some distance just then, he shielded his eyes with his hand and turned his thoughtful gaze towards it.

  What's this?  There, on the gravel road, a mounted traveler, rather, travelers were making their laborious advance towards his direction.

Fancy that, he thought to himself with delectation (delight), it's probably Zianko, coming to meet me with the same intent. 

“But who's that with him?”  He questioned the air.

His curiosity aroused; he strained his eyes to get a clearer focus.  It's two people, all right… There was no mistaking it.  The horse was laden with baggage, and what's more, the mounted one looked to be a woman. The other, had summarily dismounted and was now leading the horse by the bridle.

 As their steady advance closed the distance, Kaimu became more able to discern that the one leading the horse was a sturdy, fair haired young man, therefore not Zianko. Furthermore, the well-dressed young man with knee-high leather boots was trudging through the muddy gravel with seemingly unaccustomed, scornful steps (in extreme difficulty). He looked almost comical, if not pitiable, as he negotiated each step and struggled to maintain his balance on the rough, slippery, terrain.

 Putting aside his curiosity, Kaimu inwardly laughed at their stupidity for undertaking the journey without protection (bodyguard) and on such a foul day.  They’re most fortunate not have encountered any poisonous reptiles, predatory beasts or murderous highwayman!  Kaimu mused, as he rubbed his strained eyes to gain far sharper focus. 

“Damn this fog!” He cursed the air with an impatient groan; his gaze still affixed on the travelling pair.

Now with them at closer proximity, in that split instance (in a flash), he identified the young man.

“Yoansu!”

It sent chills then thrills up his spine! In an excited voice he called out to his wife, then, without waiting for her response he rushed forward with extended arms, his feet gliding (skating) swiftly with sure, steady steps over the precarious, slimy, muddy surface, towards the approaching duo. (…His advance negotiated with ease because of appropriate footwear) 

Yoansu also hastened his steps to close (limit) the gap between them.   Coming within a few feet of each other, they both abruptly halted (dead on their tracks) with an inexplicable feeling gripping both their hearts.  The awkward moment was soon bridged however when the sturdy, young man let go of the bridle of the horse gave a deep, respectful bow and then rushed to warmly embrace his father.  The tears that cascaded down their cheeks were soon intermingled with the raindrops.  Yoansu’s powerful, taut embrace meanwhile had been so intense that it had nearly crushed Kaimu’s ribcage.  Realizing his folly, that he was constricting Kaimu's breathing, the young man let go of him instantly and retreated a few steps to take a good long sentimental look at the old man. 

His father had aged since he’d last seen him. Absently he shook his head.

How the harsh elements had taken their toll on the stubborn old fool. He could have lived in the lap of luxury, like a king, if only….

“Forgive me, father, for having stayed away so long.” With a caring tone however, he outwardly ejected (was instead, heard from his lips).

Kaimu was too choked up with remorse (emotion) to speak; a nod of his head was all he could manage. It should have been him who uttered those words of apology, not his son! Surely, mercifully, in his longing for his parents, Yoansu had forgotten the reason that had driven him away.

In their happy reunion they had totally forgotten the woman mounted on the horse.  Only when Kaimu's eyes fell on her, did his son's attention revert to her.  Rushing over at once, he helped her dismount the horse.  Bringing her forward he then introduced her to him, properly, as Tufan Wugan and asked her to pay her respects and solicitations to her new father-in-law. 

Accustomed to life of luxury and leisure, she’d inwardly resented being dragged all this way to this God-forsaken place; furthermore, being forced to ride the last part of difficult journey on horseback without plush carriage and proper escort, in order to keep up with this farce. All this was for him- this uncouth old man! In disbelief, she askance looked at her husband. Are you kidding me? This shabbily dressed, pathetic looking fisherman is your father?

But his stern, icy glance sent cold shivers up her spine, and she lowered her head; her heart, her body now quaking to the marrow. She’d once witnessed with her own eyes what he was capable of (an unforgettable horror that still haunted her dreams).

Masking her discomfort and the airs of superiority, she now readily complied with her husband's wishes and gave her respectful greetings, purposely however, omitting a deep bow. Kaimu hiding his displeasure embraced her as his new daughter-in-law.  When his son, unable to contain his happy news, broke it to him that she was also with child, Kaimu's happiness became boundless and drove instantly all thought of Jiense’s existence from his mind.

Just then the rain had picked up in intensity, forcing them to cut short the felicitations; hence they hastened their advance towards the house. 

Ensa, in response to her husband's call had come out, but stood under the eaves of the house and strained her eyes to see whom her husband was rushing to meet.  Her first thought had been that “here was a stranded traveler in need of help, and that her husband had gone to lend them a hand”.  Being apprehensive of strangers, she’d remained hesitant to go after him.  But when she’d identified (recognized) the supposed newcomer, her heart had skipped a beat and she too, rushed with open arms towards them. 

The two opposing sides came to meet only a few yards from the house.  The son, deserting his wife and father, now rushed into his mother's embrace. In that moment of absolute bliss, abandoning the traditional greeting of a respectful bow, he simply hoisted her into the air (as he was so much taller than she was) and together they twirled in a joyful circle.

Back inside the house, Jiense, consumed in her work (barely able to manage a new daunting task), had remained quite oblivious to the happy family reunion outside. 

Upon entry, the son's eyes immediately (caught) fell on the timid, attractive girl in the far corner, which had just then turned to face him with a start.

 He’d received a brief report of her existence. But the report had made no mention of her striking good looks!

Taken by her apparent grace and elegant beauty, Yoansu had stayed awkwardly rooted to the spot burrowing his immodestly hot, lustful gaze on this belle.

This indiscretion made Jiense blush, and she lowered her head in embarrassment. 

Naturally, she had been made aware of the existence of their second son without being told, of course, of the nuptial intent.  Noting at first glance the striking resemblance (the likeness) which the son bore to Ensa, she’d hence restrained from (the instinct to run away) running away; instead, patiently lingered at the spot, with her respectful pose, for both Kaimu and Ensa to come in and to initiate the formal introductions.  Unfortunately for Jiense, she had to endure a discomfortingly long, awkward period; for the old couple who’d soon after solicitously ushered in son’s young wife, nevertheless, had been far too caught up in all the excitement of the moment to give any serious consideration to Jiense.

Better to make a polite retreat… But where, what corner can she hide in?

Already smitten by her, Yoansu found the lovely girl’s apparent quandary and unease even more endearing. He was about to take the initiative and hasten to the rescue of “this enchanting damsel in distress”, when his wife’s superior airs, drew his attention away.

Just who does she think she is? He inwardly fumed, quite incensed.

Now that he’d seen the “Fairy Maiden” of his dreams, the beauty he’d married to had dulled (paled) in brilliance. He saw Tufan for what she was, an arrogant, conceited, self-serving opportunist.

If only she wasn’t the favorite niece of Ckarban!

But his ire (anger) simply melted away when with his side-glance he caught anew, the gentle, sweet girl’s attempt at withdrawal -not wishing to intrude on this intimate family moment.

 Oh no, you won’t!  At once rushing forth, in a bold move Yoansu spread his arms to block the girl’s path and then half turning to face his father; with his questioning gaze he demanded an answer as to her identity (or/ he inquired after her identity). 

The absence of ready response had rather intrigued Yoansu. His interest mounted (peaked) seeing particularly the way his parents, “as if lost for words”, in silence, had exchanged curious looks. He was about to persist with his inquiry, when Kaimu seeing no way out of it, came forward just then and succinctly introduced Jiense, as a distant relative of the family.

Formal introductions hastily dispensed, Yoansu and his wife along with the baggage were then quickly whisked away to their room. But no sooner did Yoansu lay the burdensome luggage down, using some plausible excuse, (under some pretext,) he left his wife there, and emerged from (exited) the room.

Gently clasping (gripping) his father’s forearm, he pulled Kaimu aside and in a hushed voice, discreetly asked him. “No offense father, but I know we have no living relatives… Please tell me, who is she really? Where did she come from?”

Kaimu for a spell had again hesitated with his response, as he’d mused: I mustn’t fill the boy’s head with wild fantasies. For Kaimu had to be blind not to notice the son’s keen interest in Jiense.

So, in dismissal, he simply shook his head and said: “It's a long story son, which I promise to tell you of it later.  First you must get out of those wet clothes, before you catch your death from cold.”  With that, he faced Yoansu squarely, grasped both of his shoulders and half-turning him, and nudged Yoansu towards his old room. 

Yoansu knew it was useless to argue the point with his father, so feigning filial compliance; he nodded and meekly went back inside.

What greeted his eyes then, however, both annoyed and infuriated him. His wife seated at the edge of the bed, acting like a precious jewel, looked so dejected and forlorn.  Subsequently, puckering (pursing) her lips and engaging her feminine charm, coyly she ejected her displeasure. “Dear husband, you can’t be serious about me staying here. Why, in my delicate condition….” She paused, as she gently caressed her stomach for the emphasis. “I mean, these impoverished, indigent surroundings could, perish forbid, force me to abort,” then she blatantly lied, “your precious seed. Tell me we’re to stay, but only briefly? For your sake, I can do that much, I can put up a brave front. Say, maybe for a week?”

Seething in ire, Yoansu chewed (bit) the corner of his lower lip. Inwardly he was wondering whatever possessed him to tie the knot with this shallow, pretentious harlot!

Seeing her placating words had no desired effect, she frowned and this time, in a contemptuous tone, threatened. “Besides, I don’t think my uncle, your boss would approve of the horrid, destitute conditions you’re proposing to impose on me. Coming from such a humble background, this may be fine with you, but not me.  One word of complaint from me and you’ll be…” She was about to add “history.” But observing the dark, sinister cloud that had just then descended over his face, the word abruptly froze on her lips and intense fear gripped her heart.

Why was she flirting with death?

His prolonged silence with that icy glare again sent shivers down her spine.

Ups, she’d pushed him too far; she’d provoked his terrible temper. If something were to happen, away from her kin- folk, who would come to her aid? Besides, when she’d confessed her condition to Ckarban, the actual father of her baby, that vile bastard’s response had been to get rid of her in this way. Either that or be discretely sold into bondage, or face sudden, accidental death! She took the best recourse given to her and for a while (time), she’d experienced true happiness.

But once more and she could not rightly say when exactly, things had soured. Now, especially in this God-forsaken place, without (viable) an alternate place of refuge and with no one to turn to… Eiyye! She with difficulty stifled a hysterical cry, for the reality of her situation had just then struck her like a ton of bricks. Now for the first time in her life, she felt utterly vulnerable! Nevertheless, she was quick to get hold of her senses (faculties). As it were, her confidence had wavered only for a spell. Fortunately, she’d been well endowed with personal resources and she had a shrewd mind and fighting spirit. In time she’ll extract herself from this seemingly binding commitment and also, the impending disaster.

With sham tears, she hence rushed to remedy her prior mistake and using placating words, offered her humble, sincere apologies to her supposed, beloved husband.

But her honeyed words (helped only to antagonize) antagonized him more and further mounted his anger.  He violently pushed her aside and with clenched fists he turned and briskly walked away. His accelerated (quickened) steps came to an abrupt halt just before the door; however, he grimaced, then dismally he shook his head. The desire to kill her had been so strong that it had scared him. He’d almost wrung that scrawny neck of hers, snapping it like a twig and ending her pathetic, wretched life on the spot- And to Hell with Ckarban’s wishes! His days were numbered anyhow!

  Rooted to the spot, Yoansu menacing demeanor looked as if he was in readiness to pounce on someone or on something. But on second thought, in consideration of Ensa, he forced constraint on his hot temper. He exhaled deeply to relieve all that pent up tension in his body, then going over, he sullenly sat in the only chair at the far corner of the room. He’d just come home after such a long absence. It would not do, no, not if he were to now lose his temper and bring discord to the family!

His wife’s stifled sobs however, once more filled his heart with contempt and again brought him to the brink of explosion.

“It was a big mistake, bringing you here!” Gritting his teeth, he suddenly bolted from his seat.

She was in total agreement with him on that. And was about to concur (say so) outloud; but when she met his icy glare, she understood all at once that his words had carried an entirely different meaning than hers. Being rather superficial and narcissistic, she could not phantom the reason for this total change in him.

Why this? What had rendered him so immune to her charms?  She’d, hence, in absence of apt counter response, racked (tormented) her brain to discover that allusive cause (reason) and the remedy.  As she did this, she’d simply stared back at him with a dumfounded expression on her face.

“Bah, you’re insufferable!” He threw his arms up in the air in total exasperation and again gave his back to her (turned his back on her). 

Presently he’d as well, become aware of his sticky, constricting wet clothes. Shaking his head, he retrieved some dry ones and quickly changed into them.

As he dressed, seeing him in the flesh, she was reminded now of the intense passion, of the great physical attraction, the almost supernatural magnet (draw) and fascination he held for her (that they shared). She had mistaken this desire, this great infatuation, and unfortunately still did, for “love”. He was after all in excellent physical form and quite handsome in his looks; so, in spite of all that had passed between them these last few days, she still found him highly desirable and yearned for his tender touch.

Unfortunately, he paid no heed to her coquettish antics, resenting now all her ludicrous, coy gestures.  From that moment on which she’d held his parents, his childhood home in contempt, he’d grown cold in his affections towards her. Considering (in light of) that other precious gem, Jiense, he now found he could not even stand the very sight of Tufan.  Even her frivolous, perfumed attire offended him and begun suffocating (constraining) his breath (lungs). Shaking his head he quickly opened the door, wanting to escape to the outside. He came face to face with Ensa, carrying a tray laden with tidbits and tea for their use.

“Thank you, son,” After affectionately acknowledging his help, she marched right passed him and placed the tray on the night table.  She urged the new daughter-in-law, who looked fatigued and frail, to partake some; then turning to her son, who’d lingered at the door, she told him to do the same, for there would be plenty of time for them to talk later. Yoansu smiled and nodding took in a tolerant, persevering breath.

After Ensa’s polite retreat, estranged husband and wife sat apart in contemplative silence with lowered heads, for a very painful long period. Neither of them wanted or touched a single morsel or a drop.

When he deemed an appropriate time had passed, Yoansu emerged from the room.

 

(END OF SECTION 6)

 

(STAY TUNED FOR FISHERMAN'S PRIZE NEXT POST: SECTION 7)