Plum Month

by Choi Seo-hae · 2026-04-08

Park Saeng was already fully prepared to go to Dongnae Beomeosa, claiming he would cure his illness.

He had prepared the horse and even arranged for a retinue.

He planned to leave tomorrow morning.

However, even if Park Saeng rides the horse, who exactly is he planning to take in the retinue?

Since the doctor advised him not to get close to women, it was obvious that his wife could not accompany him.

That night, Park Saeng's wife quietly called Maewol and brought up the topic.

“Hey, Maewol. Your husband is going to the temple and he says he will take you with him. What do you think?”

Concerned about her husband's illness, her face was filled with worry.

At that moment, Maewol felt as if a heavy lump of lead had suddenly dropped in her chest.

So she just lowered her head and hesitated, unable to answer readily.

“It would probably be more comfortable for your husband if you go. It would be nice to send Park Dol, but it's harvest season right now... Plus, if you go, it would make things like food and serving much easier. Even if I can't go myself, I think I would feel at ease. Your husband also thinks it would be good for you to go...”

The wife, who had no idea what had transpired between the two, spoke earnestly as if she were asking someone who was about to leave.

Maewol was already fully aware that all of this was a scheme devised by Park Saeng.

However, she did not show even the slightest hint of that.

That night, the moon was exceptionally bright.

It was so bright that it seemed to illuminate the sorrow deeply buried in Maewol's heart.

In the deep night, standing by the quiet well, Maewol looked towards her hometown and shed silent tears.

Her hot tears mixed with the cold moonlight, rolling down onto the black ground like drops of pearls.