Chapter Text
Minseok lays curled up in his grandmother’s lap being lulled to sleep by the steady sound of clomping hooves and the rocking of the narrow carriage. At six years old, he knows he is too big to behave this way, but he can’t help but take advantage of her doting.
“Minseok, we’re almost there, sit up and straighten out your garments,” she says gently patting his plump, fair cheeks but making no move to push him off.
Minseok only further buries his face into her chest. The elderly woman chuckles, “Little Mister, you’re already old enough to travel with us to events like this. Acting this way is entirely improper at your age. Minkyung is even younger than you and isn’t nearly as clingy.”
“I’m not Minkyung,” the young boy grumbles but finally gets up and sits on the bench beside her. He straightens out his outer robe with the help of his grandmother, but nothing can be helped about the wrinkles that had already formed.
The carriage finally stops and Minseok curiously peeks out of the small window. He is amazed by the size of the property and the number of maids ready to assist his family inside.
“This is a ducal manor, so you better be on your best behavior today,” his grandmother says.
Minseok doesn’t know much about the concept of hierarchy, but he does know that the Duke and Duchess are very important people, and it is a high honor that his family is invited to the one-month celebration of the second Lu son. Only the most prominent families of the capital were sent invitations. Although the Kims are nobility, they still have no official title and are merely the house of a scholarly official. However, due to the fact that Minseok’s grandmother is the daughter of a Princess of the Second Rank and a Marquis, and also a long-time friend of Grand Madam Lu, their family was considered. For his father who values reputation over everything, this chance to socialize and climb the ranks means the world to him.
One of his grandmother’s maidservants opens the carriage and the two are helped down. In front of them, his father descends the carriage along with Main Madam Kim. Behind them are two other carriages, one holding Main Madam’s two sons, Jongin and Junmyeon, and another with concubine-born Jongdae and his sister Soondeok.
Of the six Kim children, all have mothers except Minseok and Minkyung who had a carrier father. Minseok doesn’t know much about the man who birthed him, only that his main father had a short infatuation with him, took him in as a concubine, and he died while giving birth to his sister.
Thankfully, his grandmother took both of them to be raised in her courtyard, rather than being raised by Main Madam. While there isn’t anything terribly wrong with the main wife, she still has two of her own sons who are her main priority. Giving her two other children would mean they get the leftovers after her own.
Minseok hides behind grandmother’s dress as she exchanges pleasantries with the lady of the house. He peeks around from her skirt at the large receiving room. This manor is much more grand than his own home, and at his tiny size he feels slightly intimidated.
“Don’t be rude, Minseok. Greet Duchess Lu,” his grandmother says, reaching behind and pushing him in front of her.
Minseok bows meekly, “Pleasure to meet you, Duchess Lu.”
The duchess smiles at him briefly before she turns her attention back to his grandmother, “Oh, so this one that you are raising, who is his mother?”
His grandmother pulls him back behind her again, “Oh, his carrier father has long since passed.”
Duchess Lu hums, “Carrier father… So your Minseok is also a carrier, then?”
“He is.”
“Well then how fortunate of him to have such a gracious grandmother,” the woman smiles down at Minseok, however it looks anything but inviting, “Old Madam Kim, you are quite elderly. You should be living your days in leisure, not raising more children. Is your daughter-in-law that inconsiderate?”
If the Old Madam is annoyed, she does not let it show and laughs, “I’m old, but I’m still quite healthy. As for my daughter-in-law, she was more than ready to take the boy in with her other 2 children, but I was feeling quite lonely and decided to take him myself.”
“Little boys are quite rowdy. I’m sure you have your hands full.”
“Minseok is young but he is well-mannered.”
“Of course, he is being raised by you after all. Just a shame he’s a carrier.”
The old woman’s jaw clenches slightly but her smile doesn’t waver, “There’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
“Of course not, of course not,” she says without a hint of sincerity.
“How is the Grand Madam doing?” Minseok’s grandmother says, swiftly changing the subject.
“She’s doing well,” the duchess begins, “She just doesn’t have the energy to socialize like this anymore,” she says. There seems to be a deeper meaning behind her words, but she doesn’t elaborate.
“If you would like, you can go over and catch up with her,” the Duchess offers.
“Are you sure? I don’t want to bother her if she’s unwell.”
“Please do. I’m sure she’ll feel better seeing you,” Duchess Lu instructs one of her maidservants to lead Minseok and his grandmother to Grand Madam Lu’s courtyard.
When they enter the eldest Lu’s quarters, the two women greet each other excitedly. Minseok doesn’t think he’s ever seen his grandmother so energetic.
“Greet the Grand Madam, Minseok,” his grandmother chides for a second time.
Minseok bashfully greets her with a bow.
“How cute!” the other woman coos, “He’s gotten so big since I last saw him. Please come sit down. How old are you now, child?”
“Six,” Minseok says.
“Already? You’re the same age as my little Han.”
“Lu Han is six? I know he’s slightly younger than Minseok but I don’t remember a birthday celebration this year,” Minseok’s grandmother says.
“That vile stepmother of his convinced his father that celebrating every year is a waste of money and that he should only celebrate the major ones every five years,” she scoffs, “as if we’re low on resources. Look at what she’s prepared for her own son’s one month celebration. You would think he is the first born and heir to the title.”
“He’s so young and already has someone working against him,” Old Madam Kim laments, “His life should’ve been smooth sailing. It’s unfortunate his mother passed so soon.”
“I have to remind his father almost daily who his legitimate heir is. That woman has him completely bewitched.”
“Lu Han will be so grateful to have a grandmother like you. He’ll surely make you proud one day.”
“I could say the same about your Minseok.”
At the sound of his name Minseok’s head snaps up to look at Grand Madam Lu.
Grand Madam Lu isn’t short and plump like his grandmother. Instead, she is slender and slightly taller. Her hair retains most of its inky black color with very few strands of gray. All in all, Minseok is puzzled by Duchess Lu’s claim that the elder is declining in health.
“Come to think of it my Lu Han and your Minseok are quite similar, aren’t they?”
“You flatter us. How can you compare a future Duke to my humble Minseok?”
“I just think they’re growing up in similar circumstances. Don’t you think?”
“I suppose they’ll have much to discuss when they get a bit older. I can see them getting as close as we are.”
Grand Madam Lu hums in thought, “Minseok is a carrier, correct? I don’t mind, I’ve never discriminated against anyone who can bear children”
“What are you suggesting, Grand Madam?”
“It’s never too early to discuss these things!”
“Don’t say something so absurd! Don’t you know where our family stands compared to yours? Maybe the duchess was right, you are ill.”
“I’m perfectly fine. And I don’t care for your family’s rank, I care about Minseok’s character, and I know you will nurture a fine young man. Plus, you were born to a princess and a marquis. That’s hardly a shabby background.”
“You may not care that he is a carrier but society does. On top of that he’s an illegitimate child. Even considering something like this will make him the laughing stock of all the nobles in the city!” Old Madam Kim exclaims, “Besides, Lu Han’s father would never allow something like this.”
Grand Madam Lu rolls her eyes, “I’d like to see him try,” she sighs dejectedly, “But I suppose you have a point. Something like this would create unnecessary drama, although I don’t see why it should be anyone else’s business . It’s just that I would rather arrange something like this for Lu Han with someone I trust, and not the social climbers who offer me fake smiles and try to send their daughters to Lu Han’s school.”
Old Madam Kim chuckles, “I understand. Believe me I would love this arrangement if it were possible. Where is Han anyway?”
“He should be back soon. His lessons have ended already.”
“Lessons? Even during a party?”
“His stepmother wants him out of sight.”
Minseok’s grandmother shakes her head.
Just then the two women are interrupted by the sound of small rapid footsteps coming down the corridor and maidservants calling out, “Young Master Lu! Slow down!”
“Grandmother!” the young boy shouts when he enters the room.
“Lu Han where are your manners? We have company!” Grand Madam Lu says.
Lu Han looks at his surroundings and realizes there are guests in his home.
He quickly bows, “Good afternoon Old Madam Kim.” He pauses when he sees Minseok then looks at his own grandmother.
Grand Madam Lu smiles knowingly at the other woman, “This is Minseok. He’s Old Madam Kim’s grandson.”
“How old is he?”
“He’s six, like you. Why don’t you talk to him? Go out and show him the garden while you’re at it.”
Lu Han’s face lights up and he rushes up into Minseok’s personal space, “Do you want to go play in the garden?”
Minseok is surprised by the boy’s energy and is a bit intimidated. He kind of wants to grab onto his grandmother and have her take him back to the carriage. Seeming to sense his apprehension, his grandmother taps his arm and nods, “Go have fun. Lu Han’s a nice boy.”
Lu Han beams at the praise and Minseok hesitantly lets himself be dragged outside, away from his grandmother and his comfort zone.
When they step out into the corridor, Lu Han stops abruptly and turns around, “I forgot my ball,” he says to the maidservant.
“Which ball, Young Master?”
“The one Grandmother got me for my birthday. I want to show it to Minseok.”
The maidservant looks skeptical, which confuses Minseok. What could be so suspicious about a ball?
“Okay, you two wait right here, then. I’ll go get it.”
As soon as she’s out of sight, Lu Han grabs Minseok’s arm and takes off running. He’s too startled to react so he lets himself be dragged.
“Wait, Young Master Lu! Where are we going?”
“Ugh, don’t call me that. Hurry before she catches up!”
“Okay, Lu Han, but she told us to wait.”
“I don’t want to go to the garden, just follow me.”
Lu Han leads him through the various twists and turns of the manor, ducking behind pillars and curtains whenever a servant walks by. Minseok is too scared to say anything because, well, he’s never even done something like this in his own home. If Minseok’s father found out he not only disobeyed the Duke’s mother but was also was running around his home with his eldest son, not even his grandmother would be able to save him from punishment.
Just then, Lu Han finally stops in front of an entrance to what looks like a ballroom.
He beckons Minseok to stand beside him and follow his line of sight, “You see that over there?” he points to a table filled with all sorts of delicacies, “Grandmother never lets me eat sweets. She says it makes me climb walls,” he rolls his eyes, “I can’t even climb a wall!”
Minseok can’t help the laugh that comes from the image of the young heir climbing a wall, “Like a spider,” he says.
Lu Han covers his mouth, “SHH the grown ups will hear you,” he says but lets out a small giggle himself.
Minseok nods and follows Lu Han’s lead again. They weave their way through the socializing adults who pay them no mind while Lu Han keeps a special eye out for his stepmother and her personal servants.
When they finally reach the table full of snacks, Lu Han grabs a handful and hides under the table, sticking his hand out from under the cloth to tug on Minseok’s robe so he’ll follow suit. Minseok crawls under and has a piece of pumpkin cake shoved into his mouth.
“It’s good right?” Lu Han says around a mouthful of his own.
Minseok nods and munches happily. It’s not everyday he can enjoy treats like this.
Just then, Lu Han starts giggling, “Your cheeks are so big. You look like a baozi.”
Minseok frowns, which makes the other boy laugh a little harder, “Angry baozi.”
He quickly swallows his cake, “Yeah, well you look like a dog. The really ugly ones with the punched in faces,” Minseok says pouting.
“Hey that’s mean. I was only kidding,” the younger boy pouts.
Minseok realizes all too late that he just called the son of a Duke an ugly dog. His eyes go wide, “I didn’t mean it, Lu Han.”
Lu Han stares for a moment then breaks out into another one of his wild smiles, “Scared baozi.”
Minseok huffs but doesn’t say anything back, even though he really wants to, “Won’t we get in trouble for this?” he asks, changing the subject.
“Only if my stepmom catches us,” he lifts the table cloth up by barely an inch, “See that lady over there, holding the baby,” he points to a petite, slender woman across the room standing next to Duchess Lu, “That’s Nanny Mo. She’s super mean and always gets me in trouble with my stepmom. We have to hide from her especially.”
After sneaking a few more sweets, the boys start to feel jittery in the cramped space under the table.
“Let’s go back to Grandmother and remember not to let Nanny Mo see us, okay?” Lu Han reminds.
“Okay. You go out first.”
Lu Han sticks his head out of the table cloth and looks around, “Come on,” he says and grabs Minseok’s hand like he did earlier.
The pair nearly make it out of the ballroom until Minseok accidentally runs into someone.
“Sorry!” he says bowing profusely.
“Minseok?” The person asks. Fear immediately washes over the boy.
“Father.” Minseok looks up wide-eyed.
“What are you doing sneaking around like some kind of rascal? Where is your grandmother?” Minseok has never been a good liar, and he knows he’s in for a scolding when they get home.
Lu Han speaks up when Minseok doesn’t say anything, “Our grandmothers wanted to talk about some things so I decided to show Minseok our house,” he flashes an innocent smile. It isn’t exactly a lie, but Minseok is still amazed at how easily he came up with that.
“Young Master Lu! I didn’t notice you there,” The man sends a look towards Minseok, “Well, you boys have fun then. Just stop running around like you’re up to no good. It’s improper and this isn’t your home.”
“Yes, Father,” Minseok mumbles, looking down at the floor. His father leaves them and Lu Han takes one more look behind them to make sure Nanny Mo and Duchess Lu haven’t spotted them before leading Minseok towards the exit.
They make it back to Grand Madam Lu’s quarters without a hitch, well almost.
“Young Master Lu!” The maidservant who they ditched earlier bounds over in a fury, “Just wait until the Grand Madam hears of this,” she says and drags Lu Han inside. The young heir doesn’t look fazed, however.
“Nanny Zhang, you’ve found them. Lu Han where did you run off to this time?” The Grand Madam asks.
Minseok wonders if he’ll make up another fib.
“Minseok said he was hungry so I took him to get something to eat from the ballroom.”
Minseok looks toward his grandmother, mouth agape, “Not true!”
The two elders share a chuckle, “Lu Han it’s not good to blame things on your friends.”
“We’re not friends anymore,” Minseok grumbles.
“See, not even an hour together and you’ve already made yourself a new enemy. Quickly apologize.”
“Sorry Minseok,” he’s got a pouty look that makes Minseok almost believe he’s being sincere, “I actually tricked Nanny Zhang and took Minseok to eat pumpkin cakes. But don’t worry! Nanny Mo and Stepmother didn’t see us.”
Grand Madam Lu has a warm look on her face and Minseok’s grandmother smiles.
“You should still tell us these things. If you got caught, I wouldn’t have been able to help you. And what if Minseok got in trouble? Wouldn’t you feel bad?”
Lu Han hangs his head, unusually solemn, “I forgot.”
“Next time you want sweets, just ask. I won’t say ‘no’ if we have company over.”
“Yes Grandmother.”
A young maidservant walks in with a teapot and sets it on the table in front of the elders.
“I’ve never seen you before, are you new?” the Grand Madam inquires.
The maidservant bows her head, “Yes Madam.”
Grand Madam Lu looks around and sees her courtyard empty, void of the usual bustling of servants, “Where is everyone?”
“Duchess Lu summoned everyone to assist with handling Second Young Master’s gifts.”
“I see. Nanny Zhang, can you go fetch the boys some milk. I’m sure those cakes were rich and they’re parched.”
“Yes Madam,” Nanny Zhang says.
The other maidservant sets down two teacups, “Green tea for Grand Madam Lu and Chrysanthemum tea for Old Madam Kim.”
“I’m sure it tastes wonderful, but I am afraid I won’t be able to try. I am allergic to Chrysanthemum,” Minseok’s grandmother says.
“That’s no problem, here, take mine,” Grand Madam Lu says switching the cups.
The maidservant hesitates, looking nervous suddenly, “Old Madam Kim why don’t you一”
“Young Masters come over quickly,” Nanny Zhang walks back in with a pitcher of milk, “You,” she says to the new maidservant, “set up somewhere for the young masters to sit.”
Whatever she was going to say is forgotten and the four sit in a comfortable silence, enjoying their drinks.
The young boys giggle amongst themselves, showing off each other’s milk mustaches when suddenly they are startled by violent coughing. Minseok looks over in an instant and sees his grandmother doubled over while her body is racked with the terrible cough.
When she finally regains her breath, Minseok sees a single line of blood dribble down the corner of her lips. She opens her mouth like she wants to say something, but instead her eyes roll back and she faints.
“Grandmother!” the boy cries out. He runs over to her side. Grand Madam Lu looks just as bewildered and beckons Nanny Zhang to help lay the other woman down.
“She’s still breathing! Get a physician, now!” Nanny Zhang shouts at the young maidservant. Her face is ashen and the demand makes her flinch, but she runs out anyway.
Minseok kneels by his grandmother’s side and weeps as she takes shallow breaths. What could possibly have happened to his otherwise healthy grandmother? She was fine just a few minutes ago. The young boy panics. What will become of him and his little sister if the Old Madam doesn’t wake up? Who will dote on them and treat them with love and kindness?
He tentatively squeezes her arm, “Grandmother,” he calls. When she doesn’t respond he lets out a weak sob. After a little while, he looks around towards the doorway to see if the maidservant had returned yet.
“Where is that girl?” Nanny Zhang says, as if reading Minseok’s mind.
“How about me and Minseok go look for her. She’s new maybe she got lost,” Lu Han says looking to his grandmother for approval. Seeing no other options, she nods.
Wasting no time, the two boys hurry out of the room in search of the maidservant. They hurdle past dozens of guests, knocking into their knees frantically. Minseok can barely see anything from the tears blurring his vision. He runs towards the ballroom hoping to find his dad when Lu Han stops him.
“No! We can’t go in there. Nanny Mo and my stepmom will catch us, and we won’t be able to find a doctor. She never believes me, even when it’s an emergency!” the boy says.
“If we can’t check the ballroom what do we do?” Minseok cries, rapidly losing his composure. Lu Han seems to be at a loss as well.
“How about we look for a doctor ourselves? Outside. We have to leave the manor.”
Minseok doesn’t bother thinking of the consequences that might follow these actions when he agrees with the other boy and they sneak out of the manor.
Lu Han grabs Minseok’s hand and leads him through the twists and turns of the alleys and backroads until they reach the bustling center of the capital. The boys are flushed and out of breath by the time they reach a stall where an old woman is selling scarves.
“Excuse me Madam, do you know which house the doctor lives?” Lu Han asks.
“Which one, boy? This is the capital, there are many doctors,” the woman says looking slightly annoyed.
Minseok racks his brain trying to remember the physician who usually performs check-ups on his grandmother, “He’s old and has long, gray hair,” Minseok says.
The merchant woman sighs, “That’s not very specific. I don’t have time to play guessing games, I have a business to run. All I can tell you is that there is a physician who lives in that house at the end of the street. I don’t know if he’s the one you’re looking for, though.”
The young boys thank her and start off running again towards the house. It feels like an eternity to reach the house with their little legs carrying them as fast as they can. When they reach the door, they pound on it furiously, begging for help.
A servant answers the door, “Are you mad?! Where are your parents?”
“Please sir. My grandmother is very sick, we need help,” Minseok begs.
“The doctor is busy right now. You can’t just barge into his home demanding to be seen.”
“What’s with all the noise?” says a deep voice from a room somewhere in the house.
“We need your help!” Lu Han shouts.
Shortly afterward, a short middle-aged man with long, gray hair makes an appearance. Minseok instantly recognizes him as his grandmother’s physician, “Young Master Minseok?” he asks, perplexed.
“My grandmother,” he chokes out.
The doctor grabs his outer robe and a bag with what Minseok hopes are medical supplies. He ushers the two boys out the door and leads them towards a carriage, “Your grandmother? How? She was perfectly fine when I checked on her last month.”
“I don’t know. She was fine and then she started coughing after she drank her tea. Now she’s bleeding from her mouth!”
The doctor freezes at that and doesn’t comment on what the boy had said, “Where is she now?”
“At my house,” Lu Han says.
The physician orders the coach to head toward the Duke manor. The ride is silent save for Minseok’s occasional sniffles.
Lu Han takes hold of Minseok’s hand and offers it a squeeze, “We found the doctor, she will be fine,” he says with conviction.
And for some strange reason, Minseok believes him.