The next morning arrived with the tolling of alarm bells.
Soyeon, after a tumultuous night, consisting of second-guessing herself, and thinking about the prince, was in the medicinal garden, trying to identify herbs under Teacher Wan's instruction, when the servants came running.
"Lady Su! Lady Su!"
She turned, her heart already sinking. What happened?
"Two people in the western quarters, they're vomiting blood, the physicians can't help, please, you must come!"
Soyeon ran.
The western quarters housed minor officials and their families, a maze of modest courtyards and shared sleeping chambers. By the time Soyeon arrived, a crowd had gathered, servants and officials alike, their faces masks of fear.
"Move!" she shouted, pushing through. "Let me pass!"
The patients lay on sleeping mats in a small room. Two men, both young, both convulsing. Blood flecked their lips, and their skin had taken on a grayish pallor.
