9 - The Second Day (Tenth Day of the Intercalary Second Month)

Summary

THE ROYAL PROCESSION PROCEEDS IN BAD WEATHER

THE NEXT MORNING, the king left for Sageuncham Rural Palace, less than five miles (eight kilometres) from Siheung, where he was due to have lunch. The procession was set to depart at myosi, sometime between five and seven o’clock in the morning. The king said, ‘It is likely to rain soon. Put the guards on alert and gather at six forty-five.’ Again, the king travelled on horseback, dressed in military attire.

After leaving Siheung Rural Palace, the royal procession took what is the present-day Siheung-ro Road and headed to Anyang. When the procession had passed the field before Mt Daebaksan, crossed Manangyo Bridge and reached Anyangcham Post Station, the king ordered a brief stop.

The procession soon resumed, heading southward along today’s Manan-ro Road in Anyang. The road was flat with few hills and led the procession to Sageuncham Rural Palace. The king arrived at the palace ahead of the others to check facilities. When Lady Hyegyeong arrived, the king took his mother inside. There they stayed through morning refreshments and lunch, but it began to rain. Finally, Jeongjo said, ‘The rain hasn’t stopped yet, but this newly-built palace with low ceilings is not a comfortable place to spend the night. Though I’m worried about the officials and soldiers getting wet, I think we can reach Hwaseong today as it is not that far from here.’ Shortly afterwards, the king ordered the horn to be blown three times. Dressed in a raincoat, Jeongjo took to the road. Despite the rain, therefore, the procession resumed, heading to Hwaseong Rural Palace, about five miles (eight kilometres) away.

Shortly after ascending Ilyonghyeon Hill, the procession arrived at Mireukhyeon Hill, which was wet and slippery due to the rain. The king dismounted for a while and went to check on his mother.