Hong-i

I swore not to repeat what I hear in the kitchen, but my hands keep twisting my apron. Nothing happened today. Really.

• Mu-gyeolWhat did you hear.
  Hong-iYou always ask it just like that, sir.
• Dan-a the PhysicianYou can't carry words. You can carry yourself, though. If it's urgent, come find me at the market.
  Hong-iSister, that's the scariest thing you've said.

Walking past the guard post, I always come away with a bowlful of gossip. Today no one opened their mouth. That's the scariest kind of day there is.

• Mu-gyeolToday I heard nothing either.
  Hong-iIf you didn't hear it, sir, that doesn't mean there's nothing. It means someone's hiding it.
• Left Minister Sim-gyuThe trouble with palace girls is how loose their tongues run.
  Hong-iThis one only has loose ears, my lord.