Coronation

The crowd erupted in cheers as they witnessed In Hyuk's impressive martial arts skills. The spectators marvelled at the brothers' extraordinary abilities. However, Prime Minister Jung Myeong wore a solemn expression, discontented with the fact that In Hyuk emerged victorious in the duel.

Prime Minister Jung Myeong raised his voice to declare, "The winner of the duel is the First Prince, Royal Highness In Hyuk. The written test, conducted by Royal scholars, is scheduled for tomorrow. Following the written test, officials will cast their votes to recommend their preferred Prince once again."

Prime Minister Jung Myeong quickly left the scene, disappointed by the results. Jiho looked at his brother, who was smiling and receiving cheers from the royals. Although Jiho wasn't disappointed by In Hyuk, he couldn't discern what In Hyuk was thinking at the moment.

As expected of the former Crown Prince, In Hyuk excelled in the written test as well. All of them stood in the court, with Jiho and In Hyuk positioned in front for the final voting. Most officials voted for In Hyuk, already aware of the results, not wanting to be on the bad side of the future king.

"The first prince, In Hyuk, has been chosen as the future King of Silla. "Pay your respects to the newly assigned king," said Prime Minister Jung Myeong as he prostrated in front of In Hyuk.

Everyone quickly followed suit, with Jiho turning to In Hyuk and also prostrating, saying, "Your Majesty." All were in prostration before him.

"All of you can rise now," declared In Hyuk.

The next day, In Hyuk was crowned, and Jiho congratulated him. In In Hyuk's first court as king, Jiho was appointed as an army general.

In front of lined officials, In Hyuk, seated on the throne, introduced, "He is Da Won, my newly appointed bodyguard."

Da Won, a man in his twenties with a sharp nose and elongated, eagle-like eyes, donned numerous ear piercings. His hair fell across his eyes and cascaded down his shoulders from behind, giving him a mysterious appearance. Da Won stepped forward, greeted everyone, and then returned to his place.

After the court session concluded, Jiho entered, adorned in armour, gripping a sword in his hand. He bowed respectfully and greeted, "Your Majesty, you summoned me."

In Hyuk inquired, "Why did you join the army? You could have taken an official seat in the court and assisted me at my side."

Jiho, without displaying any emotion, responded, "I am merely striving to protect my country and its people, Your Majesty. Many others are here to support you."

Sadness welled up in In Hyuk's eyes, but a smile contradicted his sombre gaze. He spoke, "Now, I'll be left alone in the palace. You too, finally, are leaving me." He took a deep breath and Continued, "Right, go and serve the country. Take good care of yourself."

Jiho bowed and affirmed, "I will do my best, Your Majesty." Turning away, he walked out of the door, unaware of the tears streaming down In Hyuk's face.

After a prolonged silence, In Hyuk called out, "Do Won."

"Yes, Your Majesty," he replied.

"Search for my parents' graves and let me know. I will personally move them back to the Palace."

"I am at your command, Your Majesty," he replied and exited.

***o***

"We stand to lose all power and control over Palace matters. What should we do now?" inquired the Prime Minister, seated in front of the Queen Dowager in her chambers.

"We must proceed with our next move cautiously," replied the Queen Dowager.

"His Majesty was personally tutored by his father, King Kim Jung Hoon. King Jung Hoon's strong sense of justice has become a significant obstacle for us. Bringing the two princes back to the Palace may have been a misstep," expressed the Prime Minister.

"If we've taken a wrong step, then we must correct it," asserted Queen Dowager with determination.

She glanced at the Prime Minister, struck by an idea. "How about arranging a marriage between your daughter and the King? Even if you don't gain complete control over the Palace, you can secure your position."

Prime Minister Jung Myeong questioned, "Will he accept the proposal?"

Queen Dowager assured him, "Send an official marriage proposal in the name of peace for the country. The King won't be able to reject it. Once your daughter ascends to the throne as Queen, you'll regain control over Palace affairs."

Following Queen Dowager's guidance, Prime Minister Jung Myeong sent a marriage proposal for his daughter to the King in the pursuit of maintaining peace.

Eunuch Byung Ho respectfully handed In Hyuk a rolled letter with a bow. "This is sent by Prime Minister Jung Myeong, Your Majesty," he conveyed.

In Hyuk opened it while seated on the throne. "A marriage proposal!" he looked at proposal with questionable eyes, gave it a thought and said "I will agree with his request," a smile graced his face as he stamped the approval.

In Hyuk contemplated, "He attempts to seize power by positioning his daughter on the queen's throne. A commendable effort, but I'll make it clear that it's an insurmountable task."

"Eunuch," he called, "Proceed and convey this message." In Hyuk was aware that Eunuch Byung Ho served as a spy for Prime Minister Jung Myeong.

Eunuch Byung Ho exited the Palace, encountering Da Won entering. Without exchanging words, Byung Ho glanced at Da Won and continued on his way.

Hyuk handed a decree to Da Won, instructing, "Go inform the royal families that I am taking in concubines. After their daughters' registration, discreetly escort them to the palace. Do not inform anyone from the Kim families and thoroughly investigate their backgrounds."

Da Won silently accepted the decree, bowed, and exited.

In Hyuk proceeded towards his parents' graves. Behind the palace, nestled in the middle of the forest, stood the two graves.

Descending from the palanquin, In Hyuk approached as his guard opened the door. Seated near the graves, tears streamed down his face as he gently placed his trembling hands upon them.

"Father!" he uttered, then turning to the other grave, "Mother." He lowered his head onto the grave, tightly grasping the grass that had grown over it. His royal attire lay spread on the damp ground.

***o***

After relocating the tomb to the palace, In Hyuk commanded the excavation of his uncle, King Kim Jung Woong's grave. He directed the burning of the remains and instructed the disposal at a distant location, emphasizing the need for secrecy.

In Hyuk diligently penned a letter when Prime Minister Jung Myeong entered the palace, respectfully bowing before King In Hyuk, who sat regally upon the throne.

"Your Majesty, this marks the chosen date for the marriage ceremony. The Royal monk has designated an auspicious day," conveyed Prime Minister Jung Myeong.

Accepting the rolled paper, the eunuch passed it to In Hyuk. Unfurling it, In Hyuk examined the date before expressing with a warm smile, "The wedding day approaches; we should commence our preparations."

Prime Minister Jung Myeong reciprocated with a warm smile, affirming, "We will initiate the preparations, Your Majesty."

***o***

Da Won entered the King's Chamber carrying some documents. After a respectful bow, he took a seat in front of the King and informed, "Your Majesty, these are the documents for the newly registered concubines. We have discreetly relocated them to the Palace without anyone noticing."

In Hyuk set aside his brush, used for writing, and accepted the documents. After reviewing them, he commended, "You've done a good job."

Handing Da Won a letter, he instructed, "Send this to Jiho using the fastest messenger available."

Upon receiving the letter, Da Won clutched his sword, bowed to the King, and left the chamber. In Hyuk continued working on state matters and reports.

"Dad and Mom have been relocated to the palace. Come and pay your visit to them," the letter stated. Jiho placed the letter in a box as he sat in his military camp, wearing a somber expression.

Days passed without a reply to In Hyuk's letter. In Hyuk, feeling anxious, questioned Da Won as maids changed his clothes. "Why is there no reply from General Kim Jiho? Did you give the letter to a responsible messenger?"

Da Won responded, "Your Majesty, he visited the late King and Queen and has already left for his duty."

In Hyuk, puzzled, asked, "How come he didn't pay a visit to me?"

Witnessing the discontent etched across In Hyuk's countenance, Da Won tactfully proposed, "Your Majesty, if you miss him that much, why not send for him to pay you a visit?"

"It's okay, he must be busy," In Hyuk said as he headed to the court with all his servants and guards following closely.