Love & War
"Everything is fair in love and war"
CH-2
The next day, as the court buzzed with activity, Minister Seo Changbin sauntered over to General Seonghwa, a playful glint in his eye.
"Hey, hyung, how's life in the palace treating you?" Changbin asked with a grin, aiming to strike up a friendly conversation.
"Ah, it's alright," Seonghwa replied casually, not particularly in the mood for chitchat.
"Is it really as fancy as they say?" Changbin prodded, nudging Seonghwa with a playful elbow.
"Yeah, it's pretty fancy," Seonghwa answered, shooting Changbin a sideways glance before turning his attention elsewhere.
Changbin wasn't one to give up easily. "So, have you stumbled upon that legendary portrait of the first queen hidden in some dusty storeroom?" he teased.
Seonghwa's expression darkened slightly. "Come on, Changbin, cut it out. I'm not in the mood for jokes right now," he grumbled, his annoyance evident.
Concerned by his friend's sudden shift in demeanor, Changbin persisted. "What's up, hyung? Everything okay?"
Seonghwa waved off the concern with a dismissive wave of his hand. "It's nothing. Just forget about it," he replied brusquely, clearly preoccupied with his own thoughts.
"The mighty king of all Goguryeo has arrived!" announced the herald, his voice resounding through the grand hall as the monarch made his entrance. As the king proceeded to his throne, a wave of reverence swept through the assembly, with every courtier bowing in deference until he took his seat.
"All rise!" declared the herald, prompting the courtiers to stand as the king settled upon his throne. "Today's affairs?" the monarch inquired, his gaze steady as he addressed his advisors.
"The chief of the Kyeru tribe is here," announced Head Minister Kim Hongjoong, his voice carrying across the room with authority.
"Let him in," commanded the king, granting audience to the tribal chief.
With a deep bow, the tribal chief entered the hall, his presence marked by a palpable sense of respect and deference. "My lord, I am honored to be in your presence," he expressed, his words tinged with reverence.
"I have brought you five elephants and three of the finest Kyeru horses as a token of my esteem," the chief continued, presenting his offerings to the king as a gesture of goodwill.
"What is your grievance, chief?" inquired the king, his tone measured as he listened to the chief's concerns.
"My lord, the Kwanno tribe has been encroaching upon our land despite repeated warnings. I seek your wisdom and guidance in resolving this dispute peacefully," explained the Kyeru chief, his demeanor marked by a sense of urgency and resolve.
"Summon the chief of the Kwanno tribe to Onyeosanseong immediately. We shall address this matter swiftly and justly," decreed the king, offering his assurance to the chief.
"Until the arrival of the Kwanno chief, I extend to you the hospitality of our palace. Rest assured, we shall find a resolution to this matter," the king added, gesturing toward the guest quarters within the palace.
"You are too generous, my lord," acknowledged the chief, bowing deeply in gratitude.
"You are dismissed," commanded the king, signaling the end of the audience as the chief departed from the royal presence, his mind now set upon the impending resolution of the tribal dispute.
"How is the progress of the kingdom's budget?" inquired the king, directing his attention to Finance Minister Hwang Chang-sung.
"We are in the final stages, my lord," replied the minister with a respectful bow.
"Excellent," remarked the king, nodding in approval as Chang-sung returned the gesture with a smile.
Turning to Defense Minister Choi San, who had assumed responsibility for cadet training in General Seonghwa's absence, the king queried, "And how fares the training?"
"It progresses well, though not without its challenges. Nevertheless, we have managed to overcome them," responded Minister San with a composed demeanor.
"I expect a detailed report on the obstacles encountered and the strategies employed to overcome them," ordered the king, his tone firm yet measured.
"Of course, your highness," affirmed Minister San with a respectful bow.
Next, the king addressed Agricultural Minister Changbin. "How is the agricultural produce this year?"
"We have achieved an exceptional yield, my lord," replied Changbin with a hint of pride, to which the king nodded in acknowledgement.
Turning to Administrative Minister Wooyoung, the king inquired, "Are there any administrative matters requiring attention?"
"No, my lord, all is in order at present," replied Wooyoung, his response delivered with assurance.
Finally, the king directed his attention to Taxation Minister Yeosang. "And what of tax collection?"
"We have successfully collected 95% of this quarter's taxes, with only seven villages remaining," reported Minister Yeosang with a note of accomplishment.
"Very good," acknowledged the king, offering his approval before Yeosang bowed in acknowledgment.
"Satisfied that there are no further issues to address today, I hereby adjourn this assembly," declared the king, prompting all present to bow in deference.
"General, join me in the private meeting chambers in ten minutes," ordered the king, to which General Seonghwa responded with a respectful bow.
Seonghwa approached the private meeting chambers with a knot of apprehension tightening in his stomach. He had been summoned with no indication of the nature of the discussion awaiting him. As he entered the room and bowed respectfully, he was taken aback to find Yeosang seated beside the king.
"How are you, my boy? How is the Gladiolus Palace treating you?" inquired the king, his tone genial as he addressed Seonghwa.
"I'm well, my lord. The palace is truly magnificent, and I find great comfort in its grandeur," replied Seonghwa, his voice tinged with genuine appreciation.
Turning serious, the king continued, "We have something of great importance to discuss with you, Seonghwa."
Seonghwa nodded, his curiosity piqued as he took a seat as instructed.
"You see, my boy, you have reached an age where marriage becomes a consideration. While I understand your reluctance, Yeosang and I have identified a remarkable young woman whom we believe would make an excellent match for you. She will arrive by the 31st at the latest," explained the king.
"My lord, with all due respect, I have no desire to marry," interjected Seonghwa firmly, his tone resolute.
"Seonghwa, I understand your reluctance, but you must comprehend the importance of establishing a family," the king countered, his expression grave. "Without heirs, your position may become vulnerable, subject to the whims of political machinations."
"How so?" inquired Seonghwa, seeking clarification.
"A family man is perceived as more relatable and approachable. Public support is crucial, not only in times of war but in all matters of governance. Without it, even the most capable leader can find themselves at the mercy of ambitious ministers," explained the king sagely.
Before Seonghwa could voice further objections, the king issued a decree. "It is an order, General. You will marry when the girl arrives."
Seonghwa bowed in acquiescence, acknowledging the king's command. With a sense of resignation, he took his leave from the chamber.
Once Seonghwa had departed, Yeosang questioned the king's decision. "Your majesty, why didn't you simply reveal the truth to him?"
The king's response was laced with a sense of melancholy. "I want him to find happiness, Yeosang. Sometimes, the burden of duty outweighs personal desires."
"Minho, Bangchan, I need your help," Jisung called upon his trusted assistants.
"Yes, Prince?" Bangchan responded, his attention fully on Jisung.
"You know about my sister, right? I need your assistance in sneaking her out of Baekje and all the way to Onyeosanseong," Jisung explained, his tone grave yet determined.
"What do you require of us, my lord?" Minho inquired, ready to lend his aid.
"First, promise me that you won't breathe a word of this to anyone," Jisung demanded, emphasizing the importance of secrecy.
"Of course, my lord," both Bangchan and Minho assured him in unison.
"Very well. First, Bangchan, I need you to arrange three horses, a long rope, provisions such as food, water, and comfortable clothing for the journey. I also need both of you to accompany my sister every step of the way to Onyeosanseong," Jisung instructed, his voice steady with determination.
"Yes, my lord," Bangchan affirmed, ready to carry out his prince's orders.
"Minho, I need you to gather intelligence. Find out the family's daily routines, including the times they enter and leave the room, the duration of their stay, their sleeping patterns, the number of guards stationed around the room, and the possible exits from the capital," Jisung continued, assigning Minho a crucial task.
"Consider it done, my lord," Minho replied, his determination matching that of his prince.
Minho swiftly gathered all the necessary information within a mere two days, meticulously documenting every detail of the family's movements and security measures. With his task complete, he joined Bangchan in presenting their findings to Prince Jisung.
Entering Jisung's resting chambers, the trio settled in, ready to formulate a plan that would ensure the safe extraction of Y/N from her confines. Hours passed as they delved into intense debate and deliberation, analyzing every aspect of the situation and brainstorming potential strategies.
Through their collective efforts and unwavering determination, a foolproof plan began to take shape. Each detail was meticulously crafted, every contingency considered. With their minds united and their resolve unwavering, Jisung, Minho, and Bangchan emerged from the chambers with a sense of purpose, ready to set their plan into motion and bring about Y/N's liberation from her captivity.
Ch3>>>
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