LAW AND DISORDER

"Tell me, are the contents true?" Queen Seondeok asked.

"Your Majesty, everything that you have seem I have received from the spies and I am uncertain whether the Courtiers are aware of this but there is another justified contender for the throne that had justified himself and perhaps we have overlooked the situation in the first place." Seungman replied.

"A male successor, why wait until now?" Queen Seondeok asked.

"After the symbols the word has gone around the entire Paekche and it originated from the capital of Sabi itself." Seungman replied.

"Upon this ground Paekche could gain support from the Tang Court which could jeopardize us." Queen Seondeok said.

"Your Majesty, an invasion that could be a coup." Seungman replied. "It is currently being alleged that His Highness the Crown Prince of Paekche through your sister Princess Seonhwa is King Jinpyeong's blood grandson and that makes you his aunt and if possible in the eyes of the Tang Emperor Taizong being a man that you are not, he would be recognized as the legitimate heir to the throne of Shilla and it's true King by him and not Yourself Your Majesty." She added.

"I have struggled all my life to get where I am and how certain can we be right now that he is your sister's son?" Queen Seondeok asked.

"Your Majesty, all our lives Tang has been drawing the boundaries itself that it is High time I believe that we also drew our own as Shilla." Seungman replied.

"Our wealth is in abundance and we can also stand on our two feet without having to lean on Tang for nearly everything." Queen Seondeok said.

"Considering all the other Kingdoms of the Samhan only ours is more precious in it's allegiance to Tang, we have maintained the best relations than the other two and I do believe that Tang is fearful of Gorguryeo's might." Seungman remarked.

"But this issue is something that should be taken care of in a more formal way right now because to us if Tang chooses to side with them in our eyes it is most barbaric." Queen Seondeok said.

"According to my knowledge Your Majesty I believe that Your father expelled Princess Seonhwa out of the Palace." Seungman said.

"I too understand that." Queen Seondeok replied, "However he loved her just as much as he loved and cherished both me and Cheonmyeong it couldn't have been something that he forsook and let slide over himself." Queen Seondeok replied.

"Much as she was exiled she remained a part of the registrar of the Royal family." Seungman said.

"But whether or not I am much convinced that there is a great deal of controversy that surrounds this claim." Queen Seondeok said.

"You must have been looking for a solution Your Majesty." Seungman said.

"I was." Queen Seondeok replied.

"Your Majesty, you can Trust that I'll do my best to help out." Seungman said.

"I do." Queen Seondeok said.

Boyeong walked up to the two amidst their conversation.

"Your Majesty." She said as she bowed her head.

"Yes?" Queen Seondeok replied.

"His Highness Kim Chunchu is here and he is requesting for an audience with Your Majesty." Boyeong replied.

"I'll take my leave." Seungman said as she stood up and bowed her head.

"Sure?" Queen Seondeok replied as she smiled faintly at her while Seungman walked out with the others.

When she reached the doors, they were opened and bowing her head she walked past Kim Chunchu and Geumyang while she was headed to the Eastern side of the Palace.

Kim Chunchu walking into the room found the Queen seated there and waiting for him.

"Your Majesty." He said as he bowed his head.

"What is it?" Queen Seondeok asked, "and why do you look so worried?" She added.

"Your Majesty, aren't you aware?" Kim Chunchu replied.

"About the claims of the Crown Prince?" Queen Seondeok asked.

"Yes." Kim Chunchu replied, "How did you know Your Majesty?" He asked.

"Don't underestimate me, is there anything in the three Kingdoms that I don't hear or sea?" Queen Seondeok asked.

"Aren't you bothered by it Your Majesty?" Kim Chunchu asked.

"It's good enough that we know but who says that is our biggest problem at the moment?" Queen Seondeok asked.

"Your Majesty, perhaps there is something else that you have in mind." Kim Chunchu said.

"To beat a rumour you must start a rumour as well, it's work might not be effective here in Shilla but it is when it comes to the other areas around." Queen Seondeok replied.

"Do you not care about the opinions of the other Kingdoms?" Kim Chunchu asked.

"If I did I wouldn't have gained possession of this our Heavenly kingdom, I wouldn't have ruled it, you yourself should beware firstly, before we can solve conflicts that are external let's solve those within our very doors." Queen Seondeok replied.

"Then you suspect that we have traitors amongst us?" Kim Chunchu asked.

"You too know it that we have enemies amongst us." Queen Seondeok replied.

"But how do I deal with them Your Majesty, perhaps I should turn a blind eye to avoid criticism." Kim Chunchu replied.

"You are my sister's child and that also makes you equally like my own, the age difference between between the both of us I understand isn't that wide ." Queen Seondeok said.

"Then you must know what my intentions are." Kim Chunchu said.

"You are ambitious but you do not have what it takes yet that I wish you would emulate Her Highness Lady Seungman." Queen Seondeok replied.

"Why?" Kim Chunchu asked.

"If you want to gain possession of this country start by winning over people's hearts, let it be Generals or commons, Courtiers or Royals, regardless of the stature all are your subjects in the very end, if they can cherish you much more than anyone else then against all odds be it a bloody battle I assure you you'll emerge Victorious." Queen Seondeok replied.

"Thank you Your Majesty, I'll think about it." Kim Chunchu remarked.

Seungman returned to her Chambers and there she was accompanied by Damhyeong as she sat down in her chair.

She was immersed in thoughts and Damhyeong himself noticed.

"Your Highness, is there something wrong with you today?" He asked.

"No, not at all." Seungman replied, "I am just worried." She added.

"Your Highness, is it about the message?" Damhyeong asked.

"What more could it be?" Seungman asked, "Right now I have started to notice that the nation and this Shilla that I have cherished with all my heart is starting to make it's entrance into what would be a very vicious storm." She added.

"Your Highness, war is inevitable and the fight of all three Kingdoms has been a century long feud." Damhyeong remarked.

"I have prepared for so many years but the preparations that we have right now leave us still inadequate." Seungman said.

"Regardless of the situation I believe that there is not much that we can do about it other than trusting in our own might." Damhyeong said.

"As it is right now, withstanding is our best option and resistance not something that we can afford, to attack is something that is much unfeasible but surrender isn't in for us either." Seungman replied.

"Can heaven be on our side?" Damhyeong asked.

"What matters at this moment is that the Kingdom can survive." Seungman replied.

At Sabi the King Mu lay in his bed and there right by his side the Royal doctors gazed at him.

The doors were flung open at once and with the rays that illuminated his quarters through the entrance a very tall and handsome man rushed in as he quickly stationed himself by the bed side.

"How is His Majesty?" The young man asked.

"Forgive us all Your Highness but there is not much that we can do." The head of the Royal doctors said.

"How much time has he left?" The young man asked.

"To be honest, how could we lie, His Majesty can not survive beyond this day." The Royal Doctor replied.

The man sat down by his father's bed and there in a moment the old King regained his consciousness and opened his eyes.

"My son, is that you?" He asked.

"Yes Your Majesty, it is I your Crown Prince." The young man replied.

"Good." The old King said as he coughed gently for a while.

"I believe that it has been a very long time in deed." King Mu remarked.

"Father, at last you led a legacy." The Crown Prince said.

"I had no dream to begin with and at once I was a carefree Prince that loved and laughed heartily, that was so stubborn and was so playful all of the time, when my Father would have emphasized that I had to treat myself like a future King, about more than a hundred times I acted up and treated myself no different from a common man." King Mu said.

"Your days were carefree, mine were to prepare me for the task of ruling the Kingdom." The Crown Prince said.

"There is no life worth living and at a time that you'll see yourself rise it shall be at the expense of others falling.

For the decisions of your wives and your children only the future generations themselves shall hold you responsible, whether they fail or succeed, bring glory and life or doom they'll criticize your government and know not a name other than yours." King Mu said.

"I'll stand my ground Father." The Crown Prince said.

"Thrice I was by the female King Of Shilla defeated, thrice I learnt where I was inadequate you must prove your strength.

The burden is never too easy and the choices that you make shouldn't be for your own but for the very people that you hold so dear and you lead." King Mu said.

"Don't worry father, it might have started with King Jinheung but I shall crush the female King so firmly under my palm and I shall unite the three kingdoms of the Samhan." The Crown Prince said.

"I hope that you realise it my son." King Mu said, "My sight is vague at the moment and I can hear your lovely mother calling out to me." He added.

"Go in peace father, for you have left behind a legacy that won't let you down." The Crown Prince said.

The Old King closed his eyes slowly and his breath also shortened until eventually his chest showed no rythm and his warm body had already started to turn pale and cold.

One of the Royal doctors stepped up to the lying man and there he took his pulse one final moment while looking at his son.

"How is he?" The Crown Prince asked as the Royal physician nodded his head.

"I see." The Crown Prince said as he stood up from the bed and he faced everyone else who was in the room.

"His Majesty the King is dead, and now it is my turn, it is Uija's time to rule." The Crown Prince said.

"Long Live the King." Everyone said as they immediately fell down to their knees and they bowed their heads to him.

The Courtyard of the Royal Palace at Sabi was beaming with celebration and the new King walking down the aisle he ascended the stairs that led to his throne.

As he halted with his wife Queen Eun Go right by his side he looked up at the Courtiers and the Aristocrats that were gathered right in front of him.

He raised his hands towards heaven and closed his eyes.

"Long Live His Majesty, Long Live the King." The people shouted as they went down onto their knees and they bowed down their heads.

"All rise." King Uija ordered and the people stood onto their feet again as they gazed at him in his Majesty.

"Have it spoken throughout the land, His Majesty my father the Late King has passed on and I his successor in front of his coffin has been appointed by heaven as the true born child and firstborn son worthy to lead this our great Kingdom of Paekche to greater heights and cause it to fluorish from the ashes once again.

My roots are unaltered and my blood is the same that flowed through His Majesty the Late King of the Heavenly Kingdom, a woman can not rule and over the past years Shilla has been Kingless in the eyes of men to this very day that unlike my father it has become my quest which has also graduated into my calling.

I won't disappoint heaven and I shall hereby intervene on its behalf and make right the faults of her people, I shall unite all three Kingdoms of the Samhan beginning with Shilla itself and bring you the wealth of her people and the lands that King Jinheung robbed from us.

I shall reward our loss with gain that's worth a hundredfold and the Royal house of Puyô shall master it's dominion over the Samhan." King Uija announced.

"Long Live Your Majesty, Long Live the King." everyone hailed him.

Seungman was seated under one of the sheds of Ganglyeoghan Palace and there she was playing a game of chess with Kim Chunchu.

She noticed that he was absent minded and she cleared her throat to get his attention.

"There appears to be something on your mind." She said to him.

"There are a lot of thoughts in my head and I doubt that it could ever find some peace it leaves me restless." Kim Chunchu replied.

"There is something that you dread very much." Seungman said.

"I notice so much that of recent Bidam has attracted much of Her Majesty's favour." Kim Chunchu replied.

"So Your Highness?" Seungman asked as she played her move.

"Don't you find it quite suspicious?" Kim Chunchu asked.

"Whether it is suspicious of not she is the Queen after all and it is her business, if you really are concerned then let it be about yourself and not Him." Seungman replied.

Kim Chunchu picked up a piece but looking at the board he was unable to put the piece anyway.

"Every move is a trap." He said.

"You weren't paying attention to your game." Seungman replied.

"Can I admit defeat?" Kim Chunchu asked.

"I don't care if other people take fault to be something that is normal, however if you accept unplanned defeated today then before you'll realise it the same story shall be written tomorrow and much faster than expected you'll be accepting defeat for the rest of your life." Seungman replied.

"In your words you are most cautious but why are your actions contrary?" Kim Chunchu asked.

"To everything that we do there must be a bigger picture, why do you think that Her Majesty placed Bidam under Yushin Rang?" Seungman asked.

"Perhaps she distrusts Yushin?" Chunchu replied.

"No." Seungman replied.

"You understand her much more than I do." Kim Chunchu said.

"Yushin Rang and Bidam Rang naturally have to be rivals, in any case when the left arm begins to strike the right then it is much easier for the owner to decide which of the two arms should be list and which one should be retained." Seungman replied.

"What's much more important to Her Majesty?" Kim Chunchu asked.

"That is a question that only she can answer and not myself but it doesn't matter who strikes first, the question is who is quick enough to counter the other?" Seungman replied.

"I see." Kim Chunchu replied as he looked at the board and eventually he saw a move which he played.

"I win." Seungman said as she placed her last piece close to the centre and she smiled at him as well.

At that moment, Alcheon Rang arrived at the entrance of Wolseong Palace and there on his stead he got off and he rushed in immediately towards the Queen's Chambers.

"Where is her Majesty." He asked Eun Hye when he found her standing there along with a few other ladies in waiting.

"Her Majesty is at the Ulsan Pavilion." Eun Hye replied and without wasting time he dashed towards it's direction.

"Queen Seondeok was seated at the pavilion bad she gazed at the capital in a distance while Yushin Rang was standing by her side.

"It is such a beautiful morning." She said.

"I notice that Your Majesty is quite lively today." Kim Yushin said.

"I heard that in Wa a female Sovereign has been enthroned and she is Emperor Kogyoku." Queen Seondeok replied.

"And your Majesty feels responsible?" Yushin remarked.

"Perhaps." Queen Seondeok replied, "It moved me so greatly that I sent my congratulations across the sea and I also sent a Diplomat to Tang once again believing that upon these grounds The Great Tian Kehan can also choose to declare Wa as an Kingless state as well." Queen Seondeok added.

"You could defend your own right in such a way but I am rather worried about the allegations that challenge Your legitimacy." Yushin Rang said.

"Rest assured Yushin, a lot of people want me dead but it is not yet my time and perhaps my finest hour is far from now." Queen Seondeok replied.

Hardly had she spoken when Alcheon Rang eventually halted right behind her and he bent over as he breathed heavily.

"Your Majesty, bad news." Alcheon Rang said.

"What is it?" Kim Yushin asked as his face was overwhelmed with so much panic.

"His Majesty the new King Uija of Paekche." Alcheon Rang replied.

"What's wrong with him?" Queen Seondeok asked.

"His Majesty upon his ascension to the throne sent a Diplomat to the Tang Emperor Taizong to inform him of the new Ruler of Paekche and claiming a rather close relationship to the Shilla throne he has said that he looks forward to cooperation to rectify the faults of the Shilla people and give it the male King that it deserves to oust the female Usurper yourself." Alcheon Rang replied.

"What did Emperor Taizong say?" Queen Seondeok asked fiercely.

"His Majesty didn't show any reaction but to foster a good relationship with the Sovereign of Paekche, the Shilla envoy was dismissed before he was even given an audience with His Majesty who still fails to approve of you as the Ruler of Shilla and refers to Wa as a backward civilzation." Alcheon Rang replied.

"There is no positivity and I believe that there is none for us to nurture." Queen Seondeok said.

"It is said that on his Coronation King Uija said that he would spare no effort to unite all three Kingdoms of the Samhan beginning with Shilla itself and bring his people our wealth and the lands that King Jinheung robbed from them.

He has spared no effort at all in reinforcing the army and supplying them with heavy weaponry movements have started from Sabi earlier on today being led by King Uija himself." Alcheon Rang replied.

"Your Majesty, this is a clear declaration of war." Yushin Rang said as Queen Seondeok stood up from where she was seated.

"Summon all the Courtiers right now." Queen Seondeok ordered.

"Yes Your Majesty." Yushin Rang and Alcheon replied as they bowed their heads and they withdrew from her presence.

"This is war." Queen Seondeok added as she also turned around and she walked away from the pavilion while her ladies in waiting followed.

Seungman was still enjoying another game of chess with Kim Chunchu when her father and Damju walked up to her.

"Your Highness." Damju said as he bowed his head that the two turned around and they looked at him.

"Father?" Seungman replied when she noticed the presence of Galmunwang Gukban nearby that she stood up along with Kim Chunchu and they bowed their heads and greeted him.

"I have been summoned to the Court my dear." Galmunwang Gukban said.

"What is it father?" Seungman asked.

"Have you not heard the news Your Highness?" Damju asked.

"Which news?" Seungman asked as she and Kim Chunchu looked at one another before turning back to the both of them.

""His Majesty King Uija of Paekche upon his ascension to the throne sent a Diplomat to the Tang Emperor Taizong to inform him of the new Ruler of Paekche and claiming a rather close relationship to the Shilla throne he has said that he looks forward to cooperation to rectify the faults of the Shilla people and give it the male King that it deserves." Damju replied.

"What?" Kim Chunchu said.

"On his Coronation King Uija said that he would spare no effort to unite all three Kingdoms of the Samhan beginning with Shilla itself and bring his people our wealth and the lands that King Jinheung robbed from them." Damju replied.

"Thrice his predeccessor was defeated by Her Majesty and now that his ambition has had the best of him perhaps it is time the rumours that have been going around about his legitimate claim to our Crown were put to their best use." Seungman remarked.

"Her Majesty must feel provoked that she has decided to call for this meeting." Galmunwang Gukban said.

"King Uija has spared no effort at all in reinforcing the army and supplying them with heavy weaponry over the past couple of years and movements have started from Sabi earlier on today being led by the King himself." Damju said.

"Offense has been taken this is a clear declaration of war." Kim Chunchu said.

"At last the time that I dreaded has come a bit too soon." Seungman remarked.

"It's getting late, we should get going." Kim Chunchu said as he joined Galmunwang Gukban and the two prepared to walk away.

"Wait." Seungman halted them both that they turned around and looked at her.

"I am coming with you." She said, "I believe that Her Majesty won't be surprised and I don't think that she'd show any objection." She added.

Queen Seondeok marched down the aisle of the once very busy room while the Courtiers automatically fell into order as she rose up onto her throne.

Reaching there she faced every one and greeting her they bowed their heads while she sat down confidently.

"For more than half a millennium, our Heavenly Kingdom of Shilla has stood on a very strong foundation that was laid by our ancestors and forefathers, we have endured Generations of war and strife both inwardly and outwardly and in the eyes of other nations created a revolutionary standard through which we have fluorished.

The New King of Paekche Uija has shown no respect for our order and he has created himself the so called true heir of our Kingdom, he has corrupted the Royal house of Kim and he has flawed the Hallowed bone of our ancestors Bak Hyeokgyeose and his wife Lady Aryeong.

In the eyes of Tang today I wish to declare the end to a friendly relationship which we have strived to maintain over the past years and if the Tang Emperor is unyielding in his own will to accept me the Female King of Shilla as its rightful Sovereign then here and today I wish to denounce our right to his worship as the great." Queen Seondeok said.

The Courtiers were all rather alarmed while the Queen herself looked so determined and infuriated.

"Your Majesty, please reconsider." Sangdaedeung Eulje said.

"Your Majesty to sever a connection with Tang right now could be a declaration of war that we can not afford to wage and even worse one that we are uncertain of winning." Another added.

"What have we not done as Shilla, year in and year out I have sent diplomats to the Tang Court but the Emperor remains headstrong and he can not acquisce to the presence of a female Monarch in the land, the King of Paekche sits right by his side while our people are dismissed from his presence before even having a right to present our true concerns.

If His Majesty can support a Barbarian to fight for our throne and claim it without recognition of myself then that humiliation is something that I can bear no longer I don't have to disappoint our founder's by falling to my knees against my will." Queen Seondeok said.

"I second your decision Your Majesty." Galmunwang Gukban said, "Up to now the great Tang has shown no consideration to our friendship and our statutory demands yet throughout your regime we have strived to be more and more faithful.

In disregard for our customs and when I recall the famous Xuanwu gate incident that has been retold, how can I not weigh justice in revolution and reign from revolt?" He added.

"As it is right now King Mu of Paekche has led troops from Sabi with most of his best Generals today and I have a very firm reason to believe that this is an open declaration of war, I wish to discuss with you all this matter." Queen Seondeok said.

"Your Majesty, I do believe that as we can not keep our head low to Paekche and neither can we just stand by then we must be ready to defend against all harm that they throw to us." Bidam said.

"I second him Your Majesty." A couple of other Courtiers re echoed.

"I wish to hear from you all what we should do about this." Queen Seondeok said.

"Your Majesty, we have been waiting for this day for a very long time and we'd known that a war with Paekche was going to one day be inevitable." Kim Yongsu said.

"We can't just sit by and watch while Shilla falls to the hands of those cruel barbarians." Kim Yongchun added.

"If I may speak Your Majesty." Seungman said.

"What is it Your Highness?" Queen Seondeok asked.

"Over the past couple of years after the earlier repulsions to King Mu of Paekche each and Everytime the national army of Paekche has been reinforced over and over again.

While we were busy too focused on agriculture and uniting the country with Buddhism for Paekche theirs has been increasing the size of the national army and building a very strong force.

The Hwarang are without morale as it is and the troops as well haven't been well trained, we have enjoyed many years of peace that I fear that our national force is still inadequate." Seungman replied.

"So then please tell us, what is your opinion Your Highness?" Queen Seondeok asked.

"Your Majesty, my opinion is very simple." Seungman replied, "We can not defend for much longer so should our stand prove inefficient then I suggest that we retreat first the weapons and the food and have them transported to the nearby reserves to protect the Capital." Seungman replied.

"Your Highness must be out of your mind." Sangdaedeung Eulje remarked.

"Shilla is rich and I believe that over the past couple of years you have been tasked with the responsibility of gathering wealth and working hand in hand with your father to sustain the military." He added.

"Looking at the bigger picture winning one war isn't something that we are After, what plagues our minds is the Unification of the three Kingdoms of Samhan which could take more and more subsequent wars time in and time out, there isn't a truce for us to declare as it is and the battle for Unification of this peninsula could take even a hundred years.

However if at this time Paekche can exhaust it's military might in the future then automatically it shall have weakened and a long term war being something that is far beyond our capabilities to sustain I do believe that at this point in time if we can not withdraw willingly then we can lose by force." Seungman warned.

"Your Highness is just being a coward." Other officials said.

"I fear your Majesty that if we let the enemy inside the country then at that point in time it shall have spelt our very own end, where the flames of war could entirely consume us to bring as to an end if we surrender without a fight then to the other Kingdoms Shilla under the rule of our female King shall seem too weak." Sangdaedeung Eulje remarked.

"Yes Your Majesty." The rest of the Courtiers agreed while Bidam, Yushin and Alcheon kept quiet along with Galmunwang Gukban.

"Your Majesty, if I may ask how small was Shilla at the time that King Jinheung ascended the throne?" Seungman asked.

"It was very small in it's own nature not even beyond the Han river." Queen Seondeok replied.

"It took close to thirty years and fir his time there were other riches for which we were deficient but nonetheless we managed to take over so much of the lang from Gorguryeo and consolidated land right above Paekche.

Had our wealth been much more and had the famine not set it as a result of inadequate food reserves then please tell me all you wise men of Shilla, wouldn't he have succeeded in uniting the three Kingdoms of the Samhan?" Seungman asked.

"He died striving, resistance was inevitable and brutal on his side Your Majesty, all it took was one man to bring us glory but had he bowed his head as Her Highness is proposing that we do today then Shilla would have lost even the little that she had initially possesed." Sangdaedeung Eulje remarked.

"Your Majesty, for this war we are not ready and all that I am saying is that we still nourish our troops a bit longer that we might in the future drag on the war even if for fifty years without having to be affected by famine." Seungman proposed.

Queen Seondeok looked at the two and they were all confident in their own words.

"Your Majesty, please reconsider and we should send troops and stand our ground ." Sangdaedeung Eulje said.

"What will you do if we lose out in this war by force?" Seungman asked, "Can you bear that responsibility?" She added.

"Your Majesty, defeat and humiliation without a try us not something that I can withstand, should we lose out on this war then I shall automatically resign from my position as Sangdaedeung." Sangdaedeung Eulje replied as he stared at Seungman fiercely.