TAEHWA ERA
The Courtiers lined themselves up on either side of the throne room and there Queen Jindeok walked down the aisle as she mounted the stairs that led to her throne.
She sat down while all the Courtiers bowed their heads to her.
"Greetings Your Majesty." They said in unison while Queen Jindeok took a golden scroll from Damhyeong who stood right by her side.
She opened it and then she read it out loud.
"Heaven has blessed me this day and it has made me the unparalleled Sovereign of this our Heavenly Kingdom of Shilla, I shall not disappoint it and I shall hear by make our ancestors that took on the mantle to lead this country proud of myself.
His Royal Highness the Prince Chunchu shall take on the Office of Finance, His Highness the Prince Beopmin shall hold the Office of Pajinchan, His Excellency General Kim Yushin shall be Commander in Chief of the Shilla armed forces, General Haesul shall assume the position of Minister in Charge of The Royal Investigations Bureau, General Alcheon shall work with me as my Sangdaedeung and all others shall retain their positions with immediate effect.
I wish to declare that this far that I have come into my reign, it shall henceforth be the beginning of the Taehwa Era of this our glorious Dynasty.
All in all to look forward to the good life of my people and having noticed in my tenure as a Princess the hardships there are involved in the state economy and tax collection the Pumju tax collection system shall be further expanded to make work very easy for us all.
These are my orders." Queen Jindeok said.
"Long Live Your Majesty." The Courtiers said as they bowed their heads.
Queen Jindeok looked at all of them and she smiled.
"I understand what lies ahead of us and our dream shall remain unchanged, as we cultivate a society that is free of corruption and bring wealth to our nation I assure you all that in a matter of time, we shall have united all the three Kingdoms of the Samhan." Queen Jindeok said.
Eventually, the Court was dismissed and the Courtiers walked out while Yushin Rang and Kim Chunchu walked side by side.
"What a remarkable day today is." Kim Chunchu said.
"I believe so too Your Highness." Yushin Rang replied.
"What about my aunt, do you miss her?" Kim Chunchu asked.
"I cherished her and I shared her dream, to be honest, how can I not, regardless of the person that she was to me she was still the same Deokman that I knew as a very beautiful child." Kim Yushin replied.
"Life is never eternal." Kim Chunchu said.
"Of course it never is Your Highness." Yushin Rang replied as he smiled a little bit.
"Her Majesty is on the throne and Shilla is peaceful for a while but I can not help but wonder how long have we to go to war?" Kim Chunchu said.
"Her Majesty is smart and She is intelligent, only patience itself shall give us the true revelation of the very intentions that lie so deep within her mind." Yushin Rang replied.
He halted in his footsteps when through the gates of Wolseong Palace, a series of men that were dressed in rare clothing's marched in along with a few servants.
"Who are they?" Yushin Rang asked Kim Chunchu.
"They must be Tang envoys." Kim Chunchu replied.
"How so and what would they be doing here?" Kim Yushin asked.
"Bidam's rebellion was widely known throughout all the three kingdoms and I believe that Tang itself as the Great power of the continent wasn't an exception when it came to the ears that heard of it." Kim Chunchu replied.
"Why does Your Highness look pleased?" Yushin Rang asked.
"I too wish to watch for myself the most interesting highlight of the day." Kim Chunchu replied.
The envoys were led to a small meeting room that was not so far from the Queen's Chambers and the moment they were inside the room they were made to seat down as they waited.
Eventually, the doors of the room were opened and Queen Jindeok at the moment only dressed like a very noble lady walked in with Sangdaedeung Alcheon and they stood in front of the envoys.
They slightly bowed their heads while the envoys stood up from where they were seated did the very same before humbling themselves back in the comfort of their seats.
Queen Jindeok sat down last with Alcheon Rang.
"Greetings." They said.
"Greet....." Alcheon Rang was about conclude but the Queen halted him.
"I don't wish to complicate things between us as they might only make things much more difficult and we are like family, let us both speak a single dialect and you yourself have the opportunity to choose whether yours or ours to make things more comfortable." Queen Jindeok said.
"Your Excellency is really considerate but since we are visitors in your home then perhaps we'd like to extend the hospitality of Tang and speak your language as it is that we are both very fluent." One of the envoys said.
"Thank you." Queen Jindeok said with a sincere smile on her face.
"Milady seems to be well versed with the hospitable art and that of diplomacy, may we know your name?" The other envoys asked.
"Sure, my name is Jindeok." She replied.
"Greetings Lady Jindeok." The envoys said in unison while smiling heartily.
"Greetings." Queen Jindeok replied.
"Considering that you came on such a short notice I presume that there is something very important you wish to discuss with us." Queen Jindeok said.
"We heard that a couple of months ago there was a Rebellion and the rebels within the country were suppressed by the new Monarch, we haven't received any diplomat to inform us of your new Sovereign and so considering the fact that there might be something that could have hindered you our Emperor considered sending us to see for ourselves." The Tang Envoy replied.
"You are right, the Liaodong region is no longer safe and we were unsure of a future strife which is why we had opted to send diplomats to Tang and inform it's Emperor about the New Kingdom's ruler." Queen Jindeok replied.
"We understand." The Tang Envoys replied.
"Thank you." Queen Jindeok replied while she poured for them some fine ginseng tea and they sipping it they could feel the most remarkable taste on their tongues that they were so moved.
"This is so wonderful Milady." One of the Envoys said.
"That is what Shilla has always been to the Great Tang, we are hospitable and modest the way that you find most pleasing." Queen Jindeok said.
"Speaking of which Milady, who is the new King of Shilla?" The envoys asked her.
Queen Jindeok picked up a cup of tea and she sipped at it while she smiled with her spoon stirring it to turn it cool before placing it on the table.
She looked at them while Sangdaedeung Alcheon reserved his silence.
"You seem too eager to know." Queen Jindeok said.
"Who is that most remarkable Sovereign that is being praised and endeared by the people in the streets and the one that has brought so much wealth and peace to this capital.
"That King is the woman before your eyes." Sangdaedeung Alcheon replied and the envoys who were about to drink more of their tea halted as they raised their eyes and looked at the woman.
"I am the New King of Shilla." Queen Jindeok replied and the two envoys looked so startled by her reply they could barely believe a word that they were hearing.
"We beg Your Pardon Your Highness?" The Envoy said while Queen Jindeok looked at them.
"I am the new King of Shilla." She replied once again they were all utterly confused that very instant that they placed their cups down.
"Your Majesty, is this a joke?" The Envoys asked.
"Of what benefit would it be for me to joke with you the messengers of the Great Tian Kehan, the master of the battlefield and the Great Emperor of Tang?" Queen Jindeok replied.
"We were aware that the former was a female Sovereign Your Majesty and regardless of her status we were willing to accept with the thought that everything had come to order and that at last after her death for the welfare of Shilla it was a man that was ruling." The envoy said.
"You got it all wrong Your Excellencies, here in the state just as it was before there is another female Sovereign that is reigning over the realm." Queen Jindeok said.
"We did not mean to sound so impudent Your Majesty but His Majesty our Emperor believes that the reason that Shilla is entangled in an endless strife it is because she is not feared for having a female Ruler as it's King." The envoy said.
"Was it I who forced you or wasn't it you who said it yourself to begin with?" Queen Jindeok asked.
"What do you mean Your Majesty?" The envoy asked.
"Walking through the streets of Seoraebeol up to this our Palace Please tell me what it was that you noticed, was it peace or war?" Queen Jindeok asked.
"The place is peaceful." The envoy replied.
"Has our trade been paralyzed?" Queen Jindeok asked.
"No Your Majesty." The envoy replied.
"Is it tears that flow from the eyes of our people or only smiles on their faces?" Queen Jindeok asked.
"I believe that it is the latter?" The envoy replied.
"So where in particular when analysing this society do you see me the female Ruler at fault, if you can give me at least five good excuses then I promise that I shall relinquish my Crown and hand it over to the Tang Emperor's male relative." Queen Jindeok said.
"The Envoy kept quiet for a while.
"Your Majesty, considering that you are a woman..." The envoy was still saying.
"So what?" Queen Jindeok asked, "The Emperor's claims are not withstanding?" She added while the Envoys looked down.
Queen Jindeok picked up her cup of tea and she sipped it while she wore a ghastly smile on her face before she placed it down once again and she looked at the two men that were seated right in front of her.
"What is it with Kings that isn't with ministers?" Queen Jindeok asked.
"Kings are annointed and not appointed." The Envoys replied.
"The Tang Emperor too is annointed I presume and you are appointed as well?" Queen Jindeok asked.
"Yes Your Majesty." The Envoys replied.
"Up until now to whom are Kings answerable?" Queen Jindeok asked.
"The gods." The Envoys replied.
"We hold a very deep respect for our culture, our heritage and our civilzation and so do you proud scholars, ministers and diplomats of the Tang Dynasty." Queen Jindeok said, "Tell me in the Confucian setting and be sincere without lying to my face, Can a pauper rule on behalf of an Emperor and not his daughter?" She asked.
"No Your Majesty." The Envoys replied.
"I believe that at least at a certain degree a Princess of the Royal blood exercises the influence a pauper can not just because she is born noble which for a pauper it isn't the case and being a woman it doesn't disqualify her to let go of that inheritance that is supposedly from the sweat of her own ancestors and not another." Queen Jindeok scolded.
"Your Majesty, we believe that this is a different situation." The envoys said.
"You try to point out a difference here while on the other hand I can't seem to see one Your Excellencies, could you tell me, is the mighty Tang devoid of ambition or lacking in it's manner. Was it not rebellion that brought their dynasty to the throne unlike the peace of ours that is given from heaven, throughout your History the mandate of Heaven was shuffled and taken from the unworthy while it was given to those that were deserving, similarly to us the Hallowed bone was made manifest in the flesh of those deserving it is something that we boast with our hearts and we found a reason to be proud of because as it is sacred, to us it still suggests that in the hearts of our people and in the annals of our history as it has been it should still remain to be worshipped regardless of the gender requirements because it's not up to ordinary people themselves to posses.
Yours was a rebellion that instigated the rise of a more prominent Kingdom whereas ours was nothing more than a maintenance to the standard of the Seonggol Crown that has sustained a glorious empire." Queen Jindeok said so seriously.
"Please reserve your anger Your Majesty." The Envoys said.
"Should the Emperor at this stage find it unbearable to recognize a woman as the King of this domain once again then allow me to inform you in advance to waste your time no more because it is from our devotion and strong will that we won't hesitate to break our allegiance with Tang because our succession compared to yours is based on revolution and not usurpation as our heirs are still worthy in the eyes of our people we do not need the approval of others beyond our borders." Queen Jindeok replied.
"We have helped you calm down the might of Gorguryeo." The envoy said.
"But as long as she stands she gives other powers all over the continent to have a reason to rebel." Queen Jindeok said.
"Bear in your mind that consequences might arise from your actions Your Majesty, we are only messengers bringing our good will." The envoy said.
"Wholeheartedly and alone you have failed to bring Gorguryeo to it's knees and now more than ever she has proven to be more and more resistant.
The Great Tang needs us as much as we need it and for us to stick together then she must be willing to accept us as we are and our every flaw." Queen Jindeok said. "shall the people stand and watch as foreigners interfere in political matters that will ensure our welfare, do you think that they'll forever be willing to give their good friendship if ours is disrespect and dishonour to yield, we all know that a declaration of open war will be inevitable and as s far as I know, there are many contestants for Tang's position an open war is something that you can not afford right now aren't I right?" She asked.
"Her Majesty has shown her reserve and for the sake of our Emperor we shall see the very best that we can do to convince him." The envoys said.
"Then I have considered your greatest value to be to this our relationship you shouldn't worry Shilla shall forever be indebted to the Great Tang and our allegiance shall come unwavering in the not so distant future." Queen Jindeok said with a smile on her face.
"All in all we wish to ask Your Majesty to be most careful because with Gorguryeo and Paekche, this is a very dangerous game in which you have chosen to participate." One of the envoys said.
"You worry about me and I am moved but concern yourselves with me no more because I have always been playing a dangerous game ever since I set foot into Seoraebeol and I decided I would rule this Country." Queen Jindeok replied.
"Very well then Your Majesty." The Envoys said.
"You are welcome to stay as long as you feel like and I assure you all that we shall treat you with so much hospitality now that you are our most welcome guests." Queen Jindeok said.
"Thank you so much Your Majesty." The envoys replied as they bowed their heads to her while she still smiled heartily at them.
Queen Jindeok and Sangdaedeung Alcheon walked out of the room while the ladies in waiting and Damhyeong joined them outside.
"Your Majesty." Sangdaedeung Alcheon said.
"Yes?" Queen Jindeok replied.
"You were much more excellent than I expected." Sangdaedeung Alcheon replied.
"You need to look so strong as a monarch to show how worthy you are, Her Late Majesty's vigour even in her appearance made them at last respect her strong will in choosing to stand as the Ruler of our Heavenly Kingdom and mine is to show our potential to rebel and also stand independent to protect mine." Queen Jindeok remarked.
"You are in deed great Your Majesty." Sangdaedeung Alcheon said.
"Her Late Majesty perhaps made me realize that it was time that Shilla didn't need only a smart Queen but a warrior one." Queen Jindeok replied.
"Were you not at all afraid however that you would aggress the Tang Emperor?" Sangdaedeung Alcheon asked.
"No." Queen Jindeok replied, "I was rather afraid to make Shilla look weak in the end I could only give her the strong female King she needed, break my transparency and show my shrewdness." She added as they continued to walk about towards her Chambers.
"Many of your enemies are fallen aren't you on the look out for more Your Majesty?" Sangdaedeung Alcheon asked.
"When the time is right Alcheon, I assure you that we shall provoke my last and perhaps greatest enemy." Queen Jindeok replied.
"Who could that be Your Majesty, please enlighten me." Sangdaedeung Alcheon said.
"King Uija and Paekche." Queen Jindeok replied confidently as she wore a look of determining on her face.
"Yes Your Majesty." Sangdaedeung Alcheon said.
"I want you to do me a favour right now as I trust that the time is right." Queen Jindeok said.
"Whatever it is Your Majesty, please tell me." Sangdaedeung Alcheon said.
"I want you to raise the amount of iron being used for the manufacture if weapons from thirty percent to fifty percent, make the swords a bit lighter and heavier depending on the various divisions in the army as those with very small and light soldiers should posses the lightest swords to make them quicker and much better at maneuvering." Queen Jindeok said.
"Yes Your Majesty." Sangdaedeung Alcheon replied.
"I want you to also take care of all the very many food rations that we have accumulated these past few years and help reinforce with some of the finances the walls of our last strongest Fortresses near the Western Frontier because I am at least by sure the ones that surround Seoraebeol are already impenetrable." Queen Jindeok said.
"Yes Your Majesty." Sangdaedeung Alcheon replied.
"Take care of the steeds and I want you to raise many that are white in colour while personally I shall supervise the training of the Hwarang along with Wonsanghwa Junghwan Rang and see to it that white suits of armour are manufactured in plenty." Queen Jindeok said.
"Don't worry Your Majesty, I'll see to all those preparations." Sangdaedeung Alcheon said.
"Very well." Queen Jindeok replied as she smiled at him ghastly.
The envoys walked out of the room as they loitered around the compound of Ilsan Palace while fanning themselves with a set of peacock feather fans.
"Your Excellency, what do you think about Her Majesty?" One of the Envoys asked his fellow.
"To be honest, I expected the man that had entered the room with her to do most of the talking but I was quite surprised by how strong she is.
Additionally when I studied her she is intelligence when it comes to appearance and her political acumen is rather most amusing compared to that of any other woman that I have ever seen or heard of in my entire life." The envoy replied.
"From the way that she presented herself first she looked humble, when she spoke with such a great demeanor then I was convinced that she must have been a court lady, I was surprised in the end that she was the female King." The other envoy said.
"She is a jewel in the Crown and she's surpassed my every expectation, so much strength there was not even a hint of fear or total submission in her eyes." The envoy said.
"I couldn't agree more." The Other replied. "What have we to tell our Emperor?" He asked.
"The truth perhaps and I believe that his Majesty being old right now there is not much he'll do to oppose the idea as well.
He fears to aggress Shilla because His Highness the Crown Prince Li Zhi of Jin isn't as domineering as he is if it is to win his favour then Her Majesty shall have certainly succeeded." The older envoy replied as he halted in front of a peach tree that was stationed right in the guards and he admired.
"I am beholding before me the example of an age of this fluorishing country." He said, "If the streets could be that peaceful all this time then I certainly do believe the country is moving on its right track." The envoy said.
"If you say so Your Excellency, If I too could behold the wonder that lies within those eyes." his friend said.
"There's no wonder that lies within these eyes of mine, only that which is worthy and that which is strong, that which is brave and that which is a coward, that which is right and that which is wrong and finally glory and truimph along with no honour and disaster." The envoy replied as he smiled widely.
Queen Jindeok was seated in her Chambers when Haesul Rang walked in with a memorial in his hand.
"Your Majesty." He said as he bowed his head.
"Have a seat." Queen Jindeok replied when at that moment, even Yushin Rang walked into the room as well.
"Your Majesty." He said as he bowed his head.
Queen Jindeok nodded while he walked over and took a seat by her side.
"How was everything that I had asked you to do?" Queen Jindeok asked.
"Your Majesty, everything is ready." Haesul Rang replied, "Sangju has been reinforced and it stands as a very strong combat base at the moment, it is an impenetrable stronghold in the west and I believe with it we shall repel any further Paekche advancements." Haesul Rang replied.
"Thank you." Queen Jindeok said as she turned to Yushin Rang.
"I understand that I might not be the ideal Sovereign that her late Majesty was and perhaps you might choose to serve me because she asked you to do so but regardless of everything else there was between us we both shared a common will and that was to unite all the three Kingdoms of the Samhan." Queen Jindeok said.
"Your Majesty, your wish is my command." Yushin Rang Said.
"I want you Yushin to not only be the Commander in Chief of Shilla's forces but to also be the Commander in Chief of the March of Sangju." Queen Jindeok replied.
"Your Majesty, I am afraid that there are other Generals that are much more versed with the tactics of defense, my prowess is best in attacking." Yushin Rang said.
"It shall be a nucleus from which we too shall attack and besides I trust you Your Excellency just like Her Majesty did." Queen Jindeok said.
"Very well then Your Majesty, I won't let you down." Yushin Rang said.
"The will of heaven has been weak at the moment and perhaps still insignificant throughout the land, ever since I ascended the throne I believe that it is time we buried the Female Ruler Jin and we sanctified the land." Queen Jindeok said.
"What are we going to do Your Majesty?" Haesul Rang asked.
"I have thought about it and in the mould of Her Late Majesty I have decided that I too shall build the son on HWANGNYEONGSA at mountain Gaseopsan." Queen Jindeok replied.
"A Temple Your Majesty?" Yushin Rang asked.
"Yes." Queen Jindeok replied.
"There are too many Temples throughout Shilla Your Majesty, what shall be so special about that one?" Haesul Rang asked.
"It shall be the home of our most famous Grandmaster Wonhyodaesa." Queen Jindeok replied.
Queen Jindeok was still seated in the room when Gopheung Rang rushed in along with Sangdaedeung Alcheon.
"Your Majesty." They said as they bowed their heads.
"What is it?" Queen Jindeok asked.
"Word from Tang." Sangdaedeung Alcheon replied.
"Tell me." Queen Jindeok replied.
"His Majesty The Great Emperor Taizong, he has passed on." Sangdaedeung Alcheon replied and at once Queen Jindeok stood up from where she was seated.
"Your Majesty, we aren't safe." Yushin Rang said.
"I understand." Queen Jindeok said.
"At this rate if he was the last mediator that we had to threaten Gorguryeo from advancing on us then with his untimely demise I am afraid that Gorguryeo shall strike immediately." Sangdaedeung Alcheon said.
"That doesn't have to be the case." Queen Jindeok replied.
"Why Your Majesty?" Yushin Rang asked.
"The army of Gorguryeo is still very weak at the moment and I do believe that this is a very good opportunity for us to orchestrate a ploy of our own." Queen Jindeok replied.
"Your Majesty, how are we going to do that?" Yushin Rang asked.
"While Gorguryeo is still weak we need to further weaken Paekche I believe because given that it is a burden to herself then she can not aid her without first reinforcing her army in case Tang is to launch an immediate attack on them so Yon Kaesomun won't dare as of now." Queen Jindeok replied.
"How are we going to do that Your Majesty?" Haesul Rang asked.
"What we need right now is some little more time." Queen Jindeok replied, "I heard that the new Emperor of Tang isn't as shrewd as his father was so with him we have a possibility of gaining favour however so does Paekche, above her we must be the first to present our utmost sincerity and perhaps that way we shall be able to consolidate a more friendly relationship with the new Tang Emperor." She added.
"Your Majesty, I propose that we send to him Envoys as soon as possible." Sangdaedeung Alcheon said.
"Who is most capable?" Queen Jindeok Asked.
"I believe that it should be Kim Chunchu." Yushin Rang replied.
"Very well." Queen Jindeok said.
"I'll be on my way." Sangdaedeung Alcheon replied.
Everyone walked out of the Queen's Chambers while she remained there all alone inside.
At that very moment, Boyeong walked up to her when she noticed that she was absent minded.
"Your Majesty." She said as she bowed her head.
"Yes?" Queen Jindeok replied.
"Should I help you with anything?" Boyeong asked.
"It's alright." Queen Jindeok replied as she stood up from where she was seated and she walked out of the room. as well.
Queen Jindeok walked into a shrine and there on the wall right in front of her there hang a magnificent portrait of Queen Seondeok.
She halted right in front of it and there she knelt down as she looked up at the portrait that was so silent and at the same time was regal all the same.
"Your Majesty." She said while she read with her eyes the words that were written on the plaque.
"The 27th ruler of of Our Heavenly Kingdom of Shilla, the Great Queen Seondeok."
"Here I am." Queen Jindeok said. "I am this close to achieving what we fought for all our lives and here I feel no sense of reserve I have been patient these past couple of years that I have reigned." She added
There was a silence that lingered but she didn't let it discourage her from talking over and over again.
"I am going to crush Paekche and King Uija with these very hands of mine and I shall bring glory to Shilla all future generations to come shall certainly remember us as we are for having been too great and unlike all other women much stronger." Queen Jindeok said as she shed a tear from her eyes.
The Queen was seated in Court when Kim Chunchu and Geumyang appeared in front of her ready to set off for their journey.
"Greetings Your Majesty." They said as they bowed their heads.
"I believe that you are aware of the journey that lies ahead and the meaning of it and I trust that you are also very much certain of the future that this journey is going to bring this our Heavenly Kingdom." Queen Jindeok said.
"Rest assured Your Majesty, we are all very ready." Kim Chunchu and Geumyang said in unison.
"Very well." Queen Jindeok replied as she stretched out her right hand to Damhyeong who walked up to her and he placed a golden scroll in her grip.
Queen Jindeok took it into her possession.
"Come here Your Highness." She said and Kim Chunchu complied while she handed the scroll to him personally.
Kim Chunchu took the scroll and withdrew with his head bowed down.
"Deliver this to His Majesty the Emperor of Tang and tell him that this comes from my heart to him more sincere than anything else that I could ever give." She said.
"Yes Your Majesty." Kim Chunchu replied.
"Guard it very well of you must even with your life." Queen Jindeok said.
"Yes Your Majesty." Kim Chunchu replied.
"You may leave." The Queen waved to the both of them and slowly they withdrew from her presence while she smiled at them.
"The Court is dismissed." Queen Jindeok said as she descended the stairs from the throne room and walked out while the Courtiers followed.
The Queen was walking through the gardens and she halted and stood in front of the peach tree as she gazed at the blue sky above.
"Your Majesty, Shilla is fluorishing." She suddenly had a familiar voice say to her.
"This peace has been short and I believe that we are running out of time." Queen Jindeok replied.
"Nevertheless, I can not help but Wonder how Uncle Moo Mak would have loved it." Damhyeong said.
"Very many people have died to help me get where I am today, I believe that I owe them too much more than I have ever given." Queen Jindeok replied.
"I am curious Your Majesty, everyone wishes to charm the Tang Emperor with treasures but why do you choose to charm him with a scroll?" Damhyeong asked.
"You are still young Damhyeong, at this age wealth is of no use to us, it's only the value that we feel we posses when we are right next to the very people that we love." Queen Jindeok replied.