Memoirs of a Great Leader 2
Disclaimer :I do not own anything from this story. Credits to the owners of Queen Seondeok series.
Warning : SPOILER. Major Deokman x Yushin. Alcheon x Deokman. Dark Bidam. Controversial topics, take it with a pint of salt.
'In the thoughts of unprepared mind. Knowledge can only be dangerous or useless'
[continuation]
"Where is Yuan?" Bidam asked his men, looking for his son after their argument last night. For the young man finally found out that he is the infamous rebel Bidam. And that his grandmother- Mishil's entire legacy were wiped out from the annals of history of Shilla, along with the execution of all her supporters.
"Lord Hyeongjong, lord Yuan is in the infirmary" he reported.
Hearing this, Bidam immediately run towards the medic's quarters. And there he found his eldest child.
"Yuan" he called out at the young man attending to the sick and wounded patients.
But Yuan just ignored his father.
Unable to take anymore disrespect, he dragged his son into the doctor's office.
"Can't you stop acting like a kid? How dare you show disrespect to your mother? " Bidam asked, angry.
"Why? " he asked instead.
"What? " Bidam asked.
"Why did you become a rebel?" he asked.
Bidam fell silent.
"I no longer want to lead the Munmyong guild" Yuan declared, seeing as his father is refusing to tell the truth. "I don't approve of this useless killings. I don't want to join the war and get my hands dirty"
Bidam stayed silent.
"Mother said that I can choose the path I wanted to take." he said. "Thus I chose to be a doctor who save lives, cure diseases and heal wounds. Rather than a murder who kill people in disguise of patriotism"
"I will not stand behind your shadow... Bidam" Yuan declared as he removed his father's tight grip on his shoulders.
"You want to know why I became a rebel? " Bidam asked, as though thinking out loud rather than speaking to his son.
Yuan fell silent.
"I committed a high treason against the king and this country" Bidam admitted. "I selfishly took a great leader away from her throne"
Xxx
"I really like speaking with Mishil." Deokman declared making Yushin curious.
"Do you know what I said to her before she left? " she asked.
"What did you say to her? " he asked.
" I told her that I hope she would live a long and happy life" She answered "Because I want to learn more from her"
"You have improved greatly, your highness. You are doing your best to learn, even from your enemy" Yushin commended the Princess.
"Is that what I did?" she asked, as though she was still Yushin's cadet.
Later, the princess met with the King to discuss her plans. Convincing her father to replace the power of the highpriests with science.
The next morning, the council discussed about the abolishment of the Highpriest and the establishment of Cheonseongdai.
Surprisingly, everyone agreed making the princess worried about Mishil's plan.
"Why did you do that? "she asked." I thought you didn't agree with me? "
" Because I have no reason to oppose it. Not because I agree with you " Mishil answered.
'I want to know what you will do after losing your power. That's what I want to see' she thought.
.
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Later that night, she waited for Bidam in the palace gardens- where she used to meet with her deceased sister back then.
"Bidam, you came" Deokman said to the man approaching, as a smile graced her face.
"Can you defeat Mishil, Your highness?" he asked the Princess.
"Why are you being too formal all of a sudden? Didn't I ask you to treat me just like before?" she asked with an amused smile.
"I was the one who asked first, Your highness..." Bidam interrupted childishly complaining, staring straight at Deokman's eyes. "Can you defeat her?"
Silence only followed.
"Mishil. She's the one I am thinking just now" Deokman said. "There is something I have, that Mishil has not"
Bidam stared at the princess in curiosity.
"Mishil" she answered with wisdom in her eyes. "I have her as an opponent. Ever since the reign of King Jinyeong, Mishil never met anyone that could rival her power. And in order to fight her, I have to learn from her and become stronger"
Bidam fell in awe.
"As I was speaking to her. I found out something. Mishil does not fear the Heavens. What she fears were the people, that's why she doesn't listen to their hopes and dreams. But in order to be a great King, I would listen to my people and do my best to help them. That is how my rule would be shaped"
"So tell me, why were you being formal with me?" Deokman asked.
"You see, I have two reasons.. As I looked at your dreams and actions, I realized that you are not on my level anymore. And I should not keep treating you as before" Bidam reasoned out, making her smile.
"and the second?" she asked curiously.
"I want to serve you. I want to stay by your side" he confessed.
"Why?" she asked surprised.
"You have fooled me and I didn't even realize... You are someone I don't want to become enemy to" he reasoned with a boyish smile on his face.
Deokman smiled "I also don't want to be your enemy" she said.
Suddenly Bidam knelt down on the ground in reverence to Deokman's wisdom and humility as a leader.
"From today onwards, I have decided, you will be my King... my Princess" He declared as he bow down his head.
She could only look down at him, as he swear alliance
.
.
There after she spent nights studying important documents in the palace and developed a plan to separate Wolya and Solji from the rebel army, so that Yushin will be able to gain reigns over the forces.
She wants to use Yushin's army as her own secret force. A long-term plan. Thus she commanded Yushin and Alcheon to make sure that no one will suspect about them.
.
.
Finally on the day of the building of Cheonseongdai, no one from the council of Nobles arrived. For they were against her decision.
And yet, the princess became so happy afterwards after reuniting with her mother, Sowa.
Sowa, then explained what had happened and why she took her away to the desert. Because the King instructed her to give the princess a happy and simple life away from the palace.
Hearing that, the princess is grateful that she is alive. Then suddenly, Sowa asked her about Bidam.
"Anyway... About Munno's student..." she started to say.
"Why?" Deokman asked.
"Is his name... Bidam, is that who he is?" she ask.
"Yes" Deokman answered.
Sowa became frightened.
"Why... Do you ask?" Deokman asked worriedly.
"nothing.. I thought I may have seen him before.." she denied, remembering the past. For Munno tried to marry Princess Deokman to Bidam, who is Mishil and the late King Jinji's son.
"What is Bidam's character? What do you think of him?" she asked.
"Character?... Character for what? " Deokman ask, unsure.
" I... I just thought that his attitude and actions were unique... That's why I noticed" she reasoned. "When he saved you... Did he really not know who you are?"
"Yes. And even later on when he knew that I am a princess, he wasn't even surprised" Deokman answered.
.
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Later, the Princess visited Munno. Saying that she was very glad to finally see him, because he was the reason she went to Gyerim. And told him that she thought that he was her real father, and even though she now knew otherwise, she still felt like she had finally reunited with her father.
Munno is surprised by what she said. And praised her for her accomplishment. But then he asked if she seriously wants to become the king.
"What do you think is the King's duty?" he asked. "What do you think is the great dream of the Kings of Shilla? "
Deokman fell silent.
"I admit that I am still lamenting the early death of Princess Cheonmyeong. And I am angry of Mishil because of that." he started to say. "But then. If anger is what pushed you to become the king, you will not be able to reach the great dreams of the kings."
She remain silent.
"Perhaps among the characters of a king, anger is the most evil and wretched one. Because you will only think about revenge" he said.
"What do you want to say?" she ask.
"I do not agree with your ambition to become the king. I have many reasons, your highness. And what I said to you is one of the biggest among them" he said.
Deokman couldn't believe what she heard.
"And that's why, I regret to say... That I will not be able to aid you" he informed. "But if you still wanted to become a king, prove to me that you are worthy. If you really need my help"
"Prove that you are more qualified than Mishil" Munno challenged the princess.
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Munno as the Gukseong of the Hwarangs, launched a competition to chose who will become the next Pweongwolji. The first test is about the ethics of the Hwarangs.
"How many cadets in the gate of injang isn't a real nangdo?" Munno asked.
No one was able to answer except Bojong.
"For a Hwarang, what is the difference between war and daily life? "he asked.
" For a Hwarang, war and daily life has no difference" Bojong answered.
"What should a good leader focus on during war? " he asked.
" A good leader should focus on the entire picture" Bojong answered.
"Why should he focus on the entirety?" he asked.
"Because a soldier who doesn't see the entirety, die alone. But a leader with no sufficient skills, is the one who will kill his soldiers" Bojong answered.
"You have answered everything correctly. " Munno congratulated. "In the first round, Hwarang Bojong wins" .
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"The word Hwarang is related to the meaning of the word Shilla" Munno said. "Shilla has 3 meanings, find them all. Because that is the 2nd trial"
The question made the princess assume that, it was a question meant for her by Munno. A dream of the Kings of Shilla, that was erased by Mishil in the annals of History.
Thus Mishil stopped her son and his allies from finding out about the 3rd meaning of the name Shilla.
"Your highness, you should rest now. The test question is for us Hwarangs only. You should not trouble yourself" Yushin said.
"No. The question is also for me." the princess said. "Munno said that I do not know anything about this country and so I do not deserve to become the king"
Yushin fell silent. Listening.
"He was right" she admitted. "That's why I have to know. What is the 3rd meaning of the word Shilla, to find out what is the King's dream. And learn what I should do as a king"
Finally after much search and investigation, Yushin and the princess found the answer written in the soyopdol.
"Dok-op milsheng Mangla Samang, Samhan ill"
But during the contest, Yushin only revealed 'Dok-op milsheng Mangla Samang' for the safety of the kingdom. Because Shilla isn't ready yet to fulfill the dreams of the Kings.
Munno became sad, because no one found out the conclusion of the meaning behind the name Shilla.
But later, Deokman met with Munno. They were inside his office, while Bidam is standing beside his teacher.
"Why are you here, your highness?" he asked.
"Let's talk about the 3rd meaning of the name Shilla" she said. "Is that the reason why you don't want me to become the king? You think that I don't have the abilities to fulfill the dreams of the kings of shilla, because I am a female?"
"Pardon me. But that's the reason" he answered.
"And you do not acknowledge the skills of a female? " she asked.
"Not that, your highness" he answered. "even without you and Mishil, I still acknowledge the skills of women"
"Then what? " she asked.
" What characteristics do you possess, to fulfill the great dreams of the kings?" he asked.
Deokman became silent.
"For me. By fulfilling the great dream of the kings, I will gain huge benefits" she answered.
"We are still talking about the great dream, and yet you are already thinking about what you can gain?" he asked.
"Isn't the great dream first started because of the gains the king wished to get? " she argued." they say that in the last moments of King Jinyeong's life, he was soaked with cold sweat when he thinks about the future of Shilla?"
" He feared that all of the gains he accumulated for Shilla, will be lost" she said. "And that's what Mishil couldn't do. She can't combine the dreams of the Kings to the gains she wished to get. Thus she wouldn't be able to give her life for that dream and take it as her destiny"
Munno fell silent.
"I belong to the sacred clan. But when you think about it, it doesn't really matter. And yet coincidentally, it is one of the key to achieving the dreams of the Kings." she said. "And now, I shall ask you Munno, what kind of challenge are we facing? You choose. Should we empower the throne of the king or the aristocrates?"
"We should empower the throne of the KING, and not of the Queen." Munno answered." Your highness. What do you think is the reason why there has been no female King in Shilla? Why did King Muchi solidified the transition of power to the eldest male descendant? "
Deokman remain silent, though she's boiling inside with anger. Thinking about how unfair it is to only allow male heirs, when there is a more capable female.
"It was needed to deminish the chaos regarding the transition of power. Because if there were such chaos, the throne of the king will weaken. Especially if a female will become the king" he reasoned. "the fight between men who would want to marry her will be severe. And not only that, the aristocrates of Seorobol would rebel the moment they learned that a female wanted to become the king."
Deokman stilled herself, wanting to say what's in her mind but waiting for the time Munno would stop talking.
"And what about the common people? Will they be able to understand what you wished to do? when the Cheonseongdai you built for seeking knowledge, were still mistaken by them for a temple? Will they be able to accept a female king? "he asked.
"The dreams of the Kings can be fulfilled even in times of chaos" he said. "Do you have the characteristics that can unite the people? And if there is any woman fit to be a king, it is only Mishil"
'Mishil?` Bidam thought.
"Mishil, will not be able to do it" she declared.
"Why? Because she's not from a sacred clan? " he asked.
" Not because of that. Mishil has no dream. She may have the intelligence and skills to become the king, but she never dreamed of becoming a King, and so she will remain a keeper" she argued. "In dreams, you can create plans and you can find a way"
Munno fell silent.
"You want to know, how I will unite the people? "she asked." You said, there were three reasons I should not be a King. That's what I am going to use to win"
"first, because of anger. I will take the pain of the people Mishil oppressed from the strength of my anger" she said. "Second, I will use my lineage to control the aristocrates of Shilla"
"What's the 3rd reason? " he asked.
" finally..." she started to say. "I owe the 3rd reason to you, because of the question you asked in the 2nd round of the tournament. I found a way"
"What kind of path?" he asked.
"I will teach the entire kingdom how to dream, like me. We will together long for the dream of the Kings of shilla" she answered.
"You will teach Shilla to dream? "he asked." how will you do that? "
"Mishil told me that what I had thought, was even more cruel than the fantasy she created" she said. "more than eclipses and any temples"
"What did you think of? " Bidam asked for the first time.
" what are you referring to, your highness?" Munno asked.
"Hope" the Princess declared.
"Hope? " Bidam repeated.
" Every people and every Hwarang in this kingdom would be given hope to fight and sacrifice to achieve that dream." she said. "A dream that was passed down by the former kings. I will do it. Because that is the third meaning of the name Shilla"
"Unite the three kingdoms of han. Turn them into one" she said. "I will make sure that everyone alive, will carry that dream in their heart"
Munno remain silent.
"We can endure any pain, if we have hope in our heart. A hope that we will one day unite and live in a wide and bountiful land peacefully" she stated. "Gukseong Munno, that is the dream of the kings of Shilla. The dream of all"
.
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Deokman is standing a few meters away from Yushin, who was practicing his swordsmanship in preparation for the final Hwarang competition that will determine the next head of the Hwarang. In the 1st round Bojong won and in the 2nd round Yushin won. The last round would be an intense duel, among the Hwarangs of Seorobol and the provinces.
"Yushin will win" Bidam said childishly, seeing as the princess looked worried. "He had easily beaten Bojong during their battle"
"Battle is different from contest. Bojong has always been champion in the arena. And this is the first time Yushin would participate in duel. It won't be easy"
"But he must win" The princess said as she looked at him. "Yushin has to become the next head of the Hwarang." she said. Unknown to them, General Seolwon saw their interaction.
Bidam just smiled awkwardly, before revealing the flower he was hiding.
"What is this?" Deokman asked surprised.
"Isn't today your birthday, your highness?... So I picked some flowers before coming here... I don't know why... But women like flowers." he reasoned with an awkward smile.
Deokman smiled in amusement, as she stared at the flowers.
"Yes indeed we like flowers. They are beautiful." she said a bit cheerful.
"What's useful about this? You don't even eat it" he asked in wonder, which made the princess laugh.
"Thank you for the flowers. But today isn't my birthday. It's on the 13th" she said as she laugh at his expression.
"Oh. They say it was today" he said surprised after remembering the date on the edict about Inmyeong's destiny." oh my... This is embarrassing " he laughed childishly.
"I have been pretending as a male, so I almost forgot, thank you for treating me like a woman" she said grateful. Bidam smiled.
"Can I ask for a favor?" He asked after sometime.
Deokman smiled "What is it?"
"You see, I am tired of Alcheon treating me like an idiot. I want to be educated too." he started to say, making cute expression that made Deokman smile at his childishness. "Can I use the library?" referring to the royal library inside the palace.
"Ok. I will inform them to allow you free passage whenever you like" she answered with a trusting smile.
"Can we go there now?" he childishly requested.
The princess took a deep breath and finally gave in. She thus, toured Bidam inside the library before leaving him alone.
She couldn't point out what exactly, but there is something in him that is just comforting. And though she didn't show it, she felt her heart beating fast whenever his around.
His thoughtfulness and childish antics, never failed to make her feel at ease. Because whenever she talks to Bidam, it's like she's talking to her past self, the one who has no worries, fear and anger. The past Deokman who was happy for just being able to meet new people, visit foreign places and read interesting books. The one who was cheerful and full of Life.
Thus secretly, she hoped that he would always treat her the same way.
.
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That night, Deokman spent hours praying in front of her deceased sister's memorial. Praying that in the last round of the tournament, Yushin would win and become the next head of the Hwarangs. He has to.
Then suddenly Bidam came unannounced. He looked rough.
"Why are you here? " she asked a bit sternly.
"In tomorrow's fight. I will make sure that your wish will come true" he declared.
"What do you mean?" she asked worried.
"Hwarang Yushin" he said with reddened eyes. "will become the next head of the Hwarangs.
She fell silent.
The next morning, Deokman found out that Bidam joined the knowing his incredible fighting ability, made her even more worried.
'If Yushin failed, it would still be fine' she thought. 'But Bidam. If you failed without fighting seriously, I will not forgive you'
Thus she hurriedly went to the arena.
There she found Bidam fooling around with his opponents.
"Don't be too serious" he laugh. "If your vein burst, you will be defeated. Hehe"
"Shut it already! " the Hwarang yelled at him.
" Wow so loud" he commented laughing.
The princess couldn't help but get pissed at his childish antics.
Seeing the princess, Bidam and the Hwarang bowed in respect.
"Like that.. A little bit of patience" he childishly said to the Hwarang, but then he worriedly looked away from the princess.
She silently ordered him to follow her into her office.
"what are you planning to do?" she asked at Bidam who just childishly stared at her.
"what do you mean?" he asked jokingly.
"I saw you" she said. "why are you disturbing the Hwarangs? If you're in a tournament, you should be serious"
"I am serious" he claimed. "I am serious in defeating the Hwarangs. In fact, I am already doing everything I can"
"What?" she asked in disbelief.
"I know that I am skilled. But this is the first time I will ever join a competition. It's different from real fight" he reasoned. "how would I know if I can defeat them?"
"And so?" she ask.
"All weapons, are first held inside our minds" he explained. "I am trying to destroy their will in the fight"
The princess couldn't believe what she is hearing.
"That's why if you think about it, I am really serious." he reasoned with a grin in his face. "I am serious in defeating the Hwarangs"
"without the fight even begun?" she asked. "Isn't it like cheating?"
"They say that battles and daily life is the same" he reasoned. "Because if not. You will always lose"
The princess fell silent, realizing that he said was true.
"Why did you join the tournament?" she asked.
"Didn't you say that, you want Yushin to become the next head of the Hwarangs?" he asked.
"And so? " she asked.
"Your wish will come true" Bidam declared.
"If what I feared, is what you're planning to do. Don't do it. Yushin will not let you" she said.
"Isn't what you feared is Yushin failing?" he asked.
"If Yushin failed, I can accept it. But if you lose to Yushin purposely. I will not forgive you." she declared.
During the tournament, the princess couldn't help but worry about Bidam's fight against the undefeated Bojong. The man kept targeting Bidam's injured leg.
Though, she was really amazed with Bidam's fighting style. It was so unique and powerful. Thus he won against Bojong in the end.
But Bidam and Yushin's fight left a bitter taste in her mouth. For Bidam disobeyed her. He didn't fought Yushin seriously. Thus the council decided to eliminate Bidam from the tournament.
Yushin ended up winning spectacularly against Chilsuk, making the princess proud along with everyone including Bojong. For they had witnessed unrelenting determination in action.
The princess visited Yushin, seeing as he fell unconscious after the fight. She was so worried. Then suddenly Bidam came, making Alcheon and everyone angry.
Deokman dismissed everyone to simmer down the fighting inside Yushin's quarters. Bidam still acted childishly and apologized but this time, she is also angry with him.
"You disobeyed my order" she said coldly while taking care of Yushin.
"I am really sorry" he said smiling.
"Don't smile" she admonished. "if you disobey me again, you will never be able to come near me"
"Yes, I promise it will not happen again" he said.
Not looking at his face, she commented. "I am not the same as before. When I promise something, I have to do it no matter what"
Bidam just gushed about Yushin's awesomeness.
"Is your leg, fine?" she asked after sometime .
"Yes, your highness" he said smiling. "It's nothing"
Because it wasn't his leg that's hurting the most. It was his darken heart. Munno was disappointed in him. Mishil humiliated him. And Deokman, the one he secretly love, only has eyes for Yushin.
It's so painful.
This wretched existence. Nothing he does, has ever been good enough for his beloved : his teacher, his mother, and the princess.
Xxx
And yet despite Yushin winning unanimously in the tournament, he still was not herald as the new head of the Hwarangs, because of his Gayan ancestry.
Mishil threatened him to switch side to her, or else she will reveal his connection with the Gaya rebel army.
Deokman told Yushin not to leave her side. But he had made a decision, he will not sacrifice anyone.
"Treat my people as your own" Yushin said. "Your highness, will you sacrifice them whenever you need?"
"Do you want me to let you go?" she asked. "is my feelings worthless to you? Because I don't say and show it? "
Unbeknownst to them Munno and Bidam were listening.
"Your highness, you have already chosen to become the king. Do you think, it's easy to become the king and rule over this country?" he asked. "Maybe you think, you only have to give them what they need and that's it?"
Deokman fell silent. Tears in her eyes.
"Your highness, you must be ready to sell yourself to protect your kingdom. And a king who can kill thousand people from other countries to take care of them. That's what I ask of you as my leader"
"How about me? " she cried.
" That's the path you have to take alone" Yushin said to the Princess, who wished to become the king.
Tough love, is the hardest but most needed.
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The princess cried, while Bidam listened and comforted her.
"Bidam..." she said. "I am not Mishil. I can't take it"
Bidam laughed. "Of course you're not Mishil. What are you talking about?"
"Hwarang Yushin. " she said." I don't want to lose him."
Bidam looked at her in silence.
" Not once did I told him, that I love him. "she confessed." And now.. It's too late"
Bidam swallowed the lump in his throat and reached out his hand to her shoulder and comfort her. Watching her cry her heart out. It's painful for him to see her in tears, but he remained silent. Only listening.
.
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The princess watched as Yushin kneeled on the ground to serve Mishil. As he also agreed to marry Mishil's granddaughter.
Inside Mishil's office, Deokman speaked with her.
"Congratulations on the upcoming wedding in your clan" she congratulated.
"Thank you. It would have not happen if Yushin didn't begged in front of me" Mishil retorted.
"He was pushed to do it." she reasoned with a smile.
"I will shape Yushin to become a great man in this country" Mishil said.
"That will happen. Because his strength and determination is unlike any other." she said.
"Yes. He is different. But I am not stupid enough to think that just because he begged I will have his loyalty" Mishil said.
"You are right. Thus I will do my best to retain him. Against the great Mishil, I can't be lax" she said.
"I came from the clan who serve the kings, that's why even in my younger years I already know how to serve men" Mishil boasted.
"I agree. You were my grandfather's concubine, as well as my father's brother's woman, and his brother Minister Sejong, and Minister of War, General Seolwon." she enumerated all Mishil's previous lovers. "And I heard you also served a farmer?"
"In that way, I can easily convince men to follow my wishes" Mishil said, annoyed. "And you?"
"You're position as a royalty will be dragged in the mud, if you do what I did" she teased. "Just do it through perseverance and prayer"
"Lady Mishil. Thank you for your good advice" the princess said with a smile. "I will not forget it"
.
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That night, Yushin speaked with the princess after his engagement.
"Even if I want to" he started to say. "You and I can never.."
"Because of you Yushin, I now understand what it takes to care for my people... Isn't an easy task to do" she said. "What you did to save the people of Gaya is a good example, when Mishil threatened their life. You choose to make a deal with her."
He remained silent.
"What you did was admirable" she said." But do you think, that's the only way? How did you know for sure? "
"I don't know. "he admitted." I don't even know if there are any options. But then, I am sure of one thing. The land of our ancestors needs to be united. The dreams of the Kings should be fulfilled "
"I was just an ordinary Hwarang who fell in love in the dream of the kings. And it gave me hope" he said. "My heart was filled with happiness to learn that I and the Gayan are included within the dream of the kings. I will do my best to become greater than the greatest generals of this Kingdom"
"And you also, must become greater than King Jinyeong and Mishil, in leadership. Your highness" he said. "that's the only way for us to be together"
'But how about my feelings?' she thought before leaving.
"Your highness" he said. "the love between two people is lesser than the love of the King to her people. We will face darker path, and face great challenges regarding our self-confidence"
"I know, Yushin" she said.
'I know... And my heart breaks into pieces to know that' she thought.
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The princess isolated herself in her room, feeling numb.
Then Sowa came to entertain her with a small statue that looked like a roman merchant.
"Oh Deokman, why are you crying again?" she said, mimicking Cartan.
"Sir Cartan!" Deokman cheerfully called out to the statue in recognition.
For a few moments, Sowa made her daughter laugh. And comforted her batered heart.
"Can you call me Deokman again, mother?" she asked. Missing her former identity so much. The Deokman who lived in the desert, who was happy and carefree.
During Yushin's wedding, the princess went to Apryang to speak with the Gaya people. Reminding them of Yushin's sacrifice.
" From now on, we pledge to follow Hwarang Yushin. And continue training while farming" Wolya said.
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Yushin thus became the head of the Hwarang and Prince Chunchu's teacher. Later, the princess instructed Chilsuk as wonsanghwa to carry Gukseong Munno's job as head teacher of the Hwarangs, because he is yet to return.
Suddenly Bidam arrived, presenting Munno's letter that acknowledges him as an official Hwarang.
"Where did you go?" the princess asked him. "Why have you showed up, only now?"
Bidam greeted the princess solemnly, now that Munno is dead. He would fulfill his will. To help the princess and Yushin achieve the dreams of the Kings of shilla.
After sometime, something weird happened in the market. The nobles keep buying food eventhough the price is high, resulting to poor people starving to the point of committing violence and death.
The princess instructed Bidam, Alcheon and Yushin to investigate the phenomenon. Especially since she doesn't understand why Mishil and other aristocrates hoard food, when they would eventually give it back to the people in times of food shortage, for free. It doesn't make sense.
And so, finally. She decided to speak with Mishil about her curiosity, after personally going to the market and saw how dire the situation has become.
"Forgive me for saying this, your highness" Mishil said. "But I think you are being too insolent"
"Correct" the princess agreed. "There are times that I have to be insolent"
"But why did you choose to ask me about that? " Mishil asked smiling.
" Maybe because, I am just curious " she reasoned." And I believe that you know everything. That is why I am here. You know the answer to my question"
Mishil smiled.
"Lady Mishil?" she asked. "Have I offended you? Then I should leave"
"Huh? No" Mishil answered amused. "What was your question?"
"Thank you" she said, grateful. "In times of difficulty, merchants hoard food. They do it to increase their gains. But for aristocrates, why do they hoard when they would eventually give out the food for free to the people during food crisis?"
"they spent so much money, but they gain nothing" she wondered.
"Correct" Mishil confirmed. "They gain loss, for their money"
"Then why are they hoarding food, that causes so much difficulty to many people? "she asked.
"What do you think? "Mishil asked." Why do people face difficulties?"
" Because of the inflation in prices of basic needs. That's why they can't afford to buy food" she answered. "That's why they starve and suffer"
"Correct" Mishil answered. "Those who starve and suffer, what do you think will they do?"
"Huh?" she asked, stunned.
"Among the people, there are those who work in other people's land, and others who has land" Mishil answered. "What do you think would each do in times of difficulty? "
This left the princess speechless.
Later, the princess scoured the records regarding transfer of wealth during the Kings' reign. There she found out that during king Jinji's rule, the lands and slaves owned by the aristocrates expanded and many people were buried in debt. And the farmer lost their lands.
"They sell food expensively, and lending them with higher interest" she said to Yushin. "causing people to get buried in debt. And those who has properties and land sold them to the aristocrates in a lower amount. And those who has no properties, fell into slavery"
"In exchange for food, were there lands" Yushin said.
"they become slaves in their previously owned land because of debt" she concluded.
"You're right" He agreed. "This had been going on for the past years. The aristocrates are destroying the farmers who has lands. Thus their territory expanded, and the taxes goes to them. Because of that, the taxes for our government diminishes"
"And as payment, the aristocrates gave out their stocks for free to pacify the people, as thought they were philanthropist" she concluded. "Hypocritically, they guard and attack the people"
"Your highness, how did you found the answer? " he asked.
" the truth is, I got the answer from Mishil "she answered.
" But we can't do anything about it, because that's their own money. They can do as they please "he said. " the debts can only be alleviate by passing new laws. But the aristocrates won't let that happen"
"Correct" she agreed. "We will not pass new laws."
"Huh?" he asked surprised.
" Instead we will fight trade with a trade of our own" she said. "I grew up in the desert trading post. There you will find, the best of the best traders. Shilla has a growing business, but it's nothing compared to Taklamakan."
Yushin fell silent.
"I will join in the trade" she announced.
The princess thus met with the king and their allies, regarding her plan.
"We can't stop the aristocrates from spending their money that way, because it was their right. And it has been an old tradition among the rich" Lady Manmyeong argued.
"Let's stop them, using the royal treasury" the princess suggested.
"The wealth of the palace?" minister Yungsu asked in surprise.
"Your highness, can I represent you? " she asked the king." I have a plan to solve this problem in the short and long term"
Everyone fell silent.
"I assure you that many would oppose, your highness" minister Suyon argued. "How about we distribute food for all?"
"That is done, only during food crisis. But because of that, people lose their lands and properties. They become slaves" she reasoned. "If possible, I am asking you to help me"
"A palace official isn't allowed to participate in the market place" he reasoned.
"Correct. I already have someone in mind" she declared. Secretly, she asked Bidam to distribute the palaces' stocks in the market through his underground connections.
They manipulated the market by supplying extra food to the merchants while urging them to increase the price.
The princess met with her team.
"The prices continuously increased, but the aristocrates still bought them" Alcheon commented.
"Yes. Because it's not the profit they were after" she said. "its' the land and properties of the people. So they will continue to buy until they realized that it was too expensive, and it has to be resold"
And due to the news that the princess opened the palace treasury, some of the aristocrates sold their stocks.
"Now Bidam" she commanded. "Do the next step"
"Yes, your highness" he replied.
"And I shall do my part" she declared.
That afternoon, the princess called for a meeting.
"In the name of the King, I will lead the agenda regarding the high prices of goods. If you have feedback, you should present it now" she announced.
"Your highness, I heard that you opened the palace treasury? " minister Sejong asked.
" Yes" she answered.
"Instead of giving away the food for free, you trade them in the market?" Hajong asked.
"Because of the high price, you decided to sell? " Mishil asked." I am saddened "
The princess looked at her.
"Because the solution you found is so simple" Mishil said.
Everyone fell silent.
"A king trade with his people?" General Seolwon asked. "It's the first time I had heard of such thing"
The princess smiled.
"The food in the palace treasury is intended to be distributed for free in times of extreme food crisis." Sejong argued. "Princess Deokman, Why did you sold it?"
"Everything I have sold expensively" she started to say. "I am now buying them in a very low price"
They fell silent.
"That's right" she confessed. " It's called trade"
Mishil was amazed.
"I sold it expensively and bought it again for a lower price." she said. "the profit will be able to help alleviate the palace expenses"
Mishil stared at her in awe.
"And because there were too much stocks in the markets..." she said.
"the prices will drop sharply, until it will normalize" Mishil interrupted. "but what if... those who bought refused to resell their stocks? How are you going to deal with it? "
"They won't be able to endure for long" she answered with a smile.
Everyone fell silent.
"I will also sell the food for the military forces" she declared. "Right now, General Soyun started to implement my plans"
Mishil became worried.
"Even that, you would sell?" Sejong asked. "You can't do that"
"You will sell the stocks for the soldiers, your highness? " Mishil asked. "and do you really think it will solve the problem?"
"Do you think you're the first to do such a thing, your highness? " General Seolwon asked.
" Is the price inflation a result of food shortage or market manipulation?" she asked. "Isn't it your wish to gain the lands of the farmers?"
Mishil fell silent.
"The truth is, I didn't trade with the people" she said. "I did business with you, the aristocrates"
"The issue about Military food stocks fall under our department" General Seolwon stated. "tell me, can you take responsibility for it? What will happen if we suddenly get attacked by Baekji?"
"General Seolwon. I can sell it" the princess said. "Or I should not sell it"
"What your highness? " Mishil asked." You didn't intend to sell it?"
" Correct "she smiled." its enough that I had announced to sell it"
"What?" minister of finance asked." You're only going to announce it? "
"Why is there a price inflation on food? "she asked. "Because many aristocrates bought them. And not because of food crisis. Because you were afraid to lose and get overtaken from getting the best deal"
Mishil just smiled at the princess.
"That's what I have done" she claimed. "the rumors about my wish to sell, will frighten the ones hoarding food to resell their stocks. And it would result to lower price of food"
"What if the aristocrates won't sell their stock, and the prices will still remain high? "Mishil asked.
"That will never happen" she claimed. "Can you endure? Until when? With how expensive you have bought your stocks, someone's bound to get bankrupt if you don't sell while the price is still high"
Everyone fell silent.
"Do you know why the aristocrates bought stocks even though the price is high? " Mishil asked.
" Because you wish to own the lands of the farmers and acquire cheap labor" she interrupted.
"And that's why they won't resell" Mishil claimed.
"That will only happen if all the aristocrates will unite not to sell and help each other" She argued. "but in this kind of situation. Everyone would only think for oneself"
Mishil fell silent.
"Didn't you tell me, Lady Mishil that peope are selfish? " she asked" You can instruct them not to sell, but you yourself won't let anyone sell ahead of you?"
The entire court felt silent. For the princess is picking a fight against the aristocrates of Shilla, the pillars of the kingdom.
After the meeting, the princess met with Bidam.
"How was the trade? " she asked.
" Everyone is beginning to panic sale. The prices are steadily dropping "Bidam reported." the stock now cost about 15 silver "
Deokman smiled.
" Buy them at the cost of 10 silver" she instructed.
"Yes, your highness" he agreed.
"When you buy them. Do it simultaneously" she said.
"Yes. I will do it immediately" he answered with a smile, grateful of being able to help the princess fight Mishil.
.
.
"Then what, next time? " Mishil asked." Are you going to sell the stocks from the royal treasury again? I assure you that you won't be able to justify it for long"
The princess remain silent.
"Anyway. What you did was surprising" Mishil admitted. "But who won't be surprised? Your decisions were insolent and lacking logic. But have you thought about the consequences of what you did? "
"You are right" she admitted. "I will not be able to do it again. But because there is an insolent and unreasonable princess, the aristocrates would think twice before manipulating the market"
"Hah" Mishil laughed half-heartedly. "I am impressed with the strength your determination, your highness. But whether you like it or not. The aristocrates are the ones behind the king's strength and power. They are the ones who collect taxes and manage the provinces. And protect our country."
"it made me wonder what is your next step, when you have now angered them." Mishil said. "I am worried about you. I hope you can find a solution "
"Lady Mishil" she called as Seju stood up. "I have thought about it before, and now it suddenly crossed my mind"
Mishil remain silent.
"You are always ready for the future" she said. "you are intelligent and understand many things. You are thrifty and cautious. You have unmatched leadership skills"
"But then why?" she asked. "Since King Jinyeong died. Why did Shilla never progressed again? "
Mishil fell silent. Annoyed at what this child is hinting.
"If the leader is skilled. Even for a little, there should have been progress" she wondered. "unfortunately, according to my research in our history. There has been no progress. After King Jinyeong died, we suffered in poverty"
Mishil remain silent.
"Why did it happen to us?" she asked. "You know the reason? "
Mishil just walked away, smiling. Not long Yushin arrived in her office.
"What did you do to Mishil? "he asked.
" Why? "she asked.
"Why do you keep on provoking her?" he asked.
"Was she pissed?" she inquired amused. "I just asked her why did our country failed to progress, when a smart and skilled person like her is taking care of the kingdom? So that I can correct the mistake"
.
.
The council of nobles called the princess to explain about her actions.
"I have reacquired all the stocks I have sold and earned huge double profits" she claimed.
"It's not about the profits, Princess Deokman" minister of finance argued. "it is about your decision not to inform the council regarding your plans to sell the palace stock"
"Well. The problem is caused the nobles among this court" she said.
"What?! How could you accuse us?" they asked. "even if you are the daughter of the king, you are not allowed to do that"
As an answer, the princess read the document regarding the amount of stock each nobles has that resulted into a food crisis and chaos that caused some people to commit violence and deaths.
"Can you still claim that you did not commit wrong?" she asked.
"Yes we didn't commit any crime" Hajong claimed irritated. "Is it so wrong to be rich? And spend my money the way I pleased?"
"I ordered to open the palace treasury because the people are suffering." she said. "Is it so wrong to help?"
"those stocks are for the military, and not for the people. It's the council's duty to talk about such matters before implementing" Hajong argued.
"It's the King's duty to take care of the people and make sure they have something to eat, before politics." she declared. "And from what I know, it is also your primary duty. That's the reason why there is a noble council in Shilla" (p. S. The writers of QSD were genuises. And idealistic.)
"Let's say that it was like that. But still, the issue about" the prime Minister said before getting interrupted by the princess.
"If the people are starving. The king can't just brush it off that easily" she argued.
"It's an important issue" General Soyun added. "If the resentment of the people were not immediately resolved, it may result to a civil war"
"Does the Minister of war, has a right to speak when he also sold military stocks in the markets? Huh? " minister of foreign affairs, Misaeng asked.
" Don't change the topic " minister of finance, Hajong commented. "It is clear to everyone that the princess didn't follow proper protocols by selling the palace stocks without the council's approval. Let's unite to stop the princess from making decisions regarding our charge"
"Don't worry" she said. "I will not intrude anymore in the council's decision making"
Everyone were surprised.
"The excessive hoarding of food supplies should be deemed illegal" she proposed. "Then I will step down from leading the country"
"That will never happen" Misaeng argued. "We can't pass that law"
"That's our own money" Hajong reasoned. "Don't tell us how we use our own money"
"The princess is just making sure that people won't suffer because of greedy people like you" Minister Yungchun argued.
"How dare you, Minister Yungchun when you also bought stocks?!" Hajong accused. "You are in on this!"
Then the council became chaotic, as everyone blame each other.
.
.
"With how much you won, you should be celebrating your highness" Bidam cheerfully greeted.
Deokman just laughed a little. "I still have many things to do" she said.
"You should relax your mind for a while" Yushin suggested
"when you say that, it's not like you, Hwarang Yushin" she commented smiling.
"why? " Bidam asked, not getting the joke.
" when I was still his Nangdo, he never let me rest" she retold to Bidam smiling.
"It's in the past, why are you bringing it up?" Yushin asked a bit shameful. Remembering what kind of trouble he made the princess go through, and not knowing she is a female.
The princess and Yushin remenace about their past. While Bidam felt left out.
"Anyway, about the huge profit in selling" Bidam suddenly said. "Where are you planning to use it?"
"That's the reason, I want to speak to you" she said. "I have an idea how to use our profits. I want to know your opinions"
Bidam stared at them sadly when the two spoke with each other regarding the plans. Being a former poor farmer without political and financial experience, he felt not included.
.
.
Deokman fell asleep in the library, studying all night. Unbeknownst to her, Mishil also came to study that morning, and was impressed to find the princess sleeping amidst books and documents.
Then suddenly, Bidam came with Prince Chunchu to the library. Deokman woke up by the commotion.
Chunchu thanked Mishil for the painting she gave him, making the princess worried that he is too close with Mishil's clan. While Bidam begun to praise the prince for his deep insights about what's happening to the kingdom, and worries about the princess and the state of finance.
Which Chunchu denied, but nonetheless made the princess proud and happy. In order not to be the center of attention, he walked out followed by the princess.
.
.
Later, the princess presented her plans to the king.
"Are you sure, you can justify this? " he asked.
" Yes, your highness " she said.
"If you do this, many farmers who has their own lands will increase." he commented.
"Yes, your highness" she answered.
"Continue then" he agreed.
"Are you going to let me do it?" she asked, excited.
"Yes" he agreed with a smile. "But don't ever think it would be easy to implement. Do your best. I trust you"
"Thank you very much, your highness" she gratefully said.
The princess then went to the palace swordsmiths and instructed them to create high-quality farming tools. Using the profits she acquired, she instructed the masons to only create farm tools.
'I am going to begin my long-term plans. A plan that will help me become better than Mishil.' she thought.
.
.
Then a news about the rebellion in anggan, reached the palace. The people held the governor hostage. That land belongs to Minister Hajong. They rebelled because Hajong took the taxes from the people despite the farmers having bad harvest.
Now Hajong demanded to be released from paying his share of taxes, in return he would give back the taxes he collected from the people for the palace. Claiming that he lost too much because of the princess.
"If that would happen. The aristocrates would be freed from paying taxes, which would prevent the people from losing their properties and becoming slaves. But the palace would suffer due to the loss of taxes." Yushin said.
"Just like what happened awhile ago. Nothing had actually changed" Bidam commented. "they are so crafty"
The princess decided to personally visit the rebellion. Which made everyone worried.
She then ordered the capture of the leaders of the rebellion and offered them a trade. She would return what they paid as taxes and gave them high quality tools. And when they successfully paid off their debt to the palace for three years, she would allow them to own the land they were farming. And delayed the punishment for them.
Alcheon and Yushin protested, but the princess was very lenient. Though she warned them that she would punish them if they rebel again.
"But your highness, they committed treason. The punishment is immediate death" Yushin said worried of the princess's forgiving nature.
"Don't get ahead of me, Hwarang Yushin" she ordered sternly. "In the name of the King, I will grant you amnesty. If you follow through our deal, I would let you and everyone live bountifully. But if you don't, I will kill you immediately"
"Thank you very much, your highness" the rebel leader said with tears. Grateful.
Thus everywhere she goes, people praised her and glorify her name. But then something bad happen.
The people in anggan who she had pardoned, runaway with the food and tools she had lent them. She was so disappointed that they betrayed her trust. Thus Yushin ordered all the Hwarangs to haunt down every single one of them.
The noble council belittled the princess and dissed her failure. Making the princess boil in anger, because what they said was true. She failed. She was unable to predict such things might happen.
Then Mishil visited her office to put salt on her wounds, metaphorically.
"Your highness. What did you say before about truth, hope and free speech, you would use to rule?" Mishil teased. "truth is a heavy burden to the people. Hope is a difficult concept to grasp. And people hate free speech"
The princess fell silent, annoyed.
"If you left the people on their own devices, they won't know what to do." Mishil said. "they are like infants who cries whenever their requests aren't fulfilled"
Deokman remain silent.
"Tell me. If you give rice, firewood and water to a child. Can you expect them to cook for themselves? Hahaha" Mishil laughed.
"And one thing" Mishil said. "It's a bad example you set for not punishing those who rebelled. Punishment should be quick and severe"
Deokman fell silent.
"And the reward... should be slow and one at a time" Mishil explained. "Don't destroy the pillars of good governance! "
Deokman took a deep breath.
"First. The people didn't commit rebellion because they just want to eat and live" she argued.
"To live?!" Mishil asked. "Is that why they runaway from the person who they have debts to!?"
"They didn't have confidence in what I said because they had never heard such words from you" she argued. "You were able to control them through your cruelty and tyranny"
Mishil fell silent.
"I now understand, why Shilla never progressed after King Jinyeong passed away" she concluded.
"How dare- what do you mean?" Mishil asked.
"Lady Mishil" she said. "you are not the true leader of this country"
Mishil looked at her seriously.
"Because if you are a true leader. You will treat the people like your own children." she reasoned. "You will speak to them gently and made them understand. And wish for what's best for them"
Mishil stared at the princess, pained.
"But look at what happened" she pointed out. "You are like a person who take care of other people's children"
"You immediately get angry at them and punished them. You want them to sleep right away, so that they would not inconvenience you" she stated. "How will a person who isn't the king dream for his kingdom and people?"
Mishil boiled in silence.
" Then what? " she asked. "What can you do now? People who has no dreams will never become heroes"
Mishil remain silent.
"People who doesn't dream will forever be prisoners within themselves" she said.
The princess stood up first to leave. "Ah...thank you for your advice. A swift and severe punishment... and slow reward."
Mishil looked up at the princess.
True. What I did was a bad example. And you were right" she said. " And thus now, I will make sure that what they did will never happen again."
Mishil felt numb.
.
.
'I dreamed of becoming a Queen. If only I had become one... I would have dreamed much bigger for Shilla' Mishil thought, realizing that Deokman was right. She has no dreams.
To be continued.