Memoirs of a Great Leader 3
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.
A/n: Bidam's song "Can't I love you?" is tearfully beautiful. And Deokman's "A sad story" dedicated to Bidam is a very heartfelt response to his song. Thank you for loving someone like me. I will never forget you. I will love you forever. Until we meet again in another realm.
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"Thank you for being alive" Bidam said as he put his wife to sleep, for there would be a very long journey ahead to reach Rome. A place where Wulchon instructed them to go, to find the most expert heart surgeon in the world.
It has only been a day, since they left Gyerim and started traveling. Hopefully in their quest, Deokman's illness will be cured and his son would be born safely.
Sleeping deeply in Bidam's arms, Deokman smiled as her hand touched her husband's warm hands on her belly.
It made Bidam smile.
For nothing in this world could possibly be more valuable than seeing Deokman smiling contentedly, nestled in his arms.
He felt grateful. At peace.
Just a few days ago, his life felt like a living hell. His heart was full of hatred and anger. And was devastated of the news that Deokman died, during his supposed rebellion.
Remembering those horrible moments when he was about to kill Chunchu and burn the temple he was praying, made him hold Deokman tighter.
Fearful of what could have happened if he actually lost his wife and son, forever. Nothing for sure would console him, not even bathing in the blood of his enemies.
"Bidam? " Deokman asked, worried. Feeling the fear eminating from her dear husband.
"Mmm?" he asked sweetly looking at his beloved, as though he wasn't strucked with fear just a second ago.
"Can you sing for me?" she asked softly. "I have always wanted to hear you sing... Your voice sooths me"
Bidam smiled lovingly, before granting her request. Deokman rested her head where his heart should be. Listening to the soothing sound of his heartbeat.
"apado nan apeun jul molla (Even it is so painful, I can't feel it)
oji annneun neol gidaryeodo (Even I'm waiting for you and you wouldn't come)
geuriumi himgyeowo hwicheonggeoryeodo nan himdeun jul molla (Even I think of you with shaking so badly, I can't feel it)
neol nae ane dun geu nalbuteo (Since the day I put your heart in my mind)
maeumeul nanwo sseul jul moreugo (I can't put my heart else where)
dachigo meongdeureodo sirin gaseumeul dadeul juldo molla (Even if it hurts and breaks my heart apart, I won't close my heart)
sseulsseulhan sesange nareul salge hago (I am who was living in a lonely world)
utge haneun geon neo hanappuninde (You're the only one who can make me smile)
saranghamyeon an doeni naege omyeon an doeni (Can't I love you? Can you come to me?)
han beonman han beonman anabomyeon an doeni (Just for once, can you hug me in you arms?)
nae jeonbureul da georeo gatgo sipeun sarami isseo (You're the only one I love)
naemam badajumyeon an doeni (Can't you accept my heart?)
jidokhan oeroum geu sogeseodo naega sumeul swineun geon (The reason why I'm still breathing in this terrible loneliness)
da neo ttaemuninde (It's all because of you)
saranghamyeon an doeni naege omyeon an doeni (Can't I love you? Can you come to me?)
han beonman han beonman anabomyeon an doeni (Once again, can you hug me in your arms?)
nae jeonbureul da georeo gatgo sipeun sarami isseo (You're the only one I love)
cheoeumija majimaginde (For the first time and last time)
saneun dongan nae pume dora ol su eobseodo (Even you're alive, you can't be held in my arms)
naega ne gaseume jiwojyeo beoryeodo (Even you throw my heart away from your mind)
saranghamyeon an doeni neoui dwieseorado (Can't I love you? Even if I'm just behind your back)
meolli seo meolli seo barabomyeon an doeni (Distantly, I just can look at you from afar)
neoui geurimjarado nan jikyeojul su itdamyeon (Even if I just can protect your shadow)
geurae geugeorado gwaenchanha honja saranghaedo gwaenchanha ( Even like this, it's alright.. even only I love you, it's okay...) "
A tear fell from his eyes, as he finished the song for his dear wife. His Queen. Deokman.
For her, he would give up everything. And even let the world curse him for ages. Everyone else does not matter.
Being with her, felt like paradise in this terribly lonely world.
Deokman's tears fell from her eyes like a river, soaking Bidam's robe. But he doesn't mind.
"Forgive me for singing such a sad song" He said, as he wiped away her tears. "I just love you too much, Deokman"
"Thank you for loving someone like me... I love you, Bidam." Deokman confessed smiling in tears. "I will love you forever"
Deokman held Bidam's face, and kissed him deeply.
For nothing could have possibly describe the sadness she had felt, when she learned that Bidam rebelled against her. It felt like her will to live was sucked out of her, breaking her heart to pieces.
But then Yushin ended up confessing about Prince Chunchu's plan. It left a bitter taste in her mouth.
Chunchu's impatience almost cost them everything.
Thus she ordered Alcheon to become the new sangdaedung and aid Princess Jindeok, to become the next Queen regnant of Shilla as what she had planned to do, as an alternative to making Chunchu her heir.
Xxx
"Why did you escape?! " The princess asked the prisoners.
"Forgive us, your highness. Please don't kill us" they begged. "Give us another chance"
"I asked why did you escape?!" she asked sternly.
"We weren't sure about the deal you gave us" the leader answered. "we thought that you did not intend to help us, instead you're only after profits from us. Just like the aristocrates"
The princess was surprised. Yushin, Bidam and Chunchu became worried, looking at the princess.
"I just want to help you acquire your own land that you can give to your children as inheritance. In which you can work on to feed yourself and your family. I don't want you to fall into slavery like animals who has no freedom" she explained. "Instead of relying on free food. I want you to persevere and work to earn your own living, pay your debts and live bountifully. Don't you understand?"
They fell silent.
"Do you want to become slaves forever?" she asked them. "Do you want your children, your grandchildren and their children to become slaves forever? Dont you understand me?"
"I am trying to give you land, so that you can be self sufficient" she declared.
"We don't need land. Just don't kill us, your highness!" they begged.
The princess couldn't believe what she's hearing and looking at. For everyone started crying and begging her to spare their lives. Suddenly she remembered Mishil's words.
'Truth is a heavy burden to the people. Hope is a difficult concept to grasp. And people hate free speech. They are like infants who cries whenever their requests are not fulfilled'
The princess closed her eyes before approaching Yushin. She then draw his sword and pointed it to the leader of the rebels. Making everyone shocked.
Bidam became worried.
"You betrayed my trust and endangered everyone's life" she said, holding the sword tightly.
The people begged the princess.
"Please don't kill us. We will never disobey you ever again. Have mercy on us, your highness! " the leader begged in tears.
'Punishment should be severe and fast... Reward should be one at a time'
'Don't destroy the pillars of good governance!'
The princess swinged the sword and killed the leaders of the rebellion in front of everyone. Alcheon, Yushin and Bidam stared in horror.
"She killed them." Prince Chunchu uttered in disbelief. "My aunt... Is a dangerous opponent"
The princess cried as she looked at the people. "I will do my best... to give you hope!"
After that incident, her body shook in grief and anxiety. Losing sight of what is wrong and right. Pained and lost. Guilt is shredding her conscience to pieces. Yushin tried to advice the princess to be strong and trust in her own judgement, but to no avail.
"That's right. I need to endure and make it through. To take this path on my own" she reminded herself aloud.
When she arrived in her palace, she felt like a walking dead. Remembering the words of those she killed. Her hands kept trembling uncontrollably. Then suddenly Bidam came running to her.
"Your highness" Bidam cheerfully called, but the princess didn't reply. "Your highness?"
"Bidam...you came" she said, looking at him weakly. And fell silent.
"You don't need to act like Mishil" he claimed with a smile. "Even if you cry... after killing people, you look stronger than her"
"I was impatient and underestimated so many things" she admitted. "The people... Has no such experience. And so they didn't understand me. That I am giving them land that they can own, that they can give to their children and descendants" she said sorrowfully.
"It's enough for me... The kindness you've shown" Bidam confessed, making Deokman look at him.
"That is what's giving strength... To my heart" he said, causing the princess surprise and wonder. Though she's shaking in guilt, she couldn't help but suspect something in Bidam's words. Feeling her heart skip a beat.
What does he mean?
Bidam smiled awkwardly and explained. "Perhaps, that is what will also give strength to the heart's of the people."
The princess felt relieved because of his warm words.
"Just be yourself" he said with a smile. "and they would be happy"
He laughed a little making the princess smile weakly "and they will understand you"
"And they would change" he said with a smile. 'As I may also change... Completely'
The princess looked at Bidam, feeling the pain and guilt lessen. Smiling weakly.
"Thank you, Bidam" she said, grateful.
Bidam smiled at her.
That night, Yushin came to visit the princess. Worried.
"I called you because I want you to overlook our program in Anggang. Choose Hwarangs and Nangdo to become the security personnel. And every week, ask for reports about the people's progress" she instructed.
"Yes, your highness" he agreed. "Are you ok, your highness?"
"Yes" she answered.
"You have to be strong, your highness" he advice seeing her trembling hand.
The princess smiled.
"The people around me... Are good people" she said. "I have you Hwarang Yushin, who give me advice. And Bidam, who gave me comfort..."
"I also have Alcheon, whose ready to protect me" she said with a smile. "That's why I remain strong"
Yushin stared at her, relieved of seeing her regain her confidence even just a little bit. But then Sowa came, instructing the princess to immediately visit the King.
Deokman then learned that her father has a heart disease and it's failing his health. Thus her parents encouraged her to find a husband as soon as possible, so that the heir to the throne would be set. And to stabilize the kingdom.
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The king thus announced to the whole country that any aristocrate can become the crown prince, once they marry his daughter. They were hoping that Deokman's husband would become the next King of Shilla.
"Your highness, everyone is talking about your upcoming wedding" Sowa started to say. "Do you have someone in mind...or Someone you like?"
The princess just smiled, as she tries to stop the uncontrollable trembling of her hands, due to anxiety of the past event in Anggang.
"Your highness, are you ok?" she asked worried.
"uh... Nothing " Deokman replied " it's just my hand... is trembling "
"Your hand is trembling?" Bidam asked from afar, after hearing her answer.
"Does that happen frequently? " he asked, looking at the princess worriedly.
" Ah... Not much" she answered timidly.
But suddenly Bidam grabbed Deokman's hand in his. Worried.
The princess felt her heart skip a beat as she was left speechless by how Bidam held her hand. She doesn't know what to make of his action.
"Wah... Your hand is trembling too much" Bidam commented in concern.
Behind them was Sowa, looking at Bidam's casual approach towards the princess, in horror. The way he held her hand was so out of line, for someone like him. Knowing that he is Mishil's son. But she couldn't intervene because Bidam belongs to the True Bone Rank, second only to the Sacred Royals in rank. She has no right to prevent him.
"It's nothing" The princess said trying to remove her hand from his hold. Feeling shy all of a sudden. While her heart keeps beating like crazy inside her chest.
"This isn't nothing" Bidam said in concern, refusing to let go of her trembling hand. Holding unto her firmly. "Have you consulted it to the physician?"
Deokman could only look up at him awkwardly, not knowing what to do or think.
"Why did you have to hold a sword, when Yushin and Alcheon was there?" he said concerned, holding unto her trembling hand. "You should have let them-"
Deokman smiled all of a sudden, looking up at Bidam's worried face.
He then suddenly remembered his place, and let go of her hand.
"Why are you smiling?" he asked curious.
"I finally saw the old Bidam again" she commented, smiling.
Thus he smiled as well.
"I heard that you're going to get married" Bidam asked cautiously.
Sowa looked up at Bidam, worried. Knowing that Munno wanted to marry Bidam to Princess Deokman.
"Yes" she answered "It's time to announce to everyone... There would be chaos"
"Your plans... Are you going to execute them?" he asked.
"Yes. Because I will not marry anyone" she said. "It's time to commence my plans. "
Bidam smiled in awe. Excited of the upcoming chaos in the palace.
General Seolwon saw the princess and Bidam's interactions.
"Oh... By the way, your hand" Bidam commented.
"I am fine" the princess answered sweetly.
"Wait... Let me see" he said, as he held Deokman's hand. Making Sowa felt unease.
"Don't ever do that again" he said to the Princess worriedly, making her smile as she stared at him. Trying to read any motive in Bidam's action.
But seeing the innocence in his concern, she let him hold her hand, ignoring the deafening beat of her heart. Because she liked it.
She liked the fact that Bidam treats her like an ordinary woman. That he didn't care about their rank.
"Hwarang Yushin and Alcheon's eyes almost pop out in surprise" he commented comically, making the princess laugh.
"You're being pushy again" she said smiling widely, while Bidam touched her hand.
"You know Gukseong Munno taught me about acupuncture" he informed as he assess her hand worriedly. "Do you want me to treat you? It won't take much time? "
" No need" the princess said cheerfully. "I am fine" making Bidam smile and held unto her hand.
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Mishil's clan meet to discuss the possible candidates for The princess's husband to be.
"Lady Mishil" General Seolwon started to say after everyone left.
"Did you forget to say something ? " she asked.
"It's about Bidam. I noticed his closeness to Princess Deokman " he said. "It's possible that he might be chosen by the princess. He is your son and the late King Jinji's, after all, he belongs to the True Bone Rank. We need to consider all possibilities so that we don't get surprised"
"I already abandoned that child." she said feeling a painful pinch in her cold heart." I am not going to use him. It's too late now. I will not take him back"
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The court begun to discuss princess Deokman's husband to be. Everyone begun to suggest their pick. But Mishil argued that the princess should be consulted first about her choice.
Suddenly The princess arrived and announced that she will not marry. The court tried to reason with her, that the King won't be forever strong. And so the crown prince needs to be set. By marrying anyone from the noblemen.
And thus the princess offered herself as a candidate to the throne. That she wants to become the king, making Mishil speechless beyond belief.
Since she belong to the sacred clan, her candidacy couldn't be refuted completely by the aristocrates even if she's a female.
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The princess then met with Yushin.
"How was the people in Anggang?" she asked.
"They were now dutifully working and no one tried to escape, your highness " he reported.
"After showing them cruelty. I shall show them hope. Give them provisions" she said.
"I will do it, your highness" he said.
"Anggang would be the beginning of my projects" she said. "If we succeed there, every provinces would follow suit"
"Your highness" Bidam cheerfully called, smiling to both Yushin and the princess. "The palace is in chaos"
"What happened?" she asked. "where they shocked?"
"What you declared was the first time they ever heard such appeal" Bidam smiled.
"No one thought about such move, your highness" Alcheon said smiling.
"Was that really difficult to accept?" she asked worried.
"Everything starts difficult in the beginning" Yushin adviced.
"Nevermind" she said. "They will soon get used to it."
Making everyone somber. Though their plan was ingenious, the reception was not so satisfying.
"Thus Chunchu know?" she asked.
"Everyone were talking about it. He probably heard of it by now, your highness" Alcheon said.
"I will meet with Prince Chunchu later" Bidam informed. "If he hadn't heard of it yet, then I will tell him"
Because currently, Chunchu is Bidam's student.
Deokman felt somber, remembering Chunchu's words. Her nephew apparently wants to become the king and take revenge on everyone. This move might cause more disunity between them.
While Yushin was confronted by the rebel army. They were surprised that the princess wants to become the king. They had thought that if Yushin marries princess Deokman, he would become the 1st Gayan king in the court of Shilla.
But he argued that if he ever becomes the king, every aristocrates in Shilla would go to Mishil's side and rebel. And he isn't willing to sacrifice his people just so he can become the king.
Thus Wolya and Solji was disappointed of him. Secretly, they were planning to push Yushin to become the king at all cost, to ensure the well-being of Gaya people.
"Our mission is to create a King who can take care of the Gaya people" Yushin declared.
"Can you really put your trust in someone who isn't from Gaya? Don't tell me that the princess won't change? Everyone change! " Wolya said.
"I am not asking you to trust her. I want you to trust me" Yushin declared. "And if she doesn't follow through our agreement. I will personally lead a rebellion against her"
Making Solji and Wolya shocked.
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Mishil's clan debated about the princess insolence to take the throne and become the king. Hajong insisted that other kingdoms would laugh at them if they have a female king and that just because she's from a sacred clan, it doesn't mean she can do as she pleases. But Mishil just smiled. Making Seolwon worried.
"Every King in this country were appointed, just because they are from the sacred clan.. no matter how incompetent they were" she said. "And that's what I hated since then"
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"Everything that has begun begins because it has not begun yet"
The princess thus ordered Yushin to spread about the word "Female king" to start the process of beginning.
Later Bidam and Chunchu met. But before that, Chunchu learned from Yumjong that if he ever plead to become the king, the princess would withdraw from the competition as what Bidam said.
"What do you think of Bidam, prince Chunchu?" Yumjong asked.
"He is terrifying and very skilled. Unpredictable" he answered. "I hope someday, he will work for me"
"But a person like him, is very difficult to tame" Yumjong commented.
"Then I would have to kill him" he said smiling sinisterly.
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Suddenly, at the day of The princess's official plead for candidacy in front of the Noble council, Mishil presented Prince Chunchu as a candidate as well. Since he is the son of a sacred royal, princess Cheonmyeong, princess Deokman's twin sister. And he is also the son of Duke Yungsu who was the crown prince. And if King Jinji wasn't deposed, Prince Chunchu would have been a sacred royal himself.
But at the moment he belongs to True Bone rank, second only to sacred bone rank. And so, Princess Deokman, despite being a female is more qualified to become the heir to the throne.
"These ranking is useless, outdated and incestuous. I am young, weak, and not very knowledgeable, but I have never seen such caste system in any developed countries. Not in China, Sui or Rome" Prince Chunchu announced making everyone gasp in shock including Mishil.
The princess was rendered speechless, exiting the hall after the meeting ended. Then she saw her nephew.
"How could you let Mishil control you, prince Chunchu? when she's the one who ordered to kill your mother?" Alcheon asked in dismay.
The young man just went to his aunt and whispered. "It's not Mishil who was controlling me. I am controlling her"
Making the princess looked at him in surprise.
These event caused divide among the King's supporters, mainly minister Yungchun. Arguing that if Prince Chunchu who is about to get married to Mishil's granddaughter, becomes the king. The two powerful clans would finally unite once and for all.
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While everyone were in chaos because of the competition to the throne between aunt and nephew, Mishil was rendered immobile and prisoner in her own mind. She kept thinking about Deokman, a princess who wished to become the king even though she's a female. And Chunchu, who belongs to a True bone rank aspire to become the first non-sacred royal to become the king.
Initially, she pushed Chunchu's candidacy inorder to create an opportunity for her husband, Prime Minister Sejong to become a candidate as well and thus she could finally become the Queen.
But now. It's different. The throne of the king. The path she had never even dreamed of taking, hovers like a cloud and fogged her visions. She who was more powerful than the king.
Why can't she be the king herself?
Before, she had never even imagine that a woman and a non-sacred royal like her, can ever become the king.
But now... Deokman and Chunchu proved her otherwise. And it's making her rearrange her priorities. Confused and sad. Saddened by the many years that gone by that she had never dreamed of actually becoming the king. And just wished to be a Queen, who was just a wife to a king and a useless position.
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Princess Deokman on the other hand talked with the King, and announced that she will not compete against Chunchu. Thus she would withdraw her candidacy, making the king and his supporters worried, knowing how capable the Princess is to take on Mishil and manage the kingdom.
Later on, something doesn't add up. Mishil has kept her silence and now missing. While an infighting between Prime Minister Sejong and General Seolwon was about to explode due to Prince Chunchu marrying Buryang, who was Seolwon's granddaughter. The former feared that the latter would become more powerful when the prince will become the next king. While the latter argued that it was not his plan but the former refused to believe.
Chunchu's plan is to divide and conquer by developing his own force with General Seolwon.
"Don't underestimate, Mishil" she instructed.
"It's you and everyone who overestimated her. When I easily fooled her" he replied before leaving.
Making the princess worried, especially since she last met Bidam, who has gone missing as well at this crucial time when she needed his spies to locate Mishil's and Chunchu's current whereabouts.
Later, with the help of Jukbang and their Gaya secret forces as spies on Mishil's clan members, they finally located Mishil in the mountains where she was first exiled during her pregnancy because of Queen Jiso, the late King Jinji's mother.
And when the princess finally arrived there, surprisingly she found Bidam with Mishil. Though she never questioned his intention and just trust in him to tell her on his own will, suspicions begun to plant in her mind.
But she would wait. Not now, when Mishil's odd behavior bothers her so much. For how could the great Mishil be easily duped by Chunchu? And let her supporters fight each other, while she leisurely went mountain climbing?
That is not the Mishil she knew... So what changed?
The princess is fearful of that change. So she must know, in order to be prepared.
"Your highness, do you need something from me?" Mishil asked.
"Lady Mishil, don't act like this" the princess started to say.
"Huh?" Mishil asked amused.
"You are not acting like the Mishil I knew" she said. "What will happen to me now if you continue being like this?"
"What do you mean, your highness?" Mishil asked smiling.
"I am always trying to think and act like the Great Mishil" she confessed. "Didn't you know that?"
"And then?" Mishil asked.
"For me, you are a truthful and reliable opponent" she said. "But why are you acting differently from your character?"
"You were striving to act and think like me" Mishil stated. "You should know by now why I am acting like this"
"Yes" she agreed. "That's why I am bothered"
Mishil only looked at the princess.
Silence reign for a few minutes.
"You can now ask your questions, your highness" Mishil said. "Trust that I would answer them truthfully"
"Did you felt underestimated and humiliated?" she asked.
"yes" Mishil answered.
"Lady Mishil" she said "wasn't that enough to admit defeat?"
"No" Mishil answered.
"Then" she said fearful. "you have made a decision?"
"yes" Mishil answered with a smile.
The princess looked at Mishil, a bit frightened.
"Tell me" she started to say. "Do you intend to execute your plan?"
"I may lose" Mishil admitted. "and you may win in the end, your highness. But..."
Deokman stared at Mishil.
"Don't assume that I would let you win easily, because that would be humiliating" Mishil informed.
She become worried.
"If you had taken my skilled people or my wealth" Mishil said. "I would give them to you. But no.."
Deokman remain silent.
"Because what you were taking from me..." she said. "is an era"
"If that's what you are after, don't ever think that you can avoid me" Mishil stated.
"I began with nothing, and so, I can gamble everything" the princess said. "Can you do that, Lady Mishil? Can you afford to lose everything?"
"I can't" she answered. "and that's why I returned to this place, where I had begun. I need to strengthen my wish"
Deokman could only stare at Mishil.
"I will fight" Mishil declared. "I will fight you with everything I got: Mind, Heart, and Soul, to become the king of this country"
The princess became terrified at Mishil's smiling face.
Later she exited Mishil's home, drained.
"What happened?" Yushin asked.
"Mishil had made her decision" she said. "I need to return to the palace as soon as possible"
"She's going to take her new path" Bidam stated.
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They arrived in Seorobol and searched for Prince Chunchu- who kidnapped and married General Seolwon's granddaughter.
"This is Yumjong, your highness" Bidam introduced his underground business ringleader.
"I am pleased to finally meet you, your highness" Yumjong begun to say.
"Shup up" Bidam instructed menacingly.
"Can you leave us alone" the princess instructed.
Bidam, Yushin and everyone aside from Chunchu left.
"Do you wish to surrender to me now?" he asked. "the truth is. I admire you, aunty. You are smart and kind"
"Thank you" she answered. "first I want to ask for forgiveness, because I thought that you are too young to become a king"
He smiled.
"Unlike me who is narrow minded, you are different" she said. "you have wide perspective, and understand human psychology"
He smiled, pleased.
"But then, you failed" The princess stated, making the prince look at her.
"really?" he asked arrogantly.
"You underestimated Mishil" she continue to say. "and now because of us, we have woken up a sleeping dragon. Mishil is vying for the throne as well"
Making Chunchu frightened. "Mishil has no right to become the king. She has no qualifications"
"No. But for many years, Mishil was the Kingdom's Keeper (seju)" she explained. "she has the skills, intelligence, and power to become the king"
"If you are so taken by Mishil's potential, then why not surrender to her?" he asked.
"Compared to Mishil, I am still nothing. But I can't surrender to her. Because Mishil will end up destroying this kingdom. For she will prioritize the aristocrates rather than the people" she explained. "While I plan to unite the kingdom and achieve the dreams of the Kings of shilla"
"So I am offering you my protection" she said. "My soldiers, Yushin's army, and Alcheon's forces outside of Seorobol are on standby. We are here to protect you"
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"Mishil will execute a rebellion. That's the fastest route" Bidam stated.
"No. She will not do that" Yushin said. "She wouldn't want to tarnish her name in history"
"Yes. Mishil would not stoop that low" the princess said. But Bidam think otherwise. "I believe she will use her position to her advantage in the court of nobles. That's the right and effective path"
"But her move will divide her allies among the aristocrates as well." she said. "because of her decision to become the king, we are going to face our greatest competition, but she also is exposing her weakness"
Everyone pondered about the princess's word.
"Yushin, is what I have instructed to you, in order?" she asked.
"Yes, your highness" he said. "do we need it now?"
"yes" she confirmed.
The princess then met with the king and his allies, revealing part of her plan to divide the rich aristocrates, and the middle and lower aristocrates. And to form a new force, through reforming taxation.
The king agreed, knowing now that Mishil is going to compete for the throne.
Thus the princess ordered Yushin's gaya armies and Bidam's Nameless guild to collect all the data regarding the family ties, properties and connections of all influential people in the entire country. She also instructed Yushin to supply security for the King's food and medicine.
Chunchu arrived and help her aunt to strategies . The princess became happy.
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"When I first came to the palace and reclaim my position. My goal is to take revenge and destroy everyone including Shilla. My life is filled with hatred and unhappiness " Deokman confessed to Chunchu, relating to him that she felt the same as him before." But revenge and hatred will only waste your life... It is not worth it. Nothing progresses and you became prisoner of yourself "
Chunchu remain silent.
Silence reign between them. As the situation settled in.
"If you want to accept me, you should also embrace everything about me including the enormous hatred in my heart" chunchu said.
"I have to do it with everyone around me" she agreed. "Those who have anger, those who have dreams, and those who have hope. I must accept all of them, because they are the ones who would stand for my legacy"
Chunchu remain silent.
"I have to become a strong vessel to accept everyone." she said. "And if I failed to do that, you are free to destroy me anytime"
"Can you defeat Mishil?" he asked after sometime. "My mother.. My dear mother... Have you also cried as much as I have?..."
Chunchu began to cry for the first time after returning to Shilla. Now he is letting himself to feel the anguish and stop pretending to be unhurt of his mother's death.
Deokman hugged her nephew, the son of her deceased twin sister.
.
.
The princess then announced about the new tax reform. The middle and lower class aristocrates will pay less, while the richest aristocrates will pay more as compensation.
This caused a huge chaos and divide among the aristocrates and land owners.
The people become hopeful. Praising the princess's kindness.
Mishil's clan members and allies began to have conflict of interest. Even the Hwarangs got concerned.
Some of Mishil's allies began to change their loyalty to the Princess.
.
.
During the noble council, 9 out of 10 ministers agreed for the tax reform. But because the court ruled unanimously, the law wasn't passed.
The princess became pissed with Mishil's plan, and thus she appealed that the court of nobles should change its decision making. From unanimous vote to majority voting. Because it hinders the country and the people's progress, which should be the main priority of the council.
Of course the court nobles refused. The vote was 2 vs 8, making some aristocrates and The people, disappointed of the council. Hatred begun to crack the alliance of Mishil's clan. They now knew that their needs are nothing to the council of nobles, because their interest lies in their own benefits as the richest aristocrates.
They concluded the the council of nobles are useless.
Protest and chaos erupted. Making Mishil smile at the smiling princess.
Deokman felt satisfied. She won but it seems that Mishil was unaware of it. Her goal is to cause divide and plant animosity among the aristocrates. Divide and conquer, just like what Chunchu did to General Seolwon and Prime Minister Sejong.
Now, all she have to do is wait for the aristocrates who are dissatisfied with Mishil's clan to come to her. And thus her power and influence will increase. By proving that the Council of nobles unanimous voting are useless and needs to be abolished all together.
.
.
"Your highness, the unanimous voting rights in the council had existed for 700 years and thus it will never change" Mishil argued.
"Yes, but it no longer serves its purpose in todays generation because until they exist, no progress will be approved" she reasoned.
"You are right, but.." Mishil said "Don't you know that it is only because the council's voting procedures are unanimous that you still have power, your highness?"
"Huh?" She asked surprised.
"What do you think if they pass a law preventing you from retaining your power, and the council's voting is majority? " Mishil asked.
"You are right. I am one of the people who benefits from such voting procedures" she agreed.
"Always remember that the procedures and law are like falling rocks from the sky" Mishil informed. "You may also get hit in the process, along with your opponents"
"Then what?" she asked sincerely. "If I can't use those procedures and laws, What can I do to defeat the enemy?"
"Our laws..." Mishil began to say before remembering something. Making the princess listen attentively.
Mishil suddenly laughed.
"There you go again... With your honest curiosity and thirst for learning" Mishil said laughing. "I almost spilled the answer. And forget that you're my enemy"
"Goodbye" Mishil bid before leaving. Making the princess worried.
.
.
"Do you really have to do it, Sister Mishil?" Misaeng asked. "Yes. The people might hate and label you as tyrant, but the history would forever glorify your contributions to the country. But this plan... This would soil your achievements. Don't you think this is a bit illogical?"
"Yes" Mishil agreed. "but it isn't the first time I had chosen illogical decisions"
"When I had fallen in love with Sadaham" she confessed. "I was ready to give up everything. And even if I shall be destroyed, I would still shine like gems"
"But didn't that changed you forever?" Misaeng asked, worried.
"Yes" Mishil agreed "And that same feeling resurfaced again"
.
.
The princess went to meet her knew allies: General Jujin and General Peltan, who each belongs to the middle class aristocrates. Jujin on the other hand has the largest military force and live near the capital. His support is crucial.
They uttered words of loyalty, but Jujin doesn't actually believe in the princess. He just hope that such chaos between the princess and Mishil will no longer escalate.
.
.
Then a dirty rebellion commenced the next morning. Mishil accused Deokman of Rebellion by trying to assassinate the prime Minister who passed the law that prevents the princess from having power in the kingdom. The council only include 8 members because Minister Suyon and Minister Yungchun were sleeping because of the drug Mishil ordered to her followers to put in their food.
And when they arrived hurriedly in the council hall, they were barred out by unarmed soldiers. Yushin and Alcheon's armies fought them. But they forgot that it is a treason to carry weapons inside the council hall.
Mishil's armies surrounded the palace and held the royal family hostaged. While she instructed Yumjong to take Bidam away for 2 days. Because if she failed to seize the Kingdom, Bidam shall be her last resort. To make him the next king of Shilla.
"I can't believe that Mishil would stoop this low" the princess said in disbelief.
"Mishil is just a human. She became impatient and filled with anxiety" Chunchu said. "you didn't see it coming because you respected her so much"
"No. Mishil is cautious. This is all part of her plan" she intuitively said. "I know her. Her movements were always assured"
Later they learned that General Jujin betrayed her, and marched his forces towards the capital.
Mishil's bloody rebellion is about to commence.
Deokman and Chunchu were being haunted. While Alcheon, Suyon and Yungchun were captured. And Yushin fought to protect the princess and prince Chunchu.
Suddenly Bidam arrived along with the Nameless guild. He rescued Deokman and instructed his men to take prince Chunchu. While Yushin remained to stop the soldiers from pursuing them.
Mishil put the entire country under Military law and labeled the princess as a rebel who committed high treason for trying to kill the prime Minister of Shilla, brother of King Jinpyeong - her father. And ordered everyone to capture her.
And called for a council meeting for tomorrow to exert her power as regent.
.
.
"Even though she has been ruling over the kingdom for decades as Seju, she was still unable to take the throne of the king and thus she used violence"the princess said in front of her people. "But I am the princess and rightful heir of the king. And wherever I go, I can accumulate power"
Everyone agreed.
"and now, we have no time limit" she stated.
"You should hide then, your highness" Chunchu suggested.
"What do you think, Bidam?" she asked.
Bidam rejected the idea.
"I think the same way" she acknowledged. "I should not hide. Yushin was right. My escape from the palace is our sign of success."
"That's right" Bidam agreed. "Mishil has lost her chance to capture and prove you guilty of treason immediately."
"And because they failed to capture me" she said. "the time is on our side. I need to fight Mishil here in the capital"
"No, it's dangerous" Bidam protested.
"Protect me Bidam with your life" Deokman said. "And you Yumjong, protect Chunchu with your life"
"I understand now" Chunchu said after sometime.
Thus they sent appeals to the ministers, officials and people of Shilla to capture Mishil who hostaged the king and stole the king's seal.
"I am going to meet Jujin" Deokman said to Bidam.
"It's dangerous" he protested.
"King Jinyeong once got bitten by a tiger. But instead of removing his arm, he pushed it inside the tiger's throat and reached for its heart" Deokman retold.
"He pushed his hand to reach the tiger's throat?" Bidam asked.
"And thus I shall push my arm inside the tiger's mouth to reach Mishil's heart" she declared.
Bidam remain silent.
"After that, you should go and meet Wolya to plan our next move to rescue Alcheon." she instructed. "and take Chunchu with you"
"Why should I take him with me?" he asked.
"Because we need to ensure that one of us survives and continue the fight" she reasoned.
Bidam agreed.
That night, Deokman and Bidam went to meet General Jujin. And made a trade with him. Explaining that Mishil underpaid his support, because Mishil is planning to become the king.
"The princess is great at Business" Bidam said confidently.
.
.
Yushin, Alcheon, Suyon, Yungchun and their allies were tortured.
Luckily Wolya and the rebel army were able to rescue Yushin. Unknown to them, it was a ploy by Mishil.
Deokman remain in the Gaya hideout with Yushin, Wolya and and Sowa. Sending Bidam ahead with Chunchu to their new lair.
But then Chilsuk and his Hwarangs came to kill the princess once and for all.
Though because of Sowa's sacrifice, Deokman was saved. The princess cried tragically when she saw her mother die again to save her.
Bidam couldn't bare to see Deokman cry, so he remained inside. While Yushin could only look at her tears and listen to her anguished cries.
"That's the destiny of servants like us. We die for our duty" Yumjong commentad, knowing that Bidam shouldn't be just a servant to the Princess, when he is actually the late King Jinji and Seju Mishil's son.
Bidam has every right to become the king. But he chose to serve the princess and help her achieve the throne. To the point of even fighting his own mother, the great lady Mishil.
All because of love and loyalty.
Yumjong couldn't believe how low Bidam's aspirations were despite his potential, skills and lineage.
And yet, secretly he had finally realized something. He wants Bidam to become the king rather than Chunchu. Because he sees in him, a person he can manipulate. A weakness he can exploit.
But for now... He would go with the flow.
It's a huge gamble he had taken to oppose the cruel Mishil. And chose Bidam.
.
.
The princess 's group suggested to her to hide somewhere faraway from Seorobol. But she insisted not to hide any longer.
"What do you mean, your highness?" Yushin asked.
"I plan to show up and accumulate allies. And-" she started to say.
"I do not agree" Prince Chunchu said. "Mishil failed. She has to capture tou witgin 3 days, but not. And so now, we don't need to hasten. Because Military law will end up causing suspicions to the aristocrates and tge people that something isn't right. And they will push her out"
"But as we drag on the situation, many people would die inorder for me to be safe" she protested. "this needs to stop. I can't wait and watch you die one by one. Thus I will no longer hide"
Yushin confronted Deokman after the meeting ended.
"Don't do that, your highness" he plead.
"Mishil is sole leader, while we can divide our force between me and Chunchu." she reasoned.
"A king should not sacrifice herself like a pawn. And vassal should never let his king get killed to protect everyone" he argued.
"In the face of history, we are nothing but pawns. We are just playing our roles from where we stand" she said making Yushin ponder. "I will not forgive my soldier who doesn't follow my order"
"I need to end this fight, and make the aristocrates and the people chose.
"Without Chunchu, we won't be able to make it" she said ignoring. "he is the future of this Kingdom when I am gone"
"You maybe right. But it's very dangerous" he argued.
"There is no bigger danger in life than staying alive" she stated. "That's the lesson I learned today. All of us are in danger"
Silence reign between them.
"the ambassador of Tang Dynasty will arrive soon, according to Yumjong's spies." she said. "I am sure, Mishil will exert her power over the kingdom. Let's start tomorrow, Hwarang Yushin"
"Yes, your highness" he agreed.
"If something bad happens to me there" she started to say. "take care of Chunchu"
"Forgive me your highness, but I will pretend that I never heard what you said" he said. "I will make sure nothing happens to you"
.
.
At the day the ambassadors came, appeals fell from the sky asking the ambassador and the people to resue the king. But Mishil showed her negotiation prowess in front of the delegations.
Thus they ignore the appeals, but then Deokman arrived. And it was too late for Mishil. Everyone saw the princess. She can no longer kill her.
"Why are you all just staring? Didn't the king asked to capture me? Do it now" she demanded.
Deokman urged to be judge in a fair trial along with Alcheon, Yungchun, Soyun and her armies, who were caught.
"Even though I am wrongly accused of treason, I am still a princess, thus I plead to be treated fairly" she said.
Making Mishil and her clan unable to speak.
.
.
The moment Bidam learned that Deokman returned to the palace, he became angry with Yushin.
"What are you trying to say? That Shilla is more important than her?" Bidam asked angrily. "How could you let her become a pawn?!"
"We are all pawns in the annals of history. The princess was just playing her part and we should as well" Yushin reasoned.
Bidam was about to punch him. "they will kill her!" he yelled worried.
"No they won't" Yushin replied as he hold off Bidam's attack.
But then it was too late to argue, the only thing they must do now is follow the princess's order before she surrendered. Chunchu lead the group and spoke with General Jujin and other influential people. And sent the letters, the princess wrote.
.
.
"Because Deokman returned to the palace alive, anything that would happen to her, the people will make me responsible." Mishil claimed. "We can't kill her anymore"
Thus in the end, Mishil decided to follow through the princess request to be judged in the council.
The aristocrates received the letter that contains this words.
'I am like a person bitten by a tiger, but instead of retreating, I will push my hand inside the tiger's throat and reach its heart. You must chose, whether to let Mishil become the king, or support me, the rightful heir to the throne"
With Chunchu's impressive diplomatic prowess, he was able to convince many aristocrates to choose them over Mishil. And that a new rebellion would rise and Mishil won't be able to stop it.
"If you don't surrender your armies to Mishil, she will kill you" he said. "But if you give them to her, you are going to be useless to her, and then she would kill you later on".
"Then what does the princess offer me? " Jujin asked.
" You would become the head of military and a crucial component in her plan"he stated. "I know that you are worried about how she will defeat Mishil. When a mouse get into a tight situation, it can become a tiger and fight to kill"
Jujin remain silent.
"When the princess surrendered, did she looked like a frightened mouse or a fierce tiger?" he asked.
.
.
At the day of judgement, few people arrived to witness the verdict for the princess and her people.
Mishil became disappointed and infuriated when the letter from the sky fell, announcing that the King had been rescued. Thus she pointed her arrow against the insolent princess.
'Kill me now Mishil. And you lose' Deokman thought, fearless.
'Yes Deokman... you' ve won' Mishil thought in anger, aiming straight at Deokman's heart.
Deokman welcome the arrow and was shot to the heart. Causing the Queen to collapse in fear for her daughter's life. While the people watched in horror.
But the soyopdol saved the princess, as the arrow head got buried in the golden dagger. Everyone were shocked by such miracle.
Mishil thus ordered her soldiers to kill all of them. But thankfully Bidam arrived with his group along with Jukbang. They immediately formed a circle around the Princess to protect her.
"Your highness" Bidam greeted.
"Thank you Bidam" Deokman said, grateful.
"If you do this again" Bidam worriedly said. "I will not come to rescue you"
Deokman nodded in relief, while Alcheon smiled at Bidam's concern.
Jujin and his armies marched to the palace to save the royal family. While the Hwarangs and Yushin, surrounded the King's palace to protect the king.
"Don't let Mishil escape" she ordered Bidam.
"Yes, your highness " he replied.
"All our forces, proceed to the main gate" she commanded her armies. "and capture Mishil before exiting the capital"
While Mishil and her army fleed from the capital and take refuge in the fortress of Deia.
"The Civil war... Is about to begin" the princess concluded, after her generals informed her that they failed. Thus she ordered her people to prepare immediately.
"We need to manage the palace and remove Mishil's people. No matter how difficult it may" she instructed. "Let us not allow the Civil War to commence, but if it happen. Investigate and evaluate our Military thoroughly"
"Yes, your highness" they agreed. General Seolwon and Hwarang head Yushin were tasked to secure the military.
"Chunchu and Minister Yungchun, take care of the other departments and find out about their alliance" she ordered.
"Whila I and Hwarang Alcheon shall investigate the department of finance and taxation. And within the palace" she declared.
"Do we not need to sent spies to watch Deia?" Alcheon asked the war commander, princess Deokman.
"Yes." she agreed. "General Soyun please instruct general jujin to send his army near the fortress of Deia and monitor all transportation routes around it"
"Yes your highness" he said.
"If we don't manage the changes well, it would cause more chaos" she said. "we need to move immediately"
.
.
"Why didn't they include you in the meeting?" Yumjong asked Bidam.
"I don't have any position" he answered.
"Then ask the princess for a position" he encouraged.
"It would be bothersome for me" Bidam reasoned. "All I wanted is to serve her directly and freely move"
"That is wrong. It might be enough for the old you, but not now. All your efforts should have payments" he said earning a death glare from Bidam "You're the only one who has no power among them"
Bidam remain silent.
"You won't be able to reclaim your right if you are like that" he admonished.
Suddenly, the princess called Bidam and Yumjong.
"You and your group, must go to Deia and spy all their activities." she instructed. "for that kind of job, I only trust you, Bidam"
.
.
"See Yumjong.. When it comes to crucial task, I am the only one she rely on" Bidam cheerfully said.
"You're mistaken. We are only tasked to spy while others hold departments. You have no idea how to run an organization so you don't know" he explained.
.
.
"There was a construction for Chugoryeong, but why are there no records?" she asked the official of the construction.
"That project was secretly managed by minister Hajong, and our former director disappeared since then" he reasoned.
"This can't be allowed to happen. How come only he knew?" she admonished.
The official rambled on, making the princess pissed. "Fine. You can leave"
"Your highness" Alcheon called as he came. "The artillery shipment got lost"
"Where did it come from?" she asked.
"Our government sent engineers and workers to Japan. And in return they gave us modern weapons. Seolwon was the one in charge" he reported. "I suspect that Lady Mishil stole the weapons"
This made the princess worried.
Then another problem rises. According to Bidam's spies: The provinces no longer sent their reports and appeals to the king. Instead, they all gave them to Mishil. This angered the princess and sent out messengers to tell the provincial governor to send all their reports only to Seorobol, or else they will get severely punished or sentenced to death.
Because if this continues, the country will have 2 goverment.
'does Mishil's power... Has no limit?'
"we need to separate Mishil and her fortress from accessing our data. Do you understand?" she commanded her ministers.
"Yes, your highness" they replied.
.
.
'Do I have to use that edict against Mishil?' she asked herself, remembering the late King Jinyeong's command to kill Mishil.
Suddenly Bidam approached her.
"Your highness?" he asked. "Is there anything I can do to help you?.. Because I feel like... I have no contribution"
"I can't imagine what would have happened, during the most crucial time in my life, if you were not with me" she confessed. "So don't ever say that"
Bidam remain silent.
"Right now, everything is unstable and chaotic, but once things settled I will give you a crucial position" she stated.
"What crucial position?" he asked.
"Didn't you and Yumjong have a network of spies" she asked. "I plan on creating a secret organization, that would collect military and political informations. For that kind of task... You're the only one suited, Bidam. I am willing to give you such important task, because I trust you completely."
This made Bidam happy.
"You know... Sometimes, you're like a kid" she commented smiling despite their situation. "why are you happy?"
"Because you said that you trust me" Bidam smiled gratefully.
Silence reign in for awhile.
"I will give you your first task" the princess said.
"Order me and I shall follow" he said.
"I buried a box in the Gaya hideout, under the root of the tree beside the border. Take them to me and let no one know" she instructed.
"I will do it immediately" Bidam said energetically, not knowing that it was a letter that the late King Jinyeong ordered to kill his mother, Lady Mishil.
And when he read the letter, his heart was torn to pieces.
Who should he choose?
His mother, who was sentenced to death.
Or the one he love, who might hate him the moment she found out that he is Mishil's son?
Xxx
During their travel, some ruffians ambushed Bidam and Deokman's carriage.
"Santak, protect my wife with your life" Bidam ordered his only subordinate he allowed to accompany them in their journey. "take her to our inn"
"I will do it, Sir Bidam" he agreed as he went to Deokman who was 5 months pregnant.
"Bidam" Deokman called out to her husband in worry, as she watched him fight their attackers alone.
Bidam just looked at her meaningfully, asking her to be safe.
Deokman nodded, trusting that he would return to her safely.
Not long, someone knocked in her room. It was Bidam, covered in blood. Deokman become worried, trying to analyze whether he was badly wounded.
"What happened?" she asked after realizing that the blood weren't his. Holding unto Bidam worriedly.
Bidam smiled in relief, seeing the face of his beloved. "I got a run in with the ruffian leader. And now his group is mine"
Deokman stared in shock and relief. For seeing him safe, is more than anything.
"Don't make me worry like this again" she whispered as she cleaned off the blood stains from his handsome face.
"I apologize, my love. Now you're stained as well" Bidam joked before lifting Deokman up, carrying her to the bathroom. "I think we should bathe together"
To be continued...
