Memoirs of a Great Leader 4
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.
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Deokman oversees Yuan's progress, while letting him enjoy his childhood. With Bidam's men protecting him behind the shadows, in order not to intervene with his life.
For the couple is determined to shape their children to become better than the both of them. Deokman who has the best leadership skills and Bidam having the best fighting skills in all Shilla.
And so, they exposed Yuan to various fields of work and let him earn his own money and skills. Teaching him how to learn for himself, have confidence in himself, self discipline and take responsibility.
Bidam watched over his son, as he finally teaches him how to physically fight any opponents to protect himself and those in need. As what they have agreed as parents.
For Deokman finally deemed Yuan, strong enough to handle power. And so, she slowly introduced him to the world of powerplay: Martial arts and politics. Making him understand human psychology, coupled with strong guidelines for doing good, thinking good and having good intentions at all instance. For with great power, comes great responsibility to bare the consequences in one's soul and others.
During that time, she's pregnant with their 3rd child, when they learned that Queen Jindeok died and Chunchu finally become the king. In Jindeok's reign, Bidam and Deokman did their best to support her. And provide her access to the Tang Emperor, to protect Shilla from Gogoryeo and Baekji.
And now that Chunchu has finally established a somewhat absolute Monarchy, Deokman sees that Shilla will begin to aggressively conquer the lands of their neighboring countries.
Things would start being messy for Munmyong guild.
Though Deokman wants to avoid unnecessary fighting, the inevitable war is going to require them to participate aggressively with everything they have.
And so, she sent a letter to Chunchu, that they would support his campaign.
Xxxx
Yushin informed the princess that Jukbang saw Bidam in the fortress of Deia. Asking her if she sent him there.
Deokman couldn't help but feel the trust she had for Bidam crumbling. And so that night, she waited in anxiety for Bidam's return.
'how could King Jinyeong's order to kill Mishil... Would have something to do with Bidam?' she thought to herself in worry.
Bidam finally came to the Princess's office after visiting his mother, Lady Mishil.
The princess saw that he is carrying no letter. And then look at his solemn face.
Bidam is unable to look at the princess.
Silence reign before he sat on the chair in front of Deokman.
"the thing I asked you to get" she started to say. "where is it?"
He remain silent.
"Give it to me" she asked.
"There was nothing" he said, making Deokman breathe deeply.
"I went to the hideout and dugged under the tree... but I found nothing" he said.
Silence reign between them.
"From now on, I will trust everything you say" she said.
Bidam looked at the princess.
"Truth" she said. "Is what would connect you to me"
He remained silent.
"Did you really saw nothing?" she asked.
"Nothing" he answered after sometime. "I really saw nothing"
The princess become pissed. "did you throw it away?"
"No, your highness" he said, not looking at the princess.
And thus her annoyance began to escalate. "Is it true then... That you went to Deia?"
Bidam remain silent.
"Did you see Mishil there?" she asked.
"yes" he said looking at the princess. "I don't want to return here empty handed... And that's why I tried to kill her"
The princess gasped.
"If Mishil die" he said. "the chaos would end... But I failed"
Silence reign.
"Just one last question" she said. "tell me... Who is Mishil to you?"
"I and Mishil..." he started to say. "have no relation to each other"
"Is that true?" she asked.
"Yes" he answered. "Just like I said I went to Deia to-"
"It's enough. You said that you have no relation" the princess interrupted. "I trust you"
'Bidam... Why did you lie to me?' she thought when Bidam left her alone.
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"We have officially entered a war" General Soyun stated. "there is no other way but to fight"
"But Deia is a very strong fortress" Yushin said.
"We need speed and strength to defeat their forces" Suyon answered.
"But how would that happen, when they outnumbered us?" Alcheon asked.
"Excuse me... How about we use the forces stationed in the borders" Wolya suggested.
"No we can't use them" Yushin said. "We can't"
"Why is that? "Wolya asked." that would greatly help us"
"No. I don't agree with that" the princess said. "it would put Shilla in greater danger. If other countries conquer us"
"You are right, your highness" General Soyun said. "But what if Mishil does that?"
"No" the princess said. "I assure you. Mishil will never do that"
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"No! Don't use the forces in the borders" Mishil protested. "If we destroy the balance in the borders, it's like we are letting Shilla to be lost"
"But Lady Mishil, it would help us greatly" Prime Minister Sejong argued.
"That's right mother" minister of finance seconded. "even if we only use one faction. We can defeat the princess easily"
"Never!" Mishil chastised. "I won't let any of you succumb to such insolence"
Minister of war, Seolwon looked at Mishil.
"No one shall send any letter to the faction Generals in the borders to mobilize them" Mishil ordered. "Am I clear?"
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"Princess" Bidam called at Deokman worriedly. "You are deep in thought again"
"Do you think..." she began to say. "we can't really avoid civil war?"
"Are you afraid of going to war?" he asked. "or are you afraid of the consequences?"
Deokman looked at Bidam.
"It would leave a deep wound to our nation" she said. "We would spend many years and efforts... to heal such wound"
Bidam remain silent.
"I am deeply suffering inside" she confessed. "because I have to fight my own people... within my own country. And that's why we need to win this fight as soon as possible, but with Deia... The war would prolong"
Bidam felt sad. For he so wanted to help her, but it seem impossible now to end the war as soon as they can.
Suddenly Jukbang and Godo, came suggesting that they can use the flow of the water to cause flooding to the fortress of Deia, since all their water ways are connected to the capital.
But then Bidam said that it is not possible, because it's still summer month and so they can't use that strategy.
The princess thanked them for their effort, and asked them to suggest any idea if they had one.
Then something lit inside Bidam. An idea to end the fighting as soon as possible.
"There is a way to end the war quickly" Bidam said, making the princess curious. "let's talk about it"
Deokman and Bidam then left to speak with the generals and war officials.
"We can stop the main water way, and poison all the small lakes flowing inside the fortress" he suggested.
Everyone become silent, hearing such insidious idea.
"If we do that, all their water will become poison" Bidam said smiling. "the fortress would become hell for the people inside"
The princess contemplated.
"Your highness. If we poison the lakes, then all the land around it would become barren" Yushin argued. "Many people will lose their livelihood and homes."
Deokman became silent.
"Then what?" Yushin asked. "You would replace their suffering with fear?"
Everyone contemplated.
"Your highness, think about it deeply" Yushin said. "Deia is still part of Shilla"
"You are right, I agree" she said. "Bidam's suggestion is efficient, but I will not do it"
Bidam shook his head, in silent disagreement.
"But then" the princess said. "I plan to use his idea"
"That's right" Yushin agreed smiling. "We shall reveal that plan to them"
Deokman smiled. Making Chunchu approve. While Bidam and Alcheon look at each other in realization.
"Even if it isn't true" Yushin said. "it would still cause chaos in Deia"
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"Your highness" Bidam called the princess. "Are you still going to meet Mishil?"
Deokman looked at Bidam.
"Didn't we have a plan already to push them to the corner?" he asked. "why do you want to meet her?"
"I am pushing Mishil to the corner in order for her to meet me" she answered. "for Mishil ... it is difficult for her to accept my proposal"
"Proposal?... Does that mean.." he began to say.
"Give this to Mishil" she said, giving Bidam the letter she wrote.
Bidam looked at the princess, surprised. "Why me?... Why do you want me to deliver that? "
"Give this to her" she ordered sternly. "is it clear?"
"yes" he answered after sometime.
And thus Bidam, went to the fortress of Deia as a messenger. Facing Mishil's soldiers head on.
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"I will speak to Mishil" she declared to her team. "I will combine my forces to her"
"Your highness, why would you do that?" Alcheon asked, while everyone were shocked. "they are the once who started to rebellion"
"It's for the good of Shilla and to our great dream" she reasoned. "it is better for us to unite"
"To unite?" Yushin asked.
"But we already have a plan to defeat them" Wolya argued
"Yes. That's right" Alcheon agreed. "Please don't talk to her. It would only be waste"
"I am ready to fight, if needed" the princess stated. "but it would take years for us to defeat them completely. And one thing... It may take decades before we can unite Shilla"
Everyone become worried.
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Yushin spoke with the princess alone.
"Was it necessary? "he asked." No"
"Didn't I told you what our country needs?" she asked.
(flash back)
"None of us, has experience managing a country" The princess stated. "But Mishil's people has"
Alcheon and Yushin remain silent, pondering.
"Right now, we need people who know how to govern" she declared.
(end flashback)
"Then, do you mean..." Yushin asked.
"Yes" she confirmed. "She's the one"
"Mishil" he said. "You believe that Mishil is who our country needs?"
"In the entire nation, no one is better than Mishil in Leadership"
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Because of Bidam, Mishil decided to meet with the princess for a peace talk.
"Joining of forces?" Mishil asked.
"Yes" the princess confirmed. "I hope through that, the two opposing sides would unite"
"for what?" Mishil asked. "You are already pushing us to the corner to win, by spreading fear and anxiety!"
She remain silent.
"Why don't you continue your plan and kill all of us?!" Mishil asked angry.
"It would be regretful" she reasoned. "if you die"
"regretful?" Mishil asked.
"Shilla... Still has a great dream to achieve." she said. "and that's why I wish to have people with great skills. "
"You are right" Mishil agreed. "My people are very skilled. Who do you want from them? Misaeng? Seolwon? Or Chilsuk"
Silence reign. Mishil thus took her cup to drink tea.
"Lady Mishil" Deokman called.
"What is it? " Mishil asked.
"I only wish to get one person" she informed. "with unmatched skills... You are the one I want, Lady Mishil"
Mishil looked up from her cup, with a fierce stare.
"If you agree. I am willing to accept you" she proposed. "we both know that you can no longer win the fight, and so you should be thinking about your next move"
"And my next move... is to be conquered by you, your highness?" Mishil asked.
"If you don't want to be under me" she said." just think of it as a mentorship scheme... If you can't become the king, you can instead teach your student, who can"
"A king? " Mishil asked." Who can become a king? "
Silence reign.
"Do you mean that this Mishil... Is not capable of becoming the King of Shilla?" Mishil asked.
"If you were able to change the government, you may have a chance" she said. "But you failed. The time has passed. You can no longer put your self on the throne"
"The Shilla" Mishil stated. "This great nation... Are the province of Chungjun, fortress of Dusal, City of Handasan, and Sukhang. Do you know what are those places I mentioned?"
"they are the provinces in the borders" she answered.
"No... You are wrong" Mishil stated. "In those places... The blood of Mishil were shed. In those places, my beloved friends and soldiers died. They were left there without even a trace for their funerals"
The princess felt the overwhelming feelings inside Mishil.
"Shilla" Mishil said. "That is Shilla. I and King Jinyeong created and fought, to form our nation. And now? Someone else is going to become king? What do you know, your highness? "
Deokman fell silent, in awe of Mishil.
"The heart that loved Sadaham before" Mishil said with tears in her eyes, that's about to fall. "Is the same heart who loves Shilla. I love Shilla... And that's why I want it to be mine"
"Lady Mishil" the princess started to say, believing that Mishil's love for Shilla is misguided. Because love is not to possess, but to give one's self to the one you love wholeheartedly and unconditionally, by aspiring to give the one you love everything that is good for them.
"Do you want to divide Shilla between us, is that it?" Mishil asked.
The princess fell silent.
"Deokman. You can't divide the one you love, and give it to others" Mishil explained.
She remain silent, unable to refute Mishil's heartfelt words. Because who was she anyway, to talk about love? When she throw away her love for Yushin to become the king. Does she even know what love is, based on experience? To love someone so much that you would give up everything.
"Your highness?" Bidam called Deokman, after seeing his mother walk away. "What did Mishil said?"
Deokman remain silent looking at Mishil going away.
"Your highness" Bidam said worried. "Can you please... allow me to talk to Mishil?"
The princess agreed. Thus Bidam run towards his mother and talk to her.
"I need to speak to Lady Mishil" he said to Chilsuk.
"What do you need?" she asked looking at her son.
"Is her demands so difficult to accept?" he asked.
"Why don't you ask Deokman?" she answered.
"Do you still think that you can win the fight?" he asked. "Everything has changed"
"Even if I can't win. I would not let you win easily" she answered.
"Why are you still trying to fight?" he asked.
"I have no reason not to fight" she answered.
Bidam thus revealed King Jinyeong's edict to kill Mishil.
"Is this... Is this enough of a reason?" he asked his mother. "You know what's inside this letter"
Mishil looked at his son, knowing now that the letter finally arrived to its real owner.
"Princess Deokman asked me to get this" he confessed. "But I didn't give it to her"
"Why didn't you give it to her?" she asked. "that's your chance to kill me so easily"
"Stop pretending" he asked his mother.
"If you prolong this war. Deokman's allies would come to me" she said. "Tell me, why did you hide that? why didn't you give that to her? Why? Tell me the reason"
"Because..." he said looking at his mother. "this is unfair"
Mishil felt her heart break looking at her son.
Finally, someone understood what she had felt when King Jinyeong suddenly lost trust in her and ordered to kill her after all she sacrificed for Shilla to serve him.
"Even for you, mother" Bidam said as tears threaten to fall from his eyes. "this is unjust. It denied your whole existence because you should have been dead along time ago... And that's what I can't accept"
Mishil remain silent, as tears form in her eyes.
"Accept the princess's demands" he said. "else... I would reveal this letter to everyone"
Mishil was unable to hold her sorrows in and tried to touch her son's face. The son who she abandoned for her dream. The son who feel sorry for her. A heartless and cruel mother.
But then she pretended that she wasn't about to touch his face and confess her feelings. In the end, she chose to hide her heart.
Bidam looked at his mother. While Mishil stared at his son. Her heart was swayed.
While Bidam felt his heart getting crushed.
How would he be able to have his mother and serve the one he love at the same time, when they are enemies to each other.
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The princess began to mobilize her armies. Because now, there is no other way but to crash Mishil's army at all cost.
To show great strength in order to weaken the enemies will and make them surrender.
Then they heard a news that a general from the border factions was about to join Mishil's army, but then they retreated back.
Everyone become worried. But Deokman concluded that it was because of Mishil.
Later Mishil surrendered and instructed all her allies to serve Bidam instead. To make him, the King of Shilla.
Hearing that his mother surrendered, Bidam rushed to Mishil's room to speak to her, suspecting something bad.
And he was right.
Mishil ingested a lot of poison.
"I only have half an hour to live" Mishil said.
"What now? Do you want to hear me call you mother again? Do you want to ask forgiveness for abandoning me? " he asked in tears. "And say that you have even a tiny bit of love for me?"
Mishil laughed. "I have no use for such a thing. You don't have to forgive me... And love... tell me... What do you know about love?"
"Love... is to possess completely. That is love" Mishil explained. "If you love Deokman, you have to possess her. Your love, Shilla, and the great dream. All of those three. You can't share them to anyone. Do you understand?"
"I will love, according to my heart" Bidam said.
"That's what worries me the most" Mishil said. "I dream of Shilla and so I acquire great people. But you... It's the opposite"
"You want Shilla to acquire someone" She said. "If your dream is a person, you would surely fail"
"I love princess Deokman" he confessed. "And for her, Shilla is important... And so, I will give that to her"
"Your dream is too pure" Mishil commented. "Like a naive child who has no knowledge about how the world works... Deokman. I am waiting for her"
Bidam cried as his mother lose consciousness.
Suddenly Deokman arrived, seeing Mishil with Bidam, who is crying.
"Lady Mishil" the princess called at the woman seating on the throne with her eyes closed. Then realizing what happened.
'Lady Mishil' Deokman thought. "I become who I am today, because of you... Thank you so much'
A tear fell from her eyes, as respect to the most talented person in Shilla that's been lost.
'Mishil's era... Has finally ended. Good bye, Mishil' the princess thought, before Mishil finally lost her last strength as her hand fell in her lap.
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Bidam run away from Mishil's room, in self loathing and anger. Because ultimately, he pushed his own mother to death.
The princess run after Bidam and confronted him about his lies.
Eventually, he confessed that Mishil is his mother.
"But how can I tell you, I am his son, when even in her death, she refused to acknowledge me as her son?" Bidam said in tears.
"But even so... You should have told me" Deokman said. "I understand you. No one would be able accept that they were abandoned and left alone"
"I didn't tell you, because I was afraid..." he confessed. "I don't want you to think that I am useless to you"
"Bidam" she called seeing his tears and sincerity. Thus she touched Bidam's face and hugged him. Laying her cheek on the side of his face.
"I know that you are still hurting inside" Deokman said, holding him and caressing his hair. Understanding him completely, because she knew what it felt like to be abandoned by one's parents. To be alone in this terrifyingly lonely world.
Bidam hugged Deokman tightly to himself. Feeling accepted for who is, for the very first time in his life.
Thus he now knew for sure. Deokman is the one.
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Later, as Bidam and Deokman decended from the heel, they were attacked by Chilsuk. Thankfully Yushin arrived. And together with Bidam, they protected the crown princess and killed Chilsuk.
"This is where the story of Sowa, Chilsuk and Deokman ends" he said as he breathe his last. Heartbroken that he killed the one he loved, Sowa. And hoping that, maybe now in death they can be together at last.
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Mishil's clan held a memorial for Mishil. While the palace also morn King Jinyeong's death.
Prince Chunchu and the others asked the princess to execute all of Mishil's clan members, but she refused. And instead, she blamed the rebellion of Mishil to only Sukpom and Chilsuk. That way, all of Mishil's relatives were spared from death because of Mishil's sacrifice.
The Queen learned about this, and confronted her daughter.
"They should not be forgiven for all their evil deeds!" She argued.
"If that is your reason... Then we have to kill so many people as well" the princess reasoned." Because under her rule, she gained many talented people and officials. Do I have to kill them too? "
"In order to strengthen your rule. You have to do that" Chunchu argued.
"If that kind of tragedy is behind us. How will we progress?!" the princess argued.
"But when you do that, it doesn't guarantee that they would follow you" he argued.
"But still, I have to try" she reasoned. "I need to earn their trust and service"
Silence reign.
"Even for a little, your highness... Don't you have any hate towards Mishil?" Chunchu asked in tears of anger.
The princess looked at him, fiercely.
"No one here has suffered more in the hands of Mishil than me. Do you think that I don't want to take revenge for my dead mother and sister? And for my lost life?" she asked.
"I hate her so much" she confessed. "But now she's gone... And the only thing that remains is Shilla. And thus we have to bury the hatred as well in history, along with everything that has passed. We need to unite to have a chance of reaching the dreams of this country"
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The princess took all the properties of Mishil's clan but then she guarantees them security if they serve Shilla wholeheartedly.
Thus Seolwon pledge his life in service, as what Mishil has told him. Because before dying, Mishil instructed him to endure the shame and make Bidam the king at all cost.
Later on, the Princess met with Bidam.
"So what happened? Did you give the letter to Mishil?" she asked. "Or you showed it to her and threatened to reveal it"
Bidam remain silent.
"You threatened her" she concluded.
Silence reign.
"In the end, it was Mishil's son who was able to change her mind" she said cautiously. "It is because of the heart of a son, who witnessed the cruelty bestowed on his mother. And despite having been abandoned, he still cares for his mother"
He remained silent.
"And so Mishil, surrendered" Deokman concluded. "Thank you Bidam... I know that you did it for me"
Bidam looked at the princess, tears in his eyes.
"Thank you very much" Deokman said sincerely.
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Prince Chunchu met with Yumjong.
"The princess is really something else" Yumjong commented. "Because if I were her, I would have killed them in Deia"
Chunchu remain silent.
"And now, what are you going to do, Prince Chunchu?" he asked.
"My plan is just about to begin" he answered sinisterly.
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Deokman then promoted Bidam as the director of anti-corruption agency.
"A good king?" Bidam asked smiling.
"This is what I believe. A good king should be strict with his members, and kind to the people" the princess explained.
"Then does that mean... That a king whose kind to his members and strict to the people is a tyrant?" Bidam asked.
"That's right" she confirmed. "and if he is kind to his members and to the people... That person has no ability to become the king"
"Ah! .. I understand it now, your highness" he concluded. "You are telling me that someday you are going to be hard on me. And so you want me to prepare before hand"
"That's right" she said smiling. "You have to prepare your heart, Bidam"
Bidam smiled.
"Yes, your highness" he agreed. "I am Bidam. Will serve you for life"
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"I will create an agency that will audit all departments" the princess declared in front of her officials. "And it would fall under my department"
"That way, you can oversee all the departments that was under Mishil" Yushin commented.
"But then, Mishil has ruled over them for decades. And even if you create such agency, you won't be sure that they would cooperate" Chunchu said.
"You're right" she agreed. "And thus I chose some people who are skilled in governance, that shall manage them"
"Are you thinking about.." Chunchu asked.
"Yes. They are the ones" she agreed. "I will let Mishil's people govern under that agency"
"Do you trust them?" Alcheon asked.
"I have trust in the one who will manage them all" she said confidently. "I trust Bidam"
Everyone were stunned to silence.
"Then why did you choose Bidam to lead them?" Yushin asked.
"He is Mishil's son" Alcheon said. "its difficult to entrust such crucial task to him"
"It's not a hindrance to me" the princess said. "It is important and meaningful that he is Mishil's son. That's why I chose him"
"Are you trying to remove their doubts and earn their trust, your highness?" Chunchu asked.
"That's right" she agreed. "And not only that. Because only Bidam can control them all"
"Because they were blood related it is easy for them to follow him" Chunchu said.
"And don't forget. He chose me rather than his mother. His role in defeating Mishil is heavy" she stated. "Don't doubt his loyalty to me anymore"
Everyone fell silent.
"And most importantly... " she added. "Nevermind.."
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"She wants to give Bidam, power" Chunchu said. "that's her last reason that she was unable to say"
"What does it mean?" Yushin asked.
"You, me and Alcheon" he said. "she wants to set the limits of our power. And that's why she gave Bidam that position, in order to become our competition"
"We would fight each other?" Yushin asked.
"Truthfully... My aunt is really unique" Chunchu said amused.
"But then... Can she really trust Bidam?" he asked.
"Not fully" Chunchu said. "Yesterday, she trust Bidam so much... But now she can't trust anyone. Not even us"
Yushin looked at the prince in wonder.
"She's now taking... the path for the kings" Prince Chunchu stated.
"That's saddening" Yushin commented. "It's natural for her to trust anyone, but now... She will never be able to do it"
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The Queen met with her daughter.
"Deokman my child... You can't rely on anyone any more, other than yourself" she said, looking at her beloved daughter. "You are going to be alone in taking care of your people and those you love"
Deokman remain silent.
"No one will ever protect you, my child. No one would carry your burdens for you. And you can't ever trust anyone anymore" she said. "But then you can't just distrust anyone. Can you do it, my child?... Can you endure the extreme loneliness in being the King of this country?"
"Yes, mother" Deokman said. "I will endure it"
The Queen looked at her daughter in pity. Because she knew what her husband had went through as a king. And now her daughter is about to become a lonely king, she couldn't help but worry. Knowing that being a woman in power ruling over those who want power, is a dangerous position to be in.
Thus she hugged her daughter tightly.
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(flashback)
'I am Mishil. I use the Heaven but I don't fear it. I know that the world is a tyrant, but I don't bow down to it. I rule over many people, but I also rely on them" Mishil said.
(end flashback)
' Is that how being King really is? ' She asked herself. ' I can't distrust anyone. But I can't trust anyone?...and that I can't rely on anything?.. Tomorrow, I am going to take this path alone'
The next morning, Crown Princess Deokman is officially named as the 27th King of Shilla. The first female king in the entire history of the SamHan (Three Kingdoms of Han).
Everyone rejoiced.
She made Yungchun as her Prime Minister. And Suyon as her Minister of War.
"this is my first edict." the king declared. Everyone bowed.
"You all knew that Shilla went through so much suffering in the past, but let us bury it all in history. Let us unite to make way to a better future for Shilla"
"We will follow your order" everyone agreed.
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"Your highness, you mentioned about the better future. But how about the dream of the kings to unite the kingdoms of three han. And shouldn't it be continued?" Yushin asked.
"That is right" the king said.
"Then why didn't you add funds to the Military department?" Alcheon asked.
"Because we needed most to create farming tools." she declared.
"It's not that we don't agree, your highness -" Yushin protested.
"The Mauryung, Danghang and Wangchuryong" she started to say. "How did king Jinyeong conquered it without force?"
Everyone remained silent.
"What he used were the people" she said.
"That's right" Chunchu agreed. "Those people... who has properties they wish to protect. Who has dreams they want to reach. They are the people our King is referring to"
"Yes... They are" the king said. "People who gave value to things that Shilla values"
"So then... They are the ones who own land" Director Bidam concluded.
"That's right" she said, smiling to him.
"We can't push those who has no properties to fight and protect the things they don't own" Chunchu said. "They won't prioritize the service to the country if they continue to suffer in poverty"
"To those aristocrates and farmers who has lands... The dream of the kings would begin" the king stated. "If they don't have trust in us, they won't believe that along with Shilla's progress is also their progress. And we would surely fail to unite the lands of Han"
Everyone fell silent. Pondering.
"And that's why... Someday. Every citizen shall have lands to protect. I promise that" the king said.
.
.
"In order to unite the three han, who do you think we should first accept, Yushin?" the king asked.
Yushin remain silent.
"I think we should start accepting Gaya as our citizens" the king said.
"That's right, your highness" Yushin said. "Accept them first. You should finally end their suffering"
"You are correct. And that's why, I will give them position in my government" she said. "I know that Wolya and the army helped Shilla so much. And so I will repay their duties with appropriate reward of lands and gold"
Yushin became happy.
"Yushin" the king suddenly became serious. "The rebel army should not exist anymore, now that I am the king. If they continue, it would be treason"
"I will make sure to tell them, your highness" he agrees.
"Everyone shall unite under one dream" she said. "I will make sure that everyone including the Gayans shares the same great dream of the kings"
.
.
"A sword?" Director Bidam asked the king.
"That's right. A sword" she said. "You are going to be my sword. A sword that will cut the corruption in the government"
(flashback)
" a person like you... is a sword without a hilt" Munno said. "Anyone who tries to wield you, will surely get wounded. And so I pray that someone can be your hilt, else I would be force to destroy the harmful sword"
(end flashback)
Bidam smiled.
"Yes your highness, I am going to be your sword that you can wield any time" he agreed.
"All change, must start from the top" she instructed.
"Then I shall start. I will begin with the aristocrates" he said. "I will stop their corruption in food and debt"
"And one more thing. You will manage all information in military and politics." she ordered. "And you must report everything to me"
"Yes, your highness" he agreed. "Trust that I will not disappoint you"
"I have trust in you, Bidam" she said. "Your job is important to me"
Bidam smiled. "By the way... Who will audit me?"
"I am" the king said, smiling. "I will audit you, because you are my responsibility"
.
.
Later the farmers in Anggang who used to rebel, came to the palace to pay for their debt to the King. And thus, they became the owners of the lands they farmed in.
Everyone praised the king.
And since then, the king strived to improve the lives of the people. She made sure to give subsidy to the poor people.
Giving support to the orphaned, widows, and old ailing people of Shilla.
And made sure that the agriculture, industrial and business sectors of Shilla progress.
But then, the neighboring kingdoms were still relentless in trying to conquer Shilla. It caused so much problem to the king.
Not to mention that her Ministers and people kept on urging her to get married.
But time and time again, she refused. Because she doesn't want any imbalance of power in the court. Seeing as she wanted Chunchu to become the next king after her, when the time comes that he matured enough. Thus she is doing her best to prepare Shilla for the unification.
During those times, the only person she could somewhat rely on, though feared at the same time, is Director Bidam.
For he is her powerful sword within the palace, that controls the aristocrates.
As well as General Yushin. Her sword outside of the palace that fight off Baekji and Gogoryeo armies.
And she knew, that both of them can become a great competition to Chunchu for the throne. But until she's alive, she knew that Bidam and Yushin will not dare to take the throne from her.
And yet it seems like, Director Bidam is a lot more cunning. For Yushin wouldn't want to become the king by marrying her.
But Bidam is different. He seemed to be doing his best to marry her at all cost. For after all these years, he has yet to get married despite being the most sought after bachelor, and is treating her like she is his woman.
And though it made her heart throb to the point of being painful, she endured his temptations. Because she must not at all cost, marry anyone. Not when she is a king.
Though acting coldly in his presence, she couldn't deny that she felt almost helpless to his charms whenever he is near. Causing her heart to beat wildly in her chest, like crazy. Sometimes she wonders if Bidam knew her feelings for him.
Her wish to rely in him completely, and just heal her battered heart in his arms without a care in the world.
But then.. It is... Unacceptable for a king to feel that way.
And so she began to push him away.
.
.
Director Bidam reported to the king about the intel regarding the change in Kingship in Baekji. Informing about the worsening illness of the enemy's king. And about Prince Eulji's ascension to the throne, who was a fierce general.
The king thus confirmed that Yushin as well mention about Prince Eulji's fit in war. And thus urged Bidam to make sure that Yushin's army were well funded.
"And about corruption" Bidam added. "We suspect that 2 of our ministers were usurping the salaries of the soldiers"
"Do you have evidence?" she asked.
"Right now, we don't have" he answered, looking at Deokman. "But I already warned them. And so they would surely stop"
"If they use only about 10%, let them go" she said. "if more than that, arrest them immediately"
"Yes, your highness" he agreed.
The king began to reach for the daily reports of other departments.
"the next agenda is about what I have mentioned before" Bidam said, extending his stay in the king's office. "About the rebels, what should I do now? "
" Do you suspect Yushin as well? "she asked.
" Even you, your highness. I have to suspect " Bidam said, looking at Deokman. "even my self, I suspect. Because that is my job"
The king remain silent.
"Please approve our next step" he asked.
"Take great precautions regarding such issues" she reminded.
"In our agency, we take immense precautions before tackling any case" he assured.
"Do you have evidence?" she asked.
"Right now we still don't have" he answered.
"Then. I won't approve" she said, making Bidam look at her in surprise. Because she used to let him basically do what he likes.
"But then.. Continue the investigation" the king ordered.
.
.
Not long, Yushin went to the king asking why was Director Bidam arresting his soldiers without explanation.
This caused the King to worry, because not only in the military department, Bidam have arrested people. The government is in chaos because of the anti-corruption agency's movements.
Arresting officials from every departments.
"I need to speak with Director Bidam" the king told her royal guard, General Alcheon.
.
.
"All the departments are in chaos right now because of Director Bidam's actions" Minister Jukbang told Prince Chunchu. "But without the king's approval, he wouldn't been able to arrest those people"
"It means that Bidam hasn't done anything wrong" Chunchu said. "And Yushin hasn't done anything wrong as well. So why is there chaos?"
Jukbang contemplated.
"Who does the king trust the most. General Yusin or Director Bidam? " Chunchu asked out loud.
.
.
Yushin confronted the king about Director Bidam's order to arrest his men, and if the king gave him permission.
The argument end up with him begging the king to think about the Gaya people's situation. Which made her angry. Because she has been kind to the former gayans, but they still dared to commit treason and betrayed her trust.
"Yushin. There is no more Gaya! They are part of Shilla! My people " she argued." Bidam! "
Bidam immediately appeared and went to the king.
" I am here, your highness " Director Bidam answered.
"Tell him, what you discovered " the king commanded.
"We have found documents that proves that Wolya... Is the leader of the rebel army" he reported. "And right now, we are removing their spies in the government"
The king became angry.
"Your highness, your servant Bidam... Appeals to investigate Head general Yushin, Wolya's leader" he said.
"Pardon, Director Bidam" Yumjong came running. "General Wolya escaped with a gayan spy in our agency"
The king was shocked.
"Director Bidam, start your investigation" she ordered looking at Yushin angrily.
.
.
The ministers began to worry about the Gaya rebels. They can't believe how wide spread they have integrated in the government, that they were able to infiltrate all the departments.
"I think that's not the issue we should be focusing too much" Minister Jujin commented. "Because the balance of power in the kingdom, is about to shift towards Director Bidam's favor"
.
.
"Director Bidam and General Yusin are best friends. But when it comes to his job, Director Bidam is very strict" Minister Peltan commented. Knowing that everyone in the Kingdom knows about the Director of anti-corruption agency's work ethics.
"This would surely escalate if not resolved as soon as possible" some minister said.
"This is not good for our government. The two departments has falling out" other commented.
.
.
"General Yushin is no longer a name of one person, it's the property of the kingdom" the king said. "If he continues to protect the Gaya rebels that gave him power, it wouldn't be long until he would be labeled as enemy of the country"
Chunchu pondered.
"I assure you your highness. General Yushin will never turn his back to his people" Chunchu said after sometime. "But because of Bidam, the balance of power in the kingdom shifted."
"Balance of power?" she asked.
"Isn't it your intention to pit them against each other?" he asked.
"But then.." she started to say.
"Bidam has now fully controlled all of Mishil's power base" he argued. "And aside from that, because of his position, many people wants to ally themselves to Director Bidam"
The king remain silent.
"If Yushin will be gone, the balance of power will be destroyed. Many aristocrates would come to Bidam's aid. And no one would be able to keep Bidam's people in check" he reasoned.
"Are you saying that I should let the rebels exist? " she asked.
"the truth is, I haven't thought about it yet" he admitted.
"Tell me Chunchu. For you, is there really no right and wrong? Only the attitude of people is important? " she asked.
"While I am studying, the difference between right and wrong become blurry" he reasoned. "It may change anytime depending on the time and chance. But the attitude of a person is different. If that is your basis, you will be able to predict his next moves"
"Then, what should I do now? " she asked.
"General Yushin and his people... Don't be critical on them, just yet" he proposed.
.
.
Director Bidam visited the king. Telling her about the widespread chaos caused by the rebels. And asked her to execute them for their crimes.
The king remain silent.
"Your highness -" Bidam called.
"Yushin..." she started to say. "he is innocent. He has no connection to the rebels"
Bidam was stunned for awhile. "I believe that he is innocent. It's wolya who leads the rebel. But then many ministers are not convinced. I understand that you are in pain right now, your highness"
"You understand me" she said. "But why does Yushin don't?"
Bidam remain silent.
"Does Yushin really not know the pain it caused in my heart" she said, making Bidam uncomfortable. "he failed me"
.
.
Unfortunately, a shocking news came to the King that Yushin escaped from the agency while he is being transferred to another prison.
She become worried about the power of the Gaya rebel army.
"Bidam! " the king called her missing sword." where is Bidam!? "
But then, the ministers came to the king's office, complaining about the former Head General Yushin's involvement with the Gaya rebels. Asking her to consider Yushin as enemy of the country.
But after the ministers left, the generals and soldiers of the armed forces begged the king to spare Yushin's life because he is innocent of the crimes framed on him.
.
.
Later Chunchu visited the king as well.
"Can you tell me your opinion?" she asked.
"What do you want to hear first, your highness? "he asked." What is right and wrong, or about people's attitude? "
"tell me what is right and wrong, first" she said.
"Peace and security . General Yushin is our great general. And many people believe in him. Thus if you consider him as enemy of the country. It would cause a chaos that you wouldn't be able to handle" he explained.
The king sighed. "About people's attitude? "
"Many aristocrates fear Yushin's growing power in the court, and so they all flee to Bidam. But if you remove Yushin, no one will be able to keep Bidam's people in check" he said.
"And so what do you suggest as a solution? "she asked.
" Nothing" he answered. "Bidam's plan is so strong, like a diamond." even if Yushin return, he would still be executed for being a rebel "
" Is there really no other way to avoid it? " she asked, worried.
"since it is Yushin. We still have a chance" he answered.
.
.
Yushin came to the palace, surrendering. The king thus immediately ordered her soldiers to arrest the criminal.
'Thank you, Yushin' she thought.
Yushin was then imprisoned under Bidam's agency to continue the investigation.
The king then personally interrogated Yushin.
"Bidam was right. You admit that supporting the rebels is treason. And yet you still want to serve me. Don't you know that my people's loyalty is nothing to me without their obedience? Don't you know that it's two different worlds?" she asked." Do you wish to become the king, Yushin?"
" Your highness "Yushin protested.
" Then why don't you give up the rebels, who are pushing you to become the king?! " she asked. "Any king would never allow such organization to exist!"
" Yes your right. But if you can't lead the Gayans, you will never be able to unite Gaya and Shilla."he answered." I don't want them to hate you, your highness. I don't want your kindness to them and progress be lost"
" the Gayans can be citizens of Shilla. But not the rebels... Bidam! " the king called her sword.
"Yes, your highness" Director Bidam answered.
"Arrest all the rebels immediately" the king commanded.
.
.
"What are you planning to do to Yushin, your highness? "Chunchu asked." If you arest him, Bidam's power will grow "
" Don't you understand why I want to arrest the rebels? "she asked the prince.
"I fully trust Yushin. As long as I am the king, he will never want to take my throne. And I know that Wolya doesn't want to become the king of Shilla." she stated. "What's worst is that when I am gone. If the next king is weak, Yushin, Bidam and anyone else will compete for the throne"
Chunchu remain silent.
"You only belong to the true bone rank, you will never become the king, if you are unable to control Yushin and Bidam, because they will over power you. And so you must do everything to tame Bidam and Yushin, even if you get blood on your hands" she lectured. "Don't rely on me. Stand up for yourself"
Chunchu was stunned.
"The dream of the kings to unite the three kingdoms does not happen in a glimpse of an eye" she said. "And so, even if I felt like I am cutting off my own arms. I will remove Yushin"
.
.
The king removed Yushin from his position and exiled him to the borders of Shilla. Princess Manmyeong begged the king, to spare her son. Even The king's former nangdo friends begged her.
But she told them that it was Yushin who betrayed her because he refused to give up the rebels.
The king was so angry. Suprisingly, Bidam also came to beg her not to exile Yushin because it would only hurt her in the end.
But when she refused to answer him. Bidam tried to comfort Deokman like he used to. But the king asked him not to touch her.
"We need to change the position of our officials" she said, standing up. "Give me your suggestions"
"Yes, your highness" he said feeling rejected.
.
.
Later that night, even Alcheon begged the king not to exile Yushin. But she refused to listen to him.
Suddenly, Jukbang came.
"I was able to do what you ordered" he said.
"Good" she said.
"Are you ok, your highness?" he asked. "I hope Sowa is here to comfort you"
"I still have you, brother Jukbang" she said, tears in her eyes. "Don't leave me please"
"Your highness... How about you marry Yushin? I believe that the king and those who doesn't belong to the true bone rank can marry as many times as they want"
.
.
The next morning, Director Bidam submitted the list of new officials he compiled, as per the kings order.
"Minister Jujin may replace Minister Suyon as the Minister of War" he said, looking at Deokman.
The king silently read through the list to calculate the amount of power Bidam has over the court. And though she might not show it. Director Bidam's influence is indeed massive, and is causing her immense worry.
"And those Gayan officials can be replaced with more skilled officials" he added.
"Is that it" the king commented, not happy at all.
Then suddenly the King's allied ministers arrived, and in front of Director Bidam, she let General Suyon remain in his position and demoted him to work under Chunchu's internal affairs department. As well as made Bidam's agency responsible for capturing the rebels and gathering intelligence on Baekji and Gogoryeo. Rather than directly serving her, as what she did before.
Bidam became disgruntled, but he remained silent and just agreed. Feeling his ego being trashed on violently in front of everyone.
The king looked at Bidam, as though saying, 'Check mate'.
While Director Bidam could only look at Deokman feeling betrayed and used.
And thus when everyone left, Bidam followed after the king to her chamber.
"Why your highness? What is your real reason?" he asked Deokman, accusing.
The king then turned to Director Bidam. "I just told you awhile ago. I need your agency to protect the kingdom externally-"
"Not that" he interrupted." Don't you have any trust in me anymore?"
The king remain silent, trying to hide her real feelings.
" It's Yushin who committed a crime, but why am I included in the punishment? " he asked Deokman. "If Yushin is no longer by your side, then does that mean that I should not remain by your side anymore?"
The king remain silent.
"I remain loyal and faithful" he said to Deokman. "Don't you see it?"
The king looked at the head director. "I see your loyalty and faith in me... Along with your ambition"
"Then why?" he asked Deokman.
"Up until now, I am still jealous of Mishil. Do you know why?" the king suddenly said out of nowhere, making Bidam confused. For why would the king who has everything get jealous of his mother, who had died a long time ago.
"It's because... She never became the King" Deokman confessed. Making Bidam even more confused. For the king has all the power anyone could ever wish for, which Mishil died trying to possess it.
"Mishil" the king said. "When Mishil love and get married. Her power grows stronger. But with me... it's the opposite"
Hearing this made Bidam ponder what Deokman is trying to say. What does she mean by what she's saying?
"When I love and get married. It will only cause chaos" the king stated. "Am I correct?"
Bidam stared at Deokman, not fully understanding what she's getting at.
"Isn't your ambition to use me... To become more powerful and take the throne of Shilla?" the king asked, feeling hurt inside for how Bidam is playing with her heart just to fulfill his ambition.
Bidam fell silent. Because yes. He wants to become even more powerful.
"Why?" the king asked. "Do you think that I am not getting hurt?... Don't you know that I also wanted to live peacefully... with my husband and children, who are cared and unconditionally loved?"
Bidam looked at Deokman, falling out of his depth. What does she mean by saying this?
"Don't you know...that my heart jumps" the king asked. "whenever you are near me?"
Bidam stared at his beloved, overwhelmed with his feelings for Deokman. And so he blatantly disregard her position as the king, and dared to hug her with all the years of longing and self-restraint.
The king is surprised beyond comprehension. Unable to think, do or say anything, as Bidam hugged her tightly making her heart beat like crazy inside her chest.
But then Deokman remembered that she IS the king. And so she pushed Bidam away.
"No" the king said loudly to herself. "This is not allowed, because-" but when she looked at Bidam, she is confused of his expression.
"Why? " Bidam asked his beloved almost in tears, making the king wonder what is the Head director trying to mean with his question and reaction.
"Why not?" Bidam asked, wondering why would Deokman, won't let their relationship grow into something, when she too has feelings for him.
"Because." the king said, trying to ignore Bidam's plead and her heart's secret wish, to become Bidam's woman. "It's not my duty anymore to become a woman. It's my duty to be King of Shilla"
Bidam could only stare at his beloved with tears in his eyes. Knowing now that Deokman has feelings for him. And that she is so near that he could just possess her, but so unavailable because she is a king.
"My father, King Jinpyeong endured the pain of being away from me. My sister Cheonmyeong who sacrificed her life to protect me" the king said, making Bidam feel a sense of doom in her words.
"The past kings: Bokhong, Jijung and Jinyeong." the king added. "all of them. Left a huge responsibility to me..Shilla. I need to ensure its survival. I also need to strengthen the throne of the king. And unite the kingdoms of three han"
Bidam fell silent.
"The country of Shilla is more important to me than myself" the king said.
Bidam looked at Deokman.
"Bidam." the king said. "Don't ever think that you can possess me"
"Love... Is to possess completely" Bidam said sincerely, staring at his beloved.
"Bidam" the king admonished in worry, seeing the greed in him. "Please stop."
Bidam silent.
"Don't force me to chose" the king warned.
Bidam felt torn inside, and was unable to look at Deokman.
"I am the king" Deokman declared. "No one can possess me, as long as I am the king"
Bidam looked at his beloved with tears in his eyes, knowing that she will not change her mind. And so, he marched out of the king's chamber in anger.
Making Deokman weaken. Because once again, she had to reject her love interest, and personal happiness for the throne. One of the price she has to pay to carry the weight of the crown, and protect her kingdom.
Xxx
.
.
Deokman was in the kitchen together with her son Yuan and her second child, Jaein. They were cooking food for their lunch. While Bidam and their new born is outside for a little father and daughter bonding among the trees.
Now that her body is weakening due to old age and sickness, she spent most of her time in nature with her children and beloved husband, Bidam.
Though, from time to time, her friend Wu Hou would come to visit for a chat. Wu is the current Emperor of Tang's consort. And her business partner as well.
At the kitchen, Deokman lectured her son and daughter about the importance of good food and being a great host. As community gravitates around food and good people. And anyone who understands the value of food, is versed in the fabrics of society.
Later on, Yuan began to talk about his new found passion about medicine and human anatomy. Saying that someday, he will become the greatest surgeon in the world and would cure his mother's illness.
Deokman couldn't help but smile at her son's thoughtfulness and love.
While Jaein remain silent.
Deokman noticed that her daughter is a bit detached and very intellectual. Reminding her of Lady Mishil, the most intelligent woman she had the fortune to meet and learn from.
And so she decided to give her a little more attention, fearing that her personality and potential might derail her, if not properly guided. Because Jaein has the cunning and shrewdness of both Mishil and her husband, Bidam. As well as her insolence.
Suddenly Bidam came into the kitchen with a big smile in his aging handsome face, while carrying Buyeon in his arms.
"Lady Inmyeong" Santak's wife, their maidservant greeted as soon as she entered the room, seeing the Kim family happily interacting with each other.
Deokman looked at her, and immediately understood something.
Chunchu... The current King of Shilla, King Muyeol. Has died.
To be continued.