Later that night, I went down to dinner and was unpleasantly surprised to see Soo-Won. I hadn't expected him to come after the events of the morning, but he really was a clueless idiot, so maybe he hadn't noticed my anger.
"Good evening, Lily," he said in his normal, annoyingly cheerful voice.
I merely stared at him coldly in response and sat down in the seat furthest from his. To my great relief, he was quiet after that. I still didn't have sufficient control of myself to speak. On the bright side, it was likely that this whole debacle would be my ticket out of here. Perhaps by tomorrow I would finally be free. I was just beginning to dream about all the things I would do once I left the palace when Soo-Won's voice broke my reverie.
"You're angry with me, aren't you?" he asked quietly.
This single, innocent question was enough to push me over the edge.
"Of course I am!" I nearly shouted at him. "You call yourself a king, yet you do nothing but take naps and eat! Kings are supposed to protect and help their people! I just don't understand why you don't even try! Someone like you...someone like you shouldn't even be king!"
Just as suddenly as it started, my torrent of rage fizzled out. I was immediately filled with an overwhelming sense of panic. What had I done?! Even if every bit of what I said was true, it was deadly to offend the emperor, even a useless one like Soo-Won. Although I hadn't always been perfectly cordial to him in the past, this was surely taking it too far. Like it or not, he was the emperor, and had more than enough power to order my execution on the spot. I waited tensely for him to give the command, but he merely said in a calm voice, "So what would you have done?"
If shock had been a physical object, I would have been knocked out of the room. What would I have done? I certainly hadn't anticipated this question, but fortunately I had been thinking about it all afternoon in my room, and had come up with what I thought was a plausible answer. At this point I had nothing to lose anyways, so I said boldly, "I would have ordered them to be given food obviously. Without it, they'll starve."
"And what compensation would there be for the government? How could we ensure that we aren't taken advantage of in the future?" he challenged; his eyes so intense they seemed to pierce straight through me.
I was taken aback for a moment by this new side of Soo-Won, but I quickly recovered and replied, "I would have them pay back the amount they received, of course. Each year for the next several years after the famine ended, they would be expected to grow the required amount plus a percentage extra as tax. After five, ten, or fifteen years they will have paid the government back in full without putting too much stress on the farmers and the soil."
After a short pause, I barreled on, "Or we could have them pay with other valuable items, depending on the region in question. Some areas are rich in natural minerals, while others specialize in making silk, sake, tea, or fine earthenware that are highly sought after in the capital and other towns. There are lots of ways to solve the problem besides doing nothing and letting people starve to death."
By the time I finished, Soo-Won was smiling broadly. Thinking he was mocking me, I lifted my chin high and was about to leave, but he stuck out his hand to stop me.
"Lily, that was wonderful, truly!" he said enthusiastically, and then in a more serious tone, "I didn't realize you knew so much about politics."
"It's just common sense," I replied curtly.
He shook his head slowly. "No, I'm afraid that's not true. A desire for power and money has robbed far too many of their humanity. That's why…" He stopped himself abruptly, and continued brightly, "Anyways, it's very impressive Lily!"
The happy-go-lucky Soo-Won was back, but the previous sadness in his voice hadn't escaped me. I was more confused than ever about this mysterious emperor. But the surprises of the night were not over yet.
"Lily?" he said after a moment. I looked up from my plate and he continued. "Would you, perhaps, be interested in being my advisor?"
I stared at him blankly, fork midair.
"I would be honored to be able to learn more about politics from you," he continued eagerly. "We could hold lessons every day and you would accompany to me to all government meetings."
"Are you serious?" I finally asked incredulously.
He nodded earnestly. "So what do you say? Oh, and I forgot to mention that there's something in it for you as well."
"And what would that be?" I probed.
"I'm aware of the reason behind your recent behavior," he said with a knowing smile, "and believe my offer will benefit us both."
I could feel heat rushing into my face and neck at his remark. So he had noticed after all!
"If you agree to instruct me daily and attend all state meetings," he continued, "then I will give you your freedom after two months." He held two fingers in the air as he spoke. "So? Will you do it?"
I considered his proposal. Just the thought of having to teach Soo-Won everydayfor the next two months was enough to make me shudder, but since nothing I did was working, this might be the only way to gain my freedom. Mind made up, I answered, "Fine, but you'd better keep your word."
He bowed his head and grinned. "Of course." He gestured towards Hak, Ayura and Tetora who were standing at the back of the room. "They're our witnesses. I can even sign something if you'd like," he added.
"That won't be necessary," I said, finding that I somehow believed him.
Soon after that, Soo-Won excused himself and I too headed back to my room. As I lay on my bed staring at the intricate design of the canopy overhead, I couldn't help wondering what I had gotten myself into.