Queen of Joseon

CHAPTER ONE

Joseon Dynasty  

Princess Jennie went inside the room where all the elder members are gathered for the passing of the late Emperor. They all stood up and bowed at her to pay prespect as the highest rank. Even if the Princess is cold, they knew how smart she could be. They respect her as much as they respect King Sejong. 

"Princess, we are deeply sorry for the loss of His Majesty. Elder Members will send our regards for the passing of His Majesty." One of the senior member said.

"We will do our best for the mourning of our Great King but you have to take his throne Princess. You've been a Crown Princess, this elder member knew that the Princess is capable of leading her people." Other elder member said.

"I will take the throne but let me mourn for His Majesty. Ever since the Queen passed away a year ago, I have never mourned for her because I have to be a Crown Princess. Let me have time to mourn for my beloved family. I will soon lead our people." She said coldly without any expression of her face. 

"This elder member understands the Princess request. We will wait for you to mourn for a week Princess. Your coronation must not be held for too long for the people need a diligent and capable Queen." One of the elders said. 

"I appreciate your concerns. You may leave and prepare for the mourning of His Majesty." She said and everyone bowed again and leave. 

The princess is alone at the room. She didn't let a single tear fall from her eyes. She took a deep breathe and let it out without crying. 

"I know that this will happen so I shouldn't be weak. Father never thought me to be weak. I just need a time for myself. I won't let this weakens me. I'm Kim Jennie, Crowned Princess of Joseon Dynasty and I will be an unforgettable, remarkably legendary Queen." She said in her mind and stood up. 

She went on her cabin and prepared herself to read more books so she can be a rightful person for the throne. She made an excused to be prepared for her coronation day. She knew that if she will be Queen, she have to know a lot like her father. She busied herself on the books and her food will be given if she have to eat. 

Night came, she saw lots of lanterns in the dark sky. The mourning of His Majesty has began. The people will have to take a  year of mourning but the next in line for the throne will not have time to mourn as they will have to be immediately positioned as the next leader. 

Princess Jennie just looked outside and prayed. 

"I hope Father is with Mother. Let their soul meet and have the time for themselves to love each other. I hope to find an eternal love like Father and Mother. Let me have a person who will stood by me just like Father did to Mother until her last breath. Please." Princess Jennie said while her eyes were closed. 

She went back on reading and when she's done. She will have to bath and prepare to sleep. She went to eat dinner first before she went to take a bath for herself. Princess Jennie never had someone close to her not even her personal maid which have been with her since she's a child. She never opens up to anyone and always put a straight face. 

Her personal maid unbraided her hair and gently took of the robe and went to the warm water and soaked herself for awhile. When she felt warm enough, she told her maid to clean herself. After she's done, Princess Jennie wore a robe different from what she used earlier as she will sleep.

A week had been passed, the elders already announced to the Joseon people the coronation day of Princess Jennie. Everyone is happy to welcome their new Empress. They are all excited to the coronation of their Empress, they knew Princess Jennie is rightful for the throne. 

A lot of maid went inside the Princess room. They are preparing to wear on her the dangui and the royal ornaments that will suit her perfectly. The Princess seems to not move as she let her maid do her hairstyle and her make up. When they are done, the princess stood up and straighten her back. 

She walked at the hallway and went outside the her cabin. She went inside her litter carried by four men. It's wide enough to fit the Princess inside. She waited until the litter stopped which means she had arrived at the Joseon Palace. The Royal Palace where the King lived with his Queen. 

She walked at the front of the palace, everyone was gathered but the commoners stayed at the city. The people gathered around outside the Royal Palace was the noble people and middle people. While inside the Palace was the elders who will announce her as the new leader of Joseon Dynasty. 

She walked a long hallway towards the throne. When she's at the front of the throne, one of the elders loudly welcomes her. 

"Let our new Empress live a long life! All Hail Her Majesty the Queen. Empress Kim Jennie of Joseon Dynasty, the only daughter of The Great King Sejong and Queen Minhee." He said and the elders bowed at her feet and wait for awhile then stood up again. 

"Elders from the Royal Palace bestowed Loyalty and Devotion on our new Queen." 

"Life of Her Majesty the Queen will always be put first. We bestowed to protect our new Queen." 

After all the praises and promised she received, she sat on the throne and they discussed about how will the new Queen will governs the Palace and her people.

"As we know, Winter will soon come. I would like to prepare for a season like winter. Let my people have their time to prepare for winter so it won't be difficult for them to provide enough food when winter comes. I announce as my first rule that, people of Joseon must be suggested to save and it will be deducted form their taxes." She said and all the elders gasped. 

"Her Majesty, this rule seem to confused us. Does it mean they have to pay more? Their taxes are not enough to save for winter. Please reconsider this rule." 

"I won't reconsider. As a new Queen, my people's taxes are enough to save for the upcoming winter. I read that some commoners are dependent on loan which the Late King made. I want my people to save for themselves and not only on their land." She said strictly. 

"We understand Her Majesty. What amount will you like to deduce from their taxes for them to save?" Other elder asked.

"The members of finance will held the saved funds from the people's taxes and when the winter comes, the amount they saved will be given to them. It's enough to deduct four silver in one citizen who able to work. I don't want to repeat myself anymore. As soon as I went out, I want this rule to be implemented for my people." She said and stood up. 

The elders obeyed her even though the new Queen shocked them by her new rule. They knew that this rule will also shock the citizens of Joseon as it never happened before. No leader have done it as it involves of reducing their taxes which it will help to grow their economy but all of the elders trusted their new Queen. They knew she will create right and just rule for everybody in Joseon Palace.