Decisions

Implementation

The meeting commenced soon after Seol was put to bed. With the reinstatement of their original guards and with Arang and Eun Bi watching over Seol, the royal siblings gathered at the astronomy tower where they were also joined by Ji Mong.

Once everyone had gotten their greetings in and settled down, they all waited for So to speak.

"I called you all here in order to learn more about what happened the past few days. As you know, my quarters were attacked and Soo was taken. Thankfully she has returned safely to us, but I want to discuss further measures so nothing like this ever happens again."

Everyone in the room nodded solemnly, and Soo thought it would be better to lighten up the mood.

"Ay, let's not be so serious. I know things were rough the past few days, but I think with the new measure we've put in place everything will be a bit better."

Everyone had to crack a smile at Soo's effort to cheer them up. Although it was surprising to see her so calm about everything, they attributed this to Soo's innate demeanor and did not think it was strange.

"What measure are you talking about Soo ya?" Woo Hee asked.

"I have decided to have all of the Damiwon court ladies carry personal identification."

Baek Ah looked perplexed.

"Personal identification, like the guards and soldiers?"

"Similar but not quite. My identification includes a miniature portrait of all the court ladies along with their birth date and name. To my knowledge, the soldiers and guards simply carry around wooden plaques with their names on it."

"There have been instances in the past where people would steal name plaques and forge identities..." Jung said matter-of-factly.

"Damiwon will also keep copies of this information in my office and should anything happen, we can refer to the files," Soo continued.

So looked at Soo adoringly as she explained her new system with the others. He still questioned from time to time how lucky he was able to meet someone like Soo, and vowed he would spend the rest of his life making sure she would not regret it.

"...but I'm afraid I have led us astray. I believe So ya wanted to ask you about the events prior and during my kidnapping," Soo said sheepishly as she turned back to look at So. He simply smiled and shook his head.

"I had been planning to bring that topic up anyway, and did not mind if it was discussed now or later. Speaking of which, I urge that you all do the same for your own guards and quarters. I will also have Eun and Soon Deok do the same for theirs."

"Should we also bring this up to the King? Wouldn't it be proper to do so in order to strengthen the palace's security? We have too much of a history of ambushes within the past few years." Baek Ah mentioned

So nodded.

"I am unsure about how the court will receive this proposal, but I would imagine the King would agree with me. It may take some time to complete, but I believe it would be in our best interests."

"From experience, it does take some time. I spent the entirety of today and only managed to document half of the court ladies at Damiwon. However, if you are able to have many painters working at once, it would certainly speed up the process," Soo added.

Everyone in the room nodded in agreement, and So felt that that matter had been taken care of.

"I am still waiting to hear about the events prior to Soo's capturing. From what I am aware, the guards at my quarters were changed, and they were the reason why you all had been left defenseless."