Decisions

The Policy

The sound of a slap sounded in the darkness. The man stayed silent as he adjusted his gaze to look again at the ground. His attacker took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. Getting angry now would do nothing; things had already happened and she had to think of something else to make sure the rest of the scheme went according to plan.

"I underestimated how soft-hearted you were. You are doing this for your mother of course. However, I will not tolerate anymore failures; you know what will happen if you do, do you not?"

Her voice was coated in acerbity, and the man knew that he truly could not fail. The health of his mother was on the line and he had no doubt that the person in front of him would be ruthless if he failed again.

-----

It was the beginning of the week, like any other, when King Hye Jong a took a seat on his throne and waited as the royal court filed in and took their places in front of the throne, standing in separated clans.

His eyes scanned the room and he briefly connected gazes with So, who nodded in response. He turned his head to the side slightly and saw his royal astronomer and trusted friend Ji Mong who also gave a bow of acknowledgement before King Hye Jong again looked ahead to address his court. Taking a deep breath, he began to speak.

"Today I have a new policy to enact. Listen well as all those who enter this palace must heed my words."

As expected he heard the restless murmuring of the various clans, looking at each other in worry and curiosity at what their Paeha would start now. It was no secret that many did not think very highly of him as a ruler. Though he could not blame them, as he was put in this position due to his success on the army field and not through familial succession; King Tae Jo had skipped over his elder half brother to appoint him as the crown prince. The late Paeha had much trust in him, and he was made the crown prince not very long after his father had united the Later Three Kingdoms.

The younger version of himself was happy to have made his father proud, but as the years passed and he saw how the throne took a toll on his father, he slowly lost the urge to sit on the coveted seat. Despite the multiple attempts at his life, most recently from Queen Yoo, he still had managed to ascend the throne. Ironically, it was mostly due to the loyalty of his half brother, the son of that very queen who wanted him gone.

Hye Jong looked again at So, who gave another encouraging nod in return. He again addressed the court.

"Due to the many incidences of intruders in this palace, I have decided to create a system in which everyone can be identified."

"I beg your pardon, Paeha, but we currently have such a system. All the nobles carry a nametag and we are checked before we enter the palace each day. Surely this method is enough for us?"

It was the prime minister Wang Gyu who had spoken. Several other clan heads agreed and nodded their heads.

"While that may be true, that has not stopped strangers from attacking the royal family. This policy will extend to all palace workers, and anyone who will leave or enter the palace. Currently only the clans have name tags, however that is not enough. We will have portraits of everyone painted and kept as files in the palace. You will also be issued a miniature which you must keep on yourself at all times. This miniature along with your name will be required to enter and leave the palace from now on."

Again there was a commotion amongst the clans. Wang Gyu spoke up to address the King once more.

"With all respect, Paeha, but this seems to be an unnecessary use of time and funds. Will this truly prevent future attacks on your family?"