Under The Sky Of A Thousand Lanterns

Chapter 3: A Chance Encounter

"Oh Su-ji, are you alright," her dear mother cried out as she entered the sitting room. How worried she looked. She was really touched. Having grown by her father's side, she behaved more like a son than a daughter to her.

"Mother I am alright," she assured her, "We will find those responsible, do not worry."

"You haven't been an Empress for too long," said her mother, nearly in tears, "I lost my husband, I cannot-"

"Mother please," Su-ji interrupted her with pleading eyes, "This matter will be dealt with and all those responsible wills be prosecuted."

An announcement announcing the arrival of the Prime Minister came. It was the third meeting that day with her Prime Minister. She had avoid being alone with him, in order to not speak about her engagement to the second Prince of Qing. But a ruler can only avoid hers or his Prime Minister for so long.

Su-ji looked up at him and wondered what he wanted?

"If I may, Your Majesty," he said bowing to her, before turning to her mother who opened her mouth to demand an explanation, but the words died away as she met the full force of her daughter's gaze. She made a curtsy and with a head held high she excused herself out of the room. There was absolute silence while the Empress Dowager walked past them with a little nod towards the Prime Minister.

"My Lord, what brings you here so late," said Su-ji as the doors closed behind her mother.

"Well, Your Majesty," said the Prime Minister, "With everything that happened, I do not wish to burden you with more- "

"Prime Minister," Su-ji cut of his ramblings, "Please speak clearly."

"Well, another letter came for Your Majesty," said the Prime Minister.

"From the Qing Emperor, about my marriage to his son," she said with annoyance.

"About your marrying yes, but the letter is from Prince Wallace, Your Majesty," he replied.

"Yes?" said Su-ji cautiously, "What did he have to say?"

"Well, it was full of inquiries about state business, and well he set out to come to Korea, Your Majesty."

"Come here?" she restored, "But I have not ask for him."

"Nevertheless, the Prince has set sails," replied the Prime Minister, "He should arrive soon."

Su-ji walked to the window. She pulled back the curtain and looked out onto the palace grounds for a moment before she turned back to him.

"Very well, Prime Minister," she said, with obvious restrain, "We shall receive the Prince with banquet."

***

As the week past, instead of practicing her swordsmanship in the in the cool shade of her training ground, she signed an edict issuing death sentences of two nobleman who were behind the assassination attempt on her life. Within two weeks, General Minho presented her with his findings before the assembled court. The nobleman were ministries, and head of office and she has observed them and remembered her father's words. Their files showed that they had been charged with treason and plotting against the Throne. They were also plotting an up rise against the taxes in the fortunate Provinces.

Within days after her issuing the death sentences, Su-ji received petition against the prosecution signed by high-ranking ministers, those who had relationship with the two noblemen. Even so Su-ji remained firm. She was receiving Prince Wallace in a week, and with all the evidence obtained by General Minho, she had more enough to carry on with her decision.