Under The Sky Of A Thousand Lanterns

Chapter 6: Midnight Walk

Saturday morning, the sun's ray glistened through the curtains as Su-ji rose. Today was her resting days. No meetings with her subject courts, just a lot of stamping of documents later in the afternoon, and martial arts training with Jia.

After the surprise proposal from Prince Wallace, many of the ministries were happy. Some verbally expressed their dissent but they were outnumber by those who concurred with the alliance. With that, she was forced to read the declaration of her intentions before the High State Council, making it clear that she has no intention of marrying the foreign Prince. Though Prince Wallace was the second prince, the Qing Empire seeks to rule her Empire through her. If she marries him, he would the known as Emperor to his father's satisfaction. The old Emperor dreamt of ruling all peninsula on the East sea. He is thinking of his reign and covets Korea for themselves.

Many leaders feared an invasion from China, which meant Su-ji will have to lessen that fear if she is to get what she wants. And if it is Korea he wants, he shall have it, but only when she is dead. While she lives and breathes, Korea was hers. Her worries were on the prevention of a civil war if the black mask swordsman is really who he says he is.

Su-ji leaned over the marble tub, and her eyes grew worried. Her lady paused from washing her and stared at her blankly, then resumed her job, as she applied soap to her skin, as Su-ji's mind went on it's own path. An image of Seung-gi performing the sword dance entered her mind, and she smiled. The sadness that overwhelmed her melting at the thought of him, and she heard her mind warn her heart. What else would you dare to want? You are Empress, and he is a commoner.

After her bath, her ladies dressed her up in a simple, yet elegant pink hanbok. She gazed at her reflection in the dressing mirror and was astonished by her own beauty, that was overshadowed by her crown, that weighted on her even at the absences of it. Bored of her routine, Su-ji decided to take a walk through the royal garden. It was one of her favorite spots aside from going hunting in the forest. It had natural meadows, trees and flowers with a tiny pond that brought the freshwater scent in the air.

Sitting by the lake, she watched the beautiful Koi fishes swim as the morning sun lingered above the garden. She glanced over at Jia, who stood besides her, ever so still like the warrior she is. She was a woman of actions, not words. Glancing around, she noticed for the first time all morning that General Minho was not with them.

"Where is the General?" she asked. Her voice took Jia by surprise and she whirled to face her.

"General Minho lead the party to go search the forest for your sword, Your Majesty," replied Jia.

"Oh, the sword is probably gone by now," she muttered, more to herself than Jia as she recalled her encounter with the black mask swordsman. Su-ji lowered her gaze towards the pond and fell silent for a few seconds before speaking again.

"Do you believe blood is more noble than deeds?" she asked. She looked up and saw Jia staring at her with narrowed eyes.

She cleared her throat, "That is a tricky question, Your Majesty," she answered, "The very blood that flows through us determine our fate and status, but blood alone cannot determine your course in life. So no, I do not believe blood is more noble than deeds and vice versa."

"Hmm? So, if someone comes to claim my throne because of their bloodline, would you still fight for me?"

Jia went silent for a moment, as Su-ji starred at her, anticipating her answer. She broke into a jeering smile, "I am Chinese, but raised in Korea. The late Emperor accepted my father and I and protected us. Before he died, my father taught me the teachings of highly wanted military strategies and made me vow to use the knowledge to protect you. At first I was reluctant but as I got to see you grow, learn and prepared yourself to one day be Empress, I vowed to myself to protect you and help you become the ruler I knew you are destined to be. My loyalties are to you, Your Majesty, not the throne. I will never raise my sword against you."