THE KING’S SAHEONBU chapter 7
Three years passed.
Inside the grand hall of the royal palace, the full court of civil and military officials assembled for the morning audience.
“Jeonha,” the Chief State Minister stepped forward, bowing low.
“Widespread cases of banditry have been reported across Hamgyong Province. Several local officers have already fallen by their blades.”
The King adjusted his grip on the armrests of his throne, his eyes cool.
“Regarding this matter… we must investigate thoroughly first. We shall not make any hasty moves that could cost the lives of our citizens.”
“But Jeonha!” the Left State Minister cried out, stepping beside him.
“These bandits have already raided our military storehouses and seized imperial grain! Having commanded armies on the battlefield yourself, Sire, you know better than anyone what happens when supply lines break.”
The King studied the report, feeling the hidden pressure in their words.
“Very well. I shall entrust the investigation of the Hamgyong banditry to the Chief State Minister.”
The Chief State Minister bowed deeply, a faint smirk hidden beneath his official cap.
“Your Majesty’s grace is immeasurable.”
Before the King could dismiss the court, the Left State Minister stepped forward again, his voice echoing through the hall.
“Your Majesty, the Confucian classics teach that harmony between Yin and Yang sustains the heavens and brings abundant harvests to our lands. Yet, the Crown Prince reaches twenty years of age without a Crown Princess to secure our sacred royal lineage (*Jongmyo-Sajik*). To settle the realm’s unease, I humbly urge Your Majesty to decree a nationwide marriage ban (*Geumhon-ryeong*) at once, so we may begin the royal selection process.”
“Are you asking me to forbid my people from marrying?” the King asked coldly.
“Jeonha,” the Chief State Minister joined in, his tone grave.
“We receive daily reports of tiger attacks, famine, and severe drought across the provinces. Heaven is displeased. Please issue the decree so the selection may begin!” The source of this chapter is g.com.
“Jeonha! Please hear our plea!” the entire assembly of ministers dropped to their knees, their chorus of cries resounding through the stone pillars.
Before the King could speak, the Minister of Personnel stepped into the center aisle.
“Your Majesty! The Royal Princess has also reached the age of maturity, yet remains without a consort. To uphold the harmony of the court, I humbly entreat Your Majesty to issue the nationwide marriage ban without delay, so that we may simultaneously commence the selection (*Buma Ganteak*) for an honorable royal son-in-law!”
“Please listen to our plea, Jeonha! Hear our plea!”
The relentless, coordinated shouts echoed in the King’s ears like an unbearable roar.
Knowing he was outmaneuvered, the King stood up, sweeping his long sleeves.
“The court’s concerns for the stability of our royal house are noted,” the King commanded, his voice cutting through the noise.
“Let a nationwide marriage ban (*Geumhon-ryeong*) be proclaimed across all provinces immediately. The Ministry of Rites shall open the royal selection process for a Crown Princess, and simultaneously convene the screening committee to select a worthy royal son-in-law (*Buma*) for the Princess. Let all eligible noble families present their sons and daughters without delay.”
“Your Majesty’s grace is immeasurable!” the ministers shouted in unison.
After the assembly adjourned, the King walked down the long palace corridors, flanked by bowing scribes and eunuchs.
Once he turned the corner out of sight, he leaned toward his personal eunuch, his voice dropping to a harsh whisper.
“Watch those ministers closely. I know what they are doing. They are trying to force their own daughters into the inner court to keep their eyes pinned on the royal house.”
A few days after the imperial decree was posted, twenty-year-old Pung traveled from Cheongdo-gun to Miryang to visit the old Magistrate.
As they sat in the quiet study, the Magistrate poured two cups of tea.
“Your name will certainly be placed on the registry sent to Hanyang for the Princess’s selection.”
“I am not interested,” Pung cut him off cleanly, setting his cup down hard.
“I will never marry into the bloodline that murdered my father, mother, and brother. That will never happen.”
“Is that why you trained so obsessively? Is that why you became an assassin?”
Pung froze, his hand tensing over his knee.
He looked up, stunned.
“What? How did you…”
“It was only a few huts away from my estate that you and your brother were born,” the Magistrate interrupted softly.
“I practically watched you grow from age ten to twelve, and my own kin sheltered you until now. You are brilliant, Pung. Did you truly think I would not realize what you were doing?”
Far away, in a secluded cabin on the rugged slopes of Mount Inwang, Woon returned from a long hunt, throwing a heavy deer hide onto the wooden table.
The old tiger hunter sat by the hearth, stoking the fire.
“Woon, there is news from the capital. News you might want to hear.”
“What news?” Woon asked, wiping the dried blood from his hunting knife.
“The King issued a nationwide marriage ban for the Princess’s selection,” the hunter replied, looking at the young man.
“My own father was once a high noble before I chose the life of a mountain hunter. If I use my family lineage, I can take you to Hanyang and register you to become the King’s son-in-law. You are striking, formidable, and strong. I believe you would easily—”
“I am not interested in the royal family,” Woon cut him off, sheathing his blade with a cold metallic click.
“Nor in anything that has to do with them.”
He turned on his heel and walked out into the cold mountain air.
The hunter let out a heavy sigh, shaking his head.
*”Aigoo…* If I were his age, I would kill for a chance like that.”
Meanwhile, deep within the walls of the Grand Palace, two young royal princesses stood in their private chambers, giggling softly as they finished tying off the silk sashes of heavy male noble robes.
Disguised as young aristocrats and accompanied only by their most trusted personal maid, they slipped quietly through the side gates and disappeared into the bustling shadows of the city.