"Oh no! What is happening? The eclipse... No!" Minister Dae Wong whipped his horse to run faster hoping that he could save the King and the whole kingdom.
----
"It's becoming dark already." The old royal maid uttered.
"What is it?" Jung Min looked through the window out of curiosity.
"Young Lord, it's the solar eclipse. The sun is being devoured by the moon."
Jung Min stared at the sky in awe. "It's beautiful, yet scary. What does that mean?"
The royal maid quickly covered Jung Min's eyes with her hands. "No! Young Lord!"
"Hey! I want to see it!" Jung Min removed her hands.
"Young Lord, careful! Do not look into it for too long. It has a power to enchant you with its beauty in exchange for your sight."
Jung Min flinched with what he heard. "You mean I will be blind?"
"Yes, that's right. I don't know why. Only Heaven knows."
"It's captivating, yet dangerous. Young Lord, do not indulge yourself too much with beautiful things. They can be sometimes deadly, just like the eclipse."
"What are you saying? You're overreacting!" Jung Min giggled.
----
Everyone panicked as they saw the sun being eaten by the moon's shadow.
"The eclipse! It is happening!", shouted by one peasant.
"No, this is bad. This is a bad omen!", added by a lady carrying her infant son.
All people were shocked and scared at the same time. The King's promise was broken. The kingdom will start to suffer from different disasters from the Heavens. A lot of people were disappointed with the King. A lot of them cried loudly. It was a devastating moment for all of the people who hoped and put their trust in the King. With just a blink of an eye, their hopes and dreams were shattered.
"Sire, what are we going to do now? The eclipse happened. This kingdom is going to suffer now!", a farmer shouted.
Everyone was shouting and panicking. A lot of people wanted to go to the King and burst their anger to him. Tension started to build up. Some group of men attempted to go near the King to attack him but were blocked by the hwarangs. Many people didn't mind the hwarangs that blocked the King. More and more men tried to attack. It was like an angry wave trying to devour the shore. When the hwarangs cannot handle the insurmountable number of angry mob, they pulled their swords and point it to the attackers.
"No! Stop!", the King shouted. Everyone stopped and silence fell.
"I don't want anybody to get hurt."
The angry people just sat on the grounds and cried loudly like a child. "My farm, my family!", one farmer said. While a lot of people were crying, there were other people who still believes that this mistake won't define their lives.
"Why are these people overreacting? They should not always put their lives on the Heavens. At the end of the day, it's still one's work and determination that matters.", said by one merchant.
"I agree. These people are pathetic. By the way, why were you here?", another man asked.
"I honestly don't believe with these prophecies. I am just curious about how this ceremony is executed."
The Prime Minister made a dramatic speech trying to console the people. "Everyone, please listen! I understand where you're coming from. It was a humble mistake. The King is really regretful right now. For me, he's not to blame.", the Prime Minister shouted in order for his voice to resonate.
"What is he talking about?", the people murmured.
"He was just a victim here. We are all victims! Yes, we know the prophecy regarding this event. I know and you know that disasters will be inevitable from now on. Given that, I want you to know that our King, alongside with all the people here in the palace would be very happy to help you all."
People started to talk about the Prime Minister. Everyone was wondering how the palace could help them when the Heavens already decided what their fate would be. Even the noble people in the altar thought about what the Prime Minister said.
"This is amazing, My Lord. I didn't know that this would be your plan.", Chil Yook said. He was amazed by the Prime Minister's whole scheme.
"Sure it is. He's trying to get the sympathy of people. Now, these people would start praising his name, and eventually, will be his servants. He's creating division of people." Lady Min chuckled.
"This is a good political strategy. While the King is losing his credibility, the Prime Minister is starting to build his." Chil Yook slowly clapped his hands.
The two noticed from below the altar that Lady Jang is walking away whilst the chaos is happening.
"Wait, where is she going?", Chil Yook uttered.
"Let her be. She's not needed anymore. She needs to protect herself. The people might snap out of their senses and might attack Lady Jang. I think it's best for her to leave while the Prime Minister is causing a diversion with his flowery words."
They didn't know that Minister Yeol was eavesdropping to their conversation. He also noticed that Lady Jang walked away. While gluing his eyes to Lady Jang as she walked, suddenly he realized that his daughter will be in trouble now that the eclipse happened. He stood and left quickly. "Oh no! This is bad! The Queen!"
----
Everyone in the Queen's chamber is getting ready. The Queen is in the process of inconsistent labors. She felt pain for hours. Afterwards, it will subside, and then another round of pain proceeds. Moreover, the Queen is anxious about the happenings outside the palace grounds.
"What happened outside?", the Queen asked.
"The eclipse happened, Your Grace.", Dong Hee answered.
"No! It can't be. Today is the day! My twins are coming." The Queen started to panick.
"Please calm down, Your Grace; for the baby."
"How can I calm down? The moment that everyone knew our secret, my twins would be in so much trouble!"
The Queen suddenly screamed in pain.
"Ahhh!"
"It hurts! I can't take it anymore!"
Dong Hee quickly assisted the Queen. She brought a cup with a calming tonic. "Here, Your Grace, drink this tonic. It will ease the pain again. It's not yet time, Your Grace." Dong Hee held the back of the Queen's head and assisted her to drink the tonic
"Your Grace, Minister Yeol is outside.", the lady-in-waiting said.
"Father... Let him in.", the Queen softly answered. The lady-in-waiting opened the doors and Minister Yeol came inside. He sat down beside the Queen and held her hands.
"Your Grace, I was worried about you that's why I came here.", Minister Yeol said in worry.
"Father, what will I do? The solar eclipse! The solar eclipse!"
"Do not worry. I will talk to the King. We need to do something about this. I won't let you and my grandsons to get hurt!", the Minister firmly replied.
----
The whole palace ground was still in chaos. Indistinct noises can be heard all over the place.
"How are you going to do that? It's the Heavens that decided our fate already!", a woman shouted.
"If it's necessary to contradict the Heaven's will, we will do so. We need to fight together to save our lives, feed our children and protect our family. You need water? The palace will try its best to provide water for you. If you are worried for the famine and possible pandemics, the palace will send the best doctors and nurses to care for you.", the Prime Minister answered.
"Is that true? Would you promise to us that you would be willing to save us?", another man shouted.
"Yes! We will help everyone. We will make sure that the whole Kingdom would be save from the disgrace of the Heavens. Trust us, trust our King. He only cares for each and every one of us.", the Prime Minister said as he looked at the King.
"Jung Ho, what are you planning?" The King's eyes met the Prime Minister's.
The people's mood started to get light. They were slowly getting convinced by the Prime Minister. Smiles started to come out from their mouths. Hopes were starting to get restored. Twists of emotions happened to everyone. They were celebrating from the start, got angry, and now they're hopes are getting replenished by the promise of the Prime Minister.
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
"Wow! I can't believe it. A while ago, they were infuriated but now, with just those flowery words, these angry wolves suddenly turned to tame dogs.", Chil Yook said.
"It's just so funny. These people are very naive. On the good part, they will be loyal servants to the Prime Minister. I believe that these people would be of great use to us.", Lady Min replied.
A few minutes later, the sun which was engulfed by the moon started to clear out. A lot of people believed that it's their new hopeful beginning after they heard the statements of the Prime Minister. Suddenly, rain clouds started to cover up the bright sky. The rains started to pour on the ground. The nobles ran to the pavilions and covered their heads to protect themselves from the rain.
"Now this is what I am telling you. I really believe that the Heavens are still giving us a little chance. Let's celebrate for this!", shouted by the Prime Minister.
The people in the palace grounds started to dance. They were very happy about what the Prime Minister said. They believed everything that he mentioned. People had assurance that the palace will be just for them if anything comes up.
"Long live for the Prime Minister!"
"Long live, Silla!"
"Long Live!"
The turn of events was unexpected. One moment, the people were shouting for the King's name, but now, it's the Prime Minister's name that everyone is praising.
The rain lasted for a few minutes and so as the rejoicing of the people. After that, they started to go out of the palace ground with renewed dreams and hopes. The royal and noble men also started to go out and return to their offices. At the center, the Prime Minister and the King was left with the King's personal maids and hwarangs soaked in the rain.
"Is this what you really wanted?", the King barely asked with a sorrowful tone.
The Prime Minister smiled. "Do not take this personally, Sire. I just did that to save you, to save Silla. If it wasn't for me, those angry people would've hurt you. I prevented them from doing hasty actions.", the Prime Minister replied.
"You won. Those people. They're yours already."
"I can't believe this. Is this how you say thank you, Sire? Those people could've protested at that moment. Your throne could've been jeopardized. If it wasn't for me, they might have organized a plan to oust you in the position."
"Sire, at the end of the day, it's the people of the kingdom that matters. It's not gold, weapons or any other treasure that can build the best kingdom. The best kingdom can be built if you have the best people. You should know that, considering that you just proclaimed yourself as the father of the nation."
----
The Prime Minister went back to his room. He removed his robe and his broad chest with a long diagonal scar was revealed. He faced the mirror hanging on the wall. He looked sharply in the mirror and a scary grin came out from his lips. He caressed his right face and laughed very loudly.
The lady-in-waiting outside interrupted him. "My Lord, the Grand Marshall and Lady Min wants to talk to you.", shouted by a lady-in-waiting.
"Let them in." The Prime Minister wore a white robe. Chil Yook and Lady Min were applauding as they enter the room of the Prime Minister.
"Oh hey! Come on, sit." The Prime Minister chuckled.
"It was very unexpected, My Lord. We still can't process everything.", Chil Yook said.
"You're a very great person. You instantly switched the tables. Those people would now be loyal to you, My Lord.", Lady Min added.
"Thank you. I couldn't have done those without your help, of course." The Prime Minister grinned.
"By the way, where is Lady Jang?", the Prime Minister asked.
"We saw her getting out of the palace grounds a while ago. We just let her go considering her safety.", Lady Min replied.
"I see. Let her rest for a while."
"My Lord, you really looked so happy.", Chil Yook said.
"Of course, I just did it! Like a tame dog, those people might be of good use to me in the future."
"My Lord, this whole eclipse thing... I was just curious. How did you do it? How did you know that it will happen today? Your timing was really incredible.", Lady Min asked.
The Prime Minister smiled. He stood up and get something underneath his bed. The two looked at each other.
"This... This is the one that helped me.", the Prime Minister said while holding an old book with a brown cover.
"What is that, My Lord?", Chil Yook asked.
"The almanac. The Almanac of Northern Wei (Modern day Northern China). This is the one that I used to predict the eclipse.", the Prime Minister replied.
The two were confused. "My Lord, I don't understand. What is the other almanac that I got from Minister Dae Wong?", Chil Yook asked.
The Prime Minister smiled as he tried to reminisce the start of the whole mess.
----
[TANG EMPIRE]
"Your Highness, what is this?", the Prime Minister said as he savors his tea while enjoying the view of the Tang Palaces.
"Prime Minister, that is the ancient almanac of Northern Wei. The most accurate almanac ever existed. It comes with all the calculations of all major heavenly body events; eclipse, solstice, equinox, seasonal changes, everything!", the Tang Emperor said.
"I mean, Sire, this is too much I guess. The almanac is a very precious possession of any territory. I am just curious why you're giving this to a weak kingdom like Silla."
The Tang emperor smiled. "You can take that. I have ordered my Priestesses to create a copy especially for you but there's one condition." The Prime Minister stared at the Emperor. "What is it, Your Highness?"
"Make Silla... Our territory!"
"If you succeeded, you can have all the privileges that this empire is enjoying. I have heard that you are still not in good conditions with Baekje and Goguryeo. Make Silla, Tang's territory and these disputes will end. I will be more willing to help."
----
"So it was the Emperor of Tang who helped you. How about the almanac that Lady Jang had?", Chil Yook asked. The Prime Minister grinned.
----
"Lady Jang, it's been two weeks since you have received the almanac that I just delivered to you and yet you still don't have results. I need the exact time and date of the eclipse." The Prime Minister glowered.
"I am sorry, Your Lordship. I tried my best already. I have searched all around Silla, asked all abbots I know and none of them know how to read this almanac because it's their first time to encounter these strange languages."
"Not my problem, you said that you will try to prove yourself to me. This is it. So what now? I need results!"
Suddenly, a monk enters the sacred room. "Your Lordship, the King is outside and she wants to talk to Lady Jang."
"My Lord, the King is outside now. What am I going to do?"
"Let's delay it while I escape through this secret passage. Tell the King that Lady Jang is doing some sacred prayers, that she cannot be disturbed.", ordered by the Prime Minister.
"Yes, My Lord." The monk left the sacred room. The Prime Minister tilted a dragon figure hanged against the wall revealing a secret passage to the exit.
----
"That almanac...", the Prime Minister paused. The two were enthusiastically looking at the Prime Minister.
"... IS FAKE!" The Prime Minister frowned.
"It's not an almanac about Astrology. That is about the natural disasters such as earthquakes and storms." The Prime Minister laughed. The two were speechless.
"What?! I can't believe it, My Lord! All this time, we thought that the almanac that we had is the true one. You were so angry that the King already have it. You even imprisoned Lady Jang, and ordered me to get it from Minister Dae Wong." Chil Yook laughed.
"Why did you do it, My Lord? Why did you give Lady Jang that fake almanac?", Lady Min asked.
"Well, I just thought that the King might come to a point where he needs to blatantly ask Lady Jang to give him everything that she used for the eclipse. I also thought that he might be suspicious about Lady Jang because of what I did when we were young. I was the one who helped her to be in her position. The King might think that she's working for me so that's why. That's the reason why I needed to trick her, you, everyone." The two nodded at the Prime Minister.
"That's my only way to win this. I should trick you, to trick my enemy. He was very convinced that the almanac that he had taken from Lady Jang will help him.", the Prime Minister said.
"I have no words. No one in this lifetime will ever deceive you, My Lord. No one can oppose you.", Lady Min said.
---
Minister Dae Wong finally reached the palace but he was too late. He saw the King at the center of the palace grounds, gloomy and crying.
"Sire, I am sorry for not coming on time. I can explain." Minister Dae Wong quickly get down from the horse and ran to the King.
"It's alright. It's my fault. I am the one to blame." The King sobbed.
"No, Your Highness. Please do not say that. If you don't mind, please let's go to your chamber. We don't want you to get sick. You need to change your robe, Sire." Minister Dae Wong assisted the King.
"One more thing, I have something to tell you. I know that this might not be the right time, but this is very important."
----
The King went back to his chamber and he was assisted by royal maids in changing his robe. His face is still blank. His eyes are still puffy. He then, gathered all his strength to talk to Minister Dae Wong.
"What is it that you want to say?", the King asked weakly.
"Regarding the almanac, Sire."
"What about it?"
----
"What? Are you sure about that? I mean... How could it be?"
"Yes, you got that right, Minister. I am just reading what's in this almanac."
"So you're telling me that the eclipse cannot be predicted using this one?"
"Exactly, this is an almanac about reading the storms and other natural disasters like earthquakes."
"B-Bu-But the Head Priestess said that the eclipse won't happen because of the changes in the movements of the planets and the stars."
"The stars and the planets have nothing to do with the occurrence of the eclipse. It's just the Sun, Moon, and the Earth. That Priestess was lying to you, Minister." Minister Dae Wong gasped.
"This is bad! We really need to go back!"
----
The King slipped his hands on the chair trying to absorb what the Minister just said.
"Sire! Are you okay?" Minister Dae Wong quickly helped the King. He was breathing heavily and sweating at the same time. He clenches his fits and tried to console himself.
"W-Wh-What? Fake?", the King stammered.
"I am really sorry, Sire. We were tricked by your brother."
"How could this happen?" The King put his head down on the table.
"Bring Lady Jang here immediately. She needs to be punished for what she did!"
----
Lady Jang was on her way to the temple to pick up her things. She was thinking about the whole event excessively.
"The eclipse. It happened! It's going to be my end now.", Lady Jang repeatedly said as she looks down the forest grounds. Suddenly, she felt a strong gust of wind blowing towards her direction going to the mountains. She just ignored it and kept walking but deep inside she has a hint that something or someone is with her in the forest.
She turned around and found nothing but tall trees. She continued walking but this time it's a bit faster. Her heart was pounding and she felt like its coming out from her chest.
"Jang Ju Yeon, focus! You are just paranoid. It's nothing.", she said trying to calm herself down. A few moments later, someone grabbed on her two arms and placed it backwards. She didn't have the time to panic because she was gagged by a piece of cloth and she felt groggy. It was a man in black with his face covered that carried her like she's a sack of rice.
She was half-awake and half-asleep. Her vision started to blur. She was trying her best not to fall asleep but there are deep voices coming from three men that served as a lullaby to her. Finally, she lost her consciousness.
"Where are we going to put her?", asked by an unknown man in black with his nose and mouth covered by a black cloth.
"Where is the sack?", a man asked. The other one get the sack in the horse and he assisted the two other men to put Lady Jang inside.
"Alright, let's go!" The three rode the horse and moved away.
----
The priestesses and the monks are doing their prayers in the temple. They are praying for Lady Jang's safety. While praying, a strong wind blew and the candle flames were put out.
"This is a bad omen. Oh, Lady Jang."
----
Lady Jang woke up in a dark room. She is seating in a wooden chair while her hands and legs are tied. Her vision was still blurry as she started to look around. She squinted because of the annoying light coming from torches. "Oh no! Am I back in that cell?", she wondered. She started to remember how she ended up in that room. A few minutes later, she heard a voice of a man coming down from the stairs. She's trying to figure out who that is. The man approached her and stand in front of her. She started to look from the man's boots and up to his face.
She gasped. "Oh no!"