It was a beautiful morning with dew drops dancing off the tips of green leaves.
At the grand house of Chief General of the Capital Bureau, servants were busy with their morning routine.
Two maids opened large windows to let in fresh air while another maid was busy cleaning the pearl inlaid cabinets and small low tables.
"Have you heard about the flooding?"
A maid asked another maid who was arranging flowers.
"What flooding?"
"Residents in villages a few miles from outside the city are counting their losses after the downpour last night."
The first maid replied as she picked up a stack of cushions and arranged them on the floor for the family's use.
"I also heard that many homes were destroyed as a result of the spillage from the canal," male servant said as he came in to water the potted plants.
"Most of the flood victims are appealing for the King to come to their aid."
Outside the head housekeeper was walking about and watching to see if everything was running smoothly. And also to make sure all the servants were actually working and not just gossiping with each other.
A young male servant approached her and informed: "The breakfast meal is ready."
"Very well, go back to the kitchen and tell the cook I will there to do the tasting."
Chief General Kim Hun entered the chamber and the head housekeeper who had stationed herself in a corner, bowed her head in greeting.
"Is it true?"
The Chief General asked his trusted servant.
"I believe so, Sir. It's the only news that is been talked about in Hanyang."
He sat down and a maid brought his breakfast table and placed it in front of him.
"I hope no one we know is affected by it," he remarked to his housekeeper.
Soon after the lady of the house entered followed by their son. They both sat down opposite the Chief General.
"When my chambermaid told me the news this morning. I thought it was a total falsehood," Kim Soo-Bin said to her husband.
"I am wondering how the canal spilled over and flooded the area?"
Kim Moon-gun asked looking at his mother and father.
"I presume it was because of the heavy downpour which caused the canal to overflow and spill over."
"We must pray for all those affected and if possible offer some form of support," Kim Soo-Bin suggested to her husband.
"What happened was unexpected and very unfortunate," Chief General Kim Hun said after a moment of contemplation.
His wife and son's breakfast tables were placed before them. And they all ate in silence.
"A letter from the Palace has arrived."
A male servant announced from behind the closed door.
The housekeeper slid the doors open, took the letter and presented it to the Chief General.
Kim Hun opened the letter which bared the King's royal seal and read it's contents. His wife and son waited patiently.
He finally looked up but said nothing.
"What does it say?"
His wife asked impatiently.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9I3hF5xvq
Then he said simply: "Our son has been summoned to appear before the King tomorrow."
At the Palace, all the Court Officials were assembled in the Throne Hall.
And King Yeongan was yet again seated on the golden throne looking majestic in the red coloured robe with its embroidered dragon emblems.
"Your Majesty, more than 2000 people in three different municipalities are now leaving in water filled houses and compounds," the Left State Councillor informed.
The Minister of Personnel added; "This displacement was caused by the heavy downpour for the past three days."
"The situation has rendered many residents homeless as they have no place to seek shelter."
"Your Majesty, efforts to erect temporary shelters are further hampered because most of the lands are all under water with the lagoons and canals overflowing their banks."
The Minister of Defence said.
"We have sent some government administrators to assess the damage prior to providing relief," the Minister of Personnel spoke again.
The King then asked the Minister of Commerce.
"What about the economic activity in those areas?"
"Everything is at a stand still, Your Majesty, people are practically held in their own homes."
After the sessions with his Court Officials, King Yeongan retired to his private chambers. There he sat in silence while he envisaged what to do next.
Then an idea entered his head which quickly became a sound decision. He will go and see for himself the areas worst affected by the flood.
He took off his black crown and placed it on his Buddhist desk.
When Eunuch Jo entered the King's chambers, he became astonished when he found the King dressed in the clothes of an aristocratic gentleman.
"Your Majesty."
"Just pretend to have not seen me and let this be a secret between us. No soul must know of it."
The King instructed.
His Eunuch quickly nodded.
"Is my horse ready?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. But please reappraise your decision."
His Eunuch pleaded as he fell to the floor and bowed his head before the King.
"I have to do this myself to see with my own eyes the suffering of my people. I cannot go there as the King. But I can do so as an ordinary nobleman."
Eunuch Jo could not still phantom the King not dressed in the Royal red robe and even worse, going out of the Palace all by himself without his entourage.
"Your Majesty, you cannot do this. What if something happens to you? Please remain in your chambers my King."
King Yeongan gave a soft laugh.
"I know you are worried about me, but I have to do this. I must see with my own eyes the suffering of my people."
There was a determined gleam in his eyes.
"Your Majesty, please reappraise," Eunuch Jo entreated helplessly.
King Yeongan jumped the Palace wall under the devasted gaze of Eunuch Jo, got onto the waiting horse that had been prepared for him and rode out Hanyang.
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