Following the disposition of the Chief Royal Secretary the Queen Dowager invited the Left State Councillor to her chambers.
He entered, bowed before the Queen Dowager and then sat down in front of her.
"May Her Majesty receive my warmest greetings. I do hope you enjoyed your expedition?"
"Very much," the Queen Dowager began, Gangwon Province in the spring is truly refreshing. The palanquin ride through the woodlands was very calming because of it's tranquility. It's an experience I want to repeat with the King."
"I hear the foilage of the trees there is most gorgeous in Autumn and in winter the forests are a white wonder to behold."
"Most people are bewildered by it if they are privileged enough to experience it," the Queen Dowager added.
The Left State Councillor smiled.
"I hear there have been blood sports here at Court while I was away. You have a brand new cabinet."
"Yes I have, Your Majesty."
"Mostly older government administrators that were curled."
"Yes, although it was not just their age that decided it but rather their inefficiency and corrupt dealings."
"Have the Court Officials decided on Cha Sung-Je's replacement?"
"Yes, we have."
"Who is the fellow?"
"Kim Moon-gun."
"Is he not the son of Kim Hu?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Are you sure of your choice?" The Queen Dowager asked.
"Yes, he more than qualifies for the post. He had the highest score at the State Civil Service Examination. His father is the Capital Bureau Officer and over the years he has conducted himself well in the discharge of his duties."
King Yeongan and his favourite Concubine spent the quiet afternoon in an elegant open pavilion that was built upon a large lake and connected to land by a long bridge.
The lake itself was surrounded by evergreen plants that inspired peaceful contemplation. Outside the pavilion, court ladies, eunuchs and Royal guards had stationed themselves.
Inside the open pavilion King Yeongan played the game of Go with Lady Songhwa in total silence.
Lady Songhwa seemed a little aggrieved.
Before Lady Songhwa became a favoured Concubine she was a Palace maid who seduced King Yeongan's father and became his Concubine.
When Yeongan was only sixteen years old, then the Crown Prince and she been ten years his senior, Lady Songhwa once again seduced him while his father was still alive.
After his father's death Yeongan took her as his favourite Concubine.
"What is this new strategy of yours, My King?" Lady Songhwa asked breaking the silence.
"What do you mean?"
The King asked his Concubine as he moved a white stone on the Go board.
"His Majesty is not as attentive as before," she moved her black stone to block her opponent before looking King Yeongan directly in the eye.
"What is upsetting you at this present moment?"
King Yeongan stopped playing and returned Lady Songhwa's direct gaze.
"You are suddenly different my King. Why is that so?"
King Yeongan wanted to change the subject.
"I want to thank you for the advice on how to proceed with the way Cha Sung-Je handled the rebellion."
Lady Songhwa was determined to remain on topic.
"I am slighted by the King for not visiting my chambers after repeated requests for His Majesty to do so. And also by His Majesty no longer inviting me to dine with him privately."
"There is no need to feel slighted. Just let things be as they are."
Lady Songhwa became even more aggrieved.
"Am I no longer the King's favourite?" Lady Songhwa demanded of her Sovereign.
King Yeongan smiled with amusement and looked at the Go board before looking at his Concubine again.
"You are still my favourite."
"So long as I remain the King's favourite, I shall be the happiest woman in Joseon."
"Good for you. Now let's get on with the game."
After a moment of brief pause King Yeongan asked his Concubine.
"What would Lady Songhwa do if she were no longer the King's favourite?"
"When that day comes, His Majesty will no longer be the King of Joseon."
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