Hanseong, Joseon
Late Summer 1837
The letter remained on the table long after it had been read.
Nothing about it had changed. The paper was the same, the ink the saame, the words already understood. But the room around it no longer felt the same as before.
The court had already discussed it. Arguments had been made, and each man had made his position clear. Still, no answer had been given.
That could not continue.
This time, the larger hall was not used. There was no reason to gather everyone again when the matter had already moved past general discussion. What remained required fewer voices, but more certainty behind each one.
The chamber was smaller and quieter.
At the center sat King Heonjong.
He said nothing when the others entered. He simply watched, as he had done before, taking in each movement, each expression, without interruption.
Kim Jwa-geun stood in front of him.
Jo In-young remained to one side.
Yi Ji-yeon stood slightly behind them.
