Chapter 159
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Chapter 159
At Gwanghwamun Gate.
The main and smaller gates of Gwanghwamun were firmly closed, and the gatekeepers on watch were intently observing the approach to the gate.
Gate Captain, sir!
What is it?
In the guardhouse beside Gwanghwamun, the gate captain, who had been reviewing documents, stood up as a soldier from the Inner Palace rushed in.
Urgent news from the Inner Palace Guards!
Urgent news?
Sir, there are villainous individuals planning to revolt today!
What?!
Shocked by the urgent news, the gate captain hurried out of the guardhouse and scrambled up to the watchtower.
The soldiers on duty at the watchtower looked puzzled as the gate captain hurried towards them.
Sir, whats the matter?
Its an emergency! Keep a close watch!
Sir?
At the captains command, the soldiers leaned out of the watchtower to survey the area.
Likewise, the gate captain, who had been observing the road leading to Gwanghwamun, turned to look inside the palace.
He saw a considerable number of soldiers gathering in front of Heungnyemun Gate.
If following normal protocol, a significant number of soldiers would also be gathered at Geunjeongmun.
The gate captain bit his lip as he assessed the situation.
Were short on troops. Its regrettable that the Golden Army has left the city.
Currently, only 200 soldiers from the Inner Palace Guards were defending Geunjeongjeon.
Usually, in addition to the Inner Palace Guards, additional Golden Army troops would be stationed, but most had left two days earlier to suppress the uprising.
The total number of defenders in the palace was now barely 250.
Sir!
As the gate captain was surveying Heungnyemun and organizing his thoughts, he turned his head at the sound of someone calling him.
What is it?
There are suspicious individuals, sir!
Upon the soldiers report, the gate captain stood up on the watchtower to survey the outside.
From the intersection where Yukjo Street meets the south of Unjongga, a group was rapidly approaching Gwanghwamun.
Sound the drum!
Yes, sir!
Dum-dum-dum!
At the gate captains order, a soldier began to beat the large drum behind him.
While the drum was being played, the gate captain counted the approaching group, clenching his teeth.
At least 500 seems today might be the day of my demise.
The sound of the emergency drum alerted not only the palace but also the nearby residences, which began to light up.
* * *
As the sound of the emergency drum spread, people working in the palace and residents from nearby neighborhoods lit their homes and hurried outside.
Whats happening?
I dont know. Suddenly theres some trouble.
As the residents gathered in the alleys, large explosions started to erupt from the direction of Gwanghwamun.
Boom! Bang! Bang!
The unexpected drum sound and explosions caused panic among the people who had come out, leading them to run frantically.
* * *
Halt! Who goes there!
At the gate captains shout from the watchtower, Yangnyeong, positioned behind the soldiers, turned to Seo Seon.
Lets begin.
Understood. Advance!
Yes, forward!
At Seo Seons command, Nam Jun-seok began to lead the soldiers forward.
Rattle, rattle, clank!
As the large shields at the front began to advance, the soldiers crouched and followed behind them.
This is your last warning! Stop where you are and identify yourselves!
Upon the gate captains warning, the soldiers waiting behind the shields raised their muskets.
Muskets! Get down!
Chi-chick! Boom-boom!
At the soldiers shout, the gate captain and soldiers on the wall quickly ducked down.
At that moment, the muskets thunderously discharged their rounds towards the watchtower.
Keep firing! Dont let the enemy raise their heads!
At Nam Jun-seoks command, the soldiers with muskets continuously fired.
While the soldiers suppressed the watchtower, Nam Jun-seok ordered the soldiers carrying large bags.
Now is the time! Blow up Gwanghwamun!
* * *
Finally, its happening! Attendant!
Yes, Your Highness!
Startled by the emergency drum signals, Hyang sprang up and hurriedly donned his breastplate.
No need for the lower part!
Yes, Your Highness!
After putting on the breastplate and helmet, Hyang opened a chest and handed rifles to his attendant.
Lastly, taking out a large bag filled with ammunition, Hyang looked at his attendant.
You know what to do, right?
Yes, Your Highness. I will hand you the loaded muskets, and Chamberlain Jang will load the bullets into the muskets.
The direction of the bullets?
The pointed end goes in front.
How many bullets per musket?
Eight.
Good.
Satisfied that his attendants knew their tasks well, Hyang took the rifle and went outside.
Your Highness!
As Hyang opened the door, the Crown Princess, Yangje, and Yangwon also came out from another room with their court ladies.
Seeing the Crown Princess holding the modified musket, Hyang asked worriedly,
Are you determined to join us?
As I said before, if anything happens to Your Highness, our lives would be meaningless.
Accepting her firm response, Hyang could only agree.
Understood. Be careful.
Yes, we will. The second and third just need to do as I told. Understand?
Yes, sister.
Yes, sister.
Huh? Sister?
Hyang expressed his surprise at their conversation, to which the Crown Princess simply replied,
Living together, we have become sworn sisters.
Huh
What? The Gwanghwamun Three Princesses Faction? No, the Three Queens Faction? Or the Crown Princes
What are you doing? Time is of the essence!
Lost in thought over the unexpected term sworn sisters, Hyang was snapped back to reality by the Crown Princesss rebuke.
Right. Lets go!
Hyang and his group, including the Crown Princess, joined the waiting palace guards.
Your Highness, you should flee now. If His Majesty arrives
Seeing Hyang and the ladies-in-waiting dressed in armor, a palace guard expressed concern. However, Hyangs orders were firm.
Shield bearers to the front.
Your Highness!
Should I just sit and wait while my Royal Mother is in danger? Shield bearers, forward!
Yes, Your Highness.
At Hyangs resolute command, the palace guard responded with a somber face.
Rumble.
The iron shields, slightly larger and thicker than those made by Seo Seon, rolled forward with a heavy sound.
His Majesty will be furious.
The attendants comment was met with a scowl from Hyang.
I cant just put the Royal Mother in danger, can I?
Though there were various options, this was the best under the circumstances. Avoiding immediate danger could lead to unforeseen risks, especially if there were traitors among the rebels.
It was better to stand firm with proper firepower. Another reason was to signal the severity of the situation, justifying the crown princes direct intervention. This could lend more weight to the subsequent cleansing of traitors and the progress of the reforms.
By the way, the Royal Mother has taken refuge, right?
* * *
Your Majesty, please!
Enough!
King Sejong reprimanded the attendants and guards blocking his way.
Theres no need for panic! Now is the time for me to act!
King Sejong deemed it the right moment for his direct involvement, to show that the situation was critical enough to warrant the kings personal action. This would serve as justification for the subsequent suppression of the rebels and the continuation of reforms.
The attendant, with a worried face, remarked,
The Crown Prince will be shocked!
But King Sejong looked sternly at the attendant and retorted,
Isnt that why I told you not to inform the Crown Prince?
As he picked up a musket and walked towards where the rebels were coming from, King Sejong paused momentarily and cautiously asked,
By the way, the Crown Prince has taken refuge, right?
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 159
At Gwanghwamun Gate.
The main and smaller gates of Gwanghwamun were firmly closed, and the gatekeepers on watch were intently observing the approach to the gate.
Gate Captain, sir!
What is it?
In the guardhouse beside Gwanghwamun, the gate captain, who had been reviewing documents, stood up as a soldier from the Inner Palace rushed in.
Urgent news from the Inner Palace Guards!
Urgent news?
Sir, there are villainous individuals planning to revolt today!
What?!
Shocked by the urgent news, the gate captain hurried out of the guardhouse and scrambled up to the watchtower.
The soldiers on duty at the watchtower looked puzzled as the gate captain hurried towards them.
Sir, whats the matter?
Its an emergency! Keep a close watch!
Sir?
At the captains command, the soldiers leaned out of the watchtower to survey the area.
Likewise, the gate captain, who had been observing the road leading to Gwanghwamun, turned to look inside the palace.
He saw a considerable number of soldiers gathering in front of Heungnyemun Gate.
If following normal protocol, a significant number of soldiers would also be gathered at Geunjeongmun.
The gate captain bit his lip as he assessed the situation.
Were short on troops. Its regrettable that the Golden Army has left the city.
Currently, only 200 soldiers from the Inner Palace Guards were defending Geunjeongjeon.
Usually, in addition to the Inner Palace Guards, additional Golden Army troops would be stationed, but most had left two days earlier to suppress the uprising.
The total number of defenders in the palace was now barely 250.
Sir!
As the gate captain was surveying Heungnyemun and organizing his thoughts, he turned his head at the sound of someone calling him.
What is it?
There are suspicious individuals, sir!
Upon the soldiers report, the gate captain stood up on the watchtower to survey the outside.
From the intersection where Yukjo Street meets the south of Unjongga, a group was rapidly approaching Gwanghwamun.
Sound the drum!
Yes, sir!
Dum-dum-dum!
At the gate captains order, a soldier began to beat the large drum behind him.
While the drum was being played, the gate captain counted the approaching group, clenching his teeth.
At least 500 seems today might be the day of my demise.
The sound of the emergency drum alerted not only the palace but also the nearby residences, which began to light up.
* * *
As the sound of the emergency drum spread, people working in the palace and residents from nearby neighborhoods lit their homes and hurried outside.
Whats happening?
I dont know. Suddenly theres some trouble.
As the residents gathered in the alleys, large explosions started to erupt from the direction of Gwanghwamun.
Boom! Bang! Bang!
The unexpected drum sound and explosions caused panic among the people who had come out, leading them to run frantically.
* * *
Halt! Who goes there!
At the gate captains shout from the watchtower, Yangnyeong, positioned behind the soldiers, turned to Seo Seon.
Lets begin.
Understood. Advance!
Yes, forward!
At Seo Seons command, Nam Jun-seok began to lead the soldiers forward.
Rattle, rattle, clank!
As the large shields at the front began to advance, the soldiers crouched and followed behind them.
This is your last warning! Stop where you are and identify yourselves!
Upon the gate captains warning, the soldiers waiting behind the shields raised their muskets.
Muskets! Get down!
Chi-chick! Boom-boom!
At the soldiers shout, the gate captain and soldiers on the wall quickly ducked down.
At that moment, the muskets thunderously discharged their rounds towards the watchtower.
Keep firing! Dont let the enemy raise their heads!
At Nam Jun-seoks command, the soldiers with muskets continuously fired.
While the soldiers suppressed the watchtower, Nam Jun-seok ordered the soldiers carrying large bags.
Now is the time! Blow up Gwanghwamun!
* * *
Finally, its happening! Attendant!
Yes, Your Highness!
Startled by the emergency drum signals, Hyang sprang up and hurriedly donned his breastplate.
No need for the lower part!
Yes, Your Highness!
After putting on the breastplate and helmet, Hyang opened a chest and handed rifles to his attendant.
Lastly, taking out a large bag filled with ammunition, Hyang looked at his attendant.
You know what to do, right?
Yes, Your Highness. I will hand you the loaded muskets, and Chamberlain Jang will load the bullets into the muskets.
The direction of the bullets?
The pointed end goes in front.
How many bullets per musket?
Eight.
Good.
Satisfied that his attendants knew their tasks well, Hyang took the rifle and went outside.
Your Highness!
As Hyang opened the door, the Crown Princess, Yangje, and Yangwon also came out from another room with their court ladies.
Seeing the Crown Princess holding the modified musket, Hyang asked worriedly,
Are you determined to join us?
As I said before, if anything happens to Your Highness, our lives would be meaningless.
Accepting her firm response, Hyang could only agree.
Understood. Be careful.
Yes, we will. The second and third just need to do as I told. Understand?
Yes, sister.
Yes, sister.
Huh? Sister?
Hyang expressed his surprise at their conversation, to which the Crown Princess simply replied,
Living together, we have become sworn sisters.
Huh
What? The Gwanghwamun Three Princesses Faction? No, the Three Queens Faction? Or the Crown Princes
What are you doing? Time is of the essence!
Lost in thought over the unexpected term sworn sisters, Hyang was snapped back to reality by the Crown Princesss rebuke.
Right. Lets go!
Hyang and his group, including the Crown Princess, joined the waiting palace guards.
Your Highness, you should flee now. If His Majesty arrives
Seeing Hyang and the ladies-in-waiting dressed in armor, a palace guard expressed concern. However, Hyangs orders were firm.
Shield bearers to the front.
Your Highness!
Should I just sit and wait while my Royal Mother is in danger? Shield bearers, forward!
Yes, Your Highness.
At Hyangs resolute command, the palace guard responded with a somber face.
Rumble.
The iron shields, slightly larger and thicker than those made by Seo Seon, rolled forward with a heavy sound.
His Majesty will be furious.
The attendants comment was met with a scowl from Hyang.
I cant just put the Royal Mother in danger, can I?
Though there were various options, this was the best under the circumstances. Avoiding immediate danger could lead to unforeseen risks, especially if there were traitors among the rebels.
It was better to stand firm with proper firepower. Another reason was to signal the severity of the situation, justifying the crown princes direct intervention. This could lend more weight to the subsequent cleansing of traitors and the progress of the reforms.
By the way, the Royal Mother has taken refuge, right?
* * *
Your Majesty, please!
Enough!
King Sejong reprimanded the attendants and guards blocking his way.
Theres no need for panic! Now is the time for me to act!
King Sejong deemed it the right moment for his direct involvement, to show that the situation was critical enough to warrant the kings personal action. This would serve as justification for the subsequent suppression of the rebels and the continuation of reforms.
The attendant, with a worried face, remarked,
The Crown Prince will be shocked!
But King Sejong looked sternly at the attendant and retorted,
Isnt that why I told you not to inform the Crown Prince?
As he picked up a musket and walked towards where the rebels were coming from, King Sejong paused momentarily and cautiously asked,
By the way, the Crown Prince has taken refuge, right?
Chapter 159At Gwanghwamun Gate.The main and smaller gates of Gwanghwamun were firmly closed, and the gatekeepers on watch were intently observing the approach to the gate.Gate Captain, sir!What is it?In the guardhouse beside Gwanghwamun, the gate captain, who had been reviewing documents, stood up as a soldier from the Inner Palace rushed in.Urgent news from the Inner Palace Guards!Urgent news?Sir, there are villainous individuals planning to revolt today!What?!Shocked by the urgent news, the gate captain hurried out of the guardhouse and scrambled up to the watchtower.The soldiers on duty at the watchtower looked puzzled as the gate captain hurried towards them.Sir, whats the matter?Its an emergency! Keep a close watch!Sir?At the captains command, the soldiers leaned out of the watchtower to survey the area.Likewise, the gate captain, who had been observing the road leading to Gwanghwamun, turned to look inside the palace.He saw a considerable number of soldiers gathering in front of Heungnyemun Gate.If following normal protocol, a significant number of soldiers would also be gathered at Geunjeongmun.The gate captain bit his lip as he assessed the situation.Were short on troops. Its regrettable that the Golden Army has left the city.Currently, only 200 soldiers from the Inner Palace Guards were defending Geunjeongjeon.Usually, in addition to the Inner Palace Guards, additional Golden Army troops would be stationed, but most had left two days earlier to suppress the uprising.The total number of defenders in the palace was now barely 250.Sir!As the gate captain was surveying Heungnyemun and organizing his thoughts, he turned his head at the sound of someone calling him.What is it?There are suspicious individuals, sir!Upon the soldiers report, the gate captain stood up on the watchtower to survey the outside.From the intersection where Yukjo Street meets the south of Unjongga, a group was rapidly approaching Gwanghwamun.Sound the drum!Yes, sir!Dum-dum-dum!At the gate captains order, a soldier began to beat the large drum behind him.While the drum was being played, the gate captain counted the approaching group, clenching his teeth.At least 500 seems today might be the day of my demise.The sound of the emergency drum alerted not only the palace but also the nearby residences, which began to light up.* * *As the sound of the emergency drum spread, people working in the palace and residents from nearby neighborhoods lit their homes and hurried outside.Whats happening?I dont know. Suddenly theres some trouble.As the residents gathered in the alleys, large explosions started to erupt from the direction of Gwanghwamun.Boom! Bang! Bang!The unexpected drum sound and explosions caused panic among the people who had come out, leading them to run frantically.* * *Halt! Who goes there!At the gate captains shout from the watchtower, Yangnyeong, positioned behind the soldiers, turned to Seo Seon.Lets begin.Understood. Advance!Yes, forward!At Seo Seons command, Nam Jun-seok began to lead the soldiers forward.Rattle, rattle, clank!As the large shields at the front began to advance, the soldiers crouched and followed behind them.This is your last warning! Stop where you are and identify yourselves!Upon the gate captains warning, the soldiers waiting behind the shields raised their muskets.Muskets! Get down!Chi-chick! Boom-boom!At the soldiers shout, the gate captain and soldiers on the wall quickly ducked down.At that moment, the muskets thunderously discharged their rounds towards the watchtower.Keep firing! Dont let the enemy raise their heads!At Nam Jun-seoks command, the soldiers with muskets continuously fired.While the soldiers suppressed the watchtower, Nam Jun-seok ordered the soldiers carrying large bags.Now is the time! Blow up Gwanghwamun!* * *Finally, its happening! Attendant!Yes, Your Highness!Startled by the emergency drum signals, Hyang sprang up and hurriedly donned his breastplate.No need for the lower part!Yes, Your Highness!After putting on the breastplate and helmet, Hyang opened a chest and handed rifles to his attendant.Lastly, taking out a large bag filled with ammunition, Hyang looked at his attendant.You know what to do, right?Yes, Your Highness. I will hand you the loaded muskets, and Chamberlain Jang will load the bullets into the muskets.The direction of the bullets?The pointed end goes in front.How many bullets per musket?Eight.Good.Satisfied that his attendants knew their tasks well, Hyang took the rifle and went outside.Your Highness!As Hyang opened the door, the Crown Princess, Yangje, and Yangwon also came out from another room with their court ladies.Seeing the Crown Princess holding the modified musket, Hyang asked worriedly,Are you determined to join us?As I said before, if anything happens to Your Highness, our lives would be meaningless.Accepting her firm response, Hyang could only agree.Understood. Be careful.Yes, we will. The second and third just need to do as I told. Understand?Yes, sister.Yes, sister.Huh? Sister?Hyang expressed his surprise at their conversation, to which the Crown Princess simply replied,Living together, we have become sworn sisters.HuhWhat? The Gwanghwamun Three Princesses Faction? No, the Three Queens Faction? Or the Crown PrincesWhat are you doing? Time is of the essence!Lost in thought over the unexpected term sworn sisters, Hyang was snapped back to reality by the Crown Princesss rebuke.Right. Lets go!Hyang and his group, including the Crown Princess, joined the waiting palace guards.Your Highness, you should flee now. If His Majesty arrivesSeeing Hyang and the ladies-in-waiting dressed in armor, a palace guard expressed concern. However, Hyangs orders were firm.Shield bearers to the front.Your Highness!Should I just sit and wait while my Royal Mother is in danger? Shield bearers, forward!Yes, Your Highness.At Hyangs resolute command, the palace guard responded with a somber face.Rumble.The iron shields, slightly larger and thicker than those made by Seo Seon, rolled forward with a heavy sound.His Majesty will be furious.The attendants comment was met with a scowl from Hyang.I cant just put the Royal Mother in danger, can I?Though there were various options, this was the best under the circumstances. Avoiding immediate danger could lead to unforeseen risks, especially if there were traitors among the rebels.It was better to stand firm with proper firepower. Another reason was to signal the severity of the situation, justifying the crown princes direct intervention. This could lend more weight to the subsequent cleansing of traitors and the progress of the reforms.By the way, the Royal Mother has taken refuge, right?* * *Your Majesty, please!Enough!King Sejong reprimanded the attendants and guards blocking his way.Theres no need for panic! Now is the time for me to act!King Sejong deemed it the right moment for his direct involvement, to show that the situation was critical enough to warrant the kings personal action. This would serve as justification for the subsequent suppression of the rebels and the continuation of reforms.The attendant, with a worried face, remarked,The Crown Prince will be shocked!But King Sejong looked sternly at the attendant and retorted,Isnt that why I told you not to inform the Crown Prince?As he picked up a musket and walked towards where the rebels were coming from, King Sejong paused momentarily and cautiously asked,By the way, the Crown Prince has taken refuge, right?
