RED STAR IN THE SKY GORYEO (The Scent Of Life 2)
CHAPTER 27 THE ALLIANCE

In a log cabin in the forest, two people sat facing each other. All around them were loyal guards guarding, ready with swords in hand. One old man in a moustache and one man who was seen injured was wrapped in cloth.

"Wang Yo's. How's your condition?" ask the old man

"It's better Mr. Wang Gyu," Wang Yo replied

"Goryeo's condition is being shaken. There are rumors circulating that King Hyejong is seriously ill. The Khitan are also attacking the border. That man killed Wang Eun. I can't just shut up" said Wang Gyu

"Do you have a plan?" ask Wang Yo

"I think we should make our assault on the palace once the king's condition is dying,"

"What about the troops?" ask Wang Yo

"My loyal followers are still many in the palace. Couldn't Queen Shin also do secret lobbies to make you the next king of Goryeo? I will move them," Wang Gyu said

Wang Yo silently thought about the strategy of attacking the palace once King Hyejong was declared dead. His meeting with Wang Gyu was a lucky one for him. When he fell into the river, Wang Gyu's men sought him out and helped him.

He knew allying with Wang Gyu would make it easier to become king of Goryeo. He knew Wang Gyu would not let him be a king other than himself, because Wang Eun was dead. He also had a plan to stab Wang Gyu from behind once he ascended the throne. Wang Yo realized Wang Gyu was also harnessing his power.

"Prepare spies to enter the palace. As soon as Hyejong is declared dying, we attack in layers" Wang Yo said with piercingly sharp eyes filled with vengeance.

***

Time scales move unbalanced. On one side Wang Yo and his allies rallied forces from outside the palace, while on the other side King Hyejong was nearing his death. The news of the King being sick and dying was kept secret by the palace in order to maintain the stability of the country and avoid the unrest of the people.

Queen Janghwa is worried about being with Lord Choi in the king's room. Byeol waited outside the room. Until that moment the king did not give a statement as to who would be his successor. Lord Choi walked out of the room and saw the eunuch of the king's palace running along the passageway.

"Mr ... Mr. ..cruise. There was news of the coup from his highness Wang Gyu, their army is heading to the palace," the eunuch said as he adjusted his gasping breath.

Byeol and Lord Choi were shocked to hear the news. Lord Choi went into the room and reported this to Queen Janghwa. But she saw Queen Janghwa crying sobbing because the king had died. In 945, King Hyejong's second year reigns, but death ends all. Lord Choi was dumbfounded by surprise, then ordered Eunuch Han to call General Park. General Park was a close friend of King Taejo, a friend of the struggle in uniting the three kingdoms (Silla, Goguryeo and Baekje).

General Park and Wang So were on guard at the inner fort with his troops welcoming the arrival of Wang Gyu's troops who were moving towards the palace. Eunuch Han ran towards General Park and whispered something. General Park was surprised and silently looked up at the sky.

"Hei Wang-goen, your son caught up with you without any will" said General Park, taking a deep breath and exhaling to reduce the burden of grief in his heart.

***

The two armies faced off. Then Wang Gyu shouted for the command to attack. Human flow like flood water moves together in the middle of the field. Attack each other and slash each other. The arrows from both sides split the air. The horses screamed in a boisterous voice of a human cry in pain and full of anger.

Wang Wook faced off against Wang Gyu. Their battle is balanced. Wang Jung confronts his own brother Wang Yo.

"Jung-ah .. You better back off. I don't want to smear my sword with my brother's blood" Wang Yo said

"How can I let you betray the will of the previous king. Hyejong is the rightful king of Goryeo. As long as he is still enthroned, I will defend him" Wang Jung replied.

They continued the sword duel until Wang Jung finally caught a sword in his arm, and his sword fell to the ground.

From a distance Wang So carried a white flag followed by several soldiers approaching the battle area.

Seeing Wang So's arrival, Wang Wook shouted giving the command to retreat. All the troops still fighting are retreating. The war stopped. Wang So rode a horse near Wang Wook and relayed that King Hyejong had died. Wang Wook was surprised

"There is currently no choice but to make peace" Wang Wook said.

Wang Wook understood that if Hyejong died, the rightful king should be Wang Yo, unless the king appointed someone to replace him.

"Your Majesty the king did not leave any will," Wang So explained to Wang Wook.

***

Ministers at the prime minister's house held an emergency meeting. They agreed to appoint Wang Yo as Hyejong's successor rather than Wang Gyu. They had no solution to get rid of Wang Gyu. They were sure that Wang Gyu was feeling the upper hand at the moment, having managed to take Hyejong down even if it was just a stroke of luck. One of them sent someone to inform General Park of their meeting in front of the palace.

It was seen that Wang Gyu and Wang Yo entered the palace courtyard with some troops. They stood upright and their eyes looked sharply at the palace. Wang So, Wang Wook and Wang Jung are behind them. General Park still quietly stood in front of the king's palace with Byeol. Wang Gyu then laughed out loud seeing the results of his efforts so far had been fruitful. He will be the next king of Goryeo. Suddenly Wang Yo pointed her sword at Wang Gyu's neck.

"You, what is this?" w.a.n.g Gyu asked with wide eyes to see the glint of the sword that was on his neck.

Without replying, Wang Yo had already slashed at Wang Gyu's hand that was holding the sword. Wang Gyu fell to the ground while holding his missing hand next door.

"I knew you would. Don't expect you to be the next Goryeo king" Wang Yo replied.

Wang Gyu's eyes glared furiously as he was betrayed by his allies. Then mercilessly Wang Yo slashed at Wang Gyu's neck which finally rolled to the ground. Byeol who saw it suddenly dazed and his eyes twitched. But he can still hold back.

What he saw in front of the palace gate when it first became a reality. All the princes and General Park and his troops finally paid their respects to Wang Yo. They recognized Wang Yo as the next king of Goryeo.