RED STAR IN THE SKY GORYEO (The Scent Of Life 2)
CHAPTER 28 HASH

Mourning period. The atmosphere is all white, a symbol of deep sadness after the death of King Hyejong. Not only the palace is decorated with white shades but throughout the country. They were forbidden to perform feasts and joyous things in honor of the time of mourning for the death of the King.

The court accelerated the appointment of a new king to take care of the state and the vacancy of the throne. Wang Yo presided over the ceremony of death and mourning for her brother. After performing those rituals, he began to carry out a cleansing strategy of the people around him. 

"Make Wang So come before me" King Jeongjeong ordered from the throne to the eunuch.

The eunuch saluted, then went to follow orders

Wang So stood before Wang Yo who was now titled King Jeongjong. Wang So's expression flatly looked at her brother.

"You see now So-ah. I sat down at the end of the day" said Wang Yo, King of Jeongjong.

"Whoever you are, it doesn't change my outlook on you" said Wang So

"At least show me your gratitude. You've tripped me up before and got me exiled. But I'm not gonna kill you. At this time there is no one but me who will protect you and the people of Goryeo" said Wang Yo. "So is your life" continued Wang Yo bragged.

Wang So quietly did not answer, at this time he still wants to make peace with his brother

"I want to move the capital to Pyeongyang. I want you to handle this. Prepare everything," Wang Yo ordered

Wang So was silent as if he was hard-hearted to take orders even though he finally said his willingness.

"Alright," Wang So replied and saluted and walked out of the king's room.

Wang Yo looked cynically at the figure of Wang So who slowly walked out of the king's room. Wang Yo recalls her mother's advice, Queen Shin, to keep Wang So away from the palace. He wants Wang So to take care of the capital's move to Pyeongyang.

Queen Shin also suggested that Wang Jung be sent to the border so as not to become a stumbling block. To Wang Wook, Queen Shin argued it could still be tied his legs to control, as her clan was not a powerful clan. The chances of rebelling are very small.

Wang So walked down the palace stairs thinking of himself going to Pyeongyang. He's going to pioneer the capital's displacement. Wang So will be leaving Songak for a long time. During that time he won't meet with Byeol, while he can't keep his promise to the girl.

***

Songak was beginning to calm down. Three years of mourning left a dark trail worth remembering. Life in Songak is starting to return to normal. That afternoon Wang So was sitting in his room when Sunhwa came to visit. Sunhwa Wang Wook's sister saluted. He saw the figure of Wang So whom he loved since childhood. They grew up together, and considered Wang So like her own brother. However, when she changed her gaze, she no longer looked at Wang So as her brother, but the male figure she loved. Even though he knew right now he was clapping one hand.

It was common in the Goryeo period that a king married off their own children from another mother, for the sake of blood purity, and clan. That way, power will not fall on people outside the king's line. So does Sun Hwa who hopes she can marry Wang So, her half-sister.

"For a long time no noble," said Sunhwa kindly.

"Sunhwa."

"I'm here to greet you. I heard you were going to be sent to Pyongyang" Sunhwa said

"Yes," Wang So replied briefly

Sunhwa looked around and her eyes stopped on Byeol's painting.

"I feel familiar with the face of the girl in this painting. Who yeah? Aaah, Mr. Choi's daughter," guessed Sunhwa trying to bring up Byeol.

Wang So just kept quiet without commenting. His hands were still writing something on paper. The swish of Sunhwa's heart and jealousy escaped Wang So's sight.

"Movement of capitals. It is a hard thing and takes a long time. Did you realize it was just the king's strategy to get rid of you?"

Wang So stopped writing and looked towards Sunhwa.

"I know that," Wang So replied flatly.

"We grew up together. I know very well about you. You're the one who will act right away, if anyone is treated unfairly. I know you're ambitious and suspicious even if you don't show it openly. I know you're the most loving among the king's sons. Is it impossible to be king?" said Sun Hwa trying to provoke Wang So.

Wang So was surprised by Sunhwa's words, but made no comment.

"You deserve more to be king than Wang Yo. Had you been king, our clan would have supported you completely" Sun Hwa continued.

"Why do you want me to be king?" asked Wang So.

"Our clan has no strong influence. We are weak people. Only people like you can protect us. You see for yourself the king's policy of siding only with the Seogyeong clan and not with the Silla clan like us. You are different from Wang Yo even though you are brothers. We, the Silla clan need someone like you" Sunhwa explained, "I want you to marry me and I will help you become the king of this land" Sunhwa urged.

Wang So just silently thought about Sunhwa's words.

***

Sunhwa walks out leaving Wang So alone. He stopped and smiled. His passion was successfully conveyed to Wang So to ease his path to the throne. If Wang Wook does not want to be king, then he will find a way for Wang So to become king. The previous night she had argued about her ambitions with her brother, Wang Wook.

"Sister, you must be king to protect our clan. That's the only way. By becoming king, there will be no more power to suppress us. Wang Yo could've done things that would hurt us considering you've done it. We should take a lesson from Wang Gyu's case,"

"What do you say, I have no ambition to be king,"

"If you don't want to, then let me make my way to the throne. Only by being powerful will no one dare to pressure us,"

"What are you planning?" ask Wang Wook

"I'll do it according to my own plan, if you don't want to support me" Sunhwa said and walked out of her brother's study

Wang Wook could do nothing if his sister had ambition and desire. Sunhwa wants to be the queen of Goryeo. He wanted Wang So the male figure he had loved since childhood to be king. She wanted to marry Wang So, so the Silla clan would be protected. There is no one stronger than the king.