Giving its way to the inevitable arrival of the dark, the light coming from the sun kissed the skies its last goodbye. As the last of the light dipped behind the horizon, a crimson palanquin and several carts entered through the palace gates, scattering servants and courtiers alike, as the caravan pushed inside and finally stopped in the Prime Minister's grand pavilion. The old palace matron, Lady Min, grandly shoved aside the curtains of the palanquin and began instructing her servants to unload the carts, which contained an array of vases, silk, swords, crossbows and more items from the Tang Empire.
"Prime Minister Jung Ho is coming down! Prepare!"
Every servant fell in line on the sides of the hallway inside the pavilion while waiting for an important person to arrive. The nobleman descended from his palanquin, his chin held up high. A robe so silky hid under his satin cloak which dragged to the floor as he walked. His body, sturdy as a palace pillar crafted by the Heavens using a magical chisel, swaggered coldly down the pavilion. Each strand of his ebony hair was meticulously crafted into a topknot supported by a golden pin. His small, pointed nose that complemented the sharpness of his perfectly angular jaws—all those superficial treasures screamed perfection! Among all his physical features, his eyes outperformed them all. Chestnut almonds so bewitching and enticing transcended every person's soul, capable of reading their thoughts and emotions.
He was the Sangdaedeung, the Prime Minister of Silla and the leader of all Hwarang, the kingdom's military. Some people considered him as a demigod due to his flawless physical appearance, but underneath his bewitching looks lay a dark, ruthless beast. These darker rumors were whispered by the servants only in the quietest of corners—that the Prime Minister was magic—that he drank baby's blood and copulated with foreign young women to maintain his youth—that he envied the King.
Everyone bowed their heads as the Prime Minister strolled down the pavilion hallway. He looked straight with a sharp look in his eyes. Nobody dared to steal a glance at any parts of his body as he walked because his every movement made their hearts skipped a beat.
Then he paused.
The servants' hearts throbbed like a horse galloping to escape a ferocious tiger. The Prime Minister turned around and announced, "I wish to see my wife."
Lady Min bowed her head and ordered the servants to organize their Lord's things in his chamber. The Prime Minister left his pavilion, and the frozen servants felt truly unloaded.
~~•~~
Jung Ho strode into his wife's pavilion, her-lady-in-waiting barely announcing his presence before he entered her chambers—sent guards and court ladies bowing and scattering out of his way. A beautiful woman in white robe, sitting in her bed, greeted him with a smile.
"My Lord, what brings you here?" his wife murmured, etching a smile onto her rosy lips.
"Dear, aren't you going to ask how I was?"
"Forgive me, My Lord. You must be tired."
"Why would I be tired? My daughter's right in front of me."
With a zealous look, Jung Ho sat on his wife's bed and caressed the woman's belly. He then rested his head on the baby lump and hummed—a tune so deep and soothing. "Jin Ri, I cannot wait to see you," he cooed, fingers dancing across his wife's robe as he addressed his unborn daughter. "I promise that you will be a fine lady, and you will get whatever your heart desires."
"What a lovely name, My Lord."
Jung Ho turned and smiled at his wife. Strangely, she was stunned, her face drained in color, her heart skipped a beat. An ironic response to a simple smile (she wished!). The Prime Minister sat up and caressed her hands. "Please take care of yourself." his hands suddenly tightened its grip to those soft fingers while maintaining a tame visage. "If I knew that you're skipping your herbal tonics just because they're bitter, I would be very, very disappointed."
He stood and walked to the door, leaving his wife in a mantle of tension.
~~•~~
When Jung Ho finally had reached his bedchamber, he slid the wooden doors open, entering with relief as the weight fell from his shoulders, and he could relax at last. The inside was dimly lit, with a few candles and weakly glowing red lamps. He carefully inspected each piece of furniture on his way to the bed, running his fingers over the round table in the center, the dragon and pigeon centerpieces, his dragon-carved wooden closet, and the expensive ceramics from Tang that had cost a fortune to import. He smiled with exhaustion as he reached his bed at last and slipped his fingers through the sheer black veil and drew it back to expose the pillow and blanket covered bed. With the grateful sight, he sat and lay back, stroking the silk bed sheets and inhaling the gentle fragrance from the orchid-scented candles.
"Nowhere in this entire world beats home."
After a minute, he sat up and continued to admire and survey his furniture. As he inventoried the second to last piece, one of his ladies-in-waiting announced a visitor on the door. He rolled his eyes. "Enter."
The door slid open, and a tall, hideous man walked inside. He wore a fitted long-sleeved robe with a leather vest, while his pants hugged his strong thighs and legs. His most prominent feature, however, was the diagonal scar running down the left side of his face. He bowed, the bronze-coated falcon on his red headband flashing in the candlelight. The symbol meant he was a Gukseon, or Grand Marshal, and the second in command of the Hwarang.
"Chil Yook, it was good to see you again. So tell me, how was the King while I was gone?" Jung Ho asked.
"The King has been very preoccupied these past weeks. It was all about his prediction about the upcoming solar eclipse," Chil Yook reported.
"So, what is his prediction then? When will this solar eclipse occur? Do you know the exact information?"
Chil Yook cleared his throat before continuing, "Well... According to Minister Hoon, the King proclaimed in the council meeting that the solar eclipse will not occur this year."
The Prime Minister's eyes widened, and he burst out into a guffaw. "Idiot! What made him say that?"
"Apparently, Lady Jang has observed changes in the star patterns this year. She claims that it affected the cycle of solar eclipse. To cut it short, the changes in the star patterns in the Taeyanggye caused the alteration in the cycle."
Jung Ho scoffed, his eyes deriding Chil Yook.
Chil Yook continued, "I do not know the specific explanations, My Lord. My apologies."
Shrugging off what Chil Yook said, the proud prime minister started bragging about the more advanced technology of the Tang Empire. A land he looked up and revere so much. "Let me tell you something. The Tang Empire's way of predicting eclipses is as easy as cooking. They use advanced equipment—exclusive and high quality—that only this kingdom can dream of... Not only that, their ways of curing people's diseases, methods of planting crops, water systems, clothing, warfare—name it! They're all way ahead of our time. Their empire is decades away from us."
"You seem truly fascinated by their culture, My Lord."
Jung Ho had an arrogant eyebrow lift and smirked, "Oh but you know what—it's not impossible for Silla to achieve what Tang has... If I were king, this kingdom would savor the things that Tang enjoys."
"What is your plan, My Lord?"
The Prime Minister grinned. "Let the King experience one of the biggest mistakes of his life. This will weaken his position in no time. When that happens, I'll tell you what we should do next."
"So you firmly believe that the eclipse will happen?"
"The solar eclipse never skips its occurrence. Change in star patterns? That's ludicrous. If Lady Jang was a Tang priestess, I would be trembling in fear right now. I might even beg for her guidance."
Jung Ho lounged back in his bed. "Now, do you still have any reports?"
"I guess my next news will make you very interested." Chil Yook left a mysterious smile.
~~•~~
The next morning, the King, along with Dae Wong went to Mount Toham where the Temple of the Priestess was located. A small mountain on the eastern side of the kingdom, about four hours by palanquin. The temple itself was modest by palace standards, only a three-tiered Tang-inspired pagoda, but the oak trees and shrubs surrounding it leveled up its grandiose.
Dae Wong descended the royal palanquin first. Three monks welcomed him. "In what do we owe this honor, Lord Dae Wong?"
"His Majesty would have a word with the Head Priestess."
The monks looked at each other, but before they could reply, the King stepped down from the palanquin, and they dropped to the ground. "Sire, thank Heavens you've had a safe journey!" one said.
Jae Joong glanced at them. "You heard the minister."
"I will check her inside, Sire. Please wait here," a young monk with prominent cheekbones complied.
The volunteer hastened to the temple, his two colleagues offered tea to the King.
"Jasmine tea, Your Majesty. While waiting?"
"No, thank you. Go back to your duties."
The two monks bowed their heads and left. After a few moments, the young monk came back with no Head Priestess. "My apologies, Sire. Unfortunately, Lady Jang could not be disturbed, because she is currently doing her sacred prayers inside."
Jae Joong's eyes narrowed, his lips pursing into a thin line. "Alright. I will wait for her in my palanquin. Call my attention if she is finished." he climbed back to his carriage.
Inside, Jae Joong expressed his sentiments regarding this idea Dae Wong had suggested. "Just like what we had planned yesterday... For me to confirm everything about this eclipse prediction, I should know how she does it—just the basics. I'm aware the kings should not meddle personally with any of the priestess' affairs, but I truly want the ceremony to be just perfect for the next day."
"I sincerely apologize, Your Majesty if I cannot really trust her fully. I am just more worried considering that the Queen is also bearing twins. The more we can't afford any mistakes."
Jae Joong was truly regretful of this late plan. He was really daunted before to do anything because people might think that he was trying to dip his fingers with the priestesses' business. But as the saying goes, "A late plan is still a hundred times better than not giving a try," he had made a decision. He would try to find out and clarify everything that Lady Jang does even though it was a bit late already.
"Sire, the separation of state and religious affairs is clear. According to the law, the king shall not meddle with the formal rituals of the Head Priestess. You will not require her to do a formal ritual. You're not going to be punished just for asking. As you can see, this was what Minister Yeol, Yoo Min and I have been telling you way before—to reconsider your claim and to make sure with everything about this eclipse. We should not let her exploit Science!"
A frown as a response, "Stop bringing up the past. I was too foolish and afraid before... Anyway, after everything is settled here, monitor Lady Jang and report to me all suspicious actions," Jae Joong ordered.
~~•~~
Half an hour had passed. A nangdo outside reported that Lady Jang was finished. The King and the minister stepped down the palanquin as Lady Jang apologized for making them wait. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I hope you understand."
Without even acknowledging the apology, Jae Jong blurted out his concern. "I want to know how you make your predictions. What do you use to predict the eclipse properly? You have mentioned that you have devised your own ways, but I have not seen any of them," Jae Joong demanded.
Lady Jang gulped. "I use rituals, Sire," she answered. The skeptical king crossed his arms and looked askance to her.
"Err... and almanacs too—for calculations!" she continued. She bit her lip and looked down feeling sheepish, her eyes darting sideways as her mind raced. What is wrong with the King? Why is he asking these questions out of nowhere? Does he doubt me now? How could that...
"I want to see them... now."
Lady Jang's face turned pale, and she just wanted to vanish instantly from the King's sight. Her mind quickly processed any excuse that she could mention to him, but there was only complete bleakness.
Squinting his eyes, observing the Head Priestess's reactions, Jae Joong imagined what his most trusted right hand kept saying. Dae Wong is right. What are you hiding, Lady Jang?
He gave a brief smirk at the Head Priestess. Lady Jang composed herself, trying to appear outwardly calm because she did not want to look too nervous in front of the King. "Sire, forgive me for saying this, but I do not think you can meddle with the holy business of the temple. I am sorry but I cannot," she said softly, bowing her head.
"Know this. This is not about me, trusting you or not. I just need assurance of an accurate prediction. I would be at peace if I could understand the technical things you have mentioned before."
Lady Jang threw a quick glance at him. The King continued, "I know the law. A ritual is not necessary for now. All I want is mere transparency and enlightenment."
At the pressure, Lady Jang ran out of excuses at last. With a sigh, she waved her arm towards the temple. "As you insist, Your Majesty."
She mentioned that she is only taking the King, and not Dae Wong or any of his people to her sanctuary, where she conducted her prayers and performed her rituals for predictions, deep in the bowels of the temple far into the mountain. Deal sealed! Jae Joong followed her down to the lowest point of the temple. A narrow subterranean hallway filled with candles. At the end, there stood the holy room. It was small, dimly-lit, and surrounded by sculptures of dragons and phoenix heads by the wall. Book-filled tables and other religious equipment (amulets, herbs, vials with colored crushed powders) lay at the center. An altar in front sat on a painted red circle surrounded by light pink veils. The heart of the room, the most sacred spot, the place where humans communicate with deities.
Lady Jang paused at one of the tables and touched the carved leather cover of a thick book. "This, Your Majesty, is the almanac that I use. It came from the Göktürks and Tang. I use this to interpret the movement of the stars and to predict a major heaven phenomenon."
One by one, she discussed all the equipment and rituals needed to make her predictions. Finally, she opened a black-covered book. It had brown pages and writing and symbols in black ink. She pointed out two specific images (like a food web of stars or planets... whatever, normal mortals would not understand anyway) on one page to support her claim. "Sire, as you can see here, the patterns say that solar eclipse happens every thirty-three years. This year, on the seventh day of the fourth lunar month, these two points should have intersected here but as you can see, no intersection happened since the alignment of the stars changed as seen here. Your term is special, Your Majesty. The only year in the cycle where the moon's shadow fears passing through the sun."
At the end of her explanation, Jae Joong's lips were pursed with understanding, but he still did not seem convinced.
"Is there anything else that you want to confirm, Sire?" she asked respectfully.
Raising his thick eyebrows, Jae Joong smiled subtly. "Certainly, you are correct. The eclipse will not happen. I can finally be ready for the ceremony," Jae Joong said.
Glancing at her with sharp eyes, the King left the sanctuary and went back to his palanquin.
~~•~~
As the royal palanquin traveled back to the capital, Dae Wong asked the King about what happened between him and Lady Jang. Jae Joong relayed the entire story. In the end, his fingers were tapping rapidly on the tiny table between them, and his lips were turned down. "You were correct," he acknowledged.
"Something is definitely wrong. She was talking fast, and her hands were shaking. I think she did not tell me everything while browsing a black-covered almanac. It seemed comprehensive, but she was quite inconsistent with her statements. I guess it's true—to see is to believe is not always true."
"That's it, Sire. Clearly, she's hiding something. That is the one we need to know."
"Ah, by the way. I got an idea. This almanac she uses... do you think we can get it?"
Smiling at his ruler, Dae Wong gave him assurance. "Worry not, Sire. I will think about it. We can get that without you being involved."
"I trust you. Do it."
As a relief from the stressful situation he just had, Jae Joong's voice toned down a bit, changing the subject. "Anyway, I think I should welcome my brother and settle some things with him."
__________
NOTES:
Sangdaedeung (상대등) - Prime Minister or the leader of the noble council of Silla.
Hwarang (화랑) - an elite group of men who were trained to be soldiers and royal guards. It was lead by the Prime Minister in general and followed by the Grand Marshal. After the Grand Marshal, the Chief Officers or Pungwolju (풍월주) were assigned to lead a certain Hwarang clan. In that time, there were fourteen hwarang clans in Silla which were led by a Hwarangdo (화랑도). These Hwarangdos were the ones responsible to train the Nangdo (낭도) or simply the trainees every day.
Gukseon (국선) - Grand Marshal of Hwarangs.
Mount Toham (토함) - a small mountain on the eastern side of Silla Kingdom where temples were mostly located.
Göktürks - the nomadic confederation of Ancient Turkic people in Inner Asia.