More than a month had passed since King Munjong's death and the court was still in a frenzy. The former Crown Prince was now King, and the capital rejoiced. This new ruler would later be called King Danjong.
The battle for power and influence was now a race against time.
Kim Jong-Seo and Hwangbo In were councilors to the young King, like they had been for his father before him. With the support of Princess Gyeonghye, together they kept the power away from Prince Suyang's grasp.
Just like Hwangbo In had anticipated, the Minister of Rites and the Minister of Works had to choose a side as well. In the end, they both chose the King and, consequently, the two state councilors, giving them a majority in the strife for power.
