🧚 Winning Buddha’s Smile, part 8

“Do you hate Ja-Jo-Mi, too?” asked San-Syeng of the inn-keeper.1

“The same as every one else, sir.”2

“Well, it doesn’t seem an easy matter to me to overthrow this Ja-Jo-Mi.3 He has the army with him and they haven’t much love for the common people.”4

“That’s where you are wrong, sir.5 The only troops really devoted to the Prime Minister’s cause are those at the Capital; in fact, the others are hostile to him.6 Why, the garrison of our town and the Mandarin himself are opposed to Ja-Jo-Mi.7 If our Mandarin were to appeal to the soldiers who are here and if his example were followed by the other Mandarins, Ja-Jo-Mi and his satellites could easily be put down.”8

“But once Ja-Jo-Mi is deposed, whom can they place upon the throne?”9

“That, sir, is a difficult question.10 Unhappily, the King’s son is dead.11 Perhaps, however, a member of the Royal Family might be found who would accept the trust.”12

“And suppose, for the sake of argument, that it were not true that the King’s son were dead?”13

“The simplest thing would be to confer upon him the succession to his father.”14

“Your reasoning is good,” continued San-Syeng.15 “You stand well in the eyes of the people and you are a friend of the Mandarin.16 Would you consent for us to undertake the enterprise?”17

“Willingly,” replied the innkeeper.18 “We should get together on this.19 I must, however, leave you now for a while.20 I’ll see you presently.”21

When he was alone with Ki-Si, San-Syeng asked: “Would you like to join us in our fight against Ja-Jo-Mi?”22 At the question the Prince, who had seemed afflicted with great uneasiness and a sort of illness during the preceding conversation, fell to the floor in a faint.23 San-Syeng turned his attention at once to the prostrate form of his friend who lay as rigid as a log and seemed to be unable to utter the least sound.24 San-Syeng called Cheng-Si and she came running in terror to her husband.25 San-Houni’s son told her what had taken place.26 The young woman threw herself on her husband’s breast and drenched him with her tears.27 San-Syeng, profoundly moved by this sight, cried to Cheng-Si: “In Heaven’s name, madame, tell me who you are!”28

“I have great confidence in you, sir.29 You have saved our lives and I will tell you the truth.30 My husband is Ja-Jo-Mi’s victim, the King’s son.31 I met him by chance.32 I fell into the sea and was carried by a turtle to the island where the Prince was held captive.33 I became his wife and we fled from our prison together and you met us, rescued us, and brought us here.34 That’s our story.35 And, now you understand, sir, do you not?”36

Meanwhile the young King had regained consciousness.37 When San-Syeng observed this he began to withdraw toward the door saying: “Sire, forgive my imprudence--excuse my impatience--.”38

Ki-Si tried to stop him.39

“No, sire, first of all you must pardon the familiarity with which I treated you.40 My excuse is that I did not know with what august personages I was speaking.41 Now that I do know, it is hardly fitting that I remain in the same room as yourselves.”42

It happened that the owner of the inn was passing before the door of the room where Ki-Si and his wife were and San-Syeng promptly told him the story.43 The innkeeper prostrated himself and, with his face to the floor, cried: “It is a supreme honor to be permitted to house Your Majesties.”44

He lost no time in telling the Mandarin, who was thunderstruck with amazement and who could scarcely suppress his joy at hearing the news.45 Summoning an escort of troops, he marched to the inn where the King lodged.46 The soldiers surrounded the house, while the Mandarin, in all the glory of his gorgeous robes, went to pay his respects to the Sovereign.47

The Prince gave him a hearty welcome.48 By his side stood San-Syeng, who, after bowing to the King, turned to the Mandarin and said: “We must take our Sovereign to the To-Wan (the Mandarin’s palace, or town hall) so that he may be sheltered by a roof worthy of his rank.”49

The Mandarin approved this suggestion, and at once the party set out for the To-Wan.50

Hardly was he there before the King turned to San-Syeng, saying: “I wish to bring about a complete re-organization of the Government.”51

“Sire, all my ability, all my strength, are at your disposal,” was San-Syeng’s respectful reply.52

“Good, then you become my General!” replied the Prince.53

San-Syeng was confused, but had to obey the wishes of the Prince and he knew the latter would confer offices only upon those whom he deemed the most worthy among his followers.54 Orders were issued for the preparation of a great banquet and for the dispatch of couriers to all corners of the Kingdom to announce to the people the coming of their King.55

This welcome news put joy and happiness into the hearts of the Koreans, and shouts of joy were heard throughout the length and breadth of the land.56

“O Beloved King!57 Night has vanished to give place to the day.58 The times of wretchedness and evil are gone and the era of happiness is at hand.59 Clouds were hiding the face of the Sun, and the flowers, deprived of light, were wasting away; but the wind has swept away the clouds and the light comes to us again.60 Everything will flourish in the gentle, healthful rays of the wonderful Sun. Hail, son, hail brother--hail to our King!61 Forward!62 Hold back--not for fire, nor for the waters, nor for the mountains.63 Sweep aside all obstacles.64 If the wicked-hearted seek to restrain you, kill them.65 But look ever to the Sun; its warmth will give you strength and courage.66 We want you--beloved King!67 And we will serve you and keep you always.68 Now--away with tender things and soft things--we’re off to war!”69

While the populace was manifesting its delight in talk and other harmless ways, the King was busy with his preparations for the overthrowing of the usurper.70 He questioned San-Syeng as to the distance to the Capital.71 This distance was considerable and, at the advice of his General, he decided that he would put his forces on the march as soon as possible.72

San-Syeng took an active interest in the training of the army.73 To toughen his men, he made them attach small, but heavy, bags of sand to their legs.74 For an entire day they were obliged to march with this equipment.75

The following day, the army broke camp and took the field.76 The soldiers now having only their weapons to carry, made rapid progress.77 At the end of two days they were before the Capital City.78 San-Syeng stationed his troops in a cordon about the city with orders to let no one--no matter who it might be--leave or enter the town.79 Then he wrote an ultimatum, which he ordered to be copied many times on strips of bamboo, and distributed widely in all parts of the city.80 This proclamation announced the arrival of the legitimate King at the head of his army and that His Majesty came to give battle to the unfaithful Minister, Ja-Jo-Mi, the unscrupulous.81 The latter was living in an atmosphere of absolute security.82 Entertainment followed entertainment; feast followed feast.83 Suddenly it was announced to Ja-Jo-Mi that the King’s son was at the gates of the Capital with an army and that there was a great disturbance among the people.84