🧚 Winning Buddha’s Smile, part 1 · page 2

Such in substance were the reflections of the Prime Minister, but it would be necessary to find a pretext for the exile of Sun and Ja-Jo-Mi, the clever, was not long in devising a scheme.82

He resolved to write a letter to San-Houni full of bitter criticisms and threats against the King.83 This letter he would sign with the name of Sun-Yen.84 Then he would place it in the King’s hands with the story that it had been found on the road by a police agent.85

No sooner said than done.86 The letter was written.87 Ja-Jo-Mi, adopting a disguise, left his home and, dropping the missive in the path of an agent of police, passed on in the darkness of the Korean night.88 When the agent walked by he picked up the letter and naturally glanced around but there was no one in sight.89 He carried the note directly to his chief so that the latter could look over the contents and restore it to its owner.90

The Chief of Police read the letter through with great astonishment.91 Desiring to give a proof of his zeal, he ran to the palace and in a mysterious manner demanded an immediate audience with the King.92 The monarch had the Chief of Police brought to him at once and was given the forged letter.93 One can well imagine the surprise of the King.94 Anxious for light upon the amazing situation he again called his Prime Minister.95

Ja-Jo-Mi, the clever, came with dispatch.96 The King passed over to him the malicious letter, asking if he believed that Sun-Yen was really the author.97 The Prime Minister pretended to read the communication.98 He saw that the King was in a state of uncertainty and he determined to take advantage of it in order to ruin Sun-Yen, once and for all time.99

“Sire,” he said, “it often happens that we are deceived by those whom we deem most faithful.100 As far as Sun is concerned, I consider him perfectly capable of this infamous business.101 I have known for a long while that he has been thinking and dreaming of taking your place on the throne.102 As for the annoyance which he caused you a short time ago, he was the principal instigator of that himself.”103

“That’s enough, my faithful Ja-Jo-Mi.104 Have Sun thrown into prison.105 He will be tried immediately.”106

The Prime Minister, rejoicing over his triumph, had Sun-Yen taken into custody.107 When the King was informed of his arrest he went personally to interview the prisoner.108

“Do you recognize this?” he shouted in rage, holding out the letter.109

Words fail to give an idea of Sun’s astonishment.110 He realized that he was the victim of a devilish plot but such was his stupefaction that he could utter nothing in his own defense.111 He burst into tears.112

The King continued: “I would never have believed this of you.”113

“Sire, I know nothing of this,” wailed the wretched Sun.114

These words irritated the King.115

“Ah, you understand nothing,” he cried.116 “Tell me, then, who is the writer of this letter?”117

“In any case, it was not I, sire.”118

“Of course.119 Now just listen to me.120 You have heard the proverb about the smoke?”121

“Yes, sire.”122

“Well, you know where there is smoke there is fire.123 I mean by this that if you had not been moved by evil intentions, you would not have addressed this letter to your friend.”124

“Sire, I see whence comes this evil.125 The revelations which I recently made to you have stirred up hatred in the hearts of certain personages who desire to bring about my ruin.126 There’s a black heart at work.127 I swear to you that I am innocent.”128

“So that’s all you have to say for yourself?129 That’s enough.”130

The King withdrew, leaving Sun in despair.131 He ordered the Prime Minister to banish Sun at once and designated his place of exile as Kang-Sin.132 San-Houni, who was also compromised in the plot, was exiled to Ko-Kum-To.133

Escorted to his home by an agent of police, Sun told his wife what had happened.134 The unfortunate woman was prostrated with grief.135

“What did I tell you the other day,” she said to her husband, but she soon gained control of herself and regarded the misfortune which had fallen on both of them in a calm light.136

“Let us be resigned, my dear.137 Doubtless it will be painful to live so far from our King and our friends but at least we shall have peace in the future.”138

Without delay, they busied themselves with preparations for the departure.139 Sun summoned a few poor families to whom he distributed the little money he possessed.140

’Twas but a short while and the moment to leave was at hand.141 Sun-Yen and his wife found it hard to break away from the embraces of their relatives and weeping friends.142

_Here endeth the first step of our legend.143

II144

II145

The journey of Sun-Yen and his wife to the Island of Kang-Sin was uneventful and they were soon alone in their new home.146 Their guards then returned to the capital.147

What especially troubled Sun was the idea that his wife might be lonely and depressed in this isolated place.148 He spoke of this to her but she replied with a great deal of cheerfulness, “Do not trouble yourself about me.149 I have decided to follow you wherever you may go and I shall never find the time wearisome so long as I am with you”--the mark of a dutiful wife.150

As a matter of fact, the days passed for our two exiles just as quickly as if they had been living among their relatives and friends.151 Very soon signs of Spring were to be seen.152 So Sun said to his wife one day:153

“Spring time has come, it is a delightful day.154 Let us take advantage of it and go for a little outing.”155

“With pleasure, my dear.”156

“Good, let us climb the mountain if we can.”157

They set out gaily.158 On seeing them one would never have thought they were the victims of Fate.159 They enjoyed to the fullness of their hearts the charm of the landscape which lay about them, and happiness was in their souls.160 Madame Sun was overflowing with joy.161

“How peaceful everything is,” said she to her husband.162 “It is a real pleasure to be walking here alone with you.163 When we lived at the Capital I was never able to accompany you in your walks.”164

“You are right.165 I was forced to conform to the customs of the country.”166

“Now we are at the foot of the mountain,” she continued.167 “What a beautiful panorama lies before us.168 Just look at it.169 I feel a poetic instinct within me.170 Listen to these verses:171

The day is beautiful; amid the shrubs Are fragrant blossoms, clustered in sweet sleep, The butterflies that seek them eagerly Seem poised to count each rain-bow tinted leaf.172 And stupid with the heat the serpent lies Stretched lazily along the languid boughs.173 Among the reeds that tremble in the wind, Deliberate leaps the frog, while swallows pass Bearing the insect-prisoners to their nests.”174

“Do you know,” she mused, “these animals are happier than we.”175