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Vignettes / Re: Asadal Playhouse
« on: March 15, 2024, 11:23:45 PM »Heavenly Palace, Hwangjin
Grand King Wonhyo receives Chief General Kim, head of the Central Ground Army, along the three senior ministers of the State Council.
Chief General Kim: The order has been restored in the urban centers and the plains, Your Grand Majesty. The costs and damage was, unfortunately, higher than expected, as we decided to push forward as much as possible, in order to not allow the enemy to reorganize itself. This was mostly successful, as their headquarters were left isolated before our last large offensive. But giving the territory and the scale, we avoided a worse situation.
Grand Wonhyo: That doesn't sound too encouraging, unfortunately. What kind of scenario had you in mind?
Chief General Kim: We tried to avoid fighting in urban areas as much as possible, but we had still some important losses and many civilians were caught in between. A number of villages were completely destroyed and the we were forced to displace a large number of villagers in contested areas. The economic damage was considerate as the enemy burned the fields as they had advanced.
Deputy Chief State Minister Oh: To my knowledge, this affected mostly, although not exclusively, coca and tobacco fields. This will force us to deploy aid during a long time, but we avoided a larger crisis as it did not disrupt the subsistence economy as much as we feared.
Chief General Kim: That's right, for the most part, Your Excellency.
Grand King Wonhyo: I see. It makes sense. What's the situation right now then?
Deputy Chief State Minister Oh: As Jihyeugidung surrendered without resistance, Your Grand Majesty, the instigators and leaders, at least of the religious wing of the movement finally surrendered. Choe Yak-yong, and some of his associated had abandoned the movement earlier to a distant monastery. But I am convinced they have no way to escape and he will be immediately arrested. What remains of their civilian and armed contingent managed to flee toward the mountainous areas. I had ordered, Your Grand Majesty, the Royal Corps to lead the offensive against the insurgency.
Deputy Chief State Minister Oh: As much as we were able to do so in the current circumstances, Your Grand Majesty, we started to administer justice. However, giving the seriousness of their crime, the most important conspirators were isolated in a military prison, while they will await their fate and punishment.
Grand King Wonhyo: A crime is a crime and it can't remain unpunished. However, you should avoid as much as publicity as possible.
Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: I agree on that judgement, Your Grand Majesty. I have suggested that our embassies start to prepare to dismiss any kind of allegations about the situation.
Third State Minister Hongju: For my part, I ordered that no foreigner or suspects was allowed to enter or leave the region.
Chief General Kim: Such order was successfully carried out to my knowledge, Your Grand Majesty. All foreigners remain in our custody.
Grand King Wonhyo: Do not overreact. Let's move cautiously.
Deputy Chief State Minister Oh: Yes, Your Grand Majesty.
Grand King Wonhyo: Regarding that so-called Council of Seven and Choe Yak-yong, my wish is that they are brought to Hwangjin as soon as possible. It would be better if they could be judged here. And I am curious if they can be offer us some benefit in their defeat. I demand that no process start until they arrive and we can plan the next step. As all of you know, I had some plans for this coming season.
Deputy Chief State Minister Oh: I see, Your Grand Majesty...Your orders will be immediately followed.
Grand King Wonhyo: It is enough for now. Provide all resources required to put an end to this. It should not obstruct our plans.
Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: Yes, Your Grand Majesty.