Heavenly Palace, Hwangjin
The Grand King continues to discuss the details of the Assembly of Notables with the State Council. An unexpected appointment is announced.
Grand King Wonhyo: Let's go back to the amended draft.
Deputy Chief State Minister Oh: Yes, Your Grand Majesty. As we said before, about forty-five members will be directly appointed by Your Grand Majesty. It is my understanding that the the Privy Council and the State Council will nominate a considerate number of candidates to help you with that task.
Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: That's right. Obviously, the nomination is not a requisite, but we have met and have had a number of prominent individuals during our service all these years, so we are prepared to suggest a number of men who are well-known for their loyalty to the Crown.
Royal Secretary: Your Grand Majesty already suggested certain names, of course, but I am certain most of those names may be already mentioned between the candidates.
Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: I would not be surprised, and even I would expect such circumstance, of course.
Grand King Wonhyo: Excellent. It would be still interesting to see if there was any omission in such list.
Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: Of course, Your Grand Majesty. If we mistakenly overlooked such obvious choice, we will be gladly but disappointingly stand corrected.
Grand King Wonhyo: We will see then. You can continue.
Deputy Chief State Minister Oh: Yes, Your Grand Majesty. The remaining sixty-five members will be equally divided in two groups, half of those for candidates and electors from the eight rank to above, and the other half, for those between the ninth and fourteenth rank, in both cases indirectly elected. I have ordered my ministry to prepare a report for each candidate, in case if it was considered necessary to block any of the candidates.
Grand King Wonhyo: Alright. Let's leave that for the end of the process. That would may give some valuable information.
Deputy Chief State Minister Oh: Yes, Your Grand Majesty.
Grand King Wonhyo: Is the organization ready?
Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: I believe so, Your Grand Majesty. It is difficult to say, of course, because such process hasn't even been tried in decades. So the logistics needed to be reorganized. But I trust the efficacy of our state servants, as well as the experience of our Governors. As you know well, there are seven provinces where the process will be absent so that gives us the chance to avoid a bigger challenge, at least this time.
Grand King Wonhyo: I know, Chief State Minister. In any case, if everything goes according to plan, and the experience is successful and fruitful enough, they process can be started in those provinces in six months.
Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: Of course, Your Grand Majesty.
Third State Minister Hongju: On my part, I have suggested the Privy Council a number of candidates from those provinces who have proven their loyalty in those recent circumstances, for your consideration.
Grand King Wonhyo: It will be interesting to hear about them, in that case. Next time, if the assembly proves their utility and service, of course, they may have their second meeting in better circumstances. At least that's my wish. I feel this problem have existed for too long.
Third State Minister Hongju: Yes, Your Grand Majesty. We will do as much as it is possible.
Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: I hope so as well, Your Grand Majesty. It will not be a easy challenge, however, as we were forced to postpone our operations as consequence of the problems in the northeast and, of course, your unfortunate situation which was luckily only temporarily. For that reason, however, we lost some valuable weeks of preparation.
Grand King Wonhyo: Indeed, I am aware of that. But that problem can not continue permanently. For that reason, I have decided that the Third State Minister should be leading the operations in person, this time. I feel this way he may be able to deliver a positive conclusion to this problem.
Third State Minister Hongju: Your Grand Majesty, you surprise me with such appointment.
Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: It is certainly unprecedented, Your Grand Majesty, as long as I remember it.
Grand King Wonhyo: There is no doubt that your leadership helped to solve our last crisis faster than one could have expected, or so I was told. I expect you to repeat this success, this time personally. You will be given all resources and assistance you need for this operation.
Third State Minister Hongju: I take that as an order, Your Grand Majesty.
Grand King Wonhyo: I understand that in cases of absence, it is usually the Chief Minister who temporarily take the tasks and powers in absence. However, in this special case, I propose you are granted special powers to choose a temporary replacement during your absence, to one of your closest associate at your disposal.
Third State Minister Hongju: I will discuss it with my team, Your Grand Majesty.
Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: I feel that would be even more unprecedented, Your Grand Majesty. But we will try to accommodate to such orders.
Grand King Wonhyo: I am confident you will be able to do so. I am not willing that more tasks would unnecessarily fall under your shoulders.
Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: My shoulders are prepared to serve you and the state in any circumstances, Your Grand Majesty.
Grand King Wonhyo: I understand this is not an usual appointment. But I am confident that you will be able to organize your departure as soon as this possible. I will be happy to receive you back with similar unprecedented success.
Third State Minister Hongju: Yes, Your Grand Majesty. I can only...give my best for such...new challenge and responsibility.