The heated debate between Im Sun-wook and Shin Sook-joo left the court historians and scribes inwardly screaming.
The other officials looked on with troubled faces, for both men’s arguments were reasonable, making it difficult to take sides.
Meanwhile, above the pavilion, Your Majesty wore a feigned serious expression as he observed the exchange.
But inside, he was far from serious.
“Rice cakes! I need rice cakes! Lots of them!”
This was not just any quarrel, but a debate between two factions wielding logic and righteous cause.
Your Majesty had come to understand the true charm of such disputes.
“So this is why watching is so entertaining! Sometimes more fun than the acrobatics of entertainers or the dances of gisaeng!”
Only now grasping the meaning of what Hyang had told him, Your Majesty watched the sparring with a lively face.
“And what else did you say? Right! Suddenly stopping before it overheats, by asking about the opponent’s parents or their rank in the civil service exam. Hmm… when would be the right moment?”
Seeking the perfect moment to end the debate, Your Majesty glanced toward the prime minister and vice prime ministers.
Hwang Bo-in and the left vice prime minister sighed quietly, resting hands on their foreheads, while Kim Jong-seo, who had just been smiling, now wore a fading smile.
“This is it!”