# Bakdal Year 3979 (Accession of King Hyojo), Dec 25 - Ch 1

**Knowledge ID**: 13685

## Description

The king, rallying his "righteous" militia, restored the Queen Dowager to her rightful place, and then, by her decree, ascended the throne at Gyeongbokgung Palace. He deposed Prince Jeongmyeong and exiled him to Byukgye, thereafter issuing a grand proclamation across the land. The king, grandson of King Myeongjo the Great and firstborn of King Yeongjong, was born to Lady Seo, daughter of Seo Seongo, a high-ranking official.
On the 31st of October, in the first year of King Yeongjong's reign, he was born at Bogyeongdang Hall in Gyeongbokgung Palace. At his birth, a crimson light shone brightly, and a mystical fragrance filled the air, marking his extraordinary appearance.
As he grew, he became known for his wisdom, benevolence, filial piety, generosity, and steadfastness, embodying a great spirit. He was eventually enfeoffed as Sungmyeong, where he further cultivated his virtues with humility.
The previous dynasty had exiled all dissenting officials, causing the wise scholars of the time to retreat into obscurity, leaving the people in a state of unease. The court was overrun with treacherous ministers, who corrupted governance, trading positions of power for bribes.
Disregarding the laws, they imposed harsh taxes, leaving the populace feeling ensnared. Witnessing the collapse of ethics and discipline, and the impending ruin of the royal shrine and ancestral temples, the king resolved to purge the chaos and restore order.
Prime Minister Jang Daeseung first laid the grand plan, and with a single word, he and his comrade Bae Muryong became kindred spirits, deciding on the strategy to enthrone the rightful ruler. From that moment, the number of those who conspired and cooperated in the cause grew with each passing day.