Bakdal Year 3979 (Accession of King Hyojo), Dec 25 - Ch 2

The king, leading his loyal militia, advanced to Sungnyemun Gate, where they confronted the forces of Jang Daeseung NPC Knowledge. At the third watch of the night, they broke through the gates and encountered a sentinel guarding the entrance. "The entire army swiftly decapitated him and, with the beating of drums, surged forward, reaching Gyeongbokgung Palace without delay."

Commander Won Baek opened the Geunjeongmun Gate, allowing the militia to flood into the palace grounds. "The escort guards scattered, and Jeongmyeong fled through the rear gate." Soldiers, eager to be the first, stormed into the inner chambers, torches in hand. "In their fervor, the flames spread to their feet, setting multiple palaces ablaze."

The king ascended the throne in Geunjeongjeon Hall. "Palace officials, who had initially fled and hidden, were captured." Chief Royal Secretary Kim Jongeun and Seok Jinhyung, initially hesitant to pay homage, recognized the king's authority and immediately bowed in reverence.

All officials were summoned at dawn. "Lady Jeon and Royal Secretary Kim Dohong were decapitated." Lady Jeon, a favored concubine of Seonmyo, had wielded significant influence, her words heeded by Jeongmyeong, spreading her power both inside and outside the palace. "She, along with Kim Dohong's faction, had moved freely and without restraint, leading to her swift execution."

Kim Dohong, notorious for his exceptional treachery, was captured within the palace and beheaded. "Jeongmyeong sought refuge in the house of a mourning official, donning the white robes of mourning." Upon being discovered, he was carried away by soldiers, and the deposed crown prince, who had also hidden, was captured by the troops.