The sky was cloudy. Being early summer, it was unnatural to say the least. In the mountainous countryside, a large traditional house sat, surrounded by a garden that to say the least, was peaceful to look at. Being mostly made from wood, the house emitted a peaceful vibe. It looked like a place where a wise man would reside and awaited for anyone to converse with. The area was surrounded by the thick woods that made up most of the countryside. A bird chirped, it’s call echoing in the forest while a gentle breeze flew across the area.
*tick tock tick tock*
The aged wooden clock hung, time reading 1: 21.
A aged man, in his 50’s sat, enjoying a warm cup of tea while gazing out into his garden wearing a traditional Honbyu. After all, the garden was a result of his hard work. Everything was placed carefully and thoughtfully, the pond, trees, and even the large rocks. He smiled, thinking back to his youth, where he by hand, created this garden. Then,
*knock knock*
The man turned to the direction of the sound, waited for a few seconds and got up to answer the door.
“Ah, Hello Kyui-Ho.” the visitor greeted while bowing.
“Hello Interior Minister Ta-Kui, how are you currently doing?” answered Kyui-Ho.
“Well thanks for your concern.”
“You must have had a long journey Ta Kui. Please enter.”
“Ah, thank you for your concern.”
Kyui-Ho walked towards the room, leading Ta-Kui in the process. Donning a Navy Blue uniform, the interior minister was in his 40’s with combed hair just beginning to grey. He sat right next to the table enjoying the garden. Kyui-Ho called over his server and whispered to his ear. The room was a large one with a glistening light brown bamboo floor. The wall to his right was a picture of Kyui-Ho but younger.
The servant returned with a cup of tea and handed it to the Interior Minister, then proceeded to leave the room.
“What a nice garden you have here.” Ta-Kui stated while sipping on his tea.
“Thanks”
“Say, you were just layed off from your post?” asked Ta-Kui
“Yes, Grand Minister Tae-Hanju did relieve me from my position as army general.”
“Well why? For over 30 years I’ve seen you to be a loyal and competent army general.”
“Well my frankly, it’s because I’m old. He wants to open up and modernize and country. And
I guess getting rid of old fashioned guys is part of his plan. To be honest, I am quite bothered with the group Tae-Hanju is going to put in power. What I am worried about is the Ui faction in the government. As far as I know, they are just old-fashioned like me. I am afraid they are going to be laid off too and replaced, no wait, they ARE. And they are going to be replaced with those dam businessmen. I tell you, it’s going to be an oligarchy.”
“Come on, what so bad about them, as much as I don’t like them, we do have to consider the predicament we are in. ”
Kyui-Ho bellowed a great laugh.
“Nice one. I am worried about the businessman running the country. You can’t trust those people. After all, they aren’t the one working hard or putting their backs to it. They just sit back reaping the rewards.” Kyui-Ho stated begrudgingly.
“Well, maybe just open up even a little bit.”
“Oh no don’t tell me they got to you too.”
“Ah, no no. It's not like that. I’m just saying that maybe we need those businessmen to grow. Today’s world from what I’ve heard is an economic one. I mean what are you going to do if the recently fired officials are going to rebel?”
“If they rebel, then I don’t know. I simply cannot agree to let those new oligarchs take power.”
Ta-Kui drank tea as he watched over the garden. He simply thought about which side the former Army General would take. And it became increasingly obvious that the former Army General was sympathetic to the Ui faction, the faction that would probably rebel with the news of the installation of a change of government position. He would have to notify Tae-Hanju about this.
With a sigh, Ta-Kui excused himself.
“Ah, well, I am quite busy. So if you don’t mind.” Said Ta-kui while beginning to stand up
“Going so soon?”
“Well I am Interior Minister after all.”
“Well, then have a nice day.”
With that, Ta-Kui walked towards the door.