Dissonant noise permeated the hall as divisional administrators and their deputies chatted amongst one another. It was an unprecedented meeting called by the King himself which summoned them to Bangkok. Over the last year, the administrators had a tough time, although they were given almost all of the tax earnings, raising a division of trained men was a very hard job and many disliked the concept. That, and the plans for next year (plus the usual politicking) was on every man's lips as they awaited the arrival of King Chulalongkorn, fifth King of the Chakri Dynasty. Of course, no one referred to the King as Chulalongkorn, he was Rama V and that was how he would be addressed.
"Phra Ram Ti Ha!" the footman at the door announced in a voice loud enough to drown all conversation in the room. The administrators stood up as a sign of respect to the figure walking up the red carpet towards the large chair at the other end of the hall. Not his gold throne, but far more comfortable. It was made from the best Malay jati wood and lined with fine leather imported from the Federated Kingdoms. The King sat down and the footman announced the ritual "His Majesty now allows you to sit."
"Loyal divisional administrators," he began, "I have summoned you to my palace to discuss the things which are happening across the glorious Kingdom of Siam. First of all, let me congratulate all of you on a job well done. I knew the job of raising additional troops will be difficult, yet all of you suceeded. I hear the people are unhappy, but tell them that our nation will remain stronger in the event of any strife. Each division has its own personal defence force, and that is something which the people will see in time. I want you to help them see it faster, tell them what I've said and tell them not to lose confidence in me, for I can tell this is important in uniting the people." The administrators nodded to the wisdom of the King, it wouldn't do to do otherwise - although in this case, there was no reason to think otherwise. Indeed, they were surprised the King himself would congratulate the men in the hall personally. Usually, he would've just sent out a letter signed and sealed.
"Now, we have to develop the nation and bring it to further glory. You already know the plans underway, but I want to hear from you the situation in your divisions. You are responsible for the running of the divisions but if there is anything which needs to be known by the nation as a whole, and something which could advance the cause of Siam, do bring it forward - for you represent your division, and act as my eyes and ears."
And thus, for the next two days, discussions were conducted and the King came out far wiser of the happenings in his kingdom, and ready to work them out.
