One of these reforming edicts signed under compulsion had ordered the immediate abolishment of the Top Knot.  The Top Knot was the symbol of nationality and personal dignity.  A man without it was less than nothing, and its assumption was the most important event in his life.  The ceremony was costly.  But what money could be saved from the officials was freely given to the sorcerers and astrologers, who must determine the proper moment and place, and the sacrifices which would be required when their ancestors were informed of the important event which had taken place!  Then, when this horn-shaped knot had been covered by a high hat of gauze tied tightly on with ribbons, the Korean arose transformed into a being of dignity and consequence.  It was the abolishment of this sacred adornment which brought about a rebellion.  Those who did not obey the order were hiding from the officials, while those who did were mobbed and in danger of being killed by the populace.

The King’s first act after his escape was to issue a royal proclamation disclaiming with horror the edict degrading and casting infamous reflections upon his beloved Queen.  It also rescinded the edicts he had signed under compulsion.  It said:  “As to the Top Knot, no one shall be forced.  Do as you please”; and he continues:  “Traitors by their crimes have made trouble.  Soldiers, come and protect us!  You are our children!  You are all pardoned.  But when you meet the chief traitors” (naming them) “cut off their heads at once and bring them.

“Soldiers, attend us at the Russian Legation.”

Within an hour all were aware of the repeal of the Top Knot decree, and several of the cabinet officers had been beheaded on the streets of Seoul.

Although the Government of the Mikado was innocent of any complicity with this crime, renegade Japanese officials had been leaders in the plot, and Japanese ascendancy had received a severe blow.  A point had also been secured by Russia, when the King for one year ruled his kingdom from her legation at Seoul.  It is easy to conceive that the distracted man, grateful for protection, did at this time, as is supposed, consent to the purchase of lands and cutting of timber by the Russians on the Yalu, which the following year (1896) expanded into a grant of an extended tract, and became the centre of a large Russian industry in Northern Korea.  And it is significant that Admiral Alexieff was one of the prime movers in this project, which to Japan seemed to have a thinly veiled political purpose, and which became, in fact, one of the chief casus belli.