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.