War Is Making the Enemy Furious - 3
Hanhai, or Bukhae. A vast lake located north of the Mongol steppes. Despite the "hai" character in its name suggesting a sea, it's merely a lake. The only issue is its overwhelming size, large enough to mock even Dongting Lake.
Situated in the far north of the expansive Mongol grasslands, it's a distant and unfamiliar place from our Central Plains' perspective. Yet, during Emperor Wu of Han's reign, General Huo Qubing of the vanguard cavalry advanced as far as Hanhai. In a way, it could be seen as territory once touched by Central Plains' footsteps.
The eastern shores of Hanhai are under Mongol control, while 'to the west lies Beukhae Binggung.'
Beukhae Binggung. A murim force from beyond our borders, commonly called the outer murim. Having no ties to Daesong due to its location outside the Central Plains, it nonetheless groaned under Mongol tyranny just like us when their power pierced the heavens. At times, they were forcibly conscripted at the Mongols' call.
Though distant in miles, Beukhae Binggung feels close in spirit. Comrades who suffered under the same tyrant, fighting oppression from different fronts. Indeed, after His Majesty the Emperor rose in rebellion, Beukhae Binggung's warriors in the Central Plains revolted and returned home. There've been no major updates since, but the situation is easy to surmise.
The Mongols, expelled from the Central Plains, lacked the capacity to control Beukhae Binggung. Had they crushed the revolt, they'd have boasted about it grandly.
'But no such news came.'
This means the Mongols failed to subjugate Beukhae Binggung. In other words, the western shores of Hanhai are outside Mongol influence. A barren, frigid land, but one that could force the Mongols into a two-front war.
If we forge a successful alliance with Beukhae Binggung, we could squeeze the Mongols from north and south.
"Geum-ui-wi Ji-hwi-sa."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Habuk and Shanxi can already be considered full battlegrounds. What of Gansu?"
"Not a single Mongol soldier—or even beast—has set foot in Gansu."
"I see."
It was exactly the answer I wanted, so I nodded. Approaching Hanhai from Gansu is more efficient than marching north from Habuk. Especially if our destination is Beukhae Binggung to the west.
In that context, Gansu remains untouched by Mongol hands. We must breach the border swiftly and reach Beukhae Binggung before even Gansu is engulfed in flames.
'Will they cooperate willingly, though?'
Back when the Mongols dominated the Central Plains at their peak, it might've been different. But their current state is laughably diminished by comparison. From Beukhae Binggung's perspective—already independent—there's no need to clash with the Mongols again or ally with Daesong. With no Mongol gaze upon them unless they join the fray, they can simply watch as their neighbor weakens.
'How to handle this.'
I tapped the armrest of the jade throne, organizing my thoughts. Just as the Mongols shake Daesong internally with their beasts, we must press a dagger called Beukhae Binggung to their throats. They constrain us with beasts; we must constrain them with Beukhae Binggung. Only then can we meet as equals on the battlefield.
We must persuade the indifferent Beukhae Binggung and summon them to the front lines.
'Safest bet is supplies or expanded trade.'
Unlike the official non-aggression with Central Plains murim, Mongols and Beukhae Binggung are independent powers. This gives Beukhae Binggung freedom of action but also means no Mongol aid if they starve or freeze. And Hanhai is a land of such harsh winters that "barren" doesn't do it justice.
The Mongols at least have vast steppes beyond Hanhai; Beukhae Binggung has nothing of the sort. They've likely suffered shortages for decades, even centuries.
To win them over, we solve that scarcity. Whisper promises of abundant Central Plains goods if they join us in crushing the Mongols—allow massive trade deals. And incite them to seize Mongol steppe lands. Why eke out a miserable existence by Hanhai forever?
'The steppes are more beautiful when divided.'
Historically, a fractured steppe meant peace for the Central Plains. Didn't the Mongols turn on us right after unifying it? Plus, if Beukhae Binggung's involvement topples the Mongols—leading to their defeat against Daesong—their gaze will shift there, not beyond the Great Wall.
Beukhae Binggung will foresee that. We must make them believe participation profits them more. Steel their resolve: better to oppose the Mongols and gain prosperity.
"Hear this, Geum-ui-wi Ji-hwi-sa."
"Command me, Your Majesty."
"For the people's peace and northern stability, We shall join Beukhae Binggung in subjugating the Mongols. We shall clasp hands once more with comrades who endured their past oppression."
At my declaration, the Geum-ui-wi commandant prostrated himself.
This won't be easy. Even if Gansu is quieter than Habuk or Shanxi, it means crossing the border and traversing thousands of li through enemy territory. Even then, no guarantee of Beukhae Binggung's cooperation.
That's why entrust it to the Geum-ui-wi. Loyal, resilient warriors who conquer any hardship. Perfect proxies to convey my will.
'Can we rely solely on the Geum-ui-wi, though?'
They're generally straightforward and tough. Excellent at field intel, but negotiation skills are questionable. Domestically, imperial authority compensates—their name, prowess, and intel suffice.
Abroad, though? Weak negotiation could sour Daesong-Beukhae Binggung ties, even drive them to the Mongols.
'Need other officials too.'
Specifically: skilled negotiators with quick wits for crises, strong enough in martial arts not to lag on a thousands-li trek.
Who fits? '...Ubu Do-eosa?'
Suddenly, the Ubu Do-eosa came to mind. He's toured the realm, resolved countless incidents with local officials. Not just scholarly—reached Peak realm before thirty. As Giwangga's crown prince, even Geum-ui-wi can't ignore him. Low risk of resentment over an outsider meddling.
'Ideal candidate.'
But with Grandfather Giwang steeling for war, is it right to deploy his grandson? Dilemma.
Geum-ui-wi super peak experts would ensure safety. The vast steppes allow stealthy travel, minimizing encounters.
Yet Ubu Do-eosa clashed with Cheolmok at Jiayu Pass. Wise to send a crisis-tested official into enemy lands again? No guarantee he won't face Cheolmok twice.
Tough call. For the greater good, send him. By duty, spare him. Truly difficult.
Peaceful days commuting from Akwangjeo, not Giwangjeo.
"Any thoughts on heading to Beukhae Binggung?"
That peace shattered in an instant. Thanks to Grandfather—no, Grandfather bearing the Emperor's word.
...Yes?
Grandfather trudged into Akwangjeo, spoke those words in front of me and Ak Wang, and my mind went blank.
'Beukhae Binggung?'
Cold sweat beaded instantly. Beukhae Binggung—staple outer murim in wuxia novels, but locations vary wildly. Some authors shove it in the actual Arctic Ocean. Horrifying just to imagine.
Even in the 21st century, the Arctic's remotest wilderness. In the 14th? Unthinkable. Freezing to death en route might count as natural causes.
"Gr-Grandfather. Where exactly is Beukhae Binggung?"
"Up north by Hanhai. Beyond even the Mongols."
I flinched at "beyond the Mongols," but sighed inwardly in relief. If memory serves, Hanhai is Lake Baikal.
'Baikal's manageable... wait, me?'
Odd. Objectively distant, but after worst-case Arctic fears, Baikal feels reasonable. Human minds are simple.
"Beukhae Binggung, out of nowhere. Why there?"
Ak Wang cut in gruffly before I could respond.
"Contacting them now? Obvious. To threaten Mongol rear lines."
"Tch."
Ak Wang clicked his tongue at Grandfather's reply. He knew it was for Mongol checks—effective too. Even I clocked it instantly upon hearing Baikal; imagine Ak Wang.
"Oh, and this isn't an imperial order. His Majesty asked your thoughts, but won't force you."
"I see."
Relief. Would've felt miffed at sudden ejection.
"Think freely. Go if you want; refuse if not. His Majesty said he'll find another if you decline."
Grandfather's expression was serene. 'Refusal would disappoint, but it's truly up to me.'