Chapter 102
Chapter 102
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 102
Chapter Title: Preparations for the Silla Campaign
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"What are the conditions?"
"At the very least, we need actual ships ready to sail by next spring."
"That's barely half a year away?"
"Yes."
At the mention of the tight timeline, Abiryu crossed his arms and sank into thought. Then he looked at me.
"You can do anything?"
"Of course. You have no idea how wealthy our Eastern Division is."
I flashed a grin as I spoke, and Abiryu glanced around the Binyeon Pavilion before replying.
"Just find me a comfortable seat?"
"Naturally."
After looking around, Abiryu sat down next to Ham-a. Once he was settled, he turned to his subordinates.
"Next spring, we'll join forces with Baekje to strike Silla. Before the war with Tang breaks out, we hit Silla hard so they can't threaten our rear."
"Where do you plan to attack?"
I glanced at Itain briefly before answering his question.
"Nothing's set in stone yet. But we'll target at least three or four places simultaneously."
"That'll require a lot of troops, won't it?"
I nodded at Yang Man-chun's question.
"I'll personally command this joint offensive with Baekje. So no need to worry about troop numbers like we did with Nihaseong last time."
Yang Man-chun whooped first, and soon everyone was raising their hands in cheers. Only Abiryu, who had just joined us, looked baffled. Once the cheers died down, I turned to Go Jeong-ui and Go Yeonmu. They tensed up naturally under my gaze.
"Go Jeong-ui, handle troop mobilization and logistics like before. With more work ahead, split it with Go Yeonmu and prepare without a hitch."
"I could manage it alone just fine."
I ignored Go Jeong-ui's grumbled complaint and issued the next order.
"Mobilize anywhere from ten thousand to twenty thousand troops minimum. We'll also deploy the navy, so get everything ready smoothly."
"Leave it to me."
Go Yeonmu bellowed his response, while Go Jeong-ui replied reluctantly with a sour expression. As a carrot for them both, I added,
"Finish the flying chariots by then, and we'll deploy them in combat."
Their eyes lit up with rivalry as they nodded. Watching them, I turned to Gi Do-ryang next. He straightened up from his slouched position in the chair.
"For the archers deploying this time, I plan to equip at least half with Yeon Clan crossbows. I'd like a third of the cavalry armed with Yeon Clan bows too."
"I've been stockpiling them for months. We'll prepare as many as possible and train the men."
After hearing from Gi Do-ryang, I looked at Adokbang.
"Do you have orders for me?"
"I'll pull a thousand assembled troops and arm them with shields. You're in charge of training."
"Got it."
Adokbang grinned, thrilled to finally have a real task. Next, I eyed Go Dol-bal.
"I'm appointing you cavalry commander for this war. Arm your riders with spears and lead the vanguard."
Go Dol-bal shot to his feet upon hearing this.
"R-Really?"
"Yes. So no mistakes—give it your all."
"O-Of course! Cavalry commander!"
As Go Dol-bal beamed with excitement, I shifted my gaze to Itain and Yang Man-chun.
"Same goes for you two. Get ready."
Itain pumped his fist in delight, but Yang Man-chun shrugged indifferently.
"The Jang-an Fortress lads are soft and useless anyway."
"Then bring troops from Ansi Fortress."
"Now that's what I like to hear. The Ansi country bumpkins fight fierce."
Watching my three favorites light up in their own ways, I calculated the next steps. On Samun, So Bu-son, and General An Go were reliable but already generals. Now I needed to raise my own close aides as commanders. Geom Mojam struggled with leading armies due to his retainer background, and Adokbang needed more time because of his origins. Gi Do-ryang had to focus on training archer units, so he couldn't handle field command. Strategists like Go Jeong-ui and Go Yeonmu, and technician Ham-a were obviously out.
For now, that left only Yang Man-chun, Go Dol-bal, and Itain. I'd attach them to the generals and throw them into battle. This war wasn't just about cutting Silla's supply lines to Tang—it had to build my personal power base too. That way, when war with Tang came, I'd have a real voice. Organizing my thoughts, I addressed my subordinates.
"In this war, we'll hang Goguryeo Fire on sky lanterns and fire ships to drop on the enemy camps. Victory demands not just courage, but superior equipment over the foe."
Ham-a, who had been listening, spoke up.
"Goguryeo Fire's improved since last time. Should work fine on sky lanterns. Fire ships are just getting started, though."
He glanced at Abiryu as he said it. Abiryu replied,
"Six months, skilled craftsmen who listen well, and timber. That's what I need."
Ham-a frowned and cut in.
"Try using polite speech with the master, at least."
"He's your master, not mine. Our crew hates being tied down."
Before their bickering could drag on, I intervened.
"Casual or polite, I don't care. Just build the ships in six months."
Abiryu tilted his head and studied me.
"You're an odd one."
"How so?"
"High-ups obsess over their pride. You don't seem to."
"Winning and earning my men's loyalty—that's my pride. Rank and family honor? Not interested."
Abiryu gave a small smile at my blunt words.
"Can't promise full respect right away."
"Do as you like. How will you build the ships? What supplies do you need?"
"First, a quiet seaside spot or island for work. Bring craftsmen and wood there, and I'll make it happen."
"Name anything you need. I'll scout a discreet shipbuilding site ASAP."
"Heard you got the Celestial Maiden's blessing at Gukdong Daehyeol. True?"
At Abiryu's sudden question, I nodded lightly and showed him the blade of Jumong's spear at my waist.
"This is a sacred relic from the Liaodong Fortress shrine maiden."
"Guknaeseong folk have been discriminated against for ages. You know that?"
"I know the gist."
"That's why they're pinning hopes on you—to lift our grudge."
"I won't favor or protect any one region. What I defend is Goguryeo."
"Does that include Guknaeseong?"
"Of course. Isn't it part of Goguryeo?"
Abiryu let out a long sigh at my answer.
"Hate working under someone. But no choice. Understood, Master."
As Abiryu bowed politely, cheers erupted from the group. I told them,
"Time's short. Bring me victory again."
This time, even louder cheers enveloped me. A thrill coursed through my body as memories of my past life surfaced. Back then, I'd staked my life on petty pride, cursing the world.
'Hated this ungrateful world that never recognized me.'
Conversations from that final drinking session with friends flashed by. I shook them off cleanly and faced my men. Once more, I vowed to protect this world—and my family in it.
After issuing orders to my subordinates, I went straight to see my father. Yeon Gaesomun was watching his retainers play polo at the training field.
"What brings you?"
"Crown Prince Uija sent a man."
"For what?"
"He proposes we strike Silla together next spring."
"Faster than expected."
"Baekje's internal affairs are messy. They need a win to sort it out."
My father, hands clasped behind his back, watched the retainers for a moment. In the center of the polo field, one with a black plume on his helmet swung his mallet with a loud yell. Yeon Gaesomun clicked his tongue.
"Showing off to catch my eye. But striking the ball requires focus. Yelling scatters it."
"Does that mean I need more focus?"
"You're doing well now, but be even more cautious ahead. Don't blindly trust aides."
"I'll keep it in mind. I need to pay respects to the Great King."
"He'll grill you on targets and details, nitpick every angle."
"I'll prepare thoroughly and handle it smoothly."
"I'm worried. Spill too much, and it'll leak."
"You suspect them too, Father?"
"Even during the Nihaseong attack, Silla spies from Seorabeol showed up. No guarantee it won't happen again. Last time they targeted you, so we countered—but this time, just block them without overreaching."
"I agree."
"Secure at least one flashy victory somewhere."
"Noted. One request."
"Speak."
"I need a shipbuilding site."
"Ships?"
"Yes. Separate vessels to hit Silla's navy at Danghangpo—somewhere out of sight."
"Found Abiryu for that, huh."
"Essential for Danghangpo. It'll decide the expedition's fate."
After pondering my words, Yeon Gaesomun spoke.
"South of Paeksu Ferry mouth lies a small isle called Guljungdo. Uninhabited, thick with trees—stays hidden. There's a cove for docking, and tiny Modo Island opposite blocks the view."
"Can we use it?"
"Yes. Station retainers for guard duty, monitor passing ships."
"We'll build there in secret, then."
"What kind of ships?"
"Ones that spew fire from their mouths and smash enemy vessels."
I mixed jest with truth, and Yeon Gaesomun grinned.
"Enemies'll piss themselves and flee."
"That's the plan."
"I'll set it up soon. Oh, and the Great King summons you to the palace with me tomorrow."
"Together to the Inner Audience Hall?"
Yeon Gaesomun sighed and shook his head at my question.
"Just you. Probably teaming with the Chief of Central Administration to pressure you."
"Don't worry."
I meant it. Compared to the endless bullying and pressure from modern life, the Great King and Chief's tactics were child's play.
'Never thought that'd be an edge.'
I muttered inwardly as that black-plumed retainer bellowed again, smashing the ball. Father clicked his tongue and turned away.
"Kids these days."
Some things never change, I thought with a chuckle.