Chapter 105
Chapter 105
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 105
Chapter Title: Great King Namsaeng
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It was much like how the Baekje royal family had strived to reclaim the Hanseong region they'd lost.
Defeat and territorial loss in a feudal era crushed the royal family's authority.
'No wonder General Ondal refused to return until he recaptured the lost lands.'
Yeon Jeong-du might not realize it, but the Great King was inwardly convinced that this expedition wouldn't face major interference. Seeing my expression soften, the Great King flashed a subtle smile.
"Your explanation as Chief of Central Arms has put my mind at ease. I approve the mobilization of the necessary troops and supplies."
"I am deeply grateful. And please entrust the negotiations with Baekje to me as well. It's too dangerous to handle through the Central Administration Bureau."
Yeon Jeong-du bristled again this time. But since I'd already laid the groundwork beforehand, and he couldn't lose his temper before the Great King, he held it in. The Great King looked at him with amusement and spoke.
"Approved. I appoint Chief of Central Arms as the Supreme Commander for this expedition. Win victory once more and bring joy to me and Goguryeo."
"I shall devote my all to it, Your Majesty."
Up to that point, an eunuch had been straining with all his might to hold up the thick wooden pivot. Finally, he let out a sharp cry and dropped his arms. He prostrated himself in haste, voice trembling.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty. My arms hurt too much."
"It's fine. You may withdraw."
At the Great King's words, the eunuch retreated, his arms shaking uncontrollably. Once the eunuch closed the door and left, the Great King turned back to me.
"You've succeeded in putting the eunuch in his place as well."
As expected, the Great King saw through every move. By letting the Senior Central Administrator and the eunuch fall into困境, he showed he wouldn't unconditionally shield them. And though he disliked me and my clan, he'd leave us be if we proved useful. By not drawing a sharp line between foe and ally, he positioned himself as judge over all.
'They call him incompetent for groveling to the Tang, but his political acumen is top-notch.'
His deference to Tang was also a way to suppress the nobles led by my father, Yeon Gaesomun. It was to avoid repeating the concessions he'd made to them for the war against Sui, exemplified by the Battle of Salsu. Insisting on the Thousand-Li Wall was another ploy to weaken the nobles' power. Unlike Yeon Jeong-du, who always lost verbal spars, he spoke with gravity. If I didn't know the future, I'd have been tempted to serve him—he had real appeal as a monarch.
'But you're still someone I must eliminate if I'm to survive.'
Our paths diverged, making him a target eventually. For now, though, I had to act the loyal minister, expanding my influence while doing my duty. Reading the intent in my eyes, the Great King responded with a smile hiding his own thoughts.
"See to the preparations without delay. Expeditions take time, and there's much to do."
"Thank you for your consideration."
"No need to consult the Central Administration Bureau. I'll send an official to assist with the proceedings—coordinate your needs through him."
It was unexpected, so I asked without thinking.
"You're sending someone?"
"The army, provisions, supplies—they all belong to the state. Of course an official must be dispatched. Senior Central Administrator, select a suitable candidate and send him to the Chief of Central Arms."
The Senior Central Administrator, Yeon Jeong-du, bowed his head at the order.
"I believe Supreme Central Administrator Bu-sang is the ideal choice."
"The son of Western Division Deputy Bu Gi-tae? Seems fitting."
While I stood there dumbfounded, they'd wrapped it up. It was a safety measure—a monitor attached to me. Just as I thought we'd finished on a high note, this was a counterblow.
'Can't let my guard down.'
But I couldn't show it, so I forced agreeable words.
"I agree—Supreme Central Administrator Bu-sang is perfect."
"Naturally. Win decisively and flatten those Silla bastards' noses."
The Great King, victor of this audience, laughed heartily. Beside him, the Senior Central Administrator Yeon Jeong-du smirked slyly, salvaging his pride. Before those two, I had to play the fool and laugh along, hiding my bitter feelings.
Leaving the privy chamber, I found Yi Maengjin waiting. I followed quietly as he led the way.
'At any rate, I've secured command of this 5,000-strong anti-Silla expeditionary force.'
It turned out better than expected, despite anticipating several interferences. Failure would bring harsh punishment, of course, but I'd gained confidence they wouldn't sabotage openly. Still, separately, I needed to watch for info leaks or disruptions via Senior Central Administrator Yeon Jeong-du or the monitor, Supreme Central Administrator Bu-sang. If issues arose, the Great King could just disavow knowledge and cut ties.
'Truly the final boss.'
Even amid that, his eyes hadn't reddened. Proof of his ironclad emotional control. Sighing at the rough road ahead, Yi Maengjin glanced around and handed me Jumong's blade, whispering.
"Impressive, no matter how you look at it. Truly impressive."
"What is?"
"You spoke your mind clearly before the Great King. And he accepted it without anger."
"It's a game between us—mutual necessity."
"You and the Great King?"
"Exactly. For now, at least."
Yi Maengjin tilted his head, not fully grasping. But the audience had clarified things.
'The Senior Central Administrator's just a tool. The Great King remains the biggest obstacle.'
At the palace gate, my father Yeon Gaesomun stood with an anxious expression. Spotting Yi Maengjin's face as he led, his own relaxed. He'd sensed it went well. But inside the palace, he restrained his emotions. Once the gates opened and we boarded the waiting carriage, Father asked immediately.
"Did it go smoothly?"
"The Great King appointed me Supreme Commander and put me in charge of the expedition."
"Oh, splendid! I was truly worried they'd nitpick."
"If I win, he gains much—what reason to block me?"
"Still, flatterers like the Senior Central Administrator had me concerned."
"They're mere toys dancing in the Great King's palm."
Father paused in surprise at my blunt assertion, then nodded.
"Is that so?"
"Yes. Never underestimate the Great King."
"Understood. With the decision made, much work awaits."
"Indeed. I plan to recall the three generals who shone at Nihaseong last time."
"Entrust it fully to you. But for naval battles against Silla's fleet, we'll need a commander skilled in water warfare, no?"
He pinpointed the oversight I hadn't considered.
"I overlooked that. Know anyone suitable?"
"I'll look into it."
"Thank you."
The carriage rattled through the streets. Thanks to Father always keeping the windows open for secret talks, I could see the surroundings. Gazing at the passing people, I remarked suddenly.
"Everyone looks at peace."
"No wars."
"I hope it stays that way."
"Sadly, it won't. Too many covet this peace. To protect it, we must fight."
"What do you wish to protect, Father?"
Yeon Gaesomun answered without a second's hesitation.
"Our clan and family."
Clan before family—revealing his obsession with the house. In real history, that likely drove him to coup against persecution. As I stayed silent, Father gazed out the window and added.
"Our clan rose by the sword, spilling blood to claim great status. Fighting is our house's fate."
"I want to end that fate in my generation. So my son Heonchung can lead without it."
To him, it might sound rebellious, but Father didn't anger.
"That would be a fine world."
I glimpsed Yeon Gaesomun's human side, unseen in records. Lost in thoughts, I watched the peaceful Chang'an scenery roll by.
Back at the estate, I headed straight to Bin Yeon Pavilion. I shouted to the waiting subordinates.
"We're striking Silla next spring! I'll command as Supreme Commander."
The weary subordinates erupted in cheers. I added to them.
"Work ramps up now—brace yourselves."
Ita-in spoke first again.
"Deployment size and objective?"
His careerism amused me; I chuckled lightly. I fetched the papers I'd shown the Great King and spread them on the table. Go Jeong-ui and Go Yeon-mu, who'd helped make them, weren't surprised, but the others gaped.
"20,000 is no small number."
I smirked at Yang Man-chun's folded-arm quip.
"Scared?"
"Nah, just seems messy with so many."
"Time's short—head to Ansi Fortress, gather the reinforcements, and bring them. You'll command the troops you bring directly."
"An honor. I'll leave tomorrow and return pronto."
"Don't dawdle."
Next, I turned to Geom Mojam.
"Send men at once to summon On Sa-mun, So Bu-son, and General Ango."
"Yes, sir."
"And dispatch to the Maemul Merchant Guild. We need letters sent to Baekje."
"Right away."
My gaze shifted to Ham-a.
"We need more Yeon Clan Cannons, Yeon Clan Bows, Yeon Clan Crossbows. Siege ladders too."
"Sui Captive Village artisans are all mobilized, but we're at capacity."
"I'll talk to the Central Administration Bureau—secure state forges under military control."
"Understood."
"And hasten sky lanterns with Goguryeo Fire. We'll use them in this war."
"What of the Flying Chariots?"
He glanced at Go Jeong-ui and Go Yeon-mu. Seeing their expectant eyes, I replied promptly.
"Quell the urgent fires first."
I ignored their reactions and approached Eo Bi-ryu, the latest addition. As I neared, he rose from his chair and bowed politely.
"Father found a secluded island for building ships. Guljung Island, south of the Paekgang River estuary."
"I know it. Belonged to the Eastern Division Leader."
"I just learned too. Mo Island acts as a screen right in front, hiding shipbuilding from prying eyes."
"That makes sense."
"Tell me the materials needed, and I'll supply them. Aim for at least three ships, up to five."
"Five's too much; three we can manage."
"Build the ships as you see fit, but consult Ham-a on mounted weapons."
"Agreed. And it's awkward with you using formal speech only to me. From now on, speak to me like the others—casual."
"Got it."
I smiled, and Eo Bi-ryu smiled back. Remembering something I'd forgotten, I looked to Yang Man-chun.
"The reinforcements you're bringing this time—are they cavalry?"