Chapter 125
Chapter 125
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 125
Chapter Title: Joint Strategy with Baekje
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Unlike actual history, it was as if Crown Prince Uija and Yeon Namsaeng, the son of Yeon Gaesomun, had joined hands.
As I showed no sign of making a decision, Buyeo Seung spoke up with evident impatience.
"I will stay here for a while, so please give it some thought and let me know your answer."
"No need. Putting it off doesn't guarantee a better decision. Don't worry—I wasn't agonizing over how to refuse."
"That's a relief. His Highness the Crown Prince was deeply concerned whether this was too much to ask, but I insisted on meeting you and pleading earnestly before coming here."
There was no way that was true. It was clearly a story Buyeo Seung had fabricated to save face for Crown Prince Uija in case of refusal.
"I've been mulling over our next move anyway. Silla won't back down just because they've taken this hit, so we'll have to push them back inside Joryeong Pass the same way as before."
"Exactly. We must ensure they can never muster their strength again."
Of course, Crown Prince Uija was undoubtedly envisioning an even grander picture, but Baekje had to remain wary of Goguryeo growing too powerful as well.
'In any case, we're still a long way from that point.'
Having sorted out my thoughts, I beckoned Buyeo Seung closer.
"Truth be told, I've been pondering my next objective too. Even though we've seized Danghangpo Port and Danghangseong Fortress, Silla's Bukhansan Fortress hasn't been completely wiped out yet."
"Of course. They'll probably find another port to replace Danghangpo."
"Somewhere around old Michuhol, no doubt. Our top priority is locating it and smashing it."
I paused for a moment before continuing.
"If we advance south to Geompo County, and Baekje troops push north from Michuhol, we can crush Silla's last hope."
"A truly wise choice. I'll report this to His Highness the Crown Prince."
"Geompo County lies south of the A-ri River but skewed toward the north. Please convey that we seek their understanding."
"I shall."
"Baekje's greatest goal is the old Gaya territories west of the Hwang River, centered on Mihuseong Fortress—especially Daeseong Fortress. You know that well."
"Indeed. The people of Baekje haven't forgotten their defeat at Gwanseong Fortress."
"The time for revenge will come soon. But hold off on Gwanseong until Kim Chun-chu's son-in-law, Pumseok, takes command there."
"Understood. It's close to Seorabeol, so it's no easy target."
"One more thing: while attacking the Geompo County area, I plan to strike Achasan Fortress as well—that is, Adanseong."
"Adanseong?"
I could see Buyeo Seung's face stiffen slightly. Located in what is now Gwangu of Seoul, it was the site in 475 where King Jangsu captured and beheaded King Gaero. Buyeo Seung, who surely knew this, briefly failed to mask his expression.
"We must seize it to control the A-ri River and block Silla from advancing toward Michuhol."
"But it's too close to the A-ri River."
I immediately agreed with Buyeo Seung's words.
"I know. In exchange, once we secure Geompo County and stabilize the front, we'll hand it over to Baekje."
Buyeo Seung looked somewhat surprised at my response.
"Is that feasible?"
"In return, cede Gulhyeoldo to us."
"You mean Gabigocham?"
"The point where it touches the mainland is right at Geompo County, isn't it? If we take that, Silla's forces on Gulhyeoldo will have no choice but to retreat."
"I see. So even if Goguryeo occupies Geompo County, you'll return it to us Baekje, and take Gulhyeoldo instead?"
"Precisely. It's the only way to convince the Great King. Plus, it sows confusion among the Silla ranks."
"Will Silla even learn of it?"
"Don't underestimate them. The Baekje ambush at Okmun Valley happened because information leaked—clearly."
"His Highness was worried about that too."
"Both His Highness and I have many enemies. The enemy of my enemy is a friend, so there are no shortage of those subtly leaking info to sabotage us. They probably even know we're using the A-ri River as a boundary."
Buyeo Seung stared in silence.
"No matter how secretly we communicate with coded messages, by the time we mobilize, the enemy will know. They managed a response this time, after all."
Buyeo Seung confessed honestly.
"You're right. The battle at Gajamseong was brutally fierce. If the reinforcements from the north had arrived, victory wouldn't have been assured."
"No more hesitation now. They'll react even faster next time. That's why we need to fight differently. Geompo County is south of the A-ri River, so they won't expect us to attack it."
"That could be."
"And Achasan Fortress is right north of the A-ri River, so they won't anticipate a rash move from us there either."
Buyeo Seung's expression grew complicated as he listened. It probably diverged sharply from the instructions he'd received from Crown Prince Uija. Having gathered his thoughts like me, Buyeo Seung asked,
"So, next year or the year after, Goguryeo attacks Geompo County and Achasan Fortress, while we target Michuhol and other areas?"
"Of course. I'll supply more Goguryeo Fire then too."
"And we hope for Yeon Clan Cannons as well."
"Understood. In exchange, provide Hwangchil sap."
"Naturally, General."
"Conduct all trades through the Maemul Merchant Guild. It won't draw attention."
"Wise."
"Once the battles conclude, have His Highness send a letter to the Great King declaring intent for a follow-up offensive. That'll keep other thoughts at bay."
"With the condition of fighting alongside you, General."
"My thanks. Let's fight together and claim victory together."
"Seeing those Silla bastards scrambling was utterly satisfying."
"This battle alone must have cost them at least ten thousand in dead and captured. A few more blows like this, and their forces will be depleted."
"His Highness said the same. With vast fronts to defend and too few troops, they'll patch holes everywhere and achieve nothing."
"Exactly. That's why coordinating like this is crucial."
"His Highness called your alliance a blessing from heaven upon Baekje."
"I feel the same. Without His Highness's resolve and talent, we'd have accomplished nothing."
It was partly true. That's why we had to nurture this relationship carefully moving forward—at least until the Tang invasion, to stabilize the southern front. Buyeo Seung bowed, saying he'd relay the message.
"It's late. Rest here tonight."
"No, Your Highness awaits my return eagerly."
"Your loyalty is remarkable. Convey my congratulations on the victory."
"Of course. And congratulations on your triumph too, General."
With that, Buyeo Seung descended from the watchtower. Listening to his fading footsteps, I sank into thought.
"How much has history changed since I appeared?"
So far, things had gone well, but one mistake or misjudgment could bring it all crashing down. I was also curious how the altered history would unfold. Suddenly, I understood why Eulji Mundeok, the original soul possessor, had given up everything and left.
"He must not have had the confidence to bear it."
But I had no intention of leaving. I wanted to protect my wife and child no matter what and ensure my father didn't make the wrong choices. To shake off the anxiety and tension, I took deep breaths. Geom Mojam, stationed at the base of the watchtower stairs, turned at the sound and gestured questioningly. I waved it off and looked down below.
The dirt and stones blocking the gate had mostly been cleared, and workers were building a new one nearby. Nearby, Silla prisoners from other fortresses huddled together in sleep. Bonfires blazed around them, with guards holding spears on watch.
"This is the world I've created."
I repeated to myself that it was too late to turn back now. I resolved not to abandon the people who placed their hopes in me and flee. With my mind cleared, a sense of calm returned. As an unnamed bird cried out, a sleepless Silla prisoner stirred.
The next day, we headed north with the prisoners. General On Samun, left to command the garrison, escorted us as far as Gorrangpo Ferry, where he could cross Chilmulha.
"Guard this place well for the time being."
As I gave my final farewell, General On Samun grinned broadly.
"No need to worry. I'll stake my life on it."
Leaving him behind, we crossed Gorrangpo and continued north. A stream of four thousand prisoners, wagons loaded with captured weapons and armor, and oxcarts stretched endlessly. The elated soldiers marched singing and laughing nonstop. I ordered the commanders not to worry as long as they didn't trouble the civilians. Word had spread, and people lined the roads clapping and cheering. Snot-nosed children chased us waving toy swords, so I gave them food.
Go Jeong-ui and Go Yeonmu had come down to Hanseong to wait. Seeing them standing side by side before the guesthouse, I chuckled.
"You two look pretty good together."
Go Jeong-ui glanced at Go Yeonmu before replying.
"I'm the older one, so I decided to teach him properly."
Hearing this as I dismounted, I burst out laughing.
"Can't keep your distance forever, so you just made him your little brother, huh?"
Caught out, Go Jeong-ui fell silent. Go Yeonmu, meanwhile, simply bowed politely. Returning the greeting, I entered the guesthouse. Word came that Hanseong's Yoksal had invited me to a victory banquet that evening. I didn't want to go, but I had no choice, so I decided to wash up, rest briefly, and head over. Then Go Jeong-ui followed me in.
"What is it?"
"News from Janganseong."
"What news?"
"The Crown Prince is feigning illness, so no triumphal ceremony is planned."
"The Crown Prince?"
I recalled Hwan-gwon, who had entered the Tang National Academy in 640. He hadn't appeared since, so I'd paid him no mind. Even when I'd seen him last, he hadn't left much impression, yet here his name came up again.
"Feigned, no doubt."
"Probably. He hated it last time; this will really irk him."
"Doesn't matter. We succeeded without heavy losses."
"Such composure."
"I've got a lot going for me."
It was true. With reliable aides and string of successes, my position was solidifying. There was some unease, but things were progressing well. To me, Go Jeong-ui said,
"That's exactly why he'll hate you more."
"Who?"
"Who else? Those who despise you, Master."
"They can't erase my successes anyway. Now it's time to prepare for the next war. No room to fret over my haters."