Chapter 131
Chapter 131
The confidence that came from knowing everything from the future had crumbled considerably. At the same time, curiosity welled up inside him. 'Who the hell came up with such a scheme?' Yeon Jeong-du came to mind, but he quickly shook his head. The man resorted to shallow tricks, but he wasn't the type capable of such sophisticated maneuvers. Nor did it seem plausible that Crown Prince Hwan-gwon, standing beside the Great King, could have devised something like this. Glancing up at the Great King seated on the jade throne, he felt a twinge of doubt at the man's smug expression
Somehow, it didn't feel like the Great King's own idea. The Great King addressed his father, Yeon Gaesomun, who still hadn't uttered a word. "The Tang Empire is at the height of its golden age—a place where culture flourishes and new knowledge is born. Not just anyone gets the opportunity to study there. Especially not your eldest son." The Great King paused to look at him, a forced smile blooming on his face, which seemed masked. "At such a young age, he captured four fortresses and took the head of a rogue commander
If he broadens his horizons in a greater world, it will surely benefit your clan immensely." His father's face twisted at the Great King's words, which sounded like condescending charity. Sensing they might lose ground before they could react, he hurriedly interjected. "Your words ring most true, Your Majesty. This subject is at a loss for how to repay Your Majesty's gracious care for our clan." "I figured the Chief of Central Administration would understand my intent. Go forth into the wide world, learn freely, and return." "Indeed, to truly know the Tang Empire, one must go there and see it firsthand." "Well said
It's utterly wrong for people to speak without even looking." It felt like a mockery aimed at him and his father Yeon Gaesomun for attacking the Tang without truly knowing them. But the situation was too urgent to let anger take hold. "For now, the priority is dispatching His Highness the Crown Prince as envoy." "That, I've already decided." "Shouldn't we consult with the Tang first? If there's any issue with protocol since it's the Crown Prince himself going rather than an official, it might stir up talk." The Great King's eyes widened
"Who would say such a thing?" "Those Silla dogs we hate to see, no doubt. Baekje might murmur something similar. So, thorough prior consultations would uphold Your Majesty's prestige." The Great King hadn't considered that far, it seemed, and couldn't reply immediately. Seizing the opening, he pressed a step further. "Moreover, we must absolutely receive a return envoy." "A return envoy?" "Your Majesty has made the bold decision to send His Highness the Crown Prince to show Tang that we pose no threat
If Tang shows no response, it would make us a laughingstock." He pushed harder at the end. The Great King had likely planned to use Tang's power to check or bind powerful figures like him and his father. But in focusing on that, he'd overlooked what to gain after sending the crown prince as envoy. After pondering, the Great King spoke. "You're right upon reflection." "So please don't rush—send officials for ample prior talks. Goguryeo's crown prince entering the capital is unprecedented, so Tang will have much to deliberate
If we hurry, we might fail to secure what we need." "Or are you dragging your feet because you don't want to go?" As expected, the Great King pierced his true intent instantly. With a sigh, he lifted his head. "Truth be told, I'm utterly smitten with my second son, born just recently. My eldest is growing like a weed too. No matter how great Tang is, I have no desire to leave immediately." "Fair enough." The Great King acquiesced right away, defusing the immediate crisis. He drummed his fingers on the jade throne's armrest, lost in thought, then spoke again
"Very well. At the next Grand Council, I'll recognize you as successor to the Eastern Division Leader. In return, Eastern Division Leader..." Shifting his gaze to Father Yeon Gaesomun, the Great King added, "...support the crown prince's dispatch as envoy at the Grand Council." "If it's Your Majesty's decision, I'll comply. Isn't that enough?" The Great King smirked meaningfully at his father's impassive tone. "They say children come to resemble their parents, but it seems parents are starting to resemble their children here." "Even from a child, a parent must learn what's worth learning." "I wish I could say the same for myself." For that moment, they weren't clashing powerhouses but parents sharing thoughts on their children
Having decided, the Great King stopped drumming the armrest and raised his head. "It was good to see your faces after so long." This signaled the end. But he'd been waiting for exactly this. "I have more to report." "What is it?" "As payment for our support of this plan, grant permission to mobilize troops." Father Yeon Gaesomun looked shocked too, as this was unconsulted. The Great King drummed the armrest again, then snapped irritably, "Bargaining with me, are you?!" "Hasn't Your Majesty bargained with us as well?" Unable to refute, the Great King fell silent
Even the previously arrogant Crown Prince Hwan-gwon clamped his mouth shut, overpowered. "Speak." "Since my return two years ago, permit an offensive toward the Arisu River sector." "Geompo County and Adan Fortress?" "Yes. Securing them would sever Silla's influence in the Arisu region entirely." "However, Geompo County lies south of the Arisu, and Adan Fortress is where General Ondal failed." "That's precisely why it's crucial. Once we take Geompo County, we'll trade it back to Baekje for Hyeolgu Island
That way, we can check the Tanghangpo they've seized." "But earlier, didn't you say you wouldn't interfere with my decisions? Now you talk of deals—what inconsistency." "You're right. Choosing His Highness as envoy to Tang is Your Majesty's prerogative. But even after sending him, Tang might not meet expectations. For instance..." Glancing at the crown prince, he continued. "...they might delay a reciprocal envoy, eventually sending a low-ranking official." Crown Prince Hwan-gwon bristled at his words
"Insolent! How dare you mock His Majesty?!" "If Tang sends a low-ranking official instead of a high minister or general, what then?" He spoke confidently, drawing from historical records. He held back naming Jikbang Nangjung Jin Dae-deok—it was too premature, especially after mentioning it once to Yeon Jeong-du before. As the crown prince opened his mouth, the Great King silenced him and turned. "A low-ranking official?" "Tang has eyes and ears; they'll know our internal affairs to some degree. If they see undermining my authority as beneficial, they'll send a low-rank." "How dare you spout such nonsense! I'm the crown prince going—low-rank?!" He ignored the crown prince's outburst; the man held no real power and posed no threat
His focus was solely on the Great King, who unlike his fuming son clearly worried about it. After a moment's thought, the Great King asked, "It's odd linking your troop mobilization to the return envoy issue." "I can offer a solution. Appoint His Highness as supreme commander for this campaign—how about that?" The Great King's face hardened, as expected. "The crown prince as supreme commander?" "Yes. Victory in war would earn him fame as a triumphant general, aiding his envoy role in Tang." "And if Tang still sends a low-rank or snubs him?" "Then it becomes Tang's fault for slighting the crown prince who bested Silla." The Great King pondered deeply
Though unexpected, he recognized the merits—especially letting his son claim military glory to ease his path to the throne. 'Of course. He himself ascended using war merits beyond just being the brother.' His predecessor Yeongyang Great King followed, but war achievements propelled him to the throne. No reason to refuse his own son such a chance. He drove the nail home. "I'll lead the army and crush the enemy. His Highness need only remain comfortably in the rear to claim the victory." "Nominal command, with you handling actual combat?" "Yes
Should we lose—a million-to-one chance—I'll take full responsibility." The Great King's expression grew more complicated; it was practically a free win, amplifying his dilemma. Having said his piece, he bowed. "I'll withdraw and await Your Majesty's decision." "Curious." "About what, Your Majesty?" "Your true intentions." "Nothing but loyalty to Goguryeo." "That's just it—you speak of Goguryeo, not me." Sharp bastard, he grumbled inwardly, then replied, "Only loyalty to Your Majesty and Goguryeo fills my heart." The Great King chuckled at the quick adjustment
He glanced down at the crown prince beside him, who flinched under the sudden paternal gaze. Turning back, the Great King said, "Withdraw and await my decision." "Yes, Your Majesty." He bowed politely and retreated. Father Yeon Gaesomun followed suit belatedly. Stepping on the creaking floor, they passed several doors and exited Amyeong Hall. The snow had stopped. Beyond the gate, opened by a spear-wielding guard with a Kaiser mustache, Lee Mun-jin waited. With a look that said follow, Lee Mun-jin led the way
Crunchy snow sounded underfoot where it had piled. Amid the swish of inner palace eunuchs sweeping it away, they walked in silence with Lee Mun-jin ahead. He stole a glance at Father Yeon Gaesomun, whose face was furrowed—likely from tension. His father whispered.