Chapter 136
Chapter 136
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 136
Chapter Title: Great King Namsaeng
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After hearing Father Yeon Gaesomun's story, Vice Supreme Central Administrator Bu Sang cautiously added his own thoughts.
"I did enter the imperial palace not long ago, but it seemed pretty dead in there."
"That makes sense. When you lose the Great King's trust and get pushed aside."
I glanced at my father for a moment before adding,
"It's not just a wound to the head—it could disappear entirely."
Vice Supreme Central Administrator Bu Sang looked puzzled, not grasping the meaning.
"Please inform Chief of Central Administration that I'm still alive and wish to meet with him."
"You want to meet with the Chief of Central Administration?"
I nodded at Bu Sang's question.
"Where do you plan to meet? I advise against going into the Central Administration Bureau."
"Because assassins might be waiting?"
"It's right near the imperial palace."
He fell silent after that, but the implication was obvious. It meant assassins sent by the Great King might come crashing in. I nodded in agreement and asked,
"Is there a safe place?"
"Considering your condition, it won't be easy to go far."
"How do you know if I'm badly hurt or not?"
"Well..."
"Truth be told, I'm not that badly injured. I stayed still for a few days to gauge reactions."
"Reactions?"
"Yes. The palace sent people several times to check if I was alive or dead. But the Central Administration Bureau showed no movement at all. That's how I realized the Chief of Central Administration had been sidelined in this affair."
It was a bit of a forced conclusion, but Bu Sang seemed to buy it and nodded.
"I see. How about meeting at the Eulmil Platform?"
"Eulmil Platform?"
It reminded me of a cold noodle shop back in modern times where you'd have to line up forever. Of course, the Eulmil Platform Bu Sang meant wasn't that one.
Father Yeon Gaesomun chimed in agreement.
"Yeah, it's inside the capital walls, and there are plenty of eyes around, so no funny business."
"What do you plan to do once you meet?"
I grinned at Bu Sang's question.
"Exchange some words of comfort between the wounded."
"Joking around means you're not hurt too bad. But Yeon Jeong-du won't meet you easily."
"I plan to negotiate with him."
"Negotiate?"
"Yes. I'll say that although the Great King tried to kill me, considering various factors, I'll let it slide."
"No retaliation?"
I replied firmly to Bu Sang's question.
"That would spark a civil war. If Goguryeo descends into civil war, do you think Silla, sharpening their knives for revenge, or Baekje would sit idly by?"
"But the Great King doesn't seem the type to negotiate with you."
"The assassin didn't die."
"What?"
I glanced at Bu Sang's shocked expression before speaking.
"Geom Mojam slashed him, but he didn't lose his life. I plan to use him."
"How?"
"I'll gather the division leaders and their sons, then drag the assassin out. He's already confessed to his backer. If the leaders learn of this, what do you think their reaction will be?"
Bu Sang thought for a moment before answering my question.
"They'll be afraid."
"Exactly. I'll say this time it was my turn, but who knows whose turn it is next. And with clear evidence, no less."
"Father was furious too. He said the Great King ordered the assassination in such a卑鄙 way."
"If the Great King gets a taste for this method, the leaders will live in danger their whole lives."
Bu Sang glanced at Father Yeon Gaesomun before replying.
"That's why I thought the Eastern Division Leader would lead his retainers to attack the palace."
"I stopped him. No need to storm the palace after the assassination failed."
"So you're trying to negotiate through the Chief of Central Administration?"
"Yes. He's lost face in this too, so he needs a full assembly, right? If I hadn't survived, what do you think the Great King's next move would be?"
"He'd probably stay quiet for now?"
"No. To suppress the leaders' backlash, he'll need a scapegoat."
Bu Sang, who had heard something similar before, replied in a subdued voice.
"And the Chief of Central Administration becomes that scapegoat?"
"If we push hard, won't the Great King have to offer something from his position?"
Bu Sang pondered for a moment. Then he answered me as I waited quietly.
"I'll convey your intent for now."
"Thank you. I'll await your word."
"Rest well. Treat your wounds properly."
As soon as Vice Supreme Central Administrator Bu Sang left Bin Yeon Pavilion, the suppressed pain surged in. I barely held it back when Father Yeon Gaesomun asked,
"Will the Chief of Central Administration really accept?"
"His position is at risk, so he'll definitely take the offer."
"Can't trust that Western Division Leader's son either."
"It'll be fine."
His eyes hadn't turned red last time or this time. Father Yeon Gaesomun just nodded at my confident words.
The next day, a messenger from Vice Supreme Central Administrator Bu Sang arrived. Five days later, come to Eulmil Platform at midnight unarmed. Go Jeong-ui muttered upon hearing it.
"We should check for ambushes."
"I'll bring Geom Mojam, so don't worry."
"Your body's the real issue, Master."
Go Jeong-ui was right. Moving properly was still hard. But I had to meet Chief of Central Administration Yeon Jeong-du. After careful exercise over a few days, I could finally take steps. Climbing stairs was exhausting, but I tried not to reopen wounds.
The Eulmil Platform was a pavilion built with a retaining wall on the cliff south of Hyunmu Gate. It differed from photos of North Korea's version in roof shape and size. Anyway, the area around it was packed with our retainers, led by Geom Mojam, and those guarding Yeon Jeong-du.
"Quite the tense atmosphere."
"Any funny business, and I'll sever their heads all."
Geom Mojam said in a deeply sunken voice. Since the incident, he'd grown quiet and depressed. If I hadn't stopped him, he might have taken his own life. I gave him a comforting look and ascended to the platform.
I arrived early, but Yeon Jeong-du was there first. He wore a black official robe embroidered with gold thread, layered with a fur vest against the cold. On his head was a jeweled crown with golden feathers. Beside him stood Vice Supreme Central Administrator Bu Sang, who had arranged the meeting, looking more tense than either of us—I could see him swallow dryly. I walked slowly and climbed the final hurdle, the stairs. I did my best, but my face twisted unavoidably. To avoid showing weakness, I forced a blank expression as I ascended.
Chief of Central Administration Yeon Jeong-du, standing by a pillar, turned toward me. I spotted the Hwandu Greatsword at his waist. Decorative or for self-defense, it violated our no-weapons agreement. As I halted, Bu Sang hurriedly intervened.
"He just wore it out. Don't worry too much."
Seeing Bu Sang's eyes weren't red confirmed he wasn't lying, at least. My gut didn't churn either. Still, caution was wise, so I stopped right after the stairs. Yeon Jeong-du stared at me and tilted his head.
"You look surprisingly fine."
"Must be disappointing."
"No need for lies anyway. Shame. That fool of an assassin botched it."
"It was nearly perfect. We were the ones who slipped—letting him get right in my face."
"That's why it's a shame."
To Yeon Jeong-du's cold retort, I tapped my head with one hand.
"My father said he was deeply disappointed too. Just wounding me and stopping there."
Yeon Jeong-du's face hardened, recalling the assassination attempt on himself.
"If I'd died, the aftermath would've been enormous."
"And yet someone who knows that tried to assassinate me?"
Caught off guard, Yeon Jeong-du shut his mouth. Denying involvement or admitting knowledge would just prove his folly. He took a deep breath and said,
"Worrying about backlash over offing a punk like you."
"That's why the Great King doesn't trust you. Before passing out, my first act was calling Father to hold back. With his temper, he'd have led retainers straight in."
"You think the palace falls that easily? Fool."
I shot back at Yeon Jeong-du's tongue-clicking.
"Who said anything about attacking the palace?"
"Then?"
"We were going for the Central Administration Bureau. To take your head."
At the unexpected answer, Yeon Jeong-du unconsciously stroked his neck with one hand.
"Central Administration Bureau?"
"The Great King wouldn't dirty his hands directly. He'd order a close aide—and we figured that was you. He'd guard the palace fiercely, but could the Central Administration Bureau handle our retainers?"
"The Central Administration Bureau is as good as the palace. How dare you!"
"It's not the palace, though. Plus, Father would've sent word to other divisions: show them a lesson here, or your sons are next. A son's life is every parent's reverse scale, isn't it?"
Yeon Jeong-du had no comeback. That was the clear limit of a top powerbroker's retainer. No matter the loyalty, you could be discarded. I pressed further.
"Don't think Father's just hot-blooded. He's a fox like a bear. Suppose he sent word to the Great King: hand over your head, and we'll sheathe our swords. What then?"
"His Majesty isn't the type."
Yeon Jeong-du retorted sharply, but I shook my head with a smile.
"If so, you wouldn't be meeting me alone here. Father's still considering it. I talked him out, said I'd meet you first and decide."
"Trying to fool me with that sly tongue?"
"You still haven't grasped the situation. One nod from the Great King, and you're done."
"Fool. His Majesty won't abandon me."
He said that, but Yeon Jeong-du's expression grew impossibly complicated. Hearing what I wanted, I smiled triumphantly.
"Be honest. You knew nothing about this, right?"
His face turned to stone, the part he most wanted hidden exposed. Forcing a calm facade, he scoffed.
"Hmph. I orchestrated the whole thing from the start. Using your arrogance."
Hearing Chief of Central Administration Yeon Jeong-du's reply, I looked at Vice Supreme Central Administrator Bu Sang beside me.
"Did you hear that? The Chief just admitted plotting the assassination of the Eastern Division Leader's heir."
"I... I heard."
After Bu Sang's reply, I looked up at Eulmil Platform's roof.
"Hear that clearly?"