Chapter 142
Chapter 142
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 142
Chapter Title: Great King Namsaeng
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“Landing?”
“We'll do it in the open field in front of Great Mountain, northwest of the imperial palace.”
Even if takeoff was manageable, landing was the real worry. There were no safety features, and the wind's direction was completely unpredictable. Go Jeong-ui must have sensed my concern because he smiled calmly.
“I've always dreamed of flying through the sky.”
“Still, be careful. If it feels too dangerous, give it up.”
“I can't do that. So many fates are riding on this—how can I worry about my own safety?”
His firm words moved me, but they also tugged at my heart.
“Even so, I need you.”
“Of course. I'll come back safe. I've told Yeon-mu everything you might need, just in case.”
He glanced at Go Yeon-mu as he spoke. Go Yeon-mu stared back at me with an expression like he was about to burst into tears.
“I want to ride it, Master.”
“I told you not to keep saying that.”
Go Jeong-ui snapped at him and dashed off toward the flying chariot. The one Go Yeon-mu had built had a frame of bamboo imported from Baekje, with wings covered in thick, oil-soaked paper. The front was shaped like a bird's head, and the rear had vertical and horizontal tail fins. In the center below was a bamboo floor, where you'd have to lie prone to control it.
Up front was a cylinder filled with charcoal, and on the side hung a gourd containing Goguryeo fire. The plan was to fly the flying chariot over the imperial palace where the Great King was and drop the Goguryeo fire from above. The Great King, taking it as a sign from the heavens, would panic and come out to the negotiation grounds—that was the purpose of this flight. Even though the two of them had brainstormed it together, a powerless glider was far too risky.
But to lure the Great King to the negotiation table, there's no other way.
If they mobilized the army, he might mistake it for an attack, dig in stubbornly, or take some foolish action that led to his own downfall. Especially if envoys were sent to the Tang dynasty for aid—that would complicate things for real. It would mean the Great King betraying Goguryeo in Yeon Namsaeng's stead.
So this is how history flows.
The timeline had accelerated, making me worry that the knowledge I knew might no longer be useful or could even be wrong. Amid these swirling thoughts, Go Jeong-ui crawled under the flying chariot and took his position. It was placed on an inclined launch ramp, with a heavy stone attached to a pulley at the front. Dropping the stone would pull the pulley and lift the chariot into the sky.
Once he was set, Go Jeong-ui raised his hand. Ham-a, standing by the ramp, swung his hammer hard at the stake jammed between the pulley gears. The stake flew out, the pulley released, and the heavy stone plummeted. The flying chariot lurched up the ramp, wobbling more than expected. I couldn't help shouting.
“It's dangerous!”
But the flying chariot steadied and soared into the air. After swaying side to side, it caught an invisible current and climbed higher, vanishing into the slightly cloudy sky.
“It was made to fight the Tang army.”
Using it on the Great King's imperial palace left a bitter taste. But now wasn't the time for regrets. I watched the direction it had disappeared in, then turned to Geom Mojam.
“Preparations for landing?”
“Yes. I've sent soldiers with torches.”
“Bring him back alive, no matter what.”
“Understood.”
“Is there a high spot where we can see the palace?”
“There's a watchtower to the west.”
As I hurried to move, the wound in my lower abdomen throbbed again. With Geom Mojam's support, I climbed the western watchtower, built to monitor the estate's surroundings. From there, I could see the distant inner castle walls. Sitting in the chair Geom Mojam brought, I watched anxiously. Then, flames flickered beyond the walls.
“That's it!”
It started small, but soon multiple flames erupted, accompanied by faint screams.
“Success.”
Relief that the Great King would now fear negotiation mixed with worry for Go Jeong-ui. Geom Mojam, sensing my feelings, spoke up.
“I'll go fetch Go Jeong-ui myself.”
“Yes, please do.”
I struggled to my feet, listening to Geom Mojam's footsteps descending the tower.
“Things are spinning out of control.”
Which meant I had to stay sharp. Amid the pain and worry, the sun began to rise. Then a messenger Geom Mojam had sent burst through the door and shouted from below the tower.
“The flying chariot landed safely. They're bringing Go Jeong-ui back.”
“Any serious injuries?”
“Some cuts on his face.”
“Thank goodness.”
I descended and headed to the main gate. Just as I arrived, the gates opened, and Geom Mojam entered with Go Jeong-ui. There was a large gash under his left eye, but his limbs were fine. I pulled him into a tight embrace, and he squirmed in my arms.
“Why the sudden hug?”
“I was worried I'd sent you to your death.”
“The chariot broke on landing, but it was a total success.”
“The palace?”
“Not a sea of fire, but the Goguryeo fire drops caused chaos. They had tight security inside and out, but they didn't expect an attack from the sky.”
“They'll think it's a divine omen.”
“No doubt. If it doesn't work, we can do it again tonight. It's more effective than siege towers anyway—you can drop right where you want.”
“Once should be enough.”
Truthfully, I hoped so. I just wanted that midnight thunderbolt from the sky to break the Great King's will. It would prevent greater sacrifices and open the path to prepare for the future. As dawn broke, the envoy arrived. Seeing his excited expression, I knew things had gone well.
“An emissary from the palace came to see Father at dawn.”
“For what?”
“To negotiate.”
Hearing the envoy's words, I finally let out a sigh of relief. We'd avoided major bloodshed and chaos, opening a way to resolve things.
“Will they accept our terms?”
“He said they could. Not a firm yes.”
“Then tell them lightning will strike from the heavens again tonight—much bigger and fiercer than today.”
The chariot was wrecked, and Go Jeong-ui was injured, so we couldn't launch again. But negotiation was like poker. Even with a bad hand, you could bluff your opponent into folding. Believing me, the envoy swallowed hard.
“I'll relay that.”
“Tell them time's running out. Father's fuming and wants to storm the palace right now, negotiations be damned.”
“The Great King seemed quietly worried about that.”
“The longer it drags, the more tangled it'll get. Ending it now is best for everyone.”
“Agreed.”
“Thank you. I won't forget this.”
“You're truly exceptional. You've made me switch sides.”
“Not switching—just returning to the right path.”
“I don't know how far you'll go. But I'll stay by your side, at least.”
“Thank you.”
I bowed sincerely, and the envoy returned the gesture. After he left, I paced the Bin Yeon Pavilion anxiously for hours. Geom Mojam fretted that it'd reopen my wound. But I couldn't just sit. Father Yeon Gaesomun visited once midway. Hearing he'd assembled even the garrison outside Jiancheng, I panicked.
“You must not attack the palace.”
“I want to storm it now, but I'm holding back for you.”
“That's right, Father. Never strike first.”
“It's frustrating, but I'll follow your lead.”
“The Great King will raise the white flag soon. Don't worry.”
“I hope so. But he's not one to give up easily.”
“Of course. That's why we dropped the fire from the sky last night.”
I persuaded Father desperately. The day wore on. My anxiety peaked, but I feigned calm. If I showed fear, everyone around me would panic. Messages came repeatedly from the Southern and Northern Division Leaders' households. I told them it was progressing and to wait, but the Western Division Leader handling negotiations sent nothing. Staring at the gate in suspense, Geom Mojam reported as the sun dipped low: the envoy had arrived by carriage. Moments later, he entered Bin Yeon Pavilion, face flushed.
“The Great King has accepted the terms.”
“Thank goodness. No more blood will be shed.”
Seeing my genuine joy, the envoy smiled too.
“Seeing you happy puts my mind at ease. Truth be told, the Great King dragged his feet because he didn't believe it.”
“Believe what?”
“Your offer to guarantee his and the Crown Prince's safety. It was too generous.”
“Can't blame him. He tried to assassinate me even while negotiating.”
“Negotiations are done; only the oath ceremony remains. That's the headache now.”
“Where to hold it?”
“He refuses to step one foot outside the palace.”
“Makes sense. Living in that palace-prison beats dying.”
“He won't preside over the Grand Council himself either. Wants the Grand Assembly to handle it and report to him in writing.”
“Figured he'd be a mute spectator anyway, so better not to show.”
The envoy nodded at my words.
“He also approves naming you successor to the Eastern Division Leader.”
“It was bait, but he won't go back on his word.”
“The Crown Prince will stand in for the Great King at the oath ceremony with us.”
“The festival at the Paekgang River in a few days will be perfect.”
“Good idea. One of them attends anyway.”
I'd thought only the October alliance festival existed, but the Book of Sui's Eastern Barbarians section mentioned an annual one early in the year too. The Great King throwing stones into the Paekgang amid festivities—similar to the stone-throwing games popular until late Joseon. Seeing it here, it was bigger than expected. Symbolic, and with the people watching, neither side could act rashly. The events sparked by my assassination attempt were finally wrapping up. I sighed in relief. Noticing, the envoy said:
“You've passed the worst. Rest now. You've worked hard these past days.”
“What did I do? It's thanks to your help.”
“Goguryeo is yours now.”
“It's all of ours.”
My firm reply drew a grin from him.
“You're different from us in every way.”
I couldn't say it was because I came from the 21st century. As I smiled silently, the envoy gave a light bow and left Bin Yeon Pavilion. Alone, I leaned back in my chair and gazed at the ceiling.