Chapter 145
Chapter 145
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 145
Chapter Title: Great King Namsaeng
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The first victory report from Yang Manchun, who had led the expeditionary force, arrived just a month after departing from Jang'an Fortress. The report brought by Geom Mojam had me grinning from the very first line.
"It started with a swift maneuver that encircled Adan Fortress in an instant."
When the Silla relief force approached, he crushed them using cavalry. After defeating the relief troops, Go Jeong-ui, who had gone with him, attached Goguryeo Fire to sky lanterns and rained them down, cleverly employing the siege tactic of turon. The report stated that they could capture it within a month at the latest, and I was so thrilled that I clapped my hands.
"Congratulations, Master."
I beamed at Geom Mojam's words as he delivered the report.
"The best part is that casualties didn't exceed five hundred."
Seon Do-hae appeared at Bin Yeongeok next, following Geom Mojam, to give his report. At my gesture to speak, he unrolled a wooden tablet.
"Baekje forces, personally led by Crown Prince Uija, are sweeping through the Gimpo County area."
"Glad tidings. What of Silla's resistance?"
"Some fortresses are holding out, but they're isolated and won't last long. Meanwhile, Buyeo Seung's detachment has appeared around Gwan Mountain Fortress, steeped in King Seong's grudge, and is attacking nearby Silla troops."
"A pincer attack to keep Silla from mounting a proper defense."
"Not just Baekje—our own forces are on the move too. With limited troops and many places to defend, Silla can't respond effectively."
"Exactly. Teaming up with Baekje has paid off in more ways than one."
"And Ga Do-han, who earned great merit in the fall of Danghangpo last time, has wiped out the remaining Silla navy near the sea off Gulguldo."
"Meaning no Silla navy left in the Yellow Sea."
"They won't be operating in an organized manner anymore."
"No more headaches from Silla."
More precisely, it blocked any chance of Silla allying with Tang. Once Seon Do-hae finished his report, he hesitated for a moment.
"More to say?"
"Contact from the Wa agent's handler."
"The one surveilling Prince Gobukdeok?"
"Yes. He bribed the chef to poison his food."
"Dead?"
"Yes. Collapsed suddenly after eating, and they held the funeral. Another agent confirmed it cross-checked."
"Good work. Better to uproot threats early."
It reminded me of when we'd eliminated Shin Seong before. Now, death felt routine; no heavy guilt weighed on me. As I said nothing, Seon Do-hae prepared to leave, saying he'd take his leave. I stopped him.
"I'll head north soon."
"To tour Liaodong?"
"No, further up—Gomukhae and Silwi. Seol Yeonta too, if possible."
"Even with things settled, wouldn't it be better to stay in Jang'an Fortress?"
"Strange movements from Tang observed up there."
"Why not send agents to investigate?"
"Better if I see it myself. And I'll set you up in the Confidential Bureau of the Central Administration."
"In the Central Administration?"
Seon Do-hae's eyes sparkled like an explosion. For someone obsessed with advancement, it was the ultimate gift.
"You can operate agents using the Central Administration's funds and personnel."
"Then we can dispatch agents to even more regions."
"The Central Administration already has spies everywhere. But reports take too long and are often inaccurate. Start by teaching them Hangul and numerals."
"I'll devote myself fully, Master."
"Planning to visit the Central Administration in a few days. Come with me."
"Thank you, Master."
Seon Do-hae bowed so deeply his nose nearly touched the ground before leaving. My movements were still uncomfortable, but Ariyeong's words lingered.
'While we focused on Silla, Tang was making moves.'
With no coup from Yeon Gaesomun, I'd felt secure—now it felt like a blow to the back of my head.
A few days later, I rode in a palanquin to the Central Administration for work. Bu Sang, son of the Western Division Leader and a Supreme Central Administrator working there, greeted me at the entrance.
"Greetings to the Senior Central Administrator."
At his booming voice, the other officials who had come out bowed. I approached Bu Sang and took his hand.
"Thank you."
"Thanks? You've opened a new world for me. Follow me—I'll show you to the Senior Central Administrator's office."
"I'll handle duties from the Confidential Bureau first. Jungni Ju-hwal."
Bu Sang froze at "Jungni Ju-hwal."
"Me?"
"Who else here could serve as Jungni Ju-hwal?"
Even with Yeon Jeong-du dead, it was an organization he'd long controlled. We needed someone reliable at the top, and there was no need for long deliberation. Having served long in the Central Administration and as Yeon Jeong-du's confidant, Bu Sang could distinguish allies from foes.
I grabbed the delighted Bu Sang's arm.
"Where's the quietest spot in the Confidential Bureau?"
"There's an annex."
"I'll use that as my office."
I introduced Seon Do-hae, who had come with me, as Bu Sang led the way.
"My confidant. He commands the agents I'll call communicators from now on."
"The ones using that Hangul cipher?"
"That's right."
Seon Do-hae clasped hands and bowed. Bu Sang nodded lightly and said,
"Follow me."
Geom Mojam, who always waited outside the door, stuck close by my side this time. With Jumong's spear blade at my waist, I felt secure.
Under Bu Sang's guidance, we headed to the annex within the Confidential Bureau. I told Seon Do-hae to wait outside and entered. It was near the main building, used as a meeting room and archive, making it convenient yet secluded for quiet work. Inside was a desk and chair covered in silk. I sat and immediately told Bu Sang,
"First order: erase Yeon Jeong-du's traces."
"Agreed, but he's worked as Senior Central Administrator for years—plenty he appointed and directed."
"No plans to purge them now. Touch them rashly, and the backlash could be severe. Instead, eliminate all spaces he frequented. Especially that lavish rear garden."
"Got it. We were short on office space anyway."
"And gather real talent."
"Smart ones?"
"Much work ahead. Even if we lead, they do the labor. No questions on background or status."
"Understood. Some slacked off, trusting Yeon Jeong-du anyway."
I replied, watching Bu Sang's grinning face.
"A bit of personal bias is fine. And we need to focus resources on Tang."
"Tang?"
"We'll clash with them head-on soon. I'll head north in a month or two."
"Leaving the Central Administration empty?"
"With you as Jungni Ju-hwal, I can entrust it. If war breaks with Tang, movements of nomads like Tujue will sway the outcome."
Bu Sang nodded at my words.
"I've been wary of Tang subjugating Tujue myself."
"Movements spotted near Gomukhae and Silwi too."
"They're close to us. Tujue's headache enough."
"Focus efforts on Seol Yeonta as well."
"Jinju Gahan's been Tang Emperor's vassal for ages."
"Jinju Gahan won't live forever. Stronger the power, greater the chaos after death."
"Exploit the gap, eh? Understood."
"And mass-produce weapons like Goguryeo Fire, Yeon Clan Cannons, Yeon Clan Crossbows."
"I know your clan’s efforts. Central Administration involvement will speed it up."
"Especially rush to Liaodong."
"Send technicians. Pair with ours to boost production."
"Will do. But Goguryeo Fire recipe stays with us—can't let it fall to enemies."
"So be it."
"We need eyes inside Silla. Monk Deokchang's a spy, I hear."
"Some grasp on it. But they stick to their bone-rank cliques."
"Contact Bidam and Yeom Jong—opponents of Kim Yushin and Kim Chun-chu."
"Those two?"
I assured the skeptical Bu Sang.
"If Kim Yushin and Kim Chun-chu are fringe, those two are mainstream. Queen's health fails, their conflict grows."
"Missed that."
"Push them to install Alcheon and seize royal power."
In actual history, the throne nearly went to Alcheon. He refused, but whether true intent or other reasons, who knows.
We talked at length over several cups of tea. After the meeting, Seon Do-hae and I went to the main building to greet the officials. They looked tense, some eyes red. But with Geom Mojam beside me, no real fear. We shared prepared tea and concluded the introductions simply.
Two weeks later, the final victory report from Yang Manchun arrived at the Central Administration annex. Adan Fortress had fallen. Unable to withstand the prolonged siege and turon assaults, they failed a last night raid. The fortress lord set the warehouse ablaze and took his own life. Surviving soldiers then opened the gates and surrendered.
Yang Manchun had the accompanying fire specialists draw a map of the Arisu Basin visible from Adan Fortress and send it. It resembled views near Walkerhill Hotel from my modern days, but without buildings and roads, it felt fresh. It listed captured prisoners and spoils, and soon they'd return. Onsaemun General, defender of Chiljung Fortress, would take charge of Adan. Feeling relieved, I told Seon Do-hae, who came to report,
"Now I can head north."
"Body feeling better?"
I smiled at his concern.
"No pulling, pain mostly gone."
"Relieved. Still, take care until departure."
"I will. Training the communicators well?"
"Central Administration personnel are skilled indeed."
"Teach well, compile regular reports, and brief me."
"Like before?"
"Yes. Want morning briefings."
"I'll compile overnight and draft by dawn. Reports are piling up anyway. As expected of you, Master."
It was akin to the Joseon dynasty's Joppo from the Office of Special Counsellors, really.
"Reports must name the author, and verify later if accurate."
"Understood. And the Wa communicator requests repatriation."
"The one who killed Prince Gobukdeok?"
"Yes. Rumors spreading, burdensome; misses homeland after long absence."
"Who?"
"Fire specialist named Gaseo-il. Sent to Wa after Prince Shotoku's death to create the Chusoku Mandara for memorial rites."
A name I'd come across researching for writing in modern times.
"Been there a while?"
"Yes. Over twenty years—married a local woman, had a child. Did well when tasked via another agent. Now widowed, lives with son."
"Repatriate him, find suitable work."
As we spoke, the door opened, and Jungni Ju-hwal Bu Sang entered. His expression was grave.