Chapter 156
Chapter 156
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 156
Chapter Title: The Dreaming Wolf
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"We must protect the people."
I had changed my mind while watching those who gave their all to their lives. I wanted to ensure their lives weren't destroyed. I wanted to prevent Goguryeo's fall and create a world where peace was guaranteed afterward.
Naksanggwan flashed an innocent smile upon hearing my words. It was a smile rarely seen among nomads weathered by endless trials on the plains. Unlike the others, he wore black pants and a long tunic, with a black-feathered hood on his head.
"That's not something you hear often from those in power."
"Is that praise? Thanks. Now show me Gerheng. She's the start of all this."
"I'll send her over if our talk goes well today."
"What do you want?"
"Someone to make my dream come true."
"You're a criminal too, then."
Naksanggwan turned to gaze at the sky in response to my half-joking, half-serious remark. He looked like he was in his mid-twenties at first glance, but up close, he seemed early thirties, about five years older than me. Sweeping back his tousled hair, he spoke.
"I've never been able to accept what the elders always said—stay within the fence. I couldn't understand why we had to divide into clans and tribes and fight each other, why we had to shed blood over trivial matters."
"Someone once said the steppe is harsh."
"It doesn't even allow questions. That's why the tribe's elders banished me—told me never to return."
"So you got lost and became a wolf?"
"Exactly. Goguryeans say they don't covet things dropped on the street."
"That's true."
"Is that because your nature is kind? Or because coveting others' things brings harsh punishment?"
"If something's dropped on the street and you pocket it without anyone seeing, who cares? That's why I want to believe it's because our people are good-hearted."
Naksanggwan gave a wry smile at my answer and spoke.
"I too wandered the steppe, lost and starving, until I collapsed—and a passing nomad helped me."
"You got lucky. Usually, they kill you and steal your horse and goods. Or drag you off as a slave."
"Right. I was lucky. But most aren't. I want to make it so steppe nomads can expect help when they lose their way or face death over something trivial."
Finally, I understood his thinking. At the same time, a word surfaced in my mind.
Empire.
Heroes like Genghis Khan, who occasionally arose on the steppe, built vast empires. Most collapsed quickly, though. This man before me shared their thoughts, whether he had the ability or not. Composing myself, I spoke.
"You want to build a nation like Goguryeo?"
"If possible. I don't envy anything else, but I want a land where even dropped goods on the road go untouched."
"That'll mean countless deaths and injuries."
Death, plunder, and massacre were inevitable when nomads built empires. I shuddered, recalling tales of the Mongols invading Khwarezm.
"Plenty die and get hurt now. Because of people like you who try to use us."
"Us?"
"You always hate us like wolves or jackals, but put us out front when you need us."
"Our interests aligned, so we joined hands. If it was one-sided, would you have accepted?"
Though accusatory, Naksanggwan readily admitted it.
"True. We can walk away if we don't like it. But that 'interest' only benefits the chieftains and elders, not us all."
"So you'll destroy that and build your world?"
"That's my dream. That's why I was banished."
"It's a grand dream."
"That's why I'm looking for someone to help."
"I'm not Goguryeo's king. Just the Eastern Division Leader's eldest son."
"I know you have the blessing of Jumong, founder of Goguryeo. And that you've made the king a puppet."
"You see a lot from afar."
"Plenty of merchants and informants here. That's how I knew you were coming and waited."
Hearing that, I realized how the previous ambush happened.
"You deliberately contacted the Maemul Merchant Guild merchants. To let us find you."
"Yes. Problem was, I learned too late he had Tang ties too."
"So we got ambushed by them."
"I tried to help, but it would've gotten too messy. Luckily, you held out at the rocky hill, giving me an opening."
Now I was certain the dust cloud that appeared then was Naksanggwan.
"Who were the ones who ambushed us?"
"Tang-backed thugs. They mimic other tribes to hide their identity."
"Seemed like actual Tang guys were mixed in."
"Possible."
"They're in the way of your dream."
"Yes. Seems they're preparing to topple Goguryeo—throwing around massive wealth."
"Shaking your position in the process."
He showed no reaction, but his eyes confirmed it. Naksanggwan's intent to shatter the old order and build his own world might clash with mine. Goguryeo had conflicts with northern nomads, after all. I didn't know about the Yuan, but even Liao or Jin would be huge burdens. He surely knew what I did. Even if we used each other, we'd split eventually. Still, I decided to hear more.
"What help do you want from me?"
"Word is you're preparing for war with Tang."
"They'll invade for sure."
He gave a wry smile at my blunt reply.
"I hate Tang too. So how about we join hands and fight them?"
"Fighting takes a lot. Grand dreams aside, you're just leading a few hundred bandits."
"I can muster more."
"How?"
"The steppe always lacks food. Tribes banish sinners over trifles to reduce mouths."
"You'll absorb them."
"Offer food, and they'll come easily. Horses and weapons make it simpler."
"If you could, wouldn't you have? Lacking ability?"
"Can't deny it. But without a base, I can't take many."
"You want me to provide a base and supplies?"
"It'd benefit us both."
"Feed a wild steppe wolf, and will it thank you? Or bite and run?"
My question made Naksanggwan turn north to the plains.
"A wolf not dreaming of tomorrow would bolt. But I'm a wolf with dreams."
"If I give you a base and supplies, what will you do for me?"
"When Tang invades Goguryeo, they'll use Tujue upfront."
"Probably Asanasi, second son of Chila Khan."
Naksanggwan flinched at my words.
"I have ears too."
In fact, Asanasi surrendered to Tang and joined the 645 Goguryeo campaign, fighting bravely at Ansi Fortress, even wounded.
"Impressive, as rumored. Tujue appear and vanish like wind—you never know when they'll strike from behind."
"We have Malgal too. They move like the wind. Might be better to supply them."
"Malgal follow their chieftains. At crunch time, they'll prioritize themselves."
"Won't you? Even with promises, you won't risk your life for me."
"Of course. But driving out Tang benefits me too. Sometimes that's more than loyalty or orders."
Definitely cold and calculating. But also one who'd take risks for gain. Different from my blindly loyal retainers calling me Master. As I watched silently, he spoke.
"Help me, and I'll be your blade."
"I have plenty of blades."
"True. Saw from afar—your men fight well. But only I can lead and command thousands of nomad cavalry."
An undeniable fact. Accepting his offer would solve my biggest headache in the coming Tang war.
"How many can you gather?"
He answered as if waiting.
"With a base and steady food, two thousand by year's end. Later, when needed, five to ten thousand."
"Sudden growth—can you control them?"
"My current men can each handle ten."
"I'll think it over. Can't decide on the spot."
"Understood."
"And Gerheng?"
"In a northern valley. Let's go."
He abruptly turned his horse. I hesitated, then followed at a distance. Glancing back, I saw Geom Mojam, eagle-eyed, spurring his horse over. Following Naksanggwan, who led leisurely, I asked.
"Weren't you taking Tang's commission?"
"Yes. A lord's man came, asked to kidnap Gerheng heading to Goguryeo."
"Why not hand her over?"
"Never planned to."
"Why?"
"Hand her over, and they'd use her to seize the Haeryang-a tribe, then swallow the whole Gomakhae."
"Far-sighted."
"That's why I took the job. If not me, they'd hire others or do it themselves."
"That important a girl?"
"Haeryang-a are the bravest Gomakhae horsemen. Few in number, but it takes three to handle one."
"Tang would covet them."
"Plus, southernmost Gomakhae. Take their land, easy advance toward Buyeo Fortress. Tang's been seriously preparing for years."
"Against us?"
He nodded at my question.
"Building a foothold to attack Goguryeo."
"Clever."
"Indeed."
He added curtly.
"It'll be a big obstacle. For both you and me."
"Who's behind this plot?"
Naksanggwan turned to me at the question.