Chapter 158
Chapter 158
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 158
Chapter Title: Great King Namsaeng
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As the conversation dragged on, Asilbul and Yang Man-chun, along with their subordinates, all entered the valley. The moment Asilbul spotted Gerheng, he dismounted and prostrated himself flat on the ground.
"Lady."
It was truly a moving moment, but Gerheng kept up her gruff persona.
"You're kicking up dust. Come sit down already."
Asilbul, his face a mess of tears and snot, crawled over on his knees and sat on a rock. Gerheng sliced off a chunk of meat from the neck area and handed it to him.
"You liked the neck meat, right?"
Asilbul nodded vigorously as he chewed the meat. Gerheng spoke to him.
"I'm going to smash the bastards who tried to kidnap me."
Asilbul's expression changed instantly at Gerheng's words.
"I'll crack their skulls, gouge out their eyes, and chew up their hearts."
Gerheng pointed at Nak Sang-gwan, who was sitting beside her, after hearing Asilbul's words.
"Then we should start by killing that one."
"Just give the word."
Nak Sang-gwan looked a bit frightened by the dead-serious reply. I couldn't help but chuckle at the unexpected, amusing scene. Meanwhile, Geom Mojam still hadn't let his guard down.
We sat around the campfire, listening to Gerheng's harsh nagging as we hashed out our plan. First, Nak Sang-gwan, who knew the terrain, would scout the enemy base near Yuseong where his subordinates were. In the meantime, I'd launch operations targeting the spies around Buyeo Fortress. Then, once we got word, we'd muster about a thousand cavalry and turn their place into a wasteland. Asilbul wanted to take Gerheng along, but she flatly refused.
"I'm more comfortable here."
"Still..."
"You gonna keep bothering me?"
Asilbul, who was nearly twice her age, shrank back. I muttered to myself watching it.
"What a tough lady. A real tough lady."
With the discussion wrapped up, I left the valley feeling much lighter and headed back to Buyeo Fortress. On the way, I gave orders to Geom Mojam and Yang Man-chun.
"Tell U Hyo-dong we're heading back. To Geonan Fortress."
"So the bastard falls for it and contacts the Tang, right?"
I nodded at Geom Mojam's response.
"Once we confirm they're moving, I'll send separate orders to Yoksal in Buyeo Fortress to annihilate them. And we'll quietly cross the Omni Daesu at dawn and head to Yuseong."
Yang Man-chun grinned excitedly at my words.
"Sounds like fun's about to break loose again."
"I'll ask Yoksal to attach some Malgal tribesmen as escorts. We'll link up with them and hit the enemy."
"Can we trust the Malgal folk?"
I pondered Geom Mojam's worried tone for a moment. Buyeo Fortress's walls were coming into view in the distance.
"For now, the Goguryeo troops in Buyeo Fortress are more dangerous. So let's give them a shot."
"Understood. I'll get my men ready."
As we talked, Yoksal's banner appeared in the distance. Yang Man-chun smirked at the sight.
"He came all this way. Must be scared."
Yoksal from Buyeo Fortress spurred his horse toward me upon spotting me. After a quick greeting, we got straight to business.
"I'm thinking of heading back the day after tomorrow."
"I see."
A flicker of relief crossed his face. No wonder—he knew if I died here, he wouldn't get off scot-free either. I made a request to Yoksal, who couldn't hide his relief.
"I'm planning to go via Geonan Fortress. Could you spare some Malgal tribesmen as escorts?"
"Malgal? I'll just send my own men."
"I want to do some hunting on the way. Please."
He readily agreed to my prepared excuse.
"Very well. I'll send some skilled Malgal hunters to the guesthouse tomorrow morning."
With the first phase of the plan—and the biggest hurdle—cleared, I returned to the guesthouse. The remaining guards subtly reported that some were keeping watch. As I dismounted, I said,
"Perfect. They'll buy it."
The next day, a group of Malgal tribesmen arrived at the guesthouse. They wore hats with long, dangling fur like ponytails and vests of fur. Leading them was a young man with dark skin and a thin mustache. He dismounted, knelt on one knee before me as I came out, and greeted me.
"Greetings, Senior Central Administrator."
"Are you the Malgal coming with us?"
"Yes. Yoksal from Buyeo Fortress summoned me personally, so I hurried here."
He looked younger than me, but his eyes sparkled with energy. Thinking he seemed like an interesting fellow, I asked,
"Nice to meet you. What's your name?"
"Geulgeul Jung-sang, Senior Central Administrator."
The name hit me like a bolt. I muttered inwardly,
'My god. It's the father of Dae Joyeong, founder of Balhae.'
There were theories he was Goguryeo descent or Malgal, and it was true. As I pondered how to take it, Geulgeul Jung-sang eased my worries.
"I was originally Goguryeo."
"How'd that happen?"
I was so thrilled I couldn't finish my sentence.
"Lost my parents young and ended up in a Malgal village. But I've never forgotten Goguryeo."
"I believe you, no doubt."
Considering his son Dae Joyeong founded Balhae to carry on Goguryeo, it made sense. I was overjoyed, leaving Geom Mojam and Yang Man-chun baffled.
The next morning, with Yoksal seeing us off, we left Buyeo Fortress. U Hyo-dong and the spies would be handled by Ariyeong. Leaving Yoksal looking relieved behind us, we headed south for a good while before linking up with Asilbul's group, who were waiting. Asilbul was so raring to go it worried me. Geulgeul Jung-sang sensed the tense atmosphere and asked,
"Weren't we going to Geonan Fortress?"
"We will. Later."
"I'm an excellent guide. But I need to know the destination."
His unflappable demeanor impressed me.
"Our target is Balchika Lake near Yuseong."
"Isn't that under Tang control? Why would you go there, Senior Central Administrator?"
I waved off his suspicious question with a smile.
"Not for the reasons you think."
"Then tell me straight—what's the mission?"
"Tang forces have been infiltrating northern nomads, including the Malgal. I'm here to investigate and uproot them."
Geulgeul Jung-sang's face lit up at my explanation.
"That's why. Lately, Tang merchants have been frequenting the Black Water Malgal near our Inner Malgal, selling iron cheap and buying horses dear to win hearts."
"They're the ones who put out the hit on Gerheng, daughter of the Heryang-a clan chief under Gomakhae."
"So that's why the Heryang-a joined up."
"If you don't want in, you're free to go. But..."
Before I could continue, Geulgeul Jung-sang replied,
"I'll follow. Put me at the vanguard."
Yang Man-chun cut in at his words.
"You're too hasty."
"I've waited for this day."
Geulgeul Jung-sang looked back at me.
"Goguryeo's influence has noticeably waned lately. Even among the Malgal, many are turning from Goguryeo for Tang wealth."
He added with a frustrated expression,
"That's why horsemen get called disloyal."
"Are you different?"
Instead of answering, Geulgeul Jung-sang drew a bow from his saddle and nocked an arrow. Startled by the sudden move, Geom Mojam reached for his sword, but I signaled him to stop—I knew the man. Though I eyed him warily just in case, his eyes weren't bloodshot.
The bow was a recurved composite bow, the small type used by Mongols and nomads. Aiming northwest toward Lord Yuseong, he drew the string. The arrow whistled sharply, piercing the morning sun and flying far. I knew recurved bows had range, but this was farther than expected. Everyone watching, myself included, gaped in shock. Geulgeul Jung-sang released the string lightly and said,
"I want to loose my arrows at the Tang. Always."
Seeing his confident demeanor, I grinned, thrilled at gaining a new subordinate. Gido-ryang, who'd been quietly following, showed particular interest, riding up to ask about long-range shooting tips and chatting away.
Turning northwest, lost wolves appeared in the distance. I waved to Nak Sang-gwan at the lead in greeting, and Geulgeul Jung-sang asked,
"Who are they?"
"Lost Wolves. You've heard of them?"
"Of course. You recruited them too?"
"I always extend a hand to those who can help."
"Broad mercy."
"Just greedy."
As we talked, Nak Sang-gwan rode up and reined in abruptly.
"Word from my men at Balchika Lake. Some headed to Geonan Fortress."
"They bit the bait."
As expected, I ordered Geom Mojam,
"Send word to Buyeo Fortress for Ariyeong to capture the spies. Find out how deep they go—try not to kill them."
"Got it."
As Geom Mojam instructed a subordinate, I asked Nak Sang-gwan,
"Any way to move without them spotting us?"
"Head up a bit—there's forest. Follow to the rocky mountain, cross it, and you're into Yuseong territory."
"The Tang?"
"They don't guard that far. Mostly for smuggling or refugees crossing the border."
"To Balchika Lake from there?"
"Hide by day, move by night—two days. But if they realize the Geonan move's a feint, they might come back."
"They won't pass up a shot at me."
"Even easier then. About 500 left at base."
"Lucky."
"We've got 600 cavalry from me, 100 from Asilbul, plus your men and Malgal—around 800. More than enough, but no slacking."
"Naturally. Lead on."
"Keep up."
Nak Sang-gwan chuckled and turned his horse, then froze. Staring blankly ahead, he'd spotted someone. Beyond his gaze stood Adokbang, who awkwardly bowed his head.
"Long time, boss."
"Doing well? Always wondered—didn't expect to meet here."
"Fate, I guess."
Nak Sang-gwan glanced at Adokbang, then at me.
"You took him in?"
"Saved me from assassins in the market. Been my man since."
"Good friend. Loyal and solid."
"No need to tell me twice."
Nak Sang-gwan turned his horse toward his men after my reply. They wheeled north. Ahead flowed the Omni Daesu, the river Jumong had crossed with fish and turtle's aid.