Chapter 166
Chapter 166
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 166
Chapter Title: Silla's Brewing Storm
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'I have to stop Seol Yeon-ta from falling.'
Though the accelerating timeline nagged at him a bit, he had to keep it in mind for now. In actual history, once Seol Yeon-ta's Jinju Governor-General died and his son Bal-jak took the throne, they invaded Tang. Because of that, Tang Taizong—who had been fiercely attacking Ansi Fortress—had no choice but to withdraw his army. Of course, it only happened because fortresses like Ansi across Goguryeo held out and bought time.
'The best thing would be to avoid creating that situation altogether.'
But even with the cheat-like ability of Heavenly Palace's scales, he'd nearly been assassinated twice. Moreover, the war with Tang would be on a scale incomparable to anything before, so it was obvious there'd be countless variables. Lost in such thoughts, he noticed his father Yeon Gaesomun gesturing for everyone to leave. They all followed suit and exited. Even after being left alone, he remained deep in thought for a while. Then, with a creak, the door opened. He turned to see who it was and was startled.
"Whoa!"
Stepping through the door was his eldest son, Heon-chung. His wife followed, cradling their second son, Heon-seong, in a swaddling cloth. He hurried over in surprise, and his wife spoke to Heon-seong.
"Your dad's been so busy we had to come see him. Otherwise, he might forget what we look like."
"I just finished and was about to head home. Let's go."
"I had a meal prepared, but it might get cold, so I came."
"Good thinking, but next time send someone ahead."
"You wouldn't have come anyway."
He left Bin Yeon Pavilion with his wife, who shot him a playful glare. Geom Mojam, guarding outside, gave a slight bow. After telling him to rest, they descended the stairs together. He stole glances at his wife, smiling shyly, and listened to his eldest son Heon-chung's babbling as they held hands. Knowing full well what kind of lives his two sons had lived in actual history, Yeon Namsaeng was on high alert.
'As their father, I won't let them live or die in disgrace.'
Noticing his expression, his wife asked,
"You don't look good."
"Oh, no. Just thinking about work."
She gave a soft smile at his response.
"I'll let it slide until we get home. After that, no more."
"O-of course."
Heon-chung burst into giggles at their exchange, and even Heon-seong in the swaddling cloth laughed along. Their laughter made Yeon Namsaeng and his wife smile too.
The months that followed were peaceful. Baekje's Crown Prince Uija replied that he needed to postpone their meeting due to rebuilding Mireuk Temple and preparing for the throne. Seon Do-hae felt uneasy, and Deputy Supreme Commander Bu-sang shared the concern, but with nothing they could do, they decided to watch and wait. With the war against Tang truly approaching, Yeon Namsaeng spent his time organizing the invasion routes and battle progressions he remembered. Silla's queen was said to have recovered from her illness, but unless it was fully cured, a relapse could happen anytime. Meanwhile, reports trickled in from Daeya Fortress about the actions of Kim Chun-chu's son-in-law, Kim Pum-seok, who had been appointed governor.
True to his habits from Seorabeol, he treated his subordinates harshly. Beatings and curses were routine, and he even executed some. Considering Daeya had originally been Daegaya territory, not Silla land, it was an impressive act of self-sabotage.
After being assigned to the Central Administration Bureau, the number of agents and reports increased dramatically. The volume of reports written in Hangeul grew as well. Deputy Supreme Commander Bu-sang, naturally exposed to Hangeul, was amazed. Meetings at the Central Administration Bureau, held every few days, mainly involved Yeon Namsaeng, Bu-sang, and Seon Do-hae. Especially when discussing Silla, it was just the three of them. After all, if they were sending spies, there was no reason Silla couldn't do the same.
Nothing major happened until the summer of 640, after the year turned. Of course, things were simmering beneath the surface.
Silla was the first to erupt. Entering the small hall used for meetings at the Central Administration Bureau, Yeon Namsaeng read it on Seon Do-hae's face.
"Silla?"
Seon Do-hae nodded.
"The queen collapsed again."
"Just a rumor?"
"She went to Hwangnyongsa and couldn't even stand. Multiple people, including our agents, witnessed it."
Deputy Supreme Commander Bu-sang added,
"Monk Deok-chang was there too."
"Either our intel missed that she could collapse, or she forced herself out despite knowing the risk."
Both Seon Do-hae and Bu-sang nodded in agreement. Then Bu-sang spoke up.
"It's already confirmed four times, so the Central Administration Bureau judges that underground power struggles will intensify."
"Good call. With no heirs, unmarried, and the last of the sacred bone line, conflict—er, strife—is about to begin."
He almost said "explosion" but quickly corrected. Luckily, they were too focused to notice. Seon Do-hae unrolled a bamboo slip and said,
"According to a report from Kim So-un, formerly Nangdang Sogam, people keep coming and going from Kim Yu-sin's estate, Jaemae Jeong-tak."
"They're preparing. What about Alcheon and Bidam?"
Bu-sang answered.
"Alcheon's locked his doors and isn't seeing anyone."
"Staying neutral?"
In actual history, Alcheon had acted differently from true bone nobles like Bidam or Yeom Jong. Urging him to continue with a look, Bu-sang added,
"Bidam's actively meeting with true bone nobles qualified for the Hwabaek Council, like Yeom Jong."
"If we know about it, they're meeting openly."
"Yes. They'll likely hold the Hwabaek Council right before or after the queen dies to decide her successor."
"Kim Yu-sin and Kim Chun-chu would want to stop that at all costs."
"Yes. But many true bone nobles dislike them, so their faction is weak."
"If the Hwabaek Council proceeds normally, they have no chance."
"Exactly."
After hearing Bu-sang's explanation, Yeon Namsaeng looked at Seon Do-hae.
"They're not the type to just sit back."
"I agree. I discussed with the Central Administration Chief Clerk and came up with some scenarios."
"Tell me."
"First: rebellion."
"Rebellion?"
"To prevent the queen's death or a Hwabaek Council right before it, by raising arms."
In actual 647, Kim Yu-sin and Kim Chun-chu seized Wolseong in Gyeongju, while Bidam and the true bone nobles took Myeonghwal Mountain Fortress and faced off. A meteor fell on Wolseong, giving a psychological edge, but Kim Yu-sin used kites to turn the tide and they lost. Yeon Namsaeng liked them but couldn't let them win, or his plans would crumble.
"Less Bidam's rebellion and more Kim Yu-sin and Kim Chun-chu rebelling against the Hwabaek Council."
"Could be. Second: compromise."
"Possible?"
Bu-sang replied to his question.
"As long as the queen lives, a fragile balance holds. Whoever shows their hand first becomes the traitor."
"But if she dies or is on the brink, it changes."
"Drawing swords first leads to the first scenario. Rationally, they'd compromise."
"Why?"
"Neither can overwhelm the other. Drawing a sword means confidence in victory. Civil war is lose-lose even if you win. We've shown that ourselves."
He caught on immediately.
"How would they compromise?"
Curious, he asked, and Seon Do-hae answered.
"Probably by elevating Alcheon as successor."
"Alcheon? Because he's neutral?"
"True bone origin, but not on bad terms with Kim Yu-sin or Kim Chun-chu."
Seon Do-hae supplemented Bu-sang's words.
"Bidam's true bone faction wouldn't mind much. He'd protect their interests."
"Alcheon's own thoughts are key."
"He'll stay silent and still until the end. The throne's possible, but so is becoming a traitor."
"Neutral, but inherently closer to Bidam and true bone nobles?"
"Likely. Forced to choose, he'd side with Bidam and them."
"From Kim Yu-sin and Kim Chun-chu's view, they'll seek change before she dies."
"Right. Negotiate for survival or seize power. Doesn't the queen have a cousin?"
He hesitated, recalling she was daughter of Gukban Galmunwang, but Seon Do-hae quickly said,
"Princess Seongman, daughter of Gukban Galmunwang."
"Right. She's sacred bone too?"
Bu-sang hesitated before replying.
"Yes, but would they make her queen after the queen?"
"It's their only option. They'll make Princess Seongman queen and take control."
"Never considered that."
"Their background means they can't blend with Silla nobles. Compromise is hard. That's all they have left."
Seon Do-hae asked,
"How should we respond?"
"We must block Kim Yu-sin and Kim Chun-chu from taking power. For survival, they'll ally with Tang no matter what."
"Without Danghangpo and Danghangseong, it won't be easy."
"That's why they'll be desperate. True bone nobles can hole up in Joryeong and Gaeripryeong, but they can't."
In reality, Kim Yu-sin became Supreme General of State and Kim Chun-chu Yeongnyu King due to ability and achievements. They were the type to do anything to overcome unfavorable odds. As he organized his thoughts, Bu-sang asked,
"What should we do? I'm curious about the Senior Central Administrator's view."
"Keep watching the queen. Then advise Bidam's side to ensure he wins any civil war."
To his answer, Bu-sang cautiously asked,
"Is eliminating Kim Yu-sin and Kim Chun-chu best for us?"
"Normally, balance is ideal. But they're dangerous—talented, ambitious, desperate enough for risks."
They both nodded firmly.
"We'll keep contacting Bidam's side."
"Their reaction?"
"Not outright refusal, but they're wary."
"Makes sense. Meeting us wouldn't look good if known."
"We'll persist."
"Tell them: if the queen dies or falls into a coma, Kim Yu-sin and Kim Chun-chu won't sit idle—they'll seize Wolseong preemptively. To hold ground, they must take Myeonghwal Mountain Fortress."