Chapter 167
Chapter 167
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 167
Chapter Title: Great King Namsaeng
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Supreme Central Administrator Bu-sang wore a shocked expression.
"Are you talking about Myeonghwasan Fortress?"
But since I knew the entire progression, including the conclusion, I spoke confidently.
"And Kim Yu-sin will use a trick—no, a deception—to turn the tide, but I know what it is. So if they're curious, tell them to keep in touch."
This time, he couldn't even ask, just blinking in astonishment. I shut my mouth, figuring more talk would make me seem suspicious. As I tried to move on to the next topic, urgent knocks echoed from the door outside. Moments later, Geom Mojam opened it. A low-ranking official from the Central Administration Bureau entered and bowed.
"An urgent message just arrived from Sabi Fortress."
"What is it?"
"The Baekje army has mobilized eastward."
It was truly unexpected—I was shocked. I had anticipated the mobilization, but not this soon, and especially not without notifying us. Supreme Central Administrator Bu-sang shot to his feet with a yell, while Seon Do-hae clenched his fists on his knees. I cut off the low-ranking official before he could speak further.
"The commander is Yun-chung, and the force numbers ten thousand, correct?"
The official replied with a bewildered look.
"H-how did you know that?"
I gestured for him to withdraw after saying I knew everything. Then I quietly regarded the two men. Both looked stunned, though Seon Do-hae was a bit more composed. I asked him.
"Did you anticipate this?"
"I wouldn't say pinpointed it exactly, but I had a feeling they'd make moves independent of us."
"Is moving without informing us the start of that?"
"Now that the succession issue is settled, our importance has likely diminished. Plus, they probably want to show they're not being swayed by Goguryeo."
"True enough. They have old grudges with us too."
"The Paekje nobles who were enemies until yesterday are now assets to embrace. So they needed to project strength outwardly."
Bu-sang raised his voice upon hearing Seon Do-hae's explanation.
"Even so, ignoring all the help we've given them is unacceptable."
"Agreed. Which means Baekje must have anticipated our anger."
Bu-sang responded immediately to my words.
"Under normal circumstances, they'd send an envoy to seek understanding."
"None have arrived yet."
"Wait a few days. They won't fully turn their backs on us just yet."
Bu-sang spoke confidently, and I shared the sentiment. Serving as Yeon Jeong-du's lackey had actually undermined his capabilities.
"On second thought, watching and waiting isn't a bad idea. If Baekje seizes Daeya Fortress, Silla takes a massive hit."
Seon Do-hae answered my question right away.
"It's more than a hit. Lose Daeya, and Seorabul is right on their doorstep."
"Daeya's governor is Kim Pum-seok, Kim Chun-chu's son-in-law, so he can't escape responsibility."
"Exactly. There will be calls for accountability—especially if it's not due to overwhelming odds or inevitability, but because of Kim Pum-seok's failings."
Listening to Bu-sang, I finalized our next move: exploit Silla's internal strife to eliminate Kim Yu-sin and Kim Chun-chu.
'That should deter Silla from challenging us again.'
The timeline had accelerated, but it didn't deviate much from actual history. Relieved, I told the two men.
"We'll watch for now."
Both nodded. I ordered Seon Do-hae to double-check the Baekje army's advance route and Bu-sang to gather intel on the Goguryeo command in the Ari-su River basin.
Over the next few days, reports kept coming in. Just as word arrived that the Baekje forces were about to besiege Daeya Fortress, our expected visitor appeared. Though the visitor was slightly different from anticipated. In the dead of night, Baekje's unofficial envoy—a plainly dressed middle-aged man—arrived quietly at the mansion. Gaunt and sharp-eyed with a nervous glint, he waited in the Bin-yeon Pavilion. Upon seeing me, he bowed. He'd disguised himself for secrecy, but before me, he wore purple official robes with a silver flower ornament pinned to his black hat.
'Purple robes and a silver flower in his hat?'
He was clearly from Baekje's highest echelons—a Left Minister or Dal-sol. After bowing, he spoke.
"Greetings to Senior Central Administrator Yeon Namsaeng. I am Dal-sol Seong-chung of Baekje."
"Seong-chung?"
Not on the level of Kim Yu-sin or Kim Chun-chu, but a figure I knew well. A loyal vassal of King Uija, he'd advised blocking the enemy army at Tanzhou and the navy at Gibeol Port right before dying in prison. But the utterly corrupt King Uija ignored him, sealing Baekje's doom. Recalling what I knew, lost in thought, Seong-chung looked up and said.
"We left early, but I fell ill midway and had to rest, causing the delay."
"I see."
Of course, it was unlikely true. They'd probably timed it precisely to arrive after mobilization—avoiding liability without loose ends. As I remained silent, Seong-chung apologized again.
"I'm deeply sorry for any misunderstanding between you and the Crown Prince due to my delay. I beg your forgiveness."
"I'm neither enraged nor misled enough to execute a foreign minister—let alone an envoy—out of hand."
My blunt words subtly shifted Seong-chung's expression. He seemed tense, sensing a formidable opponent. But knowing the future, I responded leisurely.
"State your purpose."
"The Crown Prince ordered General Yun-chung to attack Daeya Fortress. Ten thousand troops are advancing as we speak."
"Does Baekje's Crown Prince need to inform us of Baekje's own troop movements?"
Caught off-guard again, Seong-chung swallowed dryly.
"The Crown Prince often says he owes you a great debt. Baekje and Goguryeo are brothers from the same root. We joined hands to strike at Silla, that pack of jackals."
I nodded for him to continue, and he raised his voice.
"This mobilization was decided hastily, delaying notification. Moreover, I fell ill after departure and lay bedridden for days. I came as fast as I could once recovered, but too late."
"Are you well now?"
"Fortunately, I can move."
"Our family physician is skilled. See him after we finish."
"My thanks."
"It's true Baekje and Goguryeo are like brother nations. But between states, there's only interest—no loyalty."
"What do you mean?"
"Our good relations stem solely from Silla's presence, don't they?"
I grinned villainously, and Seong-chung paled. As he opened his mouth, I gestured silence and pressed on.
"Goguryeo and Baekje share roots, but it wasn't amicable. Our king died fighting Baekje, and conversely, your Arah lost his head to us, didn't he?"
"Th-that was...?"
I silenced his desperate excuse and continued.
"Later, you allied with Silla to harass us, only drawing close after Silla stabbed you in the back. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, after all."
Seong-chung's purpose was likely to excuse the late notice while preserving ties. No fools, the Crown Prince and his aides feared our stance shifting once Silla weakened. Seeing through it, he fell silent. I grinned villainously again.
"No need to worry. Silla's far from beaten."
"N-no, the Crown Prince deeply respects you."
"I once saved him at Mireuk Temple."
"We're well aware. He hasn't forgotten your comfort or foresight for his future."
"I have no doubt the Crown Prince is good and trustworthy. But Baekje's Arah must act solely for Baekje's benefit, right?"
"Well said. But please, don't say there's no loyalty between nations. Our Crown Prince holds such renown he earned the title Sea-East Sage."
"I know full well. That's why I've supported him. No need for convoluted calculations—pass that on."
"My shortcomings prevent grasping your deep intent. Enlighten me."
"We fully anticipated this mobilization. Not informing us in advance was unavoidable for state secrecy—we understand. No need for lengthy excuses."
"Is that the meaning?"
"If Baekje's attitude sours or seems to turn from us, we have countermeasures ready. Thus, no need to drag your sick body here."
My seemingly inscrutable words complicated Seong-chung's expression further. Sending him over Buyeo Seung or Gwisil Bok-sin—tied to me—signaled cold pragmatism. Yet I'd declared I'd handle whoever came. For Seong-chung on this vital mission, utterly unforeseen. As he urgently moved to speak, I cut in.
"See the physician now. He'll treat you well."
"If this ends so abruptly, I have no intention of returning alive."
"Then we'll honorably deliver your body. Didn't the Crown Prince tell you about me?"
"He spoke tirelessly: courteous, kind, acting as if foreseeing the future."
"I have excellent aides and countless spies. I read people's hearts from a few words."
"Hearing it now, it rings true."
"Don't act transparently against someone like me. My aid to the Crown Prince was sincere, unchanged. But..."
I paused, staring intently at Seong-chung. Then slowly spoke.
"If Crown Prince Uija turns from me, I'll surely destroy Baekje."
"Wh-what do you mean? My illness escalated this—I'm mortified."
"For Baekje, you'd deem your life worthless, wouldn't you?"
"Yes."
"Yet I doubt illness alone would derail such a critical schedule."