Chapter 171
Chapter 171
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 171
Chapter Title: Great King Namsaeng
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Kim Chun-chu must have imagined countless unexpected variables in his mind before this meeting today. But a response like this one surely wasn't among them. As expected, Kim Chun-chu flinched. He even glanced at Vice Commander Bu-sang for good measure.
"See to it that Lord Chun-chu can return safely to Silla."
"Understood. I'll make sure he's well escorted."
Since we'd discussed it beforehand, Bu-sang readily agreed. As I rose to say farewell, Kim Chun-chu spoke up awkwardly.
"So, you'll cut ties with Baekje and stop attacking us?"
I flashed a grin at his desperate words.
"I'll have to consult with the Great King and my father first."
It was tantamount to telling him to leave empty-handed. Of course, Kim Chun-chu hadn't come expecting any gifts, but he'd braced for threats, intimidation, and mortal peril. Skipping all that left him robbed of the dramatic narrow escape he'd envisioned. Sensing his disappointment, I piled on.
"On your way back, contact the governors of the ports and outposts along the route and have them prepare a feast. And since Baekje might try something, make sure the escorts are top-notch."
Vice Commander Bu-sang chimed in.
"Of course. I'll send word right away to ensure everything's in order."
I deliberately avoided looking at Kim Chun-chu. But I could guess what he was thinking. As I stood, he grabbed my sleeve in a panic. Seon Do-hae flinched at the sight.
"Chief of Central Administration! I've come all this way to Goguryeo—surely I can't leave empty-handed."
I waved off Seon Do-hae to signal it was fine, then sat back down with feigned reluctance.
"You arrived empty-handed and now expect to take something? That's greed talking, Lord Chun-chu."
"How could I bring gifts when I'm not even the king?"
"And I'm not Goguryeo's king either. So unless you offer something first, I can't hand anything over, can I?"
Kim Chun-chu fell silent at my retort. He'd probably hoped we'd demand territory. But knowing how he'd spun that political escape in real history, I had no intention of playing along with his script. Staring at me intently, he let out a deep sigh.
"It seems I've taken the wrong path."
"If you've lost your way, just find it again."
"Our paths diverged from the start. Perhaps I rushed ahead too hastily after my daughter and son-in-law's deaths."
True to form, Kim Chun-chu quickly grasped the situation. And realized how narrow his escape would be. I turned to him.
"It's a shame our paths differ."
"It was decided that way from the beginning. We've both done our best—that should suffice."
"Just to be sure, I'll say it: cede the lands north of Jukryeong Pass, and we'll halt our alliance with Baekje against Silla."
"Hand over Mamok County and north of Joryeong Pass, and you're demanding all of North Hansanju around Ari-su and Biyeolhol, right?"
"Lands you can't hold anyway, even if you have them? Swallowing short-term humiliation to survive isn't a bad strategy."
Kim Chun-chu pondered my question for a long while. Then he asked me.
"If we cede those lands, will you let me live?"
"Of course. I swear it to the heavens."
"Then I must return and report to the queen, follow the procedures."
I couldn't help but chuckle at his words. It reminded me of how, in actual history, he'd escaped by telling Seon Do-hae—the tale of the rabbit and turtle that Yeon Gaesomun's confidant heard. With a deadpan expression, I replied.
"Write a letter. I'll deliver it."
"How can we cede land by letter? Trust me and let me go—I'll ensure the promised territories are returned."
Glimmers of hope made him grovel pathetically.
'That's what makes him scarier.'
He moved by cold calculation and survival instinct, ignoring pride or others' gazes. His pragmatic worldview suited the 21st century better than the 7th. That made it all the more regrettable. Hiding my thoughts, I spoke.
"Long ago, a dragon king lived in the East Sea."
The utter non sequitur left Kim Chun-chu blinking in confusion. In history, even Seon Do-hae had been shocked telling this story, and Bu-sang gaped openly. Ignoring their reactions, I continued.
"His only daughter fell gravely ill, curable only by eating a rabbit's liver. So the dragon king summoned his loyal turtle servant to fetch one."
"To save his daughter."
Kim Chun-chu's voice trembled slightly, having lost his own. I nodded and went on.
"Yes. The turtle went ashore, found a rabbit in the woods, and tempted it with sweet words: no hawks or beasts in the sea, fresh springs, delicious grass, no seasons like on land—no cold or heat."
"Sounds tempting enough for a rabbit."
"So the rabbit rode the turtle's back out to sea. Midway, the turtle confessed: the dragon king's daughter needs your liver to heal."
"Isn't that spilling the beans too soon?"
I shook my head at Kim Chun-chu's interjection.
"He figured midway across, no escape. But know what the rabbit said?"
Kim Chun-chu, Seon Do-hae, and Bu-sang all looked curious.
"It claimed as a divine beast, it could remove and replace its organs at will. Said it had left its liver drying on a rock under a waterfall, so it wasn't there now."
"What a ridiculous lie!"
"But the turtle bought it, brought the rabbit back to land. The rabbit hopped off and fled into the woods. And as it ran, know what it said?"
Kim Chun-chu shook his head. Arms crossed, I delivered the punchline.
"What creature leaves its organs out for the world? It mocked him and vanished. The turtle returned empty-handed."
Kim Chun-chu laughed upon hearing it.
"What a delightful tale. Where did you hear it, Chief?"
"It's an old story that's been around."
He thought long after my answer, then gave a wry smile as realization dawned. Watching him, thinking Classic Kim Chun-chu, he spoke firmly.
"Even against an enemy state, killing an envoy who came to you sets a dangerous precedent."
"Precedents can be made. Envoys usually come by royal order or invitation. Did the queen send you? Did we invite you?"
Kim Chun-chu had no reply.
"You came to Goguryeo on your own to dodge blame for Daeya Fortress's fall. You claimed to negotiate but refused compromise. Did you think we wouldn't see through using us to escape your crisis?"
"Still, killing me gains you nothing."
"Kill you, and we gain Kim Yu-sin."
My unexpected reply stunned him.
"Lord Yu-sin is Silla's Hwarang and general. How do you gain him?"
"We know about your marriage to his sister. When you wouldn't take her despite her pregnancy, he piled firewood in the yard to burn her alive."
"That was staged for the queen's permission. What brother burns his own sister?"
"True. But needing such a ploy shows their marriage wasn't smooth—thanks to Kim Yu-sin's bloodline, right?"
He couldn't respond to my sharp probe.
"Without you, Kim Yu-sin can't hold out in Silla."
"You'll shelter him if he flees?"
I spread my hands instead of answering. Kim Chun-chu sighed deeply, eyes welling up.
"I dodged the wolf only to enter the tiger's den. I underestimated you."
"Even I'd have no better options. Stay, and you're not free of blame; if the queen dies, the true bone nobles will grind your bones to dust."
"Yu-sin and I feared that. We planned to seek foreign aid as a breakout. Should've gone to Wa first."
I drove the nail home for his regret.
"Wa would've been the same. Tang won't aid Silla yet either."
"Send me back. Or else."
Spotting his final card, I preempted.
"I heard Kim Yu-sin leads troops against Goguryeo if you don't return."
Kim Chun-chu was shocked again, as were Seon Do-hae and Bu-sang.
"H-how did you...?"
"We know everything. If Yu-sin crosses the border north, Silla falls."
"Falls?"
"Baekje plans to push past Daeya toward Seorabeol. Plus, our forces at Chiljunha and Adan Fortress have been battle-ready for ages."
"You knew we'd move?"
"You and Yu-sin are like thread and needle—one gone, the other unravels. You'd have basic safeguards, right?"
"Yes. If I don't return, Yu-sin attacks Goguryeo."
"Let him come. I'll lead the army myself."
My bold claim froze his face. Time to end the show. I cleared my throat, and Geom Mojam entered with a teapot and cup, setting it before Kim Chun-chu. Staring at it, he muttered.
"My last drink in this life."
"Farewell. We'll recover your body and send it to Silla."
The air grew heavy. Finally, Kim Chun-chu poured and drank the poisoned wine from the pot. After several cups, his face darkened. On the fourth, he dropped the cup and looked at me.
"How cruel heaven is, birthing you to topple Silla."
Hearing his lament, I quietly told Seon Do-hae and Bu-sang.
"Both of you, out."
They bolted from the room. Rising from my chair, I approached the gasping Kim Chun-chu.
"Curious how I read your thoughts, win every clash?"
Gathering his last strength, he nodded. Kneeling on one knee, I whispered in his ear.