Chapter 178
Chapter 178
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 178
Chapter Title: Strategies Against the Tang Invasion
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It wasn't definitively proven, but historians pointed to two main reasons why Goguryeo's fortresses fell so easily in the battles of 645. One was the nomadic tribes, including the Tujue mobilized by the Tang Dynasty. By severing the supply lines between fortresses, they isolated them. As a result, smaller strongholds like Gaemo Fortress and Hyeonto Fortress, and even Liaodong Fortress, fell in less than a month.
The other was Yeon Gaesomun's coup. After succeeding in the coup, he replaced the commanders of Liaodong Fortress and the other strongholds with his own loyalists. This caused coordination issues between them. It was unclear which factor was decisive, but both seemed plausible. Fortunately, there was no coup by Yeon Gaesomun this time. Still, we had to prepare for the other threat.
"You're deep in thought."
Kim Yushin's words snapped me back to reality. I looked up at Chang'an Fortress. The clouds that had shrouded it earlier were parting. Autumn sunlight poured down in their wake. Children's laughter echoed from behind us. We both turned to see two boys in their late teens. Kim Yushin smiled lightly upon spotting them.
"Samgwang, Wonsul! You'll get hurt like that."
Hearing the names Samgwang and Wonsul, I realized they were Kim Yushin's sons. Especially the second son, Wonsul, who had been disowned by his family for surviving the Battle of Seokmun. Oblivious to his uncertain future, Wonsul laughed wildly with grass and dirt smeared on his head. For the first time, Kim Yushin watched his sons with a warm smile.
"They're late children, so they're even more immature. I heard you have a son too."
"He's still just a kid."
"Truth be told, it was because of those boys that I resolved to live. I'm a defeated general who deserves death, but I couldn't bear to see them die too."
"You made the right choice. Brutal wars lie ahead. Survival will be our greatest goal."
"When the Tang army invades, they'll mobilize at least five hundred thousand. They'll likely advance with both navy and army, sweeping through our defenses."
"I think the same. But after their heavy losses to our navy during the Sui era, they won't strike Chang'an Fortress directly right away."
"I heard there's a vast swamp in Liaodong, stretching hundreds of li."
"About two hundred li wide. You can't pass without building bridges or something similar."
"Once they cross it, where could they head?"
"Straight to Liaodong Fortress, or toward Gaemo Fortress or Hyeonto Fortress in the northwest."
"If their navy doesn't hit Chang'an directly, they'll attack Bisa Fortress."
"Probably."
"We need to break the momentum of at least one of those three first. That'll make it easier to block enemies coming from the other paths."
"And then?"
"Hold the fortresses tenaciously and bide our time."
"Until the enemy tires?"
Kim Yushin nodded at my question.
"If they come in spring, endure until summer's heat arrives. If in autumn, hold them until winter's chill sets in."
"The Tang will lead with Tujue nomads."
"They can't assault fortresses directly, but they can cut off movement inside and out."
"How do we counter them?"
After a moment's thought, Kim Yushin replied.
"Guerrilla forces."
"Guerrilla forces?"
"Units without fixed bases, striking the enemy from all directions. Cavalry, ideally."
"To hold back the Tujue?"
"It won't be easy, of course. But persistently harassing their heels counts as success."
"Preventing them from achieving their goals?"
"Turn it into a chase."
"And what else do we need?"
"The will to fight and clear command authority. I heard the Great King has little real power."
"They tried to kill me twice and failed. He's confined to the palace now."
"You left him breathing. Smart move. Replacing him could spark unforeseen troubles. Plus, the Tang might use it as a pretext."
In actual history, Tang Taizong used Yeon Gaesomun's coup as justification for invasion. Thinking about it, it was absurd.
"The current Tang Emperor massacred his brothers at Xuanwu Gate, tormented his father into abdicating by force. And he has the gall to claim righteousness."
Irritated, I vented, and Kim Yushin chuckled while gripping his reins.
"Bad men do bad things—it's natural. Street thugs or emperors, they're all the same. Pretexts are just tools the strong use to oppress the weak."
That was the coldly realistic, pragmatic Kim Yushin. And he was the final piece in my puzzle for victory against the Tang.
"When do you think the Tang will invade?"
After pondering Kim Yushin's question, I answered.
"Soonest next year, at latest within three."
"Lots to prepare, then."
"Be my right hand. That finishes everything."
"Aren't you afraid of me?"
"For killing your father and close comrade?"
I watched him carefully, but his eyes didn't redden. Emboldened, I continued.
"If you ever want revenge, go ahead. I'll offer my neck gladly. You could do it now, even."
"True enough. But killing you won't bring back Father or Chun-chu."
"I'll live for them too. I'll atone for this sin my whole life."
"You'd entrust me with an army?"
"If needed."
"Bold. I wouldn't dream of it."
"These aren't normal times. When the Tang comes, I'll leave the capital to Father and head to Liaodong."
"To clash directly with the Tang Emperor?"
"If I can get within a few dozen paces, I can take his head."
"Your confidence is enviable."
"It's not confidence—it's desperation. Prolonged war favors them; our lesser national power would wear us down."
"We must win big, or they'll come back."
That was ideal, but Sui Yangdi lost a million at Salsu and attacked Goguryeo the next two years anyway. Tang suffered heavily at Ansi Fortress yet invaded whenever possible for decades. We had to break that cycle.
As I pondered the coming war, an autumn breeze swept up the mountainside. The sudden gust halted Kim Yushin's group mid-task as they felt it. Their fear and tension from this unfamiliar land eased visibly. Scanning their faces, Kim Yushin sighed softly.
"Know what struck me most—and what I envy—about Goguryeo?"
"What?"
"The village schools."
"Ah."
Village schools were where Goguryeo folk educated their children. Like Joseon-era hut schools, but they taught not just letters but archery too.
"Just as rumored, even stable hands send their kids there."
"Right. No class discrimination at the schools."
"Silla's bone-rank and six-rank systems bar lowborn from learning, no matter how smart."
"We have class divides too, but not that rigid."
"Because the land's vast?"
"Because our hearts are broad. If we were mere conquerors, we wouldn't have lasted this long."
It was true. From founding at Jolbon, Goguryeo had firm principles. Even enemies of yesterday got an outstretched hand after war. Instead of slaughtering or enslaving the defeated, we welcomed them. Conquered rulers were spared and given offices. That inclusivity grew tiny Jolbon Buyeo into mighty Goguryeo.
'That's one reason I love Goguryeo.'
Lost in thought, I felt Kim Yushin tap my shoulder.
"Since you're here, stay for a meal."
"You'll set a proper table?"
"Of course."
I laughed with Kim Yushin and turned my horse. Geom Mojam, watching from afar, hurried after us in alarm. Near the walls, Kim Yushin's sons Samgwang and Wonsul wrestled playfully.
After the meeting with Kim Yushin, we plunged into war preparations. I added him and Geokgeol Jung-sang to my inner circle. When war came, Father and Supreme Central Administrator Jung-sang would hold Chang'an Fortress—Father the court, Jung-sang Central Administration. Then word arrived from the south. Seon Do-hae entered Bin Yeon Pavilion with a wooden memo, his face complicated.
"Baekje attacked Silla's Miheo Fortress but failed."
It went as expected, yet my chest grew heavy.
"Silla held well."
"They sent reinforcements just before the attack, and King Alcheon led ten thousand troops himself."
"With their front shortened, Silla can now focus fully."
"Yes. After a standoff, Baekje withdrew first."
"Crown Prince Uija's first campaign since becoming Arah ended empty-handed."
"It'll hit them hard in every way."
"Now, except Silla and Biyeolholju, we share no borders. Baekje's problem alone."
"They'll realize the situation's changed and may ask us for aid again."
"Tell them war with Tang leaves no spare hands. Our own house is burning."
Seon Do-hae nodded at my reply.
"I'll relay that if contact comes."
"Everyone gathers soon. Wait."
"Understood."
No sooner had Seon Do-hae spoken than Bin Yeon Pavilion's doors opened. Yang Manchun led his men in. The vanguard Yang Manchun brushed snow from his shoulders.
"First snow came early."
To me, it marked 640's end—and Tang war at our doorstep. Newcomers Kim Yushin and Geokgeol Jung-sang, plus the returning Eobi-ryu, took seats and eyed me.
"As we've discussed many times, Tang's assault is imminent. I'm calling you to outline our overall strategy and your missions."
I first looked to Supreme Central Administrator Jung-sang. Forewarned, he kept calm.
"Father and Supreme Central Administrator Jung-sang hold the capital. Father oversees the court; you, Central Administration."
Go Jeong-ui blurted.
"What of the Great King?"
"Under strict watch. No funny business."
"Still feels uneasy."
"No other options."
Sparing him was tricky, but alternatives weren't viable.
"He's still the Great King."
Go Jeong-ui didn't press further. I turned to nearby Yang Manchun.
"First, Yang Manchun."
Watching his eager face, I added.
"To Liaodong Fortress."