Chapter 179
Chapter 179
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 179
Chapter Title: To Liaodong Fortress
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"To Liaodong Fortress?"
I nodded at Yang Man-chun's surprised retort.
"That's the most crucial spot. But we can't just swap out Yoksal recklessly. Take command of Liaodong Fortress's forces."
"Me, commanding Liaodong's army?"
"Once the war begins."
My throat tightened briefly, and I stayed silent until we reached the map. In the center of Bin Yeon Pavilion sprawled a massive map of Liaodong. It resembled the one in the rear garden of Am Yeong Hall, but with added fortress positions and distances.
"The Tang army's main force—probably the Emperor's own army—will strike Liaodong directly. At least a hundred thousand, up to three hundred thousand strong."
Those troops were originally meant to crush Liaodong and push on to Ansi Fortress. But I had no intention of yielding Liaodong, so I decided to send Ansi's famed general, Yang Man-chun, there instead. I could see a flicker of tension in Yang Man-chun's eyes as he listened.
"Can I really pull this off?"
"Stick an arrow in the Tang Emperor's eye. Turn him into a one-eyed freak."
Yang Man-chun mimed drawing his bow and replied,
"If he comes within two hundred paces, I'll nail him eye or throat."
I glanced at Kim Yu-sin, seated beside him, and smiled faintly. It was thanks to Kim Yu-sin that I could dispatch Yang Man-chun to such a vital post. Next, I turned to Yi Ta-in. His beard had grown thick in the meantime. I addressed him.
"You'll head to Buyeo Fortress with Gi Do-ryang and Adokbang."
"Isn't that too far from the front lines?"
"Assemble a detachment there. About five thousand strong."
"To strike the enemy's rear?"
"Position yourselves near the royal palace and await my orders."
"Understood."
"Go Dol-bal heads to Baekam Fortress."
"Baekam Fortress?"
"I'll appoint you as its governor. Hold the enemy there."
"Me? Really?"
Go Dol-bal's eyes bulged in shock. His command skills weren't proven yet. But defending Baekam seemed within his grasp. After purging Son Dae-eum's faction, I'd planned to appoint reliable men as governors, but few stood out. In the end, I chose Go Dol-bal, who in actual history had fought the Baekje forces at Baekam. Watching his delight, I turned to Geolgeol Jung-sang, the newcomer clad in a Goguryeo official's hat and jacket instead of Malgal garb.
"You'll go to Buyeo Fortress too. Link up with Nak Sang-gwan there."
"And then what?"
"I've already spoken to Nak Sang-gwan. Gather the Malgal tribes and join his Lost Wolves to march on Gaemo Fortress."
"To defend the fortress?"
"Your mission isn't holding the walls. It's fighting the Turks."
"Then we'll need the Malgals. They ride as well as the Turks."
"Start with your Sogmal Malgals and rally the others. Maemul Merchant Guild will supply horses and weapons. Nak's Lost Wolves number two to three thousand, so match that."
"We wait at Gaemo and clash with the Turks?"
"They'll try severing the lines between fortresses. Hunt them down. Cling like wolves and render them useless."
"Count on me."
"I've also contacted the Hae-ryang-a tribe under Go Mak-hae. Asilbul should come."
"How many?"
"I asked for a thousand. With them, form a mobile unit—flow like water. Scatter and reform, keep the enemy off-balance."
"Like flowing water and drifting smoke."
After finishing with Geolgeol Jung-sang, I looked to Eobi-ryu. He straightened up, his expression awkward from the long time apart.
"Are the Fire Ghost Ships refitted?"
"Yes. Balance is solid, and speed's much improved."
"How many more by next spring?"
"Two are done now. If we hurry, seven by spring."
I pondered Eobi-ryu's words.
"Make it ten by late next year."
"Understood."
"Send the finished ones to Bisa Fortress."
Hearing Eobi-ryu's assent, I turned to Ham-a. He spoke first.
"Yeon Clan Cannons are all deployed to Liaodong. Goguryeo Fire as ordered."
"Good work. Stay here with the artisans and ramp up weapons production."
Ham-a nodded, and I looked to Seon Do-hae. He was more a Central Administration official now than my close aide.
"Keep leading the couriers as you are. When war breaks, sort the flood of intel and report to me."
"Leave it to me."
With Seon Do-hae's confident reply, the meeting wrapped up. Or so I thought. The doors to Bin Yeon Pavilion burst open, and in strode On Sa-mun, So Bu-son, and An Go. My familiar subordinates exchanged greetings, while Kim Yu-sin, our tenuous ally, got awkward nods. On Sa-mun spoke for the trio in a booming voice.
"A war with Tang looms, yet you leave us stuck in the south?"
"As if I'd do that."
I waved it off, and So Bu-son retorted,
"We got the summons up north, or we'd have come demanding answers."
"I called you three to command key Liaodong fortresses. So Bu-son at Bisa, An Go at Geonan, On Sa-mun at Sin."
"Don't those places have governors already?"
"Commanders are separate appointments. Vital spots—defend them with your lives."
In the Tang invasion of 645, these fortresses didn't fare well, but fierce battles raged at Sin and Geonan. Goguryeo's victories there halted the Tang advance south. Ansi's stand was key, of course. No intention of losing Bisa either, so reliable generals were essential. As they nodded in satisfaction, Go Jeong-ui asked cautiously.
"What about Yeon-mu and me?"
"Finish the Flying Chariots and Duron first."
"Nearly done."
"Then serve as my strategists."
Go Yeon-mu, who'd been listening quietly, asked,
"Where will you go?"
"To the capital."
"Set up headquarters there?"
His use of "bakufu" made me frown briefly. Originally meaning a general's tent for a temporary frontline HQ, it later became Japan's shogunate. The timeline was off, but it grated. I clarified.
"No bakufu. It'll be the Supreme Command—Capital Supreme Command."
"You'll be Great Marshal anyway. Name hardly matters."
Go Yeon-mu's words recalled the rank. Goguryeo's top military post, commanding central and regional forces. No one said it, but all expected my appointment. Essential role—I'd accept. Lost in thought, Go Jeong-ui asked unusually timidly,
"Will Lord Yu-sin go too?"
All eyes in Bin Yeon Pavilion turned to Kim Yu-sin beside me. He met my gaze in the silence. I looked at him briefly, then my men.
"Lord Yu-sin comes with me to the capital. He'll co-command the army there."
"Together?"
Go Yeon-mu asked cautiously. I glanced at Kim Yu-sin again and replied,
"We'll prepare fifty thousand at the capital. Either with me, or alone, he'll lead them."
The shock silenced everyone. After a beat, Seon Do-hae spoke.
"Not without concerns, my lord."
"Speak."
"As you know, Lord Yu-sin was Silla's general until recently."
"Exiled from Silla."
"True, but will the generals obey him unquestioningly?"
"Granting him command is my prerogative as Chief of Central Administration and Great Marshal. Who dares object?"
I eyed the three who'd clashed with him at Niha Fortress. Oldest On Sa-mun stroked his beard.
"Sudden shift in fortunes is awkward, but a general of his caliber helps us. What say you, Generals So and An?"
An Go replied first.
"Absolutely helpful."
So Bu-son agreed. Seon Do-hae fell silent. Kim Yu-sin cleared his throat lightly and spoke.
"I know your concerns well. Horse traded, position precarious, but trust me—I will earn merit defending my new home."
All nodded, tension easing.
"Capital by next year at latest. I gathered you to prepare for this."
Go Jeong-ui spoke first.
"We know."
"Fight with your lives, then."
They chorused assent, steadying my heart. Meeting over, they dispersed. All preparations made, yet regret lingered.
"Can't move Seol Yeon-ta."
In history, northern powerhouse Seol Yeon-ta invaded Tang in 645, giving Goguryeo breathing room. But post-Jinju Ga-khan's death—no signs per couriers. Kim Yu-sin asked my mutter.
"Seol Yeon-ta, the northern nomads?"
"Yes. Their move would ease our fight."
"Send envoys to persuade?"
"Jinju won't budge easily. His son Baljak maybe, but no death omens yet."
I sighed, recalling northern reports. Rest was ready.
"Time to fight."
"When exactly will Tang strike?"
My answer was ready for Kim Yu-sin's abrupt question.
"When they're desperate."
"Desperate? What crisis hits the Tang Emperor?"
"Even great rulers face successor troubles."
"That so?"
Li Shimin, who slew brothers and hounded his father to the throne, shone as Emperor Taizong. But heirs plagued him. Eldest Li Chengqian mad, Li Tai too ruthless. He named quiet Li Zhi. Chaos ensued; Li Zhi seemed weak. Likely Taizong aimed to end the Goguryeo threat for his son. Thus passed 640.