Chapter 19
Chapter 19
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 19
Chapter Title: Great King Namsaeng 19
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While listening to Ham Bok-saeng's words, I recalled Hwarang warriors like Gwan-chang and Ban-gul.
Silla had used their deaths as a stepping stone to rise from a minor kingdom to a great power. As I watched the Silla warships, I asked,
"How much longer until we arrive?"
"Two days, and we'll reach the Geumgang River. Follow it upstream, and Bear Ferry comes into view, then further up to Sabi Fortress."
Just as Ham Bok-saeng said, after two more days downstream, the Geumgang appeared. We turned upstream along it and arrived at Sabi Fortress, the Baekje capital—our destination.
"Is that the third capital of Baekje?"
Go Jeong-ui answered my question.
"Yes. After King Jangsu of Goguryeo beheaded King Gaero of Baekje at Baekjan, the crown prince led the survivors south and settled here. They came via Bear Ferry before reaching this place, from what I understand."
Flags fluttered atop the walls that wound along the low foothills.
Suddenly, I remembered a field trip from my modern days.
Vast plains stretched out on either side of the Geumgang. Patches of unmelted snow dotted the landscape here and there.
The boat gradually approached the dock on the sandy shore.
Baekje merchants who had come out to greet us beforehand acted like they knew Ham Bok-saeng, who waved back with a pleased expression. Watching them, I muttered,
"Nations may war, but merchants always put business first."
There was no malice in it. It simply meant war shouldn't become everyday life.
Once the cargo was unloaded, our group disembarked last.
Ham Bok-saeng approached after chatting with the Baekje merchants.
Bowing his head, he pointed to a caravan tucked in the corner.
"That's our caravan heading to Geumma Temple. We've arranged for you to travel as their escorts, so join them."
"I owe you greatly. Still, I'm worried about running into Silla's navy on the return trip."
"We've decided to scatter and board different ships, taking a longer route."
"I've caused you trouble."
"Not at all. Safe travels."
"Tell the head of the Maemul Merchant Guild I won't forget this debt."
"I will. Rumors said the eldest son of the Yeon clan was no ordinary man, but seeing you in person is truly astonishing."
Ham Bok-saeng vanished with an awed bow.
Geom Mojam and I mounted horses prepared by the Maemul Merchant Guild. Go Jeong-ui, arriving late, mounted up and said,
"It seems the envoy arrived yesterday. Word is the Baekje king is hosting a banquet today or tomorrow. Shall we just pass it by?"
"Not interested."
I shook my head curtly.
Personally, I was curious about King Mu, said to be a dragon's son who composed the Song of Seodong and married Silla's Princess Seonhwa. But he would die in 641.
My target was Uija, who would ascend next. I had to convince him not to make fatal mistakes.
Go Jeong-ui gazed wistfully at Buso Mountain Fortress, seat of the Baekje royal palace, but I didn't spare it a glance.
"No need to watch the setting sun. We must find the one about to rise."
"How do you know who that will be? The Baekje king has more than one son."
"The Sea-East Sage at Geumma Temple will be Baekje's next king."
"Rumors say he'll be lucky to keep his life, let alone the throne."
"What do you mean, keep his life?"
"He's essentially exiled to Geumma Temple, out of favor with his father, the Baekje king."
This differed sharply from what I knew of King Uija. But historical records from the Three Kingdoms era were too sparse in the modern age.
"We'll know once we meet him."
"What will you say?"
"That he must ally with Goguryeo after ascending the throne."
"Even if he does, will he join hands with us?"
"What's stopping him?"
"We've been at each other's throats until recently. The Okri River area becoming Silla territory has halted the fighting, but still."
"That's exactly why he should ally."
"To punish Silla?"
"That alone is reason enough. Baekje's King Seong died by their hands."
"We've beheaded a Baekje king ourselves."
"And Baekje forces killed our King Gogukwon. Old grudges fade, but fresh ones linger."
"In any case, I hope for a good outcome."
"It must happen. Our fates all hang on it."
As we talked, the caravan set off.
Wagons heavily laden with goods lined up and departed, followed by merchants shouldering packs.
Our group, disguised as escorts, brought up the rear.
I turned to watch Buso Mountain Fortress recede into the distance, recalling my past visit. The caravan headed south toward Geumma Temple.
We had to cross the Geumgang by boat midway. After fording it, we stayed another day.
The next day, as dusk fell, the caravan leader announced we were nearly at Geumma Temple.
"The end of that field ahead is Geumma Temple."
Like near Buyeo Fortress, plains stretched out here.
Gridded fields lay patterned across it, snow piled in spots, birds foraging about.
Everyone moved quietly along the road when the procession suddenly halted.
Geom Mojam spurred his horse in alarm to the caravan leader and demanded loudly,
"Why have we stopped?"
Instead of answering, the leader pointed ahead.
"A group is charging from the Mireuk Temple side."
"Bandits?"
"How could bandits appear where the crown prince resides? But their speed is alarming."
After conferring with the worried leader, Geom Mojam returned to me.
"An unknown group approaches from ahead. Stay mounted and wait a moment, please."
Geom Mojam and the escorts gripped their sword hilts, waiting. Finally, they arrived before the caravan. The lead warrior wore gleaming golden armor and a helmet adorned with feathers on both sides. His sturdy build and expert horsemanship were impressive. Though young-looking, his face bore scars from many battles.
Geom Mojam whispered that this was no ordinary general.
The young warrior dismounted and tucked his helmet at his side.
He passed Geom Mojam, who watched him intently, and stopped before my horse. Kneeling on one knee, he said,
"Are you Lord Yeon Namsaeng?"
"I am."
"His Highness the Crown Prince awaits. He sent me upon hearing of your arrival to escort you."
"How did you know I was Yeon Namsaeng?"
"The others have tanned faces and rugged hands and bodies—clearly escorts. But your skin is pale, your hands smooth."
Both the Baekje warrior who greeted me and the Sea-East Sage who sent him were no pushovers.
"Spot on. Where is His Highness now?"
"At Mireuk Temple."
I recalled visiting Mireuk Temple before.
"Lead the way."
"Follow me."
He turned with a resounding reply. Then a question struck me.
"Wait—what's your name?"
The young Baekje warrior turned and answered,
"This humble one is Buyeo Seung."
Buyeo was the royal clan name of Baekje. No wonder he exuded such refinement. Meanwhile, Buyeo Seung's men fanned out to flank us protectively. Endless plains stretched ahead. With no yellow dust storms in this era, the sky was endlessly blue.
Curiosity piqued, I rode up beside Buyeo Seung.
"Why is the crown prince at Geumma Temple instead of the capital?"
"For the reconstruction of Mireuk Temple. His Majesty King Mu is deeply invested."
Just then, triangular Mireuk Mountain appeared in the distance.
Amid the plains along the ridge stood two stone pagodas and a massive wooden one, towering proudly.
"Why focus on Mireuk Temple?"
"When His Majesty King Mu and Queen Consort traveled to Saja Temple, they passed a great pond at the foot of Yonghwa Mountain—now Mireuk Mountain. Maitreya's three sages appeared, so he halted the procession to pay respects. The queen then requested he build a temple here. With Jimeung Beopsa's aid from Saja Temple, he filled the pond and began construction."
It matched the textbooks and online accounts exactly. I wondered if that queen was Princess Seonhwa but didn't ask. Some scholars claimed she never existed.
Soon, the procession neared Mireuk Temple. I recalled my previous visit.
Construction was in full swing now. The main gate, walls, and corridors were nearly complete, the stone pagodas almost finished. The wooden pagoda was midway through.
Considering the era—no heavy machinery or factories—it was an astonishing feat.
Of course, in original history, it would burn to ashes in just over twenty years under the Later Tang alliance.
Buyeo Seung dismounted before the grand gate and said to me as I followed suit,
"This way. He's likely before the wooden pagoda."
We entered Mireuk Temple through the gate. Hammering echoed from all sides.
Bamboo scaffolding ringed the wooden pagoda, where they were roofing it.
There stood Uija, eldest son of King Mu and crown prince of Baekje.
Deeply filial, he earned the moniker Sea-East Sage. Yet after hard-won ascension, he would suffer Baekje's fall to the Later Tang forces.
Unaware or unconcerned with his looming fate, the crown prince's back view exuded calm.
Buyeo Seung approached the man in golden crown and ample black robe, whispering in his ear.
Uija turned to face us. His small, slender face sported a mustache.
I guessed early forties, but he looked younger. His complex eyes betrayed little of his thoughts.
My vague assumption he was an ally shattered.
Tension gripped me too. He wasn't family or subordinate.
Moreover, bending him to my will was key to steering history.
'Time to clash head-on.'
Composing myself inwardly, I approached and bowed.
"I am Yeon Namsaeng, eldest son of Goguryeo's Eastern Division Leader."
Uija replied impassively,
"You've had a long journey—well done. I am Crown Prince Uija of Baekje."
"Thank you for the welcome."
Raising my head, I stole a glance at his face. Thankfully, his eyes weren't bloodshot. Yet his expression remained inscrutable. Would he be my ally? Or foe? For the first time since possessing Yeon Namsaeng, fear stirred.