Chapter 190
Chapter 190
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 190
Chapter Title: Great King Namsaeng
-----------------------------------------------------------------
After a wave of laughter passed, I summoned Geom Mojam and ordered him to prepare to depart for Gaemo Fortress.
Geom Mojam expressed some concern but assured me it would be fine.
In actual history, Gaemo Fortress was besieged on April 15, 645, and fell on the 26th. Of course, there was a chance they might move faster than expected, just like the force that attacked Bisa Fortress from the Pyongyang direction. So we decided to hurry a bit.
'It's the end of March now, so we should have some leeway.'
The war had advanced by about three years, so the Tang army's advance might be faster than anticipated. I was lost in thought while gazing at the flying chariot when Geom Mojam reported the news brought by a messenger.
"The Liaodong marching force has crossed the Liao River at Tongjeongjin."
That snapped me out of it.
'It's not even April yet, and they've advanced a few days early.'
I gathered my thoughts and issued orders to Geom Mojam.
"Contact Geolgeol Jung-sang and have him come from Gaemo Fortress—no, from Baegam Fortress. There's a Go Dol-bal there, right?"
"Yes."
"Reach out to Baegam Fortress as well."
Go Jeong-ui, who had been listening nearby, quickly chimed in.
"Take me with you this time. This flying chariot still can't be piloted by anyone but me anyway."
"Absolutely not. You're the only one who can operate it—if you get killed or injured, no one else can."
"I'll teach Go Yeon-mu how. Please."
Looking up at Go Jeong-ui with those blinking eyes, I eventually gave in.
"We're leaving as early as tomorrow, so pack your things."
Go Jeong-ui let out a whoop of joy and bounced around excitedly.
We departed two days later. He had to teach Go Yeon-mu how to operate the new flying chariot he'd built, and there were all sorts of other preparations to make.
The Pyongyang marching force, having taken heavy losses, laid siege to Bisa Fortress only after reinforcements landed. But General Sobu-son reported that their momentum had bottomed out, posing no major threat. That allowed us to leave the capital with peace of mind.
Kim Yu-sin saw us off with a wry smile.
"Next time, take me along too."
"You got it."
I knew the next battlefield would be Liaodong Fortress, so I could answer with a smile. This time, Geom Mojam had selected dozens of well-mounted attendant soldiers. With Go Jeong-ui and the cart carrying the newly built flying chariot added, our procession was quite large.
In the meantime, reports of the Tang army's movements kept coming in. We even received word that the force led by Yeongju Dudok Jang-gum, which we hadn't paid much attention to, was preparing to cross the lower Liao River. But with Jang Ryang's Pyongyang marching force battered, it seemed Gaenan Fortress could hold them off sufficiently.
Baegam Fortress lay to the northeast of the capital, overlooking the winding Taizi River. The fortress took its name from the white rocks on the hill where it stood. It was positioned to defend the western approaches to Liaodong Fortress, the heart of the region. That's why, during the Tang invasion of 645, I Se-jeok's Liaodong marching force bypassed Sinseong Fortress to capture Gaemo Fortress and attack Baegam in order to pressure Liaodong. Sogol Son Da-eum, the local commander, surrendered out of fear, handing it over without a fight. That's why we ousted him.
'They just sent generals under Yeo Taesal or Sogol commanders to other fortresses, but we couldn't do that with Baegam.'
The newly appointed Baegam commander and Go Dol-bal came out beyond the walls to greet us. After dismounting, they bowed. I exchanged brief words with the higher-ranking commander, then warmly greeted Go Dol-bal.
"You've been away from my side, and your face looks brighter for it."
"No way."
After some banter, we mounted up and rode into Baegam Fortress. Back in modern times, I'd read books and papers on Liaodong Fortress and other fortifications there while researching a historical novel set in Goguryeo. The reality before my eyes was worlds apart from the photos and drawings. Perched atop a towering peak, it exuded immense intimidation. Especially the ramparts beside the west gate, which sloped inward slightly to prevent collapse—their neatly cut corners stood out.
Passing through the west gate revealed a broad plain with government offices and various buildings. Soldiers and refugees crammed the place. When Baegam surrendered in 645, around 10,000 soldiers and civilians were taken prisoner—it looked about that crowded. We reined in at the wide plaza before the guesthouse. Go Dol-bal took the reins as he spoke.
"You must be tired. Rest first. The commander said he'd prepare dinner."
"Geolgeol Jung-sang and Nak Sang-gwan haven't arrived yet?"
"They messaged that they'd arrive by evening."
"The Tang army will soon cross the Liao and besiege Sinseong."
"We're preparing thoroughly. Baegam is impregnable—don't worry."
"I'm not worried about Baegam. It's the other places."
"When the enemy shows, I'll skewer them like kebabs with my spear."
"That's reassuring."
As we talked, we entered the guesthouse. Go Jeong-ui had gone off to assemble the flying chariot, and Geom Mojam was checking on his men. I opened a window on the second floor and looked out. A massive shadow was advancing from the north.
"We'll break the Tang army's second arm here."
If we could suppress the Liaodong marching force or prevent it from joining the Liaodong siege, Emperor Li Shimin would face enormous pressure. Lost in such thoughts, I heard a trumpet in the distance. Someone had arrived—the west gate grew bustling. Geom Mojam opened the door.
"Looks like Geolgeol Jung-sang and Nak Sang-gwan have arrived."
"Right on time. Tell them to meet outside the west gate."
"They messaged they'll stay there."
Stepping out of the guesthouse, Go Jeong-ui reported he'd finished assembling the flying chariot. I praised his hard work, then mounted and rode out the west gate. Geolgeol Jung-sang and Nak Sang-gwan's men were already setting up camp on the plain. With the Taizi River flowing right beside, it was an easy spot for water. Descending to the plain, Geolgeol Jung-sang appeared first.
"It's been a while, Master."
"Yes, have you been well?"
"I gathered and trained the Malgal tribes as ordered, then came when summoned."
"How many troops?"
"Two thousand. Nak Sang-gwan's lost wolves number about the same, and Haeryang-a's Asilbul joined with around a thousand cavalry."
"Five thousand total."
"Yes. Elite selections, trained for months—they're top-notch."
"I'll attach Baegam's cavalry, so move with them."
"Will Go Dol-bal join too?"
"He will."
"He's skilled; it'll help."
"Of course."
In real history, he was skilled enough to injure the famed Turkic general Gye Pil-ha-ryeok. Soon after, Nak Sang-gwan and Asilbul appeared. Nak Sang-gwan, in his thick leather coat, looked more relaxed than before, almost refined for a nomad. He dismounted and approached.
"It's been a while."
"Indeed. Doing well, friend?"
"Of course. But what's the Grand Commander doing here instead of at headquarters?"
I easily read the layers in his question. Above all, a faint wariness at my sudden intrusion into his territory. It was somewhat expected, so I smiled and replied.
"Come to watch the fight. The Tang Liaodong marching force will hit here soon."
"I've heard they'll cross at Tongjeongjin. But if they do, won't they hit Sinseong first? That's the prime target."
"They'll just take a look at the walls there and turn toward places like Gaemo or Hyeondo Fortresses, then come to Baegam."
"So the ultimate goal is Liaodong Fortress."
"You know it. The emperor will target Liaodong, so they'll reinforce that. I'm here to stop it."
Nak Sang-gwan grinned at my answer.
"Watch? You'll be commanding."
We wrapped up, each concealing our true intentions. The Baegam commander and Go Dol-bal arrived late from the fortress, and we exchanged greetings. There, I instructed Go Dol-bal.
"Mobilize Baegam's cavalry to join them. You take command."
"I'll bring 500. Arm them with bi-gon spears and put them at the vanguard—it'll be effective in many ways."
Asilbul, who had been listening quietly, stepped forward to greet me.
"Gerheng sends her regards."
"Is she well?"
"She returned, retook the tribe, and punished her father's killers."
"Good to hear. Thanks for coming all this way to help, despite so much on your plate."
"The Haeryang-a never forget a favor."
Asilbul glanced at Nak Sang-gwan and added calmly.
"When the war ends, I'll marry Gerheng. The succession issue's settled—all thanks to the Senior Central Administrator."
"Oh! Congratulations!"
I took Nak Sang-gwan's hand. I'd half-expected it, so no surprise, but my mind grew complicated. His one weakness was lacking a base, but allying with the strong Haeryang-a via the Gomakhae tribe changed that. Still, I hid it and smiled.
"Congratulations on the marriage. Let me know the date—can't attend in person, but I'll send generous gifts."
"After the war, so we'll set it slowly. Thanks."
"Rest now—you must be tired. Speak up if you need anything."
"The Maemul Merchant Guild supplied fodder and grain the whole way."
"Glad to hear."
The talk paused as carts arrived from Baegam with liquor and food. Pigs and cattle trailed behind. Thrilled soldiers drew blades and slaughtered them on the spot, skinned them, then roasted over bonfires. While the meat cooked, they drank, danced, and sang—a simple way to boost morale.
We kindled our own fire nearby, gathered around, drank, and talked. Having stood together at the crossroads of life and death in the north back then, camaraderie still outweighed wariness. Nak Sang-gwan thanked me for the opportunity—it felt genuine. He took a sip, gazed at the darkening sky, and murmured.
"For some, it's death; for others, opportunity."
It sounded like a jab at my transformation from a third-rate novelist to Yeon Namsaeng. Seeing my face harden, he asked.
"What's on your mind? Your face is so stiff."
"War means death, and I hate people dying. Three pilots on recon from Seokseong all died—one right in front of me."
"But their sacrifice turned over 30,000 Tang troops into water ghosts, didn't it?"
"True."
"There'll be more ahead. Don't hesitate—hesitation means more deaths."