Chapter 22
Chapter 22
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 22
Chapter Title: Parting with the Crown Prince
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As soon as I announced my departure, Crown Prince Uija paid a visit while preparations were in full swing.
"Why leave so soon? Stick around a little longer to watch the wooden pagoda go up."
At least that much seemed sincere. Smiling, I took Crown Prince Uija's hand.
"Since Your Majesty Arah came in person, I'm just worried something embarrassing might happen. We'll meet again soon enough."
"It's been stifling, truly. So few people around here I can trust, and strange rumors keep filtering in from Sabi Fortress day after day."
"I can imagine. But when you heard about the incident, didn't Your Majesty come straight here yourself? Anyone with eyes and ears would see where your heart lies."
"Frankly, your sudden arrival caught me off guard."
"It's a signal to those back in Sabi Fortress."
A smile crept across Crown Prince Uija's face.
"You think so too?"
"Of course. Perhaps His Majesty Arah left you here for a deeper reason."
"Deeper reason?"
His tone was casual, but his expression said he already knew.
I could see he hadn't become crown prince and heir to the throne just because he was the son.
"By keeping you away from Sabi Fortress, isn't he protecting you from the power struggles? A step back lets you see who's foe and who's friend."
Histories often described it as him being exiled from Sabi Fortress. But lately, arguments surfaced that after King Mu's death, his smooth ascension had been planned from the start.
Baekje's throne was notoriously weak—kings frequently fell to assassination or suspicious deaths. King Mu himself had risen from a collateral royal line.
So he knew the nature of power struggles better than most.
"To protect me, you mean."
"By distancing the crown prince he's chosen as successor from the capital, he's shielding you from the fray."
"Meanwhile, back in Sabi Fortress, those lost in their pipe dreams tear into each other."
"It's meant to make them destroy themselves. Then, when Your Highness ascends, you can sweep away whatever scraps remain."
"I hope that day comes."
I spoke firmly to the crown prince, who smiled bitterly.
"His Majesty Arah clearly has you in his heart. Isn't his personal visit after hearing of the assassination attempt proof enough?"
"Is that how it is?"
"If he didn't care for your safety, he wouldn't have rushed here like this. It's surely a warning to the faction behind the assassination."
It was a solid guess. But King Mu's abrupt arrival was undoubtedly a stern warning to those who targeted Crown Prince Uija.
Pleased with my straightforward words, the crown prince couldn't hide his smile.
"A noble guest from the far north. I'll not forget what you've said."
Finally, I could breathe easy. If we thwarted my father Yeon Gaesomun's coup in 642, the next step was allying with Baekje to check Silla.
That way, Tang wouldn't gain a foothold on this land. With a sigh, I pulled Crown Prince Uija into an embrace.
"Baekje's fate rests in Your Highness's hands. If you become Arah someday, watch out for two men."
"Who?"
"Eun-go and Im-ja. Keep your distance from them both. And stay close to Gyebaek."
"Buyeo Seung is enough for me."
"Of course, but the more the better, right?"
"The more, the merrier."
"Exactly."
Crown Prince Uija gave an awkward laugh at my reply.
"I doubt we'll find anyone like that."
"Why not?"
"The name's ridiculous. 'Gye' is another word for the rank of Dalsol, and 'baek' is a term of respect. So Gyebaek means something like 'Lord Dalsol' or 'Honored Dalsol.' No parent in Baekje would name their son that—it'd be endless teasing fodder."
I'd always taken Gyebaek as a proper name. It felt like a smack to the back of my head.
Amused by my reaction, Crown Prince Uija burst into cheerful laughter.
"If I ever find this Gyebaek fellow, I'll make sure to promote him. And I'll let you know."
"Understood."
We parted on a light note, and I left Mireuk Temple. With His Majesty Arah present, our group slipped out the back gate quietly.
Buyeo Seung stood waiting in full armor, his face taut with tension.
"I should see you off properly, but with His Majesty here, I'll have to bid farewell from here."
"It's fine. With you by his side, His Highness will feel secure."
"For Baekje's sake, His Highness must become Arah."
"Why is that?"
I knew the history, but I was curious why his close aide Buyeo Seung would say it. He answered my question.
"Sadly, Baekje has endured endless succession struggles for ages. Long-reigning monarchs are rare. It's hampered our fights with Silla and our long-term national plans. Our current Arah overcame great trials to secure his throne. We've gained the upper hand against Silla, and stability reigns within. For that to continue, it's only right that his rightful heir, Crown Prince Uija, succeeds him."
I nodded unconsciously as Buyeo Seung spoke.
I'd pegged him as a mere loyal retainer serving at the prince's side. But his heart brimmed with care for the kingdom.
"With you there, the crown prince has nothing to fear. Until we meet again."
Buyeo Seung replied vigorously.
"I'll bring good news next time."
Buyeo Seung didn't accompany us, but the escorts assigned by Crown Prince Uija got us to Bear Ferry without issue.
There, we boarded a ship from the Maemul Merchant Guild bound for Jang'an Fortress. Just before departure, we heard that the royal delegation's scheduled meeting had been abruptly canceled—they'd only met King Mu briefly.
Go Jeong-ui, who brought the news, added,
"Probably because he came to Mireuk Temple."
"Makes sense. A son's safety trumps meeting a Goguryeo delegation."
He also reported sequential meetings with nobles, including the Satak clan.
"That's bold. Meeting them is one thing, but so openly it reaches our ears? Not great."
Go Jeong-ui nodded at my words.
"Word is, it's causing grumbling within the delegation. After all, these nobles have tense ties with Baekje's Arah. Rumors even say he got angry and canceled the meeting over it."
"Who orchestrated those meetings?"
"Officials from the Central Administration Bureau, likely on Senior Central Administrator Yeon Jeong-du's orders."
"The Great King must be behind it. No idea what he's thinking."
It was a risky topic, but Go Jeong-ui seemed unconcerned.
"Same here. Probably instructed him to meet various nobles."
"For what purpose?"
"Baekje's monarchs never last long. Plenty die before their time."
That matched what I'd learned in history. Frequent deaths, assassinations, short reigns.
Or like King Seong, captured fighting Silla and executed. Go Jeong-ui continued,
"So they figure the current Arah won't last either, nor will the crown prince at Mireuk Temple ascend."
"They slipped on the tightrope."
I got the intent, but the execution was clumsy.
At minimum, King Mu and Crown Prince Uija clearly wouldn't trust the current Great King or his aide Yeon Jeong-du.
Trust demands balance on the scales. Go Jeong-ui seemed to think the same.
"I hear the Central Administration Bureau led this delegation. Looks like a spectacular failure."
"Baekje is a crucial ally for us."
"Absolutely. They check Silla, letting us face Tang without worry."
In truth, it was more than that. Baekje's fall led straight to Goguryeo's. Even contemporaries like Go Jeong-ui grasped Baekje's importance. As we talked, Geom Mojam returned from inspecting the ship.
"We're shoving off soon. All cargo's loaded, Master."
"Let's go."
I glanced at Go Jeong-ui.
"Why stare like that?"
"If you're prone to seasickness, puke far away."
"That's my line to you. Stay clear."
"Oh? Talking back now?"
"Not back-talking. If you hurl next to me, I won't hold it in."
"Fine, I'll hug you tight and spew."
"Then I'll spew on you, Master."
"You wanna die?!"
"Killing me over that would cost you big."
"Think I can't find another advisor like you?"
Our childish bickering drew a pitying look from Geom Mojam. We both snapped at him in unison.
"Don't look at us like that!"
Startled, Geom Mojam apologized and stepped out.
We glared, huffing. Then, almost simultaneously, we snorted and turned away.
And so, once aboard, we both puked amiably off the bow. Modern motion sickness pills would've fixed it.
But in this era, no such thing existed. After heaving into the sea repeatedly, I muttered,
"Ugh, gonna die."
"Please, can you puke over there?"
Go Jeong-ui whined, face pale. It stung.
"Bossing your master around now?"
"Not bossing... urk!"
"Serves you... urk!"
Geom Mojam eyed us pitifully again.
Thankfully, the return trip dodged Silla navy attacks. Seasickness tormented us, but the Baekje gains satisfied. Above all, I'd forged ties with Crown Prince Uija, King Mu's heir.
Now, I had to keep him from veering off history's path onto the throne. Thwart Yeon Gaesomun's coup, prepare Goguryeo properly to face Tang.
As I pondered riding history's waves, a massive one loomed.
"Damn!"
"Crap!"
We screamed in sync, squeezing our eyes shut. The wave slammed the hull, jolting us hard.
To Geom Mojam and the crew, nothing. To us, the express train to hell.
"Gahk!"