Chapter 43
Chapter 43
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 43
Chapter Title: A Speech for the People
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“The common folk have gathered outside like clouds. There might be assassins among them, so please use the back gate.”
“It's fine. They came to see me—I can't just send them away.”
“There could be remnants of those who attacked us at the Yalu River yesterday.”
“You'll protect me, won't you? You said you'd be the sword that guards me.”
Geom Mojam's face showed clear bewilderment at my response.
“O-Of course. I-I'll take the lead.”
Seeing Geom Mojam move in a hurry, Go Jeong-ui covered his mouth with his hand and laughed.
That made me want to pick a fight with him for no reason.
“Why are you laughing?”
“It's the first time I've seen Geom Mojam so flustered.”
“Want me to fluster you too?”
“N-No, I'm fine.”
Bickering with Go Jeong-ui, I stepped out of the temple.
Just as Geom Mojam had said, the people had gathered like clouds. Men and women, young and old, all stared at me in silence.
I pondered how to address them, but the moment I saw them, my heart grew hot.
I pulled on the reins and stopped my horse. Geom Mojam, who had been leading the way, turned back in surprise.
I looked at the crowd and slowly opened my mouth.
“People of the Capital Fortress! I am Yeon Namsaeng, eldest son of Eastern Division Leader Yeon Gaesomun. I know full well why you've come here to see me.”
A murmur spread like waves.
In modern times, politicians gave speeches to gain support. But here, there were no speeches, not even faces to see.
You didn't become Great King by votes or supporters picking you as a leader.
That was why everyone seemed shocked that I was speaking directly to the people—even the people themselves.
The murmur passed, and silence fell. I raised one hand high and shouted.
“Yesterday, I visited the tomb of Great King Ho and saw Great Queen Ho. Then I went to the Great Shrine of the Eastern Capital and met the Celestial Maiden. Is there anyone among Goguryeo's people whose heart doesn't burn upon hearing of Great King Ho? Anyone who doesn't bow their head at the sight of Great Queen Ho? I remember how we overcame trials and tribulations, pacified the four seas, and crushed our enemies!”
I could feel my words echoing through the crowd.
“And most of those events happened when the Capital Fortress was our capital. We can say the Capital Fortress symbolizes Goguryeo's radiant glory.”
A reaction came for the first time.
The watching crowd erupted in thunderous applause. Some clenched their fists and raised them high.
“I will not forget the Capital Fortress. I remember how you staked your lives fighting invaders and served the Great King to the end. I will spread the word that the Capital Fortress was Goguryeo's radiant glory and will be again. I will remember. I will never forget.”
Excited, I pounded my chest with my fist and shouted.
The words “I will remember” spread like waves.
The Capital Fortress had been the capital, but now it was branded a den of traitors and decaying. My speech touched on that, drawing an immediate response—even from the 7th-century Goguryeo people who had no concept of democracy or speeches.
Even Geom Mojam looked excited.
I raised my hand to draw all eyes.
“I will return. I will come back, stroke your aching hearts, and comfort you. I won't forget that's what you want from me. So!”
I deliberately cut my words short. I'd once seen a video of Martin Luther King's speech. He always paused midway to gauge the reaction and build excitement.
It worked. I could see the people's eyes change.
“You must not forget that you are Goguryeo's people. Under Goguryeo's banner, we are all children of the Great King—my brothers and sisters!”
The response was explosive.
They surged forward in excitement, trying to touch my hands and feet. Geom Mojam and his men startled and reached for their swords.
I gestured that it was fine.
“Relax. There are no assassins.”
Indeed, no red eyes were visible.
I greeted those approaching, shook their hands, and slowly moved forward.
The people followed even after we left the Capital Fortress. Only after crossing the Yalu River and heading south did their footsteps stop.
Go Jeong-ui watched them go, then looked at me with wide eyes.
“Impressive, sir.”
“Took you long enough to realize. And here I thought you were smart.”
He usually shot back at my jabs, but not this time.
“How did you even think to speak to the people like that?”
In the era I'd come from, words were the greatest weapon. But I couldn't say that, so I dodged.
“They came to see me. The least I could do.”
“I was shocked.”
“How about calling it a 'speech'?”
“A speech? Combining 'unfurl' and 'words'?”
“Exactly—unfurling words. What do you think?”
“Brilliant, Master.”
“Your flattery's improving.”
“Give more speeches from now on.”
“Why?”
“It'll be your greatest weapon.”
“Stronger than the sword?”
Go Jeong-ui nodded at my question.
“Far stronger—no comparison.”
“You've got an eye for it.”
I laughed it off, but I thought he was a genius. He'd grasped the power of speeches right after seeing one.
I'd done it on impulse too and was stunned by the reaction.
An era where speeches can be a weapon.
It was bittersweet, but full of promise.
Returning to Chang'an Fortress after months, flowers bloomed everywhere. I'd left in lingering cold and come back just as spring was fleeting by.
Like on departure, we crossed Botong Bridge and entered through Botong Gate.
Passing people, I spoke to Go Jeong-ui.
“Judging by their clothes, spring really has come.”
“Indeed. Their faces look much more relaxed.”
“You've worked hard following me. Go rest up.”
“If you'll allow it, I'd like to visit my teacher first.”
“Scholar Lee Mun-jin?”
“Yes. He's elderly, so I'm worried. He suffered badly from pleurisy last winter.”
Suddenly, I recalled the Celestial Maiden telling me to reveal I was from the future to Lee Mun-jin.
I didn't know why Father had summoned me urgently, but there seemed to be time.
“Come with me, then. If he's unwell, we'll bring some medicine.”
“Thank you, Master.”
Since my speech to the people at the Capital Fortress, Go Jeong-ui had looked at me with growing respect.
In an era without the concept of speeches, it must have been a huge shock. A new, unexpected weapon felt reassuring.
We passed through Central City toward the estate. The grounds were spotless, servants lined up to greet us. Far off at the main gate, I saw my wife standing.
Seeing her face after months, joy overwhelmed me, and I spurred my horse. I galloped straight to the stairs.
Those around turned away, laughing.
Dismounting, I bounded up the stairs two at a time. In her hand was a wooden doll.
“The one I sent.”
She nodded, tears streaming down. I gently patted her shoulder.
“It was truly wonderful to see your father and mother after so long.”
“I didn't expect you'd go there.”
Entering the gate with her, I answered warmly.
“Of course I had to. The weather was mild, the sun gentle. Your parents surely welcomed their son-in-law.”
Her hand trembled in mine.
Clutching it tight, my eyes met Father Yeon Gaesomun's inside the gate.
His black robe was edged in gold thread, striking to the eye.
My wife's face hardened at the sight of Father. I soothed her as I approached Yeon Gaesomun and bowed.
“I'm back, Father.”
“Good. You worked hard in the cold north.”
“Why did you summon me so urgently?”
“We're meeting the Great King. I called you to come along.”
The thought of meeting Yeongnyu Great King, a figure from history, made my heart race.
“What for?”
Father Yeon Gaesomun glanced at my wife before answering.
“We'll talk later. Rest today—you must be tired.”
With that, Father Yeon Gaesomun turned to leave.
Quickly, I spoke while gripping my wife's hand tight.
“I stopped by your father and mother's shrine when I was at the Capital Fortress.”
Father Yeon Gaesomun halted and glanced at my wife.
“I heard. It was rash.”
“It's not that you hate mention of what you did?”
My wife startled at the unexpected turn—I felt it. But this had to be addressed eventually.
Father Yeon Gaesomun's expression grew heavy.
“I did nothing wrong. The fault lies with my in-law who joined the treason.”
“I know the situation well. Even so, you should have apologized to your daughter-in-law.”
“Apologized?”
Father Yeon Gaesomun's eyebrow twitched.
“If you're at fault, you apologize. If our family survived at the cost of harming another, yes.”
Father Yeon Gaesomun's face grew complicated at my words.
He'd never faced such a challenge before.
“Superiors don't apologize to inferiors.”
“What if the inferior harbors resentment?”
“They wouldn't dare.”
Father Yeon Gaesomun stated it firmly, but thinking of events decades later, it was a misjudgment.
Though likely half-brothers, Nam-geon and Nam-san rebelled against their elder brother Namsaeng.
Someone may have incited them, but jealousy and hatred toward their brother fueled the revolt.
“Of course not to your face, Father. But you can't live forever.”
“What?”
“You invoke the clan at every turn—how can you ignore the family's pain?”
I took the wooden doll from my wife's hand and showed it.
“Can't you see her tears of blood staining this doll?”
Father Yeon Gaesomun snatched the doll and flung it away.
“Even if it were stained with worse than tears of blood, I'd never apologize.”
“Understood. Then meet the Great King alone.”
“Are you defying me now? Being the eldest doesn't make you heir.”
His words were harsh, but his eyes and the situation weren't.
Having faced tougher pressure interviews and bullying in modern times, it wasn't so scary.
“Naturally. Give it to my younger brothers. They'll love it.”
I picked up the discarded doll and handed it to my wife.
Then, holding her hand, I walked away.
I counted five steps inwardly, but at four, a voice rang out.
“Stop.”