Chapter 50
Chapter 50
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 50
Chapter Title: Great King Namsaeng
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"I don't know his exact name either. But I've heard the rumors—he's a brutal and vicious thug."
"Brutal and vicious? Isn't that just how street toughs are?"
"It's especially bad with him. He hacks off people's heads with a bent sword and cuts off fingers like he's eating rice. He never forgets a grudge and always pays it back, so everyone's terrified of him."
"Find out more about him. Discreetly."
"Understood. And we should increase your guards."
"Why? You think he'll come after us for revenge?"
Geom Mojam nodded cautiously at the question.
"I don't know about the others, but with that guy, you never know what he'll do."
"Handle it as you see fit."
He'd hit a wall right away while trying to track down whoever was behind the incitement.
Of course, he hadn't expected much from this level of investigation. Still, it seemed like he could at least cut off one of their attack routes.
Lost in thought, Geom Mojam spoke up.
"What should we do with this one?"
After hearing Geom Mojam's story, he looked back at the bound man.
The guy had spilled everything he wanted to know, so he didn't feel like killing him.
Then his head started aching again. Just like back when he'd boarded a ship to cross the sea to Baekje.
'Looks like I'm making some wrong judgment call.'
He thought about what it could be, but nothing stood out as a mistake.
Then he got curious about the bound man's name.
"What's your name?"
"My name is Shin Seong."
"What? Shin Seong?"
Thinking he hadn't heard, Shin Seong repeated it louder.
"This lowly one's name is Shin Seong."
The moment he heard the name, he realized who it was.
"You're the one who opened the gates of Chang'an Fortress in 668."
Even though King Bojang had surrendered and Goguryeo was surrounded by the allied Tang and Silla forces, opening the gates was clear treason.
That act set Goguryeo on the path to destruction. And he recalled that he was a close aide to Yeon Nam-geon, the second son of Yeon Gaesomun.
After Yeon Gaesomun's death, he'd undoubtedly played a role in the infighting among the Yeon brothers.
'I'm curious how a street thug like a modern gangster ended up as a monk and a close aide to Yeon Nam-geon.'
It was regrettable, but now that he knew his identity, he couldn't let him live.
He whispered to Geom Mojam.
"Take him out quietly and dispose of him. Bury the body without a trace."
"Yes, sir."
Geom Mojam ordered his men to drag him away. Thinking he was free, Shin Seong thanked him profusely.
Dragged outside, Shin Seong was stabbed by the guards' swords behind the stables. He hadn't seen it, but the screams told him everything.
He felt sorry, but he brushed it off quickly.
'At least you won't go down in history as the traitor who opened Chang'an's gates.'
A moment later, the smell of blood wafted in.
He realized this was the first time since possessing this body that he'd killed someone by his own choice, not out of unavoidable circumstances.
'I'll have to kill a lot more people from now on.'
He heard the dragging of the corpse and stepped outside. The darkness had deepened even more.
The next day, he rose early to prepare for work at the Central Administration Bureau.
He wanted a day off, but his father had ordered him to go, so there was no choice.
'The meeting with the Great King will be hosted by the Central Administration Bureau, so getting a read on the atmosphere first isn't a bad idea.'
Go Jeong-ui's absence bothered him, but he couldn't do anything about it.
'I still need to meet Ariyeong from the Maemul Merchant Guild.'
Meeting another person who knew his true identity felt burdensome.
Lost in such thoughts, he stepped out the gate.
Perhaps because of yesterday's events, Geom Mojam was even more on edge. Spotting someone at the still-dim gate, he drew his sword immediately.
"Who goes there!"
His men joined in, drawing their blades, and archers on the gate tower nocked their bows.
Geom Mojam blocked his path, but in the chaos, he noticed the man's eyes weren't red. The man stepped forward a few paces, grumbling.
"Even if it is early, you don't recognize me?"
Recognizing him, Geom Mojam sighed and sheathed his sword.
"It's still dawn; I couldn't make out your face."
Geom Mojam stepped aside, and he asked,
"Why are you here so early? Did your master kick you out?"
"It's not that—I'm here early because I was worried about you, Master."
"I'm not some kid; what do you have to worry about?"
"Who else will you bicker with if I'm not around?"
"Fair point."
He chuckled in agreement, and Go Jeong-ui asked,
"Where are you off to at this hour?"
"Heading to the Central Administration Bureau for work."
"Didn't you say you'd take a day off?"
"Father ordered me to go in."
"I didn't realize you were such a dutiful son."
"If you didn't know I was filial, then maybe you're not as close as I thought."
"Who can ever read your true thoughts, Master?"
With that, Go Jeong-ui fell in step beside him. He asked,
"You coming along?"
"Of course. How else can you get any work done?"
"Trying to earn some trust, eh?"
"Sharp as ever. Also, I made a bet with the Central Administration Bureau officials."
"What kind of bet?"
"Who can review and remember more documents. A lot of them still look down on me because I'm young."
"Good. Teach them some manners."
Normally they'd ride horses, but Geom Mojam insisted, so they took an ox cart this time.
The empty seat beside him naturally went to Go Jeong-ui.
The cart jolted hard as it started. Without a cushioned seat, the hard wooden backrest was terribly uncomfortable.
'Should've just ridden a horse.'
Lost in thought, Go Jeong-ui asked cautiously,
"You'll be meeting the Chief of Central Administration once you get there, right?"
"He's probably waiting."
"From what I've heard inside the bureau, he's no pushover."
"I know. He's a monster."
"Aren't you scared?"
"Better than my father, at least."
Go Jeong-ui giggled at his response. Then he glanced around the cart.
"Riding in a cart instead of a horse?"
"Something happened yesterday. You stay in for a while too—no outings."
He gave a rough rundown of yesterday's events. Go Jeong-ui's eyes widened.
"You have that kind of nerve?"
"I don't like killing. But if it's to save more lives, I won't hesitate."
Go Jeong-ui nodded thoughtfully.
They chatted as they arrived at the Central Administration Bureau.
Geom Mojam pulled back the curtain, revealing the bureau's signboard.
Slaves swept the front gate, guarded by soldiers—including some from yesterday who'd come to demolish the observation tower.
One soldier who recognized him flinched, sparking his mischief.
He approached and said,
"Sleep well last night?"
"Yes, sir."
"If it weren't for me, you wouldn't be here today. You know that, right?"
"O-Of course. I'm deeply grateful."
"Your superiors won't take responsibility. No need to risk your life for loyalty."
"I-I didn't hear that."
"Of course."
He laughed heartily and entered. A green-hatted official bowed in wait.
"The Chief of Central Administration summons you."
"I was just coming to pay my respects. Quick timing."
"This way, please."
He bid Go Jeong-ui farewell.
The gate closed slowly, hiding Geom Mojam's worried face.
The official led him along the corridor to the Confidential Bureau, stopping at a red gate at the end.
He rang a bell in his hand. A voice answered from inside, and the official replied.
'Exchanging passcodes?'
Watching quietly, the door opened. The official stepped aside, gesturing him in.
The doorkeeper greeted him.
"Whoa!"
He was a warrior dressed like those in the Samjil Temple murals.
Armor reached his ankles, with a gorget and vambraces covering up to his wrists.
His helmet had wing-like crests often mistaken for horns, topped with red tassels.
Spear in one hand, sword in the other. His prominent cheekbones and kaiser mustache made him look incredibly tough.
Staring openly, the doorkeeper looked awkward and stepped back further.
A nod, and he entered a whole new world.
"Whoa! Impressive."
Ponds large and small dotted the grounds, pavilions everywhere.
It resembled the rear garden of Gangwon Governor's Residence he'd toured in modern times, but far grander.
A massive pond like the one in Changdeok Palace's Secret Garden dominated the center, bridged from both sides—guarded by warriors like the doorkeeper.
In the pond's midst stood a hexagonal two-story pavilion where Yeon Jeong-du sat. Debating which bridge, he took the nearer left one.
The guarding warrior bowed and stepped aside.
Crossing the wooden bridge, he reached the pavilion.
'Why not stay on the first floor.'
The stairs were as steep as Jeongneung Temple's eight-story wooden pagoda. Panting up, he saw Yeon Jeong-du at a railing-side chair, sipping tea.
Purple long jacket embroidered with gold thread, wide black pants. Heavy gold earrings jingled as he turned his head.
He greeted him, and Yeon Jeong-du silently pointed to the seat opposite.
Sitting, Yeon Jeong-du poured tea from a celadon teapot.
"Drink. No poison."
"Then I'll trust you and have some."
Playfully responding, he lifted the celadon cup and took a sip.
The tea carried a faint floral scent.
After one sip, setting it down, Yeon Jeong-du stared piercingly.
"So, how was Liaodong?"
"Cold."
His face twisted at the unexpected answer.
"You went all that way just to feel the cold?"
"I'm the type who has to experience things firsthand. How else can I prepare when the enemy invades?"
"You treat war as inevitable."
"Truth be told, I hate war too. But you can't avoid it just by wanting to."
This was probably the biggest headache for both Yeon Jeong-du and the Great King. He sensed why Yeon Jeong-du had summoned him right after arriving.
'He's probing what I'll say at the meeting with the Great King in a few days.'
"Have you ever experienced war? Usually, those who haven't are the ones who talk about it."
A brilliant counter, invoking the Great King's past as a war hero who'd defeated Naheo.
"It's as good as war already. Do I need to experience it firsthand? You know how many assassination attempts on my life there've been these past few years. And that's not an answer to my question."
"Then what is?"