Chapter 52
Chapter 52
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 52
Chapter Title: Great King Namsaeng 52
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In truth, King Yeongnyu hadn't completely neglected preparations for war.
Though its reality was unclear, the most prominent example was the Thousand-Li Great Wall built over sixteen years. And unless he was a fool, he must have made some preparations.
But that wasn't the important part.
"Of course, I don't think you've been sitting idle. But what if you turned your gaze outward?"
"Outward?"
"To the south, there are Baekje, Silla, and Wa. To the north, Khitan and Hai, Silwi and Göktürks, and even Dumaklu."
"You think we need to watch them?"
"If we grovel so subserviently to Tang, what will they think?"
"Does that matter?"
"It matters a great deal. If we go to war with Tang, they'll side with whoever benefits them most. In the current situation, which side do you think they'll choose? Excluding the Malgal, who are close to us, they'll all side with Tang."
And that's exactly what happened. Not only the Göktürks who submitted to Tang, but some Khitan and Malgal joined Tang's side as well.
Though not recorded, it was presumed to be one reason Goguryeo struggled against Tang's invasion, unlike during Sui.
Tang's nomadic cavalry cut off Goguryeo's supply lines and communication networks.
"Even now, our influence over them is waning. What will you do if they side with Tang and invade?"
"Don't threaten me with hypotheticals."
"And what about the southern border? If Baekje and Silla side with Tang and march north, do you have any way to stop them?"
"They're blood enemies; they won't join hands."
"We've already made peace with Silla after they pushed all the way to Biyeolhol. Whether you make peace with those two nations or prevent them from allying with Tang—what have you done about it all this time?"
"Are you criticizing the Great King right now?"
"Does it sound like I'm criticizing the Great King? What I'm blaming are those close to him. If they can't even think of this and advise him, aren't they a burden on the nation?"
As I pressed him relentlessly, Elder Yeon Jeong-du trembled with rage.
This meeting, meant to test the waters before seeing the Great King, had gone far differently than planned.
"Goguryeo is a strong nation. No—it must be strong. Otherwise, it will face invasion from others and perish. That's why we must project our might across the four seas and subjugate our neighbors. Abandon the delusion that the Thousand-Li Great Wall will protect us. What we need now isn't walls; it's to show that we are strong. Only then can we prevent Goguryeo's downfall."
"Downfall? Are you saying Goguryeo will fall?"
"If things continue like this, downfall is inevitable. That's exactly what I saw on the brink of death. Shall I tell you who caused it?"
Elder Yeon Jeong-du squeezed his eyes shut in terror.
I spoke to him as he desperately tried to hide his emotions.
"Stop thinking that peace today means peace tomorrow. We're standing on the edge of a precipice."
Having said my piece, I felt refreshed.
As I rose from my seat, I said to Elder Yeon Jeong-du,
"Thanks for the tea."
Four days later, Father and I rode in a cart toward the imperial palace in the inner citadel of Chang'an Fortress.
The jolting wheels pulled me from my thoughts.
Since returning from Liaodong, I'd increasingly felt like time was short. I'd thought we had some margin, assuming it was mid-630s.
But Father's coup was in 642, and Tang's invasion in 645—not much time left.
'What to do?'
I had allies to help and reliable subordinates now. But that didn't ease the sense of insufficiency.
Anxiety and impatience kept me from sleeping well. Fortunately, Seon Do-hae's report visit had calmed me somewhat.
Seon Do-hae presented wooden tablets with market gossip. A quick scan showed useful info.
Rumors in the markets, public interests, major incidents—all well-organized.
I praised him and promised a reward; his face lit up.
Instead of reward, he asked to report every three days. I agreed, set the next meeting, and took the tablets for the palace visit.
The front detailed rumors about the Yeon clan from the markets—mostly about me suddenly becoming shrewd.
Below that, reactions to my speech when dismantling the 경관대탑 a few days ago. People were puzzled by the concept of a speech or deeply moved.
Then market prices and covert rumors. Not quite a modern newspaper, but intriguing.
'Should tell him to add government news too.'
As I reread the tablets, the cart stopped.
'Must be here.'
The curtain parted, revealing Geom Mojam's face. Stepping out on his footstool, I saw the palace.
White stone walls dotted with watchtowers. Three gates side by side; the rightmost open.
Father had descended from the lead cart. Flowing black jeogori with a red vest-like baeja. No earrings or necklace—just golden wing ornaments on his crown.
I wore similarly.
A gatekeeper like those at the Central Administration Bureau stood at the gate. Behind him, an official in sky-blue robes and red skullcap.
Seeing us, he bowed.
"Please follow me."
Father casually unbelted his sword and handed it to the gatekeeper.
I did the same, hesitating before handing over Jumong's spearhead from my belt-back.
'Come to think, Father never asked about this.'
The reason came quickly: he'd been informed by someone.
Wondered how far Father's eyes and ears reached.
Matching the leading official's pace to catch up with Father, I whispered,
"You have spies here too?"
To my sudden question, Father pondered briefly, then nodded toward the official ahead.
"Don't let on you know yet. There are a few more besides him."
"Impressive thoroughness."
"That's why the Yeon family has survived—eyes and ears everywhere. Time to pass it on; manage them well."
"Never seen them myself."
"Dosuryu handles the palace and Chang'an Fortress; Geumryu covers the provinces."
"Dosuryu and Geumryu?"
Names from Japanese records, like Iri Geoseosa.
Curious who they were, and unexpectedly, here they came. That sparked another question.
"Are they clan kin?"
Japanese annals called them kin of Iri Kasumi, meaning Yeon Gaesomun.
But Father's face hardened.
"Kin? They're our retainers. Serving since Grandfather's time."
"Ah, not blood kin—hereditary servants for special tasks."
Dosuryu and Geumryu weren't Yeon blood; generations handling covert work.
Feeling good about unraveling a secret, a long moat and bridge appeared ahead.
Beyond, a low wall. Security incomparably tight.
The halted official—Father's spy—spoke quietly.
"Cross the bridge. His Majesty awaits in the Dark Shadow Hall."
"Why meet in the Dark Shadow Hall?"
"The Great King's intentions are ever like shadows. Who can know?"
"Any other movements?"
"The Chief of Central Administration plans to enter the palace."
"Meeting the Great King with us?"
"Hasn't arrived, so probably not together."
Father nodded faintly, murmuring while gazing beyond the moat.
"Dark Shadow Hall..."
Felt ominous, but the mood prevented questions.
As Father said he'd go in, the official cleared his throat softly.
Father turned; the official spoke.
"As promised, please look after my son."
"He's at Chaekseong now?"
"Yes. It's our family's ancestral home for generations."
"How old this year?"
"Twenty-four. Strong and clever; he'll be very useful."
"Send him discreetly to the mansion later. Ita-in, was it?"
"You remember. I sided with the Eastern Division Leader only hoping for my son's future. Please keep that in mind."
"I'll ensure he sees it was the right choice."
While Father and the official talked, I pondered inwardly.
'Ita-in? A name I've heard in Goguryeo history.'
At first, confused with similar Ida-jo. But Ida-jo was born twenty years from now.
Then an old paper came to mind. Following Father across the bridge, I asked,
"Was that official Lee Mun-jin?"
"How did you know? First time seeing him today."
"I've got ears now too."
Brushed it off vaguely.
Ita-in defended Chaekseong near Goguryeo's fall. Likely Lee Mun-jin, who rose via Father's coup.
'Puzzle pieces fitting perfectly.'
Realizing anew the power of foreknowledge, I crossed the bridge.
Beyond was a gate; up close, it was black.
Frowning, I said to Father Yeon Gaesomun,
"The gate's black."
"That's why it's called Dark Shadow Hall—meaning dark shadow."
"Why build a place like this in the palace?"
The black gate creaked open.
Watching it, Father sneered,
"Because of his dark and sinister nature."
As the gate fully opened, someone inside shouted that Eastern Division Leader Yeon Gaesomun and eldest son Yeon Namsaeng were entering. Probably announcing to the Great King within.
Soon, a bell tolled; the gaunt eunuch who shouted appeared.
"Wow!"
Inside the gate was unexpected. A long hall in a U-shape, central roof slightly higher.
Pillars, railings—all black. No colorful dancheong paintings usual on tiled halls.
Even roof tiles and decorative chimi spikes were the same color. Despite daylight, it felt dark.
The eunuch pointed rightward with both hands.
"Ascend that way. His Majesty awaits."
A corridor extended like a hallway beside the hall. Father Yeon Gaesomun climbed the stairs there and walked slowly.
I followed to the corridor. Each step on the long plank floor creaked loudly.