Chapter 62
Chapter 62
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 62
Chapter Title: Great King Namsaeng
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In actual history, the Tang army that besieged Ansi Fortress was defeated by the Goguryeo relief forces at Jubilsan. But Ansi Fortress didn't care and kept resisting. Knowing that fact, I couldn't help but laugh at Yang Man-chun's story. We passed the time like that, devising strategies.
As summer approached, my wife's belly gradually swelled. Meanwhile, troops began to be assembled for the attack on Silla. Assembling too many soldiers would cause problems with movement and supply lines. In fact, I was shocked when I saw the documents Go Jeong-ui showed me.
"They handle all this without computers or calculators?"
After all sorts of calculations, the expeditionary force was set at five thousand infantry including archers, and one thousand cavalry. Of those, five hundred would be filled by Malgal tribe horsemen. We'd calculated that Nihaseong had five hundred troops, and the maximum we could mobilize from Dalholju was around three thousand.
For supplies, the Maemul Merchant Guild merchants would handle it up to Sugokseong as an intermediate point, and Sugokseong soldiers would transport them to Nihaseong. The merchants had already built dozens of the one-wheeled carts I'd shown them, refined by Go Jeong-ui. Some were allocated for the soldiers to use. Geom Mojam and about a hundred retainers and close aides would go along. Yang Man-chun was coming too. In novels or movies, we're used to tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of troops, but reality was different. At least with the Maemul Guild's active cooperation and my father's help, we wouldn't lack supplies.
The soldiers were mostly drawn from areas under the Eastern Division's influence. We set departure for the end of the hot season. The plan was to arrive at Nihaseong around the start of autumn and launch a full-scale siege.
"What happened in 634?"
I tried to recall reading the Samguk Sagi. Aside from Silla changing their reign era name, nothing major stood out. So the attack on Nihaseong probably never happened in the original history.
"This is what changing history feels like."
A chill ran down my spine at the realization that I was the one altering it. Of course, I believed I was changing it for the better for many people. But whether that was truly the right path was still questionable. Still, looking around gave me strength to endure.
"Geom Mojam was killed by his ally Anseung while leading the Goguryeo revival movement."
Geom Mojam stood guard by my side, oblivious to my thoughts.
"Go Jeong-ui's end isn't recorded separately. But I can imagine how he'd feel watching Goguryeo fall."
Go Jeong-ui was diligently drafting documents, unaware of my musings.
"Go Yeonsu and Go Hyejin don't have to suffer defeat at Jubilsan either."
We weren't close yet, but they wouldn't have to turn their backs on Goguryeo and live in shame. Above all, it was vital that my family and I wouldn't go down in history as traitors.
As preparations for departure progressed smoothly, new faces joined us. Yi Ta-in, son of Yi Maeng-jin—the official who had escorted my father and me to the Shadow Council—had arrived from Chaekseong.
"That gaze isn't ordinary."
He had a lean build like my father, with tanned skin. He wore a yellow jeogori over iron-plated armor that looked as sturdy as Ansi Fortress's. But what stood out most was the enormous sword.
"Is that a sword? Or a spear?"
The blade reached up to Yi Ta-in's shoulder height, with a plain ring attached and a hilt wrapped in white leather.
When everyone showed interest in his sword, Yi Ta-in replied in a gruff dialect.
"It's the sword I use."
He drew it from the scabbard. The blade was ridiculously thick and long. Geom Mojam peeked at it curiously and staggered.
"How do you even swing that thing?"
Yi Ta-in silently took back the sword, took a deep breath, and swung it. He minimized unnecessary movements for efficiency with the heavy blade. Without even breaking his breathing, he swung and looked at me.
"My father said you would open the path ahead for me."
"Of course."
I recalled the paper I'd read on his epitaph. He was the defender of Chaekseong who surrendered to Tang. His sudden rise in rank under my father's generation suggested ties to Yeon Gaesomun, and it was true. He betrayed Goguryeo by surrendering to Tang general Yi Se-jeok, then suppressed Goguryeo revival forces in the Buyeo region. Though under Tang, he had notable achievements.
The three generals, including On Sa-mun, only had records of defeats and were old. Geom Mojam and Go Dolbal lacked experience commanding troops. Yi Ta-in, however, had held high rank as a horse guest commander, experienced in leading units of over a thousand— a valuable asset.
Born in 609, he was close in age to me, born in 612. The only concern was the ambition burning in his eyes.
"That's why he ultimately betrayed Goguryeo."
After defecting to Tang, he rose to Junior Rank 3 Right Guard General. But if I created a situation where he couldn't make that choice, it would be fine. So I decided to accept him.
"If you prove your abilities, origin or region won't matter."
"Then I'll work hard. Thanks for the opportunity."
"If it's alright, may my subordinate modify your weapon?"
"This one?"
"It's good, but I think there might be a more efficient way."
Yi Ta-in readily agreed. Go Jeong-ui, who had been watching, approached with brush and paper. I took the brush and drew a picture. This weapon was simple, easy to sketch.
Go Jeong-ui, hoping for something tricky, looked disappointed.
"What kind of weapon is this?"
What I'd drawn was a dadao from the Northern Song era—a shortened guandao with a curved blade and ring at the hilt end.
Go Jeong-ui said upon seeing it,
"It's similar to the spear we made for Go Dolbal."
"Right. With the blade curving back, it covers more cutting area for bigger wounds. Add the weight, and even shields can't block it."
"There's a blacksmith from Sui Captive Village who excels at swords. We can leave it to him."
"Do that."
Finishing with Go Jeong-ui, I turned to Yi Ta-in.
"Inside Biyeongeok, we have a model of our attack target."
"Nihaseong, I heard. Small but treacherous terrain?"
"Exactly. So we must prepare thoroughly."
As I turned to enter, Yi Ta-in cleared his throat.
"Our age gap isn't that big, so speak casually to me."
"I'm comfortable like this."
"You say you'll help me rise, yet you won't?"
His voice was calm and settled, reminding me of his careerist nature.
I grinned and replied,
"Got it. Horse Guest."
"Thank you."
He clasped his hands and bowed. One more had joined. But Go Jeong-ui looked displeased.
"He seems overly ambitious."
"Don't you have ambitions?"
"I only have loyalty."
His overtly eager expression made me want to snap at him, but I ended up chuckling.
The day after Yi Ta-in arrived, Go Yeonsu and Go Hyejin visited again. They wanted to join the expedition, but I refused. Maybe due to preconceptions, or because I wanted a force loyal to me, not my father. My apologetic father hosted a banquet for them. Though busy with preparations, I had to make an appearance.
I joined midway through the banquet at Yeonhwa Pavilion, which resembled Gyeonghoeru in Gyeongbok Palace. Fortunately, my father had explained well; they weren't too upset. As we laughed and drank, I noticed a unfamiliar kid next to Go Yeonsu. Dressed in white po with a black bokgeon. Younger than Go Jeong-ui, but his eyes were sharp.
When I kept staring, the kid sensed it and bowed his head. Go Yeonsu laughed heartily.
"My youngest brother."
"Quite the age gap."
"Born to my stepmother. Different mothers, but same blood, and he's smart, so I bring him along."
"What's his name?"
"Go Yeonmu. Same generation name as me."
"Go Yeonmu?"
My eyes widened involuntarily.
"The one who led the Goguryeo revival army and fought the Tang at Gaedonyang in Liaodong."
His battle with Silla's Sacheon Seol O-yu marked the start of the Na Tang wars. He later joined Anseung's Budeok Kingdom, his last record as Great General and Grand Administrator.
I hadn't expected to meet someone from the 670 Na Tang wars.
"Just a kid, but impressive."
I'd just learned he was Go Yeonsu's brother. Knowing his future exploits, I looked at him fondly. I'd thought victory made him a general type, but his looks and demeanor suggested strategist.
"Could he replace that smug Go Jeong-ui?"
Impossible to match Zhuge Liang-level Go Jeong-ui, but enough to keep him on his toes.
I quickly called Go Jeong-ui to introduce Go Yeonmu. He tensed immediately.
"I've heard the name. He just entered the National Academy and is already standing out."
"Really? As good as you?"
"Not even up to my toes."
"He must reach at least that."
"Then ankles."
"Knees?"
"Knees are too high. Calves."
As we bickered absurdly, Go Yeonmu approached, watching us.
"Why do you two fight over something so trivial?"
His bold question stiffened Go Yeonsu's face. But I liked his guts and curiosity.
"Adults sometimes joke around like this."
I explained kindly. He glanced at Go Jeong-ui.
"Big age difference, though?"
"He may look young, but there's a sly fox inside."
Go Jeong-ui shook his head without retorting. Go Yeonmu asked,
"Why aren't you taking our eldest brother to this war?"
Go Yeonsu fidgeted and called loudly to his young brother.
"Yeonmu! What are you saying?"
I gestured it was fine and asked,
"Why do you think that?"
"Because you think he's not helpful?"
He nailed it; I couldn't hide my surprise. Go Jeong-ui wore a similar expression. I took Go Yeonmu's hand.
"That's true."
"Then you should have explained everything to him and gotten his understanding."
"For distant relations, yes. But for close ones, no need."
"Why? Shouldn't you care more for close ones?"
I shook my head with a smile at Go Yeonmu's question.