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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 111: Rise
The bravery of the Sui Army exceeded the expectations of the Goguryeo Ruler and Minister, but they were fiercely resisted as they were close to the capital. Ultimately, under the command of the Goryeo King, they managed to retreat back to Pyongyang after paying some price.
Meanwhile, the morale of the Sui Army was high, but there was a disagreement between the main commander, Come to Protect the Child, and his deputy, Zhou Fashang. Come to Protect the Child believed that Goguryeo was vulnerable, especially since their leader personally led the army and had already suffered defeat in the first battle, which would surely cause unrest among the troops.
He thought it was the perfect opportunity to capture their capital and seize their king. Not only would this bring him great merit, but it would also save resources and spare many commoners from forced labor by not having to deploy His Majesty's Million-Strong Army for this campaign.
Zhou Fashang advised, "Our main forces have not yet arrived. If we advance alone and suffer losses, it would betray His Majesty's trust. We should stick to the original plan."
However, Come to Protect the Child was resolute. His rank was already quite high, and he had received enough honor to satisfy him throughout his life. Thus, his determination was not for fame or profit but for the emperor.
Having served as a regional governor in the Year of Ren Shou, he understood the hardships of the people and national affairs. The emperor's campaign against Goguryeo had indeed strained resources and young men, shaking the State and Dynasty.
Only by achieving a swift victory could they stabilize the situation. He also wanted to use this achievement to advise His Majesty to pause military actions and allow the people to recuperate, thus repaying Imperial Favor.
The deputy could not stop the main commander, but Come to Protect the Child did not pressure Zhou Fashang too much; he simply selected forty thousand elite soldiers and headed straight for Pyongyang City.
Inside Pyongyang City, Goryeo King wore a heavy expression. There was no time for mourning anyone because this was a national crisis that everyone faced equally.
The Koryo Royal Minister said, "The capital is fortified and well-stocked with supplies. We should hold our ground. The Sui Dynasty's Million-Strong Army has come from afar; as long as we can hold out until the rainy season, their supplies will run out, and they will naturally retreat."
"Indeed, Your Majesty. We have already fortified our defenses and cleared out resources in advance. They won't be able to seize food from our land. As long as we can delay them, we can also send vassal tribes to disrupt their supply lines. If successful, we can exhaust them here so they won't dare raise arms again!"
General Eulji Mundeok advised, "If we cannot secure a victory, how can we stabilize people's hearts or plan for the future? Your Majesty, although their Naval Forces are fierce, they are weary from travel. If we attack directly now when they are eager for achievements, it is their weakest moment!"
"Even at their weakest moment, we have not achieved victory by waiting idly."
"If direct confrontation is not feasible, then we must employ strategy. If Your Majesty trusts me, I will pledge my life to secure a victory if you provide all gold and silver from the royal treasury."
Before Goryeo King could respond, other ministers could no longer contain themselves and angrily rebuked Eulji Mundeok for being greedy for wealth at such a critical time. Such treachery should be punished immediately to uphold public morale.
However, Goryeo King looked at Eulji Mundeok's unwavering demeanor and said, "Very well. I will hand over all gold and silver from the royal family and treasury to you. I hope you do not disappoint me."
Eulji Mundeok accepted his orders and left while other ministers continued to persuade him. Goryeo King dismissed them all except for his brother Gao Jianwu: "Do you think my decision is wrong?"
"Brother Wang is not wrong. If the country falls, the accumulated gold and silver are no better than scrap iron for fighting. If we can exchange for victory now, we should be willing to sacrifice even more."
The Goryeo King still had no son, only two half-brothers, and now only one remained, leaving little to conceal.
"If we truly lose, you will take my head to the Emperor of Sui and surrender, ensuring the preservation of the State and the Chengzong temple."
"Understood!"
...
Li Jian Cheng was thinking of ways to recall the Li Clan members. Most of the relatives who had served in the military over the years had already risen to the position of Deputy Captain at the City Gate, mainly because he had not provided them with many resources.
Before the expedition, the emperor had strictly ordered that no one could transfer troops; all elite soldiers must accompany him to subdue the disloyal. Most believed it was a chance to earn military merit and did not specifically arrange for their clan members to be withdrawn.
At that time, he couldn't act, but now it was different. Since they were already on an expedition, they needed to determine whether they would serve as vanguard or rear guard, whether they would charge into battle or be responsible for transporting supplies.
This was something he could manage, and the generals would give him face.
Just then, Li Xiaogong suddenly entered to report: "Shibi Khan has sent a trusted envoy secretly. Does my brother wish to meet?"
Li Jian Cheng pondered for a moment before deciding to meet. The envoy turned out to be Han Chinese. After exchanging greetings, he took out a secret letter from his bosom and handed it over.
Upon opening it, Ashina Tuoji first offered some pleasantries before inquiring whether the emperor was plotting against him and why he had suddenly decreed to confer titles upon his brother. What other plans did he have?
Li Jian Cheng stroked the letter thoughtfully. I shouldn't have allied with him, right? I merely reminded him once last time; why is he being so presumptuous?
He quickly wrote two characters on the back of the letter: "I don't know!"
Then he signaled for Li Xiaogong to hand the letter back to the envoy and see him out.
However, the envoy unexpectedly took out the letter and began reading it. Li Xiaogong's right hand slowly rested on the hilt of his sword while Li Jian Cheng waved his hand; this was his Governor's Office.
At that moment, a strong man clad in black armor stepped in behind Li Jian Cheng. He carried a steel-backed bow and held a specially made Black Feather Long Arrow—Li Jian Cheng's personal bodyguard.
Zhang Hutan, known for his extraordinary strength, could draw a bow of one hundred and fifty pounds, shooting accurately without a single miss. Such skill was rare in the world.
After the messenger scanned the letter, he waited until the guards moved behind Li Jian Cheng before pulling another letter from his pocket. Li Xiaogong took it and presented it.
The content of this letter was much more conventional, employing both threats and inducements. After reading it, Li Jian Cheng pointed to the letter in the Messenger's hand and said, "It's still those two words; go back and report to your Khan."
The messenger understood that if the Khan could not persuade this noble from the Sui Dynasty, then his own words would carry even less weight. With a dejected expression, he turned and left.
Once the messenger was gone, Li Xiaogong remarked, "More and more Han Chinese are defecting to the Turkic."
"A young man living in the Sui Dynasty is just waiting to die; he either perishes from forced labor or dies in battle. At least on the grasslands, there’s a chance for survival. Those with skills will be assigned to pastures with cattle and sheep. Who wouldn’t want to escape?"
"Brother, I am somewhat worried. If this continues, how will we deal with the Turkic advancing southward?"
"When water comes, we will cover it with earth; when soldiers arrive, we will meet them. What else can we do?" Li Jian Cheng replied. "The emperor has noticed this situation, and the court's important officials are also aware and implementing some measures. However, the emperor insists on first subduing Goguryeo."
Zhang Hutan suddenly spoke up, "Why is that? Although Goguryeo is unwilling to submit, it is far from the Central Plains—a mere small nation. The Turks can invade at any time; surely the emperor isn't more foolish than I am."
………
(End of Chapter)
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