As Prophet - Chapter 172



Only Noblemtl

Episode 172. Time to choose.

“Your Majesty, half of the royal family is on their side. That’s why they say that no matter how many times you arrest them, they are innocent and that they should be released.”

“It’s rotten from the root! What will I do about this?”

“It must be done according to the law. No matter how urgent it is, the treatment of a person must be carried out according to the law.”

“Oh. What on earth do you want me to do with you?”

“It will not be too late to leave the capital for a while, gather the court, the army, and the people, and then come to Hanyang.”

“I will fight here.”

It is the king’s word. It is a declaration. I am not asking for a meeting and discussion, but I am declaring that I will do this.

“Then you should prepare a final escape route separately. Gupabal and Mapo will be occupied by the rebels first. This is not a fact, but a guess. You should prepare an escape route among Hangangjin, Yanghwajin, and Seobinggo Ferry. In case of an emergency, you should prepare a warship and evacuate the people.”

“Where are you sending me to escape to?”

“The places prepared for this time are Bukhansanseong and Namhansanseong. A country can survive only when its people are there. Evacuate quickly and conscript all able-bodied men.”

The king turned his gaze to the commander-in-chief. The commander-in-chief’s tightly shut lips did not move. It was the difference between someone who sees the matter as such and someone who will do his best in case of an emergency.

In front of Dalcheon, many officials were speechless. They did not have the courage to tell him in front of him that he should not be involved in state affairs.

Meanwhile, Dalcheon was losing his strength. It was natural for me, but I had no ability to persuade them. Above all, I lacked materials to persuade them. Nothing is as certain as the news from the mountains, but to them, the mountains were no different from a farmer working in the fields. It seems that dozens of similar testimonies must have come out.

And the will to persuade them was weak. They approached it with a half-resigned attitude, thinking that if it didn’t work out, they would just give up. They would help you if you asked, but they wouldn’t do anything with sincerity.

“Your Majesty! I will now step aside.”

“No, how can you step back after causing so much trouble?”

“I don’t know how much more I can say. The enemy is coming, and 20,000 cavalry will arrive tomorrow or the day after, and I am just standing there blankly. What can I do with them? Even if what I say is a lie, shouldn’t a minister who loves the people at least pretend to do something?

Right now, their eyes are on whether what I say is right or wrong and then they decide. Isn’t that right? You speak once! Then I will listen. We can decide later whether it is right or wrong… … You seem to be proud that you helped His Majesty succeed in his cause, but politics is something else. Don’t you think so? Are you telling me to dance to that beat?”

As Dalcheon’s protest grew stronger, the ministers present sat restlessly. It was as if he was looking into a person’s heart. When he pointed out and pointed out the turning points of his own government that I had just thought of, I couldn’t say a word more.

“Your Majesty, it is time to choose. If more time passes, you will not be able to choose. You say you do not like being pushed by circumstances, but you are going to go all the way? You must do something while you can. I urge you to conscript the army, evacuate the people to the mountain fortress, and move the court to Ganghwa Island to fight to the death.”

“Does it really have to be like that?”

“If you don’t want to do it, then just don’t do it.”

“Okay.”

The king who ascended the throne was not the same as before. Unlike the past when there was nothing to choose from and time only ran forward, now there were many people with different opinions sitting in front of him, bickering.

“I see. If you don’t want to do something, then don’t do it. Then I will become the king who reigned for the shortest time in history.”

The officials were so embarrassed that they could not raise their heads.

“Do so! I will do as the king says. I will conscript the army, move the people to the mountain fortress, and move the government to Ganghwa Island. Do it immediately.”

When the king made a rash decision, the ministers rose up in protest.

“Your Majesty! No! A hasty decision will lead to disaster.”

“What war is coming on this peaceful day, stirring up the world? This is an impossible decision. Please take it away.”

“There are thousands of brave soldiers who can stop them. What are you worried about? Heaven will never be able to take over.”

The countless words mixed together without any order made it noisier than a flea market.

“The Vice Minister of Justice, give orders to each department. Move everything to Ganghwa Island by tomorrow morning.”

“Your Majesty, it will be done as you command!”

“The Ministry of War and the Ministry of Taxation should ensure that there are no disruptions in the requisitioning and transport of all ships, including the Segok ships.”

“debriefing!”

“Your Majesty, summon all the young men from Hanyang, Seongjeosipri, and Geun-gi. Among the young men between the ages of 17 and 50, those who do not respond to the conscription will not be considered commoners. As soon as the young men are summoned, appoint a commanding officer, have them armed and equipped, and then conduct defensive training.”

“Loyalty!”

“Bring the troops of each province to Hanyang. They will be called the Royal Army. Anyone who rashly engages the enemy and loses troops will be beheaded.”

“Rev. Order! I will raise all troops from each province.”

Countless orders were given. Those who opposed the order had to run around like crazy. They received the order and reported it to their departments. They called people to the cabinet office and had them write the order, and the footsteps of the officers who were in charge of communication were busy.

A table was placed in the center of the annex and a large map was hung on it. The annex was to be used as a field command post. The king, who had given many orders, called together the generals. Then he asked Dalcheon.

“Please tell me the plan.”

Dalcheon looked at the map and became lost in thought.

“Either Dongdaemun or Seodaemun. Lean against the wall and block the enemy while causing as much damage as possible. But eventually, they will break through. At that time, engage the enemy, calmly go out to Namdaemun, and retreat toward Yongsan. The first operation will be completed by boarding the ships prepared in advance and leaving Hanyangseong.”

“So you’re saying that you’re going to inflict damage on the enemy and then retreat?”

“Yes. Before that, all the people in Hanyang must evacuate. It is most important.”

“Hmm, it’s a tough one. It’s not easy to leave your job and evacuate. I won’t move until I see it with my own eyes.”

“Yes. We must immediately post a room and have them leave Hanyang. The conscription order must be issued at the same time. We must accept refugees in the mountains. The soldiers must go first and prepare.”

“And then?”

“They can’t stay in Hanyang for long because it’s farming season. It’s crazy to move around during this season. If they can’t loot the supplies they need here, it’ll be hard to make it to next year. So they’ll try their best to loot. They have to take away all the food and important household items.”

“Is it a clear day?”

“That’s right. There must be a reason why it was so urgent to move during the busy farming season.”

“Hoo, what’s next?”

“We have to have diplomatic negotiations. They have to withdraw their troops, there has to be no damage to the country, and we have to give them what they want.”

“Okay.”

“Once some of them retreat, we will carry out the operation to reclaim Hanyangseong. The troops from each province, the troops from Namhansanseong and Bukhansanseong, and the naval forces that land on the Han River will attack them. After we defeat the remaining remnants and eliminate those who have colluded with them, we will reclaim Hanyang.”

“Oh my, when will that be?”

“I guess they won’t stay more than half a month. It’s just a hope, but if they don’t have much time, they definitely have a chance. The relationship between those who have to go back and those who have to eat here is shaken. We have to take advantage of the gap that opens between Il-dae-gye and Yeo-jin-gun.”

“I see. You had it all planned out in your head.”

The king shouted to the ministers behind the general.

“This is how you worry about your country! Do you understand?”

As the things in Dalcheon’s head came out, the plan was refined. It was around that time that information came in that a suspicious army had been seen far to the east. It was exactly two days away. If that was the main force and there was a separate advance party, they would be about a day ahead. At the very least, they would be in front of Heunginjimun by tomorrow evening. They definitely didn’t cross Cheoryeong. Then they would have come by a path that cut through the deep mountains of Gangwon-do, which would require internal cooperation. There is a way to kill the guide, but it is already too late.

In the side hall, military meetings were held, and decisions were reported to the outside. The six departments were in various places in the palace to receive orders, and the leaders of the three military departments and the military corps were on one side to receive orders. When it was lunchtime, the table was brought into the side hall. It seems that they usually went to the Gangnyeongjeon to have lunch and then went to the toilet after eating, but there was no time to move.

Dalcheon, who had hidden in the shade to avoid the sunlight, exhaled hot breaths and fell into thought. I had intervened too deeply. Even the voices in my heart came out in response to their nonsensical words. It would have been wise to draw a line and keep some distance, but I sighed and regretted that I had gone too far. I have a stake in proportion to the amount of talk I have. I have a corresponding amount of responsibility, and I must also make additional efforts to secure my words. That is what makes a person a person. It is a pity that people live with people who talk here and there and say they have never done so.

Joseon officials were capable. Once they started, dozens of people came down without rest to handle the subsequent work in a rapid manner. An order was given to make the area in front of Heunginjimun into a sanctuary, a person in charge of the work was appointed, and a judge (3rd rank) from the Seongonggam (繕工監) of the Ministry of Public Works went out to personally command the work, and two practical officials from the Ministry of War who were well-versed in military affairs were assigned to follow them.

* Pre-emptive strike: Civil engineering and maintenance management agency

He ordered the repair of the chains that were supposed to fall down when the gate was breached, and ordered the gun emplacements on the walls to be rebuilt and the cannons to be raised. He also ordered the construction of ramps to make it easier to raise and lower cannons.

Unlike other gates, it is a place where water flows out, so the overall foundation is low and the earth energy is weak. The reason that Heunginjimun is only four ja while the other gates are three ja was to strengthen the weak earth energy. Since the terrain was low and wetland, stones were placed underneath to reinforce it and the castle walls were built on top of that. When water gushed out and part of the castle walls collapsed, a new water outlet was added and the earthen wall was rebuilt with stone. It took more work than other parts of the castle, but it was that much stronger. Fortunately, Heunginjimun had a wall. It is said that this was a measure to compensate for the low and weak geomantic disadvantage of Naksan to the east, the left blue dragon, and thanks to this, the castle’s defensive capabilities were improved.

Dalcheon was listening to the progress of the renovation of Heunginjimun Gate and was about to get up to see for himself when Yu Seok-do came running out.

“Where are you going?”

“I want to check the defense situation of Heunginjimun.”

Yuseokdo’s eyesight is not this sharp. He must have ordered his subordinates to watch over him and contact him if there are any changes. Dalcheon laughed without a word. If Yuseok is not sharp and his martial arts skills are weak, they can be compensated for by people. Those who think that they can’t do it otherwise, that there is no other way, are foolish. Yuseokdo blinked.

“Hmm, why is my trust dropping again?”

“No, it’s better to see it for yourself. Especially the scene.”

“Are you coming?”

“Make sure you have a clear escape route. They might take a long detour and block Mapo-naru. Don’t think that’s the only way. Jay, prepare a third plan.”

“Where are you going?”

“I think I’ve done enough.”

“But please don’t go too far. Please.”

The word “request” came out of the arrogant Yoo Seok-do’s mouth. He was the one who had been holding back his words the whole time, perhaps because he was ashamed of the time he had spent as a fool.

“It’s a favor between us. More than that, I feel bad because it seems like you’re interfering too deeply.”

“Why, do you want to go back to the mountain quickly?”

Dalcheon nodded without answering.