BIMBORYEO THE GREAT - BOOK 1

Bimboryeo gazes out over the misty mountains from the palace balcony, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "The Gojhang Empire may have our ancestral lands now, but their grip won't last forever." He straightens his posture, chin held high. " I'll find a way to reclaim what's rightfully ours, no matter the cost." A servant approaches, bowing low before addressing the prince. "Your Highness, your presence is requested in the throne room. The King wishes to speak with you." A small smile plays at the corners of his mouth. "I wonder what Father wants to discuss. Perhaps he's finally ready to consider my plans for reclaiming our lands." As they near the throne room, raised voices can be heard from within. "Absolutely not! We cannot risk open conflict with the Gojhang Empire. Our kingdom is not strong enough!" King Taejo said "Father, with all due respect, we cannot continue to sit idly by while our people suffer under Gojhang rule!" Yeon Galmu said Bimboryeo hesitates at the door, listening intently to his father and elder brother's heated exchange. His eyes widen as he realizes the topic of discussion. Bimboryeo gestures dismissively towards Yeon Galmu. "Ah, Bimboryeo. Good, you're here. Perhaps you can talk some sense into your brother." King Taejo said Bimboryeo stands tall, arms crossed over his chest. "Brother, surely you agree that we must take action against the Gojhang Empire?" Bimboryeo chooses his words carefully, aware of the delicate situation. "I... I do believe we should consider our options, Father." "The people of our ancestral lands suffer under Gojhang rule. As princes of Chongsan, it's our duty to protect them." Bimboryeo said King Taejo slams his fist on the arm of his throne. "Not you too, Bimboryeo! Have you both lost your minds? We are in no position to challenge the Gojhang Empire. Their military might far exceeds our own!" He leans forward, eyebrow raised. "And what brilliant plan do you two have in mind, hmm? Please, enlighten me." King Taejo said "Well, I've been studying the Gojhang Empire's weaknesses, and I believe I've found a potential opening." Yeon Galmu said He begins to pace, mind racing with possibilities. "If we can exploit their internal political tensions and form the right alliances, we might have a chance." The King's expression softens slightly, a glimmer of interest in his eyes. "Go on, my son. I'm listening." Bimboryeo takes a deep breath, ready to present his carefully crafted plan. "It all starts with the upcoming festival in the border town of Seonjin..." Yeon Galmu raises an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "A festival? Brother, how exactly does merrymaking aid our cause?" Bimboryeo eyes gleam with a mischievous light. "Not as a reveler, dear brother, but as a spy. I'll disguise myself as a merchant and gather intelligence right under the Gojhang's noses." Days later, the festival in Seonjin is in full swing. Colorful banners flutter in the breeze as laughter and music fill the air. Bimboryeo adjusts his simple merchant's robes, tugging at the fake beard adorning his chin. "Best deal in all of Seonjin! Come, come, see my wares!" Seonjin Merchant chuckles, patting Bimboryeo on the back. "Ho ho! I like your spirit, young man. But careful now, that's my line you're stealing!" Bimboryeo bows slightly, a sheepish grin on his face. "My apologies, good sir. I'm new to the trade and eager to learn from the best." Seonjin Merchant puffs out his chest, stroking his real beard. "Well, you've come to the right place! Stick with me, and I'll teach you a thing or two about the art of the deal." As they chat, two Gojhang officials stroll past, deep in conversation. "The unrest in the eastern provinces is growing. We may need to increase our military presence there." "Agreed, but our forces are stretched thin as it is. Perhaps we could..." Their voices fade as they move away, but Bimboryeo's keen ears have caught every word. Bimboryeo strokes his fake beard, mind racing with possibilities. "Interesting... Very interesting indeed." He leans in, lowering his voice. "What's got you so intrigued, my young apprentice? Spotted a potential customer?" Seonjin Merchant said Bimboryeo quickly composes himself, forcing a laugh. "Oh, just admiring the, uh, exquisite craftsmanship of that merchant's pottery. Best deal in all of Seonjin, wouldn't you say?" As night falls, Bimboryeo slips away from the festival crowds, making his way to a secluded alleyway. Captain Yuna emerges from the shadows, hand resting on the hilt of her concealed blade. "Halt! Who goes there?" Bimboryeo raises his hands slowly, speaking in a hushed tone. "A friend of the cause, Captain Yuna. I bring valuable information that could turn the tide against our Gojhang oppressors." Bimboryeo said She narrows her eyes, studying him intently. "Bold words, stranger. And how exactly did you come by this... information?" Bimboryeo reaches up, dramatically pulling off his fake beard. "Let's just say I have a talent for blending in, comrade."