CHAPTER 12
1202 Words
meanwhile in the Gojhang Empire, Emperor Daejong laughed out loud when he found out that they had killed prince Yeon Galmu
He bursts into raucous laughter, slapping his throne's armrest.
"Ha! The little prince of Chongsan, dead? This is better than I could have hoped!"
He shifts uncomfortably, eyeing the Emperor.
"Your Majesty, while this is indeed fortuitous, we should exercise caution. The Sansang alliance-"
He waves his hand, cutting off the advisor.
"Bah! What are a few tree-huggers compared to the might of Gojhang? This changes everything!"
The Emperor rises, pacing excitedly.
He strokes his beard, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "You know, I always thought that boy would be the death of me. Turns out, I was half right!"
He furrows his brow. "I... don't follow, Your Majesty."
He chuckles, shaking his head. "Of course you don't. That's why I'm the Emperor, and you're... well, not. His death will be the death of Chongsan's resistance!"
He leans in, whispering to the Emperor.
"Your Majesty, perhaps we should consider a new strategy. The Sansang clearly have abilities we didn't anticipate."
He stands, a glint in his eye. "You're right. It's time to fight fire with fire. Or in this case, tree with tree. Prepare my war chariot!"
Emperor Daejong made an alliance with King Seolji the king of the Warsong Kingdom
He emerges from his tent, arms spread wide. "Ah, King Seolji! My musical friend, welcome to our humble empire"
Emperor Daejong, your hospitality is as warm as your temper, I see.
He laughs heartily, slapping Seolji on the back.
"And your wit is as sharp as ever! Come, let's discuss our alliance over some of that Warsong wine you're so fond of."
He raises a goblet. "To our new alliance! With Warsong's naval power and Gojhang's land forces, we'll crush Chongsan and those tree-hugging Sansang fools!"
He sips his wine, then hums a few notes.
"Hmm, yes. But tell me, my temperamental friend, what tune shall we play for our victory march?"
He blinks, caught off guard. "Tune? We're planning a war, not a concert, Seolji!"
He chuckles, swirling his wine.
"Ah, but every great conquest needs its anthem. Perhaps something in a minor key? It adds such delicious drama."
He rolls his eyes. "Fine, fine. You can compose your little ditty after we've razed Chongsan to the ground. Now, about our battle plans..."
He hums softly, then snaps his fingers.
"I've got it! 'The Ballad of Burning Forests'. It has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"
He slams his fist on the table.
"Seolji! Focus! We need to discuss our invasion strategy, not your next performance!"
He raises an eyebrow, still humming.
"My dear Emperor, music is strategy. The right song can inspire armies or demoralize enemies. But please, continue with your... less melodious plans."
King Taejo found out about Emperor Daejong's alliance with King Seolji and he knew that Chongsan would not win, he preferred peace for Chongsan
a few days ago when Captain Yuna heard
"we must report this to King Taejo immediately."
The group hastily makes their way back to Chongsan, their hearts heavy with the loss of Prince Yeon Galmu.
King Taejo sits on his throne, a scroll clutched tightly in his hand.
"Ah, Captain Yuna. I fear your news comes too late. The tides have already turned against us."
She kneels before the king, her brow furrowed.
"Your Majesty? I don't understand. We've suffered a great loss, but surely—"
He unfurls the scroll, revealing an ornate seal.
"Emperor Daejong has formed an alliance with King Seolji. Our dreams of reclaiming our ancestral lands are now just that – dreams."
A murmur of disbelief ripples through the throne room.
She rises to her feet, fists clenched.
"Then we fight harder! We can't let Prince Yeon Galmu's sacrifice be in vain!"
He sets aside the scroll and picks up a brush and inkstone.
"Ah, the fire of youth. But tell me, Captain, have you ever tried to write a perfect poem while arrows rain down upon you?"
The room falls silent, confusion etched on every face.
She blinks rapidly, trying to process the king's words. "I... no, Your Majesty. I can't say that I have."
He begins to write, his brush flowing gracefully across a sheet of parchment.
"Neither have I, my dear. And I'd prefer to keep it that way. The beauty of a well-crafted verse far outweighs the glory of conquest."
Captain Yuna exchanges baffled glances with her comrades.
He holds up the finished poem, admiring his handiwork.
"Peace, Captain Yuna. That is what Chongsan needs now. Not more bloodshed, but a chance to cultivate our arts, our culture."
She takes a step forward, her voice rising.
"But Your Majesty, what about justice for Prince Yeon Galmu? What about our people's hopes?"
He sets down his brush and meets Yuna's gaze.
"Sometimes, the bravest thing a leader can do is to choose peace, even when every fiber of their being cries out for vengeance."
The weight of King Taejo's words settles over the room like a heavy blanket.
She bows her head, torn between duty and desire. "I... I understand, Your Majesty"
She stifles a sigh, "Your Majesty, with all due respect, this is hardly the time for—"
He interrupts, his voice taking on a serious tone.
"On the contrary, Captain. It's precisely the time. For in savoring life's simple pleasures, we find the strength to face its greatest challenges."
A messenger rushes in, clutching a scroll sealed with the Gojhang Empire's crest.
He bows low, offering the scroll. " Your Majesty, an urgent message from Emperor Daejong."
He takes the scroll, breaking the seal with shaking hands.
"What more could that tyrant want? He's already taken my son..."
The room holds its breath as King Taejo reads, his expression shifting from grief to shock.
King Taejo lowers the scroll, his eyes distant.
"Emperor Daejong offers peace... in exchange for our knowledge of steel sword making and loyalty to the Gojhang Empire."
Bimboryeo slams his fist on a nearby table. "Father, you can't be considering this! It's a trap!"
Captain Yuna rises, her hand on her sword.
"Your Majesty, with all due respect, surrendering now would dishonor Prince Yeon Galmu's sacrifice."
He slumps in his throne, the weight of the crown heavy on his brow.
"And what would you have me do? Sacrifice more of our people? More of my children?"
The room falls silent, the gravity of the situation settling over everyone present.
He straightens, his decision made.
"I will not see our kingdom burn for pride. We will accept Emperor Daejong's terms."
Bimboryeo steps back, shaking his head in disbelief. "Father, you can't! This goes against everything we've fought for!"
He fixes Bimboryeo with a hard stare.
"Sometimes, my son, a king must swallow his pride to protect his people. This is one such moment."
Captain Yuna bows her head, her voice barely above a whisper.
"And what of the Sansang tribe, Your Majesty? They risked everything"
He closes his eyes, the burden of his decision visible on his face.
"They will understand. They must. For now, we bend... but we do not break."
- Writer
