CHAPTER 13
1056 Words
As the heavy decision settles over Chongsan, far across the border in the opulent halls of the Gojhang Empire...
Emperor Daejong reclines on his golden throne, a wolfish grin spreading across his face. "Ah, King Seolji! Come, let us savor this moment of triumph!"
King Seolji approaches with measured steps, his eyes darting to the ornate chessboard nearby.
"Your Imperial Majesty, I trust the news from Chongsan is... favorable?"
He claps his hands, barely containing his excitement.
"Favorable? It's delicious! That old fool Taejo has agreed to share the secrets of steel sword-making. Our armies will be unstoppable!"
King Seolji's expression flickers for a moment, a mix of concern and curiosity crossing his face.
He strokes his beard, his voice carefully neutral.
"Indeed, a significant advantage. But might I ask, what of the Sansang tribe? Their alliance with Chongsan was... unexpected."
He waves a hand, reaching for a goblet of wine. "Bah! Forest-dwelling savages. Once we have Chongsan's steel, we'll cut through their precious trees like butter."
King Seolji moves to the chessboard, idly toying with a knight piece.
He raises an eyebrow, his tone light but probing. "And you trust Taejo to honor this agreement? He's not known for... shall we say, straightforward dealings."
He leans forward, eyes glinting dangerously. "Oh, he'll honor it. Unless he wants his precious son's head decorating our gates. Speaking of which, how goes your own steel production, Seolji?"
A tense moment passes as King Seolji carefully considers his response.
He sets down the chess piece, turning to face the Emperor.
"Progress is... steady, Your Majesty. Though I confess, Chongsan's methods may prove invaluable."
He narrows his eyes, studying Seolji intently. "I should hope so. Remember, Seolji, in this empire, there's only room for one master of steel. Don't get any ideas above your station."
He bows low, hiding the flash of defiance in his eyes. "Of course, Your Imperial Majesty. My loyalty, like our steel, is unbreakable."
a year has passed
King Seolji conquered the town of Okjang and Baelje two towns that were part of Chongsan
Emperor Daejong leans back, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. "I hear you've been busy on our southern border, Seolji. Do enlighten us."
He straightens, a glimmer of triumph in his eyes. "Indeed, Your Majesty. I have... acquired some new territory for your glorious empire."
The air in the throne room grows thick with anticipation.
He leans forward, fingers drumming on the armrest. "Oh? Do tell, my ambitious friend. What scraps have you gathered for our table?"
He moves to the grand map on the wall, gesturing to the southern regions. "Not scraps, Your Majesty, but jewels. The towns of Okjang and Baelje now fly the Gojhang banner."
A murmur of surprise ripples through the court.
His eyes widen, then narrow dangerously. "Okjang and Baelje? Those are Chongsan towns. Taejo's towns."
He clasps his hands behind his back, barely concealing his pride. "Were Chongsan towns, Your Majesty. I saw an opportunity and... seized it. For the glory of Gojhang, of course."
He stands, pacing before his throne. "This... this complicates things, Seolji. We had an agreement with Taejo. The steel-"
He steps forward, eyes gleaming with ambition. "With all due respect, Your Majesty, why settle for their methods when we can take their forges? Okjang's steel mills are legendary."
Emperor Daejong pauses, considering the implications.
He strokes his beard, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Clever, Seolji. Very clever. But Taejo won't take this lying down. He'll retaliate."
He moves to the chessboard, picking up the knight piece again. "Let him try. We hold the high ground now, and soon, we'll have the superior steel. Checkmate, Your Majesty."
He chuckles, a dark sound that echoes through the hall. "You play a dangerous game, Seolji. But I like it. Very well, let's see how our dear friend Taejo responds to this... betrayal."
He places the knight back on the board with a decisive click. "As you wish, Your Majesty. Shall I prepare our forces for the inevitable... disagreement?"
He rubs his hands together, eyes glinting with anticipation. "Oh yes, by all means. And Seolji? Don't disappoint me. I'd hate to see such... initiative go to waste."
He straightens, meeting the Emperor's gaze. "Never, Your Majesty. The board is set, and Chongsan's king is about to fall."
The scene shifts to the Chongsan palace, where King Taejo paces anxiously.
King Taejo clutches a scroll, his knuckles white. "This cannot be! Okjang and Baelje... How could Seolji dare?"
Bimboryeo approaches cautiously, hands clasped behind his back. "Your Majesty, perhaps we could negotiate-"
He whirls around, waving the scroll. "Negotiate? With that snake Seolji? He's already flying the Gojhang banner over our towns!"
A tense silence falls over the room as advisors exchange worried glances.
Captain Yuna steps forward, hand on her sword hilt. "Then we fight, Your Majesty. We cannot let this insult stand!"
King Taejo slumps into his throne, suddenly looking older. "Fight? Against the might of the Gojhang Empire? We'd be crushed like insects."
He strokes his chin, eyes narrowing. "What if we appealed to Emperor Daejong directly? Surely he wouldn't condone such treachery from a vassal."
He laughs, a hollow sound. "Oh, Bimboryeo, you naive poet. Daejong probably orchestrated this whole affair. He gets our towns and keeps his hands clean."
The room grows heavy with the weight of their predicament.
She paces, hand clenching and unclenching on her sword. "So we do nothing? Watch as our people suffer under Gojhang rule?"
He sighs, shoulders sagging. "What choice do we have? We cannot match their strength. To act now would be suicide."
He kneels before the king, eyes blazing.
"Then we bide our time, Your Majesty. We grow stronger in secret, forge new alliances. One day, we'll reclaim what's ours."
He nods slowly, a spark rekindling in his eyes. "Perhaps... Yes, perhaps you're right. We cannot fight today, but tomorrow? Tomorrow, we may yet surprise them all."
She bows deeply. "I'll begin training our forces in secret, Your Majesty. When the time comes, we'll be ready."
He stands, straightening his robes.
"Very well. Let Seolji have his moment of triumph. But remember this day, my friends. For it marks the beginning of Chongsan's quiet rebellion."
Bimboryeo raises a cup. "To patience, strategy, and the sweet verse of revenge yet unwritten!"
- Writer
