Chương 17: Stepping Back, But Not Giving Up

Yeong-woo concluded that there was only one way to kill him. An ambush. He had to be killed quietly. No witnesses. They returned to the quarters and gathered their heads together.

"This does not seem to be our grudge alone," Yeong-woo said. Cheol-ryong asked,"Then what is it?"

"Everyone is watching."

"When we came out earlier, I saw men from the West Gate."

"West Gate?"

"And some were peeking over the wall." Cheol-ryong frowned.

"Now that you mention it, it was strange that Park Geun-su left his quarters empty."

"That was probably because the bastard tried to take his room…"

"Do you really think that was the reason?" Yeong-woo explained quietly.

"For a while, we act like good men."

"I will kill him quietly." Cheol-ryong nodded.

"Alright. Tell me when you do it."

"I will." They all knew many eyes were watching. If even the Immortals were observing them, reckless action was impossible. If the West Gate soldiers reported it, the news would reach Seo Ui-taek. And from there, inevitably, to General Lee Hui-song. This was their business, yet outsiders seemed far more interested. A secret killing was impossible. For now— it had to wait. Fortunately, the Jurchen army had not withdrawn. They would attack again. And when they did, an opportunity would come.

Before supper, Park Geun-su summoned him. Yeong-woo hurried over, hoping perhaps another chance had appeared.

"Sir!" Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Park Geun-su looked at him.

"So. Did you kill him?"

"You already know the answer."

"A man's life is stubborn."

"They do not die easily."

"I heard someone was injured."

"Not me. Gyeong-taek…"

"What about Cheol-ryong?"

"Just a scratch." Park Geun-su sighed.

"That's enough. It should end here."

"Is that why you called me?"

"No."

"The General wants to see you."

"Me?"

"Yes."

"Why?" Park Geun-su frowned.

"When a superior summons you, the answer is not 'why.'" Yeong-woo straightened immediately.

"Yes, sir."

"Let's go." Park Geun-su walked ahead. Yeong-woo followed like a criminal. Inside the council hall, General Lee Hui-song sat in the center. Behind him stood staff officers, adjutants, and retainers like a folding screen. It was what people called Lee Hui-song's Legion. Even the capital acknowledged them. A brilliant command staff surrounding one of the most powerful generals on the frontier. But there was one weakness. Lee Hui-song preferred to surround himself with men he liked.

Even if they were slightly incompetent, loyalty was enough to keep them. He knew their weaknesses. Yet he tolerated them. Because he believed he could compensate for their flaws himself. And he enjoyed their loyalty. One officer had once ridden all night to the coast. He personally brought back a large fish caught that day. Then he said nothing, mounted again, and rode back to his post. He did it simply so he would not be late for duty. A little incompetent perhaps. But what a loyal subordinate.

Another man insisted that every supply delivery should contribute a portion for the General. Even though supplies were already scarce. The officers grimaced. But none dared protest. From that day onward, every supply shipment to Hoeryeong had a portion removed and presented to the General. Even in difficult times, the General's tent lacked nothing. Yet this was never called corruption. It was blamed on the subordinates. They claimed it was merely their devotion. Only a few men acted this way.

But such things twisted the logic of war. Victorious armies did not leave the battlefield immediately. They gathered spoils first. Those spoils traveled upward. And eventually gathered into the General's private wealth. He was already said to be rich enough to feed ten thousand households. Yet he still clung to wealth. No one understood why. The explanation had gone on too long. Yeong-woo stood before them like prey thrown to wolves. His only ally, Park Geun-su, stood by the door like a criminal.

"Ah, you've arrived?"

"Yes, sir. Fifth Unit soldier Lee Yeong-woo."

"I hear you gathered the scattered troops and fought well."

"I merely survived, sir."

"Many died."

"Well, that is the fault of poor commanders." Lee Hui-song coughed.

"Though perhaps soldiers should have the freedom to choose their commanders." As Yeong-woo balanced on that strange slope between praise and criticism, Seo Ui-taek spoke.

"Are we certain we should promote him, General?" Lee Hui-song snorted.

"Then who should we promote?"

"Someone who bribes us?" The staff officers flinched. Perhaps many of them had climbed precisely that way.

"That is not what I meant…" Lee Hui-song continued,"We cannot drive everyone away."

"If we reject every flatterer and bribegiver, who will fight the enemy?"

"We need capable men in the ranks." It became a lecture. Everyone nodded. Praising. Agreeing. Admiring. General Lee's harsh wisdom. Deputy Commander Kim Baek-su nodded vigorously.

"That is correct."

"We need capable men in important positions."

"There are many who say pleasant words."

"But we need those who can actually do the work." Kim Baek-su reported everything to the General. Every small detail. Because of this, he proudly called himself the General's inner confidant. Now he spoke on the General's behalf.

"So."

"You led scattered soldiers and bought us time."

"Yes, sir."

"You showed leadership."

"There was some… misconduct."

"But we understand it as loyalty to the nation." Yeong-woo straightened.

"Yes, sir." Kim Baek-su continued.

"The General believes it is a waste to keep you as an ordinary soldier." Yeong-woo froze. Promotion? Without patronage?

"To the rank of Daejeong perhaps."

"A junior officer." He should have refused. He should have declined politely. But for a brief moment he felt important.

"So?" Kim Baek-su asked softly.

"Can you do it?"

"Sir!" The answer escaped before Yeong-woo realized it. The moment he said it, he felt as if he had become their servant. Seo Ui-taek spoke again.

"Should we appoint just anyone?" Lee Hui-song replied calmly.

"You promoted Yun Ji-woong yourself."

"He is talented."

"We are short of officers."

"Sometimes we must promote men like this."

"Very well." Lee Hui-song looked at Yeong-woo.

"Do not attack your superiors again." They had arranged this beforehand. Each man playing a role. Driving the answer they wanted.

"Yes, sir."

"That is all." Yeong-woo expected more. Encouragement perhaps. But there was none.

"Dismissed."

"Commander Park will explain the details."

"Yes, sir."