Chương 40: War Again

Just as diplomacy between the two nations reached its boiling point, they invaded once more. As before, their target was Seonchunryeong Fortress.

"Ah, damn it… why is it always us?" At the grumbling of his men, Yeong-woo let out a faint chuckle.

"When the Chief State Councillor, Yun Gwan, built this fortress, perhaps he buried something valuable here."

"Buried what?"

"Gold… or maybe just shit."

"It doesn't look any weaker than the other forts, though." This time, So Cheol-un spoke.

"It's weak. No doubt about that." Yeong-woo corrected him with a shrug.

"The general is stationed here. Maybe that's reason enough." Gyeong-taek patted his belly.

"If we send that man away, will the enemy follow him instead?" Yeong-woo nodded.

"I heard this at a council meeting. They need something to gain the upper hand at the negotiating table. So they attack." So Cheol-ryong smirked.

"You believe that? I'd bet there's something hidden here." Gyeong-taek waved his hand dismissively.

"Come on. It's just the same as any other fortress." Soldiers are talkative everywhere. One need not imagine that men on the battlefield are always burning with solemn resolve. Then, across the long-stretched earth, a vast plume of yellow dust rose into the air. Five scouts came racing back like madmen.

"They're coming! The enemy is approaching—about five thousand cavalry!" Yeong-woo muttered under his breath.

"Those bastards… would it kill them to try another gate for once? Always the south gate. No wonder the enemy comes here too." Gyeong-taek grinned lazily.

"We'll keep complaining right up until the battle begins." In the distance, the cloud of dust raised by the enemy swelled slowly, massively, revealing itself. Cheol-un asked with a crooked grin, A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

"General, what's today's strategy?"

"Since when did a mere Daejeong become a general?"

"To us, you're more of a general than any general." Yeong-woo clicked his tongue.

"Tch. Strategy? What strategy. We just hold the line like hell." So Cheol-ryong shouted loudly,"You heard him! Today's strategy is 'hold the damn line!'" From the training ground before the south gate, the archers roared in unison,"Hold the damn line!" An order was given to assemble all Daejeong and Chonggi officers. With visible annoyance, Yeong-woo glanced toward the gate tower and ran up. Park Geun-su, a Wijang who stood relatively close to the soldiers, did not differ much in his methods.

He fought as he had been taught—what he had seen, what he had learned. From the opposite side, An Hee-se and the commander of the 6th unit came running. Broad-shouldered yet short in stature, his body was solid. He reported well, but his commands lacked clarity—a difficult trait for a commander. As if he were saying: Handle it yourselves. Upon reaching the gate tower, the Daejeong, Chonggi, and their aides guarding the south gate gathered in a rush, forming ranks in order.

"Loyalty!""Loyalty!" Park Geun-su waved his hand. A short command baton rested in his grip—he now carried the air of a true commander.

"The enemy numbers five thousand and is advancing directly toward the south gate. The strategy remains the same. We will stop them using the prepared traps. Only one thing changes—we do not advance to engage. The losses from the previous battle were too great." He paused briefly.

"If the Chief State Councillor were here, he would say something. Because the truth remains—hiding behind walls alone cannot defeat the enemy." Hearing this, Yeong-woo understood. The practice of advancing beyond the walls—it was an old habit of those who had once fought alongside Yun Gwan. Park Cheol-gu had not been foolish. It was simply ingrained in him. For a moment, Yeong-woo felt an unexpected pang of regret for having blamed and criticized him.

When one sees the reason, the world becomes a little more bearable. After firmly stressing a few key precautions, Park Geun-su gave the order:"All units, to your positions."

"To your positions!""To your positions!""To your positions!""To your positions!" Not far away, the Jurchen cavalry formed their ranks. Nothing had changed. Returning to the training ground, Yeong-woo issued his command:"They'll loose arrows first. Prepare shields. If even one of you gets hit, you'll answer for it."

"Shields ready!""Shields ready!""Shields ready!" The 5th unit—twenty-five men—raised their large shields, painted with goblins, ghosts, and grotesque beasts. The playful light in their eyes vanished. Something else took its place—something sharper. Yeong-woo called over five veteran archers.

"If you shoot carelessly, I'll kill you myself. Find their commander. Shoot the standard-bearers."

"Loyalty!""Loyalty!" Then the enemy charged. Arrows flew as they rode—countless arrows. Hundreds darkened the sky.

"Shields!" Yeong-woo shouted. The 5th unit crouched in unison. Thud-thud-thud-thud. Arrows struck shields and stone. Most were aimed at the walls and the gate tower; only a few fell toward the angled 5th unit. Yeong-woo spoke calmly,"They're underestimating us." From behind his shield, So Cheol-ryong laughed.

"They've broken through here once before. That's why." Cheol-un muttered,"They took quite a beating afterward, though." Gyeong-taek added,"Nothing distorts more easily than memory." A brief silence fell.

"Show them something."

"Not yet." Yeong-woo's reply was short.

"All units, hold."

"Hold!""Hold!" Arrows continued to rain down. But the distance was still too great. They would come closer.