Chapter 60. Lee Youngwoo, Rangjang of Seonchunryeong Fortress, Northern Expeditionary Army
The difficult time had passed.
Within a span of time that held no restraints, he suddenly felt freedom.
It was said that such freedom came at the end of study.
What had pressed down upon him seemed to fall away in a single instant.
In the Jurchen camp, there were subtle signs that they wished to entrust him with tasks.
Yet the treatment he received was pleasant.
One thing, however, had to remain clear:
his path must not become a betrayal of his homeland.
Youngwoo asked,
"If I assist the Jurchens, would that not be a betrayal of my country?"
"If the war continues, then yes."
"So it would not be?"
"No. The Khan has promised an end to the war and non-aggression in exchange for you. He has offered cooperation to Goryeo without any conditions."
"That seems unlikely. I would only be one among many conditions. I am not someone of such importance."
"You may think so. But it is true. The Khan wants you strongly."
"That is because he does not know my ability. I have only just begun sword practice and completed the Small Circulation. When will I ever become a master?"
"You are the disciple of the great sage Baek In-gyeom."
"And what does that mean?"
"It means that one day, you will become a martial artist like me."
"I will work hard, but success requires many things."
Baek In-gyeom smiled gently.
"It will come to pass. Did you not already achieve the Small Circulation, which is said to be so difficult?"
"That was thanks to your guidance. With you beside me, it became possible. It was not because I am exceptional."
"Heh, this child."
Youngwoo blinked and, after a moment of thought, asked,
"Why are you trying to send me to the Jurchens?"
"Did it seem that way to you?"
"Yes."
"I will speak plainly. Everything the Khan has asked for until now has been sincere."
"Yes."
"The Jurchens are of the same stock as we are. One people."
"What?"
"They have long been with us. They were once the people of Balhae.
After Balhae fell, the states that followed also vanished. The Jurchens were left without a place.
We owe them a debt.
Goryeo has shown sincerity, yet it failed to extend a hand to the northern peoples. We should have helped them, but matters have come to this. I have taken it as a thread of fate."
"Ah…"
The simple explanation moved him like a rising tide.
"The turmoil of the north began with the fall of Goguryeo. Since then, many tribes of the northeast have suffered. They fought among themselves, and we, too, failed to find a clear direction."
"To speak of it pains me. Let me explain further another time."
"So even you, Master, have things that weigh upon you."
"There is no shame greater than the time in which we failed to act with responsibility."
"Ah…"
"We could not even prevent the war between Goryeo and the Jurchens in advance. We failed one another."
"I understand. So you have seen possibility in me."
"In a manner of speaking, yes."
At that moment, Youngwoo raised his hand.
"But as you know, I am not such a person. I do not possess the ability to help the Jurchens gain independence or break free from Liao oppression."
That was the heart of the matter.
"You do not know your own ability. It is small now, but you will accomplish great things in time."
"Expectation and reality differ greatly."
"We see beyond that."
"No."
Baek In-gyeom showed a troubled expression.
"If I say that we are people who can see such things, would you understand?"
"Are you saying you see the future?"
"Believe it or not, we believe that you will contribute to the founding of the Jurchen state and accomplish many things."
"I am nothing."
"That is not so. Have confidence. And we will make it so."
'We'? The sages?"
"Yes."
"Then why not send one of them instead of me?"
"That is indeed a question."
For a moment, words faltered.
"It would be more accurate to say that we see, rather than merely know. So prepare yourself."
"I wish to return to the Goryeo army."
"The war will continue. By taking you, the Khan has already conceded much."
"So it is already spoken of as the past."
"The negotiations are ongoing. They are nearly concluded."
"Why do you proceed without even asking my opinion?"
"That is indeed so."
The matter had already settled itself as though it were a foregone conclusion.
"Your status will be that of a dispatched instructor from the Goryeo army."
"So I remain Goryeo military."
"You have been promoted from unit commander to rangjang."
"Truly?"
"Lee Youngwoo, Rangjang of Seonchunryeong Fortress, Northern Expeditionary Army. Dispatched as military advisor to the Jurchen Khan. That is your position."
"You have decided even that?"
"One must make such matters precise."
"These things could be handled more loosely."
"If they are left ambiguous, problems will arise later. You are a military advisor, clearly."
"What do I know to advise anyone?"
"That is why you must study, learn, and raise yourself."
Youngwoo let out a sigh.
Yet he could see no other path.
"Your family will receive the stipend of a rangjang. They will also be granted land with tax rights. You know of stipends—grain and salary. The stipend for a dispatched officer is twice that of a pyeongjang. You understand."
"I do."
"You will also receive stipends from the Jurchen army. You will be paid from both sides."
"You leave me no way out."
"It means both sides are desperate."
"What am I, to warrant this…"
Youngwoo still could not believe in his own worth.
Because he did not recognize his own value, the conversation circled endlessly.
Baek In-gyeom spoke more plainly.
"Soon, you will be reborn as a master."
"Does one become a master so easily?"
"We will make it so. Do not worry in the least."
"So you intend to grind me to the bone."
"It will be beyond even that."
"If I go to the Jurchens, I feared my bond with you would be severed."
"That will not happen. Baek Eun will return soon, and the sages will aid your training. Han Ji-un is there as well."
"What should I do?"
"As you always have, live by giving your utmost."
"I have always done my utmost."
"Yes. That is your greatest strength."
Youngwoo lowered his head deeply.
Never in his life had he received such consideration.
"Your praise… I am grateful."