Chapter 65 – Armor, Shields, and Horses
Aguda clapped his hands in agreement.
"Your words are correct. A tribal confederation can only plunder, while a military organization can wage war. We must transform into a military force. Do not plead when unifying the tribes—apply pressure. They will follow. If they do not, break them. Simple."
Young-woo gave a modest smile.
"Thank you for your kind view."
"No, it truly is a good idea. We had overlooked what was obvious."
Wugaimai spoke.
"What troubles us is the Liao. Their pressure weighs heavily on us."
Young-woo answered without hesitation.
"It is the same. Form a mobile army and strike immediately."
"Oh?"
Wugaimai continued.
"Is that possible? They are an empire. Their forces are vast."
"Goryeo has already defeated them."
"…That is true."
"There was a great battle. Goryeo's firepower prevailed. It requires further study, but greater firepower is essential. Sixty to seventy percent of Goryeo's forces are archers."
"And us?"
"Everyone must become an archer. But you lack specialized weapons like crossbows. They must be reinforced. That is why you are weak in siege warfare—and why you could not retake Guseong by your own strength."
Wugaimai swallowed the urge to mention that they had retaken some positions themselves.
It did not fit the flow.
"What must be done?"
"Siege warfare requires a different set of skills."
"Indeed."
"Learn from Goryeo."
"…I see."
"Strengthen protection. Equip all troops with armor, even barding for horses. Provide cavalry shields and large shields as well. Some equipment must be personally prepared, but some must be issued by the state."
"The Khitan army—Liao—relies on each soldier to equip himself. Their protection was weaker than Goryeo's. Naturally, they lost in firepower engagements. At first, Goryeo was pushed back due to the wind. When the wind shifted, the tide turned, and the Liao army collapsed."
Wugaimai said,
"If protection increases, weight increases. Mobility declines."
"Of course. Goryeo also sacrifices mobility. Yet they advanced as far as Seonchun Ridge and built fortifications here. They compensated for mobility. Multiple horses are standard. You must secure horses—for war and for transport. Riders must be able to switch mounts while moving."
"Organization means uniformity. Standardize armor and equipment. Do not leave it to individuals—this must be handled by the state."
"…Hmm."
Wugaimai spoke again.
"If they carry everything, they will slow down."
"One cannot enter the battlefield lightly equipped. Within acceptable limits, you must be as well-protected as possible. I have heard the Western Xia soldiers are heavily armored."
Wugaimai shook his head.
"They are strong, but slow. They abandoned mobility."
"Do not forget that they once seized the Tang capital. With that armor, they defeated what was considered the strongest army of their time."
"…I see."
"In an exchange of arrows, soldiers think of one thing—whether their armor and shields will protect them. When arrows fall like rain, a man holds his breath. He hopes the armor will hold."
"If protection is certain, men fight with courage. Change the armor. Jurchen armor is weak. Replace the shields with ones that are light yet strong—able to stop incoming strikes. You also need large shields to halt and form a defensive line."
Aguda nodded.
In the end, it all came down to cost.
Everything did.
If they had sufficient resources, there would be no need for such a war in the first place.
"Armor and shields… and more horses."
"Yes. Light equipment allows distance, but if that is not possible, increase the number of horses."
Wugaimai said,
"Expensive."
"Yes. That is why Goryeo builds fortifications. Because they secured horses, they were able to come this far."
Aguda spoke.
"Bring me armor from Western Xia. Even one set. I want to examine how it is made."
"Understood."
"And gather Goryeo bows and arrows of every type."
"Understood."
"And secure more horses."
"Yes."
"If we lack horses, defeat is certain. Mobility must be maintained. We must be able to move as we do now, even while carrying greater loads."
Wugaimai bowed.
"Understood."
"We have heard the reasons again. There is no miraculous answer. We fight, and we organize. Militarily."
Young-woo nodded.
"That is correct. It is something everyone knows. The reason we cannot do it is simple—we lack resources."
Aguda repeated the words to himself.
"We will follow your advice. But tell me—when will you become a master?"
Young-woo paused, then spoke.
"I am not a master. I have only just begun. I cannot promise such an outcome. Many strive, but only a few reach that level. You overestimate me."
"What we wish to know is when you will reach the level of Master Baek In-gyeom."
Young-woo fell silent for a moment.
They had already decided what they wished to believe.
Expectation had taken root.
"I will speak honestly. I learned only to survive. Master Baek taught me a few techniques. Out of gratitude, I called him my teacher. That word grew beyond its place. I am merely a dispatched soldier of Goryeo. Nothing more."
"I cannot say whether I will become a master. That path is narrow."
His words lingered.
Wugaimai clicked his tongue softly.
Aguda remained silent.
He understood.
Perhaps they had placed too much expectation upon him.
"…I see."
Aguda spoke slowly.
"This young man speaks without error. He is honest. We have invested in his potential. And his connection to Baek In-gyeom remains."
He continued.
"Why should we not have sages of our own? Goryeo does. We share the same roots. Yet we did not honor them. We used them for politics and cast them aside. Goryeo invites and respects such men. They preserve that culture."
"And so, when crisis comes, those men step forward."
"What should we do? If we begin now, perhaps even one such man will emerge… a sage of Liaodong."
Wugaimai bowed his head.
"If that is your will, brother, I will follow."
He laughed.
"Did we press you too hard?"
"No. It was my own burden. I feared misunderstanding."
"Then let that burden go. If becoming a master were easy… heh."
"Thank you."
"That does not mean we will treat you without respect. Your efforts marked the beginning of Guseong's recovery. Continue your work. And when you have time, lend us your strength."
"I will. As a soldier of Goryeo, I will do my utmost to assist."
"That is enough."