Chapter 5: Osodo
"Ho. A dispute with the Malgal, huh? The Sokmalbu and Baeksanbu are fine, but the other tribes are certainly problematic."
"Uncle, will you be able to help?"
Near Dae In-seon, there was no one suitable besides Eulbu. Even he wasn't a strategist by nature, more a man of the sword than the mind.
Of course, it would be false to say there were no intellects at all. Possessing the memories of Choi In-seon, Dae In-seon had knowledge that made him crave the heroes of the Later Three Kingdoms more than the figures of Balhae. There were already well-known heroes in history, while Balhae's scholars were largely unknown and thus unremarkable.
'As expected, I'll have to secure the Later Three Kingdoms eventually. Rather than relying on unknown figures, it's better to work with men I know well.'
"Your request as the Crown Prince—how could I refuse? If you grant me an order, I shall obey it fully."
"Thank you, Uncle."
Dae In-seon asked Dae Wi-hae to investigate the current situation of the Malgal and conduct a population survey. Soon, he had a detailed understanding of the Malgal. They were divided into numerous tribes, with seven key tribes overseeing the whole: Sokmalbu (粟末部), Baeksanbu (白山部), Baekdolbu (伯咄部), Angeogolbu (安車骨部), Bulnyeolbu (拂涅部), Hosilbu (號室部), and Heuksubu (黑水部).
Among them, the Sokmalbu, the foundation of Balhae, were closest to Balhae, and the Baeksanbu were similar. The other tribes had previously broken away during the reign of prior kings and had been reconquered, while the Heuksubu never truly fell under direct Balhae control and were only nominally managed. This Heuksubu would later form the core of the Wanyan tribe, which became the basis of the Jin dynasty.
Dae In-seon carefully studied the seven tribes of Balhae and planned to fully integrate the Malgal under Balhae's banner.
'The Malgal population is about 250,000 households. Five people per household—roughly 1.25 million people. That's significant. Uncle's abilities are impressive; he can survey the households of seven tribes so quickly?'
As the investigation progressed, astonishing intelligence reached Dae In-seon in the Crown Prince's palace. He had never imagined such talent existed in Balhae. Was this man truly destined to become king in history?
Dae Wi-hae smiled awkwardly and mentioned another figure.
"There was also help from Osodo, who passed the Tang dynasty's foreign examination, the Bingongkwa."
Osodo (烏炤度).
A man who had achieved high marks in the Tang's foreign civil service exam, defeating 80% of his contemporaries, most of whom were Silla students. Choi Chi-won (崔致遠) had ground his teeth in humiliation, calling it a disgrace to Silla. In anger, he even criticized Balhae's past wars with the Tang.
Later, when Osodo's son, O Gwangchan (烏光贊), passed with lower marks than the Silla student Choi Eon-wi (崔彦爲), Osodo requested the Tang court to rank his son higher, but the request was denied.
Dae In-seon, unfamiliar with Balhae's history, did not know Osodo's significance. In this timeline, they had no prior connection. Yet recognizing such talent as valuable, Dae In-seon made a note to remember Osodo's name.
"Interesting. The Malgal subjects aren't overwhelmingly numerous. Balhae itself has about 200,000 households, roughly one million people. Considering Goguryeo had 700,000 households, Balhae's Goguryeo population is comparatively small. Absorbing the Malgal fully would give 450,000 households, about 2.25 million people. Hm… With Balhae's military system, could we mobilize 200,000 as a standing force? Maybe not for a full-scale campaign, but enough to face the Khitan. If we're lucky and eventually acquire the Later Three Kingdoms, over three million could be added.'
Dae In-seon clicked his tongue, reviewing the data his uncle had provided. The Sokmalbu and Baeksanbu were fully integrated into Balhae, but the other tribes' reactions were uncertain.
While the reconquered tribes from the previous reign could be incorporated without much difficulty, the Heuksubu were most threatening. Even during Goguryeo's time, the Heuksubu had been distant from Goguryeo authority, meaning conquest could lead to combat.
Thinking of the bloodshed required made Dae In-seon's mouth taste bitter.
To fully integrate all Malgal into Balhae, they needed to be transformed—not merely subjugated—into Balhae people under one banner.
'Speaking of which, Eulbu is from the Heuksubu. If we must campaign against them, how will he act?'
Even the most loyal retainer values their kin most. Eulbu's loyalty was unquestionable, but his roots were Heuksubu. To prevent potential conflict, sending him back to his tribe beforehand could be prudent.
After some thought, Dae In-seon summoned Eulbu, who was guarding the palace.
"Tell me, Eulbu. Whose servant are you? The Heuksubu's or mine?"
"I am yours, Crown Prince, am I not? I have devoted my life to serving Your Highness."
Eulbu's calm declaration seemed sincere. Though outwardly loyal, caution was necessary—anyone could betray from behind.
"If I attack the Heuksubu, what would you do? Try to stop me?"
"The Crown Prince would have good reason to do so, I presume."
Eulbu's careful, subdued tone reassured Dae In-seon. Born of the Heuksubu, Eulbu naturally feared being abandoned if the tribe were attacked. The Heuksubu had resisted Balhae for generations; war was inevitable if direct control was attempted.
Dae In-seon stroked his unshaven chin thoughtfully.
"Indeed. If necessary, I intend to make the Malgal fully Balhae citizens. Malgal conflicts with Goguryeo descendants stem from inferiority. To resolve this, they must be fully integrated."
Relieved that he would not be abandoned, Eulbu exhaled quietly. Dae In-seon's plan, however, would shake the foundations of the seven Malgal tribes. For generations, Goguryeo descendants had ruled, and the Malgal had maintained their own culture. Even Japanese envoys once called them uncivilized.
Dae In-seon wanted complete ethnic integration under Balhae's banner.
"So this may involve attacking the Heuksubu?"
"Only if necessary. They still do not fully submit to Balhae."
Dae In-seon wanted to test Eulbu's loyalty. If the Heuksubu resisted integration, war would ensue. The Tang dynasty was too weak to intervene, and the other six tribes would remain loyal. Alone, Balhae would confront the Heuksubu, and their defeat was inevitable. How Eulbu would act remained uncertain.
"Crown Prince, I have already pledged my sword to you. Since crossing the Yalu with you, I have been your servant and Balhae's. I know you do not spill blood without cause. Why would I ever turn against you?"
Eulbu's words were unwavering. His loyalty had been tested during the Yalu crossing; he had already risked his life and tribe for Dae In-seon.
Satisfied, Dae In-seon produced a hidden sword from under the table—a different, finely adorned blade from the one he had given Sullyulpyeong. Its value was immense.
"Good. As promised, I give this to you. May your loyalty never waver."
"My deepest gratitude, Your Highness!"
Eulbu knelt, striking his head to the floor repeatedly. He had nearly died during their previous escape, so receiving a fine sword as reward was minor.
'The Crown Prince trusts me fully, despite my Heuksubu origins! Better than that useless Khitan queen. A loyal shadow at the side is what a ruler truly needs.'
Grinning at the thought of Sullyulpyeong across the Yalu, Eulbu left, swearing his life to Dae In-seon and Balhae.
Dae In-seon, now free of worry, entrusted Eulbu with an important task.
"I have a difficult assignment for you, one I hold dear."
"Command me, and I shall obey!"
With unwavering loyalty, Eulbu accepted whatever order, even if it meant striking the Heuksubu.
Dae In-seon handed him seven scrolls, each addressed to a different tribal chief.
"Deliver these to the leaders of the seven tribes."
"What are these?"
Eulbu immediately realized the scrolls were for the seven Malgal tribes. He could not yet fathom why the Crown Prince would send them at such a volatile time. Still, he wished to protect Dae In-seon, especially if war loomed.
"I see now he wishes to gather them all together. Hmm, not a bad idea. I shall summon them to the capital."
"Gather them in one place and receive them all?"
Eulbu gripped his sword at his waist, ready to obey. Though this could lead to war, Dae In-seon did not intend a direct confrontation.
The Malgal were ancestors of the Jurchen, founders of the Jin and Later Jin dynasties—military power not to be ignored. Many had already submitted during the previous king's reign; why provoke unnecessary strife now?
Dae In-seon sighed, looking at his loyal retainer, and spoke carefully.
"By gathering them, the tribes may react strongly. The recent Malgal disputes must be resolved gradually, starting by embracing their leaders."
An hour later, a tall, sharp-looking man entered the palace. It was Osodo, who had assisted Dae Wi-hae with the task Dae In-seon had secretly given him.
"You summoned me, Crown Prince?"
"I've heard much about you from my uncle. I understand you passed the Tang's Bingongkwa with top honors?"
Dae In-seon had little knowledge of Osodo in this era; the information came from Choi In-seon's school records in the past.
"That is correct."
"I hear you humbled the arrogant Silla students there?"
"Once in the exam, how could a Balhae scholar lose to Silla students? Humbling them was natural."
Osodo recalled the events, suppressing a smile but letting the corners of his mouth lift.
Silla and Balhae had long competed in the Tang for recognition, and even their students mirrored this rivalry.
"I heard Choi Chi-won foamed with rage. Though young, I greatly respect your skill."
"I am honored Your Highness knows of that. Is there a task you would have me perform?"
Overjoyed at the praise, Osodo seemed ready to obey any command. Dae In-seon, confident of his loyalty, rose with a smile.
"Indeed. You helped my uncle before. I simply wish to borrow that brilliant mind of yours more often."
"Of course! As an officer of the Gado-bu, it is my duty!"
Dae In-seon nodded and patted Osodo's broad shoulders—a gesture of trust. Deeply moved, Osodo bowed and swore his service to Balhae and the Crown Prince.
Dae In-seon raised an eyebrow, watching Osodo leave.
"By the way, just before Balhae fell, a battle near the capital involved an old minister leading 30,000 troops to surrender… Could that have been Osodo?"