Chapter 13: The Khitan Invasion
It was only natural to feel elated. The issue of returning lands north of Jukryeong had been tossed out almost half in jest, designed to provoke Silla. If Silla's court flared up, they would stubbornly try to resist Gyeon Hwon; if they simply handed the territory over, that too was fine for Balhae.
Dae Inseon had long harbored a sense of inferiority toward Wang Geon's Goryeo. Now, with him acquiring lands that should have belonged to the Wang family's Goryeo, Wang Geon's kingdom lost its justification.
From the start, there had been doubt whether Gung Ye could even establish a stable state.
If one rebelled over lands already under Balhae control, they would merely become Balhae's traitor.
"But wouldn't it be dangerous? Those lands are held by bandits and rebels."
"Uncle, they became thieves because survival was hard, or they rose in rebellion to overturn Silla. What would happen if we fed them well and ensured they lived comfortably?"
Dae Inseon had studied Balhae's finances and confirmed records showing immense profits accrued through the Lee family's trading fleets.
Even in actual history, merchants like Yi Yeon-hyo and Yi Yeong-gak had actively traded, moving goods between Tang, Silla, and Japan. Their independent activities brought considerable revenue to the Balhae government.
Moreover, their descendants were still generating wealth, independently but undeniably contributing to Balhae's treasury.
This massive fund would now be used to reclaim the lands north of Jukryeong and care for the people. It was for this purpose that Oso-do had been sent to Tang.
"Then they will naturally submit to Balhae. By the way, what is this map for?"
"We plan to disperse the surviving Heuksu Malgal among the six Malgal divisions."
The map, roughly drawn and not highly accurate due to the era, marked Balhae's five capitals, fifteen districts, and sixty-two prefectures. Certain areas had red dots—these indicated where captured Malgal were to be resettled.
These Malgal had long flouted Balhae. To prevent any future rebellion against Dae Inseon's unification of the Three Hans, even a small population would be dispersed to eliminate threats.
"That would make rebellion nearly impossible. But what of the Khitan?"
"Zhuan Chengzhong crushed the Khitan so thoroughly they cannot rise again. Now we can confidently claim the lands north of Jukryeong as ours."
It had been hard to believe how smoothly everything was falling into place.
Zhuan Chengzhong had dealt with Oso-do, who in turn ensured that present-day Chang'an would be handed over to Balhae.
On the surface, it seemed Balhae lost out: the Khitan vanguard had been crushed, and even if they claimed the Chang'an region, they lacked the capacity to administer it.
But beneath appearances, Balhae had already achieved its objectives.
A cruel, opportunistic, and violent man had led the Khitan campaign. The Khitan were utterly defeated, and Tang's influence darkened further.
When Dae Wihae heard of Oso-do's negotiations, he was dumbfounded.
Had there ever been a king or crown prince bold enough to conspire against a major power—and succeed? Even if Zhuan Chengzhong discovered the truth, the chaos among regional warlords would prevent Tang from striking Balhae.
Balhae needed only to quietly wear the victorious smile.
Long ago, Kim Chunchu had secured a Silla-Tang alliance by humbly offering Goguryeo lands to Tang's Emperor Taizong after an invasion failed. But Dae Inseon's diplomatic triumph far exceeded that.
Technically, it was a con, but who else in the world could pull off such audacity? Only Dae Inseon.
"Your Highness, you are truly remarkable. To manipulate Tang like this—truly, it is as if you've achieved victory without lifting a finger. My congratulations."
"It was you, uncle, who labored. These lands north of Jukryeong that even Yeon Gaesomun could not obtain—our Goguryeo ancestors in heaven must be pleased. Speak comfortably; Balhae has never been a place rigid about protocol."
Strictly speaking, it was the nomadic Malgal who were unfamiliar with formalities. Regardless, Dae Inseon acted as he pleased.
Even leaving etiquette aside, what Dae Wihae had accomplished marked a historic achievement in Balhae's history. Oso-do to Tang and Dae Wihae to Silla—these two figures' efforts would later define Dae Inseon as a master of humiliating diplomacy, surpassing even Kim Chunchu.
"I see, nephew."
"Silla now has no strong backing, and their provincial control has weakened. Even so, uncle, your skill in coaxing that woman allowed us to acquire these lands easily. Had I been the Silla queen or Choi Chi-won, they would have relinquished the land grudgingly at best."
Dae Inseon could not help but highly praise Dae Wihae. He had given the plan, but never expected such execution. Even a faltering Silla would not have surrendered lands north of Jukryeong unless they had exhausted their pride. Dae Inseon had anticipated resistance and planned to let Tang handle the Khitan while advancing the Liaodong army.
Of course, not all local lords would submit, but bloodshed would be reduced compared to a full advance.
"Your Highness! Urgent news from Buyeo County!"
"What is it?"
"The remnants of the Khitan have crossed the Yalu!"
Just when two difficult problems had been resolved at once, another emerged. Precisely, the problem Dae Inseon most despised: the Khitan were back.
He grabbed his head in frustration. Finally ready to turn south, why must the north be unsettled?
Unlike Goguryeo, Balhae's northern front was always volatile, preventing reckless troop movements.
"Then send Buyeo County's forces to intercept them."
"It's not just that. The Khitan seeking to submit to Balhae are being pursued by remnants defeated by Zhuan Chengzhong!"
"How many are we talking about?"
"At least twenty thousand!"
Twenty thousand could be handled by Buyeo's thirty-thousand-strong garrison, though Dae Inseon considered bringing an additional ten thousand cavalry. Compared to the two hundred thousand in 926, this was only a tenth—manageable.
Whoever led the Khitan remnants must be furious.
Based on Oso-do's intelligence, Dae Inseon knew Zhuan Chengzhong had gone to subdue the Khitan, and he anticipated the remnants fleeing into Balhae. The Khitan, decimated, had no other refuge.
Preparations were made in Buyeo County, yet events were unfolding rapidly.
Dae Inseon believed the Khitan remnants, though defeated by Tang, would not target Balhae lightly. Their sizable numbers suggested they pursued those fleeing, and Balhae lay in their path.
"You've been entrusted with this—endure a little more. Contact the Lee merchants to ensure Silla receives weapons."
"Your Highness?"
"I will personally lead troops to the Yalu."
Though displeased at war, the opportunity was ideal.
Dae Inseon felt a sudden heat in his chest—not the resolve of a battlefield commander, but the burning desire for revenge.
In 926, in original history, the Khitan had destroyed Balhae. Now, he had the chance to confront them directly.
Though this was not his personal past, victory against the Khitan promised catharsis. And with no news of Yelu Abaoji from Zhuan Chengzhong, Dae Inseon suspected Abaoji survived—perhaps even among the Khitan remnants.
Abaoji had destroyed Balhae and denied Dae Inseon and the empress their horses' names—a humiliation unmatched in Korean history.
This was an unparalleled opportunity for vengeance, one Dae Inseon insisted on undertaking personally.
"Your Highness, you are the heir of this nation. Why risk going yourself? I will go instead!"
"I have my reasons. And 'not alone'? Beware what people might think."
In modern Korea, such words usually addressed pregnant women with mild annoyance.
Dae Inseon had instructed a famed artisan in Sanggyung to replicate Goguryeo armor. The Khitan incursion was unwelcome, yet the new armor's months-long reconstruction provided a chance to test it.
"Again, the Khitan?"
"How long will those bastards keep coming?"
"Tiresome creatures. I hope Your Highness cleanses them this time!"
Word spread throughout Sanggyung: the Khitan were coming.
Though only twenty thousand, Dae Inseon recalled historical events when the Khitan captured Sanggyeong Yongcheonbu swiftly. Preparations included placing the six divisions of Malgal cavalry, recently integrated into the central army, in full armor.
As Dae Inseon prepared to lead the Khitan remnants, the citizens of Sanggyung—from outskirts to palace—gathered to witness his departure.
Meanwhile, Dae Hyeonseok's head throbbed at his son's decision.
"Your Highness, again leading troops?"
"Do not worry, Father. This time, we will annihilate the Khitan."
"You are heir to the nation. Should misfortune befall you, what becomes of our future?"
Dae Inseon's confidence reassured him, though worry lingered. No force could sway the prince; his resolve, armored in steel, was formidable. Like Dae Joyoung, founder of Balhae, leading his people from Cheonmunryeong to Dongmo Mountain, Dae Inseon's resolve was absolute.
"No one will die or be wounded. And I have a reason to go myself."
"What reason?"
Dae Inseon briefly assumed a serious expression, then whispered close enough for his father to hear:
"Father… my wife is in danger."
"What? Wife? Wait, Prince! Stop!"
Ignoring his father's protests, Dae Inseon mounted his horse, heading to Sanggyung's outskirts where soldiers awaited.
Ten thousand heavily armed cavalry stood ready. Their appearance recalled Goguryeo's Gaemamusa warriors, leaving citizens awed.
Before them, Dae Inseon appeared, the embodiment of a commanding general. The soldiers bowed, right arms across chests, showing respect.
Satisfied, Dae Inseon addressed them:
"Warriors of Balhae! Descendants of Goryeo! How long have the treacherous Khitan betrayed us?"
The voice of this thirteen-year-old resonated like thunder, impossible for one so young.
Soldiers, sworn to die for him, stared in awe. Though only a boy, his voice surpassed that of many adults.
"They bowed to Goryeo, yet when Tang grew strong, they betrayed us!"
"They paved the way for lords and became Emperor Taizong's lackeys—how lamentable!"
"Now, under our Dae Goryeo, King Muwang aids us, yet they dare to raise their teeth against us!"
"I, Crown Prince Dae Inseon of Balhae, will not tolerate them! Warriors, raise the Samjogo banner high! I will lead you! Our founder, King Go, watches over us!"
The words stirred hearts, echoing across the land.
Malgal cavalry, recognizing their prince, raised their spears.
"Long live Balhae! Long live the Prince!"
"Forward! To Liaodong!"
With deafening shouts, Dae Inseon set forth, flanked by Eulbu and Aruji as generals, heading toward Buyeo County.
One day later, they arrived at Buyeo County. Dae Inseon and ten thousand cavalry joined the thirty-thousand troops under Governor Dae Mun-jin.
"Governor Dae Mun-jin! We welcome Your Highness!"
"Welcome, Crown Prince. Thanks to your swift dispatch, we can lead forces to crush the Khitan."
Dae Inseon surveyed the troops. Well-disciplined and coordinated, these were a formidable army, capable of resisting even Yelu Abaoji.
"How could Your Highness come in person? I should be entrusted with this task!"
"No. The Khitan have long been our enemies. Now is the time to strike."
"Grant orders to Governor Dae Mun-jin!"
Dae Mun-jin bowed, acknowledging the prince's command. Orders to ready arms and maintain training were already issued; scouts constantly observed the Khitan's movements along the Yalu.
Indeed, Khitan remnants were on the move. Somehow, the prince had foreseen it, revealing he was no ordinary child.
At such a young age, Dae Inseon boldly led a thousand heavy cavalry to eradicate the Heuksu tribes—a first in Balhae history. His presence alone was awe-inspiring, capable of intimidating the world.