38. [Silla's Uprising]
"From sulfur to silver… we'll drain every resource to the bone. Gunpowder is urgent, so conquering Japan is essential. There's no need to dispatch a massive army immediately. Start with Hokkaido, stir Japan from within, and watch them burn themselves out. Saltpeter can be harvested locally, and I can have Lee Jae-chun fetch more from China."
"Your Majesty, I'm very sorry, but Goryeo does not have the capacity to send an expeditionary force. Even if we strip Silla of its wealth, we must first stabilize our own internal affairs. Besides, Baekje continues to call Your Majesty's Goryeo the 'land of the Jurchens' and stirs rebellion among the Baekje people. Can we truly subdue them? Isn't that why Your Majesty has planned a long-term strategy with Baekje?"
Hearing this, Dae In-seon's excitement did not falter. Instead, a sly smile appeared across his face—a mixture of amusement and cunning. He was not surprised nor angry; rather, he seemed to already know exactly what to do.
Dae Wi-hae would never forget that mischievous smile. Every time this young king smiled like that, Goryeo seemed to gain something. And wherever that smirk was directed, disaster inevitably followed.
"I am aware, but Uncle… when did I ever say I would personally go myself? I too believe a seaborne expedition is dangerous."
"Then why choose this course?"
"Fujiwara no Tokihira and Sugawara no Michizane. These two serve as the Left and Right Ministers of Wa, effectively pillars supporting the Wa King."
Although Dae In-seon sometimes lamented his own lack of knowledge, as Choi In-seon he was far from ignorant of Japanese history. He knew that Tokihira and Michizane were in conflict within the current political scene.
So what would Dae In-seon do? The obvious choice: manipulate Japan, which foolishly coveted the Korean Peninsula, to his advantage.
Dae Wi-hae could only listen impassively, no longer surprised by his nephew's cunning.
'Is he truly so well-informed about Wa's internal affairs? Did Lee Jae-chun bring this intelligence? Or perhaps he knows a way to conquer Wa without much effort?'
Dae In-seon produced brush and ink, drawing out his plan with deliberate gestures.
"The interesting thing is that these two do not get along. The Left Minister, Fujiwara no Tokihira, represents the Fujiwara clan—a family of deep-rooted nobility. The problem is Sugawara no Michizane, the Right Minister…"
"Are you saying they are at odds?"
"Michizane's family is not low-born, but compared to Fujiwara, it is far inferior. In that case, how do you think Tokihira perceives Michizane, who stands as his equal?"
Although the previous emperor had appointed Michizane as Right Minister, Emperor Daigo trusted Tokihira more. Tokihira was a figure who could easily overpower Michizane, leaving Michizane on the defensive.
Knowing this, Dae In-seon intended to exploit the situation.
"It must irritate him."
"Exactly. Tokihira is itching to suppress Michizane. I suspect this expedition to Silla involves their rivalry."
"Hmm. I see."
"When our Goryeo forces crush the Wa army invading Silla, these two pillars will turn on each other. Regardless of who advocated for war, or if both agreed, failure will lead them to blame each other. Sending a massive army to Silla only to suffer a complete defeat will provide ample justification. One of them will bear the responsibility, face demotion, or perhaps even death."
Even in actual history, Tokihira successfully accused Michizane, leading to the "Shōtai Incident," so their animosity was no secret.
"So… civil war?"
"Yes. There will inevitably be internal conflict. We merely need to send envoys to fan the flames. While they destroy each other, we can rapidly annex Baekje, stabilize our domestic affairs, and finally subdue the exhausted remnants under Goryeo's banner."
"Is that truly feasible?"
"Just as we sell weapons to the Central Plains under the guise of merchants, we can manipulate the situation. Assisting Michizane is best; Fujiwara is powerful and well-connected, so we need only support Michizane."
Dae In-seon resolved that Japan must be secured to ensure Goryeo's long-term stability.
He knew what kind of country Japan was. Historically, Wa pirates were troublesome; during the Joseon Dynasty, they waged the Imjin War, and in the late Korean Empire, they colonized and exploited the peninsula. There was no need to leave such a threat unchecked.
Knowing Michizane would die in 903, Dae In-seon decided Japan must be conquered before then.
'Is it proper for the royal family to employ such cunning? As long as we remain discreet… yet the nephew grows ever more fearsome.'
If all went according to plan, Japan would fall under Goryeo's control. Dae Wi-hae felt a pang of futility, realizing any advice he gave seemed unnecessary in the face of such a detailed strategy.
"…It would certainly be interesting if Your Majesty's plan succeeds."
"One must always use one's head."
Dae Wi-hae watched the scheming smile play across his nephew's face and asked,
"So, what of Japan's army?"
"We'll test them with the Manchu Banners and the Hangu Army from Silla. Their training may be insufficient; our elite forces will surely overpower them."
Dae In-seon left the defense of Gaegyeong to Dae Wi-hae and sought Sul Yul-pyeong.
He informed her of Japan's invasion of Silla and that he himself would lead the troops, apologizing that he could not stay by her side.
Initially nervous about her reaction, he was surprised when Sul Yul-pyeong personally helped him don his armor on the day of departure.
"Isn't this for us and our child? I am a Khitan woman. Just because I lack a husband doesn't mean I'm weak and incapable of bearing children."
"…Thank you. I'll crush them and return swiftly."
Dae In-seon was grateful for her unwavering understanding. Though they had almost forcibly married after his confession, she held no visible resentment. Inspired, he vowed to win and fulfill all duties as a husband.
Sul Yul-pyeong whispered a daring request into his ear:
"…Next year, it would be good to spend a few days at the Wa palace."
In other words, conquer Japan within a year. Dae In-seon shivered at the thought.
Anticipating a possible Baekje naval attack, Goryeo's fleet from the Amnok River was deployed toward the Yesong River, while Gaegyeong's defenses were reinforced.
News arrived that Wa forces had invaded Silla, prompting Queen Jinseong to send pro-Goryeo ministers to request support.
In March 900, Dae In-seon, alongside General Aruji, joined forces with Yu Geum-pil and Park Sul-hee, leading the Banners toward Silla.
He also dispatched Yu Geum-pil with troops to Mungyeong and sent Baekje forces to aid the dying Silla army.
"Goryeo! The Goryeo army is here! We are saved!"
"The Goryeo bastards! Kill them to crush Silla's morale!"
The Baekje army engaged Dae In-seon's Banners at the rear, but Yu Geum-pil's thousands of soldiers overwhelmed and utterly destroyed them.
"Damn it! They're unstoppable!"
"I am Yu Geum-pil! You Baekje scum cannot match me!"
"Retreat! Fall back!"
Although Baekje had prepared contingencies, repeated encounters with the Banners and Silla's resistance forced them to retreat before greater losses.
Dae In-seon praised Yu Geum-pil's victory and immediately began the southern advance, joining Silla forces toward Seorabeol.
Concerned that Baekje and Wa might already occupy Seorabeol, Dae In-seon acted urgently. If Seorabeol fell, Goryeo's prestige as Silla's protector would be lost.
The Hangu Banners were dispatched ahead, and shortly afterward, reports arrived from tens of thousands of soldiers under the Hangu Banners.
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!"
"What is it?"
"A rebellion has broken out in Silla! The Hangu Banners escorted Queen Jinseong and Choi Chiwon safely out of Seorabeol!"
Dae In-seon froze.
What was this? A rebellion in Silla? His blood boiled at the news.
Even if the invading Wa army could be dealt with easily, an internal rebellion was different. It meant that factions opposed to the current queen and her pro-Goryeo policies had risen.
Silla could no longer defend itself independently. Factions would naturally align with either Baekje or Goryeo. Since pro-Goryeo Queen Jinseong was forced to flee, it was clear that pro-Baekje forces were behind the uprising.
Dae In-seon composed himself and cautiously questioned the soldiers who had arrived from Seorabeol.
"A rebellion? Were the ministers of Silla not already our allies?"
"It seems a few pro-Baekje factions remain. The leading nobles of the rebellion received military support from Baekje!"
"Ha… if the rebellion forced the queen to flee, the Hangu Banners must have suffered heavy losses."
Though hastily assembled, the Hangu Banners were expected to defend Seorabeol at a level comparable to Baekje's army, yet they had failed to do so.