Chapter 90 – Liao's Request for Aid – The Envoy's Appeal
The doors of Hoeryeong Hall in Gaegyeong, Goryeo, opened, and an envoy of Liao entered.
The hem of his silk robe dragged along the palace floor.
His steps were slow and continuous.
His back was bent, but his gaze remained straight.
There was dignity, with the weight of long years.
It reflected a long absence of contact.
"I come bearing the will of the Liao Emperor."
The king gave a slight nod and permitted him to speak.
The envoy stepped forward.
He brushed his sleeves, adjusted his robe, and bowed in a manner resembling Song court etiquette.
"The Jurchens have taken up arms."
"The eastern fortresses are collapsing."
"Their momentum now threatens the river."
He spoke in short segments.
The urgency was evident.
"If not stopped now, it will be too late."
The king asked,
"What has happened?"
The envoy replied,
"They attacked Ningjiang Prefecture. At first it was thought to be an incidental clash, but now they have struck Chuhedian."
The king tilted his head.
"Chuhedian… where is that?"
Park Geun-su, familiar with northern affairs, stepped forward.
"It lies on the northern bank of the Ashi River. Chuhedian is a military stronghold in the northeastern part of Liaodong, in present-day Jilin.
It is a strategic point where river and plain intersect. Liao used it as a forward base to monitor the Jurchens and concentrate troops.
When the Jin forces under Wanyan Aguda defeated the Liao army there, the balance of the front collapsed.
The defensive network in the Liaodong region is now at risk of sequential failure."
The king looked at the envoy.
"Is it that significant?"
The envoy did not continue the military explanation.
He was a civil official.
Park Geun-su answered instead.
"If Chuhedian has fallen, the main force is next under threat.
The next target will be Buyeo Prefecture."
"Buyeo Prefecture?"
"It is now called Huanglong Prefecture. The land of ancient Buyeo."
The king nodded.
Park Geun-su had served at Seonchun Ridge Fortress and later returned to Gaegyeong.
He had become a northern specialist after previous officials were removed.
The hall fell silent at the mention of danger to Liao's core.
It was already known.
Goryeo had sent a military support group to the Nine Fortresses.
The envoy, unaware of this, took out a document.
He did not unfold it.
"Liao requests troops from Goryeo. Ten thousand elite soldiers.
If we cross the Yalu River and strike from north and south, they will not endure."
His tone lowered.
"In return, we will guarantee the border."
At the word "border," someone inhaled.
The boundary between Liao and Goryeo was not clearly defined.
The offer implied formal recognition.
It also indicated limited leverage.
The envoy scanned the court.
No reaction.
"The Jurchens are striking us now.
Goryeo is next."
He tapped the floor with his finger.
"If not stopped now, there will be no method later."
The king nodded.
"I will consider it."
The envoy said,
"Today's choice will determine future conditions.
We await Goryeo's decision."
There was no reply.
The doors closed.
The hall grew heavier.
The king spoke,
"State your opinions."
First to speak was Chancellor Han Yun-bo.
"We must consider our obligation to Liao.
We have maintained order along the border for many years.
Peace was achieved through negotiation.
Turning away now lacks justification."
Minister of War Yun Ja-gyeom responded immediately.
"Justification does not prevent war.
If we move troops, we engage the Jurchens.
Now is not the time to fight.
We have only just concluded a non-aggression agreement."
Han Yun-bo replied,
"You trust the words of barbarians?"
Yun Ja-gyeom said,
"The Nine Fortresses have been returned.
They consider it goodwill.
They have pledged non-aggression."
Han Yun-bo asked,
"Is it fear?"
Yun Ja-gyeom answered,
"It is calculation.
Liao is retreating.
A great state is being pushed back.
Standing with the losing side is unwise."
The court showed agreement.
Park Geun-su stepped forward.
"I have seen the Jurchens.
They withdraw and advance again.
Their movement is light.
Liao forces are heavy.
They lack mobility.
The war in Liaodong is a contest of movement.
If we engage now, we are depleted first.
Victory is unlikely."
The hall fell silent.
Scholar Kim Bu-sik spoke.
"Justification is necessary.
Survival is necessary.
If we aid Liao, we oppose the Jurchens.
If we do not, we lose Liao.
This is not a choice between two.
There is a third path."
The king looked over the court.
"Liao has requested troops.
The Jurchens have not.
Who is more urgent?"
No answer.
"The urgent side is weaker.
That is Liao."
Silence.
"We do not stand with the weaker side.
Troops will not move.
The reply will be delayed."
The decision was made.
Goryeo would not act.
The ministers bowed.
No further words were spoken.
Outside, a cold wind passed.
The banners in front of the hall moved slightly.
In response to Liao's request, Goryeo chose inaction.