91.We resolved never to betray Goryeo.
"Goryeo endured long suffering from Jurchen incursions."
Aguda declared,
"On the day we returned the Nine Fortresses, we resolved never to betray Goryeo."
"Thank you. Then it will be so."
Zonghan confirmed,
"Then we may assume Goryeo will not ally with Liao."
"That is my judgment."
Zonghan asked,
"What should we do now?"
Yeongu answered,
"My teacher spoke of an order. Defeat the enemy, then gather the people and establish a state."
Aguda asked,
"Not after defeating all enemies, but to establish a state first?"
"This is a war against an empire. It will not end quickly. It may take ten or even several decades.
Battles like yesterday's will be repeated.
A state is needed in that process."
"Is now the time?"
"I cannot say with certainty. But it seems appropriate.
We must organize those who have gathered after victory.
We must absorb the different Sukhyeo Jurchen groups.
And above all, we must gain the consent of the Balhae people.
They are the people of this land."
Aguda let out a long breath.
The path to the future they desired remained distant.
Yeongu raised his hand and opened a small booklet.
"My teacher mentioned Kaewon and Nong'an."
"He said this?"
"Yes. I do not even know where they are.
But he said they must be unified first.
They are the most important places."
Aguda nodded and gave an order to Zonghan.
"Call Wanyan Eunga."
"Now?"
"Now."
"Yes."
Zonghan left, and soon Wanyan Eunga arrived.
Aguda gave instructions regarding Kaewon and Nong'an and dismissed him at once.
Advice is rare.
People fail to recognize its necessity and dismiss it as nagging.
Advice feels burdensome.
But Aguda was different.
He knew Yeongu's limitations and still continued to ask.
There was no ulterior motive.
He sought to understand.
Aguda asked,
"Your teacher truly said this."
"Yes. He said we must treat Goryeo as a brother state and remember the long time we shared."
Aguda placed his fist against his chest.