Chapter 94 – Diplomacy upon Diplomacy upon Diplomacy
Despite Yeongu's repeated requests, Aguda did not permit him to go to Goryeo.
He judged that keeping Yeongu within the Jurchen camp was more valuable than anything he might gain through him in Goryeo.
Yeongu's path had never been ordinary.
Events had followed him without pause.
Aguda did not wish to see him drawn into yet another entanglement.
It was a decision shaped equally by necessity and by regard.
The breakthrough Yeongu had shown at the Battle of Chuhedian left a deep impression.
To the other commanders as well, the Iron Cavalry and Yeongu could no longer be considered separately.
There was a growing recognition that the successful beginning of the Iron Cavalry had come from him.
So Cheollyong muttered in dissatisfaction.
"I thought we might get to return home at least once."
Cheolun shook his head.
"We are fixed here. We cannot leave so easily."
Gyeongtaek spoke next.
"We are not bound. We are treated well.
We simply cannot leave without permission."
Their words reached Yeongu clearly.
His senses had sharpened with deeper cultivation.
When he thought about it, the center of the matter was himself.
The others could return.
There was no certainty they would return safely.
Even so, the path existed.
The next day, Yeongu went to see Aguda.
The camp was busy with post-battle matters, and he could not approach directly.
As he circled outside, Wanyan Huiyun came out to meet him.
After this battle, Huiyun had fully taken his place as a staff officer.
"What brings you here."
Yeongu bowed slightly.
"I have something to request."
"I can convey it."
"It is better that I speak directly."
After a brief hesitation, he continued.
"I would like to send my men back for a time. Many have not returned home for a long while."
Huiyun understood at once.
"Your subordinates."
"Yes. Most have been away for over a year."
Huiyun asked,
"And you."
"Not me. I have no one waiting. It has already been years."
Huiyun paused before replying.
"I will approve leave for your men. Divide them into two or three groups and send them in rotation.
As for you, your situation is different."
Yeongu raised his hand slightly.
"This is not about me. It is about them."
Huiyun nodded.
"Understood. Your case will need separate consideration."
Yeongu withdrew.
He divided his men into groups of five and arranged for them to leave in turn.
At the same time, he sought to learn the intentions of the Goryeo court through another route.
If he had known even one person within the court, it would have been simple.
He did not.
He followed an old connection and sent someone quietly.
On a dark night, a knock sounded at the gate of Kim Busik's residence.
The tall gate opened, and a servant looked out.
An envoy stood below the steps.
It was Wanyan Zonghan.
"Who is it."
"My name is Kim Jonghan. I have come from the north."
At the word "north," the servant's expression changed.
The door closed, then opened again.
An elderly man appeared and bowed.
"Please come inside."
Once inside, he asked again.
"What do you mean by the north."
"I have come from the Jurchens."
The old man nodded.
Zonghan was led further in.
They passed through several inner gates of stone arches.
They crossed courtyards and moved along narrow corridors.
At the innermost area, there was a garden with trees and a pond.
A small pavilion stood quietly within it.
It would have been lush in any season other than winter.
"Please wait here."
After some time, Kim Busik appeared.
His bearing was strict and composed.
"I am Kim Busik."
"It is an honor. I am Wanyan Zonghan."
Kim Busik gave a brief exclamation.
It sounded deliberate.
"Please, come this way."
He led him into a room lit by oil lamps.
The same old man stood nearby.
"This way."
After they sat, Kim Busik asked,
"What brings you here."
Zonghan closed his eyes briefly, then opened them.
He had not expected a warm reception, nor had he feared hostility.
Kim Busik continued,
"Our relations with the Seogyeong faction are not good at present."
"I understand. I have placed men outside."
Kim Busik responded immediately.
"That will cause more trouble. Bring them inside."
"They are in disguise."
"Disguise is not enough. Bring them in."
Zonghan stepped outside and brought his men in.
With even the horses brought inside, the large house felt cramped.
When he returned, four more men were seated in the room.
"These are my brothers."
Kim Buil, Kim Bupil, Kim Bui, Kim Bui.
They were a central family in mid-Goryeo politics and scholarship.
It was not only Kim Busik—his entire family formed an elite group of officials.