58
Liaoyang Fortress — The Envoy's Arrival
Liaoyang after snowfall was quiet.The burned walls had not yet been fully repaired, but inside the city the shape of a fortress town had returned.Steam rose from cauldrons of cooking rice, then scattered in the wind.The winter air was sharp, the sky clear.
That afternoon, a mounted party arrived from the northern gate.They were royal envoys, accompanied by a record officer from the Ministry of Rites.As soon as they dismounted, they delivered a sealed letter from the court to Baek In-gun.
The record officer broke the seal and read aloud.
"The pacification of Liaoyang is commendable, yet do not provoke the empire's anger.""Though the clash with Nahachu was unavoidable, now sheath the sword and seek reconciliation through diplomacy.""Send a letter of consultation to the Northern Yuan, making clear that 'we merely suppressed rebellion and did not disrupt imperial order.'"
When the reading ended, the air in the corridor sank heavily.The commanders exchanged glances.
Of course they knew this already.Being told to do it was the problem.Words spoken by those who would never go themselves sounded cowardly and awkward.To be sent as an envoy now meant risking death at any moment.
Baek In-gun said nothing, only gazing out the window at the sky.After a pause, he spoke in a low, steady voice.
"You've come a long way.I understand the court's will."
Deputy Commander Yi In-jung took the document beside him.A native of Haeju in Hwanghae Province, he had entered the campaign leading several hundred volunteer troops.After scanning the letter, he looked up.
"So they're telling us not to fight.""It sounds less like 'defend Liaoyang' and more like 'leave it empty.'"
Baek In-gun did not answer.He simply tapped one line of the document with his fingertip.
Seek reconciliation.
After fighting to the death, now reconcile.He stared at the characters for a moment, then nodded to the record officer and glanced once at Yi In-jung.
"If it is the king's command, we cannot refuse.Stay one night. Tomorrow morning, I will convene the commanders."
Commanders' Council — The End of Battle, the Beginning of Words
The next morning, the commanders gathered in the main hall.White breath clouded the air.They wore armor, yet their expressions were heavier than during battle.
The royal letter lay on the table.Baek In-gun lifted it and spoke calmly.
"The court's will is clear.""The fighting at Liaoyang ends here. From now on, reconciliation with the empire takes precedence."
When he finished, Captain Jong-hui frowned.
"The walls aren't even repaired yet.""If they come again, can we hold?"
Another commander followed at once.
"Nahachu didn't withdraw by strategy—he fled.""If he regroups in the north, it's only a matter of time before he returns."
The hall grew heavy with silence.Yi In-jung spoke.
"We did not start this war.""The empire's chaos spilled across the border.""But to halt these flames now, words are needed more than blades."
Several veteran officers bristled.
"The words of the young are light.""Words do not stop blood."
Baek In-gun raised his hand.
"All of you are right.""The court does not fully trust us.""But we are in no position to blame them."
After a brief pause, he continued.
"They fear unrest among the officials more than battle itself.""It is also a sign that the country is already exhausted."
He sat down and concluded.
"They say do not fight—so for now, we do not.""But in the meantime, we strengthen the walls and fill the granaries.""Sheathing the sword does not mean abandoning preparedness."
Yi In-jung nodded.
"It will be done."
As the meeting ended, their gazes turned outside.The Liaodong plain lay frozen, stretching endlessly.Someone murmured,
"This peace won't last."
Baek In-gun did not reply.He merely glanced north.