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For a moment, Nahaçu's expression hardened.The conversation broke off, and the lamplight flickered.Outside the tent, a winter wind surged and struck the canvas hard once.Within the roar of the wind, the two men did not resume speaking.The words "we cannot hand it over" had already been spoken.
If neither Ssangseong nor Liaoyang would be yielded, there was no reason for Nahaçu to step back.This conference had been impossible from the outset.
===---*
Nahaçu narrowed his eyes and began to speak slowly, as if weighing each word.
"Ssangseong and Liaoyang are not territorial disputes of the same nature.Even if Liaoyang is organized as a separate province, the ruler of the eastern steppe must hold Liaoyang under his command.How could one become hegemon of the East while allowing Goryeo troops to sit at one's throat?That is why I claim Ssangseong as my land.Only when my domain reaches the far eastern edge, all the way to the Eastern Sea, can I truly be called a ruler."
His voice was low, but resolute—the tone of someone explaining a matter already decided.
Yi In-jung swallowed.Only now did he fully grasp the scale of the world as this man saw it.
"So… that is how you see it."
Nahaçu nodded.Brief. Certain.
"Yes. And what do you think?"
Yi In-jung did not hurry.He delayed a beat before answering.
"I hold no final authority regarding Ssangseong or Liaoyang.The authority entrusted to me is only to prepare the ground for further talks,and to convey certain assurances.
I was ordered to seek, at the level of broad strategy, cooperation—to share concern over what would happen should the remnants in Jiangnan seize Beijing.Nothing beyond that."
Nahaçu's gaze flickered lightly,a mix of interest and displeasure.
"If your king speaks only such roundabout words, is there any reason to continue this meeting?"
At that, Yi In-jung's shoulders stiffened almost imperceptibly.He knew whether this place was a negotiation, a test, or a prelude to execution.Still, he did not retreat.
"I cannot speak beyond His Majesty's will.And if Your Excellency chooses to fixate on reclaiming old lands while ignoring the White Lotus forces in Jiangnan—then there is no ground left even for discussion.In that case, all I can do is return and report the truth as it stands."
For a brief moment—very brief—Nahaçu smiled.It was not anger, nor mockery, but something closer to curiosity.
"Why not continue a bit longer?By your own words, is that land not yours?"
Yi In-jung said nothing more.Instead, he bowed deeply.
"My apologies."
A short silence followed.The faint smile at Nahaçu's lips vanished.
"Withdraw. I will summon you again."
"I obey."
Yi In-jung bowed once more and left the hall.As the doors opened, the outside wind rushed in all at once,stirring sand and powdered snow across the courtyard.Within that wind were entwined the calculations and unease of both camps.
Arakhtai was already waiting and led the way in silence.Yi In-jung followed.
The conference was not over.It had merely moved into its next phase.
---*
Nahaçu remained seated inside the large tent.The wind was sharp; the lamplight wavered uneasily.Around him sat four generals and one man with the bearing of a scholar.
The scholar spoke first.
"My lord, the general from Goryeo was extremely cautious."
Nahaçu set down his cup.
"Yi In-jung, was it?His eyes were not those of a man who came to fight.But neither were they eyes that would bend easily."
Another general asked,
"Did he seem willing to give up Ssangseong?"
Nahaçu snorted.
"I only threw that out to see his reaction.I have no intention of waging full-scale war against Goryeo.After taking such losses at Liaoyang, do they think we still haven't learned?"
A young general raised his head.
"If we do not secure Liaoyang completely, the eastern frontier will remain unstable.That land is both shield and corridor.To give it up would be to hand over the reins of the eastern steppe."
The scholar added quietly,
"Ssangseong is not merely a single fortress.Only the one who holds it can claim dominion over the Eastern Sea.The shadow of Dongjin, founded by Poseon Manno a century ago, still lingers there.It is land soaked with the blood of Goryeo, Jurchens, and Mongols alike."
The young general spoke sharply.
"All the more reason to demand it.If they wish to discuss anything with us, they must yield Ssangseong first.No matter how they speak of exchange with the Northern Yuan, in the end they will turn away from us.The seizure of Liaoyang proves it."
An older general answered in a low voice.
"And do you propose we strike now?Our losses at Liaoyang have not yet been recovered.Supplies are halved, and the horses are exhausted.A full-scale war would be dangerous."
Silence fell.
Nahaçu tapped the table slowly with his fingers.
"That is why I ask.Why are we fighting now?For land?For legitimacy?Or for the last shred of pride that keeps the steppe standing?"
The scholar spoke carefully.
"My lord, as for legitimacy, we already have enough.Even the words 'restoring order in Liaoyang' are enough to move the soldiers.Goryeo's forces are expeditionary troops; they cannot endure long.We could simply wait until they withdraw.This offensive was too hasty.If Your Excellency seeks a complete northern campaign, now is the time to sheathe the blade and lower the banners."
The young general ground his teeth.
"That is the logic of cowards.The steppe survives only through strength.The moment they join hands with the victor in Jiangnan, they will push us out."
Nahaçu looked at him calmly, then spoke.
"Strength is a good thing.But the strong must be heavy like earth.Those who are tossed about like the wind do not last long.
Ssangseong is our land.But more important than reclaiming that landis preserving this steppe itself."
The tent fell silent.
Outside, a horse's neigh echoed long into the night.
Nahaçu stood and extinguished the lamp.
"We will discuss this again tomorrow.First, determine whether what Yi In-jung called the 'remnants in Jiangnan' is bluster or prophecy.Mobilize the entire intelligence network.Investigate Jiangnan."
Ssangseong was not merely a name—it was pride.Liaoyang was a shield.Jiangnan was a storm not yet arrived.
Yield one, and two would shake.Hold two, and three would ignite.
Nahaçu knew it well.What was needed now was not more land,but time that would not collapse.
When the light vanished, the night of the steppe surged like a dark tide.
===---*
Back at the lodgings, Yi In-jung sat without removing his armor.A thin lamplight trembled faintly, reflecting dully off the metal of his sword hilt.A damp, wordless chill settled thickly inside the tent.
Oh Jin-cheol asked carefully,
"It seems the talks did not go smoothly."
Yi In-jung lifted his head slowly.
"When I spoke of joining forces for peace and addressing the remnants in Jiangnan,they demanded Liaoyang and Ssangseong first."
He paused, then exhaled long and deep.
"…Haa."
Oh Jin-cheol said quietly,
"That is not something you can decide, Commander."
"Exactly."
Yi In-jung shook his head.
"We did not even reach the threshold of discussion.It felt as though they had been waiting for that demand all along.An old resentment, long buried."
Oh Jin-cheol frowned.
"Ssangseong… a name they never forget."
"That's right."
Yi In-jung lowered his gaze.
"Even reclaiming Liaoyang will look like a crime in their eyes.And now they ask for Ssangseong as well—this is no longer negotiation."
He paused, then added softly,
"While the storm in Jiangnan threatens to shake the entire world,they still live in the shadow of old lands."
A long silence followed.Outside, the wind battered the tent.
Then Park Seong-jin spoke.
"What will you do now?"
"They asked us to wait.Let's give it three more days."
Yi In-jung smiled faintly.
"These matters are never decided overnight.Where people gather, movement is always slow.They will deliberate as well.It takes time.I only hope it does not take too long…."
Park Seong-jin hesitated, then said,
"Still, we should send this news to Liaoyang at once.They need to know that their interest lies more in old lands than in cooperation."
Yi In-jung nodded.
"You're right.You will go.Report the situation exactly as it is.Say this verbatim:'Negotiations will not be easy. The reason is Liaoyang and Ssangseong.'"
Oh Jin-cheol bowed.
"Loyalty."
As he stepped out of the tent, the outside air cut like a blade.Park Seong-jin hurried after him.
"The road is frozen. You'll slip."
Oh Jin-cheol gave a short laugh.
"It's fine.We must cross the night—better that the snow covers it."
Soon, the sound of a horse's cry mingled with the wind.White snow shattered into the darkness.
Yi In-jung was left alone in the guest quarters.His hand trembled—not from the cold alone.
"Liaoyang and Ssangseong…land gained with blood will be soaked in blood once more."
He slowly extinguished the lamp.Darkness quietly filled the room.