77
Two days later, they reached Liaoyang Fortress.The weather had grown heavier, and Liaoyang itself lay locked in ice.It was a season in which human breath could not linger for long.
From within the snow, Liaoyang (遼陽城) suddenly revealed itself.The walls were frozen white, and banners flew from barbicans and bastions alike, their colors washed pale by the storm.
Lee In-jung reined in his horse and looked up at the distant battlements."We're here."It was a short phrase, yet it traveled evenly to the end of the column.
A military officer atop the gate tower waved a flag.Moments later, the gates began to open.As the heavy wooden doors parted, piled snow cascaded down.The sound of chains loosening rang long in the bitter air.
Inside Liaoyang, the silence was excessive.The smell of war had not yet faded, but its sounds were pressed flat.Soldiers stood at every alley, and beneath the walls lay heaps of recovered enemy weapons and armor.
Park Seong-jin turned his horse's head and spoke quietly."Something feels off. The city is too quiet."Lee In-jung nodded."As it should be. In cold like this, nothing truly moves."
They headed beneath the ramparts to the public hall—the administrative seat of the Liaoyang Province.Footprints carved into the snow were quickly erased by the ranks of soldiers filing in behind them.
Inside, commanders were already gathered.Some warmed their hands by the brazier; others bent over documents, heads lowered.
Lee In-jung stood before the lined officers.A brief silence.Then the inspector spoke first.
"What became of the talks at Geumseong?"
Lee In-jung took one breath and answered."They collapsed."
The moment the words fell, the air in the room cooled like snow.Even the rustle of turning pages stopped.
Baek In-gun asked,"What did Nahaçu demand?"
"The return of Ssangseong, and the transfer of sovereignty over Liaoyang."
"Liaoyang…?"Several commanders shifted at once.Eyes flashed.
Lee In-jung continued without wavering."He said there would be no cooperation unless Liaoyang was returned.They believe we cannot hold out for long."
Someone muttered under his breath."Then… war again?"
Lee In-jung shook his head."Not yet. This is not a time for war, but for buying time.Their losses were heavy as well. They, too, need time.That is the full report."
Silence returned.Only the soft fall of ash from the brazier could be heard.
Park Seong-jin stood nearby, wordless.To his eyes, Liaoyang felt colder than any battlefield.The walls lay buried in snow, yet beneath them, unease and suspicion refused sleep.
A little later, Baek In-gun entered to receive the report.As the course of events was relayed one by one, a deathlike hush settled over the hall.Outside, snow began to fall again.The wind blowing through the gate outlasted the spoken words.
Baek In-gun finally spoke."Prepare again before the snow stops. This fight is not over."
His gaze was cold.Yet within it lingered a fatigue older than resolve.
Park Seong-jin studied that face for a moment, then lowered his head.He already knew.The fighting would not resume at once.The winter of Liaoyang was lengthening once more.
Council of the Liaoyang Command
Night had deepened.The gates were shut, and the streets of Liaoyang lay buried in snow, so still it seemed even breath had frozen.Only one small council chamber beneath the northern watchtower remained lit.
Thick doors closed.Oil lamps swayed, casting long shadows along the walls.Lee In-jung sat at the center.
Before him were four commanders besides himself:O Yun, inspector of arms;Yi Jeok, chief strategist;Han Gyu, quartermaster;and No Taek, interpreter and envoy.
Under the lamplight, their faces lay half submerged in shadow.
Lee In-jung spoke first."You've all heard today's report. The negotiations at Geumseong have failed."
Yi Jeok nodded."Nahaçu's demands were excessive. Asking for Liaoyang is not negotiation—it's coercion."
"He said he did not wish to fight," Lee In-jung replied quietly.
O Yun clenched his fist."Words only. Liaoyang must be held. If this falls, the northeastern route is severed."
Han Gyu added calmly,"Holding is right, but food is the problem.Thanks to enemy stockpiles, we can endure for now, but the city's grain will last barely four months.If supply lines aren't restored before then, hunger will strike before the enemy."
The room fell silent.The lamplight trembled, and the smell of burning oil spread.
Lee In-jung tapped the table lightly with his finger."That is why I called you."His gaze moved slowly around the room."To hold Liaoyang is to endure. And to endure, we need two things: food—and information."
No Taek asked cautiously,"Will you send spies?"
"Not spies," Lee In-jung said."Ears."
He drew a short line on the paper."Displaced people inside Geumseong, merchant caravans, relay-station personnel.We bring some of them to our side.They know Nahaçu better than we do."
Yi Jeok nodded."With information, we know when to act."
"Exactly."
Lee In-jung lifted his head."When there is no battle, war is not fought with blades.It is fought with judgment.Persuasion would be ideal, but he keeps his distance.His eyes are on the situation in the south.His reluctance to fight us means he is delaying his own decision.And from the capital, he will find little support."
O Yun asked,"How shall we report this to His Majesty?"
Lee In-jung paused."Report the truth. But omit one thing."
"What is that?"
"Do not mention that they also want Ssangseong.We will not even allow it to be framed as negotiation.Ssangseong is land we must reclaim.It remains in their hands."
No Taek spoke at once."Hiding part of the truth is deceit. We should tell him."
All eyes turned to Lee In-jung.His gaze did not waver.
"Not now.This probing is a test.If we rush, they will judge us afraid."
Silence again.Outside, the wind struck the walls.
Yi Jeok spoke low."This war… will last."
Lee In-jung lowered his eyes."Let it last.If it lasts, we win."
He rose from his seat."Return to your posts."
The commanders stood and saluted together.As the door opened, the snowstorm surged into the room.The lamp flickered—then went out.
What remained was cold air and ink stains on paper.
That was Liaoyang's resolve.A battle endured without fighting.
The war in the south, the movements of the Northern Yuan, Nahaçu's calculations—none of these would be decided at once.But one thing was clear.
Having taken Liaoyang, they now had no choicebut to listen to the currents of the world.