Chapter 6: Goguryeo and Nakrang, 32 AD
The text that appeared on the screen:
In an instant, Gyeongpil and Yeongjin realized they were in a different place. This was no longer 21st-century Daegu. They stood in an ancient palace.
Gyeongpil was dressed in the ornate garb of a Goguryeo prince. A sword hung from his belt, and a crown rested on his head. He instinctively knew he was Prince Hodong.
Yeongjin was wearing the beautiful hanbok of Princess Nakrang. Her long hair was elaborately styled, and she held a silk fan. She, too, realized she had become Princess Nakrang.
"What... what is this?" Yeongjin asked in surprise. "It feels like we've... come back to the past," Gyeongpil said, looking around.
At that moment, a voice echoed in both their minds. It was the voice of Buddha.
"Gyeongpil, Yeongjin. You must become Prince Hodong and Princess Nakrang and write a new history. One of peace, not tragedy, one of life, not death. Unleash the wisdom of peaceful unification you've studied here."
Gyeongpil and Yeongjin looked at each other. A determined determination flashed in their eyes.
"Can we do it?" Yeongjin asked.
"We must." Gyeongpil took her hand. "This is what we've been researching for two years: that peaceful unification is possible."
Yeongjin nodded. "That's right. We can do it."
The two immediately took action. They each began writing a document outlining the benefits of peaceful unification from the perspectives of Goguryeo and Nakrang.
Chapter 7: Blueprint for Peaceful Unification
- Prince Hodong's Document
As Prince Hodong, Gyeongpil drafted a document to persuade the Goguryeo king and ministers. The logical thinking and historical knowledge he honed during his master's degree shone through.
"Goguryeo's Benefits from Peaceful Unification"
First, securing Jamyeonggo. Conquering Nakrang through war would destroy Jamyeonggo, but if it were fully acquired through peaceful unification, Goguryeo's defenses would be greatly enhanced. This unique drum, capable of predicting enemy invasions in advance, would become a key element of national security.
Second, securing human resources. Wartime casualties would be a great loss for both countries. However, if peaceful unification were achieved, the people of Nakrang would willingly cooperate with Goguryeo. Skilled artisans, scholars, and soldiers would become Goguryeo's strength.
Third, complete acquisition of material resources. War destroys Nakrang's assets and facilities. However, peaceful unification would preserve Nakrang's granaries, armories, and commercial facilities. This would lead to an immediate strengthening of Goguryeo's national power.
Fourth, diplomatic justification. If unification were achieved through negotiation rather than violence, Goguryeo would be perceived by its neighbors as a powerful yet benevolent nation. This would be a significant asset in future diplomatic relations.
Fifth, stabilizing public sentiment. A people conquered by war might harbor resentment and rebel. However, a people unified through agreement would remain loyal to the new nation.
Gyeongpil even presented specific figures. He calculated and documented the expected population growth rate, economic growth rate, and military buildup. His skills as a historian were fully demonstrated.
- Document of the Princess of Nakrang
Yeongjin, as Princess of Nakrang, drafted a document to persuade the King and nobles of Nakrang. Her meticulous analysis and logic shone through.
"Benefits of Nakrang through Peaceful Unification"
First, guaranteeing the status of the royal family and nobles. If we were defeated in war, our royal family and nobles would be killed or enslaved. However, in peaceful unification negotiations, we could negotiate guarantees for the nobles' status in a unified nation. Second, protecting the lives and property of the people. War takes countless lives and burns homes and farmland. However, peaceful unification preserves the people's daily lives. This is the way to demonstrate the virtue of a king.
Third, economic synergy. Goguryeo possesses vast territory and abundant resources. Lelang possesses advanced commerce and technology. If the two countries are peacefully unified, trade will flourish and the economy will grow significantly. Our nobles will enjoy even greater wealth.
Fourth, cultural fusion. If Goguryeo's martial arts and Lelang's scholarship meet, a new culture will blossom. Our children will be able to play an active role in a wider world.
Fifth, peaceful honor. It is not about surrender in defeat, but about unification through wise choices. Future generations will remember us as wise leaders.
Yeongjin also included a detailed economic analysis. He meticulously calculated the expected increase in trade, increased tax revenue, and the benefits to the nobles after unification.
The two men worked through the night to complete the document. They exchanged documents through secret correspondence and discussed the next stage of their operations.
Chapter 8: On the Brink of War
A few days later, the Goguryeo army marched toward the border of Nakrang. King Daemusin had finally decided to conquer Nakrang.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The bell rang. It signaled the enemy's arrival. The Nakrang army also hurriedly assembled on the walls. King Choe Ri of Nakrang donned his armor and climbed the ramparts.
The two armies faced each other. The situation was tense. If they drew their swords, bloodshed would erupt.
It was then.
"Your Majesty!" The Goguryeo prime minister rushed to King Daemusin. In his hand was a document written by Prince Hodong.
The prime minister received this document from Prince Hodong and studied it for several nights. At first, he was skeptical, but the more he read, the more convinced he became of its logic. The concrete figures proved that peaceful unification was far more advantageous than war. "Your Majesty, please halt your advance and read this document!" the prime minister shouted loudly.
The Great Musin King frowned. "What is this?"
The prime minister took a deep breath and shouted loudly enough for both armies to hear.
"Your Majesty, and the King of Nakrang! Please consider peaceful unification, not war! According to this document written by Prince Hodong, peaceful unification will allow us to fully regain Jamyeonggo and secure all of Nakrang's people and property. We have too much to lose in war!"
On the ramparts, King Choe Ri of Nakrang listened intently. Beside him stood the prime minister of Nakrang, who had also received the document from the Princess of Nakrang.
The prime minister of Nakrang shouted loudly, "King of Goguryeo! We, Nakrang, also desire peaceful unification! According to the document written by the Princess of Nakrang, if you achieve peaceful unification and guarantee the status of our royal family and nobles, our people will be protected in life and property, and our economy will actually grow!"
The armies on both sides murmured. Not war? Peaceful unification?
The Lelang prime minister continued to shout, "But, as I said, there is one prerequisite! Your Majesty the King of Goguryeo, will you recognize the royal family and nobles of Lelang as nobles in your unified state?"
King Daemusin expressed his reluctance. "How can we support so many nobles? Our national treasury cannot support them!"
The Goguryeo prime minister immediately replied, "Your Majesty, look at the document! If the economy rapidly grows after peaceful unification, the national treasury will actually benefit. The combination of Lelang's commercial prowess and Goguryeo's resources will significantly increase tax revenue. We will generate far more revenue than we would otherwise spend on the nobles!"
King Daemusin looked into the prime minister's eyes. The prime minister nodded with a confident look.
A long silence followed.
Finally, King Daemusin spoke. "Very well. I will guarantee the status of the royal family and nobles of Lelang!"