36. [Discussion of the Capital Relocation]
"So, is Sanggyong free of troubles?"
"It cannot be said to be entirely free, Your Majesty. Sanggyong is in the midst of transformation, is it not?"
"Your face is lined with worry, Uncle. Is something troubling you?"
"Not entirely absent, but please do not concern yourself too much."
Troubles were inevitable. Sanggyong was the greatest city in Goryeo. It was the capital, larger than the other five major cities, and under Dae In-seon's reign, it was growing even more. Naturally, the Three Departments and Six Ministries were responsible for its administration, leaving Dae Wi-hae stretched thin.
"Surely, Uncle, you did not come merely to congratulate me on the victory. Let's speak frankly. Does Bong-ye want a government post?"
"If that were the case, I would have sewn his mouth shut and thrown him into the offices. Your Majesty… could it be that your worry concerns the Queen?"
Dae In-seon flinched slightly, looking at Dae Wi-hae with caution.
His uncle had come with full knowledge of the matter. Until the battle at Yesong River, he had sensed nothing unusual, but now, seeing Sulryulpyeong comfortably and fully pregnant, a persistent anxiety arose.
"Seeing her belly grow day by day… it reminds me of the weight of life itself. I realize now how grave the responsibility is for a woman carrying a child."
"Today, I come not as a minister, but as your uncle. Now, let us first drink."
Dae Wi-hae naturally sat opposite Dae In-seon and poured him a cup of Silla liquor, imported specifically from Silla.
"Having another child would be fine, but the Queen's health is the real concern."
"Your devotion to the Queen is extraordinary. Truly, this is a royal blessing. When the royal family is at peace, the kingdom runs smoothly."
"Still, if something were to happen to her…"
"A woman's body is not as fragile as one assumes. Above all, the Queen displayed great dignity even while fleeing the Khitan army. What is there to fear? If the ruler carries too many worries, both the officials and the people become anxious."
"…Is that so?"
He was slightly surprised that even those around him were aware of his concern.
"The Queen is strong. She is your wife and the mother of this nation. That she followed you all the way to Gaegyeong demonstrates this clearly."
"Truthfully, it is not only her health that worries me. It's just… an inexplicable unease."
"Your Majesty is indeed full of concern. And here I am, adding heavy matters unnecessarily."
"Why speak so lightly?"
The unease was real, but its source eluded him. Perhaps it was the distraction of the Queen and the child that temporarily clouded his judgment.
Having spent years observing Dae In-seon, his uncle immediately perceived the root of his nephew's anxiety.
'Truly a troublesome prince. Well, someone has to step in.'
Dae Wi-hae smiled wryly, drained his cup, and spoke carefully.
"The greatest current concern is Baekje. With a battle already fought, the frontlines are unstable. Your unease stems from those who might support Baekje."
"Is that so?"
"Which nation could possibly support Baekje? The western territories are shattered, and Silla has long been our protectorate. That leaves only one option: Japan."
As Dae Wi-hae explained patiently, Dae In-seon felt his mind lighten.
He had always considered that Japan might one day act hostilely, but now they could easily become reinforcements for Baekje. Japan had historically sent 27,000 troops to aid Baekje. Although in the 21st century, Korea would later suffer under Japanese occupation, the ties between Baekje and Japan were anything but ordinary.
"…Japan. How did I forget that?"
"Likely because of the Queen. Haha. Soon you shall be a father—prepare accordingly."
In private, Dae Wi-hae affectionately called Dae In-seon his "eccentric nephew." A teasing nickname, yet he had long been a supporter and uncle helping Dae In-seon with reforms. Now, seeing his uncle's deeper wrinkles, Dae In-seon realized the burden of his responsibilities. Sanggyong was largely under the Three Departments, leaving Dae Wi-hae in a difficult position.
"…You did not come this far solely because of the Queen, I presume? Is there a problem in Sanggyong?"
If it were only about the Queen, Dae Wi-hae would not have traveled to Gaegyeong. The sudden movement of a state minister could only be due to serious national matters.
"Have you considered relocating the capital? Geographically, Gaegyeong seems most suitable within our territory."
"…Relocation, you say. Is there a need for it?"
"Look at Sanggyong's position. It is at the very edge of Goryeo's domain. Its location has clear disadvantages."
Dae Wi-hae showed Dae In-seon a map of this era's awkwardly defined Goryeo, marking Sanggyong and Gaegyeong. Sanggyong lay north of Balhae, almost at the extremity.
It was questionable whether a unified Goryeo could extend its influence effectively from Sanggyong to Jeolla Province.
"…True enough."
"Sanggyong is an international city and our sacred place, yet it is vulnerable defensively. Despite ongoing expansions, its flat terrain is a problem. If Buyeo were breached, enemies could reach Sanggyong directly. If foreign forces advanced deliberately…"
'His words are correct. Historically, Yelü Abaoji of the Khitan reached Sanggyong so swiftly because Buyeo was the gateway. The flat terrain allowed rapid advance. If Goryeo's defenses are insufficient, danger remains.'
'Risky, yet there is no immediate urgency. External threats are limited to Baekje and potentially Japan. Once we secure Baekje, relocation can proceed. Gaegyeong will become the capital to stabilize the former Baekje territories. Jeolla, as the main granary, must be fully secured.'
"Presumably, Your Majesty initially selected Gaegyeong as the capital for its advantages?"
"Caught me? Indeed, Uncle, Gaegyeong has merits. But Sanggyong also serves as a stronghold for the Jurchens, including the Six Departments, which complicates matters."
The Six Departments were nearby Sanggyong, but far from Gaegyeong. Relocating the capital would leave Dae In-seon's power base at Sanggyong. Though his royal authority was strong, moving the capital while leaving key institutions behind posed a dilemma.
To Dae In-seon, the Jurchen Six Departments were inseparable from his administration.
"Perhaps a full-scale relocation is best?"
"Hmm. Then Gaegyeong must be rebuilt. Temporarily, of course."
"Agreed. Summon the best engineers from Sanggyong."
Gaegyeong had grown into a large city, but population density aside, it had yet to reach Sanggyong's level. As a capital, it still felt slightly insecure.
"What of Wang Ryung?"
"He has secluded himself in Chaeksong."
"That old man… has he lost his mind?"
"He simply refuses to acknowledge reality. Meanwhile, Wang Geon has been actively working under the Jaechun Trading Company, generating substantial profit."
The forcibly incorporated Wang Ryung and Wang Geon were walking different paths. Wang Ryung remained at his Chaeksong residence, while Wang Geon worked as a merchant in Goryeo's top trading company, gaining experience. In the original timeline, he would have founded Goryeo, yet fate had left him a simple trader. Given his alignment with Gungye, Wang Geon's destiny was one of a bandit; Dae In-seon's intervention merely allowed him to survive for future utility in officialdom.
"…Founding a state is no trivial matter."
"Huh?"
"Just musing aloud. I am inclined to approve the relocation. You must rest after your journey to Gaegyeong."
"Hahaha. Cleverly phrased. Then when shall we move to subjugate Baekje?"
During the journey, Dae Wi-hae had heard of the Yesong River victory and the Eight Banner Army's skirmishes along the border.
Despite sufficient military strength, Dae In-seon's delay puzzled him. Considering Dae In-seon's temperament, claiming the Queen's pregnancy prevented him from advancing seemed unlikely.
"…And if Sulryulpyeong's belly shrinks?"
"Her Majesty would be pleased to hear that."
"Still, we cannot personally advance against Baekje with her condition. Rapid conquest could alienate the people. These fertile lands will be the core of our territory; gradually assimilating Baekje is wiser."
Jeolla was historically difficult to subdue, even during the Imjin War. A rapid military campaign would be seen as occupation, risking popular resentment. Wang Ryung's past actions had already caused Baekje to view Dae In-seon as a foreign—Jurchen—king, further complicating matters.
'Truly, Wang Ryung. If only that old man had not existed, we might avoid appearing like the Khitan or Mongols to Baekje.'
Once more, Dae In-seon's frustration with Wang Ryung resurfaced.
Soon, using funds from Silla, Dae In-seon began expanding Gaegyeong, preparing it as a temporary capital.
While in Gaegyeong, he stationed new troops at Yesong River and reinforced Gaegyeong's defenses, leaving 20,000 soldiers permanently. Including local garrisons, the total defense force reached 30,000, deterring Later Baekje from advancing north.
Yet Baekje's silence resembled the calm before a storm. While Dae In-seon reinforced defenses, Baekje quietly mobilized behind the scenes.
At the Gaegyeong Songak District, preparations were busy ahead of Queen Sulryulpyeong's childbirth.
Dae In-seon wanted to remain by her side until delivery, but the world would not bend to his will.