Chapter 95 – Wanyan Zonghan
Zonghan bowed once more.
"I am Wanyan Zonghan, grandson of Wanyan Ogo-nai, and nephew to Wanyan Aguda."
Kim Busik spoke as if introducing him.
"There are others with him as well. Zonghan is a man suited to executing overall strategy."
Zonghan briefly introduced the Wanyan kinsmen who had accompanied him.
Only then did Kim Busik ask the reason for the visit.
"You have come regarding the Liao envoy."
It struck the point directly.
Zonghan answered without hesitation.
"That is correct. We have heard that Liao has requested military support from Goryeo—ten thousand cavalry to strike our rear."
Kim Busik smiled broadly.
"There is no need for concern. Goryeo will not dispatch troops to attack the Jurchens from behind. It has not been long since the withdrawal from the Nine Fortresses."
"Are you certain?"
"You may rest assured. The envoy did arrive, but he will return without result. Opinion at court has already settled, and His Majesty has decided accordingly. Goryeo will take no action."
Zonghan let out a long breath.
Kim Buil asked,
"We hear there has been fighting with Liao forces."
"We attacked Chuhedian."
"And achieved a decisive victory?"
"The enemy was large—over ten thousand cavalry. They were completely routed."
"Such forces were present?"
"They were numerous, but we seized the advantage."
Kim Bui asked,
"So a smaller force overcame a larger one."
"We saw them breaking the ice to cross the river and recognized the moment. We pressed forward with cavalry."
Kim Bui nodded.
"There are rumors of tens of thousands."
"The numbers have been exaggerated. Our assessment is seven thousand, at most ten."
Kim Busik said,
"Impressive, regardless."
Zonghan bowed again.
"Thank you for your concern and your praise."
Kim Bupil spoke cautiously.
"Goryeo's inaction does not mean support for the Jurchens. It means we will remain a third party and refrain from intervention."
Zonghan replied,
"That is more than enough. We are already deeply grateful for what has been done."
Kim Bui asked,
"You refer to the return of the Nine Fortresses."
"Indeed. It allowed us to rebuild the foundations of our livelihood."
Kim Bui added,
"Is this not too hasty?"
"We have a secure position. There is no cause for fear. We intend to free ourselves from Liao's domination. After this battle, many tribes have submitted. Our numbers now exceed ten thousand."
Kim Busik expressed admiration.
"With ten thousand Jurchen cavalry, the balance of the world shifts."
Zonghan smiled modestly.
"Not yet. Our heavy cavalry numbers only twelve hundred."
Tea was brought in.
Attendants set the cups before them.
Kim Busik distributed them and continued.
"So Goryeo's inaction itself is the assistance you seek."
"There is one more request."
"Please speak."
"The military advisers currently attached to our forces—please allow them to remain."
Kim Busik paused.
"They are few in number. Are they of such importance?"
Even he had not fully understood the purpose of that earlier request.
Zonghan said,
"This victory was made possible through their guidance."
"You mean Goryeo soldiers."
"They showed us the direction of battle. They saw what we could not."
"I see."
"They led from the front. They fought at the vanguard."
Kim Busik nodded.
"They were men stationed at Seonchun Ridge. Few in number, but it is good to hear they were of use."
Zonghan continued,
"They may not be of great importance to Goryeo, but to us they are indispensable. I ask that they remain."
Kim Busik was a man at the center of politics.
Listening to Zonghan, he sensed a significant shift.
"There has been a change in their role."
Zonghan chose not to elaborate.
"It is not yet time to speak in detail. But we have gained something of great value."
Kim Busik nodded.
The meaning was clear—this required further inquiry.
"We are grateful for your recognition."
Kim Busik asked,
"What are your plans moving forward? Liao will not remain idle."
Zonghan answered,
"We are preparing to establish a state."
"A state."
The Kim brothers rose from their seats.
"The name will be Jin. Before this winter passes, we will found the Jin state."
Kim Busik steadied himself.
The words struck deeply.
The name "Jin" carried the memory of the Kim lineage of Silla.
They had remained as a family name—these men would raise it as a state.
"Jin."
"It is the Khan's will. It signifies strength that does not change, like metal. It also reflects the desire to shine like gold. It is tied to the understanding that the Wanyan line traces its origin to Silla."
The Kim brothers fell silent.
What they had lost, these others had not forgotten.
Emotion rose within them.
Kim Bui spoke.
"Will Liao accept this."
"They have lost their momentum. Collapse is inevitable."
"And after the founding."
"Our first objective is Huanglong Prefecture—the former land of Buyeo."
They would reclaim the old lands of Buyeo.
The weight of it spread through the room.
The Kim brothers stood.
Kim Bupil stepped forward and grasped Zonghan's hand.
"After a thousand-year kingdom fell, we continued as Goryeo. You now build a state anew."
Zonghan bowed deeply.
Though far apart, they shared the same current.
Kim Bui said,
"You need not concern yourself with the Seogyeong faction. They do not see the situation clearly."
Kim Busik asked,
"If there is anything we can do."
"For now, prevent any alliance with Liao."
"That will be done."
"Thank you."
The tension left Zonghan's body.
The weight he had carried on the way here slowly eased.