Chapter 133 — The Jin State Was Founded by the Jurchens, Yet Around It Lingered the Shadow of Goryeo
Yeongu had spoken of founding a state, yet knowing he had no skill for it, he stepped back.
Among those who had come with him was a man named Kim Yun-gyeong.
Later, he learned that he was a nephew of Kim Busik.
He was skilled in writing and well-versed in the sequence of politics.
He understood astronomy and had deep knowledge of organization and systems.
Though a man of study, he seemed to have also studied Qimen Dunjia.
This was clearly a move by Kim Busik, carefully intended to aid the Jurchens.
He handed Yeongu a single sheet of paper.
Gathering of tribes – 2. Elevation (推戴) – 3. Declaration of state name – 4. Proclamation to Heaven and Earth (ritual) – 5. Military declaration – 6. Internal reorganization
Looking at it, it was the process of founding a state.
What mattered was not the content, but the intent of the man presenting it.
"Why show this to me?"
"My name is Kim Yun-gyeong."
Yeongu replied casually.
He had seen all those who volunteered to go north, yet he did not remember him.
Many had been recommended, had demonstrated their abilities, had asked to be regarded well, yet he did not remember.
That did not mean they were inferior.
He simply appeared to be someone without the influence of powerful backers, someone unremarkable.
"I see. I am Lee Yeongu."
"Haha, always so brisk."
"You hand me a paper like this without warning. I need to know why."
"It is an honor to be introduced. Though I may look like this, I am thirty—at the age of establishment (而立)."
Yeongu tilted his head.
He did not look thirty at all.
There were those who, even at forty, kept the face of twenty.
This one looked as though growth itself had stopped.
Unless, like himself, he had undergone a transformation of flesh and bone.
"You look older."
"Everyone says that. I mentioned my age first so my words would not be dismissed as immature. I am married, with two children."
"Good for you."
Even at Yeongu's sarcasm, his expression did not change.
People knew Yeongu's rough speech.
No one took offense.
Yeongu provoked him deliberately, hoping to draw out what lay beneath.
"I am Kim Busik's nephew."
"Oh, Kim Busik… If I think about it, I might remember. But who was he again?"
He spoke as though he did not know, though he did.
Kim Yun-gyeong did not react.
"I believed I could be of help in founding the state, so I stepped forward."
"With just this sheet of paper?"
"I will explain it in words as well."
Kim Busik had given him instructions, though Yeongu could not recall them clearly.
If he had remembered, he would not be standing here with a sword.
"So what do you want from me?"
"Make it happen as written. It would be best to found the state within this year."
"This year?"
"One more victory is needed. Previously, you spoke of Buyeo-bu."
"That place is our people's… no, perhaps a vague memory."
"Yes. It is one of the origins of our people, the central region of Buyeo-bu. It holds symbolic meaning, and it matters to Liao as well. Though there are Shangjing and Zhongjing, none surpass Buyeo-bu. Victory there is necessary."
"You have a plan."
"Yes."
"And after that?"
"The fall of Liao."
"Of course."
"And then the fall of Song."
"What kind of world is this?"
"If not all the way to Jiangnan, then at least the Central Plains must be taken."
"By force?"
"Yes."
"And then Goryeo?"
"The question of uniting with Goryeo must be considered carefully."
"Unite?"
Yeongu was startled.
"Why so surprised? Once, we were people of the same state."
"In sentiment, perhaps. But in reality, unity would be difficult. Conflict arises not from blood, but from culture. It is no simple matter."
"That is why I studied the records of the past. We were the people of Balhae. You know well that Balhae was not different from us. Before that, Goguryeo—and if we go further back, Buyeo."
Yeongu held his head in both hands.
Kim Busik—behind that composed face, he had arranged everything.
He had seemed passive, yet had placed such a man here.
"I don't know. What am I supposed to do? Answer properly. If you don't, I'll send you back home."
"That was my greatest concern. There was someone before who was sent back for speaking only slogans. His argument was not excessive…"
Yeongu recalled it.
There had been a strategist who, welcomed warmly, believed himself exceptional and interfered everywhere.
His advice had been sound, yet Yeongu had sent him away.
Advice given unasked becomes nothing but noise.
And it had stirred conflict.
He had a tendency to inflame ambition.
"I remember. It was a time when unity mattered more. His argument was not wrong."
"That is why I held my tongue."
Yeongu studied him closely.
There seemed no hidden intent.
A broad, bright forehead, gentle eyes, a clear gaze.
Though he knew nothing of physiognomy, the impression was good.
Only one flaw—he looked too young.
Even that gave him an air of refinement.
After a moment, Yeongu spoke.
"You should grow a beard."
Kim Yun-gyeong brightened.
"Would that be better?"
"Try it."
"My face looks like a child's, but my beard grows like a bandit's."
"That works too."
"I will do so."
Yeongu asked,
"Why now?"
"You speak of founding a state, yet do not know how. I intend to go with you today and explain the process."
"There is such a method."
"A state and its king are granted by Heaven."
Yeongu let out a quiet laugh.
"Ha."
As far as he knew, such a being did not intervene in human affairs.
"What is it?"
"That busy thing would not come here to meddle in such matters."
Yeongu exhaled.
"I have seen too much misery. I do not believe in Heaven or Maitreya."
"I understand."
"So you will explain this now?"
"If I speak alone, nothing will come of it. You must bring me before them, give me the chance to speak, and lend weight to my words."
"I judge by action, not words. I do not employ men for speaking well. I am not good with words myself."
"I know. I have heard you value substance. Would the recommendation of Kim Busik not suffice?"
Yeongu thought of Kim Busik.
He had later learned that he was distantly related to Aguda.
His influence had played a major role in Goryeo aiding the Jurchens.
"No."
"Time is important. The moment has ripened."
Yeongu tilted his head.
Everyone spoke of timing.
His master had said there were those who could read the workings of Heaven.
"You read such things too?"
"Yes."
"And such a person is here?"
"I came to aid in a struggle that determines the fate of our people."
"And not to help Goryeo?"
"I was not given that chance."
"One who knows timing fails to find his own?"
"Most do. They know, yet pass it by."
"So you came here?"
"I will build an empire."
"Here?"
"Now is that time."
"I am poor at judging men. Still, you are not it. You look too young. I would believe you were nineteen."
The conversation stretched on.
A man who claimed to read the workings of Heaven could not even persuade a single general.