The Ming Dynasty began from Sarhu

Chapter 159 White-Eyed Wolf

On the third day of the third month, Ping Liaohou led the Kaiyuan troops to Xuanchuan. The Xuanchuan garrison commander had been beheaded by Burhanggu, his head hung high above the west gate.

"Who allowed him to attack the city without my order?"

Ping Liaohou looked at the head fluttering in the wind and felt angry.

He had originally hoped to march into Seoul without bloodshed, but now it seemed impossible. However, since things had come to this, he could not say much.

The battlefield situation is ever-changing and opportunities are fleeting. In certain circumstances, front-line generals can act according to their convenience.

In Kaiyuan, this kind of behavior of ignoring orders from superiors and attacking without authorization must not be encouraged.

In the bloody battle at Hunhe, the soldiers charged the two yellow flag formations. At the last moment, the military judges also rushed forward. The three hundred pacification soldiers were killed or wounded, and the dozen or so survivors were assigned to the combat battalion as captains.

The pacification troops had not been replenished since the war. Kaiyuan's operations had grown, its personnel increased, and the quality of its officers varied. Maintaining good military discipline required institutional constraints. Upon his return to Kaiyuan, he planned to strengthen the pacification troops and enhance the constraints and oversight of its officers.

Fortunately, Burhanggu did not indiscriminately kill Korean civilians after entering the city. Ping Liaohou decided to give him a chance and only gave him a stern warning without taking any further punishment.

All the Xuanchuan defenders who participated in the resistance were beheaded on the charge of colluding with the Jiannu.

The soldiers opened the Xuanchuan treasury, took away some of the food and grass, and distributed the remaining food to the people in the city. Like the Ming Dynasty, these Korean people regarded their own government as enemies, and civil unrest could occur at any time.

After this operation, Ping Liaohou's prestige in Korea increased.

The Kaiwon army continued its southward advance. With the lesson learned from Xuanchuan, cities along the way surrendered one after another, leaving the road to Pyongyang unimpeded. With no intelligence arriving from Hanyang (Seoul), the Marquis of Pingliao felt uneasy. If the coup by Yangyang Jun failed, the Kaiwon army would be forced to fight to the death at the gates of Pyongyang. As the largest city in Joseon, Pyongyang boasted high walls, deep moats, numerous turrets, and fortifications that were far superior to Xuanchuan.

During the Wanli Korean War, the Japanese pirates defended Pyongyang to the death, and the Ming army paid a heavy price to capture the city.

Pingliaohou estimated that if Gwanghaegun refused to retreat and wanted to capture Pyongyang, at least two to three thousand Kaewon soldiers would die.

That is of course impossible.

The trip to Korea was originally for Jin Yuji's return home. Even if there was a war with Korean soldiers, it would be a small fight and it would be impossible to fight to the death here.

Liu Zhaosun would not let his soldiers lose their lives in vain in Korea. On the day they arrived in Pyongyang, Zhang Dong returned to report that they had met an envoy from Lord Lingyang on the way. The envoy had followed Ye Bu Shou back and, after meeting the Marquis of Ping Liao, had reported to Liu Zhaosun a brief account of what had happened in Hanyang.

Ayano-kun's coup went very smoothly.

Upon learning that the Gaewon army had crossed the river and headed south, Gwanghaegun prepared to lead the army himself. However, before he could gather his troops, Yangyanggun took the lead and launched a coup.

Prince Yangyang Li Zong publicly denounced the King of Korea for his treachery, betrayal of the Ming Dynasty and collusion with the Qing Dynasty.

The garrison in Hanyang had been controlled by Prince Yeongyang. After killing several of Prince Gwanghae's confidants, no one stood up to support the fallen King of Joseon.

"Gwanghaegun was exiled to Ganghwa Island, and Yi Jong became the new king."

After listening to Zhang Dong's report, Ping Liaohou was silent for a long time, and finally said:

"I would like to meet this Gwanghaegun."

As in history, Gwanghaegun was deposed naturally with almost no resistance.

Of course, this was all the result of the Kaiyuan Army crossing the Yalu River and carrying out containment.

When the accompanying Korean envoy heard that they were going to see Gwanghaegun, they hurriedly stopped him:

"Marquis Pingliao, this is inappropriate. Lord Yangyang has imprisoned Lord Gwanghae."

"I have a grudge against this person and must put an end to it!"

The messenger insisted:

"Please also ask Marquis Ping Liao to come to Hanyang as soon as possible to implement the previously agreed terms with our king."

There was nothing much to discuss between Ping Liao Hou and Ling Yang Jun. It was just a trade between tigers, leopards and jackals.

"Okay, let's talk to Li Jong face to face and make things clear."

Before Ping Liaohou could finish, the Korean envoy interrupted:
"Marquis Ping Liao, please do not address the king by his name anymore. You can address him as the Great King."

Ping Liaohou had a grim look on his face, Lin Yu and Pei Dahu pressed their scabbards, and the atmosphere suddenly became tense.

Liu Zhaosun waved away his men and suppressed his anger.

"Well, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. I'll listen to Lord Ling."

From then on, a rift arose between Ping Liaohou and the new king of Korea.

There are no eternal friends, only eternal enemies. After spending such a huge price, we still cultivate an ungrateful person in the end.

North Korea is known as the country of gentlemen, but many times, they have nothing to do with gentlemen.

~~~~
The Kaiyuan army accelerated its march and arrived in Pyongyang on the sixth day of March. The city was in chaos, the gates were blocked by fleeing people, and the defenders had already fled.

Pyongyang is the largest city in North Korea, with high walls and deep moats. Unexpectedly, the defenders surrendered before the attack was launched.

The remaining Korean soldiers in the city were weak and thin as sticks, and could be blown down by a gust of wind. They were dressed in tattered clothes and looked no different from beggars.

The Marquis of Ping Liao rested briefly in Pyongyang before continuing his advance southwards. On the tenth day of March, the army finally reached the Han River Plain.

Reining the horse and looking around, the fields were full of busy Korean farmers, and women were walking between the ridges with pottery jars on their heads.

The people before him were all ragged and thin, their faces the same as the dirt beneath their feet. They looked even more miserable than the Liao people.

Seeing the Kaiyuan army coming with flags and bright armor, the Koreans knelt in the mud, not daring to flee or look up.

“It’s really a poor place.”

Marquis Ping Liao shook his head and sighed.

Jin Dajiu whispered, "Most of our people grow dry rice, which only harvests once a year, barely enough to make ends meet. After Gwanghaegun ascended the throne, he raised the land tax from 50% to 60%. Last year, we suffered a disastrous defeat at Sarhu, resulting in over 5,000 casualties among the Joseon soldiers, who were also farmers. With their deaths, vast tracts of land were left barren, and this year is another year of devastation."

Ping Liaohou was speechless for a long time. The imagined pastoral idyll did not exist. Europeans called Korea a "hermit country", but the common people at the bottom had a hard time making a living.

The vast expanse of barren land and the farmers who work hard on the land have become one with the land.

He gave up the idea of annexing North Korea.

"A land of deep suffering, and a people who work hard." Looking back at Jin Yuji who was riding on the horse with a solemn expression, he suddenly understood where the perseverance and courage of this Korean girl came from.

~~~~
On March 11, after half a month of arduous journey, the Kaiyuan army finally arrived in Hanyang.

Three thousand soldiers, escorted by cavalry, lined up on the north bank of the Han River, and the 17-foot-long banner of the Marquis of Ping Liao fluttered vigorously in the wind.

Lord Lingyang received the news early and led the civil and military officials of Korea out of the city for ten miles to welcome Marquis Pingliao.

"Marquis Ping Liao raised an army to aid Korea and saved the people from disaster. His contributions are no less than those of Emperor Shenzong!"

The thin Li Zong stepped forward and grabbed Ping Liaohou's arm, shaking it back and forth excitedly, as if he had met his long-lost brother.

He had just expelled Gwanghaegun and became the King of Joseon, and was full of energy and vigor.

Liu Zhaosun stepped forward and took a look at Li Jong. The new Korean king was short in stature, with a dark face, particularly large ears, and drooping eyelids as if he was dozing off. Ping Liaohou chuckled. After these few days, he no longer had any expectations about the appearance of most Korean men.

The two exchanged a few pleasantries, and General Liu introduced General Anyuan Jin Yuji to the King of Korea.

Li Zong knew Jin Yuji's background and hurried forward to ask about her well-being.

"It's a shame that your father died so young for his country, otherwise he would have been highly valued by the country."

Liu Zhaosun smiled and looked at Jin Dajiu next to him. His meaning was very clear: his father was dead, but his brother was still alive and could be reused.

Li Jong turned his head away as if he didn't see it.

Under the explicit and implicit suggestions of Ping Liaohou, the Koreans finally sent half a box of jewelry and half a piece of silk, saying that it was a reward for Jin Yuji and regarded as a dowry for Jin.

"It will take some time to redress the injustice done to Jin Canpan (Jin Yuji's father's official position, a second-rank official). But don't worry, Ping Liaohou. I will urge the Sixianfu (the Korean supervisory agency, equivalent to the Ming Dynasty's Censorate) to investigate as soon as possible..."

Liu Zhaosun had a smile on his face, but occasionally he looked up at Li Zong, with murderous intent in his eyes.

Jin Yuji changed into a white Korean skirt. She had a tall and straight figure, and this made her look even more dashing and graceful. She bowed and saluted Lord Lingyang.

After bidding farewell to the King of Joseon and leaving the Hanyang Palace, Ping Liaohou and Jin Yuji rode into the streets of Seoul under the close protection of Lin Yuzhang, Dong Wuxiao and others.

Hanyang City Wall was built in the early years of the Hongwu period. The total length of the city wall is 36 li. The most famous are the East Gate "Heunginjimun" and the South Gate "Sungnyemun". The commercial area is near Sungnyemun.

The two men rode tall horses through the bustling Chongli Gate. Jin Yuji pointed out the street scenes along the way to Ping Liaohou, and whispered about the various experiences she and her brother had here when they were young. Liu Zhaosun was very sad after listening to it.

Ping Liaohou and his entourage attracted the attention of Hanyang scholars. A woman riding a horse and parading through the streets was unimaginable in the strict hierarchy of Joseon. Some people who knew the Jin brothers and sisters avoided them, fearing that they would be seen by the majestic Jin Yuji...
After touring Hanyang City, Jin Yuji's obsession that had been pent up for many years completely dissipated.

That night, he returned to the guildhall with Jin Yuji. As they looked at the beauty under the moon, their friendship grew stronger day by day. It was another passionate time, which needs no elaboration.

~~~~~
Hanyang Palace.

The Marquis of Pingliao sat opposite the King of Joseon, and two court angels, Kim Dae-gu and Lee Ti-ryeon, acted as interpreters.

After a round of greetings, both sides got down to business.

Li Jong said with a firm expression, "Marquis Ping Liao, trade and mining are both possible, but I'm afraid I cannot agree to rent the islands. This has never been done before in Korea, so I cannot comply."

Qiao Yiqi, who was accompanying the negotiations, listened to Jin Dajiu's translation and angrily said, "Back in Kaiyuan, both sides had already agreed to trade, mining, and island leasing. Your Majesty, do you think you're going to break your promise?"

Yuan Chonghuan slammed the table and stood up. "We rushed here from Liaodong to help His Majesty wipe out Gwanghaegun's forces. We defeated Gwanghaegun's closest confidants in Xuanchuan. That's why you staged a coup in Hanyang. Is Your Majesty unaware of this?"

Li Zong's gaze passed over Qiao Yiqi and Yuan Chonghuan and fell on General Liu.

"Marquis Ping Liao, you and Jin have made it with great difficulty to Korea. I shall do my best to entertain you two. Kaiyuan is a thousand miles away from our coast. This island is useless. I would rather allocate a piece of land for you in Yizhou..."

Liu Zhaosun looked at Li Jong with interest. The King of Korea was too hasty to abandon the alliance and go back on his word now.

"I don't want Yizhou. I'm already married to Jin Yuji. Kaiyuan and Joseon are related by marriage. I won't bully you."

"I heard that when Gwanghaegun was on the throne, he often bullied the king. Where is he now? Is he dead or alive?"

Li Zong replied coldly, "This tyrant almost killed me. I have a sworn feud with Li Hui (Gwanghaegun). How to deal with him is not for the Pyeongliao Marquis to worry about."

Liu Zhaosun sneered.

Originally, Lee Jong in history, the King of Joseon known as Injong, had a miserable life and lived a very frustrating life.

When he launched a coup to depose Gwanghaegun and succeed to the throne, the Later Jin Dynasty was growing stronger. As a result, Korea was plagued by internal and external troubles, and experienced the two major ravages of the Dingmao Rebellion and the Bingzi Rebellion.

In the tenth year of Chongzhen, Hanyang was captured by the Qing army again, and Li Jong was forced to perform the ceremony of three kneelings and nine kowtows to the Qing Emperor Huang Taiji. From then on, the suzerain state of Korea changed from the Ming Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty.

Of course, Liu Zhaosun would not let this ungrateful person go just because of Li Zong's tragic fate.

"I remember you promised me three months ago. I led my troops here to assist you in ascending the throne. This time, during our invasion of Korea, the Kaiyuan Army suffered heavy casualties. As compensation, I must seize those islands."

Li Zong retorted, "Except for the island, everything else is irrelevant. Commander Liu, please do as you please."

For a moment, the two sides were in a stalemate.

At this time, a Korean guard came to the king and whispered a few words.

Li Zong's face changed drastically, and he trembled as he said, "Marquis Ping Liao is still marching towards Pyongyang? In our last alliance, you promised not to occupy a single inch of Korean land!"

"The king also said that after the mission is accomplished, Pi Island will be ceded to Kaiyuan!" Liu Zhaosun looked up at Li Jong with a calm expression. "Joseon has been submissive for generations. My first wife is Korean, and Kaiyuan is unwilling to embarrass you. The troops sent by Suncheon and Pyongyang are merely to maintain local order. Your Majesty, there is no need to panic. Now that Gwanghaegun has abdicated, please honor the alliance."

Li Zong clenched his fists, his facial muscles twitched, his face showed a fierce look, and he suddenly threw the wine glass in his hand to the ground.

With a loud bang, the Korean soldiers who were ambushing around rushed in like a tide, holding sharp blades in their hands, and surrounded Liu Zhaosun and others.

Ping Liaohou secretly laughed inwardly. This Li Zong was indeed a fool. He had just become king and was already getting cocky. He even wanted to do something bad to him.

Jin Yuji, Pei Dahu, Lin Yu and others simultaneously drew their goose-feather swords and used their bodies to protect General Liu. The two sides were on the verge of a fight.

Ping Liaohou turned and looked at Li Zong.

"If anything were to happen to me in Korea, these arrogant and fierce generals under my command would massacre the entire city. Sunchon would be the first, followed by Pyongyang, and Seoul would not be spared either. Please think twice."

After saying that, he slowly drew out his Miao Dao.

(End of this chapter)