I Became a Fallen Noble of Goguryeo

Chapter 25: King Gwanggaeto the Great (2)

“King Gwanggaeto the Great would be crying from heaven if he saw Goryeo today!”

“Please… calm down a bit.”

With that huge body waving around, it looked like everything in our house might get destroyed.

And when trying to calm someone down, bringing up another topic is the best tactic.

“…So Elder, did you turn your back on Wang Godeok?”

“That’s right. When I first joined Wang Godeok’s faction, I was exactly your age. Back then, I believed that the Pyeongyang Fortress faction under Wang Godeok was supporting the King.”

Unlike the arrogant Domestic Fortress faction that flaunted their hereditary allotments down the generations, the Pyeongyang Fortress faction, living on royal allotments granted by the

Grand King, had a more monarchist character.

“But it did not take long before I realized I was wrong. It was the invasion of the Tujue that changed everything.”

That invasion by the Tujue during the reign of King Yangwon.

It was an event that shook Goguryeo’s view of the world and highlighted the weakening order of the northern frontier at a glance.

“At that time, I repelled the Tujue with General Gogul. But during that time, the invading Naje Alliance seized control of the entire Han River. After that, I approached Wang Godeok and argued that for northern stability, we should bring in the Domestic Fortress faction…but I was refused.”

“So that was when you parted ways.”

“Yes. I left on my own. The Grand King shared my view, so it may be called a blessing in disguise.”

Truly an astonishing feat.

It’s an eternal truth that few who distance themselves from power fare well, and that sticking close to power is often the surest path to success.

Yet this man, only because his ideas differed from mine, stepped away from Wang Godeok’s faction at the time of its peak influence and attached himself to the Grand King.

“To me, anyone who seeks to carry on King Gwanggaeto the Great’s world‑view is an ally… whoever threatens that world‑view is, whoever they may be… not me, but an enemy of the Yeon clan.”

From a viewpoint aware of the future, those were intimidating words.

‘So this man’s grandson cut Gu Geonmu—who bowed to the Tang—into pieces? ’

Yeon Jayu, obsessed with King Gwanggaeto’s world‑view, might have educated both his children and grandchildren similarly… Facing Gu Geonmu, who openly suffered humiliation by Tang and harmed Goguryeo’s worldview, it seems plausible he staged a coup.

“So… you mean we should join hands now to restore Goryeo as in Gwanggaeto’s

era—that’s the meaning?”

“Yes. I do not expect you to seize that mountain savage. I only ask that you form a few understanding comrades within the Domestic Fortress faction.”

In other words, he wanted me to establish a faction inside the Domestic Fortress faction that maintained a friendly stance with the Pyeongyang Fortress faction.

“With you as crown‑in‑law, gathering people should be easy.”

“This is similar… to how Da‑in once built a pro‑Domestic Fortress faction inside the Pyeongyang Fortress faction.”

“You and I are not the same.”

Yeon Jayu said.

“I stood alone, but I’ll support you. Of course, now that Domestic Fortress faction and I have parted, I cannot offer overt help.”

In other words, ‘indirect’ help is entirely possible—and the support of someone like Yeon Jayu, even if indirect, would be enormous.

‘And having my own faction within Domestic Fortress faction also means my political standing would rise.’

Even without the future of Goryeo, it’s a decent alliance for advancement. Yeon Jayu said.

“From now on, Grand King mushrooms should find another seller apart from me.”

“Well, I can just sell them myself.”

Even though I am (unofficially) crown‑in‑law, that doesn’t mean anyone can handle it. If people from Gromchon sell mushrooms, nobody could lay a finger on them.

But at this point, I couldn’t help asking.

“But… why trust me and entrust me with this task?”

Yeon Jayu retorted in disbelief.

Who else would he entrust it to? Is there another crown‑in‑law from the Domestic Fortress faction I don’t know about?’

Nothing false in that. With only one option, asking why him seems strange. If I had to compare, it’s like a bone marrow donor for a leukemia patient.

“So, what exactly should I do?”

“Even saying now is pointless. Everything depends on you passing the entrance exam. So you must pass next year’s exam.”

“Next year? I’ve only been learning martial arts for a few days. Would two years be possible?”

“What nonsense?”

Yeon Jayu said sharply.

Starting next year, the Domestic Fortress faction will enter Taehak. That’s happening for the first time in 30 years. Already, the heirs of prominent Domestic Fortress faction families are lining up. Moreover, Crown Prince Godaewon plans to enter Taehak next year, so it would be most strategic for you to enter at the same time to build your base.

So next year is the golden intake for Taehak.

To build connections, it would be best for you to succeed in the upcoming entrance exam.

The time is tight, but I didn’t complain. Yeon Jayu and Goyangseong had given me an excellent warhorse, provided Yeombu as a top instructor, and also given me all the information about next year’s Taehak.

Everything was set; complaining would be like refusing after being served a full spread.

And I guessed this was Yeon Jayu’s test. The author seems to enjoy giving tests.

If I succeed here, my connection with Yeon Jayu will last a long time. If I fail, he will issue the Chukgaek Decree without another word, just like at his house three years ago.

Before leaving, Yeon Jayu gave me a few forms of “indirect help”. That is, he gave weapons.

Yeombu looked at those weapons and sighed.

“These are all from Yeon Ga Ironworks. And all of top quality.”

“Is it okay for the Domestic Fortress faction to use gear from Yeon Ga Ironworks? I hope it doesn’t bring them criticism.”

“What sin is in the gear? Goryeo adopted Dongye’s long spear techniques, and imported Wei and Murong’s tactics after burning Domestic Fortress. Similarly, people in the Domestic Fortress faction like gear from Yeon Ga Ironworks.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. If it’s buying silk from the enemy, maybe the tribute returns as treasure turned into weapons. But buying weapons from the enemy—what would there be to hesitate?”

Nothing false there. In this case, the unusual thing is that Yeon Ga Ironworks sells weapons even to the Domestic Fortress faction.

Yeombu explained each weapon one by one.

“First, this sword is called Maekseom. In the western regions it’s called the Goryeo Yangdaedo. Any Goryeo warrior should know it.”

“Hmm? Isn’t a single‑edged sword called a do, and a double‑edged one a geom?”

Sounds like something from a fantasy novel.

Yeombu tilted his head.

“…uh, I’ve heard that for the first time. There is almost no distinction between do and geom. For example, this weapon here is a Maekdo.”

The sword he pointed at had a long handle. It looked similar to Guan Yu’s Green Dragon Crescent Blade.

The only difference was that the Green Dragon Crescent Blade had a curved shape, whereas the Maekdo was straight.

“Like this, there are cases where long-handled weapons are called ‘do’ and short-handled ones ‘geom’... but it’s not a strict rule. Some long-handled ones are still called ‘geom’, and some short-handled ones are called ‘do’. More than anything, what does the name of a weapon matter? As long as it kills well, that’s all that counts.”

That’s true—whether it’s a compact assault rifle or a carbine, the name doesn’t matter. That’s something only military enthusiasts care about. For a soldier, what matters is killing efficiently.

Yeombu continued inspecting my weapons.

“And this bow is like a Hyanggak Bow… hm? This doesn’t feel like a Hyanggak Bow in weight?”

Yeombu’s expression changed as he looked at the bow. He rubbed the limbs a few times, and the color slightly changed.

“By the heavens, this isn’t a Hyanggak Bow made of cowhorn, but a Heukgak Bow imported from the southern region, made of water buffalo horn! They’ve covered it with clay to disguise it like a Hyanggak Bow!”

“Heukgak Bow? Is that a good thing?”

At my words, Yeombu gave me a look as if to say, ‘Amateurs, seriously.’

“There are many materials used in Maek Bows, but the best is water buffalo horn. It shoots far with minimal effort. Since it must be imported, even the royal court rarely sees such a bow.”

Yeombu, who rarely showed emotion, reacting like that meant it was indeed an extraordinary item.

“But why cover it with clay?”

“Because Heukgak Bows are essentially unobtainable. Not even the renowned bow-makers of Wanggamokbang can manufacture them—only artisans from the Ministry of Materials can. This is likely not a gift from Lord Yeon, but from His Majesty himself.”

Even Goyangseong wanted me to succeed. But since open support would be improper, he disguised a Heukgak Bow with clay to make it look like a Baekgak Bow.

A horse, being a living creature, could be said to be obtained through luck. But a Heukgak Bow, having no legitimate acquisition route, required such deception.

I decided to forgive Yeon Jayu for breaking my floor. It was a gift worth forgetting. Yeombu said,

“Now that you have the finest steed and weaponry, we can intensify your training a bit.”

…What does that have to do with anything?

Once I set the goal of “Complete Conquest of the Entrance Exam in One Year (preferably top rank)”—a slogan straight out of a Gangnam academy—Yeombu’s training difficulty skyrocketed.

“Is that swordplay or are you dancing with a lady? The Maekseom from Yeon Ga Ironworks says that’s no swordsmanship!”

“How many times must I tell you to tighten your thighs? That smart Bucephalus even bowed its head for you, and you still can’t hit it? Can’t you feel how disappointed it looks?”

“How in the world do you miss with a Heukgak Bow? I can hear it lamenting that it met the wrong owner!”

Anyone hearing this would think I was in some fantasy world overflowing with ego items.

‘This is insane.’

Honestly, it was insanely hard. My hands were a wreck from daily archery and sword training, and riding daily meant I started every morning with sore muscles—no need to even mention it.

I also never forgot to take my supplements before and after workouts.

“Lord On Dal, we’re here!”

“You’ve come, my protein!”

When I opened the door, the village children had brought a pile of things—pupae, bugs, you name it.

“Great, go help yourselves to the grain back there.”

“Wow! Thank you!”

I had asked the village kids to bring me any cicadas, silkworms, or pupae they found.

No need to explain—it was for protein supplements. Butterfly pupae, especially, were plump and great.

I heard somewhere that butterflies became a symbol of life because of pupae.

Since pupae were the easiest source of nutrition for those surviving the winter, butterflies naturally came to represent vitality.

Biting them open and squeezing out the contents was savory and nice. A Goguryeo-style tube yogurt. It was only a pity we didn’t have freezers to enjoy them cold.

“After you eat, will you lift those iron weights?”

“Of course.”

Once you eat protein, you have to hit resistance training too.

I had asked Yeon Ga Ironworks to craft things like barbells and kettlebells, which I used for the three main lifts.

I learned this from our village gym trainer, who had been a fitness instructor before returning to farming.

It might be true that big muscles aren’t necessary for workouts—but war is a different matter.

To run in armor, you need a decent level of strength, and a large physique itself becomes intimidating to the enemy.

There’s a reason ancient texts describe enemy generals by their size.

‘And the entrance exam judges appearance too, right?’

I’m not outrageously handsome or anything, but Goguryeo people value physique as much as the face.

I was already over seven feet tall.

If I bulked up with muscle through workouts, that’d definitely be a bonus.

In other words, my current schedule involved both anaerobic and aerobic exercise daily—on par with a professional athlete.

Had I still been in my past life’s body, I would’ve collapsed at least three times by now.

Not because my past life was weak.

Even in my previous life, I had a strong rural body. I was good at soccer and basketball, and in the army I became an elite soldier as soon as I joined.

But even that former body couldn’t compare to On Dal’s current one.

Not just strength, but reflexes, recovery, everything was exceptional.

‘So this is what people mean when they say athleticism is a talent.’

If this were the 21st century, I’d definitely be in the Olympic training center.

Even during my training, I continued dedicating time to farming.

“Today I had the villagers try wood vinegar, and the results were amazing—ticks dropped right off.”

Wood vinegar is created when wood smoke meets air, and in this era, it’s one of the rare natural insecticides available.

Since we had a charcoal kiln in our village, we could easily collect it just by hanging a board over the chimney.

“How did you know such a thing, my husband?”

“Well, seeing how mosquitoes hate smoke, I figured smoke might have certain properties.”

“Indeed, that makes sense! This should be added to the farming manual. Wood vinegar might even be better than fertilizer! Fertilizer is a bit tricky to make, but wood vinegar just requires collecting charcoal smoke.”

That’s true.

Making fertilizer by piling dung, mixing it with hay, and turning it over is tedious and technical—but collecting charcoal smoke? Even a fool could manage that.

Plus, fertilizer, if made poorly or applied recklessly, can ruin crops—but wood vinegar has far fewer side effects. The worst might be harm from ingestion or skin contact?

That might sound like a serious side effect, but even in the 21st century, people keep bleach—far more toxic than wood vinegar—in their homes and use it regularly for cleaning. If modern weaklings can handle that, for people in Goguryeo, wood vinegar is hardly a danger.

And then, that October.

Ginseng harvest season.

“Boknyeo, look at this ginseng. What do you think?”

“It’s big… and beautiful.”

At last, I reaped the reward of six years of effort.

‘Now, what should I do with these? Should I make red ginseng?’

I had a rough idea of how to make red ginseng… but I soon gave up on that thought.

‘Is there really a need to do that?’

The biggest advantage of red ginseng is, after all, its ease of preservation. Its shelf life increases dramatically. That’s why in the 21st century, red ginseng is used even more than white ginseng.

But in this era, people were completely unfamiliar with “red ginseng.”

‘Red ginseng is hard to make, and if it’s mistaken for spoiled ginseng, I’d be in real trouble.’

It was better to leave it as white ginseng.

Anyway, it would soon be winter, so there was no fear of it spoiling, and if I wanted to extend its storage life, I could just turn it into powder.

‘I’ll make red ginseng later, when the opportunity arises.’

I wrapped each harvested ginseng root in hemp cloth and carefully stored them in wooden boxes. These were my Chung Ju-yung and Lee Byung-chul.

Goals must have gravity. The closer the goal approaches, the faster time seems to flow.

Before I knew it, time had passed and it was nearing the end of winter.

“The entrance exam on Samjinnal is just around the corner. I’ve now taught you everything I can.”

Yeombu declared.

“Of course, there are still lacking parts… but these are not things to be taught, but things you must fill in yourself. Now that we’ve come this far, I must say, among all my students so far, you have been the most rewarding to teach, Crown-in-law.”

“Heh, and yet you kept calling me a grub, didn’t you?”

Yeombu scratched his cheek awkwardly.

“Well, that’s how you improve, isn’t it? If I keep praising you, you’d just get worse.”

“But there’s still time left until the exam. Isn’t it too early to finish already?”

“For now, just keep your body from becoming dull and rest. Also, there’s something else for you to learn.”

Yeombu spoke seriously.

“If what I’ve taught you so far was basic martial arts, then what I’ll tell you now is a sort of trick to pass the entrance exam.”

Right, I figured there’d be something like this.

Even college entrance tutors in modern times would, around five days before the exam, teach guessing strategies like, “When there’s a ㄱ, ㄴ, ㄷ option, the answer is usually ㄷ.”

“The reason I’ve waited until now to tell you this is…”

“Because if you told me earlier, I’d rely on it too much?”

At my words, Yeombu smiled slightly.

“You’ve learned well. Correct answer.”

The method of distinguishing swords and sabers by whether they are double- or single-edged is actually recorded in the Muye Dobo Tongji. But as the story implies, it was not strictly followed.

There are surprisingly many such cases in language. For example, the difference between saying “sada” and “nuda” for defecating.

Originally, “nuda” implies voluntary control, while “sada” suggests a lack of control—but most people don’t use them that precisely.

Composite bows were generally made from animal horns or bones, and among them, water buffalo horn—called Heukgak—was considered the best. Deer horn (Nokgak) or bull horn (Hyanggak) were rated lower.

During this period, Goguryeo bows were typically referred to as “Maek Bows”, which differed in form from modern traditional Korean bows—they were shorter and had steeper curves.

In the past, wood vinegar was often advertised as a cure for athlete’s foot or a digestive aid.

However, far more research suggests it is harmful rather than beneficial.

It’s also often confused with lye water made by mixing ash in water—but lye is alkaline while wood vinegar is acidic, making them entirely different substances.

The idea that “when you have ㄱ, ㄴ, ㄷ options, the answer is usually ㄷ” is something I heard in high school. I don’t actually know if it’s true.