Ch.250Pacification (5)

I arrived at the capital of Goryeo, Gaegyeong.

As we arrived, the people cheered and welcomed us.

“Long live Great Goryeo! Long live Great Mongolia!”

“Long live Gurkhan! Long live General Irin!”

The reason all the people of Gaegyeong gathered to welcome us was because we had returned victorious alongside the Goryeo army led by Irin.

“To receive such a welcome—it’s all thanks to Gurkhan.”

I shook my head at Irin’s words.

“It was because you defeated the Japanese navy that we achieved such a great victory. I believe Tsushima Island, which Goryeo requested, is appropriate compensation for that achievement.”

“You flatter me, Khagan.”

In truth, there was no need to mention the cession of Tsushima Island.

But I deliberately brought it up to subtly indicate that Goryeo should not demand anything beyond Tsushima.

From Goryeo’s perspective, having achieved victory as an ally, they might have wanted more territory.

I had no intention of yielding on this point, so I was implying they should be satisfied with just Tsushima.

Fortunately, befitting the brother of Yi Uibang, he seemed to understand my meaning and nodded immediately.

“Goryeo is more than satisfied with just Tsushima Island, Your Majesty.”

“That’s good to hear.”

I said this while looking at him.

Irin bowed respectfully in response.

Anyway, after the victory parade, we arrived at the Goryeo palace.

The Emperor of Goryeo and his civil and military officials came out personally to welcome us.

Judging by the scale and degree of courtesy, this was essentially the behavior of a tributary state toward its suzerain.

The reason for such behavior was obvious—the hegemony in East Asia was now approaching the Ulus.

Western Liao and Western Xia had been defeated and incorporated into the Ulus, while the Jin Dynasty had suffered a major defeat and was greatly weakened.

With Japan now also incorporated into Ulus territory, only the Song Dynasty remained.

Of course, there were still Dali and Dai Viet under the Song, but it seemed impossible for them to stop the Ulus offensive even if they formed alliances.

For these reasons, the Ulus was essentially the sole hegemonic power in East Asia, with only the Song Dynasty standing in its way.

From Goryeo’s perspective, though they didn’t share a border with us, there was no reason to antagonize the Ulus, which was poised to exert great influence in the future.

Rather, it was better for them to adopt a humble posture and gain benefits as an ally.

Additionally, there were political reasons for this conciliatory attitude.

Yi Uibang, a key figure in the coalition government, was essentially pro-Mongol.

This was inevitable since his son-in-law was my son Belgutei.

Furthermore, Jeong Jung-bu and Yi Go, key figures in the coup, were also pro-Mongol, so they were showing friendliness toward Mongolia.

“Thank you for visiting Goryeo, Gurkhan.”

“Thank you for such a warm welcome, Emperor of Goryeo.”

I dismounted and faced the Emperor of Goryeo.

We exchanged Mongolian-style embraces, demonstrating the friendship between our two nations to everyone.

At this, the civil and military officials, including Irin, began to cheer.

“Long live the Emperor of Goryeo!”

“Long live the Ulus Khagan!”

Since both countries were imperial nations, it was natural to cheer this way.

After receiving everyone’s welcome, I was guided by the Emperor of Goryeo to the banquet hall.

Originally, the Emperor of Goryeo’s banquet hall was Bohyeonwon, located near Gaegyeong.

However, since this was where the coup had taken place and was a favorite spot of the deposed emperor, the coalition government apparently couldn’t tolerate it and had it demolished.

With Bohyeonwon gone, the Goryeo imperial family had nowhere to hold banquets.

As a result, they seemed to have converted an unused building within the palace into a banquet hall.

Of course, this was just my speculation.

Anyway, I sat in the seat of honor and watched the dancers perform.

Soon, court ladies came out to pour drinks for the Emperor of Goryeo, myself, and everyone else present.

As the cups filled, the Emperor of Goryeo, as the host of the banquet, raised his cup and recited a toast.

“Today, the key figures of the eastern expedition are gathered here. Through this expedition, we were able to eliminate the vicious Japanese. As a result, peace has been restored to all people, and everyone can sleep soundly. This is a meaningful result achieved through the combined efforts of the legendary Gurkhan, the outstanding Mongol warriors, General Irin of Goryeo, and the fearless Goryeo navy. Behind this great victory are the civil officials who supported the Mongol officials and Goryeo military officials day and night. As the Emperor of Goryeo, I once again thank the generals who brought us victory, and I sincerely thank Gurkhan for joining us and honoring this occasion!”

He then raised his cup high.

Many others followed suit, raising their cups as well.

“To the victory of the eastern expedition!”

“Cheers!”

“Cheers!”

As the Goryeo officials shouted, Mongol officials like Munglig and Elunka responded in kind.

“Drink up!”

“Let’s taste what Goryeo rice wine is like!”

As the alcohol flowed, dancing broke out here and there.

When a Goryeo civil official danced comically, the Ulus generals roared with laughter.

“Hahaha!”

“These Goryeo officials know how to have fun!”

“We should join in too!”

One of the adjutants stepped forward and performed an equally playful dance.

This time, the Goryeo side laughed and applauded.

“They party just like us!”

“Indeed, allies understand each other well!”

It was hard to believe these were the same Goryeo people who had looked down on the Mongols before forming an alliance.

Of course, the civil officials who had acted so arrogantly back then had all been beheaded, so this behavior was to be expected.

As the atmosphere heightened, the Emperor of Goryeo naturally took his leave.

Then someone approached my side.

“Please accept my drink.”

“Ah, my in-law! Of course I must accept. Yes.”

The person who approached me was none other than Yi Uibang, one of the core power holders in the coalition government.

When such a person approached and offered me a drink, it was proper to observe the etiquette of our in-law relationship, regardless of our hierarchical positions.

When I spoke so courteously, Yi Uibang was greatly surprised.

“You can speak the Goryeo language?”

Yi Uibang couldn’t help but be surprised because I had understood his Goryeo language and responded in kind.

To be precise, it was more modern Korean than Goryeo language, but still.

It seemed that Yi Uibang understood my words, suggesting that modern Korean wasn’t completely incomprehensible.

“Yes.”

Normally, I would have explained something about divine blessing, but being in front of my in-law, I answered briefly without adding unnecessary details.

“That’s truly remarkable.”

“Not at all. Haha. But since I’ve accepted a drink from my in-law, I’d like to offer one in return. How about it?”

“It would be an honor.”

So Yi Uibang accepted my drink.

As drinks were exchanged and a slight intoxication set in, a conversation between parents began.

“How much your son-in-law cherishes my daughter… You must be proud to have such an excellent son.”

“My son praises his wife endlessly. Haha. Thank you for entrusting your precious daughter to my son.”

As we exchanged stories about our children, a certain intimacy formed.

With this intimacy established, Yi Uibang carefully addressed me.

“If it wouldn’t trouble Gurkhan, may I call someone over?”

“I don’t mind at all. A friend of my in-law must be a good person, right?”

“Thank you for saying so. Then…”

He gave a signal, and as if on cue, a civil official approached.

Judging by his age and attire, this person appeared to be Kim Bo-dang, one of the core power holders in the coalition government.

“I am Kim Bo-dang. It’s an honor to meet the renowned Gurkhan.”

“To meet none other than the leader of Goryeo’s civil officials—I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“I’m grateful that you recognize me. May I humbly offer you a drink?”

“Why not! Haha! I’ll offer one to you as well.”

As drinks were exchanged again, our group naturally came to consist of myself, Kim Bo-dang, and Yi Uibang.

It was immediately clear that this was not just a place to discuss friendship between our countries but also a place for diplomacy.

It seemed that Yi Uibang and Kim Bo-dang felt the same way, as they gave a signal.

The dancers who received the signal approached the officials, naturally diverting attention away from us.

Additionally, they showed the thoughtfulness of placing people around us to prevent our conversation from leaking out.

Once the banquet and our area were completely isolated, Kim Bo-dang and Yi Uibang adopted serious expressions as if nothing had happened.

“We apologize for interrupting while you’re enjoying the banquet, Gurkhan.”

“Not at all. Let’s get straight to the point.”

“By ‘the point,’ you mean…”

“Aren’t we here to exchange views on the Song Dynasty?”

At my direct question, Yi Uibang and Kim Bo-dang nodded.

“As expected of Gurkhan.”

“As you said, we wish to discuss the Song Dynasty.”

“Good. But before that, there’s something I need to confirm.”

I said this while leaning back.

Although Goryeo was an ally, it didn’t mean they would actively participate in a war against the Song Dynasty.

Therefore, I intended to tell them to clearly decide whose side they were on.

“Is Goryeo on the side of the Ulus, or on the side of the Song Dynasty?”

“We are on the side of the Ulus.”

“As allies of Mongolia, we will not hesitate to overthrow the Song Dynasty.”

They answered without hesitation.

And even though I hadn’t asked, they immediately continued.

“Accordingly, we wish to pursue a marriage alliance between the Mongol imperial family and the Goryeo imperial family, and we ask for your acceptance.”

At Kim Bo-dang’s words, I couldn’t help but fall into thought.

In the past, Belgutei had come to Goryeo to marry into the Goryeo imperial family.

But they had deceived him, marrying him not to the daughter of King Uijong of Goryeo, but to Yi Uibang’s daughter.

Of course, it was true that the daughter had become Uijong’s adopted daughter, making Belgutei the emperor’s son-in-law.

But in reality, he had married Yi Uibang’s daughter, so the Goryeo imperial family had a history of deceiving Mongolia.

Noticing my concern, Yi Uibang immediately added:

“I understand your concerns, Gurkhan. This time, you need not worry about that.”

“How can I not worry when we’ve already been deceived once? My in-law?”

“That’s why we intend to send Princess Unhyang, the daughter of His Majesty the Emperor of Goryeo, with you on your return journey.”