Chapter 158


    Around the same time, messengers dispatched from Hanyang hurried to military bases and naval stations located in strategic areas throughout Joseon.


    In Gangjin, Jeodo, at the Jeo Military Base:


    This is an order sent from the Chongcham (Joseon Army Headquarters).


    Let me see it.


    Nam Kang-il, the militarymander overseeing thend forces in Jeodo, received the order with a calm demeanor and broke the seal.


    Thinking it was a routine order, Nam Kang-ils expression gradually grew serious as he read through it.


    Is this true?


    It is considered a fact at the Headquarter.


    Ah


    At the military officers reply, Nam Kang-il sighed deeply.


    After reading the order again, Nam Kang-il asked the messenger.


    So, when is this supposed to happen?


    The Headquarter anticipates it will ur around the Mid-Autumn Festival.


    Hearing this, Nam Kang-il calcted the date. The Mid-Autumn Festival was about ten days away.


    To avoid alerting <i>the snakes lurking in the grass </i>, I should inform only a minimum number of people first.


    As he briefly pondered whom to consult immediately, Nam Kang-il realized the messenger was still waiting.


    Tell the Headquarter that I will stake my life to suppress this.


    As Nam Kang-il responded, the messenger produced another sealed document


    What is this now?


    Its from His Majesty.


    Hearing this, Nam Kang-il quickly stood up, adjusted his official robe, knelt down, and respectfully received the secret letter from Sejong.


    After breaking the seal and reading the contents, Nam Kang-il instructed the messenger.


    If His Majesty asks, tell him my response is Jinchung Boguk (Loyalty and Protection of the Country).


    Understood.


    * * *


    After sending the messenger away, Nam Kang-il immediately called for his deputy militarymander, Jung-eun.


    These damned traitors!


    Upon reading the urgent report from Hanyang, the Jung-eun, Lee Han-jong, cursed angrily.


    Who are these damned scoundrels? We must rush there and deal with them immediately.


    The problem is, we still dont know who these damned scoundrels are. Thats why the Headquarter has only issued a high alert.


    Nam Kang-ils words made Lee Han-jong nod in understanding.


    Ah I see. Its not something to be broadcasted publicly


    Thats why I called you, to make preparations in advance.


    At Nam Kang-ils words, Lee Han-jong walked over to a map hanging on the wall.


    After studying the map for a while, Lee Han-jong turned to Nam Kang-il.


    If those traitors are gathering forces, theyll have the numbers, but they wont be well-armed.


    That seems likely.


    In that case theyll try to acquire weapons before advancing to the capital. Especially firearms.


    That makes sense.


    Nam Kang-il nodded in agreement. Many had witnessed the effectiveness of firearms in the battles against Japanese pirates since thete Joseon period.


    Pointing to a location on the map, Lee Han-jong suggested a strategy.


    This ce, Bulsijaes, must be secured first. The fastest route from here, the Jeo Military Base, to the capital passes through Bulsijaes. If we deploy cannons and muskets here to block them, we can send the cavalry to nk them.


    Thats a sound n. We should call the cavalrymander first, right?


    Yes. The cavalry will be crucial.


    The two proceeded to call the cavalrymander, responsible for leading the military bases cavalry forces.


    * * *


    Simr urrences took ce across military bases in the nation.


    Each military base, upon receiving the orders, began to quietly deploy troops at key locations on the routes to and from their bases and Hanyang, preparing for any possible incidents.


    The busiest movements were seen in the Left and Right Military Bases of Gyeongsangdo.


    If an incident urs, they will try to quickly move to Hanyang. The fastest route from Gyeongsangdo to Hanyang is through Mungyeong Saejae, so the rebels will gather there! Well intercept them at Mungyeong Saejae and crush them!


    Following the orders of the Chongbyongsa (the militarymander overseeing Gyeongsangdo, established during the Kyungjang era), the militarymanders of the Left and Right Bases began moving their cavalry to Mungyeong Saejae.


    * * *


    As the Mid-Autumn Festival approached, an inexplicable tension began to pervade throughout Joseon.


    The air feels strange these days.


    Right? It feels like something big is about to happen.


    Ive been having restless dreams.


    Even themon people, oblivious to the actual situation, could not hide their unease as the atmosphere grew increasingly ominous.


    Then, on the Mid-Autumn Festival, the mes of rebellion were ignited.


    The local leaders in the Samnam region rose in revolt.


    Drive out the treacherous officials!


    * * *


    Although the circted documents among the rebellious local leaders specified three days after the Mid-Autumn Festival as the date for the uprising, the revolt urred earlier than nned due to significant opposition.


    Absolutely not! An uprising is treason! My children and I will not participate!


    Listen! Cousin! Do you not understand the current situation? Are you suggesting we just sit and be destroyed?


    But rebellion! My sons and I would rather die! Kill me if you must, but if not, I will report this to the authorities! How can you think ofmitting treason? Do you want to ruin our family?


    Many who attended the Mid-Autumn Festival rites and heard of the uprising fiercely opposed it.


    Ultimately, those leading the rebellion had no choice but to deal with the opposition.


    We cant kill our own kin. Lock them up in the granary for now.


    Yes.


    Some were imprisoned in granaries because they were family, but others who vehemently resisted joining the rebels lost their lives.


    With the situation escting, those who had dreamt of uprising were forced to change their ns.


    We have no choice! Lets move!


    Lets do it!


    Thus, the uprising began on the Mid-Autumn Festival.


    * * *


    Amidst the unfolding rebellion, local officials across the country sprang into action upon receiving the news.


    Magistrate! Theres a rebellion! A rebellion!


    Ill be damned! Why here, of all ces!


    As news of the rebellion spread, local officials began to move swiftly.


    How many are in this band of traitors?


    A great many!


    This is serious!


    Having assessed the numbers involved in the uprising, the local officials scrambled to respond.


    In towns where the garrisons were small, magistrates and local governors hurriedly loaded the family andnd registries onto carts and retreated with their clerks to stronger defensive positions.


    Sir! Arent youing too?


    Yet, amidst this chaos, some officials, as per their prior ns, sent the registries away and stayed to defend their offices.


    How can I, who receives stipends from His Majesty, flee in this crisis? My men and I will defend this office!


    Thus, not a few local governors and magistrates stood their ground against the rebels. Of course, many of those who resisted the rebellion lost their lives at the hands of the insurgents, and those who survived often suffered severe injuries and were imprisoned.


    * * *


    News of the rebellion continuously reached Hanyang via messengers.


    Jo Mal-saeng gathered this iing information and regrly reported to Sejong.


    Therefore, the total number of rebels participating in this uprising across the country is about 70,000. Yeongnam and Honam have around 30,000 each, and Chungcheong just over 10,000.


    What about the movements of the relevant military bases?


    Chungcheong has mobilized to suppress the rebels, Gyeongsang is intercepting at Mungyeong Saejae, and Jeo has started interceptions at the Jeo Military Base and the naval station.


    Hmm


    As Sejong pondered over the map, hearing Jo Mal-saengs report, Hyang, who was also examining the map, asked,


    The rebels in Jeo are targeting the naval station and the military base for weapons and warships, right?


    That is the assessment at the Headquarter as well.


    The behavior of the rebels in Honam and Gyeongsang was somewhat peculiar.


    Those who rose in Gyeongsang were fullymitted to advancing north, while those in Jeo moved towards the naval station and military base.


    The rebels in Jeo aimed to seize warships to move directly to Hanyang via the West Sea, and those in Gyeongsang sought to quickly advance viand routes.


    The Headquarters predicted routes are almost urate.


    Indeed. But it seems the scale is smaller and the movement slower than expected?


    At Sejongs observation, Jo Mal-saeng exined the reason.


    In the areas where the rebellion broke out, those opposing the rebellion have joined forces with the authorities to block them.


    * * *


    In several areas where the uprising urred, unexpected chaos unfolded.


    In Iksan County, Jeodo.


    <i>Whizz! </i>


    Aah!


    Ugh!


    Arrows! Shields! Get the shields!


    The rebels attacking the Iksan County Office were forced to halt their assault due to a sudden barrage of arrows.


    There shouldnt be this many soldiers from the military here?


    Before schr Park Soon-hwi, who was leading the rebels, could finish his sentence, dozens of men wielding bows appeared on the wall.


    Next to the firmly closed main gate of the office, an elderly man with white hair leaned out and yelled at the rebels.


    Hear this, you treacherous viins! I am Kang Hyun-su, a former head clerk of the Ministry of Taxation! Lay down your weapons and surrender now! If you dont, you will be executed!


    Kang Hyun-sus shout was immediately countered by Park Soon-hwi.


    Old man! We are notmitting treason but rising to eliminate treacherous officials!


    Silence! Who are these treacherous officials you speak of? It is you who are ruining this country!


    The exchange of words continued without progress, leading to a siege around the Iksan County Office, with the rebels outside and defenders inside.


    Take over the office!


    Kill the traitorous scum!


    Simr scenes unfolded in various regions affected by the uprising.


    Thus, the rebellion,ter known as the Gi-Yu Rebellion, became increasingly tragic.


    People living in the same regions but supporting different causes shed, leading to grudges and a series of brutal acts of revenge.


    * * *


    Sejong, nodding at Jo Mal-saengs exnation, pointed out a critical variable.


    What about those hiding in Hanyang?


    There has been no movement yet.


    At Jo Mal-saengs report, Sejong pondered the situation and then murmured,


    They must be waiting for the Golden Army to make a move.


    The Golden Army, primarily responsible for defending the capital, also functioned as a rapid response force in times of national crisis.


    Realizing why Grand Prince Yangnyeong had not yet made a move, Sejong reached a decision.


    Deploy the Golden Army. You know what to do, right?


    Yes, Ive already ryed yourmand to themanders.


    As Jo Mal-saeng reported, Sejong nodded in agreement but didnt forget to caution.


    Ensure everything proceeds without any issues.


    Yes, Your Majesty.


    The next morning, the gates of Gwanghwamun opened, and the cavalry charged out. Quickly passing through Sungnyemun, they joined other waiting forces and swiftly disappeared southward.


    * * *


    News that the Golden Army had left Hanyang quickly reached Seo Seons residence.


    My lord. The Golden Army has finally left the city.


    I see.


    After Seo Seon briefly responded to Nam Jun-seoks report, he turned to Grand Prince Yangnyeong, who was seated at the high seat.


    The Golden Army has finally left.


    Ive heard.


    Yangnyeong, adorned in a studded armor with golden dragon epaulets on the shoulders, responded briefly.


    While wiping his sword with a cloth, Yangnyeong asked Seo Seon,


    Shall we move today?


    Not today. They will be on high alert with the troops having left.


    At Seo Seons reply, Yangnyeong nodded.


    That makes sense. When would be a good time then?


    Two days from now would be suitable.


    After a moment of thought, Yangnyeong agreed.


    That sounds good. The moon is still bright, making it an opportune time.


    Yes. I will prepare ordingly.


    Thus, the day for their action was set.


    * * *


    Two dayster, at around 11 PM.


    The main gate of Seo Seons house silently opened, and armed men quietly began to emerge.


    It wasnt just Seo Seons house.


    From the homes of officials who had promised active cooperation due to Yangnyeongs influence, groups of warriors also began to quietly step out.


    <i>Creak, creak. </i>


    At the forefront of these emerging warriors wererge shields mounted on wheels. The massive shields, capable of covering a warriors entire body, were made of thick iron tes. The weight of these tes necessitated wheels at the bottom.


    From the house of Hangangin, who held a position in the Ministry of Personnel, warriors were also exiting.


    Watching the warriors leave, Hangangins wife, her face filled with worry, turned to him.


    Is it toote to report this?


    Its already toote.


    Hangangin replied with a heavy heart.


    Initially, his cooperation with Seo Seon was fueled by dissatisfaction over being overlooked for promotion. However, upon realizing it was a counter-revolution involving Yangnyeong, it was far toote.


    By then, his family had already be hostages.


    Hangangin looked up at the sky and murmured,


    Now, I can only hope for sess.


    Meanwhile, a member of the Secret Police, hiding in the shadows of an alley and observing the scene, spoke to a colleague standing behind him.


    Report to the top. Theyre moving.