Chapter 158: Violating the Palace (4)
Around the same time, messengers dispatched from Hanseong galloped to military garrisons and naval stations located at strategic points throughout Joseon.
Jeolla Province, Gangjin, Jeolla Army Garrison.
"This is an order from the General Staff Headquarters."
"Let me have it."
Nam Gang-il, the Military Commander who oversaw the Land Defense Forces of Jeolla Province, received the order with a composed expression and broke the seal.
Thinking it was a routine order, Nam Gang-il's face grew increasingly serious as he read through the contents.
"Is this true?"
"The General Staff considers it a foregone conclusion."
"Huu~."
At the military officer's answer who came as a messenger, Nam Gang-il let out a long sigh.
After reading the contents of the order once more, Nam Gang-il asked the messenger.
"So, when will this happen?"
"The General Staff expects it to occur around the Mid-Autumn Festival."
At the messenger's answer, Nam Gang-il counted the days. About 10 days remained until the Mid-Autumn Festival.
'To avoid alerting them by beating the grass, I should inform only the minimum number of people first.'
Nam Gang-il briefly considered who to inform and discuss with immediately, then realized the messenger was still waiting before him.
"Convey to the General Staff that I will suppress this with my life on the line."
At Nam Gang-il's answer, the messenger pulled out another sealed document from his robes.
"And what is that?"
"His Majesty sent it."
At the military officer's words, Nam Gang-il quickly rose from his seat, straightened his attire, knelt, and respectfully received Sejong's secret letter.
After breaking the seal and confirming the contents, Nam Gang-il spoke to the messenger.
"If His Majesty asks, tell him I answered with 'devote loyalty to protect the nation.'"
"Understood."
* * *
After sending the messenger away, Nam Gang-il immediately called for his Middle Commander.
"Those bastards who deserve to be torn to pieces!"
Middle Commander Yi Han-jong cursed after seeing the urgent report that came down from Hanseong.
"What kind of damn scoundrels are they? We should go immediately and tear them apart."
"The problem is we haven't identified who those damn scoundrels are yet. That's why the General Staff only issued an emergency alert."
At Nam Gang-il's words, Yi Han-jong nodded immediately.
"Ah... I see. Not something to go announcing to the whole neighborhood..."
"That's why I called you here, because we need to prepare in advance."
At Nam Gang-il's words, Yi Han-jong walked to the map hanging on the wall.
After staring at the map for a while, Yi Han-jong turned to look at Nam Kang-il.
"If they're those bastards, they'll have enough numbers. But their armament won't be sufficient."
"That's likely."
"Then... they'll try to acquire weapons before heading to the capital. Especially, they'll try to acquire cannons."
"That makes sense."
Nam Gang-il nodded at Yi Han-jong's explanation. There were more than a few who had clearly witnessed the power of cannons in battles against the Japanese raiders since the late former dynasty.
Having pointed this out, Yi Han-jong indicated a spot on the map.
"We must secure this place, Bolti Pass, first. The fastest route to this Jeolla Army Garrison is through Bolti Pass. While we block those scoundrels using cannons and firearms there, we'll send cavalry around to strike their rear."
"Not bad. We should call the Garrison Commander first, right?"
"Yes. Cavalry is most important, after all."
The two men were summoning the Garrison Commander who commanded the garrison's cavalry.
* * *
Similar events occurred at garrisons throughout the country.
Each garrison that received orders began quietly positioning troops at key points leading to the garrison or to Hanseong, in case events unfolded.
The busiest movements came from Gyeongsang Province's Left and Right Garrisons.
"If things break out, they'll try to reach Hanseong as quickly as possible. The fastest route from Gyeongsang to Hanseong is crossing Mungyeong Pass, so the rebels will all gather there! We'll intercept them at Mungyeong Pass and wipe them out in one stroke!"
Following the orders of the Chief Military Commander—who supervised Gyeongsang Province, a position newly created during King Gyeongjong's reign—the Military Commanders of the Left and Right Garrisons began moving cavalry to Mungyeong Pass.
* * *
As the Mid-Autumn Festival approached, an unknown murderous intent began circulating throughout Joseon.
"The air feels strange these days."
"Right? Something's unsettled, like a disturbance might break out."
"My dreams haven't been good."
With the atmosphere growing increasingly turbulent, even the common people who knew nothing couldn't hide their anxiety.
And then, the Mid-Autumn Festival. The flames of rebellion ignited.
The local nobles of the Three Southern Provinces rose up.
"Drive out the treacherous officials!"
* * *
Though the circular sent by local nobles dreaming of uprising specified 'three days after the Mid-Autumn Festival,' the uprising occurred earlier.
The reason was that quite a few opposed the uprising.
"Absolutely not! An uprising! This is rebellion! My children and I will not participate!"
"Listen! Cousin uncle! Do you not understand the current situation? Are you saying we should just sit and let everything fall apart?"
"Even so, rebellion! My sons and I cannot do such a thing even if we die! Kill me instead! If you don't kill me, I'll report this to the authorities! How can you commit rebellion? Is this something that will destroy our family?"
Quite a few who had come to attend ancestral rites on the Mid-Autumn Festival and heard news of the uprising fiercely opposed it.
In the end, those leading the rebellion had no choice but to deal with the opposition.
"They are blood relatives, so we cannot kill them. For now, lock them in storage rooms."
"Yes."
Some were locked in storage rooms because they couldn't bring themselves to kill blood relatives, but there were also those who lost their lives while violently resisting, saying they could not stand with the rebels.
With the situation turning this way, those who had dreamed of uprising had to change their plans.
"It can't be helped! Let us move!"
"Let us do so!"
And so, the uprising began to occur on the Mid-Autumn Festival.
* * *
"Magistrate! Rebellion has broken out! Rebellion!"
"Those damn bastards! Why here of all places!"
At the news that 'rebellion has broken out,' local officials also moved busily.
"How many rebels are there!"
"There's a whole lot of them!"
"Damn it!"
Local officials who confirmed the number of uprising participants moved quickly.
Magistrates and County Magistrates of counties with few troops guarding the government offices loaded household registers and land registers onto carts they had prepared in advance and retreated to the Provincial Military Headquarters with their clerks.
"Sir! Won't you come as well?"
Even in such circumstances, quite a few magistrates and county magistrates stayed behind to guard the government offices after sending off the household and land registers as planned.
"As one who receives salary from His Majesty, how can I flee! Constables, guard the government office with me!"
Quite a few magistrates and county magistrates held out against the rebel forces like this. Of course, many of those who resisted lost their lives at the hands of the rebels, and even those who survived had to be imprisoned with serious injuries.
* * *
News about the rebellion continued to come up to Hanseong through messengers.
Minister of War Jo Mal-saeng compiled the incoming information and continuously reported to Sejong.
"...therefore, the number of rebels who participated in this uprising totals approximately 70,000 nationwide. Yeongnam and Honam each have 30,000, and Chungcheong has a little over 10,000."
"What about the movements of the relevant garrisons?"
"Chungcheong has moved to suppress the rebels, Gyeongsang plans to intercept at Mungyeong Pass, and Jeolla plans to engage in interception at the Army Garrison and Naval Station."
"Hmm..."
Listening to Jo Mal-saeng's report, Sejong examined the map. Hyang, who was looking at the map alongside Sejong, asked Jo Mal-saeng.
"It appears the Jeolla rebels are targeting the Naval Station and Army Garrison for weapons and military vessels?"
"The General Staff assesses the same."
The movements in Honam and Gyeongsang during this uprising were somewhat distinctive.
Those who rose in Gyeongsang Province were pushing north with all their might, while those who rose in Jeolla Province were moving toward the Naval Station and Army Garrison.
The Jeolla rebels intended to seize military vessels and move directly to Hanseong via the West Sea, while Gyeongsang aimed to move quickly by land.
"It closely matches the movement routes the General Staff anticipated."
"I see. But the scale seems smaller and the speed somewhat slower than expected?"
At Sejong's point, Jo Mal-saeng explained the reason.
"In the areas where rebellion broke out, those resisting the rebellion are joining the government to block them."
* * *
In several of the areas where uprisings occurred, unexpected pitched battles were taking place.
Jeolla Province, Iksan County.
Swish!
"Aagh!"
"Urk!"
"Arrows! Shields! Shields!"
The rebel forces attacking the government office where the Iksan Magistrate resided had to halt their offensive due to a sudden massive arrow attack.
"There shouldn't be this many soldiers from the military?"
Before Pyo Sun-hwi, a licentiate commanding the rebel forces, could finish his words, dozens of men bearing bows raised their heads above the wall.
Right next to the tightly closed main gate of the government office, a white-haired old man poked his head out and shouted at the rebel forces.
"Listen, you wicked traitors who commit high treason! I am Gang Hyeon-su, former Minister of the Ministry of Taxation! Drop your weapons and surrender immediately! If you do not, I will have you torn to pieces!"
At Gang Hyeon-su's shout, Pyo Sun-hwi immediately retorted.
"Old man! We have not committed rebellion! We have risen to eliminate treacherous officials!"
"Silence! Who are these treacherous officials you speak of! Are you not the ones who will destroy the nation!"
The verbal battle that ensued reached an impasse, and eventually, a siege battle began with the wall surrounding the Iksan County government office between them.
"Seize the government office!"
"Kill the traitors!"
Similar events occurred here and there in regions where uprisings broke out.
And so, the rebellion later named the 'Giyu Rebellion' became even more tragic.
People living in the same county but with different intentions clashed, creating grievances, and accordingly, horrific cycles of vengeance began to unfold.
* * *
Sejong, nodding at Jo Mal-saeng's explanation, pointed out the most dangerous variable.
"What about those hiding in Hanseong?"
"There is no movement yet."
At Jo Mal-saeng's report, Sejong briefly organized the situation in his mind and murmured.
"They're waiting for the Royal Guard to move."
The Royal Guard's primary duty was defending the capital, but it was also a mobile strike force that moved immediately when turmoil occurred in the nation.
Sejong, having guessed why Grand Prince Yangnyeong wasn't moving, reached a conclusion.
"Deploy the Royal Guard. You understand how they should act, correct?"
"Yes, I have conveyed orders to the commanders."
While nodding at Jo Mal-saeng's report, Sejong didn't forget to give instructions.
"Convey that they must carry this out without error."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The next morning, the gates of Gwanghwamun opened and cavalry units spurred their horses out. Quickly passing through Sungnyemun, the cavalry joined with other waiting units and disappeared rapidly southward.
* * *
The news that 'the Royal Guard has left Hanseong' immediately entered Seo Seon's residence.
"My lord. The Royal Guard has finally departed the city."
"Understood."
At Nam Jun-seok's report, Seo Seon gave a brief answer and reported to Grand Prince Yangnyeong who was seated in the seat of honor.
"The Royal Guard has finally departed."
"I heard as well."
Yangnyeong, wearing a brigandine armor with gold dragon-shaped shoulder plates on both shoulders, answered briefly.
While wiping the sword in his hand with a cloth, Yangnyeong asked Seo Seon.
"Shall we do it today?"
"Today will not do. With troops having departed, they will be on alert."
At Seo Seon's answer, Yangnyeong nodded.
"That's also true. When would be good then?"
"Two days hence would be good."
At Seo Seon's answer, Yangnyeong nodded after a moment's thought.
"That sounds good. The moon is still bright, so it will be appropriate."
"Yes. Then I will give orders to prepare."
And so, the day of the deed was set.
* * *
Two days later. Hour of the Rat (11 PM).
The front gate of Seo Seon's residence opened silently, and armed men began to quietly pour out.
It wasn't just Seo Seon's residence.
From the homes of officials who had promised active cooperation due to Grand Prince Yangnyeong's existence, groups of warriors also began to quietly emerge.
Rumble. Rumble.
At the forefront of the warriors emerging outside were large shields with wheels. The massive shields capable of covering the warriors' entire bodies were made of thick iron plates. The weight of those iron plates was why wheels were attached beneath the shields.
From the home of Han Gang-in, who worked as a secretary at the Ministry of Personnel, warriors were similarly emerging.
Watching the warriors depart, Han Gang-in's wife looked back at him with a face full of worry.
"Even now, if we report..."
"It's too late."
Han Gang-in answered with a troubled expression.
When he first cooperated with Seo Seon, it was simply due to dissatisfaction about being passed over for promotion. But by the time he learned this was a coup involving Grand Prince Yangnyeong, it was already too late.
By then, his family had already become hostages.
Han Gang-in looked up at the sky and murmured.
"Now we can only hope for success."
Meanwhile, a member of the Shadow Bureau hiding in the shadows of the alley and watching the scene spoke to his comrade standing behind him.
"Report up. They've come out."