Welcome, General!
Thanks goodness you made it.
In 668 AD,
the Tang Shilla aliance conquers Pyongyang Fort
and Goguryeo would finally meet its demise.
The last king of Goguryeo King Bojang
was extradited to Tang along with Yeon Namgeon whose attempted suicide had failed.
Tang divide Goguryeo`s territories into 9 areas commands
with 42 prefectures and 100 districts
and established Andong Protectorate in Pyongyang
to facilitate administration
The chronicales of three kingdoms state Xue Rengui
was appointed protector general of Andong Protectorate.
Opressive policies of Andong Protectorate exacerbated the misery to the people
that had already been suffering from years of draught.
In response,
a resistance movement began to rise across fallen Goguryeo.
with Ansi Fort of Liaodong distiguishing itself as one of the strongest anti-Tang force.
Get in line!
Distribute the grane!
General Go is here from Liaodong Fort.
I heard you seize a cargo of military provisions going to Gaemo Fort.
Yes, General.
Ansi Fort is doing better than the rest of the country thanks to you.
Andong Protectorate is levying all kinds of taxes in Pyongyang
squeezing the life out of the people.
I was told hundreds of people are dying daily from starvation.
Xue Rengui is the protector general of Andong Protectorate
and Goguryeo is his sworn enemy.
I wish we could rally an army and attack Andong Protectorate right now.
We must first rebuild our army.
Bringing the scattered resistance forces together has not been easy.
Tang Chinese could come after Liaodong before we`re prepared.
It`s entirely possible.
I`m sure Xue is quite annoyed by our repeated commandeering.
Xue Rengui...
of all men in the Tang army. Why did they have to put him in charge of Andong Protectorate?
(Andong Protectoreta)
How could you let this happen again?
Please calm down, general.
Calm down?
They`re taking our precious food and you want me to calm down?
I`ve put out an alert throughout Liaodong.
They won`t take another grain of rice from us again.
Was it Ansi Fort again?
Yes, general.
We should`ve destroyed Ansi Fort when we had the chance!
Once the protectorate is settled.
I will personally take the troops and raze Ansi Fort to the ground!
General,
I think I will take my Khitan army back home to Yingzhou now.
But we haven`t heard from the Emperor about the promise land.
Tell us,general.
When will Yinzhouu be ours?
Khan, I will personally see to it that you get the land you were promised.
But think about it for a moment.
Resistance forces are springing up everywhere across Goguryeo,
and Ansi Fort is running amok in Liaodong.
The imperial court won`t even listen to my request.
Khan, help me a little while longer.
The end crowns the work.
Just a while longer.
(Chang`an)
Robberies in Liaodong have not ceased!
What`s General Xue Rengui doing about this?
Your Majesty, Goguryeo territory is vast and boundless.
It will require time to gain control of the entir country.
What if the people unite and rebel?
What will you do then?
The dynasty may have crumbled but we all know that they are a race with dogged determination.
There`s no need to worry, Your Majesty.
Do you have an idea?
If the people are the problem, capture them.
Capture the people?
Relocating discpaced ditizens of the defeated country to eliminate source of opposition is not uncommon practice.
And there`s no better way to erase the trace of Goguryeo all together.
It`s a brilliant idea.
Your Majesty, people are power.
If we sift out talented men that will be useful to the country and relocate them to the mainland,
it will serve double purpose.
Your Majesty.
Issue an order to Xue Rngui without delay.
Your Majesty.
this is not a job for Andong Protectorate.
in order to shift out hidden talent.
someone with intimate knowledge of Goguryeo must lead the work.
Then who do you have in mind?
Perhaps Yeon Namseng would be suited for the task.
-Yeon Namseng? -Yes, Your Majesty.
Xue rengui is the head of Andong Protectorate.
You must give the assignment to General Xue.
Xue Rengui can`t even stabilize the protectorate!
He already has too much on his plate, Your Majesty.
Yeon Namseng was after General Xue`s position!
That`s all the more reason why he should do this job.
As Xue Rengui`s rival,
Namseng will spare no effort to do the job right.
You want me to accept this task?
Some one else will do it if you don`t.
If the people are moved out of the country,
the restoration movement will die out completely.
But sire,
What`s their objective in this policy?
They want to take tens of thousands of talented people out of Goguryeo.
if they take all of our scholars, technical, experts and artists,
this country will have nothing left but an empty shell.
If you can gain tha trust of tha imperial house with this work,
you`ll get your chance to push Xue Rengui out and become the protector general of Andong Protectorate.
And if you can get control of Andong Protectorate your dreams will not be dreams anymore.
You`ll get your chance to drive Tang out of this country and build a new kingdom.
Andong Protectorate....
Andong Protectorate!
General!
General, a report from our informants in Tang.
Is it true that they are taking our people to Tang?
Yes, sir.
They`re planning to take over two hundred thousand people!
Two hundred thousand?
They are taking two hundred thousand of our people to Tang?
That`s not all.
the man in charge of this task is none other than Yeon Namseng!
-Yeon Namseng? -That bastard!
He brought the country to ruins and now this!
Instead of suppressing the resistance, they are taking our people. They`ve gotten smart.
They will completely erase the trace of Goguryeo from this land!
Bohea tea from Tang
-Enjoy gentlemen, -Let me see...
Excellent taste and aroma!
So, you`re to relocate the displace citizens to Tang?
Yes,
I will be making several trips taking 200,000 people in all.
Two hundred thousand?
Why didn`t they assign this task to us?
I will definitely need your help,General Xue.
His Majesty has expressed special interest in this matter, we must not disappoint him.
Oh, this tea, it has a bitter after taste!
I will need help from you as well, Khan.
From my Khitan tribe?
I`d like you to be in charge of selection and delivery of the people.
We follow Protector-general Xue Rengui`s orders only.
I`ve never had such bitter tea!
Well, Khan, go ahead.
Khitan will reap benefits as well. This is an important mission administered by the imperial house.
if you render mentorious service throught this mission, the imperial house won`t be able to continue ignoring your request.
Don`t you agree?
Yes, I supposed so.
We have a lot to do.
Let`s go to my quarters and discuss this further. Excuse us, general.
Namseng, that bastard, is trying to challenge me!
Yes, general.
I think he`s after the protector-general position.
hongpei, keep a close eye on Namseng.
I will, sir.
How dare he! How dare he come after my position!
Even if the fortune rubs out and the dynasty should fall,
the country will rise again if the people remain as one.
Beakje`s revival efforts failed because they failed to protect the people.
Take these words to heart.
Be one with the people and no matter where you are or how grand your dream,
you will achieve your dream.
I will never forget it, sir.
I believe in myself no matter what anyone says.
Follow your heart.
But you will soon realize that I was right. And when you do, don`t hesitate to come to me and help.
We just received information that another laod of provisions is going to Gaemo Fort in four days.
Joyoung, is there something wrong?
Where`s my father?
He`s in his office.
Prepare to leave on a short trip.
-Father, it`s me Joyoung. -Come in.
What brings you here at this time of the night?
I`d like to make a trip to Pyongyang Fort in the morning.
I`ve contemplated long and hard but there`s no other way.
We will loose our people unless something is done.
Going there won`t change anything.
I will talk to you Yeon Namseng.
There`s something he said to me when he came to Ansi Fort.
Namseng is the cause of Goguryeo`s collapse. He can`t be trusted!
There`s nothing we can do here in Liaodong.
We must do everything we can to save the people.
Gulsabiwu and Heuk Sudol will be with me, Let me do this, Father.
We lost the country in a blink of an eye, but getting it back will require patience and time.
You must never rush or act in haste.
I won`t, father.
Oh,yeah, Gusabiwu, did you pack some food?
Why should I?
-You`re the youngest so that`s your job. -What? The youngest?
How old do you think I am? What year were you born?
-You go first. -Me? Um, the year of the pig.
The year of the pig?
-I was born in the year of the dog. -What? The year of the dog?
You`re a full year younger than me.
Gulsabiwu, let`s start this over.
You go first.
Are you ready to leave?
This kid fogot to pack our food.
Get moving.
A full year younger.
Show some respect to you elders! A full year!
Hey, hey, I made a mistake! It`s not the year of the pig!
Come back here!
They already brought in hundreds of people?
Yes, general.
The Khitans are zealously pursuing the mission.
Namseng that bastard has cut off my limbs!
Your limbs?
He took the Khitan tribes from me without breaking a sweat!
This is an importan mission led the Emperor himself.
We can`t take a back seat on this matter.
Yes, you`re right.
This is not the direction we want things to go.
Now you will be grouped by your individual skills and talents!
Those who have useful skill will be given a chance to earn a living!
But those who have no talent will live out the rest of your lives digging dirt as slaves!
So don`t hide your talents!
Stand up if you have skills in construction!
Line up in that corner!
Those with experience in iron work stand up!
Anyone else?
Good. To the back corner!
-What do we do, sire? -Just be quier.
Namseng will kill us if he sees us.
They`ve taken those with skills and talents and separated us.
We`re doomed to slavery until we die!
We might have a better chance telling them who we are.
Didn`t you see how they killed Lord Gae Jin and the others?
When I think about how Xue Rengui tricked us, it makes my blood doil.
-But High Commissioner! -Watch your tongue!
Hey pal,
aren`t you the High Commissioner of the south District Bu Kiwon?
No, you made a mistake.
It`s Bu Kiwon!
It`s the bastard that sold the city to the enemy!
-What? -Yes, it`s him!
-It`s traitor Bu Kiwon! -Kill him!
He opened the city gates for the enemy and sold the country!
-Kill him! -Step away!
Stop!
What? Bu Kiwon has been captured?
Yes, sir.
I put him and Sa Bugu in isolation away from the others.
That bastard is alive? Lead the way!
You`re a pathetec sight.
It`s what you get for being a fool.
I did everything I could to save the country to the very end.
-If only the Tang Chinese had kept their word.... -Rubbish!
You and the civil officials of the court are the cause of Goguryeo`s demise.
At least I didn`t kneel to Tang for personal advancement.
You are the trator that sold the country!
What are you going to do with us?
I will send you to the furthest and most barren place.
And there you`ll be worked like cows and horses until you die.
What happened to my brother?
We made it out to the palace together, but we haven`t seen him sence.
My man,
you and I were on the same boat together. Please help us.
Wait! Wait! Wait!
Next!
Who are you men?
We`re merchants that trade with Tang.
Sir, Get yourself a drink tonight.
We made a decent profit on our last trade.
Next!
How did it go?
I tried to bribe the guards, but they are all Tang Chinese.
There`s not one single Goguryeoan guard?
There is, but I don`t know any of them. We could all be killed if I open my mouth to the wrong man.
I guess we have no choice except to jump the wall.
We have to be discreet if we`re going to find out what Yeon Namseng is really thinking.
But there`s no other way.
Yes, there is.
Who are you?
Don`t you recognize me? It`s Heuk Sudol.
Keep your mouth ahut and come with us.
I`m sure you know who I am.
What do you want?
Take me to General Yeon Namseng.
Why do you wish to see him?
He and I had a talk last time he came to Ansi Fort. I must find out if he was speaking from the heart.
I could give you the answer right now.
But if you must hear it from the general himself, I`ll arrange a meeting.
Thank you.
He mustn`t be seen with you,
so I will bring him here tomorrow morning before sunrise. Would that be alright?
That will be fine.
He must be killed, if only to avenge my former master`s death.
-What`s wrong? -I don`t trust that man.
That`s right.
I can tell you from experience that he`s a sneaky bastard.
Commander Li, are you in?
Yes, come in.
You need to call your men together now.
What`s the problem?
Dae Joyoung is here.
Ask me the questions later. You must get rid of him now.
Let`s go.
Kaigu, where are you going at this hour?
It`s nothing. I`ll be back soon.
He can`t be far. Search the area!
Aye!
What happened?
Gulsabiwu was right. Tang soldiers raided the temple.
That was a close call. Where`s Gilsabiwu anyways?
What did you find out?
They call him the Black Rat and he`s famouse in the area.
Black Rat?
What the heck is that?
Where do they say we can find him?
-They say we can find him in Geolin Village outside the city. -Goelin Village.
What the heck is black rat and Geolin Village?
Let`s get out of the dity and find this Black Rat first.
I think that`s a good idea.
Blasted! Answer my question!
Did you ask for me, sire?
What`s this I hear about Dae Joyoung?
He came to me wanting to talk to you, My Lord.
Why didn`t you tell me about this?
Because it`s not the right time for you to see him.
Your goal right now is to capture Andong Protectorate.
If Xue Rengui finds out that you`re in contact with Dae Joyoung, all of your hard work will be in vain.
Sire,
you must achieve this goal no matter what it takes. You can`t be overcautious.
Where`s Dae Joyoung now?
We`re after him right now.
He won`t make it out of the city that easily.
I think I can get us out.
The same guard that led us in the city is at the gate.
What do you want to do?
-It`s a matter of time before we`re captured if we stay here. -Let`s hurry.
Khan!
Why are you alone? Where`s Li Kagui?
-He`s in pursuit of a group of spies. -Spies? Resistance spies?
Apparently they are from Liaodong.
This is Dae Joyoung!
Talk to me.
I don`t think they made it out of the city yet.
Come.
-Keep your eyes peeled! -Yes, sir!
Let`s not make a fuss.
-Your friends? -Over there.
Pass!
Dae Joyoung!
It`s Dae Joyoung!
I got you covered! Run!
Don`t let them get away!
Geolin Village is just over this hill. Can you walk?
It hurts like hell, but I can manage. Let`s go.
Food, give me some food!
Excuse ma.
I`m looking for a man name Black Rat.
Wait, wait!
I`m looking for a man name Black Rat.
Wait a minute!
Everyone is afraid.
Hey!
-Are you looking for the Black Rat? -Yes.
We were told we could find him here.
And who might you be?
We`re from Ansi Fort.
Follow me.
-Is this where Black Rat lives? -Wait here.
Man, this is filthy. How could anyone live here?
Tie them up tight!
Out of the way!
Lift your heads, all of you!
This is where the blood trail ends.
There`s not an uninjured soul in this place.
Has there been any suspicious man around here?
I am a blind man as you can see.
We know they came this way.
Feel free to take a look around.
-Men, search every inch of this village! -Yes, sir!
You should be careful of the pestilence that`s going around.
What? Pestilence?
Pestilence?
I heard no report of pestilence in this area.
A few people died since a couple of days ago. Not everyone is vulnerable to pestilence so take a look around.
Stop!
It`s pestilence all right! Get me out of here!
What? Black Rat?
-You got this information, didn`t you? -Shut up and be quiet!
I take an arrow in my back for you and this is what you get me into?
You wouldm`t even be alive if it weren`t for me.
Yes, that`s true.
Thanks, Gulsabiwu.
Call me " sir", Kid.
Year of the pig.....
Blasted bastard!
Something doesn`t feel right.
They don`t look like resistance members.
Well, let`s...
Let`s just get out of here. If they are hiding in that village, they won`t make it out alive.
Why do I feel so itchy?
-They`re hiding in there somewhere. -But there`s no way for us to find them.
Burn it.
I will kill them all.
Burn the whole village.
What are you waiting for? Burn the village!
Commander.
burning the village is no problem, but we have to go back there to set it on fire.
It`s an order! Burn the village down!
-Yes, sir Let`s go! -Stop!
-The Khan has ordered you to evacuate from this area. -Evacuate?
He knows you`re here.
If any one of you should cantract the pestilence and bring it back to the city...
Evacuate the area! Go back to the city!
Who are you men?
-Like we said we`re from Ansi Fort. -You lie!
We know that you`re spies from Andong Protectorate!
Blasted bastards.
Have you been lied to all your lives? How many times do we have to tell you? We`re here to see the Black Rat!
-Bury them alive. -Yes, sir!
-What? -wait!
Wait a minute.
By: robster38