The Empire I Create Chapter 19

Chapter 19. A Shaken Court and Ripples Before Revolution

 

In the early dawn, amidst faint sea mist, Hamin's steamship left Haeju Harbor, billowing powerful clouds of smoke behind it. The paddle wheels churned through the water, pushing the vessel forward as black coal smoke rose into the air.

Though the steam engine—crafted collaboratively by Kra (Optimus 3) and Goryeo craftsmen—had yet to incorporate advanced screw propellers, the hybrid combination of sails, paddle wheels, and steam power still allowed for astonishing speeds by contemporary standards.

Onboard were ammunition, cannons, modern machine guns, and grenade launchers personally brought by Hamin. The Optimus robots had been upgraded with future-era weaponry, concealed beneath ponchos.

On the deck, Hamin briefly spoke to Lee Ji-gwang.

“I’m unsure how things will unfold on Ganghwa Island. We might have to use force if necessary.”

Lee Ji-gwang admired Hamin’s determination but sighed anxiously, fearing for his safety.

By midday, the steamship neared the fortress of Ganghwa Island. To the Goryeo soldiers stationed there, the large vessel spewing white smoke and turning paddle wheels was utterly terrifying.

Drums beat urgently, and guards took defensive positions. Lee Ji-gwang shouted to the soldiers on the wall, “I am Lee Ji-gwang, son of Lee Gyu-bo, Imperial Inspector!” Immediately, tensions eased.

Hamin decided not to disembark the trucks immediately, ordering them held in reserve aboard the ship. Instead, he landed with ten soldiers, eight Optimus robots hidden under ponchos, and Hyung-jun.

Posey remained on the ship, tasked with guarding the remaining troops and equipment, along with Thanos.

The visitors mostly wore ponchos, concealing their identities and modern weapons. Hyung-jun (Optimus 1) walked openly beside Hamin, while the rest quietly posed as human soldiers.

As they approached the gate, Lee Gyu-bo rushed out warmly greeting them.

"Ji-gwang! You've come yourself. Welcome!"

Lee Ji-gwang bowed respectfully, offering specialty products from Tamra as gifts. Lee Gyu-bo insisted these gifts were to be presented to King Gojong and Choe Woo.

Inside the fortress, soldiers remained suspicious, ready to act if betrayal surfaced. However, with Lee Gyu-bo's introduction, they reluctantly held back.

Within the temporary royal palace, Hamin confronted King Gojong and military ruler Choe Woo. The king's authority was overshadowed by Choe Woo, well-known throughout Goryeo. Generals flanked the throne, and Choe Woo glared fiercely at Hamin.

“You, as a Goryeo man, should kneel before your king!” snapped Choe Woo. The surrounding generals scowled menacingly.

Hamin replied calmly, "I have come from far away, not as your subject, but to aid Goryeo. With my help, you can overcome the Mongols and rise anew."

Angered by Hamin’s defiant tone, Choe Woo stood abruptly and shouted, "Arrest this insolent fool!"

As soldiers charged forward, the Optimus robots beneath their ponchos swiftly revealed advanced weaponry. Machine guns rattled to life, instantly cutting down approaching soldiers.

The sudden burst of gunfire terrified the guards, halting their charge. Hyung-jun held a grenade launcher ready but refrained from firing, relying on precise machine gun shots instead.

Hamin broke the stunned silence.

"Who is Choe Woo? You? If I desired, your head, not just your official cap, could be on the ground."

Hyung-jun shot precisely, knocking off Choe Woo's official hat, leaving him stunned speechless.

Even the furious Choe Woo was momentarily paralyzed. King Gojong’s face paled in terror. Realizing their powerlessness against unfamiliar weaponry, Choe Woo attempted a desperate command.

“Prepare arrows—!”

Before bows could be drawn, another rapid burst of gunfire echoed, soldiers falling instantly. Survivors retreated in terror.

“Anyone moving now will face the Mongols' fate!” Hamin warned, striding confidently toward the throne. Addressing the frozen king and Choe Woo coldly, he declared:

“I intended cooperation against the Mongol threat, but your actions today have altered the situation. I'll grant you until month's end. Should you harm me or my people, I’ll show you true warfare.”

Lee Ji-gwang, deeply anxious for his father’s safety, remained silent, recognizing Hamin’s clear resolve.

“If today’s incident is used as an excuse to harm Lee Ji-gwang's family, it marks Goryeo's end,” Hamin added sharply, causing the royals and generals to tremble silently.

As Hamin turned to leave, Choe Woo, still shocked, desperately ordered, “Shoot arrows!” Soldiers attempted to comply, but Hyung-jun quickly fired again, wounding the commanding officer.

Chaos ensued as Hyung-jun fired grenades, collapsing part of the fortress wall. Witnessing this destruction, soldiers cowered, immobilized by fear.

“I no longer intend peaceful advancement,” Hamin announced gravely. “You’ve shown that, even in hopeless circumstances, you cling fiercely to your power.”

Within tense silence, Hamin and Lee Ji-gwang nodded briefly at Lee Gyu-bo, whose face was pale with shock. Hamin apologized curtly for the disturbance, exiting the fortress without expression.

Outside, remaining archers on horseback backed away fearfully, permitting an uneventful return to the ship.

Onboard, the crew swiftly prepared to depart. Lee Ji-gwang shed tears, thinking of his father. As the ship turned toward Naseong, Hamin silently observed the receding fortress.

This decisive show of force ensured Ganghwa Island would reconsider attacking. The scene of an unknown army overpowering royal and military authority left yet another revolutionary shockwave across Goryeo.

By evening, the fortress quieted, but shock lingered. Choe Woo stood in humiliation, observing the damaged walls. King Gojong trembled silently.

As the steamship safely headed back toward Naseong, Hamin lightly touched Lee Ji-gwang's shoulder, who quietly nodded, acknowledging the heavy burden they now carried.

 

<To be continued>