Chương 108: Reporting to the Geumowi

*Geumowi isIn the Goryeo period, it was a central military unit responsible for patrol, public order, and police duties in and around the royal capital of Gaegyeong. Early in the morning, when Yeong-u arrived at the Geumowi, the guard at the gate flinched in surprise. It was clear he remembered what had happened the night before.

"I've come to see the Sangjanggun(supreme general)."

"Loyalty." The guard led him inside, while another hurried off ahead to report. The Geumowi handled public order, criminal investigation, gate control, and anti-bandit operations. It was always a place of constant work. People moving about parted at the sight of Yeong-u. Among them, there must have been those who had charged at him the previous night.

"Ah, welcome."

"I have something to explain, so I came first." The Sangjanggun greeted him with a broad smile. Those who had been watching nervously stepped back. The tension—whether to arrest him again—eased. Inside the high hall, the leadership had gathered. Generals, commanders, mid-level officers, and nangjangs filled the room. It felt as though they had been waiting. The Sangjanggun spoke casually.

"We were in a morning meeting. These days, meetings run long. The Daejanggun sits above us, but it's a ceremonial post. We handle the real work." Yeong-u said nothing and followed. The Geumowi was the force responsible for maintaining order in Kaegyeong. It protected the palace and the king, escorted royal processions, and could be deployed in battle when needed. In effect, it was a combination of police, royal guard, and ceremonial guard.

Within, it was divided by function— gate defense, night patrol, palace guard, arrest and investigation units. Night patrol was its core duty. The Sangjanggun continued.

"As it happens, we were discussing you. Care to say a word? It's difficult for me alone to defend everything." He was subtly shifting the burden. Yeong-u answered plainly. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"I heard my men were being beaten and came at once. I suppressed the situation and extracted them. I hope no one suffered serious injury." He pointed to his banner-staff.

"I wrapped it to control the blows. There should be no severe wounds, though there may be lingering pain. I had to use a long weapon, facing so many alone. For that, I apologize. The trouble in Jeojeon is my responsibility. I failed to dismiss the unit in time. Men fresh from the battlefield were released into the market—an incident was inevitable. They had spent years far from home. When they asked to share a meal before parting, I could not refuse. I arrived late because I was reporting to the Jungbang.

I allowed men beyond control to be released. These are soldiers who fought just days ago. I felt compelled to grant them what they wanted. Normally, units disband outside the city and enter individually. I failed to follow proper procedure. That is my fault. I will accept any punishment. I ask only that my men not be punished. I will take full responsibility without excuse. Loyalty." The final word fell low and heavy. It sounded unfamiliar in this room. It was the voice of a man who had just come from war.

A quiet murmur spread. There was something striking— a commander taking responsibility for his men. The officer in charge of anti-bandit operations reported the previous night's events. Yeong-u acknowledged everything with a nod. At Seonchun Ridge, lesser matters had led to imprisonment. He expected the same now. A short breath escaped him. Reporting was one thing. Punishment another. Those involved in the incident spoke one after another. It seemed the matter had already stirred the hall that morning.

The accusations continued— dereliction of duty, use of weapons, breach of order. Words like brutality, disorder, and violence were repeated. It was a bad position. But the army was full of such situations. Still—responsibility was responsibility. A commander bore his men's faults. Otherwise, they would have no space to breathe. Fortunately, no lethal weapons had been used. The other side had clubs; Yeong-u's men had fought mostly with bare hands. The difference was not decisive.

There were claims— someone nearly had his neck broken, someone had been trampled, someone struck repeatedly in the same place, someone attacked even after surrendering. The discussion dragged on. The Sangjanggun offered Yeong-u a seat beside him— the inner seat at the long table, likely reserved for a ceremonial superior. Yeong-u did not sit. He remained standing, listening to every word, answering only with slight nods. When the complaints subsided, the Sangjanggun spoke.

"When the work is done, don't you go for a drink?" No one answered.

"So that's how it started." A nangjang rose.

"We did not provoke them." The Sangjanggun replied.

"Men can fight simply by crossing paths. They are young soldiers. A glance is enough. I do not think the blame lies with them alone." The nangjang insisted.

"The disturbance threatened public order."

"They returned after years. How glad they must have been."

"Even so—order must be maintained—""Let me say one thing. Because of their service, we live here in safety. If we arrest them for raising their voices…" Another officer stood.

"It may be understandable, but the disturbance was large. Property was damaged."

"I hear compensation has already been paid—even for what your men broke."

"We were trying to contain the situation." His words faltered.

"It was both sides. Why place blame on one?"

"We are responsible for the city's order." The Sangjanggun asked.

"Did you speak with the merchants?"

"What use is that? They side with whoever pays." The Sangjanggun began to respond, but one man cut him off.

"Sangjanggun." He was trying to stop him.

"Why do you interrupt?"

"The incident is clear. The damage is real. Punishment is necessary." The Sangjanggun gave a faint smile and looked at Yeong-u.

"What do you say?" All eyes turned. Yeong-u answered simply.

"I have nothing to add." A bitter smile passed across his face. The Sangjanggun had him escorted to a side room, then reprimanded the others.

"Do none of you have sons? Have you considered what we owe those who return from the front lines? The ones who started it were your men. You knew it—and yet you picked a fight because you disliked them. When your men were beaten, you rushed out in anger—because of who you are. That man wanted his soldiers to enjoy their leave. He is taking all the blame so they can rest. And you intend to exploit that. He made an important report at the Jungbang—about Jurchen and Liao. He will be summoned again today.

If such a man is detained here, what will be said of us? Could any of you charge in alone and rescue your men? Do you have that strength? Or do you sit here, chattering, trying to settle wounded pride?"