Though Joseon forces were equipped with maximum possible protection, not everyone could emerge unscathed from the intense firefight with thunder bombs and grenades exploding everywhere.
“Argh!”
“Medic!”
Screams of soldiers falling to Liaodong troops’ attacks filled the air, along with shouts calling for medics.
Each time, medics carrying emergency treatment kits and bags full of alcohol rushed forward with stretchers.
The arriving medics loaded wounded Joseon soldiers onto stretchers and ran back.
Right in front of Liaodong Fortress’s moat, a hastily established Joseon field hospital was set up.
“Wounded incoming!”
“Over there!”
Dozens of military physicians and over a hundred medics moved busily in the field hospital, treating the flood of casualties.
This was the moment when military doctors, produced through Hyang’s advocacy and King Sejong’s decision from the mid-Reformation period, proved their worth.
The military doctors, who had gained experience treating wounds from minor border skirmishes and civilian injuries, skillfully tended to the wounded.
***
In Zhu Qizhen’s quarters at the center of the inner fortress.
BANG~ RATATA~ BOOM~
“The gunfire draws ever closer.”
Zhu Qizhen, seated before a table laid with wine and side dishes, emptied his cup with a forlorn smile.
Seeing him like this, Wang Chong urged with an urgent voice.
“Your Highness! The situation is critical! You must evacuate immediately!”
At Wang Chong’s urging, Zhu Qizhen smiled wryly and asked.
“Evacuate? To where?”
“You must leave the fortress!”
“Even if I leave, is there a way out? This isn’t just being surrounded on all sides, but rather a situation of ‘Chaoge on all sides’? Wait, Chaoge on all sides? Truly a fitting phrase for this situation! Hahaha!”
“Your Highness!”
As Wang Chong raised his voice at Zhu Qizhen’s resigned attitude, Zhu Qizhen placed the sword that had been standing beside him across his knees and answered.
“I couldn’t even properly serve as His Majesty’s bait, so would fleeing guarantee safety? I think ending it here would be more helpful to me.”
“Your Highness!”
“Please take care of my family.”
“Your Highness!”
“I beg you.”
Realizing Zhu Qizhen’s resolve was firm, Wang Chong quietly bowed and withdrew. Shortly after, Zhu Qizhen’s primary consort Lady Zheng and other concubines entered.
“We have heard. You have made your decision?”
At Lady Zheng’s question, Zhu Qizhen nodded.
“Yes. The situation is urgent, so leave quickly.”
At Zhu Qizhen’s words, Lady Zheng turned to the concubines.
“All of you, quickly follow Eunuch Wang and evacuate.”
“My Lady!”
Though the concubines cried out in surprise at Lady Zheng’s words, she continued with a smile.
“Since the monarch has made his decision, I, as the primary consort, must follow, shouldn’t I? But there’s no need for all of you to do the same. Especially you.”
Lady Zheng pointed to a concubine holding a young baby.
“That child is His Highness’s only bloodline. Therefore, you must absolutely escape.”
“My Lady…”
Concubine Zhu, holding the baby, trailed off with tears in her eyes.
“Go now! The escape route will be blocked if you delay further! Here! Quickly escort them out!”
At Lady Zheng’s command, servants entered and led the concubines away.
After sending the concubines away, Lady Zheng took a seat opposite Zhu Qizhen.
“Pour me a cup.”
“Why didn’t you leave with the others?”
“My only wish has always been to be with Your Highness.”
At Lady Zheng’s answer, Zhu Qizhen filled a cup and offered it to her.
Lady Zheng carefully emptied the cup she received, then filled Zhu Qizhen’s cup.
“Please have a drink.”
“Thank you.”
***
Not long after, the final moment approached.
BOOM!
RATATA! BANG!
“Charge!”
“Capture the Eastern King alive!”
As the loud explosions and Joseon soldiers’ war cries drew near, Lady Zheng took out a small ceramic container and filled her cup.
“May I go first?”
“Go ahead.”
Zhu Qizhen gave permission in a voice thick with emotion. Upon receiving his permission, Lady Zheng emptied her cup.
Shortly after, Lady Zheng’s form, eyes closed, quietly crumpled.
“Farewell… I’ll join you soon.”
After bidding farewell to the fallen Lady Zheng, Zhu Qizhen drew the long sword laid across his knees.
After briefly gazing at the sword in his hand, Zhu Qizhen placed the blade against his neck.
“Hup!”
With a short cry, Zhu Qizhen cut his throat.
Soon after, the Joseon commanders who entered the inner chamber wore dismayed expressions upon seeing the two corpses.
“Damn it!”
“Son of a bitch!”
The dismayed commanders hurriedly issued orders.
“Post guards and prevent anyone from approaching!”
“Yes, sir!”
“Contact headquarters!”
***
Shortly after, receiving the report through a messenger, Choi Yoon-deok clicked his tongue.
“My, my… We’ve lost the ace. Tsk.”
After briefly clicking his tongue, Choi Yoon-deok immediately issued orders.
“If we’ve lost the ace, we must at least take the king! Order the soldiers to capture all of the Eastern King’s family members!”
“Yes, sir!”