When the Khitan forces of Ayulaabogi suddenly advanced to the Upper Capital, the last elite troops of Balhae were led by "Nosang." Nosang was not a personal name—it meant "elder statesman."
If a figure like Oso were to rise to the position of prime minister at this moment, it would likely mirror the role of Nosang, who commanded the Balhae forces during its fall in 926.
Currently, Oso appeared only as a man deeply loyal to Balhae. Had he truly been a traitor seeking to surrender, he would not have been so zealous in competing with Silla on Tang's behalf.
Dae In-seon sat back down and reviewed all the elements he could potentially change.
Among them was the royal title.
"Gadokbu… Gadokbu, huh. Balhae's rulers were called Gadokbu, Seongwang. It's been a while since we've had a state succeeding Goryeo, so it feels odd. Unique, yes, but…"
Just as Goryeo called its kings Taewang, Balhae also had its distinct titles. The king was called Gadokbu or Seongwang, while the crown prince was called Bugwang. These were quite original titles, yet it was somewhat strange that a state claiming to inherit Goryeo did not use the title Taewang.
Still, it was impractical to revert everything to the Goryeo system; the Tang system was objectively superior in some respects. Dae In-seon approached it like tasting a mixture of sweet and bitter: taking what was beneficial from Tang while discarding what was harmful. Compared to Tang, Goryeo's old system was indeed outdated.
"The military structure is too complicated. The elite troops need a complete overhaul. Ideally, I'd return to the original Goryeo setup, but it's outdated. It would also be wise to replace Tang-style armor with Goryeo armor and increase the number of Gaema warriors. Heavy cavalry will still dominate for a while, after all."
Balhae's military had been modeled on Tang's sixteen-tier system. Unlike Tang, however, Balhae used a ten-tier system, with each tier performing specific roles. To Dae In-seon, it all seemed overly complicated. He decided to emulate Goryeo's two-army, six-division system—but that would be a post-coronation reform. For now, he had to prepare the groundwork to prevent Balhae's collapse.
'Our own system is best. Judging by Balhae's current state, the nation is trending toward a nomadic, cavalry-based empire. Perhaps the Meng'an Moju system of Jin would fit, but first, I must solidify the provincial system. The number of soldiers is far too low. To govern and defend a vast territory effectively, we need at least 200,000 troops for expeditionary forces, excluding standing troops. Perhaps acquiring the Later Three Kingdoms is necessary. Fertile lands like Jeolla would also help.'
Having decided to merge Goryeo and Malgal populations, Dae In-seon resolved to overhaul Balhae's administrative system.
In historical records, Balhae is depicted as easily falling, but that was not due to weak military power. Excluding the tension between Malgal and Khitan, Balhae was relatively stable in turbulent times. Unlike late Goryeo or late Joseon, it was far from disintegrated.
"If possible, I'd like to make firearms, even if not a full-scale industrial revolution. Gunpowder existed in Tang, so I can send students abroad to study and confine them to build matchlock guns. Even without expertise, I could design them and coerce them into working. It should be feasible."
Choi In-seon himself did not possess extensive knowledge. His understanding of the Industrial Revolution came only from a high school project, and prior knowledge was minimal. So now, he speculated what could be achieved using future knowledge, thinking of firearms as a start.
'An industrial revolution is too much. The 10th century isn't ready for such advancements. But matchlocks or even hand cannons could help us counter larger Central Plains forces.'
"Very well, if it's possible, we will pursue it to the end. First, we must crush the Khitan, who are poised to bring Balhae to ruin."
Dae In-seon repeatedly affirmed his intent to subjugate the Khitan; without this, history might proceed as it originally did.
A king doomed to fall, who might later escape to Goryeo and live comfortably while being criticized…
Or a ruler who protects his nation, strengthens it, and turns a chaotic era into a great empire.
Fallen king or revolutionary conqueror—that was the path Dae In-seon had to choose.
A week later, messengers arrived from the Malgal territories at Dae In-seon's request. They were all tribal chiefs, except one notable absence: the Heuksu division, which refused to send anyone, merely requesting correspondence if necessary.
Since Dae In-seon had received full authority over Malgal affairs from Dae Hyeon-seok, the chiefs of all other divisions reported to the crown prince's palace.
"The chief of Baeksan Division greets the Crown Prince of Balhae."
"The chief of Sokmal Division greets the Crown Prince of Balhae."
"The chief of Baekdol Division greets the Crown Prince of Balhae."
"The chief of Bulnyeol Division greets the Crown Prince of Balhae."
"The chief of Angeogol Division greets the Crown Prince of Balhae."
"The chief of Hosil Division greets the Crown Prince of Balhae."
Indeed, the Heuksu chief was absent, and Ulbu had requested that Dae In-seon spare his life—a mistake that wasn't his fault, so no punishment was given.
'Have these fools lost their minds?'
It was not unexpected that one division disobeyed the crown prince's summons. Even with the provision to send correspondence, such defiance was audacious, as if they considered themselves equal to the crown prince.
The other chiefs appeared uneasy, likely sensing the tension. Particularly the chiefs of Sokmal and Baeksan, who were closest to Balhae and had friendly relations with it, frowned at Heuksu's behavior.
'Should I wait until the Heuksu chief arrives to converse with the others? But delaying may incite resistance from the other chiefs. Better to handle it among ourselves first.'
Internal disputes must be avoided. If conflict erupted with Heuksu, the Malgal forces of the six divisions would lead the attack. It was better to finalize this discussion with the six divisions first.
"Please, chiefs of each division, take your seats."
The chiefs, wary of Dae In-seon's observation, complied.
Except for Sokmal and Baeksan, the other four chiefs had been conquered during the previous king's reign. While the king had reorganized the five capitals, fifteen divisions, and sixty-two prefectures, suppressing internal strife, the Malgal tribes had never fully lost their identity, and residual resentment remained.
Some historians speculate that Balhae's fall was partly due to failure to secure Malgal cooperation, leaving them unable to resist the Khitan.
"Crown Prince, why have you summoned us?"
"As you know, recent disputes between Goryeo-descended Balhae citizens and the Malgal have escalated. In the Upper Capital, tensions arise even among nobles of Malgal descent."
"We are aware, Your Highness."
The Malgal chiefs, responsible for their divisions, had guessed that the crown prince intended to resolve this issue. Though they were inherently martial and nomadic, they cared for their people and did not want conflict with Goryeo descendants.
"This is not the result of Balhae's royal encouragement. I harbor no intention of discriminating against Malgal. Moreover, Balhae owes much to the Sokmal and Baeksan divisions. Without them, Balhae could not have been established by Goryeo descendants alone."
"Such words honor us! Sokmal and Baeksan have long shared roots with Goryeo. How could we hesitate in restoring Goryeo's legacy?"
"We pledge our loyalty solely to Balhae!"
The Sokmal and Baeksan chiefs bowed deeply, demonstrating their allegiance. Using "we pledge" confirmed their commitment to Balhae and to Dae In-seon personally.
Observing this, other chiefs spoke among themselves. Angeogol's chief eventually represented them:
"However, disputes between Goryeo descendants and us Malgal are growing. Do you intend to resolve this, Your Highness?"
"Indeed. I wish for all Malgal to fully integrate as my subjects and become Balhae citizens."
Dae In-seon casually dropped this bomb in a friendly tone.
Though conquered, the Malgal had retained much of their identity. Dae In-seon intended to break this and incorporate them fully under Balhae.
This was a delicate move. Normally, such demands would require overwhelming leverage, but Balhae was not in a dominant position demographically.
Still, Dae In-seon had no choice. To survive and strengthen Balhae, full integration of the Malgal was necessary. Waiting would squander the opportunity.
"Does this mean we must abandon our culture and become full Balhae citizens?"
"Indeed, there may be reluctance. But Malgal culture can be preserved as a regional culture, ensuring equality with Goryeo descendants."
"Then you will treat us as equals to the Goryeo-descended nobles?"
Some chiefs, intrigued, showed interest. While internal friction existed, Balhae remained stable enough that integration could be achieved.
"This is my vision for Balhae—no, for Goryeo. When I ascend the throne, I will rename the country Goryeo and, with its subjects and allied tribes, shake the world. You will be remembered as heroes of this age."
Dae In-seon's audacious declaration stunned the chiefs.
Two hundred years had passed since Balhae claimed to inherit Goryeo, yet Balhae still called itself Balhae externally. Dae In-seon seemed intent on reviving the glory of Goryeo's past in its full ambition.
He is not a patriot in the conventional sense, Dae In-seon thought, even now, I am the same.
'Now, it is time to test their resolve.'
The chiefs deliberated for ten minutes before Baekdol's young chief spoke:
"W-would our tribe be destroyed if we refuse?"
"Balhae has coexisted with you for a thousand years. I would not destroy you. Yet if you do not support me, I will proceed, and your tribe will fade into obscurity."
Dae In-seon's words balanced authority with consideration, showing he was not a tyrant.
The chiefs relaxed slightly.
"Will our support help you achieve your dream, Your Highness?"
"You know the courage and combat prowess of the Malgal. Follow me, and you will lead Balhae's forces as fearsome generals, advancing into the Central Plains. You may even receive territories there."
Nomadic by nature, the Malgal valued freedom over land ownership. But historical allegiance to Goryeo and Balhae suggested that the promise of lands would be tempting.
"We Malgal are not tied to land."
"Think of it as a grand spoil of war. Imagine receiving a portion of the Central Plains in your name—it would immortalize your tribe in history."
Some frowned, others were confused. Dae In-seon watched them keenly, waiting for their response.
Finally, the six chiefs, led by Sokmal, knelt before Dae In-seon.
"From now on, we Malgal are subjects of Balhae and pledge our lives to the Balhae Seongwang and Crown Prince. Lead us!"
Anyone witnessing Dae In-seon's smile would call it a devilish grin.
With the six divisions firmly under his control, Dae In-seon prepared for the final action: dealing with the defiant Heuksu. With six divisions in his grasp, resistance from Heuksu was futile.
"Together, we shall spread Balhae's—and Goryeo's—sky across the Central Plains. But tell me…"
"Yes, Your Highness? We shall give our all!"
"Are there not too many Malgal divisions? Perhaps it's time to reduce them to six."
Dae In-seon's sharp tone sent a clear message. Heuksu was being targeted, and the chiefs understood.
"You intend to subdue Heuksu, Your Highness?"
"Initially, only a show of force. But if they disobey, they will face judgment at the head of my Malgal brothers."
At the declaration of Heuksu's subjugation, the chiefs bowed once more, acknowledging his authority.