Dire Decisions

Vice Minister of War Shin Rip headed the cavalry down the rugged, hilly path, clad in dark, heavy armor that twinkled with each plodding clop of his horse. The Japanese had already broken through Busan, but the critical Choryeong Pass had not yet fallen. His ragtag group of disheveled soldiers and countrymen was the last hope for the Joseon capital. Sweat clung to every brow as the monsoon season had blanketed the land in humidity. The men’s eyes lifted as they climbed over a particular hill, as what greeted them was not another hill but the great Chungju Lake. The group’s spirits lifted as they could now rest, but their joy was dampened by the realization that Choryeong was the next stop. 

As Shin entered the city, a man came out of the barracks to meet them. 

“Sir. I am Governor Kim Su. I have gathered a good number of troops to aid you in your fight at Choryeong. It has been a rough couple of days. The troops will be glad to see you.” The man spoke rigidly and nervously. 

“Thank you. Your help is appreciated.” With that, Shin entered the barracks. Kim trailed after him, glancing at the cavalry behind Shin before entering the barracks as well. The interior was shockingly barren. 

“Surely there are more troops you have gathered?” Shin asked Kim. Kim stared blankly ahead for a moment before replying.

“A majority of my forces fled the city because they were not confident that you would arrive in time.” Shin felt his temper slowly creeping up, but let out his steam with an emphatic sigh. He gestured to Kim and led him to the command room. 

Shin discussed his plans with Kim. Although the Japanese heavily outnumbered them, Choryeong Pass provided the high ground and a narrow battlefield. If they could hold against the first wave, then they could gather more support and drive the enemy back. But the question was whether these advantages outweighed their numerical disadvantage. Shin’s forces were mostly cavalry, and therefore, the mountainous terrain of the pass would be disadvantageous. Banking on his cavalry’s skills, Shin believed that the pass was not the optimal battlefield.

“Let us face the enemy at Tangeumdae,” Shin said to Kim, “the open fields would facilitate my cavalry.” 

“But Tangeumdae is surrounded by mountains on one side and by the Namhan River on the other,” Kim protested, “retreat would be impossible.”

Shin replied grimly: “Precisely. You and I both know that humans can only accomplish impossible tasks in desperate situations.”

A couple of days later, the Korean force marched out of Chungju.