By: Quinn Riordan
The Goryeo Dynasty received a surprise visit from the Jurchens, as they began their discussions on Jan. 17, instantly forming a divide within the court. The Jurchens declared themselves the “Jin Dynasty,” while taking part of the Goryeo Dynasty’s land and enacting necessary demands, Princess Yeondeok said. Moreover, the Jurchens called the court and nation, “little brother”, which lead to an uproar within the court over the course of action and severity.
“The court issued declarations of war and false alliances, passing a ploy integration within the Jurchen military to issue a surprise military attack on their leaders, increase trade, and send bad fruit to weaken their people, all to increase the likelihood of the Goryeo’s success in battle. The Goryeo will prosper, gain back our lands, ensuring security and stability for our dynasty,” Queen Seonpyeong said.
These announcements were heavily debated, tensions were rising throughout the court, as they factioned off into two separate groups - one mostly Confusious and the other Buddhist. The Jurchen people have been flippant throughout the history of the dynasty, manipulating the Goryeo and Liao Dynasty with their knowledge of the tensions between the two. These fears surrounding the new Jin Dynasty, have been fueled by years of mistrust to justify the calls for war.
“The discussion has been centered around proposing an alliance with the Jin dynasty, to ensure security, stability, and prosperity for the grand Goryeo Dynasty and its people,” Kim Busik said.
As the court debated war or an alliance, the Song Dynasty arrived bringing them gifts of music and asking for an alliance to “eradicate” the Jurchen people, the representative from the Song Dynasty said. However, their proposal for an alliance was viewed as questionable by many royals in the court, doubting the motives and stipulations that would be required.
“The Song Dynasty were previously aligned with the Jurchen people and certain members of the court have expressed fears over the incentives of the Song and whether they will remain loyal within and alliance,” Princess Yeondeok said.
As conflict ensues and with the new declarations of war against the Jurchens, without agreement to the Song’s proposal it is unclear the outcome for the Goryeo Dynasty. The goal of the Goryeo court is to weaken the Jurchen and stalling, while consequently building and strengthening their military. Similarly, staging a false alliance with the Jin Dynasty to gain trust and then attack without the threat of premeditated retaliation.
“The court feels strongly that these proposals will ensure the security and peace for the Goryeo people and the dynasty as a whole,” Princess Yeondeok said.
