Pyeongyang City (Pyongyang) was Goguryeo's royal capital. A thousand years later, the General's radiance would shine upon his people here.
Now, another general shone upon them, bringing them civilization and more advanced productive forces.
Riding a tall warhorse, Wang Yan led his army slowly up to the outskirts of Pyeongyang City.
Many people had already gathered there. Some wore faces of utter desolation, while others were beaming with joy, even pointing fingers at the rest.
Wang Yan's horse did not stop until it reached them. He nimbly leaped down from the saddle.
"Greetings, Commander of the Sui Dynasty."
The king of Goguryeo bent humbly at the waist, head lowered, and presented Goguryeo's letter of surrender.
"General, I told them long ago to surrender, but they wouldn't listen." Someone sidled up with a fawning grin, like a dog.
Wang Yan smiled, briskly drew the sword at his waist, and slit the man's throat. The man clutched at his spurting neck in disbelief. Once he realized there was no saving himself, he stared wide-eyed and pointed at Wang Yan, as if swearing that even as a ghost, he would not let Wang Yan go.
Ignoring the silent curse, Wang Yan accepted the letter of surrender. Looking at the Goguryeo king, who was trembling with anxiety, he patted his shoulder kindly.
"Those who do not love their country, those who do not respect their sovereign, will be despised wherever they go. They did indeed help our Sui Dynasty conquer Goguryeo more quickly, but they should not have appeared before me with the bearing of victors. He disrespected both you and me."
An interpreter relayed Wang Yan's words to Goguryeo's rulers. Wang Yan swept his gaze over them with a genial smile. This time, no one smiled, and no one groveled.
Wang Yan continued,