With the Japanese invasion of Choson, King Sonjo's court was thrown into panic and disarray. Ryu Songnyong alone stood out, negotiating with Ming China for military aid and leading the Korean people through the crisis. Sonjo was the king, but Songnyong was the leader. His mission could be described thus: "Though horses are lost, the stable must be repaired." Ryu's last battle was to put the war on record so that its bitter memory could survive. His agonizingly detailed records and admonitions for posterity were no less fierce and stirring than Yi Sunsin's last battle at the Noryang strait. Yi's tragic death made his star shine bright, but Ryu had to choose a different path to recognition than that of a warrior. His sacrifice was to persevere until he could finish recording his history.