Chapter 91: Assembly Speech

Mu Hua Li did not hesitate; he immediately ordered his subordinates to spread the Tatar rumors across the steppe. This matter brooked no delay, for it was the first time he had seen Temujin lose his composure.

Perhaps because he had endured hardships since childhood, Temujin remained calm in any situation; no matter what embarrassed him, he never became so angry as to lose his composure.

Yet this time, Temujin not only lost his composure in anger, but fear mingled in his voice. Mu Hua Li understood, however, that such a large-scale uprising of slaves and herdsmen killing their masters to establish a tribe where they held the power was truly inconceivable, unheard of.

If this matter were not extinguished in time, sooner or later, the slaves killing their masters and taking their place would happen among them.

The commotion Temujin caused was immense; the entire steppe knew of it. Naturally, Guo Jing and Nie Huaishang, being closest to Temujin, had learned of this matter very early.

"Temujin truly watches us at all times. We have only just begun to criticize the slave owners and shamans, yet he already knows and has swiftly formulated policies targeting us." Nie Huaishang touched his forehead, looking somewhat worried.

"If they confront us, let them. We cannot possibly hide the great commotion caused by criticizing landlords here, dividing cattle and sheep, and establishing a new government," Guo Jing said, patting Nie Huaishang's shoulder to comfort him.

"Yes, I was overly anxious. Temujin is not yet the Genghis Khan who swept across Eurasia in history. Currently, though our brigade has just been expanded and its combat effectiveness is poor, Temujin's troops have not yet undergone his military reorganization. Except for his own personal guard, the remaining forces are led by tribal chieftains."

"Such an army can win when the tide is favorable, but in a reverse tide battle, I recall Temujin was once ambushed by Wang Han. At that time, Temujin's troops scattered in flight, with only four thousand six hundred cavalry following him. Temujin had then defeated the allied forces led by Taichiwu and Jamukha, making him the second-largest power on the steppe. Yet now he has not even destroyed the main branch of the Mongol nobility, the Jurkin, nor seized their people. His current personal guard numbers no more than two thousand." As Nie Huaishang spoke, a sharp light flashed in his eyes.

If Temujin's army was still a force that would collapse at a single touch, what then of the forces of Wang Han, Jamukha, and the Naiman tribe, which had been defeated by Temujin?

Moreover, would the various tribes truly not harbor the thought of letting others exert effort while they preserved their own strength?

After hearing Nie Huaishang's thoughts, Guo Jing nodded and said, "Our brigade now faces its most severe test. We must go all out. I believe the people will not let us down."

That evening happened to coincide with the tribe's regular assembly. Nie Huaishang and Guo Jing would explain their propositions and the things they intended to do to everyone, while also answering questions and resolving doubts.

As soon as the assembly began, someone raised a hand and asked, "Brigade Commander Zhang, may I ask a question?"

"Very well, please ask," Guo Jing said warmly.

"My lord, the news of us dividing cattle and sheep has been spreading like wildfire across the steppe. Will the various tribes launch a campaign against us because of this?" The soldier finished speaking and stared blankly at Guo Jing.

"It is true. The various tribes on the steppe very likely will unite to campaign against us. Temujin has already sent letters to the various tribes, and their shamans are urging their tribes to accept Temujin's proposal for a joint campaign against us."

"Regarding our regime where the people hold power, their attitude is but one: to exterminate us utterly." Guo Jing's tone was heavy. The young soldier hearing this looked somewhat sorrowful.

"My lord, may I ask? If I die fighting for the tribe, will the tribe take back the cattle and sheep prioritized for my family? Our former leaders treated us better than others; when in a good mood, they would not only bestow wine and meat upon us but also give us some money. Yet once someone died, the people in the tribe would find ways to force his family to hand over the money, and the leader would do nothing about such situations."

The soldier spoke very cautiously. Under normal circumstances, he would never have stood up to speak, even though his squad leader always encouraged him to speak up.

He only wanted to ask the question in his heart because he thought of going to a war where he might very well not return.

"Brigade Commander, I have trained very seriously lately. I can shoot that thing called a gun with great accuracy. I am confident I can kill four or five enemies on this battlefield. If you do not take back my family's land, I, He Bosa, am willing to risk my life to kill ten enemies." He Bosa finished speaking with courage, saw that Guo Jing did not reply, and thought inwardly that things were bad; he must have said the wrong thing and angered the Brigade Commander.

"Is that all?" Guo Jing asked.

He Bosa felt somewhat afraid; he thought the best outcome now would be for Guo Jing to take his horse whip and give him a severe beating.

"Why do you think your life is worth only the cattle and sheep distributed by the organization? Those cattle and sheep are something everyone can receive after the base area is established; they are not used to buy your life. You are a hero who defends everyone from exploitation and oppression. Precisely because of your existence, all of us can live happy and fulfilling lives."

As Guo Jing spoke, his nose turned a bit sour, and he choked out, "If you unfortunately sacrifice yourself, the organization will raise your family in your stead. The organization will resolve any hardships. The organization will surely write your name into the history books so that people a thousand years later will know that it is because of you that they have their happy lives."

He Bosa touched his head and said awkwardly, "Brigade Commander, originally I was willing to risk my life to kill ten. After hearing your words, I feel I can kill twenty."

"Very well, those are your words. If you can kill twenty, I will promote you to platoon leader when you return," Guo Jing said happily.

"Comrades, although we have known each other for a short time, I believe you already understand clearly that we are different from those slave owners and wizards. You all feel that life now is very good, but I must tell you this is only the beginning. To live increasingly better lives, we must endure the test. What test? That is the desperate extermination by exploiters and oppressors."

"They know that if we live well, they will no longer be able to make you risk your lives to fight for them by merely bestowing a few things as charity. Therefore, comrades, for the happy days ahead, we must take up arms and fight to defend our regime where the people hold power."

"We must use facts to tell them that the era when these people rode on our necks and trampled us underfoot is over. We are the creators of everything and of history; we are never lowly."

Nie Huaishang, usually somewhat weak and scholarly, spoke with ringing force at this moment.

"Comrades, for our families to live happy lives, are we afraid of sacrifice?" Nie Huaishang shouted loudly.

"Not afraid."