Chapter 129: Strategies Against the Xiongnu

The two sides haggled back and forth, the atmosphere both tense and lively.

Finally, under terms acceptable to both sides, the White Deer Tribe, like the previous tribe, reached an exchange agreement with the envoys.

Afterwards, the envoys then visited several other weak tribes in turn.

Each tribe's situation varied—some were warm and hospitable, some harbored doubts, some put forward various harsh conditions. But no matter the situation, the envoys remained calm and patient, striving for every possible cooperation opportunity.

In negotiations with one of the Wolf Fang Tribes of the steppe, the envoys encountered an unprecedented challenge.

The chief of the Wolf Fang Tribe was a cunning and ambitious fellow, although he was hard-pressed by Temujin.

Yet he remained defiant, scoffing at the exchange terms proposed by this group of envoys from the Central Plains dynasties, even attempting to force their submission through military threats.

For such a person, the envoys naturally had nothing more to say.

The tribes that had previously secured deals united to pressure the Wolf Fang Tribe.

Finally, they blocked the trade route of merchants from Cangzhou to the Wolf Fang Tribe.

Thus, the envoys endured countless hardships on the steppe, tossing and turning, and finally completed their exchange mission with all the tribes.

They brought back a large number of warhorses, adding formidable military strength to Cangzhou.

And those weak tribes on the steppe also obtained the weapons and armor they had long dreamed of.

To jointly resist Temujin in the future.

And in the depths of the vast steppe, inside a large tent built of thick wool felt, the atmosphere was unusually solemn.

Temujin, the wolf lord who had unified the Xiongnu, sat upright on a tiger‑skin‑covered high seat, his eyes as sharp as a hawk's, penetrating the hearts of everyone in the tent.

Temujin's face was as hard as iron, the years and warfare having carved deep traces upon it.

Upon learning that those Central Plains dynasties were actually selling weapons and armor to the weak tribes around him, this news struck like a heavy bomb, sending huge waves through his heart.

His brows knit tightly, his heart surging with an indescribable rage.

Inside the great tent, Temujin's Four Heroes, Four Dogs, and Four Sons all gathered, their faces likewise filled with worry and anger.

They knew that this news was undoubtedly a tremendous challenge for Temujin, who had just unified the Xiongnu and eyed the steppe like a tiger.

As his words fell, a burly general rose to his feet, his voice like a great bell, saying: "Great Khan, we absolutely cannot stand by and do nothing!"

"Once those weak tribes obtain weapons and armor, they will likely pose a threat to us."

"We should take immediate action to thwart the conspiracies of those Central Plains dynasties!"

Temujin nodded slightly, signaling him to calm down.

Then he turned toward the Four Sons and asked, "What do you think?"

Among the Four Sons, Tuolei pondered for a moment, then said slowly: "Great Khan, I think we should plan for the long term."

"The Central Plains dynasties' move must have a deeper meaning; acting rashly would likely fall into their trap."

"Our immediate priority should be to discern their intentions and hidden cards, then devise a counter‑strategy."

Temujin listened to Tuolei's words, said nothing, and fell into contemplation.

"Great Khan, this matter is no small affair."

"The Central Plains dynasties selling weapons and armor to the tribes around us makes their intent obvious."

"They intend to use these tribes to restrain us, even to provoke war."

Among the Four Sons, Wokuotai, gazing at the solemn Temujin, spoke up to break the silence.

Temujin nodded slightly, indicating his agreement.

He well knew the deceit and treachery of those Central Plains dynasties.

Over the years, those Central Plains dynasties have always regarded the chaos on the steppe as mere entertainment, never minding the trouble.

Even speaking solely of the Xiongnu tribe,

the fact that the northern and southern Xiongnu have remained divided for so long is also because people from the Central Plains have covertly supported the Xiongnu's hostile forces, seeking to split and weaken the Xiongnu's power.

Now, having been caught off guard by Temujin and swiftly bound the Xiongnu into a single rope with thunderous force,

they have moreover thrown off all restraint, openly beginning to sell weapons and armor to the weak tribes around the Xiongnu, which undoubtedly challenges Temujin's bottom line.

"We absolutely cannot stand by and do nothing."

Bo'erhu of the Four Heroes clenched his fists, indignant, saying: "We should immediately send troops to destroy those tribes that dare accept the Central Plains dynasties' weapons, so they know the fate of betraying the Xiongnu!"

However, Temujin did not immediately express his stance.

He well knew that impulse and anger would not solve the problem, but might instead plunge him into greater difficulty.

Now he needs to calmly assess the situation and devise a careful counter‑strategy.

"Sending troops may relieve the momentary hatred, but it is not a long‑term plan."

Temujin spoke slowly, his voice low and powerful: "If we rashly send troops, we will not only cause panic and rebellion among the surrounding tribes, but also give the Central Plains dynasties a pretext to exploit."

Upon hearing Temujin's words, everyone in the tent fell into contemplation.

They knew that Temujin's words were not without reason.

Although the now‑unified Xiongnu on the steppe counts as strong, the surrounding tribes are numerous and their loyalties are not united.

Once troops are dispatched, a chain reaction is likely to ensue, leading to loss of control.

"Then how should we respond?"

Bo'erhu could not help but ask.

Temujin smiled faintly, a flash of cunning in his eyes: "We need only fight fire with fire."

Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned, then the quick‑witted among them, like Tuolei, suddenly understood.

Temujin intended to use the Central Plains dynasties' own strategy against them.

"Great Khan, wise!" Muhuali exclaimed, "We can send envoys to inform the tribes that have accepted the Central Plains dynasties' weapons of our intentions."

"We can promise to protect their safety and interests, and even refrain from taking the initiative to invade them."

"But the precondition is that they must abandon their cooperation with the Central Plains dynasties and surrender the weapons and armor they purchased to us."

In this way, we can both weaken the influence of the Central Plains Dynasty over these tribes and strengthen our own strength.

Beside him, Tolei added, "At the same time, we can also show our tolerance and magnanimity to other tribes, attracting them to voluntarily submit."

Temujin nodded in agreement.

He knew that although this plan would require some time and effort, it is currently the most prudent and effective countermeasure.

He believed that as long as it is handled properly, he could surely successfully resolve this crisis.

In the following days, Temujin began to arrange everything in a tight and urgent manner.

He dispatched the most astute envoys to various tribes to lobby; at the same time he strengthened border patrols and defenses; and secretly mustered an elite force, ready at any time to respond to possible emergencies.

Especially, he constantly watched those envoys coming from the Central Plains Dynasty.

As long as they dare to come again, we will catch and kill them on the spot!

(End of chapter)