Chapter 185: Kereit Tribe Seeks Peace, Drago Treaty
The intelligence from the Eastern Capital reported only two matters.
Xiao Helun fell into an ice hole.
And Xiao Simo, stimulated by this, worsened in health to the point of being bedridden.
As for the specific details and what happened to them afterward, the intelligence did not mention them.
This was mainly because the scouts Li Xiao had planted were too low-ranking and could not obtain such important intelligence.
Although it was only two short lines, Li Xiao read them over and over, and after a while, he finally put them down.
At this moment, his gaze was solemn, his expression thoughtful, and he secretly said to himself, “Yelü Zhilugu is truly ruthless!”
“To actually attack an eight-year-old boy.”
“It’s like striking at the Eastern Capital’s most vulnerable point.”
Even if Li Xiao was not present at the time, from an outsider’s perspective, Xiao Helun’s fall into the water was likely deliberate.
The biggest beneficiary would be the Royal Court.
However, it could also have been someone else, but the Royal Court’s instigation would undoubtedly be involved.
“Xiao Simo is gravely ill and bedridden, Xiao Helun’s condition is unknown, but even if he is unharmed, he will be unable to shoulder the great responsibility.”
“With only Shu Lü Wujin, a woman, it would be extremely difficult to control the situation.”
“In this way, the Eastern Capital’s power will be empty, and the Royal Court can take advantage of the void.”
What should Li Xiao do at such a time?
“Proceed as usual.”
“One move is not as good as stillness,” Li Xiao murmured, his eyes becoming resolute.
The situation in the Eastern Capital is unknown. If Xiao Simo is already dead, then so be it. If he is not dead, anyone who dares to act rashly at this time will be in trouble.
It’s best to pretend not to know about this matter and proceed as usual.
But preparations should be made in private.
With a decision made, Li Xiao turned to Ning Linggena beside him and said in a low voice, “Come here.”
“Yes~ yes.”
Ning Linggena, looking timid, with a trembling body, crawled on the ground and carefully moved to Li Xiao’s front.
At this moment, the sound of a leather whip cracking and Tuoliegenna’s screams could already be heard from outside the tent.
Ning Linggena was so frightened that her face turned pale, and her body trembled uncontrollably.
“Ning Linggena, although you are a younger sister, you are more sensible and well-behaved than your elder sister.”
“Do your part, and I will continue to favor you as always,” Li Xiao said, pinching her cheek in a low voice.
“Yes~ yes, Great Governor, this servant will obey diligently,” Ning Linggena said with a trembling voice.
Then she actively crawled under the low table and began to work hard.
Three days later, the Jin Prefecture Army’s convoy, carrying supplies and captives from the Kereit Tribe, arrived at the large camp.
There were more than five thousand prisoners of war in total, the vast majority of whom were young women.
Over a hundred thousand cattle and sheep were managed by these more than five thousand prisoners of war, who had driven them all the way here.
The Jin Prefecture Army only needed to use leather whips and war sabers to manage these captives and war horses, thereby firmly controlling the entire massive convoy.
Arriving with the escort team were four envoys, including Jochi, who appeared utterly exhausted in body and mind from the long journey.
“We’ve finally arrived!”
Erke Qorlas said excitedly, riding a thin, old horse that seemed as if it would collapse from exhaustion at any moment.
He gazed at the Jin Prefecture Army’s camp in the distance, where the Sun and Moon Battle Flag fluttered, and tears welled up in his eyes.
He had endured too much hardship on this journey!
“General Zhao, when can we see the Great Governor?” Erke Qorlas asked Zhao Dabao.
He just wanted the negotiations to end quickly, to return to the Khanate immediately, burrow into his warm large tent, and call for a dozen beauties to enjoy himself thoroughly.
He never wanted to come to this cursed place again.
“Wait!”
“See when the Great Governor is willing to see you,” Zhao Dabao snorted coldly, showing them no good face.
If it weren’t for these guys, he would still be freely looting and enjoying himself among the Kereit Tribe.
Simple tasks like escorting prisoners of war would never have fallen to him.
When Li Xiao learned of the envoys’ arrival, he simply said, “Understood.”
For the next few days, Erke Qorlas and the others continued to be held with the prisoners, only with slightly better treatment.
However, due to the prolonged delay in seeing Li Xiao, they became anxious.
It wasn’t until the fifth day that the tent curtain was lifted, and Zhao Dabao walked in. Seeing the four dejected figures, he said coldly, “Let’s go, the Great Governor wants to see you.”
Erke Qorlas let out a soft sigh of relief, but then said with difficulty, “General Zhao, may we freshen up?”
During these days, they had been held here and smelled foul. As official envoys for negotiation, it was truly unsightly.
But Zhao Dabao let out a cold sneer, “Prairie barbarians also know how to wash?”
“You have so many demands, no need. Hurry up and go.”
Afterward, the four were led to the center of the large camp.
What met their eyes was a magnificent golden tent, emitting a dazzling radiance under the sunlight.
Two rows of cavalry stood erect in front of the tent, wearing cotton armor with yellow bases and red borders, holding hooked scythe spears, their gazes sharp and fixed on the four.
Silent, yet constantly exuding a terrifying, oppressive atmosphere like that before a storm.
Erke Qorlas took a deep breath and inwardly pondered that the prestige of the Liao army was indeed well-deserved; even the guards before this large tent were so intimidating.
No wonder they could obliterate the Naiman Tribe in battle.
In contrast, Jochi, beside him, young and spirited, let out a cold snort of disdain and said in a low voice, “It’s just a show of intimidation, a clumsy trick.”
“The Great Governor of Jin Prefecture is nothing more than this.”
“Jochi, shut up,” Erke Qorlas said sternly.
He already regretted bringing this brat Jochi along. This so-called trial was just Temüjin causing him trouble.
The worst thing was his loose tongue, which could anger the Jin Prefecture Army.
The tactic of not attacking envoys during wartime seemed to have little effect on the Jin Prefecture Army.
If they were killed by the Jin Prefecture Army, they wouldn’t even have time to cry.
Subsequently, the four stepped into the tent and saw some Jin Prefecture generals seated on both sides, all wearing armor made of cloth and silk, albeit in different colors.
They stood tall and straight, their faces sternly gazing at the four, exuding a chilling aura forged in battle.
But what shocked Erke Qorlas the most was the young general seated at the head.
His face was resolute, his features sharp, and his eyes deep and piercing, as if they could see through everything.
He had short hair, only about an inch long, clean and neat, adding to his decisive and heroic demeanor.
He wore cotton armor with a gold base and red border, embroidered with delicate silk thread depicting patterns of sun, moon, mountains, and rivers, showcasing an extraordinary dignity.
At this moment, Erke Qorlas’s eyes widened, filled with astonishment. Was this the Great Governor of Jin Prefecture, Li Xiao?
The Liao general who had annihilated the Naiman Tribe with thunderous might and routed Sangkun’s army on the battlefield?
In Erke Qorlas’s imagination, such a meritorious general must be a steady, experienced, and mature man, at least around thirty years old.
But Li Xiao, standing before him, looked about the same age as Jochi beside him. His youthfulness far exceeded his expectations.
Li Xiao sat at the head of the table, taking in the changing expressions of the four, and spoke unhurriedly, “Envoys from afar, you have had a difficult journey.”
“However, I wonder what sincerity the Kereit Tribe brings with this visit?”
His deep voice echoed in the large tent, carrying an irresistible sense of pressure.
Erke Qorlas steadied himself and said loudly from within the tent, “It is of no consequence that we have had some hardship; rather, our delegation’s guards were all killed by your soldiers, Great Governor.”
“As the saying goes, countries at war do not kill envoys…”
The next second, Li Xiao directly interrupted him, laughing and saying, “We Jin Prefecture people are barbarians and savages, our actions are crude, and we don’t understand grand principles. We only know that our knives should fall on our enemies.”
“Whoever dares to bare their teeth at us, we will kill them until their blood flows like a river.”
Li Xiao leaned forward slightly, his gaze like a knife piercing Erke Qorlas: “Your delegation’s guards were killed because they were unlucky enough to run into the blades of my Jin Prefecture Army.”
“If you are here today merely to seek justice for them, then please leave.”
“This justice, I cannot give you.”
“Do not waste my time here, nor try to hinder my Jin Prefecture Army’s grand plan of continuing the Eastern Expedition.”
Hearing that the Liao army truly intended to continue their eastern expedition, Erke Qorlas’s mood worsened.
These greedy Liao barbarians were indeed aiming for their Kereit Tribe.
But the main force of the Kereit Tribe was at Kuitian. If they continued to let the Liao army loot, who knew what would become of the Kereit tribesmen.
It could even affect the morale of the soldiers at Kuitian.
So, he decided to stop beating around the bush with Li Xiao and said directly, “Great Governor, I have come today with Wanghan’s sincerity.”
“Our Kereit Tribe and the Liao State have been long-standing allies, and Wanghan had also agreed with the Great Governor to jointly attack the Naiman Tribe. We are indeed allies.”
“This war was entirely Sangkun’s doing. Lord Wanghan was furious when he learned of Sangkun’s actions and severely reprimanded him.”
Upon hearing this, Li Xiao feigned a sudden realization, “You mentioning it reminded me.”
“Wanghan had also agreed with me to jointly attack the Naiman Tribe.”
“But why did only my Jin Prefecture Army mobilize, and I didn’t see any Kereit troops?”
“Was Wanghan toying with me?”
Li Xiao’s tone gradually intensified, full of interrogation.
As for these questions, Erke Qorlas and the others had already discussed them on the way.
Thus, he calmly explained, “Great Governor, please calm your anger. There is actually a hidden reason for this.”
“At that time, Wanghan had already organized his troops and prepared to set out with the Great Governor.”
“But just as they were about to depart, Wanghan suddenly fell ill. He summoned a doctor from the Jin State, and it took great effort to cure him.”
“At that time, Wanghan specifically instructed that someone be sent to deliver a letter to the Great Governor with all haste. However, due to the long distance, the messenger failed to arrive in time, which caused such a great misunderstanding.”
As he spoke, he secretly glanced at Li Xiao’s expression. Seeing that Li Xiao’s expression remained stern and did not soften, his heart grew more uneasy.
At this moment, the main force of the Kereit Tribe was still at Kuitian, and the Kereit Tribe’s defenses were empty.
But this situation absolutely could not be known to Li Xiao, otherwise, the Jin Prefecture Army would be even less likely to agree to peace talks.
Therefore, they had discussed and fabricated such an unreliable reason on the way.
“Wanghan fell ill? Heh heh!” Li Xiao sneered.
Then his expression turned cold, and he roared:
“It was clearly Zhamuha who gathered the Nine Tribes Allied Army and launched an attack on the Kereit Tribe and the Kiyan tribe.”
“Currently, the situation for Wanghan and Temüjin at Kuitian is not optimistic, is it?”
The Battle of Kuitian in history likely broke out around this period.
Moreover, through the interrogation of captured Kereit generals, Li Xiao could guess the movements of the Kereit main force.
The Kereit Tribe could not deceive him.
As expected, upon hearing Li Xiao’s words, Erke Qorlas and the others’ faces changed drastically.
They had originally intended to conceal the war situation in the eastern grasslands to avoid being manipulated by the Liao army, but they did not expect Li Xiao to already know.
This was now in big trouble.
Erke Qorlas’s face instantly contorted into a bitter gourd.
Regardless of whether the Liao army, knowing that the Kereit Tribe was caught between two forces, would be willing to retreat, even if they did retreat, the Kereit Tribe would definitely have to pay a heavy price.
“My Jin Prefecture and the Kereit Tribe are allies and brothers. If Wanghan is besieged by Zhamuha’s army, how can I not show any support?” Li Xiao said in a calm voice.
“In a few days, I will personally lead my Jin Prefecture Army to Kuitian to assist. I will definitely help the Kereit Tribe defeat the Nine Tribes Allied Army.”
Upon hearing this, Erke Qorlas and the others’ expressions changed instantly. They exchanged glances, seeing the anxiety on each other’s faces.
“Thank you, Great Governor, for your concern,” Deputy Envoy Kui Temür stepped forward and said with a smile.
“However, the situation at Kuitian is not that dire. Our Kereit main army has already gained a decisive advantage over the Nine Tribes Allied Army. Perhaps at this very moment of our conversation, the Nine Tribes Allied Army has already been defeated.”
“Furthermore, at the beginning of the war, Wanghan had already informed the Jin Lord, and the Jin State’s army had already marched north to the grasslands to help our Kereit Tribe eliminate the Nine Tribes Allied Army.”
The matter of the Jin State was, of course, pure fabrication.
Until they were pushed to the brink of desperation, the Kereit Tribe would not invite the main forces of the Jin State to the northern grasslands.
They were purely using the Jin State to scare Li Xiao.
To tell Li Xiao that just because the Kereit main force was at Kuitian, the Jin Prefecture Army could not act with impunity.
If the Kereit Tribe was pushed too far, they would directly call the Jin people to annihilate the Liao army.
The Western Liao wanted to restore their state and return to the Central Plains, while the Jin State also wanted to cut off the roots and destroy the Western Liao.
Historically, both states had launched expeditions against each other, but both were limited by geographical conditions and turned back midway. The armies of the two states had not yet encountered each other.
“I’ve heard that the Jin State’s Iron Pagoda is unparalleled in the world, a supreme heavy cavalry army.”
“The three thousand Black Armored Army under my command, all clad in heavy armor, have long wanted to experience the might of the Iron Pagoda.”
Li Xiao’s tone was calm, yet it subtly revealed an air of unchallenged dominance.
“However, before confronting the Iron Pagoda, my Jin Prefecture Army soldiers will first be guests at the Kereit Tribe.”
“I imagine the hospitable herdsmen there will generously offer herds of cattle and sheep, mountains of gold and silver treasures, and those alluring, beautiful women, to warmly entertain my Jin Prefecture soldiers.”
Li Xiao narrowed his eyes slightly, a fleeting, inscrutable glint appearing within them, and the corner of his mouth curved into a slightly playful arc.
“Is what I said correct, two envoys?”
Jochi, standing beside them, was already filled with indignation upon hearing the conversation and couldn’t help but speak, “If the Great Governor insists on attacking the Kereit Tribe.”
“Then my Kiyan Tribe and the Kereit Tribe can only fight to the death.”
“Better to be a ghost under the sword than a dog slave.”
“I believe that the Liao army under the Great Governor will also have a difficult time then.”
Hearing Jochi’s words, Erke Qorlas quickly reprimanded, “Jochi, shut up.”
Then he hurriedly apologized to Li Xiao, “Great Governor, please forgive us.”
“Young people are ignorant, and their words should not be taken seriously.”
But it had to be said that Jochi’s desperate words had once again added a bargaining chip for the Kereit Tribe.
If the Jin Prefecture Army insisted on continuing their attack on the Kereit Tribe, then the Kereit Tribe would fight to the death, refusing to let the Jin Prefecture Army have an easy time.
At that time, both sides will be weakened, only benefiting the Jin Dynasty.
Deputy envoy Kui Temür hurriedly seized the opportunity and said: “King Khan dispatched us to come this time mainly to re-establish relations with your country and resolve misunderstandings. We hope the Great Governor will withdraw his troops to avoid suffering for the people of the grasslands.”
As soon as the words fell, a ‘bang’ suddenly sounded in the tent.
Zhao Dabao slammed the table and stood up, looking at the few people angrily, and said with a snort.
“Withdraw troops?”
“Absolutely cannot withdraw troops.”
Then, his gaze turned to Li Xiao: “Great Governor, because of the Kereit tribe’s breach of promise, our Jin Prefecture Army had to fight the Naiman army alone.”
“If we retreat now, how can we face those fallen brothers?”
“Moreover, the Kereit army has already engaged in a battle with our army, and they are truly enemies of Jin Prefecture.”
After Zhao Dabao finished speaking, the other generals in the tent also stood up and said indignantly: “That’s right, Commander Zhao is right.”
“Absolutely cannot withdraw troops.”
“We must continue fighting until we reach the Kereit Khanate.”
“Annihilate the Kereit tribe.”
“Turn Ong Khan’s head into a chamber pot.”
Li Xiao smiled, pointed at Zhao Dabao and others, and said to Erke Qorlas: “As you can see, it’s not that I don’t want to withdraw troops.”
“It’s just that I cannot account for it to my Jin Prefecture officers and soldiers.”
Erke Qorlas, who was experienced, heard this and immediately sensed hope, and quickly said: “As long as the Great Governor withdraws his troops, our Kereit tribe can provide compensation to the officers and soldiers of the Liao Army who died in battle.”
In fact, it was not only the Kereit tribe that could not bear the consequences of the war, but Li Xiao also no longer intended to continue fighting.
The first reason was the message from the Eastern Capital.
Li Xiao had a premonition that something big would happen in the Eastern Capital in the coming months.
At such a critical juncture, Li Xiao absolutely did not want the Jin Prefecture Army to be entangled in a war with the Kereit tribe and unable to disengage.
On the other hand, the Jin Prefecture Army had just taken over the Naiman territory.
They needed time to integrate the Naiman resources and to immigrate some of the Jin Prefecture common people into Naiman territory.
At this time, the Jin Prefecture Army truly had no energy to annex the Kereit tribe.
Simple looting had no great strategic significance.
After all, the Jin Prefecture Army had looted too many spoils of war during this period, so a little more or less did not matter.
It was better to temporarily cease hostilities and rest. When the situation in the Eastern Capital stabilized and the Jin Prefecture Army had fully digested the Naiman territory, it would be time for the Kereit tribe to be annihilated.
As for eliminating Temüjin?
Li Xiao naturally dreamed of it.
But this fellow was currently in Kuoyitian, which is the eastern part of present-day Inner Mongolia, very close to the three northeastern provinces, and more than two thousand li away from Naiman. The Jin Prefecture Army was simply unable to reach him.
Li Xiao pondered for a moment, as if moved by Erke Qorlas’s words.
He nodded slightly and said: “I can withdraw troops, but I will never mistreat the soldiers who died in battle.”
“You all go back first, and tomorrow I will list the items your Kereit tribe needs to compensate.”
Afterwards, Erke Qorlas and the other three left the large tent, while Li Xiao discussed further with Zhang Xinghua and other Jin Prefecture generals.
A final list of compensation details was determined.
First, the Kereit tribe must pay the Jin Prefecture Army one hundred thousand taels of gold, payable in a lump sum.
Second, the Kereit tribe must pay the Jin Prefecture Army two hundred thousand sheep and twenty thousand war horses.
Third, the Kereit tribe must pay the Jin Prefecture Army thirty thousand healthy Han slaves.
The Kereit tribe bordered both the Jin Dynasty and Western Xia. They did not dare to provoke the Jin Dynasty but frequently raided Western Xia.
Each time they would plunder a large number of Western Xia people back to the grasslands.
The figure of thirty thousand was an estimate made by Li Xiao after interrogating Kereit prisoners of war.
The Kereit tribe should be able to afford it.
If it was still not enough, the Kereit tribe would have to find a way to gather it themselves.
Fourth, Yudu Jin Mountain was originally jointly owned by the Kereit tribe and the Naiman tribe, but from now on it will belong entirely to Jin Prefecture, and the Kereit tribe shall not station troops in Yudu Jin Mountain.
The reason Li Xiao wanted to take Yudu Jin Mountain was not only for strategic purposes.
It was also because he remembered that there was a gold and copper mine in the Mongol territory, located south of Yudu Jin Mountain.
The reserves of gold and copper were high, and if they could be found, it would be extremely beneficial to the economic development of Jin Prefecture.
Fifth, open border markets, allowing mutual trade between the two sides, and permit Jin Prefecture caravans to travel within the Kereit tribe’s territory.
At the same time, the Kereit tribe must guarantee the safety of the Jin Prefecture caravans.
Because the Kereit tribe was adjacent to the Jin Dynasty, the caravans could depart from Yudu Jin Mountain, pass through the Kereit territory, and reach the Jin Dynasty border. This was Li Xiao’s true objective.
Sixth, in order to ensure a long-term alliance between the two parties, Jin Prefecture will form a marriage alliance with the Kereit tribe.
Li Xiao will marry Zha Agambou’s daughter, Sorghaghtani, as a noble concubine.
Zha Agambou was another biological brother of Ong Khan. He was talented and feared by Ong Khan, and was not highly regarded within the Kereit tribe, almost a marginalized figure.
However, his daughter Sorghaghtani was a famous figure.
After the fall of the Kereit tribe, Temüjin bestowed her upon his youngest son, Tolui.
Subsequently, Sorghaghtani gave birth to four sons for Tolui.
The eldest son was Mongke, the second son was Kublai, the third son was Hulagu, and the fourth son was Ariq Böke.
Therefore, Sorghaghtani was known in later generations as the ‘Mother of Four Khans’.
Compared to the stupidity of Naimazhen, Sorghaghtani possessed superb political skills.
After Tolui’s death, she formed alliances and gradually regained power for the Tolui family.
And helped her sons inherit the Khanate.
The four sons she raised were all more formidable than the last.
For this legendary woman, Li Xiao did not mind giving her a title and taking her into his household.
The next day, when Li Xiao handed this treaty to Erke Qorlas, the latter was stunned.
“Great Governor, this is simply too much, our Kereit tribe truly…”
Before he could finish, Li Xiao directly interrupted him: “I am not here to bargain with you.”
“These terms are the result of discussions among my Jin Prefecture officers and soldiers. You can consider them an ultimatum.”
“If you agree, and deliver these items within one month, I will immediately withdraw my troops.”
“Otherwise, I will personally lead the Jin Prefecture iron cavalry to raze the Kereit tribe.”
“Let the Kereit tribe, like the Naiman tribe, be forever erased from the grasslands.”
