Chapter 186: Mother Of Four Emperors
Kuoyitian.
Jelme, dusty and travel-worn, with disheveled hair and clothes covered in dust, knelt before Temüjin with a look of guilt: “Great Khan, I am sorry I could not bring Jochi back.”
Upon hearing this, Temüjin instantly stood up and anxiously asked, “What happened to Jochi?”
Although Jochi’s identity was a taboo, he was, after all, Temüjin’s acknowledged eldest son, and Temüjin would have grieved if he had died in battle.
Fortunately, however, the outcome was not as bad as imagined.
Jelme said with anger, “Jochi has been detained by the Liao army.”
Li Xiao claimed to have hit it off with Jochi, and simply sent Jelme and the other two back, leaving Jochi alone in the Jin Prefecture Army.
Upon hearing this, Temüjin frowned, clenched his fists, and angrily said, “The Liao army is simply shameless.”
“The two armies do not kill envoys in war, why did they detain my son without reason?”
Kereit Timur, standing nearby, said, “The Great Governor of Jin Prefecture says that we violated morality first.”
“The Han Dynasty envoy Su Wu was detained without reason by the Xiongnu back then~”
Hearing this, Temüjin became even more enraged: “What does the Xiongnu’s actions have to do with us Mongols?”
Although the ancestors of the Mongols were not Xiongnu, many people of this era did not even recognize characters, so how could they worry about so much?
In any case, since you are in the former territory of the Xiongnu, you should settle accounts with the Xiongnu.
“Alright, Temüjin, don’t be angry.”
“Timur also said that the Liao people are keeping Jochi as a guest and will not harm him,” Ong Khan said from his tiger-skin seat at the head.
Jochi was just a bastard; he didn’t understand why Temüjin cared so much.
Whether he lived or died was of no importance to Ong Khan.
What concerned him now was the Battle of Kuitian and whether the Jin Prefecture Army could retreat.
“They are simply asking for the moon.”
In front of Ong Khan was a piece of cloth and silk, which was the ‘Drag River Treaty’ drafted by Li Xiao, and it was also stamped with Li Xiao’s seal as ‘Great Liao Jin Prefecture Governor’.
It was still the same six articles as before.
But for Ong Khan, each of these six articles was ‘treasonous.’ The Kereit tribe, as the most powerful tribe on the grasslands today, had never suffered such humiliation.
Temüjin, seeing this, could only silently pray in his heart: “May the Eternal Blue Sky protect Jochi’s safe return.”
Then, he looked at Ong Khan and said, “Foster Father, Zhamuha’s army is currently launching a fierce offensive against us, and it is really not advisable to continue fighting the Liao army.”
He had already seen this treaty; it had nothing to do with the Kiyan tribe, and it all required the Kereit tribe to bleed.
Therefore, Temüjin was also happy to watch the show.
Ong Khan reached out, gently held his gray beard, and stroked it, looking at the Kereit nobles in the tent.
“What are your opinions?”
The nobles looked at each other, then expressed their opinions, but none were substantive.
Because this treaty from the Jin Prefecture Army, although harsh, was within their acceptable range.
Although one hundred thousand taels of gold, two hundred thousand sheep, and twenty thousand war horses were a lot, the Kereit tribe could scrape them together with gritted teeth.
The Golden Mountain had already been effectively occupied by the Jin Prefecture Army, and arguing over ownership was meaningless.
When the Kereit tribe becomes strong in the future, they will take it back.
Opening the official markets and conducting commercial trade was beneficial to both sides.
Finally, there was the marriage alliance, where Zha Agambou’s daughter would marry the Jin Prefecture Governor, which made many nobles feel a pang of jealousy.
It wasn’t that they were unwilling, but it was a pity that such a good opportunity fell to Zha Agambou.
Daughters were always meant for marriage alliances.
It was an incredibly worthwhile transaction to exchange a mere daughter for such powerful assistance from the Jin Prefecture Army.
Even Ong Khan wanted to use his own daughter to replace Sorghaghtani, but unfortunately, Li Xiao had clearly stated that it had to be this woman.
If anyone else was sent, the peace talks would be directly void.
Moreover, the Jin Prefecture Army had captured so many Kereit captives, including guards from the Khanate, so there would surely be someone who recognized Sorghaghtani.
They would verify it then.
This kind of thing could not be faked.
Finally, after discussions between Ong Khan and the Kereit nobles, they decided to accept the treaty in exchange for the withdrawal of the Jin Prefecture Army.
……
The Khanate of the Kereit tribe was originally located in Ordu, which was once the capital of the Overlord of the Grasslands, the Uyghur Khaganate.
Historically, after Temüjin annihilated the Kereit tribe, he renamed it Kharakhorum and established it as the capital of the Mongol Empire.
However, at present, with the massive attacks of the Jin Prefecture Army, the Kereit tribe’s Khanate had to move eastward, to a grassland at the foot of the Khentii Mountains.
Although the water and grass here were abundant, they could not hide the current decline and disarray of the Kereit tribe.
However, when the news of the Kereit tribe’s successful peace talks with the Liao army arrived, the entire Khanate seemed to awaken from the deathly stillness of winter, and there was rejoicing throughout the ranks. Everyone felt relieved and breathed a sigh of relief.
“That’s great, we finally don’t have to fight the Liao people anymore.”
“I’ve been living in fear every day during this time, and I couldn’t sleep soundly at night, always worried about the Liao army attacking.”
“Yes, the Duolabo Ge tribe was attacked by the Liao people, and everyone was captured and became slaves. I don’t know how my poor sister is doing now.”
“Now it’s good. With the peace talks successful, our Khanate will be safe.”
“Thank you, Ahala, for not having to continue hiding and fleeing.”
“Ahala, please end the war in Kuoyitian as soon as possible. I have already lost two sons; do not take my last son away.”
There was a great celebration in the Kereit Khanate. Many people even knelt down devoutly, muttering prayers, offering their most sincere prayers to Ahala.
Amidst this jubilant crowd, there was a beautiful maiden who was particularly striking.
She had a graceful posture, like a flower swaying in the wind on the grassland. Her jet-black, shiny long hair was as smooth as silk and casually cascaded down her back, with a few strands gently fluttering in the breeze.
Her face was round, exuding youthful innocence, and her skin was as delicate and fair as sheep’s milk, with a faint sheen.
Her eyes were like stars twinkling in the night sky, bright and clear, filled with liveliness and intelligence. Her lips curved slightly upwards, her smile as warm as sunshine.
It was Sorghaghtani.
“That’s wonderful. Ahala, please bless us so that the war ends soon and peace returns to the grasslands.”
Sorghaghtani clasped her hands devoutly over her chest, her eyes slightly closed, murmuring softly.
Her voice was gentle yet firm, as if it could drift with the wind to Ahala’s ears.
“Great Ahala, you are the guardian of the grasslands. Please bless every corner of the grasslands to regain its vitality, let the tender green grass grow freely, and let the warm sunshine pour down without reservation~”
In the grasslands of this era, many people believed in Jing Religion, and there were large numbers of Jing followers in the Kereit and Naiman tribes.
Although Sorghaghtani was young, she was also a devout follower of Jing Religion.
And just as she was immersed in the joy of the end of the war with the Liao country.
A girl around eleven or twelve years old rode up in a hurry and excitedly shouted to her: “Sister Egheqi（, you are going to have a husband soon!”
Hearing this, Sorghaghtani’s expression froze, and a blush like the evening glow instantly appeared on her face.
But grassland women were not overly shy, she just playfully rebuked:
“Duoge Le, what nonsense are you talking about?”
“My father（ is going to arrange my engagement, how would I not know?”
Sorghaghtani was now fourteen（ actually younger） years old, and in the grasslands, she was already of marriageable age.
Moreover, Sorghaghtani was outstanding in appearance, the most beautiful girl in the Khanate.
She was also a member of the Kereit royal family, a niece of Ong Khan, and suitors were endless.
But her father had rejected all these proposals, still in the process of choosing.
However, with her sister suddenly bringing her this news, although Sorghaghtani outwardly denied it, she inwardly guessed that it was true.
She was going to have a husband soon.
Thinking of this, Sorghaghtani’s cheeks became even redder.
“It’s true, Egheqi.”
“Sang Kunhaizan（ my cousin） just came to find Aba, and said he wants to marry you to the Liao country.”
Hearing this, Sorghaghtani’s eyes widened instantly, filled with shock and disbelief.
She had imagined marrying a young noble from the Kereit tribe, and had considered inter-tribal marriage alliances, but she had never thought she would marry into the Liao country.
“A marriage alliance to the Liao country?”
Sorghaghtani’s voice trembled, looking incredulous.
But being naturally intelligent, she quickly pieced together the situation.
“Peace talks?”
Originally, she had rejoiced that the peace talks with the Liao country were successful, sparing the Kereit herdsmen from the ravages of war.
But she had not expected that she herself would become one of the conditions for the success of the peace talks.
At this moment, her eyes flickered with confusion and helplessness.
She knew that in the Kereit tribe, tribal interests were paramount, and no one could defy Ong Khan’s decision.
Now that peace talks were successful, they were determined to marry her off.
“Marry whom?” Sorghaghtani asked with a glimmer of hope.
As a woman, she could not control her own destiny, but she hoped to find a good home.
“The Great Governor of Jin Prefecture, Li Xiao.”
“He specifically requested to marry you as a Noble Concubine.”
Duoge Le said, her expression nervous yet tinged with gossipy excitement, having overheard the conversation between her father and Sang Kun.
After saying that, she also mumbled, “It’s a pity for Brother Tore.”
“He even said he wanted to propose marriage to Azha again.”
The Kiyan tribe and the Kereit tribe were on good terms. When Tore visited the Khanate last time, the moment he saw Sorghaghtani, he was captivated.
He asked Temüjin to propose marriage on his behalf, wanting to marry Sorghaghtani.
Although Zha Agambou politely refused, Tore was still not discouraged.
He vowed to marry Sorghaghtani as his wife.
Sorghaghtani did not dislike Tore, but now she could not spare him a thought. Her mind was filled with the name Li Xiao.
Her beautiful eyes widened instantly, and she exclaimed, “He wants to marry me?”
Although she had always stayed in the Khanate, the name Li Xiao was not unfamiliar to her.
In the legends of the Kereit tribe, Li Xiao was an utterly wicked demon, the commander of the Eastern Expeditionary Liao army. Wherever his iron cavalry passed, the world changed.
He single-handedly annihilated the once-unbeatable Naiman tribe and defeated Sang Kun’s twenty-thousand-strong Kereit army with thunderous force.
He stirred up a storm of blood and wind on the vast grasslands, becoming a demon that people feared and made children cry.
However, Sorghaghtani also understood that these rumors were merely exaggerated by the Liao army and the Kereit tribe being enemies, and the Kereit herdsmen had intentionally exaggerated Li Xiao’s threat.
In Sorghaghtani’s imagination, Li Xiao should be a fierce general exuding an aura of iron-bloodedness, with a stern face, eyes as sharp as a falcon’s, and having undergone countless battles, exuding an undeniable dignity in every move.
Grassland people have always worshipped heroes. Someone with such brilliant achievements as Li Xiao would naturally leave a deep impression in her heart.
However, she had never imagined that her fate would be so abruptly intertwined with this legendary figure.
“But… but I’ve never even seen what he looks like, why would he specifically ask for me?”
Sorghaghtani frowned, her heart filled with doubt and unease.
In her opinion, although she had a noble status, she was also very ordinary.
She was neither Ong Khan’s biological daughter nor did she have a great reputation on the grasslands.
How did that Great Governor of Jin Prefecture know about her? And specifically requested to marry her?
……
In Sorghaghtani’s family tent, the atmosphere was quite somber.
Aza Agambou frowned, sitting on a stool, and said in a deep voice, “What kind of person is that Jin Prefecture Governor?”
“I heard he is very young?”
Sitting opposite was Sang Kun.
In just over a month, Sang Kun seemed to have become more mature, his demeanor more steady.
After his defeat at the Drag River, he had endured hardships and finally fled back to the Khanate in a disheveled state.
He had intended to avenge his humiliation and immediately conscripted the men from various tribes, preparing for another decisive battle with the Jin Prefecture Army, but cruel reality had defeated him once again.
It finally forced Ong Khan to transfer ten thousand troops from Kuitian to protect the Khanate.
Sang Kun gathered a few thousand defeated soldiers and then, with the people of the Khanate, moved eastward non-stop, to the vicinity of the Khentii Mountains.
Currently, the entire Khanate was effectively managed by Sang Kun.
“Abaga（ Uncle）, although I have not met the Jin Prefecture Governor Li Xiao face to face, he is definitely a formidable opponent.”
Sang Kun looked up, his eyes revealing a complex expression, containing both the unwillingness after defeat and the recognition of Li Xiao’s strength.
“He is very capable. Although his troops were fewer than ours, he always maintained a clear advantage on the battlefield and saw through my true offensive intentions.”
Sang Kun’s voice was very low. Although he had been defeated, he had not been broken; instead, he had become more resilient.
“In short, this man is no ordinary person!”
Aza Agambou listened quietly to Sang Kun’s description, his expression solemn.
He slowly walked to the side of the tent, lifted the curtain, and looked out at the grassland, dyed orange-red by the setting sun, his thoughts racing.
His daughter was about to marry such a man; what would her future life be like?
Whether it was a blessing or a curse was truly difficult to predict.
“Abaga, I know you are reluctant to marry Sorghaghtani so far away, but the Jin Prefecture Governor Li Xiao specifically requested it.”
“The current situation of the Kereit tribe is precarious, and we must make peace with the Liao country.”
Sang Kun was silent for a moment, then said softly, a faint trace of shame flashing across his face.
If the men of the Kereit tribe were capable, why would they have to use women to seek peace?
It was his incompetence, Sang Kun’s incompetence.
But for the future of the Kereit tribe, a marriage alliance was necessary.
As Sang Kun’s words fell, Sorghaghtani burst into the tent, looked at the two of them, and said with a firm voice, “Aba, Khazan, I am willing to marry into the Liao country.”
……
In the Eastern Capital, the Xiao residence was shrouded in gloom.
Xiao Simo had been bedridden for many days, and Heir Apparent Xiao Helun, after being rescued from an accidental fall into the river, was also in a precarious physical condition.
In this short period, the pillars of the Xiao family and the future heir had both fallen, plunging the entire Royal Mansion into extreme panic, creating a suffocating atmosphere.
It was truly difficult for Princess Consort Shu Lü Wujin, running between her husband and son, while also overseeing the foundation of the Eastern Capital; she was exceedingly weary.
On this day, the sun struggled to penetrate the thick clouds, casting its rays before the door of Xiao Simo’s room.
Shu Lü Wujin was dressed in a plain brocade robe, her hair neatly tied up, her expression weary yet imbued with resilience.
She stood quietly before the door, gazing calmly at the mother and son before her, her voice plain yet carrying a hint of distance as she asked, “What brings you here?”
Standing before her was a young man of seventeen or eighteen years, tall and robust in stature.
The woman beside him appeared to be in her thirties, her face bearing signs of hardship and age.
She was originally a personal maidservant to Xiao Simo in his youth, and by chance, she became pregnant with Xiao Simo’s child, successfully giving birth to his eldest son—Xiao Daru.
In Khitan traditional beliefs, legitimate offspring were highly valued and held a noble status.
However, Xiao Daru, due to his humble birth mother and his own significant personality flaws, was hot-tempered, impulsive, and prone to anger, causing him to commit many misdeeds.
Consequently, he was not favored by Xiao Simo and was separated into his own household early on.
Hearing Shu Lü Wujin’s question, the woman lowered her head slightly, her tone full of deference as she said, “This servant and Daru wish to see the Great King.”
“This is cordyceps and snow lotus soup that this servant personally prepared for the Great King, wishing him a speedy recovery.”
Upon hearing this, Shu Lü Wujin nodded slightly and said indifferently, “The Great King is in good health; his condition has improved and he will recover soon.”
“However, the Great King is tired today and does not wish to see visitors. You may leave.”
“Give this bowl of soup to Su Damala; she will deliver it to the Great King on your behalf.”
Hearing Shu Lü Wujin’s words, Xiao Daru carelessly flung his mother’s hand away, stepped forward, a hint of stubbornness and rebelliousness on his face, and said loudly, “Main wife, I’ve come to see my father.”
“Yet you refuse to let me see him; what is your intention?”
Shu Lü Wujin’s brow furrowed slightly, her gaze sweeping coldly over Xiao Daru, her tone still plain but now carrying an unquestionable authority, “Your father is still recovering and needs quiet rest; he should not be disturbed.”
“Rushing here in such a manner, if you disturb him, can you bear the responsibility?”
Xiao Daru’s face immediately flushed upon hearing this, the veins on his neck bulging, and he retorted loudly, “I merely came to visit my father; how could I disturb him?”
“You all never let me near my father, and now that he is gravely ill, you still want to shut me out?”
Seeing this, the woman quickly stepped forward, pulling Xiao Daru, and said in a low voice, “Daru, don’t speak nonsense. Princess Consort is doing this for your father’s sake.”
As she spoke, she looked up again, her face full of humility as she regarded Shu Lü Wujin, “Princess Consort, you are magnanimous; please do not take offense with this child.”
“He is just too worried about the Great King, which is why his words are not measured.”
Shu Lü Wujin let out a cold snort and said, “Go back!”
“When the Great King’s condition improves, I will send someone to notify you to come for a visit.”
Saying this, without giving the mother and son a chance to retort, she directly ordered them to be escorted out.
Watching their retreating figures, Shu Lü Wujin’s expression instantly turned somber.
She was all too aware of this mother and son’s intentions.
Seeing that the Great King and Heir Apparent had met with misfortune, they felt their chance had come and were impatiently seeking attention, weren’t they?
If Xiao Helun were to die, then as the eldest son, Xiao Daru would very likely inherit the position of Sixth Courtyard Department Great King.
Therefore, they were impatiently trying to show filial piety and gain Xiao Simo’s attention.
“It is best that my son’s matters have nothing to do with you, otherwise~”
Shu Lü Wujin thought to herself, a hint of decisiveness flashing in her eyes.
Meanwhile, on the other side, after the mother and son returned to their room, Xiao Daru impatiently vented his frustration.
“She deliberately wouldn’t let us see Father, afraid I would snatch Xiao Helun’s position as Heir Apparent.”
“But she doesn’t consider that with Xiao Helun’s sickly constitution, can he shoulder the great undertaking of the Eastern Capital?”
“Damn it, why didn’t he drown back then,” Xiao Daru said fiercely.
Before his words had even fallen, the woman slapped him directly, “Shut up.”
“How many times have I told you not to be impulsive in your actions, and more importantly, to control your mouth.”
“At this rate, how can you become Great King?”
Xiao Daru was hot-tempered, but he feared his mother the most.
After being hit, he dared not retort, sitting there aggrieved, like a child who had made a mistake.
“Hmph~”
Seeing her son in such a state, the woman was also frustrated by his lack of progress, angered that she had given birth to such a fool who had not even inherited a tenth of her abilities.
Incapable of achieving anything, only capable of ruining things.
But after all, he was her son, and she would help him fight for that position even if it cost her her life.
“Listen to me, the urgent priority now is to seize Military Power.”
“As long as we have troops in hand, even if the Great King insists on establishing Xiao Helun, we can still seize it.”
“You need to win over your brothers; they are your only capital.”
Although Xiao Daru was impulsive and easily angered, he possessed a strong physique and was skilled in martial arts.
He had attracted a group of like-minded brothers to follow him.
This was considered one of the assets for their mother and son in the succession struggle.
The woman did not elaborate on deeper matters to Xiao Daru; many things she did herself, concealing them from everyone.
She feared Xiao Daru would ruin things through his impulsiveness.
After sending Xiao Daru away, the woman’s face turned grim, and she murmured, “Shu Lü Wujin, since you have blocked our mother and son’s path, then do not blame me for being ruthless.”
The so-called succession struggle was a fight for Military Power.
Xiao Daru’s brothers alone were not enough; they mother and son needed the support of weighty figures.
