Chapter Fifty: The Battle of the Xiongnu—Southern Xiongnu versus Mongols

Compared to the years of vigorous development in Bingzhou, the grasslands had been embroiled in continuous fierce battles, making for a tumultuous and lively scene.

Initially, Li Xiang had entertained some thoughts about the three counties of Dingxiang, Yunzhong, and Jiuyuan, which he had yet to control. However, just as he was preparing his plans, news suddenly arrived that the Southern and Northern Xiongnu were about to go to war. Li Xiang immediately extinguished that flicker of ambition in his heart and decided to quietly observe the conflict from the sidelines.

If he were to take advantage of Wanyan Aguda being restrained by Genghis Khan, it was indeed likely that he could reclaim the three counties of Dingxiang, Yunzhong, and Jiuyuan.

But such a move would severely weaken Wanyan Aguda’s strength. If because of this, Wanyan Aguda were defeated by Temüjin and the Mongols annexed the Southern Xiongnu, it would then pose a threat to Li Xiang himself. At that time, he would have nowhere to cry.

With a face full of contentment, Li Xiang waited patiently as the great war between the Mongols and the Southern Xiongnu finally erupted.

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The night was as dark as if boundless ink had been spilled across the sky, leaving not a single star visible.

Across the vast, endless grasslands, squads of Mongol cavalry galloped fiercely. Among them was a towering, imposing Han man with a fierce demeanor and sharp gaze, leading the charge.

Before long, this man led his cavalry close to a Southern Xiongnu tribe.

At the deep hour of night, after a day’s labor, all the herders had fallen into a deep sleep, unsuspecting that anyone would dare to attack them at such a time.

Yet tragedy unfolded swiftly. The Mongol cavalry charged into the tribe, killing anyone they saw. The unprepared Southern Xiongnu tribe was utterly defenseless. In no time, the place became a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood.

“Khan, Muqali has arrived to deliver orders.” Muqali, covered in blood, entered the main tent, knelt deeply, and addressed Temüjin with strong, commanding voice.

Indeed, the tall man who had led the assault was Muqali, a legendary general who rose from slavery to marshal.

In history, Muqali was renowned for his steadfast wisdom and brave combat prowess. Alongside Bo’orchu, he was one of the most trusted generals, praised by Temüjin as “the yoke to the carriage, the arm to the body.” For forty years, he followed Temüjin through every campaign, assisting him in uniting the Mongol tribes and winning numerous battles. Muqali, Bo’orchu, Bo’orqu, and Jelme were known as the “Four Heroes.”

Unlike the triumphant joy among the Mongol ranks, the atmosphere in the Southern Xiongnu’s main tent was heavy and filled with anger.

“Father Khan, this cannot continue. This is the third time this month. We must organize a large-scale counterattack, or else these greedy Northern Xiongnu will only push further,” Wanyan Zongbi roared angrily at Wanyan Aguda.

“Yes, elder brother, we must teach them a harsh lesson. Besides, Temüjin has already renamed the Northern Xiongnu as the Mongols. We must punish this betrayal of our ancestors,” Wanyan Wuqimai also said indignantly.

Upon hearing this, Wanyan Aguda finally made up his mind and declared loudly, “Summon the warriors quickly. In three days, we shall confront this Temüjin.”

Three days later, banners fluttered and war drums thundered. The Southern Xiongnu and Mongol armies, both numbering exactly one hundred thousand, faced each other on the field.

Neither side spoke much. Both Wanyan Aguda and Temüjin were men of action, sparing words. Once their forces were ready, they swiftly commanded their troops to charge.

With equal numbers and both sides mounted on iron cavalry, the battle raged fiercely and evenly matched for a time.

But as time passed, the tide began to turn against the Southern Xiongnu.

Genghis Khan Temüjin proved himself a divine-level commander with a leadership attribute of 101 points. Wanyan Aguda was no slouch either, with 99 points, only two points behind. But that small difference represented a vast gulf. Perhaps Aguda could hold his own against Temüjin briefly, but as the battle dragged on, his command faltered and he struggled to keep pace. Gradually, the Southern Xiongnu slipped into a disadvantage.

Still, the Southern Xiongnu had their strengths. The likes of Shanshituo, Nian Deli, and Wanyan Jindanzi wreaked havoc on the battlefield. Leading their cavalry, they repeatedly broke through Temüjin’s ranks, with few able to stand against them.

Subutai and Hublai tried to stop their reckless charges, but it was like “wanting to kill the enemy but powerless to turn the tide.” Hublai, relying on his strength, sought to engage Wanyan Jindanzi directly, but was beaten so severely he fled coughing blood.

Subutai fared worse. He encountered the fiercest of the group, Shanshituo, and after several heavy blows, nearly lost grip of his weapon. If not for timely aid from Zhemelme and Chilaowen, Subutai might not have returned unscathed.

Temüjin observed the situation on the battlefield carefully. Though surprised by their ferocity, he remained untroubled, clearly holding another ace up his sleeve, confident he could handle Shanshituo and his comrades.

“Take action. Kill as many as you can,” Temüjin said calmly to the man behind him.

The man’s eyes were sharp like an eagle’s, his arms strong and extended like a primed arrow. On his back was a large bow, poised like a bowstring ready to be released.

Without replying, the man pulled back his bowstring with full strength and unleashed seven arrows in quick succession toward Nian Deli.

Nian Deli, in the heat of battle, suddenly felt a familiar sensation.

Han Cuo—the feeling was indeed familiar. Ever since Xue Rengui had grievously wounded Nian Deli with an arrow, he had never forgotten the helplessness of having life and death beyond his control.

Though this time the sensation was much weaker than before, Nian Deli dared not be careless. He dodged with all his might, successfully evading all the hidden arrows.

Zhebei was also startled that Nian Deli had avoided his arrows, but there was no time to dwell on it. He immediately sought other targets.

Others were not so fortunate. Wanyan Yindanzi was caught by Zhebei and shot dead on the spot. Although Wanyan Yinshi was warned by Yindanzi’s death, he still suffered a grievous arrow wound.

Both sides suffered heavy losses. Wanyan Aguda was deeply pained, and Genghis Khan was also troubled, having lost three generals in this battle.

Shuchi and Chagatai were split in two by the grieving Wanyan Jindanzi on the spot. Bo’orqu was blocked by Shanshituo and Nian Deli amid the chaotic fighting and was directly killed by them.

After days of fierce fighting, both sides suffered devastating casualties and severe depletion of their forces.

At the same time, the continuous battles revealed the true strength of the other side to both Wanyan Aguda and Genghis Khan. Temüjin no longer underestimated the Southern Xiongnu, nor did Aguda believe he could easily defeat Temüjin.

To prevent further unnecessary losses in this pointless war, both fierce leaders decisively chose to withdraw their armies, seeking to prepare for future opportunities.

Thus, the first great war between the Southern Xiongnu and the Mongols ended in mutual devastation and a temporary ceasefire.