The Golden Family, rising from the Western Regions

Chapter 383 The Sorrowful Winds of the Aral Sea, The Last Migration of the Kipchaks
On the vast wilderness, Tuohuchaer led his remaining hundred or so soldiers in a frantic northward escape. He gripped the reins so tightly they turned white, while the hoofbeats of the Qin cavalry pursued them relentlessly like a death knell.

He glanced back at the still-burning battlefield in the distance, his face filled with terror, and roared at the equally disheveled leader of the Helira tribe beside him: "We can't go to the Aral Sea! We absolutely can't bring these demons back to the tribe!"

The leader of the Helila tribe was covered in blood, his voice trembling: "Then...where can we escape to? Our old, weak, women and children are still waiting on the shore of the Aral Sea."

"Head north first, around the Aral Sea." A ruthless glint flashed in Toghril's eyes.

“We’ll lead the people from the northern frontier away, and send messengers back to their respective tribes at top speed to tell them to pack their things and return to the Kipchak grasslands as soon as possible, or it will all be over.”

As long as the women and children in the tribe are still alive, the Tuotuo tribe will be able to recover its vitality within ten years.

But if the tribe is gone, the hundred or so remaining soldiers behind them will become lone wolves on the grassland, or they will have to rob women from other tribes and start their own tribe.

Either the soldiers would scatter and merge into other tribes, and the Toqto'a tribe would disappear completely.

This is the rule on the grassland.

Therefore, even if they were defeated, they would try their best to preserve the women and children in the tribe.

Therefore, these tribal leaders sent small numbers of soldiers back to their tribes to report the news, while they themselves led the remaining troops to continue their northward escape, attempting to draw the attention of the Qin army's pursuers.

……

Pugnahei City is located 100 li northwest of Oda La and is a small city.

When the people in the city first heard the news that Edar had been captured by the northern people, they felt as if the sky had fallen.

Families packed their valuables and pushed carts to flee out of the city, making the city gates extremely crowded.

“The people of the Northern Frontier can even breach the defenses of Eda, how can we possibly hold onto this small town? Let’s run! Otherwise, the whole town will be massacred.” A merchant shouted to his neighbor as he loaded goods onto his cart.

But they hadn't escaped far when news came that the Kipchak cavalry was heading towards Odala to fight a decisive battle with the northern people.

The people hesitated. Although the Kipchaks were also a group of barbarians in their eyes, it was undeniable that the Kipchaks were very good at fighting.

Many of the generals in Khwarazm today are of Kipchak origin.

Moreover, there are tens of thousands of Kipchak cavalry, who might be able to defeat the northern border people.

"How about... we go back and check first?"

Someone tentatively suggested, "Let's pack our things. If the Kipchaks lose, we can still run away."

This proposal was approved by most people, after all, people are less valuable away from home, and no one wants to leave their hometown easily.

But to their surprise, instead of being slaughtered by the people of the northern frontier, they were first met with a knife from the Kipchaks.

The Kipchak soldiers believed that they had traveled all the way south from the grasslands just to make money.

The leader has already said that once the Northern Frontier people are defeated, all the wealth of Odala City will belong to them, and they can plunder it at will.

So when they passed through Pugna Black City, the soldiers, blinded by wealth, saw that the city's defenses were weak and immediately lost their discipline, and began to plunder wantonly.

It caused considerable damage to Pugna Black City.

Fortunately, the Kipchaks were just passing through and had no intention of massacring the city. After causing trouble for most of the day, they left, leaving behind only a devastated town, with the tears and curses of the people scattered among the broken walls.

"Beast! Beast!"

"My daughter~"

"These aren't friendly forces! They're worse than robbers."

Such was the characteristic of the army of that era: burning, killing, looting, and extremely poor discipline.

Especially when fighting on away ground, if they have the advantage, they will only plunder the local people more recklessly as a way to entertain their troops; this is commonplace.

But just two days later, before the people could recover from the Kipchak raids, even worse news arrived.

The Kipchak cavalry was defeated and completely wiped out.

The cavalry of the Northern Frontier is pursuing the defeated Kipchak troops and is heading towards Pugnahei City.

The color drained from everyone's faces instantly, leaving only deathly paleness.

Recalling the horrific scene at Odaara, some people's legs went weak, and they collapsed to the ground, muttering, "The sky has fallen... the sky has truly fallen..."

"God, why are you doing this to us?"

"The Kipchaks have already caused enough harm to the city. Now that the northerners are coming, our city is probably doomed."

A woman held her child, tears streaming down her face: "I've heard that the people of the Northern Frontier are the most ruthless. They'll massacre the entire city if it doesn't surrender, and they won't even spare the children!"

The crowd erupted instantly, with cries, curses, and desperate sighs mingling together.

Some people wanted to pack their things and run away again, but as soon as they reached their doorstep, they heard the rumbling of iron cavalry coming from outside the city.

The sound grew closer and closer, like countless boulders rolling across the grassland, shaking the ground and shattering the people's last hope of escape.

"There's no escape... The cavalry from the Northern Frontier are too fast..."

"Leaving the city will only hasten your death."

Some people squatted on the ground in despair, holding their heads in their hands, unable to say a word.

When Lord Muhammad heard the news in his palace, he was as panicked as an ant on a hot pan.

He stumbled and gathered his officials, saying in a panic, "Tell me, what do we do now? The people from the Northern Frontier are already at the city gates."

An old official spoke tremblingly: "Lord, perhaps... we should resist? Gather the able-bodied men in the city and guard the city gates; maybe we can hold out until the Sultan's reinforcements arrive..."

"resistance?"

Another official immediately retorted, his voice filled with fear: "Haven't you heard how the Odaara was breached? The people of the Northern Frontier have iron lumps that can blow up city walls."

"The walls of our small town are no match for us; resistance means certain death."

"Moreover, the situation in Yulongjiechi is still unclear. Even the Kipchaks have been completely wiped out. The Sultan will definitely defend Yulongjiechi first. Where will he find the troops to come to our rescue?"

"Are we going to surrender?"

"But what if the people of the northern frontier massacre the city like they did in Eda La City?" someone asked worriedly.

Everyone chimed in with their opinions, some advocating resistance, others surrender, and some even suggesting abandoning the city and fleeing. But after arguing for a long time, they couldn't come up with a reliable idea.

Looking at the chaotic scene before him, Muhammad felt dizzy. These officials, who usually shouted "serving the city lord," were all unreliable when it came to the crucial moment.

Just then, the roar of iron cavalry outside the city grew closer and closer, and the shouts of Qin soldiers could even be heard.

Muhammad slammed his hand on the table, gritted his teeth, and a resolute glint flashed in his eyes: "Stop arguing. Resisting means death, running away means death, surrendering might offer a glimmer of hope."

"If the people of the northern frontier see that we know what's good for us, they might spare our lives."

After saying that, he immediately ordered, "Quickly, open the city gates, load all the best treasures in the city onto the carts, and we'll all go to the city gates to welcome them."

"Tell the people in the city to all come out of the city and kneel down to welcome the Northern Frontier Lord. Be respectful and speak politely. Don't upset the Northern Frontier Lord."

The subordinates dared not delay and quickly ran to carry out the order.

The city gates slowly opened, and Muhammad, accompanied by a group of officials and carriages filled with gold and silver jewels, knelt on both sides of the gates.

A cold wind blew, and Muhammad's robes fluttered in the wind, but he did not feel cold.

My underwear was already soaked with cold sweat, my back was pressed tightly against the cold ground, and I didn't even dare to breathe too hard.

"Boom boom boom~"

Soon, a Qin cavalry unit clad in greyish-white cloth armor entered the city as they knelt in welcome.

They all looked fierce and menacing, and the bloodstains on their armor were particularly glaring in the sunlight.

Shortly after, Li Dongshan led his main force to the outskirts of the city and said in a calm voice:
"It seems that not everyone in Khwarezm is stupid; there are some smart people there."

Pugna Black City was just a small city, something that could be easily erased from a map, and he didn't take it seriously.

Originally, they planned to massacre them, but seeing how sensible these people were, they did not order the massacre of the city. However, they could not completely forgive them; the proper procedures and explanations to the soldiers were still necessary.

More and more Qin soldiers poured into the city and began to loot in an orderly manner, loading valuables onto carts and dragging young women out to take them into the military camp.

Muhammad knelt on the ground, listening to the cries of women and the shouts of soldiers coming from the city. He trembled with fear, cold sweat sliding down his face.

But then he thought again, at least the Qin army didn't immediately massacre the city, at least most of the people were still alive, and the city wasn't burned down.

Compared to the cities that were massacred, Pugna Black City was relatively lucky. "Thank goodness... thank goodness we chose to surrender..."

Muhammad silently prayed to himself, and at that moment, he even felt that losing some treasure and women in exchange for the city and the continuation of his wealth and glory was the best possible outcome.

As evening fell, Muhammad went to great lengths, pushing his most beautiful concubine and his newly-adult daughter before Li Dongshan, kneeling on the ground and saying, "General, I am willing to offer my beauty to you, only begging you to spare my life."

“I know that Khwarazm is finished. From now on, the Western Regions will belong to Lord Beijiang. I am willing to serve Beijiang and Lord Beijiang with utmost loyalty.”

Li Dongshan had his arms around two young women, his fingers roaming freely over their waists, listening to the translator's words with a cold expression.

Looking at Muhammad kneeling on the ground, trembling all over, he was as indifferent as if he were looking at an ant that could be crushed at will.

However, he finally spoke calmly: "I'll spare your life because you know what's good for you."

People who are sensible like this definitely can't be killed directly, otherwise who will be willing to surrender in the future?

Upon hearing this, Muhammad felt as if he had been granted a pardon and immediately kowtowed in gratitude, his back already soaked with sweat.

In those few short words, he felt as if he had just walked through the gates of hell.

But he knew that wasn't enough. He had saved his life, but what about his wealth and status?

With a heavy heart, he decided to sell those damned Kipchaks.

Who told those barbarians to plunder the city, be disrespectful to them, and even almost harm their daughter?
Although his daughter is about to be harmed by the people of northern Xinjiang, at least he sent her away voluntarily, and he can comfort himself that he did it "willingly." But the actions of the Kipchaks make him feel particularly unbalanced.

This reflects a typical mentality of "preferring to give to friendly nations rather than to domestic slaves."

So, he gritted his teeth, raised his head, and said to Li Dongshan, "Thank you for your leniency and for sparing my life. I am willing to atone for my crime and contribute to the great cause of the Northern Frontier."

Li Dongshan didn't take it seriously and casually asked, "How can I atone for my crime through meritorious service?"

Muhammad said directly, "I am willing to take you to the Kipchak tribe."

Although he did not know where the Kipchak tribe was, he was familiar with the terrain around the Aral Sea and knew which places were suitable for grazing and for large-scale tribal survival.

Anyway, we can't avoid those few places. As long as we follow the traces, we're sure to find those Kipchak barbarians.

Li Dongshan was taken aback upon hearing this and looked at Muhammad with some surprise.

Surprisingly, this guy actually turned out to be quite useful.

The most difficult part of grassland warfare is not fighting and killing, but finding no trace of the enemy.

Intelligence is the most important thing.

Although the main force of the Kipchaks was destroyed, if their tribes were not wiped out, the Kipchaks would be able to recover their strength within ten years and continue to be enemies of the northern frontier.

Therefore, Muhammad's intelligence was still very useful.

Li Dongshan smiled, looked at Muhammad, nodded with satisfaction, and said, "You are indeed a useful person."

"Okay, whatever you say."

"You will atone for your crimes by performing meritorious service. If you can find the Kipchak tribe, I will immediately restore your status as city lord and you will serve the Great Qin well from now on."

Overjoyed, Muhammad kowtowed again, saying, "Thank you, sir! Thank you, sir! I will do my utmost to serve the Great Qin, risk my life for you, and serve you faithfully. I will never have any disloyalty."

Li Dongshan kept Muhammad around because he followed Li Xiao's strategy.

The Western Regions were a vast and sparsely populated area. Although the Qin state conquered it, it was not able to relocate enough people to directly rule it in a short period of time.

They still had to rely on the local nobles to maintain Qin's loose rule, collect taxes and conscript soldiers for Qin, and sustainably drain the blood of the local people to replenish Qin's resources.

Therefore, Li Xiao's strategy was to kill half of Khwarazm's population and nobility, especially to kill all the uncooperative nobles.

Leaving behind a cunning and pragmatic traitor like Muhammad to serve the Qin Dynasty would allow for better control of the Western Regions.

That evening, Li Dongshan returned to the main tent with Muhammad's beautiful concubines and daughter, and the cries of women from Pugna Black City echoed through the military camp.

However, because Pugnahei City surrendered voluntarily and was considered a "friendly city," the Qin army did not reduce these women to slavery. Instead, they released them back into the city the next day when the army left.

Li Dongshan personally led his army, with Muhammad as their guide, and sped towards the Aral Sea steppe.

Meanwhile, on the grasslands along the Aral Sea, the yurts of the Kipchak tribe were still scattered, but the former liveliness was gone.

The able-bodied men all went to Odala with the army, leaving only the elderly, women, and children to guard the cattle, sheep, and tents.

The spring breeze swept across the grassland, carrying the moist scent of the Salt Sea, but it could not dispel the worries in the women's hearts.

The young girl Agula sat on the felt rug, her fingers deftly knitting the wool in her hands, occasionally looking up at the eastern horizon, her eyes full of longing.

Her fiancé, Batu, also went to war with the army. Before leaving, Batu held her hand and said, "When I come back, I will seize the warhorses of the northern people and the gold, silver and silk of the city of Odala, and I will buy you the most beautiful silver ornaments."

"If we add two hundred sheep and two new tents, we'll have our own little home."

"Agula, thinking about Batu again?"

Several girls nearby gathered around with smiles, one of them jokingly saying, "Batu is the most powerful warrior among the young people in our tribe. I wonder if he's just as brave in the tent."

Agula blushed; she hadn't yet experienced just how brave Batu really was.

She playfully slapped her companion's hand: "Don't talk nonsense."

As she spoke, her hands knitted the wool blanket even faster. It was a wool blanket for her future little family, and she wanted to finish knitting it before Batu returned.

Not far away, several children gathered outside a tent, holding small wooden knives and imitating the cavalry charge.

"My father is the most powerful; he can kill ten people from the northern frontier," a little boy shouted proudly, puffing out his chest.

“My father is the best; he can shoot through the armor of the northern people,” another child retorted, not to be outdone.

The children chattered and argued, their eyes filled with admiration for their father.

They were unaware of the dangers of war, only hoping that their father would return, bring them a real scimitar, and carry them onto a large horse.

Inside the tent, Qiqige was breastfeeding her newborn son, but her gaze kept drifting outside the tent.

Her husband also went with the army. Before leaving, he left her the only two bags of grain they had, saying, "When I come back, I will bring some gold and silver. We will buy more cattle and sheep and never have to worry about food for the winter again."

Qiqige gently stroked her son's cheek, silently praying, "You must come back safely. We still want to watch our child grow up together."

The old woman sat on the felt rug, muttering, "Gods, please bless us and let the children return safely. Our Kipchak grasslands cannot be without able-bodied men..."

The women around them echoed their sentiments, and the atmosphere, which was originally full of anticipation, was gradually shrouded in worry.

Just then, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from afar. The herdsmen instantly perked up and stood up to look in the direction of the sound.

"It's our tribe members returning; it must be good news."

Qiqige excitedly hugged the child, her eyes full of anticipation. The army had only been on the expedition for a short time; perhaps they had won a battle and sent someone back ahead of time to report the news.

Agula stopped what she was doing, her heart pounding. She clutched the wool tightly and silently prayed, "It must be Batu and the others who won, it must be."

But when the messenger arrived, the herdsmen found him pale, his clothes covered in dust and blood, and his horse barely able to run.

The messenger dismounted, his voice trembling with sobs as he roared, "It's terrible! We've lost! We've lost! The tribe's warriors are almost all gone! The chief told us to pack our things quickly and return to the Kipchak Steppe, or it will be too late!"

"what?"

The herders froze instantly, their anticipation replaced by terror.

Qiqige staggered backward, shaking her head in disbelief: "Impossible, you're lying, my husband is so brave, how could he lose?"

Agula panicked and rushed over, grabbing the messenger's arm and demanding, "Where's Batu? Where is my fiancé Batu? Have you seen him?"

The messenger wiped away his tears and choked out, "Many warriors haven't returned... The chieftain led the remnants of his army and the people of the northern frontier northwards, telling us to leave quickly, or the people of the northern frontier will catch up."

The old woman slumped onto the felt rug, tears streaming down her wrinkles: "It's over... the sky over our Kipchak Grassland is about to collapse..."

Panic spread instantly throughout the tribe. Women cried out while holding their children, the elderly sighed, and the young people frantically packed their belongings.

Qiqige gritted her teeth, wiped away her tears, and began to load blankets and food onto the wagon: "Stop crying, hurry up and pack your things. We have to get back to the grassland alive and wait for the men to come back."

Other herders gradually calmed down and started to take action. Some dismantled their tents, some drove their cattle and sheep, and some carried their children onto the carts.

The once peaceful grassland instantly turned into chaos, with the sounds of horses' hooves, cries, and shouts all mixed together.

With pursuers from the northern frontier possibly arriving at any moment, they had no choice but to grit their teeth, drive their horse-drawn carts, and drag their belongings as they hastily migrated towards the Kipchak Grassland.

(End of this chapter)