Chapter 14: Wukong (Part 1)

  Although the Mongols regard wolves and deer as symbols of their ancestral myths, in reality their hatred for wolves is not inferior to that of other prairie tribes. Since last autumn, for some reason, the wolf pack in the Wulanhada River valley suddenly became rampant. The disaster spread, and all the grassland tribes suffered from it.

  Under the call of Hubulie, the Mongols united to take action against the wolf pack. The wolf pack was driven east and west by them, and finally gathered in one place. Hubulie set up a large trap with his father's support, killing more than half of the wolf pack, but still leaving less than half escaping to the east. Hubulie led 500 brave warriors from the tribe to chase after them, only to find that this huge wolf pack was actually killed by more than 100 Han people using a clever plan.

  Mongolia's heaviest hero. Xiao Tienu's crime of killing his father is unforgivable in the eyes of the Han people, but since it involves too much enmity between the two fathers and sons, it is difficult to say who is right or wrong. After Xiao Tienu left, there was no saying that the Mongolian tribe avenged the dead hero.

  However, Xiao Tienu's ferocity was something that even most Mongolian herdsmen were somewhat afraid of. This guy might not be a good person, but he was undoubtedly a strong one. But today, that Han Chinese named Zhe Yan Chong seemed to be stronger than Xiao Tienu - this man not only killed the wolf pack, but also tamed Xiao Tienu, the wildest wolf on the grasslands.

  After the situation had stabilized, Yang Yingqi secretly asked Xiao Tienu: "'Zhe Yan Chong is the leader' - what exactly did you say to the Mongols? Did you add the word 'we' before 'leader'"?

  Xiao Tienu listened and then looked like she didn't want to answer, hesitated for a moment before saying: "That was said for He Bu Le's ears."

  "Oh?"

  Xiao Tienu said: "They value bravery most, if you make Zhe Yan Chong sound a bit more intimidating, it can save us a lot of trouble."

  "Is it?" Yang Yingqi smiled and didn't ask further.

  Although they didn't share a common language, the Khan who revered brave warriors quickly became friends with Zuo Yanzhong. He noticed their fatigue and ordered his men to set up tents for them to rest.

  He said to Zhe Yan Chong: "Han people brothers, don't worry, there are Mongolian friends who will guard for you."

  Cao Guangyi and Yang Kaiyuan were deeply suspicious of the foreigners and did not sleep soundly, while Zhe Yancong and Xiao Tienu slept very heavily. Yang Yingqi was exhausted but couldn't fall asleep, muttering to himself over and over: "Mongolia... Mongolia... Genghis Khan..."

  Zhe Yan Chong and others woke up from their nap, and He Bu Le had already prepared mutton and horse milk wine for them. The two groups of warriors didn't share a common language, so the best way to communicate was through martial arts! Zhe Yan Chong and He Bu Le engaged in an archery competition, and neither could gain the upper hand. However, the warrior who came with He Bu Le, Da Cha Er, lost to Cao Guang Yu. He Bu Le watched from the side, impressed, and his opinion of these Han people rose a few notches.

  Zhe Yan Chong spoke of his own reasons for entering the grasslands, and Hu Bu Le was overjoyed, saying: "You want to come to the grasslands to graze? Why must you go to rely on the Wu Gu department? Just come with us, and the water and grass by the Wu Lun River, the game in the northern forest, what's ours is yours!"

  Zhe Yan was deeply moved by what he heard, but after some thought, he said: "Our Master Di Yu has already gone to Wugu and should have made contact. If Master Di Yu and the Wugu tribe have agreed on something and we don't go, that would be too disrespectful. I think we should first go to the foot of Da Xianbei Mountain to take a look, and if it's not possible to stay there, then come to the Wu Dan River to find He Bu brothers."

  At this moment, Xiao Tienu was still sleeping soundly, and the one who translated for Zhe Yan Chong was a mixed breed of Mongolian and Wanyan tribes under his command. He directly translated Zhe Yan Chong's address to Heneke as "Anda", which means brother. Heneke was very pleased to hear this and said: "You call me Anda, do you want to make an Anda with me?"

  Zhe Yan Cong listened and knew that the last sentence had been misinterpreted after translation, but he also liked this Mongolian youth. Suddenly, an idea popped up in his mind, and he said: "Here, Cao Guang Bian, Yang Kai Yuan, Ouyang Shi, Yang Ying Qi are all my good brothers, and Xiao Tie Nu is also a good fellow. I have the intention to make friends with you under the bright moon on this grassland. However, I also have another good friend who is a Jurchen woman, her martial arts and archery skills are exceptional! I'd like to introduce her to you, if you also like her, how about we all become sworn brothers together?"

  Huba Duo said: "If you say so, then he must be a very capable person! Since that's the case, I'll accompany you to Wugou Department for a trip."

  "Good!" exclaimed Zhang Yuan with great joy.

  That night, the brave men of the two nations got drunk together. The next day, they set off, replenished their water source and crossed the desert, heading straight for Mount Da Xianbei. After walking for two days, suddenly a scout came to report: "There is someone in front who has fought with our people. Three of us against one, but we still can't beat him."

  He Buli angrily said: "Who is so bold! I will go and meet him!"

  Zhe Yan Cong listened to the translation and followed up. Slowly, he saw a black dot in the distance, which must be the person who blew the whistle. The man saw that there were many people on this side, seemingly deciding not to come and provoke them, and slowly retreated.

  Ts'ao Kuo-ti suddenly said: "Huh? That seems to be A-lu-pen!"

  "Exactly! It's really him!" Zhe Yan Chong shouted, urging his horse forward while loudly calling out Alu's name. Alu also clearly saw that it was Zhe Yan Chong and hastily turned the reins to rush over. He Bu Le heard that he was a friend and changed from anger to joy, saying: "So you're that truly brave warrior! Indeed impressive!"

  Zhe Yan Chong introduced Aru Man and He Bu Le, then asked Aru Man: "How did you come? Is it Mr. Di worrying about us so he let you come?"

  "No, Mr. Di told me to come and hurry you up to go drinking."

  "Go drink?"

  Arule said, "How to say it! It's like this! We found the Wugou Department and met the friend who became the Khan of Wugou, called Dulaihan. But when we entered their main camp, I always felt that something was not right."

  At this time several leaders all surrounded, even Yang Yingqi was there, and asked: "What's wrong?"

  Arule said, "I couldn't say anything. I looked at Master, and he was beaming with joy, so I felt a bit more at ease. That Puliyan set up a sumptuous feast for us, and Master drank cup after cup, getting more and more excited. Later, Puliyan asked about your situation again. Master suddenly said, 'Oh dear, why haven't they come back yet? Could they have gotten lost?' Puliyan offered to send someone to pick you up, but Master said the people of Wugubu wouldn't recognize you, so it would be best if I came along, and that's how I ended up coming out."

  Ouyang Shidao said: "Then how come you're alone? Where are the people from Wugu?"

  "He dumped me."