Chapter 5, Night Raid
Moreover, Mo Huguo has visited the Amway stores located in the border cities such as Yangle City and Liucheng more than once
It is necessary to set fire again
The two pieces of silk were not enough to excite Mo Huyao to this extent; what he valued more was Lord Ke Zuique's attitude, as the other party had specifically inquired about his name in the end
It must be noted that Lord Kezuo does not bear the surname Ke or Kezuo, but it is possible that his descendants may adopt either surname in the future. At this time, the cultural development of the Xianbei people was just beginning, and they had no real concept of surnames. The term "Kezuo" actually originates from the titles of minority officials in the Youzhou region during the Former Han dynasty, and it was subsequently adopted by the Xianbei people. It can be regarded as an informal term for "great leader," a title of respect for powerful tribal leaders. Kezuo Que was a formidable Xianbei tribal leader from the area between Youbeiping and Shanggu, and if his tribe were to mobilize fully, they could muster around four to five thousand archers. The term "Kezuo" actually originates from the titles of minority officials in the Youzhou region during the Former Han dynasty, and it was subsequently adopted by the Xianbei people. It can be regarded as an informal term for "great leader," a title of respect for powerful tribal leaders. Kezuo Que was a formidable Xianbei tribal leader from the area between Youbeiping and Shanggu, and if his tribe were to mobilize fully, they could muster around four to five thousand archers.
To defeat the enemy, one need only set fire! Let the enemy camp lose control, let them flee on their own, let them trample each other, let them kill one another
Interestingly, the last two characters in the title of Ke Zuique, namely 'Daren', actually represent the true Xianbei official title. This was a position of real power established by Khan Tan Shihui within the Xianbei royal court, classified by region, and can be considered a genuine noble title among the Xianbei.
The enemy camp is located in the middle of the road, adjacent to the mountains and overlooking the river. Han Dang replied with wide eyes. At this moment, there is only one way, which is to charge directly on horseback, kill and set fire, and wait for the enemy to fall into chaos
"The horse goes to the clamp, the person goes to the coin." Thus, half an hour later, after a difficult detour, seeing the almost unguarded situation at the rear camp, Gongsun Xun immediately breathed a sigh of relief. "Rest for a moment, then as previously stated, we will set fire in different directions!"
Of course, Mo Huguo would not tell anyone that this beautiful step-shake crown was not something he had seized. As for his boast about having killed a Han gentleman, that is nothing but nonsense. In reality, this item was something he had purchased.
In such circumstances, as the saying goes, "dogs have their holes and mice have their paths." In order to avoid starving or freezing to death, when the Xianbei army was not invading the borders, Mo Huyao and others had actually been engaging in activities that everyone was well aware of over the years—doing business with the Han people
What does Brother Yigong plan to do?" Gongsun Xun asked sincerely, truly sincerely, as he could now rely on this 'Tiger Minister'
Ke Zuique, a prominent figure among the Xianbei in central regions, resided in Murong Temple, and it is said that he is the ancestral source of the Murong Xianbei
After a moment of contemplation, Gongsun Xun suddenly had a brilliant idea. "What if we go around? If we launch a surprise attack from the rear of the enemy camp, not only can we set fire to their supplies with the wind at our backs, but it will also confuse the Xianbei, making it difficult for them to discern our origins, thus causing greater panic. Moreover, once the troops in the center break through, we can launch a pincer attack from both the front and the back!
A quarter of an hour later, Gongsun Xun and the others behind him had donned their gear completely, then they all raised their torches in unison, remaining silent, and directly rode their horses in.
The weather is frigid and the ground is frozen. Gongsun Xun squinted and replied, Although the flow of the Luan River has not ceased in the middle, the edges must have formed thick ice. We will enter the river and feel our way along the bank to sneak across
Gongsun Xun slightly leaned forward, surveying the unguarded camp before him once more. Just as he was about to muster his resolve, a cold wind blew towards him, carrying a pungent odor mixed with the chill, which was truly sharp and unpleasant.
"That being said, the enemy camp is situated by the river and against the mountain; how can we circumvent it?" Han Dang was extremely anxious. "Are we to abandon our horses and walk over from that mountain?"
This time, pleasing Lord Ke Zuique was not merely an act of flattery. After all, if today he could make this lord happy, then tomorrow Mo Huyou could attempt to engage with the leaders under this lord's command. When they leave, he could take the opportunity to present the silk and grain stored in the tribe, claiming it was obtained through his own efforts, and then trade with these leaders to acquire the gold, silver, and Han captives that had been seized. Once Lord Ke Zuique's troops withdrew from this area, he could deliver these exchanged captives and goods to Liucheng, ensuring that the people of the Anli ship would be pleased, thus securing even more silk and grain.
Until in a daze, it seems a bit hot
It is said that just now, at the bonfire in front of Lord Ke Zuique's camp, Mo Huyao, who came over from Liucheng today, donned a beautiful Han-style step-shake crown and personally imitated the way Han gentlemen walk, which made Lord Ke Zuique laugh heartily, and he even rewarded him with two pieces of silk
Go! Gongsun Xun said no more, but instead took hold of his own horse and directly bent down to proceed ahead.
How is it? Han couldn't help but urge.
In this way, perhaps next year, my tribe will be able to retain more lambs, horses, and warriors. If this continues, who knows, one day I might also become a true Xianbei noble
Behind a small slope outside the Xianbei military camp, Gongsun Xun was unaware that a capable Xianbei contact from his own business was right in front of the camp, and even if he knew, he would not have cared. To speak frankly, although he had previously displayed considerable bravado, at this moment, leading a mere thirty or so cavalrymen to a large camp that housed over two thousand troops, our young master Gongsun still felt somewhat apprehensive.
Arson
Moreover, unlike other small tribes that passively wait for familiar Han horse traders and silk merchants to come to them, the actions of the Mo Hu Gao tribe are more proactive and of a higher caliber in terms of cooperation. Their partner is the largest local merchant, Anlihao. When necessary, his tribe even accepts certain commissions from Anlihao, actively purchasing horses, cattle, and sheep, thereby earning some additional commissions
Gongsun Xun remained silent. With such a large camp and more than thirty people, can it really become chaotic?
Everyone felt a chill in their hearts, but soon they were taken aback.
"That would truly be a joke," Gong Sunxun replied softly, recalling the matters he had arranged with Gong Sunyue. "It is even more laughable than a defeat in battle"
"The wind direction is not favorable," Gongsun Xun replied in a low voice. "The camp is to the north, and the north wind is strong. If we charge in from the front, whether to kill or to set fire, it is likely to be a strenuous task."
What should we do? Han Dang was truly flustered, and even the more than thirty cavalrymen and guests behind him appeared somewhat pale, though they could not utter a sound. Should we really retreat from here?
There is no way; the Mo Hu tribe is a small tribe residing in the region of Liaoxi. In this area, the Han people are the largest, followed by the Wuhuan people, while the Xianbei people are relegated to a minor status. Moreover, the Wuhuan and Han people are currently allies, and the Xianbei can only maintain their footing by relying on the support of the great Khan, Tan Shihuai. However, even Tan Shihuai is not omnipotent; he can ensure that the Xianbei do not face military pressure, but he cannot fill the stomachs of all the Xianbei people.
"Not bad, the defenses in the camp are quite poor," Han Dang murmured in agreement. "What do you think, Young Master? Do you believe it is possible to engage in battle?"
Wonderful! Han Dang was immediately invigorated. "Gongsun Shaojun truly lives up to being a scion of a family well-versed in military strategy, displaying such quick wit in the face of the enemy!"
"Wind direction." Gongsun Xun's expression changed suddenly, and he quickly covered his nose
Thinking of this, Mo Huyou finally could not bear the drowsiness any longer. He contentedly turned over, clutching a dirty sheepskin, and closed his eyes amidst the already resounding snores in the tent
In the Xianbei military camp in the northern part of Lulong, Mo Hu Gao returned to his tent in the rear camp with a sense of satisfaction and pride, having just come back from the central military tent where Lord Ke Zui Que was located.
It is a pure white horse, without a single stray hair, a truly fine steed
That ... ...
This is a mutually beneficial matter, and the step-shaking crown that he favored the most was purchased from a shop in Yangle City. On that occasion, when he sent horses and sheep to Yangle, as soon as he entered the Anli shop, his eyes could not move away from this beautiful step-shaking crown. Coincidentally, the only son of Lady Gongsun, who is also the young master of the Anli shop, came to inspect. Seeing his deep interest, the young master exchanged this magnificent step-shaking crown for a fine horse.
What? Han asked in confusion
It is sheer nonsense for more than thirty people to go against over two thousand! Even if it were a night raid, even if these thirty or so individuals were all well-equipped warriors, even if there were renowned generals like Han Dang, known for their bravery in history, even if the enemy were completely unprepared, it would still be absurd!
Indeed, driven by passion and a utilitarian mindset, after following Han Dang out, he already regretted his decision. However, as the highest-ranking individual present and being young and inexperienced, he could not help but maintain an appearance of composure and authority.
The Xianbei people were completely unaware. Facing the heavy, fishy odor, Gongsun Xun lowered his helmet and uttered a meaningless remark
Returning to Mo Huya, as a small tribal leader, he could only muster a little over one hundred weak individuals who were of little value. It is no wonder that Mo Huya feels so proud today, as he has managed to win the favor of such a noble person simply by putting on a grotesque appearance.
... ...
After all, even if the economic level of the Xianbei people is not high, they still possess horses, cattle, sheep, and furs, which are difficult for the Han people to refuse. Conversely, everything the Han people have is something the Xianbei people desire. Consequently, some peculiar customs developed among the small Xianbei tribes near Han cities, where they would accompany the army of Khan Tan Shihua to raid the Han people two or three times a year, and during the times they did not raid, they would tend to their horses and sheep, waiting for Han merchant caravans to come for trade. Thus, some peculiar customs developed among the small Xianbei tribes near Han cities, where they would accompany the army of Khan Tan Shihua to raid the Han people two or three times a year, and during the times they did not raid, they would tend to their horses and sheep, waiting for Han merchant caravans to come for trade
At the same time, Mo Huguo, who was in the rear camp position, turned over comfortably, seemingly having dreamed of something good, yet completely unaware that an old acquaintance, with whom he had only met once, was drawing ever closer to him