Chapter 1: The Threat of Murder in Spring (I)

This is the far western edge of the Mongolian grassland, the southern edge of the northern forest, the northern foothills of the Alatan Mountains in the south, and also the eastern boundary of the fief of Genghis Khan's eldest son, Juchi. This place was once the site of the flourishing Naiman tribe.

***

The undulating patches of grassland and the occasionally interspersed forests at the foot of the mountain are already a feast for the eyes, lush and vibrant. Various well-known and lesser-known small flowers bloom in the gentle spring breeze, displaying a riot of colors. Various birds and beasts leave their nests in droves, freely foraging in this magnificent expanse of nature, particularly the herbivorous animals

These two Mongolian boys are brothers. The elder, named Qu Lü, is 15 years old. Although only 15, he is already a rather sturdy Mongolian youth. He has a very typical Mongolian face: a broad face, a wide forehead, slender eyes, a flat nose, and prominent cheekbones. The younger brother, named Mo Rigen, is 13 years old and appears much smaller. Unlike his elder brother, he has a pair of very bright eyes that sparkle with joy and mischief

Note 2: The Yimal River, now known as the Ob River within the territory of Russia, originates from the Altai Mountains

Morigen nodded in agreement upon hearing this. He turned around and shouted towards the direction from which the horse had just galloped over:

Spring is so beautiful, yet in such a spring, the beasts at the top of the food chain also emerge from their hiding places. With empty bellies, they bare their bloodthirsty fangs, waiting for the opportunity to capture prey to compensate for the consumption of an entire winter

The two brothers exchanged a glance, feeling somewhat amused yet helpless.

Qu Lyu and his brother Mo Rigen gazed at the hills behind them. The rhythmic and gentle sound of hooves, "tap, tap," indicated that the horse was practically strolling, even though they could not see any people or horses.

Mori Gen, your archery skills have become increasingly remarkable!" Qu Lvy praised his younger brother.

Note 4: The name "Bu'erhan" refers to a mountain, which is now known as Kent Mountain in Mongolia. It is the core area of the ancient Mongolian people's birthplace and is also regarded as a sacred mountain by the Mongolian people

You are mistaken! It is essential to add the rare craftsmanship!" Qu Lyu subconsciously licked his lips, as if savoring a delicacy.

Beneath the gradually setting sun in the evening, two Mongolian youths rode their fine horses, joyfully trotting between sparse bushes and vast meadows. They waved their whips in the air, producing a crisp sound of "crack, crack." The wild rabbits, pheasants, and field mice in the grass, upon hearing the noise, jumped out from the bushes from a distance, scattering in all directions to escape. The two Mongolian youths, one on the left and the other on the right, maintained a distance of fifty paces between them, leisurely meandering forward. They seemed to look down upon these overly insignificant prey.

Brother, your archery skills are quite impressive! Mo Rigen smiled as he observed the still-twitching sika deer, which had not yet completely succumbed. He lamented, "This deer is probably only about a year old, right? After enduring last winter, it has become nothing but skin and bones. It would be wonderful to hunt deer again this autumn; the meat would be tender and delicious, rich yet not greasy. Otherwise, if we skin it, clean it up, roast it over the fire, make a few cuts, and sprinkle some salt, pepper, and scallions on it, that would be absolutely perfect.

Two individuals each held a bow made of hardwood in one hand, while the other hand grasped the reins, controlling their steeds as they trotted forward, forming a pincer attack. Suddenly, a spotted deer leaped up from the side of a small hill ahead, sensing the ill intentions of the two Mongolian youths, and desperately fled towards a larger grove in the distance. Qu Lyu and Mo Rigen, seeing the coveted prey, were unwilling to let it escape. They squeezed their legs, and the two steeds seemed to become excited, pursuing the deer from left and right. The startled spotted deer darted left and right, but could not shake off the two young hunters, and could only run forward with all its might, as the grove appeared to be within reach.

But it was already too late; two arrows, accompanied by a sharp whistling sound, rushed forward, and the poor sika deer fell to the ground in an instant

Note 1: The Altai Mountains, also known as Aletai Mountain, Aletan Mountain, and Antai Mountain, refer to the present-day Altai Mountains (Golden Mountains). Additionally, the Mongols referred to the emperor of the Jin dynasty as Aletan Khan

Note 3: The "Naiman" tribe was a relatively advanced tribe or state centered around the Altai Mountains during the time of Genghis Khan. It is believed to be descended from the Turks and practiced Nestorianism (a branch of Christianity). This tribe was destroyed by Genghis Khan. A notable leader of this tribe was known as Sun Khan (also written as Tayang Khan). His son, Kuchulü, fled to the Western Liao and successfully usurped the throne of his father-in-law in Western Liao, ultimately dying at the hands of Zhebie.

Spring is the season of rejuvenation for all living things, and this is especially true for the herders along the banks of the Yema River, located north of Mount Alatan.

Qu Lyu arrived first, not waiting for the horse to stop, and leaned sideways on the horse's back. With one hand gripping the saddle, he used the other hand to lift the sika deer from the ground. The two arrows struck the sika deer’s neck with precision from both sides.

The earth awakens as if from a prolonged nightmare, opening her drowsy eyes to behold the splendid spring scenery. The spring in the grasslands north of Mount Alatan arrives later than in the south. The northern slope of the majestic Mount Alatan is adorned with endless coniferous forests, snow pines, larches, and white birches, all of which have regained their vitality and vigor. Even the snow in the deepest valleys helplessly transforms into spring water, flowing through various nameless streams into the Yimal River, then galloping northward like a wild horse. Only at the mountain's peak does the eternal glacier endure through the ages

"Buerhan 4, Buerhan, come quickly, we have hunted a deer!"

It turns out they had a latecomer among them