Chapter 6: The Blessing of Eternal Life (Part One)

No, ultimately, waging war does not require any justification. Genghis Khan's ambitions, however, are even greater. He has set his sights on the West, where beyond the Altai Mountains and to the west of the Uighurs lies vast land and wealth, along with countless nations and ethnic groups that have become his next targets. His ambitions have swelled, uniting the Mongols who no longer fight among themselves, leading them towards strength, which he has already achieved. His current desire is to make the Mongols the rulers of the entire world, and for this, he is unafraid to annihilate any nation that dares to resist. His ambitions have swelled, uniting the Mongols who no longer fight among themselves, leading them towards strength, which he has already achieved. His current desire is to make the Mongols the rulers of the entire world, and for this, he is unafraid to annihilate any nation that dares to resist.

This war began in the winter of last year (1217), when the Mongolian army crossed the river to attack the Western Xia. This time, it was even smoother than before; the Western Xia army was completely unprepared, and its national and military strength had significantly declined compared to the past. The Mongolian army advanced rapidly and once again besieged the Central Capital. The Western Xia, experienced as it was, once again followed the old practice and submitted a request for surrender. A nation that frequently surrenders and seeks temporary peace is already a sign that its days of extinction are numbered. This time, it was even smoother than before; the Western Xia army was completely unprepared, and its national and military strength had significantly declined compared to the past. The Mongolian army advanced rapidly and once again besieged the Central Capital. The Western Xia, experienced as it was, once again followed the old practice and submitted a request for surrender. A nation that frequently surrenders and seeks temporary peace is already a sign that its days of extinction are numbered

Heublhan was likely visiting the vibrant world for the first time, and everything he saw, heard, and tasted excited him to the point that he clapped and danced, approaching the emperor of the Jin Dynasty and grabbing his beard. However, the Jin emperor did not hold this against him; instead, he regarded this reckless act as a joke, forgave him, and bestowed upon him many gold coins, jewels, and garments. This was likely a deliberate act by Heublhan, allowing the Jin officials to underestimate him, as the Mongols were indeed far behind the Jurchens, who also hailed from a nomadic background. It was akin to Liu Laolao entering the Grand View Garden, provoking a sense of superiority in others and providing them with reasons to mock, thus lowering their guard.

Note 1: Kublai Khan is referred to as the first Khan of the Mongols. This is based on the account from the "Secret History of the Mongols," which was written by the Mongols themselves and is considered more credible. There are also other texts that state that his great-grandfather, Haitu, was the first Khan, which is likely a claim made by later generations for the purpose of boasting or posthumous honor.

However, the powerful Tatars and the even stronger Jin Dynasty ultimately led to the disintegration of the loosely organized tribal alliance of the Mongols. The steppe returned to a state of chaos, with not only the already tenuous political alliances disappearing, but also familial bonds being severed. People would align themselves with whoever was strong, and could easily turn against one another, engaging in conflict and bloodshed, even among fathers and sons, brothers. Thus, Genghis Khan's father, Yesugei, was merely a chieftain of a tribe. Perhaps the most significant thing he did was to name his eldest son after a Tatar captive taken in battle, calling him Temüjin.

The successor to the position of Great Khan was Hutu La, the third son of He Bu Le Khan. This individual "had a voice as loud as thunder in the mountains, and his hands were as strong as bear claws, capable of breaking a person in two like a snapped arrow. He could sleep naked beside a burning log on winter nights, feeling no sensation from the sparks and embers that fell upon him, and upon waking, he regarded the burns merely as insect stings." In summary, the Mongols do not hesitate to use the most beautiful words to praise their ancestors. This new Great Khan engaged in 13 battles with the Tatar tribe.

In the fourth year of the Xixia Yongtian era (1209), Genghis Khan launched another war, citing the refusal of Xixia to submit and to become an ally in his campaign against the Jin dynasty. In his view, submission to him was a matter of course. The Mongolian army fully utilized its advantages in open-field warfare, capturing Xixia's Deputy Marshal Gao Yi, Grand Tutor Xibi Eda, and Marshal Weiming Linggong in succession. They then advanced rapidly, besieging the capital of Xixia, Zhongxingfu (originally named Xingqingfu, later renamed Zhongxingfu, now known as Yinchuan). At this time, the Mongolian army was not adept at siege warfare. It is unclear who devised the plan to divert water to flood the city, a task that was quite complex for the Mongols. Although it resulted in the drowning of many residents, it also flooded the Mongolian camp. Once again, heaven showed a slight favor to Xixia.

Where there is one, there is two. In the second year of Genghis Khan's reign (1207), he once again launched an attack under the pretext that the Western Xia did not pay tribute. After several months of fierce assault, he finally breached the border fortress of Olokhai City (located in the western region of the Urat Middle and Later Banner in Inner Mongolia). The inhabitants of the city were nearly all slaughtered, and he used this as a base to raid the surrounding areas. The Emperor of Western Xia, Li An, was a staunch resister. Seeing the strong military presence of Western Xia, Genghis Khan did not dare to advance hastily. Ultimately, due to a shortage of supplies, he returned to the steppe in February of the following year with gold, silver, and skilled craftsmen adept at weapon manufacturing.

On the very night when Zhao Cheng was fleeing for his life, Genghis Khan, the greatest king in Mongolian history, felt inexplicably restless and agitated

He gained considerable attention this time, believing that the officials of the Jin Dynasty were inherently cunning and untrustworthy, and that poisoning in food and drink was a possibility. Therefore, he was particularly cautious. He was an excellent swimmer, reportedly able to stay underwater for the time it takes to eat a whole sheep. During the banquet, he would occasionally step outside and submerge himself in the water, seemingly to cool off, but in reality, he was expelling the fine wines and delicacies he had consumed into the depths of the water to avoid poisoning. He would then return to the table and continue to feast heartily, likely because the food and drink prepared by the Jin Emperor were simply exquisite for him as a Mongol, and not partaking would raise suspicions. In fact, he himself was quite cunning.

Genghis Khan was also adept at finding justifications for waging war, as the reasons for conflict were indeed plentiful and readily available. As early as the twelfth year of the Tianqing era of the Western Xia (1205), he launched his first attack on the Western Xia under the pretext of the latter harboring the fugitive prince Sangkun of the Kereit tribe, capturing a significant number of people, livestock, and spoils. This was a probing and plundering military action, marking the Mongols' first experience in besieging cities. In reality, the prince named Sangkun had never even entered the territory of Western Xia, as the Western Xia people had refused him entry. This was a probing and plundering military action, marking the Mongols' first experience in besieging cities. In reality, the prince named Sangkun had never even entered the territory of Western Xia, as the Western Xia people had refused him entry.

Before I, Bahai Khan, died, I managed to send a message to the tribe, which conveyed the essence: You should take me as a warning. Even if the bowstring wears down the nails of my five fingers to nothing, and my ten fingers are shortened from drawing the bow, I will vow to avenge this hatred. The seeds of hatred have already grown into a towering tree.

Genghis Khan unified the various Mongolian tribes, subsequently defeating the Keraites and the Naymans, and was bestowed the title of "Genghis Khan." His next target was the vast Jin Empire. This was due to the longstanding enmity between Genghis Khan, or the Mongols, and the Jurchens of the Jin dynasty, which can be traced back to the era of the first leader to be called Khan, Khabul Khan.

When Kublai Khan returned to Mongolia with rewards, the ministers of the Jin Dynasty regretted their actions, prompting the Jin Emperor to send envoys to pursue him. Fearing for his safety, Kublai Khan killed the envoys and fled back to Mongolia. From that point on, the relationship between Kublai Khan and the Jin Dynasty deteriorated. Later, one of Kublai Khan's brothers-in-law fell ill, and since the Shaman of the Tatar tribe, which shared a common origin, was known for his excellent medical skills, he invited a Shaman from that tribe to treat his brother-in-law. Unfortunately, the treatment failed, and the Shaman lost his life. The relatives of the deceased believed the Shaman had malicious intent and pursued him, killing him, which led to the outbreak of war, also involving a struggle for dominance over the steppes. The Jin Emperor supported the Tatars in their attacks against Kublai Khan, resulting in continuous warfare—this was undoubtedly the most advantageous strategic choice for the Jin Dynasty, as the enemy of my enemy is my ally, similar to the later alliance between the Jin Dynasty and Temujin against the Tatars.

This Asukadai, for reasons unknown, after escorting Temüjin to seek a marriage alliance, on the way back, unexpectedly lost his senses and boldly entered the camp of his enemy, the Tatar tribe, to drink mare's milk. As a result, he was recognized and was poisoned without hesitation.

The Western Xia people followed the Mongol army in plundering the Jin Dynasty, appearing quite prosperous. In reality, each military campaign brought turmoil to their homeland, with the military and civilians suffering greatly, struggling to cope, and frequently being defeated by the Jin army, resulting in heavy losses. They gained little benefit from these endeavors. Consequently, the relationship between the Mongols and the Western Xia gradually became estranged

Note 2: "Urus" is also written as "Urusxi". It is a transliteration from Mongolian, originally meaning "common people", and later extended to mean "subjects", "territory", and "nation"

After the death of Kublai Khan, the position of khan was taken over by Arabaikhai, the leader of the Taichiwu clan. This Arabaikhai Khan likely intended to turn enemies into friends by going to the Tatar tribe to choose a wife (some say to marry off his daughter). However, the Tatars set up an ambush, captured him, and sent him to the Jin Dynasty, where he, along with Kublai Khan's eldest son, was cruelly tortured to death, being nailed to a wooden donkey.

However, Genghis Khan achieved his objectives, as the ruler of the Western Xia, Li Anquan, was compelled to offer his daughter in a peace treaty. Women have always been victims of war and political pawns, and this also dismantled the alliance between the Western Xia and the Jin. The Western Xia sought assistance from the Jin dynasty, but the Jin refused. In retaliation, the Western Xia joined Genghis Khan's alliance against the Jin. This brought misfortune to the Jin dynasty. Beginning in the autumn of the 3rd year of the Jin Da'an era (1211), the continuous Mongol-Jin wars erupted. The powerful Mongol army not only occupied Liaodong but also captured Zhongdu (present-day Beijing) and turned towards the Central Plains, acquiring vast territories, populations, and wealth in Hebei, Shanxi, Henan, and Shandong provinces. Ultimately, the Jin emperor was forced to relocate the capital to Bianliang (present-day Kaifeng). Similarly, a Jin princess became a trophy of the Mongols.

Does waging war require justification? Perhaps those well-versed in Confucian classics would argue that it is righteous to punish the unjust in the name of the king, ensuring victory! They would say that it is unkind and unjust to engage in a war without cause. However, this is merely an excuse: I am the king's army, representing justice, aligned with the will of heaven and the desires of the people; it is only natural to punish you. Yet, throughout history, wars have shown that finding a reason to initiate conflict is exceedingly simple.

According to the countless legends heard by Zhao Cheng, this He Bule Khan is a very interesting figure. He and his seven sons are all exceptionally brave and capable, renowned among the various tribes. During the late Liao and early Jin periods, he established his powerful state of Uruisi 2. After the Jin dynasty destroyed the Liao, the Jin emperor, having heard of He Bule Khan's strength, sought to establish friendly relations with him and invited him to court, preparing a rather lavish banquet for him

The geographical location of the Western Xia was extremely important for Genghis Khan's quest for revenge. In order to prevent Western Xia from harassing the Mongolian army's campaign against the Jin from the flanks, Genghis Khan decided to take action against Western Xia first

However, the mood of the Great Khan, whom they revered and trusted immensely, was one of great agitation at this moment. He could face thousands of troops without flinching and had the courage to use his own tent as bait to attract the main force of the enemy. He had achieved what his ancestors could not, transforming a fluctuating tribal alliance into a nation, truly binding the Mongols together, preventing internal strife, and allowing them to brazenly attack the Tangut people (Western Xia) and the Jurchens south of the Gobi Desert, plundering countless slaves and wealth. He had achieved what his ancestors could not, transforming a fluctuating tribal alliance into a nation, truly binding the Mongols together, preventing internal strife, and allowing them to brazenly attack the Tangut people (Western Xia) and the Jurchens south of the Gobi Desert, plundering countless slaves and wealth

Once again, he easily taught a lesson to Tang Yuting, almost as if it were merely a collective hunt. However, today he could not find any joy in it

At this moment, every Mongolian seems to be filled with immense glory, for in their view, it is the Eternal Heaven that protects them, allowing them to thrive endlessly. It is the grace of the Eternal Heaven that has bestowed upon them a truly powerful Khan, leading them towards prosperity and abundance. It is also the revelation of the Eternal Heaven that enables them to conquer, kill, and plunder without any reservations.

According to custom, he organized a "dispatch" and ordered the Western Xia army to campaign. This time, Western Xia could no longer endure it; they refused, and the ruler of Xia said: "If our strength is insufficient, how can we be called rare?" Thus, Genghis Khan decisively launched the fourth war against Western Xia

He commanded the rapid pursuit of the Miao'erqi remnants, who belonged to the Mongolian ethnic group and were taking refuge west of Mount Alitai—they had been forced to leave the Mongolian grasslands. At the same time, he ordered the expedition against the Khitan (Western Liao), which was also an action to probe and gather intelligence about the unfamiliar world further to the west

Thus, he directed his blade towards the Jin Dynasty, a nation far more powerful than Mongolia, with dozens of times the population, military, and financial resources. However, Genghis Khan was not afraid. He first took action against the Western Xia.

The agitation within him was not due to unfavorable military circumstances, nor was it a result of the discord between his eldest and second sons. It was a certain divine force that filled his heart with fear and doubt, intertwined with a myriad of innocent and other complex emotions, so intricate that he himself could not articulate them clearly

If it is said that Genghis Khan's invasion of the Jin Dynasty was merely for revenge, then should it not end here today? The Mongols have already received a hundredfold compensation for the persecution and grievances they suffered under the Jin Dynasty. Mongolia has plundered inexhaustible wealth and population, and has killed countless subjects of the Jin Dynasty—most of whom were Han people. Shouldn't they be satisfied by now?

Temüjin became an orphan, and when the walls fell, everyone pushed him away; the people of the tribe began to leave one after another. Thus, from a young age, Temüjin was determined to seek revenge, not only against the Tatars and the Jin dynasty but also against clans like the Tayichi'ud, which had previously been closely related to Temüjin's Kiyad tribe. After defeating all his enemies on the steppe, he became "Genghis Khan," bringing an end to the historical conflicts of the steppe and truly establishing a nation, rather than the loose tribal confederation that had existed before.

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Note 4: There are differing accounts regarding this war

Genghis Khan then returned to Mongolia, preparing for the westward expedition. He led his central army, stopping at the northernmost edge of the Gobi Desert. The main force traversed the ancient trade routes from the south, crossing the Gobi and the desert, and upon arrival here, it felt like returning home, warmly welcomed by his subjects along the way. The entire army rested here, allowing the warhorses to recuperate and the soldiers to relax. The pride of being Mongolian was evidently displayed, as the soldiers under his command were in high spirits, discussing the value of the spoils taken from the Western Xia, and generously boasting about the achievements of their respective units. The entire army rested here, allowing the warhorses to recuperate and the soldiers to relax. The pride of being Mongolian was evidently displayed, as the soldiers under his command were in high spirits, discussing the value of the spoils taken from the Western Xia, and generously boasting about the achievements of their respective units.

The rulers and ministers of the Jin state found it quite strange: "Why is it that you are always unable to eat your fill and drink to your heart's content?"

He is leading the Mongolian army in an offensive against Tangut (Western Xia), returning victorious to the area where the Gobi Desert meets the northern grasslands. This marks the fourth attack by the Mongols on Western Xia.

Note 3: The term "Khan" here refers to Temüjin being proclaimed as "Genghis Khan". There are various accounts regarding the exact date, with the year 1206 being the most credible. Additionally, his year of birth is often cited as 1162.