xymnovel Chapter 653 The Murong Xianbei tribe marches south
Chapter 653 The Murong Xianbei tribe marches south
Although the Mongol tribe led by Temujin, the "grassland wolves," outwardly maintained a temporary truce with the Jurchens represented by Wanyan Aguda and Nurhaci, they never relinquished their desire for hegemony over the grasslands.
He always knew that to become the true overlord of the grasslands, he had to defeat these two formidable enemies.
Therefore, he had been secretly accumulating strength, waiting for the right opportunity.
As for Saihan, he placed greater emphasis on peace and stability on the grasslands.
He knew that if the struggle between the three alliances continued, it would only lead to the constant depletion of the grassland's vital forces, and in the end, the people of the Central Plains in the south would only benefit from it.
Therefore, he has been trying to find a solution that can balance the interests of all parties in order to maintain some degree of peace on the grassland.
However, in this chaotic world, how easy is it to find such a solution?
The conflicts of interest among the tribes on the grasslands are complex and ever-changing, making it virtually impossible to find a solution that satisfies everyone.
...
Meanwhile, just as the three Murong brothers led the Xianbei tribe southward in a large-scale invasion, many cavalry scouts sent by Taiping Pass to the south to patrol the grasslands also discovered this vast Xianbei tribe of hundreds of thousands.
The scouts dared not slacken their efforts and immediately spurred their horses onward, galloping towards Taiping Pass like arrows released from a bow, raising clouds of dust as they relayed this crucial intelligence to the garrison commander inside the pass.
Inside Taiping Pass, General Mu Qinglin, who was stationed there, and Bai Yifei, the commander of another 10,000 White Armor Army soldiers, were discussing military affairs.
"General, there's movement on the grassland!"
A scout rode up at full speed, covered in dust, his voice tinged with urgency.
When the scout rushed into the council hall to report the news of the Xianbei tribe's large-scale southward invasion, Mu Qinglin and Bai Yifei's expressions instantly turned serious.
"Hundreds of thousands of Xianbei people are marching south in a grand procession. It seems that the situation on the grasslands has changed again."
Mu Qinglin frowned, took the briefing handed to him by the scout, glanced at it, and his brows furrowed instantly.
"The Xianbei are an old and powerful tribe on the grasslands. They have split into many tribes. Although only the Murong clan's tribe has migrated south this time, this large-scale southward migration is probably not a friendly move."
Upon hearing this, Bai Yifei's gaze deepened, and he spoke softly.
The two exchanged a glance, and without saying a word, they could read the unspoken understanding in each other's eyes.
The two quickly issued orders to mobilize troops, strengthen city defenses, and prepare to welcome this unexpected guest.
"General Bai, it seems that the winds of war have stirred up again on the grasslands. I wonder what the Xianbei tribe's intentions are in this southward invasion."
Mu Qinglin was tall and slender, with an imposing aura between his brows, and he spoke in a deep voice.
"Hmph, whatever their purpose, we'll meet them head-on. It just so happens that our White Armor Army hasn't fought these nomadic barbarians since we entered Taiping Pass; this is the perfect opportunity to let them shed blood!"
Bai Yifei was dressed in blood-red armor, his handsome face carrying a hint of coldness, yet his words were filled with murderous intent.
After saying that, the two quickly climbed the city wall of Taiping Pass and looked solemnly at the black border that gradually appeared on the distant grassland. It was the figure of the Xianbei army, which was slowly approaching.
After approaching Taiping Pass, the three Murong brothers led their large Xianbei tribe to set up camp by a river some distance from the pass and began grazing their livestock.
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On the grassland, cattle and sheep grazed leisurely, while the Xianbei warriors busied themselves setting up tents, lighting fires, and cooking—a scene of perfect order.
After settling the tribe, the three Murong brothers personally led a group of elite soldiers on light cavalry to Taiping Pass.
The three brothers, Murong Jun, Murong Chui, and Murong Ke, who were at the head of the group, were dressed in the traditional clothing of the grassland people, with sharp curved knives hanging at their waists, exuding a wild charm.
Behind them were Xianbei steppe warriors, each with a lithe build, bulging muscles, weathered faces, and fierce glints in their eyes.
They all rode tall warhorses, wielding spears and bows, appearing brave and fierce.
Murong Jun looked up at the towering walls of Taiping Pass, a hint of emotion flashing in his eyes.
This pass is the northern gateway to Cangzhou and the only way for many nomadic peoples from the grasslands to enter Cangzhou. Under this seemingly heavy wall, countless brave men of the grasslands are buried.
He took a deep breath, then nodded to his two younger brothers beside him, signaling them to get ready to step forward.
The three men rode forward and arrived at the pass. They reined in their horses, and the warhorses neighed loudly, raising their front hooves high before letting them fall steadily.
"We are envoys from the Xianbei people, here to request an audience with the governor of Cangzhou. We hope you will grant us this favor!"
Murong Jun cupped his hands and shouted towards the city wall.
On the city wall, Mu Qinglin and Bai Yifei were already on high alert.
"Emissaries of the Xianbei? Then what is the purpose of your journey south this time?"
They looked down at the elite Xianbei cavalry below, secretly on guard, but their faces remained impassive. After a moment of contemplation, they decided to see what these barbarians were up to.
"General, you misunderstand. Our journey south is not to provoke conflict, but to discuss important matters."
"The situation on the grasslands is becoming increasingly turbulent. The Mongols, Jurchens, and Longyao tribes are pressing closer and closer, and our Xianbei people's living space is becoming increasingly narrow."
"Therefore, we hope to receive assistance from Cangzhou to jointly combat the threat posed by the three major alliances led by them."
Upon hearing this, Murong Jun remained calm. He knew that any panic at this moment could arouse the other party's suspicion, so he smiled slightly and spoke in a sincere tone.
Bai Yifei stared sharply at Murong Jun, trying to see any trace of hypocrisy or concealment in his eyes.
"Your Xianbei tribe has never had any dealings with Cangzhou, and there have even been several large-scale wars between you over the past few centuries. Why do you choose to ask us for help?"
But Murong Jun's gaze was firm and honest, without the slightest evasion. Bai Yifei nodded slightly, his face still expressionless, remaining vigilant.
"General, you may not know this, but the three major alliances not only threaten the survival of our Xianbei people, but are also a hidden danger to Cangzhou."
"Once the three major alliances unify the grasslands, their next target will inevitably be Cangzhou in the south. Therefore, in the short term, our interests are aligned. Only by joining forces to fight against them can we ensure peace for both sides."
Murong Jun was prepared and immediately took over the conversation, speaking in a deep voice.
Mu Qinglin and Bai Yifei exchanged a glance, pondering to themselves.
They knew that Murong Jun's words were not unfounded; the situation on the grasslands was indeed becoming increasingly turbulent, and Cangzhou, as the southern barrier of the grasslands, would inevitably be the first to bear the brunt.
If they could unite the Xianbei, these medium-sized tribes that had been marginalized and unable to survive on the grasslands, they might actually be able to temporarily withstand the threat of the three major alliances, buying Cangzhou and even the lord more time to prepare.