xymnovel Chapter 67 The Alliance at Huangshui
Chapter 67 The Alliance at Huangshui
Chapter 67 The Alliance at Huangshui
The Battle of Wolf Howl Valley ended quickly and decisively.
After this battle, Zhao Mingcheng believed that the best time to divide the various factions had arrived, and he planned to hold an alliance meeting.
The messenger who made the invitation has already been sent out.
The tribes invited included those willing to submit, as well as those that remained neutral.
After the news reached them.
The leaders of the Baicao tribe, the Huizhang tribe, and the Quanyan tribe, among others, came in person or sent their sons, carrying gifts, to seek an audience with Zhao Fuyu outside Qingtang City. Their purpose was twofold: firstly, to claim credit (they did indeed have some inclination in terms of intelligence or morality), and secondly, to express their loyalty, fearing that they would fall behind others.
Then, on the second day, the third day—
More and more tribal horse caravans are converging from all directions.
Some came from the canyons of the upper reaches of the Huangshui River, some from the meadows of the Yellow River tributaries, and some even from more distant areas bordering the Western Xia.
The gifts they brought were varied and diverse:
The finest horses, strong cattle, precious snow leopard skins, old ginseng, cordyceps, and even the tribe's secret medicine for injuries.
Humility was written on everyone's face.
Gone is the aloof, wait-and-see attitude of the past.
By the fourth day, Tong Guan and Xia Zheng, among others, had compiled preliminary statistics.
Tribes that have clearly expressed their willingness to attend the meeting and have already arrived near Shanzhou City or are en route.
There were a staggering thirty-one!
This encompasses almost all the major Tibetan tribes still existing in the Hehuang region, except for those within the territory of the loyalist Xisheluosa.
Those who sincerely submitted, such as the Baicao tribe, accounted for about half.
The rest were mostly "fence-sitters" who had previously wavered or harbored ulterior motives, similar to the Wild Wolf tribe.
This time, they arrived quickly and in unison; no one dared to claim illness or make excuses.
Upon hearing the news, Zhao Mingcheng did not show much surprise, but calmly spoke to Liu Zhongwu, Wang Shan, Tong Guan and others.
"This was all expected. The battle at Wolf Howl Valley shattered their illusions and showed them the real benefits."
The meeting place was set on the open ground north of Yemachuan on the banks of the Huangshui River, which is close to the place where we first traded with the Baicao tribe, making it of great significance.
"Have men quickly set up a large tent and arrange the meeting place. In the name of the imperial envoy, send out invitations to a meeting of various tribes three days later on the banks of the Huangshui River to discuss plans for peace and stability in the border regions."
Once the order was given, all the troops stationed in and around Shanzhou City sprang into action.
Soldiers and laborers rammed earth and built a platform at the selected location, erecting a huge cowhide command tent that could accommodate a hundred people.
A tall flagpole was erected in front of the tent, with the flag of the Great Song Dynasty and the identification flag bearing the name "Envoy Zhao".
The open area outside the tents was divided into zones according to the size of each tribe, for their people to stay in.
Liu Zhongwu and Wang Shan deployed troops and set up visible and hidden sentries around the venue, both to demonstrate their authority and to guard against unforeseen events.
Tong Guan's scouts blended into the crowd, monitoring for any unusual activity.
Xia Zheng hurriedly assisted with the translation and prepared the necessary etiquette and procedures for the alliance meeting.
On the day of the Huangshui Alliance, the weather was kind to them; the sky, which had been overcast for days, cleared up slightly.
On the vast riverbank north of Yemachuan, Zhao Mingcheng's command tent was the center.
From all directions, like stars surrounding the moon, Tibetan tents of all sizes and shapes were pitched, with yurts standing tall, banners waving, and people shouting and horses neighing, forming a rare and grand camp on the wilderness.
Thirty-one tribes brought their chiefs, key members, and guards, totaling over two thousand people.
Each tribe set up camp in a pre-determined area, and they greeted each other with familiarity.
These people's eyes kept glancing towards the tallest and most imposing Song army command tent.
At 3:45 AM, the main gate of the commander's tent was opened wide.
Zhao Mingcheng changed into his official robes today and was very solemn.
With a calm expression and clear eyes, he slowly walked out of the main tent and ascended the temporary platform erected in front of the tent, surrounded by Liu Zhongwu, Wang Shan, Tong Guan, Xia Zheng, and several civil officials.
Below the high platform.
Thirty-one tribal chiefs stood solemnly in the pre-arranged order.
Most of them changed into their best robes, and some even wore precious headdresses that they would normally never wear.
Upon seeing Zhao Mingcheng ascend the stage, at the interpreter's signal, everyone bowed and touched their chests in Tibetan etiquette.
Zhao Mingcheng stood at the front of the stage, his gaze slowly sweeping over the tribal chiefs below, each with their own distinct appearance, age, and temperament.
He saw the heartfelt awe and fervor in the eyes of Tashi Dorje of the Baicao tribe, and he also saw several "fence-sitters" leaders standing in the back row with complicated expressions.
Zhao Mingcheng understood that these people were standing here today not because of any particular charisma they possessed.
It was not because of the clean and decisive victory at Wolf Howl Valley, but because of the tangible and visible distribution of benefits.
"Gentlemen, you have come from afar and have had a long journey. I am Zhao Mingcheng, the Imperial Envoy of the Great Song Dynasty and the Acting Pacification Commissioner of the Hehuang Region. I pay my respects to you."
Zhao Mingcheng spoke, his voice calm yet clearly carrying throughout the entire room.
Xia Zheng stood by, translating in Tibetan.
"Today, I have invited you all to gather here on the banks of the Huangshui River, not to show off our strength or to display our power."
This is because the Hehuang region was originally the homeland of China, and the Han and non-Han peoples lived side by side, and could have lived peacefully and shared a peaceful life.
However, in recent years, frequent wars have caused immense suffering, halted trade, and left fields barren. Furthermore, places like Xisheluosa...
The likes of Langga either colluded with foreign invaders or made a living by plundering, making this place never peaceful.
Zhao Mingcheng's tone became serious.
"Your Majesty is benevolent and virtuous, and cherishes those near and far. He has specially ordered me to come here, not to annihilate, but to pacify; not to conquer, but to achieve common prosperity."
The previous establishment of markets and the promotion of military farms were aimed at facilitating trade, strengthening the border regions, and benefiting both Han and non-Han peoples.
However, Langga and his ilk remained obstinate, severing themselves from the Celestial Empire and the other tribes. They brazenly robbed and murdered merchants and attacked military farms. How were their actions any different from those of bandits? How were they any different from those who colluded with the Western Xia and wreaked havoc in the Xisheluosa region of the Hehuang region?
When Langga and Xisheluosa were mentioned, many chieftains in the audience, especially those who had been bullied by the Wild Wolf Tribe or had grudges against Xisheluosa, showed indignation on their faces.
"Therefore, I have no choice but to act on behalf of Heaven to punish the rebels and execute the ringleaders. This is to uphold the law of the land, to redress the grievances of the wronged souls, and to sweep away the treacherous officials for all tribes that wish to follow the king's rule and seek peace!"
Zhao Mingcheng's voice suddenly rose, carrying an undeniable authority, "The Battle of Wolf Howling Valley, I presume you are all aware of. I hereby reiterate:"
Those who submit to our Great Song Dynasty will be treated with sincerity. Fair trade, without any oppression; each can live and work in peace, and we will protect them; together we will fight against foreign aggression, and we will be comrades-in-arms!
These three points are the foundation of my administration of the Hehuang region, and also the promise that our Great Song Dynasty has made to you all! Anyone who violates them may come to Shanzhou City to plead their case before me, and I will certainly uphold justice for you!
Many tribal chiefs were deeply moved upon hearing this.
In particular, the three points are "fair trade", "guaranteed protection", and "jointly resisting foreign aggression".
It directly addresses their core concerns: survival, security, and resisting powerful enemies.
Zhao Mingcheng proved with the blood of Wolf Howling Valley that he was capable of fulfilling his promises of "protection" and "joint defense".
After reiterating the principles, Zhao Mingcheng's tone softened slightly.
"Of course, words are not enough; only by clearly distinguishing between rewards and punishments can credibility be established."
"In the Battle of Wolf Howling Valley, without the profound sense of righteousness of certain tribes—whether by providing intelligence, restraining their people, or morally supporting the imperial court—the battle would not have been so successful. Today, in front of all of you, I hereby reward those who have contributed!"
He turned to the clerk, who immediately unfolded a prepared document and read it aloud.
"Zaxi Dorje, the chieftain of the Baicao tribe, is loyal, diligent, and conscientious. Since the market opened, he has been among the first to respond, ensuring fair transactions. He has also been of great assistance in investigating the movements of the Wild Wolf tribe. He is hereby awarded twenty bolts of fine cotton cloth from Jiangning, sixty catties of top-grade salt, and twenty catties of compressed tea!"
Tashi Dorje was overjoyed and immediately stepped forward, knelt down, and spoke loudly in Mandarin that he had practiced diligently.
"Thank you for your generous reward, Your Excellency! The entire Baicao tribe is willing to follow the Emperor of the Great Song Dynasty forever. If we have any disloyal intentions, may we be punished by Heaven and Earth!" Behind him, the Baicao tribe members also knelt down and cheered.
"The Gray Tent Tribe, when the Wild Wolf Tribe was committing evil, was able to distinguish right from wrong and did not join them in their evil deeds. Moreover, some members of the tribe risked their lives to deliver messages to our army. They are hereby rewarded with ten bolts of cloth, forty catties of salt, and fifteen catties of tea!"
The leader of the gray tent tribe also hurriedly stepped forward to express his gratitude, his face beaming with pride, feeling that he had made a great impression on the other tribes.
"Spring Eye Tribe —"
"Blackwater Tribe —"
Zhao Mingcheng had carefully checked with Tong Guan and Xia Zheng beforehand and was very familiar with the situation of the thirty-one tribes.
This distribution of rewards not only honored those who steadfastly submitted and made genuine contributions, but also, at the discretion of the authorities, rewarded a few fence-sitting tribes that remained neutral at crucial moments and did not provide any assistance to the Wild Wolf tribe.
The gifts were all valuable commodities on the grasslands, such as cloth, salt, and tea. More importantly, they represented recognition and honor.
The tribe that received the reward was overjoyed and moved to tears.
Even those who did not receive a reward saw a clear direction.
As long as you follow the Song Dynasty, you will receive real benefits.
Those fence-sitters who had initially harbored doubts or even resentment now had mixed feelings.
They saw that Zhao Mingcheng was fair in rewarding and punishing, and that he always kept his word. They also saw the glory and confidence on the faces of the tribal leaders who received the rewards.
Comparing this to the fate of Langga in Wolf Howling Valley, who was beheaded and whose followers were scattered, the scales in my heart tipped completely.
After bestowing the rewards, Zhao Mingcheng spoke again.
"Today's meeting is to establish rules."
From this day forward, all who are willing to abide by my three rules may trade fairly in the three markets of Qingtang and be protected by my army.
If disputes arise between tribes, they may report to this official or Marquis Guiyi Longza for impartial and just judgment; private attacks are prohibited. If external enemies invade, they must work together to protect their homes. Regarding the land for military farming, those willing to participate will be treated as previously stated. Those unwilling will not be forced; they only need not cause disturbance or damage.
His gaze swept across the crowd with lightning speed.
"Can you do it?"
"It's possible!"
"I will obey the orders of the envoy!"
"We are ready to obey the command of Gyaltsab Gabu!" —
The tribal chiefs immediately responded enthusiastically from below the stage.
Whether they genuinely submitted or were forced by circumstances, they all understood at this moment.
In this land of the Yellow River and the Huanghe River, this young "Jiachagabu" has already acquired undisputed authority and control.
Those who comply will benefit from the transaction, receive protection and security, and even enjoy the honor of sharing the rewards.
Those who go against this will become the next Langga, the next Wild Wolf Tribe.
The atmosphere had reached a point where things had naturally progressed to the desired effect.
Zhao Mingcheng gestured, and soldiers immediately brought over a pure white yak that had been prepared beforehand.
Under the watchful eyes of numerous tribal chiefs and followers, Zhao Mingcheng personally took a knife and drew blood from the side of the yak's neck, pouring it into a large silver basin.
Then, he dipped his finger in the blood and gently drew a line on his forehead.
When it was the turn of the thirty-one tribal chiefs, they did not hesitate any longer. They stepped forward, solemnly dipped their hands in the cow's blood, and applied it to their foreheads as a sign of their oath.
"The Huangshui River bears witness, and Heaven is our witness! From this day forward, the Han and the Fan shall jointly uphold this alliance! Those who break the alliance shall be punished together!" Zhao Mingcheng raised his golden sword and shouted loudly.
"The Huangshui River bears witness, and Heaven is our witness! Han and Fan will jointly uphold this alliance! Those who break the alliance will be punished together!"
Below the stage, Song soldiers, tribal leaders and their followers shouted in unison, their voices echoing like a tidal wave along the banks of the Huangshui River.
The meeting was a complete success.
Zhao Mingcheng immediately ordered a grand banquet to be held on the riverbank, using the cattle, sheep, barley wine, and other spoils from the Wild Wolf tribe to entertain all the tribal chiefs and accompanying warriors present.
As the bonfire blazed, the aroma of roasted meat filled the air, and wine was poured, the atmosphere gradually warmed up to the accompaniment of Han and Tibetan music.
Many tribal chiefs took the opportunity to toast Zhao Mingcheng, expressing their willingness to submit. Zhao Mingcheng accepted all toasts with ease and composure, demonstrating his magnanimity.
The banquet lasted until late at night.
The tribal leaders, drunk, satisfied, and with clear expectations for the future, returned to their respective camps.
They knew that from this day forward, the world of the Hehuang region had truly changed.
The following day, after seeing off the returning troops, Zhao Mingcheng returned to Qingtang City and, without taking a break, immediately went to his study.
He needs to report everything that has happened recently, including the causes, consequences, details, and outcome of the Battle of Wolf Howl Valley.
In particular, the grand occasion of yesterday's "Huangshui Alliance", the details of the submission of the thirty-one tribes, and other events that had occurred before were all written down and submitted to the emperor.
In addition to these, Zhao Mingcheng also wrote more crucial content.
He deduced from the iron armor and hard bows found in the Wild Wolf tribe that Xisheluosa had already received aid from the Xia Kingdom.
This is a very important military situation and must be reported.
Zhao Mingcheng wrote this report with great care, and it turned out to be dozens of pages long.
Finally, seal it with sealing wax and affix the seal of the Imperial Envoy.
He summoned Liu Zhongwu, "General Liu, this memorial is of utmost importance. It must be sent by the most reliable person under the 600-li express courier, traveling day and night, directly to Bianjing, to be presented to the Ministry of Communications and then forwarded to the Emperor. There must be no delay!"
"This subordinate obeys!" Liu Zhongwu accepted the report with both hands, feeling its weight immense.
Soon, a messenger arrived, his back adorned with three red feathers, riding a post horse that signified the highest level of urgent military intelligence.
Escorted by more than ten elite cavalrymen, they left Shanzhou City and sped towards Bianjing.