Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)

Chapter 133 : Nine Years

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At the third quarter of the hour of you, the sun made its descent in the west. 

At this time, Huhelu was having his meal. He was the Biansha commanding general who launched a surprise attack at the southeastern camp of Libei. He was born in the Changjiu Tribe, and at almost forty years of age, he was in the prime of his life. After Amu’er took command of the four tribes, Huhelu not only became Amu’er’s adopted son, but also a capable general under Amu’er’s command. Coincidentally, he was also the one who led the squad Xiao Chiye launched a sudden assault on nine years ago at the eastern mountain ranges. 

Huhelu was an irascible and narrow-minded man, but he was also quite resourceful and knew when to advance and retreat in a war. Guo Weili had previously suffered in his hands. Both men had hurled insults and spat spittle at the other on the battlefield more than once. The reason Amu’er had transferred Huhelu to the southeast was because the Tudalong Banner had already been captured, and also because Huhelu was a fearsome one when it came to military field operations. He once had Guo Weili surrounded in the swamp for a day and a night, routing Guo Weili’s main forces and sending the morale of the Changzhu Camp plunging.

“The Hero wants me to treat the Libei military craftsmen well, but these people won’t yield at all. It’s a waste of food to keep feeding them.” Huhelu stripped the mutton flesh clean from its bone and said to his vice general in the language of the desert. “I’m thinking of transporting away all the equipment and food here and slaughtering off this batch of military craftsmen. The Changjiu Tribe still has some remaining troops in the east that can temporarily hold the supplies for the Hero.” 

“Before you left, the Hero specifically instructed you not to hurt the military craftsmen.” The vice-general, Bayin, was a man with a dark complexion. He was no longer young, but as he was a follower of Huhelu, he never had the chance to be promoted. He faced Huhelu and tried to persuade him, “The Hero has high regards for this batch of military craftsmen. Don’t infuriate him.” 

Huhelu threw the dagger in his hands onto the tray and grabbed a handkerchief to wipe his hands. He got up and looked out through the gap of the tent flap that had been hung up. 

“But they infuriate me.” Huhelu bent over slightly and looked askance at the bound military craftsmen detained outside in the open field. “You understand the language of Dazhou too. They called me a butcher of the eastern mountain ranges, and they even want to screw my mother.” 

Bayin said, “They have been exposed to the sun for four days without food and water. Even the saker falcons of the Liaoying Tribe have to consume meat at this point in time in order to survive. It is said in Dazhou’s Art of War that if you want to make them submit, you should not only make them feel fear, but also gratitude. You have already made them afraid, so you can give them water and food next, untie them, and show them concern with a pleasant countenance. Then they will be grateful to you and to the Hero too.” 

Huhelu stroked his short stubble and did as advised. But they overturned the water he sent them, and the curses continued until the hour of hai. Huhelu could not sleep well. He decided to abandon the Dazhou way and use his own method, so he ordered his men to skin the military craftsmen who had made noises and had them hung up on the pole rack before the open space. 

“Xiao Fangxu doesn’t have enough to eat at the site of battle.” Standing in the open space, Huhelu gestured at his belly with his hands and said in the language of Dazhou, “How can he fight a war on an empty stomach? You people are so fat. It’s a win-win situation if I have your meat delivered to him after air-drying them.”