Winter on the Yulduz Grassland is cold, and the severe cold easily brings physical discomfort.
“Cough ~ cough ~ cough ~”
Nomudalai's face was pale, and he coughed violently one after another, seeming unable to stop, as if he wanted to cough up his heart and lungs.
This was an old problem; growing up in a harsh environment since childhood, he joined the army and fought battles at thirteen or fourteen, and then took charge of the whip of the Huit Tribe, excessive fatigue damaging his health.
That year, he went to the Ob River to participate in the alliance organized by the Durbet and was assassinated on his return, a cold arrow hitting his chest.
Although he was not in mortal danger because he was wearing double armor, he was shot off his horse and injured his lungs.
In recent years, the illness had become increasingly severe, but to appease the hearts of the people in the tribe, he could only bear it silently.
There was no other way, the children were too young, the eldest son Sultan was only nine years old, and the second son Sumuer was only seven, so to guard against ambitious individuals coveting his position, he truly dared not make it known.
A pair of small hands suddenly appeared, gently patting his back, it was his eldest son, Sultan.
“Why have you come? Is there something you need to report?” Nomudalai asked, suppressing his cough.
He was pleased with this son; although still young, he was extremely intelligent and could already help him share some of the political affairs.
“Erke, Brother Noyan Ubashen has returned, this expedition suffered heavy losses, out of sixteen hundred warriors, only five hundred remain.”
“Hmph, my son, what do you think, should I punish him for unfavorable combat and take the opportunity to get rid of this scourge?”
“Erke, in this expedition, the four Taiji, Brother Noyan Ubashen, Buyanbu'erhan, Eluolike Heshokuqi, and Namu Zhan, all sent their subordinates to participate.
If you punish Brother, it is inevitable that the other Taiji will feel the sadness of the fox seeing the rabbit die.
Moreover, everyone in the tribe knows that you and Brother are not on good terms, and there will inevitably be rumors that you are using public office to avenge private grievances.
Therefore, I believe that not only should you not punish him, but you should instead welcome him with great fanfare, firstly to boost the morale of the tribe, and secondly to show your impartiality to the tribal people.”
Nomudalai remained silent, carefully pondering his son's words, and finally a smile appeared, “My son! You are right.
A ruler cannot act according to his own temperament, he must weigh the pros and cons.
I am very pleased that you can see this point!”
Noyan Ubashen returned covered in dust, the high spirits from before the expedition now turned into dejection.
He hadn't expected the army of the Hotogoid to be so brave and skilled in battle, the casualties among the young men were truly too great!
Out of sixteen hundred warriors, only five hundred remained, how could he face his kinsmen?
He looked at the people before him, Buyanbu'erhan, Eluolike, Namu Zhan, Aledaer, Erke Great Taiji had called almost all the Noyan in the tribe, he didn't know what they intended.
When a person is under someone else's roof, they have to bow their head.
Noyan Ubashen was not foolish, he chose to retreat to advance, and proactively pleaded guilty, “Brother, the casualties in this expedition were too great, your younger brother is guilty!”
“Oh dear, how can this be blamed on Brother?
The Khalkha came aggressively, wanting to destroy our Oirat.
Brother fought bravely to defend our homeland, not only is he not guilty, but he is meritorious!
I will heavily reward you and the meritorious generals and soldiers!”
Even though he knew his older brother was being insincere, Noyan Ubashen's eyes still turned red, and he murmured, “In this battle, eleven hundred warriors sleep forever by the Erqisi River, the loss is too great!”
Nomudalai was silent for a long time, although the losses were among the subordinates of the four major separatist forces in the tribe, they were still Huit warriors after all.
Finally, he spoke, “The Huit will never forget the warriors who sacrificed themselves for the tribe.
Pass on my order, each soldier who went on the expedition, including those who died in battle, will be rewarded with two sheep.”
“Thank you, Great Taiji!”
Noyan Ubashen, Buyanbu'erhan, Eluolike Heshokuqi, and Namu Zhan all expressed their thanks in unison.
Those who participated in this expedition were all their subordinates, and these rewards were considered compensation for them.
Even after losing the battle, there were still rewards, and even Taiji like Aledaer and Erke who did not participate in the battle praised Nomudalai's generosity and kindness.
Nomudalai smiled slightly; in recent years, his own tribe had been recuperating, raising horses, cultivating land, building cities, developing industry and commerce, and had also plundered the Yarkand's territory extensively, so his treasury was still full.
“Brother, and all you warriors, you have worked hard on the distant expedition, quickly enter the tent, I have already ordered fine wine and delicious food to be prepared, let's raise our glasses and drink heartily!”
The hearty words dispelled fatigue, and the warriors returning from the expedition entered the tent to eat and drink.
“Someone, bring out the singing and dancing for the hardworking and meritorious warriors!”
Following the Great Taiji's command, teams of Mongol young men and women began to sing and dance to liven up the atmosphere.
The atmosphere of the feast reached a climax, Nomudalai's spirits rose, and he sang a pastoral song loudly: “Blue sky with white clouds floating, beneath the white clouds are flocks of snow-white sheep.
Beneath the white clouds are flocks of snow-white sheep, the sheep are like scattered silver.”
Noyan Ubashen continued to sing: “Scattered across the grassland, how lovable they are.
Scattered across the grassland, how lovable they are.”
This pastoral song, the two brothers often sang when they were playing as children.
Those were good times, blood is thicker than water, intimate and close.
After growing up, they were forced to contend with each other openly and secretly, becoming enemies.
The two brothers exchanged a knowing smile and sang in chorus: “Blue sky with white clouds floating, beneath the white clouds are flocks of snow-white sheep.
Beneath the white clouds are flocks of snow-white sheep, beneath the white clouds are flocks of snow-white sheep.”
As they sang, tears suddenly flowed.
At this moment, there were no interests, only brothers, blood brothers from the same mother!
He didn't know how many bowls of wine he had drunk, nor did he know when his tongue started to thicken, Nomudalai suddenly coughed violently, his body swayed, and he almost fell.
“Brother, what's wrong?” Noyan Ubashen exclaimed.
“It's nothing, Brother.
It's just the wine going to my head and a little cough.
Come, let's continue to drink,” Nomudalai cheered up and laughed heartily.
Winter is very cold, but the strong affection between brothers can melt the ice and snow.
Outside Yingsuo River City, by the Da Yuleidus River, there are several large yurts.
The largest one was built with stones outside and painted with various strange symbols, full of mystery.
This was the yurt of Daren Tai, the Great Saman of the Huit Tribe.
The name “Daren Tai” means “seventy”, some Mongols like to name their children after their grandfather's age, his grandfather lived to seventy, which was considered a long life in that era, so his father gave him this name.
However, Daren Tai did not name his son after his own father's age, but named his son “Shaobu”, meaning “flying bird”, hoping his son could fly freely like a bird.
Originally, Shamanism was the largest religion among the Oirat, and each tribe had its own Saman.
But since Gelug was introduced to the Oirat, the princes and nobles began to believe in Buddhism one after another, and the influence of Shamanism weakened significantly.
Despite this, many people still devoutly believed in Shamanism, and many people believed in both Buddhism and Shamanism.
In this era, medical conditions were simple, and many Great Saman were also skilled in medicine, which was another reason why Shamanism could still maintain a significant influence.
Besides pretending to be divine, no, calling the wind and rain, Daren Tai was also very skilled in medicine, if the princes and nobles in the tribe had a headache or fever, they liked to seek him out.
It was cold, and Daren Tai's family was warming themselves by the fire, a lamb was roasting on the fire, sizzling and steaming, and the aroma of mare's milk wine filled the entire yurt.
As the Great Saman of the Huit Tribe, his life was quite prosperous.
Dozens of uninvited guests burst into his home, and ferocious warriors restrained his servants and slaves.
The two leading them were full of killing intent, awe-inspiring without being angry.
“How dare you, to break into my home, this is blasphemy against the spirits!”
Daren Tai was furious, then his voice paused, and he recognized the two men.
His tone suddenly turned humble: “So it is Taiji Noyan Ubashen and Taiji Buyanbu'erhan, what pleasant breeze has blown the two distinguished guests into my yurt? Welcome, welcome!”
“Hehe,” Noyan Ubashen took out a heavy bag of gold, his face smiling, “Great Saman, don't be alarmed, my brother and I are here to give you a gift.”
Giving me a gift?
When one gives a gift, there must be something they seek, it seems they are not here with good intentions!
Daren Tai pondered to himself, and said with a fawning smile, “What instructions do you have, just say it, why be so polite?”
“Since that's the case, I will speak.
Yesterday during the feast, my brother Nomudalai suddenly coughed violently and almost fainted.
You are the Great Saman and also a good doctor.
I want to know how my brother's health truly is,” Noyan Ubashen said with a look of concern.
“This~”
Daren Tai was in a difficult position, the Great Taiji's health was a great secret of the tribe, how could he easily reveal it?
After thinking for a moment, he replied in a deep voice, “The Great Taiji has just caught a cold, it's just a minor illness, nothing serious.”
“You old fellow, how rude, you dare to deceive my brother!” Buyanbu'erhan was furious and drew his Mongol curved saber.
The gleaming blade, chillingly cold, made Daren Tai shiver.
“Third Brother, don't be reckless,” Noyan Ubashen stopped him, and said with a smiling face, “We are just concerned about our brother's health, please tell the truth.”
Silence, the yurt was completely quiet.
“In recent years, Brother has followed Baibagas Khan, Dalai Taishi, and others in believing in Gelug, and the incense offerings here have become much less,” Noyan Ubashen began his psychological attack, “I heard that when Brother's eldest son Sultan was born, the Gelug Master Dongkoer Manzhu Xili Hutuktu actually came in person and said he was a wise man.
Alas!
If that boy inherits the position of Great Taiji in the future, he will certainly respect Gelug even more, and the incense offerings for Shamanism will be in danger!”
These words struck Daren Tai's weak point, and his face became uncertain.
Seeing an opportunity, Noyan Ubashen immediately promised, “If you are willing to help me, I will believe in Shamanism forever, for generations to come!”
“Alas!”
Daren Tai sighed deeply and slowly said, “The Great Taiji suffers from tuberculosis.
If he rests and recuperates, his condition can remain stable.
But he is busy with political affairs and refuses to rest, I'm afraid he won't last many years.”
Having obtained the answer he wanted, Noyan Ubashen happily took his leave.
“I hope you can be my eyes in the Great Taiji's own tribe,” he said solemnly before leaving.
The uninvited guests left, and peace returned to the tent.
“Erke, do you really want to help Taiji Noyan Ubashen and Taiji Buyanbu'erhan deal with the Great Taiji and his son?” Shaobu asked his father.
“Alas!
If the Young Taiji were older, your father would never get involved with these two.
But the Great Taiji's health is failing fast, and the Young Taiji is still young.
Some things, we have to prepare for the unexpected!”
Daren Tai sighed deeply, “My son, have you ever seen people gamble?
Skilled gamblers always bet on both sides.
Let your father associate with these two Taiji, and you must find ways to become friends with the Young Taiji.”
