Episode 151
During the height of the Crusades and Islamic conflicts in Anatolia, a monumental battle unfolded. While it was one of the largest battles in medieval European history, it was even more significant in the East.
“How could this happen… How could the Jin Empire…”
“It seems the winds of change are indeed blowing towards them. Your judgment was right once again, my lord.”
Though the Jin Empire hadn’t completely conquered the Southern Song, it was undeniably the world’s most powerful empire not long ago. With overwhelming military might and a strong sense of national pride, the Jin Empire was a force to be reckoned with. Many scholars predicted its golden age would last another fifty years.
However, the Jin Empire wasn’t without its flaws. Its economic power was significantly weaker than the Southern Song, and its inconsistent policies towards nomadic tribes slowly eroded its strength. Yet, these were minor issues unless someone could exploit them.
Enter…
“Great Khan, I have come at your command. Though I was once a general of the Jin, I am truly a Khitan general…”
“I know. Yelü Yuga, is it? In recognition of your swift decision, I will grant your family control over Liaodong once this war is over. I expect you to continue your excellent work.”
“Thank you! I will dedicate my life to repaying the Khan’s grace.”
This was Temujin, now known as Genghis Khan. Rumors painted him as a monstrous figure, a beast breathing fire, but in person, he seemed surprisingly ordinary. Yet, there was an extraordinary aura about him that words couldn’t capture. Perhaps it was this aura that drew the Khitan to side with the Mongols.
The Jin Empire, established by the Jurchens, had displaced the Khitan’s Liao dynasty to become the dominant power in the East. Some Khitan served as generals under the Jin, but their influence was limited. The Jin’s policies towards the Khitan were inconsistent, leading to a lack of loyalty.
Yelü Yuga, a descendant of the Liao royal family, was no different. While serving as a commander in the northern border, he heard tales of Genghis Khan. Initially, he dismissed them, as many had risen and fallen on the steppes like comets. But as time passed, he realized this was different.
“Great Khan, what is your next target? The Khitan warriors will always stand by you.”
“We’ve devastated them, so now we must cross the Great Wall.”
“Then we should open the Juyong Pass. Once we cross it, there are no obstacles to their capital, Yanjing.”
“Indeed. But instead of Juyong Pass, we’ll break through Zheyang Pass.”
”…?”
The Mongols had recently achieved an unbelievable victory at Yehuling. The Jin’s 300,000-strong army, meant to crush the Mongols, was defeated by a mere 100,000 Mongol troops. Now, at Huaihe, the Jin suffered another crushing defeat, leaving them with little strength.
The Jin’s total military might was estimated at around a million, but this included every possible recruit. The losses at Yehuling and Huaihe alone accounted for half of that. In short, they had suffered an irreparable blow.
“Great Khan, the Jin have little strength left to counterattack. If we take Juyong Pass and capture Yanjing, we could end the war immediately…”
“Do you know how much larger the Jin’s population is compared to ours?”
How could he know? Yelü Yuga remained silent, and Genghis Khan continued as if he expected it.
“Forty times larger. Their economic power is also incomparable. Even if they seem finished, if they resist with the intent to drag us down with them, we could suffer greatly.”
“So you plan to tighten the noose slowly.”
“That’s not all. You mentioned the Jin have little strength left to counterattack. You’re half right. They can’t fight us, but what will they do?”
Genghis Khan’s gaze shifted away from Yelü Yuga, who couldn’t answer. One of Genghis Khan’s trusted aides, standing nearby, spoke up.
“The Jin will turn their attention to the Song. It’s their only way to regain lost power.”
“Exactly. If they merge with the Southern Song and grow stronger, even we would struggle to pressure them further. We must seize this opportunity.”
“I anticipated this and have already made arrangements. The Song have agreed to cooperate with us as soon as the Jin attack.”
“Excellent. No gaps in the plan. Proceed as planned.”
Though Yelü Yuga didn’t fully grasp the conversation, one thing was clear: Genghis Khan and his aide Bukali already knew how this war would end. If the Southern Song allied with the Mongols against the Jin, the Jin wouldn’t even have the option to choose mutual destruction.
The Southern Song, with half of the Jin’s forces gone, had no reason to reject the Mongol offer.
‘Joining them was the right choice. The continent will surely fall into their hands.’
Joining the Mongols after hearing of Yehuling’s outcome and fighting alongside them at Huaihe was the best decision. This young giant before him was different from any nomadic leader who was only skilled in battle. He was a master of war, not just battles.
Such people invariably left a significant mark on history. Sticking close to him could mean the revival of the Yelü family was not just a dream.
‘Unlike the Western Liao, who fled far away, I will revive the empire in Manchuria and Liaodong.’
Even if it was impossible to restore the glory of their peak, it didn’t matter. Being the tail of a dragon was far better than living under the Jurchens’ watchful eyes.
‘And to think they sent an expedition west while fighting the Jin… Is it boldness or part of a calculated plan?’
Common sense dictated that when fighting an empire like the Jin, one should concentrate all forces for a decisive battle. Yet, the Mongols had sent a detachment westward. While many failed trying to catch two rabbits at once, the Mongols were on the verge of succeeding in this seemingly impossible feat.
If those sent west were laying the groundwork for Genghis Khan’s future moves…
‘Does this mean the next target after the Jin is the West?’
Though not certain, it was wise to understand the ambitions of the future ruler.
The end of this long war was not yet in sight.
The Jin’s defensive forces, convinced the Mongols would break through Juyong Pass, were caught off guard once again. Juyong Pass, the gateway to the capital Yanjing, was the Jin’s last line of defense. They had prepared extensively, laying traps and obstacles over a hundred li.
However, the Mongols feigned an attack on Juyong Pass with a small force, then broke through Zheyang Pass instead. The Jin, in a panic, called back their commander, Puxian Wannu, to defend, but Genghis Khan had anticipated this move.
“Report from the scouts! The enemy’s main force is moving to flank us! They seem to be trying to cut off our rear!”
“Calmly retreat. How many are trying to encircle us?”
“Roughly as many as our forces, if not more.”
“Damn it, this was their plan all along. Zheyang Pass must have already fallen.”
The imperial order was to hold Zheyang Pass and prevent the Mongols from breaching the Great Wall. This wasn’t impossible if the order had come before the Mongols attacked Zheyang Pass. But now that the Mongols had broken through and reached the plains, how could they be stopped?
‘Fighting now would be suicide.’
‘Can we do it?’
Looking around, everyone seemed to share the same thought, looking to him for guidance. Commander Puxian Wannu felt the same. The options were limited: fight and face annihilation, or retreat and be branded a traitor.
”…Sigh. With our retreat cut off, I’d like to show the Mongols our strength by fighting to the death.”
Though he had no real intention of fighting, surrendering immediately would seem too weak.
According to Sobun, the Mongolian leader known as Genghis Khan greatly valued the abilities of his subordinates.
In that case, it seemed crucial to leave a good impression on the enemy.
Rather than being seen as a coward who surrendered at the first sign of defeat, it was better to be remembered as a compassionate leader who cared for his men. This was the best strategy for the future.
“I wonder if it’s right to lead you all to your deaths just for my own honor.”
“General…”
“General…”
“To think you care for us so deeply…”
Naturally, none of the other subordinates wanted to die here, and they responded as expected, as if they had been waiting for this moment.
“Yes… In truth, preparing for death is easy. But perhaps true courage lies in surviving and continuing the fight.”
He wasn’t quite sure what kind of struggle they could wage after surrendering, but no one dared to question him.
This clearly showed just how low the morale of the Jin army had sunk.
Of course, there were always a few who failed to read the room and spouted nonsense.
“General! Surrender to the Mongol barbarians? We are ready to die here to prove our loyalty! Please give the order to fight to the end!”
“Preparing for death is easy, but I wonder if it’s right to sacrifice the lives of thousands of soldiers for my own resolve.”
“General, the soldiers would rather fight to the death than see this land trampled by the Mongol barbarians!”
Oh, just shut up already. Can’t you see the looks everyone else is giving you?
“Ahem! I see. I admire your spirit. Then I shall give you an order. Lead the scouts and find a suitable place for our final stand. We must choose terrain that gives us an advantage, don’t you think?”
“Yes! Leave it to me!”
“Good, good. Then set out immediately. Let us show the last fighting spirit of our great Jin Empire!”
Once the oblivious fool had left, Posun Manro looked around at his remaining officers.
They, too, nodded slowly in agreement.
Clinging to the remnants of a fallen empire was the height of foolishness. It was time to switch sides while they could still command a high price.
The once-mighty Jin Empire, which had once ruled the world, was crumbling at an unexpectedly rapid pace.