Episode 196

It’s not uncommon for the losers of a war to whine and plead for a draw. Once defeat is certain, they try to minimize their losses by making grandiose demands, even though they know it’s a futile effort. The real test is how we handle their nonsense.

Having claimed to foresee Genghis Khan’s arrival, I need to deliver results. There are two paths: outright rejection or skillfully outmaneuvering them with words. Both carry risks.

Even if we tell Genghis Khan to leave and resume fighting, we won’t lose. This isn’t a war anymore; it’s a punitive expedition. But there are limits. We couldn’t bring our entire army due to the risk of smallpox. Our forces are limited to those immune, while they number over 100,000 to our mere 10,000.

We could inflict heavy damage, but wiping them out is impossible. If they use their sick as human shields and flee, we can’t catch them. Chasing them would scatter the Mongol forces, spreading disease further, which could be disastrous.

If smallpox spreads to unvaccinated villages, the praise I’ve received could quickly turn to curses. They don’t know this, so there’s no need to play along. But maybe I should test the waters.

“Ending the war in a draw… hearing it directly is almost laughable.”

“Continuing the war benefits neither side. Maintaining an army is a drain on national resources.”

“True, but we’re not desperate. If you want negotiations, I’m open, but we need clear terms. Otherwise, there’s no reason for me to stay. If you insist on your stance, I’ll leave.”

Negotiations favor the desperate. If there’s any desperation on our side, this approach is the worst. If they get upset, they might retaliate, but they could also self-destruct.

Genghis Khan’s reaction will reveal if they understand our risks and why they want to negotiate.

“Wait. Aren’t you rushing things? Or did you foresee this? Haha.”

“Yes, I know everything. So let’s skip the pretense and get to the point.”

Feigning omniscience is effective. Even Genghis Khan, usually unflappable, is caught off guard.

“Regardless, we have no reason to continue the war. We’re withdrawing our forces. Isn’t that reason enough to stop?”

“Not quite. We have every reason to punish those who invaded and slaughtered. Some here have lost children to your soldiers. Avenging them is reason enough.”

“True, but we’re all cavalry. Even with some too sick to ride, if we flee, you can’t catch us.”

He’s right. With only 10,000 troops, we can’t catch them all. So, it’s time to make a decisive move.

“It won’t be easy, but we have cavalry too. Considering the disease’s impact, at least 30% of your troops can’t ride. We won’t be at a disadvantage. If you flee, we’ll pursue and exact a price. Time is on our side.”

“Are you willing to go that far?”

“Have you considered why our numbers are small?”

“Could it be…?”

“Yes, you know the answer.”

“This is just a vanguard. The main force is preparing to encircle us. You could foresee our path. Truly a fearsome ability…”

Exactly. It might sound like a stretch, but if they trip over their own assumptions, why not let them?

“Precisely. So, I don’t mind any choice. But as you said, a prolonged chase benefits neither of us. We could satisfy our vengeance, but at a high cost.”

“Right. So, finding a compromise through dialogue is best, isn’t it?”

“Then can I ignore your suggestion of a draw?”

Now I understand why he’s here. He knows they can’t win, but our small numbers are troubling. The cavalry forces should be evenly matched, yet they can’t find us, which must be nerve-wracking.

And they won’t find us. Most of our troops are still behind, either in the midst of or just finished with vaccinations.

Logically, they’d assume this is just a vanguard, with the main force hidden. And as a prophet, they can’t predict our tactics.

If they dismiss my words, they risk suffering from the disease, which is exactly what’s happening now.

They can’t deny my claims.

“If by a draw, you mean preserving your authority, I can help. If you do everything we ask.”

“If we comply, how does that preserve my authority?”

“Once you return east, I can predict your future success. My words will convince others.”

“You say I’ll rise again in the east?”

“Yes. Defeat isn’t new to you. What’s important is how you recover.”

Even if Mongolia retreats, the Jin Dynasty is likely devastated by Muqali, strengthening the east. They might need 10-20 years to recover, but this uprising was 20 years early anyway.

In that sense, they might just be returning to their original path. Unless a new threat emerges, but the Jin is effectively gone, and the Southern Song lacks the strength to advance.

“So, if we meet your demands, you won’t pursue us?”

“We won’t attack your retreating forces. But you must meet all my demands. If not, you should leave now.”

“Are you proposing this because you foresee my acceptance? Do I have a choice?”

“Who knows? Maybe I foresee your refusal and am making an outrageous offer.”

“Let’s hear your terms.”

Like Jelme before, he’s losing his composure. If he remains calm under this pressure, that would be surprising.

“First, abandon your severely ill. Those who die from disease are inevitable, but we’ll take the survivors.”

“Take them…?”

“They must pay for starting this war.”

Most will likely become slaves in the Islamic states, but that’s their right. Considering the scale of Mongol atrocities, there’s no reason to intervene.

Given smallpox’s mortality rate, there will be thousands of slaves, which balances things out. Genghis Khan might be furious at the thought of his soldiers as slaves, but what can he do?

I was seething inside, wondering why on earth I had barged in here, regretting it with every passing moment. But what else could I do?

All I could do now was nod along like a yes-man to whatever was being said.

“Hmm…”

“Those who are gravely ill will die whether we retreat or not. So shouldn’t we at least make a choice that saves the lives of others?”

There was no response. But in a situation like this, silence speaks volumes.

“And hand over all the loot you’ve taken so far.”

“Of course, that will be done.”

“I mean all the loot you’ve taken up until now.”

“So, you’re saying to return what was taken from Baghdad and Khwarezm?”

“That’s a given. And the Mongol army must disarm completely and leave via the route we specify, without exception. All weapons must be handed over to the escort unit, and you’ll need to provide your own food and fodder. Additionally, there will be reparations. Items taken from Western Xia and the Tangut must also be returned. Anything ready now should be handed over to the escort unit, and the rest within a year… no, six months.”

“What on earth…!”

It might sound outrageous, but once spoken, it becomes reality, doesn’t it?

I wanted to demand the treasures taken from the Jin as well, but I held back. Not out of pity, but because I feared Genghis Khan might die of apoplexy before he could even prepare the reparations.

“Great Khan, I’m talking about the lives of every Mongol soldier here. Our law dictates that a king does not kill another king, so your life will be spared. But if you don’t accept this proposal, every one of your men, except you, will die. I can assure you of that. Even if they escape our swords, they won’t escape the clutches of disease.”

“This isn’t a request; it’s a threat, isn’t it?”

“If you’re displeased, feel free to storm out.”

No matter how angry or uncomfortable he felt, once his spirit was broken, there was no escape.

Ignoring the demand for reparations with a set deadline was usually an option, but not this time. The journey back to the steppes was long, and their lives were essentially held hostage. Coupled with the indirect threat of disease, they couldn’t just ignore it.

Doing so would truly be a death sentence.

“If you comply, I’ll ensure you return safely. And I haven’t even touched your warhorses. I do have a conscience, after all. Hahaha.”

In the end, Genghis Khan stood up, fists trembling, then adjusted his clothes and sat back down, trying to regain his composure. It was the best response he could muster under the circumstances.