Chapter 16: The Fine-Tooth Tribe, the Qin Have Arrived

Chapter 16: The Xiya Tribe, The Qin Have Arrived

In June, although the temperature in the Hetao region was much cooler than in the Central Plains, the river had long since thawed. The melting snow from the Yin Mountains nourished the land, covering the slopes and meadows in a lush carpet of green. Alongside the gentle streams, a riot of colorful flowers bloomed, competing for attention beneath the blue sky and pristine white clouds—a veritable earthly paradise.

Across the vast grasslands, clusters of Xiongnu herders’ felt tents were scattered along the banks of the water-rich streams. Galloping horses, herds of cattle and sheep, and frolicking wild rabbits and foxes played energetically on the meadows. In the distance, a herdsman on a graceful steed sang joyfully with his beloved maiden. White smoke drifted from the yurts, carrying the savory aroma of cooking meat into the air.

The dark-skinned Xiongnu herders had shed their thick hides and busied themselves assisting the birth of calves, lambs, and foals. These newborn lives were the source of sustenance for the coming year, and every member of the tribe, young and old, was immersed in the joy of spring.

“Father, why can’t we live like the people of the Central Plains, peaceful and prosperous? Why must we spend year after year, day after day, herding and hunting like this?” a boy riding a small horse asked the middle-aged man assisting a sheep in labor.

“Guliza, that’s because the Central Plains people have taken the most beautiful and fertile lands. We can only live on these boundless grasslands. But if one day we can strike into the Central Plains, we’ll surely live in peace and plenty, enjoying their fine food and women!”

“But Father, we can’t defeat the Central Plains people. They have sharp swords and spears, sturdy armor, and more warriors than all of us Xiongnu combined,” Guliza protested.

“So what! Hmph! Their horses aren’t as strong as ours, they don’t run as fast, and their horsemanship isn’t as skilled as ours. They only hide behind thick city walls, never daring to face us warriors in battle. They’re just a bunch of cowards who only know how to enjoy themselves!”

“But we can’t break through their walls either. Why can’t we submit to the Qiang Grass Tribe and the Great Qin? Then we could live peacefully and buy their delicious food and wear fine clothes,” the boy said, gripping an old longbow with a flicker of hope.

“Guliza! What are you saying? We, the proud descendants of the Heavenly Wolf, would never submit to those cowards and faint-hearted people over there! If you say that again, I’ll whip you with the horsewhip!” the man suddenly growled in anger.

“I understand, Father! Do you think they’ll attack us now? They come every year when the cattle and sheep are giving birth!” The boy’s face grew anxious as a sudden thought struck him.

“Don’t worry. Our Xiya Tribe is three days’ ride from the city walls. Ahead of us are the Heilang, Qingmu, and Xizi tribes—much larger than ours. Even if the Qin attack, they will be the first to face them. Besides, we will receive advance warning. Right now, we must watch out for wolves since the livestock are calving.”

As the man spoke, the boy pricked up his ears anxiously. “Father, listen! What’s that sound? It’s like many horses coming this way!”

The man listened and shook his head. “Don’t be afraid. It’s probably wild horses or cattle. This season, many roam the grasslands. Maybe a wolf pack got startled and they ran here. Come with me, we have to check it out and keep the herd calm.” With that, they spurred their horses toward a nearby hillock.

Twenty miles away, Wang Li led a large army speeding toward them. He had been on the grassland for six days. On the third day, he encountered a tribe called Heilang. Scouts reported that it was a large tribe with some five thousand Xiongnu cavalry. To avoid alerting the enemy and leaking information, Wang Li launched a swift, decisive attack, wiping out the Heilang tribe cleanly—8,083 enemies killed, 12,917 warriors and herders captured, 26,821 horses, 6,542 cattle, and 53,142 sheep seized, along with gold and silver. His own losses were 212 men. His lone rider unit had transformed into a force wielding two horses per soldier, all top-quality grassland warhorses.

He sent messengers to call the rear army to deliver supplies and pressed forward. Just as he reached this spot, scouts reported:

“General, twenty miles ahead, we’ve discovered a Xiongnu gathering.”

Wang Li paused, surprised to encounter another tribe so soon. “How many people? Are there any Xiongnu cavalry guards?”

“General, judging by the size of their sheep enclosures, about three thousand. No cavalry guards have been spotted.”

Hearing this, Wang Li laughed heartily. “So the five thousand cavalry from earlier must have been the local tribe’s garrison. Though the surrounding tribes know the Great Qin is moving, the Xiongnu haven’t yet fortified themselves. We’ve caught them unprepared.”

Waving his hand, he commanded, “Speed up! Tonight we camp at this tribe!”

At the Xiya Tribe, ten minutes later, Guliza and his father galloped to the top of a high hillock and their faces turned pale at the sight before them.

On the distant horizon, thousands upon thousands of warhorses surged like a tidal wave. Though still miles away, the black flags fluttering in the wind were unmistakable, each adorned with a dense pattern of black dragons that shimmered in the sunlight, their blades flashing and blinding the eyes.

“Guliza, ride! The Qin are coming to kill us!”

“Giddy up! Giddy up!” The man and boy whipped their horses around and raced away.

“Qin are coming! The Qin are coming!” Even from miles away, they shouted wildly, stirring the scattered herders to confusion and alarm. The man, frantic, lashed his horsewhip loudly, desperate to warn his wife and daughters. The Qin arrived too swiftly; the tribe’s people were scattered across tens of miles, herding cattle and sheep. There was no time left to alert them all.

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