Chapter 118

Most of you probably noticed, but what I asked Gu Bu to do was spread rumors.

As I mentioned earlier, the ones controlling Ordos are indeed the Southern Xiongnu forces backed by Wei. But there’s no place in the world without conflict, and just because the Southern Xiongnu clash directly with Wei doesn’t mean they’re terrifying.

Thus, even among the various nomadic tribes scattered across Ordos, there were both friendly and hostile relationships.

The pro-Wei nomadic tribes include the Southern Xiongnu, Wuhuan, Ge, and Xianbei, but even among them, factions were divided.

Dobbapilgo, who came to see me, was no exception. The Dobbahu tribe he leads is Xianbei, but they are anti-Wei Xianbei.

“But that’s strange. From what I’ve read, there was only the Takbalbu.”

Gu Bu, being the person in charge of Xiao Pass, cleared up my confusion.

“Dobbapilgo is the eldest son of the former Takbalbu leader, Takbal Hilbun. However, Takbal Hilbun chose his second son, Takbal Yeokmi, as his successor. Dobbapilgo rebelled and became independent. It’s a recent event, so it’s understandable you wouldn’t know.”

“Did he change his surname too?”

“I heard he changed it for other reasons, but since he and Takbal Yeokmi are half-brothers, that probably played a role too.”

“I see.”

I understand why he came to us first. Having just become independent and building his power, he’s naturally weaker compared to other tribes.

He probably wants to ally with us, who’ve newly entered the power dynamics of Ordos, to increase his share. Being the first to arrive means he’ll make a strong impression.

“Ambitious, isn’t he?”

The independence to break away from his original tribe. The decisiveness to boldly enter when he saw an opportunity. Truly the ancestor of Dobbasukineng, who later sent chills down the spine of the Jin dynasty.

Considering that Dobbasukineng was the one defeated by Ma Long’s Eight Array Formation, it’s another irony of history.

“Xiao Xing, open the gate. We should welcome our guest properly since he’s come all this way.”

As the gate of Xiao Pass opened, Dobbapilgo fearlessly stepped inside.

Even though both we and Dobbapilgo are enemies of Wei, we’re not exactly confirmed allies yet. Relying on the shallow logic that “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” isn’t worth risking our lives.

‘He must have calculated that we wouldn’t harm him. He realized we need them. Plus, he’s confident that since he came first, we’ll treat him well. Clever guy.’

As I guessed, Dobbapilgo’s attitude was quite bold. It even felt brazen.

The generals frowned at Dobbapilgo’s attitude, as if he had walked into his own home.

Dobbapilgo’s attire was extremely flamboyant. It was clearly different from the modest colors typically worn by the Han people. Moreover, his collar had fur, making it obvious he was a nomad.

“I am Dobbapilgo.”

His etiquette was also completely different from that of the Han. However, his Chinese was surprisingly fluent.

I thought he’d be quite young since he didn’t inherit his father’s position, but he looked older than expected. Not as old as Liu Bei, but probably close to 50.

“I am Chang-ran, Commander of the Han Dynasty.”

As I introduced myself, Dobbapilgo’s eyes sparkled.

“You’re young.”

I’m already 22. An age recognized as an adult anywhere, but still absurdly young to be a commander of an army.

Is he doubting my abilities? I could see suspicion growing in Dobbapilgo’s gaze. Instead of stiffening, I calmly replied with ease.

“I’ve lived as long as Huo Qubing.”

“Confidence is good. But there are many things in the world that can’t be solved with youthful vigor alone.”

“I heard your people are straightforward and don’t beat around the bush. Guess that was just talk.”

“…The enemy is Cao Cao’s son.”

Cao Cao.

A giant whose name still looms large over the land.

“The Xianbei have the great Gabi Neng, the Xiongnu have Chanyu Huchuquan. But the Wuhuan leader Wang Dong isn’t well-known. Do you know why?”

“Because the Wuhan opposed Cao Cao.”

After defeating Yuan Shao, Cao Cao mercilessly crushed the Wuhuan, who had foolishly supported Yuan Shao. Just like the massacre in Xuzhou, he slaughtered them relentlessly until they surrendered.

It’s not that the Wuhuan were weak. At one point, even the Xiongnu had to bow to them. It’s just that Cao Cao was too strong.

“I remember that time clearly. The sight of being helplessly swept away before Cao Cao is vivid.”

“Seems you’ve forgotten. The enemy isn’t Cao Cao. It’s his son, Cao Zhang.”

“Cao Cao’s son, the spitting image of his father. Did you know? He’s already wiped out a small tribe.”

Dobbapilgo pretended to fear Cao Cao and Cao Zhang equally, but his hidden hostility leaked out.

“He killed all the men of Zhengnan. The women and children were distributed to the tribes that followed him. He knows how to handle people like us. Fear for those who oppose him, rewards for those who follow. A terrifying man.”

“So, you’ve come to surrender?”

No way. Dobbapilgo’s words were just to test our resolve.

‘Then should I play along?’

But first, it seemed necessary to remind them of their position.

“There are only two paths for you. Fight Wei, or submit to them. But I doubt Wei will leave those who’ve already opposed them alone.”

“Isn’t it the same for you?”

“Not quite. We have the option to just hold key points without fighting. Did you forget? We’ve built fortresses. Even the place you’re standing now is one.”

It was the difference between nomads and settlers.

Technically, they could choose to flee to avoid battle, but the nomadic tribes of Ordos aren’t purely nomadic.

They’re nomads who want to settle in one place like settlers. Abandoning their established base is a huge risk for them.

And even if they leave Ordos for another region, another battle awaits them there.

Welcoming uninvited guests is a privilege for travelers, not something they can enjoy.

‘Of course, this is just bluster. They don’t yet realize the terrifying potential they hold. Cao Cao crushed the northern nomads just 15 years ago. Even Gabi Neng, who currently boasts the strongest force, hasn’t achieved any significant victories.’

Dobbapilgo’s attempt to gauge us is also because the shadow of fear from Cao Cao still lingers.

It’s only after nearly half a century, 50 years, that they rebuild the foundation Cao Cao destroyed and escape that fear.

And realizing their own strength, they launch a massive offensive. Through Dobbapilgo’s grandson, Dobbasukineng.

‘Though that also ends in a crushing defeat by Ma Long.’

Looking at it, it’s hard to believe the Five Barbarians and Sixteen Kingdoms period happened, given how the Han people always won against the nomads before the Three Kingdoms unification.

That streak of victories led to complacency, causing tragedies like Dong Zhuo’s, where they were dragged into internal power struggles. Thus, the Western Jin, which achieved the great task of unifying the land, opened an even more chaotic era with their own hands.

‘Well, that’s for the future. It’s not something to worry about now.’

Anyway, the fact that Cao Zhang, the son of the traumatic figure Cao Cao, is coming has even those who’ve opposed Wei shaken.

But Cao Zhang alone isn’t enough to make enemies kneel just by his name. Cao Cao, maybe.

“I’ve fought both Cao Cao and Cao Zhang.”

The Hanzhong campaign.

There, I faced both Cao Cao and Cao Zhang. In Jing Province, I negotiated with Cao Cao, and in the Northern Expedition, I lured Cao Zhang to a strategic victory.

Even if I can’t be confident of victory, there’s no reason to lose heart just because of Cao Cao’s name.

“So I say. Cao Zhang is no match for me. Don’t believe me? Then I’ll prove it to you directly. If you want comrades to fight with, we are your best allies.”

I placed my hand on the hilt of Baekbyeokdo. Ready to draw the sword at any moment.

“What do you want?”

“…Allies.”

Dobbapilgo answered with a Han-style bow, not a Xianbei ritual.

“I believe you. The rumors of defeating Cao Zhang weren’t lies.”

“You believe me?”

Even I wouldn’t believe a woman who looks like me saying she’s stronger than Cao Zhang.

At my retort, Dobbapilgo laughed heartily.

“One might deceive themselves, but not those around them.”

I thought he was only looking at me, but he had the surroundings in his sight too. I knew nomads had good eyesight, but seeing a wide range was new.

“So, is the test over?”

“Sorry about that. But I too bear the fate of my tribe. It’s only right to know what kind of person decides our tribe’s destiny.”

“Fine. I accept it. But don’t do this again.”

“Huh, don’t worry. When it comes to timing, I’m second to none in the world.”

As he said that, Dobbapilgo took out a leather pouch from his waist.

“A good day calls for good wine. Let’s share a cup. A cup of alliance.”

“I accept.”

By emptying a cup filled with wine, I welcomed my first comrade.

§

“Is this mare’s milk wine?”

“Ho, correct. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a Han person drink mare’s milk wine so well.”

A taste similar to makgeolli. The faint sourness even evoked a bittersweet nostalgia.

“Give me more.”

“…You haven’t finished what you have.”

“Next time, bring more.”

How many cups have I drunk? It won’t even reach my liver.

‘Tsk, all I’ve learned is a taste for it.’