Chapter 84: Subduing Buyan and the Incident in Mizhi County

The Wulaha were deeply ashamed by Li Yi’s words. Yet their people were few now; if the mighty Buyan died, they would never again have a chance to see their tribe flourish.

The middle-aged Wulaha looked up at Li Yi, his eyes sincere as he pleaded, “Great General, we understand Buyan’s crimes merit execution. But we swear, he truly does not wish to fight for Batu Taiji. Please, spare him this once. In return, we are willing to become your slaves. We Wulaha are the finest cavalry, and the best horse breeders and shepherds—you will find us valuable.”

Li Yi hesitated upon hearing this. The war had yielded him a cache of warhorses, enough to build a formidable cavalry patrol. Yet in Ganquan, aside from Li Zicheng, nobody knew how to fight on horseback, nor care for these animals. Warhorses are precious; tending them requires effort and feed.

At that moment, Buyan, lying on the door board, opened his eyes. From the instant he saw his clansmen, he realized he’d been blinded by hatred and had wounded the benefactor who spared his people. Shame overwhelmed him; he forced himself to speak, “General of Ming, I thank you for sparing my tribe. I am ashamed for injuring you, and willingly accept punishment for my crime. Only, I beg you to care for my people well—Buddha shall bless you.”

Li Yi looked at Buyan, his voice cold, “Do you really want to die?”

Buyan was startled, fixing his gaze on Li Yi. “I do not wish to die. But I thought my people had been slain by Ming soldiers, and so I wounded you. I erred, and must pay. I have failed my tribe and you—death is the only way I can atone.”

“That is your apology?” Li Yi sneered.

“I have no other way to repay you,” Buyan lowered his head in shame.

Li Yi, upon hearing Buyan’s words, understood the events and fell silent. The middle-aged Wulaha watched Buyan anxiously, but did not dare offend Li Yi, only worrying in secret.

“I have a better solution,” Li Yi said, looking at Buyan with gravity. “I need you and your people to follow me and work for me henceforth.”

Buyan looked at Li Yi in surprise, considered, and shook his head. “Forgive me, I do not wish to become a slave again.”

Li Yi smiled, “I am not asking you to be slaves—I detest slavery and exploitation. I need you to teach my men riding and archery, and how to care for horses. Just for three years—after that, you may choose to leave.”

He finished, looking at Buyan. “If you cannot understand, consider it an invitation to become my friend.”

“Friend?” Buyan murmured the word.

Suddenly, he struggled to sit up, removed his fur coat, and handed it to Li Yi.

Li Yi was startled, looking questioningly at the middle-aged Wulaha.

The older Wulaha quickly explained, “Honored General, offering one’s coat is the highest gesture of friendship among Mongols. Buyan wishes to become sworn brothers with you.”

Sworn brotherhood—Li Yi knew that Temujin and Jamukha were sworn brothers, as were Guo Jing and Tolui. It was both an oath and a covenant.

Li Yi removed his cotton robe, folded it, and returned it to Buyan.

Buyan, moved, donned the robe. “From this day, we are sworn brothers. Where your steed rides into battle, my arrows will kill all who stand in your way.”

Li Yi nodded. “I vow to treat you and your people well. Brother Buyan, heal your wounds.”

Buyan nodded solemnly, recognizing Li Yi’s respect and vowing to repay his mercy and forgiveness.

Li Guo led Buyan away for treatment.

Li Yi had been gravely wounded, but the spear thrust that pierced Buyan’s chest spared his vital organs. Thus, misunderstanding was resolved.

Li Yi summoned Honest Gao, instructing him to send several men to escort the Wulaha to Li’s Village. With the Mongols invading, they stood out too much here; it was best to hide.

As Li Yi was giving orders, Li Zicheng rode back. Seeing him, Li Yi’s spirits lifted. The war of blood and fire was over, but the silent war continued.

He urgently needed to know what had happened behind the lines.

Li Zicheng dismounted, and Gao Jie came forward, shouting that they’d won the battle.

At the news of victory, Li Zicheng’s gloomy face broke into joy. He strode up to Li Yi, exclaiming, “Yi, you’re something else! If I hadn’t seen it myself, I’d never believe you could win this fight. The officials in Mizhi County ought to see this—who says we can’t withstand the Tartar onslaught?”

“Enough about that. What happened in Mizhi County?”

“I got so excited, I nearly forgot the main thing.” Li Zicheng calmed himself, sighed, and said, “Master Hong abandoned Suijin Town. He ordered the garrison and defense troops to hold Mizhi County, forbidding anyone from heading north to aid us. Shi Kefa tried every way to persuade him—even sought to recruit local volunteers—but before he could act, he was detained by the inspector.”

“How could such a thing happen?” Li Yi stared in shock.

Hong Chengchou had sent elite troops north to Suijin Town to block the Tartar cavalry and protect the grain stores in Mizhi. Why the sudden change?

Did the defeat of the elite troops cause this?

Li Zicheng explained, “After the defeat, panic swept Mizhi. Master Hong intended to send the garrison north, but then he changed his mind.”

“A sudden change? Did something happen?”

Li Zicheng nodded, “I didn’t know at first, and wanted to see Shi Kefa, but he was detained by the inspector’s order. Liu Zhongzhou has grievances with us—he would never consent.

Later, I went to see Gao Yigong, who revealed that, amid the chaos in Mizhi tonight, the archives of the Grain Superintendent’s office were burned. All the records of military farmland stored there are gone. It was for this reason Shi Kefa was charged and detained by the inspector.”

Li Yi was stunned.

Hong Chengchou valued Shi Kefa because he wanted him to investigate the encroachment of military farmlands, using this to pressure officials and wealthy families to donate funds and grain to fulfill his political goals.

Now, just as this began, the farmland records were burned. Everyone knew it was a counterattack by the local gentry and magnates.

Who would have thought that, amid the Tartars’ incursion, so many demons would crawl out?

Those powerful families truly know how to muddy the waters and turn the situation to their advantage.

With the records gone, Hong Chengchou’s leverage over the gentry and magnates vanished completely.

Yet, even so, why did he forbid the troops from supporting the north?

Li Yi could not understand.

The changes in Mizhi were too swift; he needed more information.

No matter what, Hong Chengchou’s abandonment of Suijin Town and his indifference to their struggle against the Tartars was clear.

Li Yi thought for a moment and said to Li Zicheng, “Brother, I must trouble you to make another trip.”

Li Zicheng asked, puzzled, “Why?”

Li Yi explained, “We have yet to report the defense of Suijin Town to the county and the Grain Superintendent. Also, please inform Master Hong of the rewards and punishments, and urge him to quickly allocate money and grain as rewards.”

Li Zicheng nodded, “If that’s the case, I’ll go again.”

Li Yi held him back, whispering, “Brother, please pay close attention to Mizhi’s situation. If anything changes, come back and tell me.”

Li Zicheng agreed and departed.

The night wind howled, dried trees swaying like ghosts, and in the darkness who knew how many evil spirits wandered.

Li Yi gripped the torch, striding toward the house where the wounded lay.

No matter what, he would care for these heroes who defended their land and people.