Chapter 84: Li Kong’s Thoughts

Blazing flames illuminated the modest house, their scorching heat causing beads of sweat to form on everyone’s foreheads. Steam billowed, turning into white smoke that rose from their bodies and escaped through several holes in the roof.

On either side of the fire, Li Kong gently brushed his fingers over his long spear, squinting as he watched the middle-aged man before him. This man appeared to be under fifty, and years of riding across the plains had given him a youthful vigor.

The leader of the Mohe tribe also gazed at Li Kong. He never expected to encounter someone from Tang in such a shabby place, especially a mere youth of no more than sixteen or seventeen, who commanded thousands of cavalry. Instantly, he placed Li Kong among Tang’s fierce generals.

After a long silence, Li Kong finally set his spear aside and smiled, saying, “Hanpu of the Mohe? I am Li Kong, Left Guard Captain of Great Tang. I heard your scouts mention you’re planning to settle south. Have you chosen where to reside?”

“General Li!” Although Li Kong was young and his identity not fully clear, his status as a Tang general was enough to command Hanpu’s respect—and even fear. Thus, he attempted a very rough imitation of Tang’s salute before continuing, “It’s true. Goguryeo, ignorant of its limits, seeks to provoke Great Tang. Our small tribe has no wish to serve them, so we seek a place free from war to thrive.”

Li Kong nodded. The Mohe tribe, despite strong fighting skills, was too small to pose any threat to Tang. He had no intention of clashing with them. Since they harbored no hostility toward Tang, Li Kong wondered if he could win them over.

He remembered clearly that in the eighteenth year of the Zhenguan era, this very Hanpu, driven by the war between Goguryeo and Tang, left Goguryeo. He joined the Wanyan clan of the Mohe, married the daughter of an elderly woman, and fathered two children, establishing the Wanyan clan as their own tribe.

By late Tang, their population exceeded three hundred thousand households, becoming one of the largest nomadic groups in Liaodong, rivaling the Khitans and eventually defeating them to found the Great Jin Kingdom...

Indeed, this tribe was the predecessor of the Manchus. If he could integrate them into Tang, transforming them into Tang people, perhaps history could be altered—maybe the braid dynasty that plagued China for millennia would never arise.

Besides, right now, these thousands of men were all warriors on horseback, familiar with Liaodong’s terrain. If he could secure their support, Li Kong was confident he could destroy all of Goguryeo’s plans in Liaodong in short order.

“Hanpu, you are wise. Goguryeo, incited by the Turks, seeks to meddle in our Central Plains, not realizing they are like ants trying to shake a tree. Since you are willing, why not join our Great Tang?”

Hanpu’s heart stirred. Who in this era did not wish to join the Central Plains dynasty and become one of its people?

Yet a bitter smile soon appeared on his face. “I would like to bring my people into Tang, to become Tang people. But I know there is a saying among the Central Plains: ‘Those not of our kind must have different hearts.’ If I bring my people there, will we not be slaughtered?”

Li Kong burst out laughing, rising to his feet. “Hanpu, you worry too much. Our emperor possesses a broad heart. As long as you bear no rebellious intentions, Tang will not wield the blade recklessly. Furthermore, I can guarantee that if you truly become part of Tang, you may learn the Han language, write Han characters, practice Han rites, and even take the imperial examinations to enter government. There is hope.”

“You’re not deceiving me?” Hanpu sprang up, astonished. Li Kong’s offer was beyond generous.

In this era, Tang people were known as the sons of heaven, the celestial nation. Why did neighboring tribes always seek to migrate south? Because they yearned to become part of the Central Plains, to bask in its culture, to become sons of heaven. This admiration had existed since the Han dynasty and persisted until the fall of the Qing, when even then, neighboring tribes could not relinquish their longing for the Central Plains.

The Sui and Tang dynasties were the height of this yearning. In the Zhenguan era, alone, there were dozens of Turkic generals in Tang, the most famous being Zhishi Sili. After joining Tang, he participated in over thirty battles against the Turks, slaying more than four hundred, and never regretted it. That says much, does it not?

Yet, unfortunately, this brilliant foreign general of the Zhenguan era had been eliminated by Li Kong, though Li Kong himself was not aware of it.

Li Kong smiled calmly, returning to his seat, tending the fire. “I have no reason to deceive you. If you still doubt, I can now write to the emperor, explaining the matter in detail. You may wait for the imperial reply before deciding. How does that sound?”

Hanpu’s eyelids twitched fiercely, and the dozen Mohe behind him were visibly excited, eager to accept on Hanpu’s behalf.

After a long pause, Hanpu finally clasped his fists and bowed deeply to Li Kong. “Then I will rely on you for everything.”

“No trouble. Tonight you may rest here. I will prepare the letter and send it to Chang’an with utmost speed.”

“I shall await your good news, General!” Hanpu stood and led his men outside.

But as he reached the doorway, Li Kong suddenly spoke. “Though this is a desolate place, it’s still in Liaodong. The weather is cold now, so Goguryeo will not make any moves. But once the skies clear, our situation may change drastically. When that time comes, I hope you will not stand idly by.”

“General, rest assured. If His Majesty truly agrees and proclaims it to all, then we shall be Tang people. Against enemies of Tang, we will naturally unite in resistance.”

“Haha! Good. I see you are well-versed in Tang culture. In that case, I’ll say no more. Rest well and wait for news!”

Hanpu saluted Li Kong once more before leaving the room.

Watching him go, Li Kong’s lips curled into a relaxed smile. He waved his hand and said, “Prepare brush and ink. I will write the letter!”

“General, are you really going to let them join Tang? This... isn’t it...”

“No need to say more. I know what I’m doing. Though they are few, but... Never mind, you’ll understand in time. Go prepare the ink!”

“Yes, sir!” The bodyguard replied helplessly and turned to fetch the ink and brush from the packs behind.