NCCnovel Chapter 399 Maodun Chanyu
Chapter 399 Maodun Chanyu
In the days that followed, Modu allowed his people to rest and recuperate, while simultaneously sending envoys to the Yuezhi and Donghu to convey his desire for a truce. However, the Yuezhi and Donghu were clearly unwilling to readily grant Modu's request.
Nevertheless, the complex and chaotic situation on the steppe, with its various factions intertwined, prevented the Yuezhi and Donghu from making any rash moves. The Xiongnu were internally divided into two factions; Touman Chanyu still enjoyed high prestige and numerous supporters. However, Modu's previous outstanding performance had also attracted many to join his cause.
While the Xiongnu appear to be operating independently, a delicate balance exists between them. Both the Yuezhi and Donghu harbor suspicions about this situation, fearing that Modu and his son are merely setting a trap to lure them in. Furthermore, their alliance is inherently fragile, and they lack mutual trust.
Besides these four forces, there was also the Loufan who suddenly intervened. No one could be sure whether the Loufan would side with Maodun and provide him with support.
In this confusing situation, all the forces on the grassland chose to remain inactive for the time being, observe the situation, and wait for further developments.
Just as the stalemate was at hand, Modu received a secret report that a dispute had broken out within the Yuezhi over whether to wage war against the Xiongnu again. One faction believed that they should take advantage of the Xiongnu's internal strife to annihilate them in one fell swoop; the other faction worried that Modu had joined forces with the Loufan and that a hasty attack would backfire.
Maodun's eyes darted around, and a plan formed in his mind. He secretly sent men to infiltrate the Yuezhi and spread false rumors that the Loufan had allied with him. At the same time, he gathered a small number of elite troops at the border with the Yuezhi to create a show of force. The Yuezhi were immediately thrown into a state of panic, and the voices of the pro-war faction were gradually suppressed.
Meanwhile, the Donghu also heard this news and became even more cautious towards the Yuezhi. On the Loufan side, Maodun sent eloquent individuals, using the promise of sharing grassland resources as bait, to try and win them over.
The Loufan leader hesitated, wanting to profit from the situation but also fearing being drawn into the conflict. In this delicate situation, Modu Chanyu maneuvered continuously, waiting for the best opportunity to break the balance and seize control of the situation. The future of the grasslands remained uncertain.
Just when Modu thought the situation was developing as he had anticipated, an unexpected event occurred. Touman Chanyu secretly colluded with the Donghu, promising to cede a large area of fertile grassland if the Donghu helped him regain power in the Xiongnu. The Donghu, who had long coveted the grassland resources, immediately agreed. They assembled their army and prepared to launch a surprise attack on Modu's camp.
Meanwhile, the messenger sent by Modu to Loufan brought news that the Loufan leader, threatened by Touman Chanyu, had decided to abandon cooperation with Modu. Modu, upon learning of these developments, did not panic. He quickly recalled the troops that had been making a show of force on the border, and secretly contacted those tribes loyal to him, instructing them to ambush the Donghu forces during their advance.
He then sent envoys to the Yuezhi, informing them of the Donghu's ambitions. He warned that if the Donghu succeeded, the Yuezhi would be their next target. After weighing the pros and cons, the Yuezhi decided to join forces with Maodun. A great battle was about to erupt. Maodun, relying on his wisdom and strategy, reorganized his plans amidst the chaos, preparing to meet the impending challenge. It remained to be seen who would ultimately prevail and dominate the vast grasslands.
The Donghu army marched in a mighty force toward Maodun's camp, unaware that they had stepped into a carefully laid trap. As they reached a valley, shouts of battle suddenly erupted from all sides, and loyalist tribesmen ambushed them from both flanks, raining down arrows. The Donghu army was thrown into chaos. At the same time, the Yuezhi army also flanked them from the rear, forming an encirclement.
Seeing the situation growing increasingly unfavorable, Touman Chanyu grew extremely anxious. He knew that if he didn't find a way to escape soon, he would likely not survive. So, seizing an opportunity, he suddenly spurred his horse and galloped away, hoping to escape this dangerous place in the chaos.
However, Maodun had anticipated Touman Chanyu's move. Without hesitation, he spurred his horse and galloped off like an arrow, quickly blocking Touman Chanyu's path.
Touman Chanyu was caught off guard and almost bumped into Maodun. He looked closely and realized that it was Maodun who had blocked his way. Enraged, he roared, "Maodun, you heartless bastard! How could I have given birth to such a worthless creature! If I had known you would be so ungrateful, I should have strangled you the moment you were born!"
Faced with Touman Chanyu's angry rebuke, Maodun merely sneered a few times and fearlessly retorted, "Touman Chanyu, what right do you have to criticize me? Aren't you an utterly hypocritical person yourself? You deceived me when I was young and ignorant, making me obey your every word, yet you plotted against me behind my back. Is this how a father should behave? You are disrespectful to your elders and do not deserve to be my father at all!"
Touman Chanyu trembled with rage at Maodun's words. He wanted to argue further, but Maodun was no longer the child he could manipulate. After just a few months of training and growth, Maodun had become a true lion, his heart filled with a thirst for power and resentment towards his father. He would no longer be blinded by so-called "fatherly love."
Modu rode his warhorse straight towards Touman Chanyu, who prepared to fight. Father and son clashed in close combat, the sounds of their battle deafening. Their weapons clashed fiercely, sparks flying. Touman Chanyu, years of experience in warfare, launched a fierce attack. Modu, however, was like a newborn, hungry wolf, brimming with ruthlessness and drive, his moves sharp and deadly. The surrounding shouts of battle gradually subsided, everyone captivated by the duel between father and son.
Touman Chanyu launched a fierce attack, but Maodun dodged to the side, simultaneously slashing Touman Chanyu's arm with his sword. Touman Chanyu, wincing in pain, faltered. Maodun seized the opportunity to intensify his attack, pressing closer relentlessly. Just as Maodun was about to deliver the fatal blow, Touman Chanyu suddenly feinted, then abruptly reined in his horse and turned, attempting to break free. Maodun, however, would not allow him to escape, spurring his horse into pursuit.
By this time, the battle between the Donghu and Yuezhi was nearing its end, with the Donghu suffering a major defeat. Maodun caught up with Touman Chanyu and, with a swift stroke, ended the feud between father and son. With Touman Chanyu's fall, the chaotic situation on the grasslands gradually subsided. Through wisdom and courage, Maodun finally gained control of the Xiongnu.
After this battle, the Xiongnu's fame spread far and wide, and surrounding small tribes flocked to submit. Modu held a grand celebration on the steppe to commemorate the Xiongnu's resurgence. At the celebration, he stood atop a high platform, looking down upon his cheering people and subjugated tribal leaders, his heart filled with emotion. He knew that the Xiongnu's rise had only just begun, and many more challenges awaited him, but he was fearless, for he was Modu, and he had absolute confidence in himself; he believed he was destined to dominate the steppe.
By this time, the Donghu's strength had been severely weakened, and their status on the grasslands plummeted. Meanwhile, the Yuezhi seized the opportunity to rise to power, becoming the most powerful tribe at the time.
Of course, the Xiongnu under Modu Chanyu were equally powerful. The Xiongnu welcomed their new king, Modu Chanyu, who was so young and powerful. The Xiongnu believed that such a young king would surely lead them to become even stronger.