TEMUDJIN TAKES THE TITLE OF JINGHIS AND REWARDS HIS EMPIRE BUILDERS
One more great struggle was in store now for Temudjin, that with
Baibuga, the Naiman, his father-in-law. Baibuga, alarmed at the rising
power of his own daughter’s husband, sent an envoy to Ala Kush Tegin,
the Ongut chief, to get aid. “Thou knowest,” said Baibuga, “that two
swords cannot be in one scabbard, or two souls in one body. Two eyes
cannot be in one socket, or two sovereigns in one region. Make haste
then to seize the horn of empire which this upstart is seeking.”
Ala Kush and the Onguts lived next the Great Wall of China, and guarded
it, at least, during intervals, for the emperor of China. This Ongut
chief was sagacious; he was near Temudjin and remote from Baibuga; he
judged that the former was rising and the latter declining; hence after
some thought he neglected Baibuga, left his message unanswered, and
sent an envoy to explain the whole matter to Temudjin. Baibuga found
other allies, however.
Knowing clearly his father-in-law’s intention, Temudjin did not fail to
be first on the battle-ground. As the spring of 1204 was beginning he
held a great council of his leaders. Some thought their horses too weak
after winter, but others preferred to move promptly. Action pleased
Temudjin, hence he set out immediately, but halted before he reached
the Naiman boundary. It was autumn when he entered the enemy’s country,
and found arrayed there against him men from the Merkits, the Keraits,
Uirats, Durbans, Katkins, Tartars, and Saljuts. In fact, forces from
each hostile people were ready before him in the hope of destroying, or
at least undermining his primacy. There was also Jamuka, his
irrepressible enemy. Temudjin ranged his army for action. To Juchi
Kassar, his brother, he confided the center. Overseeing himself the
entire army, he reserved a certain part for his own use.
When Jamuka saw this arrangement he said to his officers; “My friends,
Temudjin knows how to range men for battle much better than Baibuga.”
And foreseeing an evil end to Baibuga in that action Jamuka fled from
the field of battle quickly.
The two armies met and fought desperately from sunrise to sunset. Many
times the great issue seemed doubtful, but when all was wavering like
two even scales of a balance Temudjin came with new forces at the
perilous moment and gave greater weight to his own side. Just after
sunset the Naiman force broke and fled in confusion, sweeping with it
Baibuga, badly wounded. The Taiyang fled on foot, first to a
neighboring mountain where Kurbassu, his wife was. Later on he was
hurried to a place of more safety, where he died soon of wounds and of
blood loss. Temudjin, ever swift to pursue, hunted down his fleeing
father-in-law; his men captured Kurbassu, who was joined to his
household. They captured also Baibuka’s seal keeper, Tatungo, an Uigur
of learning. Brought before Temudjin he explained what a seal is.
“Remain with me,” said the conqueror, “use the seal in my name, and
teach my sons the language, and lore of the wise Uigurs.”
All allies of the Naimans submitted, except the Merkits and the
Tartars, who fled from the battlefield. Gutchluk, Baibuga’s son, sought
safety with Buiruk his uncle.
At this time the Chatalans, the Katkins, and all others who had
followed Jamuka, surrendered to Temudjin. Temudjin now hurried in
pursuit of Tukta Bijhi, the chief of the Merkits. He hunted him to Sari
Keher, and captured many of his people; but Tukta Bijhi fled farther
with Chilaun and Katu, and a few attendants.
At the beginning of the Merkit subjection, Dair Usun, chief of the
Uasit Merkits, gave Kulan Khatun, his daughter, to Temudjin. When he
was taking the girl to the conqueror the road was impassable through
disorder. He met on the way a man, Naya of the Barins. “I am giving my
daughter to Temudjin,” said Dair Usun to Naya. “Come with me,” answered
Naya. “If thou go alone, wandering warriors will kill thee and do what
they like with thy daughter.” So he and Dair Usun traveled three days
together, and after that Kulan was given to Temudjin, who on learning
that she had been three days in company with Naya, was angry.
“Torture this Naya,” said Temudjin, “learn all his secrets and kill
him.” When they set about torturing Naya, Kulan spoke up to save him.
“On the road Naya met us; he said that he was one of the Khan’s men,
and since on the way there were many disorderly warriors he offered to
help us. My father and I were three days in his company. Without Naya’s
help I know not what would have happened. Torture him not, but if the
Khan will be merciful examine my innocence.”
“I serve my lord faithfully,” said Naya. “I hold it my duty to bring to
him beautiful women, and the best of all horses. If there are thoughts
beyond this in me, I am ready to die at any moment.”
“Kulan speaks with wisdom,” said Temudjin. That same day the girl was
examined. Temudjin grew convinced that she was truthful and liked her
the more for her wisdom. He dismissed Naya, saying: “This man is not
false, we may trust him with tasks of importance.”
After the subjection of the Merkits Kuda, the wife of Tukta Bijhi was
given to Temudjin’s son, Ogotai. Later on one-half of the Merkits
revolted, retired and took Taikal a fortress in the mountains. The son
of Sorgan Shira was sent to attack them. Temudjin himself went to the
Altai, and there passed the winter. In the spring he crossed the
mountains in search of Tukta Bijhi. At that time Gutchluk joined Tukta
Bijhi; they drew up their army at the Irtish near its sources, and
there Temudjin found and attacked them. Tukta Bijhi was killed in a
very fierce battle, his sons were unable to bear off the body, so they
cut his head from the trunk and thus saved it. The Merkits fled from
the battlefield, and more than half of those warriors were drowned in
the Irtish, the rest scattered and saved their lives as best they
could. Gutchluk fled to the land of the Karluks, and still farther
westward to the Gurkhan. Kutu and Chilaun fled through Kanli and
Kincha.
While all this was happening Sorgan Shira’s son captured the fortress
at Taikal and killed or seized all the Merkits. Those who had not left
their own home land revolted as well as the others, but were captured
through men sent by Temudjin to quell them.
“If we let those people remain in one land,” declared Temudjin, “they
will rise again, surely.” And he had them conducted in small bands to
various new places. That same year Temudjin made an iron kibitka for
Subotai, and sent him to hunt down and seize all the other sons of
Tukta Bijhi. “Those men,” said Temudjin, “though defeated in battle,
tore away recently, like wounded wild deer, or like wanton young
stallions; and now thou must find them. If they fly on wings to the
sky, become thou a falcon and catch them; if like mice they bore into
the earth, be a strong iron spade and dig them out of it; if they hide
as fish in the sea, be a net and enclose them. To cross deep ravines
and high mountains choose the time when thy horses are not weary. Spare
thy warriors on the road, and hunt not at all save when need comes.
When thou must hunt, hunt very carefully. Let not thy warriors use
croupers, or breast straps, lest their horses rush feebly. Should any
man refuse thee obedience bring him hither, if I know him, if not do
thou kill him on the place of refusal. If with Heaven’s aid and
protection thou seize Tukta Bijhi’s sons, slay them straightway.” Then
he added: “When I was young three bands of Merkits pursued me, and
thrice did they ride round Mount Burhan. These men have fled now with
loud insolent speeches, but do thou hunt them down to the uttermost
limits if need be. I have made a kibitka of iron to convey and protect
thee. Though far away thou wilt ever be near me. Heaven will keep thee
most surely while traveling, and will give thee assistance.”
When the Naimans and Merkits were captured by Temudjin, Jamuka had lost
all his people, and was left in the land of the Naimans deprived of
property, and attended by only five servitors. He went then to the
mountain Tanlu and lived there by robbery and hunting. One day those
five servitors seized him and took him to his enemy. Jamuka sent these
words then to Temudjin. “Slaves had the insolence to seize their own
master, and betray him. Mistake not, O Khan, my friend, these words
which I send thee.”
“Is it possible to leave men unpunished who betray?” asked Temudjin.
“Give them to death with their children and grandchildren!” Then he
commanded to slay those five traitors before the eyes of Jamuka to whom
he sent at the same time this message: “Once I made thee a shaft of my
kibitka, but thou didst desert me. Thou hast joined me again, so now be
my comrade. Should one of us forget, the other will remind him. If one
falls asleep the other will rouse him. Though thou didst leave me, thou
wert still in reality my assistant. Though thou didst oppose I got no
harm in the end from that action. When thou and I had a battle thy
heart was regretful, apparently. When I warred with Wang Khan thou
didst send me his discourses. That was the earliest service. When I was
battling with the Naimans thy words made their hearts shake; that was
another good service.”
These words were taken to Jamuka and he answered: “When we became andas
in boyhood we ate food too strong for our stomachs; we gave words to
each other which nothing can take from our memory. People roused us to
quarrel and we parted. I blush when I think of my speeches uttered once
to my anda, and I dare not look now at thee. It is thy wish that I be
for the future thy comrade. I might call myself thy comrade, but I
could be no comrade to thee in reality. Thou hast joined peoples
together, thou hast built up dominion, no man on earth can now be thy
comrade. Unless thou kill me I shall be for thee henceforth like a
louse on thy collar outside, or a thorn in thy inner neck-band. Thou
wouldst not be at rest in the daytime, while at night thou wouldst
sleep with alarm in thy bosom were I to be near thee. Thy mother is
prudent, thou thyself art a hero, thy brothers are gifted, thy comrades
are champions, thou hast seventy-three leaders, but from childhood I
have had neither father nor mother, I have no brothers, my wife is a
babbler, my comrades are traitors, hence, O my anda, whom Heaven has
preferred, give me death the more quickly that thy heart may be quiet.
If thou let me die without blood loss I, after death and for ages, will
help thy descendants and protect them.”
On hearing this answer Temudjin said: “Jamuka, my anda, went his own
way in life, but his words have in fact never harmed me. He is a man
who might change even now, but he has not the wish to live longer. I
have tried divination to search out good reasons to kill him, but have
not discovered them thus far. What must I do? He is a man of
distinction, and we may not take his life without reasons. Ah, now I
have found the right reason! Say this to him: ‘Because of horse
stealing and quarrels between Taichar, my slave, and Darmala, thy
brother, thou didst attack me and fight at Baljuna; thou didst frighten
me dreadfully. I wish now to forgive thee, and make thee my comrade,
but thou art unwilling. I am sorry that thy life should be taken, but
thou wilt not permit me to save it; hence we must do what thou
wishest.’”
Temudjin then commanded to take life from Jamuka without blood loss,
and bury him with honor. Altan and Huchar were put to death also at
that time.
When Temudjin had subdued to his own undivided dominion the various
peoples opposed to him he raised on the Upper Onon, in 1206, his great
standard of nine white tails and took the title Jinghis (Mighty) to
distinguish him from all other Khans. After that he rewarded Munlik,
Boörchu, Mukuli and others who had helped him in building the Empire,
and those who had shown special service. “Thou hast been to me a
comrade,” said Jinghis (as we shall now call Temudjin), to Munlik his
step-father, “thou hast helped me very often, but above all when Wang
Khan and his son were enticing me to a false feast to kill me. If I had
not halted that day I should have dropped into hot fire and deep water.
I remember this service of thine, and will not let my descendants
forget it. Henceforth thou wilt sit first in thy order. As I reward
thee by the year, or the month, so will that reward be continued to all
thy descendants unbrokenly.”
“In my youth,” said Jinghis to Boörchu, “Taidjut thieves stole my eight
horses; I had chased three days and nights after them when I met thee;
thou didst become then my comrade and ride three days and nights with
me to find and restore those eight horses. Why did it happen that Nahu
Boyan, thy rich father, who had only one son, let that son be my
comrade? Because in thee traits of high justice were evident. After
that when I called thee to help me thou didst not refuse and wert
prompt in thy coming. When the three Merkit clans drove me into the
forests of Mount Burhan thou didst not desert me; thou didst share my
great suffering. When I spent a night before the enemy at Talan and a
great blinding rain came thou didst give me rest, and spread out thy
felt robe above me, and stand there and hold it, and not let that rain
touch me. Thou didst stand in that painful position until daybreak,
resting first on one leg and then on the other. This proves thy
unbounded devotion. It would not be possible to recount all the good
deeds which thou hast done since I saw thee the first day. Besides thou
and Mukuli advised me to that which was proper, and stopped me from
that which should be omitted. Through doing the right thing in every
great trial I have reached my high power and dominion. Sit thou now
with a few men above all others. I free thee from punishment for nine
death offenses. Be a commander of ten thousand, and rule the land
westward till thou touch the Golden Mountains.” [6]
Then he turned to Mukuli and said to him: “When we were at Hórho
Nachubur at the thick spreading tree under which Khan Kutula made merry
and was dancing, Heaven bestowed wisdom and tidings which became clear
to thee. I remember the words given then by thy keen father, Gunua, and
I make thee prince now because of those words, and thy conduct ever
after. Sit thou above other men in society, be a commander of ten
thousand on the left wing, and govern on the east to the Haraun
mountains. Thy descendants will inherit thy dignity.”
“In youth,” said Jinghis to Horchi, “thou didst prophesy touching me;
thou didst share with me toils after that and wert to me a true
comrade. Now when thy words of fore-knowledge are verified and proven,
I give thee what thou didst ask for at that time: I give thee the right
to choose for thyself thirty beautiful maidens and women among all
conquered nations. Bring together three thousand of the Bali, the
Adarki and other clans ruled by Achik and by Togai, and when thou hast
ten thousand assembled command them and govern those people. Put up thy
camps as may please thee among forest nations on the Irtish, and guard
well that region. Let all affairs there be under thy management, thou
hast now thy heart’s wish.”
Jinghis turned then to Churchadai: “Thy greatest service,” said he,
“was in that dreadful battle at Kalanchin against the strong Khan of
the Keraits. When Huildar declared that he would seize and hold Gubtan
thou didst take the vanguard. Success in that desperate encounter came
from thee beyond any man. Thou didst break and hurl back the Jirkins,
the strongest of the enemy, and after them came still others who broke
the line of my own chosen body-guard, who held the strong central
position. Thou didst wound with thy own hand Sengun in the cheek while
he was making the last fearful onrush. Hadst thou not struck him then,
it is unknown what would have followed. Later on, when we were moving
down the Kalka, I relied upon thee as I might on a lofty immovable
mountain. On arriving at Baljuna thou didst fight in the vanguard
again, and with Heaven’s great assistance we crushed the Keraits at
last, and because of that triumph the Naimans and the Merkits could not
resist us, and were scattered. When they were scattered, Jaganbo gave
me his daughters and thus saved his people, but later on he revolted;
then thou didst think out a plan to entrap him and capture his people.
That is thy second great service.”
With these words Jinghis gave Churchadai his own wife, Ibaha, the
daughter of Jaganbo, to whom he spoke then as follows: “Ibaha, I do
this not because I have ceased to love thee, not because thou hast an
evil temper of mind, or art lacking in beauty. I give thee to
Churchadai to reward him in the highest way possible. I give thee to
Churchadai because of his inestimable service, and I desire those of my
sons and descendants who shall receive the throne after me to honor the
dignity and fame of Ibaha. Now thou wilt grant me a favor: Thy father
gave with thee Ashi Timur, who is master of thy kitchen and two hundred
men to work under him. In going leave with me one hundred of those men,
and leave also Ashi.” Then Jinghis said to Churchadai: “I command thee
to govern four thousand of the Uruts. Thou didst tame the wild, and
bring down the rebellious, thou and Chelmai with Chepé and Subotai. Ye
have been like four raging watch-dogs in swiftness. If I sent you to
any place ye crushed hard immense stones into gravel, ye overturned
cliffs, and stopped the great rush of deep waters, hence I command you
to be in the battle front. The four heroes: Boörchu, Mukuli, Boroul and
Chilaun I command to be behind me. Churchadai to be in front, and thus
make my heart free to be fearless. Kubilai be the elder in all warlike
matters and decisions.” Then he added: “Because of disobedience I do
not make Baidun a commander apart and independent; I join him to thy
person, that is better. Let him act with thee, and see thou what will
come of it.”
After that Jinghis said to Boörchu and others: “Hunán is like a
fearless wolf in the night time, in the day he is like a black raven.
He joined me and never would act with bad people. In every affair take
ye counsel with Hunán and Kokosi. Let Hunán be commander of ten
thousand under my eldest son, Juchi. No matter what Hunán and Kokosi
and Daigai and Usun heard and saw they kept back no word, and never
distorted a word which they told me.”
“When I was born at the river Onon,” said Jinghis to Chelmai, “thy
father came from Mount Burhan with the bellows of a blacksmith on his
shoulders, and brought a sable wrap to put around me. Thou wert in
swaddling clothes that day, O Chelmai, and he gave thee to serve me for
life and inseparably. Thou hast grown up with me, and shown immense
service. Thou art my fortunate comrade. I release thee from nine death
penalties and reward thee.”
“In former times,” said Jinghis to Vanguru, the master of nourishment,
“thou with three yurtas of the Tokuruts, and five yurtas of Torguts,
and with the Chanshikits and the Baiyuts made one single camp with me.
In darkness and fog thou hast never lost thy way marching. In
scattering and disorder thou hast never lost thy head, thou hast
endured cold and wet with me always and nothing could shake or
discourage thee. What reward dost thou wish of me this day?”
“If thou in thy favor command me to choose,” said Vanguru, “I should
wish to collect all the Baiyuts who are scattered.”
Jinghis consented. “Collect them, be their commander and govern them,”
was his answer. And he continued: “Vanguru and Boroul while managing on
the right and the left as masters of nourishment, and dispensing food
justly, ye have pleased my heart well, so henceforth sit ye on
horseback when food and drink are dispensed to great gatherings in the
open. While feasting in tents take your places on the right and the
left at the door on the south side, and send food and drink to all
present.”
“My mother took you,” said Jinghis to Shigi Kutuku and Boroul and
Kuichu and Kokochu, “from camps where men left you, she made you her
sons, she reared and prepared you to be comrades to us, her own
children. Ye have paid her well for this benefaction. Boroul was my
comrade in the perils of battle, in nights of snow and of rain and of
tempest. When exposed to the enemy he never let me lack drink or food.
On a time when we had destroyed nearly all of the Tartars, one of them,
Hargil Shila, while fleeing for his life felt great hunger and turned
to get food from my mother. ‘If thou desire food,’ said she to the
Tartar, ‘sit on that side of the entrance.’ He sat at the west of the
door and there waited. Just then Tului, my son, who was five years of
age, came in and was going out soon after when the Tartar caught him,
thrust him under his arm and snatched a knife quickly. ‘He will kill
the child!’ screamed my mother. Altani, Boroul’s wife, who was sitting
east of the door, rushed at the Tartar, caught his hair with one hand
and pulled his knife with the other so vigorously that she and the
knife fell together. Now Chedai and Chelmai, who had just killed a cow
a little north of the yurta, heard Altani screaming. They ran, one with
a knife, the other with an axe and killed the stranger. Altani, Chedai
and Chelmai disputed then as to who had shown the greatest service. ‘If
we had not run up,’ said Chedai and Chelmai, ‘thou couldst not have
managed the Tartar, O woman, and he would have finished Tului.’ ‘If I
had not screamed,’ said Altani, ‘ye would not have run up, and if I had
not seized his hair and snatched the knife from him, Tului would have
perished ere ye could have saved him.’ Boroul’s wife won the word
battle. In the struggle with Wang Khan at Kalanchin, Ogotai was wounded
in the neck with an arrow. Boroul sucked the blood from the wound, and
thus saved him from stifling. He has repaid very richly the trouble of
rearing him by saving two sons of mine. In the most difficult places he
was never neglectful, hence nine times will I save him from suffering
the death penalty.”
Jinghis spoke next to Sorgan Shira: “When I was young,” said he,
“Targutai Kurultuk, with his brethren the Taidjuts, captured me. Thou,
with thy son, hid me at thy yurta and commanded Kadan, thy daughter, to
serve me, and ye then gave me freedom. Day and night I remember this
service, but ye came to me late and only now am I able to reward you.
What may your wish be?” “We should like,” answered they, “to make a
camp in the Merkit land, at Sailyange, and whatever other reward may be
possible, let the Khan give it.” “Let it be as ye wish; make your camp
in that country. Besides, let all your descendants bear arrows and
bows, and drink a cup of wine in the camp of the Khan when ye come to
it. Nine death offenses will be forgiven you.” To Chilaun and Chinbo,
sons of Sorgan Shira, he said: “How could I forget the words spoken
once on a time by you, and the deeds done when ye spoke thus. Now
should anything fail you come yourselves and inform me,” and he said
further: “Sorgan Shira, Badai and Kishlik, ye are free. Keep all the
booty which ye may take during warfare at any time, and whatever game
ye kill in hunting. Sorgan Shira, once thou wert Todayan’s servant.
Badai and Kishlik, ye were horseherds to Aike Cheran; live with me
henceforth and be happy.”
“When thou with thy father seized Targutai,” said Jinghis to Naya,
“thou didst say: ‘How could we yield up our master?’ Ye let him go then
and came to me as subjects. For that reason I said: ‘Those people
understand lofty duty, I will trust them.’ Boörchu is now commander of
ten thousand on the right hand. Mukuli is commander of ten thousand on
the left, be thou a commander in the center.”
Jinghis then directed Daigai, his shepherd, to collect homeless people
and command them. When all who had labored to build up the Empire had
received their rewards and offices Jinghis Khan’s step-father, Munlik,
brought his seven sons to the assembly and received for them good
recognition. The fourth man of these was a shaman, Kokochu, a man of
boundless ambition. Taibtengeri was his second name. No one could tell
who among these seven brothers was the most self-willed and bitter. One
day they attacked Juchi Kassar and beat him. Kassar complained to
Jinghis of this treatment; Jinghis became angry. “Thou hast boasted,”
said he, “that no man is thy equal in valor and skill. If that be true
why let those fellows beat thee?” Kassar shed tears from vexation, went
out, and for three days after that made no visit to his brother.
Meanwhile Taibtengeri went to Jinghis to incense him against Kassar.
“The spirit has given me a sacred command from High Heaven,” said the
shaman, “Jinghis will rule people at first, and then will come Kassar.
If thou set not Kassar aside thy rule will be short-lived.”
When Jinghis heard these words he went that same night to seize Kassar.
Kuichu and others informed Hoelun, who set out that night also in a
kibitka drawn by a swift going camel. She reached Kassar’s yurta at
sunrise, just as Jinghis, having tied Kassar’s sleeves, had taken cap
and girdle from him and was asking him questions. When Jinghis saw his
mother he was wonderfully astonished, and alarmed also. Hoelun was very
angry. Stepping out of her kibitka, she untied Kassar, gave him back
cap and girdle, then sitting down, she put her feet under her, bared
her bosom and addressed the two brothers: “See these breasts of mine
both of you? Ye two have drunk from them. What crime has Kassar
committed that thou, Temudjin, art destroying thy own kindred flesh in
this brother? When thou wert an infant thou didst drink from this
breast; neither thou, Temudjin nor Temugu could draw my breasts
thoroughly; only Kassar could empty both sides and relieve me.
Temudjin, thou hast gifts, but Kassar alone has the strength and the
art to shoot arrows. Whenever men have risen in rebellion he has
brought them down with his arrows, and tamed them. Every enemy now is
destroyed, and Kassar is needed no longer.”
Jinghis waited till Hoelun’s anger had subsided. Then he said: “I was
frightened when I acted. I am ashamed at this moment.” He went out
after these words, but later, unknown to his mother, he took away
Kassar’s people, for the most part, leaving only fourteen hundred
yurtas. At first he had given him four thousand. When Hoelun learned of
this action she grieved much, and died shortly after. Chebke was placed
then with Kassar to guard him.
After this many men gathered to the shaman, Taibtengeri, among others
people who belonged to Temugu, Jinghis’s youngest brother. Temugu sent
Sokor to lead back those people, but Taibtengeri beat him, put a saddle
on his back, and sent him to his mother. Next day Temugu went himself
to Taibtengeri. The seven brothers surrounded him. “How didst thou dare
to send men to take people from us?” roared the brothers, and they were
ready to beat him. “I ought not to have sent men to you,” said Temugu,
much frightened. “As thou art to blame, then beg pardon.” And they
forced him to kneel to them straightway.
The next day, very early, while Jinghis was in bed, Temugu fell on his
knees before him and told how Taibtengeri and his brothers had treated
him. He wept while relating the details. Jinghis had said no word yet,
when Bortai came from her bed with a blanket around her and, shedding
tears meanwhile, spoke as follows: “This man has beaten Kassar, and now
he has forced Temugu to his knees to beg pardon. What kind of order is
this in thy dominion? If while thou art living they ruin thy brothers,
majestic as cedars, when thou art dead the people, who are like grass
blown by wind, or a mere flock of birds, will not obey thy small,
helpless children.”
“Taibtengeri will come to-day,” said Jinghis to Temugu. “Deal with him
as thou pleasest.” Temugu went out and agreed with three very strong
wrestlers. Munlik came later with his seven sons, and when Taibtengeri
sat near the door on the west side, Temugu, as he passed, seized him
roughly by the collar. “Yesterday,” said he, “thou didst force me to my
knees; I will try strength to-day with thee.” While Temugu was
struggling with him the cap fell from the head of the shaman; Munlik
took the cap and put it under his arm. “Wrestle not here!” cried
Jinghis, “go outside.” When the two men stepped forth from the yurta
Taibtengeri was seized by the wrestlers who broke his spine and threw
him aside to the left where he fell near the wheel of a kibitka.
“Taibtengeri,” said Temugu to Jinghis, “forced me to my knees yesterday
to beg pardon; now when I wish to try strength with him, he lies down
and refuses to rise. It is clear that he is a coward.”
Munlik understood and began to weep bitterly. “O Khan,” said he, “I was
thy assistant before thou wert even at the beginning of thy greatness,
and I have continued to serve thee till this day.” While he was
speaking his six sons stood near the center of the yurta and watched
the door. They began to put up their sleeves as if for a struggle.
Jinghis rose. He was frightened, but shouted with sternness and
authority, “Aside, I wish to go out!” He went out, and his body-guard
of archers surrounded him. Seeing that Taibtengeri was dead, Jinghis
commanded to pitch his own tent above the shaman’s body, and then he
went to another place. In the tent put over the body the door and upper
aperture were fastened, and at first a guard was placed around it. On
the third day at dawn the upper aperture opened, and the body of the
wizard was lifted out through it. When inquiries were made, all learned
that the body had vanished through the upper aperture, or smoke hole.
“Taibtengeri calumniated my brothers and beat them,” said Jinghis,
“hence Heaven looked on him with anger, and snatched away both his life
and his body.” After that he reproached Munlik sharply: “Thou hast
failed,” said he, “to teach thy sons what was needed very greatly in
their case—obedience. This one tried to equal me, hence I extinguished
him. Had I known thee earlier I should have put an end to thee, as I
have to Jamuka, to Altan and Kudjeir. But if a man gives a word in the
morning and breaks it ere night comes, or gives it in the evening and
breaks it in the morning, the judgment of people will shame him. I have
promised to save thee from death, so let us now end this matter.”
After these words Jinghis Khan’s anger was diminished. When Taibtengeri
was dead the vanity of Munlik and his sons decreased greatly and soon
disappeared altogether.
In 1207 a new and victorious campaign was begun against Tangut which
had failed to pay tribute, but was brought down now, thoroughly, at
least, for a season. The subjection of the Kirghis and this new victory
over Tangut secured the position of Jinghis in Northeastern Asia. There
was not one man now to challenge his dominion. Groups of people, or
tribes, might rebel, but there was no power to stop him or modify his
policy. He was preparing to meet foreign nations. The first turn was
for China.
Kara Kitai (Black Cathay) was at that time a very large Empire composed
of many nations. The ruler of each of these nations acknowledged the
overlordship of the Gurkhan or sovereign. In length Kara Kitai extended
westward from Tangut to the Kwaresmian Empire, and in width from the
Upper Irtish to the Pamir highlands. Within its borders were the lakes
now known as Balkash, Issikkul and Lob Nor. Of cities now existing,
Kuldja would be close to the center, Kashgar and Yarkend a good
distance from its western border, while Khotan would be well removed
from its southernmost limit.
Nearly all Central Asia was included in this Empire, while vassal
states extended far beyond its western and southwestern borders. The
Uigurs, whose chief city was Bish Calik, lived in the northeast corner
of the Empire and touched on the Naimans. These Uigurs are famous, at
least among scholars, as having been the most devoted to learning of
all Turkish nations; from them it was that the Mongols received an
alphabet and their earliest instruction.
The Idikut, or ruler, of the Uigurs acknowledged the Gurkhan as
overlord, but the yearly tribute which he paid, and the daily tyranny
of the agent near his court, so annoyed him that he took this
official’s life at a place known as Kara Kodja. He resolved thereupon
to seek the protection of Jinghis, whose triumphs and whose power were
threatening even China, and filling all Asia with amazement and terror.
Bardjuk, the watchful Idikut, had appointed an embassy to the
conqueror, but events had delayed its departure.
When the three sons of Tukta Bijhi and their uncle fled taking their
father’s head, which they had cut with all haste from his body on the
battlefield, they despatched an envoy in advance to the Idikut to beg a
refuge for themselves, and protection. The Idikut, seeing danger in
their visit, slew the envoy, took the field against the brothers, and
scattered all their forces. But later on he was troubled greatly by
this act; for these new opponents might side with the Mongols, or they
might join the Gurkhan; they might rouse either party to move against
him. The Idikut’s delight was great, therefore, and genuine when Mongol
envoys appeared before him. Jinghis had heard of the Idikut’s resolve,
and, knowing well what good might rise from it, had taken action very
promptly, and despatched as envoys Alp Utug and Durbai to the ruler of
the Uigurs.
The Idikut showed the highest honor to these envoys, and dismissed them
with every mark of courtesy and friendship, associating two envoys of
his own to bear to Jinghis Khan the following message: “The fame of the
world-conquering sovereign has come to me. I have agreed till very
recently with the Gurkhan, and was just preparing to explain through an
embassy a change in my position, and to yield myself with upright heart
to thee, all conquering and mighty sovereign. While thinking over this
I saw thy envoys coming toward me, and then I beheld a blue heaven
through the clouds around me. I beheld a bright sun in the sky. I saw
besides a blue shining river where just before the ice had hidden
everything. I was filled with delight to my innermost being. I yield to
thee the land of the Uigurs. I myself am the servant and son of Jinghis
Khan the Immovable.”
At first sight it might seem that the Mongol Khan would be satisfied
with a statement of this kind, but he was far from satisfaction, for
just then came four envoys from the sons of Tukta Bijhi, declaring
their subjection,
The Uigur envoys were received with every honor, but since he doubted
the Idikut’s sincerity, Jinghis sent envoys a second time with this
message: “If the Idikut has the honest wish to subject himself let him
come to us in person, and present us with what there is of greatest
value in his treasure house.”
On hearing this message the Idikut went to his treasure house and took
from it the best of gold, silver, pearls, and other precious objects.
These were sent to Jinghis Khan that same summer, but the Idikut
excused himself from offering them in person, and added various reasons
to explain his own absence.
Fresh disorders broke out in Tangut, which caused new campaigning. The
Mongols invaded that country a third time, routed its warriors,
captured the city of Uiraka and the fortress of Imen. A second Tangut
army was scattered, and Chong sing, the chief capital, was invested.
During this siege peace was concluded and the Tangut king gave his
daughter to Jinghis in marriage.
During 1209 the Mongol sovereign returned home in triumph and found
Arslan Khan of the Karluks and the Idikut of the Uigurs waiting to
render him homage. Arslan Khan had till then ruled conjointly with an
agent of the Gurkhan, his suzerain. But, as the power of the Gurkhan
had diminished in recent days very sensibly, many princes, who had
recognized him up to that time, revolted. Among these was the Sultan of
Khotan, who marched against him with an army, and persuaded Arslan Khan
to drop allegiance. Arslan made haste to help the Sultan all the more,
since at that time he was advised of the Gurkhan’s plans by that
sovereign’s deceitful Emir, Tanigu. This traitor so represented Arslan
to his overlord, the Gurkhan, that the latter gave him the title “son,”
and appointed for him the agent whom Tanigu recommended. But when
Mongol victories sent panic throughout Northern Asia, Arslan acted
quickly. He slew the agent of the Gurkhan, joined Jinghis Khan very
promptly, and waited for his favor.
Arslan said that if he received a golden girdle, and a high position in
the Mongol service he would have one wish alone ungratified: to be the
fifth son of the great Khan. Jinghis, divining this wish of his, or
learning of it, had it gratified. He gave Arslan his daughter, Altun
Bighi, in marriage, and with her the title of fifth son was added.
Thus Jinghis Khan was intrenched in Kara Kitai very firmly. His next
move was on Kitai itself, the great North China Empire. He was now
master of mighty legions drawn from all tribes whose leaders and chiefs
he had driven from existence in that fierce fight for dominion, during
which no mercy had been manifest on either side, but in which greater
wisdom, with keenness and skill, also fortune to some extent, were with
Jinghis.