I traveled back to the Qin Dynasty, and the First Emperor begged me to become his empress.

Chapter 386 The Xiongnu Launch an Army

At that moment, young Modu displayed extraordinary insight. He noticed that the people in the tribe seemed to be nervously preparing for a battle, and this unusual atmosphere made him alert.

So Maodun decided to visit his father, Touman Chanyu, hoping to get some information about the tribe's movements. However, to his dismay, Touman Chanyu was preoccupied with planning a surprise attack on the Donghu and had no time to pay attention to his unloved son.

Maodun's request ultimately failed, but he was not discouraged. Instead, he decided to find out about his father's movements through other means. He began to inquire about Touman Chanyu's whereabouts from the guards and others. However, Maodun's actions were quickly discovered by Chile, the Right Wise King responsible for guarding Touman Chanyu's safety.

Right Wise King Chile had always held a favorable view of Maodun, firmly believing that Maodun would become the next Chanyu. Therefore, he took special care of Maodun, not only providing him with much help in daily life but also frequently exchanging views with him on tribal affairs.

When Chile noticed Maodun spying on Touman Chanyu's movements, he immediately realized the seriousness of the situation. He knew that if Touman Chanyu learned of Maodun's actions, he would surely suspect him of ulterior motives. To protect Maodun, Chile quickly pulled him aside and asked with concern, "Maodun, what are you doing?"

Maodun was genuinely startled by Chile's sudden appearance behind him; his body trembled violently, and he almost cried out. However, when he recognized Chile, his fear subsided slightly. After all, Chile had always been very supportive of him and was someone he could trust.

Maodun composed himself, took a deep breath, and then asked directly, "Is he planning something?" His voice was somewhat low, but the urgency and curiosity it revealed were hard to conceal.

Chile clearly understood who Maodun was referring to when he said "he." He remained silent for a moment, seemingly considering how to answer the question. Finally, Chile slowly said, "Maodun, since the Chanyu hasn't told you, it means he doesn't want you to know. It's not a wise move for you to rashly inquire about this."

Maodun was still young, and his emotions were easily influenced. Hearing Chile's words, a surge of resentment and anger welled up within him. He felt excluded from important matters; everyone else could act, but he was kept in the dark, making him feel as if he were a useless person.

Maodun clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging deep into his palms, trying hard to control his emotions and prevent them from exploding. However, his eyes could not hide the turmoil within him, a complex emotion intertwined with anger and resentment.

Chile noticed the change in Maodun's emotions. He sighed and said earnestly, "Maodun, the Chanyu is going to send troops to attack the Donghu. This is a very important and dangerous matter. You are too young to go and take the risk. The Chanyu is doing this for your safety."

Upon hearing Chile's words, Maodun was utterly astonished, his mouth agape enough to fit an egg. He never imagined that his father's current undertaking would be so grand—an attack on the Donghu!

Although Maodun was young, he was exceptionally intelligent. He knew that this was not a good time to attack the Donghu. Not to mention that winter had just ended and the horses could not travel long distances due to lack of fodder, the current season, with melting snow and the earth coming back to life, was the perfect time for the people on the grasslands to properly feed their cattle and horses.

However, why did his father decide to attack the Donghu at this time? Maodun was filled with doubt and worry, and he couldn't help but ask Chile, "Isn't anyone objecting to attacking the Donghu at this time?"

Chile frowned, his expression grave, and said in a low voice, "Some people object, but the Chanyu's mind is made up. The Left Guli King strongly advised against it, saying that it would be unfavorable to send troops now, but the Chanyu rebuked him." Maodun bit his lip, feeling increasingly uneasy. He thought to himself, with his father so stubborn, this expedition is likely to end badly.

"No, I must stop him." Maodun clenched his fist, his eyes resolute.

Upon hearing this, Chile hurriedly grabbed him, saying, "Modu, you can't go. The Chanyu is in high spirits right now. If you go, you'll only make him angrier."

Maodun was extremely anxious and broke free from Chile's hand. "But this is a wrong decision, and it will plunge the tribe into crisis."

Just as the two were locked in a stalemate, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from afar. A messenger galloped up, looking flustered. The messenger dismounted and hurriedly reported to Chile, "Right Wise King, the Donghu, for some reason, learned of our plans in advance and are gathering a large army to prepare for an attack!" Upon hearing this, Maodun and Chile's faces turned deathly pale.

Maodun's heart tightened; he realized things were worse than he had imagined. Chile, his face ashen, demanded, "Is this true?"

The messenger hurriedly replied, "It's absolutely true. The scouts I sent out witnessed the movement of the Donghu troops with their own eyes."

Upon learning the news, Touman Chanyu flew into a rage and summoned everyone to discuss countermeasures. Taking advantage of the chaos, Maodun squeezed to the front of the crowd and shouted, "Father, retreating now is the best course of action. The Donghu are prepared, and our army should not engage in a direct confrontation."

Touman Chanyu glared at him angrily: "What do you know, you little kid!"

Zuo Guli Wang also advised from the side: "Chanyu, what Maodun said makes sense. The situation has changed now."

Touman Chanyu gazed into the distance, his mind filled with hesitation. His brows were furrowed, as if he were contemplating a difficult decision.

Just then, Liu Qi spoke up, saying, "Chanyu, look at the current situation. The Donghu have already sent troops. If we retreat rashly at this time, the Donghu king will surely think we are afraid of him. In that case, your prestige will be greatly damaged."

Upon hearing Liu Qi's words, Touman Chanyu's heart stirred. He realized that Liu Qi was right; if he retreated now, not only would the Donghu king look down on him, but it could also lead to instability within the Xiongnu.

However, just as Touman Chanyu was about to nod in agreement, Maodun suddenly shouted, "Who are you?" His voice revealed a hint of vigilance and dissatisfaction.

Liu Qi turned his head, a slight smile on his face, and replied slowly, "I am a businessman."

Maodun's brow furrowed even more; he was clearly suspicious of Liu Qi's identity. "A merchant?" he pressed. "Why are you involved in our Xiongnu affairs? Are you a spy sent from somewhere?"

Liu Qi, still smiling, calmly said, "Young master, although I am a merchant, I have always admired the bravery of the Xiongnu warriors and hope to contribute to this war. How can you call me a spy?"

Touman Chanyu also shouted, "Modu, you must not be rude to your guest." Modu's doubts had not been dispelled, but he could only keep quiet for the time being.

At this moment, Zuo Guli Wang stepped forward and said, "Shanyu, even if we do not retreat, we need to rethink our tactics. The Donghu are prepared, and we cannot launch a direct attack."

Touman Chanyu fell into deep thought. Just then, Liu Qi advised again: "Chanyu, at this time, we can send a small force to launch a feigned attack to lure out the main force of the Donghu, and then send an elite force to flank and launch a surprise attack from behind."

After hearing this, Touman Chanyu thought it feasible and prepared to act accordingly. However, Maodun grabbed his father, urgently saying, "Father, do not trust this man so easily; this might be a trap set by the Donghu." Touman Chanyu impatiently shook off his hand and ordered the army to march. Maodun watched the departing army, his heart filled with worry, unsure whether this journey would bring fortune or misfortune.