Usurpation of Mongolia: My father-in-law is Genghis Khan

Chapter 227 Zhao He Picks Up His Pen and Divides Up the True God World

“No!” Orda blurted out.

"Okay, it's settled then!" Guiyou said eagerly.

The reason is quite simple: Baghdad is where the main force of the True God Alliance is concentrated. After annihilating the main force of the True God Alliance, although it will still take a considerable amount of time to conquer the many countries of True God, and the Mongol army will suffer some casualties, the overall situation will be settled.

So, how can one divide up the world of the true god based on military merit?
Without a doubt, it was Zhao He who came up with the smallpox inoculation technique, which not only weakened the True God Alliance but also caused them to misjudge and remain in Baghdad, giving the Mongol army the opportunity to gather and annihilate them.

Zhao He deserves the greatest credit and should reap the richest rewards.

If someone else wins the bet and gains control of the Ayyubid dynasty, Zhao He's interests will suffer greatly.

Orda was honest and kind, and felt that Zhao He should not take such a risk.

Guy was eager to finalize the bet.

"..." Mongke glanced at Zhao He, then at Guiyou, frowned slightly, and remained silent.

"Brother Zhao He, would you like to reconsider?" Batu kindly suggested.

Batu's suggestion of a competition was merely driven by youthful enthusiasm.

Now Zhao He is going to gamble with the Ayyubid dynasty. Based on Batu's understanding of Zhao He, Zhao He should have a certain degree of confidence, but at the same time, he also feels that Zhao He is being a bit arrogant.

Baghdad was already in ruins, and its city walls offered little defense. This siege was more like breaching an enemy camp, and the Han army's expertise in siege warfare could not be fully utilized.

Zhao He's troops were roughly the same size as the others'.

Could Zhao He's multi-ethnic army truly overwhelm the Mongol warriors? Batu's confidence was severely lacking.

If Zhao He loses, it will be a huge loss for him.

Zhao He smiled slightly and said, "Now that our army has besieged Baghdad, the defeat of the True God Alliance is inevitable. Next, how should we divide the True God World? It's time for a solution. I suggest dividing the True God World into five parts according to its geography and wealth. Whoever has accumulated more merits will choose first. Whoever has accumulated fewer merits will choose later. What do you think?"

Guyuk nodded and said, "Isn't this the same method the Five Khans used when they divided Khwarezm? I think it's quite good."

Batu pondered for a moment and said, "Therefore, the Ayyubid dynasty is one of the five fiefdoms. Brother Zhao He, as long as you are the first to conquer Baghdad, the Ayyubid dynasty will be yours. However, if someone else conquers Baghdad first..."

Zhao He replied without hesitation, "Then I'll honor my bet and share the remaining territory with the other four brothers."

How should the remaining territory be divided?

"Bring me the map!"

The map hanging in the central command tent is now a map of Baghdad. But the Mongols have already conquered Persia, so of course they now have maps of the world of the true gods and Europe.

After all, the true world of Gods and Europe are very closely connected; there have been six Crusades alone.

Zhao He, holding a riding whip, pointed to the map of the True God World and said, "The strongest nation in the True God Cult is the Ayyubid Dynasty. The second strongest is the Sultanate of Rum. The third strongest is the Rasul Dynasty of Yemen. The rest are numerous small countries scattered across the Arabian Peninsula. My suggestion is to divide the remaining territory of this island in two, using the Tuweg Cliffs and the Dahna Desert as the boundary. What do you think?"

"Okay," Batu nodded in agreement.

Zhao He's division of the regions was clearly the result of careful consideration. Given this, he wouldn't object to Zhao He's bet.

Guiyou said, "The western part of the Arabian Peninsula is much richer than the eastern part. Therefore, there is still a considerable gap between fourth and fifth place. It is fair that whoever is more capable will get more spoils."

Gyu was no ordinary man either. If he initially thought that Zhao He's proposal to wager the Ayyubid dynasty was an impulsive act, he had now changed his mind.

However, even if judged by military achievements, the Ayyubid dynasty is very likely Zhao He's, so what else can Guyuk say?
Besides, even if he was dissatisfied with the division of the True God World, there were still vast territories to conquer in the west. Guyuk simply didn't believe that, given enough time, he wouldn't be able to surpass Zhao He. After all, the famous Mongol general Subutai was under his command.

How could Hai Rige and Shi Tianze, who were under Zhao He's command, possibly be compared to Subutai?
Mu'atugan took a deep breath and said, "Then let's settle it like this. Whoever breaks through Baghdad first will own the Ayyubid dynasty. As for the future ownership of various regions, whoever makes the greatest contribution in battle will be chosen first."

Since there was a precedent of Genghis Khan dividing land and determining the fiefdoms of various khans based on military merits, Mu'atugan was unwilling to oppose Zhao He's proposal.

"Let's do it this way." Mongke had no objections.

The Zhao Shuo lineage and the Jochi lineage had a very good relationship between father and son across two generations.

The same applies to the lineages of Ögedei and Chagatai.

On the surface, Tolui's faction is on Zhao Shuo's side, but Mongke has his own ideas.

He certainly wanted to wipe out the Ögedei lineage, but now was not the time. Möngke hoped that the Zhao He lineage and the Ögedei lineage would fight fiercely for a few years, waiting for his brothers to grow up.

Otherwise, even if Möngke ascended to the throne with the support of Zhao Shuo's faction, although he could not be called a puppet, he could certainly not be called someone who held real power.

Therefore, Mongke has always deliberately kept a low profile.

"Then I'll draw out all the 'Urus'."

Zhao He picked up a wolf-hair brush and drew the borders of five countries on the map of the True God Cult. He marked the Ayyubid Dynasty with the character "一" and the Sultanate of Rum with the character "二".

Then, Guyuk, Batu, Möngke, and Mu'atugan stepped forward and signed their names on the map.

Thus, the world of the true gods has been divided among the five Mongol factions, and the only remaining question is who will own each region.

To be honest, Zhao He is in a pretty good mood right now.

Firstly, the feeling of dividing up the world with a pen is quite wonderful.

Secondly, he seized control of this conference to divide the world of the true god. His prestige was built up little by little in this way, and given time, he might very well become the future leader of Mongolia.

Secondly, and most importantly, although he might have obtained the Ayyubid dynasty even without this bet, it wasn't certain.

The true god world isn't divided into only one way.

The Ayyubid dynasty was so powerful that it could easily have been divided in two, into Egypt and Syria.

In fact, the Syrian region was not annexed by the Ayyubid dynasty for very long. Moreover, just a few years ago, Kamil was still suppressing rebellions in the Syrian region.

If the Ayyubid dynasty is divided into two parts, then the person with the greatest military achievements would have to conquer the Sultanate of Rum, the second would be Egypt, the third Syria, the fourth Yemen, and the fifth other countries.

It can be said that Zhao He seized the Ayyubid dynasty through a clever and opportunistic move.

Of course, there's a major prerequisite: Zhao He must be the first to breach Baghdad. After all, the troops from the other four factions are no pushovers either.

……

……

Half an hour later, in Guyuk's central command tent.

“Subutai, we already breached Baghdad three years ago. What do you suggest we do this time, to take Baghdad as quickly as possible?” Guyuk asked.

Subutai bowed slightly and said, "Actually, what I'm best at is long-distance raids, avoiding the enemy's strength and attacking their weakness, or capturing the king in open battle. As for siege warfare, I can only say that I follow the established procedures. However, if the Crown Prince trusts me, Subutai, then entrust this siege to me. If necessary, I am willing to personally lead the army to attack the city!"

"Good! That's exactly what I wanted to hear from you, Subutai!"

Guyuk and Subutai had jointly conquered the Iraqi region, and Guyuk knew Subutai very well. He hadn't expected Subutai to come up with any ingenious siege strategies. Besides, any ingenious strategy takes time to implement, and might not be as quick as a direct confrontation.

As long as Subutai is willing to do his best, his wish will be fulfilled.

Guyuk stood up, patted Subutai on the shoulder, and said, "There will be a great battle tomorrow, so I won't keep you any longer. After we take Baghdad, we'll drink to celebrate our victory together!"

"Uh……"

At this point in the conversation, Subutai should have taken his leave.

However, he seemed to have something to say but hesitated.

Guiyou said, "It seems you still have something to say? Speak freely. You can decide how to mobilize the entire army."

"It's not about mobilizing a large army."

Subutai said, "Your Highness, your left hand seems to be shaking the whole time?" "What? Do you think I'm worried that you won't be the first to break through Baghdad?" Guyuk shook his head, saying nonchalantly, "This is a new problem I've developed recently. The doctor said it's because I drink too much."

"The eldest prince should also be careful to drink less alcohol in the future. The Khan's health has always been poor because of his long-term heavy drinking."

Subutai was one of the old ministers left behind by Temujin, the only one of the "Four Heroes and Four Hounds" still alive, and he also had a good relationship with Zhao Shuo.

If Ögedei Khan were to fall into a war with Zhao Shuo and Ögedei Khan, Subutai would have no choice but to remain neutral.

The same applies to the struggle between Ögedei and Tolui's factions.

But doesn't this show that Mongolia is still united?
He still sincerely advised Guiyou.

"I understand, I will definitely control my alcohol intake in the future."

"Then I'll go out and arrange military affairs."

Subutai took his leave.

However, shortly after he stepped out of Guyuk's central command tent, Guyuk looked around.

"What are you all standing there for? Bring out wine and roast lamb! And call my four beautiful concubines to perform a dance for me!"

Although Guyuk didn't mind Subutai advising him to drink less, in his mind, what was the point of living a few more years if he didn't drink or enjoy beautiful women? What was the point of becoming the Great Khan of the Mongols?

……

……

Inside Mu'a Tugan's central command tent.

"Tell me, how can we take Baghdad as quickly as possible?"

Mu'a Tugan also asked his advisor, Vijir, a question similar to that of Guyuk.

Weijier was not a Mongol but a Han Chinese.

However, he was captured and taken to Mongolia in his childhood and never had a Han name. As he grew up, Vijir, due to his extensive knowledge and excellent memory, was very familiar with Bilik and was adept at understanding people's hearts, so Chagatai entrusted him with important responsibilities. He not only became Chagatai's trusted advisor but also managed Chagatai's secret intelligence agency, making him one of the most powerful figures in the Chagatai Khanate.

When Mu'atugan led his army on a westward expedition, Chagatai was worried and sent Weijier to Mu'atugan's side.

Wei Ji'er said, "But I wonder, Your Highness, do you intend to be the first to break through the city, or do you wish for Prince Guiyou to be the first to break through?"

"What's the difference?"

"If the eldest prince wants Prince Guyuk to break through the city first, he can entrust a portion of his most elite troops to Prince Guyuk's command. The combined strength of both sides' elite forces will surely be far superior to the forces of others, won't it?"

"What a terrible idea!"

Mu'a Tugan glared at Wei Jier and said, "If this gets out, where will my and Guyuk's face be? Besides, I'm only allied with Guyuk in the hope that he will ascend to the Khanate. It's not like we have to give him all the good things!"

The Chagatai Khanate is currently the weakest, and Mu'atugan still very much wants to be the first to break through Baghdad and take over the Ayyubid Dynasty.

Vijer's eyes darted around, and he said, "We are the weakest, and our chances of being the first to break through Baghdad are slim, but it's not entirely hopeless."

"You said."

"The eldest prince can order a tunnel to be dug outside Baghdad and lead into the city. It would be best if we could use this tunnel to break through the city. If we can't, we can give it to Prince Güyük to use. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?"

"That's more like it." Mu'a Tugan nodded.

Although digging tunnels would take a long time, who knew when Baghdad would fall?
If we're lucky, it's quite possible that Mu'atugan or Guyuk will be the first to breach the city.

Of course, Mu'a Tugan had already made up his mind that once the tunnels were dug, he would lead his army to attack directly from the tunnels.

It would be better for him to swallow such a lucrative prize as the Ayyubid dynasty whole.

……

……

Inside Batu's central command tent.

"So, Batu? Should we launch a full-scale attack on Baghdad?" Orda asked.

The situation within Mongolia is now very clear: the Jochi lineage follows the lead of the Zhao Shuo lineage.

Orda felt that if Batu broke through Baghdad first, it might damage his relationship with Zhao He.

However, Batu replied without hesitation, "Of course we must attack with all our might. Does Brother Zhao He really need me to let him have his way?"

……

……

Inside Möngke's central command tent.

"I have a plan that can break Baghdad."

Mangosar, a senior minister of Tolui's faction, offered a plan to Möngke.

"What plan?" Mongke asked.

Mongke wasn't actually that eager to be the first to capture Baghdad. His main goal right now was to keep a low profile and develop his strength.

However, it is, after all, the Ayyubid Dynasty, the strongest nation of the True God Cult, which can greatly enhance the strength of the Tolui lineage.

If they could easily capture Baghdad first, Möngke would not refuse.

"Baghdad will be flooded!"

Mangosar said, "The Tigris River flows through Baghdad, dividing it into eastern and western districts. We can build a dam on the upper reaches of the Tigris River and then flood Baghdad!"

With current technology, even if dams were built on the upper reaches of the Tigris River, it would not cause a large flood.

But isn't this the wall of Baghdad, already in ruins?
Weren't the residential buildings in Baghdad also reduced to almost nothing after the two major battles?
Even a small flood could very well lead to the fall of Baghdad!

"Great, let's do it that way!"

Möngke's eyes gleamed as he said, "There's a saying among the Han people: 'If you don't take what Heaven bestows, you'll suffer the consequences.' Twenty days from now, we'll flood Baghdad. If they still can't break through Baghdad in twenty days, then it's as if the Eternal Heaven has allowed the Ayyubid dynasty to fall into my hands!"

……

……

Meanwhile, inside Zhao He's central command tent.

"Your Highness, when attacking the city, you must use the Han army's Plain Red Banner!"

"Our Han army, the Plain Yellow Banner, will surely bring honor to the Crown Prince!"

"The Plain Red Banner of the Semu people requests permission to fight!"

"In our first battle, we will use our Plain Blue Banner, and we will surely win!"

……

More than forty generals volunteered for the battle.

After all, this was a siege battle that would determine the fate of a vast and powerful nation, and all the generals were filled with excitement!

(End of this chapter)