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

Chapter 317 The Partition of Eastern Europe: Zhao Shuo's Gains!

"..."

As soon as Jordan finished speaking, a heavy silence fell over the hall.

No one agreed with him. After all, half of Bohemia was still in Europe's hands. Why give it away like that?
There is one of Europe's largest silver mines, producing 80,000 taels of silver annually!

And most importantly, there were the hundreds of thousands of prisoners.

It contained not only the elite soldiers of Europe, but also the sons and nephews of European nobles, and even a duke, four marquises, nine counts, and thirteen bishops!

If we don't rescue them, how can the nobles of Europe possibly hope to be ransomed again if they are captured next time? We all feel a sense of shared sorrow for each other!
Of course, no one strongly objected to Jordan's words.

Those prisoners are in the hands of the Mongols. If they're not happy, why don't they lead their troops to take them back? Do they even have that capability?

Furthermore, if the Mongols forcibly invade western Bohemia, could the Europeans stop them?

The more than one hundred European nobles fell silent, all turning their gazes toward Pope Innocent IV and Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II.

Innocent IV and Frederick II exchanged a glance and nodded almost simultaneously.

Historical records indicate that after Ögedei Khan's death, the Mongol Empire experienced intense internal strife. Although they destroyed Poland and Hungary, they quickly retreated and did not pose a significant threat to Europe.

The internal strife between Innocent IV and Frederick II became a central theme in Europe during this era.

But now, thanks to Zhao Shuo's stabilizing influence, internal conflicts within Mongolia have diminished considerably, putting immense pressure on the Europeans. Innocent IV and Frederick II must cooperate sincerely.

"Servants of Christ, guardians of Europe!"

Innocent IV said, “Indeed, Europe is now in its darkest hour. We have lost that crucial battle, and the glory of the gods has been desecrated by barbarians. Now, the Khan of the barbarians has put forward such harsh terms for peace.”

"However, we have only lost some border regions. The most prosperous areas of Europe are still bathed in the glory of God. Those soldiers who died in battle will also gain eternal life in God's Kingdom. God has seen our piety and the steadfastness of our faith and has not abandoned Europe. Given enough time, Europe will surely rise again!"

King Aragon said, "You mean to agree to the barbarians' terms?"

King Innocent IV took a deep breath and said, “You could say that. We will eventually reclaim those lost lands. Those captured soldiers were merely necessary sacrifices. Compared to the glory of God and the rise and fall of Europe, these are nothing. What we need most now is time!”

"After six years of war, the people of Europe have suffered greatly and desperately need time to recuperate."

"Too many European nobles have died in battle or been captured. We need enough time to select successors for them and lead their people to continue to produce and fight for the gods."

"Our troops have suffered too many losses and need time to replenish and train."

"We need more time to expand our horse herd and build more cavalry."

Frederick II continued, “And weapons. Previous wars have proven that the English longbow is a powerful weapon against barbarians. I propose that a decree be passed requiring all men in Europe with a property of fifty quindut catechu must undergo military training to become qualified English longbowmen.”

King Innocent IV said, “We have already captured some of the barbarians’ firearms called Thunderclap, and the craftsmen are studying and deciphering them, which will also take time. I believe that God will eventually give them a revelation and they will discover the secret of the barbarians’ gunpowder.”

He paused, then spoke at the loudest volume he had ever uttered: "In short, although we have agreed to sign a treaty, this is not a clarion call for peace, but a lull in the war. Given enough time, we will have more troops and better equipment. Today, the barbarians have taken everything from us, and we will take it back! Do you have confidence?"

"Have confidence!"

"May we fight for God, for Europe!"

"Everything is a test from God, and God's glory will surely shine throughout the world!"

"Let those barbarians be smug for now! We Europeans will surely win in the end! They will eventually understand that civilized people are better at fighting than barbarians!"

……

The nobles of Europe all echoed in agreement.

On the one hand, the encouragement from Innocent IV and Frederick II did indeed restore their morale.

On the other hand, they were indeed terrified of the Mongols. Even a brief period of peace was still peace; they figured they might as well just let things slide!
As for whether they can save Europe or even launch a counterattack in the East, only God knows.

In the following days, the Europeans kept their promise, and cartloads of gold and silver were transported to Magdeburg.

They also ceded the western Bohemia region and the Lusatia region that they had promised.

There's little dispute about the Mongols' control over these gold and silver treasures, as evidenced by Genghis Khan's "Great Yasa".

However, it's difficult to make use of these newly acquired lands.

The Mongols were good at attacking but not at defending.

Their usual strategy for newly conquered territories was to destroy the walls of most cities and leave a small number of Mongol officials to guard them.

If the locals rebel, the Mongol army will return to take revenge.

If the enemy's strength remains formidable after a peace agreement is signed, then it's best to simply abandon these areas and allow the enemy to retake them.

Once the Mongol army has rested and recuperated, they will return to plunder and wreak havoc.

For example, during the first Mongol invasion of the Jin Dynasty, although the Mongol army occupied most of the Central Plains, in the peace negotiations with the Jin Dynasty, the Mongols did not want those Central Plains territories at all, but only the three prefectures of Fu, Chang, and Huan.

For example, in history, the Mongols almost conquered the entire territory of Poland and Hungary, but they only plundered them and then withdrew, without ever settling there permanently.

But the situation today is different from that in history.

Firstly, Guyuk was dying, and his life was about to be judged. Güyük had painstakingly expanded his territory, and it was impossible for him to relinquish such vast lands. For the sake of posthumous glory, Guyuk even forced the Europeans to surrender even more land.

Secondly, and most importantly, was Zhao Shuo's influence.

Because of the variable of Zhao Shuo, the land held by Genghis Khan's Golden Family was far less than in history.

Having finally acquired so much land, how could we possibly give it up?
But then again, it's really not easy to defend.

Whether it was the Khanate of Ögedei, the Mongolian steppe, the Chagatai Khanate, or the Tolui Khanate, they were all too far away from this place.

With 60 million Europeans eyeing this land covetously, how can we defend it?

"Mass migration is not feasible."

Chagatai had arrived in Magdeburg. He shook his head with a wry smile and said, "When we conquered the world, we killed too many people. The population in each country was too small to begin with, so how could we possibly have a large-scale migration?"

Mongke frowned slightly and said, "Those European prisoners are also unusable. If we leave too few troops, they will definitely rebel, and it will take more than a year to suppress them by transferring troops from the rear. By then, it will be too late. If we leave too many troops, it will be even more unprofitable, as the soldiers are all looking forward to going home."

"Then kill them all!" With his death imminent, Guyuk was filled with bloodlust. He snorted coldly and said, "We and Chagatai's prisoners together number 140,000. Slaughter them all! Let's see how they can rebel then!"

"also."

Chagatai, already a dying man, nodded slightly and said, "Anyway, we've already nearly exhausted the men of Poland and eastern Hungary. Killing another 140,000 won't make a difference. Besides, what I mean is, kill all the remaining men of Poland and eastern Hungary as well!"

Some men in eastern Poland and Hungary died in the war against the Mongols. Others were used as conscripts.

Now, Chagatai even suggested killing the remaining men as well!
Mongke said, "Then Poland and eastern Hungary will only have local women left. How can we defend against possible attacks from Europeans in the future?"

"That's easy. Destroy all the cities in these two regions and turn this place into our Mongolian steppe! You all know, right? This is one of the best grasslands in the world!"

What he said is true.

Hungary has vast, flat, and fertile plains, which are ideal for large-scale grazing of cattle, sheep, and horses.

The Magyars (the main ancestors of the Hungarians), who came from Asia, were outstanding riders and horse herders. They migrated to Hungary four hundred years ago, and this vast plain became their ideal home for raising warhorses and livestock.

Today, the Hungarian plains have many arable lands and cities, but converting them back into grasslands would not be too difficult.

Poland possesses the vast Polish Plain, which is low-lying and crisscrossed by rivers, making it an ideal pasture.

Both countries are renowned for producing high-quality horses. The Hungarian Philly is a symbol of strength, courage, and elegance, while Poland has also bred excellent horse breeds.

In addition, Hungarian Grey cattle and Polish Red cattle are also famous local specialties.

After a pause, Chagatai continued, "Once Poland and Hungary have been converted into steppes, the Europeans will have no supplies when they attack. Our cavalry will harass them, and let's see how they reclaim Hungary and Poland."

Mongke thought for a moment and said, “It’s not impossible. But what about Brandenburg, Bohemia, and Lusatia? Brandenburg and Lusatia are full of sand and swamps, not suitable for nomadic life, and they would be a nightmare for our cavalry.”

"It's not impossible to forcibly turn Bohemia into pasture. But this place is a basin in the mountains. After we retreat, the Europeans will block the surrounding roads and trap us like turtles in a jar. How should we defend it? As I said before, if we leave too few troops, we can't hold it. If we leave too many troops, it's not worth it."

Guyuk said, “I have already thought about this issue. Actually, it is related to how we distribute these newly acquired lands. What I mean is that in this western expedition, Chagatai Khan’s military achievements are the greatest. With a weaker force, he not only stabilized the eastern front but also achieved a brilliant victory. What I mean is that eastern Hungary belongs to Chagatai Khan.”

Chagatai's military achievements are undeniable.

Mongke nodded slightly and said, "I agree."

Chagatai readily agreed, saying, "Very well, then eastern Hungary is mine. I will leave one Mongol commander and nine Semu commanders to garrison here. From now on, this place belongs to Baidar."

Chagatai's troops were all nomadic cavalry, and nomadic life was very suitable for this place.

After he returns to the Chagatai Khanate, he will send the families of these people here, and also allow some nomadic peoples who voluntarily migrate here to settle.

Chagatai estimated that the total population of the area could reach around 100,000, which would be enough to establish a state.

Later, the Chagatai Khanate was handed over to Yesu, and this place belonged to Baidar.

Before his death, Chagatai even established a fiefdom for his children and grandchildren, which greatly pleased him.

Möngke continued, "Great Khan, you haven't mentioned Brandenburg and other places yet?"

Guiyou said, "Although our three factions contributed to this western expedition, Uncle Zhao Shuo and Batu also contributed a lot in ensuring logistics. For example, our army still relies on Batu for the majority of the supplies, with each soldier having three horses. The gunpowder and weapons were mostly supplied by Uncle Zhao Shuo. As for the precious grain, needless to say, we are indebted to them."

Although these supplies were purchased with money, what if someone else tried? Without a strong enough relationship, even money couldn't buy them.

Möngke said, "What the Great Khan means is..."

Guyuk said, “What I mean is that Brandenburg and Lusatia are barren lands with lots of sand and swamps, so let’s give them to Batu. He has a lot of Rus’ people under his command, so they shouldn’t mind these two places. Besides, after we give these lands to him, he will also send some troops to guard them, which will greatly reduce the pressure on our garrison.”

"What about Bohemia?"

“Give it to Uncle Zhao Shuo. Bohemia has a lot of arable land, and Uncle Zhao Shuo can use Han people to immigrate there. In addition, there is a huge silver mine there, which produces 80,000 taels of silver a year. We have already taken his cannons and muskets, so we won’t give him any money. Let’s use this silver mine as payment.”

Chagatai nodded and said, "I think it's a good idea. Ashu will naturally send the Eight Banners army to guard Bohemia, which will further reduce the pressure on our garrison."

Möngke understood, of course, that there was also the reason why Guyuk was about to die and the new Khan's throne would be filled with bloodshed and turmoil, and that Guyuk and Chagatai had done favors for Zhao Shuo and Batu.

However, Guiyou's reasoning was indeed plausible, and he could not object to it, lest he offend Zhao Shuo and Batu.

Mongke said, "So, Poland is going to be divided between our two factions?"

Guyuk said, "We'll use the Vistula River as the boundary; the eastern region is yours, and the western region is mine. What do you think?"

"Yes, the Khan has distributed them very fairly."

In this western expedition, the Tolui faction and the Ögedei faction achieved roughly the same military merits, and Möngke had no objection to dividing Poland equally.

Moreover, with Batu and Zhao Shuo blocking their way to the west and Chagatai blocking their way to the south, their fiefdoms were very safe.

……

……

More than a month later, in Zhongdu City.

"So, this Bohemia is mine now?"

Zhao Shuo was overjoyed after receiving the intelligence sent from the west via express courier.

The Bohemian silver mine, which produced 80,000 taels of silver a year, was worth the value of his firearms, so he was certainly making a lot of money, but that wasn't the key point.

Bohemia is very favorable for developing both agriculture and animal husbandry, but that's not the key point.

The key point is that there are many more and larger silver mines in Bohemia that have not yet been discovered.

Historical records indicate that at the end of the 13th century, an even larger silver mine was discovered in the Kutná Hora region of Bohemia, which quickly became one of the most important silver mines in Europe, attracting a large number of German immigrants.

Another huge silver mine, Ihrava, was to be mined ten years later, and it had not yet been discovered by then.

More importantly, Bohemia is located at the intersection of Northern Europe, Eastern Europe, Central Europe, and Western Europe, and was later known as the "Heart of Europe".

The silver mines here were so abundant and the geographical location so crucial that the Holy Roman Empire later moved its capital to Bohemia.

By possessing Bohemia, Zhao Shuo essentially grasped the heart of Europe!
(End of this chapter)