193: Preparation before worship

“Is everyone here?” a burly Xiongnu people man asked, his voice like a booming bell.

“Reporting to King Baiyang, messengers from two hundred and fifteen tribes have arrived at the Encampment with offerings to worship the Sky God.

Now, only the messengers from the Jiti Tribe have yet to arrive,” a Xiongnu people respectfully said.

“The Jiti Tribe? Has the Local Official of Jiti also harbored ill intentions?” King Baiyang asked, his brows furrowed, a hint of anger on his face.

“Reporting to you, sir, I don’t believe so. According to messengers from neighboring tribes, the Local Official of the Jiti Tribe suddenly died of a sudden illness a few days ago, and now a five-year-old child is in power,” the Xiongnu people replied.

“A five-year-old child?” King Baiyang’s expression softened upon hearing this, and then he ordered:

“Then go and organize all their offerings, and prepare for the sacrifice to the Sky God.

As for the Jiti Tribe, there’s no need to wait for them.”

“Your Subordinate obeys,” the Xiongnu people said before withdrawing.

Because messengers from over one hundred tribes, big and small, had come for this sacrifice, the number of messengers from each tribe was not very large, but the smallest brought nearly two thousand people.

Furthermore, King Baiyang had not held such a grand spring sacrifice in nearly ten years, so they feared their offerings would not be generous enough.

So many offerings gathered together was a huge undertaking, requiring his careful arrangement!

Moreover, these offerings would all fall into the hands of King Baiyang after the sacrifice, so he also needed to examine the details of the offerings beforehand to be prepared.

He had just seen some messengers bring some women from the Qin Dynasty, whose looks were not bad, which made him a little eager, so he quickened his pace towards the place of the offerings.

Meanwhile, King Baiyang was sitting alone in the large tent, staring blankly into his wine cup.

His slightly graying temples were reflected in the clear wine, and he sighed.

As one of only two kings in the Ordos Loop, King Baiyang outwardly held immense power over the grasslands, dominating one region, but the true situation was known only to him and King Loufan.

The neighboring Qin Army, after years of recuperation and consolidation since unifying the Central Plains, had long since become incomparably stronger!

Unfortunately, Touman Chanyu was still lost in past dreams, believing that the Qin Dynasty was still the same, an object from which they could take whatever they desired.

But last autumn, Prince Wuluoli was captured by the Qin Army, and Touman merely thought Wuluoli still lacked tempering.

He even ordered him and King Loufan to contribute a large number of warhorses and cattle to exchange for Wuluoli, which made the two of them somewhat exasperated, as years of savings were depleted.

But since the incident happened in the Ordos Loop, the area under their jurisdiction, the two could only grit their teeth and accept it.

However, after the Qin state was replenished with these warhorses and cattle, the Qin Army's strength would certainly increase again!

This put increased pressure on King Baiyang and King Loufan, who bordered the Qin Army.

Because they knew that a Qin Army counterattack was only a matter of time, and while the vast grasslands could delay the Qin Army for a while, they could not delay them forever!

But now, at this critical juncture, Crown Prince Modu had extended his hand into the Fiefs of their two kings, which angered them.

Therefore, this gathering of the tribes was to warn and deter those with such intentions!

After all, Touman was not dead yet, and he himself was still capable of fighting. To seize his power and divide him at this time, Modu alone was not enough!

“Father, Crown Prince Modu’s messenger has arrived,” a Xiongnu people man said, entering the large tent.

King Baiyang frowned, then said:

“I will not see him. Bru, you go entertain him. I will meet him during the sacrifice.”

“Yes, Father,” Bru replied.

King Baiyang nodded, rubbing his fingers on the wine cup, and asked meaningfully:

“Bru, have you prepared the gift for Modu’s messenger?”

Bru nodded upon hearing this and said, “Tofeng has gone to take care of it.”

“Good, then you may go,” King Baiyang said with a smile, his eyes full of warmth as he watched Bru’s retreating figure.

This was his favorite child, and also the most capable, his heir to King Baiyang!

So far, everything looked good.

“Wait!” King Baiyang suddenly called out to Bru.

“What is it, Father?” Bru asked, puzzled.

King Baiyang looked at Bru and said earnestly:

“Bru, you must remember, the position of King Baiyang was not bestowed upon us by Touman, but was fought for by our family, little by little.

The next King Baiyang can only be you, and must be you.

If Modu treats us like docile lambs on the grasslands, acting recklessly, then even if we die, we must break one of his teeth.

Even if Touman comes, it won’t matter!”

Bru listened to his father’s words, his eyes filled with resolve, then he thumped his chest and said in a deep voice:

“Yes, Father! I, Bru, will surely protect the people of the grasslands, repel every encroaching wolf, and defend the honor of our family with my life!”

“Good child, go,” King Baiyang smiled, then stood up, straightened his attire, and walked out.

Although Wuluoli’s ability was not as good as Crown Prince Modu’s, and he had caused them to lose countless warhorses and cattle, he and King Loufan still chose to support Wuluoli.

Because Modu’s ambition was known throughout the great grasslands, Modu becoming the next Chanyu was not good news for him and King Loufan.

The two occupied the fertile Ordos Loop, and once Modu took power, he would surely tear up the promises Touman Chanyu made to them when unifying the Xiongnu people!

So he could only choose Wuluoli. Once Wuluoli became Chanyu, his kingship as King Baiyang could be smoothly transferred to Bru.

They would also be able to peacefully inherit their power!

“Rustle, rustle, rustle.”

Hearing sparse footsteps ahead, King Baiyang looked up, saw who was coming, and with a smile, opened his broad arms, saying, “Welcome, Elder Aikala!”

Aikala stepped forward a few paces, embraced him, and smiled, “I’m disturbing you, King Baiyang. I hope my arrival hasn’t caused you any trouble.”

“What are you saying, Elder? You are my elder.

I will entertain you with the strongest wine, the most delicious food, and the most beautiful women!” King Baiyang enthusiastically supported Elder Aikala, laughing heartily.

“Hahaha, that’s good. How is your uncle doing lately?” Aikala asked after a hearty laugh.

“He’s very well. Yesterday he even shot down a wild goose, saying he would save it to offer to the Sky God during the sacrifice.

He would be very happy if he knew you were coming,” King Baiyang said with a smile.

“Haha, that’s good,” Aikala laughed heartily.

At this moment, the Xiongnu General from before walked over and bowed, asking for instructions, “King Baiyang, the sacrificial ceremony is ready.”

“Mm,” King Baiyang nodded, then said to Aikala, “Elder, come with me to the sacrifice.”

Aikala stroked his beard and smiled, “That would be perfect.”

“Please!” King Baiyang gestured, and then the group majestically walked towards the direction of the sacrifice.