Moma Liangshan

Chapter 98 Outnumbered and Outgunned, Temporarily Avoiding the Enemy's Edge

Seeing that Wang Hao was determined, Cao Hong could only say, "My father-in-law doesn't understand Chinese, so it might be inconvenient for him to go to Jiaozhou alone!" Wang Hao frowned and said, "Are there any other Mongols in Liaodong who are fluent in Chinese?" Chen Song replied, "Liaodong is a gathering place for Han Chinese, Khitans, Bohai people, and Jurchens. Mongols are far to the north, so it would be difficult to find them!" Cao Hong seized the opportunity and said, "My sons, Chaganbari and Huhebari, are fluent in both Chinese and Mongolian and can serve you, sir!" Wang Hao understood Cao Hong's thoughts and said, "I can grant your request, and even your other sons and nephews can go to Jiaozhou together!" Cao Hong was grateful and said, "Thank you for your great kindness, sir!" Compared to the flames of war in Liaodong, Song Dynasty was peaceful and prosperous. It was already a stroke of luck that Cao Hong's family was able to send their descendants to Jiaozhou, escaping the troublesome Liaodong.

Wang Hao said, "Summon Cao Hong's family!" A moment later, two sprightly old men, three robust women, seven Mongolian boys, and three Mongolian girls entered the tent. All of them had eaten their fill and were glowing with health, no longer showing the worry and weariness they had displayed upon arrival. Cao Hong's father-in-law spoke first, saying in broken Chinese, "Lakshin greets the young master!" Wang Hao was surprised and said, "Does the old man understand Chinese?" However, Lakshin remained respectful but did not utter a word. Cao Hong said from the side, "My father-in-law only understands a few words of Chinese!" Wang Hao smiled and gestured for Lakshin to sit down. At this moment, a boy of about fifteen or sixteen stepped out from the crowd and said, "Chaganbari greets Young Master!" Wang Hao sized up the boy, who was about his age but much more robust, and asked, "Having just arrived at the military camp, are you settling in well?" Chaganbari replied, "I've had a good meal and am ready to fight for Young Master!" Wang Hao laughed loudly and said, "I came to Liaodong for business, not for war!" A sly glint flashed in Chaganbari's eyes as he said, "In the camp, there are several hundred elite soldiers, but less than half a percent of them are merchants. Therefore, Chaganbari believes that as long as I join Young Master's ranks, I will one day be able to fight on the battlefield!" Wang Hao glanced at Cao Hong and said, "You are not yet of age; this matter requires your father's permission!" Chaganbari retorted, "Although Young Master holds a higher position than me, he is not older than me. Young Master has already established himself in a region; why can't Chaganbari decide his own future?"

Wang Hao ignored Chaganbari and instead looked at Cao Hong and the others, saying, "Your wives, sons, and nephews may remain in Liaodong to serve you, or they may go to Jiaozhou to live; I will not interfere!" Cao Hong discussed for a moment with Lakshin, Morigen, and Jida, then said, "Iribis, Boritechina, Harinaohai, Chaganbari, and Haribari will remain in Liaodong to serve you, my lord. My father-in-law, Huhebari, Ulanbari, and all the women of our household will go to Jiaozhou to live. We hope you will grant us permission, my lord!" Wang Hao thought for a moment and said, "You and Chaganbari..." "Ganba Ri is stationed in Liaodong at the same time, and there will be no one in Jiaozhou who is fluent in both Chinese and Mongolian. How should this be resolved?" Cao Hong hesitated slightly and asked, "If there is a woman who is fluent in both Chinese and Mongolian, would that be acceptable?" Wang Hao said, "Why not?" Cao Hong was slightly surprised and said, "My wife, Mao Yihan, is capable of this!" Wang Hao looked at the group of women and said, "Mao Yihan, rise and answer!" A woman quickly stood up and said in a restrained tone, "This humble woman, Mao Yihan, has never met you, sir!" Before she finished speaking, she had already knelt down and bowed.