29 Xiong Nu

A Powerful Ethnic Minority during Qin and Han Times

Xiong Nu rose up in northern desert in Qin and Han dynasties. (Emperor Qin Shi Huang built the Great Wall attempting to thwart Xiong Nu invasion.) The Chinese early prestigious historical book Shi Ji (History Records) said that Xiong Nu was “the offspring of Xia Hou” (a Chinese forefather), which could mean in remote pre-historical era there were a flock of people trekked northward entering the vast desert. Xiong Nu was the nomadic community, and the harsh climate and environment made them a spirit of militarism and violence.

An ambitious Xiong Nu’s emperor by name of Mo Du made the upstart of the nation. When Mo Du was a prince, he intentionally set up a dare-to-die armed brigade of his own. When once they went out hunting, Mo Du surprisingly ordered his men to shoot arrows targeting his most favorite horse. The horse was immediately killed. Mo arrested and executed those who appeared hesitant and didn’t shoot at the horse. Months later, he played the same trick, ordering his men to shoot his favorite concubine. He also executed those who failed to obey his order. After the tests, he assured that all of his men were absolutely loyal to him. Finally, when a chance came, he shot his father emperor dead and took over the power without any trouble.

Xiong Nu had strong neighbors both in the east and west, and the state in the east named East Hu. On the days of Mo Du taking power, the East Hu’s Emperor passed a word that Mo Du should pay a tribute of a large amount of treasures as well as women to East Hu. All the Mo’s fighters were infuriated, but Mo fully paid what East Hu demanded. The next time, East Hu asked the same demand, Mo did the same. Then, in a dark and windy night, Mo commanded his fighters to launch a surprising attack to East Hu and kill its emperor who even didn’t know what was happening. Mo Du then attacked and destroyed his western enemy.

After conquered two nations, Mo commanded 300 thousand troops southward to invade Han Dynasty and quickly captured Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province. The newly-founded Han Dynasty was in danger. (Han founded in 206 BC, and Mo killed his father in 209 BC). Liu Bang, Han’s Emperor, commanded 320 thousands of troops by himself to fight the enemy. The cunning Mo began to retreat, and lured Liu Bang to fall into his trap. Liu Bang was encircled by Xiong Nu troops at Baideng Mountain north of Taiyuan for 7 days, but made a narrow escape at last.