The Guli beetle disliked the food because it was too coarse and refused to eat it. Hebule was unhappy because it was clearly a sign of contempt for Mongolia.

The servant left with the leg of lamb in his arms, and Hebule returned to the main seat.

Guli Beetle clasped his fists and said, "Great Khan Hebule, our Great Jin Emperor is willing to give his beloved daughter to you. We have become two families, and from now on, Jin and Mongolia are one family."

Hebule was delighted. The Jin were formidable. If the war could cease from now on, he would have time to annex other Mongol tribes. Once he was stronger, he could then defeat the Jin. He immediately responded with a gesture of gratitude, "The Great Jin Emperor is so kind to me. I welcome him. But what does he need?"

These local leaders were no fools, and Hebule knew Wanyan Sheng must have a purpose for doing so. The Mongols were straightforward and didn't like beating around the bush, so he simply asked directly.

Guli Beetle smiled and clasped his fists, saying, "Your Majesty knows that Kubule Khan wishes to expand his territory and bring all the cattle and sheep of the grasslands under the control of the Mongol Empire. However, a mere grassland cannot contain the Khan's vast ambitions, so Your Majesty wishes to unite with the Khan to divide up Western Xia."

Hebule was shocked: "Xixia? Is that Li Ganshun?"

Guli Beetle nodded. "Exactly. If Jin and Mongolia join forces, we could certainly carve up Western Xia. Then, all of northern Western Xia would become a paradise for the Mongol steeds."

Hebule hesitated. "Although I am the eagle of this grassland, I have heard that the Southern Song Dynasty has a powerful emperor. The Song emperor is related to Li Ganshun. If we attack Xia, how can he sit idly by?"

The Guli Beetle laughed heartily: "The Song Dynasty is nothing to worry about. The Khan has not heard that our Great Jin cavalry once laid siege to the city of Bianjing. The Emperor of the Great Song Dynasty still couldn't do anything to us!"

Hebule said: "I also heard that your Great Jin lost the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun to the Great Song. Isn't there anything you can do?"