The Tatars who had come out to investigate carried torches to the vicinity of the horse farm, where they saw a man pointing to a large poplar tree, a rarity in their tribe, and saying in a trembling voice...
"This...this...this..."
The others looked where he pointed and saw a large poplar tree, as thick as a person, with its top broken off and lying on the ground.
This tree was one of the larger trees in their area, and because it was rare, it was quite prized. So when they saw that the crown had suddenly broken, they immediately ran up to check it and found that there were charred marks at the break.
Besides that, it also seems to have a smoky, pungent smell.
Having never seen explosives before, they instinctively assumed, based on the loud noise they had just heard, that lightning must have struck the tree!
But how could there be thunder in the northern winter? I've never seen anything like it before!
The group discussed it and realized it was a bit strange, so they decided to report it to their superiors immediately.
So they all ran back to report the news.
While they were returning to their tribe, Fat Cat and Knife secretly led a few people into the Sixth Tribe's territory. They told a few of the women and old women about how the poplar tree outside had its top struck by lightning, and even made some unintentional speculations.
"I heard from the shaman outside that if there is thunder in winter and graves are piled up, it means the tribe is going to suffer a disaster!"
Let the high shaman quickly pray for blessings and ward off disaster!
This is so strange, it's probably divine retribution. We'd better stay far away; if we get too close, some wicked person might get struck down, and we'll be dragged into it too.
"If you ask me, if all else fails, run away as fast as you can. Get as far away from here as possible, and you might just escape this disaster."
Fat Cat and his gang made up a story so convincing that the wives and mothers-in-law were completely fooled and even thought it made perfect sense.
So one person told two, two told three, and in less than half a day the news spread throughout the tribe.
Some of the bolder ones even went out to check out the situation.
Seeing that it was indeed as rumored, they believed it even more!
In this era when science was not advanced, people had an extraordinary reverence for gods and spirits, and attributed many inexplicable things to ghosts and gods.
Therefore, when something unusual happens in a place and cannot be explained, people's first thought is that ghosts, gods, or even heaven are going to punish humanity.
For a time, the tribe was filled with fear and unease!
When Yelü Ying first heard the news, he angrily smashed a cup and cursed, "What bad luck!"
After all, it was a turbulent time, and who wouldn't want to hear some good news? But instead, he heard that the heavens were going to punish him, which was simply bad luck for him. He was so angry that he wanted to curse!
However, out of reverence for Heaven, he held back and sent someone to tell the high priest to go and see what was going on.
As a result, the wizard took several apprentices out and circled the tree for almost an hour, but they still couldn't figure out the exact location. The broken edge did indeed look like it had been struck by lightning, and there were even charred marks. Moreover, the tree was so tall and thick that it was definitely not something that could be done by human power.
But the great wizard was already over sixty years old, having lived for sixty years. According to the records of the older generation, there had never been a thunderstorm in winter in the past two hundred years. It was always a clear day with the stars shining brightly in the sky. How could there be thunder?
If even he can't understand it, then it must be a big deal. If it's a big deal, then we should pray for blessings and ward off disasters, and offer sacrifices to the heavens!
So the great shaman immediately took several disciples back to the city, intending to report to Yelü Ying, prepare three sacrificial animals and strong wine, worship heaven and earth, and ask heaven and earth to eliminate disasters and difficulties!
Unexpectedly, as soon as they returned to their tribe, rumors spread like wildfire that someone in their tribe had committed a grave mistake, angering the heavens and causing them to suffer misfortune!
There are also sayings
"When thunder strikes in winter and graves pile up, it's a warning from God that He is going to take people away!"
People are going to die here, we have to run!
"It must be that Heaven doesn't want to see them fight; Heaven has a benevolent heart!"
People everywhere are chattering about this.
The tribe is in chaos, and some have already packed their bags and are ready to leave. If disaster is going to strike here, then they should hurry up and find a place where there is no disaster. After all, they are a nomadic people, and moving is not a common thing for them!
The high wizard, finding their story quite detailed and convincing, was utterly baffled. He stepped forward, grabbed one of them, and asked...
"When did I ever say such a thing?"
"You don't understand, what nonsense are you spreading? This is creating panic! Anyone who talks nonsense again, I'll have the King arrest you and sacrifice you to the heavens!"
The man he had captured was initially somewhat afraid of him, but realizing they were about to face imminent disaster, escaping was the priority. Once they were gone, who cared about being a king or not? So they shook off the great wizard and said...
"I didn't say that, it was said by the wizard from outside. You should ask him. I have to go!"
Upon hearing this, the high wizard, puzzled, grabbed another person and asked...
"A wizard has come from outside?"
When did you arrive? How come I didn't know?
Where is that person?
How would I know?
Perhaps they knew a great calamity was about to strike, so they left a warning and left. Oh dear! Great Wizard, don't delay my business!
I'm just giving you a friendly reminder: if you're not confident you can avoid disaster, you should leave quickly. A tree dies when transplanted, but a person thrives. Don't stay here waiting to die; escaping is the priority.
Therefore, rumors can spread like wildfire, and in just one hour, a fictitious sorcerer was fabricated.
Since most of the troops were sent out to fight by Yelü Ying, only the imperial city's guards and six thousand soldiers guarding the granary remain here.
Therefore, when herders want to leave with their families, no one can really stop them.
The high wizard, seeing that he couldn't stop them, thought that what they said made sense. He couldn't even see the trick, while they could talk so eloquently, which showed that they were better than him.
All the people stronger than me have run away, so why should I stay here and give them my head?
But before he could make up his mind what to do, Yelü Ying sent someone to find him.
The Grand Wizard had no choice but to obediently go see Yelü Ying.
Yelü Ying had, of course, heard the rumors outside and the herdsmen's plan to flee, so upon seeing the high shaman, he immediately said...
"You immediately take some men and stop those idiots. Explain to them that it's just a broken tree, not a disaster from heaven. Tell them to stay put, and anyone who dares to step out of the tribe will be killed and fed to the eagles!"
After saying this, he selected a team of thirty royal guards from the royal city and ordered them to assist the high priest in stopping the people.
The great shaman originally wanted to persuade Yelü Ying to go into hiding as well. Although he didn't understand what was going on with the big tree, he thought Yelü Ying was in big trouble!
A dull and lackluster forehead is a sign of decline!
He had noticed this sign a few days ago, but it was becoming increasingly obvious today.
But would he dare say that? Not only would he not dare, he would have to run away as fast as he could.
Given Yelü Ying's dog-like temper, whether he would believe me or not, I don't know, but he would definitely do the thing of killing me first to pave the way for him.
Having figured these things out, the Grand Wizard readily accepted the order and led the royal guards out to stop the people.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com