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In the summer of 1204, Temujin(铁木真) rode west to confront his blood brother. The outcome would be decisive for the future of the Mongol people.
In the foothills of the Khangai Mountains (杭爱山脉), on the eve of battle, Temujin called his generals to him.
"I told them, one tribe was like a single arrow, easily broken. But many tribes together would be strong. They could never be broken."
But Temujin didn't just rely on inspirational speeches. He practiced psychological warfare.
"I knew Jamuqa's(扎木和) scouts would be watching as my men prepared for battle. I ordered each man to light not one, but five fires."
Jamuqa's scouts reported that Temujin's army was so large; they had more fires than there were stars in the sky.
At daybreak, Jamuqa led his army onto the heights of Chakirma'ut, and this was the sight that confronted him.
"I saw the man who had been my friend, who had sworn the sacred vow of anda(安答,意为义兄弟), but he had broken that vow."
Jamuqa was about to become the first commander to face an army that would eventually conquer twelve million square miles
psychological warfare: war which includes using methods which influence the psyche
scout : a soldier or other person sent out ahead of a main force so as to gather information about the enemy's position, strength, or movements
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