The Han Army's offensive was beneath the notice of the Xiongnu nobles. At the banquet, the Xiongnu Chanyu laughed loudly. "The emperor of the Han Dynasty has sent over a hundred thousand horsemen to attack us.
"But I, your Chanyu, have no fear.
"I have already offered sacrifices to great Heaven, and Heaven has answered me. Its only Son of Heaven, surrounded by the sun and moon, is invincible in battle.
"Beyond the Vast Grasslands lies the endless, desolate Gobi Desert. The Han Army has no wings. They cannot suddenly appear before us like heavenly gods.
"Whether we fight them or lead them around like hounds being trained is ours to decide.
"Besides, beyond this desolate Gobi Desert stand the iron cavalry of our Great Xia. If the Han Army dares invade, I guarantee they will never return!
"The men of Great Xia are the eagles of the Grasslands. They will circle forever beneath vast Heaven, never to fall.
"Drink!
"When the Han Army runs short of food and water, I shall obey Heaven's will and lead the warriors of Great Xia on their warhorses, brandishing swords and sabers, to crush every invading foe!"
The Xiongnu Chanyu's face brimmed with pride. His voice reached the ears of every Xiongnu noble, and they all laughed freely and sang, dancing the legendary Great Xia Dance around the bonfire.
"Great Chanyu, surrounded by the sun and moon, Heaven's only offspring, may your life endure long and long. May your mighty name resound in every corner of the world. May all people praise you and fear you, just as they hold Heaven in awe."
Resonant singing rose as the uninhibited noblewomen sang around their husbands and the Chanyu. Their songs held the worries of these past decades, but also vigorous vitality. Great Xia had