Talented individuals are the backbone and cornerstone of a career and are closely related to the rise and fall of a country. Genghis Khan, the founder of the Yuan Dynasty, not only had a glorious military record in history, but later generations have also praised his approach to talent.
He was skilled at identifying and employing talent, cherishing and respecting talented individuals, and selecting people based on their abilities rather than their social status, which resulted in his army having “numerous brave generals” and “wise counselors like rain.”
Genghis Khan, whose real name was Temujin, was described in historical records as “profound and far-sighted, and a military genius” in the Chronicles of the Yuan Dynasty and Annals of Taizu. He defeated the Jin Dynasty, subjugated the Western Xia Dynasty, and annihilated the Western Liao Dynasty, laying a solid foundation for establishing the unified Yuan Dynasty and ending the more than 500 years of division in the Central Plains.
Among Genghis Khan’s civil and military officials, there were both noble scholars and pastoral enslaved people; there were both generals he cultivated and warriors from enemy forces. Knowing and treating people well was the cornerstone of his approach to personnel management. The achievements he created during his 40-year military career were mainly achieved through his practice of being “open-minded” and “gathering talents for employment.”
Appointing Yelu Chucai as a counselor
Yelu Chucai, a descendant of the imperial family of the Liao Dynasty, served as an official in the Jin Dynasty. He followed the family tradition and studied Chinese classics from a young age, becoming proficient in Chinese literature. At a young age, he had already acquired extensive knowledge in various fields, including astronomy, geography, law, calendar, divination, and medical practices. He excelled in writing, demonstrating remarkable literary skills.
In 1215, when the Mongolian cavalry captured Yanjing of the Jin Dynasty, Genghis Khan learned about Yelu Chucai’s extensive knowledge and talents and decided to employ him. In the 14th year of Genghis Khan’s leadership, Yelu Chucai accompanied him on his Western campaigns, providing valuable advice on military conquest and governance and ensuring the well-being of the people.
He achieved remarkable feats and gained great respect. In the 21st year, he joined Genghis Khan on the expedition against the Western Xia Dynasty and advised against arbitrary military campaigns and killings by local officials. His counsel helped to curb corruption and violence.
Genghis Khan valued Yelu Chucai’s advice and considered him a trusted confidant. He referred to Yelu Chucai as the “architect of governance” and the “pillar of the state.”
Genghis Khan recruited an archer who almost killed him
Zhebie, originally named Zierhuoda, was a subordinate of the enemy leader Taiyichiwudituo, who was under Temujin of the Tatar tribe. He was a famous archer and had shot at Genghis Khan during the Kua Yitian War, nearly hitting him. When he surrendered, he admitted to shooting at Genghis Khan. Genghis Khan praised his honesty and considered him trustworthy, so he kept him by his side and changed his name to Zhebie (arrowhead).
Initially, Zhebie was appointed leader of 10 soldiers and fought in battles. Later, his outstanding achievements promoted him to leader of 100, 1,000, and eventually 10,000 soldiers. He transformed from an enemy into a fierce general who charged into battle, demonstrating Genghis Khan’s approach of “appointing people based on their abilities.”
Employing generals who surrendered
Mukhali was a famous Mongolian general and commander-in-chief who attacked the Jin Dynasty. He was calm and had many strategies. He assisted Genghis Khan in unifying the various Mongolian tribes, achieved outstanding military achievements, and was known as one of the “Four Outstanding Generals.”
Mukhali was enslaved initially under Genghis Khan’s cousin, Sacha Bieqie. After Sacha Bieqie was executed, Mukhali surrendered to Genghis Khan and gained appreciation for his talents and intelligence. Mukhali became his most trusted military commander. For 30 years, Mukhali followed him and obeyed all his orders. Genghis Khan once said to Mukhali: “Your efforts have contributed a lot to the pacification of the country.” (From The Biography of Mukhali in the History of Yuan)
In the first year of Genghis Khan’s reign (A.D. 1206), Mukhali and Boroqul were appointed commanders of the left and right 10,000 households.
Devoting one’s life to recruiting talent
He highly valued the lives of his soldiers, which was reflected in two special military regulations. Firstly, no wounded personnel were to be abandoned on the battlefield; otherwise, all the officers and soldiers of that squad would be executed. Secondly, if one or more comrades in a 10-person team were captured and the others did not attempt a rescue, then all members of the squad would be executed.
These regulations fostered a sense of camaraderie among the soldiers in facing life and death together and remarkably ensured their lives. He took the lead in personally attending to the wounded during the war, often administering medicine and keeping them in his tent.
Genghis Khan deeply remembered the help and favors others had given him. In the Kua Yitian War, when Genghis Khan was unconscious after being injured, Jebe used his mouth to suck out the stagnant blood from his body. Later, when Genghis Khan woke up in the middle of the night feeling hungry and thirsty, Jebe, half-naked, sneaked into the enemy camp and stole a pot of mare’s milk to quench Genghis Khan’s thirst, thus saving his life. Genghis Khan was moved by Jebe’s kindness and maintained a lifelong friendship with him.
While caring for his subordinates, Genghis Khan also emphasized discipline and expected obedience. His brother, Belge, unintentionally leaked military secrets to the enemy, resulting in his punishment of being excluded from participating in noble meetings at “Hualeitai.”
His son-in-law, Hucha’er, was relieved of his duties and demoted to a common soldier for violating military discipline and later died in battle. His uncle, Daritai, violated Genghis Khan’s prohibition on looting and privately seized spoils of war. When he learned about it, he publicly whipped Daritai in front of the troops and expelled him from the camp.
Genghis Khan never unjustly killed a soldier or a hero throughout his life. Because of his sincere treatment and deep trust in his loyal generals and ministers, civil and military officials could speak openly without fear and march forward without worries.
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