2. Genghis Khan Made a Shrewd Choice In Rewarding His Would-Be Killer
Jebe quickly rose through the ranks in Genghis Khan’s service. Within a few years, he had become one of the Mongols’ most capable generals. Genghis Khan entrusted him with independent commands such as the assignment to defeat Kuchlug, one of Genghis’ last remaining Steppe enemies, and the subjugation of his Kara Khitai state.
Jebe accomplished the mission in quick order, capping off the conquest by beheading Kuchlug. He then rejoined Genghis and took part in the conquest of the Khwarezmian Empire. Once Khwarezm was subdued, Genghis gave Jebe and another brilliant subordinate, Subutai, permission to lead a great cavalry raid. It was to head westward through northern Persia, then up through the Caucasus, and around the Caspian Sea, before turning east to return to Mongolia.