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How did Han governments deal with the Xiongnu before Emperor Wudi's military campaigns?

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Map showing the Han Empire's territory around 100 BCE, shaded in orange, covering much of eastern China and extending westward. The map also marks the boundary of modern China and highlights the Great Wall running along the northern frontier, built for protection against the Huns. Major rivers and the capital, Chang'an (Xi'an), are labeled. — Han dynasty Map showing the extent of the Han empire c. 100 bce.

Prior to the aggressive military campaigns initiated by Emperor Wudi, early Han dynasty governments sought to maintain peace with the Xiongnu through a policy of appeasement. Because the Great Wall had fallen into disrepair and lacked sufficient garrisons following the collapse of the Qin dynasty, the Han were in a position of relative weakness.12

To prevent incursions and manage the northern frontier, the Han government employed the following strategies:

Tribute Payments: Until approximately 135 BCE, the Han were obliged to secure peace by providing the Xiongnu with gold, silk, and other valuable goods.13
Diplomatic Marriages: Han rulers frequently offered the hands of Chinese princesses in marriage to Xiongnu leaders to foster alliances and maintain stability.12
Formalized Exchanges: During periods of peace, the two powers engaged in structured tribute-gift exchanges. The Chinese acquired horses for their military and imperial use, while the Xiongnu received luxury items like grain and silk to distribute among their followers.3

These efforts were intended to mitigate the threat of raids, though they met with only partial success until the shift toward more offensive military policies under Wudi.12