Chapter 468: Internal strife of the Uighurs

Unlike the light snow drifting in Baghdad, the Uighurs have been hit by three consecutive blizzards since the beginning of winter. From December, the blizzards that were several feet thick have flooded the entire grassland, and millions of cattle and sheep have died. This has caused the already riddled Uighurs to suffer a heavy blow again. In January of the seventh year of Dazhi, the vast northern desert grassland turned into a snowy world.

But Duncheng is also covered with heavy snow. This city smaller than the Central Plains County is crowded with herders from all over the country who came to avoid snow disasters. Tens of thousands of people and more than 100,000 cattle and sheep almost squeezed out the small city.

Accompanied by his prime minister Abu Throl, Luo Geling, the Eastern Uighur Khan, visited the affected people in tents outside the city. Even after seeing several victims, the situation of these families was similar. Most of the livestock had frozen to death, and the few remaining ewes became the last hope for the whole family. The food had long been gone, and valuable property had been sold out, and they had to spend the long winter with a little bean cake distributed every day to satisfy their hunger.

The tragic situation of the victims made Yao Luo Ge Ling unable to bear it anymore. He turned over and returned to the city. His face was gloomy and speechless along the way. Although Yao Luo Ge Ling was of Han Chinese origin, he lived in Mobei since childhood and had long regarded Mobei as his homeland. He witnessed the process of Uighurs gradually turning from strength to weakness in the past decade. The starting point was the southern invasion of the 16th year of Qingzhi. Han Erduobali was devastatingly hit by Zhang Huan. Since then, Uighurs kept misjudging the situation, fighting for Anxi with Tubo, defeat of Anxi, defeat of the Tang Dynasty for Beiting, and internal strife for the throne of Khan, and fell into the abyss again and again, but these are all appearances. The fundamental reason is the re-rise of the Tang Dynasty. Looking at history, the Central Plains are weak and the Mobei is strong, and the Central Plains are prosperous and the Mobei declines. The iron law over the past thousand years has been repeated again and again. Is it true that this time the Uighurs really reached a time of doom?

Yao Luo Geling looked at the snowy grassland. He couldn't help but sigh. Abuthrol next to him saw that Khan was worried, and he whispered: "Khan don't have to worry. Although our conditions are difficult here, at least there is aid from the Tang Dynasty. The supplies and food sent by the Tang Dynasty are probably coming in the next few days. But think about Han Erduobali, foreign aid is helpless, the border is blocked, and he has to raise a hundred thousand troops. In addition, Jie Gangas is drunk and dreaming. Needless to say, I can guess the tragic situation there. If they don't find a way to save themselves, they will be destroyed by themselves in less than two years."

Yao Luo Geling nodded, turned back to Abu Throel and said: "The climate has been getting colder in recent years, and snow disasters have been outbreaks for three consecutive years. If this continues, I am worried that we will not be able to stand it next year. I think we have to find a way out!"

Abuthrol understood the meaning of Khan. The so-called retreat was nothing more than moving south to the Tang Dynasty. But the last path that he had to be forced at that time was too early to say. What he was worried about is whether Jiegangas would send troops to attack them after the spring was in full swing. This was the top priority. Thinking of this, he hurriedly said: "Khan, I am very worried that the army in the west will attack us. Should we prepare earlier? For example, using winter idleness to organize young and strong training."

Yao Luo Ge Ling suddenly looked into the distance and smiled, "Maybe you are right, we have the conditions to train now."

After saying that, he urged the horse to rush to the south and heard him shouting from afar, "Go and ask everyone to come out of the city to transport things. Our savior is here."

Abuthrol also saw a long black line appeared on the snow field in the distance. It was the Tang Dynasty's supplies. Abuthrol shouted excitedly and turned around and ran into the city.

On the vast snowy field, a transport team of thousands of carriages, loaded with food and military supplies. After nearly a month of trekking, they finally arrived at Keduncheng, the capital of the Eastern Uighurs. Keduncheng was boiling, and tens of thousands of people ran out of the city and headed towards the convoy three miles away.

As the Eastern Uighurs expected, the sudden snow disaster put heavy pressure on Han Erduobali. Hundreds of thousands of herdsmen who fled from all over the country gathered around the capital. The tents were densely packed and ignorant. The herdsmen living in the tents had no food, no milk tea, and no salt. They all depended on the little dried meat stored in autumn to survive the winter. They hoped that their khan could lend a helping hand to them, and longed for the newly formed big food to send them food and tea like the Tang Dynasty. However, the reply from Prime Minister Jiang Muhe Dagan disappointed them. They had no assistance and there was not much military ration left in the city. That was military ration and would not be distributed to anyone. The herdsmen could only rely on themselves to survive this winter.

Unlike the extreme disappointment of the herdsmen, the Uighur nobles and officials were full of dissatisfaction and complaints about Jiegangas. It was because of the bewitching of the Sogdians and Manichaeism that he cut off relations with the Tang Dynasty, which led to today's evil consequences. The great cannibals he surrendered to did not send any material assistance. Not only that, even several major Sogdian merchants could not transport supplies from the West. The Uighurs, who were dependent on the outside world, suddenly fell into extreme poverty.

Dissatisfaction spread over Han'er Bali. The Uighur nobles and officials began to connect with each other. They discussed and sought countermeasures. At the same time, Manichaeism and Sogdian merchants and some military generals were also discussing countermeasures. Gradually, they formed two opposing groups. The Uighur Khan Jiegangas, who was in the middle of this group, still lived in a drunken and dreaming death. He seemed to know nothing about the Uighur crisis, or he didn't care at all.

At noon, the worried Surman found Prime Minister Jiang Muhe Dagan. If he had to find someone who was most disappointed with Jiegan Gas in the Uighurs, then this person would undoubtedly be Surman. It was he who planned Jiegan Gas to replace the loyal Khan. He thought he would go south to the North Court as promised or attack the Central Plains, but the final result made Surman very frustrated. He had been ascending the throne for almost a year, and until today, there were only women and wine in his life. It was also a whim that the Tang army, who accidentally sent troops to deal with the intercepting materials. He would no longer ask after a failure.

Jiegangas and decadence and debauchery made Surman grit his teeth at him, and he ruined his future. Now the Sogdian caravan can pass through the Tang army blockade under the escort of the army, but in this way, no supplies are transported to Hanerduobali. This is because the westward transportation of materials has been strictly prohibited in Samarkand, Bukhara and other places. That is to say, Dashi no longer allows food and food to be transported to the Uighurs. Although Surman didn't know what happened to Baghdad, he believed that this was Baghdad's warning to the Uighurs and his serious dissatisfaction with him. This dissatisfaction made him anxious and frightened. He knew that if he did not do anything, what would be waiting for him would be Baghdad's most severe punishment.

Surman waited for a long time in front of Jiang Muhe Dagan's mansion before being introduced to the mansion by a servant. He knew that Jiang Muhe Dagan was extremely dissatisfied with him, but there was nothing he could do. In order to realize his plan, he could only humble himself to seek the prime minister's support.

Jiang Muhe Dagan was about fifty years old. He served as the second prime minister when Denli Khan and had rich political experience. Because he had a close relationship with Denli Khan, he was also dismissed from all positions after Denli Khan was killed and lived at home. After Jiegan Gas came to power, he could not find a suitable prime minister for the time being, so he asked him out of the mountain to serve as the prime minister of the Uighurs. In fact, Jiegan Gas ignored political affairs, and all the government affairs of the Uighurs were dictatorial by Jiang Muhe Dagan.

Jiang Muhe Dagan was really surprised to learn that Surman was asking to see him. Although he hated Surman deeply for the breakup of diplomatic relations between the Uighurs and the Tang Dynasty, he still met this person. He wanted to know what the Persian wanted to make at the critical moment when the Uighurs were facing a crisis?

"Surmann meets with the Prime Minister." Surmann respectfully saluted Jiang Muhe Dagan, in contrast to his past arrogance.

"Please don't be polite to the national master. Just come here to me." Jiang Muhe Dagan's tone was very light. He waved his hand and asked Surman to sit down, and then ordered someone to pour a cup of tea.

In Hanerduobali, tea is already an extremely precious thing. It is said that one or two tea can be exchanged for one or two gold on the black market. Despite this, there is still no price. The Tang Dynasty has listed tea as one of the three forbidden products against the Uighurs, including grain, pig iron, and tea. If the person involved dares to smuggle tea to the Uighurs, the whole family will be exiled to Lingnan for farming. Therefore, there is no sign of tea on the market. Only a few powerful families still have some inventory. Jiang Muhe Dagan took out tea to entertain him, which shows that he attaches great importance to Surman's visit.

Surman felt ecstasy in his heart. He saw his anxiety about solving the Uighur plight from Jiang Muhe Dagan's plain tone. He picked up the tea cup and took a sip of tea, and slowly said: "I came here this time to discuss with the prime minister how to solve our Uighur plight. Now there are many rumors that our Uighur part has been split into two factions. I think this is definitely not the real situation. In the dilemma, everyone should unite in order to finally overcome the difficulties we encounter."

After hearing the other party's words, Jiang Muhe Dagan smiled faintly and said, "What does the national master think are the best way for us now?"

"Foreign aid!" Surman said his heart firmly, "Yes, we must get foreign aid to overcome difficulties. Whether it is Dashi's aid or Datang's aid, it is not important. What is important is that we must save our husband."

Jiang Muhe Da laughed in a smirk, "Why does the national teacher think it is a high possibility of receiving large food aid or a great possibility of receiving Tang Dynasty aid?"

Surman sighed and said helplessly: "Actually, I am not against getting assistance from the Tang Dynasty, but it is impossible now. If Yao Luo Ge Ling is still in Han Erduobali, it might be possible, but Yao Luo Ge Ling has gone east, so the Tang Dynasty's supplies will not be given to us anymore, so we can only get some hope from Dashi."

"Dashi?" Jiang Muhe Dagan shook his head and said disdainfully: "Since Dashi claims to be our ally and brothers, he should treat us like a brother. But until today, they have not even sent a grain of rice or a 2000 tea leaves. How can I trust them?"

"Does the Prime Minister know why?" Surman slowly led Jiang Muhe Dagan's ideas to his purpose today. "Did the Prime Minister forget what Ye Haya said?"

"Did the national teacher say we are not hardworking enough?"

"It's this why." Surman moved his body forward and whispered: "In fact, the Great Cannibal does not necessarily require us to attack the Tang Dynasty. As long as we make a gesture, such as destroying the Khikas people supported by the Tang Dynasty, and letting the Great Cannibal see our martial spirit, the food will definitely be sent continuously, but the root of it comes from our Khan, who is too addicted to wine and sex."

Speaking of this, Surman stopped. He glanced at Jiang Muhe Dagan quickly. Seeing that he lowered his head and thoughtlessly, he knew that he was already interested in his words. He suddenly gritted his teeth and said, "I came to visit the Prime Minister today to discuss with the Prime Minister whether our Uighurs need to re-establish the Khan."

"Regaining Khan?" Jiang Muhe Dagan suddenly raised his head and stared at the other party. His eyes slowly narrowed, and when he touched Suerman's eyes, they both laughed at the same time.

"Does he really want to kill me?" Jiegan Gas turned around suddenly and stared at Jiang Muhe Dagan with sharp eyes. He reversed the normal state of decadence and was aggressive, making the Uighur Palace full of murderous aura.

Jiang Muhe Dagan replied affirmatively: "That's right. He came to see me at noon and said a lot. The final conclusion was to ask for a concerted relationship with me and re-establish the new Khan."

"Did he say that he supports you as the new Khan?" Jiegangas said coldly.

"That's what he said, but I want to keep him steady so that he will not be anxious, so I perfunctorily said that I am loyal to Khan, and it is obvious that I can betray Khan. How could I betray Khan?

Jiegangas said nothing, his eyes became gloomy, and flies were not biting eggs without cracks. If Jiang Muhe Dagan really had no problem at all, how could Surman come to him? Moreover, it was noon when Surman looked for him, but now it was night. What was he thinking about after such a long time? Needless to say, he was also thinking about the possibility of being a Uighur Khan, but he didn't dare to act rashly without military power.

After a while, Jiegangas asked lightly: "What else did he say?"

Jiang Muhe Dagan was very nervous. He licked his dry lips and hesitated and said: "He said that the most urgent task of our Uighurs is to eradicate the people of the Kiagas, and the other thing is to destroy Yao Luo Ge Ling in time, so as not to be supported and strengthened by the Tang Dynasty and become the root of disaster."

To destroy Yao Luo Geling was actually Jiang Muhe Dagan's own meaning. He said it through Suerman's meaning. Jie Gan Gas did not answer him immediately. The side palace was quiet. Jie Gan Gas thought for a long time before slowly saying: "The people of Xia Jiasi are lustful and harsh people. They cannot do big things, but they don't need to pay attention to it for the time being. However, Yao Luo Geling is indeed a great disaster and must be destroyed as soon as possible. After spring, I will send troops to conquer them. You don't need to ask about this matter."

Speaking of this, a gentle smile appeared on his face and said softly to Jiang Muhe Dagan: "Put your energy on internal affairs and comfort the fleeing herdsmen!"

Jiang Muhe Dagan's heart finally let go. Khan's gentle attitude towards him moved him. He kowtowed respectfully and said in a trembling voice: "I am willing to devote my whole life to Khan and die."

Jiegan Gas waited for Jiang Muhe Dagan to leave, and the gentle smile on his face suddenly disappeared. He turned around and ordered the guards to say, "Let the general of Youkill come to see me immediately."

After a moment, the Uighurs killed the general Bandagai quickly walked into the palace. He bowed and bowed and said, "See Khan."

Jiegangas's eyes showed murderous intent and ordered sternly: "Call the army immediately and surround me with Surman's mansion, including Surman. Anyone in his mansion will be killed without leaving a living mouth. If you find any list, report it to me immediately."

"Abide by the order!" Bandagai turned around and left. Jiegangas suddenly called him again. He pondered for a moment and said coldly: "Also, Jiang Muhe Dagan will kill me together."

The small living room in Surman's mansion was steaming and extremely noisy. More than fifty like-minded people were gathered together. There were senior Manichaeism priests, Sogdian merchants, Uighur nobles and seven or eight Uighur generals in military uniforms. Jiang Muhe Dagan said he was sick and only sent his nephew to attend the meeting on behalf of him. This made Surman very unhappy and secretly scolded him for being slick. However, Surman also knew that before he could ascend the throne, Jiang Muhe Dagan would not show up easily, but once the overall situation was decided, Jiang Muhe Dagan would actively rush to the front more than anyone else, just like Jiegan Gas a year ago.

Seeing that the people were basically here, he coughed heavily, and the room suddenly became quiet. Surman cleared his throat and said straight to the point: "Everyone, let's talk about the important matters. The situation of re-establishing Khan this time is urgent. It cannot be delayed for a long time. The time is set the day after tomorrow."

As soon as he finished speaking, the room was like a hornet's nest, and the ground exploded, the day after tomorrow! How could it be possible? Nothing was organized, who did what? What did it first? No arrangements were made, and the day after tomorrow was about to start. Isn't this trouble? Suerman knew everyone's doubts, but he was not worried. The one who really came forward this time was not himself, but Jiang Muhe Dagan. As long as he stirred up the atmosphere himself, Jiang Muhe Dagan would naturally continue to do it. As for what to do, he already had a preliminary plan, and there was still one day tomorrow! There was enough time to arrange it calmly.

"I asked you to come here tonight to find out first. This time we re-establish Khan, we have few soldiers and generals. If we want to accomplish things, we can only rely on more than 100,000 refugees outside the city. So from this tonight, you will go home to organize your own servants and prepare to cooperate with my orders tomorrow." At this point, Surman took out a book and handed it to everyone and said, "In order, each person writes the financial resources and manpower that can be used in his home. In the future, we will see this for rewards on merit and deeds."

At this moment, a loud bang came from outside the door, as if a muffled thunder was blowing in the air, which shocked everyone in the room. Then the shouts of killing came like a tide, and rushed to the yard in an instant. Several screams woke everyone up. The room was in chaos, and everyone rushed out, but it was over. The door and window were knocked open, and bloody cold sabers flashed. Countless black shadows had surrounded the living room and were stunned. Surman was stunned. He suddenly reacted and jumped out of the window on the left. He knew that there was a secret passage leading to the outside of the mansion.

With a 'bang!', Surman's body smashed the window and jumped out of the window. But before his body could land, he saw several cold long swords appearing in the air, chopping them hard towards his neck. A severe pain. As soon as Surman's trance thought left his body, he seemed to see the throne of the Sassanian Dynasty appearing in the golden air. He instinctively reached out to grab it up, but there was only a dark night sky above him. Slowly, Surman's hand drooped down weakly.

In January of the seventh year of Dazhi, a serious bloodshed occurred in the Uighurs. The national teacher Surman conspired to rebel and attempted to re-establish the new Khan. Jiegangas noticed that Jiegangas took the lead and sent troops to surround Surman's mansion that night, killing all the more than 50 people involved in the conspiracy in the mansion. Jiegangas then launched a bloody purge at Hanerduobali. It would rather kill three thousand by mistake than let one person go. Three days in a row, Hanerduobali was shrouded in a bloody storm. This purge totaled more than 4,000 people were killed, which became another bloody internal strife in the Uighurs after the killing of Dengli Khan. The Yaoluo family was almost massacred. But on the other hand, tens of thousands of stones of grain were collected from this massacre, which solved Hanerduobali's urgent need.
Chapter completed!