Chapter 146: The enemy is here

The result of the Battle of Zubigang ended with the first withdrawal of the battlefield. In this huge contact battle, the alliance not only retreated first, but also suffered several times the number of casualties of the Tang army. In the chaos, Shiba even rushed up and hit Toulon with a stick, and pulled off a large piece of skin from his shoulder. If it were someone else, after eating it, he would probably have shattered his shoulders long ago, but Toulon could still support him, and he was indeed worthy of his past reputation.

However, due to the proper command of Satuk, who was cut off the rear, the Tang army failed to continue to expand the results of the war. Yang Yi drove him out for more than 30 miles and saw another line of cavalry coming from the west - the troops of Ista, the Kuba jihadist general, with about 2,000 people and a strong momentum. Yang Yi was worried about being ambushed, so he turned back. The army was still stationed in the grassland and reported the victory to the rear.

When he heard that the Tang army won the field battle, the whole city was filled with energy. The elders of the three sects came to congratulate him. Li Bin was relieved, and he left the city overnight and rushed to He Jie, and asked about the details of the battle.

After listening to Xi Sheng's description, Li Bin said: "The Hu coalition forces came, and there were very various types, but their positions were very inconsistent. Although they were all people we offended, it would be difficult to truly unite the countries by this alone. I think Satuk must have made a major promise to Saman and Toulon. Since it was for profit, it may not be able to support it until the end. If we can know the content of their commitment, we might be able to disrupt their alliance. Instead of using troops, it is better to use a room."

Yang Yi disagreed: "What kind of room can we win even if we are upright, why use these conspiracies?"

Li Bin said: "After all, the other party still has the strength to move."

Yang Yi said: "Did we just go out without sending all our troops?"

Xi Sheng remembered the process of the battle on the grassland. Both sides had their own strengths and weaknesses. Although the Tang army won the victory with the tacit cooperation of a small group, Xi Sheng felt that the victory was beyond the seven-point strength and was accidental, and said: "Li Shenjun's suggestion is still very reasonable. Since he has the opportunity to use strategies, even if he cannot win with this, it is a good thing if he can weaken the enemy."

Guo Luo pondered, he was also a steady person, but he was more aggressive in his steady state and said, "But time is on our side. Although the enemy brought many sheep and horses, it was difficult to support him for a long time under the expedition of thousands of miles!"

Li Bin thought to himself: "Guo Zhonglang has always been calm and steady, but this time he helped the war so much. Could it be to avenge?" He said: "From the victory or defeat on the battlefield, time is on our side. However, don't forget that we have another important task after the war, that is, the reconstruction of the Shule area. If this battle can end earlier, it would be better to end earlier."

Seeing that the two sides had another disagreement, Zhang Mai said: "Winning by fighting is the right way, but strategy can also be assisted. Li Bin, you can still handle this matter. Judging from the current situation, the Hu people should still march again. Driving the grassland is not a place to guard. Let's withdraw back to the city to see what actions they have and make plans."

The army returned east and just as the grassland broke up, Yang Yi still returned to Shule. When he said goodbye, he saw that the grass under his feet was growing quite lushly, and frowned and said, "God seems to be starting to favor the Hu people this time."

"What do you say?" Zhang Mai asked.

Yang Yi said: "Where there are green grass, sheep can be shepherded. Satuk and his friends brought so many livestock. If they occupy the lush water and grass outside the city, they can grazle and siege the city. This is very helpful in solving their food problems, and it is even more effective than our military farming."

Zhang Mai was stunned. He had never considered this before.

Although more than 3,000 troops were lost near Tuoyun Town, as the troops on the Geluoling Pass continued to drive, the number of the Hu coalition forces increased to 80,000.

Among them, most of the people from the Samman were white, most of the people from the Two Rivers (Scioye, Yili) basins were yellow, and most of the surrendered troops were mixed-race. In addition, more than ten dependent tribes, yellow or white, and even black. Four big flags stood in the coalition camp. The most conspicuous one was the big flag given by the Uighur Alslan Khan of Lingxi to Satuk to fight against the "Tang Knight", followed by the big flag of Satuk General Hassan and Uighur Khan Toulon, and again, it was the banner of Satuk. Satuk has been doing quite well since he became famous since he became famous.

For Zhang arrogance, he has now even reduced several grids, and even the banner seems to have lost its spirit. Below four large banners, Huoxun, Tochar, Luo Shi, Bakhanna (i.e. Ningyuan), or a vassal state of Saman, or an affiliated division of Uighurs, there are twelve tribes, with more or less people. Those who are pro-Saman will be led by Hassan, and those who are pro-Uighurs will be led by Toulon. There are various camps around Tuoyun Town, which are difficult to count. Just by this, Zhang Mai's "mob" evaluation is not too much.

Although Zhang Mai burned the Zhaoshan Palace, made a big fuss in the Mesopotamian River Basin, and used troops to attack Ejihan, which greatly angered Arslan, after Satuk reported the case as usual, he not only let the Toulon Khan over, but also made a big statement of storm, which was a bit beyond Sulai's expectations. However, Arslan's voice was loud and less than a thousand people were sent. Even so, Arslan's big crow represents the highest authority of the Uighur Khanate in Lingxi, and the "slaughter" was actually Satuk and

The two Khans of Toulon called out. From the south of Balashaguong, all the tribes that only the leader of the Uighur horses were still moved and rushed to help the war. In their opinion, this group of small Tang knights actually caused the joint attack between the two powerful countries in the Western Regions, the Uighurs and Saman, to be sure to die. Everyone was happy to beat the dog. It was not until this battle at Bigang that some tribes secretly regretted, thinking that this Tang knight was indeed not easy to mess with, no wonder they dared to touch the butts of the two tigers.

The news of the Tang army retreating east reached the military tent. When Shu Yibal and Ista discussed what to do next, Shu Yibal said: "This time we paid a huge price to recover Shule, but despite making such a major promise, Saman still looked lazy. There were a lot of people coming, but he did not have much intention to fight. In this battle, Hassan used the excuse of being tired from afar and said that there were only more than 10,000 people from the Tang Kou, and we should be able to solve it. He actually delayed his refusal to go to the battlefield. Humph! If he was willing to send elite troops to the battlefield this time, then I think the situation of the battle would be completely different."

"We are all very clear about the intentions of Nesser II." Sulai said: "Although we secretly promised that as long as we take back Shule, we would ced Kuba and Ejihan to him and turn it into his vassal state, and guard the eastern borders for generations for the Saman Dynasty, in my opinion, this alone is not enough to impress him to send troops. Nesser II is playing a balance between my Uighurs. He neither wants Bogra Khan to be too strong nor wants Bogra Khan to be too weak. If Bogra Khan is too strong, he

It will drag us down, but now we see that the situation is not good. If Arslan takes the opportunity to annex us, it will be difficult for Toulon to survive. No matter who unified the Uighurs in Lingxi, Naiser would not want to see this situation, so he sent Hassan to help us recover Shule. After all, Bogra Khan, who lost Talas, Ejihan, Kuba, and only Shule and had just lost his troops and generals, was much better controlled than Arslan who unified the Uighurs."

Holland snorted and said, "But they were sent, but they were lazy and unafraid. What's the purpose!"

At this moment, a noisy sound rang outside the tent. Satuk frowned and asked Shuyibar to go out and see what was going on. After a while, he heard the voice of Toulon Khan. Satuk and others thought: "It turned out to be him."

Shu Yibal could not stop Toulon and was rushed in by him. The injured Toulon had a thick shoulder. When he came in, he shouted at Satuk: "Satuk, I heard that Tang Kou has retracted back to the city, why haven't you advanced yet! Quickly encircle Shule. After breaking the city, I will tear the thief general who injured me into pieces!"

Before the rise of the Tang army, even Arslan had to slander his deputy Khan in the Uighurs. Toulon was also in awe of Satuk. At this time, Holland saw that he was rude to Bogra Khan, and his eyebrows were furious, and he pressed the hilt of the knife. Satuk smiled slightly, left his seat and gave it to Toulon, poured milk wine for him, and asked him carefully how Toulon was injured. Toulon said: "My arm is almost ruined! I have never suffered such a serious injury since I was born! Satuk, I ran so far for you this time, I have really lost a lot!"

Satuk smiled and said, "What are you saying about brother? How do you call me? I will fight Shule sooner or later, I will not be my brother? I am just guarding the city for my brother for the time being."

Toulon smiled and said, "It's true! People say you are wearing honey on your mouth and a knife in your belly!"

Satuk's face turned right and said, "Who is my brother listening to? Is it a big sweat? Humph, he has always hated me, so he came to sow the relationship between me and my brother. He just wants us to fight each other. The more we fight, the happier he will be! But brother, think about it, when will my promise to you not count? If you don't say the far, just say the closest ones, have you already handed over to your brother the Talas and Julan City?"

Toulon's expression eased slightly. When he arrived at Julan City, his subordinates also said that Bograh Khan's promise was mostly empty talk, and he himself was quite hesitant. Unexpectedly, Satuk did not say anything and really handed over the city of Julan to him. This matter greatly changed Toulon's impression of Satuk. At this time, Toulon said: "You finally have credit in this matter! But Eli and Talas are so far away, even if you cut them to me, it will be difficult for me to keep it."

Satuk waved his hand and called out all the generals, then he leaned closer and whispered, "It's far away now, but as long as you defeat Balashaguon, won't it be together?"

Toulon couldn't help but show a passionate look in his eyes, but hesitated and said, "Can we win him with the two of us joining forces?"

Satuk said: "When Shule is captured and Tang Kou is destroyed, we will find another excuse, make a great profit, and lure Hassan to the north. The three families join forces, and there is no need to worry about not being able to take down Balashaguon."

Toulon was even more happy and said, "It's just that this is our Uighur family's business after all. I'm afraid it's not good to invite outsiders. Besides, if we ask him to do such a big help, I'm afraid that Saman will ask for a lion to speak out."

Satuk laughed: "He promised him any words. When Balashaguen took them, his army would be in the heart of my Uighurs. We were all over us. You and I set up traps to kill all his army on the edge of the Suye River, and then put the charge of killing the Khan on his head. Then, in the name of revenge, summoned the Uighur tribes to the west to sank the river and wiped out the river in one fell swoop! By that time, brother, you will be the peerless lord who dominates the Western Regions and revives the Uighurs!"

Toulon couldn't help but smile and praised: "Smart, a brilliant plan!"

The two of them secretly discussed in the tent for a long time. The more they talked, the happier they became, and finally said, "But these are things that will happen in the future. Now I must break Shule and find the boy who beat me by Tang Kouzhong! If you don't take this revenge, I will not be a human being!"

After Toulon went, the generals returned to the account. Before they could settle down, the door of the tent was opened and someone broke in. This time the person came was a tall man with a beard and tall figure with a typical Arab face. He was Hassan, the general of Saman's expedition.

Ista in the tent had a dark face, and Horan was extremely unhappy! I think when Satuk was in full swing a year ago, the messengers sent by Talas to Bukhara dared to challenge Naisl II. Sekan, Horan and others were also condescending to Abkhazia, Hassan and others. Unexpectedly, in less than a year, the situation became so inverted! The tent of Bograhan, which was extremely majestic to the west, is now called to come, but Satuk seemed to have not taken all this in all, and his eyes were not only calm, but he even maintained his humility towards Toulon.

Hassan glanced at Satuk and didn't take anyone seriously. As soon as he came in, he shouted: "Satuk, I heard that all the tens of thousands of believers I taught in Shule were killed by that group of Tang Kou. Is this news true?"

"This..." Satuk said: "I have to ask Mr. Su Lai."

Hassan glanced at Su Lai and said, "Is it true?"

"According to the news I just got, it seems that not all of them were killed," Su Lai said, "but more than half of them were killed. Those who were still alive have all become slaves. The men were sent to work hard labor, while the women were taken to be female slaves. As for the ignorant children, they were all taken to Buddhist temples for education. From this point of view, within a few years, there would probably be no more Tianfang scholars east of the Pamir Mountains."

A rare look of anger appeared on Hassan's face: "Did this group of Tang Kou, are they crawling out of hell? They did such a terrible thing!"

Su Lai took the opportunity to say, "Shule, Buddhists, Zoroastrians, and Manichaeists have always hated our Tianfang Cult. The leader of the Tang Kou heard that he was a Buddhist and colluded with the Manichaeists. Now, when he has the opportunity, he will naturally try to destroy our Tianfang Cult."

Hassan said angrily: "Destroy my Tianfang Sect? Haha!" His laughter was murderous and cold: "Then you have to see who destroyed whom!"

Satuk said: "Although these Tang Kou are abominable, we must say that their strength has indeed become quite strong. In the battle of the grassland, we are not good at the first battle. If they retreat into Shule City, they will defend and attack us, it will be even more troublesome."

"That's not your useless!" Hassan said, "It's just a group of bandits. You have no way of doing anything. I don't know how you were so famous before! Humph, I was tired from walking that day and didn't go to the battlefield. If I took action, I'll hit Shule City now. Satuk, when the follow-up troops arrive, let's go to the army as soon as possible! Don't delay. But there is one thing I want to explain to you first."

Satuk lowered his upper body slightly and said, "Please say it."

Seeing that the famous Uighur Gongtu Khan was so obedient to him, Hassan couldn't help but smile a little proudly on his face and said, "After breaking the city, I will kill all Kafires in Shule territory. You are not allowed to stop me at that time!"

Satuk said in a little embarrassedly: "Apart from those outside Tang Kou, everyone else in the city was my people after all, this..."

Hassan said in a sarcasm: "What, don't you agree?"

Satuk seemed very helpless and said, "Okay, since it is General Hassan's request, I agree."

Ji Chun, the Hu coalition forces set up camp and left the town of Toyun. In the army, Saman and his subordinates reached more than 35,000. The Kuba jihadists and the surrendered troops of Ejihan were about 10,000, Satuk 25,000, Toulon 15,000, and the Uighurs affiliated tribes of about 95,000, totaling 200,000, and the 200,000 troops were called the army of 200,000. They were rushing eastward and pressing towards Shule.

Zhang Mai defended Shule's city by himself, Yang Yi guarded Shule, and asked Xi Sheng to set up a battalion on Gaogang in the northeast corner, and the four gate defenders rotated day and night to strictly guard against the enemy.

After the Hu coalition approached, several leaders touched their heads and decided that Toulon would be responsible for attacking the west gate, Hassan was responsible for attacking the south gate, Satuk was responsible for attacking the north gate, and the Uighurs' affiliations advanced to cut off the connection between Shule and Shache.

For a moment, the entire Shule seemed to have been shaken. The Tang army in Shule City did a good job in publicity. This winter, Zheng Wei had established an effective Baojia system, so the impact was relatively small. The Hu tribes outside the city saw that the former master suddenly appeared and led a "200,000 army" to appear, but they were panicked!

"Why is Bograhan not dead yet? It turns out that we were all deceived by Tang Jun!"

More than 10,000 people rushed to rely on him. Satuk did not blame him and ordered Ista to command the commander to attack Xia Shule. Yang Yiwang saw Shule and Huyuan and sneered: "It seems that these fence-skinned grasses have not been beaten that day!" Before they could approach, they led a thousand cavalry out of the city. How could those herders be his opponent? The two first troops arrived were killed and urinated. When the other five troops were scared, they stopped from afar and did not dare to approach. Ista's troops had only 10,000 people, but they could not surround Xia Shule.

Shule was surrounded by enemies. Guo Shiyong said, "If the east road is intercepted, the connection between our army and Shache will be cut off. We must fight." Guo Luo said, "I'll go!" He led three thousand cavalry out of the city to sweep, and another big victory was won. When Satuk and Hassan heard the news and sent people to reinforce, Guo Luo had already led the troops back to the city.

Satuk was quite worried when he saw that he could not stop the Tang army from leaving the city, but Hassan called the "Turkish people" useless. The tribes of the Uighurs all spoke Turkic language, so in the eyes of the Tianfang Sect, they even included the Uighurs were all "Turkish people".

It has been nearly three months since the rejuvenation of spring that Li Bin hoped for has not arrived, but the weather has been getting better and better. The Shule Oasis is full of beautiful green grass. Several large armies have occupied all the ranches of the Gun, installed equipment, and pushed out the ladder, preparing to attack the city.
Chapter completed!