After Xue Rengui led his army to retreat from Kunlun Pass, Lun Qinling passed through Kunlun Pass and returned to the nearest Gaize City.
Han Cheng, Cheng Boxian, Russell and Murong Xuan were all imprisoned in a dungeon.
The cell is extremely simple, but the guards are very strict. There are people patrolling outside the cell almost all the time.
The Tubo people did not abuse them, but provided them with tsampa and highland barley wine.
According to Murong Xuan, even ordinary Tubo people could not eat this kind of food.
However, even if Han Cheng was given delicacies from the mountains and seas and jade dew and fine wine to drink at this moment, he would still be tasteless.
After being imprisoned for a few days, he began to feel uncomfortable physically. He felt weak and breathless.
Cheng Boxian was even worse. He lay motionless in the cell. If he hadn't moaned from time to time, he would have thought he was dead.
Murong Xuan comforted him: "General Han, don't worry, you are suffering from a miasma. Only weak people will die. You and General Cheng are strong and will be able to survive it!"
This disease seems to vary from person to person. Han Cheng and Cheng Boxian both suffered very badly, Russell's symptoms were mild, and Murong Xuan had no symptoms at all.
Han Cheng nodded silently.
After entering the Fourth Town of Anxi, he heard people talk about this disease. It was said that the poor mountains and rivers in the southern barbarian region and many forests had miasma, which spread throughout the territory.
Only those who live locally are fine. Murong Xuan is from Tuguhun and has grown up in this area since he was a child. No wonder nothing happens.
Han Cheng sighed and said, "I don't know what the situation is like outside."
After being captured, they have been kept in a prison camp. They cannot understand the Tubo language and have no idea about the current situation.
If Murong Xuan had not been to Gaize City, they would not even have known that they had arrived in Tubo territory.
The four cells were opposite each other, with Han Cheng and Russell next to each other, and Murong Xuan and Cheng Boxian on the opposite side.
When the Tubo people outside saw them talking, they did not stop them.
Murong Xuan looked very relaxed and said with a smile: "Since the Tubo people have returned to Tibet, it means that we have won the battle."
Russell said in a low voice: "Even if we win the battle, I don't know if we will have the chance to return to the Tang Dynasty in this life."
Murong Xuan's eyes flashed, and he suddenly started talking to a Tibetan guard next to him.
Han Cheng and Russell were both surprised when Murong Xuan babbled, seemingly speaking in Tubo language.
The Tibetan guard didn't pay much attention to him at first, but after a while, he and Murong Xuan were chatting enthusiastically.
Not only did other Tubo people not stop him, but some even stepped forward to join in the conversation.
Han Cheng was filled with surprise. What on earth did Murong Xuan say? These Tubo people actually talked to him so eagerly.
They chatted continuously for more than an hour.
During this period, a Tibetan man was very excited. He came to the prison door and grabbed Murong Xuan's hand, as if he had found a long-lost relative.
It wasn't until the shift was changed that the conversation finally ended.
As soon as the Tubo people left, Han Cheng couldn't wait to say: "General Murong, what did you just say to those Tubo people?"
Murong Xuan smiled and said: "I asked them about the situation outside, and they all told me. General Xue captured Bahuan City and forced the Tibetans to retreat into the country."
Russell asked suspiciously: "Why did they tell you and still chat with you so happily?"
Murong Xuan said: "You two don't know anything. Tubo is a religious country, and most people believe in Buddhism. I told them that I am a Buddhist believer, and they lost their hostility towards me."
Russell added: "I just saw a Tibetan shaking hands with you, so what's going on?"
Murong Xuan smiled and said: "The Tubo soldiers all admired Lun Qinling. I told them that the one I admired most was Lun Qinling. I also said that our General Xue was far inferior to him. Those Tubo people were so happy that they regarded me as
Bosom friend!"
Russell put aside his doubts and admired Murong Xuan's wit. He asked again: "Is there anything else going on outside?"
Murong Xuan's face condensed: "There is good news and there is bad news. Which one do you want to hear first?"
Russell said: "Let me tell you the good news first."
Murong Xuan nodded: "The imperial court has sent a special envoy to Tubo, and they want to exchange Tibetan prisoners for our return!"
Han Cheng and Russell were both overjoyed: "That's great!"
Even Cheng Boxian moved a little and seemed to say something, but the voice was too low and the three of them couldn't hear it clearly.
After hearing the news, Han Cheng felt better and asked, "What's the bad news?"
Murong Xuan gritted his teeth and said: "As for that bastard in Qinling, he said that our court is more anxious than them. There is no need to rush to agree to our envoy. Let's dry out the Tang envoy first. Then he proposed that our court use Tibetan prisoners and artillery in exchange."
us."
Han Cheng was taken aback and shouted angrily: "What he thinks is too good! At worst, we will die here, and he will never get our artillery!"
Russell was silent for a moment and said with a wry smile: "The imperial court will definitely not agree to this condition. I'm afraid it will be difficult for us to return to the Tang Dynasty."
After a pause, he said bitterly: "Qinling is really abominable. Prisoners have been exchanged for prisoners throughout the ages, but he insists on taking advantage. Doesn't he care about the lives of those Tibetan prisoners?"
Murong Xuan whispered: "Those captured Tibetan generals are all subordinates of Tibetan general Qu Mangbuzhi, not from Qinling, so naturally he doesn't care."
Seeing that both Han Cheng and Russell looked ugly, he suddenly smiled and said, "But you don't have to worry. Even though Lun Qinling holds a high position in Tubo, you still have to listen to Tubo Zanpu's words."
Russell hurriedly asked: "What is the opinion of Tubo Zanpu?"
Murong Xuan said: "General Xue captured the Tibetan prince Chidu Chizan. He is Zanpu's younger brother, so Zanpu hopes to exchange prisoners."
Russell said happily: "Then the Tubo people decided to exchange prisoners?"
Murong Xuan was silent for a while and said: "Lun Qinling has returned to the Tubo capital and wants to persuade his father to come forward."
Han Cheng was slightly surprised: "His father is Lu Dongzan who proposed to our court that year, right?"
Murong Xuan said coldly: "This is the man. He is the Prime Minister of Tubo. He has power over the government and the public. Even Zanpu must obey him!"
It was Lu Dongzan who killed Tuyuhun in the first place, and Murong Xuan hated him deeply.
In the next few days, Murong Xuan continued to use his identity as a Buddhist to inquire about information from the Tibetan people.
One day, after talking to the Tibetan guards, Murong Xuan's face became extremely ugly.
Han Cheng asked anxiously: "Brother Murong, was Tubo Zanpu persuaded by Lu Dongzan?"
Murong Xuan nodded solemnly and said: "Lu Dongzan's influence in Tubo is too great. Although Zanpu was reluctant, he had to agree to him."
After a pause, he sneered: "But I heard that Lu Dongzan is extremely ill and can't even get off the ground. It's better for someone else to carry him to see Zanpu. This old thief is finally going to die."
Russell asked with concern: "Will Tubo Zamp change his mind if he dies?"
Murong Xuan shook his head and said: "Lun Qinling has inherited most of Lu Dongzan's power. Even if Lu Dongzan dies, the power will be handed over to Lun Qinling. Tubo Zanpu will still listen to him."
Russell's expression darkened.
Another half month later, Cheng Boxian finally overcame the miasma and was in better and better spirits.
On this day, after talking with the Tubo guards, Murong Xuan said to the three of them: "Lun Qin Ling has returned to Gaize City, and he also proposed to the Tang envoy to use artillery and prisoners in exchange for our prisoners!"
The three of them were silent. They all knew that the court would never agree, which meant that they could never return to the Tang Dynasty.
Cheng Boxian suddenly said: "One thing I find strange is that since Qin Ling is so good at strategy, he should not be ignorant of the importance of artillery, and he should also understand that the court will never agree to him!"
Russell frowned and said, "Yes, why would he make such a request that is impossible to succeed?"
Murong Xuan's expression changed slightly, showing a thoughtful expression.
Han Cheng guessed: "Will he deliberately ask for a high price so that he can bargain and take advantage of the prisoner exchange process?"
Cheng Boxian shook his head: "Impossible, that's not what the asking price is. He will only anger the court."
Murong Xuan took a deep breath and said coldly: "I understand, Lun Qinling doesn't want to exchange prisoners at all, and deliberately set out such conditions just to mess up the matter!"
Russell asked urgently: "Why is he unwilling to change prisoners?"
Murong Xuan said word by word: "He was preparing in advance for the Tubo Dynasty after the death of Lu Dongzan! The Chidu Chizan who was captured by us was the younger brother of Zanpu, and the other generals were all subordinates of Qu Mangbu Zhi. They all
Support ZAP!”
Russell smiled bitterly. After listening to Murong Xuan's analysis, Qinling would never agree to a prisoner exchange, so they would have no hope at all.
Cheng Boxian suddenly glanced at the Tubo guards and said, "General Murong, these Tubo people can't understand Tang language, right?"
Murong Xuan nodded: "Only Tubo nobles can learn Tang language."
Cheng Boxian looked at him thoughtfully and said: "General Murong, you seem to have a good relationship with the Tibetan guards. Can you think of a way to create an opportunity to escape?"
Gu Hancheng and Russell were both surprised, and their eyes immediately lit up.
Murong Xuan said slowly: "You'd better give up this idea. Most of the north of Tubo is wasteland. There is no one living within a hundred miles of this city. Even if you escape by chance, you will either starve to death or be captured by them."
Cheng Boxian and the other three looked at each other in shock and stopped talking.
…
In the Tang Dynasty, the city was replaced by a dungeon.
Chidu Chizan leaned on the wooden railing of his cell and listened intently to the conversation of the two Tang army soldiers. The other Tibetan generals stared closely at him.
Among the Tubo people who were originally captured, there were two who could understand Tang language, one was Chidu Chizan and the other was Zanya.
Zanya surrendered to the Tang army, and these Tubo generals could only learn about the outside situation through Chizan, the capital of Chi.
A few days ago, Chidu Chizan learned from the guards of the Tang army that the Tang Dynasty was preparing to exchange prisoners with the Tibetans. All the Tibetan generals were overjoyed.
Later, I heard that the Tubo side was unwilling and left the Tang envoy aside. All the Tibetan generals were filled with anger.
After learning that it was Lun Qinling who made the decision, everyone scolded Lun Qinling.
But no matter how much they scold them, it's useless. They all know the power of Qinling and Ludongzan in Tubo. If they really don't want to exchange prisoners, Tubo Zampu can't do anything about it!
The two guards soon stopped chatting and went to drink at the cell entrance. Chidu Chizan's face was gloomy, as if he was about to drip water.
A general with a braided horn asked: "Prince Chidu, what did those Tang people say?"
Chidu Chizan did not answer, but silently walked to the prison wall and kicked hard against the wall.
The sound of "dong dong dong" immediately attracted a shout from a Tang guard.
"Who's making the noise? Do you want to be whipped?"
Chidu Chizan immediately stopped, his face flushed, and he was breathing heavily.
Another general with braided braids said anxiously: "Prince Chidu, what's going on?"
Chidu Chizan gritted his teeth and said: "As for that bastard in Qinling, he asked the Tang people for an additional condition before they were willing to exchange prisoners!"
"What conditions?" asked the braided general.
Chidu Chizan said angrily: "He wants the Tang people to add an artillery piece before he is willing to exchange prisoners."
These Tubo people now knew what artillery was and understood the importance of artillery. There was no way the Tang people would agree to this, and they were all very angry.
At this moment, there was a sound of footsteps, and a general came over.
Even though the general wore Tang Dynasty armor and had his hair tied like the Tang Dynasty people, Chidu Chizan still recognized him at a glance.
"Zangya, you traitor, do you still have the nerve to come see me?"
The visitor was none other than Zang Ya, the Tubo general who surrendered to the Tang Dynasty.
Because of his meritorious service in defrauding artillery, he was recommended by Xue Rengui as Zhonglang General and received the title of county boy.
Zan Ya said calmly: "My current name is Li Zan. You'd better be polite to me. I'm here to give you some food out of old friendship, so that you can be full!"
With a wave of his hand, several soldiers behind him carried several food boxes and delivered them to each cell.
Chidu Chizan was shocked and angry: "What do you mean by this?"
Li Zan snorted and said, "I won't hide it from you. The conditions proposed by Lun Qinling are clearly not sincere. General Xue reported to the court that Lun Qinling has no intention of exchanging prisoners, lest you go back to support Zanpu."
Chidu Chizan loudly said: "Don't sow discord! Although I have nothing to do with Lun Qinling, I know that he is loyal to Tibet, and I will never refuse to exchange prisoners for this reason!"
Li Zan smiled and said, "Yes, there is nothing wrong with Qin Ling. Everyone knows this, but he has to think about himself, right?"
Chidu Chizan was surprised: "What are you considering?"
Li Zan said: "You may not know that Lu Dongzan is about to die. Once he dies, the situation in Tubo will inevitably change. In order to maintain the power of the family, Lun Qinling naturally does not want Zanpu to be too strong."
Chidu Chizan was horrified. If it was true as Li Zan said, Qinling would not let them return to Tubo.
Li Zan said: "It doesn't matter whether you believe it or not. Anyway, the imperial court has already believed it. They feel that there is no hope for prisoner exchange. They are also angry that Tubo was rude to the Tang envoy and decided to execute you all!"
Chidu Chizan was so frightened that his body went limp and he collapsed on the ground.
Other Tibetan generals had similar reactions. Some picked up their food boxes and ate their last meal in silence.
Li Zan suddenly said: "You should really thank me. In order to save you, I thought about it for several days and finally helped you come up with an idea to give you a chance of survival!"
Chidu Chizan said angrily: "If you want us to be traitors like you, don't even think about it!"
Li Zan said coldly: "You are overthinking. The imperial court has regulations for accepting prisoners. The quota of Tibetans who accept surrender has been filled. Even if you want to surrender, the imperial court will not agree."
Several Tubo generals suddenly turned pale.
The braided general said: "Zan Ya, what do you mean by a glimmer of hope?"
Li Zan said lightly: "You are lucky. Among the captured generals of the Tang Army, several were close associates of the Tang Army's Generalissimo! The Generalissimo sent an order to General Xue, asking him to find a way to rescue the prisoners. General Xue sent this
The story told me, and I offered him an idea."
Chidu Chizan asked anxiously: "What's your idea?"
Li Zan said: "Write a letter to Zanpu and tell him about Lun Qinling's plan. Let him understand that if you die, he will become Lun Qinling's puppet. Anyway, write whatever you can to impress him!"
Chidu Chizan was silent for a moment and whispered: "I was captured by the Tang army. If I write such a letter to Zanpu, he will definitely think that I have defected to the Tang army."
Li Zan said: "Don't worry, I have already planned how to send this letter reasonably!"
Chidu Chizan stared at him and suddenly asked: "Why are you so enthusiastic about this matter?"
Li Zan said coldly: "Put away your suspicion, I just want to make some contributions to the court, and I have no mercy for you."
Chidu Chizan narrowed his eyes and said, "Your family should still be in Tubo."
Li Zan said: "Since I have taken refuge in the Tang Dynasty, I have abandoned my past. Since you are not interested in this matter, forget it. Anyway, there are many opportunities for me to make meritorious deeds!"
After saying that, he walked away.
Chidu Chizan said anxiously: "Wait a minute, what is the reasonable way to send this letter that you mentioned?"
Li Zan said coldly: "Don't you doubt my motives?"
Chidu Chizan hurriedly said: "I'm just asking a few questions. Don't worry, if you can rescue me, I will take care of your relatives in Tubo in the future!"
Li Zan's face softened a little and said: "In a few days, I will find someone who looks very similar to you to replace you. After you escape from the city and run south, the Tang army will chase you. Before the Tang army catches up with you, there will be
If a Tibetan craftsman comes to see you, just give him the letter."
Chidu Chizan was surprised and said: "How did you know that Tubo Xizuo would come to me?"
Li Zan said coldly: "I have already discovered the Tibetan espionage stronghold in Bathuan City, and several of them have been conquered by me. Do you understand now?"
Chidu Chizan was silent for a long time, and suddenly said: "It's useless. Even if Zanpu knew Lun Qinling's plan, there would be no way to facilitate the exchange of prisoners."
Li Zan said: "You only need to write this letter, and don't worry about other things."
Seeing that he was confident, Chidu Chizan hesitated for a while and finally said: "Okay then, I hope you will keep your word."
Li Zan hummed: "Don't worry, keeping you is just a waste of food. For the imperial court, they just want to use you in exchange for prisoners!"
After leaving the prison, Li Zan immediately saw Xue Rengui standing at the door. He stepped forward and said, "General, everything has been explained according to your instructions. Chidu Chizan has agreed to the plan."
Xue Rengui nodded: "Thank you for your hard work."
Li Zan hesitated for a moment and asked: "General, may I ask a question?"
Xue Rengui said: "Ask."
"How do you plan to get Zanpu to agree to exchange prisoners? I will bluntly say that as long as Lun Qinling is still in Gaize City, it will be difficult to succeed."
Xue Rengui said slowly: "You are right. As long as Qinling is in Gaize City, he will not agree to exchange prisoners, so I will let him leave Gaize City."
Li Zan was slightly startled and wanted to ask again, but hesitated.
Xue Rengui said: "General Li, you used a trick to recapture the artillery and proved your loyalty. We have many foreign generals in the Tang Dynasty. Hei Te Changzhi was a general of Baekje before. Now he is highly valued by the commander. You don't have to worry about your status.
Restrained.”
Li Zan looked grateful and said: "General, I would like to ask, how are you going to let Lun Qinling leave Gaize City?"
"In half a month, I will lead the troops to attack Chiling City."