Half a month later, Xue Rengui led 30,000 troops from the west and marched towards Chiling City.
Chiling City is located in the southeast of Tubo, adjacent to Kuozhou in the Tang Dynasty. It was originally the territory of Tuyuhun, but now it has become an important border town between Tubo and the Tang Dynasty.
After learning of the Tang Dynasty's invasion, the Tubo monarchs and ministers were greatly shocked. They gathered together overnight to discuss. Finally, Zanpu gave the order to send Lun Qinling to lead the army to Chiling Town to defend it.
In the tall tower of Chiling City, Lun Qinling quietly listened to the scout's report, with no expression on his face.
The other Tubo generals all looked surprised and suspicious.
Mika said: "What are these Tang people doing? They only advance ten miles a day. Is there some conspiracy?"
Xipo straightened her back and said in a deep voice: "Xue Rengui is full of tricks, there must be some conspiracy!"
Mika snorted and said: "No matter what conspiracy he has, now that Da Lun is personally guarding Chiling City, he can't imagine it is as easy as attacking Ba Chang City. When the miasma breaks out in their army, we will take the initiative to attack and destroy it.
Got them!"
Xi Po said: "It's better not to underestimate Xue Rengui too much."
Lun Qinling closed his eyes and gently rubbed his temples with his fingers, which was his habitual action when thinking.
After a long silence, he suddenly asked the scout: "Did Tang Jun have any other abnormal behavior?"
The scout thought for a while and said, "When you say that, there is indeed something strange!"
"What's the matter?"
The scout said: "When we checked from the nearby mountains, we found that the Tang army sat in the camp to rest every day and did not train at all!"
Mika slapped his thigh: "I understand, many of their people must have contracted the miasma, so they cannot train. Let's take the initiative to attack!"
Si Po rolled her eyes and said: "How is it possible? If so many of them were really suffering from miasma, they would have led the army back long ago!"
Mika asked: "Then why don't they train?"
Lun Qinling suddenly said: "Xi Po, you immediately return to Gaize City, guard the dungeon, and never let the Tang people leave!"
Mika was surprised and said: "Big talk, why is this? Will anyone let those prisoners go?"
Lun Qinling said slowly: "I suspect that Xue Rengui intends to lure me away from Gaize City and take the opportunity to plan a prisoner exchange. There may be changes in the city!"
Xipo said with a solemn face: "Dashu, if they really have such a plan, they will definitely take Zamp's idea."
Lun Qinling nodded silently and said: "Go quickly. If Zanpu asks to release people, you must find a way to stop them and don't let them take people away."
Xi Po said: "Yes!"
…
Change the city dungeon.
Han Cheng, Cheng Boxian and Russell were all moving around in the prison, but Murong Xuan was the only one sitting quietly.
A few days ago, Murong Xuan found out from the Tubo guards that the Tang army suddenly sent troops to attack Chiling City. Lun Qinling led the army to defend and left Gaize City.
All four of them knew that the imperial court had no current plan to annex Tibet. After discussing with each other, they all felt that the imperial court wanted to use force to force the Tibetans to exchange prisoners.
When I think about it, I feel better.
Han Cheng and others had nowhere to vent their energy, so they often exercised in the cell.
Han Cheng had just finished doing a set of handstands when he suddenly heard a burst of footsteps. He immediately stopped and walked to the fence.
I saw a Tibetan general walking over with a dozen soldiers.
The Tubo general was extremely tall, with a face darker than Cheng Boxian's, and he was quite imposing.
He glanced at Han Cheng and others and said:
"Several Tang Dynasty generals, I am Qu Mangbu Zhi, the Tubo general. I have been ordered by Zanpu to exchange you for the Prince of Chidu and other generals who have been captured by you."
All four people were overjoyed, and Russell asked anxiously: "When will the exchange be made?"
Qu Mangbu said: "We have sent people to Bazhuan City, and we have agreed with your country to exchange at Kunlun Pass. We will exchange the first batch of fifty people first."
After a pause, he said again: "Which of you is General Han Chenghan?"
Han Cheng was stunned for a moment, nodded and said, "I am."
Qu Mangbuzhi waved his hand and said, "Open his cell." Two soldiers immediately opened the door and tied his hands with ropes.
Qu Mangbu said: "I have something I want to discuss privately with General Han."
After saying that, he turned around and left. Han Cheng was escorted away by the Tibetan soldiers.
After leaving the cell door, Han Cheng discovered that it was night outside and the wind was very strong. The wind was full of yellow sand and blew on his face, making him very uncomfortable.
Han Cheng squinted and followed Qu Mangbuzhi on the road covered with sand and gravel.
The houses on the roadside are very simple, with uneven walls, no paint, and are all khaki in color.
Not long after walking, a slightly taller building appeared in front of me. I walked in through the door, walked along the corridor for a while, and came to a courtyard.
There was a large pot in the center of the courtyard, filled with water, and a fire was being lit underneath. Han Cheng secretly wondered, do the Tubo people like to cook in the open air?
Entering the main room on the north side, Han Cheng's eyes lit up. There was nothing visible from the outside of this room, but it was unexpectedly magnificent inside.
At the top of the room sat a handsome young man. He was wearing a blue robe studded with gems. He rested his right hand on the table and looked at Han Cheng sideways.
Qu Mangbuzhi said solemnly: "General Han, this is our Zanpu of Tubo, why don't you kneel down to pay tribute!"
Han Cheng was slightly startled, then cupped his hands and said: "Han Cheng, the general of the Tang Dynasty's Western Conquest Army, has seen Tubo Zanpu!" His tone was not humble and he did not say anything.
Qu Mang Bu Zhi had already knelt down. Seeing that Han Cheng was not kneeling aside, he said in a deep voice: "General Han, when you see our Zanpu, you need to kneel down and salute."
Han Cheng said loudly: "I am a general of the Tang Dynasty, and I only kneel to the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty."
Qu Mang Bu Zhi was about to say more when Tubo Zan Pu waved his hand and said with a smile: "Since you are a general of the Tang Dynasty, you don't have to kneel down. Please sit down."
Han Cheng sat down as instructed.
Tubo Zanpu narrowed his eyes and said: "Although I am the King of Tubo, I have always liked your culture of the Tang Dynasty, and I have always paid attention to the affairs of the Tang Dynasty."
Han Cheng remained silent and did not answer the conversation.
Tubo Zanpu smiled slightly and said: "I know that you are a confidant of the Tang Dynasty Marshal Wu Chengsi. You used to be the commander of the guards in his house. Your father's name is Han Yi. He used to be a green forest thief, right?"
Han Cheng was horrified. The Tubo emperor had clearly investigated him and must have some purpose. He couldn't help but be wary secretly.
Tubo Zanpu smiled and said: "You don't need to panic. I said this to confirm that what I just said about paying attention to the Tang Dynasty was true and I didn't lie to you."
Han Cheng was silent for a while and said: "I don't know what you want to see me for. Please tell me clearly."
Tubo Zamp stretched out his two hands covered with gemstone rings and took a grape from the fruit plate on the table.
"Next, I will ask you a few questions. You should know what I know about the Tang Dynasty. I already know the answers to some of the questions I want to ask, if you dare to deceive me."
As he spoke, he crushed the grapes and wrote lightly: "I will let people cook you. Do you understand?"
Han Cheng said coldly: "Why don't you take action now? We Tang Dynasty soldiers will never be coerced by any means!"
Tubo Zanpu said calmly: "General Qu Mang, since this Tang Dynasty general is so courageous, let's help him. Anyway, we still have many prisoners in our hands."
Qu Mangbu Zhi agreed, stood up and took Han Cheng outside the door.
Seeing the big pot again, Han Cheng finally knew what the big pot was used for.
At some point, the courtyard was surrounded by Tibetan soldiers, and everyone stared at him with strange eyes.
Qu Mang Bu Zhi smiled solemnly, showing his neat white teeth: "General Han, these Tibetan soldiers are the elite of Zan Pu. When you are cooked, they will share your food."
After a pause, he added: "We Tubo people have a tradition that as long as we eat a powerful person, we can gain his power.
Tubo law stipulates that Tubo people cannot eat Tubo people, so we will eat those captured generals from other countries and let them become our strength!"
Han Cheng smiled up to the sky and said loudly: "Eat it if you want. We in the Tang Dynasty also have a tradition. Whoever dares to offend us, no matter how far away he is from us, we will fight back a hundred times.
If you eat me today, you will avenge me when my troops come to the city tomorrow. However, our Tang Dynasty is a country of etiquette and will not do cannibalism. By then, you should be cooked and fed to chickens and dogs.
Bar."
Qu Mangbuzhi looked cold and said, "It's a pity that you can't see it anymore." With a wave of his hand, four soldiers lifted Han Cheng up and threw him into the boiling pot.
Qu Mang Bu Zhi said sternly: "As long as I wave my hand, you will die without any body parts in an instant. How about, if you are willing to beg for mercy, I will spare your life!"
Han Cheng closed his eyes and said nothing.
Qu Mangbuzhi frowned secretly and looked toward the house. The Tubo Zampu had already arrived at the door. He shook his head and returned to the house.
Qu Mang Bu Zhi sighed, waved his hand and said, "Let him down."
After Han Cheng landed, there was a hint of admiration on his stern face, and he praised: "As expected of a general of the Tang Dynasty, come with me."
When he returned to the house, Han Cheng saw Tubo Zanpu again.
A smile appeared on his face again: "General Han, I have always heard people say that the generals of the Tang Dynasty are all tough men who are not afraid of death. I have never believed it, so I just tested you. I hope you won't be offended.
"
Han Cheng looked at him coldly and said nothing.
Tubo Zanpu smiled and said: "Actually, we Tubo and you, the Tang Dynasty, have always been good friends, and we have always respected you."
Han Cheng asked: "Then why do you want to invade my territory?"
Tubo Zanpu sighed: "General Han doesn't know. Although I am the king of Tubo, I have only succeeded to the throne for a short time, and I still cannot convince the public. Just like your new emperor in the Tang Dynasty, he wants to listen to the Queen Mother, and I also want to listen.
Great appearance."
Han Cheng's heart was moved. Murong Xuan had already informed him of the situation in Tubo. He naturally knew that the Tubo emperor was lying.
Although Ludongzan held a high and powerful position, Zanpu was a religious leader and his influence could not be replaced by anyone.
But there was no need to point this out at this time. He really wanted to know the other person's intention in telling him this.
Tubo Zanpu added: "What I hate most in my life is the country of Dashi, so I have always wanted to unite with your country to fight against Dashi. Unfortunately, the prime minister is unwilling to do so, and I have no choice."
Han Chengdao: "I heard that the prime minister of your country is ill and may die soon."
Tubo Zampu's eyes lit up and he said with a smile: "That's right, that's why I'm looking for you."
He showed a sincere expression and said: "The Tang Dynasty and Tubo should have become brotherly countries, but the rift arose because of Lu Dongzan's interference. Once he dies, the contradiction will be gone, and you and I will form an alliance.
Wouldn’t it be great to fight against the big food country together?”
Han Cheng sneered secretly, but kept a calm expression on his face and said: "I am just an ordinary general in the Tang Dynasty. It is useless for you to say these things to me."
Tubo Zanpu smiled and said: "Your Tang Dynasty army is in the hands of King Zhou, and you are King Zhou's confidant. I hope you can convey my words to him. This will be beneficial to both our countries, isn't it?"
Han Cheng nodded and said: "If we can avoid war, it will be a good thing for the people of both countries."
Tubo Zanpu laughed loudly and said: "General Han is indeed a good general who cares about the people. It would be great if there were more generals like you around me."
Han Cheng cupped his hands and said, "You are overly complimentary."
Tubo Zanpu smiled and said: "There is a saying in the Tang Dynasty that no one knows each other without fighting. I have made General Han a friend today. Don't worry, I will let you return to the Tang Dynasty safely in three days."
Han Cheng said wisely: "At that time, I will definitely convey your intention to form an alliance to the commander-in-chief."
Tubo Zanpu was so happy that he poured Han Cheng a glass of wine himself and asked Qu Mangbu to send him back to prison.
Back in the dungeon, Han Cheng was afraid that Tubo Zampu would send someone to eavesdrop on their conversation, so he did not disclose the conversation with Tubo Zampu. He only said that Tubo Zampu asked about the situation in the Tang Dynasty.
Three days later, Qu Mangbuzhi came to the cell as promised.
Fifty prisoners with the highest positions were selected, placed in several carriages, and escorted down to Kunlun Pass by 3,000 Tibetan troops and horses.
Ten miles outside Kunlun Pass, a wooden shed has been set up, and three thousand Tang troops, led by Xue Ne, lined up neatly.
The generals of both sides entered the wooden shed, and after each other sent people to check that the other party's prisoners were correct, they would exchange them.
At this moment, a horseman suddenly ran up from a distance and shouted: "There is an order, no prisoners can be exchanged! No prisoners can be exchanged!"
The person who came was none other than Siva.
Xue Na raised his eyebrows and said coldly: "General Qu Mang, what's going on?"
Qu Mangbuzhi gritted his teeth and said, "Don't worry about him, let's just exchange." He ordered his soldiers and horses to stop Xi Po and prevent him from coming over.
However, Xipo's prestige in the army was very high, and no one dared to stop him after he shouted loudly.
After he drove his horse closer, he said loudly in Tubo: "Soldiers, the general statement has said that exchanging prisoners is only beneficial to the Tang people, but not beneficial to us Tubo. We cannot exchange with them!"
Qu Mangbuji said sternly: "Xi Po, the exchange of prisoners is Zan Pu's order. Do you want to go against Zan Pu's will?"
Xipo said loudly: "Da Lun will explain it clearly to Zanpu. Soldiers, escort the prisoners back to Gaize City!"
The Tibetan soldiers hesitated for a moment, and a general loudly said: "What you say is always true. Let's listen to what General Po said."
Qu Mang Bu Zhi was frightened and angry. He yelled loudly but could not stop him.
On the other side, Xue Ne held the hilt of the sword tightly, his eyes flickering, thinking: "If we can't change it this time, it will be even more impossible in the future. It's better to rush in and save people."
He was cautious and did not rush to take action in case something happened again in Tubo.
Sure enough, at this moment, a luxurious copper carriage suddenly appeared in front of him, pulled by four oxen.
When all the Tibetan people saw the bullock cart, they all knelt down on the ground and shouted something in Tubo language. Xue Ne let go of the hilt of his sword and knew that Tubo Zampu was coming.
Siva came to the bullock cart and argued with Zampu in the cart for a few words. Unfortunately, Zampu had already made up his mind and ordered the guards to tie him up and pull him aside.
Qu Mangbuzhi came over again with the prisoners. He looked a little embarrassed. Xue Ne was very understanding and didn't ask any more questions. The prisoner exchange was finally completed smoothly.
Han Cheng and other fifty generals followed Xue Ne back to Gaize City and immediately set off for Chang'an.
…
On the streets of Chang'an, a group of cavalry advanced slowly, and immediately the generals looked weathered. It was Han Cheng and his party who had returned to Chang'an.
When pedestrians on the street saw them, they all smiled and waved their hands to them, which made a few of them feel quite ashamed.
Entering the imperial city and arriving at the Ministry of War, Han Cheng and other fifty people were placed in a small courtyard.
As the military officials shouted, each of them was called to a separate room for interrogation.
This was to confirm that none of the fifty of them had defected to the Tibetans.
When it was Han Cheng's turn, waiting for him was Zhang Jianzhi, the Minister of War.
Zhang Jianzhi said meticulously: "General Han, after His Royal Highness the King of Zhou learned that you were back, he ordered our military department to speed up the process and then send you to the West Camp. In order not to keep His Highness waiting, let's start quickly."
Han Cheng nodded and agreed, explaining clearly what he said and what he saw when he was captured in Tubo. By the way, he also told Zampo about talking to him.
Zhang Jianzhi silently noted it down and asked Han Cheng to press his fingerprints. Without asking any more questions, he said, "Okay, General Han, you can go."
Han Cheng suddenly said: "Secretary Zhang, I saw the people were very happy on the street. Did something happen again?"
Zhang Jianzhi looked at him with a strange look for a while and said: "General Xue captured Chiling City of the Tibetans. The news of the victory just came back yesterday. The people should be happy about this."
He seemed worried that Han Cheng would ask more questions, so he stood up and left the room as soon as he finished speaking.
Han Cheng stood silently in the room for a while, smiled bitterly and shook his head.
Xue Rengui won another battle, and the government and the public were happy about it, but he, the defeated general, was obviously not popular with others.
It was already afternoon when we arrived at the Xidou camp. Han Cheng came to the commander's tent after the briefing.
Except for Wu Chengsi, Li Ji and Su Dingfang were all present in the tent.
As soon as he entered the door, he knelt down on the ground and said loudly: "The general has betrayed the commander-in-chief's trust and lost his troops. Please punish the commander-in-chief!"
Wu Chengsi helped him up and said warmly: "The main responsibility for that war is not yours. The imperial court has already discussed it and demoted you to the rank of Zhonglang General. You can perform your meritorious service in the future."
Su Dingfang patted him on the shoulder and said with a smile: "Han Cheng, victory or defeat is a common thing for military officers. I also lost in battles when I was young. You go back and learn your lessons well, so as not to fall into the same trap next time."
Han Cheng felt excited and said loudly: "Yes!"
Wu Chengsi smiled and said: "Okay, you should go home quickly. Your father is very worried about you."
Han Cheng nodded vigorously, bowed his hands to the three of them, and exited the handsome tent.
Li Ji said slowly: "This son is too rigid in fighting, so he can only be a general who defends the city."
Su Dingfang argued: "Yes, generals like Guo Daifeng should be used in field battles or siege battles."
Li Ji had been ridiculed by him all day long because of Guo Daifeng's affairs. He had long been used to it, and said calmly: "Let's continue to discuss the matter of Chiling City. Regarding Qinling's sudden abandonment of the city, what do you think is the reason?"
Su Dingfang touched his chin and said: "Judging from the time, he should have abandoned the city after learning about the prisoner exchange. Perhaps he was expressing dissatisfaction with Tubo Zanpu."
Wu Chengsi said: "There is another possibility."
The two looked at each other immediately.
Wu Chengsi crossed his arms and said: "As for Qinling's retreat to Shanshi City, it seems that we were unclear about our army's intention to advance, so we retreated to wait and see."
Su Dingfang laughed and agreed: "Xue Rengui marches ten miles every day, and the soldiers don't do any drills. If I saw it, I would feel sick in my heart."
Li Ji smiled and said: "Chengsi, you haven't explained to us why that method of marching can prevent soldiers from contracting miasma?"
The method Wu Chengsi used was a method to deal with altitude sickness. However, the ancients did not know the existence of oxygen, so it was not easy to explain, so he said: "I saw this in an ancient book."
Naturally, neither of them believed it, but seeing that he didn't want to say more, they didn't ask any more questions.
Li Jidao: "Recently, the imperial court has mobilized troops one after another, and there is not much money in the treasury. In my opinion, the war with Tibet has been suspended for the time being. What do you think?"
Su Dingfang snorted and said, "You have only been a Zhongshu Ling for a long time, and your speech has already acquired the tone of a civil servant."
Li Jidao: "I just suggest that Pei Xingjian's side is almost ready, and the Silla and Japanese coalition forces will soon reach Pyongyang. In a short time, we will be able to recover Liaodong in one fell swoop. It's better to let Tubo go first. "
Wu Chengsi said: "I agree. After capturing Liaodong, the next step is to attack and destroy the Japanese country. Only when all the troubles in the east have been eliminated can we be free to completely deal with the Tubo and Turks."
Su Dingfang said hurriedly: "Commander, if you don't let me go to fight Tibet this time, I will definitely have my share in the next few wars!"
Li Ji smiled and said: "Brother Su, you and I are already so old, why should we argue with young people?"
Su Dingfang glared and said: "It's your business whether you want to fight or not. I haven't had enough fighting yet. Commander, just tell me whether you want me to go to the battlefield or not!"
Wu Chengsi thought for a while and said: "If you must go to the front line in person, how about waiting for the Yangzhou navy to capture Kyushu first, and then you participate in the battle to destroy the Japanese country?"
Su Dingfang's eyes shone brightly and he said: "Okay, then I will definitely catch the Japanese king with my own hands and escort him back to Chang'an!"
The most proud thing in his life was to annihilate Baekje and escort hundreds of Baekje nobles back to Chang'an.
A few days later, another good news came from Tubo. The Prime Minister of Tubo, Lu Dongzan, died of illness, and the position of Prime Minister was succeeded by Lun Qinling.
In mid-November, Tubo sent envoys to the Tang Dynasty to discuss the alliance between the two countries.
By this time, the prisoners had been exchanged. Wu Chengsi heard about Tubo Zanpu's words from Han Cheng and took over the matter personally. He only agreed to negotiate peace but rejected the alliance.
The Tibetan envoys were very unhappy and asked the Tang Dynasty to return Chiling City.
Wu Chengsi said coldly: "Your envoy, please tell your country Zanpu that the responsibility for your country's surprise attack on my country's Ba Chang City lies with your country. Chiling City is your country's sincerity in negotiating peace."
The Tibetan envoys wanted to discuss it further, but Wu Chengsi had already stood up and left, leaving the rest to the quarrel between the Honglu Temple officials and the Tibetan envoys.
A month later, Tubo Zampu agreed to the conditions, announcing that the short war between Tubo and the Tang Dynasty for several months was finally over.
At the same time, the Tang Dynasty's harassment of the Japanese nation of Kyushu also came to a standstill due to the cold weather.
The Yangzhou generals were all recuperating their strength and gearing up, waiting for next spring to launch a massive attack on Kyushu.