Chapter 169 Soldiers Arrive in the Western Regions
Hearing the sound of horse hooves, Li Shengtian smiled instead of being angry and said, "Ali Musa can't wait any longer? He has a right to die and cannot blame others."
There was a hint of excitement and a little bit of madness in his eyes.
Prince Li Congde also responded immediately and said: "My son will contact Kang Zhishu now and ask him to prepare."
There was the same excitement and madness in his eyes.
As a hero of the Western Regions, Li Shengtian had already foreseen that the Yu Dynasty in the East was about to move westward.
With the Kara Khanate in the west advancing vigorously, and the Yu in the east pressing hard, Khotan has fallen into a desperate situation in the political arena.
But Li Shengtian did not sit still and found a way out of the predicament.
The internal structure of the Kara Khanate is very complex. There are nine surnames: Uighurs, Geluolu, Turks, Tubos and the old people of the Western Regions. Such a complex composition also has different beliefs.
The Uighurs believe in Manichaeism, the Turks believe in shamanism, the Tubo people, and the old people in the Western Regions believe in Buddhism, and Geluolu is a miscellaneous believer.
However, in order to cater to the West, the Karakhanate forced all the people to convert to the Great Food Law. This move caused a lot of turmoil in Karakhan, and it was also because of this that Manichaeism moved eastward.
Li Shengtian spent a lot of money to bribe and lure the Turkic Yehu, who was forced to convert to the Great Food Law, to surrender. The other party had promised that as long as Ali Musa went deep into the hinterland of Khotan, he would switch sides and cut off his retreat.
This is the first step
There is a second step, lobbying the Samanid Kingdom to make them add insult to injury and carve up the Kara Khanate together.
This will keep the West safe
As for the East, Li Shengtian had nothing to do, but with the rise of Manichaeism in Hexi and the Western Regions, it gave him hope.
The ancient Western culture was based on the supremacy of theocracy, so their religion was extremely overbearing and difficult to coexist with.
Regardless of whether it is the Great Diet, Catholicism or even Manichaeism, the essence of these sects born in the West is the same and they cannot tolerate others.
On the contrary, Buddhism has never been considered mainstream in Tianzhu, where it originated. Tianzhu religion has always been superior to Buddhism in the Tianzhu area from ancient times to the present. Buddhism cannot become overbearing in the environment of Tianzhu.
The Dashi Dharma is far more tolerant of Buddhism than Manichaeism. Manichaeism was the result of Catholicism, and the Dashi Dharma spread all the way to the East.
The imperial court of Dayu in the East welcomed the remnants of Manichaeism to the east, and then used its influence to promote Manichaeism in Hexi and the Western Regions. This move undoubtedly touched the nerves of the Great Food Law.
Li Shengtian sent someone to contact Da Shifa, hoping to use the power of Da Shifa to fight against Dayu.
Li Shengtian also promised to make the Food Law a state religion after the incident.
Using the West against the East is why Li Shengtian gave Ge Zhuoxi the confidence to convince The Lion King to remain neutral.
The coming of war means that planning and layout have been launched.
Sure enough, after the sound of horse hooves disappeared, the guards outside the palace quickly stepped inside and shouted: "General Suzhu outside the palace wants to see you!" "Quick!" Li Shengtian said excitedly: "Let him in!"
Su Zhu is his most trusted general and assists him in handling military affairs.
Su Zhu came in with a frightened look on her face, sweating like raindrops, and very embarrassed.
Li Shengtian's smile froze on his face, and an ominous premonition filled his heart.
Suzhu knew about his plan. It was Ali Musa who sent troops just as he imagined, so he would not be so panicked.
Li Congde was not as politically sensitive as his father, and said with a smile, "Father, I want to apply to fight with Marshal Su Zhu to promote our country's prestige."
Su Zhu ignored it and reported while bowing: "Your Majesty, a large number of troops have appeared in the northeast. The Eastern Court has crossed the sand moraine, captured Datun City, and is approaching Shicheng Town." His voice was weak when he spoke.
Trembling.
When Li Shengtian heard this, even though he was mentally prepared, he couldn't help but stand up suddenly. Then he felt dizzy and hurriedly put his hands on the armrests of the seat to stabilize his body.
Li Congde exclaimed: "Impossible, how is it possible? That is the Sea of Death. How did Dongtu come here?"
He felt incredible when he took two steps forward and said, "Is there a mistake? It's Ali Musa who comes from the Kara Khanate!" Suzhu didn't know how to answer. If he hadn't been informed,
News, it was indeed discovered that Dayu's soldiers had breached their outpost of Datun City, and he could not believe it.
There are two famous roads leading from Yumen Pass to the Western Regions. One is from Yumen Pass and goes northwest through the two thousand miles of sand moraine to Gaochang, Xizhou and enters the Uighur territory. The other is from Yumen Pass to the southwest.
Lop Nur, Puchang Sea, passing through Bailongdui, arriving at Datun City, and entering the border of Khotan.
Both roads are difficult to walk, but the two thousand miles of sand moraine leading to Gaochang is relatively easy. All you need to overcome is the absence of water and grass, the abnormal climate, having someone familiar with you lead the way, knowing the direction, and finding a few places along the way.
The oasis can be accessed by replenishing water sources.
The latter road is not the case. The rivers in Lop Nur are all saltwater rivers, which are saltier than the sea water. There are no clean water sources along the way to provide supplies. Bailongdui is a saline-alkali soil platform group, which stretches from northeast to southwest in a long strip.
For nearly a hundred kilometers, the sandy soil is undulating up and down. The wind and sand are so big that they cover the sky and the sun, making it difficult to distinguish the direction and getting trapped in it.
There is no water supply along this road. If you are not allowed to leave for three to five days, you will be in danger of running out of water. It is useless to have a guide who is familiar with the road conditions, because there is no water supply along the way, and the wind and sand are blowing. No matter how well you know the road conditions, you cannot tell the direction.
In Lop Nur, there are sandstorms that last for several days from time to time, which is a normal thing.
It is possible that the caravan took risks for the sake of profit.
An army crossing the sea of death?
Unheard of!
Su Zhu herself seemed to be in a dream and said, "I don't know what's going on, but the Yu army from the East did appear in Datun City and fought with our army. Your Majesty, what should we do now?" Li Congde's face turned pale.
Said: "Reinforcements are necessary. The defense of Shicheng Town is empty and cannot resist the army from the east."
Shicheng Town is the legendary Loulan, also known as Shanshan, located on the west bank of Lop Nur.
Originally there were many troops stationed here, but they were currently at war with the Kara Khanate, and the war situation was urgent, so they mobilized the soldiers and horses from Shicheng Town to the front line.
Shicheng Town is the largest city in the northeast corner of Khotan. It is located on the lower reaches of the Chelchen River and has abundant resources. Once Dayu takes over this place, it will be like a nail deep into the interior of Khotan, blocking Dayu's army in the yellow sand desert.
It will become an empty statement. "No, it can't be done!"
Li Shengtian suppressed the feeling of panic and shouted: "We must not send troops to support Shicheng Town. Once we do, everything will stop."
Su Zhu said with a tense face: "I also mean this. Datun City is a small border town. Since Dongtu can cross the Sea of Death, he must be familiar with the terrain. It is impossible for them not to know the fact that Shicheng Town is empty. They don't
By attacking Shicheng Town instead of attacking the insignificant Datun City, I thought he was deliberately exposing himself and wanted our support."
Surrounding the spot for support?
Li Congde thought about these four words in his mind.
"Father!"
Li Congde looked at Li Shengtian with a sad face.
Li Shengtian had already regained his composure, pounded his thigh with his fist, slapped it violently, stood up and said: "You can't go anywhere, just wait for the east in Khotan, shrink all the soldiers and horses into the city, and protect the royal city."
Shule, also known as Kashgar in later generations, is located at the intersection of the southern and northern routes of the Western Region. It has been the main entrance and exit of east-west traffic since ancient times. It is also the economic center of Khotan. In terms of economy, it is better than the capital of Khotan.
Ali Musa lay leisurely on the bed, eating grapes, a specialty of their Western Regions. He glanced at the burly and majestic general Kang Zhishu in front of him and said, "General Kang, why should you be in a hurry? Our army has been fighting fierce battles one after another and needs to take a good rest. This time
Shule is rich, general, why not enjoy it."
Kang Zhishu lowered his head, a stern look flashed in his eyes, and he secretly resented: "Let you live a few more days."
As a descendant of the Turkic Kang family, Kang Zhishu has always been proud of his Turkic bloodline, and it is his lifelong ambition to lead the Turks to the top again.
However, Ali Musa forced 200,000 Turks to believe in the Great Food Law and suppressed those who disobeyed by force.
The grief and anger in Kang Zhishu's heart grew deeper and deeper, and Li Shengtian was ignited and agreed to backstab Ali Musa.
It’s just that Ali Musa stopped marching after he captured Shule.
, but rested on the spot and stood still, making Kang Zhishu secretly wonder if he had exposed his secret?
In fact, it was not that Kang Zhishu revealed his secret, but that Ali Musa did not dare to advance.
He was worried about his rear area. Although he made peace with the Samanid Kingdom, the conflict between the two countries had not been resolved. It was true that he had given up some of his interests, but compared with the land he had gained this time, the little he had given to the Samanid Kingdom had not been resolved.
The profits of the Kingdom of Man appear to be negligible.
Even the people closest to you may not be happy with you, let alone your enemies?
Shule is one of the richest towns in the Western Regions. If you let yourself occupy it now, you will definitely make others jealous.
Ali Musa has already regarded Khotan as something in his pocket, and is not in a hurry. Only by stabilizing the rear can Khotan digest it.
As King Ali Musa naturally does not need to explain to Kang Zhishu.
It was not until Ali Musa received the news that Khotan's troops on the front line at Qusha City had retreated that he summoned his generals to discuss military affairs with a confused look on his face.
"The troops retreated from Khotan? Is this news reliable?"
Ali Musa has been holding back because he is afraid that Qusha City is a tough nut to crack. He is worried that if he attacks Qusha City, his rear will be unstable. He first ensures that the rear is safe, and then attacks Qusha City. He has not sent out troops yet, and the opponent will
Just ran away?
What's going on?
Kang Zhishu said: "What do you care about his situation? King Khan, being able to capture Qusha City without a single blow is a gift from God." He only said that this was Li Shengtian's special play because he couldn't wait any longer, and he cooperated very wisely.
, even though he felt in his heart that this strategy was stupid.
Ali Musa gave Kang Zhishu a strange look and ignored him. This suggestion was too stupid.
The sudden change occurred, and no one in the Kara Khanate knew the reason.
But soon the news that the Yu court crossed the Sea of Death and entered Khotan reached Shule
The moment Ali Musa heard the news, he did not hesitate and ordered: "Withdraw the troops!"
He didn't even want the Shule that he had already eaten.