The Golden Family, rising from the Western Regions

Chapter 278 Doesn't he look like a dog to you?
Kashgar, the capital of the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate.

The sky was dyed crimson by the rising sun, like a burning flame, heralding a new beginning.

This day marked the momentous occasion of Kutlug's ascension to the throne as Khan, and the entire city was immersed in a solemn yet tense atmosphere.

Historically, Yusup Khan had two more years to live.

However, due to the rise of the Northern Frontier, the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate suffered repeated heavy blows, with tens of thousands of troops being defeated in the Northern Frontier. Even Yusup's own younger brother became a prisoner of the Northern Frontier army.

Even last year, Erhu led the Northern Frontier Army on a southern expedition, conquering cities and fortresses along the way, reaching as far as Jimo. If it weren't for the approaching winter, which made it unsuitable to continue fighting, the war would have been over.

Perhaps the Northern Xinjiang army will be able to advance directly to Kashgar.

The successive blows prevented the old Khan from surviving the last two years, and he passed away just as summer began.

The new Khan was Gudulu, the son of Yusup. His two daughters married the brothers Li Xiao and Erhu as concubines.

The reason for choosing his daughter for a marriage alliance was to pave the way for his ascension to the throne.

The atmosphere in the Khan's court was solemn and dignified.

Kutluch, dressed in a white robe embroidered with gold thread and a turban inlaid with turquoise and rubies, stood beneath a tall dome, sunlight streaming through stained glass windows and outlining his divine silhouette.

Around them, senior imams from the Hetu sect, dressed in black robes and holding the Quran, chanted verses in hushed tones.

Qutlugh, standing tall and witnessed by numerous nobles, generals, and religious figures, faced the Kaaba and loudly proclaimed: "There is no god but God; Muhammad is the messenger of God."

"And I, Suleiman ibn Qutlugh, will abide by the true episcopal law, which is the foundation of the governance of the state."

"I will dedicate myself to the unity and territorial integrity of the Karakhanid Khanate and to protecting the life and property of every subject."

"I will treat all ethnic groups in the country fairly, fulfill the duties of the Khan, relieve the poor, build water conservancy projects, and make the country prosperous and strong."

"Lord, grant me wisdom to govern this land justly, to uphold the faith, and to protect my people."

As soon as he finished speaking, the nobles, generals, and religious figures burst into enthusiastic cheers, and shouts of "Salaam!" echoed throughout the hall.

Immediately afterwards, a trusted minister of the old Khan stepped forward, holding an ancient sword in both hands. The blade was engraved with mysterious patterns, and the hilt was inlaid with emeralds.

"This sword was used by successive Khans to protect their country and their faith. Today, I entrust it to you, hoping that you will be as brave as your predecessors," the minister said respectfully.

Qutlugh received the sword with both hands and solemnly declared, "I swear in the name of Allah."

"The blade of this sword will forever be pointed at the enemies of the Karakhanid Khanate—whether they are bandits in the desert or jackals who covet this land."

As soon as he finished speaking, the nobles and generals in the Khan's court cheered again.

"Gu Duo Lu Khan! Gu Duo Lu Khan!"

Their boots stomped heavily on the bluestone slabs, the rhythm as precise as war drums, creating a very joyous atmosphere.

But amidst the enthusiastic cheers, a commander of the Khan's Imperial Guard suddenly pushed his way out of the crowd.

Gutluth frowned slightly and subconsciously turned to the side. The commander immediately leaned closer and whispered a few words.

"what?"

Gutluh's Adam's apple bobbed violently, his voice low but trembling almost imperceptibly.

His eyes widened suddenly, and the joy of ascending the throne vanished instantly.

His peripheral vision quickly swept over the back row of the crowd—where several of his brothers stood, chatting and laughing with others while holding wine glasses, their smiles like poisoned knives, their eyes glancing at him every now and then.

Gutluth's back instantly broke out in a cold sweat. If he showed even the slightest sign of panic during the coronation ceremony, his menacing brothers would probably jump out immediately.

Of course, the most important thing is to complete the coronation ceremony first.

We'll make other plans after the position is secured.

"It's nothing serious, let's continue."

He quickly concealed the turmoil in his eyes, his voice as calm as if he were discussing the weather.

Cheers erupted again, and the ceremony finally ended as the setting sun painted the golden dome of the Khan's Palace red.

Gutluth forced himself to accept the last wave of blessings, then turned and headed towards the inner palace. As the corner of his white robe swept across the threshold, he almost tripped.

The study door slammed shut, and Gutlugh ripped off his headscarf and slammed it hard onto the sheepskin-covered table.

With his back to the several trusted ministers who had just entered, he whispered, "We have just received news that the barbarians from the northern frontier have once again invaded the south."

Immediately afterwards, he turned around abruptly, his face ashen, his eyes blazing with fury.

"This time it wasn't a small-scale raid; they had a large number of cavalry, and the land of Jimo has been breached once again."

“Even the vanguard of the northern barbarians has reached Kerpin and is marching towards my Kashgar.”

The Uyghur minister in charge of military and political affairs, Adieshuni, also looked shocked and horrified.

I couldn't help but recall the wars that had broken out with the Northern Frontier Army over the years.

The Eastern Karakhanid army, as a vassal army of the Western Liao court, had never been able to defeat the Northern Frontier army.

Instead, they suffered repeated defeats and were even driven back to Jimo City last year, forcing the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate to hand over three princesses for marriage alliances before the northern barbarians withdrew with their looted people and property.

The old Khan was so angry that he died.

Unexpectedly, those barbarians from northern Xinjiang have come again this year?
"The barbarians of the northern frontier accepted our princess's marriage and should have lived in harmony with our Karakhanid Kingdom, but instead they tore off the mask and invaded the south again."

"These barbarians are truly devoid of any integrity or conscience; they are utterly shameless!" Adie Shuni cursed angrily, his face flushed red.

Last year, he personally escorted the three princesses to the Northern Frontier Army camp as an envoy, hoping to secure peace through marriage. But now, the Northern Frontier Army's iron hooves have once again come to attack.

His role as a wedding envoy was a disgrace to the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate.

Another Uyghur general, Qibibijia, also looked indignant and shouted, "Khan, this humble general is willing to lead the army to meet them. We haven't settled the score with them from last year yet."

Just as Gudu Lu was about to speak, the commander of the Imperial Guards pushed the door open and entered again.

"Khan."

The commander's voice was even lower than before, carrying an ominous stagnation: "We just received news that Kerpin has been breached."

"The barbarians from the northern frontier also sent a letter."

"what?"

Gu Dulu suddenly stood up, his face changed drastically, his pupils contracted, and he looked incredulous.

"impossible!"

Gutluth's voice suddenly rose, with a tremor he himself was unaware of.

Kerpin is the northern gateway to Kashgar. Although the city wall is not high, it guards the key passage on the southern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains. How could it have been breached so quickly?

Two months ago, he personally inspected Kerpin, where the garrison commander had assured him that even if the Northern Frontier Army attacked, they could hold out for at least half a month.

How could it have been breached so quickly?
His trusted confidants beside him also paled, realizing the urgency of the situation.

"Once we cross Kerpin, only Khanoyi remains. If Khanoyi also falls, the barbarians of the northern frontier will advance right up to my Kashgar!" Adieshuni exclaimed in shock.

In short, after breaking through Kerpin, only Khannoi remained as a barrier in the way of the Northern Frontier Army.

There's no other way; southern Xinjiang is vast and sparsely populated, with distances of hundreds or even thousands of miles between two towns.

The message was transmitted very slowly; even after the Kerpin Islands were breached, the royal court only received the message then.

However, the most important thing is that the artillery offensive of the Northern Frontier Army was too fierce. Not to mention half a month, Kerpin couldn't even hold out for a day.

Another general also clamored to personally lead his troops north to deliver a crushing blow to the Northern Frontier Army.

Despite his arrogance, Gutlug paid no attention to it. Instead, he eagerly took a parchment envelope from the commander of the Imperial Guard. It was stained with dark red stains, whether blood or mud, it was hard to tell.

Unfold the letter; the handwriting is arrogant and domineering, carrying a condescending arrogance.

"Recently, I heard of the passing of the old Khan and was heartbroken; now I hear that my father-in-law has been enthroned as Khan and I am overjoyed. Therefore, I have led 100,000 elite cavalry from the northern frontier to Kashgar to offer my congratulations."

"Furthermore, I would like to ask my father-in-law to prepare 200,000 shi of grain and fodder for our army; and to select 10,000 eligible women who are of good character and capable of bearing children, so as to comfort the homesickness of our sons."

"I hope my father-in-law will prepare everything within half a month and have someone escort it to Kerrping for handover."

"If you do not arrive by the appointed time, I will have no choice but to lead my troops to Kashgar in person to reminisce with my father-in-law by lamplight."

The inscription reads "Li Ao, Commander-in-Chief of the Fifth Garrison of Northern Xinjiang".

In other words, Erhu is not the most powerful in the northern border region; there are at least four others who are more formidable than him.

If they all come at once, wouldn't the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate be doomed?

This is an even more blatant threat.

Upon seeing the letter written in Uyghur script, Gutlug was so angry that his face turned red and he almost spat out blood.

But then his vision went black, and he staggered backward, only to be caught by the guards behind him so he wouldn't fall.

Adie Shuni snatched the letter, and after reading its contents, he trembled with rage: "Shameless! Utterly shameless!"

"Bringing 100,000 iron cavalry to offer congratulations? How can anyone be so rude? They are clearly treating our Karakhanid Khanate like meat on a chopping board."

Qibi Bika also looked indignant: "One hundred thousand iron cavalry? Absolutely impossible!"

"He dares to demand 200,000 shi of grain and 10,000 women? Why doesn't he just rob them!"

He was stunned as soon as he said the words—the Northern Frontier Army was clearly robbing, and doing so with such self-righteousness.

Gutluth sat in the chair, breathing heavily.

Li Ao's letter was not a congratulatory message; it was clearly an ultimatum.

He kept referring to himself as his son-in-law, but he showed no respect whatsoever for his father-in-law.

Moreover, they made outrageous demands, asking for 200,000 shi of grain and 10,000 women.

It was practically a knife to the neck of this new Khan.

“Son-in-law…” Gu Dulu murmured these two words, feeling only a deep sense of mockery.

Although he had already gained enough prestige upon ascending to the throne, there were still a few restless brothers eyeing the Khan's position.

If a large army is dispatched to attack the Northern Frontier Army, it would be best to win, as this would solidify one's supreme prestige.

But if we lose, those people will probably pounce on us like wolves and tear us apart.

After considering for a long time, Gutlug slowly turned his head to look at Adie Shuni and said in a deep voice, "Adie, go and talk to my 'good son-in-law'!"

After saying this, Gutlug seemed to have completely lost his strength, leaning back in his chair, clenching his teeth, his face full of anger. "Khan?"

As a military general, Qibibijia was filled with disbelief. Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by Gudulu raising his hand.

He then said, "Qibi, I order you to immediately lead your troops to reinforce Hannoi. We must not allow the barbarians of the northern frontier to advance even a step south."

After the fall of Kerpin, Khannoi became the last line of defense in northern Kashgar.

Therefore, it is imperative to defend this place.

"Order the troops stationed in Uqturpan, Artu, Aktu and other places to come and reinforce Kashgar immediately."

Kutlugh's order was essentially a defensive strategy. He abandoned the idea of ​​launching an offensive to recapture Kerpin and made it clear that he intended to use the fortified city as a shield to exhaust the morale of the Northern Frontier Army.

Strategically speaking, this is the safest option.

The Eastern Karakhanid Khanate had just changed its ruler, and internal strife was brewing. Several of his brothers were eyeing his throne, and the Khanate could not afford a major defeat.

Holding Kashgar would preserve his foundation, but at the cost of leaving the people of Kerpin to the Northern Frontier Army and forcing his envoy to negotiate with humiliation—this frustration burned in his heart like a red-hot iron.

After everyone left, only Gutlug remained in the study.

He walked to the window, pushed it open, and the night wind carried the scent of wheat from Kashgar into the room, mixed with the sound of armored soldiers patrolling the city walls, but he felt no sense of peace.

Gazing at the moon, he suddenly recalled the history books of the Central Plains he had read in his childhood, and murmured to himself, "How similar is my predicament today to that of the Heavenly Khan back then."

When Emperor Taizong of Tang first ascended the throne, the Turkic cavalry approached the Wei River, forcing him to sign a treaty, send gold and silk, and agree to trade—a truly humiliating situation.

In just three short years, the Heavenly Khan sent Li Jing to sweep across the grasslands, capture the Khagan of the Turks alive, and raze the Turkic royal court to the ground. How heroic was that?

"The Alliance of the Wei River..."

Gutluh raised his hand and pressed it against the window frame, gritting his teeth as he said, “Li Ao demands 200,000 shi of grain and 10,000 women today, and dares to demand my Khanate tomorrow. But he has forgotten that if the Heavenly Khan can endure a moment of humiliation, so can I.”

The restraint at this moment is not cowardice, but waiting.

Wait until internal suspicions dissipate, until the Northern Frontier Army exhausts its strength beneath the fortified city, and until the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate's army is well-equipped and well-fed.

“What is given away today will be repaid tenfold or a hundredfold in the future.”

"The Khan of the Karakhanid Khanate is not a lamb to the slaughter."

Kutlug gripped the sword that represented his identity as Khan tightly, his resolute expression accompanied by a deep murmur.

It's both encouraging myself and setting goals.

Upon assuming the Khanate, Kutlug also desired to restore the glory of his ancestors and rebuild the great Uyghur Khanate.

……

Five days later, Adieshuni, along with the cavalry who came to reinforce him, arrived at Khannoi on horseback.

The dust outside the city was kicked up by horses' hooves, and the tranquility of the past was long gone.

Although the Northern Frontier Army did not attack the city, they were like a swarm of greedy locusts, looting the villages on the outskirts of the city.

Smoke rose from the ruins of the village, and occasionally a few mournful cries could be heard, but they were quickly drowned out by the sound of horses' hooves.

Those nobles who were usually high and mighty were now clinging to the battlements, jumping up and down in a panic.

They didn't care about the lives of the common people, but the farmers and shepherds who were taken away were the guardians of their cattle and sheep, and the source of their taxes and female slaves.

Now that they've been uprooted by the Northern Frontier Army, it's like having their flesh ripped out.

At this time, the number of Northern Xinjiang soldiers outside the city was small, and they were unable to stop Kashgar's reinforcements from entering the city, but the other side did not dare to blindly launch an attack on the Northern Xinjiang army outside the city.

I'm afraid it might be a trap.

After pursuing them for some distance, the cavalry was surrounded by the Northern Frontier Army from all sides.

Therefore, the current situation is to defend instead of attack, and strive to subdue the enemy without fighting.

"General Qibi, you arrange the defenses in the city. I'm going to meet with that 'son-in-law' now."

After saying this, Adie Shuni, accompanied only by a few guards, headed towards the Northern Frontier Army outside the city.

The forces outside the city were not the main force of the Northern Frontier Army; they were merely probing and monitoring Khannoi, and incidentally plundering the villages outside the city.

The main force of the two tigers remained in Keping, purging the local nobles and plundering grain and women.

This is a very meticulous task, and it will be impossible to launch an attack on Khannoi in a short period of time.

And so, escorted by soldiers of the Northern Frontier Army,

Adie Shuni arrived outside Keping City and saw a dark military camp in the distance, spreading out like gray mushrooms across the Gobi Desert.

Then came another familiar scene: the crimson battle flag fluttered in the wind, the sun and moon patterns on it exuding a chilling aura.

Adie Shuni took a deep breath, ignored it, and continued walking forward with the soldiers from the northern frontier.

After a search and with Erhu's permission, Adie Shuni was finally able to enter the camp.

The moment he stepped into the camp, he was hit by a stench of sweat, blood, and horse manure that made him want to vomit.

But he could only suppress his discomfort and secretly observe the situation of the Northern Frontier Army.

The number of troops in northern Xinjiang is now greater than last year.

He saw several thousand people, but it was definitely not the 'hundred thousand' that Erhu exaggerated.

Moreover, these soldiers were extremely strong and fierce, showing no respect whatsoever for Adie Shuni, only a beastly scrutiny, as if they were looking at a piece of fat meat waiting to be slaughtered.

What alarmed him even more was that there were many makeshift tents scattered in the corner of the camp, and groups of women in tattered clothes were tied to the outside of the tents.

They have distinct Uyghur and Karluk features in their appearance, and are clearly women from the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate who were abducted by the Northern Frontier Army.

Their hair was disheveled, their faces were streaked with tears, and their eyes were as empty as dry wells.

Screams of women could be heard from some of the tents. Some people tried to escape from the tents to resist, but they were quickly chased out by the soldiers and dragged back into the tents.

Some people also raised their heads and looked at him, the "messenger," with desperate eyes, as if they were silently pleading or mocking his incompetence.

Adie Shuni's fists were clenched tightly in his sleeves, his nails almost digging into his flesh.

These nobles didn't treat commoner women as human beings in their daily lives; even noblewomen were merely bargaining chips for marriage alliances in their eyes.

But at this moment, these women, appearing in the northern border military camp, were no longer the cattle and slaves of the nobles, but represented the dignity and face of the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate.

Could the Karakhanid Khanate, which once dominated the Western Regions, have fallen so low that it couldn't even protect the women of its own country?

"What are you waiting for, envoy?"

The soldier leading the way roughly shoved him: "The commander is waiting in the main tent."

Ah Die Shu Ni stumbled and then regained his balance.

He looked up and saw two rows of guards standing outside the largest tent in front of him. They were all tall and strong, and the curved swords at their waists were still stained with blood.

Adie Shuni took a deep breath, straightened his hunched back, and walked into the main tent.

He immediately spotted Erhu sitting at the head of the table.

At this moment, he was shirtless, with a half-naked Uyghur woman in each arm, and he was wantonly ravaging her.

The two Uyghur women not only didn't make a fuss, but instead laughed and flattered each other, their demeanor natural and not at all pretentious.

When Adie Shuni arrived and saw this familiar face, Erhu immediately chuckled and said, "Oh ho, I didn't expect it to be an acquaintance."

"What's your name again? Anyway, you're an official."

"Thank you for sending those three princesses over last year," Erhu said with a smile.

He then looked at the two women in his arms, pointed at Adie Shuni, and said, "Do you think this old man looks like a dog?"

"How about I have him bark like a dog for you?"

The two women were taken aback by what they heard, and secretly glanced at Adie Shuni with slightly frightened expressions.

But there was a hint of excitement deep in his eyes.

They were all girls from ordinary families, and Erhu chose them to serve him because of their outstanding looks.

They didn't feel wronged at all; on the contrary, they were proud of it.

After all, these commoners have always been treated like slaves, but now that they've followed Erhu, they not only live a life of luxury and wealth, but their families can also benefit from it.

Therefore, the two women had long been happily serving Erhu.

Now, he sees the once high and mighty figures standing before him like lapdogs.

This further convinced them that their choice was correct.

Moreover, this brand-new experience excited both women. One of them even mustered up her courage and fawned over Erhu, saying, "Great, great!"

“We’ve always been the ones serving the noble lords like slaves, we’ve never seen a noble lord bark like a dog for us before!”

"Commander-in-Chief, make him call out!"

Hearing the woman coaxing Erhu, Adie Shuni was so angry that his face turned green.

Standing in the tent, his trembling hand pointed at the two women, and he said angrily, "Prince Consort, you Han people have a saying: 'A scholar can be killed but not humiliated.'"

"I am an envoy personally appointed by the Khan. How can I allow two lowly maids to insult me?"

Seeing the old man's defenses crumble, Erhu burst into laughter.

"Hahaha~"

Although it was just for fun, it revealed the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate's bluster and cowardice.

Otherwise, having suffered such a great humiliation, the old man would have long since turned his back and left, disregarding everything to start a war with the Northern Frontier Army.

But the fact that they could tolerate it shows that the attitude within the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate was still mainly one of appeasement and compromise.

Thinking of all this, Erhu kneaded his two full breasts, a smile curving his lips.

He said calmly, "I suddenly feel that we asked for too little food and women before."

"If you don't want my iron hooves from the northern frontier to ravage Kashgar~"

"You have to pay more!"

(End of this chapter)