The Golden Family, rising from the Western Regions

Chapter 366 Steel Blades, Bloodshed, and Submission: The Siege of Samarkand Begins

“Capture the Sultan of Khwarazm, Muhammad.”

"Don't go, Zhalandin."

The smoke from the battlefield had not yet dissipated when the rapid sound of horses' hooves echoed from a remote Gobi desert.

Li Shurong led his elite cavalry unit in pursuit of the direction in which Muhammad and his son had fled.

This group was particularly eye-catching: the soldiers wore uniform black cloth armor, the plates of which were fixed with fine copper nails, giving a matte finish in the setting sun, making them both lightweight and resistant to arrows.

Although they were young, mostly only sixteen or seventeen years old, they all stood up straight, had sharp eyes, and pointed their spears diagonally at the ground.

"Speed ​​up, don't let Muhammad get away."

Li Shurong took the lead and shouted loudly in a ferocious tone. The former clerk had now grown into a qualified military commander.

"Kill~"

The student soldiers behind him echoed in unison, like a pack of roaring little tigers.

The sound of hooves suddenly quickened, yet the horses maintained a tight formation without the slightest sign of disorder.

This is the advantage of the elite cavalry student army. Through systematic training, their organization and discipline far surpass those of ordinary Qin troops.

Seeing this, many of the officers of the Third Division pursuing nearby showed expressions of surprise.

Previously, when they heard that this "child soldier" was personally organized by the King of Qin, they were quite dismissive, thinking that they were just young people who had never experienced the battlefield.

But now that they've seen it with their own eyes, they realize that these student soldiers are not only brave and aggressive, but they can also maintain their formation while being pursued at high speed, something even veterans like themselves find inferior.

"Wow, these child soldiers are pretty impressive."

A commander of the Third Town couldn't help but exclaim, "We've been chasing them for so long, our formation has long since fallen apart, but they're as well-organized as when they first set off!"

"I heard that they practiced formations for several years at the Golden State training camp, and they have a method for both charging and retreating."

Another general added, his eyes full of admiration: "Your Majesty is truly farsighted. This force will surely become the elite of our Qin army in the future."

As they spoke, the Khwarazmian cavalry drew ever closer; these were none other than Muhammad's Sultan's personal guard.

They were dressed in magnificent silk battle robes and held curved swords, but their faces were filled with panic, clearly indicating that they were running away in a panic.

"That's them."

"The man in the middle wearing a gray-white moon robe and with a long beard is Muhammad."

Li Shurong shouted loudly, brandishing his cavalry saber, and gave a stern order: "The first team will flank from the left, the second team will charge from the front, and the third team will attack from the right. We must capture Muhammad alive."

"Follow the order!"

The elite cavalrymen responded in unison and instantly split into three teams, like three sharp daggers, charging towards the Khwarazmian Imperial Guard.

The black cloth armor stood out against the chaotic battlefield, and the light crossbows fired at long range, gradually surrounding the guards as if hunting prey.

With their spears swung, the Khwarazmian guards were no match for them and fell from their horses one after another.

In less than half an hour, the entire guard unit was wiped out.

Li Shurong dismounted, walked up to the kneeling, screaming 'Mahama,' grabbed his hair, pulled him up, and stared intently at his face.

He asked, "Are you Sultan Muhammad of Khwarazm?"

"Mahamayuri" was being pulled so hard his scalp tingled. He mumbled something incoherently, his eyes filled with confusion, clearly unable to understand Chinese at all.

Li Shurong frowned. He couldn't understand the other person's Persian either, so he could only stare intently at the other person's face.

Although his face has a certain majesty and a signature beard, he looks much younger than the Muhammad is rumored to have.

"Take him back and let the interpreter question him," Li Shurong said coldly, releasing his grip.

The soldiers immediately stepped forward, tied up "Mahama" along with the other prisoners, and escorted him to the Qin army camp.

Upon returning to the camp, the Persian translator rushed over.

After some questioning, the truth finally came to light: this "Muhammad" was just a centurion in the Sultan's guards. Because of his resemblance to Muhammad, he was temporarily dressed in Sultan's clothing to attract pursuers.

The real Muhammad and Jalal ad-Din had already taken off their magnificent robes, put on the armor of ordinary soldiers, and fled with more than three hundred personal guards and cavalrymen towards the Gobi Desert west of Kete Bay.

"Damn it, they got away again."

Enraged, Li Shurong slammed his fist on a tent pillar, looked at Li Xiao, and bowed, requesting permission: "Your Majesty, this humble general requests permission to lead the troops to continue the pursuit."

"Mahama and his son are like stray dogs. With just my personal cavalry battalion, we can surely capture them."

Li Xiao was sitting at his desk examining a map when he heard this. He looked up and slowly shook his head: "No need to chase after them."

"Muhammad and his son fled into the desert; how could they be found so easily?"

"Although Khwarazm has suffered this defeat, it is still not a weak country. If you bring too few troops, you will suffer losses if you venture deep into the Gobi Desert; if you bring too many troops, it will divert our forces from attacking Samarkand."

Muhammad himself was not a threat, but his son Jalal ad-Din was a force to be reckoned with.

Although he is only a young man and has not yet fully matured, the more desperate the situation, the more his talents are brought out.

Historically, he was a ruthless figure who could make the Mongol cavalry suffer defeats.

To deal with this kind of person, you can't use piecemeal tactics. Either don't take any action at all, or concentrate all your efforts and crush them with one blow.

But now, Khwarazm has suffered a defeat, losing 50,000 elite troops, and will not be able to recover for at least three years.

If the Qin army continued its westward expedition, it might seem like they could press their advantage, but in reality, it would not be in the Qin state's interest.

The Qin state had just occupied most of the Liao state's territory and urgently needed time to consolidate its power; moreover, the westward expedition was a long and arduous journey with difficulties in supplying provisions, and a forced advance could easily lead to a quagmire.

It would be better to take Samarkand first, integrate the population, land and resources left over from the Liao Dynasty, and use Samarkand as a base to recuperate and rebuild.

Once the nation's strength is consolidated, a westward expedition can be launched, at which point Khwarazm will no longer have the power to resist.

Although Li Shurong was still unwilling, he understood Li Xiao's considerations and could only bow and reply, "This subordinate understands, but... is that Zhalandin really that powerful?"

He was about the same age as Zhalandin, and it was inevitable that he would feel a bit competitive.

One day, he will personally meet this opponent whom the king values ​​so highly.

Seeing the competitive fire in his eyes, Li Xiao smiled faintly: "You're about the same age as him, you'll have plenty of opportunities in the future. For now, let's see how this goes."

Shortly afterward, the general in charge of logistics entered the tent, sweating profusely, and reported loudly: "Your Majesty, in this battle, we killed more than 13,000 Khwarazmian soldiers and captured more than 21,000. The remaining scattered soldiers are still being pursued."

"More than 3,000 warhorses and a certain amount of grain were captured, and the elephant cavalry was completely wiped out."

"it is good."

A hint of approval flashed in Li Xiao's eyes: "This battle not only severely damaged Khwarezm, but also avenged the Tang army that fought in the Battle of Talas."

"What should be done with the prisoners?" Li Shurong asked.

"Reorganize them all into mining slaves, and make them mine in shackles." Li Xiao's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.

Central Asia is rich in mineral resources, and there is a huge copper mine near Samarkand.

China has always been short of copper, and most copper mines are located in the Jiangnan region and the plateau.

The Qin state was naturally even more lacking in copper, and copper was the key to minting coins. This copper mine could solve the Qin state's urgent problem.

In addition, in the desert at the border of Khwarazm and the Western Karakhanid Khanate, there is the Muluntau Gold Mine, which is the world's largest open-pit gold mine.

However, there's no need to rush to mine this gold mine. Whether it's a gold mine or a copper mine, it should serve the rule of the Qin state. We can develop it when we need it.

The logistics officer bowed and accepted the order: "As you command, I will immediately arrange the escort of prisoners of war and the preparations for the mining area."

……

Three days later, on the Gobi Desert outside Samarkand, dust swirled, and the sounds of Qin horses' hooves, whips, and prisoners' cries for mercy blended together.

More than 20,000 prisoners of war passed by outside the city. Most of them were dressed in rags, their faces covered with dust and blood, their heads hanging low, their eyes empty, or crying and screaming.

Gone was the arrogance of the Khwarezmian soldiers; only endless despair and exhaustion remained.

On the city wall, Yelü Hongxin leaned against the crenellations, staring intently at the ranks of prisoners of war below, his face ashen.

The Liao generals behind him, such as Tayanggu and Yelü Wohan, also stopped, their expressions so solemn they could drip water.

More than 20,000 prisoners of war, not counting the soldiers who were killed or scattered, the Khwarazmian army of 50,000 men collapsed in just a few days.

The Qin army's fighting strength was far more terrifying than they had imagined.

"This...this is the elite force of Khwarezm?"

A young general's voice trembled, his eyes filled with disbelief: "Fifty thousand troops! Gone just like that?"

Yelü Wohan clenched his fists, his nails almost digging into his palms, his tone tinged with resentment: "The people of the Northern Frontier can easily defeat even elephant cavalry, so the power of their cannons is simply unfathomable..."

"Can our walls of Samarkand hold them off?"

Tayanggu sighed, his eyes filled with complex emotions: "Khwarazm is stronger than our Liao Kingdom is now, yet it is still no match for the people of the Northern Frontier."

"We only have 5,000 Liao soldiers, plus 50,000 remnants of the Western Karakhanid army. If the people of the Northern Frontier attack the city, I'm afraid..."

Before he could finish speaking, the city wall fell into a deathly silence.

Everyone understood that Tayangu was telling the truth. The fall of Khwarazm was like a boulder crashing down on the hearts of every Liao general.

The last glimmer of hope that had remained had vanished.

Yelü Hongxin took a deep breath, suppressing his fear. Just as he was about to speak to reassure the army, Tayanggu suddenly stepped forward and bowed.

"Your Majesty, the situation is critical. Khwarazm has been defeated, and we are isolated and helpless. Perhaps..."

"Why don't we send an envoy to the northern frontier camp to negotiate peace?"

"Peace?"

Yelü Wohan turned his head sharply, his eyes filled with anger: "Tayanggu, are you crazy? We are subjects of the Liao Kingdom."

“How could the descendants of the Yelü clan rebel and submit to the northern frontier? Those people from the northern frontier were nothing more than our Khitan people’s horse-breeding slaves back then.”

"Although the Emperor Emeritus was captured, he never lost the backbone of the Liao Dynasty. Now that the people of the Northern Frontier have not even attacked the city, you are already thinking of surrendering?"

“Tayanggu, you are simply the greatest traitor in my Liao Kingdom.”

Then Yelü Wohan said emphatically, "Your Majesty, I request that such a person who is causing unrest in the army be severely punished."

The reason Yelü Zhilugu had Tayanggu protect Yelü Hongxin during his departure was to prevent Yelü Wohan from becoming too powerful. Yelü Hongxin was young and unable to control such an experienced general; having Tayanggu by his side to check him would make it easier for Yelü Hongxin to seize power.

Therefore, Tayanggu and Yelü Wohan naturally became increasingly at odds.

Tayanggu believed that Yelü Wohan was a powerful minister, a contemporary Sima Yi, who held onto military power and harbored treacherous intentions.

Yelü Wohan, however, believed that Tayanggu was a treacherous minister, a modern-day Qin Hui, who was always trying to sow discord between him and His Majesty.

Now, despite facing a formidable enemy, the two, who should have been working together, are increasingly at odds due to Yelü Hongxin's indulgence.

"backbone?"

Tayanggu sneered, his tone laced with mockery: "Yelü Wohan, can mere backbone withstand the cannons of the Northern Frontier?"

"Can the bloodline of the Liao Dynasty be preserved? Khwarazm serves as a cautionary tale."

“If we fight head-on, we won’t even be able to hold Samarkand. Then the Liao Kingdom will be completely destroyed. It doesn’t matter if you and I become prisoners of the people of the Northern Frontier, but if we implicate His Majesty, we will be more than dead.”

"You~"

Yelü Wohan's face flushed with rage as he drew his scimitar: "My Liao soldiers would rather die in battle than kneel and beg for peace. If you dare to propose peace again, don't blame me for being impolite."

"That's enough~"

Yelü Hongxin sternly stopped them, his sharp eyes sweeping over the two: "What time is it? Why are you still killing each other?"

He paused, his tone gradually softening, yet carrying an undeniable resolve: "Tayanggu is right. Backbone can't put food on the table; the continuation of the Liao Dynasty is the most important thing."

"I, Yelü Hongxin, may not care about hatred or face, but I cannot let the Liao Kingdom perish in my hands."

Yelü Wohan was stunned, unable to believe his ears: "Your Majesty, you...you really want to submit to the people of the Northern Frontier? Then all our resistance over the years has been in vain?"

"That's better than the country being destroyed."

Yelü Hongxin's voice suddenly rose: "As long as we can make the people of the Northern Frontier retreat and preserve a spark of the Liao Kingdom, what does it matter if we cede land or submit?"

"When we've recharged our energy, we might have a chance to turn things around."

He looked at Tayanggu and said firmly, "Issue my order to immediately select an envoy with generous gifts to meet Li Xiao at the Northern Frontier Camp."

"Tell Li Xiao that the Liao Kingdom is willing to submit to the Qin Kingdom, to pay tribute of grain and horses every year, and to cede all the territory north of Samarkand."

“As long as he agrees to withdraw his troops and stop attacking the Liao Kingdom, I, Yelü Hong, am willing to submit to him, pay tribute, and never betray him.”

Tayanggu bowed and accepted the order: "As you command, this subordinate will make the arrangements immediately."

Looking at Yelü Hongxin's resolute profile, Yelü Wohan felt a deep sorrow, yet there was nothing he could do.

He knew that His Highness was telling the truth; the Liao Kingdom no longer had the resources to contend with the people of the Northern Frontier.

The Liao Dynasty, which once dominated the Western Regions, eventually reached a point where it needed to submit in order to survive.

……

Inside the Northern Frontier Army camp, soldiers from the First and Third Battalions, who had just finished the Khwarazmian War, were resting. Some were wiping their armor, while others were repairing their weapons. The camp was filled with a relaxed atmosphere after the war.

Only Erhu arrived outside the golden tent, dismounted, and hurriedly entered the tent, his brows furrowed.

Uncle Liu beat him to the task of eliminating the Khwarazmian cavalry. He stayed behind to besiege Samarkand, feeling frustrated and unable to use his energy. Watching others rest made him feel itchy all over.

"Brother, the First and Third Divisions have both made great contributions. My men have been guarding outside Samarkand without fighting a single proper battle."

"This time, the main attack on Samarkand, you'll have to entrust the task to our Fifth Division."

"I guarantee that we will breach the city gates within three days."

Li Xiao was looking at the defense map of Samarkand when he heard this, he looked up at Erhu and smiled slightly: "Erhu, you should probably change your impatient ways."

He put down the blueprints, his tone serious: "It's fine to let you lead the attack, but Samarkand has high walls and thick walls, and a direct assault will result in heavy casualties."

After saying this, Li Xiao ordered someone to summon the messenger and asked, "Where is the army of the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate?"

"Your Majesty, the army of the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate is still a hundred miles away. At the current speed, it is estimated that it will take three days to arrive."

"too slow."

Li Xiao frowned slightly, his tone leaving no room for doubt: "Pass on my order, have them speed up, and make sure they reach Samarkand within two days."

"Within three days, we must coordinate with the Fifth Division to launch an attack on the city."

Li Xiao couldn't bear to see the Qin cavalry attack the city; these soldiers were Qin's elite troops and the pillars of their families.

Their wives were waiting for them to come home, and their children were eagerly anticipating their father's return with the spoils of war.

Siege warfare is the most troublesome; the fewer casualties, the better.

The people of the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate have been playing a passive role since the start of the war, reaping considerable benefits along the way. Now it's time for them to contribute their share.

The arduous task of besieging the city is best left to them.

Just then, a guard outside the tent came to report: "Your Majesty, Samarkand has sent an envoy who wants to see you to discuss peace."

"Peace?"

Li Xiao paused for a moment, then laughed: "Hehehehe~"

No sooner had Khwarazm been defeated than Yelü Hongxin hastily sent envoys to Samarkand, proving that it was truly weak on the outside but vulnerable on the inside.

"Let him in!" Li Xiao said calmly.

Erhu snorted and said, "Brother, if you ask me, there's no need to waste words with the Liao Kingdom. We should just attack the city directly."

"Kill all the foreign tribes in the city, and take all the women back with you."

Erhu's voice was rough and loud, carrying the unique fierceness and domineering spirit of the Northern Frontier Army. When it reached the ears of the messenger outside the tent, he couldn't help but shiver.

He gripped the official letter tightly, his palms sweating profusely. He steeled himself and entered the main tent, bowing respectfully to Li Xiao, his tone almost humble: "Your subject... Your subject, on behalf of His Majesty the Great Liao Khan, greets His Majesty the Prince of Qin."

"His Majesty is willing to submit to the Qin Kingdom, ceding all territory north of Samarkand, and offering ten thousand bushels of grain and a thousand fine horses annually, only asking that His Majesty the King of Qin withdraw his troops and spare Samarkand..."

Samarkand in August is very humid and hot. Li Xiao simply wore a black robe and sat quietly on a tiger-skin chair, enjoying the wine he had captured from the Khwarazmian army.

He said calmly, "Submit?"

"Hehehe~ Yelü Hongxin is smarter than his father."

"He thinks he can get me to withdraw my troops with just a hollow title of 'submission'? He's certainly playing a clever game."

"I mobilized a large army from Jinzhou to Samarkand, just for his word 'surrender'?"

Li Xiao stood up and walked step by step to the envoy, his tone filled with overwhelming authority: "What I want is the city of Samarkand, and for the name of the Liao Kingdom to disappear from the Western Regions forever."

He paused, his voice growing colder: "Even if we want to negotiate, we'll have to wait until I conquer Samarkand and let the Qin soldiers plunder enough."

"Use the city's wealth to reward the army, and use the captured women to satisfy the Qin soldiers. It's not too late to negotiate peace after that."

The envoy trembled and turned pale, but Li Xiao did not stop: "Tell Yelü Hongxin another message: Open the city gates and surrender, and I will spare his life and let him live a wealthy and carefree life for the rest of his days."

"If they resist stubbornly, when the city falls, not a single one of Samarkand will be spared."

"This this……"

The envoy opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but was so frightened by the murderous intent in Li Xiao's eyes that he couldn't utter a word. He could only bow and leave the tent in a sorry state.

……

Inside Samarkand, Yelü Hongxin, upon hearing the messenger's report, trembled with rage and abruptly swept the teacup off the table: "Li Xiao, you've gone too far!"

He originally thought that ceding land, becoming a vassal and paying tribute would at least bring him temporary peace.

But Li Xiao not only wanted the city, but also wanted to completely destroy the Liao Kingdom, and even wanted him to become a powerless and wealthy "elder."

What's the difference between this and a disabled person?
What he wanted was to continue being emperor, even if it meant only having one city and one army, rather than being a puppet to be manipulated by others!
"Your Majesty, the Northern Frontier is going too far; we cannot surrender."

Yelü Wuhan seized the opportunity to say, "Samarkand has high walls and thick walls, and plenty of food. As long as we hold it to the death, the people of the northern frontier will pay a heavy price."

"Once they've shed blood like a river outside the city, they'll naturally retreat."

Tayanggu also sighed: "Your Highness, now that things have come to this, we have no choice but to hold on to the death."

"We must gather all the able-bodied men in the city and strengthen the city's defenses. Even if we fight to the last man, we cannot let the people of the northern frontier take Samarkand."

Yelü Hongxin took a deep breath, a resolute glint in his eyes.

He walked to the city wall, looked at the sun and moon battle flags of the Northern Frontier Army camp in the distance, and said in a hoarse but firm voice: "Issue my order to impose martial law on the entire city."

“All able-bodied men were incorporated into the garrison, and each household contributed one person and one spear. The grain was allocated by the government.”

"From this day forward, defend Samarkand to the death. I will make Samarkand the graveyard of the northern people."

Two days later, the army of the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate arrived.

However, this team can hardly be described as "elite".

The cavalry and infantry were mixed together, the ranks stretched out and loose. The cavalrymen's horses were panting heavily, and the infantrymen all looked exhausted, their scimitars at their waists crooked, and their armor still covered with mud from their journey.

Clearly, the mixed formation of cavalry and infantry severely slowed them down, arriving almost at the last minute, short of Li Xiao's requirement of "arriving in two days."

Standing in front of the Northern Frontier Army, Erhu looked at the disheveled state of the Eastern Karakhanid soldiers and couldn't help but curl his lip: "Is this what they came to help with the siege? They don't look much better than the defeated soldiers of Khwarazm."

The personal guard beside him whispered, "General, at least they have more than 20,000 men. It's better to use them to fill the gaps in the city's defenses than to send our Qin soldiers to their deaths."

Erhu snorted and turned his gaze to the other side.

The heavy artillery cluster in northern Xinjiang had already been positioned a mile outside the city.

Dozens of black tiger-shaped cannons were lined up neatly, their dark muzzles aimed at the walls of Samarkand, their barrels filled with gunpowder and iron bullets.

Meanwhile, the more than 20,000 prisoners of war from Khwarezm were organized and formed into loose ranks.

Their faces were filled with fear, yet under the threat of swords and spears from the northern border soldiers, they were ready to move toward the city wall at any moment.

These people became the first batch of "cannon fodder" before the siege.

On the morning of the third day, just as dawn was breaking and the Liao soldiers on the walls of Samarkand were still dozing, a deafening roar suddenly shattered the silence of dawn.

"Boom boom boom boom..."

The heavy artillery clusters in northern Xinjiang were the first to open fire.

(End of this chapter)