Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 475 The Second Prince's Advance
The two traveled swiftly in the carriage, quickly passing through the Vermilion Bird Gate and arriving outside the Chengtian Gate. Just as they were about to have the eunuch announce their arrival, they saw Hao Chujun walk out of the Taiji Palace through the palace gate.

The two men stepped forward, grabbed him, and asked what was wrong.

Seeing the two men's anxious expressions, Hao Chujun couldn't help but smile and said, "The two old generals are mistaken. It's not news from Kunming or Tibet, nor from Anxi, but news from Japan!"

Yuchi Gong asked, "Japan?"

Hao Chujun said solemnly, "That's right. News came from the Protectorate of Yingzhou that the Mohe people have captured Asuka City, the capital of Japan, and have been looting and massacring on a large scale. I heard that they have killed tens of thousands of people."

Yuchi Gong was greatly disappointed. In his opinion, killing tens of thousands of people was nothing, especially since they were Japanese. He didn't even bother to ask any more questions.

He is currently only concerned with the situation in the Western Regions.

Cheng Zhijie, however, was very interested and asked for details.

Hao Chujun said, "The Mohe people looted the capital of Japan. The Japanese queen, royal nobles, palace maids, servants, soldiers, civilians and craftsmen, totaling tens of thousands of people, were said to have been taken to the Mohe."

Cheng Zhijie chuckled and said, "Judging from this, the Mohe people have made a fortune this time."

Hao Chujun said, "The Mohe people not only defeated Asuka, but also the Ainu and Silla people. Now they have occupied most of the eastern part of Japan."

Cheng Zhijie's expression turned serious. He said, "Hasn't Qiqi Zhongxiang's prestige among the Mohe tribes greatly increased?"

Hao Chujun said in a deep voice: "Yes, according to Governor Liu's information, Qiqi Zhongxiang has been supported by all the Mohe tribes, and there are even rumors that he is preparing to establish a country."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Zhijie and Yuchi Gong exchanged a glance.

If the Mohe could unite all the tribes and establish a single state, their strength would surely increase significantly, and the Tang Dynasty would have no choice but to take them seriously.

Hao Chujun cupped his hands in greeting to the two men and said, "I have other matters to attend to, so please excuse me." He then strode towards the Ministry of War.

Cheng Zhijie looked at Yuchi Gong and said, "Hei Lang, what do you think of this matter?"

Yuchi Gong said calmly, "My opinion is not important; the key is His Majesty's opinion."

Cheng Zhijie sighed, "His Majesty's attention is currently focused on the Western Regions, so he probably won't pay much attention to it."

Both men were aware of the current situation: the national strategy had shifted to the west, and as long as the Mohe did not launch an attack on the Tang Dynasty, the emperor would not pay them any attention.

It was nearing noon, and the two planned to leave the palace and find a restaurant to have a drink and discuss the situation in the Western Regions.

Unexpectedly, after walking only a few steps, Hao Chujun returned, his steps very hurried.

"Minister Hao, why are you back again?" Cheng Zhijie asked in surprise.

Hao Chujun hurriedly said, "The Ministry of War has just received another urgent report, and I need to report it to the Emperor immediately!"

The two men exchanged a glance and both asked, "From the west?"

Hao Chujun nodded and walked past the two without stopping.

The two were not about to miss the opportunity, so they quickly followed and arrived at Chengtian Gate, where they announced the arrival of Hao Chujun.

Hao Chujun had just met with the emperor, and Li Zhi was still in the Ganlu Hall when he heard that Hao Chujun was requesting an audience again, along with Yuchi Gong and Cheng Zhijie. Knowing that something serious had happened, he ordered the three of them to come to the audience.

Before long, the three arrived at the main hall. After exchanging greetings, Li Zhi asked, "Minister Hao, what brings you here again?"

Hao Chujun cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, news has come from Kunzang that India has dispatched 100,000 troops to reinforce the Great Bolu Kingdom, and the Abbasid general Bai Tu has sent envoys to demand that General Su Dingfang hand over Qinling, or else they will attack Kunzang!"

Li Zhi raised an eyebrow and asked, "What did Su Qing say?"

Hao Chujun said, "General Su said he has made all the preparations and will give the Arabs a good beating if they dare to invade."

Li Zhi was initially annoyed by the arrogance of the Arabs, but upon hearing Su Dingfang's reply, his anger vanished, and he smiled, saying, "With Minister Su's words, I am relieved."

He paused for a moment, then asked, "What is the origin of that Arab named Bai Tu?"

Hao Chujun was taken aback and couldn't answer.

Yuchi Gong hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, this Bai Tu is the commander of the Arab Lion Legion, and comes from a family of generals."

Li Zhi asked curiously, "Does Minister Yuchi know him?"

Yuchi Gong smiled and said, "I have been paying close attention to the war in the Western Regions recently and sent people to inquire about some information. I just happened to know about this person, Bai Tu."

Li Zhi nodded and said, "At such an advanced age, the old general is still diligent in learning and asking questions, and cares about national affairs. I am very pleased."

Upon hearing this, Hao Chujun blushed. As the Minister of War, he was actually less knowledgeable about intelligence than a semi-retired veteran.

Yuchi Gong was quite pleased with himself and said, "Your Majesty, this Bai Tu is the son of the famous Abbasid general Amos. Amos was as famous as Khalid and was the most valiant and skilled warrior in the Abbasid Caliphate. It is said that Bai Tu has a similar style to his father. After leading the Lion Legion, he has fought more than a dozen battles, large and small, without ever being defeated."

Khalid was the foremost general of the Arab world, following Muhammad in his campaigns and earning the title "Sword of Allah."

Amus's ability to be on par with Khalid speaks volumes about his capabilities; no wonder Yuchi Gong referred to Bai Tu as a descendant of a military family.

Hao Chujun advised, "Your Majesty, the Arabs have received 100,000 reinforcements. Their total military strength in Great Bolu now far exceeds that of Kunzang. Should we send more reinforcements to Kunzang?"

Li Zhi looked at Yuchi Gong and Cheng Zhijie and asked, "What do you two old generals think?"

Yuchi Gong laughed and said, "The quality of an army is more important than its quantity. Su Dingfang has 50,000 elite Tang soldiers under his command. In my opinion, that is enough to defeat any enemy!"

Cheng Zhijie followed up, saying, "The Indians are not good at warfare. Although they have 100,000 troops, they are not a threat. I also believe that there is no need to send more troops."

This statement was exactly what Li Zhi wanted to say.

In his mind, Su Dingfang and Pei Xingjian were generals of the same caliber as Li Ji and Xue Rengui. Moreover, the two had been stationed in the west for a long time, and if they needed reinforcements, they would definitely ask him for help.

"In that case, issue an edict to Minister Su, saying that I will comply with his request and will not send him reinforcements. Let him do as he pleases, and I await his victory report!"

……

Kunzang Protectorate, Supi region.

An army is marching north across the winding, rugged plateau.

The road was full of gravel and dirt, with potholes and uneven surfaces. In the distance, you could see grasslands and snow-capped mountains, but even though they looked close, it often took a whole day to reach them.

Leading the procession was none other than Li Xiao, the second prince of the Tang Dynasty. He galloped his horse at full speed, finally managing to cross a hill. Looking ahead, he felt a chill run down his spine.

The path we had just walked was already winding enough, but the road ahead was even more rugged, like a long, coiled snake.

When Li Xiao stood on a high mountain in the morning, he could see Gar City. He had originally hoped that he could enter the city and meet General Su Dingfang before dusk.

Seeing the road conditions now, I know it will take three to five days to reach Gar!

He slowed his horse's pace and waited by the roadside for a while, when he saw a carriage slowly approaching.

The carriage was covered with a dark blue curtain. Compared with the carriages in Chang'an, the wheels were smaller and the ride was more bumpy, but it was sturdy and could travel long distances.

The person sitting in the carriage was Princess Wencheng.

The fiefdom that Emperor Gaozong (Li Zhi) bestowed upon Li Xiao was located in the Yarlung Prefecture, which was governed by Princess Wencheng. After arriving in Kunming and Tibet, Li Xiao frequently visited Princess Wencheng. Although they were not related by blood, Li Xiao still respected her greatly and inquired about the local customs and culture of the Kunming-Tibet region.

Half a month ago, news came from Gar that the Arabs had increased their troops by 100,000 on the border, and the people in the Kunlun-Tibet region were terrified, fearing that the Arabs would attack.

Over the years, under the rule of the Tang Dynasty, the Tibetans finally escaped the ravages of war and restored peace, and naturally did not want to return to the time when they were divided and fragmented.

The Qiang people of Yalong Prefecture approached Princess Wencheng and spontaneously formed an army, intending to go to Gar City to aid Su Dingfang.

Princess Wencheng was undecided, so she consulted Li Xiao.

Having experienced the war against Goguryeo, Li Xiao naturally wanted to participate in this war as well. In order to make contributions and gain his father's praise, he immediately "bewitched" Princess Wencheng and agreed to the matter.

Princess Wencheng then selected five thousand warriors and led them to Gar City to reinforce Su Dingfang. Li Xiao naturally went along as well.

Li Xiao approached the carriage and said to Princess Wencheng inside, "Aunt, the roads here are so strange, they're all winding!"

Princess Wencheng drew back the carriage curtain and smiled, "You've been here for so long, this isn't the first time you've noticed, is it?"

Li Xiao muttered, "I could barely tolerate it before, but the situation is urgent now. As the saying goes, speed is of the essence in war. Isn't this just delaying things?"

Princess Wencheng gently explained, "Second Prince, you must know that this is a highland area, full of high mountains and deep valleys, with steep terrain and extreme undulations. Therefore, when building a road, it is necessary to meander along the mountainside and add curves to reduce the slope and ensure the safety of vehicles and pedestrians."

Li Xiao suddenly realized, "That's how it is."

Just then, an official rushed up to them, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Highness, Your Highness Prince Xu, an army has appeared ahead and seems to be waiting for us."

Li Xiao was taken aback and spurred his horse forward to investigate.

Only then did I notice that there was indeed a team parked to the northwest. I had been so busy lamenting the detour that I hadn't noticed them at all.

He hurriedly ordered someone to go and inquire about the identity of that group. Before long, the person he sent returned, followed by a beautiful woman on horseback.

The woman appeared to be a Qiang person, but she was dressed in a Tang suit. She was tall and slender, with a smile on her face, and looked heroic and dashing on horseback.

"You must be His Highness Prince Xu. Su Pilanya greets you." She greeted Li Xiao.

Li Xiao exclaimed with delight, "So you are the famous Governor Su Pi! My third brother has often mentioned you."

Supilanya smiled and said, "You must be trying to comfort me. Why would His Highness the Third Prince mention me to you?"

Li Xiao hurriedly replied, "It's true. My third brother mentioned you when he talked about General Xue. He said you were his confidante and that it was General Xue who rescued you from the Tiele people. You also made significant contributions in the war against Tibet."

Su Pilanya was poised and generous. When Li Xiao told her about her ambiguous relationship with Xue Rengui, she didn't feel shy at all. She smiled and said, "You flatter me. Lanya was indeed saved by General Xue. I wanted to repay him with my body, but unfortunately, General Xue didn't think much of me."

Seeing her so unrestrained and wild, Li Xiao couldn't help but think of Xu Ling, and suddenly fell into a daze.

Seeing that he remained silent, Lan Ya assumed that the Tang prince had been frightened by her words and smiled, "Your Highness Prince Xu, are you also the Protector-General Su who has led troops to reinforce Gar City?"

Li Xiao snapped out of his daze and quickly replied, "That's right, I came with Aunt Wencheng."

Supilanya smiled and said, "Then please take me to see Her Highness the Princess. It has been a long time since I last paid my respects to her."

Li Xiao responded and led her to see Princess Wencheng.

The two women were delighted to see each other.

Supilanya boarded Princess Wencheng's carriage, while Li Xiao followed on horseback, listening to their conversation.

Supilanya also led an army to reinforce Su Dingfang. Her Supi tribe was powerful, so she brought eight thousand men with her.

Moreover, because she was closer to Gar, she knew a lot about the situation on the front lines.

It turns out that the Arab army had already invaded the Kunlun-Tibet region.

Gar is the largest city in the northwest of the Kunlun-Tibet region and a necessary route to enter Kunlun-Tibet.

If they were to take a detour, they would have to pass through a no-man's land, where logistical support would be difficult to obtain, making it impossible to conduct long-term operations.

Therefore, the main force of the Arab army marched straight to Gar City and camped sixty miles outside the city.

The vanguard of the Arabs consisted of 100,000 Indian troops, followed by the Sacred Deer Legion and the Lion Legion, totaling 200,000 soldiers.

The Arabs were also cautious. Although they had a large army pressing in, they did not easily start a war. They wanted to use their power to put psychological pressure on the Tang people and force them to hand over Qinling.

Once the Tang people hand over their people, they will be at a psychological disadvantage, their morale will be damaged, and this will definitely affect their future battles.

The battle plan was decided by Bai Tu, the commander of the Lion Legion. He chose this method because he had heard that the commander of the Tang Dynasty was an old general in his sixties.

Bai Tu did not underestimate the veteran general; his father, Amos, had also made countless contributions to the Abbasid Caliphate despite his advanced age.

However, Bai Tu believes that veteran generals have a characteristic of being cautious in their military tactics and will choose to defend when facing a stronger enemy.

The interplay between offense and defense is also a psychological game.

When you choose to defend, it's like admitting in your heart that you're inferior to your opponent, and that's why you're taking a defensive stance, which has a significant impact on morale.

Of course, Supilanya was unaware of the Arabs' thoughts; she only knew that although the Arabs had entered Kunzang, they had not yet made a move.

With the fall of Gar, the Supi region was the first to be affected, which is why Supi Lanya took the initiative to lead his army to its aid.

Upon hearing this, Li Xiao asked, "Has Protector Su made any move?"

Lan Ya said, "As far as I know, Protector Su is holding the city and has not taken any action."

Li Xiao frowned and said, "That's strange. I heard from my third brother that the Indians are no match for us. Why doesn't Governor Su lead his troops to defeat the Indian army first?"

Princess Wencheng said, "Could it be that they are afraid that the Arab army will come to their aid when we attack the Indian army?"

Li Xiaodao: "No, as long as we defeat the Indian army, their rout may scatter the Arab army that is coming to reinforce them. At that time, Governor Su can take advantage of the situation to pursue and defeat the Arab army!"

Supilanya's eyes flashed, and she smiled, "I didn't expect that the Second Prince would be so knowledgeable about military affairs?"

Li Xiao blushed and laughed, "I only know a little because I've heard my third brother talk about it so much."

Supilanya smiled and said, "If the Second Prince is so capable, it seems the Third Prince is even more remarkable."

Li Xiao's impression of Lan Ya improved significantly, and he asked, "Governor Su Pi, why do you think that is?"

Su Pilanya pondered and said, "I can't fathom Protector Su's thoughts, but I think he must have his reasons for not attacking."

Princess Wencheng said, "Second Brother, you don't need to ask any more questions. You will know when you see Protector Su."

Li Xiao nodded in agreement.

The group soon joined forces with Lanya's army, and the two armies merged into one, continuing their march towards Gar City.

Three days later, they finally arrived in Gar.

(End of this chapter)