Zhutian: Starting from the Space-Time Merchant

Chapter 596 A Feast at Hongmen? He doesn't deserve it!
"I'm so kind~"

The screams in the yard gradually subsided, leaving only the low growls of the dogs fighting over the food.

"If they were like humanoid island animals." Lin Dao paused slightly. "Never mind, how can humans be compared to beasts?"

If it involves cruel methods, there are countless records from various dynasties.

Even the inhumane methods depicted in modern films are just the tip of the iceberg.

He ultimately chose to repay them in kind.

It was not doubled.

All I can say is that humanity still exists.

Lin Dao was also very troubled by this.

Even if you're not born evil, it's not easy to become a villain.

After a moment's thought, Yang Xigu spoke up, dispelling Lin Dao's guilt: "Judging by the time, the Uyghurs will need at least another month to arrive."

If the soldiers and horses are not moving, the grain and grass will go first.

The larger the scale, the longer the preparation time.

This time, the Uyghurs were determined to seize Beiting.

The number of capable herdsmen mobilized for this purpose was as high as fifty to sixty thousand.

Including the tribes that accompanied the army, the number is estimated to be over 100,000.

As for the various livestock they brought, the number far exceeded that figure.

How to deal with these Uyghurs is also a matter that needs careful consideration.

"After thinking it over, it's still because there aren't enough people."

The unique environment of the Western Regions resulted in a very small number of people from the Central Plains living there.

Lin Dao wanted to amass a large army but couldn't find any soldiers.

As for the Beiting Army and the Anxi Army, they are now only in a cooperative relationship, not a superior-subordinate relationship.

When they were dealing with the Tibetans, they were able to work together.

However, the Uyghurs were allies of the Tang Dynasty, and the two Grand Protectors had already tried to persuade Lin Dao several times.

As for their future contact with Chang'an City, they will inevitably become further estranged from Lin Dao's demands.

"The world of the Yellow Light Time-Space Gate is really troublesome."

"I still prefer to be in control of everything and fight however I want."

"Instead of what it is now, where people are constantly giving me advice on this and that."

In fact, if it weren't for the need to help the white-haired soldier, Lin Dao could have gone directly to the Central Plains.

Given the current chaos of warlordism and the miserable lives of the people in the Tang Dynasty, the Huang Chao Rebellion, which occurred a century earlier than planned, could be launched very quickly.

After all, it's always easier to conquer Chang'an than to pass the imperial examinations.

Now, Lin Dao intends to resolve the various troubles in the Western Regions as soon as possible, and find a complete solution.

The next step was to establish connections with the Central Plains and introduce immigrants to strengthen control.

Of course, what was painstakingly conquered must never be returned to Chang'an, to that emperor who was busy welcoming the Buddha's relics, and to the court controlled by powerful clans.

He already had a general idea of ​​how to do it.

"Since the Uyghurs are slow to arrive, let's deal with the scattered Tibetans first."

The previous burning of the camps and the pursuit battle had defeated the main force of the Tibetans.

However, not all Tibetans chose to flee back to Jinman County.

Many people scattered and fled to various places.

These Tibetans must be eliminated.

Looking at the white-haired soldiers who were radiant with high morale but were clearly exhausted, Lin Dao decided to try a different approach.

"You two Grand Protectors."

Guo Xin and Yang Xigu both looked at Lin Dao, waiting for him to speak.

"It can enable people to communicate with the various tribes and barbarians."

"Order them to search for and capture the remaining Tibetan rebels."

"For every head brought, one can exchange it for one pound of salt, one pound of tea, one iron pot, three bushels of grain, and one bolt of cloth."

Upon hearing this, Guo Xin immediately looked anxious. "Immortal Master, you may not know this, but these barbarians are all wolves in sheep's clothing."

"We absolutely mustn't give them so many supplies!"

Yang Xigu chimed in, "Now that we have won a great victory, those opportunists will soon come to us willingly. Just give them orders; there's no need to give them anything."

The Western Regions have many salt lakes, so theoretically they should not lack salt.

In reality, the salt in these salt ponds contains a variety of impurities, heavy metals, minerals, and so on.

Lead, arsenic, mercury, and other substances all exceeded the standards.

The consequences of long-term consumption are self-evident.

Nomadic tribes, lacking knowledge of filtration technology, have an enormous demand for salt.

As for tea, it was also an important daily necessity.

Not to mention iron pots.

Although the grasslands are rich in minerals, nomadic tribes lack the ability to refine them. They even lack timber, let alone iron.

For many small, hermit tribes, even an iron knife can be a family heirloom.

The same applies to grain and cloth.

Nomadic tribes primarily consume meat and dairy products, lacking grains.

Moreover, meat was only available to people of certain social status, while ordinary herders mainly consumed dairy products and carbohydrates.

Wearing fur for extended periods is very uncomfortable and produces a strong odor.

When you have a choice, fabric is naturally better.

"I know everything you're saying," Lin Dao said, trying to sound cheerful. "I have plans. I'll add lead powder and other substances to the salt and tea. Remember, you absolutely mustn't let this slip. The main purpose is to use these opportunists as cannon fodder."

Besides lead powder, there will be other things.

In the modern world, there are many industrial products available for use.

Add a little bit, and it will gradually take effect in two or three years at the fastest, and seven or eight years at the slowest.

By then, a large number of landless people from the Central Plains would have been sent to the Western Regions to fill the vacancies.

After hearing Lin Dao's explanation, the two Grand Protectors nodded repeatedly. If such an arrangement were in place, there would be no need to worry about large quantities of supplies falling into the hands of the barbarians.

Of course, the two were also certain that the Immortal Master Lin in front of them was definitely not some kind of terrestrial immortal, but more like an evil cultivator!
But it doesn't matter, the evil cultivators who are on our side are also kind-hearted evil cultivators.

The Tang army made a powerful return, and tens of thousands of Tibetan troops collapsed.

This explosive news spread like wildfire across the grasslands.

Those who once thought the Tang Dynasty was doomed suddenly began to waver, observing the winds and playing both sides.

Many small tribes also accepted the Tang Dynasty's announcement and began to disperse and hunt down the scattered Tibetan soldiers, carrying their heads to Beiting to exchange for rewards.

Large tribes have the right to observe, but small tribes whose future is uncertain don't have as many concerns.

Life must go on, and they need various supplies to survive.

Especially after someone actually carried the head of a Tibetan to Tingzhou on horseback to exchange for supplies, more and more tribes joined the hunt and killing.

Upon learning the news, the Grand Chancellor, Jiegangas, was taken aback and immediately accelerated his actions.

In the original history, he did not send out troops until autumn.

After suffering a defeat, he conveniently wiped out the Beiting army.

But things are different now; the Tang army has unleashed an unbelievable and terrifying fighting force.

Even Tingzhou was taken back.

In his haste, Jieganjias hurriedly brought along the new Khan and even Princess Xian'an.

They traveled at breakneck speed, rushing as fast as they could, and finally entered Tingzhou territory.

"Daxiang~"

"We captured some of the people who were hunting down the Tibetans."

Inside the tent, Jieganjias opened his eyes. "Bring him in."

A dozen timid herders were led into the large tent, bowing and begging for mercy in great fear.

Jiegangas's gaze fell upon the Tibetan heads tied around their waists.

"Tell me everything you know!"

These scruffy, unsavory fellows dared not delay and hurriedly recounted everything they knew.

After listening, Jiegangas fell into deep thought.

A moment later, with a wave of his hand, these scruffy, unshaven men were dragged out and disposed of.

There's no need to pity them.

Don't be fooled by their timid and frightened deer-like appearance at this moment; when they intercept caravans and attack other tribes, they are all ravenous wolves who will devour people without spitting out the bones.

This is the law of survival on the grasslands.

A dragon that breathes fire?

"A divine weapon bestowed by the gods?"

Jieganjias roughly learned about the previous battle between the white-haired soldiers and the Tibetans.

However, the accounts of the various non-Han people were somewhat difficult to understand.

He was no ordinary, ignorant herdsman who would believe in any divine power.

In his view, the Tang army must have acquired powerful weapons.

Otherwise, it would have been impossible to defeat the Tibetan army, which was ten times their size.

Thinking of this, Jieganjias's heart also burned with excitement.

Several thousand old men, with this mysterious weapon, were able to defeat tens of thousands of Tibetan troops.

If he could acquire these weapons, wouldn't his 100,000-strong army be able to sweep across the world?!
"Set off immediately for the Beiting Protectorate!"

He brought with him as many as fifty or sixty thousand capable herdsmen, and the Beiting Protectorate naturally could not allow so many people to enter Jinman County.

In fact, if it weren't for Lin Dao's persuasion, Yang Xigu would not have allowed so many Uyghurs to enter Tingzhou.

As for why Lin Dao would offer advice, it was naturally in order to bring the problem together and solve it.

"Grand Protector~"

"Daxiang~"

At the newly renovated city gate in Jinman County, Guo Xinyang, following ancient customs, greeted Jieganjiasi with laughter.

Both sides were very enthusiastic, and even hugged each other.

There was no indication whatsoever of the fierce battles raging within.

Afterwards, the two Grand Protectors paid their respects to Princess Xian'an and Khan Fengcheng.

After that, the large group of people entered the city in a grand procession.

Yang Xigu allowed 2,000 Uyghur soldiers to enter the city.

Jiegangas felt that was enough, after all, there were still 50,000 to 60,000 troops outside the city, and they had not yet broken off relations.

They arrived at the Beiting Protectorate and finally met Lin Dao, who was waiting for them.

When Yang Xigu introduced Lin Dao to Princess Xian'an, Jieganjiasi's eyes lit up.

It turns out that the Tang army's amazing weapons all originated from this person!

After Princess Xian'an got married, she lived in a tent surrounded by the stench of Uyghurs and their livestock.

Now, I see the splendor of the Tang Dynasty again, surrounded by many Tang people.

Overwhelmed with emotion, tears streamed down my face.

"Please take your seats, everyone."

Lin Dao warmly greeted them, saying, "You've come from afar, so we should treat you to a proper feast."

During the Tang Dynasty, a separate meal system was used, and ordinary people would simply squat in the corner of the wall or at the door.

But at this moment, Lin Dao set up a large round table.

The dishes above were ordered by Lin Dao from the modern world.

Exquisitely crafted, and delicious in color, aroma, and taste.

Lin Dao even brought out several bottles of high-proof liquor, as well as fruit-flavored champagne.

Hongmen Banquet?
How can it be!

Who is Jieganjiasi? Is he worth Lin Dao setting up a trap for him?
These arrangements are based on Princess Xian'an!

(End of this chapter)