Chapter 311 Western Regions, the Ancient Kingdom of Kucha

Before leaving, Jiang Yueyao held her child who was less than one year old.

She couldn't bear to leave.

But my husband is far away in the Western Regions, and the desolation there is known to everyone. I must go and accompany him.

"My lady, thank you for your help."

Finally, Jiang Yueyao handed her child to Pei Lingxi.

Pei Lingxi is gentle, kind and broad-minded. She believes that she will take good care of her child.

"Don't worry, Yueyao, go to Qiuci. Song'er is also my child. I will treat him as my own."

Pei Lingxi took Li Song and said to Jiang Yueyao.

She wanted her family to be reunited, but her husband was a hero and had responsibilities.

As the principal wife, she must take responsibility and stay in Chang'an to raise the children.

"Father, please take care of yourself while I'm away!"

On the Xianyang Plain, the spring breeze was blowing, and Li Xuan held Li Shizhi's hand.

"Haha... Don't worry, Qilang! Father is in good health."

Li Shizhi told Qilang not to worry. He drank every day and was in good health, and could even shoot a bow on Longshouyuan.

I will definitely not hold Li Xuan back.

"Yang Guozhong is appointed Prime Minister. After I leave, the Yang family will do whatever they want. They hold the imperial concubine's family ties hostage, making the imperial concubine helpless. Let's avoid them if we can!"

Li Xuan reminded Li Shizhi.

Even though he had the imperial concubine looking after him, he thought Yang Guozhong was a villain and he didn't want to become a disaster for their family.

"Everyone says Yang Guozhong is a villain. If he becomes prime minister, there is nothing to be afraid of."

Li Shizhi looked down on Yang Guozhong.

"Father, if anyone criticizes Yang Guozhong, stay away from him. A villain will do anything to get what he wants. Li Linfu was also considered a villain before, but he has the skills to control the civil and military officials. Yang Guozhong is just like his uncle Zhang Yizhi. He relies on his power to break jade and melt gold."

Li Xuan said to Li Shizhi cautiously.

He knew that the kings in Li Shizhi's circle were disdainful of Yang Guozhong when they discussed that Yang Guozhong became prime minister because he relied on flattery.

But Yang Guozhong was the nephew of Wu Zetian's male favorite Zhang Yizhi. Like his uncle, he was the kind of person who believed in "After I die, I don't care what happens next."

In the later years of Wu Zetian's reign, when the two Zhang brothers were in favor, people would often write on the door of their younger brother Zhang Changyi's house: "How many threads can one or two ounces of silk make?"

Zhang Changyi replied: "One day is enough."

In history, Yang Guozhong also said: "I am from a humble family. Once I was promoted to the imperial palace, I don't know where I will be. However, I know that I will never be able to achieve fame, so I might as well enjoy myself."

If you cannot leave your name behind you for generations, then just focus on pleasure and enjoy the thrill that power brings you.

Even after death, I will be infamous for thousands of years!
Yang Guozhong knew that he was a villain, that he was not an honest official, and that his problems were too big, so he simply muddled along.

This kind of person is very scary and has no bottom line in doing things.

Even more unscrupulous than Li Linfu.

"Father will definitely listen to Qilang's advice."

Li Shizhi's face darkened. He knew that what Li Xuan said was absolutely right.

Those old friends were indeed outspoken when they drank, and even he thought Yang Guozhong was a clown.

None of his seven brothers became the right prime minister, but Yang Guozhong, the clown, did.

This not only made Li Shizhi feel uncomfortable, but also made him disgusted with Yang Guozhong.

At the beginning, Yang Guozhong was a follower following Qilang, and he frowned when he saw this.

"Alas! The country!"

Li Xuan sighed and reminded Li Shizhi: "Everything changes, and plans cannot keep up with changes. If one day I send my personal guards to deliver a letter, father must listen to my arrangements."

"I, the father, know Qilang's wisdom, so how could I not listen?"

Li Shizhi did not expect it to be a big deal. Seeing Li Xuan sighing, he consoled him, "Qi Lang, don't worry about the reform. For us officials, ups and downs are normal. People say that one should be established at the age of thirty. Many people start to be officials at the age of thirty, and there are also many who become Jinshi at the age of fifty. Qi Lang is so young, there will be a time for him to be an official again."

"The child also believes it!"

Li Xuan nodded, then turned to Li Qian and said, "I am far away in the Western Regions and cannot fulfill my filial duty. My father will be taken care of by my brother."

"Don't worry, Qillang! We live with father and will take good care of him." Li Qian replied to Li Xuan.

"Lingxi, Shuang'er, please give my regards to father on every festival day." Li Xuan said to his beloved wife again.

If his children were not too young, he would definitely take Pei Lingxi and the others to the Western Regions.

"Husband, you don't have to worry about the things at home."

Pei Lingxi's eyes were covered with mist and she spoke gently.

"If possible, stop the war. I will come back to see you."

Li Xuan touched Pei Lingxi's hair.

The military governors of the Western Regions usually returned once every two or three years.

The next time he comes back, he will definitely take Pei Lingxi away.

At that time, we just need to keep Li Yi as a proton.

"My husband, you should put military affairs first!"

Even though her husband is a great hero, Pei Lingxi is still very worried.

In her heart, she prayed that her husband would be victorious.

“Ah… Grandpa…”

His son Li Yi, who was already one and a half years old, called out in a childish voice.

Just like before, he didn't understand what separation was.

"Be good! Don't make your mother angry. Grandpa will come back to take care of your baby."

Li Xuan pinched Li Yi's smooth face.

"whee……"

Li Yi turned his head and laughed.

"Yes! Changli, Yueyao, get in the car!"

Li Xuan looked at Li Song again and said to Changli and Jiang Yueyao.

His daughter Zhenzhen was too young and did not come to Xianyangyuan with the car.

Jiang Yueyao looked at Li Song reluctantly and got on the carriage.

"Father, I wrote a poem and I'd like you to spread it."

Li Xuan thought about it and decided to plagiarize another poem with a meaningful meaning.

He wrote poetry not to show off, but to let officials such as Li Xian, Pei Zunqing, Lu Jianke, Zhao Fengzhang, and Du Jing see Li Xuan's determination.

I hope I can get their support when I make a comeback in the future!

The support of the ministers is crucial to Li Xuan's future.

After saying that, Li Xuan drew his sword and wrote a poem on the ground!

Lili on the grass, one year and one withered.

Wild fire, in spring.

Yuanfang invades the ancient road, and Qingcui connects to the deserted city.

Send Wang and Sun again, full of affection.

It is very obvious to write such a poem at this time.

Although his new law was burned by the wildfire, it will surely "rise again in the spring breeze" and be as strong as the wild grass that sprouts and thrives in spring.

This will give great encouragement to those ministers who are close to Li Xuan.

This poem is apparently a farewell poem, but people believe that it was written by Li Xuan to bid farewell to himself.

Li Xuanxiang put away his sword, mounted his Fire Cloud Horse and left.

Before he knew it, his Fire Cloud Horse was already ten years old.

When Li Qian was copying poems, Li Shizhi was helpless, and Pei Lingxi and Shuang'er were reluctant to leave.

Li Xuan turned around and waved again, formally saying goodbye to his father, brother and wife.

After this poem "Grass" spread to Chang'an, it did give motivation to the reformist officials.

Let some officials and big families be afraid!

However, Li Longji was speechless.

Li Xuan was still determined to reform, so he decided to let Li Xuan stay in the Western Regions for a few more years to temper his arrogance.

……

Li Xuan followed the official road and tried to speed up as much as possible.

There were also several horse-drawn carriages accompanying him, which carried Li Xuan's steward Shen Ji and a dozen slaves.

Luo Xing, Xue Cuo, Pei Ying, Hun Yu, Che Guangqian and other personal guards all followed.

Hun Yu and Che Guangqian were able to go to the battlefield as they wished.

It’s better to follow King Tianshui and make them more excited.

The others were the hundreds of cavalrymen who came with Gao Xianzhi to offer captives, and Anxi's subordinates.

Before coming, Li Xuan went to pay a visit to Gao Xianzhi.

Although he squeezed out Gao Xianzhi, Gao Xianzhi was still the one who was "promoted".

Even if he is unwilling, the Minister of War is still an important position.

Gao Xianzhi understood that Li Xuan was powerful and famous, and he could do nothing about it.

At Li Xuan's request, all of Gao Xianzhi's staff and generals were intercepted.

And promised not to treat them unfairly.

Including Feng Changqing, a famous general promoted by Gao Xianzhi.

Although the deputy ambassador of Anxi Jiedushi was Wang Zhengjian.

But Wang Zhengjian is a veteran and has no power. Feng Changqing is now the Anxi governor and the de facto number two.

Li Xuan also asked Gao Xianzhi about some matters concerning the various countries and ethnic groups in Anxi...

He saw hardness and coldness in Gao Xianzhi.

Gao Xianzhi advocated the use of force and had gained confidence through fighting.

He also believed that the best strategy was to take the initiative to launch a surprise attack on the Arabs.

Li Xuan did not deny Gao Xianzhi's words.

Because his tactics were completely inconsistent with Gao Xianzhi's.

Li Xuan did not feel guilty towards Gao Xianzhi because he had preserved Gao Xianzhi's "reputation".

Otherwise, the Battle of Talas would have been the moment when Gao Xianzhi would have been disgraced.

Li Xuan did not go to the Western Regions alone.

On this trip, Cen Shen, Liu Shan, Yan Gaoqing, Yan Zhenqing and Li Xuan accompanied him.

They will serve as subordinates of the Anxi and Beiting ambassadors.

At the same time, their officials were all of the fourth and fifth ranks, and Li Xuan was also responsible for handling the political affairs of the Western Regions.

The current judge of Anxi is Liu Tiao.

The secretary was Dugu Jun.

The magistrate was Kang Huaishun.

Marching Sima Wang Tao.

The inspector was Chen Fengzhong.

The deputy protector-general and garrison commander of Qiuci was Cheng Qianli.

The garrison commander of Yanqi was Bi Sichen.

The garrison commander of Khotan was Jia Chongguan.

The garrison commander of Suiye was Zhao Chongxie.

There were also troops stationed in Shule City, Bohuan City and other places, guarded by yamen generals.

In addition, there were generals in Anxi such as Li Siye, Tian Zhen, Lun Weizhen, Bai Xiaode, Wei Boyu, Hao Tingyu, Ma Lin, and Lai Chen.

The small four towns of Anxi are home to many hidden talents, all of whom are famous generals who participated in the An-Shi Rebellion.

Moreover, except for Feng Changqing, the other most powerful generals are not very noticeable.

The easiest favor a new general can bestow is promotion!
Li Xuan would set up his own government office in Guizi.

The Beiting Army participated in few battles and had no famous generals that Li Xuan knew, so there was no need for Li Xuan to go to Tingzhou.

Of course, this does not mean that Li Xuan does not value the Beiting Army. Li Xuan admires the integrity of the Beiting Army very much.

He would focus on comforting and training the people, send people to monitor from time to time, and would also use the Beiting Army when going to war with the Arabs.

Li Xuan headed west, he wanted to go to Huangshui City first.

The capital of the Longyou Army is now in Fuqi City. It is rare for Wang Nan to bring the newly renamed Anxi Jinglüe Army, as well as food, fodder and livestock to Huangshui to wait for Li Xuan.

……

Just one month after Li Xuan left Chang'an, Yang Guozhong demoted the Chief of Staff Li Xiu to Lingnan on the grounds of dereliction of duty.

Li Linfu's son-in-law Yang Qixuan was worried that he would be implicated, so he agreed with Yang Guozhong and pointed out that Li Linfu had committed massive corruption and bribery, and that Li Linfu's family assets were calculated in billions.

Yang Guozhong seized the opportunity to launch a major crackdown and ordered Ji Wen to search Li's mansion.

As expected, silk, brocade, gold, silver and jewelry worth billions were obtained.

Li Longji had already suspected Li Linfu of being disloyal, and when he saw that the old villain's assets were dozens of times more than the reward he had given him, he became furious.

Li Linfu's sons were expelled from the imperial court and exiled to Lingnan and Qianzhong, and dozens of his close friends were demoted.

His family was completely destitute.

This is the price of falling out of favor. If Lady Guo had embezzled so much, Li Longji would definitely turn a blind eye.

Fortunately, Li Longji was not so heartless and did not implicate Li Linfu's daughters.

Only Li Linfu's sons-in-law who were officials in the court, such as Du Fu's cousin Du Wei, were demoted but not exiled.

Li Linfu once had a dream.

A tall, white, bearded man approached him and pressed himself against his body, unable to be pushed away. He was panicked in his dream, but when he woke up it felt like reality, and he was still frightened.
After waking up, Li Linfu said to his sons, "This man looks very much like Pei Kuan. This is because Pei Kuan wants to replace me."

So during that period of time, Li Linfu had been targeting Pei Kuan and even went so far as to frame Pei Kuan's grandson Pei Huang.

Later, after he believed the truth, he thought that the man was Li Xuan, but when he wanted to be on guard, it was already too late because Li Xuan's power was too great.

Yang Guozhong actually succeeded Li Linfu as the right prime minister after his death. He had a fair face and no beard, was tall, and looked very much like Pei Kuan.

This is the person who truly ate everything that Li Linfu had!
At that time, Yang Guozhong was just a soldier in the Southern Imperial Guards, insignificant...

A month later, news came from the local area that made Li Longji angry again.

The powerful people in the counties and prefectures refused to return the grain.

Demanded the abolition of the new Changping Law and the execution of Li Xuan.

Yang Guozhong knew that it was just a daydream for these powerful people to take advantage of him.

After he made suggestions to Li Longji.

Li Longji issued an imperial edict to the counties, stating that within three months, if any local tyrants continued to disrupt grain prices, the county governors and county magistrates would have their heads sent directly to Chang'an.

This shocked the county officials who were still watching. They knew that Li Longji was angry. Thinking that there was no performance evaluation system and no single whip system, and that their own interests would not be harmed, they immediately "persuaded" the powerful families to take the grain back.

The ambassador of the Changping New Law is Yang Guozhong, and the Changping New Law is still in effect.

In order to make money, Yang Guozhong raised the interest rate of the New Changping Law to 20%.

This has hit the bottom line of the people.

At the same time, the people hated Yang Guozhong extremely.

Yang Guozhong did what he wanted and didn't care about all this. In his opinion, ordinary people didn't need to have enough to eat, as long as they didn't starve to death.

Next, Yang Guozhong planned two things.

One is to overthrow Pei Kuan and recommend an obedient person as the left prime minister.

The second is to start a war, take the lead, and make it your own military achievement.

Last year, Jiannan Jiedushi Zhangchou Jianqiong died in office, and Yang Guozhong recommended his good friend Xianyu Zhongtong as Jiannan Jiedushi.

In the third month after Li Xuan left, Yang Guozhong secretly sent a message to Xianyu Zhongtong.

He asked Xianyu Zhongtong to send people to provoke Nanzhao. Then he attacked Nanzhao, captured Geluofeng alive, and completely incorporated Nanzhao into the territory of the Tang Dynasty, which became his achievement when he was the prime minister.

In Yang Guozhong's view, Nanzhao was a barbarian country, and with the elite troops of the Tang Dynasty, the country could be overthrown in an instant without any effort.

While Yang Guozhong was preparing for the big event, the three Yang sisters let themselves go. They amassed wealth and sold official positions and titles, and no one could stop them.

Li Longji indulged in it again and again.

This made the Tang Dynasty truly reach the point where the emperor despised titles and people coveted noble favors.

Zhao Fengzhang could not stand it any longer and advised Li Longji, which made Li Longji upset and he instructed Yang Guozhong.

Yang Guozhong immediately demoted Zhao Fengzhang to be the prefect of Yunzhong County.

Du Jing advised against it and was demoted to the position of Chief Clerk of Linhai.

Du Fu, who was the Imperial Censor, advised Li Longji to dismiss Yang Guozhong.

But the imperial edict was withheld by Yang Guozhong.

Yang Jian did not forget Du Fu's "insult" to him, and he asked Yang Guozhong to deal with Du Fu many times.

At this time, Li Longji no longer cared about state affairs and entrusted all political affairs to Yang Guozhong. He wanted to enjoy himself. Yang Guozhong, who held great power, found an excuse to dismiss Du Fu from his post.

Let Du Fu become a commoner.

If Du Fu's poetry had not been well-known and he had not been on good terms with Li Xuan, Yang Guozhong would have killed Du Fu.

Du Fu also fell seriously ill and almost died.

From then on, Du Fu's poetry style changed drastically...

Yang Guozhong's series of rectifications shocked all civil and military officials.

Smart people like Li Xian and Pei Zunqing knew that Li Longji would not listen to their advice, so they simply kept quiet.

At this point, many officials, literati, and common people began to miss Li Xuan.

There was a clear distinction between when Li Xuan dominated the government and when Yang Guozhong dominated the government.

The more incompetent Yang Guozhong was, the more greedy the Yang family was, the more famous Li Xuan became, and the more he was regarded as a legend...

……

Fanyang Jiedushi's government office.

An Lushan, who was far away in Fan Yang, was overjoyed when he heard the news that Li Xuan was going to the Western Regions.

He had many Sogdian generals under his command and was well aware of the power of the Arabs.

Moreover, the Tang Dynasty's expedition to the Caliphate would require crossing mountains for several months. The Caliphate would be well-rested and could mobilize troops and supplies more quickly, making it difficult for Li Xuan to defeat them.

An Lushan hoped that Li Xuan would be defeated, or even die in the Western Regions, so that there would be no more obstacles ahead for him.

"Sir, I plan to send troops as soon as possible to find the main forces of Xi and Khitan and subdue them to protect the rear. Is now the time?"

An Lushan summoned Yan Zhuang to ask, he was a little impatient.

"It's almost time. Once we start, we have to act with a force as powerful as thunder. What I'm worried about is the lack of manpower."

Yan Zhuang neither agreed nor opposed, and kept it a secret.

"We only have Fanyang and Pinglu, what else can we do? Now that clown Yang Guozhong is biting me like a mad dog. He even sent people to Fanyang to dig up my secrets. Fortunately, I have many informants in Fanyang. Now every time I go to Chang'an, I am worried that Yang Guozhong will harm me..."

Yang Guozhong, a clown who eats dog shit, could actually become the chief prime minister. Li Longji must be blind.

That supreme throne fascinated An Lushan. Why could Li Longji sit there?
Chang'an, with its flourishing flowers, is countless times better than Fan Yang.

He wanted to spend the spring in Xingqing Palace, the summer in Daming Palace, the autumn in Taiji Palace, and the winter in Huaqing Palace.

And the charming Yang Yuhuan...

"The more it is at this time, the more we should not be afraid. General, you can go to Chang'an boldly. As long as you can make the emperor and the imperial concubine happy, Yang Guozhong will not dare to harm you. If you change the time of going to Chang'an, it will show that you are guilty." Yan Zhuang said solemnly.

"What does the gentleman mean?"

After pondering for a while, An Lushan asked Yan Zhuang.

"Find an opportunity to impeach Hedong Jiedushi Gao Xiuyan, and then ask the emperor to appoint Hedong Jiedushi as his successor."

Yan Zhuang wanted An Lushan to have more troops.

"Sir, you also know that getting my subordinates to be loyal is not something that can be achieved overnight. Even if I become the governor of Hedong, they may not necessarily join me in the rebellion." An Lushan told Yan Zhuang about his concerns.

"After becoming the governor of Hedong, use the troops of Hedong to attack the Xi and Khitan. After the victory, reward the soldiers of Hedong generously, and they will serve you."

Yan Zhuang offered advice to An Lushan.

War is the best way for generals to win the hearts of the people and control the entire army.

The prerequisite is to win the battle.

If An Lushan had just taken over the Hedong Army and led it to a major defeat, what would the Hedong soldiers think?
"Mr. Gao Ce, you will definitely be the prime minister in the future!"

An Lushan promised Yan Zhuang again.

Not long after, An Lushan indeed found Gao Xiuyan's fault, and Li Longji demoted him to be the prefect of Lingnan.

Even the deputy governor Li Guangbi was dismissed.

Fortunately, An Sishun, the governor of Shuofang, had always liked Li Guangbi and wanted to marry his daughter to Li Guangbi, so he recommended Li Guangbi to the Shuofang army.

At the same time, An Lushan asked Li Longji for the post of Jiedushi of Hedong.

Li Longji ignored Yang Guozhong's dissuasion and gave the post of Hedong Jiedushi to An Lushan.

At this point, An Lushan was in charge of the three towns and had an army of 180,000.

An Lushan had eleven sons: the eldest son, An Qingzong, served as the Minister of the Imperial Household; the youngest son, An Qingxu, served as the Minister of Rites, all of whom were third-rank positions.

An Qingzong married the princess again and became the most prosperous emperor at that time.

Yan Zhuang offered An Lushan a strategy to control the Hedong Army, but An Lushan couldn't catch him!

As soon as he obtained the Hedong Army, he reported to Li Longji and ordered an attack on the Xi and Khitan peoples.

An Lushan personally led the Hedong Army and the Hedong Turkic Zuoxian King's troops to attack the Khitan, along with his top general Shi Siming.

The Xi and Khitan people had long been aware of An Lushan's movements. They ambushed him at Tuhuzhenshui and beat him so hard that he fled in panic.

Shi Siming also fled to the valley and hid there for more than twenty days.

After An Lushan fled to Shizhou (west of Chaoyang, Liaoning), in order to shirk responsibility, he blamed Zuo Xian Wang Ge Jie and Hedong military commander Yu Chengxian and executed them both.

When the news was reported back to Chang'an, Li Longji also believed that it was Ge Jie and Yu Chengxian who dragged An Lushan down. He did not blame An Lushan, but only ordered him to use the elite soldiers of Fan Yang and Ping Lu next time to subdue the northeastern Hu as soon as possible.

The Hedong army suffered heavy losses and their own military commander was killed as a scapegoat, so they became alienated from An Lushan.

From generals to subordinates, and then to soldiers, basically no one obeyed An Lushan's orders.

During the An-Shi Rebellion, the Hedong Army fought with all their might in Taiyuan, their capital, and kept the rebels outside the city. The Hedong Army was also one of the main forces in suppressing the rebellion.

Only one year after his defeat in the Battle of Tuhuzhenshui, An Lushan made a comeback, leading the Fanyang Army and the Pinglu Army to attack Huanglong and subdue the Khitan and Xi.

At the same time, he recruited the Mohe, Tongluo, Shiwei and other tribes to surrender.

He secretly selected 8,000 brave warriors from the Khitan, Xi, Tongluo and other Hu tribes, calling them "Yeluohe", and they became the most elite cavalry.

This not only freed An Lushan from worries, but also greatly increased his military strength, and all of them were Hu soldiers, whom he trusted more.

It’s just that Yan Zhuang felt very sorry because they lost the Hedong Army. If they still had the Hedong Army, they would have been able to accomplish their great task 100%.

Now, in addition to integrating the Hu tribe, An Lushan also has to find a way to replace a large number of Han generals in Fan Yang and Ping Lu.

An Lushan could not guarantee the absolute loyalty of many Langjiang and Yajiang.

……

Longyou, Huangshui City.

Even though Li Xuan was fast enough, it still took him a month to reach Huangshui City with his female relatives.

Li Xuan planned to rest in Huangshui City for a few days before setting off again.

"Greetings to King Tianshui."

Wang Nande, the governor of Longyou, personally crossed the Huangshui Bridge ten miles away to welcome Li Xuan.

"General Wang and I are both border commanders, so there is no need to do this."

Li Xuan said after returning Wang Nanyi's gift.

When Wang Nandi returned to Beijing to report on his work, he talked with Wang Nandi at a banquet and learned about the general situation in Longyou.

"You are the Minister of State, the Grand Protector, and the King of Tianshui. Your status is much higher than mine, and this is as it should be!"

Wang Nandi didn't think it was rude to greet Li Xuan.

He was famous for his bravery in killing the son of the Zamp.

But his bravery was no match for Li Xuan.

Not to mention Li Xuan's outstanding command ability and Li Xuan's promotion of him.

In the past, Wang rarely admired Xiang Yu and Han Xin, but now he only admires Li Xuan.

It was definitely not Li Xuan's fault that he was dismissed from his position as prime minister.

"General, you are too kind. I will take away your 20,000 most elite soldiers, as long as you don't blame me."

Li Xuan said to Wang Nandi with a smile.

If there is a change in the world, Li Xuan must take control of the Longyou and Hexi armies. It is not enough to rely on Beiting and Anxi alone.

He promoted too many generals in both armies. Even if the commander-in-chief was loyal to the court, he would have the opportunity to complete a "military coup".

"Now Tubo pays tribute of horses, cattle and sheep every year. They are in the snowy plateau and dare not cross the border. The soldiers are regretful for not having any military achievements. If possible, I would also like to follow the King of Tianshui into the Western Regions. How can I stop the Lintao Army from making achievements?"

Wang said this sincerely.

Longyou was the best army in the world, with 100,000 soldiers and horses.

Even if there are 20,000 fewer cavalry, each army still has 35,000 cavalry.

If the army does not fight for a long time, its combat effectiveness will inevitably weaken.

The king had no reason to stop the Lintao army from entering the Western Regions.

"The Western Region has made great contributions, and I will not treat them unfairly."

Li Xuan said to Wang Nanyi.

Then he returned to Huangshui City with Wang Nandi to attend the banquet.

"The Mo Dao isn't rusty, is it?"

At the banquet, Li Xuan asked Zhang Xing.

The Lintao Army, which was renamed the Anxi Jinglüe Army, had not only cavalry, but also heavy armored infantry, crossbowmen, and Modao soldiers.

He will definitely bring these into the Western Regions.

"The warriors have been wielding the Mo Dao for four years, looking forward to following the general into battle. Now the wait is finally over."

Zhang Xing said excitedly.

They couldn't believe that they could still fight with King Tianshui.

"Anxi also has a Modao army, and their general Li Siye is an expert in using the Modao. Our Longyou Modao Army has a longer reputation than the Anxi Modao Army, so don't lose your prestige."

Li Xuan patted Zhang Xing on the shoulder and said.

If it weren't for Li Xuan, there is no doubt that Li Siye would be the most powerful general in the Tang Dynasty at that time.

He was only stronger than Shang Duore'er, the most powerful general of Tubo who was killed by Li Xuan.

Zhang Xing’s height should not be shorter than Li Siye’s, but his bravery is definitely not as good as Li Siye’s.

But Li Xuan was confident that the Longyou Modao Army was better equipped and had better tactics than the Anxi Modao Army.

The Longyou Modao experienced many major battles, while the Anxi Modao had never participated in a battle involving more than 20,000 people.

"General Li, please rest assured that the Jinglüe Army you brought to Anxi will be able to suppress the Anxi Army."

Zhang Xing said he would definitely do his best to make Li Xuan proud.

"Guangqian has the style of his father. It will be a good story for the father and son to be on the battlefield at the same time."

Li Xuan raised his glass again and said to Che Shen Sai.

The Lintao military envoy of Cheshen Pass will become the Anxi military envoy and command the Anxi Jinglüe Army.

It's a promotion in disguise.

Che Shensai’s military rank was still the general of the imperial guards, and he had to make meritorious contributions before he could be promoted to other official positions.

"If Guang Qian is successful, it is the result of years of training by Marshal Li. I would like to thank you. The elite troops you created have never missed training. I will accompany Marshal Li in the battle."

After expressing his gratitude to Li Xuan, Che Shensai stated that the Lintao army was still the elite cavalry that could come and go like the wind and accompany General Li on a detour of thousands of miles.

"Very good, there are great opportunities in the Western Regions. I wish you and your son can win the Hero Medal!"

Li Xuan drank it all in one gulp. He trusted these old subordinates.

At the banquet, Li Xuan drank and chatted with other generals and subordinates from Longyou.

It's a pity that his identity is special, otherwise Li Xuan would go to Qinghai to see the new Fuqi City.

Four days later, Li Xuan set off.

This time, the Anxi Jinglüe Army accompanied them.

Tens of thousands of war horses were loaded with supplies to varying degrees.

There were also Tibetan slaves driving more than 100,000 livestock and thousands of vehicles.

Some of the cars were loaded with grain, and some were loaded with cotton seeds.

There were also hundreds of craftsmen on this trip, including Gongshu Qingzi, a craftsman who was raised by Li Xuan in Huangshui and was able to make powerful crossbows.

After arriving in the Western Regions, he came in handy.

"I will go to Qiuci in the Western Regions first. If you have any instructions, you can let the servants inform General Che and General Zhang."

Before leaving, Li Xuan went to the carriage and said to Changli and Jiang Yueyao.

Li Xuan will go ahead by transferring and make arrangements in the Western Regions.

Otherwise it will take several months.

The Anxi Jinglüe Army was originally a mobile cavalry, and because it had to transport a large amount of supplies, it could not move quickly.

Jiang Yueyao and Changli followed the army to the Western Regions. Li Xuan was relieved that their carriages were light and would not hinder the army's progress.

When they arrived at Liangzhou City, another 10,000 Great Wall troops joined.

"Don't worry, husband. We will take care of ourselves."

Changli has experience in traveling long distances, and she will help Jiang Yueyao.

"Okay! I'll wait for you in Kucha City!"

After spending a few moments with Changli and Jiang Yueyao, Li Xuan got off the carriage and left.

In addition to his personal guards and Yan Zhenqing, Yan Gaoqing, Cen Shen, and Liu Shan, he also brought his Anxi subordinate Wang Tao and several Anxi soldiers who were familiar with the route.

They carried supplies, each with four horses, and ran quickly towards the official road.

A few days later, Li Xuan arrived at Guzang City.

Geshu Han received him personally here.

Li Xuan attended the banquet hosted by Geshu Han that day, and inspected 10,000 cavalrymen separated from the Chishui Army the next day.

This cavalry was the new Great Wall Army.

There is no military envoy yet, only the generals and the men in charge of the camps. After arriving in the Western Regions, Li Xuan will appoint the chief general.

In Guzang City, Li Xuan was welcomed by the people even more enthusiastically than before.

The people of Wuwei have not yet forgotten Li Xuan's achievements in punishing evil and governing Guzang.

The new Changping system did indeed bring convenience to the poor people.

The officials of Helong were deeply afraid of Li Xuan.

On the third day in Guzang City, Li Xuan left and headed west along the Hexi Corridor.

Every time they passed a military unit, the military envoys would welcome Li Xuan into the army and talk with the soldiers.

The Jiankang Army in Zhangye, the Doulu Army in Jiuquan, the Moli Army in Jinchang, and the Yumen Army in Dunhuang.

Especially the people of Dunhuang City, when they learned that Li Xuan was passing by, they lined the streets to welcome him.

Li Xuan also saw some familiar faces, but he forgot their names.

The next day, when we left Dunhuang, we were still seen off by the people.

He was very emotional and he would come back again.

From Yumen Pass, Li Xuan trekked through the vast desert to Puchang Lake (Lop Nur), and along the Chi River, he arrived at Qiuci, the seat of the Anxi Jiedushi, in ten days.

After the Eastern Han Dynasty, the ancient Kingdom of Kucha had become a great country in the Western Regions.

It is now also the leader of the four towns in Anxi.

The Bai royal family has remained standing for hundreds of years, and it has its own unique methods.

The King of Kucha also served as the governor of the Kucha Governor's Office. The rule since the Han Dynasty made Kucha have a high degree of recognition of the Han dynasty.

The royal descendants of the clan joined the Tang army and served the Tang Dynasty, such as the fierce general Bai Xiaode.

When Li Xuan arrived at Quli State, the garrison reported Li Xuan's arrival to the Anxi government office.

Anxi Jiedushi Deputy Envoy Wang Zhengjian, Anxi Judge Feng Changqing, and the King of Qiuci, went out of the city together to welcome Li Xuan!
(End of this chapter)