When the proclamations from the Anxi Protectorate and the Beiting Protectorate were issued, the chieftains of the Qarluk tribes, who were unaware of the situation, were terrified.

How dare the Qarlugs go south to invade the Tang Dynasty?

The Qarluk had been nomadic to the south of the Jinshan Mountains (today's Altai Mountains), and at most reached the Ili River Basin. Beiting Anxi bordered it. The strength of the Hanhai Army and the Tianshan Army alone was enough to fight against the Qarluk.

Therefore, the chieftains of the Qarluk tribes asked Shiliyehu to explain things clearly to the Tang Dynasty.

However, in order to prevent the news from leaking out, Shiliyehu concealed it from his subordinates and claimed that he had sent a letter to the Anxi Protectorate to clear up the misunderstanding.

At the same time, Shiliyehu mobilized 20,000 light cavalry from his tribe and gathered them in the south of Jinshan.

The people of the various Qarluk tribes began to migrate westward, driving their horses, cattle and sheep.

There is a tendency to demonstrate against the Tang Dynasty.

More than a month later, the Tang army arrived at Tianshan Mountain and had gathered its troops to prepare for an expedition to Jinshan Mountain.

The two sides are on the verge of a conflict, and it seems that there is no way to mediate.

Shiliyehu was "helpless" and sent a number of light cavalry to ask for help from the Arabs stationed in the Talas River area.

The Arab general in the Talas River area was Ziyad ibn Sari, who was the top general under the Governor of Khorasan.

Ziyad ibn Sari followed the Governor of Khorasan in the uprising to overthrow the rule of the White Caliphate, and he was loyal to the Governor of Khorasan.

Not long ago, Ziyad ibn Sari crushed the uprising in Bukhara in the Transoxiana region, and was therefore highly regarded by the Governor of Khorasan.

After receiving the request for help from Qarlug, Ziyad ibn Sari did not dare to act on his own.

He personally led the cavalry to Samarkand to discuss important matters with the Governor of Khorasan.

Because at that time the real main force of the Arab Khorasan was in Samakan, which was only a few hundred miles away from Talas.

The city of Samakan, which was called "Kangju Governorate" by the Tang Dynasty, was the capital of the Sogdian Kang State.

After Kangguo rebelled and was suppressed by the Arabs, their main forces were mobilized here.

The ancient land of Zhaowu trembled because of this.

Now the Khorasan region still has the support of the Caliph's food, fodder and troops, and has sufficient food and supplies.

Abu Abbas also wanted to avenge Li Longji's insult and bring the Arab faith over the mountains to Anxi, so he gave support to the governor of Khorasan.

Naturally, this new and iron-blooded Caliph was not convinced. He believed that the Arabs had the Lord's blessing and were definitely more powerful than the Tang Dynasty.

Although Tang general Su Dingfang once defeated the Arabs, the Arabs were only prepared in a hurry at that time and did not take any real action.

The fact that the main forces were gathered in Samakan, the capital of Kangguo, shows the determination of the Arabs.

The royal palace of Kangguo has been requisitioned by the Governor of Khorasan.

He was listening to his subordinates reporting on the situation in the countries west of the Pamir Mountains, to see if there was any small and ignorant country that dared to resist the Arab army.

In the basins of the Yaosha River and the Wuhu River, there can only be one ruler, and that is the Arabs.

Most of the former Transoxiana Tocharian region offered surrender.

Not to mention the former territory of Zhaowu, because the main force of the Arabs gathered in the city of Samakan, no other country dared to resist.

Even Bukhara, the most loyal brother of the Tang Dynasty, had to offer tribute and express its submission because the Tang Dynasty had abandoned it.

"Governor, General Ziyad has returned from the Talas River and has something important to report to you."

When the Governor of Khorasan was reading ancient books in the palace of King Kang, his loyal servant came in and reported to him.

"Please invite General Ziyad into the palace!"

The Governor of Khorasan put down the book and responded.

Something important must have happened, otherwise Pegasus would have been enough to deliver the message, and there would have been no need for Ziyad ibn Sari to come back in person.

About a quarter of an hour later, Ziyad Ibn Sari came to the main hall and performed the Arab etiquette to the governor of Khorasan: "Greetings, Governor!"

"General, please excuse me! Tell me why you came back."

The Governor of Khorasan asked Ziyad ibn Sari straight to the point.

He was a man who acted in style. Although he was very unhappy that the victory of the uprising was seized by the Abbasid family, for the sake of the Arabs and for the Lord, he was willing to spread the doctrine to the east so that the Lord could save more stupid and hopeless people.

Since the advent of the prophets, they are the only ones who can save the world.

"Reporting to the Governor, the guy called the Heavenly General went to conquer the Qalulu tribe in the north of Anxi. Now the Qalulu tribe knows that they cannot defeat them, so they asked us for help. I know that the matter is serious, so I came to report to the Governor and follow his instructions."

Ziyad ibn Sari reported this to the Governor of Khorasan.

It is not difficult to hear the excitement of Ziyad ibn Sari from his words. The Arabs had long wanted to bring their Lord across the Pamir Mountains and rescue those foolish people.

Now the opportunity has finally come.

The main force of the Arab army had been deployed in the city of Samakan, and 30,000 troops were also deployed on the Talas River.

There are still 30,000 cavalrymen in Samakan City, who can quickly support Talas.

"The general was able to defeat Tubo that day. He replaced Gao Xianzhi, which is what I fear most."

The Governor of Khorasan felt something was wrong, as if everything was deliberate.

Li Xuan's bravery was known throughout the Silk Road.

Even Abu Abbas was concerned. When Abu Abbas first established his position as caliph, he asked the governor of Khorasan: "Is there anything that can be subdued by the general of the Tang Dynasty?"

The Black Caliphate had contacts with Tubo before it established its regime.

There is no doubt that Tubo was a powerful country. The fact that this country was scattered was because of Li Xuan alone, which frightened Abu Abbas.

"The warriors will surely defeat Li Xuan just as they overthrew Marwan II."

The Governor of Khorasan vowed to Abu Abbas, expressing his firm belief.

The Governor of Khorasan was a hero and had great charisma among the rebels, especially in the Khorasan region, where he made a call and the people responded.

Even Caliph Abu Abbas did not dare to dismiss the Governor of Khorasan easily, because once the Governor of Khorasan was dismissed, the Khorasan region would surely rebel.

The Governor of Khorasan was very confident and believed that his ability to command troops was unparalleled in the world.

He longed to be like Khalid, to have another "Sword of Allah" crowned on his head.

If you want to become Khalid, it is not enough to just overthrow the incompetent monarch, you must also work for the Arabs, for your master, and expand the territory.

Eastward expansion was also the wish of the Governor of Khorasan.

He has already planned that even if it takes five or ten years, he will complete the eastward expansion.

But when the opportunity was about to come to him, the Governor of Khorasan became cautious again.

"The Tubo people are just barbarians. The reason they can enjoy prestige on the Silk Road is not only because they are barbaric, but also because the Tang Dynasty is too weak. If the Arabs want to expand eastward, they will collide with the Tang Dynasty sooner or later. While we are strong, we can seize the Tang Anxi Protectorate in one fell swoop. After our 30,000 cavalrymen cross the Pamir Mountains, we can gallop freely there."

Ziyad ibn Sari considered the governor of Khorasan, and he looked down on the Tang army from the bottom of his heart.

Faith makes him strong.

How could they be afraid of the Tang Dynasty when they were the warriors who overthrew the Caliph?

"Our envoys went to the Tang Dynasty and brought back the message that the Tang Dynasty was strong. Their Chang'an was very prosperous, with people everywhere and food everywhere."

The Governor of Khorasan said to Ziyad ibn Sari.

Su Dingfang made a name for himself in Central Asia. Since the White Arabs came to power, a large part of the reason why the Arabs sent envoys to the Tang Dynasty was to explore the strength of the Tang Dynasty.

The information obtained made the White Arabs shocked and gave up their eastward expansion.

And all of this should be accomplished by the Black Arabs.

"In the past, Marwan II rode in a golden chariot and wore golden silk. When we started the uprising, we were dressed in rags, armed with hoes and sticks, but we still defeated them!"

Ziyad ibn Sari replied to the governor of Khorasan, suggesting that the Tang Dynasty was flashy and superficial.

It also publicizes the strength of the Khorasan rebels.

The rebels in Khorasan are now different from before. They put on solid armor and picked up sharp spears.

"Why did the Tang Dynasty invade the Karluks..."

The Governor of Khorasan asked this crucial question again.

"The Tang Dynasty claimed that the Karluks had invaded the Tang Dynasty's Beiting and had already sent troops across the Tianshan Mountains. The Karluks would never be able to defeat the Tang Dynasty. We can support the Karluks and subdue them. While Anxi is empty, we can attack from both sides and take down the Tang Dynasty's Anxi Protectorate and Beiting Protectorate, cut off the Hexi Corridor, and wait until we have completely spread our glory to the Western Regions, and then enter Chang'an... Luoyang..."

Ziyad ibn Sari swelled as he spoke.

He was very eager for military merit and hoped that Khorasan's power could influence the Western Regions.

"The Tang Dynasty just gave up the Tokharistan and Sogdian regions, and now it is attacking the Karluk people. This is exactly what I am worried about."

The Governor of Khorasan was not afraid of direct provocation, but was worried that the Tang Dynasty would play tricks on them.

"The Anxi Protectorate of the Tang Dynasty basically attacked the vassal states and tribes that refused to submit every year. For example, the Shi Kingdom had no crime at all, but because of Gao Xianzhi's greed, the old and young in Zhezhi City were slaughtered. The strength and tyranny of the Tang Dynasty will sooner or later make the Western Regions countries deserted. In this case, what reason does the Tang Dynasty have to conquer the Karluk?"

Ziyad ibn Sari believed that Li Xuan also wanted to use the Qarlugs to gain military merit and wealth while pleasing their emperor.

"General Ziyad is right. I have been overthinking. Even if the Tang people have some conspiracy, we must be prepared to fight them."

The Governor of Khorasan finally said.

This is based on confidence in the Arab warriors.

The Tang Dynasty has already given up the area west of the Pamir Mountains. Even if they are lured into an active attack, they cannot be afraid.

The main force of the army finally arrived at the city of Samakan.

This was the closest time in the history of the Arab Empire that the main force of the Tang Dynasty was to the Tang Dynasty.

It seems that after crossing the Pamir Mountains, they will be able to see the dawn that their Lord has laid out for them.

No matter what, we have to fight with the Tang Dynasty.

This battle is related to whether the doctrine can be extended to the East in the future, and whether he can be crowned the Sword of Allah like Khalid.

Strategically, passive defense is more pioneering than strategic offense.

"Governor, you are wise! I have volunteered to contact the Karluk tribe and lead 50,000 cavalry and Talas infantry, together with the coalition forces of the vassal states in Central Asia, to cross the plateau and enter Anxi. We will definitely sweep away all obstacles."

Ziyad ibn Sari asked.

The mountain road was dangerous and posed a great challenge to him.

But he was confident that he could complete this expedition.

After all, Gao Xianzhi crossed the Pamir Mountains and achieved a great victory.

And before that, Su Dingfang defeated the White Arabs.

Since the Tang generals could do it, why couldn't they, the Arabs?

They wanted to avenge their previous humiliation and pull the general's head out of his turtle shell.

"If we, the Arabs, go to rescue the Karluks, we must be fully prepared tactically. We will send out 50,000 infantry, 30,000 cavalry, and recruit 20,000 subordinates."

"We will also mobilize the guards and farmers to provide food for the expeditionary army."

"Let Karluk Yehu go all out to hold back the main force of the Tang Dynasty while our army marches in."

The governor of Khorasan gave Ziyad ibn Sari more troops.

He knew that this was the first time that the Arabs crossed the Pamir Mountains, so they had to go all out in terms of logistics. If food and fodder were cut off and supplies were insufficient, the consequences would be disastrous.

Since the Arabs stationed in Samar, a large amount of food and livestock has been sent to Samar with the support of Abu Abbas.

Abu Abbas also ordered the Governor of Khorasan to attack as soon as possible and defeat the Tang army.

In order to take advantage of the opportunity of the Anxi Protectorate to conquer the Karluks, he had to be prepared two months later.

"As you command! I will plant the flag in Kucha before next summer. If I fail, I will bring my head to you."

Ziyad ibn Sari accepted the order with excitement.

He will make history and bring warriors and the will of the Lord to the west of the Pamir Mountains.

"I am in the rear preparing food and supplies for General Ziyad."

The Governor of Khorasan was pleased with Ziyad ibn Sari's attitude.

Just like they rebelled to overthrow Marwan II, with the belief that they would die.

On that day, the Governor of Khorasan began to mobilize troops.

While collecting more food, they also deployed troops.

At the same time, the Governor of Khorasan sent his warrant to Sogdia, Bukhara, and a dozen countries in Tocharistan that had just surrendered to the Arabs.

For a time, there was a storm in the Western Region.

The Black Caliphate was too tough. As soon as they established the Caliphate, they began to invade the Tang Dynasty.

That great general of the Tang Dynasty was disappointing.

He thought he was brave enough to defeat Tubo, but he was not even as brave as Gao Xianzhi.

Instead, it allowed the Arabs to begin expanding eastward toward Anxi.

Unlike before, this time it was the main force from the Arabs that came.

Some small countries in the Western Regions west of the Pamir Mountains had already anticipated that the Tang Dynasty would suffer a setback in Anxi.

This made some small countries in the Central Asian countries begin to be completely loyal to the Arabs, for fear that the Arabs would start to liquidate them after occupying the Western Regions.

Many small countries in the Western Regions west of the Pamir Mountains were already dissatisfied with the actions of the Tang Dynasty.

Seeing that the Arabs were at their peak in the Western Regions and were commanding other countries, Bukhara, Sogdian Cao, Sogdian Anguo and others were forced to send some troops under the coercion of the Arabs.

And he provided the Arabs with camels, horses, cattle, sheep, and food, as well as fodder for the Arabs.

They were also very angry about the Tang Dynasty's abandonment of the country, and it was normal for them to feel dissatisfied.

Because they knew that sooner or later the Arabs would clean up their beliefs.

During the Arab expansion, the purges of pagans occurred repeatedly.

The Tang Dynasty would never force them to change their beliefs just because they believed in Zoroastrianism.

The Tang Dynasty was more like a country with the world in its heart.

The Arabs thought they could be ready in two months, but with sufficient food, it took them three months to prepare and they only set out for the Tang Dynasty in November.

To ensure that nothing goes wrong, the Governor of Khorasan made a complete plan.

He personally stayed in the city of Talas.

The army did not cross the Pamir Mountains, but instead went from Talas, crossed the Leishan Mountains, and broke in from Suiye, which saved a lot of time.

The cities of Talas, Kulan, Ashinabulai, and the Suiye River Valley are important for east-west transportation and have thousands of springs.

This was the route taken by the Governor of Khorasan after weighing the pros and cons.

First, this road is closest to the Tang Dynasty, and second, it is more convenient to transport food and supplies by camels and horses.

The Suiye River Valley runs east-west, is 500 miles long and 150 miles wide at its widest point. The snow-capped peaks on both sides have an average height of more than 1,000 feet. There are many hot springs in the mountains and the climate in the valley is pleasant. It can be called another "Hexi Corridor" on the Silk Road.

There is no better marching route than this.

After conquering Poye, they still had to overcome numerous obstacles and advance deep into Anxi.

But Suiye is the gateway to the Tang Dynasty. Opening the gateway and occupying Anxi is just around the corner.

Today, Julan City and Ashinabulai City are equivalent to the front-line defenses of the Tang Dynasty.

Since the cities are low and will break at the slightest touch, their existence is to help the Tang Dynasty gather information.

This also means that if the Arabs travel along this road, they cannot avoid the eyes and ears of the Tang Dynasty.

The Tang Dynasty's guarding cavalry had already received information about the Arabs' massive attack.

When the Tubo were still dozens of miles away from Julan City, they abandoned the city and fled on horseback.

The Tang army that was not coming to Ashina City also gave up resistance.

Ziyad ibn Sari was excited by the fact that they captured two cities without any effort.

When they arrived at the Thousand Springs area, which was flat and covered an area of ​​200 miles in radius, Ziyad ibn Sari ordered the cavalry to go ahead.

Ziyad ibn Sari knew that the Tang Dynasty had already grasped their movements and might be returning to provide assistance.

He kept in mind the instructions of the Governor of Khorasan. This was a head-on battle, and he would use his absolute advantage to overwhelm the Anxi Protectorate.

During this period, in the first two months, the Qarlugs frequently asked the Arabs for help.

Later on, there was no more news of requests for help. It seemed that the Qarlugs were being surrounded and blocked by the Tang army, and the situation was critical.

In fact, Li Xuan has been preparing for the battle in the past few months.

He mobilized food and supplies to Suiye City and the shores of Rehe.

At the same time, two thousand strong crossbowmen and two thousand heavy infantry of the Anxi Jinglüe Army were sent to Suiye City.

The defenses of Suiye City became impregnable.

Li Xuan has been controlling the movements west of the Pamirs. He has to proceed in two steps. The first step is to wipe out the invading main force of the Arabs.

The second step was to "pursue the victory" and lead the Tang army to the west of the Pamir Mountains to completely drive the Arab forces out of Central Asia.

Fortunately, he waited for this opportunity. In October, Li Longji asked Li Xuan about the battle situation, which put Li Xuan under great pressure.

If the Arabs do not take the initiative to attack this year, Li Xuan will definitely attack the Arabs.

Li Xuan could not continue to fight with the Arabs endlessly. Fortunately, the Governor of Khorasan finally lost his patience.

Perhaps it came from the pressure from Abu Abbas, or perhaps it was the confidence of the famous general.

In history, Gao Xianzhi learned that the Arabs were gathering troops in Talas, so he decided to take the initiative.

This means that the historical Governor of Khorasan had ambitions for the Anxi Protectorate.

It's just a matter of how long.

Unfortunately, their Caliph Abu Abbas died less than five years after establishing the country.

The Governor of Khorasan also suffered a classic operation, where his achievements became a threat to his ruler.

The birds are gone, the good bow is hidden, the cunning rabbit is dead, and the lackeys are cooked.

Everyone would be wary of a founding hero like the Governor of Khorasan who holds great power!
This also prevented the Governor of Khorasan from taking advantage of the An-Shi Rebellion in the Tang Dynasty to attack the Western Regions after winning the Battle of Talas.

Because on the eve of the Anshi Rebellion, the Governor of Khorasan was executed, followed by a rebellion by his old subordinates who had followed the Governor of Khorasan in the uprising.

"Have the Kucha Army, Yanqi Army, Khotan Army, Hanhai Army, and Tianshan Army been deployed?"

South of Rehai (now Lake Issyk-Kul), Li Xuan asked Cen Shen.

Rehai is only a hundred miles away from Suiye Town.

The Great Wall Army and 30,000 coalition forces from 36 Western Regions including Kucha, Khotan, and Yanqi were stationed here. To the south of Lake Issyk-Kul, there were also more than 10,000 light cavalry and elite cavalry of the Jinglüe Army.

At this time, the Tang Dynasty had blocked all Silk Roads, and Hu merchants were stuck on the road and were not allowed to approach the Pamir Mountains and Leishan Mountains.

Otherwise, you will be treated as a spy.

"Reporting to General Li, the troops of Kucha, Khotan, Hanhai and others have already arrived. Together with the Karluks, they will move down from the south of the Ili River at any time to cut off the retreat route of the Arab troops."

Cen Shen replied to Li Xuan.

The armies of Kucha, Khotan, Hanhai and others all have war horses. This rapid mobility can make the Arabs despair at the critical moment.

Soon, Li Xuan will let Ziyad ibn Sari experience the sadness of Gao Xianzhi in history.

Even though Ziyad ibn Sari was better prepared than Gao Xianzhi.

Judging from the composition of Gao Xianzhi’s troops in history, it can be judged that the route Gao Xianzhi took was also the Leishan Qianquan Road.

Because Gao Xianzhi would meet with the Karluk in the Ili River Basin, then cross Lei Mountain, pass Julan City, and meet with Bactria.

The three tribes advanced together to the Talas River and began a series of fierce battles.

The arrogant Gao Xianzhi did not mobilize the forces of all vassal states in the Western Regions to strengthen Anxi's military strength and gather food and fodder in Suiye City before the war.

If Gao Xianzhi had 20,000 more troops and had the food and fodder supplies from the Qianquan Road, the outcome would still be uncertain.

"Have you ensured that all the herdsmen and civilians around Suiye have evacuated without exception?"

Li Xuan asked Feng Changqing again.

"Reporting to General Li, they have all evacuated 400 miles away, not even a chicken or a sheep was left behind."

Feng Changqing replied to Li Xuan.

It's not just the people in the Suiyeshui area.

Even the small garrison towns around Suiye City, such as Yezhi City and Helie City, have been abandoned by the Tang Dynasty.

The Tang Dynasty had only 5,000 Suiye troops, 1,000 Zhushou troops, 2,000 Jinglüe crossbowmen, and 2,000 heavy armored infantry, responsible for guarding Suiye City.

In order to make the space in Suiye City large enough to accommodate the soldiers and thunder stones and rolling logs, even the original residents of Suiye City had been temporarily relocated.

"Persian King, although several generations have passed, the Tang Dynasty has never forgotten its promise to restore the Sassanid Empire. When your grandfather was alive, the Tang Dynasty was harassed by the Tibetans and was unable to destroy the Sassanid Empire. Now that the Tibetans have been subdued, it is time to fulfill our promise."

Li Xuan summoned an old man from a foreign race into the tent and spoke to him.

This old man was Pushan, the grandson of Persian prince Peroz of Sassanid Persia who had sought help from the Tang Dynasty.

After Bilus died in Chang'an with endless regrets, Li Zhi ordered the famous general Pei Xingjian to lead troops to escort Bilus' son Ninesi back to the country, but after escorting him to Suiye City, the Tang Dynasty let him return to Tokharistan alone.

In fact, Pei Xingjian's main mission was to suppress the rebellion of the Western Turks, and he had no time to restore the Sassanid Empire.

At that time, the White Caliphate had already gained a great advantage in the battle for the Central Asian region. Ninerg gathered thousands of followers in Tokharistan, but he was never able to make any progress. After a few years, his followers saw that the situation was hopeless and fled in all directions.

After that, Ni Neshi lived in Tokharistan for more than 20 years, but failed to realize his dream of restoring his country. In the later period of Wu Zetian's reign, when Wei and Princess Taiping were fighting for power, the Arab army conquered most of Central Asia and the Indus River Basin. Ni Neshi had nowhere to stay and had to flee eastward. He arrived in Chang'an in the first year of Jinglong, and died soon after with hatred.

The Tang Dynasty continued to enfeoff his son Pushang as the King of Persia.

But Pu Shang lived in the Western Regions in name only.

In addition, several decades had passed, and Pushan had grown old. He had long lost hope in his father and grandfather's cause of restoration...

(End of this chapter)