Decades passed quickly and Pushan had grown old. He had long been disillusioned with his father and grandfather's career.

He had previously lived in Tocharistan, but the influence of the Khorasan region of the Arab Empire on Tocharistan was so great that Pushang had to seek refuge in Anxi Qiuci.

In Kucha, some people have already forgotten his identity as the Persian king.

He lived in the streets and alleys in the south of the city. Apart from his family, a few lonely confidants, a few slaves, and the support of the Anxi Protectorate, no one cared about him.

The books treasured by our ancestors have long been covered with dust.

The faith in my heart has been burned out.

Desire also extinguished.

Pushang originally thought that the next generation would become ordinary people again.

He had read Han books and knew the significance of change.

He didn't expect that the famous General Tian would bring up the issue of restoring the Sassanid Persian Empire again.

Surprise, surprise, and more complexity.

The Sassanid Empire once replaced the powerful Parthian Empire and coexisted with the Roman Empire for more than four hundred years.

Its territory once spanned Europe, Asia and Africa, just like the present-day Caliphate.

But the decline of a dynasty has its own laws. After Peroz's father, Yazdegerd III, the last Persian monarch, was killed by the Arabs, the once powerful Sassanid Empire was buried in history.

"Is what the Grand Protector said true?"

It took a long time for Pushang to react, and he spoke in a trembling voice.

Even in his dreams, Pushan did not dare to hope that he would become the real King of Persia.

"We Han people have a saying that a word is as good as gold. I have fought in many battles and never broke my promise. The Persian king can rest assured."

Li Xuan replied to Zanshang with a smile on his face.

The Sassanid Empire believed in Zoroastrianism, which the Chinese called Zoroastrianism.

The Tocharian region and the Sogdian countries have many different beliefs.

The people in the Khorasan region of the Arab Empire still miss him to this day.

Li Xuan wanted to revive the Sassanid Empire so that he could raise the banner of faith.

Zoroastrianism believes that there are two basic forces in the universe, good and evil, that is, light and darkness. These two forces are constantly struggling, and ultimately good will defeat evil.

Li Xuan believes that this unique dualistic belief is more suitable for propaganda.

The philosophical idea of ​​dualism is one of the core doctrines of Zoroastrianism.

Zoroastrianism believes that the origin of the universe began in a primordial state, and then the good god and the evil god began to create the world. The good god represents light, life and creation, while the evil god represents darkness, death and destruction.

This corresponds to the above and is the original contradiction of faith, which is also the dualism advocated by Zoroastrianism.

In addition, Zoroastrianism emphasizes the concept of "cause and effect".

Good deeds will bring good rewards, and bad deeds will bring bad rewards. This concept is reflected in the teachings of Zoroastrianism, which believes that a person's actions and choices will determine his or her fate in the afterlife.

Good and evil will be rewarded in the end. This is not only a Zoroastrian belief, but also the most simple value of human beings.

This concept also exists in Chinese thought.

This basic value must also be implanted in people's hearts, which can make the regional order more peaceful.

At the same time, fire is regarded as a symbol of good gods in Persian religion, representing light and life. Believers must worship the holy fire and keep it burning to show their respect for the good gods.

It is also an affirmation of the value of light defeating evil.

Finally, Zoroastrian ethics emphasize integrity, honesty, and purity. Believers are encouraged to do good, avoid evil, and purify their souls through the worship of fire.

This emphasis on moral responsibility allows individuals to choose good and truth and fight against evil.

Li Xuan's temporary goal was to support the Sassanid Empire and rebuild the country in the west of the Tocharian region.

Use Persian religion to fight against the Arab religion.

With the support of the Tang Dynasty, they used religion to fight against religion and drove the power of the Arabs westward.

Because the Caliphate had not been around for many years at that time, including the Caliphate, there were still people at the bottom who missed Persian religion and worshipped fire and light, so there was a chance that it would be replaced.

"I would like to thank the Grand Protector for restoring the Sassanid Empire. If there is such a day, I will go north every year and pay tribute."

After a moment's deliberation, Pu Shang's long-cherished wish was brought back to life by Li Xuan's few words.

No words can describe Pushang's excitement at this moment.

Wandering around the Western Regions like a lost dog, he finally remembered that his great-grandfather Yazdegerd III was killed by the Arabs, and their once great country was destroyed. His father and grandfather came to Central Asia again and again, looking for an opportunity to restore their country, but eventually returned to Chang'an with a lost mood and died of illness in a foreign country.

Pushan would do anything if it meant restoring the Sassanid Empire.

"This is the promise of the Tang Dynasty. We are a country that embraces all. When the Sassanid Empire is established in Khorasan, the religion of the Arabs will be expelled from the Khorasan region. I support the rise of Persianism, and the Han people also worship fire."

Li Xuan promised Pushang.

"It's been decades, and I don't know if the people there support us."

Pushan said with some concern.

Because his father had already tried and failed.

"As long as we defeat the Arabs, it means that the light of Ahura Mazda is protecting his believers. The people of Khorasan will surely turn over a new leaf."

Li Xuan gave Pu Shang faith.

Whichever religion has lower taxes will win the hearts of the people. This is the greatest belief.

The last caliph of the Umayyad dynasty was overthrown by an uprising among his former subjects.

The divine right of kings is not as good as having two meals a day or a warm coat in this era.

If you cause the wrath of heaven and the resentment of the people, even the Caliph will be beheaded.

"My prince will definitely follow any arrangements made by the Grand Protector."

Pu Shang bowed to Li Xuan again. Li Xuan was right. The fact that they were able to expel the Arabs meant that their Persian gods were protecting them. It also proved that the Arab gods were not as powerful as the Persian gods.

"The Persian king will live in Rehai first. When this battle is won, I will announce the restoration of the Sassanid Empire to the Tocharian region. From now on, I will establish Sassanid Persia to the west of Tocharian region."

Li Xuan gave his final instructions to Pu Shang.

"As ordered!"

Pu Shang happily accepted the order, then bowed and took his leave.

After Pu Shang left, Li Xuan rode on his war horse and inspected Rehai.

A long spear was hung on his horse, and a strong bow was hung on the other side.

Behind him were five hundred elite cavalrymen in bright armor following him.

They were all Li Xuan's newly recruited personal guards, most of whom were rangers and warriors from Anxi.

Li Xuan served as prime minister for three years. He carried out reforms for the benefit of the lower classes, which made more people admire Li Xuan and have a chivalrous spirit.

As soon as they heard that Li Xuan was going to Anxi to serve as the Grand Protector, the Jiedushi of Anxi Beiting, and the Lingliushi of Anxi Beiting, the wanderers and aspiring good men from all over the country quickly formed a group and rushed to Anxi, wanting to follow Li Xuan to achieve great things.

The Western Regions have always held special feelings for the handsome young men of the Tang Dynasty.

Since the Han Dynasty, there have been too many epic legends in the Western Regions.

Either become famous like Zhang Qian, Fu Jiezi and Ban Chao, or die in the wilderness like Gu Ji.

Li Xuan's heroic deeds gave them great encouragement.

This is also the reason why many people still followed Li Xuan after he arrived in the Western Regions thousands of miles away.

As long as the Han knights who came to the Western Regions joined him, he would accept them and make them his personal guards and keep them by his side.

It is equivalent to the former Shen Ce Guard, but due to lack of training, it is definitely not as good as the previous Shen Ce Guard.

But during the battle, it was enough for Li Xuan to be the core and the Shen Ce Guards to guard the two wings.

After this incident, Li Xuan believed that more Han people would come to the Western Regions.

Moreover, these young and strong men came to the Western Regions only to join Li Xuan, which could strengthen Li Xuan's troops in the Western Regions and prepare for future major events. ...

Seven days later, they were about ten miles away from Suiye City.

"Rumble..."

Accompanied by the earth-shaking sound of horse hooves, tens of thousands of cavalry arrived at Suiye River.

This was the advance cavalry sent by Ziyad ibn Sari.

Before this, they had already sent scouts to detect any movement within a radius of dozens of miles.

After learning that there was no ambush, Ziyad ibn Sari ordered his cavalry to reach the Suiye River first.

The Arab cavalry wore dark robes that fluttered slightly in the wind, and wore exquisite turbans on their heads. They wore sturdy riding boots and stepped firmly on the stirrups.

Some Arab cavalrymen also wore lamellar armor, which was not full-body armor like the Tang Dynasty lamellar armor. Instead, it focused on protecting the chest, while the limbs and neck were protected by chain mail or leather pieces with good mobility.

Some also wore chain mail like a vest and helmets with Byzantine characteristics.

Although they had traveled a long distance, the Arab army looked excited.

Because they have faith, they will make great achievements for their country.

At this time, the Suiye River had already frozen. At the order of the cavalry commander, the vanguard cavalry unit crossed the Suiye River.

The troops are at the gates of Suiye City!

"The Tang army here didn't even flee."

A general of the Arab Empire saw the Tang army on the city of Suiye ready for battle from a mile away. Although they were densely packed, he expressed disapproval in his tone.

A city like this could be easily conquered by their massive army.

"We can't be careless. Suiye is an important city of the Tang Dynasty and must be heavily guarded. Giving up Suiye is equivalent to letting our army march straight in."

Adu, the commander of the Arab cavalry, said solemnly.

After such a long time, the Tang army must have reacted and urgently dispatched troops to Suiye.

Wouldn't it be strange if there was no defense?

"Go and tell General Qiyad that our army has arrived at Suiye City, but the city walls are full of Tang soldiers who seem to want to resist to the end."

Adu gave another order to the messenger.

"As ordered!"

After the messenger left, Adu ordered the cavalry to continue to scout towards the east of Suiye City to investigate the movements of the Tang army.

A day later, the scout came back and reported to Adu: "General, a large number of enemy troops were found a hundred miles away, near the hot sea. After closer investigation, we found that they were the coalition forces of Anxi Qiuci, Yutian, Yanqi and other Western Regions countries, with about 20,000 to 30,000 cavalry and infantry."

"The main force of the Tang army has not been deployed yet, so they mobilized Anxi's vassal states."

Adu guessed so.

"General, if our cavalry charges forward, we will surely be able to defeat those rabble."

The generals under his command asked for orders.

In their view, the coalition forces of Anxi were as fragile as lambs, and they could easily defeat them.

Their enemy was the elite Anxi Army of the powerful Tang Empire.

"Wait for General Ziyad to come."

Adu did not act rashly.

The coalition forces of the Anxi countries were still hundreds of miles away from them.

Before the capture of Suiye City and when the situation is unclear, they cannot commit a major military taboo.

"As ordered!"

The other Arab generals did not dare to say anything.

Five days later, the main force of Khorasan and the Central Asian coalition forces, led by Ziyad ibn Sari, advanced towards the city of Suiye.

Under the city of Suiye, the Arabs shouted and their horses neighed, their flags fluttered, their scimitars were like moons, their shields were like walls, and their spears were like forests.

"The Tang army's affiliated coalition forces are stationed a hundred miles away, and their scouts must be aware of our existence. What do you think, should we attack Suiye City or attack the Tang army's affiliated countries?" Ziyad ibn Sari asked his generals in the big tent.

"Suiye is nothing to be afraid of. Our army should go deep into the enemy's territory and defeat the Anxi affiliated coalition forces first."

An infantry commander replied to Ziyad ibn Sari.

"No, Suiye City is the gateway of the Tang army in the Western Regions. It is like a nail. Our army will occupy it and can attack or defend."

A Arab general expressed his thoughts.

"I agree. We should attack Suiye City!" Another Arab general responded.

"Attacking Suiye will result in casualties. We should first eliminate the Tang army's minions, and Suiye will fall without a fight."

"agree!"

For a time, the Arab generals argued endlessly.

They each have their own opinions and their own reasons.

"Some merchants told me before that the Tang Dynasty was sending troops from the Hexi Corridor to the Western Regions, and that their troops might be as many as 30,000 or 20,000. I was worried that the Anxi coalition forces affiliated with the Tang army near Rehe might have an ambush in the rear, so I decided to attack Suiye first."

When the generals were making a noise, Ziyad ibn Sari raised his hand to stop them and expressed his thoughts.

The Governor of Khorasan has also sent a message that the Tang Dynasty is dispatching troops to the Western Regions, not necessarily just to conquer the Qarlugs, but more likely to target the Arabs.

However, now that the Arabs have crossed mountains and rivers and arrived outside the city of Suiye, the two sides are bound to clash no matter what.

The Arabs believed that they would definitely win and there was no possibility of them withdrawing.

"I agree with the general..."

As soon as Ziad ibn Sari finished speaking, generals such as Adu expressed their support for Ziad ibn Sari.

For those who wanted to attack the coalition forces of Anxi, it was useless to oppose, as the minority had to obey the majority.

Ziyad ibn Sari chose to conquer the city of Suiye first, using it as a logistical base from which he could attack or defend.

After finalizing the plan, Ziyad ibn Sari deployed his troops and prepared to besiege the city of Suiye.

He planned to let the coalition forces in Hezhong make a test first, and their troops from the Arab world would immediately attack at the critical moment.

This was the time when the Transoxiana countries showed their loyalty to the Arabs.

Although the Transoxiana coalition forces were dissatisfied, they had to form a battle formation and wait for the ladders to be assembled under the tyranny of the Arabs.

The Arabs also deployed several teams of elite soldiers on the four walls, holding scimitars in one hand and round shields in the other, waiting for their chance!
If the coalition forces in the river could climb the city wall and open a gap, they would rush up immediately to reap the fruits of victory.

When the Arabs were sharpening their knives, Li Xuan in Rehai had already known that the main Arab infantry had arrived at Suiye City.

Excluding the cavalry, the main force and vassal troops of the Arabs totaled 70,000 to 80,000 people.

Such a large scale made Li Xuan smile.

The more troops and horses the Arabs sent to Anxi, the smoother his counterattack would be.

Li Xuan used the coalition forces of the Anxi states to lure the Arabs, but they were not fooled.

If they could lure the main force of the Arabs to Rehe, they would be able to surround the entire Arab coalition force.

But Suiye City is also Li Xuan's bait. If it is well arranged, it is possible to complete the strategy.

Li Xuan issued military orders one after another.

His armies will be within the sight of the Arab scouts within a day.

Since the Arabs had come to the Tang Dynasty and Li Xuan wanted to take the initiative to fight, they had no choice.

And Li Xuan has many choices.

(End of this chapter)