"General Li, this is the battle report, please take a look."

Three days after the war ended, Feng Changqing wrote a war report and reported it to Li Xuan.

"Thank you, Judge Feng."

Li Xuan unfolded the battle report and read it carefully.

Although Feng Changqing was not the top scholar and was not good-looking, he was talented and his battle reports were concise, detailed and clear.

It is even better than Liu Dan's record of victory.

The victory letter describes in detail the rivers, hillsides, locations of enemy and our own garrisons, the circumstances of the victory over the enemy, and Li Xuan's tactics in a clear and organized manner.

In order to please the emperor and get rewards, they described the combat environment and the hardships and difficulties, and never forgot the "divine grace".

The soldiers fought bravely and killed the enemy, and the description was extensive.

Feng Changqing recorded Li Xuan's leading by example truthfully based on Dianjun's records.

At the same time, the statistics of victories are also very clear.

In this battle, the Tang Dynasty first surrendered Bukhara, Bukhara, Sogdia and other countries, which was the first step to victory.

From the attack on Suiye City to the final siege, more than 54,700 soldiers of the Arab coalition were killed.

More than 35,000 Arab-Arab coalition troops were captured.

A total of more than 21,000 Arab horses were captured.

Among them, there are more than 18,000 war horses that are intact and can be reused.

There are many mares among war horses, and these are all excellent horses. When combined with stallions, they can produce a large number of excellent big-breed horses.

Li Xuan knew that almost all light horse breeds in later generations had the bloodline of the Great Equestrian Horse.

It can be seen that the Great Eating Horse has an excellent improving effect on ordinary horses.

Although the Great Eater is tall and majestic, Li Xuan values ​​its potential more.

It stands out among the world's horse breeds for its amazing running speed and long-lasting endurance. They can keep running for a long time in various terrains and climatic conditions.

At the same time, the Arab Horse is smart, easy to train, and can quickly adapt to various environments, whether it is alpine snow or grassland desert.

Chinese horses have been bred from generation to generation.

Ma Zheng is an important policy for governing the country, and Li Xuan will always pay attention to it.

Although the war lasted a long time, the casualties of the Tang Dynasty were far lower than those of the Arabs.

This continues Li Xuan's tradition of low casualties during years of conquest.

Li Xuan forced Ziyad ibn Sari into a desperate situation and finally ended the battle in half a day.

From beginning to end, only less than 3,000 professional soldiers of the Tang army were killed, and more than 5,000 were slightly or seriously injured.

The coalition forces of the Anxi countries suffered more than 700 deaths and more than 800 injuries.

A total of more than 600 people from the Qarluk and Turgesh tribes were killed and more than 500 were injured.

Since ancient times, heroes have not been able to always do what Li Xuan did.

Therefore, whether it was the coalition forces of the Anxi countries or the Gelulu and Tuqishi tribes, they were all very afraid of Li Xuan.

Fighting against Li Xuan was a terrifying thing. From generals to soldiers, no one could muster the courage.

After the battle started, Li Xuan threw the burly men weighing one or two hundred pounds like sandbags, and wherever the cavalry passed, both men and horses were defeated.

The scene of Li Xuan beheading the general and seizing the flag was spread by word of mouth and became more and more exaggerated.

There was even news that Li Xuan captured the enemy cavalry commander Adu and tore him in half along with his horse.

It's outrageous anyway.

The most Li Xuan could do was to tear a person in half, but tearing a horse in half would be nonsense.

But Li Xuan did not clarify, allowing the Hu people to remain in awe of him.

As long as he steps on this land, no matter what happens, he should not have any other thoughts.

"Judge Feng, you have to add one more thing. After our army has rested, we will immediately enter the Talas area from the Qianquan Ancient Road. The Arabs have invaded our Tang Dynasty without any reason and attacked our vassal state. This is intolerable and must be punished by thunder. Please approve this attack, Your Majesty."

After reading the battle report, Li Xuan reminded Feng Changqing.

No matter what the reason was, it was the Arab coalition forces that took the initiative to enter the Anxi Protectorate.

The Tang Dynasty always emphasized the need for a legitimate reason for launching a war. Even when Gao Xianzhi massacred the Shi Kingdom, he still treated it as a foreign treaty.

From a moral point of view, there was nothing wrong with the Tang Dynasty's counterattack against the Arabs.

Soldiers are valuable and quick.

The main force of Khorasan was completely wiped out in Anxi, and the areas around Samakan and Talas were left empty.

Even if the Arabs dispatched troops to support, Li Xuan was confident that he could deal with it.

This was the second stage of Li Xuan's war against the Arabs.

Only by fulfilling the promise to Li Longji and letting his horses drink water from Leizhu Lake (now the Aral Sea) could he gain Li Longji's trust and at the same time lay out a bigger plan.

While trying to restore Sassanid Persia and weaken the power of the Arab Empire, it also put some constraints on the Arab Empire.

"As ordered!"

Feng Changqing accepted the order without hesitation.

Li Shuai will never make the same mistake made by Ziyad ibn Sari.

After seeing General Li’s leadership, he was full of confidence in the Tang Dynasty’s counterattack.

"General Li, what should we do with these captured Arab soldiers? They consume a lot of corn even for one meal a day. Although we have been mobilizing the forces of Anxi and Beiting to transport food, our food and fodder are limited after all. The consumption during war is three times that of normal times. If we stay in Suiyeshui, the food in Anxi Beiting will be exhausted in eight months at most. If General Li wants to continue westward, the food can only last for five months at most."

Feng Changqing asked Li Xuan for instructions.

More than 30,000 people means 30,000 mouths, and they can eat a mountain every time.

Because Li Xuan was on a war, the soldiers were unable to farm.

Even if the Han people and the people in the Western Regions were allowed to take care of the military farming themselves, they could only achieve 30% at most.

This also means that food harvests will decline.

It also reminded Li Xuan to be aware of what he was doing when he moved westward.

Ziyad ibn Sari was unable to maintain strategic focus, largely due to food shortages.

"The road from Suiye to Talas via the Qianquan Ancient Road is a natural formation with many inconveniences. I want to have the Arab captives break the rocks and build a road that can be quickly traveled. While improving the Silk Road, it will also make it easier for the Tang Dynasty to truly control the Sogdian countries west of Congling and the Tocharian countries."

"Only when we settle down immigrants in the Hezhong region, drive out the Arab religion with Confucianism, bring the rituals and music of China to the Hezhong region, and let them actively learn the correct and fluent Chinese and learn the brilliant Chinese characters, can we make them truly belong to China and remain unchanged for a hundred generations."

"As for the food shortage, take out the money and let Judge Yan and Judge Liu do their best to buy grain. The Dunhuang army in Hexi has surplus food every year and supplies it to Shuofang. Now I ask the saint to transport the surplus food in Dunhuang to Qiuci."

Li Xuan said to Feng Changqing.

It is very difficult to transport grain to Qiuci and Suiye. However, Dunhuang is not far from Qiuci.

Since the grain from Xizhou can be transported to Qiuci and Suiye, then Dunhuang, which is adjacent to Xizhou, must be able to do so as well.

Li Xuan still needs half a year.

At critical moments, they could also slaughter livestock to supply the soldiers.

This time, the Modao Army killed many war horses, and it was still freezing cold.

This horse meat was enough to feed the soldiers for a long time.

"As ordered!"

Seeing that Li Xuan had made thorough arrangements, Feng Changqing said nothing more.

Li Xuan had a longer-term vision. He did not seek conquest by force, but rather assimilation by civilization.

Like the Five Barbarians of the past, they were incorporated into the Han nationality.

Because China has great etiquette, it is called Xia; because it has beautiful clothing, it is called Hua.

When barbarians enter China, they become Chinese; when Chinese enter barbarians, they become barbarians.

Han people has never been a name for bloodline. In the process of ethnic integration, Han culture will invade into the blood of the Hu people.

When the great unification came again and the Tang Dynasty was established, no matter it was Dugu, Changsun, and Yuchi of the Xianbei, Helian, Huyan, and Dangyu of the Xiongnu, or Lifei, Qian'er, and Fumeng of the Qiang, after several generations, they had only one title - Han!

Feng Changqing was lame, which destined him to be a Confucian general. He understood that only in this way could the Western Regions become the next Hexi Corridor.

As for the tens of thousands of casualties while repairing the mountain road, they were not within Feng Changqing's consideration.

If the Tang Dynasty wants to control Transoxiana, it will sooner or later have to have a main road connecting to Transoxiana. If the Arabs don't die, the Han people and the people of the Western Regions will die.

"This is my report of merit. After completing the victory report, present it to the Saint in my name."

When Feng Changqing was leaving, Li Xuan took out a letter of victory.

Since there will be rewards for the battle, Li Xuan wants to continue to boost the morale of his soldiers.

Receive medals and rewards from officials.

Even if gold, silver, silk and brocade are not forthcoming, let them know about the reward first.

After Feng Changqing received the letter of achievement, he withdrew respectfully.

Li Xuan left the camp with his personal guards to see the soldiers who were still burying the bodies.

These corpses must be dealt with in the territory of the Tang Dynasty.

If they were Arab soldiers, their iron and leather armor would have to be taken off.

These can all be recycled.

Li Xuan ordered that many of the books brought by the Arabs be well preserved and translated when the time comes.

Hundreds of craftsmen who followed the army escaped the fate of having to build roads.

These craftsmen knew some of the Arab technology and could make chain mail, lamellar armor, and forge precious swords.

The Tang Dynasty could use them.

As for the dead soldiers of the Tang army, they were registered, wrapped in horsehide and silk, and buried beside the Suiye River. Li Xuan would hold a funeral for them to reassure the soldiers.

There is no coffin when going to war, and dying on the horse's hide is also a soldier's honor.

On the day of the funeral, the soldiers were in tears. Marshal Li took them to witness the death on the battlefield.

The body is buried in the Western Regions, but the soul will definitely be able to return to its homeland.

At the funeral, Li Xuan also ordered the slaughter of cattle, sheep and other livestock as a sacrifice to the heavens, which not only indicated the achievements, but also indicated that the next battle would be victorious.

An urgent letter of seven hundred miles rushed to Chang'an...

The city of Samakan.

In the royal palace of Kangguo, the Governor of Khorasan was unable to read books as usual.

For several months he heard nothing more from Ziyad ibn Sari.

The spies who gathered intelligence and the messengers who delivered messages were like drop in the ocean.

The patience of this famous and illustrious founding hero of the Black Caliphate has been worn out.

He could calculate that the expeditionary force led by Ziyad ibn Sari had very little food left.

Unless Ziyad ibn Sari can plunder the Tang Dynasty's grain.

"Governor, General Ziyad will return safely, and may even defeat the Tang Dynasty and bring back a map of Anxi. You don't have to worry."

Alin Ibrahim, the governor of Khorasan's close aide, comforted him.

The Governor of Khorasan has had a drastic decrease in his appetite recently, and Alin Ibrahim is worried that the Governor may be overeating himself.

The Governor of Khorasan was the spiritual belief of the Khorasan province. His orders in the Khorasan province were more effective than those of Caliph Abu Abbas.

"One hundred thousand soldiers and horses, all of them are Khorasan warriors. They followed me to overthrow evil and were going to enjoy wealth and glory, but now they can't return. How can I not be heartbroken?" said the Governor of Khorasan with great sorrow.

The fact that he was loved by the people of Khorasan shows that he had a unique charm.

He who loves others as he loves himself is a true believer.

Khorasan has done it.

But extreme thoughts have long been integrated into his words and deeds.

Perhaps he didn't even know that he was violating the doctrine.

The life of the Governor of Khorasan is legendary.

He was not an orthodox Arab, but came from a slave family of Persian descent.

This kind of identity reversal is something that few people in China can compare with since ancient times.

The governor of Khorasan did not become famous by luck. He was devout in faith, shrewd and capable, and proficient in military strategy. Therefore, he was highly regarded by the Hashemite family alliance.

After paying homage to the holy city, the Governor of Khorasan returned to the Khorasan region to preach. He first went to the Khuza'a tribe in Khorasan and later went to Mehwan, where he was supported by Persian peasants.

Achieve your dreams step by step.

The governor of Khorasan also overcame the dissatisfaction brought about by his humble origins and won over some nobles in Khorasan to convert to the Arab religion. He integrated local traditions with Persian culture and the Arab religion, blurring the contradictions between Arabs and non-Arabs.

Making it a true leader in the Khorasan region.

He was the first to rise up and had the greatest military achievements. According to Chinese tradition, the Governor of Khorasan should have been tough and competed with Abu Abbas to become the Caliph.

But the Governor of Khorasan lost in terms of blood. As a descendant of a Persian slave, he could not compare with Abu Abbas, a nobleman who had the same blood as the Prophet.

The fruits of the uprising were naturally seized by the Abbasid family.

The Governor of Khorasan has his own great talents and strategies. He worships Khalid, the Sword of Allah. Since he is the Governor of Khorasan province, he must conquer like the Sword of Allah.

The Anxi Protectorate of the Tang Dynasty was the only way for the Governor-General of Khorasan to advance eastward.

"We didn't expect Li Xuan to be so cunning. He took the initiative to give up Hezhong and use the Karulus to lure us."

Alin Ibra sighed.

"I have thought about this, but our army is composed of elite troops who have risen up and defeated evil. They are no less powerful than the Tang army. General Ziyad and General Adu are experienced warriors. I have repeatedly hoped that the person who pushed the door open was General Ziyad's messenger. Now that things have come to this, what else can I not admit? The expeditionary army has been defeated, and the defeat was very tragic. It is even possible that the whole army will be wiped out."

The Governor of Khorasan said it very accurately.

"Governor, you can't say that. We, the Arab coalition, have faith. God will bless us!"

Alin Ibra said with a horrified look on his face.

"A devout believer must learn to solve problems on his own. God will not save fools. If our army was confronting the Tang army, General Ziyad would have sent us a message. He knows how important the letter is to us, instead of the current silence. In this way, does it not prove that the expeditionary army has been defeated?"

The Governor of Khorasan said in a deep voice, clenching his fists as he spoke.

He is not willing!

The 30,000 cavalry were the elite of the Khorasan province, and there were 50,000 infantry warriors.

There were less than 10,000 soldiers and horses left in the province of Khorasan, with an additional 30,000 newly recruited volunteers who had not received any training.

"Since Li Xuan has lured us, he will definitely go further and cross mountains and ridges to reach the river. What should we do?"

Alin Ibrahim had to accept this reality because the Governor of Khorasan's judgment was always correct.

"This Tang general known as the Heavenly General is extraordinary. Report to the Caliph quickly and request other provinces to recruit volunteers and deploy troops. We the Arabs must keep Transoxiana and block the Tang outside the mountains."

The Governor of Khorasan said with a firm look.

The possible failure of the expedition did not defeat his faith.

He knew that Hezhong was in danger.

He could only pray that Ziyad ibn Sari would inflict huge losses on the Tang Dynasty and that it would be a pyrrhic victory for the Tang Dynasty.

Give them time to deploy their troops.

A large amount of food and supplies were stored in the cities of Samakan and Talas.

It was originally intended to be transported to the Anxi Protectorate, but the Tang Dynasty cut off the ancient road, so the grain and supplies could only be stored temporarily.

With the arrival of reinforcements, the Arabs needed to store more supplies and food in the river.

It was the first time that Khorasan felt like a thorn in his side, and this was when he had only heard of the person but had never seen him.

"As ordered!"

Alin Ibra accepted the order.

When the news reached the Caliphate capital of Kufa, Abu Abbas was furious.

Li Longji insulted him so much, and he gave so much support to the Khorasan region, but he still suffered a great defeat.

There has been no news for several months, and one can tell with one's butt that Ziyad ibn Sari is in great danger.

After Abu Abbas reprimanded the Governor of Khorasan, he thought of the Governor's achievements and abilities and decided to continue using him.

After all, the expeditionary force was led by Ziyad ibn Sari, and was related to the Governor of Khorasan, but the relationship was not very great.

Abu Abbas put the blame on Ziyad ibn Sari.

Although Abu Abbas was afraid that the governor of Khorasan might be too successful, he still valued his abilities very much.

"The Arabs are the people of God. How can we allow the pagans to slander us..."

At Abu Abbas's order, the main forces from various Arab regions began to gather towards the city of Samar.

Although the provinces are not as strong as Khorasan in terms of military strength and horsepower, they are united as one and should not be underestimated.

The Arabs were warlike, and every time they recruited soldiers, they were able to recruit a large number of "volunteers", whom they called Mutwar.

In addition, Abu Abbas ordered the Grand Emir to lead 50,000 cavalry guards to Samargan for support.

The Grand Emir was the nominal commander of the Arab army.

The capital of the Arab Empire had a guard army of 100,000 people, half of whom were cavalry, which was a full-scale attack.

A large part of this Janissary cavalry were Khorasan people, and their equipment was better than that of the Khorasan cavalry.

There were also some Turkic slaves among the Arab Guards cavalry, and the Arabs attached great importance to the riding and archery skills in the genes of the Turks.

In order to show his trust in the Governor of Khorasan, Abu Abbas specifically ordered his trusted Grand Emir to obey the orders of the Governor of Khorasan.

The Grand Emir merely gave advice and commanded the cavalry.

Because Li Longji, at the instigation of Li Xuan, insulted Abu Abbas, and the Arabs wanted to defend the newly acquired Transoxiana with all their might, this new empire started a national war just two years after its founding.

The old enemy, the Byzantine Empire, was watching covetously. If the Caliphate failed, it would face unbearable consequences.

But that's what war is like. Both sides are gambling for the dignity of their country, for the vast land and population.

And they all think they will win.

……

When the Western Regions were still covered in ice and snow, Chang'an was already full of lush grass and singing birds.

The talented men and beautiful women of Chang'an are enjoying the springtime cruise in Qujiang River, and everything is peaceful and prosperous.

When people see Qujiang's "Only the peony is the true national beauty, and the capital city is moved when the flowers bloom", they all think of the legendary man.

It has been a year since I left Chang'an, and the people of Chang'an all miss me.

Because Chief Prime Minister Yang Guozhong was such a bad person.

The Five Yangs were arrogant and domineering, and everyone from royal nobles to common people gnashed their teeth at their anger.

The people didn't understand why the young master was squeezed out by a mediocre person like Yang Guozhong.

Just after the beginning of the eleventh year, Pei Kuan was dismissed from his post due to slander from Yang Guozhong.

Pei Kuan had been prime minister for a long time, but he was unwilling to accept that the government was controlled by the villain Yang Guozhong.

But he knew that he had no ability to fight against Yang Guozhong and the Five Yangs.

Unless Li Xuan returns!

When Li Xuan left Chang'an, he said, "Wildfires cannot extinguish it; spring breeze will bring it back to life," which made his will to reform clear. Even if the war was won, it would be difficult for him to come back.

Pei Kuan had no choice but to leave Chang'an with hatred and become a prefect in the local area.

Many literati and officials in the court were waiting for the "spring breeze", but as soon as Yang Guozhong had the chance, he drove the reformists out of Chang'an.

This was tacitly approved by Li Longji.

In late January, because Chen Xilie was gentle and easy to control, after Li Linfu's death, he became close to Yang Guozhong and was recommended by Yang Guozhong as the right prime minister.

Li Longji agreed to Yang Guozhong's recommendation without much thought.

In order to increase his influence, Yang Guozhong changed the position of Minister of Personnel to Minister of Culture and held the position concurrently himself.

The Minister of War was changed to Minister of War.

The Minister of Punishments was changed to the Minister of Constitutions.

Since Yang Guozhong was appointed prime minister, Li Longji believed that the world was peaceful and there was nothing to worry about, so he lived in Huaqing Palace in winter and returned to Xingqing Palace in spring, amusing himself with music and dance. He entrusted all government affairs to Yang Guozhong and kept himself at bay.

Last year in Huaqing Palace, I didn’t see Li Longji for a whole month.

Many letters of advice could only reach Yang Guozhong.

But there are exceptions. Li Longji has always been concerned about the war in Anxi.

Even the most foolish king is obsessed with expanding territory and the great events after his death.

Who doesn't want to become an emperor for eternity?

After Li Xuan's memorial arrived in Chang'an, it was not submitted to the Secretariat, but was handed over to the Ministry of Internal Affairs by Yulinlang, and then forwarded to Li Longji by Gao Lishi.

"We won a great victory in the Battle of Suiye River, and all 100,000 soldiers of the Arab Empire were annihilated. Does the Arab King still dare to shout in front of me?"

"Although Qilang is full of talent, he is still more suitable to be a general! Throughout history, only Qilang can annihilate an army of 100,000 with only a few thousand casualties."

In the Nanxun Palace, the drunken Li Longji woke up suddenly after seeing the good news.

Luring the enemy deep into the territory, leaving the Arabs isolated and helpless. Fortunately, he was wise and did not believe Bian Lingcheng's secret report.

Li Longji believed that since the defeat of the Arabs had cost the Tang Dynasty so many troops, the countries in Central Asia would be within Tang's grasp.

"Yes... we still have to rely on Qilang to fight a war. Others who don't know the art of war and have no military strategy are not even as good as Zhao Kuo and Ma Su. They can't be trusted."

Gao Lishi said to Li Longji on the side.

There have been a lot of rumors recently, and he didn't want Li Longji to be misled by these groundless rumors.

"That's right! Lushan just requested to lead the elite troops of Fanyang and Pinglu to conquer the Xi and Khitan to avenge the previous humiliation. Qilang is going to pursue the victory and drink water from Leizhuhai. In addition, Nanzhao Geluofeng is a traitor and offends the Tang Dynasty, so Xianyu Zhongtong led the Jiannan Army to conquer. Maybe this year will be like the first year of Tianbao, with three consecutive victories."

Li Longji was quite pleased with himself when he thought about this incident, without realizing that it was a warmongering act.

What was even more unexpected was why Nanzhao, which had once been pacified by Li Xuan and was loyal to the Tang Dynasty, suddenly rebelled.

In the first year of the Tianbao period, Wang Zhongsi, Huangfu Weiming and Wang Ju won successive victories in Shuofang, Longyou and Hexi respectively, adding to Li Longji's reputation for military exploits.

Gao Lishi next to him wanted to say something but hesitated, and finally did not dare to say more.

Li Longji was also furious because of Gao Lishi's advice.

He has self-awareness, but also a sense of luck.

"All that Qilang requested was approved. The meritorious officers and soldiers were promoted to higher positions. The treasuries of the two capitals prepared silk and money to be transported to Qiuci. Medals of various levels were made as quickly as possible and sent to Suiye at full speed."

"Seventh son, dismissed from his post as Purple Gold Guanglu Dafu, was promoted to General of the Cavalry, with a reward of 1,000 taels of gold, 1,000 pieces of forged cloth, 10,000 pieces of silk, and 100 pieces of jade. If he takes back Hezhong and defeats the Arabs again, there will be another generous reward."

Li Longji was a king who cared little about titles. Since Li Xuan had made such a great contribution, he did not care about the warehouse and offered a generous reward to show his majesty and kindness.

(End of this chapter)