Tumeng: I am a national advisor in the Golden Family

It had been more than twenty days since the withdrawal, and what he was most worried about finally happened, but the distance between the two armies was still very far.

Even if they advance at full speed, it is not easy to catch up with their troops.

Although the soldiers did not have good meals every day, their troops moved forward on horses, and every Mongolian soldier had several spare horses.

The marching speed of such an army is not slow. Even if they withdraw, without any infantry dragging them down, their marching speed is still considerable.

Even if the Golden Horde sent chasing troops, it would not be easy to catch up with them in a short time.

However, just in case, Zhang Bingguan decided to hold a military meeting and gather all the senior generals, but this time the people gathered. The main ones are still the Wokuotai family and the Mongolian generals under their own command.

Thousands of households can understand that these things are dragging down the Mongolians under the Leitong family. After all, they have just surrendered and cannot gain full trust yet.

Now the most elite troops that Zhang Dingguan can command are the 7 people under his own command and the people from the Wokuotai family, a total of troops.

Of the remaining 100,000 people, 70,000 were the troops of the Tuolei family, and the remaining 30,000 were the armies of the kings of the East and West.

That night, the coalition forces found a place with fertile water and grass and began to set up camp. This time, Zhang Dingguan made an unprecedented announcement that some of the livestock accompanying the army would be slaughtered and the entire army would eat meat once to boost their morale.

If nothing else goes wrong, the war is about to begin. It is unacceptable for the soldiers to maintain such low morale. They must find ways to improve their morale.

The best way to increase the humidity is undoubtedly to give the soldiers a good meal.

After appeasing all the soldiers, Rhodes found the stand-in he had arranged before, then asked him to put on his armor, greeted some Mongolian grassroots soldiers, and then quickly returned to the Great Khan's tent. .

Because it is located in the grassland, the weather has begun to get colder, so Guiyou's body is relatively well preserved and does not emit any unpleasant smell. This is in the Central Plains, in the middle of summer, and the body will probably smell bad within a few days. Lost.

"Everyone, I have received accurate information. The people of the Golden Horde obviously do not intend to let us go.

Khan Batu of the Golden Horde has now led an army of more than 100,000 people into the territory of the Chagatai Khanate, and sent a vanguard army of 10,000 people to pursue us. "

Zhang Dingguan told all the senior commanders present, all the Wokuotai family, and the heads of thousands of households under his command about the intelligence he received in the morning.

"Are we afraid of him? Ten thousand people dare to chase us? Do you really think we are stupid?"

"This Batu is so disrespectful to us! How dare an army of only 10,000 people come to deal with our Ogedai family?"

"Grand Prince! Just give the order. We will immediately lead the army to attack him. We will first eat up his 1 vanguard troops. If he still dares to attack, then we will set up a battle array and fight with them."

After learning the news, all the generals of the Ogedei family were excited and immediately went to deal with Batu.

We are here to fight you. Now that we have withdrawn our troops on our own initiative, you should burn incense. It would be better for you to lead the army to pursue us, right? And also pursued into the territory of the Chagatai Khanate.

They only sent a vanguard army of 1 people to chase us. Although we withdrew, the death of the Great Khan was not announced to the entire army. Although morale was a little low, it was far from collapse.

"We cannot fight a decisive battle. If there is a decisive battle, the Mongolian Khan Guyuk must personally take charge of the entire army."

"But now the Great Khan is dead. Although we are the only ones who know the exact news, once a full-scale war breaks out with Batu, the Great Khan will inevitably come out to take charge of the overall situation."

"Then paper will no longer be able to contain the fire. Once all the soldiers in the army know that the Mongolian sea is dead, this news will definitely collapse our morale.

By then, our hundreds of thousands of troops may be buried here. "

Some other generals, especially the Mongolian generals who followed Zhang Dingguan, raised objections.

Over the years, these Mongolians who followed Zhang Yong in the territory near Qinghai have gradually differentiated from the native Mongolian tribes.

Although they still retain some habits, the outstanding generals have also studied at the Guanzhong Military Academy. They are not those grassland generals who don't understand anything. They have high tactical accomplishments.

Some problems are looked at more comprehensively, and the command of the army is much better than those of Qianhu, who are famous for their bravery on the grasslands.

"Of course we can't compete head-on with Batu's army, and we don't need to compete head-on with Batu's army, even if they advance at full speed to pursue us.

It would take at least half a month to catch up with us. Half a month later, we were already not far from the Ogedai Khanate. "Zhang Dingguan said.

It is impossible for the whole army to fight, and this time of big pursuit, as long as they don't want to fight, it will still be difficult to win the battle.

The most important thing is that when such a large-scale army enters the territory of the Chagatai Khanate, the Khan of the Chagatai Khanate will not pretend that he has not seen it.

Their side was hastily withdrawing its troops, but was Batu's side prepared? They don't carry much rations.

If they ask for food and grass from the Chagatai Khanate, they are also enemies of the Chagatai Khanate.

To be honest, the most unfortunate thing about this Western Expedition was the Chagatai Khanate. Their own land directly or indirectly became a battlefield.

Moreover, they were forced to contribute money for food and grass.

"First Prince, if you have anything to say, just say it directly! You have led us during this period, and we also know your abilities.

We people are also willing to believe you, and when Guyuk Khan died, he also handed over the command of the army to you, and we are willing to obey your orders. "A Mongolian general stood up and said.

"Yes! Great Prince, you have done really well during this period. We all see it in our eyes. It is indeed incredible that you can maintain the morale of the entire army and lead us to retreat safely despite such a lack of food. easy."

After getting along with each other for a period of time, many generals of the Wokuotai family have recognized Zhang Dingguan's ability, although it is still inferior to his father Zhang Yong.

But it’s already very good, and more importantly, this prince is still very young! There is a lot to do in the future.

"Thank you generals for your trust. Don't worry. I, Zhang Dingguan, am here to promise everyone that I will bring you safely back to the Mongolian grassland, and will lead you to launch a western expedition in the future to completely destroy the Golden Horde. Khanate.

My plan is like this. The Wokuotai family will send out five thousand soldiers and horses, and my family will also send out ten thousand soldiers and horses, and gather fifteen thousand soldiers and horses to stop the attack.

As for the remaining people, they led the army and continued eastward. "Zhang Dingguan said.

The light cavalry chasing after them this time can't just sit idly by!
Although this army is small in number, if it pursues them with all its strength, it may not take long to catch up with them.

And once they are entangled by this army and fall into a stalemate with them, they will have no choice but to leave or fight. Batu's main army will arrive by then.

If that time comes, then the news of the death of the Mongol Khan cannot be concealed.

“Grand Prince, perhaps we can send an envoy to discuss with the Khan of Chahotai Khanate.

Recently, our relationship has eased. At least we have never violated the herdsmen of the Chagatai Khanate these days! "A Qianhu member of the Wokuotai family said.

During this period, there were tens of thousands of Chahetai. The army of the Khanate was with them, but they have left recently. Under the strict military discipline of Zhang Dingguan, although the soldiers had little food, they were not hungry. Even though he died, his morale was still preserved.

Moreover, the eldest prince's sworn brothers would occasionally order people to send some caught fish over and let them cook some fish soup to drink. The soldiers could drink some fish soup every few nights, and their lives were pretty good. "Well! It is still necessary to send an envoy to the Chahetai Khanate. Don't worry, I will handle this matter myself." Zhang Dingguan said.

He must now ask the envoy to confirm one thing, that is to ensure that the Chagatai Khanate's army will not attack them together with the Golden Horde Khanate's army.

If the two sides join forces, things will be bad, but Zhang Dingguan believes that the Khan of Chagatai will not do this. After all, it will not be of any benefit to the Chagatai Khanate.

"Eldest Prince, when do you think it is more appropriate to set off?"

"I will send an envoy first. We are not too far from the main tent of the Chagatai Khan. It will take about six or seven days to go back and forth. Wait for the envoy to return.

The 10,000 vanguard troops of the Golden Horde should be not far away from us. When the time comes, I will lead an army of 15,000 to stop them.

As long as these ten thousand troops are annihilated, the Golden Horde will know that we are not soft persimmons.

There is no point in pursuing them any longer, they will give up on their own. "Zhang Dingguan said.

Just kidding, if it is just a war, he is not afraid of anyone. No matter who the general is here this time, the Mongolian cavalry in Guanzhong will be there. Tear each other to pieces.

The weapons and horses used by the Mongolian cavalry in Guanzhong are all carefully selected, especially the sabers and armor, which are all forged from the excellent steel produced in the Guanzhong area.

In terms of equipment, the weapons and armor of our Mongolian cavalry are far stronger than those of other families, and their training and tactics are also superior to them.

With such an army, it would be a shame if he couldn't win.

After discussing the strategy, the coalition forces immediately took action and quickly sent an envoy to the Khan's tent in the Chagatai Khanate.

Zhang Dingguan also comforted the troops from time to time, and informed the Tuolei family, as well as other Mongolian kings of the east and west roads, that enemy troops were coming to pursue them.

However, there are only 10,000 people, and he will lead people to annihilate them so that they don't have to worry about continuing to return eastward.

Three days later, the envoy sent by Zhang Dingguan galloped all night, without even stopping, and arrived at the big tent of the Khan of the Chahotai Khanate.

Then he received warm hospitality and was brought to the Khan of Chagatai. The Khan of the Chagatai Khanate was not Chagatai's son at this time, but Chagatai's grandson Haci Xulie.

The other party has succeeded to the throne for more than four years. This monarch of the Chahotai Khanate is very young.

After Baidar returned that year, the position of Khan had been taken away, and he could only be the patriarch of the Chagatai Khanate here.

"Messenger! I wonder if you have anything important to discuss with me when you come here this time?" the Khan of Chagatai Khan asked.

In the recent period, the relationship between the two parties has been relatively harmonious. The Mongolian army did not forcefully ask for food and grass from his country, nor did it plunder some herders near him. Instead, they engaged in some hunting and fishing.

The relationship between the two parties has eased, so the Khan spoke in a more polite manner.

"Khan! I am here to question you on the orders of Mongolian Khan Guyuk. Batu's army is coming to pursue you. I wonder what your attitude is?" The envoy asked straight to the point.

"Well! The people of the Chagatai Khanate are in great hardship! We were clearly just grazing at home and did not provoke anyone. However, two armies came to our land.

I just want to be friendly with both armies. I don't want to offend either army, so I will not send troops to help Batu, and I will not send troops to help you deal with Batu. I hope the Great Khan can understand. "Jaghatai Khan said.

He won't choose sides. Choosing sides at this time is the most dangerous thing, because the strength of both sides is similar, and even the Mongolian side is stronger.

If a team does not stand well at this time, it may be dealt with later, so the safest way is to remain neutral.

"Khan! Guyuk Khan! He also knows your difficulties, and he will not make things difficult for the Chagatai Khanate again.

There is no need for you to send troops and horses to help us, or contribute food and grass. Guyuk Khan is still kind.

But we may have a fight with Batu in your land. I hope you don't mind. The Great Khan will compensate you when he returns to Mongolia. "The messenger said.

"I know about this, and I will pull back some herdsmen on your marching route. I hope you can leave our country as soon as possible.

So that my people can continue to return to the life of herding and farming, and don't let my people suffer anymore. "Jaghatai Khan said.

(Most of the territory of Chagatai in the 13th century was in today's Xinjiang, with a large amount of arable farmland. Therefore, the Chagatai Khanate was not a nomadic country on the grasslands, but a country with a large amount of arable land. It was truly complete. The people who maintained their nomadic social habits were the Golden Horde.)
"Great Khan, I hope you can remember today's promise, remain neutral, and do not help anyone." The messenger nodded and bowed to the Khan of Chahotai Khanate.

"Don't worry! I just want my people to have land to plant crops, have pasture, and graze cattle and sheep and horses. I don't care about other things." Chagatai Khan said.

He doesn't want to get involved in this! This is a matter between your Ogedai family and the Jochi family.

And he would not help the Golden Horde. After all, in terms of relations in the past, their Chagatai Khanate had the worst relationship with the Golden Horde.

Needless to say, the relationship between Jochi and Chagatai is just like the relationship between Ogedai and Tolei, they are mortal enemies.

After the envoy got the answer he wanted, he nodded and planned to leave. The most important purpose of his visit this time was to confirm the attitude of the Chahotai Khanate and let the Chahotai Khanate maintain absolute neutrality.

"Wait a minute! I know it is difficult for the Mongolian army to move. A group of lambs were born recently in my pasture, and there are a group of culled rams.

There are about seven or eight thousand of them, so take them with you and use them as food and fodder for the army! "Jaghatai Khan said.

Because of the king of Guanzhong, the kings of the Western Dao have more or less established some breeding farms in their own territories. In these farms, a large number of cattle, sheep, and horses are raised during the winter. These livestock can be saved.

So provide a batch. He can still afford suitable mutton. Sending these muttons can also ease the relationship between the two parties and express his feelings again.

"Khan! You are so generous. I will report this matter to the eldest prince and Guyuk Khan. When we return to the east, the King of Guanzhong will not treat you badly. The King of Guanzhong will definitely send a large number of troops. I will give you cattle and sheep to compensate for your loss," the messenger said.

As long as he returns to the east, the king of Guanzhong will have plenty of food, grass, cattle and sheep, and he will have as much as he wants.

After absorbing the land in the south, Guanzhong's grain production further increased.

"Hahaha! Then I will wait for King Guanzhong to compensate me with something." said the Khan of Chagatai Khanate.

That night, although the Khan of the Chahotai Khanate tried his best to persuade the envoy to stay one more night, the envoy still declined the request due to the military situation.

He didn't even bring 8,000 sheep with him. Instead, he asked the Khan of the Chagatai Khanate to send people to deliver them to the coalition forces, and he returned quickly.

One day after the envoy left, the envoy sent by Batu of the Golden Horde also came to the Chagatai Khanate.

Regarding the envoys of the Golden Horde, the Chagatai Khanate also did not intend to neglect the other party and directly received them. After all, it was difficult to offend both sides.

"Welcome to you, the envoy of Batu Khan of the Golden Horde." Chagatai Khan said.

After Batu's envoy entered, he first gave a polite greeting to the Khan of Chagatai, and then got straight to the point. :
"Chagatai Khan! Batu Khan! I hope to form an alliance with your Chagatai Khanate, and then together we can deal with Guyuk in Mongolia." (End of this chapter)