Desert Eagle Suletan Khan

As the world's highest mountain range, the Himalayas soar into the clouds, seemingly insurmountable by human power. However, the heavens, ever fond of creating miracles, have left passageways for those who pass through. Within Yadong County, Ü-Tsang, lies a massive, longitudinal valley formed by rivers such as the Kangbumaqu (Zhuomumaqu) cutting deep into the Himalayas. This magnificent valley, stretching from Pari Town in the northern plateau to Xiasima Town on the southern border, is known locally as the Yadong Grand Canyon.

This natural passage is one of the most convenient routes connecting the heart of Tibet with the South Asian subcontinent. Historically, the Tea Horse Road, the route used by the British invasion of Tibet, and the trade route between China and India (towards the Nathu La Pass) all relied on this corridor. Warm, humid air currents from the Indian Ocean flow deep into the valley, creating the unique beauty of this "Jiangnan of Tibet."

At this moment, Batu Mengke, the deputy general in charge of the southern expedition and the governor of Tibet, was leading 40,000 guards slowly through the valley from Pali Town. As a local strongman, First-Class Pali Berg Sang was enthusiastically introducing him to the local customs and culture.

"General, this land is a high plateau, with expansive views and vast grasslands. The beef and mutton produced here are incredibly delicious. I've already ordered a batch prepared for the soldiers." "That's Mount Zhuomula (Goddess Peak), the highest peak in this area, soaring into the clouds. It's said that fairies live on its summit." The Earl was eloquent, speaking fluently and endlessly. As one of the earliest noble families of the snowy plateau to submit to the Kingdom of David, the Pala family profited immensely, and he himself was granted the title of First-Class Earl. But human desires are never-ending, and this man aspired to rise even higher, from Earl to Marquis. Therefore, currying favor with his superiors was essential.

Seeing his obsequious manner, Batu Mengke felt contempt, but had no choice but to feign a smile and remain insincere. Throughout Tibet, it was rumored that the Pala family had a deep connection with the Great Khan. It was said that when the Great Khan, claiming to be the reincarnation of Padmasambhava, the leader of the Nyingma school, stayed at the Pala family's estate in Pari, the devout Gesang patriarch offered his wife, Yangjin Metok, to the Great Khan, creating an immortal tale. Moreover, it was said that the eldest son of the Pala family bore a striking resemblance to the Great Khan in his features; given such a connection, how could they not show him some respect?
"Everyone says the mountain roads are difficult, but with someone as knowledgeable as Paribel leading the way, it's quite convenient. You've made a great contribution this time, and I will definitely submit a memorial to the court to recommend you for merit," Batu Mengke, true to his noble Oirat family background, possessed exceptional social skills, and in just a few words, he struck a chord with Gesang. Hearing that the commander-in-chief was going to submit a memorial to the court to recommend him for merit, the first-class earl was overjoyed and became even more attentive.

"General, Xia Sima Town is just ahead. General Dondrup Norbu has arrived and thoroughly searched the town, finding nothing suspicious. It's getting late; shall we set up camp in Xia Sima Town?" asked Rob, the commander of the central army. David's kingdom was newly established, and most of its civil and military officials had fought their way through countless battles. Batu Mengke, having fought alongside his father on horseback since childhood, was well-versed in military strategy. He strictly ordered the deputy admiral and Bhutanese general, Dondrup Norbu, who was serving as the vanguard, to thoroughly search the surrounding area at each location to prevent enemy ambushes. Therefore, the army's marching speed was not fast. Since they were still within David's territory, the generals secretly grumbled: "The governor is being too cautious!" Little did they know, he wanted his men to develop a habit of caution. If they were undisciplined from the start, it would be difficult to maintain discipline once they reached enemy territory!

"Order the entire army to march to Xiasima Town and set up camp. Also, send messengers to urge Bhutan and Dhemengxiong to send more provisions and supplies as soon as possible," Batu Mengke said calmly, issuing orders to Bhutan to the east and Dhemengxiong to the west of Yadong County with ease. His confidence stemmed from the fact that both countries were vassal states of David, and militarily, they always followed his lead as the Admiral of Tibet.

David had troops stationed in Bhutan. Since the death of his predecessor, Shabdung, the Dhammaragha (responsible for religious affairs), a regency group (Lungyi Tsok) led by the third Dhammaragha (commonly known as King Dhammaragha), Dempa, had been delaying the election of a new Dhammaragha in order to consolidate power, and had even bribed high-ranking officials of David's state in Ü-Tsang with large sums of money. Therefore, Batu Mengke was confident that Dempa would not dare refuse his demands. Given the difficult transportation of supplies on the Tibetan Plateau, it was naturally best to prepare as much food and supplies as possible.

As for the Kingdom of Sikkim, it had been a follower of the Nyingma school since the time of its first ruler, Pongchug. Pongchug himself was a descendant of a high-ranking Nyingma monk, and with the support of the Nyingma, he unified the Lepcha tribe and established his capital at Yuksan. It is well known that the Great Khan of Sikkim claimed to be an incarnation of Padmasambhava, the founder of the Nyingma school. Given this connection, the two countries were naturally very close. The second ruler of Sikkim, Chokyi Gyaltsen, always followed the Great Khan's lead. Even when he wanted to move the capital to Labangze, he petitioned the Great Khan to suppress domestic opposition. The Great Khan, always eager to teach, painstakingly calculated for him, saying that Labangze was a blessed land bestowed upon the people of Sikkim by Buddha, suitable for moving the capital. Thus, the matter was settled.

As expected, the day after the army encamped at Xia Sima Town, Bhutanese Debulaj Demppa personally arrived with a large quantity of cattle, sheep, barley, and wheat to reward the troops. On the third day, Jemen Xiongque Gyaltsen also sent his son Chador with a large amount of grain and supplies. Having squeezed a hefty sum from these two vassal states, Batu Mengke was delighted. After hosting a banquet for Demppa, Tantong, and others in the army, he continued his southward march towards Kuchihajyo, a vassal state of the Mughal Empire.

"General, the Grand General has conquered the Kingdom of Kuchihajor five days ago and invites you to meet him in Kokrajor as soon as possible." Just as they arrived at the border of Kuchihajor, they encountered a messenger sent by the Grand General of the Southern Expedition, Alatan Cang.

"Oh, please tell the General that I will definitely arrive in Kokrajal in three days to join him," Batu Mengke replied calmly, though inwardly he was filled with turmoil. He had assumed that Alatan Cang, having to traverse towering mountains and pass through the kingdoms of Naga and Assam before reaching Kuchihajjo, would arrive later than him. Unexpectedly, Alatan Cang's march had been so swift, arriving ahead of him. It seemed he needed to hurry, or the Duke would steal all the credit!
After seeing the envoy off, Batu Mengke immediately ordered, "Men must not remove their armor, and horses must not be unsaddled; travel day and night to Kokrajal." Under the commander's strict orders, the guards sped up their journey and arrived in Kokrajal in just two days.

Upon hearing of the arrival of friendly forces, Alatan Cang personally went out of the city to greet them. "Saindu (good brother), it's been a long time since we last met. I never expected to have the opportunity to fight side by side with you again today," the general said, giving his deputy a Mongolian-style hug upon meeting. Batu Mengke's father was Erke, a senior official of the Kingdom of David and the Prince of Longxi. By seniority, he was Alatan Cang's father, so he affectionately called him "my virtuous brother."

Batu Mengke dared not be negligent and respectfully bowed, saying, "Sain Aha (good brother), are you a bird of the sky? How did you manage to conquer the entire Kuchihajo so quickly? This makes me very anxious, fearing that if I came late, I would not be able to get any military merit."

Hearing the praise for his swift march, Alatan Cang felt a tickle in his eye and chuckled, "This is all thanks to the Great Khan's divine might; both Naga and Assam surrendered without a fight." (End of Chapter)