The Great Tang General

"Seize the time and immediately follow the Privy Councilor's plan. Drive away nine of the Huihe light cavalry north of Baitinghai and keep one, so that they can know the movements of our main force."

Li Xuan agreed with Feng Changqing's suggestion.

But they cannot move now. They have to wait until more news comes from Juyan Sea, and then the Tang army can withdraw "naturally".

"I will obey your orders!"

The generals received the order.

……

Juyan Lake.

The once boundless Juyan Lake shrank into two lakes, east and west, due to the eastward shift of the Heihe River system and the diversion of upstream farmland irrigation, and the ancient Juyan City disappeared.

Even so, the Tang Dynasty's Juyan Sea was still able to maintain a certain degree of strategy.

The newly built Juyan Military City had rammed earth walls that were twenty-five feet high.

There are all kinds of warehouses inside, which can accommodate tens of thousands of people.

Outside the Juyan City, there were military settlements and pastures to reduce the supply to the imperial court.

After all, Liangzhou City is more than 1,700 miles away from here, and it is difficult to transport supplies.

"Boom!"

To the north of the Juyan Sea, dust was flying and thousands of horses were galloping.

The wolf-head banner of the Uighurs fluttered in the wind.

Looking around, all you can see are the aggressive Uighur cavalry.

The leader was Dunsang Teqin, who was recommended by Mohedagan.

He was a famous general of the Uighur royal family in the grassland.

Accompanying the Uighur cavalry were tens of thousands of spare horses, some cattle and sheep, and a large amount of supplies.

Therefore, Dunsang Teqin's marching speed was not fast.

It took nearly four days from the time the Tang Dynasty discovered Donsang Teqin's cavalry to the time Donsang Teqin arrived at the Juyan Lake.

"The Huihe cavalry has reached the Juyan Sea, with approximately 20,000 cavalry. Hurry to Baiting Sea to report to the Supreme..."

The commander of the Ningkou Army gave orders to the scouts.

Then he added: "Be prepared to defend Juyan City to the death to prevent the Huihe from attacking."

"As ordered!"

The colonels and lieutenants of the Ningkou army received the order.

All the livestock and war horses outside the city have been transported into the city.

They received a military order not to leave Juyan City.

Juyan City had a special moat. With Juyan City's 5,000 soldiers, relying on powerful crossbows and collected thunder stones and rolling logs, it was very difficult for the Uighurs to break through.

After all, the Uighurs were not good at attacking cities and only had the most common siege equipment.

If the Uighurs fought to the death in Juyan City, it would be exactly what the Tang army wanted.

The Tang Dynasty could change its strategy and provide support from the Heli Mountain area when the Uighur cavalry was suffering heavy losses.

"Why are the Tang army so cowardly? Aren't they afraid that we will go south and step into their territory?"

Only three miles north of Juyan City, Dunsang Teqin rode on his war horse and looked at the city wall in the distance.

It was thought that when they arrived, the Tang army would send out cavalry to fight them in order to prevent the Uighurs from entering the territory.

Even if it is light cavalry chasing and shooting.

What the Uighur cavalry hated most was that the Tang army was hiding in the city.

As far as they knew, there were many Tang troops left behind in Juyan City, and a strong attack was not the best strategy.

If they fail to capture Juyan City in a short period of time, their strategy will be delayed.

"Reporting to Teqin, our elite cavalry swept through, and the Tang army was not strong enough to fight, so it was wise to hold on to Juyan City. At this time, the Tang army in Juyan Sea has already asked for help from the direction of Baiting Sea."

The deputy general of the Uighurs replied to Dunsang Teqin.

"According to you, should our army take over Juyan City first? This will eliminate our worries!"

Dunsang Teqin asked the deputy general.

"The city is crowded with people and has powerful crossbows. We cannot attack by force. Otherwise, we will miss the opportunity to fight."

The deputy general replied to Dunsang Teqin.

He was Yidijian's confidant, and his main goal was to break into the Tang territory, cut off the Silk Road, and force the Tang army to return for support.

In his opinion, attacking Juyan City was too difficult.

"If we were to be intercepted by Juyanhai's cavalry while plundering the Hexi Corridor during our breakout, the consequences would be disastrous."

Although Dunsang Teqin was brave and fearless, and was one of the top three warriors among the Ten Surnames of the Huihe, he had to consider the men under his command.

Step into the dragon's den and the tiger's lair, and bring back as many of the men as possible.

"We can ignore them and go south directly from Juyan City. Perhaps we can lure the Tang army out of the city."

This is the answer given by the deputy general of the Uighurs.

"Okay, give it a try."

Dunsang Teqin also believed that the Tang army would not sit idly by and watch them go down the Zhangye River to Zhangye.

"Woooo..."

The trumpets sounded, and the Uighur cavalry quickly moved southward.

"Coward, coward..."

"Tang dog, come out and die!"

"It turns out that the Tang army is just a name for nothing and can only hide like turtles in the city."

"We are going to Liangzhou City to rob gold, silver, jewelry, food, and their fair and tender women..."

"Ha ha……"

When they passed by Juyan City, they raised their swords and howled at the city, mocking and swearing at the Tang army on the city.

I had not been confident about this battle, but now I saw the cowardly look of the Ningkou army who were holding on, and I suddenly felt very confident.

It turns out that the Tang army is just so powerful.

The elite cavalry of the Uighurs fought in many battles, and were more courageous than the Tang army.

At this time, even if the Heavenly Khan came, he would be slapped by them.

"call out!"

Dunsang Teqin also shot an arrow towards the city wall.

Although the arrow was not powerful enough to hit the city wall, it was a humiliation to the Tang army.

Watching the enemy enter the territory, they dared not say a word.

Is there anything more shameful than this?

The ordinary soldiers of the Tang army were indignant, but the commander remained calm.

That's not their mission.

Even though the Uighur cavalry are shouting loudly now, when they cross the Heli Mountains, it will be the Uighurs' grave.

By then, their Ningkou army will be able to block the Uighurs' retreat and capture all the Uighur cavalry.

In this way, the Huihe people traveled dozens of miles along the ancient Juyan Road...

"Are the Tang troops from Juyan City chasing us?"

At dusk, Dunsang Teqin asked the deputy general.

"Reporting to the special agent, the Tang army is still hiding in Juyan City, and even scouts have not been sent out."

The Uighur deputy general replied awkwardly.

He always thought that even if the Tang army did not confront them head-on, they would send troops to harass them from behind and hinder their progress southward.

They planned to eliminate the Tang cavalry in Juyan Lake so that they would have no worries when breaking out in the future.

Unexpectedly, the Tang army was defeated to the end, leaving the Uighur cavalry in a difficult situation.

Dunsang Teqin and the Uighur deputy general both knew that they would face pursuit and interception, and they would be in great danger of death.

If the retreat was blocked by the Juyanhai cavalry, there would be no chance of survival.

"No matter what, we will march south with all our strength, attack Zhangye, and force our troops into Liangzhou."

"Huairen Khan established the Huihe, unified the ten clans and replaced the Turks; Yingwu Khan strengthened the Huihe and made it as vast as it is today. Now both great khans have passed away, and we cannot let this legacy be destroyed in our hands."

"The Huihe people are now at the brink of life and death. We should act decisively and support the main force led by the Great Khan. God will protect us!"

Dunsang Teqin drew his knife and said in a deep voice.

He understands the current situation.

The Great Khan employed him because he was impressed by his courage.

No more hesitation.

"The general agrees."

The deputy general of the Uighurs could only agree with what Dunsang Teqin said.

Now, the only choice is to fight.

After setting up camp that day, the Uighurs headed south with all their might early the next morning.

Due to the difficult journey along the ancient Juyan Road, it took the Uighur army thirteen days to reach Heli Mountain.

According to legend, Heli Mountain is the Kunlun Mountain in ancient times, and it is the fairyland where mythical figures in the legends of the ancient Huaxia people lived.

Because it is one of the three places where Suiren observed the stars and worshipped the heavens in ancient times, Heli Mountain is also known as the Mountain of the Ancestor of Man.

Dayu also once led the Ruoshui River to Heli.

This is an indispensable mountain range in China since ancient times.

At this moment, more than 200 Tang soldiers were stationed at the pass of the ancient Juyan Road that cut off the Heli Mountain.

In the valley more than ten miles away from here, there are camps set up. Guo Xuji has already arrived here and personally commanded the infantry. He took advantage of the dangerous terrain to ambush the Uighurs outside the Heli Mountain in order to protect the prosperous area of ​​the Hexi Corridor.

"Report... The Uighur cavalry is only about 25 miles away from the mountain pass ahead..."

The scout reported to Guo Xuji.

"The whole army is ready for war!"

Guo Xuji issued a military order.

Guo Xuji now has more than 20,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry under his command. He also recruited 5,000 cavalry from the various Hu tribes in Hexi.

He possessed three thousand Shenbi crossbows and two thousand Bo Zhang crossbows.

Compared with the newly arrived Uighur cavalry, the Tang army was familiar with the terrain of the Heli Mountains.

"Generals, the Uighur cavalry will die if they enter the Heli Mountains. During the Western Han Dynasty, Huo Qubing annihilated more than 30,000 Xiongnu in the Heli Mountains and captured 2,000. He helped China to establish the Hexi Corridor, and his military achievements are still famous today."

"Today we are fighting the nomadic Hu tribe again in Heli Mountain, and we should be as heroic as our ancestors. The Supreme is waiting for our victory in Baiting Sea. Let's fight for military merit and honor..."

Before the army was mobilized, Guo Xuji summoned all officers above the rank of second lieutenant to boost morale.

You must lead your infantry well, act according to the plan, and inflict heavy damage on the Hu cavalry.

What they wanted was not to see the "Hu cavalry return in defeat", but to complete an annihilation battle like Huo Qubing did.

"I will obey your orders!"

The officers accepted the order with their hands clasped and their morale was high.

I thought that their infantry had not made any contribution in the grassland conquest, and I was depressed about it.

I didn't expect the Uighurs to come to my door.

After receiving the order to mobilize troops, even the infantry far away in Dunhuang prepared their supplies as quickly as possible and marched to Heli Mountain.

To prevent the presence of Uighur spies.

When the Tang army recruited infantry, they began to block any passage that could leave the Hexi Corridor, such as Heli Mountain.

At the local level, checkpoints are designed to verify the identity of any businessman.

If it is a Uighur, even if he is an innocent merchant, he will be imprisoned first without any hesitation.

Wait until after the war to release them.

……

"Reporting to the Special Service, the Tang army has built a fence at the ancient road pass ahead. They are also setting up deer horns to hinder our march."

The scout reported to Dunsang Teqin.

"How many people are there in the Tang army?"

Dunsang Teqin said again.

"About 200 people."

The scout replied.

"Hahaha... The Tang army was hastily organized, with more than 200 people. How can they stop my 20,000 warriors? The army should march quickly and forcefully break through the Tang army fence."

Dunsan Teqin laughed.

Tang Jun found them to be normal.

They believed that within a dozen days, the Tang army would at most dispatch a few thousand soldiers to hinder them, which was nothing to be afraid of.

The Uighur deputy general didn't say anything either.

At this point, the cattle and sheep they brought with them were almost eaten, and there was no way to retreat.

The Uighur cavalry arrived at the first clear pass of the Heli Mountains in a mighty force.

The mountain pass was more than several dozen feet high, and the more than 200 soldiers of the Tang army seemed too few.

The fence seemed to be well-arranged, with three layers of antlers, but the two hundred Tang soldiers were unable to guard it effectively.

"attack!"

It was impossible for the Uighur cavalry to charge directly, so Dunsang Teqin selected hundreds of warriors to dismount and attack the Tang army with spears and shields.

He also ordered thousands of archers to provide cover.

Once they got close, they shot arrows at the Tang army.

The Tang army had only twenty powerful crossbows at the mountain pass, and the rest were bows and arrows and shields.

Commanded by a battalion commander.

"Don't panic. Prepare to use your shield to defend against arrows. Once the Uighur soldiers destroy the deer antlers, retreat immediately."

The battalion commander calmly comforted his subordinates.

The soldiers under his command raised their crossbows in front of the fence.

"Boom..."

When the Uighur soldiers were within a hundred steps of the Tang army, the Tang army took the lead in launching the Shenbi crossbow.

Several Uighur soldiers without shields fell down.

Unfortunately, the Tang army had too few powerful crossbows, which not only failed to scare the Uighur soldiers, but made them run faster.

They held their spears and had fierce looks in their eyes.

"Whoosh whoosh..."

The Tang army archers began to shoot, but still could not cause much damage to the Uighur soldiers.

What they got in return was a simultaneous attack from thousands of Uighur archers.

This forced the Tang army to abandon their powerful crossbows and bows and arrows.

Crouch under the shield.

The Uighur soldiers took advantage of this opportunity, came to the deer antlers, and began to work together to pick up the antlers that were stuck in the mud.

As the Uighur soldiers were too close to the Tang army, the Uighur archers did not dare to shoot anymore for fear of accidental injuries.

The cheers of the Uighur cavalry not far away shook the valley.

The Tang army took this opportunity to send archers and crossbowmen to fire at the same time, killing and wounding dozens of people.

But the antlers were destroyed one by one by the Uighur soldiers, and they were about to rush to the fence.

"retreat!"

The Tang army battalion commander knew that he could not hold out any longer and ordered a retreat.

Many Tang soldiers also threw away their powerful crossbows and bows and arrows, looking like they had thrown away their weapons and armor.

"The Tang army is indeed cowardly! Destroy the fence and give chase immediately!"

Dunsang Teqin gave the order.

"Special Agent, the valley is dangerous, beware of ambushes."

The deputy general of the Uighurs advised Donsang Teqin.

He felt that the Tang army's retreat was too smooth.

"Our army unexpectedly marched southward, and the Tang army had no time to mobilize troops. We should quickly cross the Heli Mountain."

Dunsang Teqin disagreed.

The Tang army had only more than 200 people, while their army was 20,000 strong. It would be foolish for the Tang army to hold on.

"Just in case, send a group as the vanguard to explore the way for the main force. It won't take long."

To be cautious, the Uighur deputy general made a suggestion to Dunsang Teqin.

"Just as you say!"

Dunsang Teqin felt that the deputy general's words made sense.

"Crack!"

After pushing down all the Tang army's fences, the Uighurs could only see the backs of the Tang army.

A team of one thousand Uighur cavalrymen roared and chased the Tang army.

The Tang army abandoned their weapons and fled desperately.

Fortunately, the mountain pass prevented the Uighur cavalry from galloping.

"Eh..."

When they reached a turning point, the running Uighur horses raised their hooves and screamed, throwing more than a dozen Uighur cavalrymen off their horses.

Several war horses even rolled over and fell to the ground, unable to get up.

"Oh no! It's the Tang army's caltrops."

The Uighur general quickly reined in his horse.

Even so, dozens of riders still stepped on the caltrops on the ground and followed in the footsteps.

The other cavalrymen in the Uighur vanguard then stopped.

It turned out that the Tang army had sprinkled loess and green grass on the caltrops.

The Tang army's deserters bypassed the caltrops and the Uighur cavalry were unable to defend themselves against them.

As a result, the Tang army escaped the pursuit of the Uighur cavalry.

"The Tang army is delaying our progress to the Hexi Corridor. We must quickly clear the caltrops and clear the way for the main force."

Dunsang Teqin seemed to understand the Tang army's purpose.

The Tang army only needed to delay their infantry and call back reinforcements to strangle them.

Dunsang Teqin's goal was to rush into the wilderness of the Hexi Corridor, kill people in all directions, and attract the Tang cavalry to return for support.

If the Tang army only had infantry, they would have blocked the dangerous passes and prevented them from reaching the Hexi Corridor.

Then the Great Khan's plan would fail and the Uighurs would perish.

It took the Uighur soldiers half an hour to clear away all the caltrops.

But the Tang army had already disappeared and they could no longer catch up.

The vanguard started moving again, but within two miles they were stopped by caltrops again.

The Uighurs had to spend time cleaning up the caltrops.

Not long after, they encountered the horse trap set up by the Tang Dynasty.

In a not very prominent valley, hundreds of Tang soldiers ambushed and threw thunder stones and rolling logs at the Uighur vanguard, killing and wounding dozens of them.

Precisely because it is not too dangerous, most of the thunder, rocks and rolling logs can be avoided.

"This is a sign that the Tang army is guilty. They don't have many soldiers, and they can only be as annoying as flies. Tell the vanguard not to be afraid of death, and the main force to follow up and rush into the Hexi Corridor as soon as possible, where we can gallop freely..."

Dunsang Teqin felt at ease.

He ordered the army to follow the vanguard.

Let the striker pay a little price to pave the way for the main force.

Once they reach the Hexi Corridor, the Tang army's infantry will not be able to stop them...

(End of this chapter)