The Great Tang General

"In the east, our army only has 100,000 elite troops, and the rest can only serve as support and defense. I am not worried about the lack of troops, but rumors have been spreading among the armies in various places recently. If the soldiers can be fearless and brave like we overthrew the tyrannical Umayyad dynasty, the invaders will surely flee..."

Abu Jalfar Abbas knew well what the core of an army was.

Morale determines combat effectiveness!
That's why I feel helpless.

Tian Khan's reputation has been deeply rooted in people's hearts for more than ten years.

He stepped on the head of the Arab hero, the governor of Khorasan.

He annihilated one Arab army after another and captured the Arab prime minister, forcing the Arab Empire to pay huge compensation and become impoverished.

On the battlefield, the Heavenly Khan could take heads from among thousands of soldiers as easily as taking something from a bag.

Invincible, victorious in every attack, the reincarnation of a god is the synonym of Heavenly Khan.

As word of mouth spread, the shadow in the hearts of the Arabs could not be shaken off when facing the Tian Khan who led the army again in person.

Compared with the confidence he had felt for the past six months, Abu Jalfar Abbas was also frustrated.

He overestimated the elite soldiers under his command, thinking that they had faith and beliefs as firm as his own.

In fact, as the Arab army moved eastward, they learned that the man had once again descended upon their land, and bad memories came flooding back.

Allah also trembles because of this...

An army is half defeated when it fears the enemy commander.

Abu Jalfar Abbas sent missionaries to give many passionate speeches in the army, trying to strengthen the soldiers' faith and make them understand that God will come to the world and all evil will not be rampant.

But all the efforts over the past few months were in vain.

The gods are ultimately no match for the real Khan!
So much so that many Arab soldiers believed that the Heavenly Khan was also a god.

More propaganda, even if it means making the Khan the embodiment of evil.

It only increased the soldiers' fear of the Heavenly Khan!
"No one wants the Black Dragon flag from the East to pollute our holy land, and no one wants them to blaspheme our gods."

"We know the soldiers lack fighting spirit, but we have no choice."

"Without a sword, we will be bullied by others. Cowards will never have peace... When wolves invade, we should prepare sticks instead of being without faith. We were born from miracles, so we should believe in miracles and believe in Allah even more..."

Ibu Salam used an ancient proverb to advise Abu Jafar Abbas.

Although he himself is old, he is willing to emulate the Sword of Allah.

Even if my body is burned to ashes, I will not be in danger of death.

"Hearing the vizier's words, my heart is also filled with hope. War is about deploying troops and being restricted by terrain. As the caliph, I should hold the sword, share the hardships with the soldiers, and defeat the evil invaders."

Abu Jafar Abbas drew his sword.

He wanted to take action to regain the confidence of the soldiers and eliminate their fear of Li Xuan.

The Caliph is Allah's deputy on earth.

How can the Heavenly Khan be the common ruler of the world?
"The Caliph is wise!"

Ibu Salam bowed.

"We believe we will win, but we must prepare for the worst and give future generations unlimited opportunities. This is our responsibility and mission!"

Abu Jalfar Abbas changed the subject and spoke to Ibu Salam.

Ibu Salam could hear the hidden meaning of Abu Zhalfar Abbas, and he said to Abu Zhalfar Abbas solemnly: "I will obey the will of the Caliph."

In terms of tactics, one can burn his boats and fight to the death. This can prove the decisiveness of a commander.

When it comes to the fate of a nation, we must have a backup plan.

"I want to go to war. Let the prime minister arrange it! Organize the Arabs in Iraq, Syria, Basra and other places, and be ready to retreat to the peninsula where the holy city of Mecca is located. Our roots are there. If we fail, we will keep the fire. The wind and sand will sharpen our will and make us indomitable. Our descendants will make a comeback just like they did two hundred years ago."

Abu Jalfar Abbas said solemnly to Ibu Salam.

Retreating to the peninsula, to that barren land where only "God" exists, is a last resort.

It is also the last choice.

"Perhaps, I will have died in battle by then. Let someone more capable succeed me as the Caliph..."

At the end of his words, Abu Jalfar Abbas was brewing a tragic tone.

He was an ambitious monarch, with the courage to risk his life, which also activated his broad and fearless beliefs.

He knew that if they failed in this battle, the Abbasid family would no longer be able to lead the Arabs.

Factional fighting is meaningless.

Perhaps, like the era of the Four Caliphs, theocratic republic is the real MSL world.

"I will bear in mind the Caliph's will. But I believe that the Caliph will be able to win the battle and bury the so-called Heavenly Khan here, saving the world and enlightening the ignorant."

Ibu Salam bowed to Abu Jalfar Abbas again. He felt as if there was a huge stone weighing a thousand pounds in his heart, feeling extremely depressed and with a heavy responsibility.

He wanted to fight like Abu Jalfar Abbas, but he knew that preserving the flame was more important.

Be prepared for the worst, otherwise you won't even have a chance to make a comeback.

After some discussion, Abu Jalfar Abbas and Ibu Salam began to plan their tactics.

They already knew that Constantine V had withdrawn some of his troops from northern Syria. Maybe there was some problem at home.

But that meant little to Abu Jafar Abbas.

The pressure brought by the Tang Dynasty was ten times that of the Roman Empire.

In northern Syria, there are 50,000 regular troops.

As a precaution, Abu Jalfar Abbas could not be transferred.

And he understood that it might not be too late to transfer now.

So we have to target the east.

At present, Tang Dynasty’s tactics in the east are very clear.

There is a Tang Dynasty coalition army heading south of the Caspian Sea.

To the east of Persepolis, they confronted the Tang Dynasty coalition forces.

Along the coast of the Persian Gulf, they also confronted the Tang Dynasty coalition forces.

The Tang Dynasty had elite soldiers and generals, and they launched attacks in three directions, targeting strategic locations.

As the defending party, the Arab Empire had to split its limited troops.

Otherwise, if Basra was captured, the Tang Dynasty would control the source of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, making it easy to go north to Baghdad.

If Hamadan is conquered, not only will the southern city of Nihawin fall, but the Azerbaijan region will also be under the attack of the Tang Dynasty.

If the city of Persepolis was breached, the Tang Dynasty would detour to the Nehavin area and help the Tang army in the southern Caspian Sea to annihilate the main force of the Arabs.

The three coalition forces of the Tang Dynasty were closely linked and pressed forward step by step.

Now Abu Jalfar Abbas could choose to defend his own three routes.

Some strategies can also be used to plan to annihilate part of the Tang army.

If one line is breached, the entire line is likely to collapse.

Under the current circumstances, being passive may help delay time.

It may also be the key to failure.

After discussing with Ibu Salam, Abu Jalfar Abbas decided not to take the initiative to attack.

Wait until after a defensive attack, then decide based on the situation.

The Arab Empire needed to defeat the Tang Dynasty once to boost the morale of its soldiers.

Moreover, Abu Jalfar Abbas understood that Heavenly Khan Li Xuan was adept at scheming and intrigue. If he acted rashly, he would likely fall into the trap designed by the Tang Dynasty.

……

Make a decision and then act.

Li Xuan was good at taking advantage of his strengths. The Tang expeditionary force had reached the most critical moment, and Li Xuan would not give Abu Jalfar Abbas a chance to counterattack.

He would end the war in a way that Abu Jalfar Abbas could never have imagined.

Ciyi City. Li Xuan arrived with the Imperial Guards and the Shenji Camp.

As soon as he arrived at Ciyi, Li Xuan convened a military council.

This time, after the parliament understood the military deployment of the Arab Empire, it immediately called for an attack.

Now is the golden autumn of August, the best season to send troops.

The soldiers have been thousands of miles away from home for more than a year.

In particular, the Tian Ce Guard and the Shen Ce Guard have been in the Western Regions, Central Asia, and West Asia for nearly three years.

Because they are the best of the imperial guards, they still have the fighting spirit in their hearts.

Li Xuan is their spiritual belief.

All the soldiers are looking forward to this battle, to get promoted in rank, to defend their country and to bring honor to their family.

"The Arab army stationed in Hamadan and used Nehavan as a corner, with troops deployed. The east, north and south of the two cities were blocked by fortresses, blocked by ravines and guarded by rivers. It seemed to be impregnable..."

"But our army has the Divine Machine Battalion. With the Divine Machine Battalion as the final word, all units are closely connected and ready to attack at any time to capture the two cities of Hamadan and Nihawin..."

After some discussion, Li Xuan determined the troop deployment of the Arab army and began to issue the order to march.

Abu Jalfar Abbas would never have imagined that the Tang Dynasty possessed artillery.

No matter how strong the barriers were, they could not stop the artillery used in the first war.

It will bring a small shock to the Arab Empire.

"I will obey your orders!"

The generals received the order.

Li Xuan also ordered Ma Lin in the direction of the Persian Gulf and Li Siye in the direction of Persepolis, telling them to wait for an opportunity to act.

After the Tang Dynasty breaks through the Hamadan Line of Defense, it can send a cavalry force to move south.

Two days after the military council, the main Tang coalition force, totaling more than 50,000 people, led by thousands of Persians, marched towards Hamedan.

Five days later, the Tang Dynasty reunited with the 20,000 border guards who remained behind.

In terms of military strength, it seems that there is not much difference between the Tang Dynasty and the Arab Empire.

In reality, the morale of the two sides was worlds apart.

The monarchs of both sides faced each other across the ravine.

Abu Jerfar Abbas, who was both civil and military, met the Heavenly Khan Li Xuan.

He didn't know what he was going to face.

This is destined to be a "epoch-making" battle, a landmark battle.

"The enemy is backed by Hamadan City. Judging from the situation, they should be prepared to defend..."

The sky was high and the clouds were light. Li Xuan led a group of civil and military officials to a high slope and looked at the city of Hamedan across the Kizil-Uzan River.

The Kyzyl-Uzan River originates from the southern foot of the Alborz Mountains and flows from south to north into the Caspian Sea, serving as the dividing line between the current Arab Empire and Persia.

The Arab army used the Kizil-Uzan River as a natural barrier and pressed close to the towering and fortified city.

Outside the city, the army’s camps were densely distributed, with strong walls, crisscrossing trenches, and numerous chevaux de frise.

"Your Majesty, it will be difficult to storm this position without artillery. The Arab Empire knows that cavalry is at a disadvantage and does not allow our cavalry to have room to perform."

Li Sheng replied to Li Xuan.

The formation of the Arab Empire is well-arranged and difficult to break under normal circumstances.

If they insist on attacking, they will inevitably suffer heavy losses and it will give the Arab Empire an opportunity to take advantage.

"On the Persian Gulf front, the Arab Empire abandoned its borders and retreated its troops over 170 miles, relying on the mountains and valleys to set up a defense line. This shows that the Arab Empire is determined to defend and exhaust our military's logistics."

Li Xuan spoke.

This was a tactic Li Xuan had expected.

When he was the Jiedushi, Li Xuan used a similar tactic, defending first and then attacking.

The most taboo thing for an expeditionary force is a long period of no progress in the war, or even defeat.

Morale is most easily destroyed at that time.

Even in the face of crisis, Abu Jalfar Abbas remained calm.

"Your Majesty, the soldiers are sharpening their swords, determined to expand the territory for the Tang Dynasty... I have prepared boats and sheepskin rafts, ready to cross the river and attack at any time."

Li Sheng asked Li Xuan for permission.

"Ok!"

"Order the Shenjiying artillery team to set up bronze cannons on the east side of the river. At noon tomorrow, bombard the camp on the other side of the river. If the enemy is scattered by the artillery, force a crossing of the river immediately..."

After observing the positions of the Arab army, Li Xuan agreed to Li Sheng's request.

He will use the Shenji Camp to cooperate with the elite troops under Li Sheng.

Hundreds of bronze cannons were transported thousands of miles to the southern Caspian Sea just for this moment.

"I obey!"

Li Sheng accepted the order.

"The minister obeys the order!"

Di Yuanqing, the commander of the Shenjiying, also bowed to Li Xuan, full of confidence.

Di Yuanqing was a descendant of a craftsman and was proficient in mechanical skills.

In the new era, joining the army belongs to the technical branch of the military.

In ten years, he stood out among the thousands of soldiers in the Shenji Camp. He was not only an excellent artilleryman, but also could effectively command bronze cannons.

Having witnessed the power of artillery and understood the essence of artillery, he is a staunch supporter of artillery.

He believed that artillery would shine in this battle and become the mainstream of future military development.

After Li Xuan's order was issued, changes occurred in the Tang army camp.

Ordinary soldiers all began to prepare for war.

Li Sheng will lead 8,000 Beiting troops and 10,000 Shen Ce Guard warriors as the vanguard.

They gave up their war horses, which they were good at, but were still full of confidence.

They will destroy the enemy's front and seize the sword, and achieve unprecedented feats.

To the east of the Kizil Uzan River, every ten feet, the Tang Dynasty's Black Dragon flag would be raised, with the dragon dancing in the wind, contrasting with the ferocious triangular beast flag.

The sound of trumpets calling for troops came one after another.

Under the command of officers, the soldiers carried small boats and sheepskin rafts into the Kizil-Uzan River.

The battlefield was the most suitable place for crossing the river, as the water flow was gentle. The Tang army had sufficient sheepskin rafts and small boats, which stretched for several miles along the shore and could transport thousands of soldiers to the other side of the river each time.

Just wait for the order to start crossing the river.

"Woooo..."

In front of the camp of the Hexi Arab Empire, horns also sounded continuously.

A team of archers, javelin throwers, crossbowmen, and recurve archers arrived at the banks of the Kizil-Uzan River and stood on guard.

Wherever it was possible to cross a river, there were traces of Arab soldiers.

The heavy infantry of the Arab army were also on standby. They and some spearmen moved along the river where the Tang army crossed the river, aiming to make the Tang army sink into the sand and fall into the river to feed the fish.

"Caliph, the Tang army must be preparing to cross the river by taking such action."

The Arab Marshal Zhewen Hahoy spoke to Abu Jalfar Abbas.

At this time, Abu Zherfar Abbas was also on a high platform, closely watching the movements of the Tang army on the other side of the Kizil-Uzan River.

He was very satisfied with his arrangement. He would rather give up some territory and make full use of the mountains and rivers in order to wear down the Tang army and achieve the final victory... (End of this chapter)