Dramatic changes in the movies and TV shows

Chapter 1269 Shatuo Turks
The smoke from the battle on the walls of Yizhou had not completely dissipated, and sporadic resistance and the clamor of looting continued for some time within the city.

Lin Hao did not stop the looting by the newly annexed barbarians, but he strictly ordered them not to set fires or harm the women and children of the Tang Dynasty.

He also dispatched a team of veteran Tang soldiers to maintain basic order, while ordering the collection of Tibetan prisoners to be housed in the camp as raw materials for rejuvenation.

As the looting subsided, Kang Huaien and several other prominent Hu chieftains, with a mixture of trepidation and obsequiousness, respectfully presented the finest treasures they had collected—gold and silver utensils, the swords of Tibetan generals, and precious furs—to Lin Hao's camp.

Lin Hao sat upright, his gaze calmly sweeping over the spoils of war. He nodded slightly, signaling to his personal guards beside him to accept them.

He then looked at Kang Huaien, whose face was a mixture of blood and excitement, and asked, "How many casualties did each unit suffer in this battle?"

Kang Huaien quickly suppressed his smile, bowed, and replied, "Reporting to the Grand Commander, thanks to the Grand Commander's divine might, our army suffered approximately one thousand casualties, with nearly six hundred killed in action."

This number is extremely low for a siege, but they know in their hearts that if it weren't for the main force of the Tang army providing long-range cover, their five thousand ragtag troops would probably have been wiped out long ago.

"Send the wounded warriors to our medical camp for treatment immediately!" Lin Hao ordered.

"Medical battalion?" Kang Huaien and the others looked up abruptly, their eyes filled with disbelief.

In the Western Regions, wounded auxiliary soldiers were often left to fend for themselves. Receiving some money from their leader was already a great favor. There was never any reason for them to be personally treated by their commander.
"Grand Commander, this, how can this be allowed?!" Kang Huaien's voice was stammering.

"What's wrong with that?" Lin Hao's voice was slightly cold as he said calmly, "Since you are serving my Great Tang, how can we abandon the wounded? Go!"

"Yes! Yes! Thank you, Grand Commander! Thank you for your grace, Grand Commander!" Kang Huaien and the others seemed to wake from a dream, so excited that they almost knelt down again. They hurriedly ordered their men to carry the wounded towards the Tang army camp.

This simple measure struck a more direct chord with these fierce but insecure nomadic cavalrymen than the previously promised household registration and land. A sense of belonging and security began to quietly grow in their hearts.

After they finished making the arrangements, Lin Hao spoke again:

"The fallen warriors all sacrificed themselves for the Great Tang. Go back and inquire carefully whether any of them still have wives, children, or elderly relatives alive."

Kang Huaien and the others exchanged bewildered glances, unsure of the Grand Commander's intentions, and could only honestly reply, "Yes, there probably are!"

“Okay!” Lin Hao nodded, then said decisively, “After finding out the truth, bring all their widows and orphans to Yizhou.”

"From this day forward, their wives and children will be supported by our Great Tang! All the children will be sent to Tingzhou to be raised by the Protectorate General, where they will be taught Chinese and the etiquette and laws of our Great Tang! When they come of age, they will be proud citizens of the Great Tang!"

Upon hearing this, not only Kang Huaien, but all the other Hu chieftains present were completely stunned.

Not only do they treat injuries, but they also provide compensation? And even cover the children's future? This is unheard of!
Kang Huaien's throat bobbed, and he asked with difficulty, "Grand Commander, even... even women and children must be sent over!"

"What?" Lin Hao's gaze swept over him like lightning.

"Do you think that our Great Tang Dynasty cannot support these orphans and widows? Or do you think that our Great Tang Dynasty's promises are not worth mentioning?"

"I wouldn't dare! I would never dare!" Kang Huaien trembled with fright and quickly explained:

"However, in the tribe, women are also laborers!"

He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear: the tribe was short of people, and women were an important asset.

Lin Hao snorted coldly and said, "Their husbands died fighting for the Tang Dynasty, so the Tang Dynasty gave them and their children a better way to live! How can this be compared to the old customs of your tribes? As for labor?"

At this point, Lin Hao paused before continuing, "Our Great Tang is vast and rich in resources, and it is in dire need of manpower to cultivate the land and do labor. Are we worried about not being able to settle them? There is no need to discuss this matter any further; just do as instructed!"

"Yes, sir! We will obey the Grand Commander's order!" Kang Huaien and the others dared not say another word, but their hearts were in turmoil.

At first, he thought Lin Hao wanted to use his family as hostages to coerce him into pledging allegiance and not betraying him, but upon closer reflection, he realized that Grand Commander Lin had no need to resort to such despicable means.

The Grand Commander certainly wanted his loyalty, but he was also considerate of his subordinates and pitied his family. They instantly understood the key point.

Especially considering that the Tang Dynasty treated the families of those who died in battle so well, how could the promises made to those who survived and made meritorious contributions be false?
This reputation and benevolence far exceeded their expectations, and in an instant, everyone's hopes for the future became even more fervent and resolute.

"Go down and properly appease your troops. The wine and meat will arrive shortly. Let's celebrate our victory today," Lin Hao said, his tone softening slightly.

"Thank you, Grand Commander!" The crowd withdrew with gratitude.

Yang Xigu, who had been observing from the sidelines, stroked his beard and sighed, "The Grand Commander's benevolent policies have won over the hearts of the various barbarian tribes in the Western Regions, but this move is likely to be extremely costly." He was not against it, but rather worried about the burden.

Lin Hao turned around and said in a calm tone, "Governor Yang, the matter of money and grain will be supported by Luntai and future military farms. The cost is far less than the value of a loyal and brave army."

"This move serves two purposes: first, to comfort the dead and console the living, thus strengthening their resolve; second, it is also for the future. Those children, raised by Han people from a young age, will become the most upright and loyal foundation of our Great Tang Dynasty. Their loyalty is far superior to that of Kang Huai'en and others who surrendered halfway through the war."

Yang Xigu pondered the words carefully and nodded slowly: "The Grand Commander is truly insightful and far-sighted; I admire him greatly."

He fully understood Lin Hao's plan. It went far beyond simple military control; it was a profound reshaping of population and culture, and this assimilation was far more effective than the previous policy of appeasement.

Having figured it out, Yang Xigu immediately stated, "Grand Commander, please go ahead and do as you please. The entire Northern Court will fully cooperate."

"Thank you for your trouble, Grand Protector!" Lin Hao nodded and continued with the deployment:
"Tomorrow, I will select a few veterans to open a school to teach these barbarian soldiers simple Tang language and military orders. After all, the language barrier makes it difficult to command them."

"That's exactly right!" Yang Xigu wholeheartedly agreed.

With post-war matters settled, the strategic focus naturally shifted to the next step. Lin Hao and Yang Xigu entered the temporarily converted council hall, their gazes falling on the enormous map of the Western Regions.

"Although Yizhou has fallen, the threat on its flanks has not been eliminated." Yang Xigu pointed heavily to the northwest of Yizhou:

"The area around Pulei Lake (now Barkol Lake) was once the stronghold of Zhu Xiejinzhong, a member of the Shatuo Turkic tribe. This tribe was the vanguard of the Tubo army that attacked and captured our Beiting!"

"Shatuo Turks!" Lin Hao's eyes narrowed, then he understood something instantly, and said:
"I've heard a little about it; it seems their tribe once submitted to our Great Tang?"

“Exactly!” Yang Xigu said with a heavy heart and a hint of complexity. “During the Yonghui era, the chieftain of the Chuyue tribe, Shatuo Jinshan, was awarded the title of Governor of Jinmanzhou for his merits, and his tribe settled in this place.”

"However, after the An Lushan Rebellion, the Northern Court was cut off. The Shatuo tribe took the route through the Uyghurs to pay tribute to Chang'an, but they were exploited and oppressed by the Uyghurs. Their chieftain Zhu Xie Jinzhong had no choice but to lead 7,000 households to submit to Tibet and was appointed 'Commander-in-Chief' by Tibet."

"From then on, whenever Tibet fought against our Great Tang, it always used them as the vanguard! When Beiting fell, these barbarians were one of the main culprits!"

Lin Hao listened quietly as the entanglements of history and the cruelty of reality slowly unfolded in Yang Xigu's narration.

Shatuo's betrayal had its reasons, but the blood debt of conquering Beiting was a fact.

"However, the Tibetans treat them like straw dogs, nothing more than cannon fodder to be used." Yang Xigu said with a cold laugh, his voice filled with hatred.
"Now that Yizhou is in our possession, the connection between Tibet and Shatuo has been severed. When Zhu Xie Jinzhong hears the news, he will be like a dog that has lost its home, fearful and helpless. In order to protect himself and to show his loyalty to Tibet, he will surely mobilize all his troops to fight for Yizhou!"

Lin Hao stared sharply at the map, at the only route from Bohai to Yizhou, and said in a deep voice:

"In that case, our army does not need to launch a long expedition. We can simply wait in comfort and fight a field battle with them on their inevitable route."

"The Grand Commander's insight is brilliant!" Yang Xigu said, his eyes flashing with both approval and killing intent.

"In this battle, we should annihilate this barbarian in one fell swoop. This will not only eliminate a major threat to our flank, but also commemorate the heroic spirits of our fallen soldiers in the Northern Court. Furthermore, it will demonstrate our might in the Western Regions and let all tribes know that those who betray the Tang Dynasty, no matter how far away, will be punished!"

Just then, a guard reported: "Reporting to the Grand Commander, Minister Jieyugas requests an audience, saying he has military matters he wishes to discuss with the Grand Commander."

Lin Hao and Yang Xigu exchanged a glance, knowing that the Uyghurs must have also figured out their next move.

The two then straightened their armor and had someone bring Jieyugas in.

Upon arriving at the Tang army camp, the Uyghur Grand Chancellor, Jieyuqis, became increasingly polite.

In particular, he witnessed firsthand how the Tang army armed itself with ironclad weapons, creating a fearsome force.

It also witnessed how Lin Hao transformed the scattered barbarian tribes into a fanatical army of servants. Strength is the most fundamental principle on the grasslands. He cupped his hands to Lin Hao and said, "Grand Commander, I just received a report from my subordinates that Shatuo cavalry scouts have been spotted a hundred miles away and will arrive near our camp around tomorrow."

"How should this battle be planned? I request your instructions, Grand Commander!" His words now carried a greater sense of respect.

Yang Xigu stroked his beard, a glint of light flashing in his eyes. He then turned his gaze to Lin Hao, cupped his hands, and volunteered for battle:

"Grand Commander, I am willing to be the vanguard in this battle. Please, Grand Commander, support me."

At this moment, Yang Xigu was also filled with many emotions. Last year, he was forced by Zhu Xie Jinzhong to abandon Tingzhou and hastily relocate.

Now, in just over a year, the tide of battle has turned, and he naturally wants to avenge his previous defeat.

It must be said that the world is indeed full of unpredictable changes.

Lin Hao originally didn't want Yang Xigu to get involved, but seeing that Yang Xigu had regained his youth and was now full of energy and eager to try, he immediately shut his mouth.

Upon hearing this, Jieyugas readily agreed and said to Lin Hao, "If the Grand Commander has any orders, our Uyghur warriors will certainly do their utmost to cooperate!"

As he spoke, he seemed to recall the glory of his father's generation, when the Uyghur cavalry followed the banners of the Tang Dynasty to fight in various battles.

In fact, Jieyuqis was somewhat uneasy about the Tang army's rapid consolidation and integration of the various Hu tribes. However, as a nomadic people, they had no attachment to the land and were more interested in continuing their eastward advance, clearing obstacles, and engaging in trade with the Tang Dynasty.

Under Lin Hao's guidance, the three parties quickly reached a consensus on the next strategy: to confront the Shatuo Turkic leader Zhu Xie Jinzhong!

After the military council ended, the news quickly spread among the Tang army and its auxiliary troops. Surprisingly, those who heard about the battle were not afraid at all, but were instead filled with excitement!
In particular, the newly attached Hu people, led by Kang Huaien, practically cheered and rushed to Lin Hao's headquarters to volunteer for battle.

"Grand Commander! Let my troops be the vanguard in this battle!"

"Grand Commander! This humble general is willing to sign a military pledge to surely behead the loyal dog Zhu Xie!"

"We missed the last battle, but this time it's our turn!"

Their eyes gleamed with an almost fanatical light. To them, the Shatuo Turks were not fearsome enemies, but walking heroes!
The more battles we fight, the closer we get to being registered in the Tang Dynasty's household registration system and own permanent land, thus becoming true citizens of the Tang Dynasty!
Lin Hao stepped out of the camp and looked down at the dark mass of people below who had been clamoring for his services. He raised his hand and gestured, and the scene instantly quieted down.

His gaze swept over the crowd, and he said in a loud voice, "I am aware of your loyalty!"

"This battle is to punish the traitors and uphold the might of our Great Tang Dynasty. Every soldier under my command has a share! Your deeds will be recorded in the annals of honor, earned through your own hard work and dedication!"

"May the Great Tang Dynasty be victorious!" The cheers shook the heavens and the earth once again.

Lin Hao turned and went back into his tent, laughing heartily at Yang Xigu:
"With such high morale, let Zhu Xie be loyal and become the Grand Governor of the Western Regions, the first stepping stone to officially make a name for himself in the Western Regions."

Yang Xigu looked at Lin Hao's calm and confident back, then at the motley crew of bearded men outside the tent, their spirits lifted by a promise. He stroked his beard for a long time, then slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, a smile of relief and anticipation spreading across his face.

······
Meanwhile, in the camp of the Shatuo Turks.

The campfire flickered in the night wind of the Gobi Desert, illuminating the rugged and sorrowful faces.

A tense atmosphere filled the air, and finally someone couldn't hold back any longer and complained to their leader:

“Great Lord, the Tibetans summon us at will and dismiss us at will. We never get any of the spoils from their plunder, yet they always force us to be at the forefront of every battle. What a humiliating life we ​​are living!”

The words of the minor leader of the Shatuo tribe were filled with resentment towards Tibet and dissatisfaction with the status quo.

Zhu Xie Jinzhong, seated at the head of the table, frowned deeply. Upon hearing this, he abruptly waved his hand, his voice carrying an undeniable authority:

"Shut up! Don't call me 'Master'!"

The official title bestowed by Tibet sounded particularly jarring at that moment.

He paused briefly, his tone softening, and said with a hint of undisguised melancholy, "Call me General."

The official title of this general was "Grand General of the Golden Guard," bestowed upon him by the former emperor of the Tang Dynasty.

Recalling the days when we fought for the Tang Dynasty, although we were also on the brink of death, the Tang Dynasty was generous and didn't care about those small spoils of war. Every time we returned from an expedition, our men would come back with a full load, and our tribe would become richer and richer as a result.

Unlike now, relying on Tibet is like being a vicious dog living under someone else's roof, only able to gnaw on scraps and being driven to gnaw on the hardest bones.

"Yes, General!" The leader quickly changed his address, carefully observing Zhu Xie Jinzhong's expression.

"General, now~!" Seeing that he wasn't truly angry, he mustered his courage and continued:

"Now it seems that the Tang Dynasty is on the rise again. The comrades who escaped back all say that there are seven thousand main Tang troops under the city of Yizhou. They are wearing fine iron armor, which shines coldly in the sunlight, making it hard to open one's eyes!"
Their allied forces, a mix of nomadic and barbarian servants, covered the mountains and plains, numbering no less than ten thousand, and their numbers were immense!

"We...we might as well..." the minor leader gritted his teeth before continuing:
"Why don't we try to find a way to return to the Tang Dynasty?" His words were filled with nostalgia for the prosperous past and fear of the powerful Tang army.

"Alas, it's too late!" Zhu Xie Jinzhong sighed deeply, as if lamenting the fate of the entire tribe.

"It's too late to say anything now! Back then, we followed the Tibetans to capture Tingzhou, and our hands were stained with the blood of the Anxi army. We have already offended Yang Xigu to the death!"

"Even if we wag our tails and run back now, do you think the Tang army will accept us? We'll only be walking into a trap and facing certain death!"

How could he not regret it? He thought that with the fall of Beiting, the isolated city of Kucha under Guo Xin could not hold out, and the Hexi Corridor firmly cut off by the Tubo, the fate of the Tang Dynasty in the Western Regions was sealed.

Who could have predicted that in such a short time, the Tang army would be able to regain its strength and even display a more impressive military presence than before?
One wrong step leads to another, and now we're in a bind. Getting off the ship is easier said than done. Even if we could get off, we wouldn't be able to board the giant ship that is the Tang Dynasty.

"Let's focus on winning this battle first!" Zhu Xie Jinzhong shook off his chaotic thoughts, his gaze sharpening once more.

Glancing over the anxious leaders inside the tent, Zhu Xie Jinzhong roused himself and encouraged them:

"With the loss of Yizhou, our connection with Tibet has been completely severed. Now we are an isolated army with no choice but to fight a desperate battle!"

"If we lose this battle, Tibet will not come to our aid, and the Uyghurs and the Tang Dynasty will not let us go. There will be no place for us to stand in the Western Regions!"

"Now, we have no choice but to abandon our illusions and fight with our backs against the wall..."

Only now does he truly understand the despair and hardship that Yang Xigu and Guo Xin endured when they were left to defend the isolated city.

"Yes, General!" the people in the tent responded in unison, but the atmosphere remained heavy.

The leader who had just given the advice lowered his head, but his eyes flickered uncertainly. He was secretly calculating in his heart that with the current strength of the Shatuo, the chances of winning against the well-equipped and highly motivated Tang-Hui allied forces were slim.

Perhaps it's time to find another way to survive for myself and my family!

······
The following day, the two armies faced off on the vast Gobi Desert.

Seven thousand Tang soldiers stood in the center of the army like a black steel jungle, their silence exuding a chilling aura of killing intent.

The left and right wings were occupied by the Uyghur army and warriors from various non-Han tribes who had been recruited. The Uyghur army, needless to say, was quite well-organized.

Nearly ten thousand mixed-race cavalrymen on the right wing gathered according to their tribes. Although their armor was in disarray, greed and fanaticism burned in everyone's eyes as they stared intently at the enemy opposite them, as if they were not opponents to fight to the death, but walking heroes.

On the other side, Zhu Xie Jinzhong also deployed all of his Shatuo cavalry in an attempt to maintain formation.

The wind whipped up dust and sand, sweeping across the front lines of both sides. Battle flags fluttered in the wind, and a deathly silence hung in the air, ready to erupt at any moment.

Both sides are waiting for the other's decision, waiting for the best moment to deliver the fatal blow.