The Golden Family, rising from the Western Regions

Chapter 144: Iron Cavalry Enters Camp, Mining Slaves

As night fell, the royal army camp gradually quieted down, and the hustle and bustle of the day seemed to be swallowed up by the night.

The tents were scattered in an orderly manner, the campfires swayed in the night breeze, and occasionally the neighing of horses broke the silence.

The soldiers on night watch strolled around the camp aimlessly.

Suddenly, a dull sound came from afar. At first, it was vague, like a low hum coming from deep in the earth.

But soon, the sound became clearer and gradually evolved into a thunderous roar.

Three scouts came running in hastily from the darkness, their faces filled with terror as they shouted, "Enemy attack!"

"Enemy attack!"

"The rebels are coming."

In an instant, the royal army camp was in chaos.

The soldiers were awakened from their sleep, and some of them grabbed their weapons in panic before even having time to put on their armor.

The originally neat tents were knocked to and fro by the fleeing crowd, and the burning bonfire was overturned, sparks flying everywhere, illuminating faces full of shock and fear.

Li Xiao led three thousand cavalrymen, galloping from the northwest like a black torrent. The sounds of horse hooves intertwined, as if to break the darkness of the night.

"Anyone who kills one enemy will be rewarded two strings of cash."

"Anyone who kills a general will be promoted one rank."

"kill!"

Li Xiao roared, his face stern, holding a lance, and led his troops to charge. Xiao was like a god of war in the dark night, leading the way.

"Hoohoho!"

Stimulated by money, honor and status, the three thousand cavalrymen behind him let out low roars, like giant black dragons ready to strike, following closely.

The sound of their horses' hooves was muffled by a special cloth, but the slight "puff puff" sound contained a tremendous force, as if it was the low roar of a giant dragon swimming quietly in the darkness.

In a short period of time, he rushed into the sight of Wang Tingjun.

"Fire arrows!"

Following Li Xiao's order, the cavalry behind him raised their bows while charging towards both sides of the camp.

In an instant, a rain of arrows, accompanied by a whistling sound, poured towards the camp like a meteor chasing the moon.

More importantly, some of the arrows were soaked in kerosene, which was the gift Li Xiao specially prepared for Xiao Linta.

Wherever the rain of arrows went, tents were pierced and a huge fire was set on fire. Screams were heard in the camp instantly.
The soldiers were in a panic. Some were pierced directly by sharp arrows and fell to the ground on the spot, while others fled in all directions, but still could not escape the rain of arrows that was like the arrival of the god of death.

"It's on fire, the tent is on fire, put it out quickly."

"The haystack is on fire."

"Run quickly~"

The fire in the camp gradually grew bigger, and the soldiers howled in fear and were in chaos.

Xiao Linta was wearing armor, his face instantly dark as water. He strode out of the tent and just in time saw a fire raging in the camp and rebels wreaking havoc outside.

"Li Xiao!"

He roared, his voice filled with anger and unwillingness.

"How dare you be so bold as to invade my camp!"

His eyes were wide open, as if they were about to spit fire, and his hands were clenched into fists, with the knuckles turning white.

At this point, he also realized that he had fallen into a trap.

Although Li Xiao's main force had left, there was a small group of cavalry hiding in the valley to the west.

And last night, Li Xiao ordered the soldiers to cut a lot of grass on the spot.

Ostensibly, it was intended to provide a cushion under the soldiers' bodies, allowing them to sleep more comfortably.

But after a day of exposure to the sun, the grass had turned into dry grass, and was then used as a cushion by the unsuspecting soldiers of Wang Ting's army.

So, when the rockets of Li Xiao's army fell into the camp, the dry grass helped to ignite the tents, and soon the camp was burning fiercely.

The fire grew bigger and bigger, almost engulfing the front camp.

Moreover, disturbed by the flames, many war horses went crazy and ran around in the camp, trampling many soldiers.

"Go tell General Hamajik not to put out the fire."

"Abandon the front camp immediately and gather at my central army." Xiao Linta said loudly.

Then he added, "Send a message to Suleiman Bey."

"Outflank from the right and make sure to leave this enemy force behind."

"Jinzhou Army, Xiongbu Pishi Army, follow me to meet the enemy head-on and stop the rebels."

Xiao Linta's battle plan was also very clear.

Because of the engulfing flames, the front camp where the Kangli people were located no longer needed to put out the fire, so they gathered all the troops they could mobilize and retreated.

Join forces with Xiao Linta's army to stop the rebels head-on.

Let the Iqta cavalry of the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate outflank the enemy army and surround and annihilate it here.

Although the Xiong tribe's Pishi army was destroyed in the Battle of Saksu.

However, Yelu Zhilugu selected 3,000 soldiers from the rescued prisoners of war and reorganized the Xiong tribe Pi Shi Army.

It was handed over to Xiao Linta to take charge.

At the same time, Li Xiao, who was outside the camp, saw the chaotic scene in the camp and made a prompt decision.

He brandished his lance and roared, "Crush the Wang Ting army."

"Capture Xiao Linta alive."

"kill!"

A thousand white-armored soldiers rushed towards the camp like wild horses.

Two thousand Northern Navy and Seven Rivers Army followed closely behind, galloping at lightning speed. The dust raised by their horses' hooves formed a billowing cloud of dust behind them, as if it was going to swallow up the entire camp.

The moment the cavalry rushed into the camp, it was like a sharp blade piercing the heart of Wang Ting's army.

They swung the spears in their hands, flashing cold light, and every swing brought up a splash of blood.

They charged left and right, and wherever they went, the Kangli army's defense line collapsed instantly.

Soldiers were knocked down and chopped down, tents were overturned and burned, and the entire camp fell into chaos and fire.

Li Xiao's cavalrymen were like a group of demons from hell, attacking Wang Ting's army camp with overwhelming force, frightening the enemy and bringing the momentum of this night attack to its climax.

Hamajik, who saw this scene, was immediately furious. He held a mace in his hand and roared angrily.

"How dare you kill my brother, you thief?"

"I will tear you into pieces."

The 5,000 Kangli troops faced the attack of the Northern Frontier Army head-on, and had been defeated with heavy casualties.

It made Hamajik furious.

"General, the Khitans asked us to retreat to the central army to join them." The subordinate said loudly.

However, Hamajik remained unmoved. He brandished his mace and roared angrily, "Let Xiao Linta die!"

The voice was filled with resentment and determination, and then it shouted at the top of its lungs: "Warriors of Kangli!"

"Mount your steeds and follow me, charging for glory and honor, in the name of Allah!"

Not all nomadic peoples believe in Eternal Blue.

In this era, Eternal Heaven was just a very niche belief, believed in only by a few Mongolian tribes such as the Qiyan tribe, and had very few believers.

It was not until the Mongol cavalry swept across the world that the belief in Eternal Heaven was accepted by more and more nomadic peoples.

The people of Kangli today believe in Islam.

Inspired by Hamajik, some Kangli cavalry began to cheer up.

But soon, a heavy blow brought them back to reality.

Hamajik swung his mace and hit a white-armored soldier hard on the back, but the next second a hook-and-scythe spear attacked from the side.

He hooked the front legs of the warhorse under Hamajik.

"Hiss, hiss~"

The warhorse felt pain and leaped high, throwing Hamajik out in an instant.

When Hamajik struggled to stand up from the ground and prepared to ride his horse to fight again, the sound of heavy horse hooves was heard behind him.

Wei Xuan held the hook-and-sickle spear in his hand, staring at Hamajik with a fierce look.

"Drink~"

With a loud shout, the warhorse rushed past at a rapid speed.

The hook-and-sickle spear in his hand stabbed heavily into Hamajik's chest.

"No!"

Hamajik let out an unwilling roar, but unfortunately Wei Xuan was too fast and he had no time to make an effective defense.

I felt a huge force coming at me, as if my chest was hit by a sledgehammer. My body flew backwards uncontrollably and fell heavily to the ground.

"General Hamajik has been killed."

"The general is dead."

"Those devils in white armor killed the general."

"Damn it, run away."

"This is an internal conflict among the Liao people. It has nothing to do with us Kangli people. Why are we here?"

The Kangli people quickly lost their will to fight and fled in all directions.

The Northern Frontier Army quickly reunited.

The white-armored soldier who had just been hit by the mace slowly climbed onto his warhorse with the help of his companions.

Although the mace is a powerful weapon against iron armor, the cotton armor does not only contain armor plates, but also two layers of dense cotton cloth.

The multi-layered softness of the cotton armor can effectively disperse the force of the mace.

Although this white-armored soldier has lost his combat effectiveness, his injuries will slowly recover after a period of recuperation.

"Wei Xuan, good job."

Li Xiao led his men running towards them, their white armor already stained with blood.

Looking at Wei Xuan who was holding the head of Hamakik in front of him, he praised him generously.

In the past, Li Xiao was proud of his bravery and liked to charge into battle and kill generals on the battlefield.

But now, he prefers to see his men accomplish meritorious deeds.

Wei Xuan, who killed the enemy general in battle, became more and more important in Li Xiao's heart.

"With this military achievement, you will be promoted one rank."

"And everyone who participated in killing this general will be rewarded." Li Xiao laughed.

Wei Xuan is now a sergeant of the White Armor Army. With Li Xiao's promise, he will be promoted directly to a centurion.

Of course, if there is no position in the White Armor Army, you can also serve in other Thousand Household Armies.

"Thank you, Marshal."

Wei Xuan shouted happily, his eyes fierce, but his blood-stained face was grinning.

Because of his injury, Wei Xuan was unable to catch up with the Naiman battle, so his start was much slower than others.

However, in this Western Expedition, Wei Xuan began to emerge and was gradually narrowing the gap with others.

Because the battle was only a temporary end, Li Xiao simply said a few words and led the soldiers to continue charging forward.

Tonight's raid went exceptionally well, and he was going to break through the enemy camp.

The next day, the sun rose, and its golden light fell on the dilapidated camp. However, the warm sunlight could not dispel the solemnity and sadness that filled the air.

Xiao Linta stood in the center of the camp, looking at the devastated scene before him, the anger in his heart burning like a raging fire.

The tents were tilted here and there, and many had been burned to ashes, leaving only charred wooden frames swaying in the cold wind.

The ground was covered in blood, the dried dark red mixed with the soil looking particularly glaring.

The corpses lay all over the place, some were incomplete, and some were still in the posture of struggling before death.

He also learned that Hamajik had been killed in the battle, his head cut off and taken away by the rebels.

Xiao Linta didn't care about Hamajik's death, but he cared about the casualties of the Kangli army.

God knows, when Yelu Wusi Tu learned about the tragic situation of the Kangli army, would he kill Xiao Linta?

Thinking of this, Xiao Linta felt his scalp tingling.

"Li Xiao!"

He roared through gritted teeth, his voice echoing over the camp.

"I will make you pay for your blood debt with blood!"

His face was distorted with anger, his eyes were bloodshot, and at this moment, he was like a beast that had gone crazy after being injured.

After his anger, Xiao Linta forced himself to calm down.

He then began to reorganize the army and ordered people to gather the defeated soldiers on the grassland.

After resting for most of the day, Wang Tingjun finally managed to restore his organization.

The Eastern Karakhanid army suffered the least losses.

The Xiong tribe's Pi Shi army under Xiao Linta lost four hundred people.

Only the Kangli army suffered the heaviest losses, with only two thousand people left.

The rest were either killed or fled and disappeared.

Fortunately, Hamajik was dead, and Xiao Linta directly took over the two thousand Kangli cavalry.

The strength of Wang Ting’s army should not be underestimated. It has nearly 10,000 soldiers, but their morale is slightly insufficient.

In the big tent, the seats that once occupied three people were now occupied by only Xiao Linta and Suleiman.

Looking at the empty seat next to them, both of them felt particularly heavy-hearted.

Finally, Suleiman said in a deep voice: "The rebels are very powerful, and their commander is a formidable opponent."

"Maybe someday we'll have the opportunity to strike another blow to our army."

"What should I do now?"

Although the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate suffered light losses in last night's battle, Suleiman was frightened.

They were afraid that the army of the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate would one day follow in the footsteps of the Kangli people.

After all, the 500 Iqta cavalry and more than 3,000 light cavalry under his command are the absolute elite in the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate's army.

If the loss is here, the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate will also be seriously damaged.

Therefore, Suleiman’s meaning was very clear, he stopped fighting and returned to Husiwoerduo to defend.

After all, he was the Bey of the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate, which means prince.

In order to win over the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate, Yelu Zhilugu would not do anything to him.

But Xiao Linta is different!

He was a rebel general from Xiao Simo's side and was incompatible with the generals in the royal court.

Now he led his men to encircle and suppress Li Xiao. Not only would he suffer heavy losses, but if he returned without success, he would inevitably be attacked by other generals.

Even Yelu Zhilugu was generous and understanding and did not punish him.

Then his political career would come to an end, and he could basically declare retirement.

But Xiao Linta thought that he was still young and had a strong desire for power, so he didn't want to stand aside.

So, he glanced at Suleiman calmly and said in a deep voice, "I have already signed a military order before Your Majesty to destroy this rebel army and capture and kill Li Xiao."

"Does Bay want me to be a man who goes back on his word?"

Of course, Xiao Linta also knew that Suleiman didn't care about his life or death, let alone whether the Northern Frontier Army could be eliminated.

It has nothing to do with him.

All he cared about was the interests of the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate.

Therefore, in order to continue to bind the Iqta Cavalry, the trump card, to himself, Xiao Linta had to make a promise.

"If this battle can annihilate the rebels and capture and kill Li Xiao, I would like to give the credit to Bey."

Suleiman was surprised to hear this.

"Europe?"

"General Xiao, why is this happening?"

Xiao Linta snorted softly: "I have an irreconcilable hatred for Li Xiao, and I only want his head."

Suleiman smiled knowingly upon hearing this.

He had also heard a little about the feud between Xiao Linta and Li Xiao.

In his opinion, Xiao Linta was just a waste.

How could the dignified Governor of Jinzhou be bullied by the Deputy Governor?
Not decisive at all. He should have found an opportunity to kill Li Xiao and put an end to it all.

Otherwise, it would be more than just being squeezed out by Li Xiao.
Suleiman didn't care about Xiao Linta's personal grudges, but he was still interested in the first credit that Xiao Linta promised.

After all, the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate and the Western Liao Dynasty had a vassal relationship. With this achievement, they would have more bargaining chips in their hands when fighting for national interests in the future.

"it is good!"

"Master Xiao, please go ahead and do what you want. My Iqta cavalry will support you." Suleiman nodded.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Linta's face turned blue with anger.

What Suleiman meant was that in the subsequent battle, Xiao Linta would lead the troops first, while he would lead his men to hide behind.

If the battle goes well, he will lead his men to charge forward.

If the battle goes badly, he will abandon Xiao Simo and run away.

In other words, Xiao Linta had to do all the hard work, and Suleiman would take the credit.

It's simply bullying.

But there was no other way, Xiao Linta needed help from others.

If he wants to annihilate Li Xiao and fight his first battle in the royal court, he must have Suleiman's support.

Iqta cavalry is very important.

"Okay~" Xiao Lin said angrily, he could only endure it.

At this moment, the voices of the personal soldiers were heard outside the tent.

"My Lord, the scouts are back. They've found the main force of the rebels."

"We have arrived at the Ili River and are preparing to cross the river."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Linta's expression immediately turned serious.

He quickly called the scout in and asked in person.

"How many people are there in the main rebel force? How far away are they from us?"

The scout said, "The rebels are probably less than 10,000 strong and are less than 60 miles away from our army."

"In addition, in addition to the rebels, there are also a large number of prisoners of war, craftsmen, and women in the team, at least 10,000 to 20,000 people."

"Oh, and there are carriages, lots of carriages."

After hearing the scout's report, Xiao Linta's expression gradually relaxed.

Compared with the information he received in Husiwoerduo City, it was exactly the same.

Li Xiao almost cleaned out Hu Siwo's ears.

They also captured a large number of craftsmen and took away many slaves.

I think they are planning to use these treasures and population to expand the power of Golden State.

The idea was good, but these treasures, slaves, and craftsmen became destabilizing factors for the Northern Frontier Army.

There are gains and there are losses.

"Pass the order down, the army will set out immediately to surround the rebels."

Under Xiao Linta's order, Wang Tingjun set off.

The distance was sixty miles, and they arrived in less than two hours.

At this time, Jiu Meng'anhe had already led the army, whipping the slaves, and crossed the Ili River one after another and arrived at the north bank.

When Xiao Linta's army appeared on the south bank, it immediately caused unrest among the slaves.

"Is that the royal court's army?"

"His Majesty has sent people to rescue us."

"Great."

"We are saved."

The slaves, whose feet were worn out by the bumpy ride, suddenly became excited and looked towards the other side of the Ili River with burning eyes, waiting for the royal army to cross the river and rescue them.

Some people even began to become restless, stood up, and prepared to incite others to rebel.

But soon, as arrows were shot at them, the slaves let out screams.

The others also seemed to be poured with a bucket of cold water and slowly calmed down.

Although Wang Ting's army arrived, there was still a river between them.

Even if we want to rebel, we have to wait for Wang Ting’s army to arrive.

Faced with this situation, Jiu Meng An He's face was cold and silent, and he said angrily: "Pass the order down, if the slaves make any unusual movements."

"No need to ask for instructions, just shoot."

Then he looked at Li Dashan next to him and said, "These slaves simply don't know how to live or die."

"It would be better to just kill them all."

"Save trouble."

Li Xiao, who led the 1,000 white-armored soldiers, has not returned yet, so the more than 3,000 Jinzhou soldiers are naturally led by Li Dashan.

He smiled faintly, shook his head and said, "Commander, please be patient. These slaves can't cause any big trouble."

"Besides, the Marshal still has important uses for these slaves."

The main reason why Li Xiao wanted to bring these slaves back to Jinzhou was for mining.

Last winter, Hexibao initially built a military production line, but it also consumed all the scattered iron ore, surface coal and other resources around Hexibao.

So, Li Xiao prepared to go to Altai Mountains to mine.

The Altai Mountains are also known as the Golden Mountains because of their rich mineral resources.

The mountains contain a large amount of gold, silver, copper, iron, coal and other mineral resources, and many of them are exposed on the surface, making them easy to mine. It is one of the most important mining areas in China in later generations.

Therefore, the mission of these 20,000 prisoners of war was to mine.

I won’t feel bad if it dies, I’ll just catch another one!
"But what if these slaves riot once the royal army crosses the river?" Jiu Meng'anhe said depressedly.

Li Dashan said confidently: "Don't worry, Governor. Once we cross the Ili River, we will be safe."

"Wang Tingjun can't get through."

"Oh?" Jiu Meng An He was puzzled. "What arrangements does Commander Li have?"

When Li Xiao left, he had already handed over the task to Li Dashan.

At this point, there was no need to keep it secret from Jiu Meng Anhe.

Li Dashan laughed and pointed to the Ili River. "Governor, what do you think is unusual about the river water?"

Jiu Meng Anhe looked over and saw that the river water was very clear, sparkling with golden light under the setting sun, which was very beautiful.

"Is there anything wrong?"

"It's no different from when we crossed the river before, right?" Jiu Meng'anhe frowned and asked with a little confusion.

But soon, a flash of inspiration came to his mind, and he seemed to understand something.

"So that's how it is." Jiu Meng Anhe suddenly realized, patted his forehead and laughed.

"Commander Li is very far-sighted. I'm afraid he had already made this arrangement. I, Jiu Meng'an, admire him."

(End of this chapter)