Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 532 Look at how pathetic you all are.

Located at the westernmost point of the Northern Dynasties' rule, and a crucial hub for entering the Hexi Corridor from the Western Regions, Dunhuang, a key town controlling the Yumen Pass and Yangguan Pass, did not become desolate due to the chaos of the times. Over the centuries, its commerce and culture have flourished.

Just as Yingzhou was a key point for entering the Northeast, Dunhuang was also an essential route for merchants from the Western Regions and envoys from various countries traveling eastward.

When Tuyuhun Yaren returned from his mission to Rouran, he did not go back to Fusi City, but instead told the first-hand news to Daxi Wu, the garrison commander of Dunhuang.

Daxi Wu dared not delay and immediately went to see Yaren.

"After this battle, the Hephthalites are likely to decline."

Ya Ren's words surprised Da Xi Wu greatly.

The Hephthalites had entered the Western Regions long ago, and at their peak, they even fought against the Northern Wei, forcing the Northern Wei to seek peace with the Southern Liang to avoid fighting on two fronts.

There is only one possibility to reach the level that Ya Ren described.

Da Xi Wu asked:
"The main force of the Hephthalites is gone?"

After hearing Daxi Wu's words, Ya Ren nodded, his expression solemn, and said:
"The Hephthalites assembled 100,000 cavalry to deal with the Rouran army, but they were wiped out in one battle by Anagui. Now, the Rouran have entered Sogdiana and other places, and it won't be long before the situation in the Western Regions changes."

Daxi Wu was very familiar with the countries of the Western Regions.

These city-states, built upon oases, were weak and lacked autonomy.

They will attach themselves to whichever power is strongest and pay protection money to that power.

The Hephthalites have been defeated, but the Rouran will arrive sooner or later.

"How long do you think it will take the Rouran to wipe out the Hephthalites?"

"In six months to a year, Anagui will be able to destroy the Hephthalites, eliminate their various tribes, and occupy their territory. At that time, Anagui will surely lead his army eastward. Currently, our army in Guazhou is insufficient, so we must convey this matter to Chang'an as soon as possible."

Da Xiwu nodded. At that moment, a report came from outside.

"General, a Hephthalite tribe has come to seek refuge outside Yumen Pass."

"Which tribe are they from?"

"They said they were ordered to garrison Kucha to defend against the Rouran, but recently the King of Kucha drove them away, and the King of Yanqi also refused to accept them. They have no choice but to come to the Heavenly Khan and hope that we can take them in for the sake of the past alliance."

Daxi Wu and Tuyuhun Yaren exchanged glances, not expecting the Western Regions kingdoms to be so pragmatic.

When news of the Hephthalites' crushing defeat arrived, they began to expel the people.

"Settle down first and await the king's decision."

……

Fusi City.

After the Tuyuhun submitted to Chang'an, they dispatched an elite force to Longyou to assist the Longyou army.

Kualü had high hopes for this army, wishing that they would return after completing their studies, have made progress, and become the pillars of Tuyuhun's future.

Of course, Kualü had another idea in mind that he couldn't tell outsiders: to let them familiarize themselves with the Longyou army's combat methods in preparation for the future.

Tuyuhun will not submit to Chang'an forever; their current situation is only temporary.

The royal palace in Fusi City was not frequently used. In order to maintain the nomadic nature of the Tuyuhun people, Kualü mostly stayed in the Khan's tent outside the city, commanding the tribal army.

However, in order to receive these generals who had returned from their studies, Kualü specially opened the palace.

The young generals in the palace were either members of the Tuyuhun royal family or the sons and nephews of various tribal leaders.

Seeing their tall and agile figures, Kualü was very pleased, stood up, and said:

"You have rendered great service to my Tuyuhun, and I will certainly not treat you unfairly."

"Thank you, Khan!"

As Kualü listened to the booming voice echoing throughout the palace, his excitement grew. He then asked:
"The Heavenly Khan wishes to build a stone fortress. What do you all think?"

Kualu hoped to hear a solution from them, or at least a voice of opposition, but everyone remained silent.

"Do not be restrained, speak freely. Even if you say something wrong, I will not blame you."

As he spoke, Kua Lu pointed to someone. In his memory, this kid was related to him, and seemed to be his distant nephew.

"What do you think!"

When Kua Lü called his name, his distant nephew cupped his hands and said:
"Shibao City is strategically located, with sheer cliffs on three sides, making it a formidable stronghold. Once completed, it will greatly enhance Shanzhou's defenses."

Kua Lu nodded, about to offer some praise, when his distant nephew suddenly changed his tune.

"The fact that the city was built here demonstrates the Khan's foresight, wisdom, and brilliance, which I truly admire..."

His distant nephew kept praising Li Shuang, and Lu Zheng was about to get angry when he saw that the people around him not only did not object, but also seemed to agree.

Kua Lu sensed something was wrong, suppressed his urge to explode, forced a smile, and stopped the boy from continuing.

"well said!"

Then, before his distant nephew could speak again, Kua Lü quickly said:

"What do you think the Tuyuhun and Guanzhong regions intend to do?"

Someone said:
"We are all subjects of the Heavenly Khan, and we should serve him faithfully!"

Kua Lü's expression was somewhat unpleasant, but he forced a show of composure and said:
"Speak freely today, don't hold back, tell us your plans."

After these words were spoken, it was as if a floodgate of conversation had been opened in the palace.

"I intend to gather the sons of the tribes and have them join the army in Longyou. Now that the Western Regions are in turmoil, if something happens, we can ride into battle. If we achieve military merit, we can go to Chang'an, be received by the Khan, and be feasted at Shanglin Temple."

"I also wish to serve in the army. After five years of military service, I can settle in Chang'an, obtain a Guanzhong household registration, and be granted a rank."

"I wish to go to Chang'an to study Confucianism. Now everyone says that the Heavenly Khan should become the emperor, so I should prepare accordingly as soon as possible."

……

Hearing these words, Kua Lü felt utterly disheartened.

His distant nephew suddenly shouted, startling everyone else in the hall.

"Enough! How dare you speak such words? You are not worthy to be called Tuyuhun people!"

Kualu looked at his distant nephew, a smile of satisfaction on his face.

Good lad, I misunderstood you just now!
But then he saw his nephew put his hands behind his back and say:
"Seeking fields and houses, I would be ashamed to face you, Liu Lang! How can a great man grow old on his bed? He should die on the battlefield to repay the kindness of the Heavenly Khan. Only if he can be buried in the Heavenly Khan's mausoleum after death will his life have not been in vain."

Upon hearing this, Kualü nearly fainted.

If you won't be buried with me after you die, you'll be buried with Ohno Sawa instead?
You fucking...

Kua Lü was about to draw his sword, but in the end he didn't.

Kua Lu really wanted to ask loudly, "What kindness has Ohno Sō ever shown you?"

In the end, however, Kualu still didn't get the question out.

Seeing that his expression was not right, the eunuch ended the meeting early.

After everyone had left, Kua Lü slumped onto his throne and said slowly:
“We cannot let them take over the army of my Tuyuhun, otherwise, the army of my Tuyuhun will be under the surname of Li.”

The eunuch reminded him:
"Khan, one or two people are fine, but how can we refuse so many? If we make too much noise, Chang'an will also take notice."

"..."

(End of this chapter)