Midsummer has come, Chang'an at the beginning of July is like a stream of fire, suffocating people are out of breath, there are not many people coming and going on Suzaku Street, only people who have to support their families will go out in such a hot season, the bluestone road is so hot that it almost melts people's feet, only some carriages gallop by, pedestrians are walking along the tall and thick green trees, forming two streams of people like foraging ants.

On the opposite side of the gate of Chongye Fang, a Hu man from the Western Regions with unusually broad shoulders sat under a big tree, he was not afraid of the heat, but the anxious look on his face seemed to be a little hotter than the scorching sun in July, he was the messenger of Tocharian Shamitar, he had been in Chang'an for more than a month, at first he looked for Honglu Temple, and handed over a note, Honglu Temple Qing only told him, waiting for the emperor to summon him, but more than this month has passed, the emperor's shadow has not been seen, he remembered that Li Qing gave himself a post at that time, you can find Xiangguo to help, But Li Linfu went to Luoyang on business again, and had no choice but to wait, doing nothing every day, wandering around Chang'an City, last night he heard that Li Linfu was back, so he rushed to the gate of Chongye Fang early in the morning to intercept Xiangguo.

Suddenly, the pedestrians in front of the gate of the house avoided in both directions, and a carriage came out of the gate surrounded by a hundred guards, and Shamittal immediately stood up, and he saw the flag on the carriage with the words 'Xiangguo, two words).

"Lee Sang-kook is here!" He took out Li Qing's famous thorn and rushed towards the carriage.

Since Li Qing left Beijing, he took the initiative to write to Li Longji to ask Yang Guozhong to replace Li Qing as the secretary of the Taifu Temple, which is a laborious position. In less than half a month, he suggested that Yang Guozhong no longer concurrently serve as Jing Zhaoyin on the grounds that it was difficult to separate Yang Guozhong's affairs.

It's not a big thing, but it's a weather vane, and those Xiangguo people who thought Li Linfu was going to fall turned back one after another. performed one farce after another in Chang'an.

Suddenly, the carriage slowed down, and a commotion ahead interrupted Li Linfu's train of thought. His face sank and he said, "What's so noisy?" ”

The chief of the guard took a name thorn and handed it in, "There is a Hu man." Claiming to be the messenger of Tocharo, he took a stab in the name of Li Shilang of the original household and asked to see Xiangguo. ”

"Li Qing?" Li Linfu was puzzled for a while, he knew that Li Qing's famous thorn was not easy to give people, and this Hu man brought it, there must be a reason, he groaned and said, "Bring him over!" ”

In a moment, Shamittal was brought over by the guards. Li Linfu pulled the curtain, glanced at him, pointed at the famous thorn and said coldly: "The prime minister asks you, where did you get this thorn?" ”

Shamitar didn't dare to raise his head, bowed down and replied: "I was ordered to send an envoy to the Tang Dynasty and was ambushed by the Tubo people in Shazhou. Thanks to Li Shilang for saving ......"

He attached the king of Shushi to Tibet and wanted to help him regain Xiaobojin, and he was escorted and sent to Beijing to seek assistance. Rescued by Li Qing in Shazhou, the above things were told in detail, and finally said angrily: "I traveled thousands of miles, dedicated to the interests of the Tang Dynasty, but there was no way to tell him, this stay is more than a month, it is really cold, if it is not for the luck to see Xiangguo today, I don't know when I can complete my king's entrustment." ”

He complained that Li Linfu did not hear it, Xiao Bojin is the bridgehead of Tubo to march into Anxi, if Xiao Bojin is taken, Anxi's territory of 10,000 miles will be opened to them, and Tubo also has a supply base, the stakes are very high, Li Linfu did not dare to slack off, he immediately ordered the guards to bring the messenger of Tocharo, and hurriedly turned the road to the direction of Xingqing Palace. ........

An hour later, Pei Kuan, the head of the relevant ordnance and horse departments of the Ministry of Shangshu, the Ordnance Superintendent, the Weiwei Temple, the Taifu Temple, and so on, all rushed to the Xingqing Palace Political Hall at the call of Li Longji, and they would decide on the final plan of the Tang Dynasty to ask for help from Tochar.

Since the founding of the Tang Dynasty, the east conquest of Goryeo, the west against the Turks, repeated victories, the border gradually calmed down, since the later years of Taizong, opened up thousands of miles of rivers and mountains, the four states came to the dynasty, and also achieved the good name of the heavenly khan, but after the Tang Dynasty, with the rise of Tibet, it has become a major problem for the Tang Dynasty, which seriously hindered the development of the Tang Dynasty to the west.

At the same time, in the far west, the Prophet Muhammad founded Islam in Mecca on the Arabian Peninsula, and established a theocratic regime, while constantly carrying out foreign conquests, almost the same period as the Tang Dynasty, forming a powerful empire across Asia, Africa and Europe in the later generations. He supported the original Turkic tribe surnamed Huang to resist and expel the Arabs in the Western Regions, and Li Longji even canonized its leader Sulu as the Zhongshun Khan and the general of the Zuo Yulin Army.

However, the good times did not last long, and the powerful Tuqi Shi people treacherously colluded with Tubo to conspire with the four towns of Anxi in the Tang Dynasty, and the situation in Anxi deteriorated day by day.

In the twenty-third year of the Kaiyuan Dynasty, the Turgish invaded Beiting and Anxi Bawan City (now Aksu, Xinjiang), and the Beiting Jiedu made Gaijiayun send troops to defeat the invaders, and at the same time, Dashi attacked the Turgish from behind, and the leader of the Turgish, Sulu Khan, was dramatically killed by a small soldier in the process of sending troops, and the Turgish was destroyed.

But since then, the area surnamed Zhaowu, a vassal state of the former Tang Dynasty, has also been in fact conquered by the Great Eclipse, and the Tang Dynasty's focus in the Western Regions has shifted to the Great Bojin, trying to drive the Tubo forces out of the Western Regions, but due to the interference of the Great Eclipse, Tian Renwan, Gai Jiayun and Fumeng Lingcha have failed to capture the Xiaobojin.

But things changed in the Tianbao year, the black-clothed Great Food rose in Khorasan, attacking the white-clothed Wumai Dynasty, the Great Food was no longer able to interfere with Anxi's actions, and the Tang Dynasty took advantage of this opportunity to order Gao Xianzhi to attack Xiao Bojin in the year of Tianbao. In one fell swoop, he captured the capital of Xiaobojin and the city of Axuyue, cut off the Suoyi River and Teng Bridge, the necessary place for the Tubo to reinforce the Xiaobolu Kingdom, and blocked the Tubo army from afar on the opposite bank, after this battle, the small countries in the Western Regions who had surrendered to the Tibetan region surrendered to the Tang Dynasty one after another, so that the Tang Dynasty successfully prevented the expansion of the Tibetan Regions in the Western Regions.

Now, the Tibetan thief is not dead, and once again colludes to plot against Xiao Bojin, because of the Tocharian protection of Rigaro's upper table for help, Li Longji decided to convene the important ministers to discuss the matter.

In fact. Li Longji learned of this as early as May from Bian Lingcheng's secret report, and he had issued a secret order to the military and political leaders of Anxi to start preparing for war. Fearing the leakage that the Tang army had already begun preparations for war, it prevented Tubo from moving ahead of schedule. In the joint attack on Xiaobojin, Li Longji has been avoiding the envoy of Tocharian and delaying time, until today, Li Linfu reported that the envoy of Tocharian had arrived.

The meeting had been going on for half an hour, and the general plan for sending troops had been decided, and the Anxi army would send 10,000 troops. The march was divided into two routes, one was to attack the Shushi Kingdom from the east bypass to Tocharo, and the other was to take the Tianbao Niandi route, taking Lianyunbao to support Xiao Bojin and take Da Bojin, which was arranged by Gao Xianzhi, the envoy of Anxi Jiedu.

As for some details of logistics materials, such as the supply arrangements for food and military funds. It was handed over to Li Linfu of Xiangguo for full deployment. .........

Shule, a material team from afar slowly drove into the city gate under the strict escort of the Tang army, and nearly a thousand carriages were endless. With the convoy, there are nearly 5,000 Tang army infantry cavalry, this is the largest number of troops, Anxi Dadu Hu Gao Xianzhi is also in the team, he received an order from the imperial court to send troops a month ago, after more than 20 days of trekking, his main force finally arrived in Shule.

It's August now, but the noon sun is still scorching, evaporating all the water, and the trees are hanging their branches weakly, struggling to resist the last madness of the scorching sun.

Gao Xianzhi's waist was straight, his face was grim, his eyes were sharp, he examined everything in the city, the city gate was heavily guarded, everyone who entered and exited was strictly searched and checked, and their identities were verified, and the residents of the city were to be controlled.

Five steps and one post in the city, ten steps and one sentry, a team of Tang troops ran through the streets, the footsteps were neat and murderous, all the empty houses were requisitioned and used as warehouses for reserve materials, horses and livestock were also requisitioned by the military, and all the men in the city were hired by the army as people to carry supplies.

The shops were suspended, the daily necessities were rationed, and foreign merchants were not allowed to enter the city again, so as to prevent spies from entering; Houses are closed, all the clutter at the door is cleared, and the streets are empty, and even cats and dogs have nowhere to hide.

Everything was arranged in an orderly manner, even the most demanding Gao Xianzhi couldn't find fault, he couldn't help but secretly admire Li Qing's ability, no less than Feng Changqing, adequate preparation is crucial to winning the war, he Gao Xianzhi never fought unprepared battles.

"The last general, Xi Yuanqing, see the marshal!" At the gate, Shule captured the guard Xi Yuanqing has been waiting for a long time, and when he saw Gao Xianzhi enter the door, he immediately stepped forward to see, he was Gao Xianzhi's henchman, brave in battle, known as courageous, Tianbao Nian Xiao Bojin battle, that is, he was the vanguard, falsely claiming to use the road to attack Da Bojin, and using a false way to destroy the enemy, and captured the city of Abiyue.

"General Xi has worked hard!"

Gao Xianzhi immediately looked around, and said in surprise: "What about Li Duhu?" How can you not see others? ”

Xi Yuanqing showed a strange smile on his face, bowed down and replied, "Li Duhu has a happy event and is celebrating!" ”

"Happy event?" Gao Xianzhi was stunned for a moment, he waved his hand and ordered: "Take Ben Shuai to have a look!" ”

Li Qing's temporary residence is a vast and deep mansion, originally a Shule nobleman's house, all made of white stone, integrated into one, from a distance, as if carved with white jade, it is located in the most prosperous area of Shule City, at this time, the street at the door is very lively, the crowd is like a sea, it seems that all the people of Shule have arrived, most of them are old people, women and children, and the solemn atmosphere in front of the city gate is like two places, they lined up in a dozen long lines under the command of the soldiers, everyone's face is full of joy and hope, Unaffected by the scorching poisonous sun.

I saw a row of long shops in front of Li Qing's mansion, Li Qing smiled and led more than 100 soldiers to distribute food to the residents of Shule, thick Hu cakes sandwiched with fragrant sauce beef, and red eggs, regardless of nationality, men, women and children, as long as everyone came.

The reason was that Li Qing received a letter from Qiuzi three days ago, and Curtain gave birth to a white and fat little boy for him. Li Qing, who was overjoyed, immediately took out a huge sum of 3,000 yuan and gave a lot of alms in Shule City, sharing his joy with all the people.

"Li Duhu, the tall and handsome man is here!"

Xi Yuanqing took the lead, rushed to Li Qing's side and called urgently, Li Qing looked up, only to see more than a dozen steps away, Gao Xianzhi sitting on the horse with a smile on his face, and he bowed his hand to him and congratulated: "Congratulations on hearing that Li Duhu is the first to be noble!" Congratulations! ”

Li Qing picked up a towel and wiped his sweaty hands. Xiang Gao Xianzhi smiled and saluted back: "Thank you handsome, Li Qing is also eager to put his wings." Fly back to Chang'an to have a look. ”

Gao Xianzhi looked up to the sky and smiled, winked at him and said, "Even if you fly into the sky now." I'll take you down too. ”

Li Qing's heart changed for a moment, and he was overjoyed: "But there is news from the imperial court?" ”

Gao Xianzhi nodded slowly and said, "The matter is urgent, Li Duhu, please come with me." ”

Since Li Qing came to Shule three months ago to prepare for the war, grain, grass, livestock, and ordnance have basically been prepared, and nearly 8,000 troops have been transferred from various parts of Anxi, including the 3,000 Doulu troops transferred by Li Qing from Shazhou. Coupled with the 5,000 soldiers brought by Gao Xianzhi today, the total strength has reached 13,000 people, and the troops can be dispatched after a few days of rest.

Marginal Cheng originally came with Gao Xianzhi, but because he was sick on the way, he stayed in Bawan City to recuperate, and Gao Xianzhi and Li Qing came to the military office. Pushing the outsiders back, he closed the door and said to Li Qing with a hint of shame: "Speaking of which, I should apologize to Li Duhu." When Du Hu first came, I thought Du Hu wanted to replace me, so I was hostile, and then I heard about the border prison army, and I knew that Du Hu came to Anxi to train, and I was narrow-minded. ”

Li Qing knew that things were by no means as simple as Gao Xianzhi said, just a few words from Marginal Cheng could move him, in the past few months, he must have sent someone to Beijing to understand the situation, maybe this also has the role of Li Linfu, but this should only be part of the reason for the change of his attitude, he is so humble, there should be other purposes.

And he came to Shule in person this time, it is very likely that he will personally lead the army, and he will never give up this opportunity to make a meritorious service, Li Qing smiled slightly, and said quietly: "The big marshal is too worried, if I think about the attitude of the big marshal and go back to Shazhou early, how can I come to Shule to prepare for the war, the big war is imminent, I hope you and I can cooperate sincerely and win this war together." ”

Gao Xianzhi nodded, he did have something to ask Li Qing, according to Li Longji's will, this war was divided into two routes, the Western Route Army entered Tocharo, and the Tocharian Army attacked the Shushi Kingdom together; The Eastern Route Army entered Xiaobojin from Lianyunbao to support Xiaobojin's Tang army and prevent Tubo from taking the opportunity to invade. Since Li Qing had rescued the Tocharian envoys, Li Longji considered Li Qing as the commander of the Eastern Route Army to help in the Tocharian battle, and Gao Xianzhi was familiar with the road, so he rescued Xiao Bojin as the commander of the Western Route Army. The two route armies are all the way to expand territories, conquer other countries, and promote the power of the Tang Dynasty; The other way is just to consolidate the existing achievements, comparing the two sides, which is more important, how could Gao Xianzhi not understand, but the emperor's decree has been issued, it is difficult to change, the only plan is that Li Qing took the initiative to ask Ying to go to Xiao Bojin, and he reluctantly agreed.

This is the real purpose of Gao Xianzhi's apology, enveloping Li Qing and begging him to give credit to himself.

He took out the holy decree from his arms and handed it to Li Qing, looking at Li Qing a little nervously: "The emperor has two tasks, and Li Duhu can choose one." ”

Li Qing unfolded the holy decree and hurriedly browsed it, it was clearly written, he was the commander of the Eastern Route Army, but Gao Xianzhi still had to choose one of his own, what does this mean? As soon as Li Qing changed his mind, he immediately understood that he wanted to let him choose the Western Route Army and give him the attack on the Shushi Kingdom, could this be his purpose of showing softness to himself?

Li Qing didn't care whether the Eastern Route Army or the Western Route Army was so eager to go to Tocharo, and if he didn't take the opportunity to earn a little interest, how could he Li Qing easily agree.

Li Qing pondered for a moment and asked, "If we all go on the expedition, who will be responsible for the supply of grain and grass?" ”

"But judge Liu Dan, he was Feng Changqing's right-hand man, quite capable, and can take on this role." Gao Xianzhi knew that Li Qing was worried that Kang Huaishun would be in charge of logistics, which would be detrimental to his march, so he took the first step to relieve his worries.

"I have a staff member named Zhang Ji, and he also has some ability, can I order him as a deputy to assist Judge Liu in managing military affairs?" This is the first order opened by Li Qing, testing Gao Xianzhi, if he agrees happily, then his real conditions will be taken out.

Sure enough, Gao Xianzhi was eager to seek merit, so he agreed without hesitation, "I can appoint him as Cangcao's military and cane envoy to assist Liu Dan." ”

Li Qing saw that he promised to be happy, and knew that he wanted to lead the army into Tocharo, so he smiled lightly: "The way to be a general lies in the clear distinction between rewards and punishments, those who have made meritorious contributions are promoted, and those who lag behind are lowered, since I am the commander of an army, I naturally have the right to promote and reward soldiers, but unfortunately I am only for the deputy position, and I have no such power, so the marshal may follow the power and give me the right to reward and punish?" ”

This is the power that Li Qing really wants, every time the war is over, the imperial court has to reward the meritorious soldiers, or give the honors money and goods, generally according to the records of the marching Sima;

However, the process of promoting officers is a little complicated, and the general degree of the festival can be appointed by oneself, but it needs to be reported to the Ministry of War for approval, and the rank and above must be reported to the prime minister and even His Majesty the Emperor for approval, and then awarded the title or the title of loose official.

Generally speaking, he is the governor of Shazhou, and he also has a certain appointment power, but his rank is too low, how can he compare with the power of the Anxi Metropolitan Protector.

Li Qing saw that Gao Xianzhi was silent, so he said with a final word: "If the marshal agrees, I am willing to ask Ying to lead the army westward and retrace the road that the marshal walked back then." ”

This is his last statement, only this one condition, if he agrees, he will exchange tasks with Gao Xianzhi.

Gao Xianzhi lowered his head and thought for a long time, before staring at Li Qing and said slowly: "I will give you a maximum of twenty places, and only in the Doulu Army, can you agree?" ”

He also knew that this opening would cause endless troubles, but the temptation of the Eastern Route Army made him unable to give up, so as long as Li Qing promised to give up one more step and not put his hand into his Yajun, he could be a favor and completely hand over the Doulu Army to Li Qing.

The only frustration in this may be Bai Xiaode, the current chief general of the Doulu Army, who was promoted by Wang Zhonghe, and is nominally the deputy governor of the Doulu Army, but the governor has always been Wang Zhonghei, and he actually holds the real power of the Doulu Army, but after this battle, the Doulu Army will be completely controlled by Li Qing.

Li Qing stretched out a hand and said with a slight smile: "Then I wish the handsome a smooth eastward march and take the Shushi Kingdom as soon as possible!" ”

Gao Xianzhi couldn't help but be overjoyed when he saw him agree, and also stretched out his hand to slap him with a palm, and said: "Li Du escorts this to Xiaobojin and can lead the Doulu army as the main force, and I will order Xi Yuanqing to lead two thousand elites to listen to your dispatch, a total of five thousand people, and I also wish you a victory and arrive at Xiaobojin as soon as possible." ”

This is negotiation, where each side can get what it needs, but it does not harm the interests of the other party, and as for the loss, the third party bears it.

In August of the eighth year of Tianbao, two armies of the Tang Dynasty set off from Shule at the same time, one was led by Gao Xianzhi, the capital of Anxi, to cross the Geluo Ridge and the Wuhu River to the east, and entered the territory of Tocharo, while the other army was led by Li Qing, the deputy capital of Anxi, to lead the 3,000 Doulu army and the 2,000 Anxi army, and crossed the Green Ridge to Xiaobojin.

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