In March, there is still a hint of spring cold. The air is faintly filled with the scent of resin. That's the breath of spring. The water in the Red River has already begun to rise. The abundant water and warm smell bring the banks of the river to life. Patches of daisies have bloomed into white flowers. The prairie seems to be clothed in a faint layer of green.

On the grassland thirty miles east of the city of Jiashi. A caravan of horses and carts was slowly coming. It was a huge convoy of nearly five thousand wagons. The cart was loaded with tents, armor, weapons, arrows, siege engines and other military supplies. There were also hundreds of horse-drawn wagons loaded with the food that the convoy had to consume on the road. The team was immense. It stretches for ten miles. Three thousand cavalry were closely guarded on the left and right. Any herders who tried to get close to the carriage were warned and expelled.

This was the first batch of military supplies transported by the Tang Dynasty when it began to prepare for the Western Regions Campaign. Coming from Longyou. After nearly two months of difficult trekking. The long journey is coming to an end.

There are still more than 30 miles away from Shule. Cao Hanchen, the new governor of Shule, had already come from afar to check. The strategic adjustment of the Western Regions of the Tang Dynasty officially kicked off in mid-January. Wang Siyu was promoted to the first protector of the Western Regions. The vast territory west of the Star Gorge is controlled by it. Li Han, the squire of the military department, served as the governor of the Western Regions. He is fully responsible for all administrative affairs in the Western Regions. Early February. The transfer of troops and materials between the governors of the Western Regions began. The elite of 50,000 Anxi troops was transferred to Broken Leaves. Wang Siyu also moved the broken leaves. After going through the handover procedures with Cao Hanchen. Exchanged defense with each other.

Now. Shule, like the other prefectures, had only 10,000 garrisons for the time being. But hundreds of huge warehouses have been built here. In the near future. Shule will become the logistical basis of the broken leaves. Moreover, the 80,000 soldiers transferred from within are constantly rushing to Shule.

At dusk. A huge convoy arrived at the city of Gashi. Will rest here for the night. Tomorrow morning, we will turn north and turn around. Their purpose was not Schuller. Instead, it was transported to Broken Leaf through the Golden Dragon Road. These military supplies, which can arm 40,000 or 50,000 men, will eventually be transferred in batches to the farther north. Led by the Digs north of the sea of Yibo. This is a real step taken by Datang to support the people of Huangjiasi.

At this moment, Shi Muhua and Gu Dai, the two young royal families of Huangjiasi, were in the team. Cui Yao, who accompanied them all the way, was also among them. A journey of thousands of miles. He remained silent most of the time. But the wind and sand and silence along the way did not dilute his first love. Instead, it is getting stronger and stronger like wine. But the more so. The more he dared not look at Gu Dai or talk to her. The unforgettable heart in my heart is naturally more painful. Two months of life close at hand, but far away in the world, tortured us, a young man who had tasted love for the first time, to be haggard.

Cui Yao's hideaway and cold attitude along the way. Gu Dai's heart gradually understood eight or nine points. At first, Gu Dai plucked up the courage to talk to him. But after Suzhou. Her heart finally got cold. He is the grandson of a famous family. There are Xiangguo and imperial concubines in the clan. And she's just a woman of a different race. How could he be eye-catching. Why do you want to climb this high branch? What about being looked down upon and discriminated against? She immediately got into a carriage. Far away from him. I really met it, and I was cold-eyed. Don't say a word to him.

That's it. It should have made the feelings like glue and paint. On the contrary, it has become a road of thousands of miles.

The mighty motorcade stopped ten miles away from Jiashi City. The coachmen jumped out of the carriage one after another. Get together to chat and drink water. Calculate the cost of the car along the way. And the soldiers began to set up tents. Prepare to spend the night here.

Cui Yao sat alone on a stone and nibbled on a dry cake. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on his thin body. It's very lonely. Then. Shi Muhua slowly stepped forward and said with a smile: "Why is Cui Gongzi sitting here alone?" ”

Shi Muhua saw the changes in the feelings of these two people. He knew it all too well. Although the people of the Gaz are very tolerant of the love of young men and women. But Cui Yao is Han and has a special identity. Before I found out whether Cui Yao really liked his sister or met in Pingshui. He wouldn't ask about what was going on between them.

Cui Yao stared at the sunset and said slowly, "I'm watching the sunset." I don't know if Ban Chao felt an indescribable loneliness like me. ”

"Stop hurting yourself." Shi Muhua pulled him up with a smile. "Someone is looking for you?"

"Who?" Cui Yao's heart suddenly pounded! jumped up. He couldn't help but look at Gu Dai's carriage. Shi Muhua shook his head amusedly and said, "It's not my sister." It's Cao Dudu who is looking for you. ”

Cui Yao seemed to step on the air. Fall into the deep valley of disappointment. Then. Someone was already laughing in the distance. "Cui Gongzi. Don't come unharmed, right? ”

I saw Cao Hanchen striding forward. He patted Cui Yao's shoulder heavily. Nodding his head and approving, "Not bad." Got thinner. But it was also strong. ”

"Juniors, see Cao Dudu." Cui Yao hurriedly took a step back. Give a deep salute to Cao Hanchen.

"Cui Gongzi deserves to be a scholar. Etiquette! It's not like Shi Yang, that kid dared to pat me on the shoulder when he saw me. Cao Hanchen grinned and said, "But I like it too." ”

Cui Yao's heart jumped. He hurriedly asked, "How is Shi Yang doing now?" Where are the others? ”

"He's still breaking leaves. Very good! Cao Hanchen gave a thumbs up and praised: "This kid has excellent archery skills." The Great Chief of Qarluq was killed by his arrow. He has now been promoted to lieutenant. ”

Cui Yao was silent and speechless. He was happy for his friend. There was a faint hint of jealousy in my heart. He also came to the Western Regions to develop. But he has fallen far behind Shi Yang.

Cao Hanchen looked at him. smiled slightly: "Actually, you are also very good." Do you know why I came to you? ”

"The younger generation doesn't know."

"You've passed the Jinshi exam. 8th place. The Ministry of Rites sent the news of your success to Shule with flying pigeons. "Ahh Cui Yao froze. It was as if he was in a dream. I actually got into the Jinshi. He couldn't believe it was true. Cao Hanchen laughed. He patted Cui Yao's shoulder heavily and sighed: "Talent! Talents have come to our Western Regions. ”

Shi Muhua next to him also smiled: "Congratulations." Cui Gongzi actually ranked eighth in the exam. It's not easy. ”

Cui Yao slowly came back to his senses. He suddenly looked eagerly at Gu Dai's carriage. I want to tell her the good news. But the curtain of her car was still tightly drawn. Cui Yao's eager heart slowly cooled down again. Does she still care about herself?

Then. Cao Hanchen's smile retracted. He suddenly said solemnly: "There is an edict from the emperor." Cui Yao took the order. ”

Cui Yao was taken aback. He quickly knelt down. "The minister Cui Yao received the emperor's order."

Cao Hanchen glanced at Shi Muhua. He took out a roll of pigeon letters from his bosom and handed it to Cui Yao. "See for yourself!"

Cui Yao unfolded the pigeon letter. His body froze suddenly. The emperor actually canceled his mission to accompany Shi Muhua's brothers and sisters to Huangjiasi. and appointed him to be his servant. Just waiting for the Tang Dynasty envoy and his party in Shule. He will secretly send to Bahanna. Cui Yao suddenly understood. This must have been what his grandfather meant. He was not allowed to return to China with Gu Dai. Cui Yao's hands trembled slightly. At this time, he actually developed a hatred for his grandfather. Why did he have to force himself to follow the path he had arranged.

"Cui Gongzi. What's wrong? Shi Muhua saw Cui Yao's excitement.

Cui Yao let out a long sigh. "Brother Shi. I can't accompany you to Hangas. The emperor gave me a new task. ”

"Alright. I'm going to see the escorted troops. I won't accompany you. Cao Hanchen turned around and left. After walking a few steps, he turned back and asked, "I'm going back to Shule in the evening." Do you want to go back with me? ”

Cui Yao shook his head. "I'll go by myself early tomorrow morning. Thank you Cao Dudu for your care. ”

Cao Hanchen didn't persuade much. Went straight to it. Cui Yao stared at the last rays of sunset in the west. Is his first love the same as this sunset? Is it about to be swallowed up in darkness?

Although it is spring. The night in Shule was still cold. A thin layer of hoarfrost forms on the grass. Daisy also quietly curled up. Struggled to resist the invasion of the cold.

Cui Yao was sitting in his small tent writing today's diary. It's a habit he's been in since he was six years old. Write something every day. or 1,000 words, or 3,500 words. I can't take it for a day.

It was very cold in the tent. He kept putting the pen down. Breathe hot air into your hands. Suddenly. The curtain was raised. A cold wind blew in. "It's me. You come out for a moment. ”

It's Gu Dai's voice. Cui Yaoteng stood up. He strode out of the tent. I saw it in the cold moonlight. Gu Dai led a horse. His face was as cold as ice.

"You come with me!" She flipped on her horse. He glanced back at him and said, "Get on my horse." ”

Although I feel that something is wrong. But Cui Yao still turned over on her horse. "You're holding on to me!"

Gu Dai suddenly let go of the reins. The horse shot like an arrow off the string. Hurried out of the tent. Several soldiers knew them. I didn't bother to ask. The horses galloped out of the camp. Speeding through the vast grasslands. He grew up on horseback from an early age. Although Gu Dai is a princess. But her riding skills are also extremely superb. plus the divine horse given by the Tang Emperor. It's like a cloud driving through a fog. A moment of effort. The war horse galloped out for more than ten miles.

Cui Yao only felt the wind whirring in his ears. The world of black rumbling flashed before his eyes. He hugged Gu Dai's soft and slender waist tightly. The horses rushed up a meadow hill. Slowly, the speed slowed down.

"Go down!" Gu Dai still had a cold tone.

Cui Yao jumped off his horse. But he almost fell. Gu Dai was taken aback. Stretch out your hand to help him. Suddenly, he withdrew his hand again. She also rolled over and dismounted. Shake the reins of the horse. Let the war horse graze on the grass.

"I'll ask you. Are you leaving tomorrow? Gu Dai tried her best to restrain herself. But her voice was already a little shaky.

Cui Yao nodded silently. "Yes. His Majesty the Emperor ordered me to go to Shule. Embrace a new mission. ”

"You liar!" Gu Dai suddenly slapped him hard. knocked Cui Yao over. Her eyes suddenly turned red. He drew his sword and held it against his neck. She gritted her teeth and said, "Do you know how we women deal with negative people? I'm telling you. It was a sword that killed him. ”

Cui Yao looked at her blankly. He smiled sadly. Slowly closed his eyes. Two lines of tears rolled down his face. "Kill me! Lost you. I'm better off dead. ”

When! Gu Dai's sword fell on. She knelt down. Suddenly hugged him and cried. "Cui Lang. I know you like me. You tell me. What's going on? Don't hold it to yourself. Watch you lose weight day by day. My heart is like a knife! ”

Cui Yao's heart was extremely painful. He said word by word: "It's my grandfather." He is adamant that I will not like you. And forced me to swear a heavy oath. ”

Gu Dai's crying gradually stopped. She wiped away her tears. Staring at him, he said, "I don't care what your grandfather is against. I'll just ask you. Do you like me or not? ”

Cui Yao suddenly turned over. Crush her under yourself. He kissed her red lips fiercely. Gu Dai was lost all of a sudden. Her body softened. hugged Cui Yao's neck and greeted him tactfully.

In the vast savannah. The two of them hugged each other tightly. Kissing each other affectionately

I don't know how long it took. The lips slowly parted. Gu Dai was very in love with him and grabbed his neck. Reluctantly, let him go. "Cui Lang. I finally know you like me. Do you know how happy I am? ”

Cui Yao picked her up. This moment. A courage that had never been seen before filled his heart. He doesn't! He will never give up on the beautiful woman he loves. He's going to work hard. It's really my grandfather's long-cherished wish. But in the matter of marriage. He would never listen to his grandfather's arrangement.

"Gu Dai. I must marry you. ”

Gu Dai happily lay on his shoulder. He whispered in his ear, "You know what? Oaths that are not made from the heart are not counted. ”

Cui Yao was stunned. He suddenly understood what she meant. He kissed her again on the lips gratefully. He whispered, "Will you wait for me?" Wait for me to achieve a little success in my career. I will marry you. ”

Gu Dai suddenly pulled him to his knees. She had one hand on her chest. Said loudly to the sky: "Me." Gudai Nurman swore to the heavens. Although I am a Fanbang woman. But I must abide by chastity for Cui Lang. I will not marry Cui Lang in this life. ”

Cui Yao also took a deep breath. "Me. Cui Yao also swore to the sky. No matter how many years pass. My love for Gu Dai will never change. I swore that I would marry her. ”

The two looked at each other. Suddenly I wept with joy. Hug each other tightly.

Early the next morning. The wagon turned around and headed north. The clouds on the steppe in the distance took on a pink glow. The goddess of the rising sun has opened the door. It shows the beauty of a peacock. Cui Yao and Gu Dai were reluctant. Sent one ride after another. In the end, Cui Yao stayed on a hill. Watch the beauty go away. The distant sky was churning with purple morning glow. Thousands of purple and red rays shone on Cui Yao's face.

His chest burned with endless fighting spirit. He turned his horse's head suddenly. A long howl to the distant western sky. "I'm coming!"

He let go of the reins. The horses rushed out like arrows. Running towards the vast grassland. Gradually. His figure disappeared into the boundless grassland. This day is the 15th day of the third month of the fifth year of the Great Rule. The pace of Datang's westward expansion began to accelerate. Countless young people who are willing to make contributions to the country have begun to integrate into this historical trend that will change their lives.

The full name of the Black Food is the Abbasid Caliphate. In 750, the Arab nobleman Abu Abbasid led the Khorasan rebel army to capture Damascus. Overthrew the Great Eater in White. That is, the Umayyad dynasty. Establish yourself as a caliph. This year is the ninth year of Datang's Tianbao. The Tang Dynasty, Anxi, the capital of the palace, and the capital of Gao Xianzhi, took advantage of the great changes in the West. Sent troops to the area of the Nine Kingdoms of Zhaowu. Thus broke out the Battle of Talas, in which the two countries fought for Central Asia.

Four years later. Abu Abbasid died. His brother Abu Jafar succeeded him as caliph. The capital was moved to the new city of Baghdad. The foundation of the Abbasid dynasty was officially laid. The Abbasid dynasty also began to flourish from his hands.

The current Great Food Caliph is called Harun al-Rashid. He was the fifth caliph of the Black Eater. It has been three years since he ascended the throne. Gradually, it won the support of the major families and powers of the Abbasid dynasty. Domination began to take hold.

Although the struggle for the throne of the caliphate was extremely brutal and fierce. But the Abbasid policy remained the same. Regardless of which caliph ascends to the throne. He will continue to follow the path of his ancestors. That's expansion. This is a common feature of theocratic countries. They want to spread Islam to every corner of the world.

The first is on the southern shore of the Middle Sea. They want to destroy the remnants of the Umayyad dynasty. followed by the north shore of the Middle Sea. They were to pull out the way of their world enemy, the Byzantine Empire. This was followed by the conquest of the Frankish kingdom to the west.

And in the East. After the Battle of Talas. The Tang Dynasty forces fully withdrew from the vast territory west of the Green Mountains. The Amu Darya and Pearl River valleys were fully ruled by the Arabs. The tentacles of the Black-Coated Great Food Dynasty continued to extend southward. Even stretching out to the area of the Xindu River.

Harun Rashid was about thirty years old. He was an enterprising monarch. His aggressiveness is not only manifested in his external expansion. He based on the experience of the ruling of the Sassanid dynasty in Persia. Improve the administrative system. Strengthen centralization. expanding the powers of judges and improving the judicial system; Set up a post station. Establish a central intelligence agency to strengthen control and supervision of the party. A new tax system was introduced. Development of agriculture, handicrafts, commerce and foreign trade. It's only been three years. The treasury of the Great Food is abundant and the economy is prosperous. Beginning to enter the heyday.

It was just after the interior had just settled down. Rashid's eyes were again to the east. Throwing it at the sword of the Great Tang Dynasty that was inserted into the Atami River basin and which he had endured for three years, Broken Leaf.

The resplendent royal palace of Baghdad is filled with jewels and riches from various conquered nations. There are also tens of thousands of beautiful shadows wandering around every corner of the palace. And the owner of this palace, Rashid, did not have the heart to enjoy wealth and women. He was meeting an old friend from the East.

"Your Majesty, the most noble and greatest caliph in the world. I'm going to die. I'll almost never see you again. Kneeling at his feet was a trembling black-robed man. He was so excited.

He was Sulman, who had escaped death from a crack in the rock. He didn't fall off the cliff after he tumbled off it. Instead, he jumped into a crack in the stone that he had seen beforehand. It is overgrown with withered vines that have accumulated over thousands of years. Although he was seriously injured. But a life was picked up in this way. However, the left arm also died from then on. Became a one-armed man. He was recuperating from his wounds in Abulah for a month. before departing for Baghdad.

"Alright. My old friend. Tell me about your Oriental knowledge. I haven't seen you in three years. ”

Rashid's voice was soft. With a convincing affinity. He was fair-skinned, pretty, and robust. There is a huge amount of energy that has not yet been released. His frame is straight. His kind attitude made his face shimmer with a strange light.

He was half-lying on a gold-backed chair encrusted with precious stones. Behind them, two charming Arab girls were gently beating their shoulders. Rashid waved his hand and smiled, "Bring a chair to my old friend." He's my guest. ”

Two guards brought over a chair and placed it across from Rashid. Sulman sat down slowly. He sighed and said, "Your Majesty the Caliph." Datang has already begun to act. They will take your city. Slaughter your subjects. Do you still have the heart to sit back and relax here? ”

"You mean the establishment of the Western Regions Protectorate by the Tang Dynasty! I've heard about it, too. But that's not much to do. It only shows that they attach great importance to the Western Regions. This is normal. After all, the silver ore of Broken Leaf has become his blood. If it were me. I will do the same. ”

There was a bit of nonchalance in Rashid's tone. He smiled and said, "I'm concerned about the Uighurs and Qarluqs. I hope the two of them can join forces to deal with Datang. What do you think. What kind of good news can you bring me? ”

The actions of the Tang Dynasty in the Western Regions are clear. Countless businessmen have brought him all sorts of up-to-date information. He didn't rest on his laurels. On the contrary, he spends long hours in front of the huge figure every day. speculated on Tang Jun's next move. He cares very much about Datang's every move. It's just that he doesn't want to talk to Sulman about it. He came up with it from Sulman. It's just news of the Hui and Qarluqs.

Sulman hit a soft nail. He felt a little unhappy in his heart. But he didn't dare to show it on his face. Hurriedly smiled humbly: "The caliph is worthy of foresight. As long as the Uighurs and Qarluqs are firmly controlled. Datang didn't dare to act rashly. I came to Baghdad for them. ”

Rashid was intrigued. He sat up all at once. He looked into Sulman's eyes and said, "Tell me about it." What is going on? ”

"The Uighurs have suffered a great deal in their country. There was a serious food crisis. The pro-Tang faction had convinced them of the Khan. Send someone to Datang for help. and is ready to marry Datang. Under strong opposition from Sogdians and Manichaeism. The Hui Khan finally agreed, and at the same time asked for help from Dashi. and sent me to ask His Majesty the Caliph for support of half a million sheep. to solve their urgent needs. ”

Supporting 500,000 sheep. Rashid sneered. He walked a few steps around the palace with his hands behind his back. Suddenly, he turned around and asked, "Then what kind of conditions is he going to give me?" ”

He promised to marry His Majesty's sister, Princess Ann Lise, as Kedun

Without waiting for Surman to finish. Rashid interrupted him. "Then what did you mean when you just said that he was going to marry Datang. Whom is he going to appoint as Kedun? ”

"Your Majesty. He was going to set up two codons. ”

Rashid threw up his head and laughed. "Good! What a two-faced guy. I still count on him to clamp down on Datang for me. It seems that he wants to pull out a little soldier. I don't know what price to pay? ”

Rashid's laughter suddenly stopped. He looked at Sulman and said coldly, "If you can fulfill my wish." And I will give you Bukhara to be Iqta. Grant you the Sulman family to be the masters of Bukhara for generations. ”

Sulman was in ecstasy. He rolled over and fell to his knees at Rashid's feet. Kissing the top of his feet with great adoration. "My master. I want to be your most faithful servant. Trust me! It's not just the Uighurs. The Qarluqs will also be your watchdogs. ”

Sulman is gone. Rashid paced back and forth in the palace with his hands behind his back. He just got the news of his arrival. The Tang Dynasty had already made Broken Leaf their center of rule in the Western Regions. And transfer a large number of troops to Broken Leaves. So. The Datang people broke the tacit understanding between them. This means that this war will be inevitable.

"The Tang Dynasty." Rashid looked at the distant eastern sky and muttered, "Have you really forgotten the bitter lesson of the Battle of Talas?" "To be continued. If you want to know what will happen next. Please log in. qidiancom。 More chapters. Support the author. Support genuine reading! )