Several Zhao armies together, forming a network from east to west, marched together, taking advantage of the fact that the rear of the Yanqi State did not get detailed information, they made a big move. In just five or six days, the Zhao army had already advanced thousands of miles to the west.

And this is just the beginning, several Zhao troops within a radius of more than 1,000 miles, like locusts transiting, where they pass is not a single inch of grass, of course, the grass here refers to the population and local residents raised livestock.

Especially with the capture of more and more war horses, the tactics of the Zhao army became more and more flexible. All armies began to → infantry to cavalry, at least, it was also infantry on horseback, and the speed of marching was no longer a key factor restricting the Zhao army. As a result, the five Zhao armies each brought seven or eight thousand soldiers and horses to burn, kill, and plunder in the territory of Yanqi State. Not only engaged the enemy army, but also aimed at settlements and towns, and the Zhao army did not let go. All places, after victory, is to grab and leave, and then turn back and move on to the next place.

The population of Yanqi is indeed quite large, and it is natural to have a little foundation to be able to dominate among the countries of the Western Regions. However, no matter how strong the foundation is, it can't withstand such a robbery by Zhao Jun......

Fighting the Zhao army? It's not that there is no action, the troops are few, and the Zhao army can't fight, and the Yanqi army has already had four or five defeats in the battle with the Zhao army, and as a result, all of them are defeated and lost. Now, the eastern army of Yanqi State is already afraid of the Zhao army, and they have already understood that the Zhao army on the opposite side is definitely not the Liangzhou army of the past.

The Yanqi army began to prepare to entangle more troops and attack this Zhao army. However, they found that things were not so easy to do. The five-way army marched hand in hand, echoing each other from afar, and every two of them had to be in constant contact with each other, and the cooperation was seamless. They have pursued a step-by-step strategy that shows no flaws.

Attacking any of the armies will cause another way, and soon, the other three will echo each other, you fight one, and the other four will gallop to help.

King Yanqi got half of the territory lost in the eastern region, and after half of the people in the east were captured by the Zhao army, he almost didn't cut the corpses of the officers who reported the news. Immediately afterwards, the king of Yanqi got that the two small kingdoms of Weisu and Yuli, which were next to the Yanqi country, had been destroyed by the Zhao army, and the monarch died in the war.

This made King Yanqi's heart tremble, the two small countries were not in his eyes, but the two small countries were in the southern region of Yanqi, which was the southern frontier of their own side, and now they were destroyed, not only that the Zhao army had formed a semi-encirclement from the east, but it could also be seen that the Zhao army was going to be ruthless.

King Yanqi immediately began to mobilize his army, preparing to gather in the east to block the continued advance of the Zhao army. If it continues like this, sooner or later the Yanqi Kingdom will be destroyed and become history. However, at this moment, King Yanqi got the news that the army of the Guizi Kingdom in the west was speeding up its entry. This news suddenly made Yanqi even worse.

Looking at the dense crowd and the plains that began to turn blue, Zhao Xun couldn't help but feel good. It turns out that the current place is not as difficult as in the future, and it has become a desert. At present, there are many rivers in the Western Regions, although they cannot be compared with the Central Plains, but there are still many places suitable for large-scale gathering and building cities.

Historically, did it begin to transition to desertification in the mid-to-late Tang Dynasty or during the Song Dynasty? Zhao Xun didn't know, and he wasn't interested in it. What he needed was to prevent it from becoming a complete desert.

"My lord, there are signs of moving troops in Gaochang Kingdom in the north, and it seems that he should be afraid of what we have achieved now." Wei Zilin said in a deep voice.

"Lord Wei, you don't know yet, since the past few days, we have advanced to the eastern region of the Yanqi Kingdom, and after repeated victories, the Gaochang Kingdom in the north will not be at peace. Before the war, they all regarded us as an army like the Liangzhou Army. But after the war, they now feel fear. The day before yesterday, Gao Changguo sent someone to inform us, meaning that we had defeated the Yanqi army, and the harvest was enough to make up for Yanqi's mistake in plundering the merchants of Zhao. I hope we stop here and don't continue westward. Situ Liang on the side said with a smile.

Wei Zilin was shocked and sneered: "I'm afraid that the performance of our soldiers in the past ten days has already scared Gao Changguo, who is very close to us." ”

Situ nodded and said: "Yes, my Great Zhao's current territory is adjacent to Gaochang Kingdom and Yanqi Kingdom, and the Yanqi Kingdom in the south has now been taken away by us one-third of its territory and a quarter of its population. Then, Gaochangguo, which is located in the north, will naturally feel worried. The envoy of the Gaochang Kingdom also emphasized once again that the land of the Western Regions is the jurisdiction of the countries of the Western Regions and the residence of the people of the Western Regions, and he does not want my Great Zhao to invade this place. ”

Wei Zilin said disdainfully: "Gao Changguo dares to do this? What does he rely on? My Da Zhao is in Yiwu Mansion, and there are still 10,000 elites stationed there, and the roots are not afraid of him. As for this Yanqi country, the eastern third is occupied by us, and the western third is now occupied by the Qiuzi country. In the rest of the region, why is he fighting with us? Without Yanqi Kingdom, there is only one country in this area of 1,500 miles, Gaochang Kingdom. Around, to the north are the Turkic tribes in the west, to the southwest and south is the Yanqi kingdom that we are about to occupy, and to the southeast and east is the Yiwu province in the west of Liangzhou. He Gao Changguo, is also worthy of negotiating terms with us? ”

Zhao Xun said slowly: "Gao Changguo's reaction is normal. However, this king is worried that after Yanqi is defeated by our alliance with Qiuzi Kingdom, he will want to ask for help from Gaochang Kingdom. And the Gaochang State is backed by the western Turkic tribes, and it is very likely that when the war is deadlocked, the Gaochang State will pull the Turks. ”

Situ Liang said in a deep voice: "My lord, since this is the case, we must speed up our actions and solve this Yanqi country in the shortest possible time." In addition, since the Turks are involved, why don't we use the left, center, and right Turkic tribes in the eastern part of the north of our Great Zhao? ”

When Wei Zilin heard this, his eyes also lit up, and he said urgently: "This method is very good, since we can divide and disintegrate the Turkic tribes in the east and slowly annex them, why can't the Turkic tribes in the west follow the example of the eastern region?" In this way, not only can the border troubles be relieved, but also the influence of our Da Zhao can spread all over the grasslands of the north. ”

Zhao Xun nodded and said, "For the battle against Yanqi, it really needs to be stepped up, the sooner the better." In addition, let our people give an order to the army of the country of Qiuzi, and it is necessary to speed up. Otherwise, you do so at your own risk. Presumably, the current Qiuzi Kingdom already knows the power of our Da Zhao, and will definitely not disobey. We need to deal with Yanqi before there is a connection between Yanqi and Gao Changguo. ”

"As for Gaochangguo, we let the army of Yiwu Province start to move a little north, and it is best to prepare for a large army. I think that with the current Gao Changguo, he will definitely not ignore the 10,000 elite town troops on his flanks and the local government and county soldiers of Wanyu. ”

Suddenly remembering something, Zhao Xun said again: "By the way, we have ordered the thirteen residential lands we have built to start building cities." In addition, afforestation should also begin. The sooner you plant a large area of trees around the castle, the more stable it will be. ”

"I also have to give orders to the logistics department in the rear to transport a batch of cement as the foundation of the city. Since we have been fighting for a long time and effort now, this king does not want him to be just a protectorate who nominally controls this place. The countries of the Western Regions often go back and forth, and it is not possible to continue like this. ”

Wei Zilin frowned slightly, and said, "My lord, it is not easy to completely rule here. Is the lord preparing to abolish the names of the countries of the Western Regions and implement the prefecture and county system? ”

Zhao Xun shook his head and said, "If you do this suddenly, it will definitely be difficult to make the residents of the Western Regions return to their hearts. The names of the countries of the Western Regions are also very useful. However, they will no longer have as much power as they do now. No, it should no longer have any real power, no longer lead the people, govern the people, after the countries of the Western Regions are occupied by us, the position of the king is a special title, and there will only be this generation. The next generation is going to be cut down. ”

"On the surface, we respect the kings of various countries, but in fact, we want to implement the prefectural system, the local government, and the real power must be controlled by our people. This is a huge and slow process, but as long as we have the heart, this land of the Western Regions will be another territory for us, so let's lay a solid foundation for our future generations. ”

Situ Liang and Wei Zilin were also brightened by Zhao Xun's eyes, and their emotions were high.

"Minister, I am willing to die for the lord, and I am also willing to accompany the lord to work for the benefit of future generations." Situ Liang and Wei Zilin laughed in unison and said.

"As for the Western Turks, although they have nothing to do with our Great Zhao proper, they are already involved with us in the north of the Western Regions. In addition, with the division of the Eastern Turkic tribes into three tribes, the threat of the Eastern Turkic tribes slowly began to decrease. ”

"The eastern Turkic tribes are less threatening to us, which is a good thing for our Dazhao proper, but at the same time, it also means that their combat effectiveness is weakened, and their resistance to the Turkic tribes in the west is beginning to weaken, in other words, the Turkic tribes in the east for tens of thousands of miles are likely to become the stepping stones of the western Turkic tribes in the future."

"The Western Turks are strong, which is definitely not a good thing for us, so this king's previous concern is not simply for the war in the Western Regions. Therefore, whether it is possible or not, it must be taken into account. ”

"What you said earlier, Situ Liang, this king considers and thinks it is feasible. Although it is a slow process, it must be implemented. Moreover, I think that now that the lives of the eastern Turkic tribes are gradually beginning to improve, the western Turkic tribes are not without envy. ”

"Therefore, this king decided to fight first and then restructure. Situ Liang sent someone to send an order to the three khans of the eastern Turkic tribes, saying that the king was ready to take action against the western tribes, and whoever captured the spoils of war in each department would have it. In addition, the captured people and livestock could also be exchanged with salt tea, silk, lacquerware, and various items from the Central Plains. ”

Situ Liang said in a deep voice: "I'm afraid that the three khans can't call on all the tribes to participate in the war, and in addition, the three khans are not really fighting for us. ”

Zhao Xun smiled coldly and said, "Then give another order to the various ministries, and if the three tribes with the greatest credit this time are made, this king will canonize them as the three khans of the west." The king did not believe it, and no one was still tempted by this. In addition, the three Khans were warned that if anyone's record did not satisfy the king, the king would not mind changing the khan. Come to think of it, the tribal leader who is watching their location is by no means alone. ”

Hearing this, Situ Liang stroked his palm and smiled: "In this way, there will be no problem." However, his subordinates suggested that they should also send people to spread the news among the western Turkic tribes, so that they would not dare to peep into the problem of Gaochang again. In addition, it is in our best interest that both the Eastern Turkic tribes and the Western Turkic tribes lose out. ”

Zhao Xun nodded and said, "It's feasible, it's really so-called, a dead enemy is a good enemy." So do it! The Military Affairs Department and the Inspectorate stationed in the Turkic tribes were solely responsible for this matter. ”

Zhao Xun gave an order, and in addition to the defenders stationed in various places, more than 50,000 cavalry suddenly accelerated their advance. After the Zhao army conquered Nanhe City, an important city in the eastern part of Yanqi, in early April, the Yanqi Kingdom lost the entire eastern region. Then, the Zhao army took advantage of the situation to kill all the way to the east, beating the Yanqi army to the head of the rat, and five days later, captured the last defense of Changle City in the east of the capital of Yanqi State, and echoed the western area occupied by the Qiuzi State, forming a flanking attack.

At this time, Bai Yan, the king of Yanqi, did not have his earlier arrogance. Zhao Jun, who used to think that he was no more than Erer, has now become a god soldier who almost destroyed the country.

Bai Yan sent envoys to ask the Zhao army in Changle City to surrender, saying that he was willing to obey the teachings of Zhao Wangxun, the lord of Great Zhao. While he began to ask for help. However, there are enemies on both sides of the east and west, and the other countries in the south and the neighboring countries are all small countries, how can they dare to help each other? Even Wei Xuguo, who had a close relationship with Yanqi in the past, and several other small countries that relied on Yanqi did not dare to say a word at this moment. Not only did they not dare to send troops to help, but they were also deeply afraid that the Zhao army would annihilate them in one fell swoop. You must know that there are no less than five small countries that have been destroyed by the Zhao army and killed the monarch.

Even, several small countries that were close to the Zhao army directly sent people to take down Yanqi's envoy for help, dedicated it to the Zhao army, and expressed their willingness to submit to the command of King Zhao.

Another object of Yanqi's request for help was Gaochangguo, both Gaochangguo and Yanqi were close to the western part of Liangzhou, and they had both sent troops to plunder Liangzhou in the past. Therefore, on Bai Yan's letter asking for help, he also desperately talked about the powerful relationship. Now my Yanqi Kingdom has been attacked by the Zhao army because of trumped-up charges. In the future, will Zhao Jun attack you Gaochangguo on the charge of plundering Liangzhou in the past? Without my Yanqi Kingdom, can you Gaochang Kingdom withstand the attack of the Zhao army?

Although Gao Ya, the king of Gaochang Kingdom, was not a man of great intelligence, he also knew what was at stake. Of course, he knew very well that Zhao Jun's current actions were to invade the land of Yanqi, to restore the rule of the old Han people in the Western Regions, and to become his own emperor.

However, when Gao Ya was ready to send troops, things did not go so smoothly. The ministers and magnates in the country were not willing to send troops to help Yanqi and fight against the Zhao army. The reason is that the Zhao army is not at war against Gaochangguo now, and if Gaochangguo moves now, it will inevitably become a mortal enemy with Dazhao. So, with Gao Changguo's current ability, can he withstand the attack of the Zhao army? Secondly, even if the Zhao army pushes the army after sending troops, what is the benefit of Gao Changguo? The Yanqi Kingdom has already lost two-thirds of its territory, and if the Zhao army moves north to fight us, then the Qiuzi Kingdom alone can destroy the remaining one-third of the Yanqi Kingdom. So, we alone can confront Zhao Jun?

It is not unacceptable to surrender to the Zhao army and become a vassal of the king of Zhao. Even, Zhao Jun's establishment of the Western Regions Protectorate here is still a good thing for the countries of the Western Regions. When there are more businessmen, everyone can make money, right?

But for Gao Ya, he definitely didn't want to be above a Taishang Emperor above him, and besides, he was also afraid of kicking him out of the throne because of what he had done in the past to loot Liangzhou.

Of course, Gao Ya didn't know that most of the courtiers under his command had connections with Zhao Jun. Of course, this is not all bought by Zhao Jun, but if they live in peace with Zhao Jun, they will gain greater benefits. No matter what, Gao Ya will not stop there, he has connections with the Turks, so he is naturally not afraid of Zhao Jun. So he prepared to dispatch the military and march into the territory of Yanqi State, wanting to force the Zhao army to stop.

However, before he could march his army, something sudden made him panic. The Turkic tribes in the north can no longer support him, because the Turks are going to have a war within, and not only can they not support him, but they ask him for all kinds of supplies.

In addition, Gao Ya also got the news that the army of Zhao Jun in Yiwu Province began to move north. In addition, the Zhao army in the eastern part of the Yanqi Kingdom also had the intention of preparing to march north. This made Gao Ya break out in a cold sweat at the moment, and the country began to be dissatisfied with him because of his deliberate behavior of fighting Zhao Jun.

In such a situation, how can Gao Ya, the king of Gaochang Kingdom, still be elegant? While sending someone to take down the envoy sent by Yanqi for help and hand it over to Zhao Jun, he hurriedly went to explain to Zhao Jun, thinking that Zhao Jun had no intention of going against Zhao Jun, and even said that Zhao Jun's attack on Yanqi was done justly.

Because he was worried that Zhao Jun would be dissatisfied with him with this move and his past raids on Liangzhou, Gao Ya even sent 5,000 good horses and various supplies to show his support for Zhao Jun.

In his opinion, since he can't have a emperor on his head, it is better to make friends, and wait for Zhao Jun to leave after the war, here, it is not up to him to make his own decisions.

Zhao Jun accepted Gao Changguo's gift and soothed him with kind words. Now, let Gao Ya feel a little relieved. In such a situation, the Great Chu and Great Yan dynasties in the past all did so. As long as the countries of the Western Regions are willing to annex, the Han court will not hesitate to accept it and appease it with kind words.

Wait for your Zhao army to withdraw, this Gao Changguo is not my decision? Although Liangzhou can no longer be plundered, the caravans can also make up for the losses.