Just as Agubo and the leaders were pondering and struggling to choose the "demarcation plan", the shouts of the horses were suddenly heard.

Skard, the new chief of the guard, hurried out of the big tent to inquire about the situation. After a while, he entered the big tent in some panic and reported:

"Urgent! A Chinese army suddenly appeared in the area east of Turpan. Having already captured Qiketai, Bizhan and Lianmuqin, they are now attacking Jinkou. They are less than thirty kilometers from Turpan! ”

Aguba and the other leaders are amazed! Especially Lieutenant Colonel Bigg, the fragile nerves were slammed again!

Kuburi hurriedly asked: "Where did this Chinese army come from?" ”

Skard replied: "It's not clear yet! But it is certain that the Chinese army came from the direction of Hami or Balikun in the east...... And one more news. This morning, among the Chinese troops advancing from the direction of Dabancheng there was a cavalry detachment; Passing through the Gobi Desert behind the defense area of our 'native corps', we are moving in the direction of Turpan. ”

Hygura hurriedly said, "It's obvious! The main force of the Chinese army pursuing from Dabancheng wanted to flank Turpan with the army from Hami. Take Turpan first, and then surround Tuoxun from all sides. Now, the defenders of Turpan Patila and the 'flanking army' of Yunus are in danger. Father Khan, hurry up and send troops to the rescue, otherwise it will be too late! ”

Aguba reprimanded sharply: "Bastard! When will your 'single-one' brain grow? Their main target is definitely still Tuksun! …… Under your nose, let you watch them march into Turpan; And it leaves you a way to send troops to reinforce Turpan. What is the intent? Don't you think it through? This is either a trap set for us, or a plan to 'divert the tiger from the mountain'. You don't even understand such military common sense, it's just an idiot! ”

Kubri said worriedly, "Your Majesty! The situation of the Chinese army from Hami or Balikun is unknown. But they dared to attack Turpan from hundreds of kilometers away, and this was probably a large army. Caught between two sides, the defenders of Patila and the 'flanker legion' of Yunus were probably no match for them. But now that we are reinforcing Turpan, Tuoxun will inevitably be empty; Perhaps, on the way to reinforce Turpan, fell into the trap of the Chinese. This? ……”

Agubo waved his hand and said, "That's it! Don't mess around! First of all, we should determine the demarcation plan proposed by Lieutenant Colonel Bigg, so that he can inform the British Government as soon as possible and intervene in mediation. The matter of reinforcement of Turpan will be discussed later. ”

Haigula took the initiative to say: "I think this 'next policy' is impossible for the Chinese to accept now; because the British government has missed the best opportunity at that time." But in the 'best policy', only southern Xinjiang is retained, and we are indeed unwilling. It is more appropriate to follow the 'middle policy' method and retain all the territories of Dabancheng, Tuoxun, Turpan and southern Xinjiang. Such a demarcation plan will also help us consolidate the frontier defense of the Khanate in the future and maintain the depth ......of our defense."

Aguba asked Kuburi, "What is your opinion?" ”

Kuburi hurriedly replied, "I agree with General Hygula. ”

Agubo sighed, and said to Bige with some helplessness: "Okay! Just follow the 'middle policy' you just mentioned. Be quick, though! Once we could not withstand the Chinese offensive, the British government's 'buffer country plan' would also fall through...... In addition, I have to tell you that you also have to make it clear to the British government. China's civil strife has not yet completely ended; Their treasury is already stretched thin and their pockets are scarce.

"The Chinese use troops in Xinjiang by borrowing from abroad. Among these banks that provide huge loans, the most important ones are Jardine Matheson, Liru Bank and HSBC in the United Kingdom. Let your British politicians think about it: British banks provide loans, Russian merchants provide grain; Let the Chinese army have no scruples against us, against the Allies who cooperate with you. What does this mean? This is betrayal! …… You, the British government, must not only manage your own banks, but also persuade the Germans and the French to immediately stop lending to the Chinese! ”

Bigg felt a little unreasonable, and quickly nodded and said, "Okay! I'll do these things right away! ”

Aguba took a breath and continued: "It just so happens that the Russian mission of Major Kuropatkin is still in Yanqi. We will also make a serious protest to the Russians right away! They should also never provide food to the Chinese army. Otherwise, what is the point of our 'treaty of friendship' with Russia? …… Lieutenant Colonel Bigg! It is in our common interest that the British government should also exert their influence to persuade the Russians to do the same...... Without military expenses and food cut-offs, what do I think the Chinese army will use to confront us? ”

He smoothed out a little, and continued to say to himself with emotion: "The Chinese are indeed smart!" Borrow money from the British, use it to slap the British in the face......"

Bigg listened attentively. What Agubo said is indeed the reality of the situation, and this is really a great irony for the British Empire! He hurriedly said:

"Your Majesty's analysis is very comprehensive and thorough! I will now draw up a telegram and send it to Minister Wittoma at once; Inform them to act as soon as possible! ”

Aguba nodded, motioning for him to do it immediately.

Bigg also nodded, but when he saw the anxious gazes cast by the leaders, he also had a strange feeling of sourness in his heart. felt that this group of invincible, ruthless, and murderous invaders finally changed roles and became a group of homeless "lost dogs...... This is the Chinese ancients, "self-inflicted, do not live!" The proverb is very apt. And their own fate has been inseparable from them; Can't you escape karma? …… With a worried heart, he turned and walked out of the big tent of Aguba.

After sending Bigg away, Agubo turned the topic back to the question of whether to rescue Turpan. He said worriedly:

"In broad daylight, the Chinese mobilized their troops in the direction of Turpan without encircling the city of Tuoxun on all sides; The intention is obvious, that is, to lead us out of the strong fortifications, the fortresses, to strike and destroy us on the periphery, in the movement. Judging from the current situation, the Chinese have long been premeditated. The siege of Turpan was definitely not only the army from the east, but also the cavalry that we can see in transit. Therefore, now, whether or not to reinforce Turpan; If you want to keep Turpan, it's almost impossible......"

Haigula hurriedly said: "Father Khan! If Turpan could not be saved, then Tuoxun would be besieged on all sides. The mediation of the British government is unlikely to be effective immediately; The offensive of the Chinese will soon begin. In order not to let the Chinese trap us all here; In my opinion, Father Khan should retreat as soon as possible in the direction of Yanqi and Korla with the Guards Corps and the Native Corps, as well as the 'Tax Police Corps'. Inform the defenders of Patila and the flanker corps in Turpan to abandon Turpan and move closer to Tuoxun...... I take the marching corps and the flanker corps, and here I try to hold them back; Then consider breaking through in the direction of Yanqi and joining up with his father Khan. ”

Aguba glanced at Haigula, his eyes seemed to be much gentler, and said: "Losing Daban City and Turpan, Tuoxun is a dead land that is ventilated on all sides. No matter how strong the city wall is, it is impossible to block the artillery fire of the Chinese. Once Chinese is allowed to surround this place on all sides, I'm afraid we'll all have to die here......"

Seeing that Aguba's determination to fight a decisive battle at Tuoxun had softened, and that he had the intention of abandoning Tuksun's southward retreat, Kubri hurriedly said:

"I agree with General Khairgula's suggestion that the Great Khan should withdraw to Korla as soon as possible. We're here to try to keep them at bay; Then find a way to break through to Yanqi and Korla, and meet the Great Khan! ”

Agubo waved his hand and said, "Since this place can no longer be defended, don't resist in vain." What we need to do now is to preserve our current strength as much as possible......"

The leaders had fully understood Aguba's true intentions, and they all nodded obediently.

Helpless, Agubo finally gave the order to retreat with great reluctance:

"Now order: 1. Nurdon's native legions, withdraw first from the city of Tuoxun; On the top of the hill on the first line of the dry ditch, fortifications were built and strengthened, and preparations were made to block the Chinese army. The 'Tax Police Corps' who brought in Huri immediately took all the gold and silver in the vault and acted at the same time. 2. Inform the flank corps of Yunus and the defenders of Patila to abandon the defense of Turpan and move directly in the direction of Gangou and move closer; Hygura's advancing corps organized a cavalry regiment to take charge of the response. 3. Before the withdrawal of the whole army, all the food and materials stored in the city of Tuoxun should be transferred; The food and supplies that could not be taken away, as well as all the houses and facilities inside and outside the city, were burned down. Fourth, take all civilians with the army. Those who do not want to leave will be killed, and ......no one will be left behind."

After Aguba finished speaking, he glanced at Hygura again. felt that this son, although he was not strategic; But loyalty to oneself is unmatched. Besides, he also tried his best.

Aguba also understands that the current advance corps has basically lost its combat effectiveness; He also had to send out a cavalry regiment to meet the defenders of Turpan. If they were to block the Chinese army and cover the retreat of the whole army, it was obviously unrealistic.

But if there is no force strong enough to block the attack of the Chinese army; From Tuoxun City to Gangou Pass, this 30-kilometer retreat passage is likely to become a "cemetery" for burying the whole army...... And now the only team with complete combat capabilities and full strength is his strategic reserve - Haji's Guards Legion.

He thought about it for a long time, and finally gave another order:

"Haji's Guards Legion. Immediately march to the north side between Tuoxun City and Gangou Pass, and build fortifications to block the attack of the Chinese army from the west and north. Cover the whole army and transfer ...... in the direction of the dry ditch"

Kuburi was a little stunned when he saw that Aguba had mobilized the strategic reserves! This is the only fully formed legion now, and it is the last force of Aguba's "turnaround" on the battlefield ahead...... However, this is also a matter of life and death!

Bigg prepared the message in the marching tent. Without giving Aquba any more looks, he ordered the operator to send it directly to the British Minister to China, Wittoma. The message reads:

"Your Excellency Minister Wei Tuma: Since the ancient pasturelands in northern Xinjiang, Urumqi, Changji, Hutubi and Manas, all the military towns have been occupied by the Chinese army. Aguba's army and I were forced to retreat to the line of Dabancheng, Tuoxun, and Turpan, the southern gateway to Xinjiang, in an attempt to use the Tianshan Pass fortress and strategic fortress to fight a decisive battle with the Chinese army and force it to retreat.

"And the day before yesterday, Daban Castle has fallen, and the losses are heavy! At present, the two cities of Tuoxun and Turpan have been surrounded by the main force of the Chinese army and the cutting-edge troops secretly opened in the direction of Hami and Balikun. It's hard to support, and it's bound to fall in the near future! My army and I planned to retreat from Tuoxun and Turpan to Yanqi and Korla, and then organize a defense.

"According to this situation, the main force of the Agubo army will be completely lost! It is no longer able to confront the Chinese army...... Your urgent mediation and mediation are urgently needed! The Qing government was forced to postpone its attack. Otherwise, the Agubo army and our mercenaries will be wiped out! And our British Empire's 'buffer country plan' will also go bankrupt! The consequences are dire......

"Agubo intends to demarcate the border with the Great Qing Dynasty with the line of Dabancheng, Tuoxun, and Turpan; Ili returned to Russia. In my judgment, given the current situation, the Chinese will definitely not agree to such a demarcation. In order to stop the further offensive of the Chinese army as soon as possible; I suggest that a compromise approach should be made to the demarcation option. That is, only the west of Yanqi (inclusive) and Korla (inclusive), and the vast area south (i.e., southern Xinjiang) are retained as the territory of Agubai Khan of the 'Hongfu Khanate'. The ownership of Ili was decided by the Qing Dynasty in consultation with the Russian government.

"With such a demarcation plan, perhaps the Chinese can still compromise." In this way, a key part of the 'buffer state plan' of the British Empire can also be achieved...... 100,000 urgent! Please act as soon as possible. Eagerly awaited! Eagerly awaited!

"The supplementary content is as follows: 1. Can the Great Qing State be forced to stop its offensive by blocking the military loans of the three major banks of the empire, Jardine, Liru, and HSBC as bargaining chips; 2. Whether Ili can be assigned to the Russian territory as a bargaining chip; persuaded Russia to stop supplying military rations to China's western expeditionary army. After that, the two countries intervened to intervene and force them to stop the offensive...... Please refer to it! ”

The content of the message. Obviously, it was not conveyed exactly according to what Aguba meant, that is, the "middle policy" proposed by Bigg himself. Because Bigg believes that even with this "middle strategy", with the current battlefield situation, it is absolutely impossible for the Chinese to abandon Dabancheng, Tuoxun, Turpan and the entire southern Xinjiang.

Therefore, according to his own judgment, he took what he thought was the "best policy" as the core idea of the message. Meaning, only the whole of southern Xinjiang will be retained as the last territory of Agubai.

He believes that such a demarcation plan, coupled with the pressure exerted by Britain and Russia at the same time, may make it possible for the Chinese government to compromise. As for Aguba's idea, since it has no practical significance, it is not operable; Just don't think about it anymore, and don't waste any more time.

At the same time that Lieutenant Colonel Bigg sent the military intelligence telegram to the British Minister to China, Wittoma; The Agubo invading army and the British mercenaries, who had become frightened birds, had already begun a strategic rout from the direction of Tuoxun!

Aguba first sent the remnants of Nurdong's native army and rushed directly to the Gangou Pass, thirty kilometers away; Seize the commanding heights, build fortifications, and prepare to block the pursuit of our western expeditionary army.

His strategic reserve, Haji's Guards, also drove out of Tuxun; Along the north side of the line from the city gate in the south to the Gangou Pass, the guard was fortified to cover the retreat of the whole army. The remnants of Hygura's advancing corps, as a mobile force, cooperated with the fully formed Guards Corps to strengthen the thirty-kilometer long defensive line.

Early the next morning. Agubai and the leaders, along with the "tax police corps" that led to Huli, escorted the gold and silver treasures removed from the vault and fled to the Gangou Pass.

Inside and outside the city of Tuoxun, there were sky-high fires everywhere......

Less than five kilometers from Tuoxun City, in the camp of the Western Expeditionary Army. The main generals Liu Jintang, Jin Shun and other generals observed these abnormal conditions in Tuoxun City from the lookout.

Almost at the same time, reports were received from Tanma and civilians fleeing from the city of Tuoxun that the enemy had begun to retreat in the direction of the dry ditch, and that the broken troops were burning houses and destroying bridges.

Liu Jintang and Jin Shun saw that the time had come, and immediately ordered: attack on all fronts!

More than 10,000 western marching troops and cavalry soldiers began to pounce in the direction of Tuoxun City and Gangou......

Haji of the enemy Guards Corps, commanding his tens of thousands of horses and the remnants of the Hygura Advance Corps, desperately resisted ...... But it only lasted for an hour, and it was completely defeated by the Western Expeditionary Army! The remnants of the horses also began to flee in the direction of the dry ditch.

The main force of the Western Expeditionary Army pursued all the way to the Gangou Pass for 30 kilometers; and reflexively went straight to Turpan. On the way, the enemy cavalry regiment that was preparing to meet the transfer of the Turpan defenders was wiped out......

On the night of the same day, the main force of the Western Expeditionary Army arrived in Turpan. He joined forces with Admiral Zhang Ji, the commander-in-chief Xu Zhanbiao, who arrived from Hami and Balikun along the way, and the Taoist Luo Changhu, who rushed to the aid from Dabancheng in advance, and encircled Turpan. The four people took advantage of the situation to attack and stormed the cities of Turpanman and Han overnight.

The defenders of Patila and the flanking army of Yunus, who were defending Turpan, could not resist and were forced to abandon the city and flee south.

The men and horses of the Western Expeditionary Army worked hard to cover up and kill and won countless victories! Tuoxun and Turpan were recovered.

In this battle, more than 21,000 Aguba's invading troops were annihilated, including 35 British military instructors and more than 200 mercenary artillerymen.

A large number of horses, munitions, food and other military supplies were seized. More than 38,000 people from all over the country were rescued.

The Western Expeditionary Army itself lost 40 generals and nearly 1,000 sergeants under Tan Shengjun, and the wounded were not counted.

So far, it has been exactly one year since my westward expedition army entered Xinjiang. It has recovered all the territory of northern Xinjiang (except Ili) and eastern Xinjiang, including the gateways to southern Xinjiang - Dabancheng, Tuoxun, and Turpan.

A fatal blow in the battles of Tuoxun and Turpan! The only remaining main force of the Agubo invading army and the British mercenaries was completely defeated! Several legions that were heavily damaged and routed before have also suffered heavy blows again!

So far. Among the five legions and more than 80,000 horses of the main force of the Agubo invading army, the four legions participating in the battle, plus the "garrison of the ancient pasture camp", the "tax police corps" and the defenders of various cities, a total of more than 70,000 horses (including British mercenaries). In one year, nearly 60,000 people were annihilated (including 1,200 British mercenaries), and most of the remaining 10,000 people were wounded.

The enemy's legions were scattered and incomplete. Remembered:

Khagura's "Advance Corps" consisted of three cavalry divisions and two infantry divisions, totaling 13,000 men; was severely injured and more than 10,000 people were wiped out; The remnants of less than 3,000 men retreated to Yanqi.

Yunnus's "Flanker Legion" has two cavalry divisions and one infantry division, totaling more than 9,000 people (including some of the city defenders belonging to its formation); More than 8,000 people were exterminated, and the number was canceled; The remnants of hundreds of men and horses were merged into the "Forward Army" and retreated to Yanqi.

Haji's "Guards Corps" has two cavalry divisions and two infantry divisions; 10,000 in total; was severely wounded and more than 8,000 people were wiped out; The remnants of about 2,000 men retreated to Korla.

Nurdon's "Native Legion" had two cavalry divisions and two infantry divisions totaling 10,000 men; Severely wounded, more than 8,000 people were wiped out; The remnants of less than 2,000 men retreated to Korla.

Patila's "Great Battalion Garrison of Ancient Pasturelands", with a total of 14,000 men; was severely injured and more than 10,000 people were wiped out; The remnants of about 3,000 men retreated to Yanqi.

The five brigades of the "Tax Police Corps" with a total of 4,000 men were brought in by Huli (the fourth son of Aguba); Severely wounded, two thousand destroyed; The remnants of about 2,000 men retreated to Korla.

The artillery division under the personal command of Lieutenant Colonel Bigg has a total of 900 people (excluding artillerymen, special forces, and military instructors assigned to various regiments); suffered heavy losses, losing more than 600 people, and more than 120 artillery pieces of various calibers were lost in the army; The remnants retreated to Korla.

The "rear army" of Berkhuri (the eldest son of Aguba), who had not yet fought with our western expeditionary army, had three cavalry divisions and two infantry divisions, totaling 14,000 men. It mainly defends the vast areas of Kashgar, Hotan and Aksu; To date, it has not appeared on the main battlefield.

Aguba led these broken legions, wrapped around the tens of thousands of people in the north who had not yet escaped his clutches, and crossed the dry ditch and Kumish; He didn't dare to stay in Ushtara and Quhui, and ran directly to Yanqi City.

Arrived at Yanqi City. He left the remnants of Haigula's "Advance Legion", the remnants of Patila's "Ancient Pasture Battalion Garrison", and the remaining hundreds of Yunus "Flank Legion" all left in Yanqi to garrison.

He fled to Korla with the remnants of Haji's "Guards Regiment", the remnants of Nurdong's "Home Regiment", the remnants of his youngest son's "Tax Police Corps" in Huli, and the remnants of Lieutenant Colonel Bigg's artillery division.

At this time, Aguba, after many fatal blows in the past year of our Western Expeditionary Army! Although the wolf nature has not changed; But he clearly realized that his "Hongfu Khanate" was already in turmoil and leaking everywhere.

He also knew very well that if the British mediated, mediated, and pressurized, they would not be effective in the short term; Then, the Chinese army of the Western Expedition, which was eyeing Tuoxun and Turpan, would soon cross the southern slope of the Tianshan Mountains and sweep through Yanqi and Korla.

Although, there are still tens of thousands of remnants of his troops here; It is obviously impossible to use these frightened remnants of the defeated army to defend Korla, the capital of his favorite "Hongfu Khanate".

Therefore, he decided to transfer the gold and silver treasures he had looted over the years to Kashgar, which he believed was the safest rear for the time being.

On the second day of Aguba's arrival in Korla. He then ordered the chief of the treasury of his "royal palace", Mamuti, to bring out two-thirds of the gold bricks and all the antiques in the treasury and hand them over to the king.

Let the "tax police corps" take the gold bricks and priceless antiques and relics together with the gold and silver treasures brought out of the Tuoxun vault; After encapsulation, all of them were taken away and shipped to Kashgar.

After Agubo and the others had all the gold and silver treasures of the dozen or so carts sealed, he immediately ordered Shanghu to take all the remnants of the "Tax Police Corps" and escort them to set off overnight; He went to Kashgar via Kucha and Aksu, and joined his eldest brother Berkhuri's "rear army".

As the chief of the treasury, he was extremely dissatisfied with the fact that he had brought away most of the gold from the treasury; However, he could only do what Aguba ordered.

However, due to the strong stimulation of this matter! In the depths of Numuti's heart, a fire of desire has been quietly ignited! It sparked an almost unquenchable impulse......