After a whole year of hard work by the Western Expeditionary Army, it has completely defeated and eliminated the main force of the Aguba invading army and the British mercenary army, and has achieved a decisive and historic victory. It recovered all the territory of northern Xinjiang (except Ili) and eastern Xinjiang, including the three cities of Dabancheng, Tuoxun and Turpan, the gateways to southern Xinjiang. Half of the territory has been restored.

Although the good news is frequent and the whole country is excited, the court is jubilant; The problems faced by the Western Expeditionary Army also followed.

Due to the speed of the march was too fast, the supply line was too long, and the supply of military grain and grass was not enough; Due to the fact that the soldiers in the interior are not accustomed to the water and soil of Xinjiang, the number of people suffering from various diseases has increased significantly......

As a result, the Western Expeditionary Army was forced to recuperate. At the same time, a large group of men and horses were dispatched to cross the Flaming Mountain to meet the grain and grass baggage team walking in the vast Gobi Desert.

Nearly forty percent of the military rations supplied by the Western Expeditionary Army in the early stage were purchased from Russia. These grains mainly enter Kobdo from Russia to Balikun, Gucheng, and Urumqi; and then transferred to the large battalions of the Western Expeditionary Army, the operation is relatively convenient. It has also played a certain role in buffering the transshipment of grain from the interior into Xinjiang.

However, due to the obstruction of the British government, the Russian government also began to calculate the pros and cons; As a result, this important grain route has gradually become erratic.

Therefore, the vast majority of the military rations of the Western Expeditionary Army had to come from the Central Plains, Shandong, Hetao, Guanzhong, Hexi and other regions thousands of miles away. These areas are in a difficult period of recovery from natural disasters, nuisances from foreign powers, and civil strife. The local granary is not solid, and the people are still living in poverty.

Even so, all over the country, from the government yamen to the common people of Limin, all of them are diligent in cultivation and thrift; Although he was hungry and poorly clothed, he did everything he could to support the century-old plan to recover Xinjiang!

The magnificent spectacle of hundreds of thousands of people transporting grain in the desert, brave the wind and snow, and trek with difficulty in the desert for thousands of miles, is a historical picture drawn against this background.

In this "west out of Yangguan without a reason" thousands of miles away in the Gobi Desert. The transfer of officials and soldiers, the non-governmental grain transportation teams, the merchants' grain raising cooperatives, and the people's family groups have gone forward one after another...... Camels, chariots, donkeys, burdens, baskets...... The grain transport team stretched for thousands of miles, struggling to move forward.

They are not afraid of the scorching sun, the wind blowing the ground, and the wolves surrounding them; I am not afraid of the cold and biting water of the river and the snow on the top of the mountain...... These travelers have only one goal - to send the military rations in their hands to the front line of the Xinjiang campaign as soon as possible.

For a time, in the vast and ethereal land, camel bells, mules and horses neighed, and human voices were boiling......

Zuo Dashuai, who is sixty-five years old; In the forty-fifth year of the Beijing examination, he wrote "Miscellaneous Feelings of Yantai". Words:

The Western Regions Ring Army did not count the years, and the country was reopened at that time.

The camel is thousands of miles away from the official rice, and the sand moraine is better than the stone field.

At that time, he was young and vigorous, and he would never have thought of it; His poems will become a true portrayal of the grain road that happened on the westward expedition to Xinjiang today, nearly half a century later. In the dark, it suddenly makes people feel that this seems to be a wonderful karma that has been entangled for half a century!

This is also the country's determination to recover Xinjiang, the ambition of the soldiers of the Western Expeditionary Army to regain the land, and the confidence of thousands of people in the mainland who are concerned about Xinjiang's homeland; Together, an unprecedented and magnificent chapter in human history!

At that time, he went to Xinjiang as an explorer to explore and spy on the military intelligence: Elias. Unexpectedly, the ghost encountered this scene...... He was stunned! I was completely shocked from the bottom of my heart!

Elias, who was already saddle and embarrassed, shook his head in horror and said to his men:

"Our government of the British Empire seriously underestimated the capabilities of the Chinese and underestimated their will! You see...... The Chinese have built the 'Great Wall' to the end of the border pass in Xinjiang. Here we cannot defeat them...... It's time to stop! ”

At this time, Colonel Przhevalsky of the Russian Tsarist Army, led his Xinjiang expedition, and also carried out activities in various parts of Xinjiang.

He desperately hopes to find clues that his ancestors lived in Xinjiang; For the permanent possession of Ili, to provide convincing "evidence".

But after tossing and turning for almost half a year, I still got nothing!

But at this time, in the desert at the junction of Xinjiang and Gansu, I saw the majestic figure of the grain army!

Looking at this grain transport team without seeing the end; The inquisitive Colonel, Mr. Colonel, decided to camp on the spot. Stop and count specifically; How many people are there in this unimaginably huge team?

After eleven days of careful and patient statistical work, the Russian colonel finally had accurate statistics in his hands.

These figures show that there are more than 306,000 employees. There were 33,000 camels and 75,000 mules and horses......

It is estimated that this colonel can not distinguish how many are officers and soldiers, how many are businessmen, and how many are ordinary people; It is even more difficult to distinguish which are official camels, which are commercial camels, and which are civilian camels.

He looked at the strong and resolute eyes and indomitable demeanor of these desert walkers...... The hand holding the data is shaking; And his heart is even more undulating and violently!

On the one hand, the Western Expeditionary Army received the grain and grass baggage team, and at the same time assigned officers and soldiers of more than a dozen battalions who "knew how to farm and knew how to farm"; In Tuoxun, Turpan, Dabancheng and other places, we should seize the time to divert water and reclaim famine, and grow grain and vegetables in a large area.

The original abandoned and newly reclaimed land added up to 100,000 acres; It is almost entirely sandy and is particularly suitable for growing peanuts, soybeans, potatoes and corn.

The large amount of grain and vegetable seeds carried by the Western Expeditionary Army came in handy at this time. In addition to wheat, which has missed the planting season, corn, peanuts, soybeans, potatoes, etc., have been planted.

Due to the fertile land and abundant sunshine, the peanuts, soybeans and potatoes that are most suitable for sandy land have grown and harvested much better than those in the mainland.

At that time, the soldiers of the Western Expeditionary Army probably would not have thought of it; Until more than 100 years later, "Tuoxun peanuts" and "Dabancheng soybeans" are still the most delicious local specialties.

In the cloudy and chaotic city of Korla. Everywhere you look, wounded enemy soldiers with their heads wrapped, on sticks, and hanging arms.

Standing in the center of the council hall of the "Royal Palace", Aguba looked at the ten British-made Armstrong guns, German-made Krupp guns, ten Gatling machine guns, and a large row of rifles and sabers of all kinds placed in the hall according to his request, and was in a daze thoughtfully!

He never understood that the four legions and more than 70,000 elite troops he participated in the war used the most advanced British-made artillery, machine guns and rifles in the world today, and there were inexhaustible munitions and ammunition; There is a military instructor corps of the world's highest level sent by the British army to train and guide operations; There were battle-hardened British mercenaries who went directly to the war...... Plus a "military genius" like him commanding the army to fight...... Why? was beaten to the ground by a group of disheveled Chinese peasant troops?

Seeing Aguba's extremely depressed expression, Kubli, Haji, Nurdon, Skad, and Aqimuhan, the chief of the "royal palace", who had lost their souls, all stood aside trembling and at a loss.

They don't know what to say at this time? What to do? I don't know what kind of crazy moves will be made next for their "Great Khan"?

Aguba seemed to slowly come to his senses. When he noticed that Bigg was not in the hall, he told Skaid to hurry up and call him.

After a while, Bigg hurried into the hall with a telegram in his hand.

With a gloomy face, Agubo asked, "Has your British government acted?" ”

Bigg hastened to reply, "I just received a telegram from Minister Wittoma. The minister said: He has once again lodged representations with the Prime Minister Yamen of the Great Qing Government; An official note was issued. Once again, the 'Khunfu Khanate' is a 'sovereign' state, and moreover, it is an ally that has signed a 'treaty of friendship' with the British Empire. The British Empire had supreme national interests in the 'Hung Fu Khanate'...... The Chinese army must stop attacking immediately! The issue of border demarcation can be resolved through consultation between the Great Qing State and the 'Hongfu Khanate'. The British Empire can intervene to mediate and mediate in this regard......"

Aguba waved his hand impatiently and asked eagerly, "What is the result?" ”

Bigg replied, "The imperial court of the Great Qing Kingdom." Obviously, they were inspired by their western expedition and countless red flag victories, and they simply ignored it! There was no positive reply......"

Kuburi was already angry and shouted, "I knew! The British government pays lip service. Can't count on it at all! ……”

"Don't worry! Mr. Kubley, I'm not done yet......" Bigg immediately interrupted Kubley. Then, knocking on the telegram, "Minister Wittoma's telegram mentions four courses of action. This is the course of action after the British Empire government nodded and agreed......"

Aguba looked at Bigg's pretentious appearance, and was a little disgusted, "Okay! Straight to the content! ”

Bigg took a breath, looked at the telegram, and said in a serious manner:

"Listen, everyone: First, in order to directly stop the attack of the Chinese army, the British Empire government decided to send a 'field observation mission' to Xinjiang to investigate on the spot, mediate the war between the two countries, and the future demarcation of the national border. The 'observation mission,' composed of Baron Lytton, Viceroy of the British Empire in India, is ready to depart from Shimla for Xinjiang within two days......"

Kuburi was anxious again, "Shimla? …… From Shimla in India to Korla, it will take more than a month at the earliest. When your 'Field Observation Mission' arrives in Korla, it's all over! Do you think that the Chinese army will wait for you for more than a month? ”

Aguba waved his hand and motioned for Kubri to stop and let Bigg speak first.

Bigg continued: "Second, I have sent a note to the Prime Minister of the Great Qing Government, Yamen, that until it is confirmed that the Chinese army has stopped attacking, the Great Qing Government will suspend the payment of military loans from the three banks of the British Empire, Jardine, Liru, and HSBC. Thirdly, it has sent a note to the Russian Government to immediately stop supplying military rations to the Chinese army; Including grain from Russian merchants on their way in transit. The Russian Government has verbally agreed to do so......"

At this point, Bigg paused and glanced at the expressions of the leaders. I feel in my heart: these people should be very grateful for their efforts and results! At the very least, there should be a grateful demeanor; Otherwise, you're not a fucking person inside or out!

When Aguba and the leaders heard this, they did not say a word, and they were all savoring the active ingredients in the Englishman's plan of action; However, they all feel that the British government has really done something significant this time.

Bigg gasped, feeling that the demeanor of the leaders did not completely disappoint him. He slowed down his tone and said the fourth course of action:

"Fourth, if the army of the 'Hongfu Khanate' can win a battle of medium size or above in the near future, severely damaging or defeating a large part of the main force of the Chinese army, it will enable the government of the British Empire to gain the initiative in mediation and greatly increase the bargaining chips!"

When Aguba and the leaders heard this, they were all taken aback!

The requirements of this fourth article made it difficult for Aguba and the leaders. Now it's a bit inconceivable to organize a campaign, and to be able to defeat one of the main forces of the Chinese army and win? Unthinkable!

Bigg explained: "This fourth is what we are required to do. The aim was to concentrate the existing forces of the Khanate and launch a campaign; Inflicting heavy damage on or crushing a major force of the Chinese army. In this way, the bargaining chips for mediation and mediation are greatly increased; The rest of the matter will be handled by the British Empire's 'Field Observation Mission'. ”

Aguba didn't immediately respond to Big's words, and began to close his eyes and think. The leaders looked at each other! In the hall, there was an embarrassing atmosphere of silence in an instant.

Aguba closed his eyes and slowly asked Bigg, "Lieutenant Colonel Bigg!" In our current situation. What do you think, how do we do it? to be able to cooperate with the actions of the British government. Can the British government be satisfied? ”

After a little thought, Bigg replied, "I understand Your Majesty's current difficulties. With the current strength of the four corps of Korla and Yanqi, it is impossible to launch a strong counterattack against the Chinese army...... Can you think about it? Transfer the 'rear corps' of Berkhuri to Korla. Organise a successful campaign together ......"

Kuburi hurriedly retorted and said loudly: "The 'rear corps' is our last force. If Korla is transferred, the rear is empty, and it is easy to be attacked by civilian troops from all over the country; Once the battlefield is lost, we will no longer have any capital, and we will talk about the conditions Chinese the same thing...... Besides, even if the 'rear army' reaches Korla, where will we go to crush a main force of the Chinese army? Do you want to attack Tuoxun or Turpan? It's obvious, take the egg and touch the stone! The Chinese are waiting for us to go and send the last men to the door; Save the laborer expedition, and solve it on the spot! ……”

Bigg hurriedly argued, "Mr. Kubri! Please don't be vindictive! We are looking at how to cooperate with the actions of the British Empire government. It is for the sake of our 'Hongfu Khanate', to fight for the greatest interests! There is always a gap between the ideal and the reality. But this fourth article is a must......"

Aqimuhan, who had not been angry, finally couldn't help it. He confronted Bigg and said:

"Mr. Bigg! Don't you think that you, the British government, are sending us to death? If the 'Hongfu Khanate' had not had a single soldier, it would cease to exist. Is there any point in such mediation and mediation? Can the demarcation continue? At that time, who is demarcating the line with whom? ……”

Seeing that all the leaders had lost the confidence to fight back, Bigg was opposed to launching a new campaign, which put him in a dilemma. But there is nothing to be done...... However, he also knew in his heart that it was indeed unrealistic to let such a team defeat the main force of a Chinese army; Moreover, there is a huge risk of being completely wiped out by the Chinese army.

Once such a situation occurs, not only will it not bring bargaining chips to the mediation of the imperial government, but it will cause a big deal! If you can't figure it out, even your own future and even your life will be on the line! …… He spread his hands and shrugged helplessly.

Aguba slowly opened his grim eyes, and a subtle smile swept over his vicious face. He waved his hand and motioned for everyone to stop arguing. He asked Bigg:

"Lieutenant Colonel Bigg! According to your judgment, when will the Chinese army be able to march under the city of Qi? ”

Bigg replied, "As it stands." It is estimated that the Chinese army will launch an offensive in Yanqi City within ten days at the earliest, and no more than twenty days at the latest......"

Aguba slowly asked Bigg again, "What do you think?" Is it feasible to deal a fatal blow to the Chinese army near Yanqi City? ”

Bigg replied, "If you can concentrate a certain amount of troops, you can fight hard in Yanqi!" It is not impossible to inflict a heavy blow on the Chinese army. However, without the participation of the 'rear legions', relying on the remnants of these four legions alone, Yanqi City has no danger to defend, and the chances of victory are not great. ”

Agubo suddenly asked: "In the ancient Chinese book of war, there is a saying that 'soldiers are impermanent, and water is impermanent'. You know what? ”

Bigg and the leaders were stunned! They looked at each other, and they didn't quite understand what their majesty meant? But seeing Agubai's expression, he seemed to feel that he had a magic weapon to win.

Agu Bai smiled slightly and asked, "Do you know the location of Yanqi City?" ”

Bigg and the leaders nodded and said, "Yes! ”

Agubo asked again: "Do you know the water of the Kaidu River?" ”

Bigg and the leaders looked dazed, nodded again and said, "Know! ”

Agubai also asked: "The embankment of the Kaidu River is more than ten meters higher than Yanqi City. In other words, this is a 'hanging river', and the water surface of the Kaidu River is even higher than the towers of Yanqi City. Did you know? ”

Bigg and the leaders suddenly realized! shouted in unison: "Replace the army with water - flood the Chinese army!" ”

Agu Bai nodded with a sly smile and said, "In ancient China, this was called the 'Flooded Seven Armies'. Guan Gong, whom the Chinese admire the most, used this method of warfare to turn the tide of the war in one fell swoop. We might as well give it a try...... Wait for the Chinese army to set up camp and set up a formation outside Yanqi City. Let's have a 'flooded Seventh Army', one pot! What do you think? ”

Kuburi had seen the power of the Flood and knew it first. He said excitedly:

"Yanqi City is at the lowest point of the Yanqi Basin. It's May, and it's the time of the Kaidu River. The embankment exploded a hundred meters, and Yanqi City disappeared in an instant. Not to mention tens of thousands of troops, even a chicken will not survive! ”

Bigg was even more excited, and said in a loud voice: "Your Majesty is really wise! This trick is really a clever calculation. This is our best way to turn the tables! …… I immediately telegraphed to Minister Wittoma: We have already begun to act! ”

Aguba immediately waved his hand, interrupted Bigg and said, "No! This operation should be kept strictly confidential and not alarm anyone! To be on the safe side, the operation to blast the embankment of the Kaidu River was carried out by Nurdon's 'Home Legion'. The location should be selected in advance, and the amount of explosives should be prepared to blast the key parts more than 100 meters away......"

Kuburi hurriedly said: "Then I will quickly inform General Hygula ......"

Agubo waved his hand, "No! In the Yanqi of Hygula, Patila, and Yunus, they could only know the route and time of the retreat; It is not necessary to let them know the details of the blasting. lest there be any extraneous branches...... I would like to conclude with one final point! This operation is our current top secret! It is the only way for us to defeat the Chinese army and turn the tide of the war. It is also the last fight that will decide the fate of all of us! Each and every one of us has an obligation to keep it a secret; Keep it a secret from anyone, including Hygura, Patila, and Yunus. Anyone who leaks secrets will be put to death! ”

The leaders watched as Aguba's face quickly became gloomy and murderous, and they sensed the weight of this matter in Aguba's mind; They all put away their excited smiles and nodded slightly.

Aguba took the bowl of tea that Skaid had handed him and took a sip of his tea. Then he continued:

"Haji's Guards Legion. It is necessary to do a good job in the defense of the 'royal palace' and the barracks, and the two main gates of Korla City, east and west, should also be strengthened, and the other gates should be completely closed...... Nurdon's native legion. At the Tiemen Pass and the Devil's Mountain, the two passages into Korla, the existing fortifications should be strengthened, and a defensive position should be built to form a deep ...... Artillery positions, be sure to choose the best position. The positions of fixed and mobile posts, as well as artillery observation posts, should be moved forward as far as possible; It is convenient to detect the enemy situation in advance and identify the target in advance. Provide accurate firing azimuth and firing parameters for the timely deployment of artillery firepower......"

Haji and Nurdon hurriedly responded: "Yes! Your Majesty! ”

Seeing that Agubo had made up his mind to defend Korla, Bigg was ready to abandon Yanqi City; He remembered the dozen or so British guns that were still in the Yanqi barracks. Hurriedly asked:

"Your Majesty! Since it is ready to deal with the Chinese army in Yanqi by 'replacing soldiers with water'. Is it to withdraw the artillery of the Yanqi barracks first and put it in Korla? In this way, these artillery pieces can not only play a role in the defense of Korla; General Hygula and they will not be held back by artillery when they retreat. ”

Agubo immediately nodded and said, "Yes!" Inform Haigula now to withdraw the artillery to Korla first. ”

Haji asked, "Your Majesty! We have too many wounded soldiers. The houses available in the city are no longer inhabitable. Nearly half of the tens of thousands of civilians escorted over are still outside the city. I saw outside the city to the north, there was an abandoned and dilapidated house. Just, just leave them there? ”

Agubai's face sank! Masase: "No! These people. In the future, it will be a bargaining chip for us to ask the government of the Great Qing Dynasty. Be sure to watch! Even if some of them want to stay outside the city, they must be optimistic. Never let one go! If anyone escapes, they will be executed! ”

Haji quickly responded: "Yes! Your Majesty! ……”

In the ruined city of Korla. As long as there are still houses to live in, all of them have been forcibly occupied by all kinds of wounded soldiers of the Aguba invading army and British mercenaries.

Tens of thousands of civilians in northern Xinjiang who had been swept away by the invading army of Aguba were forced to crowd into the ruins of their houses that had been destroyed by enemy artillery fire ten years earlier. Hiding under a broken shed that is put together temporarily, does not cover the sky and rain, and does not block the wind and cold, it is miserable!

The more than 30,000 people who were confined to abandoned houses on the north side of the city were all ragged, hungry, and withered.

These refugees are surrounded by enemy troops who guard them at gunpoint, monitoring their every move day and night. At night, when it is convenient to relieve the hands of the nearby groves, you must be cautious and trembling; Because these enemy troops can shoot at them at any time.

Every possible escape route was completely sealed. Those who had a little strength were forcibly escorted to build the iron gate and the fortifications on the Devil's Mountain......