Facing the Taiping Army who were desperately resisting and fighting bloody battles, Shenei, who was leading the charge, couldn't help but sigh. Once a person blinded by religious fanaticism is inspired, the passion that bursts out is indeed extraordinary. At present, the defeat is obviously certain. Under such circumstances, he still ignored his own life and death in exchange for the safe retreat of his comrades. This cannot but be admired.
But admiration is due to admiration, but there is no mercy in the house. After all, the enthusiastic team cannot compete with the regular cavalry charge, but they finally bought some time for the cavalry behind them to retreat, allowing the five thousand cavalry to retreat unscathed. , when the last line of defense was breached, the Taiping cavalry had already fled several miles away. The current strength was indeed not enough to completely annihilate the enemy. Seeing that the best opportunity to annihilate the enemy had been lost, Schonei ordered the infantry that followed with a hint of regret to clear the battlefield. At the same time, he ordered the cavalry to follow and pursue them, making sure that the opponent could not relax easily. Stand firm.
When Yue Shan led the regiment of infantry to arrive, they could only clean up the battlefield unwillingly. About 8,000 Taiping remnants changed their route south during the retreat and retreated to Xikang. The rest were all captured by the northwest Military prisoners.
In this battle, known as the "Victory at Partridge Pass" in history, the Northwest Independent Second Division wiped out 30,000 Taiping troops, including 11,000 prisoners, and only 8,000 escaped. This battle is also regarded as Li Wufeng's first battle into the Central Plains. Although his troops fought back after being attacked, later historians agree that no matter what the outcome of the Battle of Partridge Pass, the emperor His Majesty had already made up his mind to conquer Kansai and the Central Plains, but this battle was the prelude to his vigorous eastward march.
In the palace in the center of Loulan City, the capital of the Loulan Kingdom, he was the only one in the entire hall, which seemed particularly quiet. His old face seemed to be much more energetic. Haibal leaned on the throne and carefully thought about the guests who had just sent away. It was a matter of great importance. , he didn’t want to let anyone know before he considered it immature. The conditions and requirements put forward by the other party were indeed very exciting. Maybe Loulan Kingdom wanted to get rid of the fetters of fate in one fell swoop, but there was an unknown amount of hidden power behind it. The risk was that one wrong step would cause irreparable consequences. He had to think about it carefully.
He stood up and walked slowly in the hall, stroking his long beard under his chin, but unconsciously looking at where the man was sitting just now. It was really a good opportunity. The question was whether he dared to take this chance. What about a try
With a slight sigh, Haibal turned his eyes to the window again. The glazed tiles were shining brightly under the setting sun. Such mountains and rivers are so nostalgic, but if he makes a mistake, he may also endanger his country. Bringing catastrophe.
After thinking about it for a long time, Haibal still found it difficult to make a decision. This important matter that determines the fate of the country is really tiring. He has been thinking about it for nearly half an afternoon and is still unable to make a choice. Maybe he is really old and lacks the ambition of his youth. Haibal shook his head, with a self-deprecating smile on his face. Haven't he always prided himself on being cautious and calm? Why do you think this is a shortcoming now that decades have passed
Forget it, let’s listen to the opinions of Khalid and Abuhiyev. Khalid secretly went to neighboring countries on his behalf. A few days ago, he sent a message back saying that he had achieved good results. I hope he can have a good relationship. unexpected surprise.
Looking at the young man in front of him who was a little tired but in good spirits, Haibal also felt a little distressed. After traveling for more than 20 days and traveling around four countries, his rosy face had turned a little yellow. Who called him his son? If he wants to shoulder the heavy responsibility of Loulan Kingdom, he must learn the subject of politics and diplomacy. Flowers staying in a greenhouse will never grow into a big tree.
"Khalid, I know you are very tired, but my father really wants to know the details of your more than 20 days away. The letter you sent back was unclear, so I have to ask you to give up your rest and tell me the situation first. Father and Master Abuhiyev." Haibar's loving eyes fell on the young man and he said kindly. The old man with a long beard next to him was Abuhiyev, the Minister of State of Loulan Kingdom, whom Haibar relied on as his right-hand man. Minister of State.
"It's nothing, father, Khalid is not a weak woman, so this hard work is nothing." A flash of light flashed on the young man's face and he replied loudly.
"Well, that's good, tell me what you gained this time." Haibal was very satisfied with his son's answer, nodded and smiled.
The young man gave a detailed introduction to his mission to several neighboring countries, focusing on the responses of Kuqa and Bega.
The two people beside them listened carefully and asked some questions. They obviously valued this secret mission very much, and they all hoped to achieve practical results through this mission to make up for the previous alliance that was destroyed by the Northwest and Luobi people. Defense system plan.
"The Kuqa people really agree with our plan?" Hearing that the Kuqa people readily agreed to their own plan to form a coalition army, the cautious Minister of State couldn't help but ask again.
"Well, they were very interested in the plan we proposed. They even proposed that the three core countries among the five countries could even increase the number of troops sent to the coalition. Even I was surprised at the time." The young man's face turned red. Obviously proud of this achievement.
Haibar and Abushiyev exchanged knowing glances and nodded in unison. The Minister of State pondered for a moment before saying: "It seems that the Kuche people have really felt the threat of Li Wufeng. Li Wufeng is in the northwest corner." The Zijingguan Fortress built on the mountain will probably be a big irritation to them."
"Yes, Father, I was also guessing when I came down. Later, we learned that many upper-class people in Kuqa were very frightened by Li Wufeng building a fortress on their own border. They were worried that Li Wufeng would use Huanfeng Gate to assassinate Li Wufeng and Li Wufeng in the imperial capital Zhongzhou. They used troops against Kuqa when they were assassinated again, so there was a strong atmosphere of uniting with other countries to protect themselves. I thought again, maybe if we don't go to them, they will come to us and beg us. We don't just hit it off when we go there." Young man. He concluded with interest.
"What about the situation in Bega?" Haibal turned the topic to his neighboring country.
"Altai's attitude is also very positive. He also advocates the establishment of a strong coalition army. He also said that if Wusun and Gaochang are unwilling to participate, the three of us can still form this army, but he has no doubts about the Luobi people. I am a little worried about the pressure. I hope we can seek the understanding of the Luobi people when we set up this force and explain to them that the establishment of the force is not aimed at them." The young man considered his words and expressed the opinions of the Bega country.
"Huh, Altai is getting timid as he gets older, but I can't blame him. The Luobei people have always been unreasonable. If it really causes them to misunderstand, it will be a big trouble. But I'm thinking that the Luobei people may not want to see Li Wufeng. Without any scruples to expand their power arbitrarily, the establishment of our force will also be a check on the developing Li Wufeng force. This is not a bad thing for them. As for where this force will be stationed, we can clearly promise to station it in the southern region to avoid It caused dissatisfaction among the Luobi people." Haibal blinked and said with a smile.
"Yes, the troops can move at any time. Our commitment to stationing at the southern border does not mean that we cannot move to other areas. If something unexpected happens, the troops are originally used to defend the country. Where can they not go?!" The minister's words were unequivocal.
The conversation between the two taught the young man sitting in front of him another vivid lesson: What is politics? The exchange and betrayal of interests is called politics. Without intrigue, it cannot be called real politics. It seems that I am still far behind in this aspect. To learn a lesson well, I still need to experience more.
The attitudes of the other two countries were within their expectations, but the young man's introduction to the pro-Li Wufeng movement in Wusun aroused the attention of both Hajbar and Abushiyev.
The domestic situation in the Wusun Kingdom is stable. It is understandable that they are unwilling to participate in these affairs that inherently carry some risks in the near future. However, at least the five countries in the Western Region are in the same geographical environment and nominally belong to a political alliance, which has been the case for hundreds of years. With a common foreign policy, many interests are interdependent. Now there is a tendency to be pro-foreign forces in the country, which cannot help but make the two sensitive. If it is internally divided and disintegrated, then the final fate of the five countries in the Western Regions can be predicted.
The hall fell into silence for a moment. The experienced Haibal and Abuhiyev both smelled the strong smell of conspiracy behind it. Needless to say, this must be Li Wufeng's trick. They thought of uniting against the enemy again, but the enemy They are not idle either, and their actions seem to be faster and more violent than their own. They have the potential to disintegrate the Five Western Region Alliance in one fell swoop. This is simply hard to guard against.
After shaking his head, Haibal broke the silence, "There is nothing abnormal in Gaochang country, right?"
"Well, it's not bad. They just asked us to understand their situation, but they also promised us that they would never favor or favor outsiders. Please rest assured about this." The young man nodded, his face no longer full of joy. Obviously He was shocked by the expressions of his father and the Minister of State.
"Well, to be honest, it is very valuable that Gaochangguo can give us such a guarantee. They are under the most direct threat from Li Wufeng and their national strength is also the weakest, but they can still make such a decision. On the other hand, the performance of the Wusun people is really impressive. It’s hard to understand.” The Minister of State sighed, and his originally good mood was completely ruined by the sudden bad news.
"I'm thinking that the opinions of the Wusun people may be related to the unstable status of their current king. I heard that the deposed eldest prince seems to be unwilling to fail and has been actively active. The country is opposed to the second prince's ascension to the throne and supports the eldest prince. The power is still very strong, and perhaps it is for this reason that the second prince faction in power hopes to gain the support of Li Wufeng to maintain the stability of his rule." His voice was much lower, Haibal said expressionlessly.
Non-interference in internal affairs, especially the succession of the throne, has always been one of the most basic rules of the Western Region Alliance, but now in such a dangerous situation, should I change my strategy? Haibal asked himself secretly.