After many days of training. The soldiers of the Dahan Shui Army have gradually adapted to the vast sea. And a large number of ships suitable for navigating at sea have been put into use. It also allows the navy officers to leave the offshore waters. Sail to the ocean.
Gan Ning and Zhou Tai often lead the fleet to sea training. And go farther and farther. In accordance with Liu Xin's request. They made a huge chart of their own. Mark all the islands encountered along the way on the chart. With the fleet going farther and farther. Finally a few days ago. They came to a big island.
The island is huge. The area has exceeded an ordinary county. There are not many residents on the island. But many people can speak Chinese. The accent is similar to that of the southern part of Kuaiji County, Yangzhou. After repeated inquiries, I found out. The ancestors of these people are mostly fishermen along the coast of Kuaiji. Or encounter wind and waves due to fishing at sea. Or because of avoiding the scourge of war. Tossing around came to this big island.
Ma Yun is basically certain. This island will be the later Taiwan Island. She has dispatched people to go to the local area to form a yamen. But will there be conflicts with local residents. No one can predict. but. Even if Liu Xin is in Chang'an. After learning the news. He will make the same choice. They come from later generations. They all know the importance of Taiwan Island.
Another day passed. The envoys sent to Dawan and Kangju returned one after another.
King Mozhiti of Dawan summoned the nobles for a discussion. It was written in the "Treaty of Shule" that the Hans were allowed to station troops in the territory. Now the Han army just proposed to cross the border here. Besides, Liu Xin led Chi to come personally. Everyone naturally had no objections.
Kangju's situation is a bit complicated. Kangju is different from Dawan. The people there are mainly nomads. Similar to the Xiongnu, Xianbei and other ethnic groups on the grassland. But they also have their own cities. In the south, he is also engaged in some agricultural cultivation. The population of Kangju is about one million. Because it is mainly nomadic. Many herders are qualified fighters. There are about 120,000 warriors in the country. Kangju’s royal city is called Beitian City. It turned out to be their central location. Later it gradually developed into a city.
The former king of Kangju was called Kahelman. Three months ago. He accidentally fell from a horse and died in a hunt organized by the royal family. As the King of Kangju. Kahelman is excellent at riding. Such an accident is indeed a bit weird. Some ministers speculated that Murza, the king's brother, who went hunting with him, was seriously suspected. Murza was also after Kahelman's death. Anxiously demanded to inherit the throne of Kang. But it was resisted by Queen Kang Ju. Queen Kangju was about to give birth at that time. Under the persuasion of other ministers. Murza agreed. If the queen gave birth to a boy. He gave up fighting for the throne.
The result was a month later. That Kang Ju Wang gave birth to a boy. It stands to reason. Mulza should keep his promise. But he found a reason. Refusal to admit that the boy born to Queen Kangju is the flesh and blood of Kahaileman. Because the baby has black hair. Kahelman and the queen are both full of blonde hair.
Although Queen Kang Ju explained. Her father is a Han Chinese. Mother is from Daqin. It is normal for her son to have black hair. But Mulza still mobilized some nobles to oppose the baby's succession to the throne. And launched two battles. Although they were all defeated by Queen Kangju. But the city of Beitian was almost broken by Murza. The antagonism between the various tribes in the country is also getting worse.
Hear here. Liu Xin couldn't help being stunned. According to the description of the messenger. This Queen Kang Ju looks too like a black whirlwind. But why did the black whirlwind become the queen of Kangju? Is the current King Kang Ju the son of Liu Xin? These unsolved mysteries can only be found in the city of Beitian. Liu Xin couldn't sit still. Immediately ordered the team to open. Be sure to rush to the fortress of Uzbeli this evening.
It doesn't matter to everyone else. Only Liya's injury has not been well. Liu Xin had promised to give her two days. Two days have not arrived yet. But Liu Xin can't wait. Liya is very strong. Reluctantly walked out of the tent. She gritted her teeth and frowned. Liu Xin couldn't bear it. Can't help but say: "If you can't, you can stay first. I will arrange for you to live in the Military Mansion. When I come back from Kangju, I will send you to Muni City."
Liya shook her head. Said: "No. I can do it."
Liu Xin thought for a while and said, "That's good. I will give you a good horse."
quickly. The guard brought a tall chestnut red horse. Li Ya remembered the horse she had exhausted to death. Tears flowed out at that time.
Liu Xin hurriedly persuaded: "Forget it. Don't cry. This is a real hard-earned BMW. It was brought back by the messenger just now by King Mozhiti of Dawan. Such a BMW. No one of my generals wants to own a horse. If you don't want it, I will give it to someone else."
Liya hurriedly stopped crying. Said: "No. I want it."
Finished. The stubborn girl Shanshan wanted to turn on her horse. But the pain on the inner thigh made her legs unable to lift up. Liu Xin reached out to help her. Reached out halfway and retracted. Turning around and saying, "Kleia. Help the princess."
Sister Kleia stepped forward. Li Ya was set up on the left and the right. Support her round buttocks. Put her on horseback. No wonder Liu Xin suddenly withdrew her hand. If you let him come to support the girl's buttocks. There is always some inconvenience. but. Liya is good at riding. But the injured thigh still made her very uncomfortable. Almost unable to control the sweaty horse.
Liu Xin gave a "whistle". Called his big white horse. Jump up. Swagger came to Liya. Show off the stirrups. Then he said: "You look carefully. Like me. Put your feet inside."
Liya glanced suspiciously at Liu Xin. Step into the stirrups. Sure enough, I felt a lot easier at once. She couldn't help turning around to look at the other soldiers. It was only then that everyone was equipped with this strange iron ring. No wonder they run so far. But all of them are like okay people.
Sister Kleia is very clever. No need to remind Liu Xin specifically. I found that there were also two iron rings hanging under the saddle of my horse. Leap on the warhorse following Liu Xin's appearance. The horse galloped for a while. There is no problem even if you loosen the reins. Suddenly became excited. He made a big call to Liu Xin.
Liu Xin naturally did not understand. But he didn't want to understand what they were talking about. It's a clip of horse belly. He whispered: "Go."
The fortress of Uzbeli is only a hundred miles away from the city of Uzbeli. The cavalry marched quickly. Arrived in an instant. Although it was almost dusk when they arrived at the fortress. But there is no need to be busy with camping. Because there is enough space for them to rest in the fortress.
The permanent force of the entire fortress is 5,000. But the scale of the fortress is much larger. In order to build these two fortresses. Liu Xin invested a lot of manpower and material resources. The fort is not only extremely strong. Easy to defend and hard to attack. And they have accumulated a large amount of grain, grass, ordnance, and drinking water. It can accommodate 50,000 people living in it for a long time at the same time. Living conditions are much better than camping outside.
Thunder copper is now stationed in the fortress of Uzbeli. It is Wu Lan who is stationed at Turugert Fortress. These two former fighters under Liu Yan. Since returning to Liu Xin. More and more reused. Already can be alone.
Learned that Liu Xin was coming to Uzbeli fortress for the night. Thunder Copper has long been prepared. Free up the best room. Also specially prepared hot water for Liu Xin to bathe.
In the desert. Nothing is more precious than water. therefore. Many people living in the Western Regions do not take a bath all year round. Some people even spend their entire lives. Only take one bath at birth, newlyweds, and death.
Although Liu Xin loves cleanliness. But I also know that the water in the fortress is not easy to come by. Except for the accumulated rainwater. The rest were carried by the soldiers bucket by bucket. Could not help but waved his hand. Said: "I'll leave it alone. Let the three girls take a wash."
in fact. Liu Xin's decision is not to take special care of girls. In the desert zone with severe water shortage. Bathing is the most extravagant act. Even girls are no exception. but. Liya has an injury on her leg. It is hot and sweating easily. If you don’t take a wash. In case of infection, it is a big trouble. And Kleia was fighting with Serica. It was bloody. Do not wash. Liu Xin looked uncomfortable. Of course. Even if Liu Xin gave them permission to take a bath. There is only so much water. It is impossible to prepare additional hot water for them.
At this moment. Lei Tong accompanied Liu Xin to inspect the entire fortress. The fortress is actually divided into three parts. The one going out is a checkpoint. Responsible for checking past caravans. It is also responsible for collecting tariffs. This is a strong fortress on the high mountains on both sides. The middle is connected by a chain bridge. This is the main fortification controlling the Uzbeli Pass. There are two fortresses. Just implement a blockade. Even with thousands of troops and horses, it is difficult to pass the Uzbeli Pass. Higher up is the place where the fortress can be garrisoned. right now. Liu Xin and the others live here.
Because the Uzbel Pass split a high mountain in half. The army station is also located on the left and right hills. The top of the mountain has been levelled. Used to stock horses. The belly of the mountain was almost hollowed out. There are food, grass and ordnance in the village. Ordinary soldiers also live in the hillside. But Liu Xin and the others lived in several courtyards built on the top of the mountain.
After the fortress of Uzbeli is repaired. Liu Xin is here for the first time. He turned from the left mountain to the right mountain. Check from the camp to the checkpoints ahead. I am very satisfied with the layout of the fortress. Such a fortress can be regarded as solid. Just keep it here. In the future, even if there is a war with the Great Qin Empire. There is no need to worry about affecting the stability of the Central Plains.
Take a turn. Liu Xin went back to the courtyard built on Zuoshan via the chain bridge. Liya has finished the bath. Came out of the room. The long golden hair fell apart. A faint fragrance went straight into Liu Xin's nose.
Liu Xin saw her much better. Can't help but smile: "It's much more comfortable to take a bath. How do you plan to thank me."
Liya knew that Liu Xin saved the water. His face couldn't help but blush. Said: "Your Majesty. The little girl can tell you a secret."
Liu Xin laughed loudly and said, "What secret can you have. Okay. If what you say is truly a secret. Then I will tell you a secret too."