Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 293: Kangguo's Restoration and Pei Xingjian's Power in the Western Regions

Inside the palace, in addition to the drum sounding at the hour of You to signal the closure of the court, there were also drum sounds at every scheduled time to remind people.

The regular drum only sounded three times, with two or three breaths between each sound. When Gao Youdao returned to the side hall, he just heard the regular drum.

This is the sound of the drum at 3:00 PM. At this time on ordinary days, everyone in the left side hall would have left the office.

However, today is different. The emperor has just summoned Gao Youdao over, and he might come over to take a look at the situation.

Therefore, Lu Zhaolin, Guo Zhengyi and others sat behind the desk, repeatedly reading the memorials and edicts that were to be presented to the emperor.

After Gao Youdao returned to his desk and sat down, Du Yijian moved closer and asked him, "What did His Majesty summon you to do?"

Gao Youdao put the documents, paper and pen on the table in order and said, "I'll go out and talk to you." He stood up, bowed to the eunuch in charge of the hall, and left the side hall.

Du Yijian and Lu Zhaolin also stood up and went home together after leaving the yamen.

The three of them passed through Chengtian Gate and walked on Chengtian Gate Street. They saw people coming and going on the street, all of them were officials coming from the government office.

Du Yijian asked the same question again, and Gao Youdao said, "Your Majesty has sent me to Anxi on official business. I may be away from Chang'an for a few months."

Lu Zhaolin was surprised and asked, "Can you come back early next year?"

His wedding to Princess Changshan was at the beginning of the year, and he didn't want his best friend to be absent.

Gao Youdao thought for a moment and said, "I'll try to hurry up and come back early next year."

It is August now, and there are still more than four months before Lu Zhaolin's wedding. If we go to Anxi from here quickly, we can get there in a month.

As long as things go well, we can still make it in time.

Du Yijian asked him again why he went to Anxi, but Gao Youdao smiled and said nothing.

Seeing his reaction, Du Yijian knew it was a secret and stopped asking.

Usually, the three of them would have some activities after leaving the yamen. Today, Gao Youdao had official business to attend to, so he went straight home.

When he told Du Rong that he was going to Anxi, Du Rong immediately became depressed.

Only after Gao Youdao repeatedly assured her that he would try to come back before the end of the year did her mood improve.

That night, officials from the Ministry of Personnel and the Internal Guard came to Gao's house to look for him separately.

An official from the Ministry of Personnel gave him a token of the Censorate. This was a temporary appointment by Li Zhi to confer the title of Censorate on him in order to facilitate his investigation.

With the identity of Censor-in-Chief, he could travel freely along the way and even use the official post stations.

In addition to the Langjiang token given by the Nei Lingfu, he can also call on soldiers from the Nei Lingfu and other prefectures on the road, making his actions more convenient.

The next morning, he went to the Hongwenguan to report, said hello to the chief scholar, and without any entourage, he led a horse and a camel and set out on a long journey towards Anxi.

Along the way, in order to save time, he tried not to go into the city. At night, he either slept in the suburbs or stayed in temples and Taoist temples. During this time, he even met many students and wanderers who were traveling to the West.

After seven or eight days, they abandoned their horses and boarded a boat, crossed the ancient ferry of the Yellow River, bought new horses, and sailed for another half a month before arriving at Xizhou.

The customs here are very different from those in Guanzhong, and the climate has become hotter. Looking around, there is nothing but yellow sand.

Xizhou was originally the former territory of Gaochang Kingdom. Because Gaochang Kingdom cut off trade routes and refused to pay homage to Chang'an, Emperor Taizong of Tang sent Hou Junji to eliminate Gaochang Kingdom and establish Xizhou Protectorate, which was later renamed Anxi Protectorate.

In other words, once entering Xizhou, you have entered the territory of Anxi Protectorate.

Gao Youdao continued his journey westward and encountered a mysterious caravan in the east of Kucha City.

When Gao Youdao was talking to the other leader, the other party was still a little evasive and insisted on seeing Gao Youdao's official credentials.

After Gao Youdao showed the other party the official credentials of the Censor, the leader told him that he was a minister of Tocharian Kingdom.

Although Tocharian Empire also paid tribute to the Tang Dynasty, it was not a vassal state of the Tang Dynasty. It had been secretly helping the Persians and wanted to help them restore their country.

Unfortunately, it was defeated by Muawiyah's Arab army and was annexed by the Arabs.

Gao Youdao asked, "Your country has become part of the Arab Empire, so why are you still sending people to the Tang Dynasty?"

The Tocharian minister sighed, "We've heard that the Tang Dynasty is gathering troops from the Western Regions to help Kangguo restore his country. We hope that after the Tang Dynasty helps Kangguo, they can also help us."

"Don't you want to be ruled by the Arabs?" Gao Youdao asked tentatively.

The Tocharians said, "The Arabs deceived us. They said they would no longer force us to believe in the Arab religion, but the price they paid was a head tax. The people simply couldn't afford it, so they forcibly conscripted us to the Kingdom of Little Bolor."

When the Arabs first moved eastward, they encountered strong resistance from the countries in the Western Regions because they forced others to believe in Arab religion.

Later, Muawiyah proposed that others should no longer be forced to believe in the Arab religion.

As soon as this policy was implemented, the resistance it encountered was greatly reduced.

There were even countries that sent envoys to voluntarily submit to the Arabs.

However, the Arabs did not force them to believe in the Arab religion, but those who did not believe in religion had to pay a huge head tax.

This tax was several times more than what they had paid before. Most people could not afford it at all, so they had no choice but to convert to the Arab religion.

Those who still stubbornly refused to believe in the Arab religion were forcibly transferred to the front line to participate in the war because they were unable to pay taxes.

The Tocharian king regretted his decision and secretly sent envoys to the Tang Dynasty, hoping to submit to the Tang Dynasty instead.
Compared with being a younger brother of the Arab Empire, being a younger brother of the Tang Dynasty only requires opening up trade routes and paying homage to Chang'an. The conditions are much easier.

After the Tocharian explained the situation, Gao Youdao didn't say anything more. He just wished him a safe journey and then parted ways with the caravan.

The people of the Tang Dynasty did not like people who were fickle. A country that was fickle would also be disliked.

He knew the Tang Dynasty's policy towards the Western Regions. At present, it was mainly defensive, and it was impossible for it to go to war with the Arabs for an unrelated country like Tokharistan.

Pei Xingjian was stationed in Suiye City. Gao Youdao continued to march north for four or five days and finally arrived at Suiye City.

However, upon inquiry, it was found that Pei Xingjian was not in Suiye City, but had led 3,000 Tang cavalry to Anguo.

After hearing this, Gao Youdao was secretly happy.

As long as Pei Xingjian did not neglect his duties, his task would be much easier and he could return to Chang'an as soon as possible to report.

He stayed in Suiye City for a few days, inquiring about the situation in the Western Regions. However, as he listened, he began to worry again.

According to the news from Anguo, after Pei Xingjian arrived in Anguo, he was only busy holding banquets with kings of various countries, horse racing and hunting, and had no intention of marching into Kangguo.

Gao Youdao suddenly remembered that Xue Rengui had mentioned Pei Xingjian to him.

It is said that this man is not only brave and powerful, but also good at strategy, and is both civil and military, which makes him admire him very much.

Since Xue Rengui praised this person so highly, Pei Xingjian must be no ordinary person.

Thinking of this, he decided to go to Anguo in person to observe Pei Xingjian up close to see whether he was really neglecting his duties and pursuing pleasure, or whether he had other purposes.

Anguo is located northwest of the Nine Surnames of Zhaowu and north of Kangguo.

After Kangguo was conquered by the Arabs, the most dangerous states were Anguo and Muguo.

After leaving Suiye City, Gao Youdao headed northwest, preparing to take a detour to Shiguo first.

Along the way, he carefully observed the customs and habits of the Western Regions, and when he met Tang people, he would ask them about the situation in the Western Regions.

After asking, he learned another thing.

It turned out that after the Western Turks were expelled to the Western Regions, the Nushipi tribe, which had split up, recovered its strength, established a khanate, and occupied a lot of land in the Cao and Shi states.

The countries in the Western Regions joined forces to fight several battles with the Turks, but they all lost.

Later, they sent people to the Anxi Protectorate to complain to Pei Xingjian, but Pei Xingjian sided with the Western Turks and did not punish them.

Now the Western Turks are quietly growing stronger again, and all the countries in the Western Regions are very uneasy.

It was only put aside temporarily because the threat from the Arabs was more serious.

Gao Youdao kept this matter in mind and prepared to report it to the emperor after returning home.

A few days later, Gao Youdao finally arrived at Shiguo, turned west and headed towards Anguo.

Three days later, the city wall of Anguo's capital appeared in sight.

The city wall is less than ten feet wide, not even as wide as a county town in the Tang Dynasty.

Outside the city gates, the place was bustling with activity: merchants leading camels, jugglers with snakes coiled around their necks, singers with musical instruments, and priests in long robes. As Gao Youdao entered the city, he saw a young man approaching quickly. He enthusiastically asked, "Friend, are you from Tang?" He spoke fluent Tang dialect.

Gao Youdao looked at the young man and saw that he was about twelve or thirteen years old, with a very strong build. If it weren't for his childish face, he would look like fifteen or sixteen years old.

Gao Youdao smiled at him and said, "Are you also from the Tang Dynasty?"

The young man puffed out his chest and nodded, "Yes, I am also from the Tang Dynasty. Sir, I will buy you a drink."

Gao Youdao originally thought that he was a paid tour guide, but he didn't expect that the other party, despite his young age, was actually quite generous.

"Then I'd rather obey than be disrespectful." He smiled slightly.

The two came to a roadside wine stall. Most of the wine in Shiguo was fruit wine, which tasted sour and sweet but not very strong. Gao Youdao was not used to drinking it.

After drinking two cups, he started chatting with the young man.

The young man was very talkative and friendly to him, telling him almost everything he knew.

He called himself Li Mutang, a Tang person of Khitan descent. He originally lived in Tingzhou and came to Shiguo with his father Li Moge.

Gao Youdao asked curiously, "Since you are from Tingzhou, what are you doing in Shiguo?"

Li Mutang said, "Father saw a notice on the wall outside the government office. It said that Deputy Protector Pei was planning a hunt in the Stone Kingdom and invited warriors from the Great Tang to compete with the people of the Western Regions. So father brought me here."

Gao Youdao's eyes flickered, revealing a thoughtful look.

Li Mutang added, "We were originally from Cangzhou, Hebei. Because of corruption among officials, we couldn't make ends meet, so we went to Chang'an. Fortunately, the court provided relief and moved us to Tingzhou. Our lives have gradually improved since then."

"Father said that without the imperial aid, none of us would have survived. He tried to join the army several times, but unfortunately there were too many candidates and too few spots, so he wasn't chosen. But it doesn't matter. In three years, I'll be sixteen, and I'll definitely be able to join the army in my father's place!"

Gao Youdao smiled slightly and praised: "You have great ambition. I toast to Xiaolang!"

Li Mutang grinned and did it with him.

Gao Youdao asked, "How are you doing since you moved to Tingzhou?"

Li Mutang said, "It wasn't very good at the beginning. The officials often made random arrangements. For example, the house they allocated to our family was also given to another refugee family, which caused us to fight with them. And the land was clearly stated to be 100 acres, but they only gave us 60 acres."

"Later, Governor Cui came, and everything got better. The land we owed was repaid, and we were also given a pony and two lambs. Now we have more than ten lambs. If you come to my house, I can treat you to mutton."

Gao Youdao smiled and said, "From this point of view, Governor Cui is a good official."

Li Mutang puffed out his chest and said, "Of course, there's no one in Tingzhou who doesn't like him. And he's a very good archer. He once shot an eagle to death."

Just then, there was a commotion at the city gate.

Gao Youdao didn't understand the language of the Shi people and was looking at them curiously when he suddenly saw Li Mutang jump up.

"What's wrong, Xiaolang?" he asked.

Li Mutang said anxiously, "It seems like they are talking about hunting. I'll go ask!" and ran over quickly.

After a long while, Li Mutang finally came back, his face showing half surprise and half worry.

Gao Youdao hurriedly asked, "Xiao Lang, what happened?"

Li Mutang was stunned for a moment, looking far to the south, and said, "Father followed Deputy Protector Pei and raided the Kangguo rebels!"

Gao Youdao was surprised: "What?"

Li Mutang clenched his fists and said, "I heard from them that Deputy Protector Pei was originally leading everyone to hunt in the forest in the south. I don't know how, but he suddenly led the hunters into the territory of Kangguo and raided the Kangguo rebel camp!"

Gao Youdao's eyes lit up: "I understand. He has been using hunting as a pretext to make the Kangguo rebels careless, and then he will surprise them and attack them!"

Li Mutang said blankly, "Are you saying that Deputy Protector Pei's hunting these days was all fake?"

Gao Youdao smiled and said, "Yes, think about it. When the rebel king of Kangguo knew that Pei Xingjian had summoned the chieftains of various countries, he must have guessed that he was going to lead an army to attack. Naturally, he made sufficient preparations. With the support of the Arabs behind him, it would not be easy to defeat them."

"So he deliberately drank and hunted to paralyze the rebel king of Kang State. He then took advantage of the hunting opportunity to launch a surprise attack. The rebels of Kang State were caught off guard and naturally lost."

Li Mutang frowned and said, "But our Tang army is so powerful, why not just use our main force to crush them?"

Gao Youdao glanced at him and said slowly, "Of course it's for you."

Li Mutang was stunned and asked, "We?"

Gao Youdao said, "That's right. If we lead a large army on an expedition, it will definitely cost the people money and consume a large amount of food. This money is provided by the people, and your tax burden will increase."

"Now that he has used strategy to achieve this victory at the lowest cost, isn't this a good thing for you?"

Li Mutang nodded vigorously and said, "So that's how it is. Deputy Protector Pei is indeed an extraordinary person. Daddy will be fine if he follows him!"

"Of course. The main force attacking the rebels should be the 3,000 Tang troops. Those hunters just need to follow behind to boost morale." Gao Youdao comforted.

Not long after, many hunters suddenly came in from outside the city. They were all riding on horses, carrying longbows, with excited expressions on their faces, and many of them had blood on their faces.

These hunters included people from the Tang Dynasty and those from the Nine States of Zhaowu.

Suddenly, a man in black rode into the city, looking around at the city gate.

Li Mutang shouted, "Daddy, I'm here!" and waved his hands vigorously.

The man in black was none other than Li Moge. He led his horse over and tied it to a nearby tree, laughing loudly, "What a joy! What a joy!"

Li Mutang hurriedly poured him a glass of wine and asked, "Dad, did you really follow Deputy Protector Pei to fight the Kangju rebels?"

Li Moge drank the wine in one gulp and said with a smile: "How can it be fake? Your father shot and killed three people with his own hands, and also stole this thing, you can take it and play with it."

He took out a short scimitar inlaid with gems from his waist bag.

Li Mutang took the knife and pulled out the blade. He saw striped patterns on the scimitar, and the blade was as beautiful as flowing clouds and water.

"This looks like a Persian knife." Li Mutang said happily.

Li Moge smiled and said, "I found this on an officer. Deputy Protector Pei said that as a thank you for your help, we will be allowed to take the spoils."

His eyes suddenly flashed and he looked at Gao Youdao.

"Who is this friend?"

Gao Youdao bowed and said, "I am Gao Youdao, and I came from Chang'an."

When Li Moge heard that he was from Chang'an, he was delighted and said, "Then we must have a good drink together."

The three of them immediately sat down and drank, and Gao Youdao finally learned the details from Li Moge.

It turned out that Pei Xingjian had not told them his plan in advance, and hunters from various countries thought they were following him hunting in the morning.

It was not until they reached the forest that Pei Xingjian told everyone his true purpose, saying that he wanted to lead his troops to raid the rebels of Kangguo and help Kangguo restore its country.

Those who were willing to follow him followed the Tang army, and those who were unwilling returned on the spot.

Most of those who like hunting are hot-blooded men, and they also hate the Arabs. Among the thousands of people who participated in the hunting, almost all followed the 3,000 Tang troops.

Pei Xingjian had already planned everything, so the hunters didn't have to worry about anything and just had to follow the Tang army.

Li Moge only knew that after he had followed the Tang army for more than two hours, he encountered the Kangguo rebels by a river.

The Tang army charged in the front, and the hunters followed closely behind. The Kangguo rebels had no time to react and were caught off guard.

The battle lasted for two hours and ended, and all the Kangguo rebels fled.

After Gao Youdao had a long talk with the father and son, they said goodbye.

Li Moge and his son prepare to return to Tingzhou. Gao Youdao, on a mission, remains in Shiguo to gather the latest developments.

A few days later, news came from Kangguo that Pei Xingjian, leading the armies of various countries, had captured the capital of Kangguo and helped the king of Kangguo to regain the country.

After this battle, the Tang Dynasty's reputation in the Western Regions reached its peak. Whenever Pei Xingjian walked on Anguo Road, someone would take the initiative to bring him food.

When the innkeeper learned that he was from the Tang Dynasty, he also refused to accept his money.

After Gao Youdao confirmed the news again and again, he left Shiguo and returned to Chang'an.

(End of this chapter)