"The question is, what should I use to convince Guo Yuanzhen and let him take the initiative to cooperate with Niu Shizhao, who was originally under him?" He was distracted and had a little more force in brushing his teeth. The toothbrush wiped his gums, and Zhang Qian's mouth immediately smelled of blood. The salt immediately penetrated into the wound, making him frown.

Toothbrushes and fine salt are all made in workshops under the Guo family, and have basically reached the limit of technology in this era. However, compared with the toothbrushes in later generations, the comfort and safety are more than a little less.

When Zhang Qian was in Chang'an, he tried to improve his teeth, but was powerless. The role played by mobile phones in his life has become smaller and smaller without realizing it. The database on the mobile phone is all-encompassing, but it does not include such tiny technology as how toothbrushes are making. Similarly, before leaving, he risked the battery failure and looked through the data on his mobile phone for many days, but he got nothing about the conflict that occurred in the Western Regions in the second year of Jinglong!

Compared to the historical events that occurred in Chang'an City, the conflict in the Western Regions is too trivial. Therefore, it is not worthy of too much attention from later scholars. If you cannot understand the process and results of this conflict, Zhang Qian cannot do hindsight. He will not be able to find the joints and nodes of things, go with the flow, or change its direction.

Now that he wants to solve the problem, he can only rely on his own wisdom and ability to collect all possible information, find the parts related to each person involved, peel off the cocoon and thread. Then try to stand from the other party's perspective, judge the problem, and make various choices. Then compare with each other and pick out the biggest possibility.

In the Tang Dynasty, there was no Internet, and the information could not be "scanned" at once. So, so far, he had no idea about how to deal with Zhou Yiti, Guo Yuanzhen and Niu Shizhao, and let the three of them work together to deal with Soge.

He only learned that Guo Yuanzhen, the chief general of Jinshan Road, was good at pacifying the masses, and was deeply supported by Tuqi Shi, Bolu, Gelu, and even the leaders of the Western Turkic tribes. Even the great cannibals who were eyeing the west of the Pamir Mountains were extremely respectful to him. Zhou Yiti's jurisdiction was actually behind Guo Yuanzhen, closer to Chang'an.

"Although the banner that Soge only seeks Zhou Yiti and Ashina to revenge, and does not rebel against the Tang Dynasty. However, if the two places of Khotan and Gumo were controlled by him for a long time, he could cut the connection between Jinshan Road and Chang'an at any time." Suddenly, a sudden light of inspiration appeared in his mind. Zhang Qian was stunned, and his hand that reached out to the basin stopped quickly.

He seemed to understand why Guo Yuanzhen insisted on recruiting Soge instead of destroying it. Now, with his personal friendship with Soge, the Jinshan Army cannot be considered an isolated army. If the imperial army is unfavorable to conquer Soge, or if it is a long time to fight, the supplies from the Central Plains will never be able to arrive in Shule safely. At that time, his Jinshan Army will face attacks from both the Great Cannibal and Soge at the same time, and there is a risk of destruction at any time.

However, in addition to encouraging rebellion, Jinshandao is inevitably subject to Soge. With Guo Yuanzhen's years of experience in leading the army, it should not be difficult to see this. Therefore, if you want to persuade Guo Yuanzhen to agree to send troops to cooperate with the Niu Shi Award, you must not start from the overall situation, but let him see clearly that Soge's wolf ambition...

"Dongdong, dongdong, dongdong, dongdongdong..." Before Zhang could sort out a general idea in this direction, there was a low sound of war drums outside the military tent, which made the clear water in the basin ripples.

The central army beating drums gathered! After the above-mentioned captain heard the sound of drums, they had to arrive at the central army tent within a half moments. Those who violated the military law were dealt with. The army was following the army, and Zhang Qian remembered the most and clearest of all the rules. So he did not dare to be negligent, so he immediately wiped his face with a towel dipped in cold water, and then ran towards the central army with his outer robe and leather crown.

While running, they wore it. When people ran to the door of the central army tent, their outer robes and leather crowns were also neatly worn. The generals of the Zuo Xiaogu arrived one step ahead of him. Seeing that their marching commander was so angry that they ran, they immediately showed a knowing smile on their faces.

As the old team under Niu Shizhao, they instinctively rejected Zhang Qian, the marching chief who was forced into by the court in action. However, deep down in their hearts, they did not feel that Zhang Qian, the marching chief, was so annoying.

The reason is very simple. First of all, Zhang Qian is likeable, he never acts arrogantly and even regards himself as a junior, so it is difficult for everyone to find his faults based on etiquette. Secondly, Zhang Qian is generous and generous. Anywhere in need of everyone's help will definitely be rewarded. Someone once asked him for the Yaoxing Armor with a tentative attitude after answering his questions. As a result, he did not even frown his eyebrows, and even gave him a complete set of armor with a helmet and leggings.

Again, Zhang Qian doesn't like to meddle in other people's business. Since becoming the marching chief, he has been learning from everyone and asking for advice most of his time. He never pretends to understand what he doesn't understand, and he doesn't like to point fingers.

besides……

In short, compared with many advantages, Zhang Qian's military layman was not very concerned about the generals and senators. It was a custom since the founding of the Tang Dynasty that the court sent an old man who knew everything but had nostrils and pointed at him everywhere, it was better than Zhang Shaojian, an easy-going layman. At least, he would not deliberately cause trouble for everyone.

"Okay, everyone has arrived, I'll hang a map!" Niu Shizhao now appreciates Zhang Qian more than rejects. He first nodded at him kindly, and then gave a loud command.

"Yes!" Several middle-aged soldiers agreed and quickly pulled the cowhide map with a rope. In an instant, several curved black lines and several red dots fell clearly into everyone's eyes.

It is a full map of Longyou Road, including all strategic locations from sandbanks to the Aral Sea. It even includes Kunxu, which has been lost for many years, and the Persian Governor's Office.

Compared with the high-precision maps that often compare tens of millions of times in later generations, the map in front of me, which can only be regarded as a graffiti for children. However, with the recent flaws in the geography of the Western Regions, Zhang Qian still easily distinguished the locations of Yumen Pass, Shule, Shuye, Kucha, Khotan, Boxian and other cities on the map, as well as the Yaoshui, Wuhu Water and Chihe! (Note: Yaoshui, now known as the Xier River. It originated in the Tianshan Mountains and flowed into the Aral Sea. Chihe River, now known as the Tarim River.)

All cities are located next to the river. Every river is diverted, which will inevitably lead to the demise of a city or even a small country. The Tang Dynasty and the tribes of the Western Regions, and even the wars with the cannibals revolved around these rivers. Controlling a river means controlling all cities and oasis along the river, as well as all tribes living on the oasis.

Sixteen years ago, the Tang Dynasty lost control of the Yaoshui River and the Wuhu River Basin, so on the map, the Yuezhi Protectorate and the Dayuan Governor's Office were painted gray, just like the Saifeng and Persian Governor's Office. The original Anxi Governor's Office moved from the Yaoshui River Basin to the Chihe River Basin.

The four famous Anxi towns are very far apart. Among them, Shule and Kucha are close to the main trunk of the Chi River, while Khotan is located on a tributary of the Chi River, close to the Tianshan Mountains. The town of Suye that the Tang Dynasty just lost has the most superior geographical conditions. Next to it is Suye Lake (Isek Lake), and there is also a Suye River, which flows from the north, injecting live water into Suye Lake.

Judging from the map, the conflict between Guo Yuanzhen and Zhou Yiti became increasingly clear. A few months ago, Zhou Yiti defeated Shuye City, but did not lead the remaining troops to approach Shule, which was closer to Shuye. Instead, he retreated thousands of miles south along the tributary of the Chi River. He first went to Yutian to defend him, and then retreated from Yutian to Boxian. (Note: Boxian, that is, Qiemo City)

"Good news, General Zhou Yiti of the Right Guard and Ashina Zhongjie, seven days ago, regained Yutian and opened up the connection with Shule!" Niu Shizhao's voice came from behind the Zheng case again. In an instant, it caused cheers.

The generals and schoolmen of the Zuo Xiaowei were so happy that they danced. They all felt that Zhou Yiti's counterattack was relieved and timely. When Soge discovered that he might not be able to deal with the right guard alone. At this moment, the Zuo Xiaowei also rushed to Anxi, so Soge would naturally think carefully whether to continue to fight and destroy himself, or accept the "mediation" of the court, and stop when he saw that he was better.

In addition, the small fence-bearing tribes in the Chihe River Basin have always been on the side of the winners. After Soge's failure this time, the tribes will definitely rush to show goodwill to the Tang Dynasty. For Zuo Xiaowei, this means more timely news, more adequate supplies and a smoother march. How can everyone be unhappy?

"Today I'll call you and then, I want to say two things!" Niu Shizhao is a long time ago, and he has been in a state of emotion not being influenced by external news. He pressed his hand down and continued to announce loudly, "I decided to go to Qiemo River first and rush to Khotan. Although this trip was to mediate the conflict between Soge and Ashina Zhongjie, it must be after Soge took the initiative to retreat to Thunder Leaf, so that he could mediate. Otherwise, it would only encourage Soge's arrogance and make him more arrogant!"

"The handsome man is wise!"

"I'll fight first. If he hurts him, he will naturally be able to talk about it!"

"The barbarians fear power but do not have virtue. Proposing mediation now is equivalent to showing weakness!"

"Although Ashi's loyalty is not a good thing, he is at least respectful to the Tang Dynasty at present."

"Master General gives the order, no one dares to refuse!"

...

In an instant, the response sounded throughout the central army. The generals and the schoolmen were ready to arrive at the battlefield as soon as possible and gave Soge a blow.

"The second thing!" Niu Shizhao pressed his hand down again and added with a smile, "This trip carried a lot of baggage, which was enough for me, Zuo Xiaowei, to use it for a whole year. The soldiers are very fast. If I want to support Zhou Yiti, I will definitely not be able to carry so much baggage. Therefore, someone needs to take most of the baggage, go to the sea of ​​calamus, and go to Kucha along the Chi River. And work with Kucha guard Chang Shuxin, beware of the shocking rush to jump over the wall!"

The response in the central army tent disappeared immediately. Everyone turned their eyes to Zhang Qian, hoping that he could volunteer to take on the task of escorting the baggage and head to Kucha.

"Master General, Zhang is not in military affairs, and he can't help even if he goes to Yutian. He is willing to escort supplies for everyone!" Zhang Qian was not originally a person who likes to rob merit. He stood up with a smile and asked Niu Shizhao for advice.

"Since the chief minister is willing, Niu will not be polite to the chief minister." Appreciating Zhang Qian's eyesight, Niu Shicai nodded with satisfaction and grabbed a command arrow from the commander's case. However, before he could hand the command arrow to Zhang Qian's hand, a sudden sound of horse hooves came from outside the central army's tent. Immediately afterwards, a scout covered in mud stumbled in, "Report, the Grand General, the Tuqi Shi Tu chief Sage, and the Turkic general Ashina Lu, joined forces to advance eastward. Axiyan, the two cities of Liang Gulu were lost, and Kucha City was in danger. General Chang asked the Grand General to send troops to support quickly, otherwise he would be alone!"

In the central army tent, there was a silence. All the generals and officers stared at the scouts blankly, unable to believe every word they heard!

Only Niu Shizhao, although his face became extremely ugly, his mind still did not lose his calmness. He quickly walked out of the back of the case, helped the scout up with his own hands, and told softly: "Tell me slowly and carefully. I will definitely go to rescue Kucha, but I must understand the specific situation there."

"Soge, I got the full support of the Turkic chief Mo Chuo, and gathered 20,000 cavalrymen and more than 30,000 servants from each unit, risking their lives to invade the east." The scout was breathless, but tried to describe the military situation in a complete manner. "A Xiyan, there were not many defenders in the two cities of Liangguluo, and the Turks in the city took the opportunity to cause trouble. Therefore, both cities were lost one after another after less than three days."

"Where is Chang Shuxin, what did he do? I remember that he still has more than 15,000 people in his hands!" Niu Shizhao was so angry that his eyes turned red, and he gritted his teeth and continued to ask.

"General Chang wanted to take advantage of Soge's foothold and catch him off guard." The scout lowered his head and did not dare to look at Niu Shizhuo. "General Chang had already secured the victory, but as a result, Turkic general Ashina Lu, led another 5,000 cavalry to kill him from behind. General Chang was attacked from both sides and had to retreat to Kucha. Then, Tuqishi and the Turkic coalition forces rushed to the city of Kucha!"

"Damn it!" Niu Shixuan whispered, not knowing whether it was scolding Chang Shuxin for being confused or Sa Ge for being shameless.

He verbally called for Ashina Zhongjie and Zhou Yiti to take revenge, not to betray the Tang Dynasty. However, Soge even took the broken leaves, and Yutian was not satisfied, so he rushed to Kucha, the core of the Anxi Protectorate! What kind of face does the Tang Dynasty have to "mediate"?

And Chang Shuxin is also a fool. She is obviously enough to defend Kucha with 15,000 brothers, but she has to go outside the city to fight with Soge. Now, the field battle has not been won, and there are not enough troops to defend the city!!

"The Grand Chief Manager, there are only five thousand remaining soldiers in Kucha City, and they can't be defended for a few days!" After seeing Niu Shizhao cursing, there was no sound. The scout knelt down again and kowtowed heavily, "The Grand Chief Manager, Shule, and Yutian cannot send news! The Grand Chief Manager, you are the only one who can save Kucha. If you don't go, once the city is broken, more than 100,000 Han men and women in the city will definitely be attacked by Soge's poisonous hands!"

"Save, I will lead the army to save you!" Niu Shixuan nodded with gritted teeth, his eyes slowly turned to Zhang Qian, and the expression on his face changed.

Since Soge led all the troops to attack Kucha, the leader of the Khotan side could not be Soge himself, and the troops could not be Soge's main force. In other words, the reason why Zhou Yiti was able to recapture Yutian was entirely because Soge changed the direction of the battle, rather than the effective combat of the Right Guard.

However, his previous decision to divide troops into two groups was completely based on being misled by the news of good news, so he definitely could not continue to implement it. However, if he changed his course immediately, Niu Shizhao himself did not care about his face, but he had to consider the attitude of Zhang Qian, the chief of the marching commander.

However, Zhang Qian's performance was far more expert than Niu Shizhao expected. Not only did he not continue to entangle in the previous decision to divide the troops, he also offered loudly, "Rescue soldiers are like putting out fires. The general manager led the soldiers to rescue Kucha. He went down the road to Qiemo River, went to Khotan and Shule, contacted Zhou Yiti and Guo Yuanzhen, and attacked Gumo and Weitou states separately to intimidate Soge's retreat. Winter came early here. As long as he persisted in the first snow, Soge had nowhere to shelter in the wild, and there was only one way to retreat."

"In this way, it will be a blessing for Changshi Zhang!" This is the first time since he left Chang'an, Niu Shizhao has treated Zhang Qian as a colleague, nodded and bowed solemnly.

The military situation is urgent, and he can no longer temporarily draw troops from Gua and Sha states. The current 10,000 soldiers of Zuo Xiaogu are fighting in field with 50,000 thunder cavalrymen, and there is no hope of winning. Therefore, even if he rushed to Kucha now, he could only enter the city and wait for assistance.

Therefore, the key to this battle is not Kucha, but whether Zhou Yiti and Guo Yuanzhen can cooperate in time. If Zhou and Guo can take the initiative to attack and disperse half of Soge's troops, the city of Kucha will be as solid as a god. The Tuqi tribes have always been poor. This time, with Soge attacking Kucha this time, it will be difficult for Soge to gather so many of its troops and compete with the Tang army on the battlefield!

"The chief executive sent many scouts. Although Kucha was in danger, be careful to attack the aid of Soge!" Although Zhang Qian knew nothing about military affairs, he understood the truth about making mistakes in his busy schedule. After thinking about it, he whispered to remind him in a low voice.

Niu Shizhao listened to Zhang Qian's reminder seriously, and then he immediately pointed his head again, "I don't have to worry about it, Zhang Changshi should be more careful. Let's go to Puchanghai first, and then you go to the Qiemo River to Khotan, and I go to the Chihe River to Kucha!"

Since the commander and the marching chief Shi had reached an agreement, of course, no one of the other generals and schoolmen would object. So, everyone worked together to divide the baggage into two parts of different sizes. The smaller one was carried by the soldiers, and the larger one was handed over to Niu Shouyi, nephew of the Niu Shizhuo clan, who led Min Zhuang and took it to Luntai City less than two hundred miles away from Kucha.

Immediately, the troops of each unit quickly packed up their luggage, and after using the food, they set off. They first went to Puchanghai together, and then divided into two groups!

At this time, Yumen Pass was the old pass, located west of Shazhou, on the bank of Xinghubo, only 400 miles away from Puchanghai. The soldiers of the Zuo Xiaogu had enough horses to carry with them. Without cherishing the lives of the mount, they only took two and a half days to reach their destination.

Knowing that he would inevitably be blocked by the thunder cavalryman, Niu Shizhao did not dare to underestimate the enemy, suppressed his anxiety and ordered everyone to set up camp on the Puchang Sea, rest for a while and one night. Then, he waved goodbye to Zhang Qian. (Note: Puchang Sea, namely Lop Nur.

"The chief executive does not need to be too anxious. When necessary, he can protect the people and retreat to Quli. People are more important than cities. As long as people are there, the city will be regained sooner or later!" Seeing Niu Shizhao's white hair within two days, Zhang Qian couldn't help but whisper a warning.

There are nearly a thousand miles from Puchanghai to Kucha. Although there are oasis rich in water and plants along the way, there is no need to worry about the supply of tamsui. However, long-distance attacks will inevitably suffer great physical energy. Judging from Soge's previous achievements, this person is extremely cunning in using troops. In 100, he will give up his attack on Kucha and give Zuo Xiaowei a head-on blow.

"Don't worry, I will rectify my troops in Quli, and then choose to continue walking on the north bank of the Chihe River according to the situation, or turn to Tiemenguan to Luntai." I am not used to being repeatedly reminded by a younger generation of the same age as my grandson. However, Niu Shizhao still turned around gratefully and smiled and clasped his fists at Zhang Qian, "It's your first time in the Western Regions, I let you go to Khotan alone..."

"You might as well, I can hold on!" Zhang Qian smiled and bowed, then took out a simple monocular telescope from behind the saddle and handed it to Niu Shizhuo together with the box. "This thing is given to the main supervisor. Although it is a little rough, when standing at a high place, you can see figures five miles away at any time."

"Really?" Niu Shizhao couldn't believe his ears, so he took the monocular lens and put it on his eyes to carefully ponder. Soon, under the guidance of Zhang Qian, he learned to adjust the focal length and observe the situation of the scouts who set out first.

It is not very clear, it gives people a feeling, nor is it very comfortable. However, through the armor of the soldiers with the colors of the flags several miles away, it can be completely distinguished. This made the old general feel refreshed again. He put away his telescope and bowed again, "Thank you, my friend, after this battle, Niu will hold a banquet in Kucha, thank you for your help!"

"The old general is here to succeed!" Knowing that time is tight, Zhang Qian didn't talk much, and he smiled and bowed back.

Both sides nodded at each other again, and saw a little appreciation from each other's eyes. Then, they returned to their team, one in the south and one in the north, and rode their horses quickly.

Autumn in the Western Regions came early, and it was only the beginning of the ninth month of the lunar calendar. The riverside was already in a state of sternness. Less than two miles away from the riverside, the oasis became the Gobi, and then it turned into an endless desert.

"Ao-Ao-Ao-Ao-Ao-Ao-" The howling of the wild wolf sounded in the poplar bushes not far away, and soon, it resounded across the banks of the Qiemo River.

The closer it gets to winter, the less food it is. As a predator, wild wolves do not think that a team of more than 200 people can pose a great threat to them. Instead, they look forward to someone in the team or horses being left behind after they get sick and becoming the bloody food they say.

"Grandma, no wonder someone wants to recommend me as the chief of the marching army to mediate all parties!" Looking back at the team that seemed to have suddenly become dozens of times smaller, and looking at the empty and desolate four fields, Zhang Qian couldn't help but shake his head and smile bitterly.

From Puchanghai to Boxian (Qianmo) City, it is about 800 miles. From Boxian City to Yutian, there are nearly 900 miles. From Yutian to Shule, it is six hundred miles. On this 2,300-mile long road, there are dozens of tribes that are difficult to distinguish between us, and a large number of horse thieves appear. If your luck is a little worse, you may "disappear out of thin air" and you will never return to Chang'an to get in the eyes of others in the future.

Don’t say that history is very ordinary. Even if you learn it well, Zhang Qian may not know that in the same autumn in another time and space, Feng Yanbin, the chief censor who was sent to Khotan to appease Ashina's loyalty, and Lu Shousu, the attendant censor who came to deal with the civil affairs of the four towns, were attacked by the heavy army of Soge because of his whereabouts because his whereabouts were leaked.

In that time and space, Feng Yanbin was killed in battle, and Ashina Zhongjie and Lu Shousu were captured alive. Then, Soge beheaded Ashina Zhongjie, tied Lu Shousu to the formation, and cut it into pieces. However, after the Tang Dynasty court, he followed Guo Yuanzhen's suggestion and appointed Suge as the Khan of the fourteen surnames, and both sides turned swords into jade!

"Sir, someone is catching up behind you!" The personal captain Guo Jing suddenly approached Zhang Qian and whispered a warning.

"How many people? Ask all brothers to stop and prepare to form a formation!!" Zhang Qian quickly leaned over, took out another primitive telescope from the back of the pack horse next to him, and carefully observed behind him.

"No need to form a formation. Tell the brothers to rest on the spot for a quarter of an hour, and it is his own people!" The next moment, he changed his mind again, and at the same time, his smile surged.

There were three people and more than a dozen horses in the telescope. He was so familiar with the three faces on the horse's back.
Chapter completed!