Chapter 320: Classify and Observe the Dishes Below

"So this is Yiwu City?"

In the setting sun, a modest-sized city appeared before the troops, and Fang Chongyong pointed at it with his horsewhip and asked.

The city consists of an inner city nested within an outer city, and outside the outer city lies a low city—a nesting layout common in this era; the outermost low city appears to be over a thousand meters wide.

After many days of marching, Fang Chongyong's Anxi Expeditionary Army had reached the center of Yizhou, which is also the prefectural seat Yiwu City, arriving at the entrance to the Zhongtian Mountain Corridor.

Here is the junction of two major roads, branching into an "East Tian Mountain Corridor" and a "Zhongtian Mountain Corridor".

The East Tian Mountain Corridor includes part of Yizhou and all of Tingzhou, corresponding to Fang Chongyong's previous life in Hami and Urumqi.

Indeed, the Tang‑era Yiwu City was the urban area of Hami, while the Yiwu County of Fang Chongyong's past life lay far to the northeast of the Tang Yiwu City ruins, a new settlement formed after a river changed course.

Walking the corridor northwest from Yiwu City leads to Tingzhou. Of course, Fang Chongyong has no need to take that route, since they are heading to the Anxi Protectorate's encampment and must use the Zhongtian Mountain Corridor.

The end of the Zhongtian Mountain Corridor is Xizhou, corresponding to Fang Chongyong's past life in Turpan.

Xizhou's northwest connects to Tingzhou, while the road to its southwest leads to the Anxi Protectorate at Kuqa (Kuche City).

In short, the Anxi Expeditionary Army must rest in Yizhou, then continue along the Zhongtian Mountain Corridor to Xizhou for resupply, and from Xizhou's southwestern road head to Kuqa, where they will set up camp and await orders!

The previous steps can all be "retracted"; whatever is lacking can be replenished, even if it means retreating all the way to the Hexi Corridor. But once they leave Kuqa and press westward, there is essentially no way back; the army is on campaign, so they must take things as they come and pray for good fortune.

"Report to Jiedushi Fang, the area ahead is indeed Yiwu City. This is a region under Tang control, very safe. Should we enter Yiwu City first?"

Wu Cheng'en, serving as the vanguard guide, rode forward two strides and asked.

"No need. Send the order down: the whole army shall set up camp."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand, said so, and then dismounted.

The Anxi Expeditionary Army came from the south, passing many small oases, which are essentially springheads of underground rivers; there were no surface rivers in sight! Come to think of it, the shallow gullies carved by tiny streams are numerous, resembling ancient riverbeds from hydrological changes, but now only endless sand remains.

But then again, Fang Chongyong recalled a geography magazine noting that Hami's annual evaporation is three thousand milliliters, while rainfall is only fifty milliliters—a disparity that could be described as maddening.

If a river were even slightly longer, it would simply run dry here; there is no habitat for small streams at all.

Of course, Yizhou leans against the Zheluoman Mountains (another name for the Zhongtian Mountains; any peak in the Western Regions is often called "Tian Shan", all part of the Tian Shan range), so water is plentiful. Snowmelt descends the slopes, flows through Yiwu City, and sustains the people.

Since the Han expansion into the Western Regions, the Guanzhong‑exclusive "irrigation ditch" technique has been adapted here, giving rise to an artificial underground river system called "Kang'er Well", creating a city layout where water never appears on the surface.

A red sun hung over an abandoned watchtower, jagged hills, endless sand, wind‑sculpted strange rocks; as dusk deepened, the colors shifted from yellow to black, rendering the scene lifeless, like a view from hell.

It was a vast, oppressive grandeur.

Compared with the vast Western Regions, human strength is minuscule. Grandiose vows to sweep the Western Regions become, in such scenery, nothing more than a post‑meal joke.

Fang Chongyong gripped his Swift Wind Illusion Blade, his whole demeanor appearing solemn, like a statue.

He Changqi leaned in cautiously and asked, "Is the Jiedushi worried that the people of the Beiting Protectorate won't obey orders?"

"Who would dare disobey orders?"

Fang Chongyong was taken aback; he hadn't imagined anyone daring to be a troublemaker at such a critical juncture.

Even if the entire Beiting Protectorate's army rebelled, the Anxi Expeditionary Army's forces could crush them; one or two troublemakers would be nothing.

But then again, if such a foolish person truly existed, Fang Chongyong would like to ask how they have survived unharmed to this day.

"Jiedushi Fang, you may not know, but although the Anxi and Beiting Protectorates are similar to a Jiedu Prefecture, there are slight differences.

These two are more like the Southern Mountain Five Prefectures' Military Commissioners.

When real combat erupts, it's not only the stationed Tang troops that mobilize, but also local tribal forces as the situation demands.

Heh, although these tribal troops obey orders, their leaders may not be as easily commanded as subordinate officers in the army.

The Yiwu Army of Yizhou consists of mixed Hu.

The Han Hai Army of Tingzhou is Uighur.

Only the Tian Shan Army of Xizhou is primarily Han civilians.

These mixed Hu soldiers of Yizhou may not cause trouble, but those tribal leaders truly could raise the Jiedushi."

He Changqi replied with a disdainful expression.

His words were not without merit; just as the Shazhou Doulu Army and Guazhou Moli Army contain many Tujue people, the Yiwu and Han Hai armies also have large numbers of Hu. Moreover, unlike Shazhou, many of them come from nearby tribes and are "tribal soldiers."

They are neither military households, nor Long March veterans, nor settlement soldiers.

In the Great Tang military system, they are generally classified as military households or conscripts, with one form prevailing at a given time.

It could even be said that each of the Eight Immortals shows their powers, with practicality being paramount.

The sources of troops for Anxi and Beiting are complex; this is an objective fact, and probing its origins now is unnecessary—it is plainly evident.

"I have already sent Duan Xiushi to Yiwu City for liaison; you first lead the night patrol."

Fang Chongyong gave a slight nod, said so, neither confirming nor denying He Changqi's remarks, but kept a watchful eye.

The journey through the Western Regions may not be as simple as imagined.

He sighed inwardly.

Who our friends are and who our enemies are is the starting point for handling all affairs; it cannot be ignored.

Fang Chongyong's expression remained calm, as if nothing had happened; after the army set up a simple camp, he entered the commander's tent to examine the messenger's letters.

Who is the Protector of the Beiting Protectorate now?

It is someone that surprises Fang Chongyong: his name is Li Chang! Yes, the current Crown Prince. Of course, this is only a nominal appointment; in reality the Beiting Protectorate has no chief, and the Deputy Protector handles the three prefectures' military affairs.

To control the Western Regions, the court is keen on the dual military‑civil administration of the two frontier towns, Anxi and Beiting; their military and civil affairs are handled in parallel, and even the civil offices are not stationed with the main army!

Then, who is the Protector of the Anxi Protectorate now?

It is also someone Fang Chongyong did not expect: Right Prime Minister Li Linfu!

Similarly a nominal role, like Beiting, the Anxi Protectorate's actual military affairs are managed by the Deputy Protector.

Fang Chongyong understood that Ji Ge didn't want anyone to get in the way, so deliberately left the Protector position vacant, also denying the Western Regions ambassador a chance to shirk responsibility. In short, this frontier expansion game was mishandled; Fang Chongyong couldn't even find a chance to pass the buck, nor anyone to take it.

Nevertheless, regarding all the troops of Anxi and Beiting, although he cannot command each unit directly, he can redeploy them at will and exercise strategic control.

At this point, someone might raise a complaint… unlikely, right?

While Fang Chongyong was pondering this internally, a young Tang officer in a deputy‑general's uniform, appearing no older than his twenties, followed the masked Duan Xiushi into the commander's tent. Fang Chongyong set the letter down, looked at the young officer, and asked softly, "Who are you?"

"The junior officer Ma Lin pays his respects to Ambassador Fang; it was Deputy Protector Fu Menglingcha who ordered the junior officer to come. He has already prepared a banquet in the city to welcome the ambassador."

"Please have the ambassador bring his generals and follow the junior officer into the city for the banquet."

"Ma Lin's expression remained calm as he said."

"Are you of the Yiwu Army?"

"Fang Chongyong asked thoughtfully, his face revealing nothing of his thoughts."

"No, the junior officer comes from the Tianshan Army, arriving from the Western Prefecture, and is merely serving under the Deputy Protector."

"Ma Lin replied with an embarrassed expression."

"In fact this is not surprising, since the Yiwu Army is a small formation, never exceeding three thousand men, most of whom are mixed Hu troops with limited combat power. The Tianshan Army of the Northern Court Protectorate relies mainly on mounted infantry, while the Hanhai Army relies on cavalry; these two units are the main forces."

"Indeed, in the Western Regions one cannot do without horses, so whether cavalry or infantry, they all ride when marching."

"Sometimes mounted infantry is treated as cavalry, depending only on tactical needs; in actual combat the distinction is not that fine."

"Sigh, meeting you for the first time, I shouldn't be telling you such discouraging matters."

"It's just that during my previous march I burned my foot on the sand, making walking truly inconvenient."

"You say the ambassador should be carried to Yiwu City—that would be disgraceful to civility;"

"Riding into the city without dismounting would be rude arrogance;"

"Not going to Yiwu City would look down on the Northern Court's officers and soldiers; yet if I go, I fear my injury will worsen and delay the sage's great undertaking of governing the Western Regions."

"This truly puts the ambassador in a great dilemma."

"How about this: you go back and ask the Deputy Protector whether he can come to the ambassador's camp to discuss where to hold the welcome banquet and the details."

"The officers of the Anxi Expeditionary Army will also attend, so more people makes it more lively."

"Soon everyone will work together, all serving the state and the sage; such matters must be considered thoroughly."

"Of course, the ambassador not only keeps his word, but is also open to discussion."

"Just go back and tell him directly; the ambassador will never play petty games, nor deliberately make things difficult for you."

"How do you see this matter?"

"Fang Chongyong smiled and asked, his demeanor friendly and approachable."

"Hearing this, Ma Lin was dumbfounded."

"What else could there be? Does it even need to be asked? Of course I'll go back and report!"

"This is a matter no single junior commander like Ma Lin can decide!"

"Ma Lin quickly clasped his fists in salute and said, 'The junior officer will report back at once! Ambassador Fang, please wait a moment.'"

"Having said so, he hurried away."

"After Ma Lin left the commander's tent, Duan Xiushi stepped forward and said to Fang Chongyong in a low voice:"

"'I, the lowly officer, met this person halfway, chatted casually, and then turned back together. Fu Menglingcha wishes to invite the Jiedushi into Yiwu City, apparently to test the Jiedushi's depth. He has not yet clarified his own position.'"

"'When Fu Menglingcha arrives later, the Jiedushi must give him a firm warning!'"

"Fu Menglingcha is of Qiang ethnicity, a native of Chang'an, like many frontier commanders of the Western Regions, all originally from Chang'an."

"It is worth noting that he belongs to the Fu Meng clan, surname Ma, whose family still follows the Spring‑and‑Autumn‑Warring‑States style of surnames. By Tang customs, calling him Ma Lingcha is acceptable. He was a frontier commander active in the Anxi Northern Court during the mid‑Kaiyuan era, gradually rising in rank."

"Of course, he is not a 'local faction' man; he is a true native of Chang'an. People of similar origin are common among the Anxi Northern Court frontier commanders."

"'The Jiedushi arrived in the Western Regions with over ten thousand men in a grand procession; the local military and civil officials naturally feel unaccustomed and cannot tell friend from foe.'"

"'Their probing in this way is normal; there is no need to make a fuss.'"

"Fang Chongyong waved his hand casually and said."

"Fu Menglingcha appears 'ill‑intentioned', which actually shows he is not an old, seasoned veteran; his cultivation is still shallow."

"'Come, sit. The Jiedushi will discuss the Western Regions' strategy with you.'"

"Fang Chongyong invited Duan Xiushi to sit opposite him."

"'Jiedushi, please speak.'"

"Duan Xiushi sat calmly, nodded slightly and said."

"'Well, the Jiedushi asks you, why have we come to the Western Regions?'"

"Fang Chongyong asked rather casually."

"This seemingly simple question actually touches the core issue of the western expedition: what is the purpose of this war?"

"'Answer, Jiedushi: West of the Western Prefecture, even the garrison of the Anxi Protectorate, are places that cannot be held long. Once the Tang's national strength wanes even slightly, preserving the Three Prefectures of the Northern Court is the utmost we can achieve.'"

"'We are marching not to conquer but to strengthen Tang's control over the Western Regions, defending the frontier. A blind advance would likely backfire.'"

"Duan Xiushi said affirmatively."

"The Western Regions lie thousands of miles from Chang'an; they have marched here only to defend the frontier! To ordinary people, and even most of the Anxi Expeditionary Army, this is no less than"

"'almost comparable to defending against thieves inside a neighbor's bedroom.'"

"However, Fang Chongyong nodded slightly and said:"

"'Indeed, you see it clearly.'"

"'Originally, the court implements a three‑stage defense system in the Western Regions, and it's fine to tell you about it.'"

"'The first defensive line is the Three Prefectures of the Northern Court, where households are registered, many Han civilians reside, and the Tang army directly controls each city with stationed troops. Fighting here is as easy as a hand's command.'"

"'The second line is at the Anxi Protectorate located in Kucha, barely extending to Suiye. Here the Tang only garrisons core cities; other areas are delegated to local princes as governors, who are summoned for troops and supplies when war comes.'"

"'As for the third line, it comprises the twenty kingdoms west of Congling and the Persian Protectorate, where no Tang troops remain. The Tang only asks them not to side with Tibet or the Arab peoples; if anyone rebels, the Tang must march over a thousand li to punish.'"

"'We must strengthen the first line, repair the second, and advance the third.'"

"'We came to the Western Regions not for plunder, though outsiders may not understand; we are here to defend the frontier. Cause and effect cannot be reversed, purpose and means must align.'"

"'Therefore, regarding the various forces in the Three Prefectures of the Northern Court, as long as they are loyal to the Tang, we can be lenient on minor matters and need not fuss over trivial details.'"

"'We must let them feel the warmth of spring, let them know we have come to the Western Regions to bring them benefits.'"

This applies to all other forces, let alone the military and political leader of the Northern Garden Tang Army.

Fu Meng Lingcha is petty, but this Jiedushi won't bother to quarrel with him.

Fang Chongyong laughed helplessly and shook his head.

"Jiedushi Fang, you've thought this through so clearly that this humble officer doesn't know how to advise you!"

Duan Xiushi couldn't help but flatter.

"If you can't even figure out this trivial matter, then this Jiedushi will truly drag you all into hell!"

Fang Chongyong waved his hand indifferently; Duan Xiushi's flattery was painfully stiff, better not mention it.

"Jiedushi Fang, Fu Meng Lingcha has arrived! He rode a fast horse into the camp, almost being mistaken by the sentries for a raider; along the way he even lost his hair tie, and now he stands outside the commander's tent with disheveled hair, looking quite embarrassed!"

He Changqi rushed into the commander's tent to report, and while reporting he couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"What are you laughing at? Be serious!"

Fang Chongyong glared at He Changqi and sternly rebuked him in a low voice.

(End of chapter)