Chapter 354: Does the Ten Surname Khagan Wear a Hat?

Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya has recently become quiet, staying all day in the relay inn and keeping a low profile, but her mission staff still looked restless; someone in the mission disguised themselves and left the Ili River Valley, sneaking westward. Fang Chongyong sent people to tail them and discovered they only went to Suiye Town, loitered around Suiye City, and made contact with a slave trader.

They didn't meet any notable individuals, and in the end they actually returned the same way.

Che Guangqian beat the slave trader to a pulp but still extracted nothing; the trader insisted that Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya's attendant was only there to inquire about prices. Che Guangqian tried every method, yet the slave trader wouldn't speak, not even revealing the identities of those people.

In helplessness, Che Guangqian ordered her men to record the entire itinerary of Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya's mission members and send it to Bagua City for Fang Chongyong to review. She also boldly speculated that the mission might be plotting treason, selling the already dethroned princess to the slave trader for a high price, after which everyone would flee the world.

Such a melodramatic conjecture made Fang Chongyong, the West Frontier envoy whose belly harbors much ill, click his tongue in amazement.

Slave masters cheating their lords, subordinates rebelling against superiors—these stories have been performed for millennia; under the sun there truly is nothing new.

However, the Stone Kingdom has already been destroyed by Gao Xianzhi, and Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya is nothing but a shrimp; apart from her bewitching body that drives men mad, she has become worthless.

Fang Chongyong doesn't care at all what this scheming woman is plotting, nor what the people in her mission intend to do; he has more important matters to attend to now.

That day, Fang Chongyong summoned all the generals to the prefectural office to discuss major affairs. Seeing everyone present, he looked around and asked, "Can anyone tell me how Suiye Town is doing now?"

In the main hall, the people stared at each other, unsure what to say, for after all, they know no more about the western peoples' customs than Fang Chongyong does.

Suddenly, the recording officer Feng Changqing, standing by Fang Chongyong, raised his hand and, with a humble tone, asked, "Ambassador Fang, I know a few things; may I speak them here?"

"Sure, start from after Su Lu Khagan; the earlier events are already known to everyone."

Fang Chongyong gave a slight nod, indicating his approval.

"Originally, the Tujishi tribes had two major clans under the great leaders Mo Hedagan and Du Modu; these two clans were the strongest, but they were at odds with Su Lu. Later, Mo Hedagan and Du Modu conspired and, in the dead of night, assassinated Su Lu, leaving the various Tujishi tribes leaderless and in chaos."

The court seized the opportunity to destroy the Tujishi Khaganate.

After the war, the court appointed Ashina Huaidao's son Ashina Xin as the Ten Surname Khagan, to command the Western Turkic and Tujishi tribes, but the court's decision faced strong opposition from Mo Hedagan, who had previously contributed greatly.

When Ashina Xin arrived at Julan City southwest of Suiye, he was killed by Mo Hedagan, shocking the court and the realm.

Thus the court ordered Deputy Protector Fu Menglingcha of the Northern Court to dispatch troops against Mo Hedagan, defeat him and behead him. After the war, they installed Yilidi Mishi Guduo Lupi Jia, formerly of Su Lu's tribe, as the Ten Surname Khagan.

He is the current administrator of Suiye Town.

Feng Changqing spoke at length.

Since Emperor Gaozong, Suiye Town has never returned to Tang's actual jurisdiction, always governed by a tributary policy. Moreover, its geography has shifted completely from semi‑agricultural to nomadic!

The walls of Suiye City lie in ruins, unrepaired. Whether Tujishi or Turkic, they are tribal societies that do not need to garrison cities. Thus Suiye Town's city is merely a hub for housing temples and trading goods.

The Tujishi Khagan only sends people into the city to maintain basic order and collect trade taxes.

The so‑called "city" here is a completely different concept from cities under Tang control.

"Hmm, Feng, you've spoken well.

Now Ambassador, let me ask you about that someone—yes, the one whose name is too long to remember—how is the current Ten Surname Khagan of Suiye Town?"

Fang Chongyong frowned slightly and asked.

He already had an idea in mind, but still wanted to hear others' opinions, believing that hearing all sides brings clarity.

"Ambassador, the Ten Surname Khagan Yilidi Mishi Guduo Lupi Jia is unruly yet shrewd and cunning. He appears obedient to Tang outwardly, but secretly maintains ties with the Arab state and the Tubo people, playing both sides. I think this man is untrustworthy."

Feng Changqing said with great certainty, his tone now resolute, no longer the usual humility.

"What do you all think?"

Fang Chongyong looked around the group and asked.

"The Jiedushi means that we must…"

Duan Xiushi made a throat‑slashing gesture, his tone hesitant.

"Hey, what's the point? Let's just go and kill that so‑called … Khagan."

He Changqi patted his round head and shouted.

"Feng, you go to Suiye Town yourself and find the Tujishi Ten Surname Khagan."

Fang Chongyong paused, then continued: "Tell him that a Tang spy has learned of the Black‑clad Arab Governor of Huo Luoshan, Aibumusulin, and has written him a secret letter. The letter stipulates that when the Arab army attacks the Stone Kingdom, Kang Kingdom, and other places from the west, the Tujishi will cooperate with the Arab state to cut off the Tang army's retreat.

This matter is of great importance; I myself do not know its truth, so have him come to Bagua City to explain."

"Come to the Ili River Valley?"

The generals stared at each other, all feeling that Fang Chongyong was being rather fanciful.

Indeed, Suiye Town is not far from the Ili River Valley, but the two sides differ greatly in geography, and in population, tribes, and Tang's control, the gap is even wider.

If the Tujishi Ten Surname Khagan were guilty, he would certainly not come.

No, it can almost be said with certainty that he will absolutely not come! Whether or not he colludes with the Arabs!

"Jiedushi, it seems we have no grasp of the Black‑clad Arab Governor of Huo Luoshan's situation! And what about this secret letter?"

Wang Nande asked with a puzzled expression.

"Military secrets; it's normal that you don't know."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand lightly, saying it without concern.

Of course he could not admit that he had fabricated it.

Naturally, the excuse fits wartime logic. If the Black‑clad Arab side has any trump card, the remnant Tujishi forces in Suiye Town would likely be the Black‑clad Arab Governor Aibumusulin's decisive move.

Then, as long as the Tujishi Ten Surname Khagan blocks the Tang army's supply routes and pretends to be bandits raiding, that will suffice; there's no need for the Tujishi leader to openly rebel against Tang.

Since the Tang forces lack direct means to control Suiye Town, they must rely on the Tujishi to maintain the supply routes.

One must admit, warfare is all calculation; by the moment battle erupts, the outcome is often already decided—those who calculate more win, those who calculate less lose.

Fang Chongyong simply likes to calculate things in advance, to avoid being calculated by others later.

"Jiedushi, what if this Ten Surname Khagan doesn't come?"

He Changqi asked, then immediately regretted it and slapped his own ear.

"Dare not come?"

If this Ten Surname Khagan dares not come to the Ili River Valley, then Fang Chongyong will lead troops to trouble him and replace him with another Ten Surname Khagan!

Anyway, the Ten Surname Khagan is just a title; as long as the title exists, Fang Chongyong doesn't care who bears it.

"Set out early; we depart today."

Fang Chongyong looked at Feng Changqing and said.

"Please rest assured, Ambassador Fang, your humble subordinate will certainly not disgrace the mission!"

Feng Changqing, his face excited, clasped his fists in salute and said, "If we can handle this matter properly, the battle merits will certainly not be lacking."

"Hmm, do the job well; start preparing right now."

Fang Chongyong dismissed Feng Changqing. Seeing the generals all eager to act, he sneered:

"What are you anxious about? Don't you understand the principle of a justified campaign? Even if we have to strike Tujishi, we must first concoct… a suitable reason before we can mobilize!"

"Border eunuch, quickly submit a memorial to the Sage, stating that the ten‑surname Khans of Suieye Town harbor treasonous intentions, plotting against Great Tang."

"Hope the Sage will grant this ambassador full authority to handle it conveniently, lest the front line changes too rapidly for us to intervene, leading to unforeseen complications."

Bian Lingcheng, stared at by him until his hair stood on end, nodded vigorously, "Ambassador Fang, rest assured, the Sage will not mind these official matters; we will write them right now."

While speaking, he actually began grinding ink on the spot and writing, leaving the generals staring in astonishment!

This border eunuch truly is no ordinary person! Fang Chongyong's endless tactics have terrified him into obedience!

"Everyone, from now on, organize the troops and prepare for battle; we may set out at any moment. Let's go!"

Fang Chongyong rose and waved his hand grandly, offering no explanation as to why the ten‑surname Khans came to Bagua City and why the Western Frontier Expeditionary Army must also ready for combat.

After the generals departed, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Yesterday, the report from the person sent back by Che Guangqian said that the Tang army under Gao Xianzhi had been looting the Stone Kingdom, inciting great popular anger, and was now ready to set out.

It seems the moment for the black‑clad Great Abbasid to act is now imminent!

Fang Chongyong then decided to decisively eliminate the anti‑Great Tang forces in the Suieye area, clearing any rear‑ward worries before the main army's expedition. Acting now should not alert the enemy, and of course further delay is unsuitable.

……

Late at night, in the annex of the inn where Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya resided, the delicate Stone Kingdom princess was bound like a rice dumpling, her mouth gagged with a strip of cloth.

She glared angrily at the delegation leader before her, a man called Ali and also a distant relative, utterly baffled why he bought off the delegation's guards and then suddenly turned hostile, binding her completely with malicious intent.

"Princess, oh no, you are now just cargo."

The Stone Kingdom no longer exists, but your status as a princess should fetch a good price with the slave traders.

"Tsk tsk, if it weren't for the higher price of a virgin, I'd already want to test your precious body and see what it feels like."

Ali said expressionlessly.

Though his words were lewd, it was clear he did not truly pursue beauty, or rather, besides her noble status, Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya's beauty was not irreplaceable.

As long as there is money, what stunning Hu beauty can't be obtained? Is it necessary to seek pleasure specifically with Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya?

"Woooo!"

Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya lay on the bed, angrily cursing something, but her mouth was stuffed with cloth, unable to utter a word.

At this moment none of her lofty aristocratic aura showed; she resembled a cornered Chihuahua whimpering.

At that moment, the door was pushed open! He Changqi led a few sharp troops rushing in.

Fang Chongyong, leaning against the doorframe, teased Ali, "Eh? Keep going. What are you looking at this Jiedushi doing? We're just here for the fun. Whatever you intend to do, just finish it."

"Ambassador Fang, spare me! I was just about to bind the princess and send her to you! I didn't expect you to arrive first."

"We'll leave now; we won't hinder your good business!"

Without a second thought, Ali knelt down immediately!

Tang troops are everywhere here; their courage pales compared to the enemy's arms!

Fang Chongyong was too lazy for words, merely waved his hand lightly.

He Changqi sneered, raised his knife, and a slash pierced Ali's throat, blood splattering onto the face of the immobilized Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya on the bed.

The other attendants in the room were instantly cut down by Yinqiang Xiaojie Army's sharp troops. Soon, the choking stench of blood filled the entire chamber.

"I told you to take the person away; I never ordered a killing."

"You made the house so filthy; when imperial officials come later, they'll still have to stay!"

Fang Chongyong looked helplessly at He Changqi and complained.

"Apologies, Jiedushi, your humble subordinate is accustomed, accustomed."

He Changqi, embarrassed, patted his head and gave a signal to his personal soldiers.

Everyone dragged the corpses out of the room; soon only Fang Chongyong and the terrified Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya remained on the bed.

"The saint's subjugation technique truly leaves one without praise."

"If you lack power, your subordinates would bind you and sell you to the slave traders of Suieye Town."

"I didn't incite them to do this, did I? One shouldn't fail to this extent, right?"

Fang Chongyong stepped forward, removed the cloth from Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya's mouth, then looked at the unlucky Stone Kingdom princess with a patronizing, clueless gaze.

Had he not kept an informant inside the inn, constantly monitoring the situation, this self‑important yet shallow Stone Kingdom princess would have been dead long ago.

It also helped that Ali was greedy; otherwise he would have raped the princess, killed her, hidden the body, and left Yili unnoticed, leaving Fang Chongyong no time to rescue.

One must admit, Che Guangqian truly is an intelligence asset. He even guessed the internal strife of the princess's delegation and the plan to sell her to slave traders. Fang Chongyong couldn't help but marvel that the Tang army indeed hides dragons and crouches tigers, producing many talents.

"Ambassador Fang, could you untie the ropes on me?"

Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya, seeing Fang Chongyong lost in thought, couldn't help but remind him.

"If I don't want to be untied, what will you do to me?"

Fang Chongyong, upright and confident, retorted.

Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya was so rebuffed she could not speak; indeed she truly could not do anything to him.

Nonetheless, Fang Chongyong merely said it offhand, and conveniently untied the ropes.

"Y‑You, take me to bathe…"

Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya looked at Fang Chongyong timidly, her gaze like a newly‑brought‑home pet.

"Will you walk yourself, or shall I carry you?"

Fang Chongyong was almost laughing in anger at her; when asking for help, she never said "please," full of aristocratic bad habits.

"You, you carry me."

Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya said something that made Fang Chongyong feel surprised; he had thought this proud saintess would walk on her own.

Well, but thinking about it, it also made sense.

The women of the Western Regions, their open customs are indeed quite different from those of the Central Plains. Although Anaye has foreign blood, she essentially grew up in Liangzhou, so her personality is more traditional.

Fang Chongyong suddenly understood, and without being pretentious, he directly hoisted Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya in his arms and walked out of the inn reeking of blood.

He carried Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya to the doorway, where He Changqi and the others saw him, and they all whistled wildly at the saintess in his arms.

Even if the Western Regions' customs were even more open, Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya felt embarrassed, burying her head in Fang Chongyong's chest, pretending to be an ostrich.

The two arrived at the greenhouse (the bathing room), and Fang Chongyong saw that Anaye had already prepared hot water. He set Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya down, gave Anaye a look, and said, "It's up to you."

"My lord, please rest assured; I know what to do."

Anaye's beautiful eyes narrowed into a slit, and she nodded at him with a smile.

(End of chapter)