Chapter 362: The Great Food Troops Are Weak

In the deep autumn of the ninth year of Tianbao, Gao Xianzhi adopted a "march out by day, return by night" plan; the main army set out during daylight, with some soldiers being Stone Country slaves dressed in Tang army uniforms to masquerade, and at night most of the Tang troops returned to the main camp outside Zhezhi City while a small contingent escorted slaves to Dalosi City.

Thus the cycle repeated for several days, deceiving the Great Food spies and making Abu Musilin believe the Tang army had withdrawn the mobile units that could retreat easily, leaving only the slow foot soldiers who handled baggage.

After completing the strategic deception, Gao Xianzhi was certain Abu Musilin would adopt a "mid‑way strike" to cut off the Tang army's supplies, then the main force would pursue to Dalosi City and defeat the smaller Tang contingent.

Based on this prediction, Gao Xianzhi personally led the finest 5,000 light cavalry of the Anxi Army, setting out at dusk, riding over a hundred li, and catching the black‑clad Great Food troops off guard, launching a night raid on the forward camp that Abu Musilin had positioned near Juzhan Ti City.

The Great Food army never expected the Tang forces to move south and strike first; while the Kang Country garrison watched idly, the Tang night raid set the camp ablaze, and after losing its formation the Great Food troops were slaughtered by the Tang light cavalry in a one‑sided massacre. Many were trampled in the chaos, and in the darkness those who failed to obtain weapons met a confused death.

In that single battle, Gao Xianzhi reduced the Great Food forward troops to complete loss of combat ability, delivering a crushing blow to Abu Musilin.

It also left the royal houses of the southern Stone Country, who had secretly aligned with the black‑clad Great Food of Kang Country and Shi Country, in constant dread. Caught between the black‑clad Great Food and the Tang, they could not provoke Abu Musilin, who commanded a hundred thousand troops, nor could they affront Gao Xianzhi, who kills like mowing grass.

Thus Kang Country and Shi Country each sent envoys, who traveled via many twists to Broken Leaf City, seeking an audience with Fang Chongyong to resolve the dispute.

At the same time, Gao Xianzhi's boastful battle report arrived on Fang Chongyong's desk.

After hearing of these events, Fang Chongyong, who was busy managing Broken Leaf Town's logistical supply lines, was completely baffled.

The direction of the front‑line battles seemed to differ slightly from his prior estimates.

…

"Gao Xianzhi actually won?"

Fang Chongyong examined the battle report in his hand over and over; it was only a few sheets of paper, yet he kept double‑checking, even looking for any hidden layers.

When he was sure the report contained no "secrets" and, after receiving the intelligence gathered by Che Guangqian, he finally concluded that Gao Xianzhi had indeed performed splendidly.

However, if Gao Xianzhi had done so well, then Fang Chongyong, the Western Regions campaign ambassador, would look like a clown, which is no good omen.

"Jiedushi, Gao Xianzhi truly won, and it was a one‑sided crushing."

"Gathering information inside Broken Leaf City is not difficult; many people know about this."

Feng Changqing compiled the information he had gathered and handed it to Fang Chongyong for review.

"Since the Great Food have been repelled, why doesn't Gao Xianzhi turn back to Broken Leaf City?"

Fang Chongyong raised another inner doubt. His own scheming had not been disclosed to anyone, not even Feng Changqing; what exactly was Gao Xianzhi aiming to achieve with his actions?

"Jiedushi, I, the junior officer, think Gao Xianzhi has grand designs.

If this turnback is merely to crush the Great Food's forward troops, the main Great Food army is still present, and the Tang forces cannot remain here for long.

Even if Gao Xianzhi wins, it is only a light reprimand of the Great Food. When the Tang army eventually leaves, this place will remain the Great Food's realm.

Perhaps Gao Xianzhi intends to finish his work in a single battle, wiping out the Great Food's elite in one go. That is why he deliberately shuttled back and forth between Zhezhi City and Dalosi City."

Feng Changqing is very familiar with the Western Regions situation, so the black‑clad Great Food are not unfamiliar to him; his opinion is highly targeted.

Fang Chongyong nodded slightly; he also felt that if Gao Xianzhi merely intended to seize Stone Country's treasure and flee, he would have already done so and had no need to linger here.

Presumably Gao Xianzhi knows well that if he cannot achieve military accomplishments and significantly curb the black‑clad Great Food's invasion, his future plundering of Stone Country will eventually be repaid, with accountability.

As long as he can win and control the Western Regions, the earlier looting of Stone Country will be erased, and after returning to Kuizhi Town, he will continue to rise in rank and wealth.

This is not Gao Xianzhi's idle fantasy; since the founding of the Tang, this has been the rule. Open plundering was not limited to Gao Xianzhi, and in the end only the greedy, unearned fool gets dealt with.

Moreover, if Gao Xianzhi can accomplish what Fang Chongyong wishes to do but cannot, with only this modest force, does that not prove he is the true superstar of the Western Regions?

He probably still harbors that ambition, though he would never admit it directly.

Gao Xianzhi says nothing, but Feng Changqing has already seen through it, and Fang Chongyong naturally has as well.

This is a situation adults often encounter in the arena of fame and profit.

Fierce rivals, ambitious peers, scheming subordinates, unreasonable CEOs, and wildly independent business backbones.

"Then how do you think… this ambassador should reply to Gao Xianzhi's battle report? He has reported many merits for his Anxi forces."

Fang Chongyong asked calmly, intending to test Feng Changqing.

Gao Xianzhi's list of claimed merits contained over a thousand names—truly a lion's gaping mouth!

To that end, Gao Xianzhi even used an extra‑long sheet of paper to write the names and deeds, rolled it into a scroll and sent it!

Fang Chongyong and the others, after seeing it, all inhaled a sharp gasp of cold air.

"I, the junior officer, think that even if Gao Xianzhi's reported merits are not given to the Jiedushi, he can bypass the Jiedushi and present them directly to the court. Thus the Jiedushi need only issue a standard reply.

As for Gao Xianzhi's suggestion that he should not easily withdraw from Stone Country, the Jiedushi must agree. If anything goes wrong later, Gao Xianzhi will bear full responsibility, with the merit letters as proof.

The recommendation the Jiedushi should write is to advise Gao Xianzhi to withdraw from Stone Country promptly and rejoin us at Broken Leaf, while emphasizing that he may act cheaply.

Feng Changqing spoke slowly, his reasoning very clear.

In short: fully grant Gao Xianzhi's requests, continue to let him act unilaterally in Stone Country, but remind him to turn back quickly lest his smaller force be bullied by the Great Food.

After speaking, Feng Changqing immediately wrote down his argument and handed it to Fang Chongyong for review.

"You, as a clerk‑officer, are too modest; when the chance arises, I, the ambassador, will certainly promote you to command troops alone."

After reading Feng Changqing's writing, Fang Chongyong clapped his hands and laughed heartily.

"Thanks for the Jiedushi's grace; I, the junior officer, feel unworthy…"

Feng Changqing replied with exaggerated humility, but Fang Chongyong cut him off.

"I, the ambassador, am not flattering you; you truly are a modest clerk‑officer. Once this turnback to Hexi occurs, your promotion is inevitable.

Go, summon the envoys from Kang Country and Shi Country here."

Fang Chongyong dismissed Feng Changqing, instantly wearing a wry smile.

Damn, how is Gao Xianzhi so "overwhelmingly strong"? Could it really be as he said… "Great Food troops are weak"?

At this moment, Fang Chongyong fell into deep self‑doubt. His scheme was solid; the surprise cavalry subdued the tribe smoothly and exposed Abu Musilin's rear move.

But why didn't the front line follow the script he had envisioned?

Thirty thousand Great Food forward troops, after being night‑raided by five thousand Tang light cavalry, lost all combat capability and withdrew from the battle order.

Such a thing, can you believe it?

Fang Chongyong didn't think his prediction was wrong; he could only say the world is too fantastical.

Wait!

Fang Chongyong suddenly recalled that decades ago, the White‑clad Great Arab had also been beaten by the Tujue rider Su Lu, and the gap in troop strength was considerable.

While pondering these chaotic matters, he saw two middle‑aged men dressed in the typical Sogdian attire enter the commander's tent; both sported neatly trimmed moustaches, and their hair and clothes were well groomed, giving them a very solemn appearance.

The Shi Country is now, in name, a prefecture under Kang Country called Qusha Prefecture, yet it still retains relative independence.

"I, Kang Suobo, request an audience with the Envoy."

"I, Shi Heinu, request an audience with the Envoy."

The two each bowed to Fang Chongyong and spoke.

"Please sit, both of you; your purpose is already known to this Envoy."

Fang Chongyong smiled and said, his demeanor very modest, showing no airs at all.

This greatly surprised the two ambassadors! They were so frightened they almost fell to their knees to beg for mercy!

Because the Great Tang officials they had dealt with were nothing like the one before them, the legendary high‑ranking Western Regions Campaign Ambassador who is supposedly easy to talk to.

If there was any hint of something amiss, those Great Tang officials would immediately erupt in fury!

For example, when the Great Tang married the Princess Jiaohe to the Tujue (in fact a woman of the Ashina clan, only titled princess by the Great Tang), they sent an envoy to the Anxi Trade, and had him read the princess's edict to Du Xian, Deputy Grand Protector of the Anxi Protectorate and Jiedushi of Qixi.

Du Xian immediately roared, "How dare an Ashina woman proclaim a teaching?"

In other words: what is an Ashina daughter, that she dares to read a decree to me?

In fact, if relations were equal, the Princess Jiaohe's action would be proper. Du Xian's confidence stemmed from the fact that he was a Great Tang official, representing the Tang's status and authority.

Therefore the Princess Jiaohe was not entitled to show off before Du Xian.

When nations and powers are unequal, their diplomatic representatives are likewise unequal in status.

Thus, according to the understanding of the Kang and Shi ambassadors, it would be normal for them to kneel before Fang Chongyong to speak!

Otherwise, an abnormal event would surely indicate a monster.

"The Great Arab has many troops and broad generals; its power is overwhelming. Your small states with few people truly cannot contend."

Abu Muslin is coming; you naturally cannot stop them and must let them in. Yet you fear offending the Great Tang, dread that the Black‑clad Great Arab will later retreat, and that the Tang will settle scores afterward, so you were sent to explain this to me, the Great Tang's Western Regions Campaign Ambassador.

"Is that so, or not?"

Fang Chongyong continued to press.

"The Envoy truly discerns the situation; indeed, as you said, there is not a single error," Kang Suobo placed his right hand on his chest, bowed, and saluted Fang Chongyong.

Since this Tang Envoy already knows everything, there is probably no need to waste further words.

"Hand over all the gifts to him; the matters you desire, this Envoy will see to."

Fang Chongyong gave a slight nod, gestured toward Feng Changqing, and his demeanor remained amiable.

This made the two ambassadors even more uncertain.

Kang Suobo couldn't help but ask, "Ambassador Fang, I am dull and far from your profound wisdom. May I ask, if General Gao were to disagree with you and insist on attacking Kang Country, could he heed your counsel?"

The question was blunt, yet it was a very honest truth.

A gift‑giver always wants to know whether their offering is wasted; no one wishes to labor fruitlessly, especially when they already know it will be of no use.

"Bold! Ambassador Fang's authority is not for you to presumptively gauge! Ambassador Fang greets you with a smile because the Great Tang is a nation of propriety and will not bully the weak!

Ambassador Fang is being courteous to you, yet you truly turn a polite greeting into an affront!"

Feng Changqing couldn't help but loudly rebuke the two ambassadors before Fang Chongyong.

"Envoy, please forgive us!"

Kang Suobo and Shi Heinu immediately knelt!

Only then did they recall that, in name, Fang Chongyong's authority far exceeds that of Gao Xianzhi!

"Your concern for your own country is understandable; I, this Envoy, bear no blame."

Fang Chongyong helped the two to their feet, tidied their garments, and lowered his voice: "To be frank, this Envoy is not at all acquainted with Gao Xianzhi, nor any friendly ties. On the contrary, he has spoken many slanders behind my back and caused numerous troubles. Rest assured, if Gao Xianzhi were to make any move…"

He continued, extending one hand palm up, then flipping it down: "He cannot raise any wave; when this Envoy calls a halt, he must cease."

At this moment, Fang Chongyong's domineering aura radiated, fully displaying the authority of the Western Regions Campaign Ambassador.

Kang Suobo and Shi Heinu were overjoyed, promptly summoned the delegation's attendants, and moved box after box of gifts into the commander's tent. Upon opening them, they found only golden ornaments, gems, agate, and the like, all unique to the Western Regions.

This generous gift could not be described as anything but solemn.

"I have felt the sincerity of both nations. When you return, you may report with confidence; this Envoy's word is as solid as nine tripods. Kang Country and Shi Country need not fear retaliation from Gao Xianzhi."

Kang Suobo and Shi Heinu left with endless gratitude, glancing back three times with each step, repeatedly bowing thanks to Fang Chongyong.

Fang Chongyong escorted their delegation out of the camp, and only after returning to the commander's tent did he restrain his smile.

His face showed a pensive expression; evidently, these two ambassadors were not as simple as they seemed.

"Jiedushi, those two just now, I fear…"

Feng Changqing hesitated, unsure whether to voice his judgment.

"What cannot be said? Abu Muslin's stone‑throwing probing is merely a test of my relationship with Gao Xianzhi and our attitude toward the Western Regions' nations."

"Both Kang Country and Shi Country are now under the control of the Great Arab armies; without Abu Muslin's approval, do you think their two delegations would both come to me?"

Fang Chongyong let out a cold, sneering chuckle.

If one does not know what the ancient Dalos War was about, one might truly be duped by these two.

But since we know Abu Muslin is both brave and cunning, not a mere brute, these schemes, once exposed, are hardly worth mentioning.

"So the Jiedushi had already seen through their intentions, huh."

Feng Changqing breathed a sigh of relief. One must admit, Fang Chongyong truly is a qualified Western Regions Campaign Ambassador.

Now the Great Tang and the Black‑clad Great Arab are at war, truly a contest of wit and strength; a slight misstep could lead to total defeat.

"Gao Xianzhi is in danger; Abu Muslin clearly has not given up on conquering Hezhong, and there are still major battles awaiting us."

Fang Chongyong said with unusual certainty.

(End of Chapter)