Chapter 368: Ambassador Fang, Fierce Outside, Feeble Inside

Daluosi City lies on the left‑bank plain of the middle reaches of the Taras River (transliterated, also called Daluosi River), a junction of water and land routes.

Its importance stems from the fact that, since the Western Han, merchants from Chang'an (or Luoyang) set out, passed through the Hexi Corridor, crossed the Xiongling (Pamir Mountains), continued westward, and entered the river‑central region inhabited by the Sogdians.

Merchants from West Asia also travel eastward along this route for trade.

This spot became a key segment of East‑West trade on the Eurasian continent, and Daluosi City is a very important yet unusually inconspicuous node on the line.

It is called important because it is a mandatory passage;

It is called inconspicuous because such nodes are unusually numerous; cities like Julian City, Ashibulai City and even Suieye City to the east have had their walls razed by war, yet the market towns formed by trade remain prosperous.

Daluosi City is the same; the city and the town are separate. About ten li east of Daluosi City lies a market town that prospered from commerce but has little defense: Tarak!

Now, Gao Xianzhi led the Western Pacifying Army to retreat to Tarak, then stopped moving, looted every edible thing in the Tarak market town for provisions, and set up camp there.

Abu Muslin also brought tens of thousands of black‑clad Dashi elite troops from the Huo Luoshan region, deployed on both sides outside Daluosi City, and joined forces with Da Wu De's troops inside the city.

Both sides are brewing a decisive battle.

…

"I, the junior general, am wounded and cannot perform the salute; please excuse me, Governor."

In a stone house inside Daluosi City, the bedridden Da Wu De, quite weak, said to the visiting Abu Muslin.

He bore dozens of knife and arrow wounds, having nearly died once; blood had already stained the sheets red. With only a few months to recuperate, he could not recover, and might never wake again.

Although Da Wu De was so pitiful, Abu Muslin showed him no kindness, standing at the bedside with a grim expression, silent.

This was completely different from his earlier attitude toward Sai Yide.

"When I, the Governor, issued the orders, I already said that if Gao Xianzhi does not lay siege, you must not dispatch troops to block him.

Why did you not obey the command?"

Abu Muslin, with a cold face, questioned Da Wu De on the bed.

Earlier, Sai Yide could have blocked Gao Xianzhi at Baishui City, coordinating with Abu Muslin's main force to encircle the Tang army, yet he chose to hold his troops and not leave the city, allowing the Tang army to march eastward.

Afterwards, he even received praise from Abu Muslin.

"Junior general, junior general…"

Da Wu De, excited, tried to rise, but couldn't catch his breath and actually fainted dead!

Abu Muslin shook his head in disappointment; his trusted senior general disobeyed orders, led troops out of Daluosi City, and attempted to block Gao Xianzhi's Western Pacifying Army.

It truly is hateful, tragic, and helpless!

Only seeking personal glory without regard for the bigger picture, such a commander cannot achieve great deeds!

As expected, after just one encounter, Da Wu De's light cavalry and camel troops were shattered by the Western Pacifying Army, lasting less than half an hour; Da Wu De himself was gravely wounded in the battle, nearly dying on the field!

When he learned that Daluosi City's garrison had been heavily damaged by Gao Xianzhi, Abu Muslin immediately ordered Da Wu De's execution to uphold military law; later, hearing that Da Wu De was severely wounded, he changed the sentence to dismissal to prevent his troops from mutinying, and transferred his forces to Sai Yide.

As the saying goes, do not chase a cornered bandit, a trapped beast still fights; often, fleeing enemies are not worth intercepting.

Gao Xianzhi's Western Pacifying Army, having lost gold and silver and left Stone Kingdom empty‑handed, was seething; when Dashi troops blocked their retreat, they fought to the death, exerting all their strength.

Each Dashi commander, seeing the Tang army withdraw, thought their achievements would soar, so each yearned to duel Gao Xianzhi. Abu Muslin could barely restrain his main force, but could not control the commanders who had already dispatched troops.

"Where are Gao Xianzhi's troops now?"

Abu Muslin looked at Qi Yadesali and asked, his expression somewhat displeased.

Gao Xianzhi's Tang force is truly a thorn; any slight carelessness is unacceptable, as they have repeatedly clipped his wings. Even Abu Muslin, usually composed, is now genuinely angry!

Da Wu De, that fool, does he not know that light, maneuvering troops are unsuitable for open‑field combat against the Tang army?

"Gao Xianzhi has camped at Tarak Town, ten li east of Daluosi City, and there have been no changes."

Qi Yadesali saluted and said.

"It seems Gao Xianzhi is unwilling to accept this."

Abu Muslin sneered, "I knew Gao Xianzhi could not return."

The reason is simple: Gao Xianzhi returns empty‑handed, having lost control of Stone Kingdom, Kang Kingdom, and even Daluosi City; how can he report to the Tang Western Frontier Envoy who longs day and night to deal with him?

Abu Muslin himself almost beheaded Da Wu De for disobeying orders and forcibly blocking the Tang army, even though he was a trusted confidant; putting himself in others' shoes, he knows that the 'Envoy' would not spare Gao Xianzhi—both publicly and privately.

"Governor, there are rumors that Stone Kingdom's Princess Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya is now the beloved concubine of that Western Frontier Envoy; this woman harbors deep hatred for Gao Xianzhi. I, the junior general, think Gao Xianzhi will receive no reinforcements."

Qi Yadesali relayed a verified piece of information he had gathered to Abu Muslin.

"Hmm, any news of Tang reinforcements?"

Abu Muslin's eyebrows relaxed as he casually replied; in his view, that Western Frontier Envoy is cowardly and greedy for pleasure, which is unsurprising.

"Ashibulai City has only two thousand Tang cavalry, that's all; even Julian City, the closest to Daluosi, has no Tang troops stationed nearby."

Qi Yadesali laid out the intelligence on Tang reinforcements. In fact, that Tang force could have reached Gao Xianzhi in time, but since they have not moved since arriving at Ashibulai City, they were naturally despised.

Just like that Tang Western Frontier Envoy.

In Qi Yadesali's view, this person embodies almost every element of incompetence and folly.

Because of lust and cowardice he delays important matters and shuns the front line; because of jealousy and gossip about women he fails to aid comrades in danger; because of lack of strategic vision he does not strive for control of the river‑central region; because he does not understand warfare, he cannot concentrate forces, and so on.

Having such a person as Gao Xianzhi's colleague makes Qi Yadesali lament for this formidable Tang general.

"Then we need not consider them; focus on battling Gao Xianzhi. After destroying this Tang force, we will send envoys to negotiate with that Tang Western Frontier Envoy, indicating our willingness to withdraw from Daluosi City and not station troops here."

Abu Muslin stroked his long beard and laughed.

At that moment, Sai Yide, guided by his personal guards, entered the stone house and whispered to Abu Muslin, "A Tang envoy has arrived, apparently not under Gao Xianzhi's command."

Hearing this, Abu Muslin and Qi Yadesali both showed a look of 'I see', even a hint of amusement.

Because the hardman Gao Xianzhi never communicates with Dashi officers; his words are knives on the battlefield!

Although an enemy, Abu Muslin and others greatly admire Gao Xianzhi.

Conversely, that Western Frontier Envoy is truly a clown, his deeds disgraceful.

In battle no one appears, yet the envoys are sent in several batches. Their words grow harsher each time, their attitude more arrogant. Yet beyond the threats, there is no sign of any military coordination.

They seem more like hecklers hiding behind Gao Xianzhi.

"Bring the person in."

Abu Muslin chuckled, shook his head, and said, the contempt in his eyes flashing away.

The clowns who liked to prance before him were truly not taken into account by Abu Muslin.

If he weren't plotting to make peace with the Tang after this battle, it would be inconvenient to tear down the façade. He really wanted to behead on the spot the envoy sent by the Western Regions Governor‑General, to give that "high‑and‑mighty" Western Regions Governor‑General a taste of his own medicine.

Just as he rose from slavery in his youth, smashing the aristocrats of the white‑clad Great Arab!

Saiyide's face turned awkward; seeing everyone in the room staring at him, he whispered in defense, "I, your subordinate, also said that, but that envoy is extremely arrogant and insists the governor meet him in the castle hall."

"Fine, then the castle hall."

Abu Muslin waved his hand and said that he didn't really care about such empty courtesy, because the enemy would soon receive their lesson on the battlefield. You are about to beat the dogs to death or maim them; being generous now and letting them bark at you changes nothing.

Regarding such people and such matters, Abu Muslin has always been very generous.

Upon arriving at the castle hall, the party saw the "old acquaintance" Feng Changqing holding a letter in his hand, already waiting with some impatience.

"Oh? It's you again?"

Abu Muslin pretended to be surprised, his tone a bit flippant.

Unfortunately, Feng Changqing didn't understand, and the translator beside him was too lazy to translate the sentence.

"Our Ambassador Fang asks you, why did the Great Arab army come to Da Luo Si? You should withdraw from all lands, including Kang State; these are not your territories, but vassal states under Tang protection!"

Feng Changqing spoke with righteous words.

The translator beside him rendered the sentence to Abu Muslin, who, after hearing it, laughed heartily, "The Tang army burns, kills, and loots the Western Regions nations; we intervened at their request and have no intention of conquering this place."

So‑called negotiations sometimes are just each side talking past the other. One party may want to negotiate, the other is deliberately wasting time. Not discussing the content, the very act of negotiation is a battle without weapons.

Abu Muslin was spouting nonsense, and Feng Changqing wasn't exactly giving a proper warning. In plain terms, it was a contest of wit and bravery!

"Regardless, the Great Arab forces must withdraw from these places, or we will sweep Hezhong Prefecture with a 300,000‑strong army, including Mulü, Anxi, Gui Shuang and other regions. Do not say we did not warn you!"

After he finished, the translator showed a grimace, and in a stiff tone whispered to Feng Changqing, "How should we translate the last sentence?"

"Tell your governor directly: as long as you don't restrain yourselves, we will act!"

Feng Changqing cursed in irritation.

When the translator rendered his words into the Great Arab language for Abu Muslin and the others, everyone present stared at Feng Changqing with a look as if he were a fool.

"You really have the nerve to say that on horseback!"

If Gao Xianzhi said that, they would take it seriously, for Gao Xianzhi has been fighting them all the way, rivers of blood, and his words carry weight.

Yet you haven't sent a single soldier; you haven't even seen a Great Arab soldier, and you blurt out talk of a 300,000‑strong army!

"Kid, have you ever been on a battlefield, know what a 300,000 army means?"

Abu Muslin felt both angry and amused, too lazy to refute Feng Changqing's "grandiose boasts." There were so many flaws that they didn't know where to start.

This Ambassador Fang's outward fierceness masks inner timidity, as can be seen from Feng Changqing's words.

Since they are so eloquent, let the swords debate on the battlefield!

"See them off."

Abu Muslin spat out two words, turned with the generals and left, too contemptuous to escort Feng Changqing out of the castle.

As he walked, he said to Qi Yade Sali, "If any more envoys sent by Ambassador Fang appear, let them be left outside for a night before we bring them in for questioning."

…

Just after dawn, in the largest courtyard of Ta La Ke Town, Gao Xianzhi pulled a secret letter from his bosom that Fang Chongyong had written to him, hesitating, unsure of what to do.

Fang Chongyong secretly ordered him to lure the Great Arab forces to Da Luo Si for a decisive battle. This place is 500 li from Shi Guo, 500 li from Sui Ye City, and 400 li from the capital Ke Sai City of Ning Yuan State, making it a militarily and logistically delicate spot.

Further from Anxi, the Great Arab troops would not come; yet nearer to there, the Tang army's logistics would be extremely disadvantaged.

Only this location would make the Great Arab willing to fight, and both sides' supply lines are 500 li!

Warfare in the Western Regions differs considerably from the Central Plains, chiefly because of logistics.

In the Central Plains, supply lines rely on so‑called "auxiliary troops" and laborers, using hand‑carts or mules to haul grain wagons to the camps. Hence the distinction between "combat troops" and "auxiliary troops," the latter usually outnumbering the former by several times.

But the Western Regions does not operate that way, nor can it.

Except for slaves, no fool would trek long distances on foot across desert and Gobi terrain, let alone haul grain to the camps by human power; surviving the journey without dying of thirst is a blessing.

The oasis‑desert terrain of the Western Regions also prevents any side from sustaining auxiliary troops. Indeed, supporting a single person here consumes too much; even with grain, water scarcity limits sustenance, making it impossible.

The main grain‑transporters are camels, and only camels; even horses cannot endure long‑term desert hauling.

Most of the Western Regions, aside from endless yellow sands, consist of oasis‑like outposts. Such an environment predestines warfare here to be small‑scale, reliant on local oasis supplies, otherwise there is no water to drink.

Similarly, logistical constraints make "one‑wave assaults" and thousand‑kilometer raids the norm for both sides.

Regardless of victory or defeat, fight and then withdraw. A protracted stalemate becomes an unbearable burden.

Gao Xianzhi felt the letter from Fang Chongyong in his hand weighed a thousand jin, not to be taken lightly. He hesitated, wondering whether to trust Fang Chongyong.

To scheme for the upper and fail, yet gain the lower; to scheme for the middle and fail, yet gain the lower.

Gao Xianzhi originally intended to devise a sweep of Shi Guo, crushing the black‑clad Great Arab to achieve unparalleled merit. Now it seems a fleeting dream.

Now, this path is gradually aligning with Fang Chongyong's plan: annihilate the black‑clad Great Arab main force at Da Luo Si, then sweep Hezhong.

Should one trust this person?

Whether choosing to believe or not, there are undeniable risks, akin to "choosing the lesser of two evils."

If he chooses to believe, Gao Xianzhi must keep Abu Muslin here. For this plan, he must fight a decisive battle with Abu Muslin without Fang Chongyong's involvement, then await reinforcements.

Plainly put, he must give Abu Muslin a chance to win. If the Tang forces appear invincible from a distance, the drama cannot continue!

If he chooses not to believe… Gao Xianzhi doesn't know how it will end; he only knows he'll return empty‑handed without any battle merit, his tenure as Deputy Protectorate of Anxi ending.

Moreover, with no war to fight, Abu Muslin wouldn't stay long at Da Luo Si; the logistical pressure is the same for both sides.

If the black‑clad Great Arab flee, Fang Chongyong will certainly not spare them!

"Send the order: tonight launch a night raid on the Great Arab camp beneath Da Luo Si city; if we fail, we shall die as heroes."

After much inner conflict, Gao Xianzhi summoned Xi Yuanqing from afar and, in a solemn tone, issued the command.

(End of Chapter)