Chapter 370: Who Is the Real Clown

"Hahaha—!"

In the great hall of the castle in Talos City, a burst of hearty laughter echoed.

Feng Changqing, who had been left out in the cold overnight outside the city, was brought here to wait. He saw Abu Muslin, surrounded by numerous generals, descending from the city tower while chatting and laughing with them.

It was already the third day of the so‑called Battle of Talos; the victorious, self‑satisfied Great Arabs seemed in no hurry to contact Fang Chongyong, instead waiting for the Great Tang Western Frontier Strategist Ambassador to send someone.

Abu Muslin believed the other side would certainly send an envoy to negotiate peace.

Sure enough, they unsurprisingly received the "old acquaintance" Feng Changqing.

Unlike before, this time Feng Changqing looked listless and a bit nervous, no longer displaying the haughty swagger of his earlier self.

Abu Muslin kept his promise to his subordinates, keeping Feng Changqing outside the city to endure a night of cold wind before finally letting him inside.

It could be called deference followed by contempt, with no pretense at all.

In fact it wasn't surprising; with Gao Xianzhi present, Abu Muslin still gave Fang Chongyong a bit of face. The Western Frontier Army now lay severely weakened, having retreated to Suieye Town to recuperate, unable to fight further. In Abu Muslin's view, the other Tang forces and that Western Frontier Strategist Ambassador were likely already cowed by the Great Arab army!

He, of course, needed no courtesy for the other side.

"If there's anything, say it quickly."

Abu Muslin looked at Feng Changqing and asked coldly,

"Ambassador Fang asked me to convey a message to the governor: if you are willing to relinquish all lands east of Kang Kingdom, the Great Tang can cease hostilities.

Consider the previous clash a misunderstanding."

Feng Changqing said to Abu Muslin in a meek, submissive tone, showing none of the former "great‑nation dignity" he once displayed.

After the interpreter relayed the words to the crowd, Abu Muslin, a bit impatient, waved his hand and said, "Send them off; no need to repeat those stale platitudes."

"Governor, why not dress this envoy in a woman's robe and send him back to report to their ambassador?" Qi Yade Sali couldn't help teasing, prompting the generals to burst into laughter.

Even the nearby interpreter didn't bother to reply, pretending not to have heard.

Abu Muslin was startled, then nodded and said to Feng Changqing:

"If you change into a woman's dress and return, we'll consider your ambassador's proposal. How does that sound? First report back, then see what your ambassador decides; later we'll send an envoy to Zhezhi City for talks.

Your so‑called 300,000‑strong army, come whenever you wish! We're not afraid of war!"

"You're dreaming! A warrior may die but must not be disgraced! Even if you kill me, I'll never put on a woman's dress!"

Feng Changqing shouted at Abu Muslin and the black‑clad Great Arab commanders.

But the latter didn't get angry, merely waving his hand calmly and saying, "You may not fear death, but are frontier affairs any less important than your life? These matters won't count just because you say so!"

He slightly lifted his head, looking at Feng Changqing—a posture only a victor possesses.

"Hmph!"

Feng Changqing gave a cold hum, fell silent, effectively conceding to Abu Muslin's terms.

"Men, take this Great Tang envoy and have him change into the most beautiful dress of Great Arab women, so that the Western Frontier Strategist Ambassador can have a good look."

After the change, let the envoy leave the city."

Abu Muslin's words carried a smug tone.

Soon, the muttering Feng Changqing was led away.

After he left, Qi Yade Sali finally restrained his smile, saluted Abu Muslin and said, "Governor, we should now turn back to Shi Kingdom. There isn't much grain stored here in Talos; we came with only a little over ten days of dry provisions. Now that the battle is over, stationing heavy troops in Talos is pointless."

His words were indeed heartfelt; the Great Arab army could only reach Talos for now and was not fit to advance further east. Their provisions now remain in Shi Kingdom, and a 500‑mile supply line is a bit too long for an army of tens of thousands.

Moreover, it seemed the Great Tang currently kept a silent tacit understanding, tacitly permitting the black‑clad Great Arabs' interests west of Suieye Town. Indeed there was no need to garrison heavy troops in Talos any longer.

Abu Muslin believed that as long as they didn't station troops in Shi Kingdom and kept their direct forces within Kang Kingdom, the Great Tang would not react aggressively in the short term. The gains from sending troops were too small, the cost too great, not worth it.

As for the future, the black‑clad Great Arabs can gradually absorb the small Western Regions kingdoms along the river; that's not something to handle now.

"Alright, we set out tomorrow back to Zhezhi City; after entering the city we'll divide the spoils."

Abu Muslin nodded and said, and upon hearing it the generals erupted in thunderous cheers. They had marched all the way from Mulucheng, hadn't they been waiting for this line? Now the commander himself promised, it felt like a weight lifted from their hearts.

……

"Whether you say it or not, the Great Arabs do have some taste; that women's clothing is indeed fine."

Outside Julan City, Fang Chongyong and his retinue of generals, with mischievous smiles, circled Feng Changqing, pointing at his Great Arab‑style women's attire.

"Jiedushi, may I change my clothes before reporting again?"

Feng Changqing pleaded with a wry smile.

"Mm, go ahead, go ahead. It's a hard journey; this Jiedushi will record your merit."

Fang Chongyong, in high spirits, waved his hand grandly and ordered the other to change into a military uniform.

He surveyed the generals, seeing everyone eager to try, then shouted, "Who will be the vanguard in this battle?"

"I, the junior general, volunteer as vanguard to capture Talos City for the Jiedushi!"

He Changqi stepped forward, thumping his chest and shouting for battle.

"Ambassador, General He's elite troops should be used to pursue the Great Arabs. Please, Ambassador, send a detachment to me; I will lead Ningyuan's soldiers to attack Talos."

Duo Zhongjie, King of Ningyuan, stepped forward and said,

Clearly, his opinion was more reliable than He Changqi's.

Now all the deceptive tricks had been exhausted; the Great Arabs were even gloating, having Feng Changqing wear women's clothing as a show of force.

All preparations are complete, only the east wind is missing; now we can indeed cast the net!

"Good! Duan Siman, lead three thousand mounted infantry, cooperating with King Fenghua to assault Talos City. Whatever the state of the Great Arab army, I need not elaborate; if you fail to take Talos, bring your head to me!"

Fang Chongyong handed the command arrow to Duan Xiushi, instructing, "Troops must be swift; a night assault to breach the city. Surprise them, attack unprepared. If the first wave fails, the subsequent difficulty will multiply."

"Rest assured, Jiedushi, I have already prepared the gear for scaling the city. The Tufuluo envoy Qi Si has also hand‑picked five hundred mountain troops adept at climbing as vanguard; they are now stationed at Ashibulai City!"

Duan Xiushi pledged confidently.

Having endured this long, it's time to let the Great Arabs see the caliber of Tang elite troops. Though Feng Changqing grimaced inside Talos City, once out of the city his mouth would be twisted into a grin.

If any Tang general suffers defeat in this battle, they will never be able to survive in the army thereafter.

"Good! Then the Jiedushi will hand the rear to you. We'll first chase Abu Muslin; you and King Fenghua will encircle Da Luo Si City from behind, to keep the rear secure."

Fang Chongyong gave Duan Xiushi a firm pat on the shoulder.

After speaking, he turned, pointed at He Changqi, Wang Nande and Guan Chongsi, and said: "He Laohu will command the scouting, General Wang will lead the vanguard, General Guan will guard the rear. I will personally lead the central army as the vanguard."

"Sweep the River Middle Prefecture, capture the Great Arab King alive!"

Fang Chongyong raised the Swift Wind Illusion Blade together with its sheath over his head and roared to the heavens.

"Sweep the River Middle Prefecture, capture the Great Arab King alive!"

"Sweep the River Middle Prefecture, capture the Great Arab King alive!"

"Sweep the River Middle Prefecture, capture the Great Arab King alive!"

A circle of officers and soldiers around him all brandished their swords to the sky, shouting, their blood boiling.

Seeing the troops' morale, Fang Chongyong looked around and said, "Flatten the Western Regions; in this battle, you must give your all! Depart now! Everyone disperse!"

To deceive Abu Muslin and the Great Arab commanders, the Anxi Expeditionary Force did not gather in one place but spread across several nearby outposts, some only dozens of li from Da Luo Si, others still near Sui Ye City.

Fang Chongyong's plan was a divided advance and combined strike: the armies marched west, those nearer the west bypassed Da Luo Si to chase, those farther away joined the siege.

It was estimated that once they reached near Shi Country, the main force could fully assemble. This march indeed carried risk, but saved the rest period after gathering. This precious time gap will completely disrupt Abu Muslin's defensive rhythm at Zhezhi City.

At that moment, Abu Muslin would face the same predicament that Gao Xianzhi once did.

After successive battles, troops were exhausted, the treasury of Shi Country's royal palace wavered, shaking morale; the units shattered by Gao Xianzhi were not rebuilt or reinforced, leaving them helpless.

Almost all the factors of defeat had been gathered.

Having withdrawn to Sui Ye Town to recuperate, Gao Xianzhi gave Fang Chongyong the detailed map of Shi Country and the defensive layout of the royal castle. He also handed over two thousand elite Anxi troops that had returned for Fang Chongyong to command.

The King of Ningyuan Country also brought five thousand troops to aid.

Attack and defense shift, strength and weakness reverse; victory or defeat hinges on this move!

"We all serve the Jiedushi unto death!"

Except for King Dou Zhongjie of Ningyuan Country, the other generals knelt on one knee to salute, then strode away toward their respective destinations.

"Please."

Fang Chongyong clasped Dou Zhongjie's hands and pleaded.

"Please, Ambassador Fang, rest assured; I am confident about this battle."

Dou Zhongjie shook hands warmly, smiled, and continued, "Then we and the ambassador will meet at the Shi Country royal palace."

"Hmm, then let's reconvene at the Shi Country royal palace. Take care on the way."

Fang Chongyong nodded slightly, then calmly leaned in and said, "Privately I can assure King Fenghua that we will not let you march in vain."

He made a 'those who get it, get it' expression; Dou Zhongjie instantly understood. He laughed naturally, clasped his fist in salute to Fang Chongyong, said nothing else, and turned to leave.

Since it's understood, no need to spell it out; just exert more effort on the battlefield.

Fang Chongyong, thoughtful, watched King Fenghua's departing back and muttered to himself, "These times have too many clever people and too few fools, just one or two monkey spirits. Setting a trap is truly hard work."

……

Clack!

A night‑patrolling soldier on Da Luo Si Castle suddenly heard a strange sound nearby, coming from beneath the wall.

Frankly, Da Luo Si's outer city was breached when Gao Xianzhi attacked Shi Country and has not been repaired. The sturdy inner castle remains, but the outer wall can no longer keep thieves out.

"Did you hear any sound?"

The Great Arab soldier nudged the comrade dozing against a corner and asked.

"Quiet, what strange sound could there be? You don't think it's the Tang army attacking, do you?"

The sleepy soldier muttered discontentedly, then gave a half‑hearted reply.

"No, there really is a sound. Could it be thieves sneaking in to steal?"

At that moment, both heard a 'Clack' and the dozing soldier instantly woke.

The two gripped Duannao and slowly approached the inner wall. Suddenly, a shadow flickered in the firelight; before they could identify the figure, they heard two 'Whoosh whoosh' sounds and two crossbow bolts shot from the darkness, striking their necks.

Whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh!

Another volley followed, firing at the two fallen men, fearing their deaths wouldn't be painful enough!

From the fire‑lit shadows emerged a Tufulu soldier with a high nose bridge and deep eye sockets, tossing a rope from his back over the wall, the other end anchored to the inner wall. Soon, one after another, elite Tang soldiers climbed up the rope and dropped more ropes.

At that instant, a beautiful firework blossomed in the sky—signaling a concentrated assault on the city!

The Anxi Expeditionary troops that climbed the wall immediately brandished horned crossbows, searching for patrolling Great Arab soldiers. Anyone without a red scarf on the neck was shot dead without hesitation.

Their attacks were actually slow; the faster squad had already lowered the hanging bridge and opened the castle gate. The earlier firework was set off by them.

"Kill! 」「Kill! 」「Kill!"

The Tang army stormed the castle like a tide, crossing the hanging bridge into the interior. They collided head‑on with the defending forces led by General Sai Yide of the Great Arab army!

Upon learning of the intrusion, Sai Yide immediately rallied his personally commanded elite troops toward the main gate, but was a step too late; the Tang army, exploiting the defenders' unpreparedness, was already slaughtering within the castle.

In fact, when the news reached him, Sai Yide was unsure who was besieging the city; he only inferred from common sense that only the Tang army possessed such strength.

Whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh!

Whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh!

The Tang's horned crossbows were exceptionally sharp, standard cavalry equipment, capable of loading four bolts at once, with rapid reloading that was easy to handle. After all, swapping bolts while mounted would be too complex, akin to a circus act—impossible in practice.

These Tang troops were clearly elite: three squads took turns covering the advance. The first squad fired four bolts in succession, then fell back to reload; the second moved forward to fill the gap, repelling the Great Arab counter‑attack; the third surged ahead a few steps and delivered the final volley.

When the third squad finished firing its four bolts and retreated, the first squad had already reloaded and moved forward to fill the position, repeating the cycle.

Sai Yide's elite troops had never seen such tactics; in the cramped castle interior they were shattered, unable to close in, the narrow space preventing even a run.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, a bolt slipped through a shield gap, pierced Sai Yide's helmet, and pierced his temple from the side!

The commander of Da Luo Si's garrison widened his eyes, turned to see who had hit him, only to have over a dozen more bolts fly in—some blocked by shields, others striking his arm, shoulder, and thigh.

The personal guards around him scattered in disarray; he turned and fled at full speed!

Sai Yide was hit by several arrows; the one that struck his head directly took his life. Sai Yide finally fell on his back, dead beyond any doubt.

This brave general of the Arab Army, who could always withdraw unscathed when clashing with the cavalry of Gao Xianzhi's great army, never imagined he would meet such a stifling death in the narrow passageway of Talas Castle.

Killed by a vile sneak attack! Killed by vile crossbow bolts!

He never knew who fired that arrow until his death; perhaps it was merely a nameless foot soldier of the Anxi Expeditionary Army, not even within the ranks of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army.

Within less than an hour, the garrison inside the castle, the forces inside the outer walls, outside the castle, and all the small outposts of the Arab Army were swept clean by the elite troops of the Anxi Expeditionary Army and the five hundred mountain soldiers from Tuhuoluo.

Wherever they passed, no one was left alive, corpses littered the ground—comparable to the Grim Reaper harvesting lives.

Soon, Duan Xiushi, who was in charge of directing this siege, was led by his personal guards to a secluded room, where he saw a badly wounded unlucky wretch—the Arab Army general Da Wude, who had been left to recuperate in Talas after being wounded by Gao Xianzhi's troops, now desperately trying to grab the sword hanging on the wall.

Yet he couldn't even get off the bed, writhing like a bloody worm on the sheets.

"I thought you guys were tough, but this is it?"

"Look, I haven't even broken a sweat."

Duan Xiushi couldn't help but sneer, then suddenly realized the other might not understand Chinese at all, and instantly lost interest.

This mockery was nothing but talking past each other.

"Just kill him, give him a swift end."

Duan Xiushi gave an order to his personal guards, then turned and walked away, too lazy even to glance at Da Wude on the bed.

(End of chapter)