Chapter 1088: The Guiyi Army Turns Its Heart Homeward

Although Guzang was a major town in Hexi, the lodging conditions were clearly not as good as those in the interior—rustic would be the kindest word for them. Yet for Cao Yuangong and his party, there was no room for complaint. Having braved wind and cold along the way, and survived life-and-death trials, simply having a warm place to rest was more than enough.

Of course, what put their minds most at ease was the personal attention shown by Governor Wu, the Administration Commissioner of Hexi. The next morning, the cold wind had intensified; even through the doors and windows one could feel the bitter gale raging outside. There was no denying it—this trip to court had truly been ill-timed in terms of season.

After a night's rest, both physical fatigue and mental strain had eased. As he enjoyed the plain congee and pickled vegetables served at the guest hostel, feeling the warmth spreading through his belly, Cao Yuangong's mood finally settled into genuine calm.

"Governor, Administration Commissioner Wu has come to the hostel again to call on you!" A subordinate hurried in to report.

Cao Yuangong had just swallowed an egg; hearing this, he hastily chewed and gulped it down, took a few more mouthfuls of congee, then rose quickly and ordered: "Go out to greet him at once!"

"It should be I who goes to pay my respects—why trouble Lord Wu to come again?" Seeing Wu Tingzuo, Cao Yuangong's manner was as deferential as before.

"The Governor has braved great hardship to travel a thousand li. As one fortunate enough to receive the Son of Heaven's mandate to govern this region, it is only fitting that I extend the court's hospitality!" Wu Tingzuo's warm demeanor seemed almost enough to melt the frost outside.

"This is the Great Han's Northwestern Inspection Commissioner, Duke of Ying! Hearing that Governor Cao was coming east, he has come specially to call on you!" Wu Tingzuo stepped aside, introducing Guo Rong to Cao Yuangong.

At these words, the smile on Cao Yuangong's face bloomed as brilliantly as autumn chrysanthemums. In recent years, as the Great Han had grown powerful, the heroes active in its political arena had seen their fame spread far and wide.

Although the Guiyi Army was secluded in the lands of Gua and Sha, it was not ignorant of the court's military and political leadership, and Guo Rong was undoubtedly a star among them. The fame of the Twenty-Four Meritorious Officials of Qianyou had been carried back to Shazhou by the envoys who attended the grand ceremony at the start of the year.

Thus, when Guo Rong came calling in person, Cao Yuangong, beyond his surprise, felt filled with a sense of honor. He hurriedly said: "So you are the renowned Duke of Ying! Though I have long dwelt in the far western frontier, I have long heard of your illustrious name. To meet you today is the fortune of three lifetimes..."

Thereupon, flattery poured from Cao Yuangong's mouth like a string of firecrackers, his words of praise so lavish that even Guo Rong felt somewhat embarrassed.

At the same time, he was also moved by Cao Yuangong's humble and respectful attitude. Had the Great Han not been strong, how could it have commanded such deference?

"Governor Cao need not stand on ceremony!" Guo Rong extended a hand toward Cao of the Guiyi Army, saying calmly: "The lands of Gua and Sha have always been Han territory, and the Guiyi Army has always been a bulwark of the Central Plains. We are both subjects of the Great Han—there is no need for such formality."

Hearing Guo Rong's words, Cao Yuangong, even if his heart did not blaze with warmth, was nonetheless moved. Compared to Wang Yansheng's earlier overbearing arrogance, the attitude of Chai and Wu was far more agreeable—like a spring breeze.

The three went inside to converse, with attendants serving tea, fruit, and refreshments as they sat and discussed matters. Guo Rong was not one to beat around the bush. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, he studied Cao Yuangong and asked: "Previously, at the court's grand ceremony, the Guiyi Army already sent envoys to present tribute and congratulations. Now you have come again—two tributes in one year, and with Governor Cao himself making the journey. There must be something you seek. Might I ask if it is convenient to disclose? Perhaps I can be of assistance!"

"I am grateful for the Duke of Ying's kind offer!" At the question, Cao Yuangong immediately responded.

Then he paused, looking up to observe Guo Rong and Wu Tingzuo, both of whom bore an air of refined elegance. After a moment's deliberation, Cao Yuangong said: "There is no need to conceal anything from the Duke of Ying and Governor Wu! Because the Central Plains are now unified, though Gua and Sha remain isolated, they have always yearned for the Central Plains. The Han people of Hexi do not wish to remain wandering ghosts forever. I have come on the orders of Military Governor Yuanzhong, intending to offer our territory and return to the court, requesting that the court dispatch troops to garrison and restore our old lands!"

Hearing this, Guo Rong and Wu Tingzuo exchanged a glance, neither showing any surprise. Wu Tingzuo immediately clasped his hands and said: "The Guiyi Army has held Gua and Sha alone for nearly a century, preserving Han territory and protecting the region—truly great service to China. Now you come to submit of your own accord—this is indeed noble righteousness!"

"I dare not accept such praise!" Cao Yuangong waved his hand in modesty, then sighed: "We have been mired in barbarian dust for too long. If we can now return to the court, we may face our ancestors above with clear conscience, and not fail the people below!"

"The Guiyi Army's return is a joyous matter. When His Majesty hears of it, he will surely welcome it warmly!" Guo Rong said. After a moment's thought, he continued looking at Cao Yuangong: "However, I have a slight doubt. I wonder if Governor Cao might resolve it?"

"Please ask, Duke of Ying!" Though he was considerably older, Cao Yuangong found himself as deferential as a junior before Guo Rong.

Guo Rong said: "The Guiyi Army's submission this time seems somewhat hasty. May I ask why?"

At the question, a trace of melancholy appeared on Cao Yuangong's aged face. He replied: "There is nothing left to hide now! It is because of the Liao army's western campaign—the Western Regions are in chaos, the situation unstable. From Duke Xiping on down, the entire Guiyi Army is deeply troubled!"

Meeting the gazes of Chai and Wu, Cao Yuangong explained: "The Duke of Ying and Governor Wu must be aware of the Guiyi Army's situation—Gaochang to the west, Ganzhou to the east, the Khitan to the north, and Tibetans to the south. Apart from the Tibetans being divided, all are powerful neighbors.

In the fifty years since the Cao clan took control, we have only managed to survive by maintaining friendly relations and intermarriage with surrounding powers. Even so, we live in constant trepidation, ever fearing destruction.

Last year, the Khitan marched west, destroying countless cities. The Guiyi Army was right in their path. Decades of stability were shattered—the Western Prefecture Uyghurs are already living day to day, so how much worse for the Guiyi Army?

Therefore, Duke Xiping convened the clan and advisors for deliberation, and all agreed that with only the meager lands of Gua and Sha—a population of no more than a hundred thousand, soldiers numbering but a few thousand—survival in the long run would be impossible. Better to submit to the court.

This is also the heartfelt wish of the people of Gua and Sha these past decades. The Cao clan's action is in accord with heaven's will and the people's desire..."

Counting from the time of Zhang Yichao, the Guiyi Army had stood in the northwest for nearly a century. At its height, its territory encompassed nearly all of Hexi and Longyou. But with the Tang court's suppression and internal strife, it had gradually declined and its territory shrunk.

It was not until Cao Yijin took power, changing the previous policies—reducing conflicts with the various tribes, avoiding war, actively repairing relations with Gaochang and Ganzhou, its two principal neighbors, while always maintaining tribute to the Central Plains court, through the Liang, Tang, Jin, and Han dynasties without exception—

that Gua and Sha were preserved, along with a place of refuge for the Han people of Hexi. The taste of survival in the cracks was not pleasant. Only in recent years, as the Great Han gradually grew strong and its influence spread westward, had their situation become somewhat safer.

However, the Liao army's western campaign had utterly shattered the original balance of power in the Western Regions. The Gaochang Uyghurs, once strong enough that the Guiyi Army depended on their favor, were now nearly helpless.

This outcome made the Guiyi Army realize that Gua and Sha truly counted for little. Not to mention the Great Han or the Liao army—even the Ganzhou Uyghurs to the east could destroy them if they committed their full strength.

Hearing this explanation, Guo Rong pondered briefly, then smiled and replied: "I understand! It seems the Liao army's western campaign has been proceeding very smoothly! I have also received considerable intelligence about the situation in the Western Regions recently. As for the specific details of the fighting, I would ask Governor Cao to enlighten me!"

Cao Yuangong said: "In autumn and winter of last year, the Khitan crossed the Golden Mountains southward, traversing the sea of sand. The Gaochang Khagan sent troops to resist, and the two sides fought a great battle at Beiting, where the Uyghurs suffered a crushing defeat.

The Khitan then pressed their advantage and marched directly on Gaochang city. As the two sides ground on in siege warfare, the Khitan also sent a detachment east to take Yizhou, controlling the east-west passage. Two months later, Gaochang city fell, and the Uyghur Khagan led his remaining troops in a retreat westward. As for what happened afterward, due to the news blockade, we know very little. The Gaochang army is still resisting in the western part of their territory. For specifics, the Duke of Ying might ask the accompanying envoy Pule..."

"What's the story with the Gaochang envoy?" Guo Rong asked again.

Cao Yuangong immediately recounted what he knew, and at the end, added a word on their behalf: "Gaochang is seeking aid from all directions, their situation critical. Their envoy has come to court hoping to obtain help from the Great Han!"

Nodding, Guo Rong let out a breath and said to Cao Yuangong: "The matter of the Guiyi Army offering its territory and submitting to the court must still be memorialized for the Son of Heaven to decide. The weather has been harsh lately, ill-suited for travel. The Governor may rest and recuperate in Guzang for two days. Once the weather improves, I will send men to escort you to court!"

Hearing this, Cao Yuangong was overjoyed. He rose and bowed: "I thank the Duke of Ying!"

"The Governor was disturbed yesterday. Please rest well—if there is anything you need, do not hesitate to ask!" Guo Rong rose, signaling his intention to take leave.

Cao Yuangong naturally saw them off, escorting the two out of the hostel. Only after they had departed did he stand in the cold wind, letting out a long sigh.

Who would willingly offer up their territory and submit, unless there was no other choice? Wasn't being a local warlord a fine thing?