Gu Qing didn't understand war, especially ancient cold-weapon warfare. Marching, formation, camping, training, all kinds of rules and knowledge, were profound and difficult to understand.

But Gu Qing understands human nature. He knows that humans must have reasons for everything they do, and that when a country launches a war, it must have the benefits he needs.

If we follow the principle of interests, after Tubo captured Khotan, the biggest way to obtain benefits is to continue marching to the west. To the west are the countries of the Western Regions. These countries in the Western Regions are located in Central Asia and have developed quite prosperously for thousands of years.

The Tang Dynasty always attached great importance to the trade routes in the Western Regions because trade with the countries in the Western Regions could bring huge benefits.

But Tubo chose to go to Boxian Town in the east, which made Gu Qing extremely confused.

Boxian Town is located on the edge of the desert. The city is not considered poor, but it is still much worse than the countries in the Western Regions. There is a stone town in the northeast of Boxian Town, but otherwise it is a vast desert with no end in sight.

,What exactly is the Tubo army planning?

"There are only two small cities, Boxian Town and Shicheng Town. The Tubo traitors traveled thousands of miles across the Kunlun Mountains. Is it just for these two cities? It really doesn't make sense." Gao Xianzhi frowned and stared at the map, looking deep in thought.

Gu Qing also stared at the map. The map was very crude and could only vaguely mark the terrain of the city, rivers and deserts.

"If the general is the commander of Tubo, he will definitely not choose to go northeast after capturing Khotan. If it is to plunder property, it will be too uneconomical..." Gu Qing counted on his fingers: "Send 30,000 troops, and people will eat horses along the way.

You know, logistical supplies alone are a huge expense, so how much property do they need to plunder to keep the cost of sending troops? If converted into money, it would be at least hundreds of thousands of dollars, right?"

Gao Xianzhi was stunned for a moment, then he laughed and said: "Master Hou is really... This is the first time I have heard of the commander-in-chief weighing the gains and losses of sending troops in a businessman's tone. It is really novel."

Gu Qing said with a smile: "Whether it is business affairs or war between the two countries, it is all about the word 'profit'. If there is no profit, we will not start early, and if there is no profit, we will not send troops. If Tubo only wants to plunder property, let alone Anxi and

The losses caused to them by the two major guardianships of Beiting sending troops to fight, even if they did not suffer any casualties, if they captured Boxian Town and Shicheng Town and looted it, it is estimated that the looted property would not be enough for them to send troops..."

Looking at Gao Xianzhi doubtfully, Gu Qing asked: "Is the coach of Tubo a pig-headed man? Doesn't he understand this account?"

Gao Xianzhi also sighed in confusion: "If they keep going north, they will reach their limit after capturing Shicheng Town, and it is impossible to go further. This lone army has penetrated deep into the hinterland of the Tang Dynasty, and further away they will reach Shazhou and Yumen Pass.

, what awaits them is bound to be the annihilation of the entire army, so the only way they can march is to plunder these two cities and then retreat immediately..."

"They traveled thousands of miles just to rob two small towns. I also wonder if the Tibetan thieves are crazy..." Gao Xianzhi said with a bitter smile.

Gu Qing sighed: "If we don't even understand the enemy's purpose and strategic goals, if we send troops hastily, it will be like being led by their noses. We are very passive."

Gao Xianzhi nodded and said in a deep voice: "According to this, the Tibetan thieves should not be sending troops for property this time, but for other purposes... But what are they planning?"

Even famous generals couldn't understand things, and Gu Qing certainly couldn't understand them.

The two people in the hall thought hard in silence. After a long time, Gao Xianzhi smiled bitterly and shook his head: "No matter what they are planning, let's fight a few games first and then see. The soldiers are so fast that we can't let you and I waste time here. Mr. Gu, this time you

The troops and horses under my command can be held back and move slowly. The Anxi Army is in front to open the way, so prepare to move quickly."

Gu Qing took the order and left.

…………

After leaving the Jiedushi Residence, Gu Qing looked solemn.

Gu Qing always felt a little uneasy because he didn't even understand the enemy's strategic intentions. After thinking about it, he felt that he might have been worrying too much. Maybe it was like this in ancient times. He thought about it while fighting, and slowly pieced together a complete picture during the battle.

ideas.

If you make random suspicions before the war starts, if you get too nervous, you may be laughed at for making such a fuss.

War is an area that Gu Qing has never been exposed to in his two lives. For an area that he does not understand, but he still has a lot of power in this area, Gu Qing decided to observe in secret first, learn with an open mind, and never give orders for war easily.

A confused and rash order from the commander is often a wake-up call for the 10,000 troops under his command. Gu Qing cannot afford this heavy sin.

Han Jie and other bodyguards were waiting for him outside Jiedushi's mansion. Gu Qing was about to mount his horse when he suddenly heard someone calling him.

Huangfu Sisi was wearing a bright red palace dress, obviously carefully dressed, and walked towards him Yingying.

He snorted before smiling when they met. Huangfu Sisi glared at him bitterly and said, "The Marquis is quite free and easy. He smashed up my shop, threw a bag of money and left. Who am I to be?"

This question is a bit sharp.

Gu Qing reflected for a moment and felt that he should at least treat her as a serious person, otherwise he would not have thrown money after smashing up the store, but would have thrown money at her on the bed the next morning...

"Come here to investigate?" Gu Qing raised his eyebrows and came alone. Could this woman be a hidden master?

Huangfu Sisi snorted and said with a straight face: "How dare I ask the Lord Marquis about his crime?"

Gu Qing smiled in relief: "That's right. The money has been given, so there's no reason to be dissatisfied."

After looking her up and down, Gu Qing asked: "Are you getting married today? Congratulations, friends are the most important thing. We are so familiar with each other, so there is no need to give gifts. I will give you a blessing..."

Huangfu Sisi chuckled, glanced at him, and said, "I have met the Marquis many times. Today is the first time I heard the Marquis say that you and I are friends. I am very flattered."

Gu Qing said seriously: "Since I discovered that I was short of money, I suddenly realized that it is not a bad thing to make more friends, especially the kind of friends who do not require gifts for getting married. The more the better..."

Huangfu Sisi smiled again, rolled her eyes at him and said, "Who said I'm getting married? Does wearing red mean I'm getting married?"

"A woman who wears red will either get married or commit suicide due to deep injustice. Which one are you?"

Huangfu Sisi's smile froze, and then he took a deep breath.

It's so amazing. Every time I talk to him for no more than three sentences, he always chokes me to the point of being speechless. With such a strong chatting ability, how did he get promoted and knighted when he was in Chang'an?

Not angry, not angry, this is his personal style, well, personal style...

"Does I look good in this red dress?" Huangfu Sisi turned around in a circle, spread his hands and looked at him with a smile.

Gu Qing took a deep breath, such an excellent appearance, coupled with a bright red dress, made her charming style even more penetrating to the bone. The charm that seemed to overflow from the bones was fascinating, just like

Dongfang Bubai was embroidering in Heimuya's boudoir...

"It's barely okay, it's quite festive." Gu Qing said forcefully.

Huangfu Sisi chuckled a few times and said: "I heard that there is a war in Anxi and the army is about to set off. I think the Marquis will also lead his troops on the expedition. I specially dressed in red, hoping to bring a happy omen to the Marquis.

, I wish the Marquis a victory and a triumphant return."

Gu Qing said with a smile: "With your good words, if I can return in triumph, I will be richly rewarded."

Huangfu Sisi blinked and said, "If Lord Marquis returns in triumph, what kind of rewards will he give me?"

Gu Qing sighed, this woman really doesn't know how to chat, yet you took her casual politeness seriously...

So Gu Qing thought about it seriously and said, "If I come back, how about I smash up your shabby shop again and give you a chance to make a fortune?"

…………

On the way back to the camp, Gu Qing sat on his horse and stared ahead expressionlessly.

Han Jie was holding back his laughter and looked at the sky and the scenery.

"It's true that only women and villains are difficult to raise..." Gu Qing murmured to himself: "Women's temperaments are too unstable, which is why I don't want to associate with women. If you talk carefully, you will fall out unexpectedly.

There’s no logic at all, so I’d better avoid interacting with women in the future.”

Han Jie finally couldn't help but said: "Master Hou, I think that girl's temperament is actually very stable, but what Master Hou said to her..."

"Everything I said to her was good and wise. Which sentence was wrong?"

Han Jie sighed helplessly.

In fact, if you listen to Gu Qing's words separately, each sentence is normal, but when combined together, and the atmosphere of the conversation at that time, it seems very strange. It is not only strange, but also very irritating. Han Jie was angry even listening to it.

.

"This woman is unreasonable. Lord Hou, you don't have to pay attention to her in the future." Han Jie said against his will.

After following Gu Qing for so long, he finally figured out that the Marquis was particularly deficient in dealing with women, and it was hopeless. It was better to stay away from women.

"That's right, it's unreasonable. If I see her again next time, I'll chase her away with sticks. It will be very troublesome!" Gu Qing said seriously.

"……yes."

Back at the camp, the left guard's 10,000 soldiers and horses were ready outside the camp. The generals were riding horses and patrolling back and forth in front of the team, shouting and yelling. The soldiers were riding horses holding long halberds and swords, with resolute expressions and fighting intent.

.

After Gu Qing rode his horse back and forth at the front of the team, he reined in his horse and stood in the middle of the team. Looking at the densely packed left guard soldiers who lined up neatly, Gu Qing nodded with satisfaction.

Chang Zhong cupped his fists and saluted him, and said loudly: "Deputy Envoy, the army has been prepared and ready to leave at any time. Please give me a lecture, Deputy Envoy."

Gu Qing nodded, slowly looked around at the young and lively faces in front of him, and said loudly: "In this battle, we must defend the territory against the enemy and drive out the bandits. I won't say any unnecessary nonsense. There are only two things. First,"

Those who disobey orders and those who are timid will be killed! Secondly, heavy rewards have been hung in the camp. Those who are brave and meritorious will be rewarded! If you dare to risk your life during the war, I will provide food and clothing for your whole family for the rest of your life.

Worry-free! Those are the two things I want to say, okay, let’s set out with the whole army!”

When the sergeant delivering the order conveyed Gu Qing's words from the front to the rear of the team, the entire army suddenly burst into loud cheers, and their fighting spirit and morale reached their peak in an instant.
Chapter completed!