Chapter 39 The Guiyi Army is determined to return home
Although Guzang is an important town in Hexi, the conditions of the inn are obviously not as good as those in the mainland, and can be described as simple. However, for Cao Yuangong and others who stayed there, there is no reason to be picky. They braved the wind and cold all the way, and
After going through the tribulations of life and death, it is already very satisfying to have a place to stay and stay warm.
Of course, what made them feel most at ease was the personal service of Hexi Governor Wu Shijun. The next morning, the wind and cold intensified, and they could feel the cold wind blowing outside through the doors and windows. It must be said that this time they entered
Oh, I really chose the wrong season.
After a night's rest, the physical fatigue and mental stress were relieved and released. After enjoying the porridge and side dishes served in the hotel and feeling the warmth in his belly, Cao Yuangong's mood truly calmed down.
"Your Majesty, the Chief Envoy Wu Gong came to Guanyi again in person to visit!" A subordinate hurriedly came in and reported.
Cao Yuan Gongfang swallowed an egg. After hearing this, he quickly chewed it and swallowed it. He also swallowed a few mouthfuls of porridge. Then he hurriedly stood up and ordered: "Quickly come out to greet us!"
"I should have gone down to pay an audience, so why bother Duke Wu to come again?" Seeing Wu Tingzuo, Cao Yuangong's attitude was as respectful as before.
"I have worked so hard to come thousands of miles away. I am honored to be ordered by the emperor to serve as a pastor and guardian. I should do my best to serve the court as a landlord!" Wu Tingzuo's gentle attitude almost melted the frost that had condensed outside the house.
"This is the Han Dynasty's envoy to the northwest, the British Duke! I heard that Cao's envoy came to the east and came here to visit!" Wu Tingzuo turned sideways and introduced Chai Rong to Cao Yuangong.
Hearing this, the smile on Cao Yuangong's face suddenly became as bright as an autumn chrysanthemum. In recent years, as the Han Dynasty has become stronger, the heroes active in the political arena of the Han Dynasty have also become famous far and wide.
Although the Guiyi Army is located in a remote land of melons and sands, they are also familiar with the military and political upper echelons of the imperial court, and Chai Rong can be said to be a star among them. The reputation of the Twenty-Four Heroes of Qianyou was also recognized by those who attended the grand ceremony at the beginning of the year.
The envoy brought him back to Shazhou.
Therefore, when Chai Rong came to visit in person, Cao Yuangong was surprised, but his heart was filled with a sense of honor, and he hurriedly said: "It turns out that he is the famous British Duke. Although I have lived in the west for a long time, I have heard about the Duke's reputation for a long time. Today,
See, I am lucky for three lifetimes..."
Next, the compliments poured out of Cao Yuangong's mouth like a barrage of compliments, and Chai Rong was even a little embarrassed with his compliments.
At the same time, I was also deeply moved by Cao Yuangong's humble attitude. If the Han Dynasty hadn't been powerful, how could anyone be like this?
"Cao Shijun, there is no need to be polite!" Chai Rong extended his hand to Cao of the Guiyi Army and said calmly: "The land of Guasha is Han territory, and the Guiyi Army is also a vassal of the Central Plains. You and I are both vassals of the Han Dynasty, so there is no need to be like this.
.”
Hearing Chai Rong's words, even though Cao Yuangong didn't get excited, he still felt something. Compared with Wang Yansheng's previous strong and arrogant attitude, the attitude of Chai Rong and Wu was very comfortable, like a spring breeze.
The three of them went inside to talk. The waiter served tea, melons and fruits, and sat down to discuss things. Chai Rong was not the kind of person who liked to beat around the bush. After a few simple greetings, he looked at Cao Yuangong and asked, "The former is holding a grand ceremony at the imperial court and has returned to the Yijun Army."
I sent an envoy to the court to pay tribute and congratulate you, and now I am here again. I pay two tributes a year, and I am also here personally from the envoy Cao. I have something to ask for. Is it convenient to disclose it? Maybe I can help you!"
"Thank you so much for your kindness!" Upon hearing the question, Cao Yuangong immediately expressed his stance.
Then he paused, looked up at Chai Rong and Wu Tingzuo, and saw that both of them looked elegant. After a brief pause, Cao Yuangong said: "There is no need to hide anything from Ying Gong and Wu Shijun! Ge Yin Zhongyuan
Unified, although the two states of Guasha and Guasha are isolated outside, they always care about the Central Plains and the remaining people in Hexi. They do not want to be lonely ghosts forever. Now, under the orders of Jiedu Yuanzhong, they intend to offer their land and return to the court. They request the imperial court to send troops to station.
, to restore the old place!”
After listening to what he said, Chai Rong and Wu Tingzuo looked at each other, neither of them looked surprised. Wu Tingzuo immediately raised his hands and said: "The Guiyi Army has been guarding Gua alone for nearly a hundred years. It has protected Han Dynasty and protected one country. It has really made great contributions to China.
Now you take the initiative to come back, how righteous is it!"
"I dare not take it!" Cao Yuangong waved his hands to express his humility and sighed: "We have been living in Huchen for a long time. If we can return to the imperial court now, we can comfort our ancestors and live up to the people!"
"The return of the Guiyi Army is a happy event. Your Majesty must be very happy to hear it!" Chai Rong said. After thinking about it, he still looked at Cao Yuangong: "However, I have a little doubt. I wonder if Cao Shijun can answer it?"
"Excuse me, Sir!" Although he was much older, in front of Chai Rong, Cao Yuangong felt as respectful as a junior.
Chai Rong said: "The Guiyi Army seems to be a little worried when they return this time. I don't know why?"
Upon hearing the question, Cao Yuangong's old face showed a touch of sadness, and replied: "Now, there is nothing to hide! It is all due to the Liao army's western expedition, the chaos in the Western Regions, and the turbulent situation. The Guiyi army from Xipinggong on down was deeply affected by it.
!”
Facing Chai Wu's gaze, Cao Yuangong explained: "Yinggong and Wu Shijun should also be aware of the situation of the Guiyi Army. There is Gaochang in the west, Ganzhou in the east, Khitan in the north, and Tubo in the south. Except for the split of Tubo,
Outside, they are all strong neighbors.
The Cao family has been in charge for fifty years, and has only been able to survive by making good friends with the surrounding forces and intermarrying. Even so, it is still very cautious, and there is always the fear of destruction.
Last year, the Khitans marched westward and destroyed countless cities. The Guiyi Army was just around the corner. The stability that had existed for decades was broken. The Uighurs in Xizhou were already in danger. What about the Guiyi Army?
Therefore, Duke Xiping convened the clansmen and officials to discuss it. They all thought that the mere land of Guasha had only a hundred thousand people and a few thousand soldiers. It would be difficult to protect the country in the long run, so it was impossible to surrender to the imperial court.
This has also been the voice of the people of Guasha for decades, and Cao’s move is also in line with the public opinion of the times..."
The Guiyi Army has been based in the northwest for nearly a hundred years since the time of Zhang Yichao. When it was at its peak, its territory covered almost the entire Hexi and Longyou. However, with the suppression of the Tang court and internal disputes, it gradually declined.
The ground shrinks.
Until Cao Yijin took over the power, he changed the previous government, reduced conflicts with various tribes, avoided wars, actively repaired with Gaochang and Ganzhou, the two most important neighbors, and at the same time always paid tribute to the Central Plains court. From the Liang, Tang, Jin and Han Dynasties,
No exceptions.
In this way, we have just saved Guazhou and Shazhou, and a place to live with the survivors of Hexi. It is not easy to survive in the cracks. That is to say, in these years, the Han Dynasty has gradually become stronger and its influence has spread westward, so the situation is safe.
a bit.
However, the Western Expedition of the Liao Army completely broke the original balance of the Western Regions. The Gaochang Uighurs, who were originally considered strong and relied on the Guiyi Army, were almost vulnerable to a blow.
Such a result also made the Guiyi Army realize that the two states of Guasha are really nothing. Not to mention the Han and Liao armies, even the Ganzhou Uighurs in the east can destroy them if they try their best.
After listening to his explanation, Chai Rong thought about it thoughtfully, and responded with a smile: "I understand! It seems that the Liao Army's Western Expedition is going very smoothly! Recently, I have also received a lot of information about the situation in the Western Regions, and its specific battle conditions.
How about it, please give me some advice from Ambassador Cao!"
Cao Yuangong: "In the autumn and winter of last year, the Khitans crossed the Jinshan Mountains and headed south, crossing the sand sea. The Khan of Gaochang sent troops to resist. The two sides fought in Beiting, and the Uighurs were defeated.
Later, the Khitan took advantage of the victory and marched directly into the city of Gaochang. The two sides fought fiercely. The Khitan divided its troops eastward to capture Yizhou and controlled the east-west passage. Two months later, the city of Gaochang was broken. The Uighur Khan led the remaining troops to withdraw westward. What happened next was because
The information is blocked and we know very little. Now Gaochang’s army is still resisting in the west of the border. What is the specific situation? Could you ask the accompanying envoy Pule..."
"What happened to the Gaochang envoy?" Chai Rong asked again.
Cao Yuangong immediately told him what he knew, and then said something helpful: "Gaochang is asking for help from all sides, and the situation is critical. When I enter the court this time, I also hope to ask for help from the Han Dynasty!"
Nodding, Chai Rong breathed a sigh of relief and said to Cao Yuangong: "We still need to report to the emperor for a decision on the surrender of the rebel army. The weather has been bad recently and it is inconvenient to travel, so you can rest in Guzang for two days and wait for the weather.
If things get better, I will send someone to escort you into the court!"
Upon hearing this, Cao Yuangong was immediately overjoyed, stood up and worshiped: "Thank you, Mr. Ying!"
"Your Majesty was disturbed yesterday. Please rest more. If you need anything, just ask!" Chai Rong stood up, planning to leave.
Cao Yuangong respectfully saw them off and sent them out of the post. After they retreated, he stood in the cold wind and let out a long sigh.
If it is not necessary, who is willing to sacrifice his land to surrender? Isn't it good to be a local overlord?