Although the edict for the Western Expedition was issued, no war broke out in Hexi in the next two months, and Liangzhou, as the base for the advance, remained stable. After the beginning of spring, the settlement field in the western region of Liangzhou was established.
The towns remained as they were in the past, with frequent and prosperous trade between Han and Rong.
The only difference is that conflicts are obviously increasing. Because the Hexi Chief Envoy re-established a town in the Panhe area and immigrated to garrison troops, the Ganzhou Uighurs were very dissatisfied and sent people to negotiate. For this matter, both parties are still
In the midst of wrangling.
However, overall, Hexi is still in a relatively peaceful situation. However, under the calm surface, there are undercurrents. Since the edict was conveyed, Hexi civil and military forces have begun to prepare for war.
In other words, the Han Dynasty had been preparing for many years, but only put it into action two years after entering Kaibao. With the execution ability of the Han army, it actually would not have taken that long. Considering the military and political situation in the northwest, whether it was military or civilian
, the mobilization efficiency is extremely high.
The reason for the delay was to give Guasha more time to prepare. After all, it would take a certain amount of time and space for Lu Duoxun and Yang Tingzhang to go to Dunhuang to consolidate their forces.
Even though the Guiyi Army has taken the initiative to join the army, it may not go smoothly when it comes to recruitment, and there will inevitably be no unexpected conflicts. After all, this is the territory that the Cao family has managed for half a century.
After all, many things are originally well-intentioned, but in the process of operation and implementation, conflicts and problems arise, which ultimately lead to unsatisfactory consequences and turn good things into bad things. Similar situations are not uncommon in history.
Of course, Emperor Liu sent Lu Duoxun and Yang Tingzhang Wenwu there because he believed in their ability and believed that they could handle the job well and complete their mission. As for Lu Duoxun, as the Han Dynasty's "expert on northwest affairs", he was very close to Gui Duoxun.
The Rebel Cao family is also an old friend.
There is no doubt that Guzang City, as the base for the invasion of Gansu, was originally an important military town. By the beginning of March, its military atmosphere became even stronger.
Spring is a critical period for production and work, whether for farming or nomadic herding. However, in the spring of the second year of Kaibao, many people in Helong, whether they were herdsmen or farmers, had to put down their farm tools, pick up weapons, and gather in Liang.
state.
Although in the planning of the Privy Council, Helong only needs to dispatch 20,000 infantry and cavalry, but these are only combat troops. The actual personnel used will obviously include auxiliary soldiers and militia, transport of grain and equipment, construction of fortifications and other matters, which all require a certain amount of time.
People's power.
After all, the Uighurs in Ganzhou cannot be treated as simple nomads. There are towns in Gansu, especially Jiedan City, where the Khan tent is located. It is a fortress built by the Uighurs with the resources of the entire clan. It is said that its solidity and defensive capabilities can
Compared with Guzang and other big cities in Hexi.
Therefore, in terms of preparations for the attack, the recruitment of envoys and camps was carried out completely in accordance with the standards for inland attacks. During this period, in addition to a large number of soldiers and civilians gathered in Liangzhou, there were also transfers from other states and towns.
Food, ordnance, livestock, bows, crossbows and arrows have always been the standard equipment of the Han army. This time, a thousand crossbows, 5,000 hard and soft bows, and 500,000 arrows of various types were recruited from the arsenals of various states.
At the same time, more than a thousand official and civilian craftsmen were recruited to make ordnance. When it comes to fighting, the Han Dynasty has always been extravagant and was not willing to make sacrifices.
Outside Guzang City, a total of three large camps were set up to house the assembled troops and civilians. After temporary reorganization, they stepped up their training under the leadership of officers at all levels. It must be said that the source of troops in the northwest
, the quality in all aspects is high.
After inspecting the military camp as usual, Wang Yansheng led Guo Jin and several other generals back to Guzang City. They galloped through the streets with their light cavalry, showing no scruples and seeming domineering.
When Chai Rong was in the government office and saw the military officials waiting for him, Wang Yansheng asked directly: "Where is the Young Master?"
"The official is meeting with the leader of the Liugu tribe!" the military officer replied.
Upon hearing this, Wang Yansheng did not force his way in, but turned to Guo Jin and others: "Let's not disturb the guests of the British Association for now!"
With that said, he went to find a drink with a few others...
In the hall, Chai Rong is meeting with the leaders of the Liugu Tribe. After Wenmo was disbanded, these wealthy tribes that originally lived under the alliance have resumed their living form as a settlement. The Liugu Tribe is the largest among them.
The six tribes were named because they lived in six valleys in Liangzhou.
What Chai Rong met were the leaders of various tribes. Although these people were Tubo people, they had lost many of their own customs. As local tycoons in Liangzhou, they had completely integrated into the local soil and water.
The leaders at this time were all wearing brocade robes and Chinese crowns. Of course, they might have dressed up specially in order to win the favor of the British prince. This time, after being ordered by the government, they naturally went out to fight, and only Liu Gu
The Ministry provided more than 3,000 cavalry, which they personally led.
In fact, Emperor Liu also wanted to rectify these wealthy tribes that had retained a certain degree of military strength, but he was worried that it would cause unrest, so he held back. At the same time, he was also hesitant to implement the chieftain system in the northwest region.
"The leaders' ability to actively respond to the call of the imperial court and lead their troops here shows their loyalty to the imperial court. On behalf of the imperial court, I would like to express my gratitude to you again! Please rest assured that the imperial court will definitely reward you!" The talks are coming to an end.
Chai Rong didn't mean to talk nonsense and made his attitude clear directly.
"To be loyal to the imperial court, this is what we should do. Furthermore, it is an even greater honor for us to be able to fight under the command of the British Duke!" Chief Zhebu Sizhong said immediately.
The Liugu tribe has major leaders from various tribes, who are jointly recommended by all tribes. Previously, the former Liangzhou Jiedu envoy Zhe Jiashi was in charge. Their lineage was not originally prominent among the Liugu tribe, and they still relied on the imperial court.
support gradually took over.
However, after the death of Zhebu Jiashi, there was another internal struggle and it was transferred to the hands of Pan Luozhi. Zhebu Sizhong was the leader of the Tibetan cavalry who participated in the Northern Expedition and was also the younger brother of Zhebu Jiashi.
After that, he served in the Imperial Army.
Later, he had no choice but to return to Liangzhou, and after a fight, he regained the position of the big leader, with the support of the Liangzhou government. Obviously, the government still liked to hear about this kind of wrestling among the Liugu tribes, and was afraid that he would be monolithic.
.
However, Zhebu Sizhong obviously belonged to the kind of person who was infinitely close to the imperial court. During the Northern Expedition, he fought bloody battles. After the war, he refused to return to Liangzhou and preferred to serve as an official in Tokyo.
When he was called up this time, he did not hesitate to organize his troops and come to listen to him. Chai Rong was still very satisfied with this person.
As for the others, no matter what they thought in their hearts, they still had the same attitude on their faces, and they all vowed to obey the orders. However, as a representative, Zhebu Sizhong finally raised a question or doubt to Chai Rong: "Dare you ask Ying Gong?
,Are you really going to Xizhou to fight this time?"
After hearing what he said, Chai Rong glanced at him and said, "Why, the big leader has doubts in his heart!"
Zhebu Sizhong said: "Xiaguan just feels that Xizhou is far away from Liangzhou, so traveling such a long distance to rescue them is a bit..."
Obviously, they didn't know the inside story and were not optimistic about this kind of military action. However, after noticing Chai Rong's eyes, they immediately changed their tune and said: "If Ying Gong doesn't care and has the courage to go on an expedition, we people are willing to do it."
As a pawn, I will charge into battle for you!"
A smile appeared on Chai Rong's face, and he became more appreciative of Zhe Bu Sizhong's gaze. It was rare to have such an enlightened person among these young people.
Chai Rong comforted him: "You leaders, don't worry. Since the emperor has issued an edict, I dare to lead the troops, and I have a comprehensive way. It's not just you who are marching westward this time, but also the officers and soldiers of the Han Dynasty. You will never give in."
You are the ones who are in danger!"
"If you have said this to me, how can we say anything else? We can only obey orders!"