Yarkand, also called Yarkand City, is named after the Yarkand River, a branch of the Tarim River.
Therefore, compared to the formal name of Chagatai Khanate, people are accustomed to calling it Yarkand.
Are you worthy of being called Chagatai?
The Yarkand Khanate is a dynasty with Mongolian characteristics, that is, the middle and upper-class nobles are Mongolians, while the people at the bottom are indigenous Uighurs.
Like the Mughal dynasty, the Golden Horde was inevitably localized.
Therefore, among its beliefs, shamanism has long since disappeared, and peace religion has become the mainstream.
The Oirat Mongols occupying the north of the Tianshan Mountains believe in Zang Buddhism. As a result, the two are hostile to each other and fight endlessly. Although they are of the same race, they are no longer the same kind.
It is needless to mention the difficulties and obstacles along the way when the Ming army marched westward.
Thanks to the fact that the Tarim River rarely stopped flowing at this time and had abundant water resources, the oases along the way were like scattered pearls, and there were a large number of villages and towns living there.
Especially the city of Kuqa, which is where the ancient kingdom of Qiuci in the Western Regions is located, is the crossroads of southern Xinjiang. There are many merchants, who supplemented the Ming army with a lot of camels and supplies.
By the way, its city also came under the banner of the Ming Dynasty.
Even so, half of the 20,000 horses were killed or injured, 30% of the camels were gone, and even the cattle and sheep they were driving were depleted.
It just barely supplied some food and grass to allow the army to preserve its vitality.
We had no choice but to continue heading south.
When the 30,000-year-old Ming army arrived in the small town of Aksu, it was still nearly a thousand miles away from Yarkand.
The distance from Turpan to Yarkand is more than 2,800 miles, and the war started thousands of miles away.
Here, Gao Yigong and Li Dingguo encountered a rough attack.
As we all know, the oasis is not large and cannot hide too many people, so the ambush along the way is near the sand dunes on the only way.
It is a pity that both Li Dingguo and Gao Yigong are veterans who have experienced hundreds of battles and have never lacked caution.
The Yarkand cavalry, which numbered more than 20,000, armed with scimitars and mounted on large horses, had been recharging their strength for a long time just to attack the tired Ming army.
Unfortunately, after being discovered by the Ming army, the suddenness was lost.
Thanks to years of battle formation training, even in desert areas, the Ming army quickly stabilized its formation, adapted to the terrain, and directly defeated the enemy with only artillery.
The southern Xinjiang was far away from the Russians, and they knew little about firearms. They were attacked by artillery rashly. The Yarkand cavalry panicked, thinking it was a bolt from the blue. A large number of horses were frightened and disordered their positions.
As a result, they were muddleheaded and repelled by the Ming army's counterattack.
Because they were unfamiliar with the terrain, the Ming army did not pursue them and let them go back after leaving some 2,000 corpses behind.
Thanks to this battle, the Ming army was so powerful on the Tianshan South Road that the towns and oases along the way were flooded with food and grass supplies, and a large number of servants came uninvited.
Without him, it is purely because the Wuer people are naturally enthusiastic and very attached to the strong, especially the Ming Army and Qiu's unfailing style.
Anyone who is not blind will know that this is a huge force that can rival Yarkant.
The loose oasis is naturally divided soil. Within a few days, three thousand loyalists came to follow, all wanting to serve the king.
As a result, the Ming army continued southward along the Yarkand River, all the way unimpeded, until they arrived at the Yarkand outpost, Huerman.
Its status is just like Tianjin to Beijing, it is a gateway city. Once it is lost, Yarkand will not be able to defend it.
In other words, it is more like a city gate, because as long as the troops approach the city and the Ming army cuts off the water flow, Yarkand will inevitably surrender without a fight.
The fragility of the oasis is clearly revealed here.
It is precisely because of this that there are 20,000 troops stationed in Hulman, and they are backed by Yarkand, which continuously delivers troops and food.
The reason there are only 20,000 is because the oasis's capacity limit is too low.
"Damn it, it's finally over, I regret it so much!"
Standing on the wooden village, in front is the city wall of Huerman, and behind is the wide Yarkand
In front of the river are dotted manors, villages, countless ditches, and endless cultivated land.
But Gao Yigong still regretted it and couldn't help but complain.
After a long journey, they suffered a lot. About 3,000 soldiers fell ill. They had to get up every day and rush on the road. This long journey not only tested the body, but also was a great torture for the spirit.
The battlefield is now really a battlefield.
"For forty days, I trekked sixty miles every day, stepping on the yellow sand and swimming in the water. It was either desert or water..."
"This river is extremely long, even longer than the Yangtze River and the Yellow River——"
"Okay." Li Dingguo wrapped his head in a turban and patted the dust. The long journey had made his skin rougher and the previous darkness had disappeared.
After many days of hard work, the cheeks have become thinner, and the eyes have become more and more energetic: "The battle to destroy the country is not that easy."
"I ask you to fight against Olat Mongolia. I don't have an army of 100,000. Do you dare?"
Gao Yigong was speechless.
After all, the Yarkand people still have cities. If the Mongols can't defeat them, they will just run away. When the time comes to defeat Lonely, they will really lose their blood.
"It seems that the Yarkand people are quite courageous."
Gao Yigong changed the topic, looked at the military camp in front of him, and commented: "Although it is a bit chaotic, compared to those Mongolians, it looks like that."
"Don't underestimate it." Li Dingguo said softly: "Those who travel a hundred miles are half-ninety. After walking for such a long time, don't fall down at the last moment."
"You're right." Gao Yigong calmed down.
"Report, Commander, I caught a tongue."
"Oh, bring it up."
Soon, a young man who looked like a vendor was escorted up. Although his face was full of panic, he spoke in Chinese:
"General, Commander-in-Chief, my heart goes out to Master Wang. I have important news, and I have news of meritorious service."
"Oh?" Gao Yigong looked at the Chinese language spoken by the Uighur man in front of him and suddenly felt interesting: "Oh? Tell me, but if the news you tell me makes me not interested, then you will be out of luck."
"understand!"
The young Uighur nodded hurriedly: "There are 30,000 people in the city of Huerman, 20,000 of which are troops. They need to consume a lot of food every day, so they will carry food and baggage every ten days..."
"And I know one of the trails..."
"Oh?" Gao Yigong raised his head and glanced at Li Dingguo, with a hint of joy in his eyes.
It can be said that it takes no effort at all.
This kind of unexpected joy makes people's hearts flutter.
However, they still retain a trace of caution in their hearts. Strategies like this have been countless throughout the ages, and they have led to mistakes and the whole game has been lost.
This is not an inland area, and an army of 30,000 cannot withstand the hardships.
"Okay, what do you want?"
"I hope to obtain the management rights of silk——"
After the incident, Gao Yigong and Li Dingguo looked at each other and felt that something was fishy.
But even with the broad strokes of the Mongols, it would be impossible to come up with such a method.
"Whether it's a strategy or not, you have to give it a try."
Li Dingguo chuckled and said, "Even if it's a matter of taking advantage of the situation, it's better than a stalemate."
The Shaowu artillery was very important. They all wanted to use the most important gunpowder under the city of Yarkand instead of Hulman.
Just like the Ming army couldn't afford it, Yeerqiang actually couldn't afford it either.
Scattered oases are connected by rivers, with yellow sand in the middle. When a gust of wind and sand passes by, all the landmarks will move and change accordingly.
If you weren't a local, you wouldn't have found the route in the yellow sand.
"Huh? It's actually true?"
After an ambush, a large amount of grain and grass supplies were seized, cattle and sheep were everywhere, and two to three thousand militiamen were killed or injured. It can be said to be a great victory.
A conservative estimate would cost no less than ten thousand stones of food and grass. If it were used as bait, the entire city of Huerman would be in danger.
Gao Yigong
Surprised, he immediately summoned the young businessman and asked him seriously.
The businessman knew that he had been trusted, but without any introduction, he directly explained the reason.
It turned out that at this time, the Yarkand Khanate was already experiencing a lot of internal troubles.
In politics, Abdullah Khan was old and jealous, so he favored newcomers and belittled the old.
In terms of religion, it is even more turbulent.
It turns out that as early as the last century, Yarkand had attracted saints from the Middle East, who belonged to the Hezhuo faction and were called the Black Mountain sect.
Later, the Baishan sect also came to southern Xinjiang and demanded to share equal power, but was not allowed. As a result, it suffered suppression and internal strife.
The struggle between the two factions was also the reason why Abdullah Khan was able to unify the Yarkand Khanate.
Historically, the Junggar tribe was also due to internal fighting between the two factions. The Baishan faction even fled to the plateau, matched up with Dalai, and led the Junggar Dan southward, allowing the Junggar tribe to take over southern Xinjiang in one fell swoop and unify the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains.
Now, the opportunity that the Baishan Sect has been looking for so hard has finally arrived with the arrival of the Ming army. How can you not be overjoyed?
Since the Black Mountain Faction supported Yarkand, the White Mountain Faction supported the Ming Army and used military means to end the war.
"So, are you willing to give Hulman?"
Li Dingguo's words instantly choked the businessman to death.
He could only smile awkwardly but politely and said: "General, the Baishan Sect does not have such a force."
"However, I don't have believers in the army who can tell you some news, like today's news about the food route."
"These are enough." Gao Yigong said with a smile: "Your sect has made such great contributions, Ming Dynasty will never forget you."
The businessman was overjoyed and hurriedly revealed the news.
For the White Mountain Faction, they are at a disadvantage and have no better choice, because the entire Khanate supports the Black Mountain Faction. Even if the situation deteriorates further, it will not be better than the current situation.
Li Dingguo and Gao Yigong looked at each other and smiled, this opportunity was really great.
So, with internal support, the Ming army began to encircle but not attack, constantly intercepting its supplies, and preparing to starve the Yarkand people to death.
After several supplies were intercepted in succession, Abdullah knew no matter how stupid he was, there was a traitor in his country.
However, the method of fighting the outside world and reassuring the country first does not work at present. The most important thing now is to send food to Hulman as soon as possible, otherwise, tens of thousands of troops will starve to death.
"We were intercepted for half a month, and the reinforcements were defeated several times. There was very little food and grass entering the city, and Huerman could not last more than three days."
His younger brother Su Litang raised his head and said in a deep voice.
"Then attack." Abdullah looked at the fearful expressions on everyone's faces, knowing that this was the battle of Aksu, and the strong strength of the Ming army made them feel timid.
The reinforcements that had come in these days were all defeated, and the idea that the Ming army was invincible had spread among the army.
Whether it was muskets or artillery, they were greatly shocked.
Now that things have happened, the only one who has such courage and reassures him is himself.
"In this case, I will personally conquer and destroy those Ming armies."
After much deliberation, Abdullah had no choice but to lead the army and march in person.
Taking the last 30,000 people, we marched towards Hulman.
You should know that the huge Yarkand, with its six major cities as the center of its rule, and the vassal oases, tribes, and fortresses, barely numbered one million, but its actual ruling population was only around 400,000.
With 20,000 Hu'er and 30,000 Yarkand, the total army is 50,000, which is equivalent to all of them capable of fighting men.
This is the decisive battle.
Once this battle is won, the huge Yarkand Khanate will surrender without a fight.
In response, Gao Yigong and Li Dingguo argued.
Both wanted to fight Abdullah and let the other person watch Hulman.
The siege of the city over the past few days, coupled with the exhaustion tactics, made the Huerman people exhausted. They even witnessed the reinforcements being defeated and losing most of their morale.
As long as it persists for half a month, it will inevitably be defeated.
.
Therefore, one person can watch the city alone and one person can fight decisively.
Then Li Dingguo made Gao Yigong silent:
"You are the commander-in-chief. In this battle to destroy the country, no matter how great or small my military achievements are, you have the majority, so why bother fighting with me?"
Gao Yigong was silent for a long time, and then sighed: "I'm taking advantage of you, kid."
In fact, he thought deeper.
There is no doubt that this war will be won. After the results come out, he will definitely be promoted to Duke. Then he will definitely hang out in the Governor's Mansion and will not be able to leave the place easily.
By then, the imperial court will definitely send a general to take charge of the Tiannan area, and the possibility of Li Dingguo is extremely high.
Therefore, Li Dingguo needs a big victory over Megatron Tiannan. After having a fierce reputation, it will be more convenient for him to take charge later.
And he would have to leave sooner or later, and this vain name would be useless.
On the eighth day of the second lunar month in the seventh year of Shaowu, the Ming army gathered 20,000 troops and faced off outside the city.
The Huerman garrison watched a play on the city wall.
The Yarkand cavalry came roaring with astonishing momentum. The horses all over the mountains and plains stirred up countless dust. Just one look at them made people fearful.
However, Li Dingguo was calm and composed. He was riding on his horse and looking ahead. He had seen no matter how many soldiers and horses there were, let alone a mere 30,000 people.
"Report, the enemy's front troops have reached the artillery range——"
After a while.
"Report, the Chinese army is within firing range."
"Give the artillery the order to fire!!"
Soon, the artillerymen, who had already made preparations such as cleaning, loading, elevation, and ignition, immediately started igniting the fire.
The ten Shaowu artillery pieces showed their ferocious side.
"Rumble--"
Accompanied by a huge roar and thick smoke, the shells formed a parabola and hit the enemy's center and rear.
"Kill——" Li Dingguo waved the scimitar in his hand and roared with endless momentum.
Immediately, thousands of cavalry came out, vying to kill the enemy.