Chapter 164: Army Annihilated, Han People Do Not Fight Han People
On the desolate Gobi Desert, wind and sand swirled, the blazing sun hung high, scorching the land.
But the Xiping Army troops departing from Guazhou City remained orderly.
Although the infantry marched at a fast pace, the camps maintained just the right spacing between them, allowing mutual support without interference.
The cavalry guarded the front and rear of the column, their sharp eyes scanning the surroundings, always alert to potential dangers.
Duoluo Jianzan rode on horseback, his gaze sweeping ahead as he methodically directed the marching rhythm.
This was a veteran general with rich combat experience.
After all, the people of the Guazhou Desert area were fierce by nature; though they had not experienced war for years, villages and tribes often engaged in armed clashes over survival resources.
It could be said that every man here had grown up through strife, fierce and brave, unruly and untamed.
For Duoluo Jianzan to unite such soldiers and command them in perfect order demonstrated his ability and prestige.
No one else could take command of the Xiping Military Command and manage these elite soldiers so obediently.
“Report, Commander~”
During the march, a scout came galloping from the front and shouted loudly: “Uyghur Army spotted twenty li ahead, troops numbering around ten thousand.”
Hearing this, Duoluo Jianzan frowned slightly and said worriedly: “Dunhuang City is in danger!”
The purpose of these ten thousand Uyghur troops was to block his reinforcements to Dunhuang, which also meant more Uyghur troops were besieging Dunhuang City.
Ji La Si Yi’s situation was extremely dire.
“What does the Gaochang Kingdom want? Why start war suddenly.” Duoluo Jianzan could not figure it out.
But Dunhuang could not be lost.
He then said to his personal guard: “Order the whole army to prepare for battle.”
The enemy had only ten thousand soldiers, while he had six thousand troops at hand.
He had to clash with the Uyghur Army no matter what.
First eliminate this Uyghur force, then advance to Dunhuang, cooperate from within and without with the garrison inside the city, and completely eliminate all Uyghur armies.
Soon after, the two armies met on a stretch of Gobi Desert.
The sky was a clear blue, spotless without a single cloud, in stark contrast to the endless ochre earth below.
Ten thousand Uyghur troops formed ranks ahead, poised in strict formation; the infantry formed tight square formations with spears layered densely, very imposing.
A li away stood the six thousand officers and soldiers of the Xiping Army; their armor varied in style and appeared uneven, like a ragtag army.
However, every soldier’s eyes gleamed with wildness and ferocity.
This was the resilient temperament forged in the vast Gobi Desert through countless struggles against heaven and man, enduring death and hunger.
The two sides thus faced off, the Gobi Desert thick with a tense killing aura, the air as if frozen.
Suddenly, Duoluo Jianzan shouted loudly: “Attack!”
The Xiping Army infantry formation began advancing step by step.
The front rank of spearmen leveled their spears, like rows of sharp blades thrusting straight at the Uyghur square formation.
Just as the two armies were about to clash, Duoluo Jianzan suddenly shouted: “Archers.”
As his words fell, the first rank of spearmen suddenly sidestepped, and a row of soldiers holding Divine Arm Crossbows emerged from behind.
“Loose arrows~”
As his words fell, countless arrows whistled forth, throwing the Uyghur formation into chaos; despite shield protection, screams rose one after another.
The Western Xia Divine Arm Crossbow was the nightmare of all armies.
“Cavalry, charge!”
Taking advantage of the Uyghur chaos, Duoluo Jianzan shouted again.
Xiping Army cavalry rapidly flanked from both wings, sweeping in like a gale.
Hooves kicked up clouds of yellow sand, enveloping the entire battlefield.
The frontal spearmen and axemen also seized the chance to launch a fierce assault.
“Kill!”
In an instant, blade lights flashed, shouts of killing deafening.
Xiping Army soldiers were fierce and fearless of death, gradually breaking through the Uyghur defensive line with stubborn fighting spirit and rich combat experience.
“These Uyghur people are simply a bunch of trash.”
From afar, Li Dashan held a very crude telescope, looked toward the battlefield, and snorted.
Li Xiao had obtained a batch of high-clarity colored glaze from the Gaochang royal palace, ground it down again, and made a batch of simple telescopes.
Highly practical.
“It’s our turn to act.”
Er Hu also put down his telescope and said in a deep voice.
Xiping Army soldiers were brave and skilled in combat, with close infantry-cavalry coordination and the Divine Arm Crossbow as a great weapon against cavalry.
If Jin Prefecture cavalry attacked rashly, whether ambushing or night raiding, they would suffer significant losses.
So at this moment, they needed to use the Uyghur people as bait to disrupt the Xiping Army formation’s defense.
Jin Prefecture cavalry hid in a stone forest several li away（Yardang landform）, waiting for the Xiping Army to show a flaw and deliver a fatal blow.
“Sixth Uncle, my Black Armored Army as vanguard to smash the enemy formation, you take men to flank both sides, try to leave all six thousand Xiping troops here.” Er Hu said in a deep voice.
“Good!”
“Boom boom boom boom~”
Under the Xiping Army’s fierce offensive, the Uyghur defensive line completely collapsed, soldiers scattering in flight.
As the Xiping Army sought to pursue the victory, a dull, oppressive rumbling suddenly echoed between heaven and earth, like rolling thunder surging up from underground.
“Enemies!” a soldier shouted in terror.
“Commander, the Uyghur people have an ambush, large numbers of cavalry have appeared in our rear.”
Hearing the soldier’s loud report, Duoluo Jianzan’s expression turned horrified; he stood on his horse looking back, his face instantly ashen.
“Uyghur scoundrels, so insidious!”
Only to see countless cavalry surging across the land, kicking up vast clouds of dust.
Leading the charge were five hundred Black Armored Army under Er Hu, all armored cavalry, their war horses also clad in heavy armor, only pairs of ruthless eyes exposed.
Li Dashan led three thousand light cavalry right behind, charging wildly, the dust from hooves blotting out the sky, flanking the Xiping Army sides like dark clouds pressing a city.
Seeing this, Xiping Army soldiers instantly panicked.
“Armored cavalry.”
“Uyghur armored cavalry, damn it, they’re almost here.”
“Scatter, scatter quickly.”
“Get out of the way.”
Soldiers shouted in panic; facing the furious assault of over three thousand iron cavalry, they felt as insignificant as in the boundless Da Hai.
So tiny, lonely, helpless, in constant danger of capsizing.
The battlefield situation turned sharply; the Xiping Army became disordered.
“Hold steady, don’t panic! Spearmen in front, archers behind, prepare to meet the enemy!”
Duoluo Jianzan shouted loudly, trying to reorganize the formation.
Unfortunately, the previous assault on the Uyghur Army had left the Xiping rear defense empty.
Most lethal units like cavalry and Divine Arm Crossbows were concentrated at the front.
Turning them around, armies of this era were not that efficient.
Everything was too late.
Er Hu’s armored cavalry rampaged as if through no man’s land, violently crashing into the Xiping formation.
The massive impact sent front-rank soldiers staggering backward like straw swept by gale, the formation even more chaotic.
Li Dashan’s three thousand light cavalry also flanked swiftly from both sides like sharp blades.
Caught in this desperate pincer attack, the Xiping defensive line rapidly crumbled.
Though Duoluo Jianzan was frantic, wielding his long saber with all his might to rally and reverse the defeat, the rout was like a collapsing mountain.
The Black Armored Army charged wildly through the formation, crushing at will; wherever they went, Xiping soldiers were killed or wounded.
Li Dashan’s light cavalry continued reaping lives on the flanks, Xiping soldiers retreating step by step, morale utterly collapsed.
A quarter-hour later, the Black Armored Army slowly halted their charge; the tall war horses panted heavily, their bodies splattered with blood; under the sunlight, the black armor mixed with gore looked even more ferocious and terrifying.
Er Hu removed his face mask, revealing a sweat-drenched face, turned to see the routed Xiping Army, and laughed heartily.
“Refreshing.”
“Tell all Xiping troops, surrender and no killing.”
“Those who resist stubbornly will be killed without mercy.”
In this battle, over four thousand Xiping troops including commanders like Duoluo Jianzan were captured, only a few escaped.
Jin Prefecture Army achieved a great victory with minimal losses.
As for Uyghur casualties, Li Dashan and Er Hu did not care at all.
“Kneel.”
“Behave.”
Duoluo Jianzan was bound with rope, escorted by two soldiers to Li Dashan and Er Hu.
A hard kick to the knee; no matter how tough the bone, he could only kneel in humiliation.
“Chiliarchs, this is the Xiping Military Command Commander, Duoluo Jianzan; this subordinate has captured him.”
The speaker was Li Sanbao, his young face full of excitement.
Finally, he had caught a big fish.
“Good, San Bao, that’s a great merit for you.” Li Dashan laughed.
He could not help sighing: “Truly brothers of dragons and tigers!”
Li Xiao was so capable, already the Great Governor controlling military and politics of two Northern Frontier prefectures.
Er Hu was outstanding too, brave and skilled in combat on the battlefield, unstoppable.
Now, the youngest San Bao was also starting to shine.
Li Xiao’s three brothers were all exceptional talents.
“Our Li Family is on the rise!” Li Dashan laughed.
At this moment, Duoluo Jianzan was disheveled, filthy all over, hair unkempt, completely like an old farmer.
But his eyes looking at Li Dashan flashed with shock, incredulous.
“You’re not Uyghur people?”
“You’re Han people?” he said in shock.
He had always thought Uyghur people were attacking Dunhuang, and the infantry the Xiping Army first encountered were indeed Uyghur people.
But why were these in front all Han people?
“You’re the ones attacking Dunhuang? Who exactly are you?” Duoluo Jianzan asked angrily.
He could not understand why Gaochang Kingdom’s Uyghur people obeyed these Han people’s orders, mobilizing the whole nation’s strength to attack Western Xia.
“We are Great Liao Jin Prefecture Army!” Li Dashan laughed.
……
“Jin Prefecture Army?”
“Not Gaochang Army?”
In the Dunhuang Prefect office, Zhang Xinghua and Ji La Si Yi both asked in surprise.
Before them stood a man in formal Western Xia official attire.
As the negotiation envoy, he had gone to the ‘Gaochang Army’ camp outside the city but brought back shocking news.
“There are indeed many Gaochang Kingdom Uyghur people outside the city, but the ones in command are Han people; they claim to be an army from Jin Prefecture.”
“And those Uyghur people seem very afraid of those Han people; it felt to me like they were~”
“Slaves!”
The envoy said with a troubled expression.
Ji La Si Yi and Zhang Xinghua were equally stunned: “Gaochang’s Uyghur people became slaves?”
Or more aptly called auxiliary army; such forces were common in wars throughout history.
But the two were even more puzzled.
“Jin Prefecture?”
“This official heard it’s under Eastern Capital jurisdiction of Liao State, extremely desolate with no sign of people for dozens of li; why would an army come south?”
“And command Gaochang troops?” Zhang Xinghua asked with a frown.
Ji La Si Yi’s face was also grave as he asked the envoy: “Who is the Jin Prefecture Army commander? Why attack Dunhuang?”
“The Jin Prefecture Army commander is named Li Xiao, Great Governor of Jin Prefecture.” the envoy answered.
Even now, he still found it unbelievable.
Because the Li Xiao he saw was just a young man, apparently not even twenty.
He even thought at one point it was a fake Li Xiao.
And when he asked why they attacked Dunhuang, Li Xiao’s answer seemed utterly absurd.
“Gaochang Kingdom Prince Baershu launched a rebellion and occupied Gaochang City.”
“Our Jin Prefecture Army was ordered south to suppress the rebellion; though we captured Baershu, King Yue’er Si His Majesty went missing in the previous rebellion.”
“After searching, His Majesty Yue’er Si’s corpse was found outside Yumen Pass.”
“Thus, our Jin Prefecture and Gaochang fifty thousand strong Eastern Expedition is to seek justice for His Majesty Yue’er Si.”
“If your Xia Kingdom does not hand over the murderer, Jin Prefecture and Gaochang will not withdraw.”
Hearing the envoy’s recount, Ji La Si Yi and the other exchanged stunned looks.
“Utterly absurd.”
Ji La Si Yi slammed the table, saying angrily.
“If Gaochang really had a rebellion, the King had many places to go; why risk crossing the Great Desert to Yumen Pass hundreds of li away?”
“If he was really that stupid, he only has himself to blame, not our Great Xia.”
Zhang Xinghua also sighed lightly: “A fabricated crime.”
But now, knowing full well Jin Prefecture Army was framing them, they had no way to counter.
Truly frustrating.
Just as the two fumed, a general suddenly rushed in hurriedly.
“Commander, Lord Zhang, come to the city wall quickly.”
“Something huge has happened.”
Hearing this, Ji La Si Yi shot to his feet and hurried to the general in two strides of three.
“What happened?”
“Uyghur people attacking the city?”
The defending general shook his head bitterly: “No attack, but close enough.”
Soon, the two hurried to the city wall and saw a horrifying sight.
“That’s~”
Ji La Si Yi looked outside the city, his eyes contracting sharply.
Only to see countless Uyghur armies arrayed and encamped on the desolate land outside, besieging Dunhuang City watertight.
Between the Uyghur armies and Dunhuang City, a group of Jin Prefecture cavalry was escorting a group of soldiers.
These men hung their heads, looking exactly like plucked ducks.
But Ji La Si Yi still recognized these soldiers’ identity; their attire and bearing were too familiar.
“Guazhou troops?”
“Xiping Army main force!”
Ji La Si Yi gripped the city wall tightly, knuckles white from the force.
The captives escorted by Jin Prefecture Army were undoubtedly Xiping Army.
From the numbers, several thousand, must be the Xiping main force from Guazhou City.
“Guazhou Army defeated?” Ji La Si Yi muttered to himself, unable to accept it.
Without Guazhou City reinforcements, Dunhuang would become a true isolated city, falling only a matter of time.
“Look, Commander, see who that is?” the nearby general shouted in fear, pointing to a figure outside.
He was bound, a lasso around him, pulled forward by two Jin Prefecture Army soldiers, steps staggering, extremely weak.
The instant Ji La Si Yi saw him, veins bulged on his forehead, eyes nearly spewing fire.
“Lord Duoluo!”
The old man bound outside was Xiping Military Command Commander Duoluo Jianzan.
Ji La Si Yi was deputy commander of Xiping Military Command, usually well cared for by Duoluo Jianzan.
The other even intended to promote him to commander.
But now~
“Even Lord Duoluo captured?”
Ji La Si Yi’s vision blackened, body swaying, nearly falling; he steadied himself on the city wall.
“Commander~”
“Commander.”
“General Ji La, are you alright?”
Zhang Xinghua and others hurried over in concern.
Ji La Si Yi gritted his teeth, waved his hand: “I’m fine.”
But despair had quietly enveloped his heart.
Duoluo Jianzan captured by Jin Prefecture Army meant the Xiping Army from Guazhou was completely annihilated.
Even Guazhou City might have fallen to Jin Prefecture Army.
“This is a conspiracy.”
“Jin Prefecture Army used our Dunhuang City as bait to lure Lord Duoluo.”
“Their real goal was Guazhou City.”
Ji La Si Yi roared lowly in fury, eyes bloodshot, heart bleeding.
He only hated not seeing through Li Xiao the scoundrel’s plot sooner, or else how would it drag Lord Duoluo at his age to be pulled like a dog by Jin Prefecture soldiers.
“Everyone, brace yourselves.”
“Defend the city!”
“Dunhuang City will not fall.” Ji La Si Yi said through gritted teeth.
He resolved to fight Jin Prefecture Army to the death.
He was a noble Tangut person, would never surrender to Han people.
Meanwhile, Li Xiao rode horseback from afar, watching Xiping Army prisoners paraded outside Dunhuang City.
Essentially a public shaming march.
This way to demoralize the Dunhuang garrison, easing the upcoming siege.
“Sixth Uncle, Er Hu, well done.”
“One battle eliminates six thousand Xiping troops; not only will Dunhuang fall soon, Guazhou will also be ours for Jin Prefecture Army.”
Li Xiao looked at Li Dashan and Er Hu, said approvingly.
“Heh, this skill in fighting wars was all learned from you, Elder Brother.” Er Hu chuckled; the teacher taught well.
Li Dashan also laughed: “That kid San Bao did well too; the Xiping commander was captured by his men.”
“Worthy of our Li Family sons.”
Li Xiao nodded lightly: “The kid’s not bad, didn’t lose face for me, Li Xiao.”
Unknowingly, San Bao was no longer a child, able to fight and kill on the battlefield.
Earlier in the Great Desert, during army expansion, Li Xiao had promoted him to squad leader.
Unexpectedly this time, he and his squad captured the enemy commander alive.
With this merit, next expansion, the kid could be a Centurion.
In this era, clan relatives and bloodline were unavoidable issues.
Though it might cause succession troubles in the future, in the phase of conquering the world, no one was more reliable than clan brothers.
Li Xiao hoped his brothers and relatives would grow up, best to stand on their own soon.
“Sixth Uncle, Er Hu, you’ve worked hard; take your men to rest for now.”
“Watch me take Dunhuang City today.” Li Xiao said in a deep voice.
His gaze turned to Dunhuang City; soldiers on the wall all looked on high alert.
The big fish was hooked; the bait was no longer needed.
Still, better to take Dunhuang quickly; he had been away from Jin Prefecture long enough.
“Order General Alkus, Hami Army prepare for siege.” Li Xiao commanded.
For grueling siege work, definitely send Uyghur people; dead or wounded, Li Xiao did not care.
“Wooo wooo woo woo~”
Low horn sounds echoed across the vast land.
Uyghur armies shouldered pre-prepared siege ladders, slowly advancing on the city wall.
Soon, arrows rained from the wall; numerous Uyghur soldiers fell below, blood staining Dunhuang City’s adobe.
Meanwhile, many mounted Jin Prefecture soldiers outside held iron trumpets, shouting around the wall.
“Soldiers and common people of Dunhuang City, you are surrounded.”
“Do not resist in vain.”
“We are all Han people; Han people do not fight Han people.”
“Lay down weapons and surrender; it’s your only way out.”
“Jin Prefecture Army guarantees your and your families’ safety.”
“Those who resist stubbornly, after city falls, whole families executed.”
……
These words looped outside Dunhuang City; defending soldiers’ expressions turned odd.
They had resisted firmly fearing massacre after fall.
But now, with Jin Prefecture Army’s guarantee, their resolve began to waver.
“Those outside are Han people too?”
“Seems so; we can understand their words.”
“Han people do not fight Han people; well said.”
“We are all Han people; why fight for Tangut people?”
“Yeah, those Hu people bully us Han people daily; why die for them now?”
“Dunhuang is hopeless; Xiping commander captured; why not surrender?”
Defending soldiers whispered among themselves, even arrow volleys weakening.
Everyone pondered whether to surrender.
After all, Dunhuang was now isolated; if they truly angered Jin Prefecture Army, post-fall massacre would be disastrous.
Surrender now at least preserved life and family.
Thinking this, many hearts wavered.
Now, the only thing missing was a leader.
