Chapter 226: Northern Frontier Six Garrisons
In the blink of an eye, time arrived in October, and Jin Prefecture’s first snow drifted down gracefully.
More and more Southern Xinjiang battle reports arrived at Hexi Fort.
Er Hu merely led three thousand cavalry and successively broke through Kashgar, Kuxian, Luntai, Kuzhi, and Sha Yan Prefecture, with his troops advancing directly toward Jimo, that is, the Aksu region of later generations.
Before the Gaochang Uyghur Kingdom was destroyed by Li Xiao, Jimo belonged to the Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate.
In other words, Er Hu not only recaptured the western cities of the Gaochang Uyghur Kingdom but also advanced into the territory of the Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate.
Shocking the entire Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate.
The Kara-Khan of the Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate urgently dispatched troops northward to block the Jin Prefecture Army’s offensive.
“What a pity.”
In the main hall, Li Xiao gently placed the Southern Xinjiang battle report from his hand on the low table and shook his head with a sigh.
“What’s wrong? Isn’t Er Hu doing quite well!”
“Why are you sighing?” Xiao Yanyan, holding the child who had just fallen asleep, sat down gently beside Li Xiao and asked puzzledly.
She had only just come out of the confinement period, but the weather was cold, so she still rarely went out, only walking around in the room.
At this time, she wrapped herself tightly in cotton clothes, completely hiding her usual slender and tall figure, even her head wrapped in cotton cloth, looking just like a rural woman.
Her skin was rough and sallow, without the radiance of before.
But compared to right after giving birth, it was much better; her physical condition was recovering rapidly.
“He’s doing very well, but unfortunately it’s already winter, so this year it ends here.” Li Xiao shook his head regretfully and said.
Looking at the child sleeping soundly in Xiao Yanyan’s arms, with a tight little face, fair and tender, very cute.
Li Xiao’s mouth couldn’t help but reveal a light smile; he wanted to reach out and hold the child, but Xiao Yanyan slapped his hand away.
“I finally got him to sleep; don’t wake him up.”
Like all men in the world, Li Xiao’s fondness for the child was only a few minutes of enthusiasm.
He would cherish holding him for a while, then start to dislike it and hand him back to Xiao Yanyan.
This back and forth made the little guy feel uncomfortable, and he unceremoniously burst into loud cries.
So now Xiao Yanyan didn’t dare let Li Xiao hold the child easily.
Li Xiao didn’t insist, merely saying with slight dissatisfaction, “A boy can’t be too delicate; he needs more beatings and toughening up.”
The current Golden Saber was always crying and fussing; Li Xiao didn’t mind.
But when he grew up a bit, able to run and jump, Li Xiao would make him understand what fatherly love like a fan was.
Returning to the topic of Southern Xinjiang, Xiao Yanyan also said, “There have been enough battles this year; the troops and horses are exhausted, so they really can’t fight anymore.”
This year’s Jin Prefecture warfare was frequent: fighting the Naiman People, fighting the Kereit Tribe, and even fighting the Royal Court and Kangli People.
Therefore, Li Xiao only had Er Hu lead a small number of cavalry to loot Southern Xinjiang.
If it were at another time, the main force of the Jin Prefecture Army would surely head south, at least reaching Kashgar and forcing the Kara-Khan of the Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate to kneel and surrender.
“Yes, so I’ve already sent a message to Er Hu: if the timing is right, proceed with peace talks with the Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate.”
“Fight again next year.” Li Xiao said in a deep voice.
After recapturing the western cities of Gaochang, Er Hu captured a great deal; aside from gold and silver treasures, there were over five thousand Uyghur Women of marriageable age captured.
This could already preliminarily alleviate the imbalance in the male-female ratio in Northern Xinjiang.
Moreover, when forcing the Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate to negotiate, they would definitely make them offer a batch of women and slaves.
Most of these women would flow into Jin Prefecture’s slave market.
After all, the garrison soldiers of Jin Prefecture had more and more wealth in their hands, and their demand for slaves was also increasing.
Besides the women and slaves distributed during the war, they would also privately purchase some women and slaves.
And Northern Xinjiang’s largest slave trader was the Hexi Merchant Guild.
“The Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate is going to bleed heavily.” Xiao Yanyan chuckled.
“By the way, I heard Er Hu plans to grab a few princesses from the Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate for marriage alliances; you brothers one each?”
Hearing this, Li Xiao’s face twitched, and he shook his head saying, “Where did you hear that? I don’t know about it.”
“Besides, our family already has so many princesses; we don’t lack her one.”
No matter how he fooled around outside, at home Li Xiao still had to give some face to Xiao Yanyan as the main wife.
“Hmph, just a concubine anyway; take her if you want!” Xiao Yanyan snorted.
Princess or queen, she didn’t care.
Once they came to the Li Family, they all had to behave obediently under her hand.
Whoever provoked Xiao Yanyan’s anger would be directly beaten to death with a staff, and Li Xiao wouldn’t stop it.
Because Xiao Yanyan had the confidence.
What she relied on was not just the status of main wife; most importantly, it was power.
Nowadays in Northern Xinjiang, many armies and generals were Xiao Simo’s old subordinates, who were naturally supporters of Xiao Yanyan and Golden Saber.
This force, even Li Xiao wouldn’t easily challenge.
It had to be said that Golden Saber this child was born winning at the starting line; his mother’s clan was too powerful, and he was the eldest legitimate son.
Even if Li Xiao had more sons, none could fairly compete with him.
His position was too secure.
And yet Li Xiao had no choice but to add some thickness to Golden Saber’s backing.
“I plan to appoint Xiao Chilü and Bali’ala as deputy commanders, also leading one myriad household.”
“What do you think?” Li Xiao said softly.
Hearing this, Xiao Yanyan said indifferently, “How would I, a mere woman, understand military and political matters? You can decide the appointments of generals yourself, husband.”
Li Xiao nodded lightly and explained, “Both of them, whether in seniority or ability, deserve to be deputy commanders.”
“Even deputy commander slightly undervalues them, but it can only be this way.”
Xiao Chilü was Xiao Tula Duo’s eldest son, deputy governor of the Great Desert, and the actual controller of the Great Desert Army.
Bali’ala was the former Shi Lie Zhu of the Sixth Courtyard Department; because he committed a grave mistake on the battlefield, Xiao Simo exiled him to Jin Prefecture as deputy governor.
Although there was intent to restrain and supervise Li Xiao, in fact it caused Li Xiao no trouble.
These two had high status, especially Xiao Chilü, who already controlled four thousand Great Desert Army troops.
After joining the Northern Frontier Army system, their status certainly couldn’t be too low.
Deputy commander, also leading a myriad household of three thousand men, was quite fitting for them.
“Are the other positions all confirmed?” Xiao Yanyan asked.
In these three months after returning to Jin Prefecture, Li Xiao mainly did three things.
Autumn harvest.
Establishing the Great Protector’s Mansion.
Increasing the three garrisons to six garrisons.
This year, the Jin Prefecture Army campaigned east and west, capturing large numbers of Naiman People and Kereit People.
Many among them distinguished themselves in the Western Expedition, rising to garrison commanders through military merit, crossing from slaves to garrison soldiers.
Then they absorbed large numbers of Eastern Capital Army, Seven Rivers Army, and Great Desert Army.
The strength of the Jin Prefecture Army reached an unprecedented level.
Now under his command, there were already sixty chiliarch offices.
The registered garrison soldiers numbered sixty thousand.
Continuing with the three-garrison structure was no longer appropriate.
So Li Xiao planned to add three more military towns on the basis of the original three garrisons.
In these three months, Li Xiao had been adjusting and transferring the various garrison troops, perfecting the six-garrison system.
Now, the final structure and general selections were basically confirmed.
“Pretty much.” Li Xiao nodded lightly.
“This time Er Hu did well in Southern Xinjiang; he’s capable of standing on his own. I plan to appoint him as the new commander.” Li Xiao said.
Appointments for deputy commanders, myriad household commanders, chiliarchs, etc., could be broader, but for commander selections involving absolute military power, Li Xiao still used Li Family people as much as possible.
Er Hu was the confirmed Fifth Garrison commander for Li Xiao, also serving as Yili Protectorate General.
Controlling the troops of Yili and Seven Rivers, he was the vanguard for attacking the Royal Court.
After all, this kid was too bloodthirsty; Li Xiao couldn’t constrain him all the time.
So he placed him in the west to deal with the Royal Court and Kara-Khanid Khanate; massacre the city or exterminate clans, Li Xiao wouldn’t easily interfere.
“As for the Sixth Garrison commander~” Before Li Xiao finished speaking, a guard appeared at the door.
He placed his hand on his chest and said, “Great Protector, Governor Jiu Meng’an He has arrived in Jin Prefecture, ten miles from Hexi Fort.”
“Oh, he came quite fast.” Li Xiao said.
He then looked at Xiao Yanyan: “This time, Jiu Meng’an He brought his whole family to Jin Prefecture.”
“You and Madam Jiu Meng’an are acquaintances; later have someone help them settle their new home.”
Hearing this, Xiao Yanyan also showed a light smile on her face and nodded, “Don’t worry, I’ll have people arrange it well.”
Helping Li Xiao soothe the rear families was Xiao Yanyan’s responsibility, not to mention they were acquaintances of the Jiu Meng’an Family.
Xiao Yanyan was naturally even more at ease.
“Good, you rest at home; I’ll go welcome them.”
With that, Li Xiao dressed neatly in a black gold-trimmed cotton robe and walked out toward the outside of the village.
……
Snow fell in flurries; the grassland was already covered with a finger-thick layer of snow, but for herdsmen who lived year-round in Northern Xinjiang, this little snow was no big deal.
They had seen snow over a man’s height before.
In this vast white snow, Jiu Meng’an He led a thousand households of Seven Rivers herdsmen, slowly advancing toward Hexi Fort.
Looking at Dragon City rising abruptly in the distance, a trace of shock flashed in his eyes.
“I remember the last time I came to Jin Prefecture was four years ago, during the great war with the Naiman People.”
“I didn’t expect that in just four short years, Jin Prefecture has completely changed!” Jiu Meng’an He rode on horseback, wearing thick cotton clothes, and softly sighed while looking at Dragon City, which was mostly completed.
He deeply felt Jin Prefecture’s great changes.
Not to mention the massive Dragon City before his eyes, even the cotton clothes he was wearing now were produced by Jin Prefecture textiles.
Compared to the previous sheepskin jackets and linen-padded jackets, they were warmer and more comfortable.
It was just that due to low output and high price, ordinary herdsmen couldn’t afford them yet.
Additionally, Jin Prefecture’s alcoholic beverages had become the favorite drink of Seven Rivers herdsmen; ordinary herdsmen couldn’t afford the expensive Western Wind Fierce, but Jin Prefecture wine had cheap options, just with different names.
There were also the telescopes made in Jin Prefecture and a thing that could clean off grease.
All made Jiu Meng’an He feel incredibly novel, even a sense of not keeping up with the changes, feeling old.
Beside him, a young man with somewhat similar features closely followed.
It was Jiu Meng’an He’s son, Jiu Meng’an Huliba.
Over these years following Jiu Meng’an He in campaigns, he had taken on a strong aura of ferocity.
Looking at the towering city walls in the distance, he said in surprise, “This should be the rumored Dragon City; I just didn’t expect it to be so big, almost catching up to Kuyun-Ordu?”
Jiu Meng’an He nodded lightly: “From now on, this Dragon City will be our home.”
He already knew his position after coming to Jin Prefecture: Sima of the Northern Frontier Governor’s Mansion.
Although without direct military power, it was a high and powerful position, nominally the second-in-command of Northern Xinjiang after Li Xiao.
Jiu Meng’an He’s age was already advanced; his hair had turned gray, and his back was starting to bend.
He had long lost his ambitions; staying in Jin Prefecture for retirement was a good choice.
“Father is old; opportunities to lead troops into battle and kill the enemy will be fewer and fewer.”
“But you’re still young; the future of the Jiu Meng’an Family depends on you.” Jiu Meng’an He looked at his son and said emphatically.
One must retreat when it’s time; opportunities are for the young.
Crucially, only if he stepped back would his son have a chance to rise.
“These thousand households of herdsmen are our old foundation in Seven Rivers; from today, Father hands them over to you.” Jiu Meng’an He turned to look at the thousand households of herdsmen advancing in the wind and snow with their belongings.
In Seven Rivers’ former glorious days, there were ten thousand households, the absolute main force facing the Royal Court Army.
Unfortunately, in the previous wars, the Seven Rivers Army suffered heavy losses; without Jin Prefecture Army reinforcements, even the last five thousand couldn’t have been preserved.
Then, Li Xiao began reorganizing Seven Rivers’ troops.
He transferred one thousand households to Yili, one thousand to Eastern Capital, one thousand to Jin Prefecture.
And drew three thousand households mainly Han People commoners into Seven Rivers Grassland.
In this way, Seven Rivers’ population recovered to five thousand households, plus the one thousand households of herdsmen transferred to Yili beforehand, and Er Hu’s original four thousand troops.
The combined troops of Yili and Seven Rivers reached ten thousand.
The troops in these two places were all incorporated into Er Hu’s Fifth Garrison.
They were also the first line of defense facing the Royal Court.
And Jiu Meng’an Huliba would serve as chiliarch, continuing to lead these thousand households of common people.
After resting in Jin Prefecture, they would continue migrating east to Western Sea next spring.
They would join the war against Western Xia and Mongol People next year.
“Father, rest assured; your son will never let the Jiu Meng’an Family decline in my hands.” Huliba said in a firm voice.
Jiu Meng’an He nodded lightly; he was very reassured about this son.
Although not as heaven-sent talented as Li Xiao, compared to Xiao Tula Duo’s son Xiao Chilü, his ability was not inferior at all.
In the future, given the opportunity, he would surely catch up to Xiao Chilü.
Soon, in the vast heaven and earth, a force of Yellow Armor cavalry appeared in Jiu Meng’an He’s sight.
“Father, it’s the Wuwei Army.” Huliba said, peering into the distance.
Now, they knew how to distinguish the armies within the Jin Prefecture Army.
The red and white armies were the Second Garrison and Third Garrison respectively.
Only the troops wearing yellow armor were the First Division personally led by Li Xiao, Jin Prefecture’s most elite force.
And the yellow armor with red edges were the absolute main force of the First Division, Li Xiao’s personal guard Wuwei Army, the elite of the elite.
At this time, a Wuwei Army force appeared ahead; Jiu Meng’an He had anticipated it, surely come to welcome him.
But when Huliba puzzledly said, “Looking at the man in the middle, it seems like the Great Protector himself.”
Hearing this, Jiu Meng’an He was surprised.
In this snowy weather, Li Xiao personally came to welcome him?
“Brother Jiu Meng’an, you’ve had a hard journey.”
When the group approached Hexi Fort, he heard Li Xiao’s hearty laughter.
He saw Li Xiao wearing a black gold-trimmed cotton robe, spurring his war horse forward.
Jiu Meng’an He had his people stop, only bringing Huliba forward, and laughed, “Not hard; compared to our old battle days, it’s much more comfortable.”
“But with the severe cold, how dare I trouble the Great Protector to personally welcome?”
“No matter; with Brother Jiu Meng’an gracing us, I, Li Xiao, am overjoyed—even if it were farther, I must welcome you.”
With that, Li Xiao reined in his war horse and smiled, “With you here in Jin Prefecture, little brother can finally relax a bit.”
“You don’t know, these months have been too busy with too many matters.”
“Your arrival is perfect to help little brother share some burden.”
“Hahaha~”
After the two laughed and chatted, Li Xiao’s gaze turned to Huliba.
He had met him before; he was also a very capable general, a representative of a tiger father and tiger son.
“Huliba pays respects to the Great Protector.” Huliba lightly placed his hand on his chest in salute.
“No need for formalities; work hard in Jin Prefecture from now on, and this seat will not mistreat you.” Li Xiao said.
“After spring planting next year, my army will campaign against Xia Kingdom; then we’ll see your abilities.”
Huliba immediately felt his blood surging and responded loudly, “I will not disappoint the Great Protector.”
“Hahaha, good~”
“Let’s go, back.”
“This seat has already ordered food and hot soup prepared for five thousand people; rest well.”
Li Xiao settled Jiu Meng’an He’s family in Hexi Fort and placed the thousand households of herdsmen at the foot of a mountain thirty miles outside Hexi Fort.
Waiting to migrate to Western Sea next spring.
……
Kashgar.
A town built in the yellow earth desert, also the capital of the Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate.
The city walls were tall and thick, mostly yellowish rammed earth structures; the streets inside the city were winding and tortuous, mostly wooden and rammed earth constructions.
Combining mosque style and Uyghur style, roofs mostly rounded, mainly in yellow, white, and blue tones.
And because the Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate was a nation devoted to Allah, Kashgar was filled with mosques.
The largest named Id Kah Mosque, covering about 16,820 square meters, one of Central Asia’s largest mosques.
At this time, the Kara-Khan of the Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate was named Sulaiman ibn Yusupu, over fifty years old, with a very poor physical condition.
According to original history, in less than three years, this old king would pass away.
At this moment, he knelt before Allah, his face full of sincerity as he said.
“Great and merciful Allah! I prostrate under Your radiance, beseeching Your mercy with the humblest body.”
“At this moment, illness entwines my body like thorns…”
“You are the master of all things; now war clouds cover our land, the iron hooves of Jin Prefecture People shatter our nation’s peace, wails tear through the long night.”
“Please spread Your wings of protection, dispel the gloom of war, extinguish the flames of battle, sheathe the sabers, and return this land to tranquility.”
After the prayer, Yusupu rose with his servant’s support; just as he stepped out of the mosque gate, he saw an official anxiously waiting outside.
Seeing Yusupu, he hurriedly came over and said urgently, “Great Kara-Khan His Majesty, terrible news.”
“Jin Prefecture Army has broken through Jimo.”
Hearing this, Yusupu felt a shock throughout his body, his face deathly pale, body swaying unsteadily.
Gripping the servant’s arm tightly beside him, he said in an angry voice, “What?”
“Jimo has fallen?”
“What about our army? Our twenty thousand strong army—why couldn’t they stop Jin Prefecture Army?”
To block Jin Prefecture Army, Yusupu had dispatched twenty thousand troops as reinforcements, but unexpectedly Jimo still fell.
Why didn’t Allah protect Jimo?
The official said with difficulty, “Your Majesty, Jin Prefecture Army are all cavalry; our army probably hasn’t reached Jimo yet at this time.”
Hearing this, Yusupu helplessly sighed heavily.
Northern Frontier People grew up on horseback, brave and skilled in combat, a born battle nation.
In cavalry combat, the Uyghur People who had become agricultural people were hard-pressed to match Northern Frontier Cavalry.
But infantry were too slow, completely toyed with by Northern Frontier Cavalry.
This filled Yusupu with helplessness; how could they fight like this?
Could they only passively wait for Northern Frontier Cavalry to wantonly attack various towns?
And upon returning to the imperial palace, Yusupu received an even more infuriating message.
“The Royal Court wants to increase tribute?”
“Has Yelü Zhilugu gone mad?”
“Great Allah, Yelü Zhilugu must be mad; have pity on this lost soul.”
Yusupu was so angered he fell ill on the spot.
As a vassal state of Great Liao, the Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate had always been loyal, helping the Royal Court fight how many wars?
During the initial Northern Frontier rebellion, the army the Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate sent to the Royal Court was wiped out, including Yusupu’s own younger brother and five hundred heavy cavalry.
Not long ago, when the Royal Court wanted to attack Yili, he mobilized over ten thousand troops without hesitation, and they too were wiped out.
Such successive huge losses caused strong shock in the Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate domestically; the major nobles had long been dissatisfied with the Royal Court’s actions.
Yusupu hadn’t even demanded war compensation from Yelü Zhilugu.
And this bastard still dared to demand money from the Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate?
How could there be such a shameless person?
The next day, Yusupu summoned numerous nobles and officials and announced an important decision.
“This Khan has decided: from now on, stop tributary payments to the Royal Court; not a single dinar more to the Royal Court.”
“At the same time, seek peace talks with Northern Xinjiang and request Jin Prefecture to withdraw troops.”
“The Royal Court and Northern Xinjiang’s war had nothing to do with us originally; our Kara-Khanid Khanate absolutely cannot participate anymore.”
With that, a look of despair appeared on Yusupu’s pale face as he murmured, “If we keep fighting, our Kara-Khanid Khanate will truly perish.”
