Chapter 250: Femme Fatale, Throat Of Gansu And Liangzhou
“Lost our Qilian Mountains, and our six livestock ceased to thrive.”
“Lost our Yanzhi Mountain, and our women lost their beauty.”
……
The desolate song drifted leisurely over the vast grassland, as if winding low from the depths of time.
It was as if one could feel the grief and despair of the Xiongnu people losing their homeland a thousand years ago.
Amid this vast and heroic atmosphere, Li Xiao led a large contingent of Wuwei Army cavalry, surging like a yellow flood across the grassland at the southern foothills of Yanzhi Mountain.
The cavalry rode with agile postures and resolute expressions; the war horses beneath them were fat and strong, their hooves kicking up clumps of grass and dust.
“Roar roar roar roar~”
“Hahaha~”
The azure sky seemed to blanket overhead, within reach; the land was a stretch of verdant green, with water grass waist-high in some places, and rivers like silver ribbons crisscrossing through it.
The soldiers galloped on horseback, their hearts bold and open, roaring and laughing loudly, startling countless animals into fleeing.
“Great Protector, this place is truly ideal for raising horses!”
“We’ve only been here a day, but the war horse under me feels stronger than usual when running.”
The army halted by a riverside. Hearing Thin Monkey’s words, Li Xiao laughed heartily too.
“Hahaha~”
“This is Shandan, a prime horse-breeding ground since ancient times.”
As early as a thousand years ago, the Xiongnu people grazed fine horses here; their iron cavalry once roamed the grassland, inspiring fear.
Later, Huo Qubing struck the Xiongnu twice, seizing Qilian Mountains and Yanzhi Mountain in one stroke, bringing this grassland under the Han Dynasty’s domain.
Right up to the Northern Song period, this area remained the Central Plains Dynasty’s most vital military horse breeding base.
However, after the Northern Song’s defeat in the war with Western Xia, it completely lost the Hexi Corridor, leaving Song Dynasty armies without quality war horses thereafter.
And the Shandan Military Horse Farm was thus abandoned.
Since the Hexi Corridor was not Western Xia’s ruling center, the Tangut people feared the Shandan Military Horse Farm would be used by Hexi’s Han people and Uyghur people, so they ordered a ban on raising war horses in the Shandan region.
Most of Western Xia’s war horses came from the Helan Mountains area, where the Tangut people had risen.
The Shandan area thus became an ideal habitat for animals.
Until the Mongol people arrived and reutilized the place.
Even in later generations, the Shandan horse farm was Asia’s largest.
Time flowed on, and now Li Xiao led a large contingent of Wuwei Army cavalry galloping here.
His main purpose this time was to scout the terrain and features of the Shandan grassland, preparing for the upcoming war.
“The water grass here is no worse than on our Northern Frontier grassland; it really puts fat on war horses!”
Thin Monkey watched his war horse standing in the river water, gulping it down, and said with a full-faced grin: “Not using it would be such a waste.”
The water flowed clear to the bottom; under the sun’s refraction, shimmering waves flickered endlessly—small streams naturally formed from the melting ice and snow of the Qilian Mountains, distributed in stripes across the entire grassland.
Nourishing this grassland and fostering countless lives.
Li Xiao nodded lightly: “This place is far from Xingqing Prefecture, and the Tangut people’s control over the Hexi Corridor is limited; they naturally fear that if rebellion breaks out in the Hexi Corridor, these war horses will be snatched by enemies.”
Just like the historical Mongol people, who set up their military horse farm in the densely Han-populated Huaixi area, essentially digging their own grave.
On this point, the Tangut people were somewhat clever, but only with small cleverness.
After all, without the Tangut people’s control over Hexi Corridor war horses, the Northern Frontier Army could hardly have swept through Hexi so swiftly.
Such matters have pros and cons.
Guard against their own people, or against foreign enemies?
“These Tangut people are truly cowardly.” Thin Monkey said disdainfully.
“Small tribes bullying large ones—it’s always been thus. For the Tangut people, the greatest enemies aren’t our Northern Frontier or the Jin Dynasty, but the Han people and Uyghur people within their own borders,” Li Xiao said with a chuckle.
“Great Protector, we don’t care about that; we can reopen the horse farm.” Thin Monkey suggested.
Li Xiao shook his head lightly: “That requires us to occupy the Hexi Corridor first.”
The Hexi war he launched initially aimed at looting.
Bringing the Hexi Corridor’s Han people back to the Northern Frontier.
Though the battle had gone much smoother than Li Xiao imagined so far.
But fully occupying the Hexi Corridor remained quite difficult.
He’d just received word that Western Xia’s reinforcements had arrived at Liangzhou City—all cavalry, over ten thousand strong.
Plus Liangzhou City’s original troops, mostly hastily conscripted civilian laborers, but with the city for defense, their advantage was clear.
Even with Divine Might Cannons, taking Liangzhou City would cost the Northern Frontier Army heavy casualties.
Without taking Liangzhou City, occupying Ganzhou and elsewhere would mean nothing.
Strategically, the Hexi Corridor was too far from the Northern Frontier; in war, reinforcements would take at least a month to arrive.
Western Xia, by contrast, was closer to the Hexi Corridor and could deploy troops anytime to loot it.
With reduced Northern Frontier troops in the Hexi Corridor, they’d be beaten, even risking total annihilation.
Too many would shift the Northern Frontier’s center to the Hexi Corridor.
In the western front strategy against the royal court, that would require full-line contraction; once the royal court recovered strength, it might retake Yili and the Seven Rivers.
So currently, Li Xiao hadn’t resolved to fully occupy the Hexi Corridor.
“Great Protector, the water’s cooling.”
While Li Xiao and Thin Monkey spoke, a personal guard brought a bowl of warm water.
Li Xiao nodded lightly, took it, and drained it, telling the guard to fetch more.
He didn’t forget to instruct Thin Monkey and the others: “This river water looks clear, but it’s actually not clean.”
“Huo Qubing back then drank raw water, caught the plague, and died young at twenty-four.”
“Northern Frontier men are born tough as bone and iron men; even in death, we die gloriously on the battlefield.”
“I don’t want to see you dying pathetically in bed.”
The more animals in a place, the more likely rivers harbor masses of bacteria and viruses—heavy doses cause severe diarrhea or worse, flat on your back.
So Li Xiao required Northern Frontier soldiers, when possible, to boil raw water before drinking.
After implementing this military order, non-combat reductions in the Northern Frontier Army had halved.
Of course, in intense war, let alone raw water—even mud slurry must be swallowed.
“Move out, continue onward~”
He lightly raised his horsewhip; with one command, the large cavalry contingent neatly shifted formation and continued galloping across the grassland.
Then, heading east, they bypassed Yanzhi Mountain, looped back from its northern foothills, and advanced toward Shanle City.
Yanzhi Mountain has long been called the ‘throat of Ganzhou and Liangzhou’.
The range runs northeast to southwest; its south face borders the Shandan horse farm, its north adjoins Ganjun Mountain（Dragon Head Mountain）, which runs east-west.
At their junction, only a single mountain path allows passage.
At this moment, the Wuwei Army traveled this mountain path, flanked by towering peaks.
Though the slopes were relatively gentle enough for cavalry to climb, it was quite taxing on stamina, and the summits too high for large-scale cavalry ascent.
To pass, one must go through the valley between the two mountains, narrowest at just dozens of meters wide.
“Worthy of being the throat of Ganzhou and Liangzhou!”
Li Xiao, riding his horse, gazed at the flanking mountains and said gravely.
“Hold Yanzhi Mountain, and you’ve severed the link between Ganzhou and Liangzhou.”
The terrain around Yanzhi Mountain could be described as ‘three basins clamped by two mountains’.
South side: Yanzhi Mountain; north side: Ganjun Mountain.
South of Yanzhi Mountain: the Shandan Military Horse Farm.
North of Ganjun Mountain: the vast Great Desert.
Between the two mountains: the valley the Wuwei Army now traversed, the Yanzhi Mountain Ancient Road.
This ancient road was the shortest, flattest, and best passage between Ganzhou and Liangzhou.
Most military and civilian exchanges between the two passed through the Yanzhi Mountain Ancient Road.
Because the Shandan Military Horse Farm connected to the Qilian Mountains, with high elevation, it was time- and labor-intensive, crossing many rivers and hills, with poor road access.
North of Ganjun Mountain was worse, nearing the Great Desert with harsh conditions.
Only the central Yanzhi Mountain Ancient Road was most favorable for passage.
Midway along the Yanzhi Mountain Ancient Road stood a city: Shanle.
Thus, Shanle City’s Uyghur people grew rich thanks to their superior location.
To take the Yanzhi Mountain Ancient Road, Shanle City must first be conquered.
Soon after the Wuwei Army advanced into the valley, a scouting cavalry turned back and reported loudly: “Reporting to the Great Protector, a group of common people spotted ahead.”
“They seem to have fled from the direction of Shanle City.”
Hearing this, Li Xiao glanced at the sky.
By the timing, the Fourth Garrison had likely already attacked, or even taken, Shanle City.
These were probably common people originally outside the city who fled early.
“Order the Second Chiliarch to capture them all and interrogate the current state of Shanle City,” Li Xiao commanded.
“Yes, sir.”
The scout departed; the Wuwei cavalry pressed on.
Soon after, terrified screams, pleas for mercy, and wails rose ahead nonstop.
Many common people, seeing the Northern Frontier Army, bolted toward the flanking mountains; Northern Frontier cavalry pursued, shooting them down one by one with arrows.
Soon, Zhao Dabao, vanguard chiliarch of the Wuwei Army, returned to report: “Great Protector, these are all Uyghur people, illiterate, can’t understand a word we say—got nothing out of them.”
Hearing this, Li Xiao’s face darkened instantly; he snorted coldly: “They can’t even speak the Chinese language?”
“No different from barbarians?”
He’d long heard Shanle City had many Uyghur people, a major prisoner-of-war camp after Li Yuanhao exterminated the Ganzhou Uyghurs.
Unexpectedly, after all these years, these Uyghur people hadn’t improved, still unable to speak the Chinese language.
What use keeping them?
Li Xiao’s way of distinguishing foreign races was simple: whether they spoke the Chinese language, their living customs, religious beliefs—any difference from Han people.
If they spoke the Chinese language, it proved willingness to accept Huaxia civilization’s teachings; after prolonged contact with Han people, in two or three generations, they’d be indistinguishable from Han people.
Li Xiao naturally welcomed such people into the Huaxia family.
Just as in the Northern Frontier, many Turkic, Naiman, and other foreign race people learned the Chinese language, took Han names, and drew toward Huaxia civilization.
But those stubborn and unrepentant, clinging to ethnic customs, Li Xiao viewed as separatists—prime targets for elimination.
Thus, to Zhao Dabao: “Kill all men who can’t understand human speech~”
“As for the women, do as you see fit~”
Zhao Dabao grinned, saluted with hand to chest: “Yes, sir.”
This job, he was familiar with.
As a Wuwei Army chiliarch, he had to lead by example.
……
Meanwhile, in Shanle City, at the Prefectural Governor’s Mansion.
Abugema was urgently directing maidservants and servants to pack things.
“Hurry, take that mink fur coat—nights are cold~”
“Silver? Forget it, take gold~”
“Faster, the barbarians are coming in,” Abugema said anxiously.
At that moment, He Dagan, pale-faced and supported, entered the Prefectural Governor’s Mansion; seeing the chaos inside, he froze.
He instinctively thought Northern Frontier barbarians had already breached.
“What are you doing?”
“Fleeing~” Abugema’s pretty face said urgently.
“Northern Frontier barbarians are vicious; if we don’t run, they’ll kill us all.”
“Husband, I’ve packed some things—see what’s missing~”
Seeing his wife’s panic, He Dagan shook his head bitterly and waved: “Stop packing.”
He barked at the maidservants and servants: “Out.”
“Why not pack?”
Facing his wife’s question, He Dagan shook his head: “Where can we flee?”
“Shanle City is surrounded tight by barbarians; no one escapes without wings.”
“What now?” Abugema cried out, horror on her fair and stunning face.
“Why not surrender?”
“Give all the money to those barbarians to make them withdraw.”
Hearing his wife, He Dagan smiled bitterly.
He’d tried; even raising the offer to two hundred thousand taels of silver, the Northern Frontier Army refused.
Could it really be as his advisor suggested?
At twenty, Abugema was in her youthful prime—a pearl of the Hexi Corridor.
He Dagan was loath to part, but for his life and fortune, for his family’s century legacy, he had to steel himself.
In the end, faced with power or beauty, nearly all men stay clear-headed.
Moments later, he sighed heavily: “Abugema, only you can save your husband now—only you can save Shanle City.”
Hearing this, Abugema was stunned: “Me?”
“How can a weak woman like me save Shanle City?”
Looking at his innocent and stunning wife, He Dagan’s heart filled with guilt.
But he knew if he didn’t decide quickly, once Northern Frontier Army breached Shanle City, he couldn’t protect Abugema either.
Just a matter of who first or later.
He Dagan avoided her puzzled gaze, head slightly bowed: “I’ve heard the Northern Frontier barbarians’ Great Protector loves women greatly.”
“He often enjoys taking others’ wives and daughters; even Mi Qin Tiele’s wife and daughters served the barbarian Great Protector.”
“So, I think…”
Beauty brings disaster; since Abugema couldn’t be kept anyway, better turn passive to active, curry favor with Northern Frontier Army, gain conveniences for Shanle City elsewhere.
He’d discussed with advisors and other magnates: if Northern Frontier Army withdrew, besides two hundred thousand taels of ‘withdrawal fee’.
They’d send two hundred beauties including Abugema to the Northern Frontier Army.
A nation, ethnicity, or city’s survival hinging on women selling their bodies.
Utter humiliation for any man with backbone.
But this was the weak’s sole survival mode in this era.
During the Mongol cavalry’s western expedition, many city-states sent money and women to avoid siege.
Even island dwarf nation sent women to U.S. soldiers for ‘protection’ and postwar ‘industrial revival’ blind eyes.
Ultimately, the cowardice and incompetence of the defeated.
Nicely put, ‘biding time with resolve’.
“What? You you you~”
The woman stood rigid, red lips parted, arm half-raised.
Shock filled her fair and stunning face; she could hardly believe these words from He Dagan.
She was the Dagan’s wife, properly wedded Madam.
To be buried in the He Dagan family ancestral grave.
Yet He Dagan wanted her to serve a Northern Frontier barbarian? Trade her body for his glory and wealth?
“He Dagan, are you even a man?”
“I’m your Madam!” Abugema cried in despair.
Tears slid down her fair face, heartbreak on her stunning features.
She knew He Dagan bullied men and women daily, exploiting Shanle City’s common people as slaves, never doing much good in his life.
But she’d never imagined such shamelessness.
Seeing Abugema in despair, He Dagan felt deep shame and fury.
But then rage overtook: he gritted his teeth, heart hardened: “Agree or not, it’s decided.”
“Pack properly; don’t shame Shanle City.”
With that, he prepared to select the other two hundred girls.
But before reaching the Prefectural Governor’s Mansion gate, a personal guard ran up in panic, tumbling several times, shouting in terror.
“City fallen! City fallen!”
“Prefect Lord, barbarians have broken in!”
Hearing this, He Dagan, just stepping out, was struck like lightning—face ashen, he collapsed to the ground.
……
When Li Xiao led the Wuwei Army to Shanle City, the Northern Frontier’s Sun and Moon Battle Flag already flew atop the city wall.
Screams filled the city; slaughter and looting began in this town.
Upon learning of Li Xiao’s arrival, Luo Meng came personally to greet.
Mounted, hand to chest: “Greetings, Great Protector.”
“This general has not failed; Shanle City is taken.”
Li Xiao nodded lightly, praising: “Well done.”
“Fourth Garrison’s ferocity matches the First Division.”
Luo Meng laughed, unmodest: “Of course.”
“Whatever First Division can do, Fourth Garrison does better.”
“Great Protector, next time attacking Liangzhou City, let Fourth Garrison lead.”
Li Xiao smiled lightly, nodded: “Won’t forget you.”
“But taking Liangzhou City won’t be easy.”
His gaze fell on Shanle City, observing defenses and the Yanzhi Mountain Ancient Road behind.
Shanle City straddled the ancient road’s midpoint.
To pass: climb mountains or go through Shanle City.
One man guards the pass, ten thousand cannot breach.
Though north and south routes existed, none matched Yanzhi Mountain Ancient Road for convenience and safety.
Shanle City truly gripped the throat of Ganzhou and Liangzhou.
“Facing twenty thousand troops’ assault, how many soldiers to hold Yanzhi Mountain Ancient Road?”
After pondering, Li Xiao turned to Luo Meng.
Lately, Northern Frontier Army had taken most of the Hexi Corridor, save Liangzhou.
Captured over three hundred thousand common people—impressive gains.
Li Xiao planned a rest, pausing the Liangzhou assault.
Liangzhou’s walls were tall, garrison numerous; Western Xia reinforced with over ten thousand elite cavalry from the Central Plains.
Even with Divine Might Cannons, taking Liangzhou and eliminating Western Xia Army would cost Northern Frontier over ten thousand casualties.
Poor cost-effectiveness; Li Xiao wouldn’t fight that way.
Instead, use Yanzhi Mountain as fortress to lure Western Xia Army into field battle.
Li Xiao had ample time; meanwhile, organize prisoners into elite Kuli Army.
Western Xia couldn’t wait: Waiming Shian might endure Northern Frontier standoff, but court and monarch might not.
Hearing Li Xiao, Luo Meng eyed Shanle City, recalled Yanzhi Mountain Ancient Road terrain, and said gravely: “Three thousand.”
“Give this general three thousand elite soldiers and twenty Tiger Zun Cannons; can hold Shanle City three months.”
Mainly due to Yanzhi Mountain Ancient Road’s defensibility; his plan used Shanle City as rear base for phased blockades along the road.
Wear down Western Xia troops and morale; after valleys fell, they’d face Shanle City’s tough nut.
Northern Frontier elite soldiers and generals, plus cannons—Northern Frontier-held Shanle City far surpassed Uyghur Shanle City.
“Heh heh heh~”
Hearing Luo Meng, Li Xiao nodded with a smile—satisfactory.
Three months ample; crucially, holding Shandan City cut Liangzhou’s road to Ganzhou.
To pass: north desert or south horse farm.
Next, Li Xiao would consider ambushes using those routes’ terrain.
Cripple Western Xia main force first, then Liangzhou easy.
