Although the Kulun Military Station system was established during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, this system continued until the founding of New China.
The frontier of China's homeland is guarded by generations of Chinese descendants. They suffer from hunger and cold, and wait in loneliness.
These people are destined not to go down in history because they did not participate in the vigorous revolutionary movement in the Central Plains.
Regardless of whether it was the Taiping Rebellion or the Opium War provoked by Britain and France, let alone the rumbling of artillery during the Sino-Japanese War, nor the gunshots fired against the Qing Dynasty in various parts of the Republic of China.
The warlords separated their regimes, and the civil wars were civil wars. Relatives in the distant Central Plains were killed because of their different ideologies, and they had no way to intervene.
These people are in the most bitter and cold place, guarding the military stations and guarding the border posts!
They also know that they can't actually kill many enemies, and any alien race that wants to invade can easily destroy them.
But they know better that where they are is their home country!
Even if you die, the place where your bones and dregs are scattered is your home and country!
Day after day, year after year!
They didn't know that the Qing Dynasty was overthrown. They only knew that the people who came to change defenses were wearing new military uniforms without braids!
They won't resist because those people have the same blood as them!
They didn't know that the Republic of China was defeated and fled. They only knew that the new guard had a new uniform and a new look!
They won't resist, because those people have the same culture and race as them!
This is the power of blood and culture. When they stood in the Tianshan Altai and were on the front line of foreign spying, there were no disputes in the Central Plains in their hearts, let alone partisan conflicts.
They have even forgotten what the conflict and hatred between Manchus and Tibetans and Huihan are!
There is only one home and country behind me, and that is China. Grandpa, I will stay here, and I will guard China, the place where the souls of our ancestors are buried!
Thirty-six veterans, the average age is approaching sixty. These are just 'symbols' deliberately left behind by Tsarist Russia and Agub. With these symbols, it proves that this land is still under the 'rule' of the Qing Dynasty.
Although all the taxes here have been robbed by bandits, although the laws here have become empty talk, even the herdsmen and farmers cannot guarantee the safety of their lives and property.
But as long as Cullen's flag does not fall, and as long as the thirty-six Han veterans still stand at the city gate, Britain, France and other countries can say nothing.
Another reason why Tsarist Russia has not attacked here is diplomatic pressure!
Britain is a hurdle that Tsarist Russia cannot get around. The British will never let Tsarist Russia expand its power in Central Asia. If the Rakshasa ghosts find an outlet in the Arabian Sea, it will be a huge event.
Therefore, although Britain also wanted to annex the land of Central Asia, whenever Tsarist Russia went too far, Britain would take the initiative to join forces with the Chinese.
The Kokand Khanate and Agub are tigers and hungry wolves directly supported by Tsarist Russia! How can the UK not beat the drum!
It was precisely because of the diplomatic pressure from the British and the military pressure from the Chinese that Tsarist Russia was forced to not look so ugly.
But it's different now. Originally, Tsarist Russia thought that Xiao Letian would be defeated in France and let France avenge them, but they didn't expect that France was also papery!
When the French emperor failed in Sedan, Tsarist Russia knew that it was too late, and they had to change their plans and start preparing for the military annexation of the Ili Valley.
The Tsar has not forgotten that he still has a large number of prisoners working as hard labor under Xiao Letian. How can he negotiate with the Chinese in the future?
Just look at Xiao Letian's greedy look, and the way he wants money from France, you know that this negotiation will definitely be a cut-throat!
But what money does Tsarist Russia have? He is the poorest among the great powers in Europe!
Let’s tear down the east wall and make up for the west wall. If I can’t defeat you, Xiao Letian, how can I still defeat the Manchu Qing Dynasty?
If you, Xiao Letian, ask me for 100 million, I will have to squeeze out 200 million from the Qing Dynasty! Anyway, I can’t lose money in the end!
At this time, don’t worry about British diplomatic pressure. Let’s survive this hurdle first!
Internal and external difficulties have stimulated Tsarist Russia's military impulse. From the beginning of this spring, the Tsarist Russian army in Lake Balkhash began to accumulate military supplies for the war.
Of course, the thirty-six veterans of Kapchagai do not know so many international twists and turns, but they live here, and countless herdsmen are their informants.
These veterans have seen the anomalies in the Tsarist Russian army this winter, and they are certain that the offensive will begin this winter.
"Let's go! Don't stay here anymore. Go east along the river bank immediately, cross the river and go to Huiyuan City along the north bank! Then take Daxigou through the mountains..."
"It is indeed dangerous to cross the mountains in winter... But no matter how dangerous it is, it is safer than staying here and letting Rakshasa ghosts kill you... Let's go, as long as you get to Northern Xinjiang, you will be safe..."
"Come on, hurry up... There is some food we have stored at the military station outside the city, such as dried meat, naan, etc. It will be enough for you to make it to Huiyuan City..."
Uncle Hu wiped away his tears, "I really want to keep you here for a few more days and treat you to a drink! But there is no chance... Good boy, we will see you in the next life!"
The expedition team was in chaos. No one expected that they would have to travel at night, in such a cold wind and snow, without freezing people to death!
But they knew better that the expedition team had been monitored by unknown people since Afghanistan, and it seemed that there was more than one group of people.
Thinking with your heels, you know that there must be spies from the Tsarist Russia inside. These people are already very wary of the expedition!
Gordon pondered for a while and immediately made a decision: "Let's go, let's go right away... Listen to the old gentleman and leave Kapchagai immediately..."
Facts proved his judgment. At this moment, several fast horses suddenly ran out from the city. On the horses were the distressed herdsmen who had been rescued by Uncle Hu Sanshu and others.
These Kazakh herdsmen are conscientious and know how to repay kindness. When they discovered the military situation of the approaching Russian outpost, they quickly came to the city to report the news.
"Third Uncle... Third Uncle... the Rakshasa ghost is coming... coming from the west along the river..."
"There are five to six hundred people in the vanguard... They finally came..."
"Fuck grandma, it's really coming!" There was an angry roar in the fodder yard.
Uncle Hu helped these relatives who came from Forty-Nine City lead the horses, "Let's go quickly, don't delay, go quickly..."
"Third uncle... come with us, there are only thirty-six of you!" Guan Luduoluo and others all surrounded us.
Uncle Hu, whose face was full of vicissitudes of life, smiled, "Haha... these words are enough... Third Uncle, I was assigned to commit murder. I guard the Kulun Military Station. Guarding this land counts as my atonement!"
"Besides, I'm getting old... I can't climb the Tianshan Mountains or cross the desert... Children, please go away, I have to bury my bones here..."
The thirty-sixth veteran smiled and waved his hand, "You go, remember that one day the emperor will regain Ili... remember the names of us old men and build a tomb for them..."
"Let's go! Damn it, let's go quickly..."
