The hot summer day is scorching the earth.
A group of cavalry galloped past, kicking up the loess in the sky.
Nashi Pantuo was leaning on the bamboo mat of the carriage with beads of sweat on his face.
This is the west side of Monan Grassland north of Liangzhou.
It was originally an area where Xianbei tribes and barbarians from all walks of life such as Qiang Hu, Lu Shuihu, Baiyang Hu, etc. lived together.
As a businessman from the Western Regions, Nashi Pantuo had never dared to step into this grassland before.
The nomadic barbarians on the grasslands are each more ferocious than the last.
Looting the passing strange caravans was as common as drinking water.
Especially the curly-haired and blue-eyed barbarians from the Western Regions like Na Shipantuo, were even more unscrupulous.
Merchants from various countries in the Western Regions only dared to take the trade routes of Liangzhou and Longxi.
Governor Zhang of Liangzhou there was strong enough to ensure the safety of passing business travelers.
but.
Today, Nashi Pantuo stepped into this wild grassland very relaxedly.
Because at this time, Nashi Pantuo was no longer a simple Hu merchant from the Western Regions.
Just when Nashi Pantuo was exhausted in the carriage, a cavalryman next to him rushed over and shouted loudly.
"Protector Kang, the main camp of Murong's tribe is ahead."
Upon hearing this, Nashi Pantuo immediately sat up straight and looked forward.
I saw a large group of gray tents at the foot of the mountain ahead.
Looking from a distance, it looks like white clouds scattered on the green grassland.
"Quick, send someone to report first!"
Nashi Pantuo immediately ordered.
The two cavalrymen received the order and immediately rode forward.
This so-called notification naturally requires Murong Bu to come out to greet him.
Now Nashi Pantuo is no longer a small businessman.
Not only did he have the title of Governor of the Kingdom of Kang in the Western Regions personally conferred by the Emperor of the Han Dynasty, but he also had a Han surname and a given name by the Emperor himself.
Today's Nashipantuo is officially called 'Kang Zhongyi'.
A loyal man of Kang State.
Moreover, Kang Zhongyi, also known as Nashi Pantuo, also found his true ancestor.
The younger brother of King Wu of Zhou, Uncle Kang, the monarch of Wei!
That's right.
He, a barbarian thousands of miles away from the Western Regions, finally found his true ancestor in the Central Plains after a thousand years.
Ji's surname is Kang, which is why Nashi Pantuo was mentioned to everyone.
After the two accompanying cavalry were sent out, there was a quick recovery.
A group of cavalry holding high the flag of Murong's tribe soon followed.
The leading people were all wearing gorgeous silk robes.
At first glance, he is the leader of Murong's tribe.
"I am Murong Han from the Murong Division, and I am here to greet Governor Kang!"
The strong young man at the head shouted loudly.
Nashi Pantuo saw that although this man was young, he had a fierce look on his face.
Especially those eyes, as sharp as an eagle.
If it were before, Nashi Pantuo would never dare to look at him.
However, Nashi Pantuo was full of confidence at this time.
"It turns out he is General Murong's eldest son, and Kang is polite."
Nashipantuo-Kang Zhongyi got off the carriage and cupped his hands.
This time when he came to Murong's tribe, he followed the order of the Han Emperor and recruited hundreds of guides and translators from the Western Regions to lead the way for these Xianbei and Qiang Hu people.
That's right.
Kang Zhongyi is a traitor from the Western Regions.
He recruited a group of guide parties from the Western Regions to introduce these nomadic tribes to various countries in the Western Regions to do evil.
Oh no.
According to Kang Zhongyi’s understanding.
It should be to go to the Western Regions to educate various barbarian states and small countries.
Although all Xianbei tribes are also a group of barbarians, they respect the will of the Han emperor.
"Everyone in Murong's department has been waiting for me for a long time. They also asked Governor Kang to escort me into the camp."
Murong Han said politely.
For more than a year, Murong Xianbei rested a lot in the Helan Mountain area of Yinshan Mountain.
The surrounding Xianbei tribes rarely fought.
The Hujie, Jiankun and other tribes in the northwest quickly fled far away under several rounds of Xianbei offensive.
Now hundreds of thousands of people from various tribes are crowded in the Monan grassland.
It's almost unaffordable.
Therefore, everyone in Murong's tribe was already looking forward to heading westward as soon as possible.
They were already convinced that all the countries in the Western Regions were very wealthy.
As long as the Xianbei army arrives, it will definitely be able to grind all the countries in the Western Regions to the ground.
Then they can live a good life like a master.
"Haha, Mr. Murong is really quick to talk, how dare you disobey me!"
Nashi Pantuo-Kang Zhongyi followed Murong Han back to the camp very happily.
Not long after entering the camp.
Nashi Pantuo felt that the atmosphere in the camp was unusual.
There was uneasiness and tension throughout the camp.
Nashipantuo felt doubtful in his heart.
He knew that Murong Xianbei migrated all the way from Liaodong and annexed more than ten tribes, large and small.
The men and horses expanded by more than half.
It should be a huge boost in morale.
How could there be such a state?
All these doubts were answered when Nashi Pantuo met Murong Xuan.
"Kang Zhongyi has met General Murong!"
As soon as he saw Murong Xuan, Na Shipantuo bowed respectfully.
His title of Governor of Kang State in the Western Regions had no real power at all, it was just a bonus granted by the emperor himself.
Murong Xin was a county prince and general with a heavy title conferred by the emperor.
Naishi Pantuo naturally did not dare to make any mistakes.
"Protector Kang, you are finally here."
Upon seeing Kang Zhongyi, Murong Xin's sallow face showed a smile.
Nashi Pantuo was frightened by his appearance.
"Is General Murong in poor health?" he asked immediately with concern.
Murong Xin forced a smile.
"It's just some old problems. It will be fine if you rest for a while."
"Protector Kang, we have brought the guides, translators and others we need on the road."
Murong Xuan asked eagerly.
"General Murong, please don't worry, I'm prepared."
Nashi Pantuo said very proudly.
"More than thirty countries in the Western Region speak more than a dozen languages. The terrain of the five thousand miles of the North Road has specialized talents to ensure that the army can move smoothly all the way."
Murong Xin was very happy when he heard what Nashi Pantuo said.
With a somewhat serious tone, he arranged for his men to properly place all the 'traitors from the Western Regions' brought by Na Shipantuo.
"The army's march along the way requires various seizures and various supplies. In compliance with the emperor's order, Kang has also prepared the caravan and is already waiting in Liangzhou."
Just listen to Na Shipantuo continue to speak.
"As long as Murong's army needs anything, they don't have to return to the Xiazhou Governor's Mansion. They only need to go north from Liangzhou to get there."
"However, these caravans have to pass through the territory of Lu Shuihu and other Zahus, and General Murong needs to send troops to escort them to ensure safety."
Murong Xin didn't care at all.
"These are not problems. Just rest assured, Governor Kang. As long as we are prepared and can ensure the supply of the army, I will definitely send troops to protect it."
After another polite conversation, Murong Xin ordered people to arrange for Na Shipantuo to rest.
Nashipantuo had just walked out of the tent.
Murong Xin suddenly coughed violently.
Finally, a mouthful of blood was even coughed out.
Murong Han, who was waiting nearby, stepped forward quickly.
"Father, your health is already in such bad condition, why are you so anxious to lead your troops to the west?"
Murong Han said in a serious tone.
"Well, it's because I know that I'm ill and I'm afraid I won't last long, so I'm anxious to go west as soon as possible!" Murong Xin coughed again.
Murong Han quickly helped him pat his back.
After Murong Xuan finally breathed a sigh of relief, Murong Han asked again.
"Father, why don't you take a good rest here and wait until your condition improves before marching westward? Wouldn't it be better?"
Murong Xin frowned and shook his head.
"Absolutely impossible."
"I know my own condition. I'm afraid I won't be able to survive this year."
After Murong Xuan said this, he felt unwilling in his heart.
Recently, there has been a panic epidemic on the grassland, although the number of people infected is not high.
But it is almost difficult for an old man like Murong Xin to recover.
Therefore, although Murong Xin was unwilling to give in, he was not optimistic either.
"If I die, it may be difficult for you brothers to control the current situation."
"Once something happens, there might be internal disputes."
Hearing Murong Xin's words.
The eldest son Murong Han's face turned red.
As the eldest son of a concubine, he had high prestige among Murong's tribe.
As for the eldest son, Murong Huang, he was still young and his military qualifications were not as good as his own.
If Murong Huang is older in a few years, Murong Han will definitely not have any strange thoughts.
However, if Murong Xin died of illness this year, as the only adult son.
Murong Han still had great expectations in his heart.
The position of a leader is within easy reach.
The tribes are all rushing to be a part of it now.
Only Murong Xianbei and Goguryeo were so indifferent.
In fact, Liu Yu misunderstood King Yifuli of Goguryeo in this matter.
It's not that Yifuli didn't want to send his son as a hostage, it was because he had no sons left to send.
His only remaining son died of an acute illness a few days before sending the tribute mission, leaving him with no more sons to send.
Yifuli had no choice but to send his favorite daughter.
However, Cui Ao, as the envoy, only mentioned it in one sentence when submitting the document, which made the receiving officials think that the Goguryeo people did not follow the civilized culture.
In the post house in Nancheng, Yedu.
Just now, officials from the Han Dynasty came over and scolded these Goguryeo people.
Just then Cui Ao remembered that he had forgotten to explain this matter.
However, now that he has arrived in Yecheng and met his brothers Cui Jing, Cui Yi and others, Cui Ao has fully understood that now the Cui family of Qinghe is about to become famous again in the Han Dynasty, so naturally he no longer treats the Goguryeo people Use it as the only springboard for entry.
Anyway, as long as the Cui family of Qinghe gets the name, Cui Ao will inevitably have a bright future.
What's more, the current Empress of the Han Dynasty's late father's widow, Cui, is her biological sister. According to this relationship, she is still the emperor's uncle!
"You don't need to panic!"
After the Han Dynasty officials who came to scold him left, Cui Ao glanced around the panicked Goguryeo people very defensively and disdainfully.
