Although Guzang is an important town in Hexi, the conditions of the inn are obviously not as good as those in the mainland. It can be described as simple. However, for Cao Yuangong and others who stayed there, there was no reason to be picky at all. After braving the wind and cold all the way, and going through life and death hardships, they were very satisfied to have a place to stay and stay warm.
Of course, what made them feel most at ease was the personal service of Wu Shijun, the governor of Hexi Province. The next morning, the wind and cold intensified, and I could feel the cold wind blowing outside through the doors and windows. I have to say that I really chose the wrong season to enter the court this time.
After a night's rest, the physical fatigue and mental stress were relieved and released. After enjoying the porridge and side dishes served in the hotel and feeling the warmth in his belly, Cao Yuangong's mood truly calmed down.
"Your Majesty, the Chief Envoy Wu Gong came to the post again in person to visit!" A subordinate hurriedly came in and reported.
Cao Yuan Gongfang swallowed an egg. After hearing this, he hurriedly chewed it up and swallowed it. He also swallowed a few mouthfuls of porridge, then hurriedly stood up and ordered: "Quickly come out to greet us!"
"I am supposed to go to the official to pay an audience. Why bother Duke Wu to come again?" Seeing Wu Tingzuo, Cao Yuangong's attitude was as respectful as before.
"You have worked so hard to come thousands of miles away. I am honored to be ordered by the emperor to serve as a pastor and guardian. I should do my best to serve the court as a landlord!" Wu Tingzuo's gentle attitude almost melted the frost that had condensed outside the house.
"This is the Han Dynasty's envoy to the northwest, the British Duke! I heard that Cao's envoy came from the east and came here to visit!" Wu Tingzuo turned sideways and introduced Chai Rong to Cao Yuangong.
Hearing this, the smile on Cao Yuangong's face suddenly became as bright as an autumn chrysanthemum. In recent years, as the Han Dynasty has become stronger, the heroes active in the Han Dynasty's political arena have also become famous.
Although the Guiyi Army is located in a remote area of Gua and Sha, they still have some understanding of the military and political upper echelons of the imperial court, and Chai Rong can be said to be a star among them. The reputation of the Twenty-Four Heroes of Qianyou was also recognized by those who attended the grand ceremony at the beginning of the year. The messenger brought him back to Shazhou.
Therefore, when Chai Rong came to visit in person, Cao Yuangong was surprised, but his heart was filled with a sense of honor, and he hurriedly said: "It turns out that he is the famous British Duke. Although I have lived in the west for a long time, I have heard about the Duke's reputation for a long time. Today, See, I am lucky enough to have three lives..."
Next, the compliments poured out of Cao Yuangong's mouth like a barrage of praises, making Chai Rong feel a little embarrassed.
At the same time, there are also many emotions about Cao Yuangong's humble attitude. If the Han Dynasty hadn't been so powerful, how could anyone be like this?
"Cao Shijun, there is no need to be polite!" Chai Rong extended his hand to Cao of the Guiyi Army and said calmly: "The land of Guasha is Han territory, and the Guiyi Army is also a vassal of the Central Plains. You and I are both vassals of the Han Dynasty, so there is no need to be like this. .”
Hearing Chai Rong's words, Cao Yuangong didn't feel hot, but he still felt something. Compared with Wang Yansheng's previous strong and arrogant attitude, Chai and Wu's attitude was more comfortable, like a refreshing breath of fresh air.
The three of them went inside to talk. The waiter served tea, water, melons and fruits, and sat down to discuss things. Chai Rong was not the kind of person who liked to beat around the bush. After a few simple greetings, he looked at Cao Yuangong and asked: "In the previous court ceremony, the Guiyi Army had already sent envoys to the court to pay tribute and congratulate them. Now they are here again to pay two tributes per year." , Lord Cao is here in person. I have something to ask for. Is it convenient to disclose it? Maybe I can help you!"
"Thank you so much for your kindness!" Upon hearing this, Cao Yuangong immediately expressed his stance.
Then he paused, raised his eyes and observed Chai Rong and Wu Tingzuo, and saw that both of them looked elegant. After pondering for a while, Cao Yuangong said: "There is no need to hide anything from Duke Ying and Ambassador Wu! Due to the unification of the Central Plains, although the two states of Guasha are isolated from the outside world, they always care for the Central Plains. The remaining people of Hexi do not want to live forever. As a lonely wandering ghost, I am now ordered by Jiedu Yuanzhong to dedicate my land and return to the court, and request the court to send troops to station in order to restore the old land!"
After hearing what he said, Chai Rong and Wu Tingzuo looked at each other, neither of them looking surprised. Wu Tingzuo immediately held up his hands and said: "The Guiyi Army has been guarding Gua and Sha for nearly a hundred years, protecting the Han territory and protecting one side. It has indeed made great contributions to China. Now it has taken the initiative to come back. It is really noble!"
"I don't dare to take it!" Cao Yuangong waved his hands to express his humility and sighed: "We have been reduced to Hu Chen for a long time. If we can return to the imperial court now, we can comfort our ancestors and live up to the people!"
"The return of the Guiyi Army is a happy event. Your Majesty must be very happy to hear it!" Chai Rong said. After thinking about it, he still looked at Cao Yuangong: "However, I have a little doubt. I wonder if Cao Shijun can answer it?"
"Excuse me, Sir!" Although he was much older, in front of Chai Rong, Cao Yuangong felt as respectful as a junior.
Chai Rong said: "The Guiyi Army seems to be a little worried when they return this time. I don't know why?"
Upon hearing the question, Cao Yuangong's old face showed a touch of sadness and replied: "Now, there is nothing to hide! It is all due to the Liao army's western expedition, the chaos in the Western Regions, and the turmoil. The Guiyi army from Xipinggong on down has been deeply affected by it. !”
Facing Chai Wu's gaze, Cao Yuangong explained: "Yinggong and Wu Shijun should also be aware of the situation of the Guiyi Army. There is Gaochang in the west, Ganzhou in the east, Khitan in the north, and Tubo in the south. Except for the split of Tubo, Outside, they are all strong neighbors.
The Cao family has been in charge for fifty years, and has only been able to survive by making good friends and intermarrying with the surrounding forces. Even so, it is still in jeopardy, and there is always the fear of destruction.
Last year, the Khitans marched westward and destroyed countless cities. The Guiyi Army was just around the corner. The stability that had existed for decades was shattered. The Uighurs in Xizhou were already in danger, but what about the Guiyi Army?
Therefore, Duke Xiping convened a discussion among the clans and officials. They all believed that the mere land of Guasha had only a hundred thousand people and a few thousand soldiers. It would be difficult to protect the country in the long run, and it was impossible to surrender to the imperial court.
This has also been the voice of the people of Guasha for decades, and Cao’s move is also in line with the public opinion of the times..."
The Guiyi Army has been based in the northwest for nearly a hundred years since the time of Zhang Yichao. When it was at its peak, its territory covered almost the entire Hexi and Longyou. However, with the suppression of the Tang court and internal disputes, it gradually declined. The ground shrinks.
Until Cao Yijin took over the power, he changed the previous administration, reduced conflicts with various tribes, avoided wars, actively repaired with Gaochang and Ganzhou, the two most important neighbors, and at the same time always paid tribute to the Central Plains court. From the Liang, Tang, Jin and Han Dynasties, No exceptions.
In this way, the two states of Gua and Sha were saved, and they had a place to live with the survivors of Hexi. The feeling of surviving in the cracks is not pleasant. In recent years, the Han Dynasty has gradually become stronger and its influence has spread westward, so the situation is somewhat safer.
However, the Liao army's western expedition completely broke the original balance of the Western Regions. The Gaochang Uighurs, who were originally considered strong and relied on the Guiyi Army, were almost vulnerable to a blow.
This result also made the Guiyi army realize that the two states of Guasha are really nothing. Not to mention the Han and Liao armies, even the Ganzhou Uighurs in the east can destroy them if they try their best.
After listening to his explanation, Chai Rong thought about it thoughtfully, and responded with a smile: "I understand! It seems that the Liao Army's Western Expedition is going very smoothly! Recently, I have also received a lot of information about the situation in the Western Regions, and the specific battle situation How about it, please give me some advice from Commander Cao!"
Cao Yuangong: "In the autumn and winter of last year, the Khitans crossed the Jinshan Mountain and headed south, crossing the sand sea. The Khan of Gaochang sent troops to resist. The two sides fought in Beiting, and the Uighurs were defeated.
Later, the Khitan took advantage of the victory and marched directly into the city of Gaochang. The two sides fought fiercely. The Khitan divided its forces eastward to capture Yizhou and controlled the east-west passage. Two months later, the city of Gaochang was destroyed, and the Uighur Khan led the remaining troops to retreat westward. Little is known about the subsequent situation due to the blockade of information. The Gaochang army is still resisting in the western part of the country. What is the specific situation? May I ask my envoy Pule..."
"What happened to the Gaochang envoy?" Chai Rong asked again.
Cao Yuangong immediately told him what he knew, and then said something helpful: "Gaochang is asking for help from all sides, and the situation is critical. When I enter the court this time, I also hope to ask for help from the Han Dynasty!"
Nodding, Chai Rong breathed a sigh of relief and said to Cao Yuangong: "We still need to report to the emperor for a decision on the surrender of the rebel army. The weather has been bad recently and it is inconvenient to travel, so you can rest in Guzang for two days and wait for the weather. If things get better, I will send someone to escort you into the court!"
Hearing this, Cao Yuangong was immediately overjoyed, stood up and worshiped: "Thank you, Mr. Ying!"
"Your Majesty was disturbed yesterday. Please rest more. If you need anything, just ask!" Chai Rong stood up, planning to leave.
Cao Yuangong respectfully saw them off and sent them out of the post. After they retreated, he stood in the cold wind and let out a long sigh.
If it is not necessary, who is willing to sacrifice his land to surrender? Isn't it good to be a local overlord?
