Although the edict for the Western Expedition was issued, no war broke out in Hexi in the next two months, and Liangzhou, as the base for the advance, remained stable. After the beginning of spring, the Qingchang, The towns were still as they were in the past, with frequent and prosperous transactions between Han and Rong.
The only difference is that conflicts are clearly increasing. Because the Hexi Chief Envoy re-established a town in the Panhe area and immigrated to garrison troops, the Ganzhou Uighurs were very dissatisfied and sent people to negotiate. The two sides are still wrangling over this matter.
However, overall, Hexi is still in a relatively peaceful situation. However, under the calm surface, there are undercurrents. From the moment the imperial edict was conveyed, Hexi Civil and Military Forces had already begun preparations for war.
In other words, the big man has been preparing for many years, but he just put it into action after two years in Kaibao. Based on the execution ability of the Han army, it would not actually take that long. Considering the military and political situation in the northwest, the mobilization efficiency of both the army and the people is extremely high.
The reason for the delay was to give Guasha more time to prepare. After all, it would take a certain amount of time and space for Lu Duoxun and Yang Tingzhang to go to Dunhuang to consolidate their forces.
Although the Guiyi Army has taken the initiative to join the army, it may not go smoothly when it comes to recruitment, and there will inevitably be no unexpected conflicts. After all, it is the territory that the Cao family has managed for half a century.
After all, many things are originally well-intentioned, but in the end, conflicts and problems arise during the implementation process, which ultimately lead to unsatisfactory consequences and turn good things into bad things. Similar situations are not uncommon in history.
Of course, Emperor Liu went with Lu Duoxun and Yang Tingzhang Wenwu because he believed in their ability and believed that they could handle the job well and complete the mission. As for Lu Duoxun, as the "expert on northwest affairs" of the Han Dynasty, he and the Cao family of the Guiyi Army can be regarded as old friends.
There is no doubt that Guzang City, as the base for the invasion of Gansu, was originally an important military town. By the beginning of March, its military atmosphere had become even stronger.
Spring is a critical period for production and work, whether for farming or nomadic herding. However, in the spring of the second year of Kaibao, many Helong people, whether they were herdsmen or farmers, had to put down their farm tools, pick up weapons, and gather in Liangzhou.
Although in the Privy Council's planning, Helong only needs to dispatch 20,000 infantry and cavalry, these are only combat troops. The actual personnel used obviously also include auxiliary soldiers and militia, transporting grain and equipment, building fortifications and other matters, which all require a certain amount of time. people power.
After all, the Uighurs in Ganzhou cannot be treated as simple nomads. There are also towns in Gansu, especially Jiedan City, where the Khan tent is located. It is a fortress built by the Uighurs with the material resources of the entire clan. It is said that its solidity and defensive capabilities can Compared with Guzang and other big cities in Hexi.
Therefore, in terms of preparations for the attack, the camp was carried out completely in accordance with the standards for inland attacks. During this period, in addition to a large number of soldiers and civilians gathering in Liangzhou, there were also grains, ordnance, livestock transferred from other states and towns, and bows, crossbows and arrows, which have always been the standard equipment of the Han army. The arsenals of each state collected 1,000 crossbows, 5,000 hard and soft bows, and 500,000 arrows of various types.
At the same time, more than a thousand official and civilian craftsmen were recruited to make ordnance. When it comes to fighting, the big man has always been extravagant and willing to make sacrifices.
Outside Guzang City, a total of three large camps were set up to accommodate the assembled troops and civilians. After temporary reorganization, they stepped up their training under the leadership of officers at all levels. It has to be said that the quality of the troops in the northwest is high in all aspects.
After inspecting the military camp as usual, Wang Yansheng led Guo Jin and several other generals back to Guzang City. They galloped through the streets with their light cavalry, showing no signs of scruples and seeming domineering.
When Chai Rong was in the government office and saw the military officials waiting for him, Wang Yansheng asked directly: "Where is the Young Master?"
"The official is meeting with the leader of the Liugu tribe!" the military official replied.
Upon hearing this, Wang Yansheng did not force his way in, but turned to Guo Jin and others: "Let's not disturb the guests of the British Association for now!"
With that said, he went to find a drink with a few others...
In the hall, Chai Rong was meeting with the leaders of the Liugu tribe. After Wen Mo was disbanded, these wealthy tribes that originally lived under the alliance resumed their living form as settlements. The Liugu tribe was the largest of the six tribes, because they lived in the six valleys in Liangzhou. name.
What Chai Rong met were the leaders of various tribes. Although these people were Tubo people, they had lost many of their own customs. As local tycoons in Liangzhou, they had completely integrated into the local soil and water.
At this time, the leaders were all wearing brocade clothes and Chinese crowns. Of course, they might have dressed up specially to win the favor of the British prince. This time, after being ordered by the government, they naturally sent out cavalry. The Liugu tribe alone provided more than 3,000 cavalry, which they personally led.
In fact, Emperor Liu also wanted to rectify these wealthy tribes that had retained a certain degree of military strength, but he was worried that it would cause unrest, so he held back. At the same time, they are also hesitating whether to implement the chieftain system in the northwest region as well.
"The leaders' ability to actively respond to the imperial call and lead their troops here shows their loyalty to the imperial court. On behalf of the imperial court, I would like to express my gratitude to you again! Please rest assured that the imperial court will definitely reward you!" The talks are coming to an end. Chai Rong didn't mean to talk nonsense and made his attitude clear directly.
"To be loyal to the imperial court, this is what we should do. Furthermore, it is an even greater honor for us to be able to fight under the command of the British Duke!" Chief Zhebu Sizhong said immediately.
The Liugu tribe has major leaders from various tribes, who are jointly recommended by all tribes. Previously, Zhe Jiashi, the former Liangzhou Jiedu envoy, had been in charge. Their lineage was not originally prominent in the Liugu tribe, but it relied on the support of the imperial court to gradually become dominant.
However, after the death of Zhebu Jiashi, there was another internal struggle and it was transferred to Pan Luozhi. Zhebu Sizhong was the leader of the Tibetan cavalry who went on the Northern Expedition, and was also the younger brother of Zhebu Jiashi. After the Northern Expedition, he served in the Forbidden Army.
Later, he had no choice but to return to Liangzhou. After a fight, he regained his position as the leader, also with the support of the Liangzhou government. Obviously, the government is still happy to hear about this kind of internal struggle among the Liugu tribes, and is afraid that they will become monolithic.
However, Zhebu Sizhong obviously belonged to the kind of person who was infinitely close to the imperial court. During the Northern Expedition, he fought bloody battles. After the war, he refused to return to Liangzhou and preferred to serve as an official in Tokyo.
When he was called up this time, he did not hesitate to organize his troops to come and listen. Chai Rong was still very satisfied with this person.
As for the others, no matter what they think in their hearts, they still have the same attitude on their faces, vowing to be willing to obey the orders. However, as a representative, Zhebu Sizhong finally asked Chai Rong a doubt, or misgiving: "Dare I ask Ying Gong, are you really going to fight in Xizhou this time?"
After hearing what he said, Chai Rong glanced at him and said, "Why, the big leader has doubts in his heart!"
Zhebu Sizhong said: "Xiaguan just feels that Xizhou is far away from Liangzhou, and traveling such a long distance to rescue them is a bit..."
Obviously, they did not know the inside story and were not optimistic about this kind of military action. However, after noticing the look in Chai Rong's eyes, he immediately changed his mind and said, "If Lord Ying doesn't care and has the courage to go on an expedition, we people will be willing to be pawns and charge into battle for you!"
A smile appeared on Chai Rong's face, and he became more appreciative of Zhe Bu Sizhong's gaze. It was rare to have such an enlightened person among these young people.
Chai Rong comforted him: "You leaders, don't worry. Since the emperor has issued an edict, I dare to lead the troops, so I have a comprehensive way. It's not just you who are marching westward this time, but also the officers and soldiers of the Han Dynasty. You will never give in." You are the ones who are in danger!"
"With the heroic words, how can we say anything else? We can only obey orders!"
