Chapter 21: Linked Angles (I)

In November of the seventh year of Tianbao, 10,000 troops from the Tubo tribes of Wuhai and Jiucu suddenly crossed the Chiling Mountains and approached the foot of Shimen Mountain. The commander in charge of Shimen Mountain firmly closed the city gates and refused to emerge. The Tubo forces then marched rapidly for three days to reach Changcheng Fort and besieged it. The commander of Changcheng Fort, Dianwuxi, defended the city bravely and held out tenaciously. Just then, Li Kuo, an officer of the Shence Army, suggested using polearms and firehorse formations. Dianwuxi adopted this strategy and managed to defeat the enemy forces. In this battle, 7,000 Tubo soldiers were killed, 1,000 captured, and several siege weapons such as catapults and scaling ladders were seized…

Ge Shu Han, the governor of Longyou and Hexi, put down the battle report in his hands and laughed heartily at Gao Shi, who stood by his side. “Da Fu, come and take a look at this battle report. This time, the Tubo people have lost both their troops and their territory!”

Gao Shi smiled slightly and took the report. “The Tubo people can no longer control their impulses. Since they couldn’t take control of Kuozhou and Shanzhou, they tried to break through at Hezhou. Little did they know that none of the border towns of our Tang Dynasty are easy targets.”

Ge Shu Han was in high spirits. Not long ago, an imperial envoy had come to his headquarters with the emperor’s orders. Although the orders weren’t explicit, they implied dissatisfaction with his strategies. Now, supplies and resources from various border provinces were being sent to Longyou, and war seemed imminent. Although the emperor had ordered the Ministry of Revenue to allocate all available grain to Longyou, rice prices in the capital had soared, putting great pressure on the emperor. Yet he didn’t want to be accused of breaking promises and violating treaties. Although the Tubo people occasionally sent scouts to attack and plunder the border towns of Longyou, they claimed it was the actions of individuals, and the emperor hesitated to investigate further out of courtesy. Now, with nearly 10,000 Tubo soldiers launching an attack on Changcheng Fort, a key stronghold in Longyou, their intent to start a war was clearly proven.

“This battle was truly exhilarating. I remember there were only 500 soldiers defending Changcheng Fort, right? Including the 300 new recruits from the Shence Army, that’s barely over 800 men. To defeat 10,000 elite Tubo soldiers with just 800 defenders is truly miraculous!”

Ge Shu Han slapped his thigh, growing more excited as he spoke. The Tubo forces launched a surprise attack on Changcheng Fort in an attempt to gain the upper hand and break through the Tang army’s blockade along the Chiling Mountains. By sending 10,000 troops to attack Changcheng Fort, they hoped to end the battle quickly so they could advance toward Hezhou with their main force. But those 10,000 elite soldiers were all wiped out at Changcheng Fort, forcing their main force to retreat in frustration without support. Tienren Xinueluo, the commander of the Tubo vanguard, saw the situation turn unfavorable and led 200 surviving cavalrymen in a desperate escape westward to save his life.

The Tubo people not only failed to remove the Tang forces but also sacrificed their own elite troops—how could this not bring joy? Everyone was amazed at Gao Xianzhi’s crossing of the Kunlun Mountains and his surprise attack on Hexi, yet they didn’t realize that his brother Geshu Han was no ordinary man either! (Note 2) After reading the battle report, Gao Shi also smiled happily: “Da Fu, congratulations to the commander on achieving this first victory. With this great success at Great Wall Fort, the pressure in the court must have eased considerably.”

Geshu Han snorted and said, “Those corrupt scholars in the court constantly talk about benevolence, righteousness, and morality, claiming that war burdens the people and costs money. Yet they don’t realize that every inch of land in Longyou was won with the blood of our Tang men. In war, deaths are inevitable—what matters is whether those deaths are worthwhile and meaningful!”

Mentioning these civil officials in the court made Geshu Han feel a headache. As a member of the Geshu tribe of the Western Turks, he naturally didn’t care about such things as benevolence and morality. The Turks revered the strong and looked down on the weak. Besides, it had always been the case that great achievements came at great costs—so why was there so much opposition when it came to him, Geshu Han?

Gao Shi frowned and said, “In Da Fu’s opinion, the commander is attacked by the ministers because he has no backing in the court. Perhaps he should find someone to support him…”

Before Gao Shi could finish, Geshu Han waved his hand and said, “Ah, I’m well aware of what you’re saying. But you know my nature—I’m not willing to play the humble servant, nor can I do so. Promotion for our Tang border generals depends on real military achievements, not flattery!”

Geshu Han was a straightforward man who despised all forms of flattery. Whenever subordinates suggested he ally himself with powerful court officials to gain support, he would rebuke them harshly. However, he wouldn’t treat Gao Shi that way—Gao Da Fu was one of the few advisors he respected, and he didn’t want to create tension between them over this matter.

Gao Shi, who knew his commander’s temperament best, smiled bitterly and said, “The commander is honest and upright—Da Fu admires that. But still, the battle report must be submitted. At the very least, it will bring joy to His Majesty.”

Geshu Han nodded and said, “Yes, after this battle, our Tang dynasty has finally gotten its revenge. In your opinion, how should this report of merit be written?”

Gao Shi pondered for a moment before saying, “The two brilliant strategies to defeat the enemy— the Moadao Formation and the Fire Horse Formation—both originated from Li Kuo, an officer of the Shence Army. If they are indeed recorded as such, this man should take top credit. Dian Wu Xi, the commander of Changcheng Fort, held the city firmly and managed operations effectively, so he should be ranked second. As for the others, the marshal might as well give Dian Wu Xi some face and award them according to the military achievements they reported. Those who deserve rewards should receive them, and those who deserve promotions should be promoted—won’t that bring joy to everyone?”
“Hahaha, everyone says you, Gao Daifu, are upright and impartial, never showing favoritism. Who would have thought you’re also just an ordinary man? If I’m not mistaken, that Li Kuo is supposed to be your nephew, right?”
Ge Shuhan was in high spirits and decided to joke with Gao Shi.
Gao Shi didn’t shy away either. stroking his beard, he said with a smile, “As the saying goes, one should promote the worthy regardless of kinship. Daifu’s actions are also aimed at ensuring that no talent in the Tang Dynasty goes untapped and that all talents are put to good use!”
“Smooth talker!”
Ge Shuhan shook his head laughing. “It’s fine to record his achievements as he claims, but this man has risen too quickly recently. If we report it this way, it might invite criticism. It would be better to put Dian Wu Xi at the top—he has more experience, so no one will likely find fault with him. As for Li Kuo, since he came up with brilliant strategies in battle, we shouldn’t treat him too harshly. How about I promote him to the rank of Zhenwei Xiaowei and award him a Silver Wolf Belt? What do you think, Daifu?”
Gao Shi was overjoyed. Compared to an insignificant title, the Silver Wolf Belt was far more valuable. You see, Ge Shuhan had only crafted twelve such belts in total, and including his own, he had given away only seven. Receiving one of his belts meant the young man had earned Ge Shuhan’s recognition—the marshal already saw him as one of his own!
In the armies of Hexi and Longyou, what could be more valuable than Ge Shuhan’s trust? Titles could be earned again; after all, the young man was still young. With Ge Shuhan’s favor, who would worry he wouldn’t have opportunities to prove himself?
“Daifu has already thanked the marshal on his behalf!”
Gao Shi said joyfully, bowing to Ge Shuhan.
Ge Shuhan nodded in satisfaction. One belt bought a talented scholar and a brave general—this was a good deal for him!……
Note 1: Zhongshi: Eunuchs in the palace. The Tang Dynasty often sent them to border towns to supervise the troops as a form of oversight. But here, they were merely delivering a message to urge Ge Shuhan.
Note 2: Congling: An ancient term referring to the Pamir Plateau, the Kunlun Mountains, and other western mountains. It was a key route for land transportation between the East and West in ancient times. During the Han Dynasty, it was under the jurisdiction of the Western Regions Protectorate. During the Tang Dynasty’s Kaiyuan era, the Anxi Protectorate established a Congling Garrison there. It is said to get its name from onions growing on the mountains or the lush greenery of the cliffs.
Note 3: Zhenwei Xiaowei: A military officer of the sixth rank, upper tier.