Chapter 222: Defeat at Suiye

Gao Xianzhi was about to discuss some detailed arrangements with Luo Quanjie when Gao Wu rushed in and interrupted them. Slightly displeased, he said to Luo Quanjie, “You go and rest first. We’ll talk in detail tonight.”
“Very well! I’ll go now.”
Luo Quanjie knew Gao Wu. As he passed by her, he suddenly took a string of gemstone bracelets from his wrist and handed them to Gao Wu. Smiling at Gao Xianzhi, he left the tent.
The sudden appearance of the gemstone bracelets did not calm Gao Wu’s anger. She threw the bracelets on the carpet and said coldly, “I don’t want your bloody spoils!”
Gao Xianzhi had always been at a loss with his precious daughter. She was already nineteen yet still unmarried. The year before last, his wife arranged a marriage for her in Chang’an—to the second grandson of Tang Jiahui, the former deputy commander of Anxi. But Gao Wu secretly wrote to the Tang family to reject the marriage, causing them great embarrassment.
Last year, Gao Xianzhi planned to marry her off to Xi Yuanqing, the commander of the Guiren Army who had recently lost his wife. Yet Gao Wu refused outright and fled to Beiting. With such obvious intentions, who could not understand? Xi Yuanqing declined the marriage and married the daughter of a prominent family in Shule instead.
Gao Xianzhi was well aware that his daughter still harbored feelings for Li Qing’an. If Li Qing’an were still one of his subordinates, he would have wholeheartedly approved of the marriage. Li Qing’an had always been one of his most trusted generals. But now he firmly opposed his daughter marrying him. Since both were high-ranking officials in the northern frontier, if his daughter married Li Qing’an, it would mean the end of his own role as the governor of Anxi.
Therefore, he never hinted at any marriage arrangements with Li Qing’an. On the contrary, he kept a strict watch over his daughter, forbidding her from having any contact with him.
Now that Li Qing’an had been convicted, Gao Xianzhi feared his daughter might go to the capital and cause trouble if she found out. So he brought her along with him to fight in Turfan. Unexpectedly, as soon as she entered the tent, she embarrassed him, and Gao Xianzhi grew slightly angry.
“If you don’t want these bracelets, fine. But storming into the tent and disrupting military affairs—what is this?”
Gao Wu stared into her father’s eyes and said slowly, “I want you to stop killing innocent people immediately. Allowing your troops to act with such recklessness is an insult to the Tang army.”
Gao Xianzhi’s expression darkened. “This is a military camp, not home. Speaking to me like this will get you executed!”
“Hmph! I don’t believe I’m the only one who advises you. Have you executed everyone else who speaks out?”
“Dare you!”
Gao Xianzhi slammed the table and shouted, “Someone!”

After a long while, a few personal guards slowly entered. Gao Xianzhi pointed at Gao Wu and ordered, “Drive her out. Don’t let her enter the command tent again.” The guards looked troubled and pleaded with Gao Wu, “Miss Wu, the commander bears heavy responsibilities for the court. Please stop distracting him. Please leave!” Gao Wu turned to leave, but when she reached the tent door, she turned back and pleaded softly, “Father, I beg you—let the soldiers stop mistreating those poor women. Everyone has a mother and sisters. Father, it breaks my heart to see them like this!” After a long pause, Gao Xianzhi slowly said, “I can promise you that if the kingdoms of Turkestan surrender to the Tang army voluntarily in the future, I will treat them leniently. Otherwise, killing them is necessary to intimidate them.” Disappointed that her father wouldn’t agree, Gao Wu left the tent in a dejected mood. Only after she left did Gao Xianzhi hand the gemstone bracelet to his trusted guard and say, “Give this to her. Send more men to keep a close eye on her and prevent her from leaving her camp at will.” He then ordered the guards, “Quickly summon Luo Quanjie! Tell him I want to discuss things with him further.”

…

Three days later, the Tang army left Ahuancheng in an orderly manner. The army of Guduo took control of the Yuezhi region, and the Tang army moved on to their next target, the Great Han Kingdom. While the Tang army was sweeping through Turkestan, the Umayyad dynasty in the Abbasid Caliphate had already come to an end. In June of the sixth year of the Tianbao era, the leader of Khorasan, Abu Muslim, launched an uprising in Khorasan under the slogan of reducing taxes. Shiites, Khorasanis, and Abbasids all joined the uprising, and the wave of rebellion grew stronger. After two years of civil war, in October of the eighth year of the Tianbao era, the rebels held an oath-taking ceremony in Kufa. Abu Abbas, the leader of the Abbasids, was proclaimed caliph. From then on, the Abbasid Empire replaced the Umayyad dynasty. The Abbasids marched westward and, in January of the following year, engaged in a major battle on the left bank of the Tigris River’s tributary, the Zab River, against the Umayyad army. The Umayyad army was defeated, and in April, their capital, Damascus, fell. Marwan II fled to Egypt, but the Abbasid army pursued him relentlessly. On the very day Gao Xianzhi conquered the Great Khanate of Turkestan, the Abbasid army killed Marwan II in the city of Abu Simbel in Egypt, marking the end of the Umayyad era. But at that time, the Abbasid caliph was not in Damascus but in Merv, the capital of Khorasan. According to the agreements during the uprising, it should have been the Shiite leader, Sharik, who became the new caliph, but Abbas seized the caliphate with the support of the Khorasan leader, Abu Muslim.

As a new civil war seemed imminent, with Abbas’s main forces busy attacking Jerusalem and unable to send troops to suppress the impending Shiite uprising, Nalbo of the Yuechi kingdom fled to Mulu and complained to Abu Muslim about the atrocities committed by the Tang forces in Turkestan. Muslim immediately saw an opportunity to ease internal conflicts and brought Nalbo to meet with Abbas.

In Mulu’s palace, Abu Abbas, the founder of the Abbasid Empire, was walking slowly back and forth in the domed hall with his hands behind his back. In his early thirties, he was tall and slender, with pale skin and melancholic eyes. His demeanor lacked the arrogance typical of an empire’s ruler; instead, he resembled a poet or an artist. Sitting on a throne made of ivory, gems, and gold, he sat in deep thought, silent, much like the famous statue of the Contemplator that would later be created.

Next to him was Abu Muslim, the second most powerful figure in the Abbasid Empire. Clad in a black cloak, he was tall and robust, with a large head and wild hair like a lion’s, giving him an air of leadership. His skin was slightly dark, his forehead broad, and his eyes sharp as knives, seemingly able to see through people’s thoughts. Yet even such a leader-like man appeared like a gentle sheep in front of Abbas, his sharp gaze hidden, and he spoke with great respect, saying, “Your Majesty, the Caliph, I believe the Tang Dynasty’s western campaigns present a great opportunity. We can negotiate with the Shiites. Now that the infidels have invaded Khorasan, we should put aside our differences and unite against the Tang forces. This will buy us time. By the time we finish the battles east of the Amu Darya, our main forces should have concluded the war in Jerusalem, allowing us to turn our attention to suppressing the Shiites.”

Abbas nodded slowly and then glanced at his brother Ja’far, standing on the other side, asking, “What’s your opinion?”

Ja’far, who had followed Abbas in many battles, was cautious and meticulous but could also make decisive decisions. After thinking for a while, he said, “Although Governor Muslim’s suggestion is good, it’s a risky move. If the Shiites rebel while we’re fighting in the east, it could prove costly for us. I think we should proceed with caution.”

With Ja’far and Muslim in disagreement, their eyes turned to Abbas for his final decision. Then Abbas said, “The lands of Khorasan east of the Amu Darya cannot be lost. Preventing the Shiites from taking advantage of the situation is your task.”

After speaking, he stood up and headed toward the inner palace. When he reached the palace gate, he stopped again and said without looking back, “I will return to Damascus tomorrow. Leave the war against the Tang Dynasty to the Muslims; you may deploy the troops from Khorasan as you see fit.”
Abbas left. Muslim gave a bitter smile and said to Jafar, “The caliph has agreed to both of our opinions. Let’s discuss how to prevent the Shiites from taking advantage of the situation.”
Jafar laughed and said, “It’s actually quite simple. Doesn’t Sharik want to divide power with the Abbasid dynasty? They want the lands east of the Amu Darya River, while the Shiite general Sa’ubo dreams of becoming the governor of Samarkand. As long as we agree to these two conditions and tell them that the Tang army’s western campaign has cut off our connection with Sindh, and that we are sending troops to reclaim the eastern territories they are about to lose, then Sharik will obediently wait for our triumphant return.”
Muslim thought for a moment and said with a smile, “If Your Highness is willing to make the trip personally, I think the results will be even better.”
“Very well! I’ll go in person. I hope the governor will return victorious soon.”
……
The Tang army’s western campaign became an excuse for Abbas to buy time. The next day, Abbas returned to Damascus, while Jafar crossed the Amu Darya River northward to Bukhara to negotiate with the Shiite leader Sharik. Muslim, on the other hand, assembled his troops to counter the Tang army’s invasion of eastern Khorasan.
This was the conflict arising from differences in time and space. Within the territory of the Tang Dynasty, small Turkic states such as the Yuezhi Kingdom, the Dahan Kingdom, and the Qisha Kingdom were still vassal states of the Tang, designated as the Yuezhi Governorate, the Dahan Governorate, and the Qisha Governorate. But on the map of the Abbasid Empire, they were already part of eastern Khorasan. Gao Xianzhi had punished them to keep them loyal to the Tang Dynasty, but he didn’t realize he had already entered Abbasid territory.
Ten days later, Jafar sent word that the Shiites had initially agreed to divide the region along the river. After defeating the Tang army, the two sides would formally sign a partition agreement.
By then, Muslim had gathered 50,000 Khorasan soldiers, ready to counter the Tang army’s invasion of Khorasan.
Inside the Khorasan Governorate, Muslim and dozens of generals were making final arrangements. After ten days of deliberation, he had devised a comprehensive plan to defeat the Tang army.
In front of a large map, Muslim used a long wooden stick to point at Anxi Road. “The Tang army’s forces in Anxi number just over 20,000. Their elite troops have been sent east of the Amu Darya River, so their stronghold must be weak. If we send a surprise force to attack Anxi from a different route, the Tang army’s commanders will surely send troops to reinforce it. That’s when we’ll make our next move.”

The Muslim leader pointed his long staff at Shuiliye and said, “This is the foundation of the Tang army in the River Regions. If we don’t destroy it, their invasions of these areas will go on endlessly. If we launch an attack on Shuiliye, the Tang commander will not be able to divert troops and will have to retreat north in haste to protect their base. That’s when our chance comes.” After saying this, he turned to Governor Ibrahim of Barihei and said, “You may lead ten thousand cavalry to attack Anxi. There’s no need to fight them directly; just create a show of force. After this battle, your troops should be stationed in Farab and Sindh to prevent the Tang army from invading eastern Khorasan again.” Ibrahim bowed and said, “I’ll set out right away!” Then the Muslim leader addressed General Ziyad, “You will carry out the second phase of the attack on the Tang army’s base at Shuiliye. The Shiites are also willing to join us in battle. I’ll give you ten thousand elite troops, plus five thousand from the Shiites—totaling fifteen thousand troops. I hope you can wipe out the Tang army’s base in the River Regions in one fell swoop.” Ziyad nodded and said solemnly, “I will surely defeat the Tang army!” “Not only must you defeat them, but you must also seize the opportunity to take control of the Shiite troops.” “Yes! I understand.” Finally, the Muslim leader’s gaze fell on the King of Yuechi, Napo. He smiled and said, “I’ve already done my best to help you. It’s time for you to contribute as well!” Napo knelt down, overwhelmed with emotion, and cried, “I will never forget your kindness. I’ll return immediately to unite the various nations to fight against the tyrannical Tang.” The Muslim leader glanced at everyone one last time and said, “My troops are already in position. Whether we can finally defeat the Tang army depends on everyone’s bravery. Get ready!” He raised his arm and shouted, “Long live the Caliph!” “Long live the Caliph!” Amidst the cheers, the Abbasid army of Khorasan set off in great numbers. The distance from Mulu to the Amu Darya was only 350 li, all desert terrain, which the Abbasid troops were well adapted to. In just three days, the Muslim leader’s 30,000 main force reached the west bank of the Amu Darya. He didn’t rush to cross the river but instead stationed his troops there, waiting for news from various places. Meanwhile, Gao Xianzhi was still unaware of this. …… In late August, after conquering the Jiesu Kingdom, Gao Xianzhi suddenly received news that rebellion had broken out again in the Qisha Kingdom. The rebellion spread to the Yuechi Kingdom, Daqin Kingdom, Dahan Kingdom, and Chisan Kingdom. Luo Quanjie’s troops were unable to control the situation and had to seek help from Gao Xianzhi. Gao Xianzhi turned south once again to suppress the rebellions in the Turfan kingdoms by force.

But the severity of the situation exceeded Gao Xianzhi’s expectations. The rebellions in the Tokharistan kingdoms were not isolated acts but well-planned, organized coordinated attacks. These small states had assembled nearly 40,000 troops, while Gao Xianzhi only had 8,000. Though he didn’t underestimate them, his years of military experience gave him a vague sense that things were not going well.

Sure enough, as Gao Xianzhi’s army arrived at the Great Khanate, he received alarming news: Zhao Shen, the commander guarding the Pamir Pass, sent an urgent report that an army of about 10,000 Arabs had attacked the pass fortress, leading to its fall. The Tang forces retreated to Shule.

This news shocked Gao Xianzhi greatly. He led 15,000 troops to attack the Qishi Kingdom, leaving less than 10,000 troops across all of Anxi, most of whom were stationed in various fortresses. The cities were largely undefended. If those 10,000 Arabs invaded Anxi, the consequences would be unimaginable.

He immediately ordered Zhao Chongjin to lead 3,000 troops to reinforce Shule urgently and sent the 3,000 Tang troops guarding the eastern section of the Silk Road back to defend Shule at all costs, preventing the Arab army from invading the heart of Anxi.

After arranging the reinforcements, Gao Xianzhi’s worries grew even heavier. The Arabs’ deployment in Anxi indicated that they had already intervened in Tokharistan—this was why the kingdoms had suddenly rebelled. They must have received support from the Arabs. Now, Gao Xianzhi began to suspect he had fallen into a trap.

What worried him most was that the Arabs knew him very well, while he knew nothing about their army.

That afternoon, the Tang army camped on the south bank of the Yuezhi River, with hundreds of tents stretching for three miles. The soldiers, exhausted from nearly a month of battles, fell asleep immediately. The scorching heat of Tokharistan and the rugged terrain had worn them down; many fell ill, and many began to miss home. They had been fighting abroad for nearly a year, and the images of their parents’ gray hair, their wives’ toil, and their children’s expectations appeared in every soldier’s dreams. The commander’s growing anxiety only added to their unease—what was happening? What would their fate be? A sense of restlessness began to spread among the Tang troops.

That evening, two of the dozen scouts on patrol did not return—deserters had appeared.

Inside the main tent, Gao Xianzhi paced back and forth with his hands behind his back. Reason told him that the best course of action was to retreat to Anxi. But to retreat without fighting, scared away by a few feints from the Arabs, would ruin his reputation. And how could he explain his failure to conquer Tokharistan to the emperor?

But if Anxi wasn’t recaptured, he would only have 5,000 Tang troops at his side. Even including Luo Quanjie’s forces, that would be no more than 20,000 men. Meanwhile, the Arabs had 10,000 troops ready to launch attacks on Anxi. So how many troops had the Arabs deployed in total? It was still the 40,000 Turfan allied forces—the situation was extremely unfavorable for the Tang army.

At that moment, Li Siyeh entered the tent and said, “Commander, there’s something I’m worried about.”

Gao Xianzhi glanced at him and nodded. “Speak then! What’s worrying you?”

Li Siyeh slowly walked over to the map and pointed at Suiye. “Since the Arabs have sent troops to Turfan, it means their civil war is likely over. I’m very worried about Suiye. There, there are only 3,000 men under Duan Xiushi. If the Arab army attacks Suiye, it’s likely to fall.”

Gao Xianzhi’s face turned pale instantly. He rushed to the map, holding a candlestick to illuminate it, his gaze fixed anxiously on the area around Suiye. Zhao Chongjin had brought news from Beiting—Feng Changqing, in an attempt to eliminate Li Qingan’s loyalists, had withdrawn most of the troops from the five cities north of Suiye back to Beiting. Now, Suiye was a lone city with no reinforcements. If the Arab army attacked, it was likely to fall indeed. If Suiye fell, then Gao Xianzhi would truly suffer a crushing defeat.

Just then, urgent footsteps were heard outside the tent. A soldier rushed to the entrance and reported loudly, “Reporting to the commander! Duan Xiushi is urgently requesting aid. Tens of thousands of Arab troops are marching toward Suiye!”

“Clang!” Gao Xianzhi’s candlestick fell to the ground.

……

That night, desperate, Gao Xianzhi issued orders for the army to set out immediately and march swiftly toward Suiye. The Tang army set off northward in great numbers.

On the morning of the third day, the Tang army reached Tiwei City, which was still 30 li away from the south bank of the Wuhu River. At that moment, scouts reported that an Arab army of about 20,000 men was blocking their path ahead, while behind them, the 40,000 Turfan allied forces were closing in, cutting off their retreat.

An hour later, the 20,000 finest troops of the Khurasan army, led by Abu Muslim, slowly appeared in front of the Tang army. 10,000 camel troops and 10,000 cavalry were ready to fight. They had been waiting patiently, resting after a long time. Their black eagle flags fluttered in the air, covering the landscape like a sea of darkness.

Behind the Tang army, King Napo of the Yuezhi also appeared with the 40,000 Turfan allied forces. Every Turfan soldier’s eyes burned with hatred—their wives, daughters, and homes had been destroyed by the Tang army.

Suddenly, the 40,000 men let out a thunderous roar: “Revenge!”

Gao Xianzhi waved his hand lightly, and the Tang army took up formation. A great battle was about to unfold. How likely was it that this Tang army sent on an expedition against Toharistan would succeed?