Chapter 165
Although the plan had been established, Su Li encountered significant challenges during his time in Tubo. This marked a massive invasion of the plateau by the dynasties of the Central Plains in a millennium. Given the unique geographical and climatic conditions, it wasn’t practical even if Su Li genuinely wanted a hands-off approach. Ignoring other factors, addressing altitude sickness alone required him to personally gather data from various sources.
Previously, Su Li had believed that the physical fitness of ancient people wasn’t significantly different from that of later generations. But, in reality, people of this era suffered from severe nutritional imbalances. Common citizens struggled to obtain enough food and water, which did affect their physical strength. As for formidable generals like Cheng Yaojin and Wei Chi Gong, they did possess extraordinary natural talents, but their daily diet primarily consisted of meat. The warriors of this time were quite different from the graceful figures portrayed in later period dramas.
Typically, military commanders were robust individuals with broad shoulders and stout waists. Those considered fierce generals had distinct physiques—either tall or if not tall, they were large and horizontally developed. These imbalanced dietary habits led to many individuals suffering from rheumatism, gout, and underlying health issues. Such a physical foundation slightly hindered their adaptability to high altitudes. It took nearly twenty days for the Tang army to gradually acclimate to the high-altitude environment.
The firsthand experiences of tens of thousands of troops allowed the accompanying military doctors to accumulate valuable knowledge. The officer in charge of overseeing medical affairs, who had arrogantly predicted that in the future, the plateau would no longer be off-limits for the Tang people, was left astonished by Su Li’s accomplishments.
Su Li also discovered that these military doctors were exceptionally talented. They had found a way to produce pure oxygen. Upon closer inquiry, Su Li was surprised. The method used by this medical officer involved bringing people up and having them stay for about ten to fifteen days. Those who could endure it naturally adapted, while those who couldn’t were sent away. This approach was straightforward and startling.
However, the medical official remained confident, stating that very few people had ever stayed in this challenging place for a full month, let alone tens of thousands ascending the plateau together. There was a saying that fear arised from the unknown. People who hadn’t fully experienced being infected by miasma and recovering naturally felt fear towards it. But now that they completely understood, how could such minor discomfort influence them?
The medical official confidently handed a report to Su Li, instructing him to deliver it to the Emperor. Su Li could only smile wryly and told him to seek out Hou Junji, believing he would be interested in such achievements.
Five days later, the matters in Tubo were resolved. The Tang army set out once again, with twenty thousand light cavalry heading north. As they descended, the terrain gradually became lower. After enduring the challenges of low pressure and oxygen deficiency, the soldiers regained their vitality when they returned to an environment they were accustomed to, and morale soared to unprecedented levels.
During this period, the various Western Regions states had united, amassing an army of a million soldiers. They had discovered the Tang army’s marching route, which led through the northwest corner of Tubo directly into the Kunlun Mountains. Consequently, they positioned their forces in the Kunlun Mountains, waiting patiently to exploit any vulnerabilities and catch the Tang army off guard.
More than twenty foreign states joined forces here, sealing their alliance with blood and pledging to resist the Tang army’s invasion. Facing an existential crisis, these smaller nations stood united and were determined to fight. A million-strong troops were arrayed on the Kunlun Mountains, forming a dense, intimidating spectacle.
The Nine Surnames of the Tiele, as a major power in the northwest of the Great Tang, naturally joined this coalition. They positioned their camps at the forefront. The Bayegu Tribe of the Nine Surnames publicly declared that if the Tang army were to come, they would be the first to face the consequences. Now, with the coalition of many nations, they were indirectly being saved by other nations. Their positioning at the forefront was only just and fair. This statement deeply moved the other allied nations, who commended the Nine Surnames of the Tiele for their sense of righteousness.
During the night, within the camp of the Nine Surnames of the Tiele, the leaders of the nine tribes gathered in the royal tent of the Bayegu Tribe.
“Hele, we are on the brink of a major battle. You’ve summoned us here. What matter do you wish to discuss?” The leaders of the other eight tribes looked at the somewhat secretive father and son, puzzled.
Bayegu Zhang welcomed them and said with a smile, “My uncles, I’ve called you here today to discuss a matter of life and death for our Tiele tribe!” After a moment, the other eight tribe leaders were alarmed.
The most irascible leader of the Qi tribe angrily questioned, “You want us to betray the alliance and flee in the face of battle?”
Bayegu Zhang chuckled, “Why not? I’ve witnessed the Tang army commander, and he’s like a supernatural being, far beyond human strength. Even the forty-thousand-strong Tubo army couldn’t stop him alone on the plateau. What makes you think our so-called million-strong army can withstand him?”
The leader of the Tongluo Clan nodded in agreement, saying, “I’ve heard from the Xue Yantuo people that the Tang army’s commander, Su Li, is indeed like a celestial being descended to earth, a peerless war god. Even surrounded by four hundred thousand soldiers of Tubo, he cut through their ranks and killed Songtsan Gampo.”
The two echoed each other, causing hesitation among the leaders of the other tribes as well.
Ultimately, their confidence in launching an offensive rested on the fact that they had a million-strong army. If their million-strong army was useless against the Tang forces, then in the event of battle, these tribal leaders would become targets of the Tang army’s onslaught. What would be the point of fighting, then?
“Since you plan to flee, why did you camp at the forefront?” Even the leader of the Qi tribe had calmed down and asked with doubt.
Bayegu Hele gave a bitter smile and explained, “Our original plan was to escape if possible, to lead our people to migrate elsewhere. But our Tiele tribe relies on nomadic life. Although the Western Regions are vast, suitable areas for survival are not plentiful.”
“To migrate, we would need to head west. This choice is fraught with danger, and even if we find a place to survive, only a few of our people might survive the journey.”
“Migrating is a last resort, something we would only consider when other options fail. After discussing it with Zhang, we found a most suitable path for us!”
Hearing this, the leaders of the other tribes became intrigued. To put it bluntly, this coalition of multiple nations against the Great Tang was an act of desperation. After the Tang’s decisive victory over Tubo and their subsequent expansion into the Western Regions, everyone understood that the Tang might launch a thorough campaign to clear the region. Who could expect to keep everything intact under the shadow of such a powerful Tang force?
Under the immense pressure of the Tang’s strength, no one wished to stand alone. But if there were any other choices, who would willingly provoke the Tang? Was a million-strong army impressive? Even if they miraculously managed to win this battle, how could these small nations withstand the endless retaliatory actions that the Tang would launch afterward? The current situation was merely a desperate attempt to find a temporary solution.
“At this point, don’t beat around the bush. Just speak plainly!” The leader of the Tongluo tribe urged.
Bayegu Zhang chuckled, “My friends, why don’t our Tiele tribe surrender and offer allegiance directly to Su Li?”
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