Early Tang Dynasty: forge ahead

Chapter 547: The Qalulu Being Tricked
The rapid sound of horse hooves like war drums suddenly exploded in the rear of the Tang army camp along with Na Shi's shouts.

The Karluks have always been caught between the two major forces. Although they have been able to get along with both sides and gain a lot of benefits by being fence-sitters, it also proves the Karluks' strong fighting power on another level. If they don't have real strength, how can they get along with both sides?
It was because the Eastern Turks and Western Turks recognized the strength of the Karluk Khan and knew that even if they defeated him, they would have to pay a heavy price. Instead of giving their opponents an advantage, it would be better to give them some benefits so that they would not have to worry about it.

The Qarlugs were all aware of the strength of the Tang army, and because of this, they knew that they had to be fully prepared when facing them.

The entire army rushed to the Tang army's rear camp like a torrent.

Na Shi took the lead and looked into the distance. The Tang army’s large camp had appeared in his sight.

The Tang army's large camp was both offensive and defensive, and even the rear area had complete defenses.

Outside the camp gate, there were antler-shaped barriers to prevent infantry and cavalry from charging the camp. On the towers on the left and right, there were sentries patrolling day and night, and archers resting.

As soon as there is any enemy information, it can spread throughout the army in a short time.

Na Shi had already prepared for a strong attack, but just as he was about to give the order to attack, dozens of soldiers suddenly ran out of the camp. They were well-trained and moved away the deer horns blocking the entrance of the camp, leaving them a path.

The soldiers on the upper floor also signaled them with flags, asking them to pass quickly to support the front army.

There’s no way I can deal with that now!

"Do you think we are just reinforcements?"

Since Li Shimin became the Khan of Heaven, it has become the norm for the Tang army to cooperate with nomadic peoples. For example, foreign generals such as Qibi Heli, Ashina She'er, and Zhishishili have made greater contributions to the Tang Dynasty than most local generals.

During the years when the Tang Dynasty fought wars in the south and the north, the Qarlugs were often summoned to respond and cooperated with the Tang army on the battlefield. They also followed Su Dingfang to defeat the Western Turks.

Na Shi had experience of fighting together with the Tang army. At this moment, he could not think of any other explanation except this idea.

But he had always acted according to orders in the past, and now it was obvious that there was no order. Would the Tang army still do the same?

A thought flashed through Na Shi's mind: "Could this be a trick? Isn't this a dangerous place?"

"do not care!"

Na Shi made up his mind and shouted, "Charge in!"

At this point, they have no other choice.

Today they left the station without permission, which was already a capital crime. Moreover, the surprise troops of the Arab Kingdom had just crossed their defense line at the right time, so their actions today could not be concealed for long. As long as it reached Li Ji's ears, the death penalty would be confirmed.

The Tang Dynasty had no place to stand on its own and could only survive by going to the opposite Arab Empire.

If you want to go to the Arab Empire, without a letter of surrender, the other side will not believe you.

Even if there are some oddities, there is no choice.

Na Shi didn't believe that the Tang army was so powerful that they could predict that he would rebel.

However, he was cautious and did not rush into the camp. Instead, he pretended to give orders from a hundred steps away from the camp.

Lu Man, however, was not so thoughtful. Seeing that the Tang army still regarded them as their own, he was overjoyed and said in a low voice: "Quick, quick, quick, while they haven't reacted yet, let's charge in!"

Luman was so excited that he danced with joy and led his troops into the rear camp of the Tang army.

The camp was empty. There were no Tang soldiers on the road. There were military tents scattered around, but no one was there...

Luman finally reacted, but it was too late. As the rapid sound of war drums sounded, there was a loud "boom" and thick smoke emerged with the wind.

The tents behind the military camp were all ablaze with flames, and in the blink of an eye, half the sky was already burning red. The fire spread like a galloping horse, and in an instant it swept across the rear camp...

Along with the fire came dense arrows and crossbow bolts, which poured down like raindrops, covering the Qarlug people who were at a loss in the firelight. Screams and exclamations rang out one after another.

As the fire rose into the sky, Na Shi outside the military camp screamed in horror and almost fell off his horse.

Looking at the troops trapped in the flames, they did not even have the courage to rescue them: since the Tang army was able to set up an ambush here in advance, they must have seen through their plan, and the ambush must not only be in front, there must be more around.

I haven't discovered it along the way. It's likely that it's hiding somewhere and will only attack after I'm trapped.

The only way to survive is to run away before the enemy surrounds you...

Na Shi shouted loudly: "If you want to live, follow me!"

He didn't care how many people were following him and just chose to flee back to where he came from.

I don't know if there will be ambushes in other places, at least not on the way here. Of course, the most important thing is that there is a chance to encounter soldiers from the Arab Kingdom who are attacking the granary. If you meet them, you will have a better chance of escaping and can also atone for your crime.

Pei Xingjian looked at the thick smoke behind him, but didn't pay much attention to it. Instead, he squinted his eyes and looked into the distance. Looking at the Arab soldiers who were still as fierce as wolves and tigers, he waved to his deputy general and said, "They are about to retreat. Be prepared to chase them. Bite them and don't let them leave."

The deputy general was confused as he looked at the Arab Empire which was still attacking.

In front of the Arab army in the distance.

Ye Qide put his hands over his eyes to block out the sunlight, and looked into the distance, his tone full of relief: "Master, you are right again. The Tang court was well prepared. With such a big fire, Pei Xingjian was not shaken at all. He was well prepared. Fortunately, I listened to you and did not send troops to attack the Tang army's food and grass camp. That would be sending a lamb to the wolf and filling their stomachs."

They did agree to send troops and gave Qallu a plan, but apart from cooperating in the attack on Pei Xingjian, all other plans were greatly discounted. As for sending troops to launch a surprise attack on the grain camp, they were completely treating Qallu as fools.

"such a pity!"

Amur did not look happy, but rather helpless. The rebellion of the Qerluks was a good move, but because of Li Ji's foresight, they did not achieve any results.

He really hoped that he was overthinking it and that he would have a chance to take down Pei Xingjian today.

The Western Regions can do without Li Ji, but it cannot do without Pei Xingjian.

Without Pei Xingjian, Li Ji would be like an eagle with broken wings.

Looking at the position that had been unable to be conquered for a long time, Amur said: "Pass the order, retreat!"

At this point, there is no need to fight any further.

Amr did not want his Egyptian army to make unnecessary sacrifices, so he chose to retreat.

However, just as the rear team became the front team and slowly retreated.

Suddenly, two teams of cavalry appeared on the Tang army's position and rushed out from the left and right wings like flying!
They used their scimitars to accurately cut the waists and ribs of the retreating soldiers of the Arab Empire.

At the same time, the Tang army's infantry also joined the battle from the front.

The center presses and both wings fly together.

(End of this chapter)