Chapter 165:
Although the n had been established, Su Li encountered significant challenges during his time in Tubo. This marked a massive invasion of the teau by the dynasties of the Central ins in a millennium. Given the unique geographical and climatic conditions, it wasnt 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 wasnt significantly different from that ofter generations. But, in reality, people of this era suffered from severe nutritional imbnces. 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 inter period dramas.
Typically, militarymanders were robust individuals with broad shoulders and stout waists. Those considered fierce generals had distinct physiqueseither tall or if not tall, they wererge and horizontally developed. These imbnced 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 limate to the high-altitude environment.
The firsthand experiences of tens of thousands of troops allowed the apanying military doctors to umte valuable knowledge. The officer in charge of overseeing medical affairs, who had arrogantly predicted that in the future, the teau would no longer be off-limits for the Tang people, was left astonished by Su Lis aplishments.
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 couldnt 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 ce for a full month, let alone tens of thousands ascending the teau together. There was a saying that fear arised from the unknown. People who hadnt fully experienced being infected by miasma and recovering naturally felt fear towards it. But now that theypletely understood, how could such minor difort 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 dayster, 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 ustomed 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 armys 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 armys 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 dered that if the Tang army were toe, 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, whomended 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. Youve 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 weed them and said with a smile, My uncles, Ive 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 rmed.
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? Ive witnessed the Tang armymander, and hes like a supernatural being, far beyond human strength. Even the forty-thousand-strong Tubo army couldnt stop him alone on the teau. What makes you think our so-called million-strong army can withstand him?
The leader of the Tongluo n nodded in agreement, saying, Ive heard from the Xue Yantuo people that the Tang armysmander, 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 inunching 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 be targets of the Tang armys onught. What would be the point of fighting, then?
Since you n 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 exined, Our original n 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 ce to survive, only a few of our people might survive the journey.
Migrating is ast 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 Tangs decisive victory over Tubo and their subsequent expansion into the Western Regions, everyone understood that the Tang mightunch 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 Tangs 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 wouldunch afterward? The current situation was merely a desperate attempt to find a temporary solution.
At this point, dont beat around the bush. Just speak inly! The leader of the Tongluo tribe urged.
Bayegu Zhang chuckled, My friends, why dont our Tiele tribe surrender and offer allegiance directly to Su Li?