215: The White-robed Guanyin arrives, and the refugees return home!

Chapter 214: White-Robed Guanyin Arrives, Qingcang Refugees Pledge Allegiance!

On the way from Yong Province to Sha Province, Li Chang'an accumulated nearly ten million taels of silver and hundreds of thousands of shi of grain, which formed the foundation for rebuilding Sha Province.

These funds and provisions were enough to sustain Sha Province for one or two years, but after that, they would be depleted.

Li Chang'an's plan was to sustain war with war!

Relying on the Sha Province residents to farm and harvest grain would make it difficult to rise rapidly. To rise, he had to seize from the enemy.

The money, grain, and population that the Fan People and Northern Mang had plundered from Sha Province before, now had to be returned in full.

Jinchang City West Gate.

In the area where the refugees gathered, the Guiyi Army was distributing grain to them.

Suddenly, teams of cavalry galloped out from the city gate.

The black cavalry, both men and horses, were clad in Xuanjia heavy armor, while the white cavalry wore white armor, and their white horses were unarmored.

The seven thousand cavalry, brimming with Killing Intent, passed through the city, drawing the attention of the common people who stopped to watch.

“These are the King of Tang’s Xuanjia Army and White Horse Volunteers!”

“What a mighty army! I have never seen such a disciplined force before!”

“I heard they are going to take over Yumen Commandery and also reclaim Gantai Commandery!”

“The King of Tang truly has grand ambitions!”

Li Chang'an's entry into Sha Province this time was decisive and swift.

Therefore, the common people were somewhat surprised and uncertain, unable to react immediately.

Li Chang'an knew that accumulating prestige takes time, and once Yumen Commandery was successfully taken over, everything would fall into place.

As Li Cunxiao led his troops out of the city, over ten thousand young men immediately ran out from among the refugees.

Because Zhang Yichao had conveyed Li Chang'an's order to them: if they followed Li Cunxiao to take over Yumen Commandery, their families would be allocated land.

Therefore, these more than ten thousand young men were going to voluntarily join the army.

Li Chang'an was not worried about reclaiming Yumen Commandery and Gantai Commandery.

White-Robed Guanyin would definitely keep her promise, so reclaiming Yumen Commandery was merely a matter of handover.

The Shanshan Tribe occupying Gantai Commandery had already suffered heavy losses, with only thirty to fifty thousand of their hundred and fifty thousand combat-ready troops remaining. How could they have the strength to contend with Li Chang'an?

Over the past six months, the number of experts under Li Chang'an has also increased.

Among Li Chang'an's many concubines, Hong Shu was the first to Breakthrough her Realm.

Because Hong Shu Cultivated Dual Cultivation Cultivation Technique with the most effort, she Breakthrough from pseudo-Vajra and pseudo-Zhi Xuan to Early Stage Vajra Realm and Early Stage Zhi Xuan Realm.

This situation of Cultivating two Realms simultaneously is quite rare. Her actual combat power now is equivalent to an Early Stage Martial Artist Zhi Xuan Realm.

Qingniao truly Cultivated to Late Stage Vajra, also competing with Hong Shu, not willing to relax for a single day.

Then, Xu Weibear also stepped into the Confucian Celestial Phenomenon Realm. Although she had just entered, her strength was not weak.

News from the Eight Exquisites reported that Qian Sha and Kunpo had also Breakthrough to First Grade.

A few days after Li Cunxiao's army departed, Gong Banque from Martial Emperor City also found his way to Jinchang City.

Li Chang'an had only intended to play a joke on Wang Xianzhi, not to put Gong Banque to death.

Thus, Li Chang'an followed suit, making a three-year service agreement.

Gong Banque also agreed to serve Li Chang'an for three years, after which Li Chang'an would remove his Karmic Obstruction.

By this calculation, Li Chang'an already had a multitude of experts under his command.

In the Celestial Phenomenon Realm, there were Zhuge Liang and Gu Dazu, and Li Chang'an himself could be considered Celestial Phenomenon Realm combat power.

In the Zhi Xuan Realm, there were Cao Zhengchun, Wu Liuding, Cui Hua, Gong Banque, and Hong Shu.

In the Vajra Realm, there were Li Cunxiao, Qian Sha, Kunpo, Qingniao, Xu Weibear, and five Talisman General Red Armor.

Although there was still a gap compared to the Li Yang Dynasty and Northern Liang, it was already comparable to the major Sects in the Martial Forest.

Before news of Li Cunxiao's takeover of Sha Province arrived, the news of White-Robed Guanyin leading five thousand monk soldiers to Jinchang City had already spread like wildfire.

Sha Province is located in the Northwest, and many people there believe in Buddhism.

On this day, White-Robed Guanyin entered Jinchang City in a sixteen-bearer gauze sedan.

White-Robed Guanyin is the leader of the Esoteric Buddhism Red Sect, and also the de facto leader of the Wala Fan People.

This Six-Jewel Dharma King, in the eyes of Red Sect followers, was practically a Heavenly Immortal living Buddha.

White robes, a white pot, a white snake, she looked like a Heavenly Immortal.

And now, this White-Robed Guanyin actually came to Sha Province to meet the King of Northern Liang!

The common people in Jinchang City were utterly shocked.

“Legend has it that White-Robed Guanyin was defeated by the King of Tang and returned Yumen Commandery. It seems to be true!”

“Before, Lord Huang invited White-Robed Guanyin to preach year after year, but she never paid any attention!”

“Yes, it is said that White-Robed Guanyin intends to side with Northern Liang!”

“Your Highness is truly Divinely Able, to even make White-Robed Guanyin bow in submission!”

Sitting in the gauze sedan, White-Robed Guanyin's heart was a mix of emotions.

If she didn't give Li Chang'an enough face, she was truly afraid that Li Chang'an wouldn't give her the antidote.

So, before coming this time, she had already spread the word that she was coming to meet the King of Tang, adopting a very humble posture.

Five thousand monk soldiers were stationed outside Jinchang City. White-Robed Guanyin, accompanied by her Disciples and dozens of personal guards, arrived at the Tang Royal Mansion.

At this moment, Qingniao, accompanied by several Brocade-Clad Guards, arrived at the mansion's entrance.

“By His Highness’s command, only the Six-Jewel Dharma King is invited into the mansion. All others shall temporarily reside at the relay station!”

The noble White-Robed Guanyin could only step down from the gauze sedan, her bare feet treading on the cold floor.

She turned to her Disciples and attendants and said, “You all go to the relay station first. If there is any news regarding the handover of Yumen Commandery, report it to me immediately.”

Although the Disciples and attendants felt that the King of Tang of Sha Province was extremely rude, since White-Robed Guanyin did not react, they could do nothing.

Just like that, White-Robed Guanyin was led into the Royal Mansion by Qingniao and the Brocade-Clad Guards.

Qingniao led White-Robed Guanyin to the door of a guest room, “Dharma King, His Highness requests you to temporarily reside here.”

The Six-Jewel Dharma King looked puzzled, “His Highness sent a letter summoning me, and I immediately rushed here day and night. Why does he not see me now?”

Qingniao replied, “His Highness said that once Yumen Commandery is successfully handed over, he will naturally see you.”

After speaking, Qingniao left with her people. In the small courtyard where White-Robed Guanyin resided, both the front and back gates were guarded by Brocade-Clad Guards.

From the looks of it, Li Chang'an intended to place her under house arrest here.

White-Robed Guanyin couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh, “His Highness’s Karmic Obstruction is overbearing, how dare I not abide by the agreement.”

“Since I said Yumen Commandery would be returned, I will certainly not go back on my word.”

Li Chang'an placing White-Robed Guanyin under house arrest was, of course, for the smooth handover of Yumen Commandery.

A general outside can choose not to obey all orders. It was possible that the Fan General of Yumen Commandery would refuse to hand over the territory.

Li Chang'an planned to subdue White-Robed Guanyin and then use the power of the Wala to completely eliminate Shanshan!

The Red, White, and Yellow Sects of the Western Regions Esoteric Buddhism respectively occupied the three major tribes: Wala, Shanshan, and Yalung.

Among them, Wala and Shanshan bordered Sha Province, which is why they were able to seize Yumen Commandery and Gantai Commandery.

The remaining enemies were Northern Liang to the east, Northern Mang to the north, and scattered Hu people to the Northwest.

Although there were still several factions of enemies, stabilizing two directions was always beneficial for development.

Moreover, after subduing Wala, White-Robed Guanyin could also provide support with tens of thousands of monk soldiers.

White-Robed Guanyin, though under house arrest, was not idle. She immediately sent a letter to the Fan General of Yumen Commandery.

No matter what, first ensure the smooth handover of Sha Province's Yumen Commandery.

From her observations, this King of Tang, Li Chang'an, seemed to have no small ambitions.

More realistically, Li Chang'an had already fallen out with Shanshan, which could actually be considered an ally of Wala.

The three major tribes of the Fan People had also been warring with each other for hundreds of years.

White-Robed Guanyin also fantasized that if Shanshan could be destroyed, then returning Yumen Commandery and Gantai Commandery would be nothing.

Fortunately, there were no major incidents. Half a month later, Li Cunxiao sent news of the smooth handover of Yumen Commandery.

The entire Waleng Tribe army withdrew from Yumen Commandery.

At this time, White-Robed Guanyin also received an audience with Li Chang'an.

When she met Li Chang'an, White-Robed Jiang Ni and Green-Robed Qingniao stood behind him.

One held a sword, the other a spear, both looking at White-Robed Guanyin with wary expressions.

White-Robed Guanyin always felt a strange smell in the air, but she had never smelled it before.

A year later, Li Chang'an's accumulated prestige was even greater, and he possessed considerable authority.

“Six-Jewel of Esoteric Buddhism Red Sect greets the King of Tang. It is an honor to meet again.”

Li Chang'an looked at this exquisitely beautiful woman, like an immortal, and did not beat around the bush.

“The smooth handover of Yumen Commandery satisfies this King. You did not play any tricks.”

“This King has already ordered continued attacks on Gantai Commandery, which is occupied by the Shanshan Tribe.”

Hearing this, White-Robed Guanyin asked, “Does Your Highness intend to destroy the Shanshan Tribe?”

The Western Regions Fan People tribes were too desolate, but Li Chang'an would not allow any enemies to remain.

Therefore, he would not only destroy Shanshan, but even Yalung would be eliminated as well.

Finally, only White-Robed Guanyin's Red Sect and the Waleng Tribe would remain, and then he would indirectly control the Western Regions through White-Robed Guanyin.

However, this plan could not be revealed yet.

“Why would this King destroy Shanshan? Perhaps Shanshan will surrender to this King before long.”

White-Robed Guanyin remained silent. Li Chang'an clearly wanted to see who was more obedient and would keep them.

However, the initiative was in Li Chang'an's hands, and White-Robed Guanyin could do nothing.

Just like that, White-Robed Guanyin was placed under house arrest in the Sha Province Royal Mansion.

As long as White-Robed Guanyin was there, the Waleng Tribe would be hesitant.

Li Cunxiao and Lu Xu continuing to subdue Gantai Commandery would then be a matter of course.

Winter had arrived.

The winter in the Northwest was much colder than in Yong Province.

While Li Chang'an was waiting for news from Li Cunxiao, Zhuge Liang rushed to the Royal Mansion.

Zhuge Liang, covered in snowflakes, sat by Li Chang'an's brazier.

“Your Highness, this year's snow disaster is unusually severe. Many of the refugees in Green Cang are likely to freeze to death again.”

Every winter, it was the most difficult time for the Green Cang refugees, a veritable gate of hell.

Huang Boren, who was usually indifferent, under Xu Xiao's instruction, would never help the refugees.

Among two hundred thousand refugees, thousands dying each year was the norm.

Zhuge Liang was anxious, but he couldn't discern Li Chang'an's intentions.

Although Sha Province was relatively prosperous now, those refugees were, after all, unrelated to Sha Province.

Letting thousands of them freeze to death, and then recruiting them in the spring, would actually yield better results.

“Your Highness, your humble servant does not know how to handle this.”

Li Chang'an pondered for a moment and said, “What is there to say about this? Of course, we must save them.”

“You are responsible for allocating the silver, and let Zhang Yichao lead people to support them.”

Since they were relatively prosperous now, there was no need to let thousands of people die in vain.

Zhuge Liang stood up and bowed deeply, “Your Highness is benevolent.”

Li Chang'an smiled, “Kongming, Sha Province is not like Qing Province. What this King wants is the hearts of the people.”

He almost blurted out, 'He who accomplishes great things takes people as his foundation.'

“It just so happens that winter affords some leisure, so this King will also make a trip.”

Zhuge Liang nodded, “Your Highness’s insight is profound. The people’s hearts can be used.”

That afternoon, Li Chang'an, Zhang Yichao, and Zhao Dingxiu, together with five thousand Guiyi Army soldiers and winter clothing, departed from Jinchang.

Qingcang Commandery was the most desolate commandery in Sha Province, so desolate that it had no officials stationed there.

Here, there was none of Yong Province's prosperity and bustle, only a vast snowy plain and endless mountains.

Heavy snow covered the mountains and rivers, a pristine white, as if the purest existence between heaven and earth.

The biting north wind howled, whipping up a sky full of flying snow, like thousands of troops galloping past.

In this frozen world, occasionally a few solitary thatched huts could be seen, with smoke curling up from their chimneys.

In the heavy snow, Li Chang'an saw several strong young lads, eleven or twelve years old, playing football.

He looked closely, and that football was indeed a skull.

Legend had it that the Green Cang refugees used the heads of Northern Liang soldiers as footballs; it seemed to be true.

As Li Chang'an's troops gradually approached, the children scattered and hid back in the city.

On the dilapidated city walls, simply armed archers stood ready.

Over the years, the Northern Liang Army had repeatedly used the refugees here for military training.

Zhang Yichao rode at the forefront, shouting loudly, “We are not the Northern Liang Army!”

“His Highness, the King of Tang, has personally arrived to bring you winter clothing and food!”

Now, over a hundred thousand refugees were scattered throughout the county town, and the news quickly spread.

Many of these refugees, dressed in tattered clothes and red-faced from the cold wind, squeezed out of the city gate to watch.

Before long, a dozen or so elders from among the refugees pushed their way out of the crowd.

They did not dare to fully trust Li Chang'an, so they came to negotiate first.

Among these refugees, there were many remnants of the fallen Northern Han and Western Shu states.

Some who had been officials immediately recognized Zhao Dingxiu.

“Grand Academician Zhao, you are here too!”

Zhao Dingxiu also saw several former colleagues, and his eyes immediately reddened. He dismounted from his horse.

Seeing his former colleagues now in rags, trapped in this Northwest wilderness for several years, Zhao Dingxiu couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow.

When old colleagues and fellow townsmen met, tears were inevitably shed on the spot.

In this way, these refugee elders gradually lowered their guard and arranged for young men to carry the supplies.

Li Chang'an also led Zhang Yichao and Zhao Dingxiu to inspect the city.

An old man said, “Your Highness, the King of Tang, another dozen people froze to death yesterday.”

“If it weren't for your support, this winter in Qingcang Commandery might have seen tens of thousands freeze to death.”

Li Chang'an listened to the old man's rambling about the current situation, but his gaze was drawn to the refugees scrambling to receive supplies.

A trembling old woman, dragging a frozen leg, led a young boy of a few years old.

Both wore straw sandals, shivering in the cold wind.

Li Chang'an walked up to the child and softly asked, “Are you cold?”

The boy's eyes darted about, clearly afraid of Li Chang'an, who was clad in armor.

“Cold.”

The old woman and the child couldn't get good items when scrambling for things.

Li Chang'an looked at the child, whose ears and limbs were covered in chilblains, and felt a touch of pity.

He took off his great cloak and was about to tie it onto the child.

Looking at this pitiful child, Zhao Dingxiu, a scholar by origin, had long been heartbroken.

Seeing Li Chang'an's actions, he immediately knelt down.

“Your Highness is of noble birth, you must not do this!”

Li Chang'an shook his head, firmly taking off his great cloak and draping it over the boy's shoulders.

“A mere cloak, in exchange for a valiant young man of Sha Province, this King profits!”