Suheguman looked at his men with a strange look, a little bit unable to believe all this. You know, the Tang army is only 500 miles away from their capital. As long as they work harder, they can even find a gap to rush over. You know, their place is different from the Tang territory. There are empty deserts everywhere around them, so there is still a chance of rushing over.
Why was the Caliph so angry? Wasn't it because he was afraid that when he opened his eyes, the Tang army would be right under the city gate. Then they would be really finished. Now they were retreating. Sukhguman couldn't believe it. Seeing that victory was about to be won, those generals of the Tang Dynasty were not fools. He had fought against those people before, so how could they retreat?
"Send more spies to check it out. We must get accurate information. Until we get accurate information, we must strictly block this information and not let it get back to the rear."
Suheguman said doubtfully that bad news could not be sent back, and unverified good news could not be sent back either. If a big mistake was made, the people below would be punished, and he himself would also be in trouble.
After receiving the order, one of his generals immediately sent out more spies to investigate further north to see where the Tang army had retreated to. You must know that although the Tang army's mobility could not catch up with the Arab army, if it only retreated one or two hundred miles, it would not be of much use at all, and they might come back at any time.
"What do you think the Tang army means?"
Sukhguman is no longer in a hurry. Driving away the refugees is just a means to prevent them from harassing the capital. But the most important thing is the Tang army. What the Caliph is afraid of is the Tang army. Once the refugees mess up the capital and the Tang army follows, the Arab Empire will probably have to move its capital.
Now there are only these refugees left. No matter how capable they are, they can't disrupt the Arab Empire. We have various ways to deal with these refugees. But is the Tang army really retreating or just pretending to retreat? Su Heguman is not sure yet.
"Based on my analysis, the Tang army must have truly retreated, and the distance they retreated was not very close. They have been away from their hinterland for a long time, and their gunpowder replenishment is not very timely. If they run out of gunpowder, they will be no match for us in this place. In addition, with our large army assembled, they must be afraid of being surrounded. After all, fighting on our territory, deep into our borders is also a dangerous thing for them."
The military advisor was smart enough to quickly analyze what was going on. In fact, when the army had just assembled, he thought that such a thing might happen. If all this really became a reality, everyone would be able to breathe a sigh of relief.
The Tang army pressed them too hard. From the caliph to the ordinary soldiers, almost everyone didn't know how to respond. The Arab Empire had been fighting for many years and destroyed various city-states on both sides of the Mediterranean. They also gained their own confidence, but since fighting with the Tang army, it seems that they have never won a victory, let alone an overwhelming victory. They have never seen an ordinary victory. All they heard was news of our heavy losses. So when they heard the name of the Tang army, they naturally felt afraid.
"You're right. Wait until the spies return and immediately write a memorial to the capital to let those people there breathe a sigh of relief. If I'm not mistaken, many people in the capital have already started packing up. They won't resist the Tang army. Only we are fighting on the front lines. They should be thinking of retreating south."
Sukhguman said with a twinkle in his eyes. In fact, not to mention others, even he himself had made preparations for both situations. His two sons had already left the capital of the Arab Empire and went to the banks of the Nile River. It was very far away from the Arab Empire and the agriculture there was also good. If they could settle down there, it would be a very good place, much better than staying here to fight in the war.
The military advisor naturally knew this. When he heard Sukhguman say this, he also echoed a few words. You did this yourself, and you still have the nerve to criticize others. The high-level officials of the Arab Empire are all like you. How can they defeat the Tang Empire?
At midnight that day, all the scouts came back. They had searched the area within hundreds of miles in the north. Apart from a large number of refugees, they did not find any trace of the Tang army. In the temporary camp of the Tang army, they found all kinds of burned supplies. It seemed that the Tang army was very anxious to retreat this time and did not bring many things back.
"This must be a treacherous ploy by those treacherous enemies. They're using this method to force me to lead the army in pursuit. They truly underestimate this Marshal. Pass the order. All troops immediately disperse and expel the surrounding refugees. No matter what means you use, don't let them reach the capital, or even move south."
Suheguman immediately became happy. He thought he had seen through Li Xiang's plan. You retreated to the north just to lure me to go with you, and then have a decisive battle near you. But I just don't believe it and won't be fooled by you. I'd better solve the refugee issue first. This is the sword hanging over my head.
When Su Dingfang and Cheng Chuliang retreated, they left some spies along the way. When the two retreated to a place a thousand miles away, five days had passed. Everyone was exhausted, and they also received reports from the spies at the front.
"This guy didn't even catch up with us. Doesn't he want to annihilate us?"
Cheng Chuliang said with some surprise that generally when seeing the enemy retreat, at least two armies must be sent to pursue them. Even if it is not a real pursuit, it is still possible to use it. However, from the current situation, it seems that the other party has no intention of pursuing them.
"Forget it. Look at the refugees from the Arab Empire. Even if we don't attack, these refugees alone will be enough to give them a hard time. But what on earth are you thinking, Your Highness? This opportunity is rare."
Su Dingfang looked at the northern sky and said, "According to the date, His Highness should be leaving soon..."
