The situation now is very different from before. If it were in the past, the Arab Empire's army would have rushed forward like hungry wolves if they had discovered traces of the Tang army. They were too eager to win the battle against the Tang.
However, since the destruction of the Anton Governor's Office, these people no longer have such thoughts. In the past, they did not know the combat effectiveness of the Tang army, so they could think so. However, so many of their own troops were killed by the Tang Dynasty, and as the attack deepened, the casualties increased. When these people discovered the Tang army, they had long lost their former bravery.
This idea was not only reflected by high-ranking generals, but also by some low-level soldiers. They were unwilling to be enemies with the Tang soldiers. In their eyes, since the territories of the two countries were so large, they should come up with an agreement and each develop in its own area. We continue to attack westward, and the Tang returns to their own land. Isn't this great?
Of course, this is just the idea of ordinary soldiers. In the eyes of many high-level officials, they certainly understand that this is impossible. If the third prince had not expanded his power to the Western Regions and had not stuck his knife in other people's territory, this would be entirely possible.
Now you have already lit the fire. If you want to put it out, it will never be as simple as you think. The people of the Tang Dynasty are definitely not that easy to talk to. Just based on the fact that they have been fighting outside for many years, you should know what kind of people they are. It is absolutely impossible to make them surrender so easily.
Especially after learning about Li Xiang's character, they thought it was impossible. Li Xiang was a young member of the royal family and was very warlike. Most of the extra territories that the Tang Dynasty had gained were conquered by Li Xiang. If you asked such a person for a peace truce, the cost would definitely be high, perhaps even higher than waging a war. So in this case, they still had to win a battle, and after a great victory, they could discuss it with the Tang Dynasty.
Of course, if the victory is too great, there will be no need for negotiation. The Arab Empire has the gene of expansion in its bones. If it were not for the huge losses suffered by the Tang Dynasty, they would never have such an idea.
Combining various aspects of analysis in this battle, Li Xiang has realized that the various forces of the Arab Empire are now frequently testing us and have no intention of fighting directly. If they wanted to fight directly, they would have come here long ago instead of hesitating in the rear.
After understanding this, Li Xiang could no longer attack according to the established plan. We had to make some changes, which was to find a way to lure them out.
Li Xiang's attack direction has always been towards the capital of the Arab Empire, because Li Xiang believes that only in this way can he put the greatest pressure on the Arab Empire. Now it seems that this is far from the case, and this road is too difficult, and our troops are a bit insufficient.
With only 70,000 troops, Li Xiang believed that the direction of battle should be changed and advance towards the Caspian Sea.
"I agree with your Highness. There's a lot of arable land around the Caspian Sea. If we can hold on to it, it will be much better than these deserts."
Su Dingfang said with a look of disgust that although the land under his feet was considered the heartland of the Arab Empire, he did not think that these lands were of any use. If they were not close to the capital of the Arab Empire, he would not want any of them.
This crappy place is completely useless for farming or raising livestock. The area around the Caspian Sea is better, at least there is still a lot of usable land there.
Li Xiang looked at the other people again. Since everyone agreed, we must hurry up and change direction, heading northwest, and catch the generals from all over the Arab Empire off guard without them noticing.
"etc……"
Just as Li Xiang was about to give the order, Li Chengyi, who had been silent all the time, stared at the map, perhaps with a new idea.
"If you have something to say, just say it."
Li Chengyi has been wandering around the western battlefield for a long time, and perhaps he can say something that influences the general direction. This is different from before. In the past, this guy was just a reckless person, but after such a long time, he is much more capable than before.
"I think we should retreat to Samar Khan City and use it as a base, then attack westward. The supply routes there are much better than here. If we attack directly northwest from this position, we still have to pass through a lot of Gobi Desert and desert. We may not even reach the Caspian Sea before we have already exhausted all our supplies."
After Li Chengyi finished speaking, everyone fell into deep thought. What he said was very good. The current location should be in the southern part of Afghanistan. If they were to attack from here, the route would probably be too long.
Samar Khan is already the seat of our Anxi Protectorate. If we start the attack from there, we can have two supply routes. And west of Samar Khan, it is also a good place to develop the enemy. If we build a large number of military stations there step by step, then we can take over the land around the Caspian Sea, and it will truly be ours, instead of just for the purpose of looting and consuming the manpower of the Arab Empire.
"Your idea is quite good, and many of us haven't been home for a long time. So, let's split up. The group that followed me will continue to advance northwest, and those who are still fighting in the surrounding areas will be sent back to recuperate. After you've rested for two or three months, you can use Samarkand as a starting point and advance westward to join us."
Li Xiang thought for a while and said that his army was divided into two parts. One part had been fighting on the battlefield for so long, and they should also have some time to rest.
The other part is the ones Li Xiang just brought out. These people have never seen blood on the battlefield. If they go back in disgrace, they will get nothing except a long-distance training, which is not good for them.
Su Dingfang and Cheng Chuliang looked at each other, and neither of them said a word. They obediently prepared to lead the team back. After all, their men had been fighting for so long, and they were still five hundred miles away from the capital of the Arab Empire. They felt a little reluctant, but in the long run, they had to honestly follow His Highness's strategy.
