Chapter 006: Changing Surnames and Destroying Lineages

At this point, Guo Shidao could not help but show a look of sorrow on his face; however, that gloom lasted only a short while before being replaced by a sense of grandeur: "But as a man of the Great Tang, I would rather stand and die than kneel and live! Fen'er!"

"Young Master Zhang, do not inquire further," Yang Dingguo said. "We have a secret passage in the west of the city that leads into the mountains in the west. There is a hidden stronghold within the mountains, and the Hu people are not familiar with this terrain, so they may not be able to find it. As long as we hide until the Hu people disperse..."

However, Master Guo still invited him to take a seat and addressed everyone in the room: "Although everyone should have heard of Young Master Zhang's identity, I haven't had the opportunity to formally introduce him to you all in the past couple of days. Now, I would like to solemnly present to you: this is the special envoy from Chang'an, Young Master Zhang Mai."

Even if separated by a thousand years, that land in the East, with the Yangtze River, the Great Wall, Mount Huangshan, and the Yellow River, still captivates one's soul and dreams. Although the technology of ancient times cannot be compared to that of modern cities, the social ecology of the Central Plains should be more suitable for one's existence than here

Zhang Mai shouted, "I will enter the secret passage, what about you?"

These people have nothing to do with me, although they are my compatriots... but I have over a billion compatriots, and if we consider five thousand years of history, there must be several billion. I can't possibly look after every single compatriot, can I? Hmm, at this moment, retreating may seem somewhat unheroic, but preserving my own life is the most important thing... a hero? I'm not a hero; I'm just an insignificant little citizen.

Indeed. Yang Dingguo stated: "In fact, there were quite a number of remnants left by the Tang Dynasty within the territory of the Anxi Protectorate. Although the four towns fell one after another, they were not completely exterminated. Due to their ability to branch out and multiply, there was even a period when the population grew. Additionally, when considering the mixed-blood individuals who identified with our Tang Dynasty and the various ethnic soldiers, the numbers were still considerable. However, after the issuance of the three prohibitions, some Han youths could no longer endure and changed their surnames or abandoned their ancestral religions. They intermarried with Persians, Zhaowu people, and even the Uighurs, gradually becoming more assimilated. Once the main branch collapsed, the various ethnic groups scattered. Of course, there were also some Han youths who would rather die than forget their ancestors or betray Huaxia. These individuals suffered greatly; some were directly slaughtered, while others became their laborers or serfs. ... Of course, there were also some Han youths who would rather die than forget their ancestors or betray Huaxia. These individuals suffered greatly; some were directly slaughtered, while others became their laborers or serfs. ..."

Suddenly, I feel a bit homesick

Late at night

Of course, there are still some individuals who refuse to submit, who have fortunately not been slaughtered, and who are even less willing to be enslaved; we are among this group... Indeed, after the four towns fell, the soldiers scattered. Our contingent still maintained a small military outpost in the valley near Shule, but it was eventually discovered by the Hu invaders. Unable to hold our position, we began to migrate step by step. We initially intended to return to the Central Plains, but the eastern route was blocked, so we had no choice but to proceed cautiously, moving towards areas where the Hu people were less vigilant. As a result, we ended up moving further west, and several hundred of us escaped to a place beyond the reach of the Khitan. In this almost isolated location, we have been reproducing and surviving for generations, relying on the skills and military systems passed down from our ancestors. We irrigate our fields with river water, raise horses and sheep, forge weapons, and train our troops, striving to maintain this city of Suiye. We resist the Hu invaders and, upon hearing that there are still Tang people who have not forgotten their ancestors, we make efforts to bring them over.

Originally, Master Dao intended to wait for the enemy to retreat before setting up the incense altar and presenting the imperial edict along with the new fish token, to be read aloud by the imperial envoy in front of the entire military and civilian population of the city. However, now..." Guo Shidao took out the imperial edict and fish token, along with Zhang Mai's backpack, and returned them to him: "Young Master Zhang, please keep this imperial edict and fish token safe. When the opportunity arises in the future, we will set up the incense altar again to receive the edict." He then called out to Guo Fen: "Fen'er, quickly take Young Master Zhang into the secret passage."

Zhang Mai recalled the scenes from the mirage, reflecting on the experiences of the Tang dynasty's remnants in the Western Regions. His blood boiled with fervor, and he clenched his fist, striking it forcefully on the table. He thought to himself: "The nation must be strong before anything else can be discussed; otherwise, the people will struggle to protect their very lives, and enduring humiliation and disgrace will become commonplace."

Despite knowing that I have mistakenly entered a certain era, and that it may be difficult to return in this lifetime, the thought of "home" still naturally directs me towards the East

"No way!" Zhang Mai said, "If you don't clarify things, I won't leave!" He paused for a moment, a thought flashing through his mind, and asked, "Is it that Suiye can't hold on any longer?"

He noticed that these generals showed pleasant expressions on their faces, as he, the "imperial envoy," did not put on airs.

The first command required no explanation; Zhang Mai understood it immediately, as it aimed to weaken the resistance of the Tang people. As for the second and third commands, after some thought, he also grasped their intent, exclaiming: "These barbarian invaders are truly insidious. Their actions are meant to make the descendants of the Great Tang forget their ancestors, and even forget that they are children of Yan and Huang!"

Your Excellency, are you still awake? Lord Guo requests your presence

After two days of fierce battles, Zhang Mai experienced the horrors of war and developed a sense of respect in his heart for the more than ten generals who dared to charge into battle at the risk of their lives

You speak first

"Envoy, although the mountain stronghold is hidden, if all of us were to go missing together, it would certainly raise their suspicions. As long as the scouts are sent out, within a month, the Hu people will still discover our whereabouts—resulting in everyone being unable to escape. However, if we fight to defend the city, and if we manage to hold it, that would be the best outcome. Even if we ultimately lose the city, the Hu people, seeing our fierce resistance and our determination to live or die with the city, may not think that there are still survivors hiding in the mountains. You will have a great chance of survival." Guo Shidao waved his hand: "Envoy, do not delay any longer! If we fight to defend the city, and if we manage to hold it, that would be the best outcome. Even if we ultimately lose the city, the Hu people, seeing our fierce resistance and our determination to live or die with the city, may not think that there are still survivors hiding in the mountains. You will have a great chance of survival." Guo Shidao waved his hand: "Envoy, do not delay any longer! Hurry and set off. I estimate that either tomorrow or the day after, the Khitan will launch a real attack. When it comes to a moment of life and death, if we do not leave without a trace, it may not be so easy."

Zhang Mai felt a surge of impulse in his heart, almost wanting to say: "I will stay and share life and death with you!" If he were a few years younger, perhaps just entering university or still in high school, this phrase might have slipped out. However, after a few years in society, he had changed somewhat; the plots of self-sacrifice in martial arts novels no longer moved him as they once did. The thought of staying behind likely leading to death, while entering the secret passage would greatly increase his chances of survival, left Zhang Mai in silence. But after a few years in society, he had changed somewhat; the plots of self-sacrifice in martial arts novels no longer moved him as they once did. The thought of staying behind likely leading to death, while entering the secret passage would greatly increase his chances of survival, left Zhang Mai in silence.

Zhang Mai did not sleep well last night, and after a tiring day today, he was feeling drowsy and truly wanted to have a good sleep. However, the ten soldiers accompanying him immediately jumped up upon hearing the news, so Zhang Mai had no choice but to quickly get up and follow the messenger to meet Guo Shidao

Over time, after a few hundred years, it will be possible to completely erase the influence and traces left by China in this region, transforming it into a thoroughly desolate land

The Western Regions have long been a desolate frontier, and this place is even more so, a desolation within a desolation. Over the past few decades, even the Uyghurs have scarcely paid attention to it, which is why we have managed to survive until now. However, perhaps our recent activities have drawn their attention, and we have already been targeted by them. These more than 2,000 cavalry, even if we can make it, can hold them off, but since they have already discovered this place, reinforcements will come in an endless stream. The barbarians are extremely fearful of the resurgence of the Tang Dynasty's power in the Western Regions, and thus they will inevitably seek to annihilate us! If 2,000 men cannot capture Suiye, they will send 20,000; if 20,000 cannot capture it, then 100,000 will come! The Uyghurs of Balasagun have over 100,000 archers, and we cannot withstand them under any circumstances. In short, the end of this city may be approaching soon...

Life here is undoubtedly extremely arduous, yet one can still retain their surname, language, and culture. Upon hearing this, Zhang Mai's respect for these descendants of the Tang army deepened further; if the roles were reversed, he feared he might not possess the same courage and perseverance as they do

Guo Shidao took out a very rough map that completely lacked any sense of scale and pointed it out to Zhang Mai: "The city of Suiye, where we are currently located, is situated upstream of the Suiye River. To the southeast, following the Suiye River downstream, lies the old Suiye City near the Rehai area, where the poet Li Bai was born. However, the old Suiye has been destroyed, and it is now called Balashagun, which has become the stronghold of the Huigu people. To the south, crossing the Suiye River and traversing the Suiye Desert, one reaches Talas. Talas is currently also under the control of the Huigu people. Beyond Talas, towards the river region, was once part of our Tang Dynasty territory, but has now fallen into the hands of the Persians who have embraced the teachings of the Prophet. They have established the Samanid dynasty there. If we head southwest, we must cross a vast wilderness to reach the land of the black-robed Arabs..."

You, along with Tang Renxiao, escort Young Master Zhang into the secret passage

This ... ... sigh, Young Master Zhang, do not ask any further!

"Wait, why must we hide until the Hu people disperse?" Zhang Mai interrupted Yang Dingguo

The bird of the south nestles in the southern branch, and a fox, when it dies, must return to its burrow

Zhang Mai was once again awakened by the sounds of disturbance from the Hu people

The remnants of our Tang Dynasty left in the Western Regions have truly endured great suffering in recent years. Ever since the four towns were successively captured, the area east of the Congling Mountains has been occupied by the Huigu and Tubo. Those who remain there either live as slaves or must resist; failure in resistance leads to a fate of slaughter. To the west of the Congling Mountains, the territory has been seized by the Arabs, and the ruler of the Arab state has issued three orders against us: The first is a prohibition on arms, which strictly forbids all Tang subjects from practicing martial arts or possessing weapons; the second is a name change order, which requires all Tang people to abandon their ancestral surnames and adopt the surnames of the Hu ethnic group; the third is a destruction of ancestral worship order. The Arabs, who follow the teachings of Islam, claim that our ancestral worship is idolatry, and thus demand that we destroy our ancestral tablets, forbidding us from honoring our ancestors and insisting that we must only believe in their true god, or face execution without mercy.

If there is a chance, can I go back

After the Huighur people withdrew, the night became very quiet, very quiet again

Urban dwellers, in comparison to frontier warriors, are still relatively sensitive. At this time, Zhang Mai was unable to simply sleep whenever he wished—being able to rest at any moment to replenish one's strength is also a quality of the battlefield. However, after waking up in the middle of the night, Zhang Mai found it impossible to fall back asleep.

Zhang Mai was taken aback: "Secret passage? What secret passage? Why do we need to enter a secret passage"

The room fell silent for a moment, and the situation in the Western Regions was complex and multifaceted, not something that could be clearly articulated in just a few words. Guo Shidao seemed to be contemplating how to express it.

In the central large house of the new Suye City, brightly lit, Zhang Mai discovered that the lighting used in this city was not candles or torches, but oil lamps

This ... ... I dare not, I dare not!

All the generals saluted and said: "We have met the special envoy, Young Master Zhang!"

The body remains still, yet the thoughts are soaring

"Your Excellency, the Special Envoy," in the room gathered more than ten people, including Guo Luo, Yang Yi, and Guo Fen. Zhang Mai glanced over and saw that these individuals were all generals who had fought at the forefront during the day. Upon seeing him, each of them stood up to greet him—not only because Zhang Mai was the "Special Envoy," but also because his performance during the day had earned their respect.

Guo Shidao and Yang Dingguo exchanged a glance, and Yang Dingguo nodded.

At the forefront were Guo Shidao and Yang Dingguo, who invited Zhang Mai to the seat in the center, "Please take a seat"

At the third watch of the night

The state established by the Uighurs in Balasagun is referred to by Western historians as the Qarakhanid Dynasty. The Black-robed Arabs represent one of the two great empires that could stand alongside the Tang Dynasty, the Abbasid Caliphate; however, it has now also declined and fragmented. The Samanid Dynasty is one of the powers that emerged from the Black-robed Arabs, possessing considerable strength.

Guo Fen stepped out of the line, standing tall and straight, exuding a heroic demeanor that was no less than that of a man

Zhang Mai quickly got up and, imitating them, performed a grand Tang military salute, saying, "Everyone is being too polite."

The situation in the Western Regions is complex. The names of tribes and places mentioned by Guo Shidao are mostly unfamiliar to Zhang Mai, and at this moment, his mind feels overwhelmed. He barely understands that the newly established Suiye City is located at the northwestern extreme of the influence of the Huigu people, and just outside the northeastern extreme of the Black Robed Abbasid Empire. To the south, there is a considerable distance to the fragmented regime of the Black Robed Abbasid Empire—the Samanid Dynasty. It can be said that it is situated precisely in the blind spot of various major powers.

Seeing that he was determined to get to the bottom of the matter and would not leave otherwise, Guo Shidao finally said: "Alright, since there is still a little time, I will explain the situation to the envoy. However, once I have clarified everything, the envoy must leave."

However, I see that the Hu people have not gained the upper hand in the past couple of days. Although they still have one thousand cavalry yet to be deployed, our two to three hundred reserve troops have not been utilized either