However, the Gaochang Uighurs had the highest status and the strongest power, and were also the Uighur royal court. Therefore, they were respected as the nominal overlord by Uighurs from all sides.

If all these tribes were added together, the total population of the entire Western Region Uighurs would exceed one million, and the total military strength would reach 200,000 to 300,000, which is still very strong.

However, because of their dispersion, many Uighur tribes only obeyed orders and not declarations. For example, the Gaochang Uighurs were only pro-Liao, while the Kucha Uighurs, the Yellow-headed Uighurs, the Hexi Uighurs, etc. were pro-Liao and Song, and paid tribute to both countries respectively.

If factions within a country do not even have different political tendencies, it is naturally impossible to say that the country’s regime is unified.

Therefore, the number of troops that Aqifuluo can directly mobilize at present is about 80,000.

This was because Li Yuanhao had been constantly harassing the Yellow-headed Uighurs and the Hexi Uighurs in the past few years, causing a large number of local tribes to defect to him.

Otherwise, during the Jingyou period, it would have been considered good for Aqifuluo to mobilize 50,000 people.

Facing a mere 20,000 Song troops at this moment, Aqifuluo obviously did not take it seriously. He did not even issue a summons to the Uighur royal court, asking all Uighurs to come to the defense of the king. Instead, he led his own troops to attack.

Soon, a few days later, the land was vast and desolate. After more than ten days of long journey, the Song army crossed a large desert and saw an oasis in the distance.

Although it was August, the earth in the distance was green, with occasional hints of yellow and brown. Herds of cattle and sheep were passing by, and herdsmen were building buildings with leather, stones and the like. Further away, a mud city could be seen.

Cao Xianhui was on a small hill on the left side of the marching road, looking into the distance from his horse. He then said to Di Qing beside him, "Sir, that is Yizhou of the Uighurs."

"Well, there are people here at last."

Di Qing nodded, then took out a telescope to look.

He saw herdsmen busy driving their cattle and sheep to graze, caravans occasionally coming in and out of the city, and several soldiers lazily leaning against the city gate.

"Interesting."

Di Qing saw this and smiled, saying, "The Uighurs seem completely unaware. We also encountered some merchants along the way. Some passed us normally, while others hurried back. I don't believe the Uighurs were unaware of our arrival."

"What did my husband discover?"

Cao Xianhui was surprised.

"See for yourself."

Di Qing handed over the telescope.

Cao Xianhui took a look and was also very confused. "That's strange. Could it be a trap?"

"I don't care about traps, I only believe in the gun in my hand!"

Di Qing patted the spear on his horse's belly and said, "It's no longer the era where we could be ambushed if we were unprepared during a march. Now, no matter when or where the enemy appears, we can raise our spears and fight back immediately."

This is Di Qing's confidence.

As the two were talking, another lookout guard suddenly said, "Sir, there's something strange in the northwest."

"oh?"

Di Qing looked in the direction of the sound and saw dust and smoke billowing into the sky in the northwest direction.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

Based on their experience, it was obvious that a large number of Uighur troops were attacking.

This Uighur is quite interesting.

Knowing that the strength between us was much greater than that of the enemy, we actually chose to take the initiative to attack. Did we think that we could achieve a complete victory by taking advantage of the situation?

It's really surprising.

Or perhaps, the Uighurs had no idea how big the gap was between them and the Song Dynasty?

Then it gets even more interesting here.

Thinking of this, Di Qing did not delve into it and said calmly: "Since the Uighurs want to play, then play with them! Let's go!"

After saying this, he waved his hand and issued a military order, and the army galloped towards the direction of the Uighur army.

(End of this chapter)