When Li Maoxue's 11th Infantry Division arrived in Guazhou, the entire area around Guazhou had become a ghost town.
Houses collapsed, trees were burned, and even the river channels and ditches were filled with cow dung and camel dung, making them look extremely filthy.
This scene shocked Li Maoxue.
"Where are the enemy troops in Guazhou? Did they just run away like that?"
Li Maoxue asked with some suspicion, "Are we that scary?"
After his initial surprise, Li Maoxue turned to his adjutant and asked, "Any news from the scouts? Which direction did these enemy troops flee to?"
"Commander Li,"
The adjutant pointed northwest and said, "According to the scouts' reports and the traces left in the Gobi Desert, these Samanid cavalry have fled northwest. Judging from the current situation, it seems that the Samanid cavalry are going to abandon Guazhou completely."
"Give up Guazhou?"
Li Maoxue frowned, somewhat puzzled.
As soon as he reached out, the staff officer next to him quickly handed him a map of the Western Regions.
Looking at the location of Guazhou on the map, and then at Yizhou, which is a thousand miles to the northwest of Guazhou, the distance between them is vast. Moreover, the continuous Gobi Desert is the largest natural barrier.
Moheyanqi!
Eight hundred miles of vast desert!
It stretches for eight hundred li and was called the Shahe River in ancient times. There are no birds flying in the sky, no beasts running on the ground, and no water or grass!
"Isra?"
Li Maoxue pointed to the location of Yizhou and said, "Between Guazhou and Yizhou lies the vast and desolate Moheyan Desert, making marching extremely difficult. Moreover, the transportation of supplies is very inconvenient. After the enemy retreats, it will probably be even more difficult for them to reach Guazhou. It seems that the Samanid Khanate is really going to completely abandon Guazhou!"
"yes!"
Regimental Commander Chu Yuanxing nodded and said, "The journey between Guazhou and Yizhou is long and arduous. This is true not only for them, but even more so for us! The Samanid Khanate is entirely composed of cavalry, which makes things relatively easier for them. However, our 11th Infantry Division is mostly composed of infantry, and our artillery, ammunition, and supplies are extremely heavy. Moving forward is much more difficult! Commander, it seems we will have to wait here in Guazhou for a while. We will proceed westward once our logistical supplies have been replenished!"
"Uh-huh!"
Li Maoxue nodded and said, "Tell the brothers to set up camp in Guazhou now. Also, be on high alert at all times!"
"clear!"
Chu Yuanxing quickly agreed.
Immediately, the 11th Infantry Division began to be stationed in the vicinity of Guazhou.
Although Li Maoxue was somewhat reluctant, he knew that the journey westward was destined to be fraught with difficulties. Therefore, he understood that this matter could not be rushed!
When the 11th Infantry Division was stationed in Guazhou, the reconnaissance battalion and cavalry battalion had already been fully deployed to conduct comprehensive reconnaissance around the entire Guazhou area, covering a radius of two to three hundred miles.
By the end of September, Zhao Chun, commander of the Northwest Military Region, Lin Shaozhang, chief of staff, and others arrived in Guazhou.
In September, the wind howls through Luntai at night, and the riverbed is filled with large, broken stones that scatter wildly with the wind!
The wind howled like a whistle throughout the night.
The temperature in the entire Guazhou area also became exceptionally cold.
A biting northwest wind was blowing, and some soldiers had chapped skin on their faces and hands.
Inside the tent, Zhao Chun, commander of the Northwest Military Region, Lin Shaozhang, chief of staff, and others had furrowed brows and looked somewhat gloomy.
"Commander Zhao,"
Chief of Staff Lin Shaozhang began, “News has arrived from the capital. His Majesty has ordered Director Zhao Bingzhang to oversee the western expedition from Longyou. The new recruits being recruited and trained by the General Military Training Department are gradually arriving at our Northwest Military Region. His Majesty has ordered us to remain stationed in place for the rest of the year, gathering intelligence on the enemy. Furthermore, logistical supplies from various regions will be prioritized for our side. Next spring, we will lead an army of 100,000 to the west to crush the Samanid Khanate!”
"Oh, really?"
Hearing Lin Shaozhang's words, Zhao Chun's eyes lit up, and he exclaimed, "Then let's do as His Majesty and the Privy Council instruct!"
Not only Zhao Chun, but also the teachers and instructors present were somewhat excited.
After the New Year, an army of 100,000 marched west and crushed the Samanid Khanate!
Just thinking about it makes me excited!
"Old Li,"
Looking at Li Maoxue, Zhao Chun said, "We will make the Samanid Khanate pay for the deaths and injuries of the people in Suzhou one day! Winter is coming soon, let's let the Samanid Khanate have a peaceful winter! After next spring, we will make them pay the price!"
"Commander Zhao, I understand!"
Li Maoxue nodded in agreement.
"Gentlemen,"
Zhao Chun continued, "Guazhou is a station on the front line of the western expedition. It is a thousand miles away from Yizhou, separated by the vast Gobi Desert and the desolate Moheyanqi. This section of the journey is also the most difficult. Therefore, in order to successfully cross the Moheyanqi next year, we need to build a forward logistics base in Guazhou!"
"Old Li,"
As he spoke, Zhao Chun looked at Li Maoxue and said, "Your 11th Infantry Division is stationed in Guazhou and is responsible for building the Guazhou base! Build it well, because next year this will be our logistical lifeline!"
"Commander Zhao, rest assured!"
Li Maoxue nodded and said, "Our 11th Infantry Division will definitely complete the mission!"
"good!"
Zhao Chun took a deep breath and continued, "There won't be any major moves this year, but we still need to go to the surrounding areas. Shazhou, southwest of Guazhou, isn't far away; it's right under Guazhou's nose, so we should take it as soon as possible! Zhang Lunping, your 12th Infantry Division will head south and recapture Shazhou!"
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