Chapter 1914: The Arab Princesss Request! (1/2)
Translated by: Hypersheep325
Edited by: Michyrr
Emperor Taizong once said that the waters could uphold the boat and also sink it, and in the dynasties of the Central Plains, there were always imperial censors who could criticize the sovereign. But in the Arabian Empire, the sovereign had always been absolute, carrying supreme authority over life and death. There was no mention of any post like the imperial censor.
With this supreme authority, the Caliph could order the entire empire to move to the capital if he wanted to.
Moreover, the Arabian Empire had accumulated hundreds of years of fortune from its conquests of other countries, thus allowing the creation of the illustrious and dazzling sleepless city.
But at this moment, this city of more than one million people was deathly still.
Winds howled through its silent streets.
”How long has it been?” Wang Chong suddenly asked, squinting.
”The specified time of fifteen minutes has passed,” Zhang Que replied.
”As the specified time has come and gone, it seems like Mutasim III is not ready to surrender.
”Have the army prepare to advance!”
Zhangchou Jianqiong rode out from the rear, his cape flapping in the wind and his eyes cold.
A thick and bloody aura surrounded his body. On the campaign trail, Zhangchou Jianqiong had killed countless people, which had once more stimulated his latent killing intent.
And it wasn't only him. All the Tang soldiers were surrounded by a lingering killing intent.
It made sense that Baghdad, the Arab capital, did not surrender. Everyone was ready to besiege the city, breach its walls, and occupy this western empire.
”Inform Zhang Shouzhi to get the giant ballistae ready. The army should be ready to assault once the King Ape attacks.”
Wang Chong waved a hand, his expression cold.
”Yes!”
Zhang Que quickly left to relay the orders.
A few moments later, a deafening clatter of metal came from the rear. At the same time, the King Ape kneeled behind Wang Chong and gave a thunderous roar in the direction of Baghdad.
For various reasons, the first ape Behemoth that Wang Chong had taken control of in the Battle of Talas had died not long afterward, but after defeating the High Priest and obtaining his vast store of knowledge, Wang Chong had attained a divine level of control over Psychic Energy. The side effects from last time would no longer appear.
And the King Ape's assistance had made the Tang army's advance smooth and easy. It did not matter that Baghdad's walls were taller and thicker than Khorasan's.
As the war drums began to boom and Wang Chong prepared to order the army to advance, a panicked voice yelled from the closed city gate, ”Wait!”
A few moments later, a white flag was slowly raised above the walls of Baghdad.
”King of Foreign Lands, don't attack yet! Our Caliph is willing to surrender!”
Rumble!
The gates of Baghdad slowly opened.
A group of Arab nobles emerged, holding a white flag.
While these nobles were so weak that they could barely truss a chicken, they wielded influential power in the Arabian Empire. In normal circumstances, even the powerful Governors and Deputy Governors with large armies under their command would have to respect them.
But with the Tang army threatening the city, even the most arrogant of these high nobles had to lower their heads, panic and fear on their faces.
It was quiet outside Baghdad, Wang Chong, Wang Zhongsi, and Zhangchou Jianqiong exchanging glances of surprise.
They had all been ready for a tough battle. After all, they had encountered far too much resistance on the way here. Though this resistance had done little damage to the army, it had made them conclude that Mutasim III was not willing to surrender.
But to their surprise, Baghdad really had surrendered.
”Who are you? Where is Mutasim?”
Wang Chong focused his gaze on the leading Arab duke.
”King of Foreign Lands, calm your anger. This one is Tumu, a duke of royal blood. His Majesty waits in the rear. His Majesty says that as long as King of Foreign Lands spares his life, he is willing to lead all of Arabia in surrendering to the Great Tang!” Tumu said, his lips trembling.
Wang Chong couldn't help but laugh at this.
”Relax. Tell Mutasim that I agree to his request!”
Not long ago, he had received a letter from the Sage Emperor giving him total authority over the western expedition.
With the death of the Hierophant, High Priest, and millions of soldiers, the Arabian Empire was no longer what it once was. A single Mutasim was not even worth worrying about.
”Our utmost gratitude, King of Foreign Lands!”