Wu Tong and his companion resumed their journey, riding day and night, braving the wind and frost. At last, they reached Kucha. Yet outside the city, they found the Tibetan army pressing in. Suddenly, a mounted Tibetan general rode forth—majestic in bearing, tall and powerful. In a booming voice he declared:
"Listen well, Tang soldiers within the walls! I am the Tibetan general Dazhalu. I know your city is rich with grain. If you lend us ten thousand stone, we will withdraw at once. Otherwise, we shall break your city and leave no one alive!"
Moments later, a towering Tang general appeared upon the battlements. It was none other than Li Siye. He bellowed in reply:
"I am a general of the Great Tang, guarding Tang lands. How could we possibly yield our grain to the enemy?"
The Tibetan general Dazhalu roared in fury, spurred his horse, and brandished his blade:
"Then let the Tang come out and fight if you dare!"
At this, Li Siye waved his hand. Instantly, the defenders atop the walls loosed a volley of arrows. Shafts rained down like storm, felling Tibetan riders one after another. Cries of pain rang out without end. The Tibetans hastily raised their shields. Dazhalu, startled, quickly ordered a retreat, shouting:
"Tang within the walls! Tomorrow we will settle this in battle!"
That night, Kucha's streets blazed with torchlight. In the governor's mansion, Li Siye convened his officers to discuss strategy. Some advised holding fast within the walls. Others urged a daring raid. After a moment's thought, Li Siye declared:
"The Tibetans are short of fodder, their horses half-starved. With the city as our stronghold, we already hold the advantage. Yet if we strike their camp tonight, unsettle their hearts, then tomorrow we may surely crush them in one blow."
Accordingly, he dispatched an elite squad under cover of darkness. Tang horsemen slipped silently into the enemy camp. While the Tibetan soldiers slept, they set fire to the granary and startled the warhorses. Chaos erupted. Men shouted, steeds bolted, the camp fell into turmoil. Dazhalu, furious, tried to restore order, but already heavy losses had been dealt.
By dawn, the Tibetans—though battered—formed ranks anew and advanced upon the city once more. Dazhalu, rallying his men, called out:
"Tang soldiers! If you have any courage, come forth and fight in open field!"
At that instant, a great boom of drums resounded. The gates flung open, and Tang troops poured forth in force. At their head rode Li Siye himself, wielding the mighty mo-dao, charging first into battle. The Tibetans, caught unprepared, could not withstand the onslaught.
Li Siye's blade rose high and came down in a thunderous arc—cleaving both Dazhalu and his mount in a single stroke. Their commander slain, the Tibetans fell into disarray. Tang warriors pressed the attack like tigers among sheep, cutting down foes without mercy. The Tibetan host broke and fled in utter rout.
The city gates opened once more, and peace returned to the people. Wu Tong and Liu Yun entered, reporting to the garrison. The guards, already informed, led them down the long streets toward the imposing Anxi Protectorate headquarters.
It was midwinter. Pale sunlight filtered through bare branches as snow began to fall, blanketing the avenues in white. Amid this drifting snow, the two riders felt a chill settle upon their hearts.
At the gates of the Protectorate, guards hurried inside to announce them. Soon they returned:
"The Grand Protector bids you enter the main hall."
Wu Tong and Liu Yun exchanged a glance, then followed through the corridors into the grand chamber. There, upon the high seat, sat a middle-aged general in armor, radiating authority. It was Li Siye himself.
Wu Tong stepped forward at once, bowing deeply:
"Wu Tong, master of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, together with my wife Liu Yun, pay respects to the Grand Protector!"
Li Siye rose to return the salute, smiling broadly:
"No need for ceremony! You have crossed mountains and rivers, braving countless hardships to reach this place. Truly commendable. Please, be seated."
As Wu Tong was about to sit, he was startled. Though tall himself, he barely reached Li Siye's shoulder! He recalled then the records—that Li Siye, born in Gaoling near the capital, stood seven chi tall, a man of extraordinary strength.
Once seated, Wu Tong spoke solemnly:
"Today I come bearing an imperial edict for the Protector."
He drew forth the decree and offered it with both hands. Li Siye, struck with awe, strode quickly forward to receive it with utmost respect. He unrolled the parchment, reading intently.
When he finished, he closed it slowly, his face stern, his gaze deep.
"An Lushan has betrayed his emperor and rebelled against the realm. All true sons of Tang are outraged. We frontier soldiers rest upon our spears, awaiting only the court's command to march forth and slay the traitor!"
Wu Tong, stirred, replied:
"General, your valor shines over all the armies. Abandoning the small aims of sparrows, you soar like a swan. In these troubled times, your merit will endure through the ages. Today I have seen you shatter the enemy—steel and steed as one, like a tiger devouring the land!"
Li Siye's eyes gleamed. Studying Wu Tong's bearing, he nodded with praise:
"You flatter me, Hall Master. I once knew your predecessor, Han Zhen. That he entrusted the hall to you proves your courage and skill. Without great talent, none could hold such a charge."
Wu Tong bowed his head slightly:
"Former Master Han showed me great kindness. I will not fail his trust. My life's work shall be to serve the Tang."
Li Siye's stern gaze softened into a smile:
"Truly worthy of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness! You have come at the right time. On this day of victory, I shall order a feast—oxen and sheep slaughtered to reward the men. In three days, we march to Chang'an, to face the rebels head-on!"
Wu Tong rose with joy:
"My thanks, General!"
That night, the Protector's mansion blazed with light. Soldiers and officers gathered in the grand hall, drinking and cheering. Li Siye himself raised his cup to salute them, and the men roared in reply.
After several rounds of wine, Li Siye turned to Wu Tong:
"This victory is but the beginning. In three days we march for Chang'an. There, we shall teach the traitor An Lushan that the Tang realm is not his to steal!"
The warriors roared as one, raising their cups high:
"Death to the traitor! Long live the Tang!"
Their voices thundered through the hall, surging with boundless spirit and unshakable resolve.