The disgraced official I took care of was actually Zhu Houcong's childhood friend.

Chapter 645

"About seven days ago, the Ming army set off from Datong."

The Prime Minister answered truthfully.

Since Meng Ji's death, the prime minister of the Yarkand Khanate had been worried that the Ming Dynasty would declare war, so he sent spies to Datong. These spies did see a section of railway track, but they had no idea what it was for and didn't take it seriously.

"I admire the Prime Minister's foresight in learning about the Ming Dynasty's plans in advance. Now that we know their plans, there is no need to rush. It will take more than a month for 50,000 troops to travel from Datong to Yarkand. We can wait for them to arrive and then catch them off guard."

When it comes to military campaigns, Said Khan was an expert; he conquered the entire Yarkand Khanate.

Upon hearing this, the Prime Minister felt reassured and was no longer in a hurry.

"Your Majesty is right. The Ming army has been on a long and arduous expedition and is already exhausted. We are well-prepared and have no choice but to attack them. We are all cavalry. It will be easy for us to defeat the Ming army. Your Majesty is wise."

The Prime Minister couldn't help but flatter him.

"I have not fought a war for many years. While I am still able to move, I will let the Ming Dynasty see the might of my Yarkand soldiers."

When Saidhan mentioned war, he stopped coughing and stood up.

"Send the order: the army will assemble in three days, and I will personally train the troops."

Said Khan looked at the Prime Minister and said.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The Prime Minister said respectfully.

"Your Majesty, don't overexert yourself. Drink your medicine quickly."

Said Khan's favorite concubine brought him a bowl of medicine and spoke softly.

Saidhan took the bowl of medicine and drank it all down, no matter how unpleasant it tasted.

Not long after drinking the medicine, Said Khan felt a little sleepy. Seeing that it was getting dark, he returned to his palace to sleep with the help of his favorite concubine.

Said Khan slept very restlessly, as he could vaguely hear the sounds of horses neighing and shouts of battle.

"Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! The Ming army has invaded! Your Majesty, you must flee!"

The palace guards rushed into Said Khan's bedroom and knelt down in the tunnel.

Said Khan was woken up by the guards and was still a little dazed. Hearing this, he was completely dumbfounded.

"Ming army? How could that be? Didn't they say the Ming army only set off seven days ago?"

Saidhan looked puzzled.

"Your Majesty, this Ming army is composed entirely of horses; they must be light cavalry who have advanced all the way here."

The guard wiped the blood from his face and explained.

When Said Khan heard this, his head was spinning. He never expected that the Ming army could reach his capital, Yarkand, in such a short time. He had only learned of the Ming army's deployment yesterday afternoon, and the Ming army had already arrived today.

While Said Khan was still in a daze, Hu Zongxian led hundreds of soldiers and rushed in. He was afraid that Said Khan would take advantage of the chaos to escape, so after entering the palace, he asked everyone he captured where Said Khan was.

Not everyone would rather die than speak out. Hu Zongxian rushed over as soon as he learned of Saidhan's location.

Seeing that so many people had surrounded him, Said Khan realized that the situation was hopeless.

"If you want to kill or behead me, please do as you please."

Saidhan recognized the current situation and said.

"Don't worry, we won't kill you yet. Men, tie him up and put him in the prison cart."

Hu Zongxian gave the order.

Soon, Saidhan was bound hand and foot, and the group somehow managed to get a prison cart and stuffed Saidhan inside.

At this moment, Zhao Zhenji arrived late with the Xuanwu Army and hurriedly ordered them to join the battle. Soon, the guards of the entire capital and the palace were slaughtered.

All the officials of the capital city of Yarkand were brought before Hu Zongxian and Zhao Zhenji.

"I didn't expect you to be faster than me."

Zhao Zhenji said with some annoyance.

Although it was just a little slower, the first merit was definitely lost, especially since capturing Said Khan would have been a great achievement.