A Great Victory

"Report, General! The First Prince of Khotan has arrived with his two younger brothers to pay you a visit."

A scout captain came galloping over from afar. Upon seeing Jiang Hao, he swung down from his horse, cupped his hands in salute, and reported.

They had finally come. "Good. Bring them over."

Before long, three men arrived before Jiang Hao. Though they were princes, none dared put on airs. Together, they placed their hands over their chests in salute. "Khotan's Kelim, Bianmu, and Demu greet the Grand Protector. Our father is unwell, so the three of us have come to visit you in his stead."

"First Prince Kelim, Second Prince Bianmu, Third Prince Demu—you are all valiant men. The King of Khotan truly has three fine sons." Jiang Hao smiled and nodded at the three princes in praise.

"You flatter us, Grand Protector. We dare not accept such praise," Kelim hurriedly said.

"Have the three princes come because the King of Khotan has made his decision?" Jiang Hao asked.

"Yes. My father has made his decision. Khotan will fully support the Grand Protector. We will also select two thousand men from our troops, to be commanded by my two younger brothers, Bianmu and Demu, under the Grand Protector's command," the First Prince said.

After the First Prince finished speaking, Bianmu and Demu stepped forward half a pace and saluted Jiang Hao again. "Greetings, Grand Protector. From this day onward, we await your orders."

The King of Khotan truly knew which way the wind blew. Jiang Hao was delighted; this would save him a great deal of trouble. He said to the First Prince, "Taking Shache will not be difficult. According to my investigations, Shache attacked the Kucha Kingdom half a year ago, then split off six thousand troops to garrison