The Turkic khagan attacked the Anxi Protectorate, throwing the Western Regions into turmoil. One prefecture after another sent urgent appeals to the court, so Emperor Gaozong summoned Pei Xingjian once more.
No one knew what Pei Xingjian said in his audience with the emperor, but some time later, the emperor suddenly issued an edict appointing him Envoy to Pacify the Arabs. He was to escort the Persian prince home and install him as King of Persia.
Persia was eighteen thousand li from Chang’an!
The astonishing news sparked heated debate across the court and the country, as people wondered what the emperor intended.
Pei Xingjian paid no heed to the speculation. He personally selected the Guanzhong garrison troops who would accompany him, then asked Emperor Gaozong to appoint Wang Fangyi, the governor of Suzhou, as his deputy. Born into a military family, Wang Fangyi understood the art of war and was skilled at horsemanship and archery.
Pei Xingjian wanted him to travel and lodge alongside the Persian prince, protecting him every step of the way.
It's so awesome that such a powerful general exists.