In the late Qing Dynasty, there were internal and external troubles, Xinjiang was invaded by Agubai, and Tsarist Russia coveted Ili. The dispute between "coastal defense" and "foreign defense" was fierce in the court. Zuo Zongtang persuaded the court with the insight of "self-removal of barriers" and was ordered to go on an expedition.
He formulated the strategy of "first north and then south, then proceed slowly and quickly to fight". He spent a year reorganizing the army, raising food, building roads, and making full preparations. Later, he personally led the army to regain Urumqi, an important town in northern Xinjiang, and opened the door to victory. Then, they cut off the enemy's water source with a fire attack in Dabancheng, settled the situation in one battle, and took advantage of the situation to recapture Turpan, opening the door to southern Xinjiang.
In the end, the Qing army crossed the Taklimakan Desert and captured Kashgar, Aguba's hometown, completely regaining Xinjiang and safeguarding the country's unity and dignity.
