Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 699: Shocking Shangyuan Station

Outside Kaifeng County, a messenger held high a battle flag and galloped on his horse.

While he was "speeding", he was still shouting: "Liberation! Restoration of Luoyang!"

It attracted the attention of everyone on the street.

Today, Kaifeng County is no longer the "main city". The "Bianliang City" where the outer city wall has not yet been closed is the real main city and capital.

Riding a horse on the street of the "capital" like this was either a sign of complacency or something intentional, to let everyone in Bianzhou know that the Bianzhou court had taken over Luoyang.

After all, Luoyang was once the "secondary capital" and one of the "two capitals". If it was just occupied by "bandits", then there would be nothing to say.

But after it was recovered by the "imperial court", the political significance became very different.

In front of the Zhuangyuan Building, Xiao Yingshi, who had just finished teaching a group of country children to read, watched the riders flash past his eyes. It felt like the time had passed in a flash and he felt like time had gone back to the time when Prince Xin'an Li Yi recaptured Shibao City and the battle report was sent back to Chang'an.

picture!so similar!
Although the time, place and surrounding scenes are different, the momentum of taking whatever you want and making light of a heavy task is back.

"The world is still the same world, but the emperor is no longer the emperor."

Xiao Yingshi shook his head and sighed. He had been teaching for several months and had many feelings and was deeply inspired.

Fang Qing's talent is a thousand times better than Li Lin's. Given this situation, how can the Li family regain power?
Everything is over and can never go back.

As Xiao Yingshi sighed, he saw a young man in a scarlet official robe walking towards him. He could smell the pride in his look from a long distance away.

Needless to say, it could only be Yuan Zai.

"Hey, isn't this Instructor Xiao? Are you getting used to living in Bianzhou these past few months? Do you have enough money on you? Do you want me to help you out a little?

If you have anything to say, just ask. After all, Yuan once worshipped you as his master, right?"

Yuan Zai acted condescendingly and spoke rudely to Xiao Yingshi.

"You were originally a minister of the Li family, but now you have become Fang Qing's confidant. Don't you understand what you are doing?"

Xiao Yingshi frowned slightly and asked back.

Who would have thought that Yuan Zai showed disdain on his face and said shamelessly: "The tomb of the late emperor is still there. Since you are so loyal, why don't you go to guard the casket?"

Who can answer this? No one can answer it!
Xiao Yingshi was speechless and could only shake his head and sigh, "You have risen to prominence by flattering the new master. When you face ups and downs in the future, don't forget your face today."

These words completely angered Yuan Zai.

In fact, Yuan Zai was quite excited when the news came that the Bianzhou army had successfully captured Luoyang today. After all, he also had a share of the credit here, and it was not small.

When the time comes to reward people for their contributions, he will definitely be included.

It was purely accidental that I passed by this place, and showing off in front of Xiao Yingshi was just the kind of mentality of "If you don't return to your hometown when you are rich and powerful, it is like walking in fine clothes at night."

Most people in Bianzhou didn't know Yuan Zai, nor did they know how poor he had been in the past. Now that he had suddenly become prosperous, he would of course find someone who knew Yuan Zai in the past, especially someone who looked down on him, and show off in front of them to vent his anger.

As a result, after just a few words, Xiao Yingshi started to make a big deal out of it.

It suddenly became about the righteousness of the dynasty, loyalty and treason.

"Everything I have today was won by Yuan! It was because the government valued my talent! It was won by Yuan's advice to the court!

Yuan is the loyal and faithful minister of the government! The current position is what Yuan deserves!
Who are you now? You are just teaching those ignorant women and children to read. Do you think you are so great? You are here to teach me! Do you still think that Li Longji is in power now?
Are you worthy enough to teach me a lesson! Are you worthy enough! "

Yuan Zai was so angry that veins popped out on his neck. He stepped forward and grabbed Xiao Yingshi by the collar. Then he remembered that he would be rewarded soon, and if the matter became a big deal, it would not be good for his reputation.

He, Yuan, was going to be the prime minister in the future, so why should he argue with a stubborn and pedantic Confucian like Xiao Yingshi?

Xiao Yingshi is not worthy, absolutely not worthy!

"Haha, Yuan lost his composure. He was so excited to see an old friend that he forgot everything else."

Yuan Zai showed a hypocritical smile on his face, pretended to salute Xiao Yingshi with his arms crossed, and then turned around to say goodbye.

If you don't agree, there's no need to talk too much. This is what it means.

Seeing Yuan Zai leave in such a swagger, Xiao Yingshi felt sorry for him. With Yuan Zai's character, he would surely become arrogant in the future.

Fang Qing is a man of great talent and strategy. Even if we can tolerate such a person now, we will not be able to escape the reckoning and abandonment in the future.

But, can those who are in the situation see the way forward clearly?
Hard to say.

I just wish him good luck.

When Xiao Yingshi returned to his own courtyard, there were many other teachers like him who were Jinshi candidates waiting to be selected as officials, and they also lived in a courtyard. This was a residence provided by the court in Bianzhou, where food and accommodation were free, but the salary was very small, which was better than nothing.

After entering the bedroom, Xiao Yingshi spread a large piece of paper on the table and began to record what he saw and heard in Bianzhou today, as well as his experience in teaching.

Of course, the scene of conflict with Yuan Zai was naturally omitted.

Xiao Yingshi always felt that Fang Qing's political views were rather special, and the decrees he issued were very different from before, but they were very effective.

For example, the "Ten-Acre Vegetable Garden Order" that was once ridiculed by others has now made the food available in Bianzhou more abundant, and has led to the opening of a large number of restaurants and taverns, making it more convenient for travelers and merchants to travel and making business more prosperous.

Some farmers have given up growing crops and turned to growing vegetables, since they don't have to worry about selling them.

These things made Xiao Yingshi feel that if there was anyone who could really change the dynasty, it would be Fang Qing.

Because this man can see things that the soldiers and military governors cannot see, his vision is so far-sighted that it is terrifying to think about it carefully.

Xiao Yingshi was determined to record all of this and pass it on to future generations.

"Perhaps, the Tang Dynasty had done something wrong in the past, and by the time they wanted to change, it was too late to reverse the situation. Alas!"

He couldn't help but shake his head and sigh. What a glorious era it was. However, from its heyday to its fall and now its disintegration, it only took a short period of a dozen years.

Xiao Yingshi recalled what Fang Qing had told him, that the so-called succession of dynasties was "rapid in rise and sudden in decline." At that time, Xiao Yingshi did not take it seriously, believing that there really was such a thing as a "foundation for eternity."

Looking back now, we can only say that Fang Qing had a very clear mind. He did not seem like a powerful official who wanted to usurp the throne. Instead, he was more like a king who was worried about the destruction of the dynasty and was trembling with fear and worrying about it.

In fact, the actual situation is much better than Fang Qing expected.

Having enough food and warm clothing is what people want. Xiao Yingshi has already seen the new atmosphere of the new dynasty in Bianzhou and is quite happy.

The only pity is that the Li Tang royal family is no longer in power.

……

With the force of a tiger tearing out its heart, the Bianzhou army, with the cooperation of Xue Qitong, the patriarch of the wealthy Xue family in Luoyang, captured Luoyang in one fell swoop with minimal losses.

In this battle, the newly defected Zuo Sheying, formerly an elite unit of the Konghe Army, was extremely brave.

Perhaps because they were eager for revenge, or perhaps because they wanted to prove themselves in front of their new master, they fought very hard in this battle.

It can also be said that the means were extremely brutal, and no enemy soldier survived wherever they went.

This elite force of hundreds of men forcibly dispersed the Luoyang defenders who were trying to gather, and marched all the way from Hanjia Granary to the Luoyang Imperial Palace, attracting the attention of a large number of defenders.

After the war, it was evaluated that Zuosheying was the most meritorious, and everyone from the camp leader Han Yougui to below received rewards.

Although the finishing touches of the war had not yet been completed, Zuosheying had already returned to camp outside Kaifeng County as a team returning to Bianzhou to participate in the review.

Next, they will receive rewards, money, official positions, and land. Today is the welcoming banquet arranged by the court for them.

There were hundreds of people in the Left Shooting Camp, which was too many to accommodate for a banquet. So Liu Yan approved the banquet to be held at Shangyuanyi outside Kaifeng City. All members of the Left Shooting Camp, from Han Yougui on down, had to participate and no one was allowed to be absent.

As for the original passengers in the post station, they were all cleared out and no outsiders were allowed to enter or leave the post station on that day.

Shangyuanyi is called a post station, but it is actually a small city. There are walls around the post station and soldiers on duty. On weekdays, it is a good place for officials to travel and merchants to stay. Not only is the public security good and shopping is convenient, but there are also many officials and it is easy to build relationships.

Shangyuanyi has a very good reputation in Bianzhou. Many merchants and tourists who come to Bianzhou want to stay in Shangyuanyi.

In order to entertain the Zuosheying Camp, a buffet was specially set up in Shangyuan Posthouse. The soldiers could eat whatever they wanted and take whatever they wanted. There was enough food, and they could even take food back to the barracks. It was really thoughtful.

"Marshal Fang is the son of Marshal Fang. He is indeed very considerate. Look at this scene. It is worth our efforts in the battle a few days ago!"

Beside the lively buffet, a soldier from the Zuoshe Battalion ate meat with big mouthfuls while boasting to his comrades.

Judging from the tone, he didn't feel flattered by this treatment at all, but felt that it was his due.

When I was following Fang Youde, I didn't even know where Fang Chongyong was! Although Fang Xiaoshuai is the head coach, he is still his son!

Why are you being polite?
Many people in Zuosheying thought so.

I work for you and try my best to give you face. You respect me, and that's what I should do!

Hearing such thoughts, Han Yougui couldn't help but feel nervous.

Something is wrong with today's buffet!

He remembered that prisoners always had to have a "last meal" before execution, which was full of delicious food so that they could go on their way after they were full!
Just like the situation today.

That day, Han Yougui received a military order, asking the Zuosheying to withdraw from the city, and only needed to send people to guard the city gate.

Because the defenders have been crushed by the killing, there is no need to force them too hard. When the time comes, just send people to persuade them to surrender. There is no need to kill them in vain.

But at that time, the soldiers of Zuosheying only wanted revenge and were already killing like crazy. How could Han Yougui stop them? Afterwards, they said "It was too noisy and I didn't hear it". Isn't it easy to fool them?
After that, Han Yougui was always in a state of anxiety. He knew that the Bianzhou army must have strict military laws, otherwise, it would be impossible for them to conquer the territories of dozens of states.

Without strict military law, these places will not be able to maintain themselves and will fall apart. How can there be a new dynasty?

But what’s the follow-up to this incident?

Not only will you be rewarded greatly, you will also be able to participate in military performances and parades!
How can this be the treatment that a newly surrendered army deserves?
Han Yougui raised his head and looked at the surrounding city walls. The walls of Shangyuanyi were not thick, but very high.

He didn't know how many guards had patrolled here in the past. After all, he had only lived here once.

But today, aren't there too many defenders on the city wall?
Could those pottery jars piled on the city wall be... flaming oil?

It was not a big deal to see this, but Han Yougui broke out in a cold sweat.

He took advantage of no one noticing him and quietly slipped to the south gate of Shangyuanyi, which was the easiest place to escape. However, he didn't notice it when he came in, but now he saw that the south gate of Shangyuanyi was locked.

In addition to the original iron fence, two wooden gates were temporarily added.

not good!

Han Yougui was horrified.

He didn't even bother to look for his personal guards, and ran to several doors in a row, only to find that every door was locked. And they were all "added with stuff".

Han Yougui suddenly remembered something.

Today, when attending banquets, many soldiers carry swords with them. This is a habit, not an intentional one.

This is just like many people carrying keys with them when they go out. There is no reason, it’s just a habit.

But when he entered Shangyuan Posthouse, the sword was taken away by the officer on duty.

Don't ask, the question is, you warriors, what will happen if someone gets drunk at the banquet and draws his sword to attack someone?
Without a knife, at most they would fight with fists and feet. Which soldier has never fought in private?

But it is not okay to draw your sword and kill your comrades. Afterwards the one who is killed will die, and the one who kills will pay with his life. Why bother?

At that time, Han Yougui thought that the other party was very thoughtful, but now it seems that this is not the case at all!

This is to kill them like pigs and sheep, without armor, weapons, or shields.

So what if you are the bravest among the three armies?

"Alas, forget it. I never thought that today I would be buried in Shangyuanyi."

Han Yougui, who was born as an old scout, was filled with grief and fear. He subconsciously touched his waist and found a Tang knife that he used to cut meat when eating. It was not only thin, but also short, only two palms long. What use would it be in a battle?

Many times, ignorance is bliss.

If he did not have such keen observation skills, he would have been drunk and shot to death by the arrows from the soldiers on the city wall, which would have been no big deal.

Now that I know I’m going to die, I can’t enjoy eating or drinking. It’s so frustrating.

Thinking of this, Han Yougui burst into tears.

"General Han, you will soon be promoted to a higher position. It won't be a problem for you to be a military governor in the future. The brothers will still rely on you in the future. Why are you crying?"

A familiar soldier saw Han Yougui crying and stepped forward to ask why.

"You know nothing, it's sand in your eyes!"

Han Yougui cursed, her voice filled with tears.

What does it have to do with me if you soldiers don't obey orders? I did receive military orders at that time!

Son of a bitch!
Han Yougui cried even harder. She couldn't help feeling sad and angry when she thought that she was not the culprit but had to suffer such a misfortune.

Fang Qing, Che Guangqian, you have such dark hands!

Han Yougui cursed in his heart, but he picked up a jar of wine on the buffet, held it up and poured it into his mouth!
This made the Zuo Sheyingqiuba around him stunned.

At this moment, somewhere on the city wall of Shangyuanyi, Fang Chongyong stood beside Che Guangqian, looking at the soldiers of Zuosheying eating and drinking with a smile on his face.

Fang Zhongyong said to Che Guangqian, "If you kill them, the other armies in Bianzhou will only fear you, but not necessarily respect you. When they encounter a little trouble, they only know how to kill people. They smile on the surface, but they look down on you in their hearts. Because when they encounter a problem, they will only know how to kill people. If they kill, and you kill too, aren't you the same as them?"

"The Marshal was right in giving me the lesson. It was Che who was not thoughtful enough."

Che Guangqian said with a look of shame.

"I will take care of the matter of Zuosheying. If you are ill, you must treat the disease. You can't just treat the symptoms.

Zuo Sheying’s first achievement in the battle of Luoyang was a merit, but disobeying orders was a fault. We must make each one of these things clear.

Not only do they have to be convinced, but other armies in Bianzhou also have to be convinced. Everyone has to say that the matter has been handled properly, and this is the way to cure the disease.

This is why we need to address not only the symptoms but also the root cause.

Fortunately, you didn't give the order in a hurry, otherwise things would be difficult to deal with. Let them have a good meal at Shangyuan Inn today."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand and ordered Che Guangqian to open the four gates of Shangyuan Posthouse and withdraw the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army that was preparing to encircle and kill Zuosheying.

A fire that should have shocked the entire Bianzhou and even the world was extinguished before it even started.

(End of this chapter)