Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 718 Solve the Dilemma
The night was dark. In the study of the Bianzhou government office, the flickering candlelight illuminated Fang Zhongyong's slightly tired face.

The court in Bianzhou governed dozens of states, not counting the newly occupied Hebei area. Many affairs would be gathered in the government office in Kaifeng City, and finally Fang Zhongyong would review and approve them, and then issue them as new decrees.

The world today is one in which the old state apparatus is being broken down, the new state apparatus is being gradually improved, and government affairs are becoming more and more numerous.

This is a manifestation of the country's gradual strengthening and a process of centralization. Liu Longxian's willingness to hand over military power is a sign that people's hearts are gradually changing.

In other words, in the minds of many officials, the atmosphere of "change of dynasties" has already permeated the streets and alleys of Bianzhou.

Everyone knows that Fang Qing is the real "Son of Heaven". Since he is the real Son of Heaven, it is not surprising that he is busy.

At this moment, Fang Chongyong was sitting at the desk, holding a roll of household registration books of various prefectures and counties in Hebei in his hand, his brows furrowed.

The situation in Hebei was a mess. Although Shi Siming had been executed, his remaining forces were still stirring in secret, and the local tyrants were deeply rooted and difficult to shake.

Although many people have come to Bianzhou to "surrender their loyalty" recently, it is hard to say that this is not a test of the attitude of the Bianzhou court.

Shi Chaoqing did not express his opinion either. He had withdrawn his troops from Cangzhou and concentrated them in Youzhou. He did not seem to have any intention of surrendering. "Sir, it's late at night. It's time to rest." Yan Zhuang walked into the study and reminded in a low voice.

Fang Zhongyong raised his head, a hint of fatigue flashed across his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination.

He pointed to the files on the case and said in a deep voice: "Prime Minister Yan, the matter in Hebei can't be delayed any longer. The people are displaced and the fields are barren. If we don't appease them as soon as possible, I'm afraid it will lead to a disaster. After the autumn harvest this year... people's livelihood will be very difficult."

Yan Zhuang nodded with a heavy face. His ancestral home was also in Hebei. Although he had been away from home for many years, it was not an exaggeration to call him "half Hebei person".

Yan Zhuang walked to the desk and read the files carefully. After a moment, he raised his head and said with a deep gaze, "Your Majesty, the people of Hebei have always been suspicious of the imperial court, no matter which imperial court it is. It is indeed good for us to exempt taxes for three years to reassure the people, but even if we want to implement it, the people of Hebei may not believe it, right?"

Yan Zhuang said a very simple truth. If someone on the street gives you a string of money for no reason, wouldn't you be able to figure out his intention when you hold it in your hand?

This is obvious. After all, the Bianzhou court had never ruled them before, so how could it gain people's trust?
"Then what should we do according to your opinion, Lord Yan?" Fang Chongyong asked.

Yan Zhuang held up a finger and said, "Increase the corvée labor of each person by one day a year to offset the land tax. Only in this way can the people of Hebei be convinced."

"That's it?" Fang Zhongyong was slightly stunned, and then he suddenly realized.

A trace of approval flashed in his eyes as he said, "Prime Minister Yan, this is a great idea. Let's try it out for a year. However, the court is in a tight financial situation right now. If Hebei is exempt from taxes, I'm afraid other places will follow suit. How will we deal with it then?"

Yan Zhuang chuckled and whispered, "Your Majesty, tax exemption is only a temporary measure. Hebei is newly annexed and the people are undecided. If we forcibly collect taxes, it will only make the people more resistant to the court. We should retreat to advance, first exempt their taxes, and then replace them with corvée labor. Building roads and bridges, and dredging the canal can not only restore people's livelihood, but also take this opportunity to weaken the power of local tyrants. As for those who disagree elsewhere, we can relocate them to Hebei. Since you envy Hebei's policies so much, then go and live in Hebei."

Yan Zhuang’s plan is so damaging!
No matter how attractive Hebei's policies are, moving your family there from other places will be a huge pain.

Fang Zhongyong's eyes sparkled when he heard this, and he slammed the table and said, "Great! Sir, you are indeed far-sighted. After three years of tax exemption, the people will be grateful for the court's kindness. If the local tyrants dare to obstruct the corvée, they will be enemies of the court. Then we can justifiably eliminate them. If there are troublemakers elsewhere, we can just deal with them at the same time."

Do you want to do it? If not, I’ll do it!
Never have too many unrealistic expectations about the bottom line of the feudal court.

Yan Zhuang nodded in agreement: "That's right. In addition, the government can secretly send spies to collect evidence of the crimes of local tyrants. When the time is right, we can uproot them in one fell swoop, and Hebei can be completely under the control of the court. Whoever shows up in this big wave will be dragged in."

He had a strange smile on his face, which was a bit cold.

Fang Zhongyong stood up, walked to the window, looked at the dark night sky, and said slowly: "The matter of Hebei is related to the overall situation of the world. If it can be properly handled, it will not only stabilize the north, but also lay the foundation for the attack on Jingxiang. Lord Yan, the matter of Hebei will be handed over to you with full responsibility, and you must act with caution."

Yan Zhuang bowed and said solemnly: "Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will do my best to live up to your trust."

Fang Zhongyong turned around, his eyes were sharp, "There is one more thing. Although Shi Siming has been executed, his remaining forces are still active in Youzhou. I have sent people to monitor them secretly. If Youzhou sends people to Bianzhou to negotiate peace, report immediately."

Yan Zhuang nodded: "I understand. I have already made arrangements for the Hebei issue and will immediately recruit refugees to return home. Although Shi Chaoqing appears to be submissive, his intentions are unpredictable. Please pay more attention to him."

Fang Zhongyong nodded calmly and waved his hand: "Go ahead and rest early. There are still many things to deal with tomorrow. I really can't stop for a moment!"

After Yan Zhuang bowed and left the study, Fang Chongyong stood alone in front of the window, looking at the lights in the distance, with a myriad of thoughts in his mind.

Fang Chongyong knows that the governance of Hebei is just the beginning and there is still a long way to go.

But he believed that as long as he took every step carefully, the world would be at peace one day. But when that day came, how should he face it?

……

In Youzhou City, inside the main hall of Shi Siming’s former “imperial palace”, the lights were dim, reflecting a depressing atmosphere inside the hall.

Shi Chaoqing, the legitimate son of Shi Siming, sat on the dragon throne in the hall with a dazed look on his face. In his hand he held a letter of surrender from Bianzhou, his fingertips trembling slightly.

His mother, Mrs. Xin, sat beside him, her face pale and her eyes full of worry.

To be honest, Shi Chaoqing was not prepared to "take over". Although he and his mother, Mrs. Xin, knew that they would take this position sooner or later, the development of events was always unexpected.

"Qing'er, what do people in Bianzhou say?"

Mrs. Xin asked in a low voice, with a hint of trembling in her voice.

If you look at it from a woman's perspective, Mrs. Xin is happy.

Even though Shi Siming was not a good person, he was really good to her and Shi Chaoqing.

A bad guy is often not necessarily a bad man.

Shi Chaoqing raised his head and forced a smile: "Mother, the court of Bianzhou asked us to surrender, saying that I can keep my title and fiefdom."

When Mrs. Xin heard this, a glimmer of hope flashed in her eyes, but it was soon replaced by worry: "Then...what did they say about your father?"

Shi Chaoqing was silent for a moment, then whispered, "They didn't mention a word about my father."

The current situation is still too much for a teenager.

Shi Chaoqing doesn't have any ideas at all!

Madam Xin sighed, tears welling up in her eyes: "Your father fought all his life, but ended up like this... Qing'er, what should we do?"

She was unwilling in her heart, but as a woman, her words had no impact and she could do nothing.

Shi Chaoqing clenched his fists, feeling conflicted.

He knew that Youzhou was now an isolated city, and the army of the Bianzhou court could arrive at the city at any time. If they did not surrender, they would die when the city fell.

But if he surrendered, how could he be worthy of his father's spirit in heaven?

Just then, hurried footsteps were heard outside the hall.

Shi Chaoqing's uncles Xin Xiong and Xin Jun strode into the hall hand in hand, both with solemn expressions on their faces. Now, the Xin family is Shi Chaoqing's only support, and no one else can be trusted!
"Chaoqing, have you read Bianzhou's letter of surrender?" Xin Xiong asked in a deep voice, with a hint of urgency in his tone.

The fact that the Bianzhou army is about to arrive at the city is no longer a secret among "certain people" in Youzhou. It can even be said that undercurrents are surging in the city and riots may break out at any time.

Shi Chaoqing nodded, sighed, handed the letter in his hand to Xin Xiong and asked, "Uncle, what do you think?"

Xin Xiong took the letter, quickly read it, and then raised his head with a firm look: "Chao Qing, the situation now does not allow us to hesitate. The Bianzhou court is strong and powerful, and the counties and cities in Hebei have surrendered one after another. If we continue to resist, I am afraid we will follow in your father's footsteps."

However, upon hearing this, Shi Chaoqing's uncle Xin Jun frowned and immediately retorted, "Brother, this is wrong! Our Xin family has been operating in Youzhou for many years and has a deep foundation. How can we surrender so easily? Although the Bianzhou court is strong, if we can unite with the Khitan and Xi people, we may not be powerless to fight!"

What Xin Jun said was not an exaggeration at all. Shi Siming was able to gain a foothold in Youzhou thanks to Xin's network of connections in Youzhou. Shi Siming was kind to Xin because he valued the power of his wife's family.

Xin Xiong sneered, his tone full of sarcasm:

"Second brother, don't let your wishful thinking continue!
The Khitan and Xi people are just fence-sitters. Now that the imperial court in Bianzhou is powerful, how could they become enemies of the imperial court for us?
What's more, Shi Siming is dead, so what bargaining chips do we have to negotiate with them?

It’s hard to say what kind of person Fang Qing is, but his ability in fighting is not exaggerated!

If you want to fight, that's fine. You can lead the troops yourself, but I won't go!"

Hearing this, Xin Jun refused to give in and stood up:

"Brother, you are too pessimistic!
We still have tens of thousands of elite soldiers. Youzhou City has high walls and thick food and grass. We can hold out for several months without any problem.

As long as we can hold out until the civil strife in the court of Bianzhou ends, there may be a chance for a comeback! "

Xin Xiong shook his head, with helplessness in his tone:

"Second brother, you are too naive.

The Bianzhou court is now at its peak, and Fang Qing is deeply loved by the people. How can civil strife begin?

If we continue to persist in our wrongdoings, I'm afraid we will destroy the entire Xin family!"

After saying this, even Mrs. Xin couldn't help but nodded secretly.

The Bianzhou court was quite popular, and even she, a woman of modest means, had heard of it.

Regardless of whether Youzhou City could be defended, what Xin Jun said about "civil strife in the Bianzhou court" was pure nonsense.

Others are already on the verge of taking over the world, who inside would cause trouble at this time?
Wouldn't it be nice to sit back and reap the fruits of others' labor while changing dynasties?

Xin Jun's eyes widened in anger, and he pointed at Xin Xiong's nose and cursed:
"Brother, you are boosting others' morale and destroying your own prestige!
When did our Xin family become so cowardly? Do you want Chao Qing to bear the stigma of surrender?"

Xin Xiong did not give in and said coldly:
"Second brother, you keep saying that you are doing this for the Xin family, but have you ever thought that if the city is captured, all of us will die!
By then, the bloodline of the historian will be cut off. How can you face your ancestors in the underworld?
There is no point in trying to save face. You have to live to have a future. If you die, you will have nothing!"

The quarrel between the two became more and more intense, and they almost wanted to strangle each other. The atmosphere in the hall was extremely tense.

Shi Chaoqing sat on the "dragon throne", listening to the argument between his two uncles, and felt more and more conflicted.

He knew that although Xin Xiong's words were harsh, every word was true;
Xin Jun's insistence was just to be a "mouthpiece", and every word he said was what he thought in his heart.

Seeing her son's painful expression, Mrs. Xin couldn't help but ask, "Qing'er, what...what do you think?"

Shi Chaoqing raised his head, his eyes wandering between his two uncles, and finally he slowly said: "Uncles, I understand your opinions. But... do we really have no choice?"

Xin Xiong heard this, a trace of relief flashed in his eyes and said:

"Chaoqing, I'm glad you think this way.

Although surrender is not glorious, it can at least save the lives of our people.

"As long as the green mountains remain, there is no fear of running out of firewood. One must be alive to talk about the future."

However, Xin Jun was still unwilling to give up and gritted his teeth and said:
"Chao Qing, if you surrender, you will be at the mercy of others, and your fate will be completely controlled by others!
Have you forgotten what your father taught you?"

Shi Chaoqing lowered his head, a trace of pain flashing in his eyes.

Of course, he did not forget his father's teachings. Shi Siming once told Shi Chaoqing that destiny is only secure if it is in one's own hands, and one cannot trust anyone else!
But now the situation is pressing and he has to face reality.

Just because the Bianzhou army hasn’t reached Youzhou yet doesn’t mean they can’t reach Youzhou!

At this moment, a burst of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the palace. A personal soldier ran in in a panic, knelt on the ground, and said in a trembling voice: "Report! The army of the Bianzhou court has arrived outside Youzhou City. The commander of the Bianzhou army, Che Guangqian, sent someone to deliver an ultimatum. If you don't surrender, we will attack the city tomorrow!"

There was deathly silence in the hall, and everyone's eyes were focused on Shi Chaoqing.

Shi Chaoqing stood up slowly, his eyes firm: "Pass the order down, open the city and surrender."

When Xin Jun heard this, his face changed drastically. He was about to open his mouth to object, but was stopped by Xin Xiong.

Xin Xiong whispered, "Second brother, the situation has been decided, don't be stubborn anymore."

Xin Jun gritted his teeth, finally sighed, and sat back on the cushion dejectedly.

Shi Chaoqing walked outside the palace and looked at the city wall in the distance, with mixed feelings in his heart. He knew that from this moment on, Youzhou would no longer belong to the Shi family, and he would also change from an "emperor" to an ordinary surrendered minister.

"Chaoqing, I'll go contact Che Guangqian first to see what their requirements are. Don't rush to open the city gate." Xin Xiong saluted Shi Chaoqing with his arms crossed, and without waiting for the other party to answer, he walked out of the hall directly.

Shi Chaoqing looked at his uncle's departing back. He raised his hand as if he wanted to call him, but his throat seemed to be blocked by something and he couldn't utter a word.

Finally, all the sorrow in my heart turned into a long sigh.

Yes, the enemy is already at the gates, what’s the use of being stubborn at this time?
(End of this chapter)