Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 758 Sharpening the Knife
Bianzhou, Guoqiao, not far from the Yellow River, is the location of the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army camp.

At this moment, the camp gates have been opened, and team after team of united soldiers dispatched from other places have come here to participate in training and assessment.

Those who pass the test will serve as the main force of the "Western Expedition Army", enjoy the treatment of the imperial guards, and follow the army to the Hexi region to make great achievements.

Those who failed the test returned to their hometowns and continued to serve as soldiers with free food and lodging but no salary.

Many of these people were so-called "martial artists" who took part in the "archer" examination this year. Because of the war with the Tibetans, the archer examination was cancelled this year, just like the imperial examination.

However, the government allows candidates to participate in the selection in the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army camp as a united soldier. Those who are qualified and return after serving in the army will be directly awarded the title of archer, just like previous assessments.

To put it simply, the Bianzhou court has now been fully mobilized, and everything is centered around defeating Tubo.

Even merchants have to pay additional "support taxes" when selling goods.

Of course, it’s no problem if you don’t pay. The government won’t rob you of your money. Instead, it will send someone to put up a plaque at the door of the merchant’s shop, which will read “This merchant does not support the court in recovering lost territory.”

After this trick was used, those big merchants who were ready to make a move immediately became obedient.

If you do not support the imperial court in recovering lost territory today, you may be accused of "secretly communicating with Tubo and plotting evil" tomorrow.

Who can stand this?
Anyway, if the Tibetans really occupied Guanzhong, they would not have a good life either. They could only regard it as giving face to the government so that they could make things easier for themselves in the future.

Therefore, under the lead of He Baiwan, these big merchants were like losing their father. Not only did they have to pay more commercial taxes according to the new law, but they also had to reluctantly pay extra money and supplies to support the court's military expedition to Hexi.

Why would these people make extra donations when they can just pay more taxes according to the law?
Fang Chongyong explained to his subordinates that a loud drum does not need to be hit hard, so the drum that does not make a sound should be hit hard.

As for the drum being accidentally broken, that is the drum's thing to worry about, not the person.

Early in the morning of that day, Fang Chongyong brought his staff to Shanyuan Villa. Accompanying them was Yan Zhenqing, who was unemployed at home and had nothing to do except writing epitaphs for others.

It can't be said that he is doing well now. Although he has no worries about food and clothing, and Fang Zhongyong doesn't want to kill him, few people in the local area are willing to contact him.

Even the people who asked him to write epitaphs were all big merchants in Bianzhou, and there were no officials.

Fang Chongyong sent someone to invite Yan Zhenqing, and he had to go. Even if he didn't consider himself, he had to consider the descendants of the Yan family. Even if the Tang Dynasty was gone, even if Yan Zhenqing and Yan Gaoqing swore not to be officials, their descendants would still serve as officials in the new court.

"Shanyuan Villa", which has been developed for several years, is no longer just a farm. It not only has textile workshops, but also papermaking workshops, woodblock printing workshops, and so on.

The scale is comparable to that of a county town in an ordinary state or county!

At this moment, on both sides of the main road in Shanyuan Villa, there were prisoners "receiving inspection". Each of them stood straight and did not dare to show any resentful expression.

Even breathing has to be done with caution.

"Tell the officials who you are!"

Zhang Guangsheng, who was walking in the front and clearing the way, shouted.

"Guilty man!"

There were uniform sounds coming from both sides of the road.

"where is this place!"

Zhang Guangsheng continued to shout loudly.

"This is a place to reform sinners!"

The prisoners shouted in unison again.

Why are they cooperating so hard? Why don’t they go up and disgust Fang Zhongyong?
The reason why they were sent here was more or less due to Fang Zhongyong's help behind the scenes, right? Don't these people hate him?

Yan Zhenqing had this question in his mind, but he never got an answer.

What he didn't know was that if he offended the government here, he would surely be put to death, but if he behaved well, the government might issue a general amnesty, and then he could get out, right?
This is the power of authority, which can make those who refuse to bow their heads bow their heads quickly.

"What are you doing here?"

Zhang Guangsheng asked again.

"We come here to be reformed and become new people!"

The prisoners in Shanyuan Villa shouted in unison, and that posture was definitely rehearsed many times beforehand.

"Very good! Very energetic!"

"Now, Tubo has invaded our borders. This crime is unforgivable! We must strike hard!
Your chance to forgive your sins has come!
Go back and think carefully, do you want to spend your whole life in jail in Shanyuan Villa, or do you want to make meritorious deeds on the frontier and turn your life around!
Disperse! Those who want to join the army should go directly to the warden!"

Zhang Guangsheng waved his hand, and the prisoners began to line up and walked towards the villa one after another.

Soon there were no prisoners around Fang Chongyong and his group.

Seeing this scene, Yan Zhenqing's face changed slightly. He realized that this place was nominally a prison, but in fact it was under military management.

"Mr. Yan, don't you have anything to say?"

Fang Chongyong looked at Yan Zhenqing with a smile and asked.

"Return to the government, the army's morale can be used."

Yan Zhenqing said four words concisely and to the point.

He really didn't want to talk to Fang Qing, but since it was a matter concerning the country, he didn't want to leave any room for criticism.

They were all veterans in the political arena. As soon as Yan Zhenqing saw this situation, he knew what Fang Chongyong was planning.

Sending the criminals to Hexi to fight against the Tibetans could not only replenish the troops, but also provide a promotion channel. Looking at the appearance of these prisoners, it seems that they are managed like soldiers on weekdays, and they can quickly adapt to life in the barracks.

"The emperor is still in need of an aide to accompany him. I wonder if Mr. Yan is interested in serving as his attendant and entering Guanzhong together.

Mr. Yan can also do his part in fighting against the Tibetans. Of course, Mr. Yan can maintain his integrity. Fang has always admired people with integrity who will not call for fighting and killing. "

Fang Zhongyong said with a smile.

Yan Zhenqing thought he had misheard. He looked at Fang Zhongyong in surprise and asked in disbelief, "Isn't your Majesty afraid that I will ruin your good deeds?"

This was a bit taboo, and Fang Chongyong's close aides, such as Zhang Guangsheng and others, all glared at Yan Zhenqing with displeasure on their faces.

"The Tibetans are vicious, and Fang wants to unite all those who are willing to fight the Tibetans. Since Mr. Yan is determined to protect the Tang Dynasty, then fighting the Tibetans can also be considered a way of protecting the Tang Dynasty, right?

Mr. Yan has extensive connections in Guanzhong, and accompanying the emperor can better convey his ideas to them.

Mr. Yan, do you think Fang is contributing to the country or digging his own grave? "

Fang Chongyong asked again.

Now even Yan Zhenqing was speechless.

Even a Tang-loving man like him could not think of colluding with the Tibetans to defeat Fang Qing and return power to the Li family. It doesn't matter what kind of moral character the Tibetans have. In any case, Yan Zhenqing could not stand on the side of the Tibetans.

"I know, but I serve the emperor, not a powerful official like you. I hope you won't be so sentimental."

Yan Zhenqing said seriously.

Fang Zhongyong spread out his hands, looking indifferent.

Haha, although you say no, your body is quite honest.

He complained silently in his heart.

...While Bianzhou was busy planning the Western Expedition, the situation in Guanzhong was also changing underwater, but it had not yet caused a huge earthquake.

Although Li Baochen wrote a decent handwritten letter to Li Baoyu, explaining the reason and his position, he was actually very panicked. Even this idea was decided after he and Li Shiyu had a long debate.

Joining the Tibetans was just talk, to scare Li Baoyu. If he really wanted to do it, the cost would be extremely high, so Li Baochen hardly considered it.

Because the Tibetans had a bad reputation for recruiting surrenders and rebellions, they did not have the habit of raising dogs, but killing dogs was common. Even if Li Baochen defected now, it was difficult to guarantee that the Tibetans would not settle accounts with him later, let alone make a good living.

Fortunately, Li Baoyu was not in a hurry to attack Long County where Li Baochen stationed his troops, which greatly relieved the latter.

In fact, it is not the fault of Li Baochen, Li Baoyu and others to be so cautious.

Before the Tibetans came, they would not hesitate to use any tricks, even if they were strange and crooked. Because a military leader with soldiers in his hands could go anywhere. If Li Baochen couldn't defend Chang'an, couldn't he go to Longyou?

Li Baoyu could also retreat to Hedong. The situation was very tolerant for the two of them.

But when the giant Tubo came, the situation became completely different. Neither Li Baochen nor Li Baoyu could pretend that this giant did not exist.

If you are not careful, you may die and your clan may be destroyed, so you dare not start a war easily.

The Tibetans may not understand the situation in Guanzhong for the time being, but it won’t be long before they find out the truth.

When the fighting started, Li Baoyu would not dare to enter Chang'an, fearing that he could not stabilize the situation in Chang'an. The ruthless Tibetans would not be as afraid of killing as he was! Sweeping across Guanzhong was no problem.

Early that morning, Li Baochen, who did not hear the magpie's call, learned a huge piece of good news: his two sons who were captured by the Bianzhou army were back!

Not only did the two of them not have any missing limbs, they even looked to be in good spirits!

The father and his two sons cried in the study room of Long County government office, leaving Zhang Tongru, who had come to escort the two men, aside. Seeing three grown men crying like mourners, he felt embarrassed, but also felt that Fang Zhongyong was far-sighted.

If I had killed Li Baochen's sons Li Weicheng and Li Weiyue for the sake of momentary pleasure, there would be no more talk today. Seeing the scene in front of him, Zhang Tongru knew that this lobbying of Li Baochen was already half done.

Li Weicheng and Li Weiyue were not imprisoned in Bianzhou and could even move around freely. They knew how powerful the Bianzhou court was. This time, they were the best lobbyists.

"Marshal Li probably has something else to do today, so I'll take my leave now."

Zhang Tongru bowed to Li Baochen and withdrew tactfully.

Li Baochen just casually said something polite. After he left, he wiped his tears with his sleeves, looked at Li Weicheng and Li Weiyue and asked, "Fang Qing...what did the emperor say?"

"Father, the government has a letter for you."

Li Weicheng took out a letter from his sleeve and handed it to Li Baochen with a conflicted look on his face.

"Father, let's surrender."

Li Weiyue did not have as many concerns as Li Weicheng, and he went straight to the point and asked his father to surrender.

"Ugh!"

Li Baochen was too lazy to talk nonsense with them, so he opened the letter and read it slowly.

"Someone, go get Li Changshi."

After reading the letter, Li Baochen instructed his personal soldier outside the door to find Li Shiyu.

Soon, Li Shiyu arrived at the study of the government office. He was working in the government office and it was just a few steps away.

As soon as he saw Li Weicheng and Li Weiyue were there, Li Shiyu instantly understood a lot of things.

"Marshal Li, are you asking me whether I want to surrender to Bianzhou?"

Li Shiyu asked with a wry smile. In fact, he had known that there might be such a day, but he didn't expect it to happen so soon.

"That's right. I can't make up my mind."

Li Baochen sighed deeply, with infinite sorrow in his heart.

"Fang Qing sent the two young masters back, so he was naturally sincere."

After reading the letter, Li Shiyu spoke carefully.

Li Baochen wanted to quit, he was tired! Li Shiyu could sense it completely.

Judging from the current situation, there are many advantages to retiring, but the disadvantages... can't be any worse.

However, when you are in a high position, you can't just retire easily even if you want to!
Li Baochen now went to Li Shiyu to ask questions, not to ask him whether he wanted to surrender to Bianzhou, but to ask how to preserve the lives of their family and even the future of their descendants!
If it is just about saving lives, then it can be foreseen that Li Baochen's family, who have lost their power, will be liquidated by those they once offended even if Fang Zhongyong does nothing.

Li Baochen had been in Chang'an for so many years, how could he not have offended people? He had ordered the execution of many people!
"How about you write a letter and let me take it to Bianzhou to have a face-to-face meeting with Fang Qing?"

Li Shiyu asked cautiously.

Otherwise, how can it be said that Li Shiyu and Li Baochen have been as close as brothers for so many years and have cooperated very well? Li Shiyu has seen through Li Baochen.

Li Baochen is just an ordinary person, he doesn't have any great talents. After encountering a decisive setback, his spirit has been defeated!

Li Shiyu already knew who Li Baochen was, so what he said at this moment was exactly what Li Baochen was thinking.

"Weicheng, please take a little more effort and accompany Li Changshi to Bianzhou."

Li Baochen looked at Li Weicheng and gave instructions, his face calm but with a hint of worry.

This may seem like a request, but it is actually something that cannot be refused.

"Please rest assured, father. I will set off today."

Li Weicheng saluted Li Baochen with his hands crossed.

In fact, at the critical moment, Li Baochen didn't dare to put his life and property on Li Shiyu. No one could be trusted as much as his own son, and there was always a layer of separation between him and outsiders.

Li Shiyu naturally knew this, but he didn't point it out. He also saluted Li Baochen with his hands crossed, and then followed Li Weicheng out of the study.

After the concubine's son and his trusted followers left, Li Baochen asked his legitimate son Li Weiyue to sit down and asked with a smile, "Weiyue, how have you been in Bianzhou these years? How is Fang Qing?"

Hearing this, the outspoken Li Weiyue spoke up: "Father, Fang Qing is a man of great talent and strategy, and a change of dynasty is not far away!"

"How did you know this?"

Li Baochen pretended to be surprised and asked, "Li Weicheng, the illegitimate son, is very thoughtful and will not simply tell the truth. But the legitimate son Li Weiyue is a straightforward person and cannot hide things in his heart."

Li Baochen just wanted to know the situation in Bianzhou from Li Weiyue. He was extremely wavering and tormented, worried about gains and losses.

"Father, the previous emperor in Bianzhou was Li Qi, and now it is Li Qi. Regarding the change of emperor, the court and the people in Bianzhou did not cause any ripples, and the people did not care who the emperor was. Isn't this a change of dynasty?"

Li Weiyue blurted out.

Li Baochen couldn't help but sit up straight, his expression began to become serious. When a man is away for three days, he should be treated with new eyes. His son has finally come to his senses!

"Then tell me in detail!"

Li Baochen asked in a deep voice with a solemn expression, which frightened Li Weiyue so much that he trembled.

"What? I've already said it."

Li Weiyue asked with a puzzled look on his face, not knowing what his father Li Baochen was concerned about at all.

(End of this chapter)