Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 790: Progress Requires Respect

There are generally three routes from Chang'an to Hexi, namely the famous "Longyou Hexi Road", "Tuyuhun Road" and "Huihe Road".

The Uighur Road is to first go to Lingzhou and then go to Liangzhou from the desert. This route basically does not need to be considered. Neither Fang Chongyong nor his staff want to take such a "shortcut".

The consequences of simply provoking the Shuofang Army are unbearable.

The Tuyuhun route first passed through the Hehuang Valley and then went to Liangzhou from the Dadouba Valley. Although this route was possible, the cities along the way were controlled by the Tibetans. Under the surveillance of the Tibetan scouts, the suddenness of the battle could not be achieved.

The Hexi Road in Longyou is divided into two parts: south and north.

The southern route starts from Chang'an, passes through Lanzhou Jincheng and ends in Liangzhou.

The northern route goes northwest from Xianyang County, crosses the Yellow River to Liangzhou. The northern route is shorter than the southern route, but the road is steep and difficult to pass. The southern route is longer, but the road is relatively flat, so most pedestrians and businessmen take the southern route.

These routes seem to have many choices, but in fact only the southern line of Longyou Hexi Road can be taken.

When Fang Zhongyong arrived in Chang'an with his staff, the central army had been preparing for battle for a long time, with food, fodder, arrows, mules and horses for transporting food, and livestock. Compared with the last expedition to Guanzhong, this expedition to Hexi took a year of solid preparation, and the logistics support took a lot of effort.

It was already late autumn, and there were no longer any farmers harvesting wheat in the fields. Only bare earth was left, and there were yellow weeds growing on the ridges with no one taking care of them.

In recent years, a large number of people in Guanzhong have fled, and there is a great surplus of land. However, most of these lands are still in a state of abandonment. Many tenants have not distributed their land equally, and they are still farming for the Tianlong people in Guanzhong, and their lives are miserable.

On the east bank of Baqiao Bridge, Fang Chongyong looked at the desolate scenery outside Chang'an with mixed feelings.

"Sir, the auxiliary troops for transporting grain have been organized, and they are all local people from Guanzhong."

Zhang Guangsheng stepped forward and reported that he also noticed that Fang Chongyong seemed to be worried about something.

"Even if Dazalugong withdraws from Liangzhou, he will hold on to the Hehuang Valley. As our supply lines lengthen, the tug-of-war between us and Tubo during the Kaiyuan period will reappear.

as always."

Fang Chongyong glanced at Zhang Guangsheng, shook his head and sighed.

Geopolitics has its own objective laws. As long as the humid climate of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau does not change drastically, the confrontation between the Tang Dynasty and Tubo in Longyou will not stop.

Even if Dazalugong died, even if the king of Tubo was replaced, it would be the same.

Similarly, as long as the new court has border defense needs and is unwilling to give up the Hexi Corridor, the strategic layout of the Kaiyuan period will be inherited and will continue to confront the Tubo people.

"Your Majesty, there is nothing we can do about it. The area west of the Hehuang Valley is all plateaus. We cannot go up there, and even if we did, we would not be able to defeat the Tibetans."

Zhang Guangsheng persuaded helplessly.

He understood Fang Chongyong's feelings. This official wanted to establish a new dynasty that would surpass the Tang Dynasty. However, now he had to go back to the old path and continue the past strategic layout.

He also felt the same frustration and helplessness, but he was also helpless.

"Let's not talk about these. How is Guanzhong this year?"

Fang Zhongyong changed the subject and asked.

Today, Chang'an City has been divided administratively. The houses in the city are also unattended and no longer as prosperous as they once were.

"Replying to your Majesty, if I really have to say it, it's not very good. There are many bandits in Guanzhong now, as if they appeared overnight. I think that maybe... for example, the last rebellion in Yanzhou was done by the Li clan. Others cannot be ruled out as suspects."

Zhang Guangsheng reported the novel.

The situation in Guanzhong is not stable now. Those who are able to flee have already fled to Bianzhou, after all, there are more opportunities there. Many people in the Li Tang royal family are secretly planning something. Of course, these people can't just go all in. On the surface, they seem to be quite honest, but it's hard to say what they are doing behind the scenes.

After all, the arrow is always the most threatening when it has not yet been shot.

"Do you have any ideas?"

Fang Zhongyong looked straight ahead and asked as he looked at the dilapidated Chunming Gate on the other side of the river.

“Returning to the emperor, I suggest that the emperor can issue an imperial decree to allow the royal family members to live together in Chenliu County, move out of Guanzhong, and live at the feet of the emperor.

This will make it easier for Zongzheng Temple to manage and also eliminate unnecessary concerns from many people."

Zhang Guangsheng put forward an idea that he had been thinking about for a long time.

If the Li Tang royal family were scattered all over the place, it would be difficult to "manage" them, and if someone raised a call, it would often cause a lot of trouble.

When Yang Guang attacked Goguryeo, Yang Xuangan in the rear rebelled and gave him a severe trick.

It is not impossible for past events to repeat themselves, especially at this critical juncture when we are preparing to send troops to Hexi to attack Tubo.

It has to be said that Zhang Guangsheng's political acumen had indeed improved a lot after serving as the Lieutenant General of the Jinwu Guard for several years.

"Yes, this is a good suggestion."

Fang Zhongyong nodded slightly to show his approval. He planned to write a letter back to Bianzhou immediately and ask Yuan Zai to "persuade" the emperor to implement it.

In the past, the court of Bianzhou was still somewhat dangerous, so the conflict between Fang Zhongyong and the Li Tang clan was not prominent. But now that the court of Bianzhou has swept the world, he and the Li family are at the core of the conflict.

At this time, even if we keep a low profile or even if we endure and make concessions, it is impossible to resolve the conflict.

Instead of doing this, it is better to plan ahead and prepare for the "earth-shattering" event.

Fang Chongyong immediately called Da Congming over and told him, "Send someone back to Bianzhou to inform Yuan Zai and have him act according to the plan."

According to the plan?

What plan are you relying on?

Da Congming didn't know, but it seemed that he didn't need to know about this matter. Fang Zhongyong was now paying more and more attention to confidentiality. In order to prevent the news from leaking out, the fewer people who knew about it, the better.

"Please rest assured, I will do it right away."

Da Congming saluted to Fang Zhongyong with his hands crossed and then withdrew.

"The official family..."

Zhang Guangsheng seemed to have something to say but hesitated. Fang Chongyong raised his hand, signaling him not to continue.

"You should count the number of clan members and their families still in Chang'an and the surrounding areas, and bind them into a book. The court will then arrange for these people to settle in Chenliu County.

If someone is unwilling to relocate, then you will be charged with treason and you won’t have to hold back.”

Fang Zhongyong gave the order calmly, extending his hand and making a chopping motion.

Zhang Guangsheng's heart tightened, and he already understood what the other party was going to do. All of this was paving the way for "that thing".

Is it finally coming?

"Your Majesty, I would like to go with you to conquer Hexi. I am familiar with the geography of Hexi and should be able to help you."

Zhang Guangsheng was very excited and saluted to Chongyong. He still wanted to go to the battlefield, not to lead soldiers to arrest people and confiscate their homes.

"No need. Dazalugong is sure to lose this time. The situation in Guanzhong is also very important."

Fang Chongyong flatly rejected Zhang Guangsheng's request to fight.

Since the Tibetans were likely to maintain a long-term confrontation with the Tang Dynasty in the west, the military significance of defeating Dazalugong was not that great. It was more about embedding a pearl in their crown. …

The army set out, and Bianliang City was still as lively as before. However, the Empress Dowager Wu, who was "ruling from behind the curtain", and the young puppet emperor Li Chang did not live as happily as outsiders thought.

Even if they did nothing, the Bianzhou court would still run smoothly, and it would be the same with or without them.

Early that morning, Wu woke up from a nightmare. She dreamed that Fang Qing led his troops into the imperial palace of Bianliang City. There was blood inside and outside the palace, and corpses were everywhere. The houses in the palace were burning in flames. What a horrible hell it was!

Just when Wu had just calmed down, the eunuch Huo Xianming came to report that Jingzhao Yin Yuan Zai wanted to see her!
Thinking of the dream last night, Wu's heart suddenly rose to her throat. However, she had no right to say that she would not see Yuan Zai, so she had to hastily dress up and, under the guidance of Huo Xianming, came to a side hall in the Purple Palace, where the emperor and ministers met alone.

"Yuan Prefecture Governor asked to see me early in the morning. I wonder what important matter he wants to ask?"

Wu asked in a controlled tone. Although she tried her best to remain calm, there was still a slight tremor in her voice.

“Chang’an is in ruins, and it is impossible for the court to move the capital back to Chang’an, but there are still many royal family members living in Guanzhong.

The emperor thought that as relatives of the emperor, they should live near the imperial city and not so far away.

Ordinary families often visit their relatives, so how could the royal family turn a blind eye to the royal family?
Therefore, the emperor requested that the royal family in Guanzhong be relocated and settled in Chenliu County, the fief of the previous emperor. I wonder what the empress dowager thinks about this?
The emperor is young, and everything is decided by the queen mother. I wonder what the queen mother would say?"

Yuan Zai asked with a veiled intention.

Move the royal family to Bianzhou?

When Wu heard this suggestion, she was shocked and immediately thought of Fang Qing's possible plan.

If the royal family were scattered across the country, it would be quite difficult for Fang Qing to quell the dispute if something happened. But if the royal family members were concentrated in Bianzhou, then... it would be easy to deal with.

How should I put it? Wu felt that Fang Qing was quite thoughtful. However, she did not want to agree to this question, at least she did not want to agree too readily.

"This is a matter of great importance. I think it is better to wait until the official returns victorious before making a decision."

Wu said with an embarrassed look on her face, clearly not wanting to give in.

"Queen, I don't mean to threaten you. I just want to tell you something."

Yuan Zai first saluted Wu with his hands crossed, then stared at her and continued, "You don't want to be the empress dowager, but there are many who do. Li Chang doesn't want to be the emperor, but there are many who can be the emperor. The emperor asked me to ask the empress dowager's opinion to give her respect. But if the empress dowager refuses, that means she is not giving her respect. If the empress dowager wants to be respectful, then she can issue an edict to prove that the emperor can still issue orders on government affairs. If the empress dowager doesn't want to be respectable, then I can help her to be respectable."

Yuan Zai's words were so blunt that Wu was frightened and turned pale.

You know, in the five thousand years of Chinese history, there has only been one Wu Meiniang. It doesn't mean that all women with the surname Wu have the political level of Wu Meiniang!
After hearing Yuan Zai's words, Wu was suddenly at a loss and didn't know what to do.

"I just think it's too much trouble to move from Guanzhong to Bianzhou. Too much trouble."

Wu argued.

"Then the Queen Mother has no objection?"

Yuan Zai pressed the question.

He has a hot-tempered and vindictive personality and doesn't care about being gentle and polite at all. Even when facing the so-called Queen Mother, he still does not restrain himself!

"I will issue an imperial edict, please rest assured, Yuan Fuyin."

Seeing that Yuan Zai's expression had eased, Wu assured him with lingering fear.

"That's good. I'm sorry for being rude. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

Yuan Zai said this hypocritically, with a smile on his face, but in fact he had no respect at all.

Wu couldn't help but feel sad, because the truth is like a sharp knife and it is the thing that hurts people the most.

It was just as Yuan Zai said, if she didn't want to be respectable, then others would have to do it for her. When that happened, it wouldn't be Fang Qing who would be embarrassed.

Seeing that Wu seemed to have surrendered, Yuan Zai sighed as if he couldn't bear it.

He couldn't help but persuade her, "Empress Dowager, I believe you know what the situation is like in the world now, even if I don't tell you. If that day really comes, have you ever thought about what to do?"

Yuan Zai's question was very obscure, but as long as Wu was not stupid, she should be able to understand what he meant.

Everything is for "that thing"!
Wu didn't say anything, she didn't dare to agree. Because no matter what she thought, the history books would definitely record it clearly, according to Fang Qing's wishes.

"Is this what the government meant?"

Wu couldn't avoid it, so she asked in a calm tone.

Yuan Zai shook his head and said, "This is not what the emperor meant. I just want to ask the Queen Mother. The emperor may seem to be in a good position, but in fact he is walking on thin ice. Does the Queen Mother really think that the position is easy to sit on?"

Wu still didn't answer.

Yuan Zai continued to persuade, "Sometimes, if a person dies, his death will be completely meaningless, and even after death, others will make up an absurd reason, so that future generations will laugh at him for a thousand years. The story of King You of Zhou lighting beacons to trick the princes may not be true, but he failed, and the people who compiled the history books can record such things openly. Queen Mother, the emperor is a person who likes to be decent, and I have said it more than once."

"So, what does the Yuanqing family want me to do?"

Wu asked helplessly.

"Please ask the Queen Mother to issue an edict stating that the Emperor is too young to run the government. The throne should be abdicated to the Emperor.

After that, all the civil and military officials in the court would urge the empress dowager to withdraw her order, and the emperor would sternly refuse. After that, the matter would be left unresolved.”

Yuan Zai said calmly.

Wu was stunned. She herself had no experience in playing power games, but she intuitively felt that what Yuan Zai said was quite meaningful and was by no means groundless.

"Can't Yuan Qing's family discuss what he said after the emperor returns to Bianzhou?"

Wu asked back.

"I have said that the emperor hopes to be respectable, and also hopes that the empress dowager and the emperor will be respectable. This is just a suggestion from this humble official, and it is for the good of the emperor."

Yuan Zai emphasized.

Wu pondered it for a while and nodded slightly, which was considered as her agreement.

"Then please write the edict now, Queen Mother."

Seeing that Wu had agreed, Yuan Zai struck while the iron was hot.

"This……"

Wu Shi didn't expect Yuan Zai to be so shameless! She had already agreed and would definitely issue an imperial edict, but she didn't expect the other party to lose his temper like this.

"Okay, I'll write it now!"

Wu said this with gritted teeth, then she found the four treasures of the study and wrote an imperial edict immediately.

When Yuan Zai saw the imperial edict saying that the emperor was willing to abdicate to Fang Qing in order to save the country, he was immediately overjoyed.

He suppressed his inner excitement, put away the imperial edict, bowed to Wu, and then left the Purple Palace with brisk steps!

(End of this chapter)