Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 794: Talents are recruited regardless of their background
Outside the military tent, it was snowing heavily and the cold wind blew in from the gaps at the bottom of the tent, making people shiver uncontrollably.

Spring comes relatively late in the Northwest. Even after the Lantern Festival, it is still snowing outside.

It was already late at night, and Fang Zhongyong was writing a memorial at his desk. Of course, given his current status, the so-called memorial was basically the same as a government decree.

He wrote in his memorial:
The rise and fall of a country is not without cause. It is usually caused by the combination of factors such as the monarch's stupidity, political chaos, the army's arrogance and the people's exhaustion, treacherous officials' abuse of power, and endless foreign invasions. When the internal and external are out of control, the court will lose sight of one thing while focusing on another, leading to the separation of the people. In this case, the country's laws will not receive support from the local areas and cannot be implemented. In the end, the local power will be replaced by those ambitious people, and then there will be endless separatist disputes.

Now that the country has just been settled, the equal-field land reform has not yet been completed and the laws need to be improved. Externally, the war with Tubo and Nanzhao is ongoing, so the military and civilians are exhausted and the national treasury is tight.

Now I am writing to the court, requesting that the court post a reward for strategies and talents to govern the country and maintain peace.

It is imperative to hold an additional imperial examination in the spring of this year. Regardless of one's background, talented people do not need recommendations and can come to Bianzhou to submit their applications to the government, who will select the best candidates for recruitment.

After writing this, he subconsciously licked the brush, and after checking it again and again, he called Da Congming over and sealed the memorial and handed it to him.

"You go back to Bianzhou and have the emperor stamp his seal on it, and then the left prime minister will do the same.

This spring, we will hold another imperial examination, selecting talents without any restrictions on the standards."

Fang Zhongyong sighed softly and rubbed his brows. He felt exhausted all over and lay down on the fur backrest behind him with his eyes closed to rest.

"The official family..."

Da Congming wanted to say something but stopped himself. Seeing Fang Chongyong waving his hand impatiently, he had no choice but to obey the order and leave.

Two days ago, the Bianzhou army fought with the Tibetans at the foot of Changsong City, but they could not win for a while, and the Tibetan army was still receiving reinforcements. Seeing that the situation was not good, Fang Chongyong ordered the troops to retreat, and the Tibetan army did not pursue them, but slowly retreated to their respective garrisons.

This was not the first time the two armies had fought recently. Every time when the Bianzhou army was about to attack a city or capture a stronghold, Tibetan reinforcements would arrive one after another.

Fang Chongyong thought of the Battle of Changping, where the Qin and Zhao states had been fighting for two years with no clear winner.

This time, he led his troops to fight the Tubo army in Hexi for several months without making any progress. This was too common in history. From a military perspective, there was no need to worry.

"Hexi, Hexi..."

Fang Chongyong stood up and walked to the wooden shelf where the map was hung.

He felt extremely frustrated in his heart. He was just a little bit away from winning against the Tibetans, but he just fell short of a complete victory.

Dazha Lugong seemed to have anticipated Fang Zhongyong's current mentality. He was as steady as an old dog and did not leave any loopholes.

At this time, Da Congming came back and walked behind Fang Chongyong and whispered, "Your Majesty, there is an ordinary clerk in the army who said he had something important to say. When I walked to the gate of the camp, he hugged my thigh tightly and refused to let go. I had no choice but to bring him to the general's tent. Please make the decision, Your Majesty."

"Well, let him in."

Fang Chongyong nodded slightly.

His staff team is now very large, similar to the structure of the Secretariat in the past. When an order is issued, the detailed implementation needs to be planned by the staff team, and he is only responsible for the general direction. Therefore, there are many clerks who copy files and government orders, and Fang Zhongyong does not recognize all their names.

After a while, the clerk mentioned by Da Congming came to the general's tent. He was about 40 years old, in the prime of his life, and looked quite elegant.

Judging from his appearance, he should be a scholar from a noble family.

Fang Chongyong then remembered that this person used to be an aide to Li Lin's aides, but people like him are not valued much now.

He was able to work as a clerk in the Bianzhou government office thanks to Wei Zichun's recommendation.

As for his name, Fang Zhongyong didn't remember it at all. There were not a thousand people with similar positions, but there were at least a hundred.

"I am Han Huang, son of Han Xiu, honored to see you, Your Majesty."

The clerk saluted Fang Chongyong with his hands crossed.

Han Xiu?

Fang Zhongyong was stunned, then he remembered who the person in front of him was.

Han Xiu was the prime minister during the Kaiyuan period. Han Huang, as the prime minister's son, was very successful when he was young. Of course, the reason why he is not successful now is because he was too successful back then.

A certain official wanted to usurp the throne, so those who were "deeply favored by the country" at that time were all labeled.

"Tell me what's going on."

Fang Chongyong invited Han Huang to sit down and talk.

"Is the emperor worried about defeating Tubo now?"

Han Huang asked in a low voice.

"Indeed, you can speak freely. No matter what you say, I will not punish you."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand gently and said.

"Your Majesty, we cannot defeat Tubo. It may seem that the Tubo army is invincible, but in fact, it is just a matter of one side gaining while the other loses."

Han Huang said calmly.

This sounded interesting. Fang Zhongyong sat up straight, put away the smile on his face, looked at Han Huang and said, "I'd like to hear more about it!"

"Our army is like a mountain pressing down on the Tibetans. If we are not careful, they will be completely wiped out.

In addition, Tubo had no roots in Hexi. If it failed, it would be destroyed without a burial place!

Therefore, the government's method of luring the enemy is unlikely to work. The Tibetans, who have been forced into a corner, will surely unite as one.

How can our army possibly win if their soldiers stick together? "

Han Huang pointed out a key reason why the Tibetans were difficult to defeat: the Bianzhou army pushed the Tibetans too hard!
Fang Zhongyong nodded slightly without commenting, but in his heart he felt that Han Huang's words made sense. Apart from anything else, now that the Tibetan king wanted to deal with Dazalu Gong, the latter would definitely be cautious on the front line. The Tibetans were cautious, so it would be difficult for the Bianzhou army to win.

I have to say that Han Huang is quite capable.

"Keep talking!"

Fang Zhongyong gave the order calmly.

"Sir, now that we have finished talking about the Tibetans, let's talk about our army.

Now, all the soldiers in the army, from top to bottom, are looking forward to winning this battle and returning to Bianzhou to receive promotions and honors.

Everyone was very anxious and worried that their death was not worth it. Therefore, although our army seemed to be in high spirits, they were actually impatient and unwilling to fight.

With the strength of one side and the weakness of the other, it is difficult to defeat the Tibetans. Of course, if the government is in command and uses the troops like a god, our army will probably not lose, but it is difficult to win. "

Han Huang put on a layer of armor for fear that Fang Chongyong would use his head as a sacrifice and accuse him of "shaking the morale of the army."

"If I hadn't been listening to what you said today, your head would have been chopped off."

Fang Zhongyong laughed and waved his hand, signaling Han Huang not to be nervous. After the former prime minister's son finished speaking, his forehead was covered with cold sweat. It was unknown whether it was because the tent was too hot or he just liked to sweat on weekdays.

"I have finished speaking, please understand me, Your Majesty."

Han Huang folded his arms and bowed again, then fell silent.

Fang Zhongyong stood up and paced in the military tent. After a long while, he sighed and said, "All the soldiers in the army are looking forward to promotion. You are absolutely right."

Isn’t that right!
Fang Chongyong had just pondered over it and found that Han Huang's words were very insightful. He put himself in the shoes of others and imagined himself as a camp leader in charge of 180 people in the army, and then he understood the truth.

For example, he was that so-and-so, who had followed the Fang family to start an uprising and had gone through bloody battles. Many people fell, but this person did not, and he rose step by step.

Now we have finally made it. As long as we win this battle and return to Bianzhou, Fang Guanjia will ascend the throne and become emperor. At least every old brother in the army will be automatically promoted one level!
At this time, we have to fight the Tibetans, why does that guy want to rush to the front? It's not worth dying!
"Yes, it was my negligence. But now that it has come to this, what solutions do you have for it?"

Fang Zhongyong looked at Han Huang and asked.

It's time to test your talents!
People who only know how to point out problems are gossips and will cause cholera in the army.

Only those who can point out problems and solve them are real talents and will be promoted quickly.

Han Huang clung to Dacongming's thigh and also offered suggestions. It was obviously impossible for him to come here just to find fault.

Han Huang swallowed his saliva, calmed his mind and said: "Sir, we are now invincible. Why don't we retreat to Lanzhou with great fanfare, make some repairs, and then strike back!"

Ok?
Fang Zhongyong was stunned when he heard this. Then he kept silent and just walked back and forth in the military tent, as if he was weighing the pros and cons.

"Sir, the Tibetans are holding their breath now. The harder we press them, the more they will band together. There is no other way except to fight with their lives.

This is the reason why the Huihe army could not win even if they took a detour to launch a surprise attack. The Tubo army was isolated in Hexi and naturally had no chance of winning in a battle with its back to the river.

However, once we retreat, the Tibetans will lose their temper. They can then retreat to Shanzhou at leisure, or even return to their homeland through the snow-capped mountains in the spring.

Once there are more choices, it may not be so easy to rally morale.

If our army retreats to Lanzhou for rest and recuperation, we can prepare for war, select brave warriors, dispatch elite troops from the country, and then send those soldiers who have no fighting spirit or are injured back to Bianzhou.

This is another situation of one thing gaining while the other loses.

Furthermore, we may be able to retrace the Uighurs’ surprise attack route, and learn from others’ experience to improve ourselves.

Tubo had previously won a great victory over Uighurs in Guazhou, so they would certainly not take strict precautions against this place.

Pulling back the fist and then punching out again will be more powerful. We don't necessarily have to fight the Tibetans to death in Liangzhou, which is well defended. Entering Hexi from Guazhou is also an option."

Han Huang continued to suggest.

He did not say "ten wins and ten losses", but he analyzed both the favorable and unfavorable conditions.

Before and now, the main force of the Tubo army is in Liangzhou, and the entire defense system is very complete. It is not advisable to confront the Tubo people head-on here.

Although the Uighurs were defeated, their thinking was not wrong, but their execution was too poor. After breaking into the city, they only cared about looting. It would be strange if they were not defeated.

The Uighurs tried the waters and paralyzed Tubo. This trick might as well be used again.

Fang Zhongyong glanced at Han Huang thoughtfully.

This is indeed a talent, even a great talent. It's just that because of his connections, he has not been given much importance. It is indeed necessary to select talents. Talents will only be insufficient, not redundant.

Han Huang's advice made Fang Chongyong more determined to abandon partisanship and adopt the strategy of selecting people based on their talents.

"Don't tell anyone about this. When we return to Lanzhou, I will hire you as the military commander and you will serve in my tent."

Fang Chongyong said in a deep voice.

"Understood! Thank you for your grace!"

Han Huang knelt down and saluted with an excited look on his face. He had no intention of risking his life for Li Tang or refusing to become an official even if he died.

Even though his father was trusted and valued by Brother Ji, and even though he knew that Fang Qing would change the dynasty and ascend the throne to become emperor when he returned to Bianzhou, it did not hinder him from pursuing fame, wealth and power.

Being an official is not shabby.

……

For several months, the Bianzhou army was unable to defeat Tubo and recapture Liangzhou. After the Lantern Festival, spring ploughing in the Central Plains began.

Fang Chongyong discussed the matter with the generals under his command, and they all agreed that the current battle situation was unfavorable.

Afterwards, Fang Zhongyong rejected the opposition and ordered the entire army to retreat to Lanzhou for rest and recuperation. Depending on the situation, they would decide whether to return to Bianzhou or continue to attack Hexi.

In the eyes of everyone, although Emperor Fang did not say it explicitly, he seemed to have already begun to have the intention to retreat and wanted to lead his troops directly back to Bianzhou to become the emperor.

After the news of the Bianzhou army's retreat reached Liangzhou City, Dazhalu Gong, who was stationed in Liangzhou, was stunned for a long time. He didn't believe that Fang Zhongyong could resist the urge to become the emperor and lead his troops back to Bianzhou.

However, according to repeated reports from Tibetan scouts, the Bianzhou army had indeed retreated to Lanzhou, and many troops were returning to Longxi from Lanzhou!

A few days after the Bianzhou army withdrew, Dazhalu Gong led a team of cavalry to the deserted Herong City.

Not only did the Bianzhou army leave completely, not even a grain of rice was left behind, and all the baggage was transported away!

"I thought it was Fang Qing's strategy to lure the enemy, but I didn't expect they really withdrew."

Looking at the abandoned camp where even the rats were crying from hunger, Dazalugong said to Nanang Chitojie beside him with a wry smile, feeling a little regretful that he had been too cautious in deploying his troops before.

If he had known that the Bianzhou army was really retreating, he would have led his troops to follow and launch a surprise attack, which might have decided the outcome of the battle.

"Da Lun, why did the Tang army withdraw?"

Nanang Chitojie asked with a puzzled look.

In his opinion, Fang Qing should not withdraw.

It is said that the first effort is strong, the second will weaken, and the third will be exhausted.

The first time Fang Qing led his troops to attack Liangzhou, they were aggressive. If he were to lead his troops again in the future, it would not be so easy.

"Perhaps Fang Qing thinks that with the military power in his hands, he can return to Bianzhou and become the emperor, so he doesn't want to bother anymore."

Dazha Lugong sighed and said, feeling a little contempt for Fang Zhongyong in his heart.

In his view, changing dynasties is not a big deal, but it requires both civil and military achievements. At the very least, military achievements are indispensable.

"Da Lun, then Li Chenghong, should we..."

Nanang Chitojie asked in a low voice.

It might be a good idea to establish Li Chenghong and build a puppet regime in Liangzhou.

Before this, Fang Qing was standing in front of Liangzhou, and the army was eyeing him covetously, so this matter was naturally not worth mentioning. Now that Fang Qing had retreated, and his fierce army had also withdrawn, it was very important to give an explanation for this matter.

Now the Tibetans have no cooperation with the local people of Liangzhou. Perhaps, bringing Li Chenghong out can ease the tense relationship between them and the local big families in Hexi, which is so tense that they are about to fight each other.

"If Li Chenghong is established, we will have to retreat back to Shanzhou. This is actually what the Zamp thinks."

Dazalugong waved his hand gently and flatly rejected Nanang Chitojie's suggestion.

As soon as Fang Qing retreated, the conflict between him and the Tubo Zamp immediately escalated from a minor conflict to a major conflict.

(End of this chapter)