Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 795 Ready to go
In ancient times, the calendar and solar terms were very important. From the emperor to the tenant farmers, no one could ignore the influence of this matter.

Farm work must be done according to the solar term, which is the top priority to ensure the harvest from the land.

When Fang Chongyong led the Bianzhou army to retreat to Jincheng, Lanzhou, the early spring weather was warm and it almost "announced" the arrival of spring suddenly one day.

There were many farmers reclaiming the wasteland outside the city. The fertility of last year's "cultivated fields" had been exhausted, so this year they had to reclaim the wasteland and scoop up some silt from the banks of the Yellow River to "fill the soil."

Standing on the city wall of Jincheng, Fang Chongyong watched people outside the city digging canals and repairing city walls. He felt that Lanzhou was like a sleeping giant that had awakened from its slumber and was stretching its muscles.

It’s a pity that Lanzhou is mountainous and there are not many places for farming.

Based on the data from his previous life, Fang Chongyong came to a terrible conclusion: the cultivated land area in Lanzhou only accounts for 3% of the total area!

The rest of the arable land was terraced fields developed on the mountains. In the Tang Dynasty, it was extremely difficult to split the mountains into fields, and the irrigation problem alone could not be solved.

Therefore, it was obviously unrealistic to build border defenses based on Lanzhou. The garrison's food storage needed external supplies and could easily be cut off. The struggle between the Song Dynasty and the Western Xia had already proved this point.

Therefore, opening up the Hexi Corridor, or at least capturing Liangzhou, is a task that must be accomplished.

After the army retreated to Jincheng, Lanzhou, Fang Chongyong announced the appointment of Han Huang as the chief officer of the army, responsible for conveying military orders. The generals in the army thought of something, so they all spoke harshly to Han Huang, which embarrassed the son of the former prime minister who was suddenly promoted.

“I listened to your advice and led my troops back to Lanzhou for rest and recuperation.

There is a lot of resentment in the army about the withdrawal now, what do you say? "

Fang Zhongyong turned around and asked Han Huang who was standing beside him.

This is not easy to respond to. Although Fang Chongyong would never kill his staff who offered advice, it is quite common to leave them idle and it is not worth making a fuss about.

Han Huang saluted him calmly and replied, "Sir, as the saying goes, one monk carries water, two monks carry water, and three monks have no water. Now all the generals are gathered together. When they go to the battlefield, they will be meritorious if they rush to the front or the back. Even if they return without success, they will still be awarded a title and bring honor to the family in the future. Naturally, I have no motivation to do it."

"You're right."

Fang Chongyong nodded. He was just bluffing Han Huang just now. In fact, he knew very well what the soldiers were thinking.

"Then according to your opinion, how should I deal with it?"

Fang Zhongyong asked with a smile, as if testing him.

"Returning to the emperor, in my opinion, great merits must be rewarded generously, and only brave men can be rewarded.

The government can offer a reward to elite troops in the army to raid Guazhou. If they fail, they will die. There will surely be brave men under a heavy reward!

The rest promulgated strict military regulations and asked everyone to sign and seal them. Those who violated the military law would be executed immediately. After the war, everyone would be rewarded.

Those who are worried about the harsh military law can return to Bianzhou to camp. After the war, there will be no reward or punishment. "

Han Huang pointed out the dilemma that Fang Chongyong is facing now in leading the troops: the officers and soldiers in the army generally cherish their lives, are reluctant to give up their past merits and hard work, and have extremely high expectations for the future!

In other words, what everyone is thinking about now is the change of dynasty, and no one really thinks that if they don't make any contribution in this battle, Emperor Fang will treat them unfairly.

Of course, this just shows that Fang Zhongyong has a very high prestige in the army. Many things have advantages and disadvantages, and a slap has both positive and negative sides.

"Well, there are no outsiders here, so you might as well speak directly if you have anything to say."

Fang Zhongyong hinted meaningfully.

It is useless to pretend to be ignorant in front of a senior leader, and it is even worse to be afraid to take responsibility.

Han Huang certainly knew that there were many things that could not be kept secret and that if they were spread out, he would offend people, but for the sake of progress, he had to speak out.

After all, if he doesn't become a sinner, then Fang Guanjia will become a sinner!

"Sir, this is what I think.

The troops who attacked Guazhou by surprise were in the most dangerous situation. If they were not careful, they would be defeated and never come back. Therefore, these brave men should be rewarded generously and given enough money before the army set out, so that they would not have to worry about the consequences.

The central army still had to attack Liangzhou and hold back the Tibetans. The risk was relatively small, and the emperor only had to promise rewards after the war. The promulgation of strict military laws was to remind them that when the emperor encountered an unfavorable situation in the war, he would definitely kill people as a sacrifice.

Finally, there are those who only want to keep their past merits. They will only become a burden if they go into battle, and they also think that the law does not punish the masses. In this case, it is better to make it clear directly that no merit will be rewarded.

Although the government has not made it clear what the future will be like, these people should understand. "

Han Huang suggested calmly.

Those who like taking risks can get great merits, those who don’t like taking risks but are obedient can just follow military orders, and those who just want to gain military merits and follow the emperor can go back to Bianzhou to consolidate their base.

Of course, the last type can only get some benefits when the dynasty changes. The so-called non-absolute loyalty is absolutely disloyalty. When the government wants someone to fight for his life, this person doesn't dare to rush, then it is obvious whether he will have a place in the circle in the future.

It has to be said that Han Huang understands human nature very well.

"According to your opinion, I will stay in Lanzhou and deploy troops this time?"

Fang Chongyong finally figured out Han Huang's "hidden meaning".

If he were still leading the troops, the situation would not be fundamentally different from the current one.

The emperor was embarrassed to kill his old subordinates, but the generals under his command would not hesitate to kill in order to gain titles and become prime ministers after the change of dynasties! If the emperor was going to kill, why did he have to do it himself?

This move can be said to kill two birds with one stone.

"My Lord, this is exactly what I meant.

The generals divided their troops in the front, and the emperor sat in the back, which was a good opportunity to see who was slacking off and who was fighting desperately.

Those Nan Guo gentlemen, knowing they can no longer hide, will certainly return to Bianzhou to avoid bringing disgrace upon themselves. "

Han Huang spoke slowly, with his head lowered and his hands folded, looking very respectful. He didn't dare to act rashly, let alone show a smug smile.

"Go and pass the message, inform all the generals to hold a meeting in the commander's tent!"

Fang Chongyong waved his hand, turned around and left.

Even when the army arrived in Jincheng, he did not live in the comfortable mansion in the city, and he also rejected the suggestion of local wealthy families to send beautiful women from their homes to warm his bed.

He still lived in the military tent, thinking day and night about how to defeat the Tibetans!

He was so strict with himself that everyone in the army, from top to bottom, was disciplined and no one dared to speak out. No one dared to enter Jincheng privately, let alone contact the local bigwigs.

Soon, all the generals came to the Bianzhou military camp outside Jincheng, and everyone had a solemn expression on their face.

Han Huang was like a transparent man, standing in the corner of the military tent, inconspicuous and no one looked at him directly.

"Everyone, spring ploughing has already begun. Should we settle in Lanzhou or should we strike while the iron is hot and send troops to Liangzhou?"

Fang Chongyong looked around the crowd and asked.

This question is crucial, and there is no standard answer. Before the outcome of the war comes out, no one dares to say that his or her opinion is correct.

"Sir, I think it would be better to send out the troops after the autumn harvest."

He Changqi stood up and saluted.

This time, he fought with the Tibetan heavy infantry, and both of his hands were injured. He broke more than a dozen maces, but he failed to take down Songchang City. Every time he just climbed up the city wall, the Tibetan reinforcements arrived, and he had to retreat to the city.

The fight was very frustrating.

If we attack Liangzhou again in a short period of time, the result will not change.

"Sir, I think it is precisely because the Tibetans did not expect us to return so soon that it is easier for us to find an opportunity to fight."

Duan Xiushi stepped forward and suggested, clearly disagreeing with He Changqi's statement. Who is more reasonable? Fang Zhongyong didn't know, at least he couldn't tell from just a few words.

"What do you think, Li Shumi?"

Fang Chongyong looked at Li Quan and asked.

Fang Chongyong did not just listen to Han Huang's one-sided words about withdrawing troops to Lanzhou this time. He also discussed it with Li Quan afterwards. In fact, Li Quan also wanted to suggest withdrawing troops, but as the deputy privy envoy, he was not convenient to speak up for many things.

Wan Fangzhongyong believed that Li Quan proposed to withdraw his troops because he did not want to ascend the throne and become emperor, which would inevitably lead to suspicion.

This is the awkward position of being a senior official. Every move is not a simple matter and is bound to be over-interpreted.

When Fang Chongyong proposed to withdraw his troops to Lanzhou, Li Quan finally breathed a sigh of relief and expressed his own views, which were similar to Han Huang's.

"I think it won't be too late to take action after the autumn harvest.

During this period of more than half a year, Tubo found it difficult to obtain food and fodder from the country and could only seek food from the wealthy local families in Hexi.

The longer it drags on, the more resentful the local bigwigs will be towards them.

We are well prepared for this expedition and have no shortage of food and fodder. When the harvest comes in the fall, the Tibetans will naturally get anxious.

If you are so anxious, maybe the opportunity will come. "

Li Quan spoke eloquently.

"Yes, Not Bad."

Fang Chongyong nodded without commenting.

Now we cannot say that Duan Xueshi’s words are unreasonable. There is a saying that goes “The longer the night, the more dreams you may have.” Who knows what will happen in half a year?

"Sir, I still think it is better to send troops as soon as possible."

Che Guangqian stood up and said that she didn't expect that he had the same idea as Duan Xiushi.

"Then tell me, why do we need to send troops as soon as possible?"

Fang Chongyong sat on the main seat in the commander's tent, folded his arms and asked.

"Your Majesty, the Tibetans can't afford to delay, and neither can we. The situation in the world is still unstable. If we can't win, there will be some bold and reckless people who think we are nothing special.

Once people’s hearts are in chaos, it will be difficult to clean up the mess.”

Che Guangqian said in a deep voice.

This makes sense. A few years ago, the Bianzhou court was still a regional government. Many places were new territories and the rule was not yet stable. In addition, Hebei has been exempted from tax for three years, so the current situation is very good.

But once the three-year period is over, it’s hard to say what will happen.

"Look, one says we should march quickly, the other says we should wait until autumn. How should I deal with this?"

Fang Zhongyong sighed and asked in a difficult manner.

"Please make the decision, I will do my best!"

All the generals immediately clasped their fists and asked for battle, not daring to say anything more.

"How about this."

Fang Zhongyong stood up and looked at the expressions of the people in the military tent before continuing:
"Don't worry about the next two days. You've been hard-working these days, so eat and drink well in Lanzhou City and rest for three days. After three days, come to the general's tent and I will announce the military orders.

If you have any ideas, you can come and talk to me in private."

Ok?
Hearing this, Han Huang looked up in disbelief. He never expected Fang Chongyong to deal with it this way.

Shouldn't we offer a reward now? We can even use some provocation!

"Leader!"

After the generals responded, they dispersed, leaving only Han Huang here. As the chief military officer, he should always be with the commander-in-chief to convey military orders.

This position is not a fixed one, but is only temporarily appointed when leading troops to war.

In other words, if Han Huang did not show extraordinary talent, he would still be a clerk after the war. Now is not the Kaiyuan era, and no one cares that he is the son of the former prime minister.

"Sir, the generals have just arrived in Lanzhou, and they are very enthusiastic. Why don't you announce the reward just now?"

Han Huang asked doubtfully.

He did not mention taking action in the fall, because Fang Zhongyong's silence itself was a statement.

If the time for sending troops is really to be postponed, then the most important thing to consider is to settle the matter now and announce it early to avoid any further complications.

Since Fang Chongyong didn't say anything, it was obvious that he was preparing to send troops in the near future.

"You don't understand. All the generals in the army are very proud. No one wants to be called a rat.

If I were to offer a reward today, those who wish to participate would naturally be invited. Even those who do not want to participate would have to participate enthusiastically for the sake of face.

Otherwise, you will inevitably be laughed at by others afterwards.

People live by their reputation. If I do this, how will they live in the future? "

Fang Chongyong waved his hand gently and smiled, looking as if he didn't care.

Han Huang then suddenly realized that his father was the prime minister in his time and his family was from a famous family. He was very arrogant and naturally regarded those soldiers as chess pieces and objects to be manipulated.

In terms of the degree of intelligence, these big and strong soldiers were not much better than the weak women in his family in his opinion.

Han Huang didn't think much of them in his heart. Only when he needed to employ people did he remember their talents and tempers.

But Fang Chongyong had led troops for many years, so he naturally knew some rules that could not be spoken publicly.

He patted Han Huang on the shoulder and said, "Those who want to stand out will naturally offer suggestions. And those who are afraid of trouble will come to me privately to explain the situation. I just need to understand these things and save their face. Even if they can't understand it for a while, they will come to their senses in the future and will definitely understand my painstaking efforts."

So that’s it!
Han Huang suddenly felt inferior.

He finally understood why Fang Qing was so loved by the soldiers.

Because people are all made of flesh and blood, if the soldiers are treated as tools, then they will really become tools.

You can use it, and you can use it with someone else.

In this case, how can those in high positions sleep peacefully?
"I'm grateful for your advice. The official's teaching is correct."

Han Huang said with a look of shame.

"Go ahead, you should inspect the military camp more often in the near future.

Remember, you should reveal some gossip from time to time, just say that this general really wants someone to fight hard against Tubo, and there will be a generous reward.

Moreover, I will threaten those people with military law and not let them spread the news. Do you understand?"

Fang Chongyong ordered.

(End of this chapter)