Chapter 130: Shaving One

Zhang Guangsheng went again to the Tibetan army camp, and not only brought back news that the other side had promised to return the civilians outside the city, but he himself also received from the Tibetan chief general Ximo Lang a small golden Buddha, only about half a palm in size, exquisitely crafted and evidently valuable.

After returning to the Shazhou Prefectural Office, Zhang Guangsheng handed the golden Buddha and the Tibetan chief general's letter together to Fang Chongyong, gratefully bowing and saying, "Your Excellency is prescient; Ximo Lang indeed sent me a generous gift, and this is it."

Zhang Guangsheng placed the golden Buddha before Fang Chongyong.

"This kind of trick is just leftover play from the seniors."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand dismissively and continued, "Keep it; may it bless your promotion and wealth."

Things that could be reclaimed quickly, the Tibetan chief general was of course not stingy in giving a fine gift, also to lull the Shazhou town garrison. It seems they are confident about breaching the city.

Zhang Guangsheng cheerfully tucked the golden Buddha away, leaned in and whispered, "When I said the city gate was sealed, Ximo Lang held back, but his tone was a bit lighter. I suspect the Tibetans may be planning to withdraw and besiege Luocheng."

His family had been in Luocheng before, so he knew exactly the differences between the two cities. If the small city is compact with towering walls and hard to attack, Luocheng is open to the wind on all sides, not only larger in area but also with low walls, making its defense difficult.

After all, that place was originally a trade outpost repurposed, far inferior to a small city that had been thriving for centuries.

Zhang Guangsheng thought that if he were the Tibetan army chief general, he would, when the situation stalled, concentrate forces on the weaker flank to upset the battlefield balance, move troops across the river, and under cover of night launch a full assault on Luocheng—a decent plan.

"With such foresight, you will surely achieve greatness."

Fang Chongyong laughed heartily, gave some encouragement, and then dismissed Zhang Guangsheng.

After Zhang Guangsheng left, Fang Chongyong finally took out a paper that had been pressed under a paperweight on the desk, its surface covered with dense information, most ending in questions.

The top line read: "Why do the Tibetans not besiege the city?"

Others included similar questions such as "Why do the Tibetans urge surrender?", "Why don't the Tibetans throw animal carcasses into the city to spread plague?", "Why do the Tibetans return captives?" and so on.

Victory lies not in bravery but in scheming; assaulting a city is secondary, attacking the mind is paramount.

During this period, Fang Chongyong had been playing a mind‑war with Tibetan chief general Ximo Lang without ever meeting, each side concealing its true intentions. This time Zhang Guangsheng's second trip to the Tibetan camp finally made Fang Chongyong understand the question he cared most about: what is the Tibetans' battle plan?

Every night, Fang Chongyong would simulate the Tibetans' attack on Shazhou in his study, adopting their perspective to see which underhanded tactics had not yet been tried. For example, using captives as a forward assault force—a common ruse among armies.

The Tibetan army is no paragons of benevolence; why don't they send the captured civilians outside the city to charge ahead?

And why don't the Tibetans use catapults to batter the city walls?

Dig a big pit and they could force their way in, right? Even if a catapult can't pierce the wall, smashing some towers and battlements isn't a big issue; wouldn't that hurt the defenders' morale?

Then what are the Tibetans wary of?

Now Fang Chongyong already has answers to these questions. The moment to break the deadlock has arrived.

But before that, he must launch a total mobilization, presenting a logical case to persuade the local big families of Shazhou to back him.

A child of just over ten has no real power; his ability is merely to organize and dispatch external forces.

……

Three days remained before the release of captives, and life in Shazhou town proceeded as usual. Yet that night, Fang Chongyong summoned the local big‑family representatives, as well as Doulu Army military envoy Wang Sil and senior officers, to the prefectural office.

Supposedly to discuss "important matters".

The main hall of the prefectural office was filled with torches, making it as bright as day. Fang Chongyong sat on the Inspector's chief seat, with local big‑family representatives led by Zhang Quan on his left, and part of the Doulu Army's senior officers led by Wang Sil on his right.

The whole scene resembled a little court.

Unfortunately, none of them were directly under Fang Chongyong's command.

"Today I am here to inform you all of something."

Fang Chongyong spoke in a deep voice, giving a signal to Fang Dafu beside him. Quickly, Fang Dafu brought a large wooden board covered with a black cloth, which he did not lift, then retreated silently to Fang Chongyong's side.

"These past few days, I have some modest opinions and would like to discuss them with you all. It's not really a discussion, more like asking you to do me a favor."

Fang Chongyong said while clapping his hands.

Zhang Guangsheng strode in through the hall's doorway, followed by a young monk in plain brown robes.

"Everyone, meet Master Xiangban De Yixi De, a Tibetan monk, sent by Chi De Zuzan to study Buddhist scriptures at Dunhuang's Kaiyuan Temple."

Fang Chongyong pointed at the kindly‑faced monk and introduced him to the crowd.

"Hmm?"

The assembled people all turned to look at Xiangban De Yixi De. The Tibetan monk smiled and nodded. No one expected such a "big fish" inside Kaiyuan Temple!

"Sorry to disturb the master."

Fang Chongyong pressed his palms together and bowed to Xiangban De Yixi De.

"Well said, well said."

Xiangban De Yixi De only smiled and said nothing more.

"See the master back to his place."

Fang Chongyong instructed Zhang Guangsheng.

Xiangban De Yixi De turned and left, as if his visit was just a quick stroll.

Uh, it seemed he indeed only toured for less than the time an incense stick burns.

After the Tibetan high monk left, everyone exchanged puzzled looks at Fang Chongyong, unsure what game the Shazhou Inspector was playing.

"Within the Tibetan Empire, Buddhism has been established as the state religion. Yet the original state religion, Bön, is unwilling to fail, repeatedly causing trouble domestically to try to restore its status.

Therefore, to cement Buddhism's dominance, Chi De Zuzan dispatched senior monks, including Xiangban De Yixi De, to translate scriptures at our Tang Empire's Buddhist temples and then bring them back to the Jokhang Temple for storage."

Fang Chongyong crossed his arms, continuing with interest:

"Earlier, a Tibetan army spy was hidden inside Kaiyuan Temple, protected by Master Xiangban De Yixi De.

Before the Tibetan siege, the spy left Kaiyuan Temple and informed the Tibetan chief general of Master Xiangban De Yixi De's location. So you see."

Fang Chongyong ripped off the black cloth; the wooden board displayed a city map densely marked with red ink indicating catapult impact points, except near Kaiyuan Temple in the northwest corner, where not a single stone was marked.

The onlookers all gasped! No one expected that the Tibetans' simple stone‑throwing held so many hidden tricks!

"However, the Tibetans' decision not to attack the small city isn't solely because of Master Xiangban De Yixi De; the Tibetan high command wishes to turn Shazhou into an earthly Buddhist kingdom.

Thus, unleashing a massive slaughter here would be inappropriate and would also constrain the Tibetan commanders."

Fang Chongyong spoke freely.

At first this reason sounds absurd, yet in a theocratic, serf‑based Tibetan state it makes perfect sense.

"These are the surrender‑appeal letters written by the Tubo army's commanding general, and the wording is quite earnest. I've been curious why they so strongly want us to leave Shazhou; now it seems they do have a plan to swap cages for birds."

Fang Chongyong lifted the letters on the desk before him and handed them to Fang Dafu. The latter then passed the letters to everyone present for perusal.

If the Tubo people's goal is to strengthen control over Shazhou and create a "Buddhist Kingdom model project," then driving out the existing major households here also appears to be a highly feasible option.

Tubo has plenty of people; moving tens of thousands to Shazhou poses no difficulty at all. Of course, if they could capture Shazhou in one stroke and enslave its people, it would be a surefire profit—an optimal choice.

We didn't get the topmost lot; getting a high lot would have been fine, but unfortunately that "high lot" was rejected by Fang Chongyong.

"Afterwards, Tubo army's commanding general Xi Mo Lang wanted to test how much grain the city stored, so they proposed releasing the civilians outside the city who were prisoners.

If this official refuses, then Xi Mo Lang can conclude that we lack sufficient grain.

If this official agrees, it proves the small town can hold out for a long time and is not at all worried about surplus people taking over.

It is estimated that Xi Mo Lang will mix some Tubo spies among these people, waiting for an opportunity."

"So, after all this effort, what exactly do the Tubo people intend to do?"

Wang Sili asked with some puzzlement.

Everyone present nodded repeatedly; they too harbored the same question.

"If our food supplies are low, they will besiege the city to death. If our supplies are ample, they will hand the prisoners to us, lightening their load, and march to Luocheng, concentrating all forces to attack Luocheng.

Once Luocheng falls and its resources are seized, they will flaunt their might outside the small town, forcing us to surrender or leave Shazhou!

When I last sent someone to meet Xi Mo Lang, I already stated that the people of Shazhou are united like a city wall and can hold out for ten or eight years without issue. Everyone, you understand what that means, right?"

Fang Chongyong retorted with a meaning‑laden question.

Saying that the united resolve will defend the city to the death is actually a ruse to confuse Xi Mo Lang, making him think the local Shazhou border troops have no intention of daring a counterattack.

All of this is Fang Chongyong's speculation. Yet if his conjecture is correct, it would clarify many previously baffling issues.

The Tubo people's purpose is not only crystal clear, but many odd actions can be reasonably explained. For example, making prisoners water the fields is merely to mislead the local Tang troops of Shazhou, making them think the Tubo are fully prepared for a prolonged siege here.

In reality, the Tubo likely have little grain or fodder left.

"Lord Fang, are you saying that on the night after receiving the civilians outside the city, we launch a night raid on the Tubo main camp?"

Wang Sili's mind worked quickly, and he immediately grasped Fang Chongyong's plan.

"Not that night, but when we take in the villagers, we strike unexpectedly outside the city!"

Fang Chongyong hammered the desk hard and declared resolutely!

Wouldn't this be too risky…!

Everyone present inhaled sharply; this Lord Fang's courage is far from ordinary.

"We can all foresee that after taking in the civilians outside the city, we would launch a surprise attack on the Tubo main camp; how could the Tubo not think of that?"

Only when they deliver the prisoners to the foot of the city is their main army most lax in defense, providing an opening.

The Tubo have little supplies and may launch a furious assault on Luocheng in the near future.

Although Luocheng is large, its defenses are not solid; if besieged by two Tubo armies, whether it can hold, or for how long, is truly worrisome.

Thus the window of opportunity is fleeting; we cannot place our hope on Luocheng's garrison.

Fang Chongyong said no more; he believed that everyone present already understood the point he was making.

Once on the battlefield, before the fight even begins, there is no absolute win or loss, nor any guaranteed steady victory. As long as one joins the battle, unknown risks arise.

What appears certain to win may lose, and what seems certain to lose may turn the tables.

Once, when the Tubo army was strong, a small Tang detachment's charge broke them.

During engagements between the two armies, there were instances of the few defeating the many, and also cases where the Tang army was completely annihilated.

Fang Chongyong's analysis is indeed sound, but is it a guaranteed win? Could the Tubo army's commanding general see through the scheme?

It's hard to say; no one dares to guarantee it. The current situation is a gamble on life.

If we win, the siege of Shazhou is lifted, and after the war, merits will be awarded; the local major households will naturally get a share.

If we lose, the small town of Shazhou will inevitably fall.

But doing nothing is also not an option.

If we don't act, it may become exactly what Fang Chongyong warned: being gradually eaten away by the Tubo, first losing Luocheng, then being tightly trapped.

There is also a court factor: when can imperial reinforcements arrive? How are battles elsewhere? Can the siege of Shazhou be lifted? And after the siege is broken, will everyone present still be alive? All are unknown.

Where to go from here? Should we gamble?

These questions are truly tormenting.

"Lord Fang, what do you think?"

Wang Sili asked in a deep voice.

His stance represents that of the Doulu army, and the Doulu army's stance directly influences the local major households' stance.

This question is crucial.

"When we strike, I ride my little horse, following behind the formation."

Fang Chongyong said solemnly, with not a hint of jest on his face.

Hearing this, Wang Sili laughed lightly, turned back, looked at everyone and said, "Did you hear that? By your ages, you all should still be alive, not yet at a dog's age, right?"

"We are willing to heed Lord Fang's command and fight bravely!"

In the main hall of the prefectural office, people instantly fell to their knees.

If this were the Song dynasty, perhaps only one or two among them would dare to fight. But now the blood of warriors has not yet cooled; the era of martial men achieving glory continues, not yet passed.

Fang Chongyong drew a short sword from his waist, untied his hair knot, cut off a strand, and held it in his hand.

His decisive act terrified the many present "Qiu Ba" who now or formerly licked blood from blades. They wanted to step forward to dissuade him, yet didn't know what to say.

"In this battle, if we fail, we become martyrs. I am still young, unable to wield sword and armor. Hence I first cut my hair to show resolve, follow the ranks, and later fight side by side with you all.

Do great deeds, spare not your life; let us encourage each other."

Fang Chongyong looked around the crowd and said proudly.

In the past, the local magnates and officials of Shazhou, what they saw in Fang Chongyong could be summed up in one character: "wisdom"!

Until today, they have only now seen "courage" and "righteousness" in him.

The second watch arrived today.

(End of chapter)