Chapter 137: Heroes

A day before the expedition, that evening, outside the government office, silk, cloth, gold, silver and jewels were piled up, yet no outsider dared to take any.

Because the locals of Hexi are bold, but they would never dare to snatch the military pay allotted to the Qiu Ba, especially the merit awards.

Moreover, the local Qiu Ba standing here are orderly, queuing to receive the awards, casting hostile glances at the onlookers in the distance; if anyone dares to rush in and fish in the muddle, they will instantly give him a chilling blow.

Fang Chongyong was not at all vague; he emptied the treasury and handed out everything at once to the Qiu Ba as awards.

Since we're going to play, we'll play big; the court's money is not really money, just a tool to boost morale.

Because if the battle is lost, these riches belong to the Tubo, so why keep external possessions?

Cui Qianyou, Guo Ziyi, Wang Silu and others beside Fang Chongyong all wore solemn faces and said nothing.

Before the expedition, the previous battle merits were cashed in early, so the Qiu Ba would have no excuse to complain when they risked attacking the Tubo forces in Gua Prefecture. These days, there's no talk of "loving to generate electricity"; without awards, the Qiu Ba are unmanageable, which is only natural.

Who isn't supporting a family?

The award‑receiving process was unusually calm and solemn, because everyone knew that holding this award was like holding a hot iron; once taken, it meant going to risk one's life.

Moreover, this time differed from the previous "Shazhou Defense Battle"; the risk this time was far greater.

Licking blood at the very edge of the blade.

Watching the treasury piles before the office dwindle, Fang Chongyong's heart was like still water, his expression calm as usual, as if he were not the governor of Shazhou at all.

"Lord, the soldiers have finished receiving their awards; the rest are to be distributed to the officers."

Yan Zhuang, with downcast eyes and a gentle demeanor, walked over to Fang Chongyong and said, his attitude unusually respectful; he too was shocked by Fang Chongyong's generosity.

"Brother Yong handles matters; he's truly bold and decisive, willing to throw himself into the crucial moment!"

"These are kept for the troops as relief. The generals don't fight for such trivial wealth, so there's no need to distribute them."

"Go, find people to move these fabrics and jewels into the treasury."

Fang Chongyong shouted, as if deliberately speaking to Guo Ziyi and the others.

Sure enough, Guo Ziyi immediately clasped his hands and said to Fang Chongyong, "Lord Fang speaks wisely; we, born of military families, fight for the nation to glorify our lineage. A modest amount of fleeting wealth is truly insignificant."

The promotion route for ordinary soldiers in the Tang army has been completely shut; the Long‑march veterans can only pray they won't die in the next battle, and the avenues for official promotion are not meant for them.

As for mid‑ and high‑ranking officers, their purpose, as Guo Ziyi described, is essentially to fight recklessly for promotion.

Issuing an extra hundred bolts of silk as awards is indeed nice, but it isn't their highest aspiration.

Higher‑ups chase power, lower ranks chase wealth; that's the norm for border troops. Commanders often distribute all the awards they receive to subordinates, naturally to win battles better, not to keep for themselves. They crave battle merit as a ladder upward.

Among the Shazhou border troops, almost everyone was satisfied with Fang Chongyong's method of awarding.

As the crowd thinned, Guo Ziyi gave Fang Chongyong a deep glance, then bowed and left. The others followed his departure, while only Cui Qianyou pulled Fang Chongyong aside to give him a private briefing.

In a secluded, empty spot, Cui Qianyou lowered his voice and said to Fang Chongyong:

"In this battle the generals will inevitably vie for merit; you must accompany the expedition, and if there's any disagreement, a single hammer can settle it, without delaying the great matter."

Cui Qianyou feared most that Fang Chongyong might change his mind at the last minute and refuse to go, which would pose a huge risk to the marching army!

Fang Chongyong intends to report the Shazhou army's merits; if he isn't present as a witness, later disputes over who earned more or less merit would arise, making it impossible to satisfy the troops.

"Rest assured, this time I will definitely accompany the expedition, no question."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand and said. The baby felt bitterness inside, known only to himself, unable to tell outsiders.

Last night Fang Chongyong had a huge argument with Ana-ye, who threatened that if he joined the campaign she would hang herself! The two are still in a cold war, not speaking for a day. Yet the tough‑but‑soft‑hearted Ana-ye still cooked him a good meal today, not neglecting her duties at all.

"Lord, if this battle turns out as expected, the defeat of the Tubo army in Suzhou will be only a matter of time, becoming the decisive factor in the Great Tang's clash with Tubo.

We Qiu Ba are not that young either. Even with such brilliant stratagems and sky‑splitting achievements, it's nothing special.

But you, Lord, rose to fame early and have such great merit at hand. Whether governing Shazhou in the future or returning to the central administration, it will be immensely beneficial.

This battle merit, you must clutch it in your hand and not let others snatch the credit.

Cui Qianyou earnestly warned.

If this battle is won, it would indeed help a general like Guo Ziyi, but for their careers it would be no more than that.

In the end it's just a raid. Its gold content isn't high, perhaps not even comparable to Cui Qianyou's earlier thousand elite cavalry crushing a segment of the Tubo guard.

However, this victory means something entirely different for Fang Chongyong, who has a "prodigy" persona and is a freshly minted "civil official."

This triumph could catapult Fang Chongyong's career start to a very high position, making him an "irreplaceable" figure!

Even the young talents younger than Fang Chongyong cannot match his ability.

Those who can match Fang Chongyong are far older than he is!

"A tree that stands out in the forest will inevitably be felled by the wind."

Fang Chongyong let out a long sigh and said, not wanting to stand out too much.

"Life is often just about fighting for a breath of pride; then why speak of the wind inevitably toppling? If we step down casually, perhaps even ants will die; can a person be like an ant?"

"As long as we become a great tree, no matter how strong the wind, what can it do?"

Cui Qianyou said exuberantly.

Indeed, that is the reasoning.

Fang Chongyong forced a wry smile, "In the world, one's body is not one's own; if possible, I would never want to go to the battlefield."

Hearing this, Cui Qianyou shook his head and sighed, "Life cannot always go as one wishes; your father lives far more carefree than you do."

"Jerk dad?"

Fang Chongyong was startled, then suddenly realized.

That wind‑like man truly lived carefree; he even dared to kill Yang Yuhuan!

……

Late at night, Fang Chongyong lay on a mat made of local reeds stuffed into hemp cloth, his thoughts chaotic, recalling the severed arms and limbs of the Tubo soldiers he first saw on the battlefield, sending shivers through his heart.

The commander of that army, it is said, was merely knocked down by a horse and then trampled to death, his flesh and blood a blur.

He died in a humble and inexplicable manner.

Great figures don't have to meet a heroic end; perhaps they're simply swept away by a bit‑part like "Soldier B."

And this time going to Gua Prefecture, we are fighting in an unfamiliar region with no reinforcements, the risk is literally boundless. Fang Chongyong feels uneasy about it, and his legs can't help but start shaking.

He has lived two lifetimes, his mental fortitude exceeds that of ordinary people; he just puts on a stiff front in front of outsiders.

Daydreaming is useless; we have to go regardless!

"Is it really impossible not to go?"

Ana Ye, lying on the other bed in the room, suddenly asked in a low voice.

"On the surface it seems possible, but in reality… there is no choice."

Fang Chongyong sighed, saying that even if he doesn't plan for the present, he must consider the Anshi Rebellion, which is no longer far off.

"I'll go on the campaign with you; I can ride a horse and look after you on the road."

Only after a long while did Ana Ye manage to utter those words.

"If you want to join me on the campaign, then what is the purpose of my going?"

Fang Chongyong retorted with a helpless expression; in the darkness Ana Ye couldn't see his face but could sense his helplessness.

"Had I known you were so stubborn, I should have put bitter beans in today's meal. If you ate them, you'd have no strength to march tomorrow.

In that case, you wouldn't be in danger."

Ana Ye sighed, seeming to have resigned herself.

"No, no, no, what's happening now is only the beginning. In the future, dangers will only increase."

Visible blood‑soaked winds and rain, invisible flashes of blades and swords—danger is everywhere, and there won't be many years of peace; it's better to adapt early.

I'm not actually being reckless; I know the danger yet still hang my head on my belt and risk my life? War kills people; do you think it's fun?

Fang Chongyong recalled the countless major and minor events that have occurred since he crossed into this world, feeling unusually exhausted inside.

He is a person who refuses to accept fate!

Whenever destiny forces him to bow his head, he refuses to yield, which is why he now faces a pile of troubles.

"Then don't die. You're my first friend and my only friend. If you die, I will definitely kill myself!"

Ana Ye said with a stubborn tone, as if comforting herself.

"Aren't you my concubine? How did you downgrade to a friend?"

Fang Chongyong felt baffled; hadn't Ana Ye realized her own status yet? Had she not yet understood what fate awaits her?

"If the master dies, the concubine can serve another, can even dislike or despise the master.

But a friend's loyalty to a friend will never be betrayed.

Therefore, no matter how you arrange me in the future, I don't consider myself your concubine at heart."

Ana Ye said earnestly, like a declaration, causing a shock in Fang Chongyong's heart.

"Understood."

Usually talkative Fang Chongyong said only three words.

After a long while, Ana Ye thought Fang Chongyong had already fallen asleep, but the clerk Fang suddenly opened his mouth and said:

"Yang Yuhuan was originally the princess consort of the Prince of Longevity, then a saint took notice of her and simply seized her. What happened afterward is indescribable."

Fang Chongyong leisurely recounted something completely unrelated to the two of them.

"Ji Ge is so disgusting, still calling himself a saint. Doesn't he feel ashamed? He can even do such things."

Ana Ye couldn't help but vent.

Fang Chongyong's attitude toward Ji Ge is whatever hers is, so naturally he can't say any good words.

"Why would he feel ashamed? He should be enjoying it."

The nobles over in Chang'an have all sorts of quirks. They are scheming and hypocritical, outwardly dignified. They are strict with others but lenient with themselves, and the blame always falls on others.

If a meteor fell from the sky and killed all the nobles of Chang'an, there would certainly be innocent victims. But if it only killed half, there would be a great many who escape.

Fang Chongyong sharply commented that the Chang'an nobles led by Ji Ge lack nothing in extravagance and debauchery; their deeds are truly beyond words, best summed up as "highly abstract."

"So what exactly are you trying to say?"

Ana Ye said impatiently, then yawned. The knot in her heart had untied, and she felt waves of drowsiness. She had been having nightmares these two days, dreaming that Fang Chongyong was killed on this campaign, his corpse wrapped in horsehide and returned.

"I mean, I will protect you in the future," Fang Chongyong said earnestly as well.

"Hmm, I've noted that."

Ana Ye felt sweet inside, hugged her pillow and fell asleep, and no longer saw the terrifying image of Fang Chongyong dying on the battlefield in her dreams.

……

"The Yellow River rises far into the white clouds, a lone fortress amid towering cliffs."

"Why should the Qiang flute resent the willows? The spring wind does not pass Yumen Pass."

Riding a two‑humped camel, Fang Chongyong couldn't help reciting Wang Zhihuan's Liángzhōu poem. Unfortunately, their campaign destination happened to be close to the Han‑era Yumen Pass ruins. The whole route was endless yellow sand, with no rivers in sight.

According to Fang Chongyong's orders, the three‑thousand‑strong cavalry unit wore no armor, but pure white linen robes, hanging lightweight leather armor on the strong‑backed camels.

Indeed, many local Doulu soldiers refused to risk the campaign; only after adding Shazhou's eager, bow‑and‑horse‑skilled elites did they barely reach three thousand, and they forcibly requisitioned three thousand camels from the Shazhou Hu merchants.

Fang Chongyong did not shirk hardship; he asked each soldier, and anyone unwilling to march was never forced by orders—everything was based on voluntary participation.

Everyone has their own aspirations; forced melons aren't sweet. Defending Shazhou, these soldiers have already fulfilled their duty. Forcing them to die together will only cause disaster at the crucial moment.

As for why camels are used, it's because they must cross a great desert and the extensive desert terrain of Gua Prefecture; horses are less suitable than camels. This is Cui Qianyou's experience: when they originally rode horses across the desert, by the time they reached Ziting Town the horses were nearly exhausted, and they were lucky not to encounter the Tubo people those days.

A more important reason is that Fang Chongyong intends to disguise the troops as a Hu merchant camel caravan during the march, to confuse the Tubo scouts and achieve surprise in the campaign.

"The commander looks in good spirits."

Cui Qianyou, lagging about half a horse's length behind, laughed, his white robe wrapped tightly around him; the Hu attire on camels in the desert is indeed effective against sun, and Fang Chongyong's clever idea is commendable.

Disguising as a Hu merchant convoy, pretending to do business at the Tubo camp—whether such a low‑grade trick works or not, trying it is always fine, and it costs little effort.

Since Gua Prefecture no longer has Tang troops, there is naturally no "friend‑or‑foe identification." Wearing Tang uniforms brings only drawbacks, no benefits, from any angle. The more Cui Qianyou thought about it, the more he felt Fang Chongyong was bold yet meticulous, with limitless prospects.

"It's okay, I don't seem as scared now."

Fang Chongyong gave a slight nod; he saw that the air above the yellow sand had become twisted, causing bouts of dizziness. The scorching sun hung in the sky, and even the air drawn into his lungs felt hot. Such harsh weather is indeed unsuitable for long-distance marching.

The Tibetans would surely not expect there to be cavalry here in Shazhou, let alone camel cavalry, daring to raid their supply base, would they?

After all, when the Tibetans attack Shazhou they never take this road lacking water sources.

Fang Chongyong went over every detail of this battle again in his mind, feeling that all the elements needed for victory were already in place.

"Ten years to forge a sword, the frosted blade never yet tested. Today I show it to my lord—who has any grievance?"

He silently recited that poem by Jia Dao in his mouth, and heroic spirit surged in his heart.

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(End of chapter)