Chapter 164: Sending You to the Azure Clouds

"Fang Chongyong, receive the imperial edict."

Seeing the stunned Fang Chongyong, Gao Lishi said with a smiling grin.

"A humble servant receives the edict."

Fang Chongyong took the yellow silk scroll from Gao Lishi with both hands, his face looking odd.

"Your father Fang Quanzhong, the Lingnan Military Governor, is no commoner. No matter how you look at it, you come from an official family; a commoner's words are the greatest farce under heaven."

Gao Lishi waved his hand, correcting the "small" flaw in Fang Chongyong's wording.

Beside them, Zhang Xiancheng felt a sudden thump in his heart and muttered that it didn't look good. From this stance, it seemed Fang Chongyong's imperial favor was indeed lofty!

"Left Jinwu Guard Zhonglang Jiang?"

Fang Chongyong spread out the edict, examined it repeatedly, confirming he hadn't misread it, and instantly felt incredulous.

He was once a prisoner in the lower ranks, now he holds absolute authority. This change is far too swift, isn't it?

Li Mi handed the copper fish talisman at his waist to Fang Chongyong, saying, "The Jinwu Guard bears great responsibility; General Fang must speak and act cautiously." His words were full of admonition.

But perhaps someone is taking his place, which also counts as escaping the misery. Li Mi's face bore an obvious ease.

Zhonglang Jiang is a title of "neither donkey nor horse nor dog"; each of the three characters in its name carries a meaning.

Thus, even though Fang Chongyong is already a Jinwu Guard Zhonglang Jiang, outsiders still address him as "General Fang", not "Fang Zhonglang Jiang", let alone "Fang Jinwu".

In this office, "Zhong" indicates that its nature is a palace inner‑court servant; "Lang" denotes its civil official attribute, i. e., a gentleman officer or attendant; "Jiang" signifies its military attribute, i. e., a commander who can lead troops.

Such an odd title subtly implies the special status of a Zhonglang Jiang.

The Jinwu Guard Zhonglang Jiang position is both part of the elite troops and directly obeys the emperor, while also being a civil official receiving orders authorized by the highest civil official, the Prime Minister.

It can be called a superb post that unites "imperial authority", "military general", and "civil official" into one.

But of course, that's just bragging; it sounds nice. In reality, the Jinwu Guard under Fang Chongyong numbers only about five hundred men.

He commands half of the Jinwu Guard's forces.

Fang Chongyong glanced at Zhang Xiancheng, saw that the latter dared not meet his gaze, and silently speculated.

The Jinwu Guard Recorder‑Attendant is merely an eighth‑rank official, appearing unremarkable.

However, this post does not report directly to him; it falls under the Censorate.

Its responsibility is to supervise Jinwu Guard officials at all levels, handling daily inspections.

Thus Li Mi's dislike for Zhang Xiancheng makes sense, because Zhang Shougui manipulates the Jinwu Guard through Zhang Xiancheng.

Even if one cannot resist, no one is willing to be controlled by others, especially since such "being controlled" ultimately carries political responsibility!

Fang Chongyong didn't know why Ji Ge suddenly appointed him as Jinwu Guard Zhonglang Jiang, but it was clear that if his own troops contained a trouble‑making "Supervisor", the missions would inevitably be mishandled!

Who would want to carry out duties while a foe watches his every move!

"Elder, this Zhang Xiancheng is the Left Prime Minister's son; his presence in the Jinwu Guard might be a bit awkward… I'm not worried he'll cause trouble, just that his being in the Jinwu Guard could delay the saint's great affairs."

Fang Chongyong pulled Gao Lishi aside, lowered his voice, and asked, emphasizing the words "great affairs".

This great affair could be an internal matter of the Jinwu Guard; it could also concern the Hexi Trade Route!

It depends on how Gao Lishi interprets it!

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Gao Lishi gave a slight nod without taking a stance.

Seeing that the other seemed somewhat stirred, Fang Chongyong decided to add more fuel.

Fang Chongyong said slyly, "Moreover, this time he reported me for imperial examination fraud. Now I'm already a Jinwu Guard Zhonglang Jiang, so there should be no suspicion of exam cheating, right? If false accusations lead to punishment, shouldn't Zhang Xiancheng also speak up?"

The meaning in his words was crystal clear: get rid of this eyesore Zhang Yanei quickly, or else I'll definitely give him a hard time in the future, or he might give me a hard time.

Fang Chongyong believed that Ji Ge was eager to see his subordinates—regional military governors, prime ministers, and other high officials—become great officials, and that the descendants of these people would become sworn enemies!

The more their feud hardened, the more Ji Ge would like it!

As the closest attendant to Ji Ge, Gao Lishi could not possibly fail to understand this reasoning.

"Then I should go to the Council Hall now and speak with the two Prime Ministers? Or what do you want to do?"

An inscrutable smile spread across Gao Lishi's face as he looked at Fang Chongyong and asked.

"Over in Hexi, I recall the Guazhou Governor just returned to the capital to report his duties, and there is still no suitable candidate."

Sending Zhang Xiancheng to Hexi to serve as Guazhou Governor would neither hinder me nor him; wouldn't that be a win‑win?"

Fang Chongyong decided to go along with Zhang Yanei's intention, giving him extra push so he runs faster on his self‑destructive path!

"Um, treating him that way, could it be too generous?"

One still has to assert authority, just as you orchestrated the extermination of the Xing clan.

Gao Lishi asked in confusion, not quite understanding what Fang Chongyong intended.

A border town governor with four years of experience is a valuable political résumé for these high‑official offspring, accelerating future promotions.

"I am a very magnanimous person; I would never kill someone just because they offended me once."

It is better to resolve enemies than to entangle them.

But keeping him in the Jinwu Guard makes me uncomfortable, makes him uncomfortable, and I'm afraid the Left Prime Minister would also be uneasy—what a bother that would be.

Fang Chongyong explained patiently.

Upon hearing this, Gao Lishi, though still half‑skeptical, gave a slight nod of agreement and said, "That works then; the Guazhou Governor position isn't especially important. Moreover, the Left Prime Minister once served as Guazhou Governor, so sending Zhang Xiancheng there would even make for a fine story."

Of course it's a fine story; otherwise I wouldn't have said it!

Fang Chongyong inwardly muttered, while outwardly he nodded with sincere trepidation.

Given Zhang Yanei's self‑righteous, youthful arrogance, he would surely exploit the governorship to meddle with the Shazhou caravan trade.

But however he plays, he'll sting a hornet's nest. The amount of wealth is fixed, and Zhang Yanei has no special tricks.

Moreover, the system Fang Chongyong designed himself obviously knows its strengths and weaknesses.

The tricks of the Pang scheme, no matter how often they're played, never change in essence.

If this system lacks a continual influx of fresh blood, it will become a malformed "internal circulation" system.

Ji Ge gave the "earned" inner‑treasury treasures and riches to nobles like the three Yang wives.

These nobles took the money to the eastern market of Chang'an to buy extravagantly overpriced luxury goods.

The biggest owner behind the luxury shops is Ji Ge himself, who continuously leeches from these powerful nobles.

These nobles, in a race to outdo each other, also strain themselves to exploit the common folk locally, extracting more money at sky‑high costs to sustain normal social dealings within the luxury‑noble circle.

This does not even include the inflated "processing fees" and "referral fees" for the so‑called buying and selling of official posts.

Even Fang Chongyong dares not contemplate what terrible consequences this system might produce if it continues to develop; as an uneducated ancient man, can Zhang Yanei possibly imagine it?

Probably, after Zhang Yanei reaches Hexi, he will think he has struck a gold mine and truly strain himself to scoop up money.

Yet he cannot foresee that not only is a large portion of that money untouchable by Ji Ge, but the rest belongs to local Qiu Ba and the various officials of Hexi, also untouchable.

Once touched, a clash with the corresponding forces begins.

Even if none of these were issues, everyone being blind allowed Zhang Yanei to get away with a huge profit.

It seems this system is not far from a violent explosion.

And once the thunder blows, its impact is beyond Fang Chongyong's estimation; in short, it will make Ji Ge extremely furious, even uncontrollably angry.

At that moment, if Ji Ge were to hold the mastermind accountable, would he go after Fang Yanei, who for four years has taken nothing and delivered countless riches to Ji Ge; or would he go after Zhang Yanei, who left shortly after and made a massive haul, causing the Hexi trade‑smuggling network to collapse completely?

The answer is self‑evident.

To bring it to ruin, one must first drive it mad!

Fang Chongyong's move can be called a "yang scheme" aimed at Zhang Xiancheng. If that person can endure it and is willing to govern well in Guazhou, then Fang Chongyong's yang scheme will be completely bankrupt.

Otherwise, it is a self‑inflicted sin that cannot be lived with, and no one can blame others.

"Alas, lately the Left Prime Minister and Right Prime Minister have been fighting fiercely.

They haven't been home lately; they eat and sleep in the Council Hall. Though their desks face each other, they never utter a word.

Hehe, if you're looking for the Right Prime Minister, don't go openly brandishing a weapon into the Council Hall; you must watch your path."

Gao Lishi gave Fang Chongyong a firm pat on the shoulder and turned to leave. The others were eager to depart as well, and soon the office room was left with only Fang Chongyong.

Because this place is his own office.

"Elder! Could you place a trusted aide inside the Jinwu Guard? Otherwise no one will run errands."

It was then that Fang Chongyong remembered he had forgotten to assign a post to Zhang Guangsheng, and hurriedly caught up to whisper to Gao Lishi.

"Below the eighth rank, just report directly to the Right Prime Minister; it's a trivial matter! Hurry back home and report safety!"

Gao Lishi berated him, as if seeing a venomous beast, and fled faster than he could run, fearing slander.

"Hehe, treat an official as a Jinwu Guard, and take a wife as if marrying Wang Wenshou."

"When is the right time to leave Chang'an for an external posting, then quietly finalize the marriage?"

"In Chang'an city, dragons and tigers hide, so one must keep a low profile; marrying in Chang'an is a terrible omen."

Fang Chongyong crossed his arms, gazed at the deep‑set imperial city beyond the Jinwu Guard office, and muttered to himself.

…

Late at night, near the temporary palace of Tang Emperor Li Longji set at the foot of Zhongnan Mountain, Prince of Loyalty Li Heng was warming himself by a fire.

On a makeshift grill beside him, he sprinkled spices onto lamb, preparing to roast it as a midnight snack.

Of course, it was meant for Ji Ge to eat, a son's "filial respect" to his father. But whether Ji Ge will actually eat it is not the concern of this "great filial son."

This posture itself was performed for Ji Ge's eyes, and for outsiders to see.

At that moment, one of Li Heng's close attendants slipped beside him and began discreetly helping to sprinkle seasoning.

"How is the princess doing? I heard she fell ill; is her condition improving now?"

Li Heng's slightly haggard face bore a barely perceptible tension and unease, his facial muscles taut.

"Your Highness, the princess passed away just three shi (about nine hours) ago."

The attendant said calmly.

"Alas, beauty is fleeting. I, the Prince, am deeply grieved."

Li Heng sighed, his expression melancholy, though he could not tell what he mourned.

"Is there anyone else who knows about this?"

Li Heng could not help but ask.

"Your Highness, the news has been sealed; no public mourning will be announced."

"Alright, let it be so; let me have some quiet.

By the way, the Sage's amusements are at their peak these days; do not let this trivial matter disturb the Sage."

Li Heng gestured weakly and said. Outsiders only see his fatigue, unable to tell whether he is happy or sad.

The princess's death does not even make him feel sorrow; this Prince of Loyalty's heart is exceptionally ruthless!

The attendant thought silently.

"Here, I will now return to the Tenth Prince's residence."

"Very well, after returning to Chang'an, we will announce the mourning."

Li Heng continued to stress, unsure whether he was persuading his subordinate or himself.

After that servant left, he let out a long sigh, his heart a mixture of flavors, not knowing what he was thinking.

Princess Wei is Wei Jian's sister; Wei Jian aspires to become a chancellor, and his chances of success are high.

Therefore, this hidden threat must be eliminated.

Thus the Wei clan, defiled by Li Longji, must die!

If she does not die, the earlier abortion incident cannot be explained; the Sage will think it was done by this "good son"!

What the Princess Wei carries in her womb is, after all, the Sage's own flesh and blood!

If she does not die, the Sage will continue to monopolize and toy with his daughter‑in‑law.

As her husband, the Loyal Prince, I fear that in the end he will be forced by Ji Ge to become a Rebel Prince!

As long as that woman dies, everything can be justified.

The sage has not defiled the daughter-in-law, the daughter-in-law has not conceived an illegitimate child, and the alliance of interests between the Loyal Prince's Mansion and Wei Jian's side will not be substantially affected.

As husband and wife, supporting each other until death—how wonderful that is.

So, as her husband, sending away this wife who is no longer 'pure' is not wrong, right?

I haven't done anything wrong, have I?

Li Heng repeatedly questioned himself in his heart; he seemed to see that, beyond the fire, the ghost of Lady Wei was wandering about, glaring at him with a ferocious expression.

However, focusing his gaze carefully, it seemed there was nothing at all.

He placed the seasoned lamb on the grill, lit the fire underneath, and Li Heng sat there on a crude stool, absentmindedly shaking the wooden handle on the grill, turning the lamb fixed above.

Turning and turning, his thoughts seemed to return to the day Lady Wei entered the bridal chamber.

The wedding was lively, with many guests, abundant dowry and bridal gifts. It was a marriage of great weight.

At that time, Lady Wei was so beautiful, so young, full of vitality.

Her soft skin seemed as if water could be squeezed from it!

Even during intercourse, she brought a fresh vigor and an indescribable sense of pleasure.

After marriage, everything was also plain yet harmonious.

She also seems not to have done anything wrong, right?

It seems that is indeed the case, right?

The only thing she did wrong was to be toyed with by her father-in-law and to have her belly made big.

It's a pity that, in this world, often only the outcome is looked at, not the process, nor the reason asked.

A sense of sorrow welled up in Li Heng's heart; as the son of Li Longji, this is such sadness. Previously there was the incident of killing three sons in one day—who knows if there will be more later?

"I really don't want to, I really don't want to—I will surely give you a splendid funeral…"

Two drops of crocodile tears fell from Li Heng's eyes onto the lamb being roasted, producing a 'hiss' sound.

A gust of wind blew past, and it seemed that Lady Wei's soft whispers filled his ears, as if she were calling out in a tempting voice: 'Come keep me company! Come keep me company! I can't wait any longer!'

"Ah!"

In his daze, Li Heng accidentally touched the scorching lamb, and instantly a large blister rose on the back of his hand.

A soldier of the Longwu Army on duty nearby came running over, clasped his fists in salute to Li Heng, and asked: 'Your Highness, you've been scalded; let me go get some medicine…'

"No need, it's just a small matter."

Li Heng's face twitched from the pain, but he pretended not to care and waved his hand at that Longwu Army soldier.

"In that case, I'll take my leave."

That Longwu Army soldier, who wanted to curry favor, ended up flattering the horse's leg instead, and could only retreat embarrassedly.

Looking at the ruined lamb, Li Heng kicked it over in anger, panting heavily on the spot, his fists clenched tight, his face contorted with ferocity!

(End of chapter)