Chapter 167: Rescuing the Useless Golden Martial Guard

"Ah Sheng, what do you think, judging by the situation in Shazhou, how are Chang'an's Golden Martial Guard?"

Just as Zhang Guangsheng was preparing to leave, Fang Chongyong suddenly asked a seemingly unrelated question.

"General, do you want to hear the truth?"

Zhang Guangsheng leaned close to Fang Chongyong, lowered his voice and asked.

He had to be careful, because in an army, recklessly speaking ill of comrades or even launching a map cannon is a very dangerous and improper thing.

Even facing Fang Chongyong, one cannot speak recklessly or without restraint.

"Of course it's the truth. What's the point of exchanging pleasantries between us?"

Fang Chongyong nodded slightly and said.

"No matter how you look at them, they are just useless decorations, embroidered pillows."

Zhang Guangsheng said with a look of disdain.

That remark was truly spot-on!

Although he said that with his mouth, he actually held little contempt for these "colleagues" in his heart.

The people in the Golden Martial Guard still have something commendable: they all know they are useless. They know they are "has-been stars" unloved by father and mother, despised by Ji Ge.

Unlike the Dragon Martial Army, which is clearly made up of worthless market folk, yet each feels good about themselves, thinking they are Ji Ge's personal troops and thus become "invincible", able to strut around Chang'an.

Since the militia system collapsed and became nominal, the quality and organization of the Sixteen Guards of the Southern Directorate have plummeted cliff-like.

The Tang elite troops now all come from the frontiers; it is a consensus of court and countryside. Among them, the Hexi Armies, which have long controlled the steppe and Tubo directions, are the most elite, and they also have the most warhorses.

Zhang Guangsheng said the Golden Martial Guard are nothing but embroidered pillows, and he indeed has grounds to say this; it is not just idle boasting.

"First, the armor of the Golden Martial Guard is too heavy, merely ornamental, with no consideration for combat needs. I, wearing this armor on duty at the Jingzhao Prefecture Office, look good but can only stroll around; if I really had to fight in this armor, I could not move, and going into battle would mean death."

Zhang Guangsheng first complained that the Golden Martial Guard's armor is too cumbersome, not as good as the camel-skin armor of Hexi. The armor and weapons of the frontier troops have been repeatedly tested in long-term practice. It is not that the court gives them weapons and they just use whatever; privately they have choices.

Wearing the Golden Martial Guard's armor, one cannot even catch thieves, let alone fight; one can only be dragged to death by others.

"Not bad, I have also considered this point. The existence of the Golden Martial Guard is merely..."

Fang Chongyong pondered for a long time, not knowing how to describe it.

You say the Golden Martial Guard is useless, yet these people really do maintain Chang'an's public order, handling those petty clerks who find it inconvenient to deal with corvée labor conscription.

Once a serious public order incident occurs in Chang'an that has not risen to the level of rebellion, such troubles are handled by the Golden Martial Guard.

But to say they are of great use is not entirely true either. The Golden Martial Guard cannot crack major cases, their ability to surveil officials and gather information is mediocre, and their numbers are especially small, almost occupying no position at all.

If one must speak, Fang Chongyong feels they are typical of "having it or not makes no difference."

"General Fang, what do you intend to do? With these five hundred men, you cannot stir up anything. When you were in Shazhou, each of your expeditions exceeded five hundred."

Zhang Guangsheng said somewhat dispiritedly.

"Waiting passively for death is not my style. Even if I serve as Deputy Commander of the Golden Martial Guard for just one month, I must make a name for myself."

Fang Chongyong tapped the wooden board inscribed with "Why say the Golden Martial Guard is useless" and said.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Guangsheng was startled, finding it hard to believe and asked: "General Fang, can you only serve as Deputy Commander of the Golden Martial Guard for one month?"

"Yes, at most one month. After the Holy Person returns to Chang'an, my post will be replaced.

You surely do not really think that, with my seniority, I can long hold the position of Deputy Commander of the Golden Martial Guard, do you?"

Fang Chongyong sighed, saying he clearly understood that this time he was again being used as a spear by Ji Ge.

However, such pain points are actually just the norm of being an official.

Anyway, in Ji Ge's eyes, others are merely dogs, differing only in breed; there is no need to fuss over one's standing in the emperor's heart.

Hold whatever office, just do what should be done properly; everything else is delusion, not worth mentioning.

Fang Chongyong sees this very clearly, almost reaching the state of being free of desire and thus firm.

"Alas, it turns out I can only serve as Deputy Commander of the Golden Martial Guard for one month."

Zhang Guangsheng could not help but sigh; the Golden Martial Guard has many flaws, yet displaying might in Chang'an is still quite imposing.

"These are experiences; do not be too greedy, there will be plenty of opportunities later."

Fang Chongyong stared at the torches in the pledge room, his gaze blazing. His days are still long, and he still has much time. Such a long time is enough to do many seemingly unimaginable things.

"Go rest, get proper rest; recently we may face great trouble."

Fang Chongyong sighed softly, saying to the regretful-looking Zhang Guangsheng.

……

"We lost this round."

In the study of the Left Chancellor's residence, Left Chancellor Zhang Shougui listened to the report of his eldest son Zhang Xiancheng, shook his head disappointedly and said.

The response of the Jingzhao Prefecture Office today was very appropriate, even describable as stunning; he could find no flaw!

Unless extreme measures are used!

Beside Zhang Shougui still sat a thin, frail middle-aged man, namely the Vice Censor Zhang Yi.

After a period of turmoil and meticulous consideration, Zhang Yi still completely leaned toward Left Chancellor Zhang Shougui, thus rejecting the olive branch extended by Right Chancellor Li Linfu.

No matter how Li Linfu tried to win him over, Zhang Shougui's offer to Zhang Yi for the chancellorship far exceeded Li Linfu's price. Li Linfu could not possibly support Zhang Yi becoming chancellor, for that would only weaken his own power.

Therefore, this struggle actually hinges on controlling Zhang Shi; yet Li Linfu, who could already pop champagne at halftime, was ultimately kicked in the leg by Ji Ge.

In fact, the power now held by Zhang Yi is highly complementary to that of Zhang Shougui, who oversees frontier military affairs; their combined effect is absolutely not a simple one plus one equals two.

Meanwhile, Li Linfu's power base lies mainly in the Six Ministries; if Zhang Yi becomes chancellor, he will surely extend his hand into the Six Ministries to seize Li Linfu's power.

Under normal circumstances, Zhang Yi would only lean toward Zhang Shougui.

The creature of power sees only power in its eyes.

Li Linfu's closeness to Fang Chongyong, even wanting to win over Fang Youde, is likewise motivated by the hope of strengthening his influence in the frontiers, again because of power, not because Fang Youde is especially loyal to Ji Ge or Fang Chongyong is particularly shrewd in handling affairs.

"Zheng Shuqing barely managed to cope today; how did we lose then?"

Zhang Yi asked somewhat dissatisfiedly.

Zhang Shougui waved his hand, not wanting to explain further.

But he saw that Zhang Yi's face seemed displeased, so he still patiently explained: "Zheng Shuqing's tactics are exactly to advance by retreating, to wait for change by dragging things out. If we were to wear him down here, that would be exactly what he wants."

Seeing that Zhang Yi still seemed not to understand, Zhang Shougui felt utterly annoyed, suppressing his anger he said:

"I have few trusted aides among the Six Ministries besides the Ministry of War; the Right Chancellor does not handle military affairs, and although I oversee the Ministry of War, I am also bound by military matters."

The Sage had Censor Zhang examine the examination cheating matter; in fact, he also hopes you do not interfere with the examinations.

So it is clear that my struggle with the Right Chancellor can only take place around the Jingzhao Prefecture Office; we must not expand the battlefield to the whole court—this is the Sage's intention.

Appointing Fang Chongyong as Middle Colonel of the Jinwu Guard also serves to balance the two sides' strength. Now Fang Chongyong openly favors Zheng Shuqing; our frontal assault fails, so we must find another way.

Zhang Shougui spoke his understanding.

Li Longji's recent personnel adjustments can be described as moving a thousand pounds with four ounces—very subtle. In effect, he has concentrated the Left and Right Chancellor's struggle into a very small sphere, and even hopes the examinations will not be affected.

He also deliberately pulled strings, having Zheng Shuqing release the son of Censorate Vice Chief Zhang Yi, Zhang Shi, just to prevent the Right Chancellor's side from pressing their advantage.

"Rest assured, I will definitely keep an eye on the Right Chancellor's side. Once any rumor about the examination preparations leaks, I will investigate to the bottom."

Zhang Yi solemnly promised Zhang Shougui, but as he spoke he seemed to have forgotten that not long ago his son Zhang Shi openly went to the Apricot Flower Pavilion to celebrate his examination success!

He passed without even taking the exam—how arrogant! This goes far beyond the realm of 'examination cheating'; it is outright contempt for the law.

Perhaps, in the eyes of people like Zhang Yi, laws are made for others to obey; if they can avoid obeying, they will surely find a way to evade them.

"Recently the winds are tight; even Censor Zhang must watch his words and deeds."

Zhang Shougui advised with deep meaning.

Zhang Yi felt the sarcasm in the other's words, snorted coldly, rose, performed a salute, and took his leave.

After he left, Zhang Xiancheng finally said to Zhang Shougui with a worried face: "Father, I see that Zhang Yi is not someone capable of great deeds; cooperating with them is most unwise."

"You talk about others, but your own little faults—I haven't even had a chance to reprimand you yet!"

Zhang Shougui couldn't help complaining, then immediately adjusted his mood and asked: "Now that things have come to this, can your trick still be used?"

"Father, this trick works even better now."

Zhang Xiancheng said indifferently, clearly not thinking his father's worry necessary.

"Fang Chongyong is after all a Middle Colonel of the Jinwu Guard, and he still has five hundred soldiers under his command."

"If you do that, you will inevitably drag him down as well. Then we will have to deal with more than just Zheng Shuqing."

"You said Fang Chongyong is formidable, so why not avoid his sharp edge?"

Zhang Shougui asked, puzzled.

"Father, don't you see that Fang Chongyong has already turned to the Right Chancellor?"

Zhang Xiancheng said urgently.

Zhang Shougui may not be in a hurry, but he is already anxious. For he knows he has utterly offended Fang Chongyong; their grudge may be hard to resolve.

"Ah, what you say is not without reason. But have you considered how the Sage might view this?"

Zhang Shougui sighed and said.

"Father, the Sage hopes someone can share the Right Chancellor's power. He certainly does not want that person to be too weak, utterly unable to suppress the Right Chancellor."

"If Father is not such a person, the Sage will simply look for another suitable one. If Father does not contend, that would be a real loss."

Zhang Xiancheng advised patiently.

Zhang Shougui thought it over and finally nodded slightly.

"Putting it bluntly, the Sage hopes he and Li Linfu will fight over a bone like wild dogs in a mud pit! If he himself dare not contend, then he loses his usefulness."

"At this juncture, truly one cannot retreat a step. Even if some actions might make the Sage uncomfortable, when it is time to act, one must not shrink back."

"Li Linfu holds absolute control in the Department of State Affairs, so only in military affairs does Zhang Shougui have overriding authority; otherwise he must ally with Zhang Yi, using the Censorate as a springboard to find fault with Li Linfu."

"In short, as long as the frontier is peaceful, we are merely reactive."

"These offices are Li Linfu's home turf; he has operated them for years, with many followers, his power not small."

"Only by avoiding the struggle over the Six Ministries, stepping outside the basic framework, can we bring the two sides' strength onto the same plane and contend for the overall situation on this partial battlefield. In fact, Li Longji's thinking is the same; otherwise he would not have had Zheng Shuqing release Zhang Shi."

"Thus, remember to handle things cleanly, not fearing expense. At any time we can sever ties cleanly."

"If in the end we cannot turn the tide, we must certainly cut off our wrist like a brave warrior."

Zhang Shougui instructed decisively.

Zhang Xiancheng stared, then gave a wry smile: "Father, to feed those people we have spent a lot of money; to really say we give up and give up would be hard."

"Yes, keep the green mountains, and we need not fear lack of firewood. As long as the Sage does not catch us in a weak spot, that is our opportunity."

Zhang Shougui's tone was very cold.

"Understood, Father, please rest assured."

Zhang Xiancheng clasped his hands and performed a salute.

"Go on."

Zhang Shougui helplessly waved his hand, his mood at its worst.

"In this world, everyone must contend; only the Sage can refrain from contending."

"What does it matter if one is a premier? As soon as one sits in that position, everything is no longer up to oneself."

"What the Sage says, that is what it must be. Li Linfu is thus, and I must be as well."

He walked out of the study into the courtyard, looked up at the new moon in the sky, bright and beautiful as a painting.

"The wicked struggle is about to begin."

Zhang Shougui let out a faint sigh: "These past four years, the frontiers have been peaceful, and the Sage has also neglected state affairs."

"In the court, various dregs have surfaced; his struggle with the Right Chancellor Li Linfu is merely superficial, and the Sage's long failure to appoint a crown prince is the root of the court's disorder."

"The crown prince is the foundation of the state; this saying is not just idle talk!"

"But why does the Sage not appoint a crown prince? He is about to turn sixty—how many emperors in history have lived past sixty?"

Zhang Shougui had a judgment in his heart, but he didn't dare tell anyone.

Perhaps the sage never even considered posthumous affairs; perhaps only when he was about to die a natural death would he think about the issue of succession.

This old fool!

Zhang Shougui couldn't help but silently curse Li Longji for being greedy and shameless.

……

The Golden Guard's current establishment is not large, yet there are not few officials inside; it remains the same as the former "large establishment" configuration. It is a classic case of many officials and few soldiers, with the phenomenon of redundant officials being extremely severe.

Taking the Left Golden Guard as an example, there is one Colonel, one Chief Clerk, one Assistant Officer, two Granary Assistant Officers, two Military Assistant Officers, one Cavalry Assistant Officer, and one Household Assistant Officer.

Additionally, there are two Rank Officers, three Lieutenants, five Halberd Officers, and five Spear Officers.

Furthermore, if we also count the Golden Guard generals who are normally not stationed among Chang'an officials and are basically used as honorary posts, then there are twenty-five military officers but only an establishment of five hundred personnel, averaging twenty soldiers per officer, not even including the grassroots "Squad Leaders".

Many of these positions are merely nominal, yet the court still inserts nobles' offspring to idle away their time, a case of excessive staffing taken to the extreme.

At this very moment, just as the shift began, Fang Chongyong summoned all those twenty-plus officers to his duty room.

"Everyone, you should also understand what the current state of the Golden Guard is like."

"So, I want to discuss a major matter with you."

Fang Chongyong shouted, and on the large wooden board painted with white paint he wrote two large characters in a vigorous, flowing style:

Make money!

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(End of chapter)