Chapter 188: I Give You a Chance, Yet You

The Ba Bridge of the Tang dynasty was first built in the third year of Emperor Wen of Sui's Kaihuang era (583 AD) and sits at the strategic junction of the roads from Chang'an to Tongguan, Pujin Pass, and Lantian Pass, giving it great strategic importance. The Ba Bridge was originally just an ordinary bridge over the Ba River outside Chang'an.

The bridge itself was plain, yet it was a required crossing for many post roads and served as a "check‑in point" for officials entering and leaving Chang'an.

Therefore the words "Ba Bridge" appear very frequently in poets' verses; 133 poems in the Complete Tang Poems mention Ba Bridge, and these factors make the place stand out as extraordinary.

The government established a post station at Ba Bridge, providing lodging for traveling officials and supplying the troops stationed there.

At this moment, before noon, many travelers had gathered near the Ba Bridge post, and everyone stared anxiously at the smoke signals rising somewhere inside Chang'an, each too frightened to speak.

When smoke signals rise, trouble follows; this is an iron rule.

Smoke signals are not made with just anything; their materials and formula are unique, and the thick smoke they produce is likewise distinctive and instantly recognizable.

Smoke signals lighting up inside Chang'an—how many years have passed since such a scene was seen!

"What has happened in Chang'an?"

Right Jinwu Guard Colonel Pei Min stood on a temporary arrow tower erected in the large camp, gazing at the smoke signals toward Chang'an.

His preliminary judgment: it should be near the Imperial City, perhaps not far from Xingqing Palace.

He muttered to himself while watching, his heart already sunk to the bottom of a valley.

Having the entire Southern Yamen Guard stay outside Chang'an was already an extremely odd imperial edict; given the current awkward status of the Southern Yamen Guard, it is even more so.

Contrary to most later estimates, among the Sixteen Guards of Chang'an's Southern Yamen Guard, only the Left and Right Jinwu Guard, Left and Right Qian Niu Guard, and Left and Right Jianmen Guard have fixed establishments.

The other ten guards have no fixed establishment—in blunt terms, they are "ad hoc" units.

If it exists, it exists; if not, it doesn't—its exact size depends on whether the military offices around Chang'an can send militia to "reinforce" Chang'an.

It is somewhat similar to Fang Chongyong's previous‑life reserve system of the Israel Defense Forces. In the Southern Yamen they hang a sign; when troops are sent to reinforce Chang'an, they are stuffed inside, a campaign commander is added, forming a unit that is then dispatched to fight—nothing more.

As for equipment and supplies, those are not the Southern Yamen's concern; they fall under the Ministry of War.

In early Tang, each of these ten guards could field ten thousand men—a modest number—regularly campaigning beyond the empire's borders and serving as top‑tier elite; after the militia system collapsed in the mid‑later period, a guard might not even muster a hundred men. Sometimes the entire honor guard had to recruit street thugs to fill the ranks.

Regrettably, today those ten guards are exactly that situation—essentially just "paper statistics" and no longer exist as standing troops.

This system was established in early Tang and reflects the tradition that the elite militia of Guanzhong were the Southern Yamen's ten guards; the original design was sound, but the militia both built and broke it, and with the militia system's collapse the Southern Yamen Guard naturally retained only its most basic form, colloquially known as the "Southern Yamen Six Armies".

Compared with the Jianmen Guard confined to the palace city (not the Imperial City) and the smaller, unfavored Qian Niu Guard, the Jinwu Guard has the largest establishment, the widest operational range, and deteriorates the slowest among the Southern Yamen Guard.

Pei Min knew this well; his responsibility was great!

This time the smoke rose over Chang'an, and it seemed many could share the blame, but if disaster truly struck, he and the newly appointed Left Jinwu Guard Colonel Wang Sijing would be the first unlucky ones!

"General Pei, the Prefect of Jingzhao Zheng Shuqing requests an audience, just outside the camp gate."

A close guard gathered and whispered the report.

"Zheng Shuqing?"

Pei Min was startled, silently wondering: at this critical moment, why would the Prefect of Jingzhao come to the military camp?

As an old veteran who had been skulking in the army for decades—Lao Qiu Ba—he was very familiar with the Jinwu Guard's authority. The Jingzhao prefecture's office theoretically oversaw the Southern Yamen Guard, but in many cases its orders were merely empty paperwork.

However, for the Jinwu Guard, which is specifically responsible for security outside Chang'an's outer city, it is different. If other Southern Yamen Guard commanders ignore Zheng Shuqing, it's not a big deal; but the Left and Right Jinwu Guard Colonels cannot disregard him.

"What do you think of Zheng Shuqing as a person?"

Pei Min whispered his question to the nearby guard.

"Sir, the common folk mockingly say: Prefect Zheng calls everyone 'Gan Aye' when he meets them.

He probably… isn't a good man."

The guard used plain language to tell Pei Min how he perceived Zheng Shuqing.

"Understood."

Pei Min gave a slight nod, seeing that the public's impression of Zheng Shuqing matched his own.

He then summoned Left Jinwu Guard Colonel Wang Sijing and also called the two Jianmen Guard generals, so the four of them went together to see Zheng Shuqing. As for the Qian Niu Guard, Pei Min knew that Li Longji harbored deep aversion and caution toward it, so he simply did not summon anyone from the Qian Niu Guard.

"Aren't you Zhang Guangsheng?"

Just as the party reached the camp gate, they saw a burly man standing beside Zheng Shuqing. Pei Min recognized him at a glance: it was Zhang Guangsheng, who had once served in the Jinwu Guard.

"Generals, there is a rebellion inside Chang'an; the smoke signals have been lit, and the Emperor is in grave danger. Now, you should all accompany me into the city to defend the throne!"

Zheng Shuqing said this to Pei Min and the others.

"Prefect Zheng, the imperial edict states we are not permitted to enter the city. To act on just your word and lead troops into Chang'an now seems improper, doesn't it?"

Pei Min calmly refused, and the other colonels echoed a few words, clearly not taking Zheng Shuqing seriously.

"What if someone lit the smoke signals just for sport?"

"Generals, the Emperor truly is in grave danger; Prince Zhong is rebelling and about to seize Chang'an. If we arrive late, the Emperor will be in peril."

Seeing that no one heeded Zheng Shuqing's words, Zhang Guangsheng quickly crossed his arms and bowed, saying,

"If there is an imperial edict, we will follow it."

Wang Sijing, though dressed like a scholar, spoke even more directly, leaving no room for argument.

At this moment, they were just wage‑earners trying to make a living in Tang's Chang'an—lying low when they should, and slacking off when they could!

"Unnecessary tasks, if they can be avoided, should be avoided!"

"Generals, in emergencies we must act pragmatically; how could I possibly have an imperial edict? I also had no knowledge that Prince Zhong was plotting rebellion!"

Zheng Shuqing hastily defended himself.

"Although the Jingzhao Prefecture has the authority to redeploy Southern Yamen troops, its permission is never greater than an imperial edict from the Emperor."

"The Emperor has already ordered us to stay put here."

"Now Prefect Zheng wants us to enter the city with you to defend the throne, which is indeed irregular."

"If disaster occurs, even cutting down you and your entire family, Zheng, would not fill this huge void."

"Therefore, we can only apologize; the Emperor's edict is supreme. Whether it's you or even Prince Zhong coming here to move troops, we will give the same answer."

"Without an imperial edict, we will not move!"

Pei Min said resolutely and righteously.

Zheng Shuqing looked and saw that the two generals of the Gate Guard seemed wavering, not as resolute as Pei Min. He turned his head to them and said, "The Gate Guard's duties are heavy; now you are sending your men back to the capital, Chang'an, and Daming Palace to garrison. No problem, right?"

The two exchanged a glance, then shook their heads.

If it were someone else, perhaps they would truly listen. But the speaker now is Zheng Shuqing, who has been prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture for four years!

This fellow has no principles, his spine softer than a soup cake; who knows if he's being ordered by someone to lead everyone into a trap?

Perhaps the Sage hasn't caused any trouble at all?

"I tell you, if a disaster truly occurs, you will die a hundred deaths without excuse! If you don't go, I will return to the office now and summon the people of Jingzhao Prefecture to rescue the emperor!"

Zheng Shuqing's eyes turned red as he shouted without restraint.

Why do these people refuse to heed advice!

"Zheng Shuqing, I'm not trying to scare you. The Southern Yamen Imperial Guard is stationed at Ba Bridge; this is an edict personally issued by the Sage. What authority do you have to defy the edict?"

Wang Sijing stepped forward, faced Zheng Shuqing, flared his beard and glared, refusing to back down!

Pei Min, watching from the side, looked thoughtful but silent. He had heard that Wang Sijing had some connection with the Loyal King, and that this man had just been appointed as Left Jinwu Guard Middle Colonel.

Now that he rushes forward, is he trying to "reversely serve the king"? Not to serve the Sage, but to serve Loyal King Li Heng?

Pei Min decided to observe the situation before speaking.

When Wang Sijing spoke, the atmosphere instantly froze.

At that moment, two riders galloped from afar. The camp gate guards instantly raised bows and crossbows, aiming at them, and upon the officer's order, shot the two down like hedgehogs.

Seeing this, Pei Min quickly waved his hand to the guards, signaling them not to be nervous. In this situation, no one could possibly storm the camp alone.

After the two approached and dismounted, the crowd finally saw their appearances.

One wore a red cloak, exuding an imposing aura, not angry yet commanding respect. He was Fang Youde, the Lingnan Strategic Commissioner and father of Fang Chongyong. The other seemed to be a bodyguard, extremely burly, clearly a man of great strength.

Neither of them wore armor.

"There is war smoke in Chang'an city, Southern Yamen Imperial Guard, why do you linger here without advancing?"

Upon meeting, Fang Youde immediately bombarded Wang Sijing, who was standing at the front, with the question.

"The Sage ordered us to wait here; we may not enter the city."

Wang Sijing said somewhat sheepishly.

Actually, regarding the Southern Yamen?

In the end, these people are "mechanical" executors of the order, acting with a "do no wrong" mindset while idling outside the city.

Describing them as "their hearts can be condemned" is not excessive.

Of course, Ji Ge has never liked the Southern Yamen Imperial Guard; he's constantly cutting their ranks. He can be a first rank, but of course cannot blame the guard for being a fifteenth rank.

"Why are you here?"

Fang Youde turned his head to Zheng Shuqing, asking in an unfriendly tone.

"The Loyal King is rebelling; the Sage is now in danger. I, as Prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture, have mobilized troops into the city to quell the rebellion, but they refuse to obey."

Zheng Shuqing said helplessly, trying to use Fang Youde as a lifeline.

"How could the Loyal King be rebelling?"

Fang Youde asked in confusion, his face incredulous.

"Whether you believe it or not, the fact is as stated; this is not a hard thing to verify!"

"Now the urgent matter is to mobilize troops into the city to quell the rebellion!"

Zheng Shuqing complained furiously, causing Zhang Guangsheng beside him to shake his head.

This Zheng, the Prefect, can discuss state affairs in his study, but to have him execute them is riddled with loopholes—a typical case of a mud that cannot be propped up.

"Is that so? Did the Prefect just say that earlier?"

Fang Youde looked at Wang Sijing and asked.

"Yes, that's correct. But yesterday the imperial edict told us to stay outside the city; Zheng Shuqing has no edict, how can we enter?"

Wang Sijing retorted confidently, then realized he didn't recognize the man before him, and shouted angrily, "Who are you? I am the Left Jinwu Guard Middle Colonel Wang Sijing; on what grounds do you question me?"

"I am the Lingnan Strategic Commissioner Fang Youde, ordered to return to the capital to report duty, merely passing through here."

Fang Youde said coldly.

"Oh, I see. Then it's none of your business; please leave this place immediately."

Wang Sijing said impatiently.

He certainly knows who Fang Youde is, but now Wang Sijing has his own grievances.

He cannot forget the Loyal King's orders for a moment; as long as he can stall the Southern Yamen Imperial Guard from returning to Chang'an, that's a great achievement. With the matter about to succeed, how could anyone ruin it?

"When we are abroad, military orders may be ignored. Now Chang'an has already lit the war smoke; the Sage could not have foreseen the current situation, perhaps trapped and unable to issue an edict."

"Taking troops to the place where the war smoke rose to stand guard, to see the situation, is the duty of the Southern Yamen Imperial Guard."

"Are you all trying to shirk responsibility?"

Fang Youde asked coldly in return, silently signaling the burly man beside him.

"I say it's impossible unless you have an imperial edict; otherwise, none of the Southern Yamen forces will enter Chang'an."

"Without an edict to bring troops into Chang'an, that's treason!"

Wang Sijing said rigidly, refusing to yield.

Pfft!

Wang Sijing's head instantly shot up into the sky, then rolled like a ball to the side!

The burly man beside Fang Youde suddenly erupted, delivering a massive, forceful slash that beheaded Wang Sijing. The spurting blood splattered all over Fang Youde!

Pei Min and the other two were stunned; killing a senior general over a trivial dispute—you're really planning rebellion!

"Now I will lead the Southern Yamen Imperial Guard to Chang'an to serve the king, rescue the Sage!"

"I care not for laws; I will repay the Sage's kindness. The king's grace outweighs the law; the present Sage is only one!"

Who among you is willing to enter the city with me?

Your official positions were granted by the Sage, your troops are the Sage's troops, not the troops of any rebel king!

You are certainly not lazy monks who merely ring the bell day after day!

Since the Sage is in trouble, now is the time to be loyal to the Sage. So, are you going to follow me or not!

Whatever responsibility comes later can be pinned on someone on our side! But for now, just tell me—go, or not go!

Ask yourselves honestly—do you still have loyalty!

Loyalty to the Sage! Do you have it or not!

Fang Youde drew his pendant sword, pointed it coldly at Pei Min, slapped his own chest with his other hand, and roared at the crowd.

"We are willing to obey Fang Jiedushi's orders!"

If Zheng Shuqing is a notoriously corrupt official, then Fang Youde is truly a pillar of the Great Tang, whose might shakes the frontiers, and he was also an old retainer of Li Longji when Li Longji was still a hidden dragon.

He is not only both wise and brave, but his loyalty is beyond words.

Following Fang Youde is, of course, far better than following that corrupt official Zheng Shuqing!

"Very well, I will now temporarily assume the position of Left Jinwu Guard Colonel and directly command the Left Jinwu Guard.

Zheng Prefect, bring out the order."

Fang Youde gave Zheng Shuqing a very disdainful glance, extended his hand, and said.

"Alright, alright, thank you for the trouble."

Zheng Shuqing hurriedly handed the already‑written Jingzhao Prefecture decree from his bosom to Fang Youde.

"You have all seen, right? In urgent matters we act with authority; the Jingzhao Prefecture order is here. Our entry into the city is not a mutiny but a loyalist action.

If anything goes wrong, they will first cut down Fang Youde, then this Zheng Prefect, and it will not be any of your business.

Now go deliver the order!"

Fang Youde waved his hand broadly, and Pei Min and the others immediately returned to the camp, gathered the generals, prepared to set out, and headed back to Chang'an.

"Fang Jiedushi, it's been ages!"

Zheng Shuqing rubbed his hands, and with an awkward smile said.

"Alright, alright, later I'll follow the main army; I don't want to waste more words with you."

Fang Youde shook his head impatiently, then turned and said to the young, robust attendant beside him: "He Changqi, later you will lead the vanguard and slay the enemy; I will recommend you to the Sage for a promotion."

"Got it, Fang Jiedushi, later just watch me. They're only a bunch of rebel scum, after all."

The young, burly man named He Changqi flashed a ferocious grin, clenched his fists, and looked eager to test himself.

(End of chapter)