Chapter 193: Silver Spear Filial Piety (Part 1)

That day, Fang Youde and Fang Chongyong closed the door and talked for a long time, covering many matters.

Afterwards, neither of them mentioned that day again, but outsiders could clearly see that Fang Youde greatly admired Fang Chongyong and began to teach him the essentials of military strategy hand‑by‑hand.

Because of a grand wedding, Ji Ge specially granted Fang Chongyong three days off. During those three days, Fang Youde each day practiced sword drills with Fang Chongyong, simultaneously explaining tactics through the paired exercises.

It must be said that Fang Youde's tactics differ greatly from the Tang‑era strategies Fang Chongyong knows, even opposite in their "army‑building mindset."

That afternoon, the two again sparred in the courtyard. Fang Youde held a wooden sword, both hands gripping it, eyes fixed on Fang Chongyong, shifting his steps slowly like a wary leopard.

Fang Chongyong, however, stuck to the old routine, sheathing the wooden sword, arching his body, ready to draw it with force from his waist.

"When two armies clash, most soldiers are usable but of little decisive value; you needn't regard them highly. What you need is a killing mace in your hand."

Fang Youde said this while lunging forward with a fierce chopping motion.

Fang Chongyong fell for it, drawing the sword with his full body force, unleashing a ferocious power capable of severing an enemy's throat in real combat.

What he didn't expect was Fang Youde powering his calf, braking like a sudden stop and stepping back a pace! He easily evaded Fang Chongyong's killing strike, and seizing the moment before the force could be redirected, Fang Youde drove a heavy slash into Fang Chongyong's chest!

"Father and son" sparred, caring not at all for restraint; they both used lethal blows. If one's skill were truly weak, being killed would be ordinary.

Clack!

The wooden sword snapped into two pieces, leaving a deep mark on the bamboo armor across Fang Chongyong's chest!

Though Fang Chongyong was as massive as a black bear, he couldn't absorb the blow and fell clumsily, rolling twice on the ground.

Damn, that feint was truly sneaky as hell.

Fang Chongyong got up, brushed dust from his body, picked up the wooden sword, casually sheathed it, and, facing Fang Youde, crossed his hands in a salute, saying, "Father, I have lost again."

"That's no surprise, because you only know the draw‑and‑slash move; I just have to guard against that one."

"It's only been a few years, and you still have many other duties; the fact that you can practice this move to the point of killing effortlessly is already quite good."

Fang Youde smiled and nodded, picked up the two‑piece wooden sword, looked at Fang Chongyong and continued:

"As for siege tactics, that's another matter; in open‑field battles, if you have a hundred to two hundred elite soldiers in your hand and can deploy them at critical points, you can overturn a conflict involving tens of thousands, even a hundred thousand combatants."

One must never be greedy with troops; the more soldiers and horses you command, the more likely you are to fail, because you are unfamiliar with those troops! Having over a hundred tactically seasoned elite soldiers allows you to break the enemy's front, slay generals and seize banners.

"Select brave, courageous elite troops to form an army?"

Fang Chongyong asked in confusion.

"Correct, but add another word: select the most brave and elite troops to form an army. One cannot substitute a hundred; those who are merely brave enough to lead three armies are not sufficient for selection.

For this elite force, merely paying their wages on time is the baseline; they must receive generous rewards and severe punishments, and their treatment must be distinguished from ordinary soldiers to keep mutual checks."

Fang Youde spoke while frowning, as if recalling something, and let out a soft sigh.

"Serving as an official a thousand li away is merely for food and clothing. Is it not a natural law that soldiers eat grain?"

Fang Chongyong continued to ask.

"That is natural. Do you know that some time ago, relying solely on He Qichang, a force of brave men was organized within Yangzhou City and eradicated the rebellion surrounding Yangzhou Prefecture.

They were all hastily trained; even the best were merely veterans from years past.

The courage of one man can match that of hundreds or thousands, depending on how you employ it."

Fang Youde sighed wistfully, saying, and couldn't help but recount the battle situation to Fang Chongyong.

"Father said, send people to hide secretly within the rebel ranks, then shout from the city walls that the corrupt official Yang Zhao will not die, and they will never retreat?"

After hearing Fang Youde's account, Fang Chongyong was stunned; it was his first time hearing of warfare conducted in such a manner.

"The civilian unrest stemmed from Yang Zhao, so someone sent men into their ranks to shout from the city walls. From the walls, that person seized the chance to slay Yang Zhao outright, then tossed his head into the moat.

With that wish fulfilled, most of the rebel troops would harbor a deep grudge and fear imperial retribution, causing their morale to waver.

While the rebel ranks were in turmoil, uncertain of truth, that person lit signal fires again, allowing the hastily assembled garrison to move troops through the waterworks to the rebels' rear for close combat. Simultaneously, the Yangzhou city gates opened, and He Qichang, a champion among three armies, could strike like a tiger. He led the few city guards in a direct charge against the rebels, ending the battle in a single clash, nothing more."

In fact, the situation was even more dramatic: beneath the city, the mutineers shouted, "If Yang Zhao lives, we shall never find peace, we will fight to the death and not retreat," while Fang Youde instantly beheaded the nearby Yang Zhao and shouted to the mutineers below, "Yang Zhao is dead; now you may find peace!"

He then launched a ferocious surprise attack with a hastily assembled army employing Three-legged Cat Kung Fu!

"Father's pacification of the rebellion is indeed…"

Fang Chongyong was left speechless.

He seized the chance to butcher Yang Zhao and simultaneously quell the unrest; Fang Youde's move was truly ruthless, befitting someone who survived the late Tang era—he killed two birds with one stone with consummate skill, exuding the very atmosphere of the late Tang and Five Dynasties.

However, there seemed to be no reports of any uprising in Yangzhou; could it be that—Fang Chongyong imagined a dreadful outcome.

"Indeed, after that battle many rebels survived; that person ordered all of them slain, their heads displayed on Yangzhou City for ten days as a warning. Otherwise, Yangzhou would rebel again in the future.

"Yang Zhao's death is unquestionable, and these rebels equally deserve death."

Seeming to have guessed Fang Chongyong's thought, Fang Youde said coldly,

Fang Chongyong instantly fell into silence, not knowing how to respond.

"The people do not fear death; how can death be used to intimidate them? If everyone in the world begins to rebel, can killing alone eradicate them?"

He now finally understood what "historical limitation" means.

…

"Alas!"

That afternoon, with crisp autumn air perfect for outings, in the second‑floor corridor of the Hua'e Xianghui Tower, the great Tang sage Li Longji gazed into the distance; bustling Chang'an remained as ever, yet it no longer brought him peace and tranquility, prompting a sigh.

In his view, certain dark corners of the city harbored many ferocious beasts that could at any moment bare their fangs for his life.

These people include, but are not limited to, his adult princes, his brother's sons, and the powerful families of Guan Long, among others.

"Lishi, my beloved sons each wish for my death.

Tell me, how should I deal with them? Kill them, or let them run their course?"

Li Longji leisurely spoke, asking his attendant Gao Lishi.

This time the Prince of Longevity tore off the royal family's final veil of modesty, fully exposing his relationship with those scheming sons. Coupled with Li Heng's rebellion being crushed and his entire family exterminated, all communication between the remaining sons and Li Longji was severed.

As long as Li Longji does not seek them out, they linger in the Ten Kings' Residence like dead dogs, refusing to come to Xingqing Palace to pay their respects.

After all, at this moment, anyone who opens their mouth may end up dead.

These days can be endured for a day or two, but the longer they last, the more uneasy I, Li Longji, feel, with the troublesome subjects harassing me; I always sense that these "big boys" could cause trouble at any time, anywhere.

With the cases of the Prince of Longevity and the Prince of Loyalty as precedents, Ji Ge can't help but think that perhaps his own offspring are the same.

"Holy One, this time Prince Xue's unexpected rebellion, perhaps with Your Majesty's brother gone, their descendants no longer feel much gratitude toward you. Thus your own descendants are also your foundation; otherwise the familiar rise and fall of minor and major branches in noble families might repeat itself."

Gao Lishi, with a calm expression, reminded Li Longji, saying that one must not be too harsh on one's own sons. In political maneuvering, the two most important characters are "balance".

Only a balanced, non‑extreme approach can keep the political situation stable.

"Lishi is right; that's exactly what I think, which is why I'm indecisive."

Li Longji sighed.

If I were to slaughter all my wayward sons, first, too many would die and my reputation in the histories would be terrible; second, such a move would merely benefit a royal like Prince Xue, giving them unwarranted ambition.

This time Prince Xue's line participated in the rebellion— isn't that a living example?

"Go summon Ge Nu, and also Fang Guozhong. As for Zhang Shougui, don't summon… just summon Li Shizhi."

After hesitating for a moment, Li Longji said uncertainly.

"I'll take care of it now."

Gao Lishi took the order and left.

Li Longji constantly felt something uneasy in his heart; when he suddenly saw Fang Chongyong on duty downstairs, he was enlightened, quickly ordered someone to bring him up to the corridor of the Huake Xianghui Tower for questioning.

"No need for formalities. The merit of your rescuing the carriage last time I have not yet rewarded; today I come to ask you what you desire."

Seeing Fang Chongyong looking sincere and fearful, Li Longji said kindly.

"Your Majesty, protecting you is the duty of this humble general; no reward is needed."

Fang Chongyong carefully crossed his hands in a salute and said.

"Mm, good, good."

Li Longji smiled and nodded; it was just a casual remark. If Fang Chongyong truly asked for something, he would give it, but would be very displeased inside.

I must say, Fang Quanzhong has a good son!

"Fang Guozhong, in this rescue you were involved throughout. What do you think we should do in the future to prevent similar incidents?"

Li Longji asked calmly.

"Your Majesty… these questions should be for the Prime Minister to consider, I suppose."

Fang Chongyong showed a reluctant expression and said.

"Hey, Ge Nu's performance in this rescue was far worse than yours; in this regard, you have more say."

Ji Ge waved his hand nonchalantly, speaking easygoing, his smile reminiscent of a grandfather from a past life.

If Fang Chongyong didn't know this emperor's harsh and ungracious nature, he might truly be fooled by the other's kindly and benevolent face.

"Then may I, the humble general, dare to say a couple of words?"

"Turning a blind eye and speaking evasively, the crime of deceiving the ruler!"

Ji Ge pretended to be displeased, threateningly saying.

"Holy One, it's like this. Actually, within the Longwu Army, most are loyal to the Holy One, but Wu Zhi Yi's power is too great, the Longwu Army's structure is too bloated, so at crucial moments, even with strength, it cannot be employed."

It is thought that, regarding protecting the Holy One, the escort formation need not be large; a battalion of five hundred is enough. More than that is cumbersome, and in a place like Chang'an, it cannot be deployed.

Select five hundred warriors from border towns, requiring them to be invincible, the bravest among the armies, then reward generously and punish severely.

These men come from a different source than the Longwu Army; this force also recruits solely from the border troops, to prevent them from being bought by Chang'an's aristocrats.

"Holy One, what do you think?"

Fang Chongyong asked calmly.

"Good, good! Brilliant! How did I not think of this!"

Li Longji clapped his hands and laughed heartily.

Reducing the size of the personal guard, pruning the excess, he had also thought of this.

However, first, a smaller formation still cannot guarantee absolute loyalty; second, even if loyalty is commendable, selecting soldiers in Chang'an and surrounding areas yields few who can be 'the bravest among the armies'.

Now the situation of the Great Tang is clear: the elite are in the border forces. Not to mention others, even the recent troublemaker Wu Zhi Yi, the rescuer Fang Chongyong, and Zhang Guangsheng all come from the border troops, having trained there for a long time.

Their combat ability and quick decision‑making far surpass those of the Longwu Army. So Fang Chongyong's words just now truly hit the mark.

We need to form a lean, efficient new army of no more than five hundred, with personnel rotating outside Chang'an, to accompany the ruler. This force has no ties to the Longwu Army or the Southern Yamen Imperial Guard; even if its soldiers come from all corners, there is no chance of faction formation.

"Fang Guozhong, you truly are resourceful.

Now let me test you: if you were to raise this new army, what name would you give it?"

Li Longji asked with a smiling face, considering it a test. If Fang Chongyong's answer satisfies him, the matter will essentially be handed to Fang Chongyong; once completed, he will become the first commander of this guard, as a reward.

Fang Chongyong showed a strange expression, then regained composure. After thinking, he said:

"When I was the inspector of Hexi, I heard that those adept with spears in the army were called 'Silver Spears' to denote extraordinary martial prowess.

The four characters 'Loyalty, Filial Piety, Integrity, Righteousness'— we offer loyalty and righteousness to the Holy One, keep filial piety and integrity for ourselves; therefore this army shall be called the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army."

Fang Chongyong clasped his hands in a salute and suggested.

"Yinqiang Xiaojie…"

Li Longji murmured to himself, thinking the more the better the name. Offering loyalty and righteousness to this Holy One, while keeping filial piety and integrity for those Qiu Ba themselves— what a fine name!

"Good, good. After you return, write a memorial privately to me. Tell me what equipment this army needs, how much salary to allocate.

If the plan is suitable, I will appoint you as… the Recruiter of the Brave, to go to border towns to recruit the strong to enlist in Chang'an, joining the Yinqiang Xiaojie."

Li Longji said excitedly, he had finally found a way to curb the erosion by Chang'an's aristocrats. Of course, this is not a long‑term solution; as personnel rotate, the Yinqiang Xiaojie will also encounter problems, with some being bought by Chang'an's various nobles.

But as they say, Ji Ge never thought far ahead. Many plans consider a hundred years later, yet they often die the next year. Life is fickle; thinking too far ahead is useless.

Ji Ge's thought is simple, still that sentence: If the Great Tang were a heavenly realm for mortals, yet in the end it has nothing to do with oneself, then what does it mean?

"Holy One, maintaining this army may cost a lot of money…"

Fang Chongyong whispered, giving Ji Ge a preemptive warning.

No problem, we're short on money; just let Yang Zhao go make some money.

Li Longji waved his hand and said, then suddenly thought of something, muttering doubtfully: "How long has it been since Yang Zhao stopped sending tribute to me?"

Sage... if this Yang Zhao refers to the Yangzhou Governor, then he's already dead.

Fang Chongyong helplessly reminded Ji Ge in a low voice.

Dead? How could that be? No report of this has come up from the localities.

Li Longji was shocked beyond words; such a big matter—the governor of Yangzhou Prefecture died, yet nobody told him!

Actually, what Ji Ge didn't expect was that a civilian uprising broke out in Yangzhou; every official, one by one, being demoted was the lighter outcome. If it weren't for Fang Youde turning the tide, the Jiangnan uprising would likely have grown to the scale of tens of thousands of rebels!

This kind of thing, there's no time to cover it up—who would voluntarily bring it up? The Jiangnan military defenses are neglected, troop strength depleted; even Zhang Shougui wouldn't bring it up, although he's the one in charge of the Ministry of War.

"They, they've been keeping it from me—the Yangzhou Governor died, even you know, but I don't!"

Li Longji clenched his fists tightly and said resentfully. At this moment, his sense of crisis grew ever more severe.

He is already sixty years old, his vision is blurry, his hearing poor; even after walking a few steps he gasps for breath. Now, even the officials of the imperial court begin to deceive him.

How can we break the deadlock?

At this moment, Ji Ge's heart was filled with a panic unlike anything before.

(End of chapter)