Chapter 209: The

Although it is already known that recruiting soldiers who meet the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army standards is difficult in the Guanzhong region, Fang Chongyong still devotes himself to recruitment and has achieved modest results.

Not many, only a dozen or so!

Approaching the year‑end holidays, Fang Chongyong took a day off, brought the written "report," and headed to Daming Palace to request whether the next phase should involve sending recruiters to border towns for warriors, and where the first recruitment should take place.

Why go to Daming Palace instead of the Xingqing Palace just a wall away from his home? Because Ji Ge has temporarily moved to live in the Pear Garden of Daming Palace.

It is said—Fang Chongyong himself does not know if it is true—that Ji Ge recently kept having nightmares in Xingqing Palace, dreaming that the former Crown Prince's consort Wei Sanniang turned into a vengeful ghost, causing Ji Ge to wake up startled.

Therefore Ji Ge temporarily relocated his residence to the Pear Garden of Daming Palace, sharing meals and lodging with the theatrical troupes there.

Indeed, rumor has it that after Ji Ge moved into the Pear Garden inside Daming Palace, his back no longer aches, his legs no longer hurt, and he no longer has nightmares. He spends every day rehearsing dances and music with the "artists" there, feeling carefree.

No longer disturbed by nightmares, he even eats three extra bowls at each meal!

Fang Chongyong doesn't know whether these rumors are true, but Ji Ge's health did improve after moving to the Pear Garden—this is absolutely certain. Even the number of summons to see Fang Youde has increased considerably.

Of course, this also concerns the Imperial Guard's reform.

Ji Ge is very attentive to the Imperial Guard reform; even though he trusts Fang Youde, he scrutinizes every detail, and Fang Youde, being a typical "early report, late summary" type, follows Ji Ge's directives to the letter.

Even if he disagrees, he will patiently persuade Ji Ge.

The advantage is that no one can slander that the Fang father‑son pair are plotting rebellion; the drawback is obvious—the recruitment speed of the Shen Ce Army is much slower than Fang Youde originally expected.

Just after exiting the workshop gate onto Chunming Gate Street, Fang Chongyong ran into the Jinwu Guard soldiers led by Zhang Guangsheng. Zhang's unit was pulling dozens of flat carts, each covered with straw mats, their contents not immediately clear.

Occasionally one could glimpse hair hidden beneath the white snow, faintly visible.

These are corpse‑carrying carts, and there are many bodies on them!

Seeing Zhang Guangsheng's practiced manner, Fang Chongyong felt a chill and let out a sigh.

This winter, even without counting Zheng Shuqing's "massive crackdown" on privately minted copper coins, the number of people who froze to death from the bitter cold is likely considerable. The price of charcoal and firewood this winter is far higher than in previous years, leaving many unable to afford it.

Fang Chongyong's own household cannot even light a fire for warmth; at night they have to cuddle with their sister to stay warm enough to sleep, let alone the modest homes of ordinary civilians.

"How come you're still swamped after becoming a Jinwu Guard Central Colonel?"

When Zhang Guangsheng walked up to greet him, Fang Chongyong laughed and teasingly asked.

"Chang'an in winter… it's not as good as Shazhou. At least Shazhou doesn't lack a single bowl of rice; here in Chang'an everything is abundant, yet everything is lacking."

Zhang Guangsheng sighed, pointing to the carts loaded with corpses behind him.

What can be seen at a glance needs no lengthy explanation.

Fang Chongyong once watched a documentary that said during winter in the Song capital Bianliang, firewood and coal were still imported from thousands of miles away, and supply remained insufficient.

When the Northern Song was at its peak it was already like this, even with the convenience of the Grand Canal; so the situation in Tang‑era Chang'an can only be imagined as grim.

The next snowfall will freeze some people to death—nothing unusual.

Fang Chongyong didn't want to voice his cheap, useless sympathy, so he patted Zhang Guangsheng's shoulder and said, "Go on with your duties; I'm heading to Daming Palace to see the Sage now, we'll meet again later."

Zhang Guangsheng clasped his hands in a bow, then led his party out of Chunming Gate in a grand procession.

Why were they taken to Chunming Gate instead of the western or southern burial grounds?

Because these bodies are not to be disposed of casually.

On the east side of Chang'an there is a "Yi Zhuang"; the Jinwu Guard, being meticulous, places these unclaimed corpses there to await relatives from their hometowns to retrieve them, so that they may return to their roots before being interred.

People of the Tang era abhor the notion of a family member "dying away from home"; anyone who can manage to bring a deceased relative back to their native soil will go to great lengths. A Jinwu Guard Central Colonel leading a corpse‑dragging team would not be among the lowest strata of Chang'an society.

In other words, another group of frozen victims—perhaps even more numerous—are being moved by other Jinwu Guard soldiers to the western and southern mass burial hills, where they are simply dumped in a pit.

Fang Chongyong dared not dwell further and hastily took his leave from Zhang Guangsheng.

Having been in this world for five or six years, a succession of brutal realities has taught Fang Chongyong a profound truth:

If one cannot change the situation, then keep silent and tuck away that petty, impotent sympathy. Many people do not merit others' compassion, and many lack the right to feel compassion themselves.

Fang Chongyong's mind was a jumble of chaotic thoughts; after reporting at the gate of Daming Palace he was led inside by Gao Lishi to the Pear Garden, which also serves as Ji Ge's temporary sleeping quarters.

Before spotting Ji Ge, he heard the melodious sound of strings and bamboo instruments not far ahead.

Seeing Fang Chongyong's clueless expression, Gao Lishi introduced, "This is the Sage's adapted Rainbow‑Cloth Feather‑Garment melody, how is it?"

"The Sage's score—how could I possibly comment on that?"

"I dare not evaluate."

Fang Chongyong said earnestly and fearfully.

"You, you, still such a slick slick…"

Gao Lishi laughed heartily, then leaned in whispering:

"Your father trained the Shen Ce New Army to guard against outside bandits. The Sage is satisfied, but still feels it lacks something."

"And the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army is meant to guard against domestic thieves. This matter, after the new year you must go out to Chang'an to handle. The current progress is too slow."

Gao Lishi's words carried persuasion; Fang Chongyong forced a wry smile and said, "Better to lack than to have excess; the Sage said not to recruit Guanzhong aristocratic youths, so I must also be cautious in looking outside."

"That's why we say, act quickly."

Gao Lishi calmly pointed out.

In fact, whether it's the slain Chen Xuanli, Fang Youde, or Gao Lishi, they all belong to Ji Ge's "hidden residence faction." Their interests are not fully aligned with the local Guanzhong faction.

For example, Fang Youde and his peers find it hard to cooperate with Ji Ge's offspring, lacking any sentiment and any profit tie.

But the local Guanzhong faction can cooperate freely with Ji Ge's offspring, becoming the "new elite" after Ji Ge's death, such as talents from the Wei and Pei families.

The Shen Ce Army can defend against rebellions beyond the capital region, but may not fend off the "ubiquitous" local Guanzhong forces.

Fang Chongyong instantly understood why Ji Ge sought an excuse to move to Daming Palace!

Because compared with Taiji Palace near Xuanwu Gate and the newly built Xingqing Palace, the Daming Palace at Chang'an's northernmost end is safest, with the strictest guard. Xingqing Palace isn't bad, but its terrain makes it merely an upgraded princely office, with overly weak defenses.

Rumors of a vengeful ghost are probably spread by Ji Ge himself, subtly hinting to outsiders that he absolutely dislikes the current Crown Prince.

What an old coin!

Fang Chongyong couldn't help but reflect; though he realized it late, he now fully grasped Ji Ge's line of thought. Sure enough, after several princes were sent out and a Crown Prince was installed, Ji Ge's thinking also changed!

The only constant remains the ubiquitous scheming.

Arriving at the rehearsal grounds, Ji Ge was composing music before a desk, and the underfloor heating had made the semi-open palace as warm as spring. Fang Chongyong hurriedly bowed and said, "Greetings, Sage."

I don't know if it's my imagination, but Fang Chongyong felt Ji Ge looked much more radiant—could it be because he made the crown prince and drove several princes out of Chang'an, improving his mood?

Seeing Fang Chongyong's humble salute, Ji Ge didn't say much, just waved his hand lightly. Gao Lishi led the Pear Garden disciples out in single file. Inside the semi-open palace, only Ji Ge and Fang Chongyong remained.

"How is the recruitment for the Silver Spear Filial Festival going?"

"Sage, it's only a dozen or so, all from the local Guanzhong area—we seek quality, not quantity."

Fang Chongyong replied cautiously.

"Yes, seeking quality over quantity—well said."

Li Longji nodded slightly, set down his pen, and with his somewhat cloudy eyes looked at him and asked, "Lately I have something on my mind; I wonder if you could give me some advice."

Hearing that tone, Fang Chongyong's heart leapt to his throat, and he asked in a low voice, "May I ask, Sage, what exactly is the matter?"

"Damn it, don't even mention asking this old man for women, and don't think that pressing this old man will make him hesitate to kill the ruler!"

Fang Chongyong cursed silently in his heart, but his expression remained unchanged.

"I am old."

Li Longji spat out three words, causing Fang Chongyong to frown slightly.

"Why would the Sage say such a thing?"

Fang Chongyong asked doubtfully.

"Look, you just don't know how to flatter."

Ji Ge laughed heartily, then sighed and said, "Then guess—how many palace maids serve me in Chang'an?"

"Palace maids?"

"Well... probably around three thousand?"

Fang Chongyong said quietly.

"Too low, too low—guess again." Ji Ge waved his hand casually, a pleased look on his face.

"Then... six thousand?"

Fang Chongyong boldly gave a number he considered large. For ordinary officials, the maximum allotment is four hundred servants; otherwise the emperor would suspect why you keep so many people in Chang'an.

The number of palace maids serving the emperor, ten times the officials' maximum, is already considered a high estimate.

"Hmm, getting closer—guess again."

Ji Ge encouraged Fang Chongyong to speak.

"Six thousand one hundred?"

"No, it's sixty thousand!"

Ji Ge made a gesture for "six".

Those words completely shattered Fang Chongyong's defenses.

"You have sixty thousand palace maids, yet you still go seize the Prince of Longevity twice? No wonder he's furious!"

Unable to hold back, Fang Chongyong muttered inwardly, yet he clasped his hands before Ji Ge and said, "It is my inadequacy as a humble servant."

"Eh, that's not how it's said."

Ji Ge waved his hand, saying it didn't matter at all.

Fang Chongyong didn't realize this emperor had so many palace maids; that was normal, and Ji Ge felt relieved.

Conversely, if one knew too much, that would be suspicious, requiring caution.

"I now feel quite troubled—what should I do with so many palace maids?"

"Even if they are as beautiful as flowers and jade, I am old, willing but unable."

Ji Ge said with a face full of regret, feeling somewhat like a useless spare. These many women, now unusable because of his age, are indeed just a spare rib.

"To eat it is tasteless; to discard it is a pity!"

"For a man, the one beauty he possesses is called a wife; ten beauties are called wives and concubines; a hundred beauties are called playthings."

"And the sixty thousand beauties he possesses are merely... a string of numbers!"

"Exactly—a string of numbers that even Ji Ge doesn't know how to handle."

"Not to mention women—even someone who loves hamburgers most, faced with sixty thousand hamburgers, would be dazed!"

"Sage, beauty fades easily, and lovely faces pass quickly. Those palace maids you have not favored should be allowed to return home."

Fang Chongyong spoke up boldly.

"Hehe, you're well-intentioned."

Ji Ge couldn't help but sneer.

"Your humble servant is terrified."

Fang Chongyong hastily clasped his hands and bowed, apologizing.

"Yes, what you say makes sense."

Ji Ge suddenly nodded slightly and continued, "I understand."

"Understood?"

Fang Chongyong didn't understand what it meant, but that didn't stop him from immediately clasping his hands and saying, "Sage, you are wise and bright!"

He seemed to recall something, pulling a memorial from his sleeve and saying, "Please, Sage, review this memorial regarding the recruitment for the Silver Spear Filial Festival..."

"You handle it—right after the New Year, go to the border garrison and recruit brave warriors for me, better to lack than to excess!"

"Now you may return; I have other matters and won't keep you for a meal in the palace."

Ji Ge vigorously patted the muscular arm of Fang Chongyong and said,

"Then your humble servant takes his leave."

Fang Chongyong bade farewell with deep reverence and gratitude, his heart full of doubt.

Given Jige's character, would he so readily agree to reduce the number of palace maids?

But he didn't dare to pursue it, so he grudgingly took his leave.

After returning home, Fang Chongyong told Wang Yunxiu and Anaye about this.

When the two women heard that Fang Chongyong had actually done such a great deed of accumulating yin virtue, they could not help but passionately serve him intimately night after night for several days, nearly overwhelming him in bed.

However, the happy days hadn't even lasted a few days before Fang Chongyong quickly discovered: given the same remark, his imagination and Jige's imagination were never on the same level.

Compared to Jige, he doesn't even qualify as a younger brother—he's more like a grandson!

……

«The Sage will hunt tomorrow in the Pear Garden Forbidden Park outside the city? All officials must participate? »

Seeing the little eunuch who had come to relay a message, named Bian Lingcheng, Fang Chongyong asked doubtfully.

«Replying to Censor Fang, that's indeed so; of course, one may request leave if needed. »

Bian Lingcheng spoke cautiously, not daring to be too presumptuous before Fang Chongyong.

«It's winter now—what game is there to hunt? »

Fang Chongyong expressed his inner concern.

«I don't know about that. I still have to go deliver orders elsewhere; please don't make things difficult for us lowly servants, Censor Fang. »

Bian Lingcheng clasped his hands in salute and spoke.

«Understood. »

Fang Chongyong gave a slight nod, saying, his mind preoccupied, and he did not return the salute to Bian Lingcheng.

Early the next morning, Fang Chongyong rode to the Pear Garden Forbidden Park north of the city. Before he could enter, he encountered Fang Youde, who was leading Dragon Martial Army soldiers on patrol.

He dismounted and saluted, but seeing Fang Youde's grim face, he dismissed his attendants and Fang Youde bluntly asked: «Is this event something you proposed to the Sage? »

«What event? »

Fang Chongyong asked, looking confused.

«You don't know? »

Fang Youde was also confused.

«How would I know? »

Fang Chongyong still hadn't figured out what was going on.

«The Sage is going to shoot women! »

Fang Youde said resentfully, almost in a low growl.

«Shoot women? »

«Exactly. Today, officials will enter the Forbidden Park to shoot women; whichever palace lady or consort is hit, that official may take her home and do as he wishes. »

Fang Youde spat out a foul breath, clenched his fists tightly, and was about to explode with anger.

«If struck by an arrow, wouldn't they die? »

Fang Chongyong still couldn't understand Jige's thinking.

«You fool, it's a Romantic Arrow! You don't even know what a Romantic Arrow is? »

Fang Youde, angry, slapped the hat off Fang Chongyong's head and turned to leave.

Fang Chongyong grudgingly picked up his hat, put it on, and immediately went into the Pear Garden Forbidden Park.

Scarcely having entered, he was pulled aside by the on-duty Zhang Guangsheng, who whispered: «Big brother, are you going to shoot today? »

«Shoot what? »

Fang Chongyong asked, feigning ignorance despite knowing.

«Shoot women! What else could you shoot! »

«I've readied myself; with my archery, if I don't hit ten, I'll no longer be a Zhang! »

Zhang Guangsheng rubbed his hands, saying excitedly.