Chapter 246: Tianbao

If you want to talk about who was the number one "God of War" during the Tianbao era, that title could only belong to the Tang Emperor, Li Longji.

The An-Shi Rebellion, which should have lasted at most two years, somehow dragged on for eight full years thanks to the brilliant maneuvers of Brother Ji and Li Heng. Of course, Li Heng's military blunders were every bit as spectacular as Brother Ji's, certainly no less impressive.

It was just that Li Heng's operations did not take place during the Tianbao era, so the title of "Tianbao God of War" was not his to claim.

Just what level Brother Ji commanded battles at, Fang Youde naturally knew better than anyone. And if this emperor wanted to personally lead a military campaign, that would absolutely be a disaster for the Tang border armies.

He alone was worth adding a hundred thousand elite troops to the enemy!

"Sire, regarding this personal campaign... who exactly should we fight?"

Fang Youde said with some difficulty, ultimately swallowing all the harsh words he wanted to say.

Fang Youde also dearly wished he could treat Brother Ji as Taizong. If Brother Ji had even one-tenth of Taizong's ability to lead troops, he would not have said much more—just held his nose and accepted it.

By putting in some extra effort on the battlefield, things could more or less be smoothed over.

But that disastrous Battle of Tong Pass during the An-Shi Rebellion was right there staring him in the face, and Fang Youde truly dared not overestimate Brother Ji's military competence.

"Whoever sticks their head out, we fight them!

Rest assured, We know what We are doing. When the time comes, We will not interfere with military affairs.

We have never fought a war in Our life, and speaking of it, that is quite a regret. Now that We are already half-buried in the ground, can you satisfy this wish for Us, dear minister?"

Brother Ji asked with a beaming smile, exceedingly amiable and warm.

Fang Youde hastily clasped his hands in salute and said, "This humble official is terrified. How dare I interfere with Your Majesty's decisions."

"Mm, you are thoughtful. Go then, train the Divine Strategy Army well."

Brother Ji waved his hand dismissively.

Only after Fang Youde withdrew did he gaze with deep eyes at the lotus pond in the distance. Spring had arrived, and there it was a scene of vibrant vitality, all things competing to flourish.

Brother Ji's plan of "unity of man and god" was being implemented in intense and orderly fashion. Once completed, he would be the god of the Great Tang—no one would dare to resist, or even harbor the thought of resistance!

It was just that the Great Tang was founded on horseback, and having no military merit was entirely unacceptable.

The last Lingzhou Assembly had been glorious, but everyone knew that situation had been created by Fang Youde, and it had nothing to do with himself as emperor.

A personal campaign, entry into the Lingyan Pavilion, and a Daoist divine stele—these three things were trinity in nature, comprehensively reinforcing his power, and not one could be omitted.

Of course, on this basis, Brother Ji still hoped to get it done at minimal cost.

Entering the Lingyan Pavilion and retrieving the Daoist divine stele (secretly arranged by his own agents) were not difficult to accomplish. Only this personal campaign could not be faked. Not only must the emperor be present with the army, but many conditions also had to be met to silence the endless chatter of the world.

The first was that the enemy had to be strong enough. Looking all around the Great Tang now, only Tibet had that kind of strength.

The second was that the war not only had to be won, but won handsomely.

The third was that the important role played by him as emperor had to be evident during the war.

To outsiders, the emperor had to be an asset, not a burden.

With this personal campaign, entry into the Lingyan Pavilion and the addition of Lingyan Pavilion meritorious ministers would no longer face any resistance. And that "self-aggrandizing" Daoist divine stele, whose "translated" text, would have more people willing to believe it.

Though Brother Ji was old, he was very clear-headed. Among the civil and military officials of the court and officials of various factions, quite a few were already thinking about what would happen after this old emperor passed away. Placing hope in these people would mean not even knowing how he died in the end.

This made him increasingly suspicious of officials he did not know well.

Deifying himself, turning himself into a figure of merit, becoming a banner of the Great Tang—then no one would dare to rebel.

Brother Ji's scheming was very methodical.

"We are but one step away from Taizong."

Brother Ji murmured to himself.

He suddenly seemed to recall something, and looked at Gao Lishi beside him, asking, "That Gao Shang you mentioned last time—how is he?"

"To answer Your Majesty, he is quite sharp and capable."

Gao Lishi spoke truthfully. Gao Shang was currently managing his estate, and kept it in excellent order. The four words "sharp and capable" were indeed fitting.

"Have him castrated, and take him as your adopted son. After he recovers, send him to serve as an attendant to the Prince of Yong, to be Our eyes and ears. We guarantee him great wealth and honor in the future.

Have Gao Shang find an opportunity to hint to the Prince of Yong that We intend to replace the Crown Prince."

Brother Ji said coolly.

"Your Majesty's words are most apt. I am sure that Gao Shang will be profoundly grateful for Your Majesty's generous favor."

Gao Lishi flattered him without batting an eye.

"This Gao Shang—does he truly not mind becoming a eunuch?"

Brother Ji asked curiously. He also understood very well that no man could bear having that part of himself cut off. Unless forced by circumstance, no one would choose to become a eunuch.

"He might mind becoming a eunuch, but he would certainly mind even more being poor his whole life with no prospects for advancement.

Gao Shang is a strikingly handsome and refined man. Becoming a eunuch is the proper path for him."

Gao Lishi said with a smile, not taking this Gao Shang seriously at all.

To Brother Ji, Gao Lishi was a helper who had grown up alongside him and would never lose his temper with him. But to everyone else, Gao Lishi was a fierce tiger who could always affect their life, death, honor, and disgrace.

Gao Lishi had also heard the rumors about Gao Shang's fondness for womanizing. Back then, Gao Shang had gotten up to wild antics with that county magistrate named Linghu Chao—the three of them, two men and one woman—had even been impeached by Fang Youde.

If this kind of person was not castrated, he would likely cause major trouble.

Since it concerned Brother Ji's plans, Gao Lishi dared not be careless.

……

Whatever Brother Ji was planning, Fang Chongyong far away in Shanzhou had no way of knowing, but that did not stop him from carrying out the "handover procedures" in Shanzhou City, stepping down as acting Military Commissioner of Longyou.

The day after Cen Shen departed for Lanzhou, Fang Chongyong gathered all the army commissioners of the Longyou border army for a meeting.

Inside the main hall of the Longyou Military Commissioner's office, everyone wore complicated expressions. It seemed they had much to say, yet in the end, nothing came out. It was truly because Fang Chongyong was too legendary, with too many stories attached to him, leaving them unsure of how to assess him.

Ever since this young Master Fang arrived in Longyou, he had been stirring things up nonstop. Now he had finally settled down, traded blows with the Tibetans, and won a resounding victory.

Only to be transferred to Hexi as Military Commissioner!

This left these army commissioners serving under him unsure of how to adjust their relationship with Fang Chongyong.

"Rest assured about the military pay, everyone. The next Military Commissioner of Longyou, General Wang Zhongsi, is my father-in-law.

As for the Longyou Border Army's pay, I will explain it to him in person; whatever I promised will definitely be carried out.

Fang Chongyong let out a long sigh and said, waving his hand to signal everyone not to get agitated.

Originally, the military commissioners of each army had slightly relaxed, but upon hearing that Wang Zhongsi was Fang Chongyong's father‑in‑law, they immediately grew uneasy again, silently lamenting in their hearts.

This man did indeed leave, but his father‑in‑law has come back!

He left, yet it seems he never left!

If Fang's subordinate wanted to set someone up here, it wouldn't be an easy task at all.

"Fang Jiedushi, rest assured, we will keep the troops in check."

Gai Jiayun pounded his chest and guaranteed.

"Everyone, after autumn the Tubo people will certainly return in force. They may even invade the Hehuang Valley with a national army; you must not slack off in training.

This is my heartfelt words before I leave."

Fang Chongyong crossed his arms and saluted the assembled crowd, saying.

"We will certainly stay vigilant, not disgrace the mission!"

The people present all saluted Fang Chongyong together, their shouts shaking the heavens.

Only, though they speak well now, when the Tubo launch a nationwide invasion, how many Tang soldiers will end up buried on the plateau?

One general's success, ten thousand bones wither!

Relying on military merit for wealth and honor is ultimately just a game of the powerful; the upward path hasn't been blocked yet, for now.

It's not that this upward path is fair. Ordinary people and children of generals start on different starting lines from birth.

Thinking of this, Fang Chongyong felt a bit disheartened and had no mood to continue the formalities.

"Everyone, disperse. The Tianwei Army's redeployment to defend Lanzhou and its reorganization, as well as internal matters of the Longyou Border Army, have nothing to do with my arrangements.

The other matters, you can discuss after Wang Jiedushi arrives. Everyone, until we meet again."

Having said that, he stood up, ignoring the surprised gazes of the crowd, and walked straight toward the door.

Fang Chongyong hadn't yet reached the Longyou Jiedushi's study when he heard a clatter of armor behind him. Turning, he saw that it was Wang Nande catching up from behind, looking as if he wanted to speak but didn't know how.

"Wang military commissioner, is there anything else?"

Fang Chongyong asked in puzzlement.

"I wish to join the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army."

Wang Nande said in a deep voice, bowing his fist in salute to Fang Chongyong.

In theory, all Tang border generals are loyal to Ji Ge, so there is no issue of who belongs to whom; therefore Fang Chongyong never considered recruiting any "trusted aides" nor believed those so‑called "trusted aides" would eventually rebel and die with him.

When everyone is a Tang border general, others obey because he is a Jiedushi. As long as it doesn't affect the overall situation, naturally some are willing to get close, even pledging their lives without hesitation.

However, no matter how good the collegial relationship, it remains just that—colleagues.

If Fang Chongyong ever becomes displeased with Ji Ge and decides to rebel, raising a banner would require a suitable pretext. Otherwise, no one would be willing to risk their whole family's lives to join such a "grand undertaking"!

From this perspective, Wang Nande's current actions seem rather odd.

"Eh?"

Fang Chongyong was taken aback; he never expected Wang Nande to say that. Wang Nande, already a distinguished military commissioner, joining the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army would be like starting from scratch, a personal loss far beyond ordinary.

Of course, during the Tianbao era, climbing the ranks was easy. The key was still having ability, aligning with the right people, and receiving imperial favor.

"General Wang, a respectable He Yuan Army military commissioner, why would he be willing to humble himself as a minor officer within the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army?"

Fang Chongyong asked in puzzlement.

"Fang Jiedushi, stop joking.

Outsiders still don't know how formidable the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army is and take it lightly. When they do find out, they'll likely sharpen their minds to try to get inside.

Rather than following later, it's better to secure a position inside now.

Fang Jiedushi also needs someone to assist within the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army."

Wang Nande said with a wry smile, this time he's really throwing himself in.

Their family previously followed Li Heng, but now Li Heng has fallen; they must find a post closer to the saint to elevate the clan, and also find a reliable patron again.

Otherwise, being a miserable military commissioner here in Longyou, never seeing Ji Ge for years, what meaning does that have?

This is the same reason why officials of the same rank in the capital are always more advantageous than local officials.

Although the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army is not large, it is the saint's personal elite guard, the best of the best. Being close to the water gives the first moon, and Wang Nande is certainly not foolish.

"That works, then."

Fang Chongyong nodded slightly and said.

Ji Ge's original words were, "Among the border troops, anyone regardless of status can be recruited," which naturally includes military commissioners. After all, the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army may expand in the future and will need senior generals; absorbing Longyou Border Army military commissioners is not unreasonable.

Though the move is a bit exaggerated.

"Thank you, Fang Jiedushi, for your favor; I will be at the saddle and behind the horse, sparing no effort, even at the cost of my liver and brain!"

Wang Nande said with excitement, his body trembling slightly.

This thick leg finally got a hold!

As for his father Wang Sijing being slain by Fang Youde… Wang Nande thought: since the man is already dead, let him lie peacefully in the tomb, and wait for descendants to offer incense.

We can't say that the whole Wang family of living members would have their lives ruined by this dead man, right?

"Since I'm a member of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army, you can just call me a military commissioner."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand and said.

He had already written to Ji Ge, designating the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army as a "mobile unit" that could be attached at will, avoiding coordination issues between border troops and the elite guard. If Fang Chongyong went to Hexi, the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army would be attached to the Hexi border army; if he later went to Hedong, it would attach to the Hedong Border Army.

Then, while recruiting the strong from the border troops, they would train, and also take part in small‑scale border skirmishes!

Finally, the troops selected after the battlefield's trial by fire will surely be the capable and battle‑ready.

Ji Ge, though he has high hopes for the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army, also knows the matter cannot be rushed; otherwise it would become another Longwu Army—impressive in appearance but useless in practice.

General Wang can pick a few skilled archers and horsemen from the He-yuan Army as his trusted aides to go with him to his post. If he doesn't have a few familiar people around him, giving orders will feel stiff, and he won't be able to bring out General Wang's abilities.

If General Wang gets promoted in the future, he can also conveniently promote them along the way.

Fang Chongyong made this very thoughtful suggestion.

Hearing this, Wang Rarely understood immediately, clasped his hands in salute, and said: "I understand, thank you, Commander Fang, for your kindness; I will surely repay you handsomely!"

"Go ahead, hand over the affairs of the He-yuan Army early, and let the deputy commander act in your stead."

His father-in-law, after reaching Longyou, will also insert his own people he brings along into each army. So whether the current commander of the Longyou Border Army will stay in that post is hard to say.

You choosing to leave the Longyou Border Army is not the wrong path.

Fang Chongyong said this with deep meaning.

In his letter, Wang Zhongsi mentioned to Fang Chongyong a general he had promoted in Hedong, named Li Guangbi!

Wang Zhongsi praised Li Guangbi without reserve, saying he had the makings of a great general. For this posting to Longyou as jiedushi, he also brought Li Guangbi and others with him, besides a considerable number of his personal troops.

In other words, Wang Zhongsi never thought of going to Longyou alone to take up the jiedushi post; instead, he brought his own cadre of trusted aides, enabling him to quickly seize control of Longyou's military authority. Compared to when he first took up his post in Hexi, this is far more impressive.

His financial resources have also become much more substantial.

Over these years, Wang Zhongsi has not been idle; he has promoted many people, and many of them eventually became his personal followers who accompanied him to his post.

Although the court ostensibly forbids this, both An Lushan and Wang Zhongsi are cultivating their own personal confidants who constantly stay by their side to cope with the complex situation of military, political, and financial power being concentrated in the hands of a frontier jiedushi.

This is the bottom line tacitly allowed by Elder Brother Ji; it must not be crossed any further.

In fact, Wang Zhongsi's doing this is also in line with the times; he has no choice.

A jiedushi's term usually does not exceed four years, and personnel rotations among the major jiedushi are quite frequent. If a jiedushi lacks his own personal cadre that can follow him, he cannot quickly take root locally and seize military command no matter what.

Moreover, the complex situation of the frontier garrisons imposes higher demands on jiedushi, enabling them to launch external campaigns upon taking office and to properly handle friction with border forces.

The powers surrounding the Tang will not deliberately go easy on these jiedushi just because they are slow to get into position; those who intend to cause trouble will surely do so.

Before this, Fang Chongyong had never considered the possibility of himself becoming a jiedushi, after all he is still too young, and his seniority and rank are far insufficient.

But now, the situation seems to have undergone some changes.

After Wang left, Fang Chongyong fell silent, gazing blankly at the arrow towers on the four corners of the jiedushi's office compound.

One fence, three posts—now that he holds the position of Hexi jiedushi, he too should have that kind of personal following that goes with him!

(End of chapter)