Chapter 247: Lanzhou Secret Council

Lanzhou has long been a border region, a key stronghold on the Silk Road, and a crossroads of great ethnic integration.

For a long time, northern nomadic peoples such as the Xiongnu, Turkic tribes, Xianbei, Uighur, Mongols, Tubo, and Western Xia have grazed and lived here. The Yellow River, Yuanchuan River, Leitian River, and Zhuanglang River converge here, making it both a border stronghold and a crucial water and land route.

Traveling northward on the post road reaches Liangzhou's Wuwei City; heading west leads to Shanzhou; and going northeast along the Yellow River reaches Lingzhou.

The terrain is a classic "two mountains flanking a river" layout, easy to defend and hard to attack, with great strategic importance.

Although modern Lanzhou's agricultural economy has accumulated some historical sediment, it differs from the romanticized view of later generations. In the Tang era, Lanzhou was still primarily pastoral with agriculture secondary. Only during the Yuan and Ming dynasties, due to massive Han settlement, did it become a predominantly agricultural region.

A few days later, Fang Chongyong led his close followers and the still‑forming Tianwei Army of only a few thousand, departing from Shanzhou City and marching grandly toward Lanzhou. Upon arriving, he had Ge Shuhan take charge of Lanzhou's city defenses, while he selected elite silver‑spear, filial‑virtue warriors from the Tianwei Army and awaited Wang Zhongsi's arrival.

Wang Zhongsi came from Hedong, inevitably passing through Lanzhou, so the two would always meet. It must be said that Fang Chongyong's arrangement was indeed thorough.

Sure enough, he hadn't even warmed his seat in Lanzhou yet. Two days later, Wang Zhongsi arrived with a thousand personal troops and dozens of trusted commanders led by Li Guangbi, reaching Lanzhou's Jincheng.

Probably worried about supply difficulties, Wang Zhongsi didn't bring many soldiers, but he did have many commanders. If these men went to Zhengzhou, they could almost overhaul the senior ranks of the Longyou border army! We'll see how Wang Zhongsi arranges it.

Outside Jincheng, by the Yellow River bank.

Fang Chongyong, who came to welcome Wang Zhongsi into the city, glanced at the few people beside him—He Changqi, Wang Nande, and others—and then at his father‑in‑law's side, a massive contingent of dozens of generals.

He had to admit that his previous understanding of the Tang border army's unwritten rules and the era's developmental trajectory was slightly off.

Before the Anshi Rebellion, everyone knew An Lushan was plotting rebellion, but the deeds An Lushan committed were practically carried out by almost all the border‑town warlords.

For example, after the Anshi Rebellion, Li Guangbi and Guo Ziyi were at odds because Guo Ziyi was a trusted follower of An Sisun, while Li Guangbi was akin to Wang Zhongsi's adopted son.

Wang Zhongsi was unjustly demoted, and An Sisun succeeded him, leading Li Guangbi to suspect that people on An Sisun's side were sabotaging.

The disputes in between are not discussed, but the top‑down camaraderie among border‑town generals is evident.

The difference between these men and An Lushan is that An Lushan rebelled at the end of the Tianbao era; they have not yet, but the possibility of rebellion cannot be ruled out.

Setting aside political motives, viewing these border‑town, tightly‑knit generals as a "capable, powerful potential rebel group" is reasonable. The Pugu Huaien rebellion during Emperor Daizong's reign and the Jingyuan mutiny in Emperor Dezong's era have already proven this.

They are not yet fanzhen (semi‑autonomous military jurisdictions), but already have the embryonic form, lacking only a trigger. All internal factors needed for a fanzhen are continuously fermenting.

"We haven't seen each other in so long; why do you just stare blankly when you see me!"

Wang Zhongsi strode forward, slapped Fang Chongyong's shoulder, and laughed loudly.

"Father‑in‑law, please come in; your son‑in‑law has prepared a modest simple meal to welcome you."

Fang Chongyong respectfully bowed and said.

"Hmm, very good, let's go together!"

Wang Zhongsi gave a slight nod and said.

The two walked side by side, when Wang Zhongsi suddenly sighed and said:

"In the blink of so many years, I am most glad I didn't misjudge you back then.

My daughter is haughty and not very pleasant; after marriage, she hasn't made things difficult for you, has she?"

Wang Zhongsi asked calmly.

"Indeed, she's not very capable; she gets exhausted after a few attempts."

Fang Chongyong, thinking of state affairs, absent‑mindedly gave a flippant reply, only realizing after speaking that he had let something slip.

"Hmm?"

Wang Zhongsi was startled, stopped in his tracks, and looked at Fang Chongyong with some puzzlement.

"Your son‑in‑law says she's fine. I plan, after settling in Liangzhou, to bring Xiu Niang to reside in Wuwei City."

"This appointment in Liangzhou probably won't be brief."

Fang Chongyong couldn't help but sigh, then smoothly changed the subject.

Wang Zhongsi also took the smuggled profits from the Western Trade Route; although he used them to support his private troops, it's a secret. In fact, Fang Chongyong's appointment as Hexi Military Governor was backed by many high‑ranking officials hoping he could revive that smuggling route.

Going from frugality to extravagance is easy; the reverse is hard. In Chang'an, a massive city where even walking costs money, having no money is utterly impossible.

Even if one doesn't wish to spend, socializing with colleagues, literary gatherings, and currying favor with superiors all require money.

This money isn't something you can simply choose not to spend!

Entering the main hall of the Jincheng government office, several long tables assembled from many smaller ones formed a "hui" character shape around the hall. On the tables lay assorted seasonal fruits, cold dishes that need not be hot, and dry wheat biscuits.

Besides, there were not only the northwestern staples of lamb and lamb intestines, but also steamed beef cooled and served with dipping sauce.

Fang Chongyong waved his hand nonchalantly and said to Wang Zhongsi:

"Yesterday, a cow in the city got angry, slammed into a wall, and killed itself.

The climate is getting warmer each day; leaving it as is won't do. I didn't expect my father‑in‑law's party to arrive in Lanzhou today—what a coincidence.

Hahahahaha!

Hearing this, the generals behind Wang Zhongsi all smiled with a "got it" expression and took their seats in order. Behind Fang Chongyong, He Changqi and the Tianwei Army commanders also seated themselves, split on both sides.

Directly opposite the main seat of the hall, Fang Chongyong and Wang Zhongsi sat facing each other; this banquet arrangement follows court protocol. Now Wang Zhongsi is the Longyou Military Governor and Fang Chongyong the Hexi Military Governor; regardless of seniority or connections, they are truly equals.

After everyone was seated, Fang Chongyong ordered the dishes to be served. Course after course of hot food arrived, with servants bustling in and out nonstop, livelier than a market. Everything—birds in the sky, beasts on the ground, fish in the water—was present.

"Today the worthy son‑in‑law has indeed splurged; such a lavish feast I haven't seen in years."

Wang Zhongsi looked at the bounty of dishes, sighed with emotion. Needless to say, this meal could not be cheap.

"This welcome banquet is an official court banquet, recorded on the Longyou Provisioning Officer's account."

Fang Chongyong smiled and said.

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhongsi could only laugh helplessly; he was about to assume the Longyou Military Governorship. So this meal was actually his treating Fang Chongyong, since the accounting was under the Longyou Provisioning Officer, and ultimately the Longyou Military Governor's office paid.

The court's designated Agricultural Officer, Provisioning Officer, and Military Governor each had slightly offset jurisdictions, originally to keep them from interfering with each other while providing mutual checks. As frontier conditions changed, the court granted the Military Governor authority over provisioning and agriculture, causing the three roles to merge. In administrative practice, the Military Governor became the superior of the Agricultural and Provisioning Officers.

There is no explicit regulation, yet in practice this "superior" operates without issue.

They share one office and work together daily. This is why Niu Xianke, when serving as Hexi Agricultural Officer, could amass so many connections.

At that time, he dealt with high‑ranking figures daily; even without prior friendship, some rapport inevitably formed.

Thus, in Wang Zhongsi's view, today Fang Chongyong is using his (Wang's) money to treat guests, which is rather unscrupulous.

Of course, to be frank, this is Ji Ge's money. Whether it's Fang Chongyong or Wang Zhongsi, they're both wage workers, not bosses.

This counts as "public funds used for food and drink" permitted within the system.

"Let me introduce you: this is Li Guangbi, a Khitan, from the Li clan of Liucheng."

Wang Zhongsi pointed at the middle‑aged man nearest his seat and said. The man, upon Wang Zhongsi's pointing, hurriedly rose, bowed to Fang Chongyong, then sat down without speaking, like a mute gourd.

Fang Chongyong also courteously returned the bow, showing no surprise.

"This is someone's virtuous son‑in‑law, Fang Chongyong; he will soon head to Hexi to serve as Hexi Military Governor. You all should take him as a model and diligently carry out the Sage's duties."

Wang Zhongsi again pointed at Fang Chongyong and said.

Among the generals under Wang Zhongsi, many know that Fang Chongyong is his son‑in‑law, but they are not clear about his imminent appointment as Hexi Military Governor. Hearing this "explosive" news, they all cannot help but marvel at the importance of one's rebirth.

One's life, two fortunes, three feng shui—life, you see, truly begins the moment of rebirth.

In the Tang, some are born already granted titles of king or marquis; others, even until old age, never touch the threshold of officialdom.

Is this fair?

Of course it is not fair.

But that's life!

In nature, the weak are devoured by the strong; the fittest survive. When has there ever been absolute fairness?

The generals felt uneasy, each silently picking at their food.

Sensing the stiffness, Fang Chongyong quickly lifted his cup and toasted each of the generals under Wang Zhongsi, showing no airs of a Military Governor. Only then did the hall's atmosphere warm, with cups clinking freely.

After the wine and food, Wang Zhongsi ordered Li Guangbi to take over Jin City's defenses, and also obtained the Heavenly Might Army's fish talisman, directing Ge Shuhan to station troops on the Yellow River bank outside Lanzhou. Then he and Fang Chongyong retreated to a guest room in a Lanzhou relay station for a private discussion.

…

Fang Chongyong took a small paper packet from his bosom, poured the tea leaves into a teapot, added boiling water, gave it a gentle shake, waited a moment, then poured the tea into a cup and handed it to Wang Zhongsi.

"I've never seen this kind of tea before."

Wang Zhongsi nodded slightly, took the cup, sipped, and said,

"This tea requires no brewing; it can be simply steeped. Whether in the army or among the people, it is easy to carry, and can bring loose‑leaf tea into ordinary households.

It also needs no unnecessary additives.

Frying tea in an iron pan replaces steaming; using loose tea instead of tea cakes, and instant steeping instead of boiling—there is great potential ahead."

Fang Chongyong said earnestly.

"You've got the spirit."

Wang Zhongsi, preoccupied, replied casually, seeming too busy to mind such trivial matters.

"The last time you defeated the Tubo in that battle, could you tell someone in detail how it went?"

Wang Zhongsi finished the tea and asked softly,

"Father‑in‑law, it is like this.

The main reason we won was that the Tubo were embroiled in internal strife; the senior commander overseeing the war zone couldn't restrain the armies of the Eastern Dai.

Otherwise, winning so cleanly would have been difficult."

Fang Chongyong recounted, from his journey to Longyou, his plan to create a 'Sheepskin Army' as a killing move, the later King Su Bi's intention to submit to Tang, the Tubo's preparation for a massive attack on Longyou, and countless other details, all to Wang Zhongsi.

The core strategic idea is: end war with war!

By achieving a small‑scale total victory, the Tubo will dare not act rashly, buying the Longyou region a longer peace; the war is fought for that purpose.

And now, the intended goal has been fully achieved.

In the coming period, the Tubo will prepare earnestly, and the Tang army is also preparing; when the fight begins this autumn, it will be a matter of whose tactics are superior!

After hearing Fang Chongyong's briefing, even Wang Zhongsi, who is well‑versed, was taken aback by the 'Sheepskin Army' and the trick of blocking the retreat with horse‑blocking stakes.

The tactic of using horse‑blocking stakes and fences to block a retreat had long been employed by the Tubo, proving remarkably effective at critical points.

But the 'Sheepskin Army' maneuver is truly unheard of; Fang Chongyong can claim it as his own invention!

"The Tang forces against the Tubo have always been fraught with danger; a slight slip can annihilate the whole army. To win as triumphantly as you have makes you truly the first."

This Hexi Military Governor is truly deserving of the title.

Someone also believes that, with your connections, you will certainly be competent as Military Governor in Hexi.

Your 'war to end war' approach is indeed the best response for Longyou. The Longyou forces have serious issues; if fighting breaks out now, the lingering poison of the Anren Army's mutiny will surely affect morale.

Wang Zhongsi said with a look of satisfaction, deliberately avoiding the smuggling trade issue. In fact, regarding the messy smuggling situation in Hexi, he does not think that after Fang Chongyong arrives…

"Father‑in‑law, the Tubo's target is Stone Fort City. No matter how they feign attacks, it's a ruse. Stone Fort City is a nail stuck on the old Tuyuhun road; any force moving from the old Tuyuhun capital to the frontier must pass through Stone Fort City."

"Thus the Tubo will surely seize it first and then rejoice; they must not be taken lightly. If support is truly needed later, someone can dispatch troops from Hexi through the Great Doudou Valley to strike the Tubo's flank, coordinating with Father‑in‑law's strategy."

Fang Chongyong reminded.

"Holding a position too long leads to loss; the Sage will not be satisfied with the current front, and one must not die defending a city."

"What do you think the Hexi Longyou forces should do to break the deadlock?"

Wang Zhongsi furrowed his brow slightly and asked.

"Deploy troops to capture the Jiǔqū region of the Yellow River and establish a garrison there; that will satisfy the Sage's expectations."

Fang Chongyong thought for a moment, then said in a deep voice,

Hearing this, Wang Zhongsi seemed thoughtful, remained silent, still weighing pros and cons.

When Princess of Jin City married far away to the Tubo, Yang Ju, then Left Guard Grand General (later Governor of Shanzhou), accepted bribes from the Tubo and petitioned the court to cede the Jiǔqū region to them as a bathing town for the princess. After the Tubo obtained Jiǔqū, they stationed troops there,

Yang Ju's decision was not solely due to the bribes; it was also because the forces and supply lines in Longyou struggled to control Jiǔqū (including Qinghai, Guinan, Tongde, Gonghe, Xinghai counties). In short, the Tubo were descending from the plateau, making the area impossible to defend.

Holding Jiǔqū means conquering half of the Tubo's realm, even bringing a war of annihilation onto the agenda; otherwise, prolonged defense leads to loss and a bleeding situation. At that time, with the Princess of Jin City married to the Tubo, Yang Ju's point is understandable; he was lazy governance, tossing the burden away to end it all.

What Wang Zhongsi worried about was, after capturing Jiǔqū, how to govern it and how to hold it.

Advancing would greatly affect national policy; retreating would make the next Yang Ju.

So, should we advance or retreat?

Wang Zhongsi fell into deep thought.

(End of chapter)