Chapter 264: The Jiedushi Caught in the Middle

The Chishui Army was essentially the power base of the An clan of Liangzhou during the early Tang, and its soldier recruitment was very homogeneous—exclusively local Sogdians of Central Asian descent from Liangzhou. The original scale of the Chishui Army was not as massive as thirty-three thousand.

After the Kaiyuan era, the Chishui Army gradually incorporated quality cavalry provided by the Uighur city-flanking tribes, as well as mounted infantry supplied by local Han commoners of Liangzhou and Sogdians who had already been registered as regular households.

Recently, the court ordered a portion of the Chishui Army's troops to be relocated to Hedong and Shuofang, which seriously infringed upon the interests of the Uighur city-flanking tribes, because these people were not an agrarian economy but a tribal nomadic one. The Tang government's taxation of them also differed from that of the border garrison military colonies.

These city-flanking settlements generally migrated together with the troops they provided. But the court's policy meant they could not be assured of obtaining quality pastureland of the same caliber in Hedong and Shuofang.

If these city-flanking settlements did not move together with the troops, they would lose the able-bodied young men of their tribes and be unable to maintain their footing in Liangzhou.

This was an unsolvable contradiction, and the local forces of Liangzhou absolutely did not want to see these city-flanking tribes relocate either.

Under these circumstances, inside the garrison of Chiwu Town, which belonged to the Chishui Army, the military camp was filled with a tense atmosphere. Soldiers gathered in twos and threes, whispering to each other—a sight that was clearly abnormal.

Accompanied by Guo Ziyi and others, Fang Chongyong led several hundred troops of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army to the gates of Chiwu Town's camp, and upon seeing everything before him, his heart sank.

This was not his first time coming to Chiwu Town, but the last time he visited, Wang Zhongsi was serving as the Military Commissioner of the Chishui Army. The Chishui Army of that time had a stern and solemn camp, with soldiers neatly formed and silent—an elite force that could be deployed to fight major battles and brutal campaigns the moment they marched out.

But now, it seemed to be a scene of widespread panic and unease. Even though many Chishui Army soldiers were not Uighur cavalry and did not resist the court's deployments as strongly as the Uighur tribes, quite a few among them also did not want to be transferred away from Liangzhou.

They simply had no way to resist!

"Jiedushi, the atmosphere seems somewhat off."

He Changqi leaned close to Fang Chongyong and said in a lowered voice.

Fang Chongyong waved his hand gently, signaling He Changqi not to say more, and instead instructed Guo Ziyi: "Beat the drums and assemble the troops."

"Jiedushi Fang..."

Guo Ziyi hesitated to speak, wanting to grab Fang Chongyong's arm but stopping his hand in midair—too embarrassed to lower it, yet unwilling to give up in his heart.

In truth, Guo Ziyi was not without means to bring the Chishui Army's situation under control, but he had long seen that the Emperor intended to employ Fang Chongyong in a major capacity, so he deliberately yielded this opportunity for the other man to establish his authority.

If Fang Chongyong could not subdue the Chishui Army, yet Guo Ziyi could settle things, then was it Fang Chongyong who was unfit to be Jiedushi, or Guo Ziyi who was more deserving of being Jiedushi?

That was not something easily said—even bringing it up for discussion would be highly inappropriate.

However foolish Guo Ziyi might be, he would never do something so self-defeating as to lift a rock only to drop it on his own foot.

Yet now Fang Chongyong's approach was clearly different from what he had in mind!

At this moment, Guo Ziyi was genuinely anxious.

"Jiedushi, the ones making the most trouble in the Chishui Army right now are the Uighur cavalry.

And the Uighur cavalry come from different Uighur tribes in Liangzhou; they are not a monolithic bloc.

Jiedushi could speak with them privately in good faith, and surely a solution acceptable to all could be negotiated.

If the entire army beats the drums and assembles, then no one will be able to save face, and the matter may end up deadlocked as a result.

It would be better for Jiedushi to meet with them privately and individually, breaking them down one by one."

Guo Ziyi persuaded in a low voice.

It must be said that this approach of using unwritten rules to solve problems in private carries strong historical inertia and practical feasibility. Throughout history, both in China and abroad, those who accomplished great things mostly had to resort to such methods.

"If these people are privately discussing mutiny, should I also appease them in private?"

Fang Chongyong retorted, his tone far from amicable.

"This subordinate spoke out of turn. I beg Jiedushi's forgiveness."

Guo Ziyi hastily bowed and saluted, cold sweat dripping from his forehead despite himself.

"Beat the drums and assemble the troops. I do not wish to say it again."

Fang Chongyong gave a slight nod and did not pursue Guo Ziyi's words further.

"Yes, sir."

"Someone! Beat the drums and assemble the troops!"

Guo Ziyi shouted to the bodyguards beside him.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

Even, heavy drumbeats rang out. With every strike, dust rose beneath the great drum, as though each beat struck directly upon everyone's heart.

Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!

The sounds of armor scraping and weapons clashing rose and intermingled. The great parade ground of Chiwu Town was the central area of a series of small Chishui Army camps, and also the core of the "Seventy-Two Camps of Chishui."

Hearing the drums, the Chishui Army soldiers surged toward the center of the parade ground like a tide, converging there.

And swiftly formed ranks.

At this moment, the caliber of the finest elite of Hexi began to reveal itself. According to Tang military law, any soldier who fails to arrive when the drums beat in camp is executed on the spot. This strictly enforced military code began to demonstrate its power.

Fang Chongyong could not help but nod slightly. The Tang border armies were still at their peak, far removed from the autumn-defense troops and militia conscripts after the An-Shi Rebellion, who worked for pay like mercenaries.

In less than the time it takes to burn one stick of incense, the soldiers of the various Chishui Army camps who had not been dispatched outside had all assembled in position, standing in formation on the parade ground awaiting orders.

"Jiedushi Fang, the Chishui Army has finished forming ranks. There are over fifteen thousand men inside and outside the parade ground. The rest are either out on patrol or scattered among other garrisons."

Guo Ziyi crossed his hands in salute and reported to Fang Chongyong.

"Are the messengers in position?"

Fang Chongyong asked in a low voice.

On such a large parade ground, without electronic amplification equipment (basic amplifying devices did exist), the formations farther away all received orders relayed by messengers.

Occasions for addressing the entire army like this were virtually nonexistent in daily routine; many common soldiers would go their whole lives without ever witnessing one.

Not only that, when the Emperor conducted the "Grand Ritual" ceremonies, because the number of participants was so large, communication was likewise achieved through localized relay, with soldiers or eunuchs specifically tasked with passing along the words.

"Reporting to Jiedushi, all are standing by and await your instructions!"

Guo Ziyi called out loudly.

"Mm. Deputy Military Commissioner Guo has been attentive."

Fang Chongyong said coolly, deliberately emphasizing the word "Deputy."

The group walked up to the parade ground's viewing platform. Fang Chongyong gazed at the densely packed formations all around, imagining in his heart the spectacular sight of tens of thousands of soldiers locked in battle on a battlefield.

That would truly be like mountains crumbling and the earth splitting open, floodwaters surging forth—beyond all description.

An individual's strength is insignificant before a great army.

"The court has ordered that the Chishui Army must select ten thousand men, relocating five thousand to Hedong and five thousand to Shuo Fang. Additionally, five thousand troops from the Hedong army and five thousand from the Shuo Fang army will join the Chishui Army to complete its roster."

This matter can no longer be altered.

This Jiedushi does not indulge in favoritism; here I will explain everything to you in detail.

Choosing ten thousand people is up to this Jiedushi. Who is selected and who is not depends on your performance.

The resettlement allowance for moving out of Hexi is fifty bolts per person. Here in Hexi, this Jiedushi has specially approved to issue it to you before you set out.

Furthermore, we must select ten thousand elite troops for the western expedition to Xiao Bolu. Anyone willing to go and ultimately chosen will receive a year's worth of spring and winter clothes in advance. If they win, the court will grant rewards.

This Jiedushi asks you: if anyone does not wish to join the expedition nor relocate to Hedong or Shuo Fang, step forward now!

Fang Chongyong spoke at length, and the messenger soldiers immediately left the viewing platform to deliver the orders to the distant formation.

Then all the commanders on the platform, including some soldiers of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army serving as personal guards, quietly observed whether anyone would step forward.

Unexpectedly, perhaps frightened by certain "martial rumors," no one was willing to step forward to declare "no relocation, no expedition." At this moment, stepping forward could likely result in the commander using them as an example, beheaded in front of over fifteen thousand people!

"Very well, the Chishui Army indeed has no cowards."

This Jiedushi has already given you a chance. As the saying goes, now make it clear: anyone who later refuses the relocation will be beheaded on the spot.

Three days later, the Chishui Army will begin selecting the expeditionary force; on the training ground each will prove themselves. Everyone, return to your camps!

After speaking, Fang Chongyong waved his hand, turned, and left, heading straight out of Red Crow Town. Guo Ziyi and the other Chishui Army commanders stared at each other in bewilderment.

When the group had already left the vicinity of Red Crow Town and neared the gate of Wuwei City, Guo Ziyi could not help but pull Fang Chongyong aside and voice his doubts.

"Fang Jiedushi, the recent address to the troops likely will not win the hearts of the Uighur settlements near the city. Forcing them to relocate to Hedong and Shuo Fang is no different from cutting a tree's roots."

Thus, unrest among the Uighur cavalry in the Chishui Army may become unavoidable.

Guo Ziyi said earnestly.

"Therefore, they should compete on the training ground, join the expeditionary ranks, and make achievements in the Western Regions."

Fang Chongyong replied calmly, waving his hand lightly, clearly taking it lightly.

Guo Ziyi was at a loss for words, wondering whether to say the other was being presumptuous, or that this official was madly chasing glory in a reckless way?

Guo Ziyi believed the Uighur cavalry issue required patient communication and careful pacification.

The settlements adjacent to their city are now in a dilemma, which are very real survival problems, not baseless troublemaking.

"Jiedushi, the Qiu Ba are mostly thinking not about securing wives and children, but about getting food as soldiers.

They do not understand the glory you speak of."

Guo Ziyi gave a wry smile and advised from another angle.

"The relocation within the Uighur tribe and the subsequent household registration is one of the state policies since the Kaiyuan era. It is not that this Jiedushi refuses to accommodate them, but that the court cannot."

Those troops that refuse official orders are unworthy of existing in the border forces; this Jiedushi will certainly use thunderous measures to settle them.

Today's drill‑ground address merely tells all Chishui Army soldiers: this Jiedushi acts uprightly, does not employ those demonic tricks, a spit and a nail.

If the others in the Chishui Army do not join the Uighur cavalry in causing trouble, the Uighur cavalry cannot stir up trouble.

Vice Commander Guo watches attentively; whatever the court blames, this Jiedushi will bear alone. Even if the sky falls, there is still a tall one holding it up.

This Jiedushi fears nothing; what are you afraid of?

Fang Chongyong said resolutely.

"The Jiedushi says that the junior officer's vision is too short‑sighted, not as far‑sighted as the Jiedushi's."

Guo Ziyi bowed awkwardly and said.

He suddenly realized that Fang Chongyong's line of thought differed fundamentally from that of these commanders.

This official Fang always keenly perceives what the court and the Son of Heaven care most about, never falters on this issue, thus deeply trusted by the emperor and repeatedly given important duties.

Fang Chongyong practices "governing the army by affairs," whereas these Qiu Ba, born of military families, are basically "accomplishing deeds through the army." Neither approach is inherently better or worse; it requires case‑by‑case analysis.

"Governing the army by affairs" essentially bases itself at the center, obeys the emperor, uses frontier military resources to achieve glory and handle one's own matters. Cultivating party allies is secondary. In short, all border troops serve the court's strategy.

Whereas "accomplishing deeds through the army" is like Guo Ziyi, focusing on building local networks, compiling interpersonal webs, and then seeing what one can do for the court.

The flaw of this method is obvious: constantly building power locally makes it hard to earn the emperor's trust and invites suspicion. A single imperial order can send the person away, leaving no achievements, shuttling from one border town to another, never rising in rank nor gaining respect.

Conversely, "governing the army by affairs" follows the emperor's commands, letting the center dictate how to act, and governs the army under that premise.

This approach is not without risk: an obedient Jiedushi can rise quickly and earn many merits, yet it is hard to avoid an unstable grassroots base, only able to placate nearby commanders' inherent flaws. After all, endless blood staining purple robes hardly unites the grassroots.

One is a "war zone," the other a "military district"; many understand the difference.

The two are not isolated nor detached; they complement and hinder each other. A Jiedushi must be good, evidently needing both "governing the army by affairs" and the skill of "accomplishing deeds through the army."

They exert their greatest influence between the center and border towns.

The party continued toward Wuwei City; at the gate they saw car after car of silk, a massive line blocked outside the gate, only allowed entry after inspection.

Merchants and civilians entering or leaving the city were driven aside, standing nearby with envious faces watching the wagons enter.

The unabashed, unhidden silk made their thoughts drift.

Cen Can was leading a squad of Chishui Army soldiers outside the gate, organizing order and clearing idle people.

"Has the court's silk arrived? Are there a million bolts?"

Fang Chongyong walked up to Cen Can and asked with a smile.

"Returning to the Fang Jiedushi, indeed so; this time the court's handling is truly swift.

It seems the Son of Heaven places great expectations on the Jiedushi's western expedition into the Western Regions."

Cen Can leaned in and whispered.

"Hmph, indeed great expectations!"

Fang Chongyong let out a light hum and said.

Ji Ge: Great expectations for the western expedition?

No, no, no—he's eager to issue paper money, raise the great sickle and cut the leeks!

The more vigorous Ji Ge's support is, the more Fang Chongyong worries that this will‑be‑a‑reckless emperor will later go on a rampage. In just over ten days he shipped a million bolts of silk from Chang'an to Liangzhou; such efficiency is unimaginable in the Tang's peaceful era!

After I die, who cares about floods raging! Did Ji Ge really never consider the drawbacks of over‑issuing Jiaozi?

Fang Chongyong's heart sank, and he immediately said to Cen Can:

"Send more capable people to guard the warehouses; under no circumstances should a theft or fire at the Liangzhou Prefecture depot be reported."

"Then have a few people do some propaganda inside Wuwei City, saying the court has already transported five million bolts of silk to Liangzhou, preparing for Jiaozi issuance. This matter the saint is determined about; anyone who blocks the road, their whole family dies."

"Five million bolts of silk? Isn't that too much?"

Cen Can was startled and asked, having heard the transport leader of the horse caravan responsible for silk say it was only a million bolts—how did it suddenly swell to five million?

"Not many, because ordinary people only believe what they are willing to believe."

"Five million bolts of silk, is that a lot?"

Fang Chongyong retorted boldly.

"Indeed not many."

Cen Can, feeling a bit guilty, agreed.

What he didn't know was that exaggerated and sensational things often generate wide‑scale publicity; the more outrageous, the more people believe it.

And the core of Jiaozi circulation lies in two words: credit! In this regard, Fang Chongyong is the expert.

(End of chapter)