Chapter 276: Not That Simple

Back home, Fang Chongyong felt all his strength drained, lying on the bedroom couch with his hands tucked behind his head. Though extremely exhausted, his mind was filled with an indescribable excitement—a feeling of being both sleepy and tired yet unable to fall asleep, completely unable to relax.

"Alang, you seem to have something on your mind—are you being harshly rebuked by the Sage?"

Wang Yunxiu gently stroked Fang Chongyong's dark face with her small hand and asked softly.

"Um, where is my grandfather?"

Fang Chongyong asked in confusion.

A flash of insight had just sparked in his mind, as if he had thought of something, but it vanished in an instant.

Now Fang Chongyong felt very curious—after such a huge incident, what is Fang Youde doing at this moment?

Everyone on the streets is saying his son took part in the plot to assassinate Pei Kuan; even if Fang Youde is arrogant, shouldn't he step forward to defend himself to Jige? Not returning to Chang'an at this time?

"Grandfather?"

Wang Yunxiu was startled, then said thoughtfully:

"A while ago, Grandfather was training the Shen Ce Army in Huaxian and hadn't returned to Chang'an. Since Huaxian is my family's hometown, I know the details very well."

"But this matter is indeed strange; the Sage hasn't summoned Grandfather back to the capital. Whether it's the Sage or Grandfather, their hearts are perhaps a bit too big, aren't they?"

Even I, a woman, know that so‑called loyalty cannot withstand trials. The saying that suspicion breeds ghosts and three people can make a tiger is long past being new.

Now Fang Chongyong is implicated; his father Fang Youde, as a close minister of the Son of Heaven, must have an explanation, right?

Is Jige so confident, not fearing a mutiny by Fang Youde?

Or conversely, is Fang Youde so confident, not fearing Jige's extermination of his clan?

We won't discuss the usual matters; at this critical juncture, how did the two gain each other's trust?

"On the way home, I kept thinking about this. Unfortunately Grandfather wasn't home; otherwise I could ask him directly.

By the way, has anything unusual happened at home lately?"

Fang Chongyong thought for a moment and asked.

Wang Yunxiu thought for a moment, placed a hand on her forehead and said helplessly: "Fang Laique wants to marry Zheng Shuqing's niece, which displeases the Zheng clan. Does that count?"

Fang Laique's marriage has been full of twists; now the young lady refuses to come over no matter what, though Zheng Shuqing and her older brother have consented. As a woman, Wang Yunxiu cannot force this young Zheng lady to marry, so the matter has stalled.

"Not that kind of trivial matter—are there really no other issues?"

Fang Chongyong asked impatiently.

"Um, there is indeed a strange incident, but it has nothing to do with Pei Kuan's assassination attempt."

One day, a shabby‑dressed middle‑aged man showed up outside the courtyard. Seeing he was a stranger, I brought a few servants and ushered him into the main hall, still fearing he might be hostile to me.

He claimed to be an old subordinate of Grandfather, named Xu Yuan, who had once served as a county magistrate but had been dismissed. He said he came to Chang'an to seek Grandfather, so I told him that Grandfather is currently training troops in Huaxian. If he wishes to join the Shen Ce Army, Grandfather's patronage would make it easy.

The man bowed in thanks and left. Later I recalled that he seemed to have lodged in a Chang'an residence years ago; Alang should know him, and I have met him once.

Wang Yunxiu, like beans spilling from a bamboo tube, recounted the recent "odd incident" to Fang Chongyong.

"Oh, it's him."

Fang Chongyong nodded slightly without saying much.

Back then, when Wang Yunxiu came to the door, Zhang Xun and Xu Yuan happened to be in this residence preparing for the imperial examinations!

However, at this critical moment, what is this person doing in Chang'an?

Fang Chongyong heard that Zhang Xun was accused of murdering Yang Yuhuan and was beheaded by Jige! Of course, given Yang Yuhuan's favored status at the time, whether Zhang Xun acted on his own or was derelict, Jige's later retribution was unsurprising.

His cheap old dad Fang Youde, because of this, went from being a super‑spec Jiedushi controlling the two northeastern towns to being demoted to Lingnan as the Lingnan Military Governor. If he hadn't somehow snagged a rescue‑riding merit, who knows where he'd be sent to play in the mud now!

"Never mind, Xu Yuan could not be involved in Pei Kuan's assassination."

Fang Chongyong sighed; regardless of Xu Yuan's martial skill, he had just arrived in Chang'an, so he could not know Pei Kuan's actions and daily routine inside out.

Pei Kuan, in fact, has nothing to do with Fang Chongyong's "mistress" Pei Xiu; otherwise this would be even more troublesome.

The Pei clan in Hedong has a rather odd structure.

Internally they call their branches "Juan"; specifically, the Pei clan is divided into East Juan Pei, Central Juan Pei, West Juan Pei, Xima Pei, and Nanlai Wu Pei. Fang Chongyong didn't ask which Juan Pei Xiu belongs to, nor was it necessary, because the first four are "North Pei" and are relatively close.

Some branches split as early as the early Tang, even the Sui. Pei Xiu is definitely a member of "North Pei", without doubt.

The Nanlai Wu Pei split earliest during the Western Jin period, around two hundred years after the Common Era, and Pei Kuan came from that branch. By the Western Jin era, they had already gone separate ways from "North Pei".

From today's perspective, Nanlai Wu Pei and North Pei have absolutely no clan‑level interaction.

Summarizing with "a family five hundred years ago" is quite accurate.

Li Linfu and Wei Jian's blood ties are even closer than those among the Pei descendants.

Ask Pei Xiu's family to go to Pei Kuan's residence to explain the situation, telling them that this Hexi Military Governor has no connection whatsoever to the assassination, and it's better not to mention this rotten idea.

Fang Chongyong couldn't help but sigh.

"Alang, how did you think of bringing up An Lushan to the Sage?"

"This Jiedushi of northern Hu origin—does he even have the ability to stab a high‑ranking court official on the streets of Chang'an?"

"It seems impossible no matter how you look at it, right?"

Wang Yunxiu suddenly interjected.

"Well… since I'm idle, there's no particular reason."

Fang Chongyong awkwardly ran his hand through his hair and said, abruptly changing the subject.

"How did he know that An Lushan sent someone to assassinate Pei Kuan?"

"Actually he doesn't know; to be precise, he doesn't think An Lushan has that capability."

"Then why does Fang Chongyong, before Jige, swear solemnly to slander that An Lushan sent someone to assassinate Pei Kuan, even risking his own reputation?"

"Because Wang Zhongsi now has a feud with An Lushan; the two are like projectiles in mid‑air, accusing each other of treason! This central matter is almost known by everyone."

"As Wang Zhongsi's son‑in‑law, Fang Chongyong naturally has to stand on the same side as his father‑in‑law; he has no choice."

"Since Fang Chongyong was framed, dragging his father‑in‑law's political enemy into the mess is just basic maneuvering, right? Nothing more to say; whoever gets bitten is the one who gets it!"

"As for the actual truth of the matter, does it even matter?"

It doesn't matter, does it?

"In any case, An Lushan will definitely come to Chang'an. When that happens, this case will surely go nowhere, a dog biting a dog and getting a mouthful of fur."

Afterwards, he still served as his Pinglu Jiedushi, and I still served as my Western Regions Strategic Envoy.

"As for who killed Pei Kuan, who cares? Even the sage wouldn't care, right?"

Fang Chongyong waved his hand and said.

"Alas, Ah Lang now holds a high position, and is just like those officials, scrambling like flies and dogs."

"Back then I truly never expected it would come to this so quickly."

Wang Yunxiu sighed and shook her head.

She and Fang Chongyong have known each other for so many years, and she has watched him step by step become one with the light and dust, turning into a cunning, vicious, high‑ranking bureaucrat.

His political tactics have become ever more seasoned, and the pure naiveté of his earlier days is long gone.

"You're afraid of Ah Lang's hardship, and also afraid of Ah Lang's road‑opening tiger, you women."

"I am one with the light and dust, because a weapon of criticism cannot replace the criticism of a weapon; thinking and acting are two different matters!"

"Everything I do is merely to protect myself, to protect you."

"If you want me to sacrifice my life for the country, to let the Tang shed its last drop of blood, even if you hope so much, I lack that resolve!"

Fang Chongyong couldn't help but complain.

Wang Yunxiu had never seen Fang Chongyong so furious; she had to hug his arm, pleading softly, gently coaxing him, her face rubbing against his large hand.

When Fang Chongyong saw the maternal glow on Wang Yunxiu's face, more radiant than usual, he couldn't help recalling some lewd scenes from a past life. He couldn't resist pulling Wang Yunxiu into his arms, kissing her smooth, slender neck.

"Stay away from death, I'm already pregnant and you're still like this…"

Just when we were talking seriously, you suddenly start making moves without any warning!

Wang Yunxiu weakly pushed her own man, and her breathing couldn't help becoming rapid.

"That's exactly how it should be; you're my properly betrothed wife, what can't we do?"

"Tonight we'll play a brand‑new game."

Fang Chongyong whispered in Wang Yunxiu's ear, his hands mischievously roaming everywhere.

"Why are you so wicked…" Wang Yunxiu's lips were kissed, her ability to think lost, allowing him to act as he pleased on her.

At that moment, Fang Dafu's voice came from outside the door, and the two finally had to separate, each tidying their clothes.

"Ah Lang, King Ying's son‑in‑law Du Gu Li, disguised as a monk, has arrived at the residence, saying there's an urgent matter to discuss."

"Ah Lang, would you like to see him?"

Hearing that, Wang Yunxiu felt as if pardoned, kicked Fang Chongyong off the bed with a foot, and whispered scoldingly: "You pervert, hurry and meet the guest, don't linger here."

"I'll go right now, I'll go right now; you rest first, we'll continue later."

Fang Chongyong let out a chuckle, then returned to his usual solemn, earnest demeanor, and promptly walked out of the bedroom.

After the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn, in his own study, Fang Chongyong looked at the plump white monk before him, and fully understood what the position "Right Guard General" is used for.

Indeed, Du Gu Li now holds the post of Right Guard General.

As a former powerful Prefectural Governor and now a powerful Jiedushi, Fang Chongyong often participated in commanding military actions. Under wind and sun, his skin displayed a healthy wheat hue, and because he often faced strong winds, his cheeks bore a naturally rough, ruddy redness.

At a glance, he looks rather robust, even exuding a sharp vigor.

But Du Gu Li, with kind eyes and a gentle smile, has skin so delicate it could rival that of a lady. Just by thinking with his toes, one can guess that the Right Guard General is now a completely useless titular position.

Du Gu Li surely lives a life of ease, essentially an early retirement.

So even though Du Gu Li is King Ying's father‑in‑law, in front of a power broker like Fang Chongyong, he truly doesn't dare speak loudly!

"I am not acquainted with you, sir; I wonder what General Du Gu has to advise?"

Fang Chongyong, with a slightly flippant posture, crossed his arms and asked, his eyes staring straight at the other without a smile.

"Jiedushi Fang, are you aware that Pei Kuan's assassination was plotted by An Lushan in Hebei, with the aim of obtaining the position of Hebei Circuit Envoy?"

Du Gu Li spoke plainly, without any pleasantries, with a distinctly official tone.

Fang Chongyong gave a noncommittal slight nod; it was evident that this middle‑aged man still bore the arrogance common among Tang aristocrats, even though he knew his power was far less than that of the new elites, yet he still refused to overly accommodate, immersed in past glory.

"I see, but did King Ying send General Du Gu to deliver a message?"

Fang Chongyong asked curiously.

"King Ying has been investigating this matter and now has some clues. However, delivering the message is my private undertaking."

King Ying suspects that the matter is being plotted and directed by Yong Wang's chief clerk Gao Shang, with An Lushan providing the assassin; the two conspired to form an alliance.

Some suspicious individuals at the scene are inseparably linked to Yong Wang's residence. Yet Gao Shang acted very cleverly; when King Ying apprehended them, those people couldn't say anything special, and we couldn't find evidence, so we could only release those errand runners.

The assassin was once a personal guard of Hedong Jiedushi An Sisun, but that was many years ago when An Sisun was still serving as the Doulu army's commander in Shazhou. This person has been out of the army for a long time, and we cannot trace where he went later.

But he also has an identity.

According to the Ministry of War's roster, he hails from a settlement near a Hebei city, the same tribal origin as An Lushan. Later, as a Long March veteran, he went to Hexi. Thus King Ying suspects this person is actually a confidant of An Lushan, with only an old‑unit connection to An Sisun.

This move is very vicious; even if this person's background is uncovered, the blame would only fall on An Sisun. Yet that doesn't guarantee the person is definitely a direct subordinate of An Lushan.

Now King Ying knows this much; I have laid everything out completely and informed Jiedushi Fang.

Du Gu Li crossed his arms and saluted Fang Chongyong, then, not wanting Fang Chongyong to deliver anything, rose on his own.

Born in Hebei, he once served in Hexi, was a personal guard in the Doulu army under An Sisun, yet also hails from the same settlement as An Lushan, and now is a parentless, homeless drifter.

Damn, the buffs on this assassin are stacked enough! Comparable to the lunatic who assassinated Kennedy!

Sitting in his study, Fang Chongyong couldn't help inhaling a cold breath. To be honest, the assassin can be linked to him, An Sisun, and An Lushan; back then Fang Chongyong was the Prefect of Shazhou, even more likely than An Lushan to bribe the assassin.

This damn horse is truly a rotten debt!

But what is Du Gu Li's purpose in coming today? Is he truly delivering a message for King Ying? What does King Ying even mean?

Fang Chongyong silently speculated; his statement about accusing An Lushan was only a matter of an hour or two ago. Du Gu Li's disclosure of his "feast" clearly couldn't be prepared within an hour or two!

That is to say, Du Gu Li's visit today to convey intelligence actually has nothing to do with his performance in front of Brother Ji. Even if at that time…

Fang Chongyong always felt that this matter was not as simple as it appeared on the surface. On the contrary, it could be indirectly proven that An Lushan indeed had nothing to do with Pei Kuan's death.

If Du Gu Li's words are accurate, then this case now involves Right Prime Minister Li Linfu, Hexi Jiedushi Fang Chongyong, Pinglu Jiedushi An Lushan, Hedong Jiedushi An Sisun, and also the unlucky Minister of Revenue Pei Kuan who was assassinated; that makes two central high officials and three frontier Jiedushi.

This is definitely a far more serious case than Ji Ge killing three sons in a day, right?

What a murky water! Even those who try to slack off have to worry whether a big fish will bite them to death, right?

Fang Chongyong returned to his bedroom with a heavy heart, having long forgotten the plan to continue the lewd game with Wang Yunxiu, and fell onto the bed and slept immediately. It was Wang Yunxiu, who had been looking forward to it, who spent the night feeling gloomy.

……

The Pinglu Jiedushi's garrison is at Liucheng, Yingzhou.

Inside a certain detention room of the Pinglu Jiedushi's office, a huge, stout man dressed in a brocade robe, his physique exaggeratedly muscular, was carefully examining a court document.

After looking at it for a long time, he found many characters he didn't recognize, so he reluctantly handed it to a young man dressed as a civil official nearby for review.

That stout man was the Pinglu Jiedushi who had been reported by Fang Chongyong as the mastermind behind the murder of Minister of Revenue Pei Kuan.

An Lushan!

The young man in the civil official's brocade robe was named Zhang Tongru, an obscure figure. Yet his grandfather was famous—a great Tang general from the Wu Zhou to the early Kaiyuan era, Zhang Renyuan!

So why did Zhang Tongru travel so far to follow a non‑Han Jiedushi, An Lushan?

Because the fellow was determined to glorify his family name, forever living in the shadow of his grandfather Zhang Renyuan.

Zhang Tongru hadn't ignored other options. Earlier, he had eagerly rushed to Grand General of the Shence Army Fang Youde to seek a post, but Fang not only rejected him, he scolded him, gave him a hard time, and even told officials of the Ministry of Personnel not to appoint him.

That made Zhang Tongru unable to get by in Chang'an! He had to become a county magistrate in a small county near Luoyang.

By a twist of fate, Zhang Tongru heard that in Hebei, Pinglu Jiedushi An Lushan was recruiting staff for his bureau, thirsting for talent!

So he resigned his county post and went to Hebei to join An Lushan.

Zhang Tongru was articulate, quick-witted, and resourceful; he soon thrived beside An Lushan, becoming his core aide—always ready to serve at a moment's call.

"What does the court document say?"

An Lushan asked lazily, grabbing several candied fruits and shoving them into his mouth.

These aren't ordinary dried fruits. They're made with a lot of honey, so sweet it's cloying, and most people can't eat them.

No one knows why An Lushan likes this kind of thing so much.

"The court has ordered An Jiedushi to return to the capital to report his duties, and gave no other explanation."

Zhang Tongru said softly.

"Return to the capital? Why must I go? There's been no war in Hebei lately, and it's not the year‑end assessment.

Moreover, even if it were an assessment, there's no reason for a Jiedushi to go in person, right?"

An Lushan asked with a puzzled expression, his questions coming one after another.

He was ruling Hebei like a local emperor, feasting daily, so why return to Chang'an?

"I, the subordinate, am not entirely sure.

However, the spy I have in Chang'an heard something that might explain An Jiedushi's doubt.

Minister of Revenue Pei Kuan was assassinated, and the assassin identified the behind‑the‑scenes masterminds as Hexi Jiedushi Fang Chongyong and Right Prime Minister Li Linfu.

However, over in Chang'an County, a new testimony was submitted to the Dali Temple, suspecting that the assassin was assigned by An Jiedushi, because the Ministry of War found that the assassin and An Jiedushi came from the same tribe.

Zhang Tongru said in a low voice, his face showing worry.

"What? I sent people to Chang'an to assassinate Pei Kuan?

This old dead man is nearly seventy, why would I kill him?

Our tribe has at least tens of thousands of people; anyone from my tribe is already a close confidant of this Jiedushi, right?

The Ministry of War's scoundrels can't just spout such blood‑sucking accusations, can they?"

An Lushan asked back with a shocked expression; he was truly frightened.

Zhang Tongru spread his hands, indicating that he too did not know.

This volume is about to finish.

(End of chapter)