Chapter 307: Like a Tiger Gaining Wings

Fang Chongyong, after returning to Liangzhou with the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army, noticed the fresh wound on his forehead had given him a positive buff: while walking through the market inside Liangzhou City, Hu merchants would from time to time recommend their daughters to him, saying they were as beautiful as flowers, with round hips and slender waists, good for raising children and diligent, and asking whether he wanted a female slave.

Free giveaway! No charge! Not only do they not take money, they even pay a "house entry fee"!

Fang Chongyong thought this must be that a Tubo archer had altered his appearance with a single arrow, opening a peach‑blossom eye that turned him into a trendy man whose legs go weak at the sight of women; it had nothing to do with his position as Jiedushi of the Hexi Circuit, nor any relation to his earlier great victory over Tubo.

Facing the enthusiasm of the Western Region Hu merchants, Fang Chongyong could only politely decline. It wasn't that he disliked Hu women; he just wanted to take care of his body while still young, lest overindulgence now cause an early death and a life of regret.

That day, Fang Chongyong took Yang Yan out, and the two strolled through Liangzhou City early in the morning, covertly inspecting the circulation of Jiaozi, using the information from popular feedback to adjust governmental policy.

After a round of observation, they found that the market circulation of Jiaozi was much better than expected.

Because silk has different properties in Hexi than in Chang'an, Jiaozi were given an additional meaning: silk exchange vouchers. Unless one risked smuggling, without Jiaozi the Hu merchants could not get any silk out of the Shazhou Pass.

Now Luocheng in Shazhou has become a hub for exchanging Jiaozi for silk, while in Hexi far from Shazhou, Jiaozi have gradually replaced silk cloth as the medium for everyday consumption by locals.

The deposit effect, together with the silk cloth "squeezed out" by Jiaozi in Chang'an and continuously shipped to Hexi to exchange for higher‑value Western Region goods, increased the amount of circulating currency, and commerce flourished markedly.

Overall, the economy of the Hexi Corridor is far healthier than the distorted economy of Chang'an with its astronomically high prices. Before the campaign into the Western Regions, this great rear area still appeared stable.

"Jiedushi Fang's orderly silk‑Jiaozi exchange plan is indeed good. We control the Hu merchants' big heads, allow the populace to freely exchange small‑denomination notes for silk, and both are unimpeded."

Yang Yan said admiringly to Fang Chongyong.

Silk, in Hexi, is essentially an "export commodity"; locals don't use silk the way they eat or drink water.

Fang Chongyong's originally envisioned "two parallel tracks" method has been well implemented in Hexi. Policies and Jiaozi control silk exports, with strict anti‑smuggling. Then silk serves as the basic anchor, allowing small‑scale civilian exchange to stabilize the value of Hexi's Jiaozi.

The more small‑scale exchange is liberalized, the more it avoids a squeeze, because whether currency circulates smoothly ultimately remains a matter of trust.

"Hexi's Jiaozi will soon become saturated and need fresh blood; then only opening the Western Regions can achieve that,"

Fang Chongyong watched the bustling crowd and the merchants courting customers on the street, and couldn't help sighing. Yang Yan gave a slight nod without speaking, as there was no longer any need to continue the discussion.

No matter how much one talks or how good the policy is, it must be implementable.

People over in the Western Regions are both soldiers and bandits, both merchants and thieves; there are no "good citizens" in the traditional sense.

Nomadic tribes without fixed dwellings serve as mercenaries and horse bandits, and can also act as bodyguards escorting cargo.

The Tang army is both a maintainer of order and, behind the scenes, thieves cloaked in official military uniforms.

Hu merchants leading camel caravans, after changing clothes, become bandit leaders carrying goods.

The lower‑class populace can be guards, petty bandits, small traders, or farmers, with no fixed identity.

A young beautiful woman might be a noble saint of a certain sect, or a naked prostitute.

It all depends on the setting and the people faced.

The Western Regions are vast, with customs vastly different from the Central Plains; the people there adapt readily to changes in their status.

It can be called a thriving vitality, where all things compete, and a single grain can sustain a hundred kinds of people.

In other words, this is a jungle chessboard that respects only strength and profit; the strong become king, dealing out life and death, while the weak are openly manipulated. Concepts like benevolence and morality aren't entirely useless, but they have little bearing in the Western Regions.

Tang officials implement policies here not merely with words; most of them speak while holding a knife.

Where the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army goes, Jiaozi can be spread without hindrance. Conversely, if the troops cannot reach a place, no amount of talk helps!

The Tang army's control range extends only east of Xizhou (the former Gaochang Kingdom). Within the cities of this area, Tang law and order still retain some force, though it is also a "military administration" model, with everything prioritizing military logistics.

Beyond Xizhou, Tang law and order cease to exist; everything is ruled by force, while also chasing profit!

The minor Western Region states over there mix with the Tang this year, with Tubo the next, and such situations are common.

"After this Jiedushi departs, support for Hexi must not be cut. Though there is talk of fighting to fund fighting, we cannot place hope in the barren Western Region minor states.

The Anxi and Beiting Protectorates each have their own troops; Jiedushi Fang may not be able to command them at a fingertip.

Relying on a mountain, the mountain may collapse; relying on people, they may flee; relying on anyone is worse than relying on oneself.

Fang Chongyong patted Yang Yan's shoulder and urged earnestly.

"Jiedushi, rest assured; even if I am merely smashing pots and selling iron in Hexi, I will still deliver supplies to the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army to repay your recognition of my talent,"

Yang Yan said emotionally, insisting the words were sincere.

"I have always trusted your handling of matters, but…"

As Fang Chongyong spoke, he saw a recruitment point of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army not far away where a young man who seemed under thirty was clashing with the recruiter He Changqi, causing the queue behind them great displeasure and a somewhat chaotic scene.

Fang Chongyong, with Yang Yan, slipped unnoticed into the onlookers and saw a burly man arguing with He Changqi.

"I, the general, have already said that the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army accepts anyone regardless of background as long as they have sufficient strength, but the regulations forbid enlisting those sentenced to penal servitude,"

"You have such a big 'prisoner' character carved on your face; you can't even pass the first gate, what else is there to say?"

He Changqi explained impatiently.

The rule of not accepting penal‑servitude prisoners into the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army was set by Ji Ge. Because Ji Ge only enforces this rule and leaves everything else to discretion, Fang Chongyong had no choice but to adopt it as a "hard standard" for recruitment.

"I only wish to achieve merit for the country. Moreover, the penal mark on my face is because, when I previously served in the army, I was falsely accused and retaliated against,"

"Doesn't the state need heroes to serve it?"

"How could a general refuse outright without first weighing the facts?"

The man's speech was rehearsed, and his appearance didn't seem like that of a traditional warrior. Yet his attire was shabby—a coarse hemp robe with a rough cap on his head—and he spoke with a self‑assured air, leaving He Changqi looking embarrassed.

In Liangzhou there are many rascals, from cock‑crowing thieves to dog‑stealing scoundrels.

There are also many of low birth—such as sons‑in‑law who have been exiled, those who cannot make a living in their hometowns, and the banished. Here, the aristocratic lineage holds little sway; many people's backgrounds are untraceable, and exposure would mean death.

Thus his words resonated with the crowd, leaving He Changqi in a difficult position.

If they reject him, it would show that the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army is not "eager for talent," and the previous propaganda was mere talk. It would still be judging people by status, and who would later pledge allegiance?

If they agree to let him undergo the assessment, He Changqi cannot step down, and it would also violate the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army's regulations.

"Stop making a racket, put on this mask and take the assessment,"

Fang Chongyong handed the man an iron mask, captured from the Tubo imperial guard.

When He Changqi saw Fang Chongyong arrive, his earlier swagger—like an angry rooster—instantly turned into that of a meek quail, and he retreated silently.

The man seemed to have guessed Fang Chongyong's identity, bowed respectfully with clasped fists, then placed the mask on his face; his demeanor changed instantly, as if he could have had "No strangers allowed" written on his clothing.

"Everyone line up properly! The Yinqiang Xiaojie Army indeed offers generous benefits, and the combat orders they execute are the most dangerous!"

Those who are not confident in their own abilities need not come, but as long as you are capable, come and this Jiedushi will take you.

You may continue! The gates of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army are always open to you; those with resources, unafraid of death, just come!

Fang Chongyong shouted to the crowd, and soon the previously scattered troops reformed in order. Facing the adoring crowd, he leaned toward He Changqi's ear and whispered two words, then turned and left.

He understood clearly that without having previously led troops south to brutally beat the Tubo, he could not now enjoy such high prestige in Hexi.

This prestige is honor, a shield, yet also an inescapable responsibility.

At that moment, a personal guard slipped up to Fang Chongyong, handed him a letter, and then retreated without a trace.

This specially made envelope is only available at the Hexi Imperial Reporting Office. Its paper material, color, and embossed pattern are unique, making it hard for others to counterfeit.

Fang Chongyong, as if nothing happened, slipped it into his sleeve, and with Yang Yan returned straight to the Hexi Jiedushi's office. Upon entering the study and opening the letter, his face instantly showed an incredulous expression.

……

Night had deepened, yet the Hexi Jiedushi's office remained brightly lit.

When an army marches a thousand li, the preparations are far from trivial; every circumstance must be considered. Though it was late at night, the office's seal‑press room was still working, packing bag after bag of woodblock‑printed "documents" into special wooden boxes.

These items are Fang Chongyong's "other hand" sweeping the Western Regions.

In the office study, Fang Chongyong perused the hundreds‑of‑years‑collected data on Western Regions' geography, hydrology, culture, politics, and customs from Liangzhou City. Anaye, beside him, dutifully massaged his shoulders without saying a word.

Fang Chongyong suddenly turned his head to look at Anaye, appearing thoughtful.

"What's wrong, A Lang? Do you want to lie on the bed and have me treat you?"

Anaye untied the wheat‑colored hairband, gracefully tossed her head, flicked her loosened hair behind her shoulders, then smiled and met Fang Chongyong's gaze.

In her eyes lay unabashed desire.

"Actually, I've been wondering whether you truly are a princess of the Yuezhi Kingdom."

Fang Chongyong propped his chin up, crossed his legs, and asked.

"If you lie on the bed tonight and try, you'll know; I've heard women of the Yuezhi royal family are the most lewd."

Anaye bit Fang Chongyong's ear, coaxing in a soft, seductive tone, and after speaking she also took the opportunity to lick the wound on his forehead.

"Hey, that kind of game can be played anytime; that's not what I'm talking about."

Fang Chongyong let Anaye sit on his lap, wrapped his arms around her slender waist, lowered his voice and continued: "When I take the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army into the Western Regions, west of Congling, I'll carve out a vast territory for you, let you be queen there and do as you please, how about that?"

"Where is Congling?"

Anaye, after hearing that, was completely indifferent and asked a strange question.

The situation she now faced was like Fang Chongyong in a past life being an unsophisticated African chieftain being told that his Alipay had received a cash transfer of about one hundred million.

Because he had no concept of the thing in his mind, no matter how precious it was, the person would feel nothing.

Fang Chongyong realized he was like playing a lute to a cow, so he changed his wording.

"Come with me to the Western Regions; once there, you can eat whatever you want, play whatever you want, even take the palaces of minor kingdoms at will, make those kings crawl before you begging for mercy, and have their daughters serve as your maidens.

In short, do whatever you desire, fight whomever you wish, how does that sound?"

"Hehe, you just want me to be a puppet, then push me onto the stage as a decoration, to help you control the countries beyond Congling.

I knew something bad was coming!"

Anaye gave Fang Chongyong a cold stare and said, a single sentence exposing the scoundrel's lie.

"You can't put it that way; one can't live without a bit of glory, right? This also counts as helping you return home in splendor."

Fang Chongyong brushed it off, and the two exchanged smiles, naturally sharing a passionate kiss.

Just as the two were about to have a "quick meal" in the study, the door was knocked, and He Changqi's voice came from outside.

"Jiedushi Fang, the person you mentioned during the day has already been brought in, waiting in the courtyard of the office."

Bare‑chested Anaye sighed helplessly, had to tidy her clothes, and hurriedly slipped out through the side door of the study. Shortly after, He Changqi entered the study with the person whose face bore the character "prisoner", then stood beside him like a statue.

"Shouldn't you introduce yourself?"

Fang Chongyong smiled at the other and asked.

"I am called Duan Xiushi, formerly an officer in the Shuo Fang army, and have spent several years idling in Liangzhou.

Only last year did I shed my slave status."

Duan Xiushi wore a wry smile, let out a long sigh, and said.

"How did you shed your slave status?"

Fang Chongyong asked a question that seemed somewhat odd to onlookers.

"Once, while serving as a guard for Hu merchants, I saved Yan Chao, a son of the Yan family of Shazhou. He bought me, freed me from slavery, and granted me Shazhou citizenship."

Duan Xiushi's expression remained calm as he said.

"No wonder, for Yan Chao is now a deputy commander of the Doulu Army, yet why don't you follow him?"

Fang Chongyong continued to press.

"Because only in the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army can one rise to prominence.

I don't want to spend my life unnoticed; Jiedushi Fang, please take me in."

Duan Xiushi said firmly.

He still has a debt to settle with Li Longji.

"But your request puts this Jiedushi in a difficult position… I have heard that back in Shuo Fang, you were a person the Sage held a grudge against.

What else can you offer to persuade me to take you in?"

Fang Chongyong looked at Duan Xiushi, his gaze full of amusement.

"That is the purpose of my existence."

Duan Xiushi put on the mask that Fang Chongyong had given him during the day, and continued: "From now on, the Tang no longer has a person named Duan Xiushi, only a death soldier of Jiedushi Fang. With this, I trust Jiedushi Fang can accept me, right?"

"Very well, from now on stay by this Jiedushi's side and await orders."

Fang Chongyong gave a slight nod and continued:

He Changqi, I call him He Laohu; as for you, well, I'll just call you Duan Dapeng.

The great peng spreads its wings, like a tiger gaining wings. This Jiedushi again gains an aide; what worry is there that the Western Regions will not be pacified!

(End of chapter)