Chapter 312: The Redundant Man

In the great hall of the prefectural yamen in the small city of Shazhou, table after table was arranged in a connected formation, forming the shape of the Chinese character "hui".

Seasonal fruits provided by prominent local Han families were sliced and arranged on platters. The variety was extensive, and they looked delicious.

Fine grapes produced in Ganzhou, sent to Liangzhou wineries to be made into white wine, were bottled in emerald-green glazed vessels produced in the Persian region and set upon the tables.

Setting aside the wine itself, the bottles alone were worth a fortune. They appeared here only because of the advantage of proximity, and even ordinary Chang'an nobility might not possess a full set. Indeed, such items were counted by the "set"—a single piece on its own was nothing remarkable.

By the Tang dynasty, glassmaking craftsmanship in the Persian region was already quite refined, and glazed bottles could be mass-produced.

Although Fang Chongyong was the host of this banquet and had borrowed the Shazhou prefectural yamen for the occasion, the food and wine were all provided by local Hu merchants and prominent Han families of Shazhou.

The Hu dancing girls who performed at the banquet and the musicians who played instruments and sang were also hired and paid for by these same people.

In short, Jiedushi Fang could play host, but "Young Master Fang" would absolutely not be footing the bill.

Before the sky had even darkened, all the guests had already arrived. Fang Chongyong, seated in the place of honor, clapped his hands, and seven Hu dancing girls with graceful figures, dressed in colorful floral skirts and veiled, entered with elegant steps.

At the same time, the rich Western Region sounds of the Hu reed pipe and Hu fiddle began to play.

Everyone present cast their gazes back and forth, now and again, between Fang Chongyong and the gracefully dancing Hu girls, and the tense atmosphere gradually relaxed.

The servants first brought out cold dishes such as the five-delights platter, steamed pears, and pickled vegetables, planning to serve the hot dishes only after the Hu girls finished dancing and the wine had gone three rounds.

At that point, a whole sheep would be brought into the hall and roasted on the spot, with the cook carving it into slices while still half-cooked and serving them directly to the tables. Once a sheep was finished, a fresh one would be immediately put on to roast, ensuring that every bite the diners tasted was crisp on the outside and tender within, with flavor exploding in the mouth.

"Jiedushi Fang, your native place is Shazhou, where you were born and raised. I, Wang, am the outsider here, merely governing this region on behalf of the court.

At tonight's banquet, this official's mouth is good for nothing but eating and drinking. All matters, public and private, you need only say the word. This official is but a coarse man come to pay homage to the temple of his five organs.

Hahahahahaha!"

Seeing that the atmosphere was somewhat awkward and no one was speaking up, Shazhou Inspector Wang Huailiang laughed heartily and said.

When Fang Chongyong came to Shazhou to serve as Inspector, Wang Huailiang had just gone from being Shazhou Inspector to a prisoner. Later, when Fang Chongyong left his post and returned to Chang'an, Wang Huailiang was serving as Inspector in Ganzhou. Now that Fang Chongyong had returned to Hexi, Wang Huailiang was once again appointed Shazhou Inspector on account of being "familiar with Hexi affairs"!

Sometimes this "veteran Inspector" could not help but sigh: in the officialdom of the Great Tang, having a good father was truly important. A diligent and hardworking man like himself, without backing, could not rise higher, pinned down firmly in the position of Inspector.

Constantly reassigned to different places, yet still holding the same official post.

"Inspector Wang is too courteous. This Jiedushi is merely passing through Shazhou to visit the elders of my hometown."

Fang Chongyong stroked the short beard on his chin and said nonchalantly.

He picked up the emerald-green translucent wine bottle, poured the amber-colored white wine into a cup, then raised the cup and poured the wine onto the ground.

"The great army is about to set out on campaign. Though a true man roams freely across the battlefield, and to be wrapped in a horsehide in death is a joyous fate, I cannot help but feel some sentiment.

Fine grape wine in a luminous cup, the pipa urges us to drink as we mount our horses.

Drunk, we lie on the battlefield—do not laugh, for since ancient times, how many men have returned from war?

Come, let this cup first honor those Tang sons who stained the sands with blood and whose bones are buried in the Western Regions."

As he spoke these words, the atmosphere in the hall turned solemn at once. The others followed suit, spilling a cup of wine onto the ground, and a rich wine fragrance filled the air, lingering long without dispersing.

"Jiedushi Fang, for what purpose have you summoned the respectable families of Shazhou to this evening banquet?"

Yan Chao, attending on behalf of the Yan family, asked with an impassive expression. The most prominent local family, the Zhang clan, remained silent, so he had no choice but to step forward.

The former Zhang clan patriarch, Zhang Quan, had been a staunch supporter of Fang Chongyong. Unfortunately, a few years ago he died of "horseback stroke" while taking his fourteenth concubine, and now his son Zhang Mi was running the family's affairs.

This man had no particular friendship with Fang Chongyong. Whether he would continue his father's political alignment remained to be seen and was worth observing.

Or rather, tonight Zhang Mi would have to make his stance known.

"Today, this Jiedushi has taken the liberty of gathering the people of Shazhou for a meal. Firstly, the distant campaign is imminent, and I do not know what year or month I shall return to Shazhou.

Secondly, there is a matter I wish to raise for us all to discuss together.

Actually, it is not so much a discussion as a request for everyone to do me a favor. To put it plainly, this Jiedushi wishes to accomplish something unprecedented in the Western Regions. But the troops, supplies, and support provided by the court are limited, and I cannot quite manage it.

Therefore, this Jiedushi wishes to borrow grain, fodder, transport equipment, and pack animals from you all, in the form of Jiaozi bonds, issued in the name of the Great Tang government. When the army returns victorious, I will repay principal and interest in full, and will also issue commendations from the court and commissions for meritorious ranks.

As for these debts, the Hexi Military Commission will provide half directly in Jiaozi and half secured by bonds.

I have said my piece. Who is in favor, and who is opposed?"

Fang Chongyong looked around at everyone in the hall and asked, his gaze sharp as a blade.

Borrowing grain... this was a game that predecessors had played far too many times!

Everyone present muttered in their hearts, and even Yan Chao could not help but smile bitterly.

Truly, there is nothing new under the sun!

Before the Great Tang was even established, a branch of the Liangzhou Zhang clan had already settled in Shazhou, which was then called Dunhuang. The Great Tang had passed through a whole succession of emperors—Gaozu, Taizong, Gaozong, and so on and so forth—down to Li Longji today.

Raising provisions from the prominent families of Hexi had practically become standard procedure for every emperor's expansion into the Western Regions.

Fang Chongyong, however, was at least better about it—he spoke of "borrowing" and was even willing to issue Jiaozi bonds.

In the past, it had been coercion and inducement, simply making the prominent families fork over money and grain without even a written acknowledgment of debt!

What, someone refused to give?

Best to first look at the blade in the Tang soldiers' hands before deciding, no?

In these times, the Western Regions were plagued by war and chaos. If bandits happened to spill over into Shazhou and caused some unfortunate incident, that would be truly lamentable.

As for the grain and livestock thus "borrowed," they were essentially meat buns thrown at a dog—gone and never coming back.

The prominent local families were merely using this to forge a bond of goodwill with the court.

Nothing more than that.

Taking ten thousand steps back, even if Fang Chongyong returned victorious in the future, bringing a great quantity of Western Region treasures back to Shazhou, and then bestowed these treasures upon those present—

Even if Fang Chongyong dared to give them, would they dare to accept?

To accept would be a transaction; to refuse would make this debt a favor. Who was the greater fool? If you were not going to lend, then don't; but having lent, do not pin your hopes on the other party repaying.

"I am in favor! I would sell the pots and pans to support Jiedushi Fang's expedition to the Western Regions!

Whatever Jiedushi Fang needs—troops, provisions, livestock—the Yan clan will give people if we have people, give strength if we have strength!"

Yan Chao slapped his chest and declared with a face full of fervor.

In truth, there was nothing hard to understand about his being so eager, because Yan Chao himself would also be setting out with the army. If he did not contribute more effort now, would he wait until he died in battle in the Western Regions to recall the saying that wealth is but worldly goods?

The Yan clan was putting up the money, so just treat it as them bringing their own dog food—at any rate, it's still benefiting their own people!

"I am in favor as well. If it were anyone else, this old man would not believe it. But Jiedushi Fang has governed Shazhou for many years; his character and ability are both trustworthy."

The speaker came from the Song clan of Dunhuang, which had been deeply rooted in Dunhuang for over two hundred years.

During the reign of King Cheng of Zhou, Weizi Qi was enfeoffed at Shangqiu, the birthplace of the Shang dynasty, and established the state of Song to maintain the Shang sacrifices. After the state of Song was destroyed by the state of Qi, the descendants of Song took the state name as their surname, and this branch is considered the orthodox origin of the Song surname. The Song clan of Dunhuang was part of that wave of population migration at the end of the Eastern Han, ultimately settling in the Hexi Corridor.

Everything is difficult at the beginning. Once someone set the tone, there was naturally no shortage of followers. For a time, the representatives sent by the major households of Shazhou in the hall all voiced their positions one after another, expressing support for the Anxi Expeditionary Army and a willingness to contribute money and effort.

In truth, what Fang Chongyong wanted from them—those paltry scraps—was merely a precaution, not to say that without this bit of provisions, things would fall apart on the Western Regions front.

He was simply worried that these people were incapable of accomplishing anything but more than capable of ruining everything.

If this lot did not join in, what if they took things too hard, got egged on by someone, and caused trouble in the rear?

They certainly could not be bought off by the Tibetans, but what if it were political enemies at court?

Fang Chongyong did not want to guess at people's hearts, nor did he want to "test loyalty." He only wanted to fight at the front without worries behind him. Only a bond forged through mutual interest, so long as no greater interest arose to break it, could guarantee that no one would stab him in the back!

However, at this critical juncture, Zhang Mi of the Dunhuang Zhang clan still had not stated his position, as if deep in thought.

Quite a few representatives of the local grand households present were already looking at him thoughtfully, as if trying to read something from that unruffled face of his.

"Zhang Mi, you not stating your position—is it because you've accepted favors from the Tibetans and are deliberately embarrassing this Jiedushi?"

Fang Chongyong asked abruptly, his tone extremely unfriendly, faintly carrying a note of anger.

His words, like a thunderclap, exploded through the hall of the prefectural yamen!

"Jiedushi Fang must be joking. I regard the Tibetans as enemies—how could I possibly accept favors from them?"

Zhang Mi forced a smile, though the smile was very strained.

"Oh? The Zhang clan is the foremost grand household in Shazhou, a family of exemplary standing.

Your father Zhang Quan is an old friend of this Jiedushi.

Now everyone present has stated their position, yet you alone have not.

And you still claim you are not dissatisfied with this Jiedushi?"

Fang Chongyong asked with a smile that did not reach his eyes.

The Zhang clan certainly could not be collaborating with the Tibetans—Fang Chongyong knew this.

But looking at the matter from another angle, it also seemed to make sense.

Because in Hexi, not everyone supported Fang Chongyong leading the army on an expedition to the Western Regions, nor would everyone benefit from it.

For example, in Liangzhou there were people who felt Fang Chongyong should not be the commander of this expeditionary army, and that someone from their own family should be instead!

"I would not dare, I would not dare. I hold Jiedushi Fang in the utmost respect, without the slightest dissatisfaction.

It is only that supporting the expedition is a matter of great importance. I am young and inexperienced, and I must return to discuss it with the clan elders of my family."

Zhang Mi tried hard to justify himself, but the more he explained, the worse it looked—even a fool could see something was wrong.

Fang Chongyong had also guessed the general picture, so he raised the plank high but set it down gently. He waved his hand very casually and said:

"Zhang Mi, though you are young, you are steady and prudent—this Jiedushi appreciates you very much!

Then you may go back and wait for notice for now. As for what will be discussed next, there is no need for you or the Zhang family to know.

Someone, see the guest out."

Under the complicated gazes of the crowd, Zhang Mi wished he could find a hole to crawl into, and had no choice but to leave the Shazhou prefectural yamen in chagrin.

"Jiedushi, could it be the An clan of Liangzhou pulling strings? Haven't they been proposing all along that An Chongzhang serve as the main general of the Anxi Expeditionary Army?"

He Changqi leaned close to Fang Chongyong's ear and asked without batting an eye.

"Shut your trap!"

Fang Chongyong snapped in a low, irritated voice. How could he not know that the An clan was dissatisfied with him commanding the expedition!

The people of the An clan believed that they came from the Western Regions and were familiar with the situation there, so things would naturally be easier to handle, and their interests were at stake with no room for retreat.

In those people's view, Fang Chongyong was the "Grand Envoy for Western Regions Exploitation" and need only oversee the big picture; there was no need for him to serve as military commander.

In truth, the An clan's thinking could not be called wrong—after all, Fang Chongyong was too young, and the situation in the Western Regions was very complicated, not a simple matter of black and white.

They still needed to find someone capable in battle who was also familiar with Western Regions affairs to handle it—it would not hinder the greater cause anyway.

Not to mention the Chishui Army had also contributed so many troops!

Their thinking represented the views of a very large portion of the Liangzhou grand households, which naturally included the Liangzhou Zhang clan as well.

The people of the Dunhuang Zhang clan, influenced by the Liangzhou Zhang clan's attitude, were unwilling to support Fang Chongyong. This seemed unexpected, but was in fact perfectly reasonable. Only those who understood the business could see just how great the benefits of Fang Chongyong's trip were.

The Liangzhou An clan descended from the Nine Surnames of Zhaowu—they naturally understood.

After Zhang Mi left, Fang Chongyong smiled slightly and said:

"Now that the unnecessary person has left, let us get down to business.

Just now this Jiedushi spoke of what you must contribute; now this Jiedushi will tell you about the benefits. Obligations and rights are two sides of the same coin—since this Jiedushi asked you for provisions, naturally I will not leave you without benefits.

The former Persian Protectorate, farther west than even beyond the Pamirs, and places even farther—word has it that gold covers the ground there, and goods fetch over ten times their price when they reach Chang'an.

Weren't there caravans from Hexi before? Once the Tang army opens up the Pamirs and captures Little Bolü, this trade route will be thoroughly connected, and we will control the overall situation—no longer needing to look at the faces of certain foreign merchants. They will never again monopolize the pricing power over Western Regions goods!

This Jiedushi will issue permits for you to operate, and you will collectively buy shares, with the risk capped and manageable.

From now on, so long as this Jiedushi is here, military and civilians will be one. As long as the Tang army has a bowl of rice, you will naturally not go without your share."

Fang Chongyong spoke fluently and at length, turning into a grand pitchman, preaching "operating permits" and "shareholder ownership." The Tang army's numbers were limited; if they went and came back, the economic benefits could not be guaranteed. Only by mobilizing the grand households and merchants of Hexi to venture together could the "invisible hand" be deployed to exploit the Western Regions.

Trade in one hand, sword in the other—grasp both, and both must be strong!

Everyone present breathed a little heavier. None of them were fools—after all, they had all partnered in smuggling before.

And now, Fang Chongyong intended to turn the former smuggling into an above-board "permit trade," and incidentally promote the use of jiaozi in the Western Regions.

This also meant that the traditional foreign merchants of the Western Regions, if they did not enter the game, would become targets of Tang army suppression! Their fate was predictable!

Would those people enter the game?

The answer was obvious!

So the earlier one enters the game, the more benefits one can obtain! With the Tang army opening the road ahead, these Hexi grand households could follow behind to seize their own interests, and moreover receive the protection of the Tang army.

How much profit is involved here — does it even need further thought?

"Jiedushi Fang, I, Kang Juting, will fully support you! I want to buy in! My entire fortune is yours to command!"

Seated near the door, a Hu merchant wrapped in a headscarf shouted out, his tone agitated and his speech incoherent.

In his view, supporting the Tang army with provisions and pay was something one merely needed to make a token gesture at — whatever others gave as a gift, he would give the same. But the matter Fang Chongyong was talking about now was not only something to pursue, but to pursue in a big way!

As long as the Tang army could win over there at Congling, he would make a killing — make so much even his own mother wouldn't recognize him!

"Jiedushi Fang, stop keeping us in suspense! What exactly is your plan? Tell us quickly!"

Yan Chao shouted loudly.

He was not actually particularly concerned about this; he was more eager to climb upward through military merit. His shouting now was merely cheering Fang Chongyong on.

The atmosphere instantly grew lively!

Fang Chongyong saw the representatives of the grand local households of Shazhou in the hall grow restless like sharks that had caught the scent of blood. He smiled faintly and gestured with both hands, signaling everyone to stay calm.

"Rest assured, rest assured. When the time comes, I will send people to your residences to explain in detail.

Now, no more official business — it is time to eat well, drink well, and enjoy ourselves!

Where are the Hu girls? Where are the musicians?

Keep playing the music, keep dancing! Today we do not return until we are drunk!"

Fang Chongyong was already blooming with joy in his heart, yet his face still wore an expression of calm indifference.

(End of this chapter)