Chapter 315: No Money, No Sale; Money Given, No Robbery

In the study of Qinzhengwubenlou, the Tang Emperor Li Longji paced inside, his face looking melancholy.

It is unclear whether, because he left Chang'an in a hurry, he was frightened and over‑exerted on the way, but after Ji Ge returned he has been in a "sub‑healthy" condition.

His body is not very spry, and his spirit also appears somewhat listless.

You might say he is ill, yet he does not need medicine, and even the imperial physician, after examining him, could not explain the cause.

But if you claim he is not sick, Ji Ge constantly complains that his body feels uncomfortable, and he feels uneasy whether standing, sitting, or lying down.

"Your Majesty, Fang Quanzhong requests an audience."

Gao Lishi slipped into the imperial study and whispered into Ji Ge's ear. Since his return a few days ago, Ji Ge has ordered the palace eunuchs to clear the former luxurious furnishings from the imperial study and replace them with a simple, rustic style.

Anything inlaid with gold or silver is to be discarded!

The Tang Emperor's thoughts are unfathomable; even Gao Lishi now treads very carefully before Ji Ge, no longer as casually as before.

"Allow him to enter."

Ji Ge let out a weary sigh; for some reason his face lacked its usual warmth and showed a hint of disdain.

Soon, Fang Youde was led into the imperial study by Gao Lishi. Ji Ge sat on a soft mat, looking completely spiritless, evidently ill.

A physical ailment or a mental one.

Seeing Ji Ge's expression, Fang Youde bowed and said:

"Your Majesty, Your servant has returned from pacifying the rebellion in Binzhou; the Divine Strategy Army has entered the Black Tortoise Gate main camp for reconstruction. I have come to the imperial palace to present to Your Majesty the Divine Strategy Army's fish talisman."

After speaking, he took a golden fish talisman from his bosom and handed it to Gao Lishi with great care.

The back of this fish talisman bears the inscription 'Chang'an Black Tortoise Gate', and the front reads 'Divine Strategy Army Grand General', which matches the one placed on the imperial study desk, allowing them to form a complete fish talisman.

"How are things in Binzhou?"

Ji Ge asked in a hoarse voice, his tone tinged with unmistakable fatigue.

"Your Majesty, all Khitan captives in every city of Binzhou have been executed. I have pursued them everywhere, captured and killed the scattered escapees, and have completely pacified Binzhou.

Li Qiwu has been captured and is now being escorted to the Dali Temple for custody."

Fang Youde spoke calmly and methodically, as if recounting the slaughter of thousands of sheep rather than thousands of people.

"I, the Emperor, love my people, Han and Hu alike; although the Khitan captives rebelled, many were surely coerced. Why did you slaughter indiscriminately, alas!"

Ji Ge said feignedly sincere.

In his view, it is not that Khitan slaves cannot be killed, but that they should not be killed by Fang Youde; they ought first to be 'captured', after which Ji Ge himself would issue an edict, 'Heaven's Might Vast', to execute them.

To demonstrate the Emperor's authority!

Of course, since these captives have already been killed, that is that; there is nothing more to say.

"Quanzhong, you have previously told me that the rebels might have blocked the river upstream on the Jing River and built a dam, using water to attack Jingyang.

Now that Binzhou has been captured, in your view, could this have been the case?"

Ji Ge squinted his eyes and asked.

It seemed to show interest, but in fact hinted at a desire to raise troops and accuse.

Ji Ge's remark was unexpected, and Fang Youde also did not anticipate Ji Ge's such ignorance and stupidity.

He was briefly dazed, then recovered, crossed his hands in salute and reported: "After my post‑inspection, I found no such incident. Those Khitan slaves were completely unguarded, reveling within Binzhou city, believing the Tang army would not dare to touch them."

Fang Youde answered with conviction, unaware of Ji Ge's true motive in asking the question.

"So, before you returned to Chang'an, it was merely me frightening myself?"

Ji Ge's face turned sour as he questioned.

What the hell does that mean?

Fang Youde was at a loss for words.

If we win, you say there's a problem; if we lose, it's even more indefensible. Such pretentiousness—what should we do?

"Your Majesty, the rebels indeed might have blocked the river and built a dam at the time, but they did not implement it; the possibility cannot be ruled out.

Your servant… was merely being cautious, and did not advance directly along the Jing River."

Fang Youde defended himself somewhat helplessly.

He now understood that Ji Ge was blaming him for a needlessly convoluted victory; the Tang Imperial Guard should have simply charged straight through and cut down the rebel forces.

In Ji Ge's view, Fang Youde still resorted to stratagems and a flanking detour. Isn't that tantamount to saying the Divine Strategy Army cannot fight outright and must rely on cunning to win?

If even dealing with a sudden Khitan slave uprising requires such 'effort', how can anyone trust this Imperial Guard when larger crises arise?

Ji Ge believes that, militarily, the battle was a complete victory, yet politically it fell far short of his desired outcome.

As for any potential failure, Ji Ge considers it pure nonsense.

The elite Tang Imperial Guard, facing unprepared Khitan slaves, could never lose; such a scenario need not even be contemplated!

Fang Youde also did not know how to answer; he is not one who enjoys clever talk.

On the battlefield, there is no full‑map view; in the haste of quelling the rebellion, Fang Youde could only anticipate how this Khitan slave rebel force might act, assuming the enemy would be lenient.

Miscalculations and overestimating the opponent are not uncommon. After all, sometimes the enemy is even dumber than you anticipate, which is also commonplace.

The key question is, is there a problem?

Is it a problem for a commanding general to use stratagems, to outflank the enemy and reduce his own losses?

When disaster has not yet occurred, people assume the years will remain peaceful, that any wave is harmless, never considering risk.

In Fang Youde's view, since this battle has already been won, what more is there to say?

What he does not understand is that Ji Ge always examines issues from a political standpoint, occasionally mixing his own emotions into it.

If a colleague or subordinate dared to speak to Fang Youde in this manner, a single slap would be a mild reprimand.

However, at this moment, Fang Youde faces Ji Ge, the Tang Emperor who inaugurated the Kaiyuan and Tianbao prosperity.

This emperor does not like to reason. Especially as he ages, he increasingly refuses to discuss matters rationally with his ministers.

Fang Youde, helpless, knelt and pleaded: "This battle was my improper command; I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."

"Never mind."

Brother Ji waved his hand, stood up and helped Fang Youde to his feet, saying:

"The victory was a bit unsightly, but at least we won. Bianzhou is prosperous; after you go there, my dear minister, take good care of your health, there's no rush on training troops. In Bianzhou raise three thousand Xuanwu soldiers, just patrol the canals daily."

"You have labored all your life, it's time to enjoy some peace. Fang Chongyong is the Western Regions Expeditionary Ambassador, so let him bear the burden from now on; you need not worry about the nation and the people all day."

Brother Ji couldn't help but sigh with emotion.

His earlier questioning had a bit of "unreasonable fuss" in it; it was just to see Fang Youde's attitude.

Now seeing his compliance, knowing Fang Youde has no ulterior motives, there's naturally no need to keep holding onto it.

This time Brother Ji, observing Fang Youde's absolute control over the Shen Ce Army, realized he had considerable support from the troops, and keeping him in Chang'an indeed posed a risk.

If someone still defied the imperial edict for a military order, naturally they cannot continue to stay in Guanzhong to command the Shen Ce Army.

Fang Youde made a graceful retreat, proposing to become a nominal "Xuanwu Army Jiedushi" in Bianzhou; Brother Ji was naturally pleased.

If he hadn't put it forward initially, now Brother Ji would have to find a way to make this former retainer of the hidden dragon voluntarily resign.

That would be another hassle. Brother Ji is old; now he doesn't want to trouble himself, yet sometimes he has no choice.

It makes him very troubled.

"Your Majesty, I indeed have that intention."

Fang Youde rose, performed a bow, his expression sincere, and said. As for what he thought inside, only he knows; in any case Brother Ji saw nothing amiss.

Quan Zhongni, first do not leave Chang'an; in a few days, I will have someone propose to repair the Lingyan Pavilion, and then hang portraits of some officials inside it.

Quan Zhong, you should not leave Chang'an for now; in a few days I will have someone propose repairing the Lingyan Pavilion, then hang portraits of certain ministers inside.

Naturally, your portrait will be among them; then you will accompany me in the Lingyan Pavilion within the imperial city to reminisce."

Brother Ji smiled and said.

Fang Youde showed a strange expression; shortly after, he hurriedly expressed thanks, fearing that Jige would see through the flaw.

Fang Youde's face showed a strange expression, then he hurriedly thanked, fearing Brother Ji would spot a flaw.

He recalled that at the end of the Tang, it seemed Zhu Wen also entered the Lingyan Pavilion. Like the fall of the Great Tang, the Pavilion's reputation then became foul, and most new entrants were treacherous officials.

Now, Fang Youde himself is being suggested by Brother Ji to have his portrait added to the Lingyan Pavilion, and like Zhu Wen, he also has the courtesy name "Quan Zhong".

One must admit, this joke has really gone too far!

It made Fang Youde recall many unbearable, grim memories.

A Jiedushi seizing the emperor, lawless and tyrannical.

Chang'an repeatedly suffered destruction; the capital fell six times, the Son of Heaven relocated nine times.

Li Tang royal clan were slaughtered by Huang Chao like wild dogs.

All are indelible marks of that era.

Fang Youde sighed silently, bowed, and said to Brother Ji:

After leaving Xingqing Palace, the bustling crowds on Chunming Gate Avenue were seen flowing like shuttles. From time to time, vendors violated imperial edicts and hawked their goods in the street, and even when the Jinwu Guard patrolled, they turned a blind eye.

After leaving Xingqing Palace, he watched the bustling crowds on Chunmingmen Street flow like a shuttle. From time to time merchants flouted imperial edicts, hawking openly, and the Jinwu Guard, while patrolling, turned a blind eye.

Everything in Chang'an seemed entirely unaffected by the Binzhou rebels, still as prosperous as before.

All beings: some idle and lazy, some constantly busy; some muddle through, some live in drunken dreams.

Everyone seemed not to think that such a life would one day undergo a drastic change and then sharply plunge.

Fang Youde suddenly had a strange premonition.

Perhaps without An Lushan, the people of Chang'an will still eventually face a great calamity like the An‑Shi Rebellion.

Whatever they do now, the Great Tang still seems unable to avoid that blow.

It's as if destiny! Even Binzhou, so close, cannot alert the dreamlike residents of Chang'an. Perhaps only when a blade rests on their necks will they awaken.

Fang Youde shook his head helplessly, thinking: "What a pity, Fang Chongyong was probably right again."

Back at his home in Yongjia Lane, he summoned Fang Laique; the two spent a long time in the study, doing who knows what.

After finishing affairs in Shazhou, Fang Chongyong led the expeditionary army eastward, arriving at the lake near Guzhou outside Yumen Pass to set up camp. Yang Yan had already brought a trustworthy elite detachment of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army to await them here, and he also brought the final 'gift' that Fang Chongyong had prepared for the expeditionary force before their campaign into the Western Regions.

After finishing business in Shazhou, Fang Chongyong led the expeditionary army eastward, setting camp near a lake outside Yumen Pass in Guazhou. Yang Yan had long brought a trusted elite of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army to wait here, and had brought the final "gift" that Fang Chongyong prepared for the expedition before heading to the Western Regions.

Moreover, they are exchange notes that have just been rushed into print!

And they are freshly printed Jiaozi!

These Jiaozi are essentially the same as those circulating in Hexi, except an extra step was added after printing.

On these Jiaozi a special stamp was affixed: for circulation only within the Anxi and Beiting Protectorates!

In other words, this thing cannot be used in Hexi; locals there won't recognize it! The same applies to other Tang regions!

"Jiedushi Fang, the specially made Jiaozi have been printed, but I still don't understand why an extra stamp was added,"

Yang Yan pointed to the extra line on the Jiaozi and asked.

Fang Chongyong waved his hand, instructing He Changqi: "Call all the staff officers, deputy commanders, and battalion heads in the army to this Jiedushi; tell them the Jiedushi is granting them benefits!"

He Changqi glanced at the exchange notes packed in a large box, then received the order and departed.

He Changqi glanced at the Jiaozi packed in a large box, then set off with the order.

Soon, a large contingent of staff officers, deputy commanders, and battalion heads from the expeditionary army arrived, each looking at each other, unsure what Fang Chongyong intended.

"Now, this Jiedushi will issue the expeditionary army's first command!"

Fang Chongyong stood upright, hands behind his back, surveying the crowd.

These low‑ranking soldiers immediately straightened, bowed, and said, "We strictly obey the Jiedushi's orders!"

"The first command is: after reaching the Western Regions, wherever you are, without an official order, you must not disturb the civilians, nor burn, kill, or loot.

Pay special attention: we are the army of civilization, the mighty army, not bandits; we must not tarnish our reputation."

Upon hearing this, the low‑ranking soldiers hung their heads, their spirit instantly drained. If they cannot 'burn, kill, loot' in enemy‑occupied areas, what meaning does it have?

You say that normally, in the garrison, not disturbing the populace is fine; after all, the border troops' families are all around, and even the local rabbits don't eat the grass at the edge of their burrow.

But when going out on campaign, forbidding killing, looting, and plundering is excessive! Which troops fighting outside aren't just full of vigor and reckless!

If they aren't reckless, how can morale be guaranteed?

Next, this Jiedushi will issue the second military order.

After Fang Chongyong finished speaking, the noisy soldiers quieted down again.

He walked past the crowd, and these soldiers in the army had to perk up and not dare to be lax, for fear of being made an example by Jiedushi Fang to warn others.

Although the military order stipulates not disturbing the populace, after all, our brothers are risking life and death in the Western Regions; this Jiedushi is not a heartless tyrant.

Prepare some exchange notes for use in the Western Regions for everyone in the army; whether officers or soldiers, each can receive fifty strings of cash, with no distinction. You can use these exchange notes to purchase goods locally.

These exchange notes need not be offset against military merit; they are simply a reward that this Jiedushi has already bestowed upon the soldiers.

If there is military merit, there will be additional rewards.

Immediately bring your personal troops to transport the exchange notes; they will be distributed today.

Fang Chongyong spoke at length, and these strong-but-simple-minded soldiers were left bewildered.

He Changqi asked doubtfully: "Jiedushi, if we go there and want to buy things with these exchange notes, but the Hu merchants refuse to sell, what should we do?"

This question, everyone present had asked him. After all, trade is a voluntary act between both parties.

"Those who refuse to sell, have the soldiers report their names and addresses to this Jiedushi, and I will persuade them in person."

Fang Chongyong replied with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

I see!

The soldiers instantly understood Fang Chongyong's meaning.

Killing, looting, and plundering are certainly unacceptable, and they also offend people, so why not just pay money to buy things?

If they won't accept money, then they are simply troublesome locals; there's no need to indulge them.

As expected, the Jiedushi Fang is capable of being a Jiedushi; he really has some skill.

He truly shares the army's urgencies and thoughts! They hadn't even asked Fang Chongyong whether, after going to the Western Regions, they could loot and plunder to their heart's content, but he has already answered them.

Thank you, Jiedushi Fang, for the reward! We are grateful and indebted!

They all said in unison.

Don't waste talk; when we get there, let me earn great merit on the battlefield, and then the rewards will be endless!

Go, bring your troops to claim the rewards!

Fang Chongyong waved his hand indifferently and said.

(End of chapter)