Chapter 332: This Is a Tailwind Situation

"Ambassador Fang, I have come late at night to report a very important matter."

In the modest bedroom of the small annex where Fang Chongyong lives, Li Qiyun bowed and spoke. Meanwhile, the "Ambassador Fang" he mentioned was soaking his feet in hot water, a look of painful yet pleasant tangled sensation on his face.

Beside him, He Changqi silently left the bedroom, closed the door, and stood outside to keep idle people away.

"On this journey many places forbid riding horses; this pampered one has gotten a lot of blisters on his soles."

"It's hard to explain in one word, really hard to explain."

Fang Chongyong let out a sigh, dried his feet, then pulled a needle from a leather pouch at his waist and deftly lanced the blisters. He lounged lazily, clearly not treating Li Qiyun as a stranger.

"Ambassador, I truly have an important matter to report…"

Li Qiyun recalled the anecdote of "Pei Gong washing feet"; if Fang Chongyong now stepped forward, took off his hat and urinated on it, he would truly become a "Tang Pei Gong". The thought made Li Qiyun both laugh and cry.

"Judge Li, just say it directly; Fang is listening. What exactly did Gao Xianzhi and Bian Lingcheng discuss?"

Fang Chongyong used a prepared linen cloth to dry his feet, then looked at Li Qiyun with a serious expression and asked.

"So… do you already know?"

Li Qiyun was astonished beyond words; even with Fang Chongyong's confidants eavesdropping outside his residence earlier, it shouldn't be possible to report back so quickly, right?

He had stepped in front of Gao Xianzhi and others, and his next step was to Fang Chongyong, so there was absolutely no chance of a leak!

Although Li Qiyun clings to powerful figures, his sense of right and wrong remains; he is a person willing to accomplish real work in his official capacity. Regarding the merits of this matter, from the perspective of dynastic orthodoxy, Fang Chongyong is the proper official handling affairs, while Gao Xianzhi and Bian Lingcheng are the ones exploiting the rules for personal gain.

Regardless of their schemes, objectively they infringe upon Fang Chongyong's legitimate rights as the Western Regions Expeditionary Ambassador.

Both publicly and privately, Li Qiyun must report to Fang Chongyong in full detail the matters where Gao Xianzhi and others sought his counsel, or else his own position would be indefensible.

However, Fang Chongyong now appears as steady as Mount Tai; is he truly holding the pearl of wisdom, or merely being reckless?

"Gao Xianzhi and his group aren't that foolish; they know to consult Judge Li for strategies."

"I, Fang, understand their intentions very well."

"But this is an internal conflict within the Western Regions Tang army, not like facing the Tubo where there is no room for maneuver."

"Since it's an internal dispute, it should be handled by internal rules, not a blanket judgment. This ambassador knows the situation well."

"Judge Li, on the other hand, is steady and loyal to his duties, a model for officials of the Anxi Protectorate."

Fang Chongyong smiled and praised Li Qiyun, thereby making his stance clear.

Hearing this, Li Qiyun couldn't help but sigh in relief; this young Ambassador Fang is politically savvy and seasoned.

Don't be fooled by Li Qiyun's stern words before Gao Xianzhi, hinting not to turn against Fang Chongyong. In reality, if Gao Xianzhi and Bian Lingcheng join forces, a bottomless deadlock with Fang Chongyong would ensue, and the outcome of this clash remains uncertain.

A wolf and a leopard teaming up against a fierce tiger—while the tiger might ultimately kill both, it would also be left battered, giving other beasts a chance to profit.

Fang Chongyong needs Bian Lingcheng to handle the emperor in Chang'an, and needs Gao Xianzhi to manage the Anxi army's elite troops, numbering over twenty thousand.

If a major incident erupts among them, regardless of whether Fang Chongyong gets dismissed, the four towns of Anxi will inevitably fall into chaos.

Then it won't be just about dispatching troops to Xiaoboli to sweep the Western Regions. Even stabilizing Anxi will be difficult; Fang Chongyong traveled so far into the Western Regions—was it merely to scheme against Gao Xianzhi and Bian Lingcheng?

Even if he crushes the opposition, what does he gain? The court will still appoint other supervisory eunuchs and generals at odds with Fang Chongyong to prevent power from becoming too concentrated.

To outsiders this seems a simple principle, but those involved may not see it clearly.

Li Qiyun feels that Fang Chongyong clearly knows his own "limits of power", which is rare.

"I was previously worried about the ambassador, but now seeing that everything is under his control, I can return and rest peacefully."

Li Qiyun said politely.

"Tomorrow, Judge Li, do a small favor: set a banquet at your house, invite the Tufulu envoy representatives, as well as Deputy Protector Gao and Bian's inner attendants. This ambassador will properly resolve the matter at the feast."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand indifferently, as if saying it was as easy as handling a couple of kittens and puppies.

Li Qiyun felt the ease of speaking with a clever person, no longer needing to laboriously explain as with Gao Xianzhi and others.

"Ambassador, the customs of Anxi differ from the Central Plains; retrieving a gift once sent inevitably breeds resentment…"

Li Qiyun wasn't sure whether Fang Chongyong truly understood his words. Many officials in the Western Regions are greedy because the commercial atmosphere here is intense, and the desert oases lack everything, requiring money for everything.

When entering a land, following local customs is human nature.

Whether Fang Chongyong is greedy, Li Qiyun doesn't know, but he is certain that Gao Xianzhi and Bian Lingcheng are definitely avaricious. Gao's dealings in Kuizhi Town are far from clean; as the saying goes, crystal‑clear water has no fish, and no one is perfect. Li Qiyun prefers not to judge their conduct.

Anyway, as long as Deputy Protector Gao can fight wars, one talent can cover a hundred flaws. If he wins battles, the emperor in Chang'an won't fuss over such minutiae.

But if he loses in the future, those notes in the little ledger will become a noose around his neck.

Whether to tighten the reins depends solely on the emperor's mood at that time!

Li Qiyun thinks Fang Chongyong's grasp of the overall situation may be good. Yet he might not anticipate that some narrow‑sighted people, fixated on trivial matters, grow resentful and ultimately ruin the affair.

"Judge Li, I heard that you were initially talentless and unappreciated, and that Prince Xin'an's eldest son Li Xian helped you, is that correct?"

Fang Chongyong suddenly asked Li Qiyun a rather odd question.

"Ambassador Fang's words are not false; this matter is known to all, and I have nothing to hide."

Li Qiyun nodded slightly.

"My concubine, whom you have probably seen, is actually…"

"She is Prince Xin'an's daughter; I am also aware of that."

Li Qiyun forced a wry smile, realizing nothing could be hidden from Ambassador Fang.

"Since that's the case, I, Fang, will not conceal anything from you."

"The Western Regions are far from the Central Plains, with outposts scattered as widely as stars on a board."

"I think Deputy Protector Gao, in the four towns of Anxi, abuses military force, practicing a drain‑the‑pond method, which is not a long‑term strategy."

"I intend to accomplish great deeds in the four towns of Anxi, disdain petty squabbles with those fly‑camp and dog‑trick folk over trivial matters."

"To achieve success, collective wisdom and effort are needed; I, Fang, require Judge Li's assistance."

"What is your opinion?"

Fang Chongyong clasped Li Qiyun's arm tightly and pleaded.

His expression was sincere and solemn, but his bare calves were covered in hair, and his unkempt attire made him look oddly comical.

Li Qiyun modestly replied, "These are my duties; Ambassador Fang only needs to give orders. As long as it does not betray the interests of the Tang, I am naturally responsible without excuse."

"Hmm, that statement is enough."

Fang Chongyong nodded appreciatively, "Then Fang really has remembered Judge Li's words, huh."

If Fang Chongyong were to rebel, he would take the whole Western Regions to defect to Tubo and become a "Tubo Western King." Or if Fang insisted that Li Qiyun's primary wife sleep and play with him, Li Qiyun would certainly stand opposite him.

After all, this goes against the Tang society's public order and morals; a man cannot endure it.

But if it is not such a trivial matter, and instead an internal dispute among the Four Western Frontier Towns—say, Fang Chongyong and Gao Xianzhi and others have conflicts over civil or military affairs—Li Qiyun would probably still side with Fang.

Factionalism often leaves one with no choice.

"I, your subordinate, take my leave."

Seeing that Fang Chongyong seemed ready, Li Qiyun, being perceptive, left the room and instantly felt a sigh of relief.

Ambassador Fang is no ordinary man.

Conversing with him feels friendly, yet his true intentions remain inscrutable.

More crucially, the benefactor who helped him rise could well be a political ally!

Thus, regardless, in personal relations Fang Chongyong is more approachable than Gao Xianzhi and others who have no ties to him.

From the recent meeting, Li Qiyun further understood the gap in political skill between Gao Xianzhi's group and Fang Chongyong. He silently made a judgment in his heart, setting a new principle for his upcoming actions.

Yet after Li Qiyun left, Fang Chongyong's mouth curled into a faint cold smile.

Gao Xianzhi and Bian Lingcheng were still reasonably informed and thus escaped a disaster. Otherwise, he would have had to take heavy measures against them; otherwise, the Four Frontier Towns would be too noisy to conduct proper affairs!

But since he chose to resolve the conflict internally, pulling Li Qiyun to his side— even if the other party offers no assistance— solves a major hidden risk for Fang Chongyong.

This Regional Judge can submit memorials to the court, lodging complaints through official channels. Though his rank seems modest, his local authority is substantial; he is a key civil‑government conduit controlling the border towns.

The Regional Judge is akin to a Regional Commander Executive, obeying orders without questioning policy reasons, yet can serve as a staff officer in military affairs. When implementing policies set by the administration, he may choose to carry them out diligently.

He can also covertly feign compliance and delay the work.

Bringing this person onto his side keeps policy channels smooth, preventing Gao Xianzhi and others from sidelining him.

After Fang Chongyong's earlier hint, he believes the clever Li Qiyun has already grasped it.

Politics, after all, is just about gathering as many friends as possible. For those he can win over, Fang Chongyong spares no effort, courting them like a targeted remedy.

As for Gao Xianzhi and Bian Lingcheng, the two blockheads, he thinks he'll have almost limitless chances to teach them a lesson later, but not now; there's no need to rush.

This is a favorable situation; he should seize the smooth wind and get all necessary tasks done.

Dealing with them can wait until after the work is done.

……

Just after night fell the next day, Li Qiyun was indeed diligent, individually notifying each concerned person to attend a banquet at his home.

Fang Chongyong, Gao Xianzhi, Bian Lingcheng and the others, already prepared, feigned ignorance while gladly attending. Only the Tuyuhun envoy, Qi Si, who is the Grand Leader of Tuyuhun, was kept in the dark.

After taking his seat, he was extremely cautious, not daring to speak loudly, and wouldn't even look at the Western Regions envoy who had just arrived in Kuizhi Town.

In the Tang's tributary titles, "Grand Leader" sounds impressive, but in reality it's pitifully minor—only enough to frighten children.

Tuyuhun was a tributary state enfeoffed by the Tang; its chief was the "Yehu." The chief's confidant was titled "Special Agent" by the Tang. One rank below that was "Prince," which need not be the chief's biological son—just a title.

Below the "Prince" comes the "Grand Leader."

Note, these are titles conferred by the Tang, recognized by the empire, and do not reflect the actual power of the holders within Tuyuhun.

As for Tuyuhun's internal affairs, Fang Chongyong knows nothing; he only sees that the envoy before him appears very old and holds a low official rank.

In other words, Tuyuhun seeks Tang assistance, likely probing for help, which matches Fang Chongyong's expectations.

"Chief Yehu of Tuyuhun, are you still robust?"

Just after taking his seat, Fang Chongyong smiled at Qi Si and asked.

The envoy named Qi Si is actually a "Tang liaison." He once served as a palace guard in the Tang court; aside from his non‑Central Plains appearance, his speech, habits, and demeanor are indistinguishable from ordinary Chang'an officials.

This time Tuyuhun sent an envoy to the Tang, and Qi Si handled all contacts with Tang officials along the way—a case of specialization. In diplomacy, the Tang's system is highly mature and efficient, requiring no concern from Fang Chongyong.

When Fang Chongyong asked, Qi Si respectfully replied, "Chief Yehu is robust, can draw a three‑stone bow, can go into battle against Tubo, thank you for Ambassador Fang's concern."

Seeing his lowly posture, Fang Chongyong instantly understood. Tuyuhun is squeezed between Tubo, the Arabs, and the Tang, its situation precarious; any side could crush them.

Conversely, Tuyuhun's ties with the Tang are deepest, and geographically the Tang finds it hardest to attack them.

Instead, nearby Tubo and the Black‑clad Great Arab pose great threats.

This is one reason Tuyuhun cannot swing between sides; they must stay loyal to the Tang to showcase their "united‑front value," seeking the far‑reaching support of the Tang to protect their independence!

If they side with Tubo or the Great Arab, they'd be annexed. Tuyuhun cannot afford a single misstep, so they simply avoid choosing.

It is a choice of geography and of human nature.

Between nations there are no eternal friends, only eternal interests; there is never gratuitous goodwill. Behind love and hatred lies a stark economic and political ledger to be settled.

"I have heard the Grand Leader's gifts to Deputy Protector Gao and Internal Attendant Bian are quite exquisite; this envoy also wishes to see them."

"I wonder if you two can fulfill my request? If not, never mind; I am merely speaking casually."

Fang Chongyong smiled, looking at Gao Xianzhi and Bian Lingcheng as he asked.

Upon hearing this, the smiles on everyone in the courtyard froze instantly.

Fang Chongyong said, "Just take a look," but no one present thought he was truly joking.

"I‑I… it's actually nothing special…"

Bian Lingcheng sneered incoherently, glancing angrily at Li Qiyun!

Yesterday that fellow promised properly; today when it's his turn to speak, Li Qiyun fell silent!

But Bian Lingcheng unfairly blamed Li Qiyun; the latter hadn't expected Fang Chongyong to reveal everything without any prelude!

Wasn't he confident yesterday? That's it?

These people are still decent; the Grand Leader Qi Si, who had been kept in the dark, was terrified by the scene!

"Ambassador Fang! It is my negligence! I did not know you would come to Kuizhi!"

I, your humble servant, will go prepare the gift now; please wait a moment—I, your humble servant, will be back right away!

Qi Si had originally been kneeling on the blanket, but now he directly kowtowed to Fang Chongyong; in the firelight his face looked already anxious and twisted into a ferocious expression!

I was careless—I actually missed sending the biggest one!

"Impudence! Do you think this envoy lacks your little gift? Are you looking down on Fang?"

Fang Chongyong burst into anger and overturned the table before him with a single heave.

Qi Si lay prostrate on the ground, trembling violently, not daring to even glance at him.

"Forget it, you all bring the gifts here so this envoy can have a look; we won't talk about anything else for now."

After a while, Fang Chongyong seemed to have calmed down, and only then did he wave his hand. Li Qiyun quickly had the servants move the opposing table away, then replaced it with a new one and set out food and drink.

Helplessly, Gao Xianzhi and Bian Lingcheng had no choice but to bring forward the golden crafts sent by the Tuhuoluo envoy; they had originally intended to privately hand them over to Fang Chongyong after the banquet to apologize and make amends, but they never expected the other side to fly into a rage right in front of the Tuhuoluo envoy!

Soon, those dazzling golden crafts were brought up by the servants, causing everyone present to be dazzled.

(End of chapter)