Chapter 349: The Saintly Maiden Sells Herself to Save the Nation

In the Tang bureaucracy, if a superior issues an order, whether you understand it or not you must execute it; if you don't understand, you must find a way to understand and carry it out—simply not doing anything is unacceptable.

Since Fang Chongyong ordered that an octagonal Bagua City be built in Yili,

what more is there to say? Just start construction!

Feng Changqing made a trip to Jinman City and finally found a retired official who had once served in the Imperial Astronomical Bureau in Chang'an; it was said that this man knew geomancy and had long studied the *Zhou Yi*, giving him considerable knowledge of feng shui.

When he was in Chang'an, this Liu had often helped various officials select houses and set up feng shui layouts, so he was very familiar with that whole game.

Although this time the task was to apply geomancy to an entire city—a preparation he had never attempted before—it does not prevent him from showcasing his skills and earning a place in history!

The former Imperial Astronomical Bureau official surnamed Liu even hand‑drawn a sketch of the "Bagua City".

He designed it according to the *Zhou Yi* "Later Heaven" eight‑trigram diagram, placing the inner city at the exact center of the Bagua; the military camp and the yamen correspond to the yin and yang poles of the Tai Chi and are separated by a wall. A canal was cut from the Hebei bank of the Yili River, bringing water straight through the whole city.

Moreover, the inner city radiates eight streets named Qian, Dui, Li, Zhen, Xun, Kan, Gen, and Kun, linked by four concentric ring roads; the city's orientation is Kan to the north, Li to the south, Zhen to the east, and Dui to the west.

This matches the saying: One yuan gives rise to two yi, two yi give rise to four symbols, four symbols give rise to eight trigrams.

Because he had worked many years in the Imperial Astronomical Bureau and, after resigning, had performed geomancy for many aristocratic families, "Mr. Liu's" city layout is drawn with exquisite elegance.

When Feng Changqing presented his design to Fang Chongyong, the western‑region envoy immediately approved: Excellent! Let's do it that way!

Then Fang Chongyong ordered, in the name of the Northern Frontier Protectorate, a proclamation to be sent to every county and township of the three northern frontier prefectures: regardless of Hu or Han, anyone entering Yili shall be allotted land, registered as households, and become subjects of the Tang. At the same time, Fang Chongyong submitted a memorial to the court requesting the establishment of "Li Zhou" in the Yili River Valley, placing it under the jurisdiction of the Northern Frontier Protectorate as its fourth prefecture.

In addition, he applied to the court to relocate idle wanderers from Guanzhong to settle and farm in the Yili River Valley, designating the new prefectural seat as the newly built "Bagua City". Thus, while waiting for the court's approval, Fang Chongyong waited for Gao Xianzhi to lead troops to the Stone Kingdom to stir up trouble, and supervised the craftsmen in Yili to build the Bagua City.

Meanwhile, the Western Frontier Expeditionary Army's Qiu Ba soldiers were far from idle. Fang Chongyong made "city construction" part of the military merit system, promising loot distribution after the war according to each person's contribution. A force of over ten thousand was organized, with some digging soil, others digging canals.

According to Fang Chongyong's plan, the Bagua City must be completed before winter so the main army has a foothold. Continuing westward, the Yili River Valley becomes increasingly harsh. Even Suie Town has been abandoned for many years; there have been no major battles, only skirmishes, and virtually no nomadic population left.

As for agricultural people, they vanished long ago; the farms established in Suie Town during Emperor Gaozong's reign turned into desert and saline land due to over‑development and war.

Within the Western Frontier Expeditionary Army, of course some did not understand why Fang Chongyong did not immediately attack the Stone Kingdom, pillaging along the way. But more and more soldiers came to realize that this western‑region envoy truly was not neglecting his primary duties.

The term "strategic governance" (jinglue) is a combination of management and conquest.

Attacking the Stone Kingdom is conquest; managing the Yili River Valley is the other component of strategic governance. By exploiting the Yili River Valley—later famed as the "Jiangnan beyond the Frontier" feng shui treasure—he aims to create a forward base on the northern border, which greatly benefits Tang's administration of the Western Regions.

One could even say it is merit for the present age and profit for millennia.

The restless mood in the army gradually subsided. Whether officers or rank‑and‑file, everyone calmly obeyed orders, building the Bagua City's walls, stables, barracks, canals, arrow towers, and so on; the murmurs behind the scenes slowly fell silent.

Once the city is finished, they will spend this winter comfortably. Otherwise, exposure to wind and rain is inevitable.

In the Western Regions, winter exposure can easily lead to mass frost deaths. Since part of the reason for building the city is to survive winter, labor enthusiasm naturally rose. These unruly Qiu Ba soldiers, tightly reined in by Fang Chongyong, willingly performed the "tedious work" they never wanted to do after joining the army, greatly accelerating the Bagua City's construction speed.

……

"This disease is hard to deal with."

Inside the newly built Bagua City's yamen hall, Ana Ye sat on a low stool, legs crossed, holding a medical scroll and searching through it, saying with some disappointment.

Beside her, Fang Chongyong, Bian Licheng, and the eunuch Yu Chaoen who serves Ji Ge wore varied expressions.

"Divine doctor, really can't cure it?"

Yu Chaoen asked with some worry; he originally wanted to suggest that Ana Ye return to Chang'an for treatment. But Ji Ge had previously warned that unless absolutely necessary, sending Ana Ye back would be useless, because some herbs might not be available in Chang'an. All that was needed was for the other party to provide the prescription, supply the herbs, and explain the pathology.

Chang'an has plenty of famous physicians!

If Ana Ye returns to Chang'an to treat Ji Ge and lacks a crucial herb, what then? Many herbs must be prepared fresh on site; they cannot be processed elsewhere.

"Indeed there's no way.

However, I have heard a rumor, though I don't know if it's true.

It is said that during the Three Kingdoms period, Chancellor Zhuge led an expedition against Meng Huo, and many Shu soldiers suffered from water‑borne ailments and severe diarrhea.

The chancellor used a local turtle, simmered with earth‑Fuling, to make a soup for the troops, which cured diarrhea and ulcers.

Those medicines must be sourced in the south; they do not exist here in the Western Regions. Whether it works depends on matching the condition, which I do not know.

"Let's give it a try."

Ana Ye replied helplessly.

Yu Chaoen wanted to take her back to Chang'an for a consultation with the chief physician, but noticed Fang Chongyong staring at him with an unfriendly gaze, so he swallowed a mouthful of saliva and said, "Then we thank the envoy, and keep this matter confidential."

"Eunuch Yu, you've worked hard; if the saint's illness needs anything, just speak up, no need for courtesy."

Fang Chongyong slipped a stack of Hexi Jiaozis from his cuff, and under the pretext of a handshake, passed them to Yu Chaoen without a word.

Bian Licheng glanced at Yu Chaoen, then at Fang Chongyong, and quickly changed the subject, saying, "We'll see you off, Eunuch Yu; the envoy is busy with official duties, so we won't disturb you further."

"Alright, Eunuch Bian, feel free; you are the court's supervising marshal, no need for such politeness."

Fang Chongyong said calmly, his authority evident without anger.

Ji Ge contracted a strange disease with no cure, causing the eunuchs around him to lose some of their vigor.

After Bian Licheng and Yu Chaoen left the hall, Fang Chongyong finally asked Ana Ye, "What illness does Ji Ge have?"

"I once read a medical text that came from the great Qin (ancient Rome) side, which said that during the reign of Emperor Augustus, men and women in Rome engaged in promiscuous intercourse like wild dogs, with no restraint.

At that time many diseases spread through such acts, and one of them resembles the saint's strange disease.

Supposedly, treating it involved injecting mercury into the body, which was said to be highly effective, though I have never tried it myself."

Ana Ye said with a puzzled look.

She was very curious—how could an emperor contract a disease that only those who frequent brothels might get?

"So that means the saint has at most three to five years left, right?"

Fang Chongyong asked solemnly.

"More or less, but the emperor lived in luxury, so he could still linger for a while.

This disease truly cannot be cured."

Ana Ye spread her hands, indicating that she too knew nothing; doctors are not omnipotent!

Fang Chongyong gave a slight nod, not continuing the discussion.

Because Ana Ye had said a correct idle remark.

If the situation had not deteriorated to the point of desperate, chaotic treatment, Ji Ge would not have sent eunuchs a thousand miles to the Western Regions seeking a cure.

Only fear that before Anaye, Yu Chaoen has already secretly visited many renowned physicians of the Western Regions.

"Alang, hurry! Alang, hurry!"

At that moment, a five‑colored parrot behind Fang Chongyong let out an inexplicable cry.

Anaye, who was bent over a book at that moment, suddenly flushed red to her ears; she ran to the five‑colored parrot and, in a huff, shouted, "Stupid bird, stop squawking!"

The five‑colored parrot ignored her entirely, turned its head away from Anaye, and shuffled back and forth horizontally on the slender wooden perch it was standing on.

It seemed deliberately to mock her.

"Hey, what are you trying to compete with a beast for?"

Fang Chongyong looked at Anaye with a speechless expression and asked. The five‑colored parrot can't speak on its own; it only mimics people.

"You still have the nerve to say that, when it was you who kept kissing me last night…"

Anaye suddenly fell silent, cast a guilty glance at the parrot behind her, and said nothing further.

She and Fang Chongyong have been together since youth, perfectly matched. When they are intimate now, they are like water and milk blending, their bodies and emotions resonating perfectly. When their passion reaches its peak, they truly feel so blissful they could die in that moment.

When the love is deep, what's wrong with whispering some lewd words in bed? But those are private matters, not to be uncovered and taken outside to speak of.

"One day I'll stew you! Add a dish for my Alang!"

Anaye made a fierce grimace at the five‑colored parrot, then sat back down to read.

Fang Chongyong thoughtfully sliced a cantaloupe for Anaye and handed it to her. She was truly exhausted last night, so she should rest today.

At that moment, He Changqi slipped into the office, glanced at Anaye, who was engrossed in a medical book as if no one were there. He calmly reached out, grabbed Fang Chongyong's arm, and tried to pull him aside for a private word.

"There's no need for that; Anaye isn't an outsider."

Fang Chongyong wriggled free from He Changqi's grasp, scolding with a helpless grin.

"Jiedushi, it's not convenient to speak here."

He Changqi wore a sneering smile, unwilling to spill everything.

"What's there that can't be said? Don't you know what relation she is to me? If I tell you to speak, you speak quickly!"

Fang Chongyong's tone grew stern.

Anaye, sitting nearby, pretended to read, her ears practically perking up, listening to He Changqi's words like a radar.

"Jiedushi, a young beauty has traveled thousands of miles to present herself to you! Please, don't be modest."

The brothers all stare hungrily, but the good thing belongs only to the Jiedushi. Heaven's gifts not taken will bring retribution; Jiedushi, please don't speak of politeness.

He Changqi leaned in, whispering into Fang Chongyong's ear, enunciating the word 'gan' with a tight bite.

"Huh? What are you barking about?"

"Beauty? Where did this beauty come from?"

Fang Chongyong asked, puzzled.

He Changqi, seeing his own Jiedushi so out of line, frantically signaled. How could he discuss such a 'men‑understand' topic in front of his own concubine?

Usually the Jiedushi Fang is quite sharp, so why does he get muddled over this?

At that moment, Anaye closed the medical book in her hands, looked at He Changqi with a smiling gaze, and asked, "General He, where is this beauty from? I also wish to see her."

"Enough idle talk, bring her in."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand; he has never liked playing the double‑talk game.

If he deals with women, he does it loudly and openly, in a straightforward manner.

Fang Chongyong's principle is: either don't get involved, or if he does, he won't hide it from his wives and concubines in secret—there's no need for such cover‑ups.

After a short while, a young man and a young woman were ushered into the main hall of the office.

The man was lean, dressed in a white hemp robe common in the Western Regions, his skin tanned to a reddish‑black hue, his arms muscular and strong—a clear sign of training.

It was obvious he was a guard; around his neck hung an ornament of the Fire Worship Sect, resembling a wing‑spread eagle, though Fang Chongyong couldn't see it clearly from afar.

He could be a 'protector' of the Fire Worship Sect.

The other young woman was likely the 'beauty' He Changqi mentioned.

She wore a patterned long robe typical of the Zhaowu Nine Surnames, not particularly striking.

Yet her figure was exquisitely graceful, making any adult man want to reach out and touch.

Her face was delicate, with a high nose bridge, but the cylindrical hat she wore detracted from her looks. Faintly visible, her wheat‑colored hair was coiled, revealing just a speck of the vast sea.

"Fire Worship Sect Holy Lady, Stone Country Princess Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya, pays respects to the Great Tang Ambassador Fang."

The holy lady placed her right hand over her chest and bowed to Fang Chongyong.

Fang Chongyong drew the seal from his pocket, given by Ji Ge, and, with an arrogant expression, rebuked Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya:

"This is the saint's seal, as if His Majesty were present. Having seen the Son of Heaven, why don't you kneel?"

Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya remained silent; the 'little wolf dog' beside her gripped his sword hilt, stepped forward, and sharply retorted, "The Fire Worship Sect Holy Lady is not a worldly person; she may not bow to the Son of Heaven, but may bow to a Daoist master without kneeling."

Those who ride horses are doomed to lose their nation, yet they still act like big‑headed dolls!

Fang Chongyong's anger flared instantly.

He signaled to He Changqi, who stepped forward, and before the 'little wolf dog' could react, seized the other's hair bun, drew a dagger from his waist, thrust it fiercely into the neck, then yanked it out!

The young man, apparently a Fire Worship Sect protector beside Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya, instantly spurted blood from his neck, fell backward, twitched a few times, and then went still.

Hot blood splattered all over Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya, frightening the Stone Country princess and Fire Worship Sect holy lady into complete stillness. Her already fair skin turned utterly pallid, as white as paper!

"Those who disrespect the Great Tang shall die!"

He Changqi glared at Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya and said,

"Ah, you Stone Country folk, you come to the Bagua City office, avoid serious matters, and try to draw a knife to assassinate this official. Fortunately General He was quick‑witted and foiled your plot."

"You're a holy lady, huh? I don't care which sect—Fire Worship or Moon Worship—you belong to; now tell me how you will compensate this official."

Fang Chongyong looked at the bewildered Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya and, with a straight face, spouted nonsense,

"'Fang, Fang, Ambassador Fang wants to know how to compensate.'"

Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya, who had been full of confidence, was instantly frightened, his teeth chattering, and could no longer speak clearly.

"I have heard that the Hu Ji of your Stone Kingdom are all adept at the Zhezhi dance.

Today this ambassador suddenly wishes to witness it.

How about you dance for me right now?

If you dance well, the disrespect you showed toward Great Tang and toward me will be forgiven."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand grandly and said, in an unusually magnanimous tone.

(End of chapter)