Chapter 351: Demonstrate the existent with emptiness, compel the strong with weakness

Although Fang Chongyong deliberately humiliated the Zoroastrian saintess Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya and seemed to toy with her, the important information she brought was something Fang Chongyong could not ignore.

He is not a border‑army commander who spends his main energy on playing with women!

Gao Xianzhi has already led the Western Frontier Army, crossed the great mountains, forced‑marched for more than a month, and encamped near the Kang Kingdom.

After the army pillaged food, fodder and supplies here (the so‑called exhausting the troops), it pressed on in one surge and captured the Stone Kingdom's capital, Zhezhi City.

A branch of the Stone Kingdom's royal family fled to the eastern stronghold Dalosi City, and sent Princess Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya to lead a diplomatic mission to the Northern Protectorate, hoping to meet Fang Chongyong. The Stone Kingdom's plan was to use wealth and a beauty scheme to have the Western Regions Diplomatic Envoy intervene and mediate.

In this way the Stone Kingdom could preserve itself without losing face.

As for what its future relationship with the Great Tang will be, that can be discussed later; for now they dare not turn hostile.

That night Fang Chongyong drew a circle for Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya, forcing her to watch inside the circle as the Western Regions Diplomatic Envoy performed a live erotic act with his concubine. The Stone Kingdom's princess neither wanted to watch nor could leave the circle.

Because she truly dared not move!

Gao Xianzhi's attack on the Stone Kingdom was Fang Chongyong's pre‑set plan. The current problem isn't the deployment itself, but that the capital Zhezhi City fell so long ago, yet Gao Xianzhi still hasn't sent anyone to the Northern Protectorate to report to Fang Chongyong!

Even Princess Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya, a pampered, delicate‑skinned Stone Kingdom princess, has leisurely walked from Dalosi City to the Ili River Valley.

The elite cavalry scouts of Gao Xianzhi's Western Frontier Army, who can ride five hundred li a day, haven't even come to deliver a message!

This is no longer an objective limitation that can explain anything.

Obviously Gao Xianzhi deliberately sent no one back to report progress. The reason, actually, is easy to understand.

If Fang Chongyong reaches Zhezhi City, the spoils that Gao Xianzhi and his men seized earlier would no longer be theirs to allocate. Then Fang Chongyong would centrally distribute them; who gets how much would be his sole decision, because he is the Western Regions Diplomatic Envoy!

Even if Gao Xianzhi and Qiu Ba, who participated in the battle from the Western Frontier Army, get a share, it will still be far less than a total monopoly!

Surely many in the Western Frontier Army support Gao Xianzhi's approach.

These people probably plan to hand over a bit of "premium goods" to Fang Chongyong later—just a token—essentially stalling, then using the time gap to scrape every inch of Zhezhi City.

By the time Fang Chongyong learns the news, the Stone Kingdom will already be history; would he submit a memorial to the Son of Heaven claiming the Stone Kingdom shouldn't have been attacked?

The Stone Kingdom lies thousands of li from Chang'an, so the delay in communication is understandable, right?

One must admit, Gao Xianzhi's calculations are very shrewd.

Hmm, seems a bit too clever.

……

"Jiedushi! This subordinate thinks Gao Xianzhi is being quite ungrateful!

Back then, how did the Jiedushi treat him? If he needed to be dealt with, it would have been done! Yet he was given sole command and absolute authority!

The Jiedushi's favor toward him was as heavy as a mountain!

So how did Gao Xianzhi repay the Jiedushi?

After he captured Zhezhi City, he didn't even send anyone to report!

Gao Xianzhi is being greedy and reckless? Jiedushi, he's committed the crime of disordering the army!

Without properly dealing with Gao Xianzhi, how can the Jiedushi command the troops!

Inside the newly rebuilt magistrate hall of Bagua City, He Changqi's face flushed bright red, he slapped the desk with a loud "slap‑slap", his hair standing on end in fury, shouting while practically leaping to draw his sword and kill.

"Jiedushi, General He may be speaking a bit hastily, but his point is correct.

After all, you are the Western Regions Diplomatic Envoy, and moreover you are the Hexi Jiedushi!

Gao Xianzhi's current actions are a case of subordinates overstepping their superiors."

The burly Wang Nande also stepped forward to back He Changqi.

In fact, it wasn't just him; after Fang Chongyong relayed the message brought by Princess Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya, everyone present was filled with righteous indignation.

None of the Qiu Bas were unangered!

Gao Xianzhi's tactics violated courtly taboos.

Generally, one person monopolizing a feast isn't forbidden, but he must share the profits with those at the table.

The benefits cannot go to just you alone!

Fang Chongyong originally ordered Gao Xianzhi to attack the Stone Kingdom's capital; that said, now that the fellow has taken the Stone Kingdom, does that mean he can ignore reporting to his superior, Fang Chongyong?

Exactly, the order was to have Gao Xianzhi capture the Stone Kingdom's capital. But who authorized Gao Xianzhi to arbitrarily allocate the spoils obtained from the Stone Kingdom?

It seems Fang Chongyong never issued a command allowing Gao Xianzhi to distribute the spoils on his own, right?

So the reason Gao Xianzhi concealed the campaign's progress is clear; this fellow isn't stupid—he saw the hidden pit in Fang Chongyong's original order. He then "plays the hand", captures Zhezhi City, seizes the essence of the Stone Kingdom's spoils first, and will divide them later!

The spoils have already been divided, so Fang Chongyong can't reclaim them. With so many Qiu Bas in the Western Frontier Army, if they were forced to hand over the loot, those Qiu Bas would inevitably revolt!

Why did He Changqi, Wang Nande and the others become angry?

Because others took away what they believed was rightfully theirs—like a merchant who expected higher profit but got less, they feel shortchanged.

And the benefits taken by Gao Xianzhi can't aid the careers of the generals under Fang Chongyong.

In other words, if Gao Xianzhi were killed, those Qiu Bas under Fang Chongyong could seize the wealth without bearing responsibility, and they would act without hesitation!

Of course, if Fang Chongyong obtained those benefits, at least they could be used to promote and advance his generals, so they would be willing to share a portion.

There is no love or hatred without cause in this world; beneath the shouted calls for battle, it's all a clearly priced transaction!

"Everyone, please remain calm."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand, signaling the officials in the hall to stop chattering.

Seeing him about to speak, those who had been whispering fell silent, closed their mouths, and waited for his instruction.

"The Stone Kingdom's forces have been crushed by Gao Xianzhi's Western Frontier Army; the remnants, led by the Stone Kingdom's king, fled to the eastern stronghold Dalosi City."

"Although we are far from Dalosi City, Zhezhi City is very close to Dalosi, with open plains and no defensible terrain between them."

"So why didn't Gao Xianzhi press the advantage and capture Dalosi City? So much time has already passed."

"Have you truly not considered the cause and effect?"

Fang Chongyong smiled and retorted.

Hearing him say that, many present suddenly understood.

Indeed, Gao Xianzhi has already captured the capital of the Stone Kingdom, showing that the Stone Kingdom's army is not strong and has not caused any trouble for Gao Xianzhi's elite troops.

Moreover, Daluosi City is far smaller than Zhezhi City, and one could even say that Gao Xianzhi could level it with a single reverse move.

Since it can be taken, why not take it?

Capturing a branch of the Stone Kingdom's royal family would not be a great achievement?

Obviously, the question raised by Fang Chongyong had already been considered by Gao Xianzhi.

In fact, it was his top priority.

"The Jiedushi says that Gao Xianzhi deliberately left Daluosi City, which is closest to the Northern Court Protectorate, to drive the entire Stone Kingdom royal family there! Then he expects us to clean up the mess?"

Duan Xiushi was puzzled, and the more he thought, the more he felt this made sense.

One must admit that Gao Xianzhi's scheming is very clever.

With so many members of the Stone Kingdom's royal line, should they be killed, released, or sent to Chang'an for the sage to decide? Isn't that a troublesome matter?

That is obviously so.

Should the Stone Kingdom be annihilated, turning it into the next Kucha Kingdom or Yanqi Kingdom, or should a new proxy be installed?

How should the later stage be handled, and does someone need to make the final decision and take the blame?

There must be one. After all, the Stone Kingdom is a major power in the Western Regions; once it's destroyed, it will inevitably attract criticism from all sides—doesn't that require a scapegoat?

Gao Xianzhi's meaning is actually clear: I'll take the Stone Kingdom's wealth, but I don't want its trouble. Ambassador Fang, you are a high official; just make the decision. Capturing Daluosi is also a great achievement, and I won't contest that merit with you—it's simply my way of honoring you.

"That Gao Xianzhi, we used to think he was honest and loyal, but we never expected him to be so treacherous!"

Ambassador Fang, how should this matter be handled? Your word will decide.

When the time comes, we'll draft a memorial for your review, then send it to Chang'an for the sage's judgment—no further discussion!

The silent Supervisor Bian Lingcheng suddenly exclaimed with anguish, also cursing Gao Xianzhi as shameless.

Before anyone could react, he instantly chose a side and cleared himself.

He Changqi and the others gasped; they hadn't even begun to show loyalty, yet this eunuch supervisor in the palace started professing loyalty—does that even make sense?

It should be noted that Bian Lingcheng had previously taken bribes from a Tufulu envoy together with Gao Xianzhi! To outsiders, the two seemed to be a pair.

It was unexpected that before Fang Chongyong even spoke, Bian Lingcheng jumped the gun, betraying Gao Xianzhi without any hesitation.

One must admit, a eunuch who can rise in the Chang'an Imperial Palace must possess extraordinary insight and timing—none of them are simple characters.

"Gao Xianzhi's thinking: first, military merit; second, wealth. Of course, he's thought it through well—human nature, nothing to be surprised about."

Fang Chongyong chuckled and shook his head, unperturbed by praise or insult, worthy of his position as the Western Regions Strategic Ambassador.

Seeing his calm, breezy demeanor, all the generals present admired him greatly.

To endure what ordinary people cannot shows Fang Chongyong's strong mind and patience. In their shoes, they would have already sought trouble with Gao Xianzhi; none could be as steady as Fang Chongyong.

"Send someone to Zhezhi City to deliver a letter to Gao Xianzhi, telling him about the Stone Kingdom matter; he can handle it with full authority, no need to report to me in real time before acting.

This ambassador cares only about the outcome, not the process."

Fang Chongyong instructed He Changqi, who is in charge of the personal troops and scouting units.

"Jiedushi! Absolutely not!"

Upon hearing this, not only He Changqi but all the generals present were shocked and shouted loudly in protest.

If they keep Daluosi City, there will still be some resources left to scoop up.

If this letter is sent, the Stone Kingdom matter will truly be decided solely by Gao Xianzhi! Then the Western Regions will only know Deputy Protector Gao, and not…

Ambassador Fang, how should this matter be handled? Your word will decide.

A stunning beauty will only cling to the strongest.

"Gentlemen, managing the Western Regions is like a game of chess; the Jiedushi has his own views. However, if matters are not kept secret they will fail, and it's not yet convenient to explain fully; just remain calm."

We have newly established Li Prefecture for the Tang, expanding the nation's borders, registering households and unifying the people; that alone is a great achievement already in our hands, and rewards will follow without further discussion.

Gentlemen, our vision should not be so short‑sighted.

Fang Chongyong waved his hand dismissively and said.

He was indeed very reasonable, yet He Changqi and his low‑rank soldiers may understand, but the ordinary Tang troops under their command, waiting to reap enough from the Stone Kingdom, could not comprehend!

Those rank‑and‑file soldiers' aspirations are not as lofty as Fang Chongyong's; they eagerly march thousands of miles simply to earn a haul, return home to marry, celebrate the New Year, and become wealthy landowners!

Expanding the nation's territory is indeed an honorable deed, but honor cannot be used as food!

For these money‑hungry low‑rank soldiers, actual silver pay is what matters, even if it's in Hexi Jiaozhi.

No need to spout lofty theories empty‑handedly.

In short, the Anxi Expeditionary Force currently has no pressing issues, which is unsurprising; after all, hope remains and Fang Chongyong enjoys considerable support among the troops.

But if the great army returns empty‑handed in the future, the troops on the road will certainly mutiny!

Then, will Fang Chongyong still be able to keep control? The present He Changqi and others wore their worries plainly on their faces.

"Do the low‑rank soldiers in the army now have nothing to do? Then let them divide fields in Yili, establish farms, cultivate and manage the land.

These lands now belong to them; in the future they can sublet to others, with rent collected by the local authorities."

Fang Chongyong instructed Duan Xiushi.

The crowd's expressions softened a bit; one must admit that Fang Chongyong's plan does help alleviate discontent in the army.

Since idling in the Yili River Valley is still idling, establishing farms yields land that is theirs; if they later leave the valley, they can sublet to tenant farmers, with the government collecting rent and finally converting it into Jiaozhi for them.

Though slower than looting, it avoids the battlefield, eliminates the risk of death, and later they can enjoy the comfort of being "small landowners"—what's wrong with that?

It does have some appeal! After all, idling is still idling!

"Alright, that's all for Gao Xianzhi's matter; this ambassador will not repeat it. Execute as I say, adjourn, and each go about your business."

Fang Chongyong swept his hand cleanly—very decisive! Truly the style of a low‑rank soldier.

He Changqi and the others seemed about to speak, but seeing Fang Chongyong's confident demeanor, they thought better and remained silent.

Staying in the Yili River Valley, there are currently no logistical worries. If they continue westward, conditions will deteriorate sharply, and within a hundred miles there will often be no smoke from cooking fires.

If anything were to happen then, those officers under Fang Chongyong's command would also be unable to bear the responsibility!

After everyone had left the hall of the government office in Eight Trigrams City, Ananye came in from the rear chamber and handed Fang Chongyong a bowl of herbal soup to counteract his maladaptation to the local environment.

While Fang Chongyong was drinking his medicine, Ananye asked cautiously, 'Just now, while waiting for the medicine to cool, I secretly eavesdropped for a bit, and it seems He Lao Hu and his fellows are quite unwilling.'

'Of course they'd howl in opposition—anyone encountering such a thing would be angry.'

Fang Chongyong took a sip of the herbal broth; it wasn't bitter, just a grassy smell that shot straight up his nostrils, impossible to describe how awful it tasted.

'As for Gao Xianzhi, why do you keep yielding to him, my love?'

Ananye asked doubtfully, knowing Fang Chongyong's character: he was no soft pushover. To be precise, back when they were in West of the River, Ananye already knew Fang Chongyong was ruthless and decisive in his actions.

To some extent, he was even lawless, never caring about the so-called nobles.

When it was time for him to act, he had never hesitated.

'Yielding to Gao Xianzhi isn't because I'm afraid of him; it's part of my plan. This scheme isn't finished yet, so I can't act rashly.'

'If I don't give Gao Xianzhi benefits, don't indulge him, and don't let him get overconfident, how could this pawn move as I need it to?'

'The principle that to take something you must first give it never goes out of style.'

'Let Gao Xianzhi enjoy his moment for a while; there's no rush, no rush.'

Fang Chongyong gave a grim chuckle, a cold light flashing in his eyes.

'Go ahead and bluster—I can see He Changqi and his lot are about to revolt from impatience! And you say there's no hurry?'

Ananye pursed her lips and sneered at Fang Chongyong.

'Just watch him build his high tower and hold his banquets.'

'How can you, a country bumpkin from West of the River, possibly understand the military and state affairs of the frontier garrison?'

Fang Chongyong retorted without showing any weakness.

'Being invincible is so lonely; sometimes he really just wants to show off in front of people!'

'But as the saying goes, inability to endure small hardships ruins great plans—countless examples of failure lie before us, and great undertakings are often ruined by trivial oversights.'

'What a commander needs is victory, not some petty desire for glory!'

Fang Chongyong only wants to win.

'He needs to win decisively, to win big, to sweep aside all opposition, and to establish an unsurpassed merit!'

'He can wait, and he can endure!'

(End of chapter)