Chapter 377: The Lion

Hahahahahahahahahahaha!

So many gems, so much gold—this time we've made a fortune!

After dealing with those out‑of‑touch old aristocrats of the Stone Nation, the commanders of Fang Chongyong's Yinqiang Xiaojie Army gathered in the treasure‑laden storeroom of the Stone Nation's royal palace, singing, dancing, howling, frolicking, and rolling on the floor!

It's as if they've never seen gems or gold in their whole lives!

Now they look just like beasts in heat!

Fang Chongyong stood at the storeroom entrance, arms crossed, watching He Changqi and the others expose their ugliness, and sighed helplessly.

Earlier that bunch of hill folk mocked Gao Xianzhi for being unsophisticated, but now that they hear the Stone Nation's treasure can be shared, they're just as ecstatic.

"Jiedushi, this is awesome! Absolutely awesome! If we split these Stone Nation treasures, we'll never worry about food and drink in this life!"

That way, when everyone fights on the battlefield, they'll have no worries hanging over them.

He instructed Feng Changqing beside him:

"Divide these treasures into four portions; the especially valuable and rare subset should be sent by Bian Lingcheng to Chang'an for the Sage. The portable gems and gold ornaments should be listed separately to reward the officers and soldiers of the Anxi Expeditionary Army."

Yet Ji Ge looked remarkably calm, having just drunk a bowl of turtle‑and‑lingzhi soup, now leaning against the bedside, squinting as if dozing.

The appointment of a Western Regions diplomatic envoy has forcefully interfered with the original military‑civilian structure of the Western Regions. Now whether in Hexi, Anxi, or the Northern Territory, local powers cannot unite to resist the court's orders and the emperor's imperial edicts.

"Indeed, Sage, that is the case. Fang Chongyong achieved a great victory at Baishui City, a few hundred li west of Suieye Town, over Governor Huo Luoshan of the Great Arab State, annihilating almost all of the tens of thousands of elite troops under Abu Muslin."

"Lishi, take a look yourself; I too don't know how to put it."

When needed, one laments scarcity; without Li Linfu, Ji Ge truly feels weak all over.

It neither affects morale nor leaves any necessary matters undone.

You might call him childish, but he can handle the situation west of Congling.

There is an Anxi Protectorate, employing a mixed tributary‑military administration, overseeing four Anxi towns. However, since Suieye Town was previously abandoned, the truly controlled four towns are Yanqi, Kucha, Shule, and Yutian.

Seeing Fang Chongyong's persistence, He Changqi and the others had to give up. In truth, they were only talking; they weren't sincerely trying to dissuade.

This hot‑potato is truly hard to handle; mishandle it and it'll backfire.

At least describe the battle process, since the Sage loves to see that.

Finally, send a eunuch to deliver them to the frontier Tang army camp; distribute according to the submitted list, and these spoils need not be sent back to Chang'an.

So he nodded slightly and said, "Then take Fang Guozhong's memorial to the Council Hall and let the prime ministers discuss it. I also want to hear their opinions."

Gao Lishi asked with doubt, a foreboding feeling in his heart! He usually handles everyday minor matters, but he dares not read the high‑ranking officials' memorials in private, fearing Ji Ge's suspicion.

He picked up the turquoise and told the assembled generals, "The Jiedushi has taken his share; you may choose what you like. After Feng Changqing tallies the weight and quantity of the rewards, he'll inform you."

"Enough!"

He fears his hill folk subordinates, just like Gao Xianzhi, popping champagne mid‑battle; that would surely cause a disaster.

He Changqi said indifferently, "I don't care at all."

Yet now Fang Chongyong has already set the loot‑division plan, a true "act first, report later" move. No imperial edict has been issued, yet you've already split the treasure—are you the emperor, or is the one in Chang'an the emperor?

The text here can't withstand close scrutiny! It might just become a hymn of loyalty.

This employs some kind of "bug‑hacking" method, streamlining the process and then manipulating it.

At this moment, we're standing on a volcano that could erupt at any time! Until we return to Suieye Town, no one may touch these treasures.

Of course, Fang Chongyong originally said that the Bagua City in the Ili River Valley should serve as the starting point of Hezhong Prefecture, also the logistical base and main camp. Whether it's suitable or not, only Heaven knows; this proposal is unprecedented, and Ji Ge doesn't care whether anyone follows it.

The inconvenient-to‑carry Kaiyuan Tongbao coins, various copper coins, and the vast ownerless arable lands outside Zhezhi City are reserved for the Stone Nation's reconstruction.

In the memorial, Fang Chongyong proposed a new idea: leveraging this sweeping victory west of Congling to establish a Hezhong Protectorate!

Currently, the Tang Empire in the Western Regions has a Northern Territory Protectorate, overseeing Yizhou, Xizhou, and Tingzhou.

Do you really think you can do it without anyone noticing?

Many things are taboo!

After leaving the Stone Nation royal palace storeroom, Fang Chongyong finally exhaled, his lingering anxiety released.

If you call him mature and steady, this proposal is still too radical. Even during Emperor Taizong and Emperor Gaozong's reigns, there were no troops stationed in the Stone Nation.

Seeing his persuasion work, Fang Chongyong waved his hand and continued, "No need to be so nervous; what's yours is always yours."

Hearing this, the Anxi Expeditionary Army generals, who were previously uneasy, could finally relax. First, establish the records and allocate the spoils. After the army's triumphant return, the portable gems and gold ornaments will be distributed.

Fang Chongyong saw a tiny turquoise on the ground not far away; this stone was brought by Western Region Hu merchants from Tubo, and isn't especially valuable in the Stone Nation.

Such a grand scheme—no way even the current Ji Ge could manage it, let alone the Ji Ge of his prime, who still devoted his energy to state affairs; it's beyond imagination.

First, this requires carving out a portion from the theoretical jurisdiction of the Anxi Protectorate and taking actual control, at least to strengthen oversight.

Stop dreaming up inexplicable ideas; establishing a Hezhong Protectorate is child's play!

That's why I didn't look.

"Have your servant write a memorial; I'll review it and issue it, reprimand Fang Chongyong to keep him in line. Honestly report the troops' merits, and I'll reward them handsomely, including promotions and wealth."

Apart from the Sage's share and the portion reserved for locals, the rest will be earmarked with approval slips, to be redeemed after bringing them back to Suieye Town.

Strictly speaking, Fang Chongyong should draft a loot list and hand it to the supervising officer Bian Lingcheng. After Bian Lingcheng inventories the storeroom, he'll send the gift list and merit list back to Chang'an for Ji Ge's review.

Finally, to ensure this border town isn't merely decorative, rebuilding Suieye City is imperative. It's a true reconstruction, not just a wall, but a series of supporting projects, including relocating Central Pass migrants.

Basically, none of these locations are presently under Tang's actual control; some are even in the hands of the black‑clad Great Arab forces.

Ji Ge clenched his fists in resentment, pounding the bedside, feeling both angry and helpless.

"Hey, I thought it was something else," the junior general said.

But these "idle words," Fang Chongyong breezed through with the bare minimum of ink, refusing to elaborate.

Ji Ge was well aware of the Hexi local forces' dominance and kept a wary eye; Hexi's networks are intricately linked with the Western Regions. Clearly, Fang Chongyong didn't collude with that group and successfully completed the campaign.

"Sage, Fang Guozhong's idea is good, but it's a bit unrealistic."

……

He sat up straight involuntarily, his face showing disbelief, daring not to delay any longer; the more he watched, the more his heart raced with dread.

But the memorial that arrived today, rushed from the Western Regions over six hundred li, is probably… not that simple.

Suddenly, he noticed Gao Lishi's face showing a strange expression, and asked in puzzlement, "Why aren't you delivering the imperial decree?"

Simple and natural!

"Enough of the commotion, everyone stop. Listen to this Jiedushi speak a word."

"Your Majesty, is there something wrong with this memorial?"

Ji Ge, with a look of emotion, took the memorial handed over by Gao Lishi, and after only a few lines, his eyes widened immediately!

Ji Ge, his expression calm, asked, clearly having foreseen this.

Fang Chongyong had Che Guangqian hand over Abu Muslin's severed head to the generals for circulation; the previously restless Qiu Ba's agitation vanished, and their faces grew solemn.

Now Fang Chongyong proposes establishing a "River Central Protectorate," similar to setting up, on the western frontier of the Great Tang, another Jiedushi equal in rank to the Anxi North Court, overseeing Suieye Town, Dawan Town (Stone Country), Kangju Town (Samarkand), Guishuang Town, and so on.

Gao Lishi smiled helplessly, "Ji Ge's imperial decree works on the living; whether it works on the dead depends on the dead's mood."

Because whether Fang Chongyong distributes the gems and gold from Stone Country's treasury to the Anxi Expeditionary Army's soldiers, or He Changqi and his men privately seize them, both violate the Tang army's loot distribution procedures.

"Your Majesty, the brother slave… has already been assassinated. How can I deliver a decree to the deceased?"

It now appears that this appointment is very shrewd, achieving the effect of moving a thousand pounds with four ounces.

Now you must not become complacent; with Abu Muslin as a ready example, if we're careless, we'll follow in the Great Arab's footsteps.

Gao Lishi took the memorial, read ten lines at a glance, and only then inhaled a breath of cold air.

Who would have known that Fang Chongyong smiled helplessly, nonchalantly explaining, "This Jiedushi's situation differs from yours; you only need to deal with this Jiedushi. I just nod, and whatever I say should be allocated."

"Indeed, Fang Guozhong even boldly asked Your Majesty, the Lion, to build a new River Central Protectorate, requiring at least fifty million bolts of silk in total!"

Only then can the plan be realized.

Ji Ge said irritably.

"Your Majesty, a great victory at the frontier! A great victory!"

Gao Lishi jogged all the way to the side hall bedroom of Huaqing Palace, holding an unopened memorial, his face flushed with excitement.

Now, by first promising loot distribution and fixing the shares, we can steady these Qiu Ba, giving the entire army something to look forward to; since they haven't actually received anything, constant vigilance is required.

If the gems and gold in Stone Country's treasury are taken primarily by Fang Chongyong himself, how can he explain the private appropriation of loot to Ji Ge?

"Bring the memorial for me to see."

"The Jiedushi selects first; after he's done, we select!"

Fang Chongyong clapped while rebuking the frolicking generals. Only then did the generals, reluctantly putting down their gems and gold, step forward in line, awaiting instructions.

Fang Chongyong's grand scheme directly left Ji Ge bewildered.

Generally, when such a memorial is sent back to Chang'an, Ji Ge would just glance at it, stamp it casually, then issue an imperial decree with polite words saying the three armies' soldiers endure hardships on distant campaigns, and I agree to reward them generously.

The widows and marriage‑age girls of Stone Country—ask the army if anyone is willing to take them in; if so, after leaving Stone Country, bring them together to the Ili River Valley and settle in Bagua City.

Feng Changqing clasped fists and bowed to Fang Chongyong, saying.

Ji Ge suddenly realized that Li Shizhi, unlike Li Linfu, is not someone he can summon and command at will; this man's temper is quite foul.

Moreover, Tang troops need to be garrisoned in places like Stone Country and Kang Country.

"Jiedushi, the soldiers have all taken theirs, but you haven't; would that be improper?"

"Does Fang Guozhong know how much fifty million bolts of silk cost? He doesn't even fear slipping his tongue when he speaks!"

"I see, then…"

As the Western Regions Strategic Ambassador, with so many eyes watching, if one wishes to remain unknown, only by not acting oneself.

It can be said that he fully grasped the strategic intent behind Ji Ge appointing him to this post.

Gao Lishi sighed helplessly, unsure how to evaluate Fang Chongyong's talent.

He Changqi brought a handful of gems before Fang Chongyong, then placed them atop his own head, letting the gems cascade down his body, as if this could make him feel the reality of wealth.

It must be said that when dividing loot, Fang Chongyong has always been very generous, adhering strictly to regulations, never using tricks, distributing evenly, earning trust.

"Fang Chongyong is both literary and martial, a pillar of the nation; I have not misjudged him."

Ji Ge's expression was conflicted, not knowing how to evaluate.

These gems and gold, you may take them without concern, but this Jiedushi holds scorching‑hot loot—understand? Only when Your Majesty decrees how much reward I receive can I take it; otherwise it's a path to death.

"These are fleeting riches, they cannot run away, and are not the foundation of one's life."

"Lishi, any news from the Western Regions?"

Although Ji Ge's face showed indifference, he was secretly quite pleased.

Gold and silver coins from various countries, as a contribution, to settle with Gao Xianzhi and his Anxi Army, as reward and relief.

The Great Arab's stronghold in the Hulaosan Province, as well as Anxi, Guishuang, and Mulü, still house many troops, making a resurgence possible.

These Qiu Ba's current joy is heartfelt and unmasked.

This Great Arab commander, while fleeing, was surrounded and killed by Kang Country's troops, with no survivor. Your Majesty, discerning and appointing wisely, Fang Guozhong indeed lived up to the holy expectation, pacifying the conflicts west of Congling.

Your Majesty, inside the palace, knows nothing; perhaps he even thinks our warfare is easy!

Having cleared thorns and brambles along the way, pacifying the River Central region, the Jiedushi's contributions are immense; there is no reason he shouldn't receive his share.

These treasures, the Jiedushi may simply take. No brother says anything, and Your Majesty could never know!

"Jiedushi, rest assured, I have recorded all of these."

Initially, Fang Chongyong's appointment sparked great controversy. Yet to balance the Western Regions' military‑political landscape, Ji Ge forcibly appointed Fang Chongyong as the Western Regions Strategic Ambassador.

"Women who have husbands should not be harassed."

Gao Lishi couldn't help but heap compliments on Fang Chongyong.

Why say so?

"A joyous occasion! A great celebration!"

If it's a memorial reporting merit, that's easy to discuss; it's merely a matter of whether it receives a directive or not.

But this Jiedushi, besides dealing with you, also has to deal with the supervising military officials and consult and report to the Sage; he cannot do whatever he wants.

If it were the early Kaiyuan era, Fang Chongyong's plan might actually be tested. Unfortunately, the current situation of the Great Tang can no longer support such a grand scheme.

He Changqi stepped forward and, with some doubt, asked, "Is this actually what everyone present is thinking?"

Therefore, besides issuing written orders to his troops, Fang Chongyong also has to submit a memorial to Ji Ge to explain this matter.

"I will now go to the Council Hall to transmit the decree."

Gao Lishi sealed the memorial, performed a salute to Ji Ge, and slowly withdrew from the palace bedroom.

(End of chapter)