Chapter 378: Matters Not to Be Undertaken

In the deep night, the Stone Kingdom's royal palace was eerily quiet. Unlike the Central Plains scenery, it silently displayed its mystery and strangeness in the firelight.

If ghosts truly exist in the world, then countless wronged souls must be wandering here. The souls of those who died in war and raids cannot find a moment's peace.

But Fang Chongyong was clearly unafraid of ghosts, because every deed he had done along the way was without a guilty conscience.

At this moment, Fang Chongyong carried a wind lantern and rummaged through the storage room piled with all kinds of books, searching for the needed volumes.

These books differed vastly; from any angle one could see sparks of colliding civilizations.

They used different materials as carriers: papyrus, bamboo paper, as well as bamboo slips and wooden boards.

They were written in various scripts: Turkic, Great Sabi, Tibetan, and most abundantly Chinese.

Tuhuoluo were the northern Afghan tribes of Fang Chongyong's previous life; they had deep and early contacts with the Central Plains. Among the Western Regions, they belonged to the Qiqiang faction leaning toward Great Tang, poor yet battle‑ready, famed across nations as mercenaries.

"Where to go, please consider, Jiedushi,"

Even if the sage fully supports and trusts the Jiedushi, once he passes away, how should the Jiedushi conduct himself? The Dragon's merit is unreasonable, and ability alone does not guarantee a high position.

Then the subordinate discovered that among the Great Sabi we captured, many of the older ones knew of this route but would not take it; they had originally followed the main army along it.

Jiedushi, this saltpeter can be used to make gunpowder; it is a contraband, yet the shipowner reported it as ordinary stone.

But now the subordinate has an urgent matter to tell the Jiedushi, which might dampen the Jiedushi's enthusiasm.

Their types varied: sutras, maps, notes, and some agricultural manuals, richly illustrated. Overall, there was a heap of dross, but also plenty of good material.

The Stone Kingdom serves as a hub for East‑West exchange; though the place is small, its cultural development is considerable, and its outlook even broader. Scholars from various nations traveling north and south, and Hu merchants exchanging goods, intentionally or not, have left many classics here.

It is somewhat like ancient and modern Egypt, uniformly called Egypt by its people, with little concern for its origins and development.

After taking his seat, Fang Chongyong laughed, "What matter still needs to be spoken about here?"

Fang Chongyong sighed helplessly.

At first Gao Xianzhi only thought of gold, silver, and jewels, completely disdainful of these book‑like scribbles. Now, after Fang Chongyong's "rescue excavation," most of the books in the Stone Kingdom's treasury remain well preserved.

Fang Youde was bewildered; relying only on memory, he could no longer tell who was a loyal minister or a treacherous one, who was good or bad. Even Li Linfu has become legendary; in this situation, Fang Youde did not know how to judge!

Fang Chongyong stood up, patted Che Guangqian's shoulder, and then walked out of the study.

"You make a valid point."

Che Guangqian said anxiously.

Fang Youde asked in confusion, "Where does the ship come from, and where is it headed?"

When the army returns to Jinman City, perhaps that is when the Jiedushi will be reassigned.

During the Anshi Rebellion, Tuhuoluo mercenaries followed the Anxi Army to Great Tang to quell the revolt, and for decades after the war, tribal leaders even served as officials in Great Tang.

It is as if without Fang Chongyong, Che Guangqian would now only be a commander in the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army, and how others would view him need not be mentioned.

So many things you just need to understand in your heart; the road must be taken step by step, the food eaten bite by bite.

If you must sum it up in one sentence, these are the inheritance of civilization!

"Gao Xianzhi did not set the Stone Kingdom's royal palace ablaze, which counts as a great deed of accumulating hidden virtue."

The ultimate outcome, one can know without even asking.

Moreover, with the army pressing the border, the Tuhuoluo tribes also worry about the Tang army's unorthodox intentions and may well change their stance.

Since we're already here, we can't just leave a great disaster behind for our own comfort, can we?"

Fang Chongyong rolled up a rough map of the Mulu region, tucked it away, and said to Che Guangqian, who was looking around beside him.

Che Guangqian, with a calm expression, suggested, his eyes seeming to hold meaning.

If the previous battle merits are treated as "performance evaluations," then after a change of commander, those performances are basically reset to zero.

This is why someone like Changqi, with such a big mouth, can still thrive under his command.

"Jiedushi, your great kindness, the subordinate has no way to repay. In theory, if the subordinate says more flattering words, pats a bit of flattery, should gain more trust of the Jiedushi.

We truly have no energy to deal with them.

And how those people think, how they choose, this Jiedushi does not know.

Replacing with someone of shallow prestige and experience makes it easier for them to control; after all, that person does not need to face the Great Sabi threat.

"The subordinate thinks that clearing Anxi, Guishuang, etc., northwest of Samo Jian City is enough. Going further deeper, the risk is too great, requiring crossing the Great Desert.

In ancient times, information was underdeveloped, leading to rumors spreading rumors, misleading Fang Chongyong, and of course also misleading many Tang guides who only had a vague idea of the local terrain.

Fang Chongyong lowered his voice and said.

Without the Anshi Rebellion, there would be no infamous reputation of Li Linfu!

This is something Fang Youde did not anticipate; now the events in his memory have long changed beyond recognition, with no corresponding coordinates.

The Mulu City Fang Chongyong knows lies far along the northeast bank of the Wuhu River, while the Mulu City of Abu Muslim's hometown is not far on the southwest bank; not only is a river between them, but a Great Desert also separates them!

Seeing his expression, Che Guangqian suddenly had an epiphany.

"Jiedushi, the subordinate has something to say, not sure whether to speak it or not."

Che Guangqian hesitated for a moment, her face showing a conflicted expression.

"Speak, how can this Jiedushi block your mouth?"

Li Linfu was the same; when alive many found him troublesome, occupying a position and refusing to step down. After his death, those people can't help but say a few more kind words about him.

"We, with all our bravery and loyalty, have nowhere to apply, please Jiedushi think thrice!"

Fang Chongyong shook his head, then let out a long sigh and said:

"The words you told this Jiedushi today are probably not limited to Zhezhi City. Likely in Youzhou City, Taiyuan City, Yingzhou City, Lingzhou City, there are people like you speaking to people like me. Under the sun, there is nothing new.

Now the sage is already old, the Jiedushi's goodness, he remembers how much and does not speak.

Li Linfu's death deified him! Absolutely absurd!

Whether it's the court's decree or the people's reputation, Li Linfu is unquestionably a worthy virtuous minister!

Che Guangqian said anxiously.

"Jiedushi, if the Great Sabi are beaten so they cannot retaliate for twenty years, then the court should no longer need a Jiedushi who makes the Great Sabi fear them like a tiger."

Many matters are to be hinted at only, no need to state them plainly. Fang Chongyong has already hinted very clearly.

Moreover, a high‑ranking frontier official cannot stay on the border forever. This servant believes that within a year the main army will certainly return to the Northern Court and cannot remain stationed in the Stone Country.

Both of these cities are major cities of Uzbekistan, and Tashkent is still the capital.

Yet the border troops must obey the imperial command; where does Fang Chongyong's confidence come from?

Che Guangqian does not know, but still bows and says, "Your servant understands."

This route is well over two thousand li! Had we fought all the way, we would not be so passive now; at least the Tocharian tribes would have become our staunch allies.

There is another Mulu City, located southwest of the Wu River; that Mulu City is Abu Muslim's hometown. There, Arab forces are extremely strong, truly rooted. This information the servant gathered from the Hu merchants.

Loyalty and goodwill both have limits; they cannot be allowed to run unchecked by one side.

This remark is very sincere, though he does not know that the Tang may not even have ten years of peace, which is why he worries about the "unprepared" Fang Chongyong.

After all, speaking kindly costs nothing!

Fang Chongyong knows that the other side truly understands now.

Punishing someone for their words is unacceptable.

He spoke very obliquely; Che Guangqian was first stunned, then showed a horrified expression.

It can be said that if the Tang army does not march on the Tocharian lands, borrowing troops from them is easy. But if the Tang army comes to their door and asks to "borrow passage," the matter becomes complicated.

Che Guangqian stood up and marked a location in the southwest corner of the map on the wall.

This place had long been cleared; gold, silver and jewels were swept away. A large‑scale map hung on the wall, with Suie Town, Hot Sea, Dalosi City and even Kang State's Samojian City clearly marked.

Fang Chongyong turned, patted Che Guangqian's shoulder and said, "This Jiedushi holds you in high regard; you differ from He Changqi and the others, you are a learned person. Many matters the Jiedushi cannot discuss with them can be told to you."

He indeed did not say what should or should not be done, but both inside and outside the words, he only hinted and stopped.

Che Guangqian hurriedly bowed in thanks, saying:

There are actually two Mulu Cities. One lies not far northwest of Samojian, where Arab troops still garrison, though few in number and low in morale.

Fang Chongyong waved his hand, unconcerned, and said, "No problem, just say it directly."

Whether to continue the campaign, how far to advance, how long to fight—this is actually a profound question, more important than whether victory is possible.

But the Jiedushi must plan both affairs and his own safety.

"Those from Hanzhong must go to Hebei!

The commander has countless ways to "look after" his own men, excluding capable people who are not of his direct lineage. Such matters occur to varying degrees; different Jiedushi have different tactics and degrees of favoritism.

This principle, Fang Chongyong naturally understands.

The true Mulu City is an abandoned ancient city in his former Turkmen domain, deserted after a river changed course.

The Jiedushi, being so high‑ranking and not involved in succession struggles, will inevitably be removed at the first opportunity.

"You are a learned person; this Jiedushi has always believed that a scholar who can wield a blade has limitless prospects."

"This is not a place for conversation; please, Jiedushi, move to the study."

These days gunpowder is used for fireworks; although the techniques are many, saltpeter remains essential.

This is already a clear attempt at winning over.

Or one could say that these confidants have already been marked as "Fang's troops" border generals; after a new Jiedushi takes over, those people will have their own confidants.

Che Guangqian echoed Fang Chongyong, saying,

Li Jiaqing said calmly,

Che Guangqian crossed her hands, performed a bow, and pleaded,

It is somewhat like "when the emperor changes, so do the ministers." No matter how outstanding you perform, in the new commander's eyes, his own confidants are still more reliable.

"Brother Nu was actually assassinated!"

"The Jiedushi said that Gao Xianzhi is coarse and brutish, unlikely to understand the value of these things. To discard beautiful jade for a tile is beyond foolish."

"This Tang, this age—what is destined will come; you cannot stop it."

At that moment, the ten generals, Li Jiaqing, requested an audience; upon meeting, he said to Fang Youde,

"Jiedushi, today the lads on a transport boat uncovered a large amount of saltpeter. The quantity is excessive, somewhat abnormal; we have now seized that boat."

"If water sources are the criterion for marching, then the Arabs must pass through the mountains where the Tocharian reside to capture Samojian City, departing from Persia and taking a large detour to arrive."

"Some matters are not yet easy to discuss. Rest assured, this Jiedushi already has plans; there is no lack of intention, but speaking of them now would be meaningless."

In a small courtyard of Kaifeng County, Fang Youde set down today's court bulletin (not yet called that name), and for a moment could hardly believe it!

"Are you implying that the matter is impossible?"

Fang Chongyong, having risen from local administration, now fully understands a simple truth: a truly biting dog never barks. One should not silence subordinates merely because their words are unpleasant.

The boat owner stammered, first saying he was heading to Beizhou, then changed to Bozhou, and finally admitted he was delivering to Youzhou.

"Jiedushi, this servant has inquired and clarified one matter."

Che Guangqian bowed with fists and said,

Thus the servant originally speculated that from the northwest of Samojian—Mulu, Guishuang, Anxi—heading southwest across the Wu River, there might be a relatively safe shortcut through the desert, bypassing a series of mountains for a direct strike.

Choosing the other route, continuing southward, leads through mountains. Though water exists, the detour is too long. Moreover, along the way are various Tocharian tribes, impoverished and each self‑governing, making control difficult.

"The Jiedushi understands everything you say, but must eradicate evil thoroughly!"

If we do not wound the Arabs and exacerbate their internal conflicts, in three to five years the Arab army will rise again.

It seems indeed there is something important.

However, we may not have another chance; this place is too far from Chang'an.

Being overly ruthless can indeed bring peace to the nation and let the sage rest easy.

Fang Chongyong asked in a deep voice: actually, what Che Guangqian said, though unexpected, is within reason and not worth surprise.

In other words, this is not the main direction of Arab expansion; as for the Tang, Bai Juyi's line "Peaceful western borders stretch ten thousand miles" explains all issues.

The servant has not heard that the Jiedushi is close to any prince; if the Jiedushi later loses his command and returns to Chang'an to serve in the central administration, like a dragon in shallow water, the outcome would be unpredictable.

In that case, it would truly be relying on one person's wisdom and foresight alone to contend against this treacherous world.

Fang Chongyong suspected nothing and led Che Guangqian to the study that was originally meant for the King of Shi State to work in.

Because opinions and suggestions that can be spoken aloud are all helpful to oneself. As for distinguishing which opinions harbor ulterior motives and which are merely innocent mistakes—that is one of the most important abilities of those in high positions.

Che Guangqian watched his retreating back; on those broad shoulders, it was as though he carried a mountain!

"No, you don't understand."

In fact, "Dashi people" was a grave insult to the Arabs, because the Dashi as spoken of by the Great Tang was actually an opponent defeated by the Arabs, also called "Tajik."

……

Eating sand is still better than dying of exhaustion crossing mountains.

Of course, whether it was Mulu or the capitals of Shi State and Kang State, they were not actually the Black-Clad Dashi's power base, even though the Shia uprising began there. The heart of the Black-Clad Dashi lay in Baghdad, in Damascus.

Che Guangqian worried about Fang Chongyong's future, and likewise worried that he himself, having been promoted by Fang Chongyong, faced a bleak prospect. These were only natural human feelings, and also the boundary of their loyalty to the Great Tang.

If not for shifting blame, people are always more forgiving toward the dead—after all, the dead won't steal the living's livelihood!

A general skilled in warfare is a threat to the emperor while alive, but after death becomes a former pillar of the empire. People tend not to discuss his towering ambition, but instead focus their attention on his "godlike use of troops."

Saltpeter?

And Zhezhi City of Shi State was Tashkent; Samujian City of Kang State was Samarkand.

For instance, Gao Xianzhi, Li Siye, Bai Xiaode, and Xi Yuanqing—this group of people all moved in the same circle. Though they were not as close as brothers, whenever opportunities for promotion or rewards arose, these people were given priority.

Fang Chongyong laughed heartily and raised his hand to signal Che Guangqian not to be nervous. He had always been very tolerant of those who offered him suggestions in daily life. Even if he lost his temper at the time, he would not pursue accountability afterward, nor would he secretly make things difficult for them.

We trusted followers, even if we are utterly loyal to the Jiedushi, without that uniform of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army and without official rank, we are nothing more than a private army. Protecting the Jiedushi's family would be the utmost we could manage.

Loyalty needs interest to safeguard it; without tangible benefits, there is no so-called loyalty.

Because the White-Clad Dashi had entrenched themselves in Samujian City for decades, even already being there by the early Kaiyuan era, very few people paid attention to where they had actually come from. They only knew that including Samujian City, the vast region to the northwest was all Dashi territory.

Some people (especially in the military) used gunpowder to start fires; it had long been widespread in the army, though it had not yet been listed as standard Tang equipment. Li Jiaqing was a veteran of many battles, so naturally he would not be ignorant of gunpowder's basic formula.

A whole boatload of saltpeter—the sheer quantity was simply unbelievable! Not making inquiries was clearly unacceptable!

Fang Youde's pupils suddenly contracted, then he nodded and said: "Take me to see it."

(End of this chapter)