Chapter 380: One Code Returns to One Code

"Minister Liu, this memorial of yours seems a bit too conservative, doesn't it? The troops at the front are fighting bloodily, while the rear is stingy to a hair; that's not good, right?"

Inside the Council Hall of the Imperial City, Right Prime Minister Li Shi Zhi looked at Liu Yan, who had just been promoted two ranks in a row, and said, feeling a bit displeased but unable to state it plainly.

The only reason Liu Yan can be Minister of Revenue is that the Tang's Ministry of Revenue is now severely depleted, and only Liu Yan has the skill to sustain it; others dare not take the post.

Take, for example, the great pit of Jiaoz, where whoever enters dies; everyone avoids it, and entering is impossible.

Such a prime position as Minister of Revenue, yet Li Shi Zhi cannot sit there and place his own men; honestly, it's quite frustrating. It's not that he doesn't want to, but his power doesn't allow it.

"Right Prime Minister, the court is out of money. I wish to support, but I'm willing yet powerless. The few kilos of flesh on my body can't even fetch a few coins."

Beside him, He Changqi, Che Guangqian, Feng Changqing and others were stifling laughter, almost breaking character.

The court still needs money for many things—clearing canals, procuring military supplies—money can't all be thrown to the distant Congling; please, Right Prime Minister, see clearly.

King Kang said respectfully.

Fang Chongyong simply turned and dismounted, his eyes blazing as he stared at King Kang. Though his expression was calm, his unspoken authority made no one dare look down on him.

It's necessary to strike out dissent, but needlessly straining one's own eyes is unnecessary.

"This envoy sees the gate of Sa Mo Jian City like the gaping maw of a fierce beast; for a moment my heart bristled, disturbed by strange forces, fearing something unforeseen."

"Secondly, ever since Fang Guan became Left Prime Minister, he's been rather overbearing, shoving his own confidants into the Ministry of War, cultivating his own wing, and it's necessary to give this fellow a good rebuke."

"If the Left and Right Prime Ministers collude in 'sincere cooperation,' this saint of his would likely become unstable."

Fang Guan, seeing Liu Yan still unwilling to change his stance, asked impatiently:

"I thought that by merely improving upon Fang Guozhong's memorial and sending it to Huaqing Palace for the saint to decide, that would suffice."

"No, no, no—Fang Guan truly believes Fang Chongyong's plan is too conservative! It doesn't target Liu Yan himself!"

On the banks of the Mi Shui River, where Sa Mo Jian City lies, all the nobles and dignitaries of Kang, from King Kang down, knelt on the ground, respectfully welcoming Fang Chongyong into the city.

To be precise, they were shot dead by the very ambassador Fang, who arrived with five thousand cavalry.

"Since the two ministers have already decided, I have nothing more to say; please let the saint make the judgment."

"Come to think of it, this two‑thousand‑mile march hasn't allowed us to properly observe the authentic Hu Xuan dance; that's truly a pity."

Fang Chongyong, thoughtful, looked at King Kang's slightly stout figure and asked somewhat shyly.

"Everyone, please pause; let this envoy say a word."

"In other words, had Fang Chongyong not intervened, this city would soon be destroyed by the black‑clad Great Dashi, unrelated to the later Samarkand. Of course, cities in advantageous locations will inevitably be rebuilt—that's a matter of another level."

"With such generosity, this envoy will gladly accept; King Kang, please lead the way."

Seeing that the two before him were unwilling to continue the debate, he laughed heartily: "Many people don't understand Minister Liu's difficulty; they would have Fang Guozhong lead troops all the way to the Persian Protectorate before they would be satisfied, never considering whether the state has money to support it."

Yet the Tang army hasn't attacked Kang; the former King of Kang even sided with the Great Dashi, allowing their troops to pass, and later personally led a large force to join the Dashi army.

"Angel of Return, the people of Kang, regardless of age or gender, love dancing the Hu Xuan."

When the troops reached the city gate, Fang Chongyong gazed at the towering walls, which seemed several streets stronger than the defenses of Zhezhi City. He suddenly tightened the reins of his warhorse, refusing to advance further.

King Kang displayed a look of sudden enlightenment, his face flattered as he said.

Valiant border generals, formidable troops, fine armaments, forts scattered along the frontier, and those neighboring tribes that bring their own dog food.

Thus, Fang Guozhong's plan for the River Protectorate is actually a very pragmatic, seasoned strategy.

At this moment, showing disrespect is truly unacceptable; his father, the former King of Kang, died not long ago under the Tang army's blades.

Fang Guan snorted coldly, returned to his seat, his grievance unresolved.

"In this way, might it be too much trouble for you?"

This has nothing to do with others; it's just that this envoy feels unwell—it's my personal issue.

One can jump on the ground, or even on the bed.

Seems there's no problem.

Having annihilated the Dashi forces this time, it's the moment to press the advantage; how could we not strengthen border defenses? How could we shrink back?

King Kang gave no reply; he understood Fang Chongyong's meaning but pretended not to hear.

That said, Fang Guan's words aren't merely idle chatter; they do have a few bits of "reason."

Liu Yan tried to argue a few sentences, but Fang Guan wouldn't listen at all.

Fang Chongyong, regarding these old rascals, actually remains wary; he doesn't dare overextend, nor rush a distant campaign, but adopts a step‑by‑step encirclement, gradually nibbling control.

The horse moved slowly forward, and Fang Chongyong asked curiously.

Fang Chongyong clicked his tongue in lament, wearing a rather regretful expression.

Sa Mo Jian's outer city is quite magnificent, but its palace is far more modest than the Stone Kingdom's royal palace, lacking even a moat; water is drawn directly from the Mi Shui outside the city via a canal to supply the palace.

Liu Yan was also inflamed, unable to hold back a retort.

Liu Yan politely saluted Li Shi Zhi; his tone was courteous yet offered no concession.

"No trouble, no trouble; after all, we usually enjoy the Hu Xuan dance, just like the Tang general An Lushan—haha, haha."

I wonder how well King Kang dances the Hu Xuan, and how the various nobles and ministers perform it.

Kang had previously brazenly joined the Dashi army, a trait far more vicious than the Stone Kingdom's collapse; the Stone Kingdom acted because Gao Xianzhi exterminated their royal clan—now that's done, why not let them rebel?

The right and wrong are clear at a glance.

Liu Yan let out a light sigh, uttered a final line and left, effectively tacitly approving Li Shi Zhi's suggestion.

Three thousand elite Tang troops have already camped on the Mi Shui Riverbank, along with several hundred valiant guards, who will follow this Tang Western Frontier Grand Envoy into the city—could anyone still worry about harming him?

The Hu Xuan dance is lovely, but it requires graceful beauties to perform it for it to be pleasing.

Everyone bowed again, then King Kang stepped forward to lead Fang Chongyong's horse. It seemed they had grasped the envoy's implied meaning.

"I hear the peoples of the Western Regions are all good dancers; Zhezhi City has girls adept at the Zhezhi dance. I wonder what dance is popular here in Kang?"

As for Liu Yan, being Minister of Revenue is indeed a tough post; Li Shi Zhi spent years managing the Ministry of War, yet the Revenue Ministry lacks any wing, and he has no confidant ready to replace Liu Yan.

…

It's like when Fang Chongyong's past life ordered a computer; the shop owner said a ten‑thousand‑yuan configuration is better than a five‑thousand‑yuan one—can you say his words are wrong?

Fang Chongyong made a casual polite remark, swung onto his horse, and let the young Kang Kingdom king lead him into Samo Jian City.

The Tang army fought all the way to Persia, making the Arabs wail and curse, clearing a great threat in the west—what problem is that?

It seems there's no problem either.

Fang Guan's ambition to achieve merit and establish a career is unusually strong!

The other person is the Minister of War, which is easy to explain because the central authority directly manages this area. The current Right Prime Minister Li Shizhi has changed from concurrently serving as Minister of War to now concurrently serving as Minister of Personnel.

Seeing the two about to quarrel, Li Shizhi hurriedly mediated, "Hey, these petty disputes are pointless; whether Left Prime Minister or Minister of Revenue, they all serve the Sage. As officials of Great Tang, sincere cooperation is required."

So after Abu Muslin's defeat, the newly appointed Kang Kingdom king led troops to slaughter him, sending the heads to Fang Chongyong—everything driven by profit.

"The Left Prime Minister may not know, but the treasury is tight now, and the court still has many expenses…"

"If the Left Prime Minister thinks the money is easy to manage, I can resign and let the Left Prime Minister concurrently take the Minister of Revenue post."

Hearing this, the horse‑holding Kang Kingdom king breathed a sigh of relief. Someone who could ask such a question is probably a normal person.

However, the aristocrats of Chang'an tend to recruit talented "Hu‑spin dancers," and having so many Kang Kingdom palace ministers dancing the Hu spin together is quite a sight.

He is a scholar, well‑read in poetry and books, naturally eloquent, leaving Liu Yan at a loss for a retort. It's like people standing on different positions; each argument has its own logic, and often no one can persuade the other.

"Hmph!"

Inside the Council Hall, it wasn't only Li Shizhi and Liu Yan. The new Left Prime Minister Fang Guan's desk was directly opposite Li Shizhi's, with no screen between them; they could look up and see what the other was doing.

Fang Chongyong couldn't help but think of Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya, who can perform the Zhezhi dance clothed—or naked.

Whenever intimacy occurs, Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya indulges unabashedly, with no shame at all, reveling in pleasure, leaving a vivid impression.

Keeping the outcast Liu Yan, the "Li Linfu faction," also eases future tensions between Li Shizhi and Fang Guan. Without Liu Yan, the two would vie for control of the Ministry of Revenue; perhaps that's what Brother Ji hopes to see.

When his thoughts returned, Fang Chongyong watched the many Kang Kingdom nobles sweating and writhing inside the palace and could no longer bear it.

Kang Kingdom's own musicians streamed in, beginning to play exotic Hu music. Then the somewhat plump Kang Kingdom king, with his ministers, started the Hu spin dance in the great hall.

Not only is the Zhezhi dance performed well, but one can also do whatever one wishes with it…

And the new Minister of War is none other than Fang Guan!

He truly isn't targeting Liu Yan, because in his mind Liu Yan isn't even worthy of being targeted! In grand affairs like expanding territory, a stumbling stone like Liu Yan is nothing at all!

Fang Guan decided to find an opportunity soon to meet the Sage alone and present his strategy; he simply cannot trust Li Shizhi.

"Money, money, money—Minister Liu has become blinded by money. The troops won a battle up front; isn't it worth the Ministry of Revenue spending some funds?"

"We respectfully welcome the angel!"

Is he deliberately trying to embarrass Liu Yan?

The Kang Kingdom king, with a puzzled expression, asked, not understanding what Fang Chongyong was truly worried about.

Fang Guan roared somewhat excitedly.

Once everyone was seated, it turned out exactly as expected.

Great Tang can launch wars simultaneously in Hebei, the northwest, and the southwest; this isn't bragging but real capability.

Without serving in the Ministry of War, one cannot grasp Great Tang's strength! After concurrently becoming Minister of War, Fang Guan felt there is no place Great Tang cannot attack—only places it cannot win.

This gave Fang Chongyong a profound understanding of reckless youth's fearless nature. A woman who can play so wholeheartedly is a rare sight for him—truly worthy of being called a Zoroastrian holy maiden.

Geographically, Samo Jian City overlaps with the later Khwarezm capital Samarkand, but the two have no succession relationship.

I wonder if the Kang Kingdom king can dispel this delusion of the ambassador.

The Minister of Revenue handles allocations and levies. Whether strengthening border defenses or dispatching troops, lacking funds and logistics is unimaginable. If Minister Liu Yan does not support it, the matter cannot progress.

His companions, such as He Changqi, all rested their hands on the hilts of their horizontal swords, scanning around with ill intent.

He spoke lightly, but subtly implied suppressing Fang Guan.

He somewhat arrogantly raised his hand and coldly said, "Minister Liu need not tell this Prime Minister these things; you go tell the Sage, tell the frontline soldiers. If they have no objections, then this Prime Minister has none either."

Born to make "sacrifices."

"Barbarian beasts, fearing power yet lacking virtue; the ancients truly do not deceive me."

With these chaotic thoughts, Fang Chongyong rode his horse, looking down from above at the kneeling Kang Kingdom elites, and said coldly, "Please rise, I can assure you that as long as you stand with Great Tang, the kind of plundering of the Stone Kingdom by Gao Xianzhi will not occur in Kang Kingdom."

In places like Anxi, Kucha, and Mulu, the cities along the Namishui River are all like that.

At that time, the Arabs' peripheral troops, the low‑rank foot soldiers, included some from Kang Kingdom.

These matters cannot be completely cleared by just one Abu Muslin's head!

The Arabs care about face; does Great Tang not care about face either?

The so‑called father's debt, son's repayment—Fang Chongyong is embarrassed to openly turn his face, yet he changes tactics to disgust the Kang Kingdom's ruler and ministers.

Eradicate evil completely, strike while the iron is hot! Does Minister Liu wait for a few years for the Arabs to rise again and retake these lands?

"Can the soldiers' blood be shed in vain!"

Fang Chongyong clapped his hands and said, and the Hu music in the great hall stopped instantly; the dancing Kang Kingdom nobles also ceased their movements, all turning to look at Fang Chongyong.

As long as the Ministry of Revenue's funds are provided!

With such an impressive setup, not expanding territory, sealing the wolf's den, creating unparalleled achievements, and earning eternal fame—wouldn't that be a disservice to oneself?

"Angel, why not enter the city?"

The real trouble isn't how grand or beneficial the goal is, but whether the ability to achieve it is sufficient. If a goal is set high yet utterly unattainable, what's the point of that thinking?

"We are grateful for the angel's benevolence!"

"The Hu spin dance? Great Tang had a frontier general named An Lushan, who was said to dance it well, but he has now died in an accident, so this ambassador can no longer see it."

Indeed, a large crowd performed it for Fang Chongyong alone to watch.

Of course, it wasn't just Fang Chongyong; the Tang generals attending beside him and his personal guards also watched. Bathed in Fang Chongyong's glory, so many Kang Kingdom nobles dancing the Hu spin before them also enjoyed a moment of splendor.

Kang Kingdom is considered the birthplace of the Hu spin dance; its accompaniment includes two flutes, a lead drum, an accompanying drum, and a bronze cymbal. In the performance, dancers spin rapidly like wind and lightning, hence the name "Hu spin dance."

The Kang Kingdom king laughed heartily, appearing very casual, not taking it to heart at all.

"How about this: later at the banquet, we Kang Kingdom officials will perform a Hu spin dance for the angel, to surprise the angel—what do you think?"

Both the Left Prime Minister and the Right Prime Minister had nothing to say to the Ministry of Revenue; they were naturally displeased with Liu Yan.

Regarding the establishment of the Hezhong Pacification Office, apart from the Chancellor himself, two people's words carried great weight.

"May I ask what guidance the angel has? We, the ministers, will certainly do our utmost to satisfy it."

The King of Kang, gasping for breath, asked, daring not to entertain even a hint of complaint.

(End of chapter)