Chapter 381: Show Me the Money

"Back then, shortly after the Great Tang was founded, many of the Nine Surnames of Zhaowu held offices in the Tang, and now epitaphs can be found everywhere outside Chang'an."

"The states of Kang, Cao, An, Shi, and He each have youths serving as officials in Chang'an, and the King of Kang even maintains friendly ties with the Great Tang, even proposing that Kang be annexed into the Tang—what a splendid scene!"

"Emperor Taizong refused, yet both the people of Kang and the Tang share the same resolve, and the Tang monarch and officials feel it deeply."

"Fang Chongyong lifted his wine cup but did not drink, merely muttering to himself, uttering sappy words he himself could not believe."

"However, the expected assent and praise never came; instead, the words left the King of Kang and many of Kang's nobles looking embarrassed and speechless."

"The grand hall fell silent for a long time; no one spoke, and they all were at a loss for how to begin."

"After all, Fang Chongyong's words can be interpreted from different angles, possibly meaning the exact opposite!"

"The King of Kang does not lack the desire to please Fang Chongyong, nor does he refuse to forge a friendship; rather, that friendship must never be pursued!"

"There is absolutely no room for bargaining!"

"If a step back were possible, he would have taken it immediately. This concerns his own legitimacy to rule and tolerates no joke or concession."

"Fang Chongyong spoke solemnly, his attitude extremely cautious."

"Set the other terms yourselves! Keep adjusting until this ambassador is satisfied."

"If he does not beg us now, he will have to kneel and beg in the future."

"But for the Western Regions' An State, whether it's An Lushan or An Sisun, they have nothing whatsoever to do with them!"

"Because the An State has other political forces, and even the publicly displayed factions are not of the An clan!"

"Yet the aristocratic An clan has consistently existed within the middle and lower tiers of An State politics."

"The King of Kang wilted like a frost‑struck eggplant, forced himself to make a few polite remarks to Fang Chongyong, then left the Tang army camp."

"Even if Fang Chongyong wished to have the Kang queen or princess serve as concubines, it would be no issue for the King of Kang—just a splash of water."

"Around a hundred years before the Tang's founding, Kangju State was ruled by Gui Shuang, and the royal families of the city‑states were replaced, killed, or had their surnames changed. Then nine small states emerged."

"The King of Kang placed his hand on his chest, bowed to Fang Chongyong, and said, clearly intending to give nothing."

"How could he not understand? Isn't An Lushan a living example?"

"\"As for the Tang army's expenses, you need not worry about them for now, \""

"\"He probably understands now, \""

"Fang Chongyong is trying to forge a friendship here, but the King of Kang does not even bear the surname Kang; he is a descendant of the Turkic people, originally \"air‑dropped\" here by the Turks to manage the Nine Surnames of Zhaowu."

"Thus, saying that in the early Tang the Kang royal family was the closest and most steadfast ally of the Tang, even proposing annexation, while factual, is already ancient history."

"After a moment of hesitation, the slightly plump king finally nodded in agreement, his complexion turning gloomy."

"The banquet ended in that oppressive atmosphere; everyone chewed like wax. Later, Fang Chongyong could not even recall the taste of the food, and hurried back to the camp outside the city."

"Because the royal family of that era had been wiped out by the Turkic people, one cannot negotiate friendship with the dead, right?"

"\"West of Congling, the banners of great kings truly change like the city walls, \""

"If we follow Fang Chongyong's 'national narrative,' the Kang‑surname nobles in the main hall could now draw swords to slay the King of Kang, then be appointed by Fang Chongyong as the new king—a sort of 'restoration of the old order.'"

"\"Then this ambassador won't beat around the bush."

"\"Because he has understood his situation, and also comprehended what truly transpired during the daytime banquet in the palace, \""

"\"Good! This ambassador wants exactly that sentence from you! \""

"Is it just that you don't want any territory?"

"The King of Kang inwardly muttered a bad omen; hearing this, Fang Chongyong's appetite could not be small!"

"\"Rest assured, the Tang will not claim even an inch of Kang's land. \""

"The Kang nobles and ministers all echoed, judging by the situation, this Ambassador Fang truly seems unaware of the inner details."

"\"I don't know what the angel means... \""

"Ana Ye's mother truly hails from the Shi State's 'Shi' clan, but back then the Shi State was 're‑skinned' by the Tujishi."

"She then kept the transcribed original and handed over the 'reprint edition' to the other side, sealing the 'deal.'"

"If the King of Kang were to take up the thread, it would be tantamount to courting his own ruin!"

"After a moment of silence, Kang Bosa said firmly, \"We will act alone. \""

"Fang Chongyong stared at the King of Kang, his gaze blazing, and said:"

"He exclaimed with a shocked face, \"Jiedushi, the emotions you displayed in the palace of Samo Jian during the day—were you all just pretending? \""

"If they do not agree, it is highly likely that Kang Bosa and the King of Kang will engage in a bloody struggle, then ascend with Tang support."

"They would look like a wretched soul drained of yang by a monster, with the character 'misfortune' written all over their faces."

"All the nations of the Nine Surnames of Zhaowu are like this: the middle and lower tiers remain stable, while the upper tiers frequently change skins."

"The treaty states: Kang State is willing to become a vassal of the Great Tang, and the King of Kang will remain the Governor of the Tang's Kangju Commandery. He also vows to lead troops personally to retake Gui Shuang, Mu Lu, Anxi and other lands occupied by the Great Arab, seeking no reward or spoils."

"\"It's time to serve the dishes; the banquet has begun, \""

"Fang Chongyong forced a strained smile, his facial muscles stiff, and waved casually."

"After the two left, Feng Changqing finally asked, \"Jiedushi, why did the King of Kang fall into the trap? I, as a lowly officer, see his demeanor and it seems he does understand the stakes. \""

"In fact, these locations are not far from Kang's capital Samo Jian; they all lie along the Mishui banks of the Mother River. The Kang army need only follow the Mishui northwest to capture these cities in succession—no need for a thousand‑mile campaign."

"Loyalty, then?"

"The King of Kang and Kang Bosa exchanged a glance, as if they understood something."

"So there was another round; Fang Chongyong instantly became interested, gestured a request and said, \"Please continue! \""

"Thus Fang Chongyong often says that Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya is Ana Ye's distant cousin, for this very reason."

"The intricacies here cannot be explained in just a few words."

"I wonder if the angel can understand what I am saying."

"Fang Chongyong had Feng Changqing find a Sogdian translator to render the oath, and discovered there was nothing ornate about it."

"Originally, the Western Turkic influence was taken over by the Tujishi (a different Turkic group); for example, Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya's father, the King of Shi State, hails from a Tujishi branch called Chebi Shi."

So the previously lively atmosphere instantly became awkward and strange! No one knows whether Fang Chongyong stepped into a trap because he didn't know the customs of the Western Regions, or whether he was deliberately striking the King of Kang.

"Kang still has some troops capable of fighting; we are willing to send forces to Anxi, Mu Lu, and GuiShuang to help Great Tang sweep away the remnants of the Great Food people."

How does the King of Kang respond?

And the royal family of Kang has already been replaced by GuiShuang nobles with the surname Wen, not the surname Kang.

"The portion of the loot the Tang army confiscates must be used for military expenses; that is already decided and need not be discussed further."

"The Zhaowu Nine Surnames in Hexi and those in the Western Regions share blood ties. But the Western Zhaowu Nine Surnames cannot represent the small states west of Congling! The situation here is far more complicated than the Zhaowu Nine Surnames."

Upon hearing this, Feng Changqing first felt puzzled, then suddenly understood.

The situation in Kang is much the same as in the Stone Country.

"Return Angel, the petty states of the Western Regions are all like this; may the Angel not take offense."

Why say that?

Because the political elite of the Western petty states have long been 'skin‑changed'. In other words, on the surface the Zhaowu Nine Surnames are no longer the royal houses of each state; they have monopolized the middle and lower classes in a very unique way, achieving a subtle political balance.

"Then let the dishes be served."

An Sisun's uncle is a descendant of both the Zhaowu Nine Surnames and the Turkic people, and can be considered a descendant of the An Kingdom royal line after Turkicization.

When that slightly plump king arrives, his eyes will not blink once.

Jiedushi, seeing a good opportunity, took no money from them, but demanded that they break with the Great Food people completely.

Fang Chongyong instantly realized that this Kang Posa's identity is far from a mere 'special envoy'; his words carry political weight!

Hearing this, Kang Posa nodded, cleared his throat and said:

"It is like this. The predecessor of Kang was once part of the Kangju Country; during the Han dynasty, Kangju controlled twelve hundred thousand strings, very powerful."

Jiedushi performs that play in the daytime precisely to strike the mountain and shake the tiger!

On the surface they feign ignorance about the Zhaowu Nine Surnames, but in fact they are subtly threatening this King of Kang!

If he does not obey, we will replace him with someone of the Kang surname as king, which can be called 'restoring order', recalling Kang's old loyalty to Great Tang!

Late at night, Kang Posa led the King of Kang, and the two together arrived at the Tang army camp to pay a visit.

"Indeed, we cannot let the Angel starve; that would be disrespectful to Great Tang."

Fang Chongyong stood up and issued an expulsion order.

"I now represent Great Tang, so I require your loyalty, and the loyalty of Kang."

"Gentlemen, an oral pact is unreliable; written words are better, is that so?"

"In other words, the framework of the Zhaowu Nine Surnames remains, the minor nobles are still those people. But the outer 'skin' has been replaced with 'Turkic skin', even 'Turkic cavalry skin'; these states essentially practice a 'dual politics'!"

"That is, Turkic nobles form one line, the original Zhaowu Nine Surnames nobles form another, intermarrying and sharing power; when choosing a front, whoever is suitable becomes the face!"

"Thus one can understand why these Western petty states can keep hopping around without being massively purged."

"Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya's mother and Ana Ye's mother are of the same clan, both being the stone country's king Che Bishi, a political marriage candidate."

After taking their seats, Kang Posa sighed and said, "The situation of Kang is truly hard to describe in a single sentence; I don't know where to begin."

Fang Chongyong let out a light sigh, nodded, and agreed.

Fang Chongyong chuckled coldly.

An Lushan's mother was a Sogdian. After giving birth to An Lushan, she married An Sisun's uncle.

The pact specifically emphasizes that Kang will send troops alone; Great Tang will not dispatch forces to assist.

"Then let's start from the beginning."

The King of Kang also came to his senses and had to swallow the bitter fruit.

Fang Chongyong clapped his hands, Feng Changqing took out a sheet of paper, laid it on the table, and then stepped aside quietly waiting.

Seeing that the other side seemed not to understand, he reminded them, "Loyalty requires proof. Proving loyalty is not by issuing guarantees nor by boasting. Do you understand this?"

Having taken the relationship to this level, how could Fang Chongyong not know that the Zhaowu Nine Surnames favor 'political skin‑changing'?

"I, the humble servant, understand!"

……

And the original leader of the Stone Country royal clan with the surname 'Shi' is another person; he indeed is in Stone Country, but not within Gao Xianzhi's purge scope.

Moreover, many nobles have gone to Chang'an to become officials.

Indeed, they have been kept firmly in check."

Yet now they brazenly side with the Great Food people; this shift is too abrupt. Kang Posa's reasoning actually clarifies the issue.

Fang Chongyong handed the treaty to Feng Changqing, asking him and the translator to each copy a Chinese version and a Sogdian version, and have the King of Kang and Kang Posa sign and seal with their handprints.

"It's getting late; you two should return to Sa Mo Jian City soon."

Tonight, he and Kang Posa came, and basically can settle Kang's affairs. After all, those troublemakers who once loyally followed Abu Muslim have been captured one by one by the Tang army and reduced to slaves.

There will certainly be bloodshed, but any reduction is better; no one's money is wasted.

Fang Chongyong looked at the slightly plump King of Kang and asked.

Fang Chongyong couldn't help sighing; his 'romantic' plan had collapsed. But thinking back, the Kang royal line had even during the Zhenguan era called for Kang to be annexed into Great Tang.

Kang Posa gave a wry smile.

Fang Chongyong waved his hand and said, giving no room for negotiation.

Only the point just mentioned by the other side is absolutely unacceptable.

The political situation of the Western states is extremely complex, and after Great Tang's founding, the Zhaowu Nine Surnames underwent a collective eastward migration, which can also be called a 'return migration'; many of them settled in Liangzhou.

Since they are not a single group, there is no reason to continue the old policies.

Before the King of Kang could speak, Kang Posa promised first.

At that time, if Kang did not die and shed its skin, it might be worse than Stone Country!

Of course, the premise is that we must win.

Originally, Fang Chongyong had wanted to catch up on old times first, invoke the old friendship of their former alliance, and then bring up his own topic. He hadn't expected an awkward silence to fall, making what he wanted to say next impossible to bring up.

"What does the King of Kang say?"

Fang Chongyong hurried out of the military tent to welcome them and brought the two inside.

He Changqi, Che Guangqian, and the others all shook their heads; they couldn't possibly know more than Fang Chongyong. Even in Fang Chongyong's previous life, a person from Shaanxi wouldn't necessarily be very familiar with some city in Uzbekistan, would they?

At the critical moment, Kang Posuo, who had once served as a special envoy of Kang, stepped forward and said with a conflicted expression, "Heavenly Envoy, some things are not convenient to discuss here. How about we have the food served first?"

"Since we are to treat each other with sincerity, then I, as Grand Envoy, will not write this alliance pact. You write it, how about that?

One copy in Chinese and one in Sogdian."

Kang Posuo asked in puzzlement.

It was obvious they had stepped into a big trap.

With things having reached this point, going back on their word would be no different from offending Great Tang to the death. So Kang Posuo drafted the alliance pact, and the King of Kang read it over once, found no issues, and signed both documents.

Fang Chongyong asked in return.

There were plenty of genuine Kang nobles who bore the surname "Kang"! Even right here in this great hall!

The core part of Kangju was Kang.

"Is it so hard to ask Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya about the Nine Surnames of Zhaowu?"

"There is nothing more to say about this. Can you understand or not?"

And Kang Posuo had seen this point clearly as well, not wanting internal strife within Kang, so he had agreed first.

Fang Chongyong waved his hand, blocking the words the King of Kang had not yet spoken.

Fang Chongyong clapped his hands and laughed loudly.

Fang Chongyong was very magnanimous, handing the brush from the brush rest to Kang Posuo, completely unafraid of any tricks the two might play.

Feng Changqing was immediately speechless. Because for this matter, finding someone in the know to ask was not difficult at all.

"No need to send women, not any amount."

Fang Chongyong asked in return with a half-smile.

Fang Chongyong looked around and asked in puzzlement, "Did I, Grand Envoy, say something wrong?"

"There is nothing more to say after that. The Kang royal house has been replaced several times. When the Yuezhi came, they were replaced by the Yuezhi; when the Turks came, they were replaced by the Turks; when the Türgish came, they were replaced by the Türgish!

"Will you act on your own, or serve as subordinates to the Tang army?"

Feng Changqing couldn't help but give Fang Chongyong a thumbs up. He had to admit, this move was truly beautifully executed!

"This only means we cannot be too heavy-handed in our dealings; we must unravel the cocoon and draw the silk to find contradictions as our entry point. The truly troublesome matters are still ahead."

Fang Chongyong couldn't help but sigh. He had submitted a memorial to the court demanding an exorbitant price, filled entirely with impractical proposals. Going by Li Linfu's way of thinking, this memorial should have already been rejected and shelved, and then Brother Ji would issue an imperial edict ordering him to return to Beiting as soon as possible, right?

Being this Western Regions Grand Envoy was truly damn exhausting!

(End of this chapter)