Chapter 397: You Don't Understand Brother Ji

The Western Regions are vast, spanning far more than ten thousand li, where every kind of climate can be found.

The lands west of the Pamirs, however, have short and relatively moist winters; long summers with intense sunlight and extreme dryness—a classic case of "rain and heat not coinciding."

Such climate means that only a few oasis belts can support agriculture.

When Fang Chongyong led the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army on its "expedition" to the city of Mulu, it was still winter, but by the time they returned, spring breezes were already blowing.

When the Tang army marched in martial vigor through the lands of Anxi, Guishuang, and others, what greeted them was a "kneeling ceremony" stretching for several li!

Whether foreign merchants, prominent local families, or commoners of every tribe, all prostrated themselves before the city gates, and inside the cities they had prepared grand flowing banquets, laid out from the city gates all the way to the palace entrances!

However, Fang Chongyong politely declined the invitations of the various "kings." The great army passed through one city gate and out the opposite one, walking the entire length of the "flowing banquet" route.

They came solemnly and departed gravely, taking not a single cloud with them.

Everyone in the army, from officers down to the common soldiers, was strictly forbidden by Fang Chongyong from taking any food from the tables! Whoever was caught taking something would have all their rewards confiscated outright!

On the return journey of the Anxi Expedition Army, wherever they passed, they displayed strict military discipline that made the locals dare not look them in the eye! Much less dare to underestimate them!

The army successively passed through Anxi Prefecture, Guishuang Prefecture, and Kangju Prefecture, arriving at the capital of the Stone Kingdom, Zhezhi City. This was also the seat of the River Central Protectorate, and the Stone Kingdom was now also called Zhezhi Prefecture.

"No."

These forces had all been thoroughly subdued by the Great Tang, and those small Western Region states that had hoped to pick a side suddenly lost any room for maneuver.

"Father-in-law, I said I didn't do it myself, but I never said I didn't order it, did I?"

On a certain day after the spring flowers had begun to bloom, Fang Chongyong finally returned to Zhezhi City with his retinue, having traveled nearly one thousand li there and back.

Wang Zhongsi sighed with some disappointment; he simply hadn't expected Fang Chongyong to not tell him the truth.

Now that the Black-Clothed Abbasids were gone, the Tibetans were consumed by internal chaos and could not look after themselves, the Turks had long since collapsed into disarray with the Türgish taking over the mess, and the latter had moreover been beaten by the Great Tang not long before.

As it turned out, when the procession reached the gates of Zhezhi City, Fang Chongyong saw Wang Zhongsi standing with arms folded, looking at him with an amused expression.

"Please!"

With the Black-Clothed Abbasids around, these small Western Region states could still hedge their bets. If they disliked the Great Tang, they could jump onto the Abbasids' ship.

Fang Chongyong spread his hands and grinned.

When he arrived outside the city, he saw that nearly all the city's residents had come out to welcome him. Just like in those places such as the Kang Kingdom, they all knelt on the ground and performed three bows and nine kowtows.

"Then that's strange—I was sure it had to be you."

It felt like they were worshipping immortals.

If they didn't kneel before Fang Chongyong to beg for his "protection," did they want the Great Tang to send a second "Gao Xianzhi" over to give them a "scrubbing"?

"If I didn't kill him, my subordinates would have killed me.

Actually, there was no shortage of ways to smooth things over, but Fang Chongyong had no desire to slight himself. The main reason was that someone like Zhang Ji didn't deserve him making concessions.

So I had no choice but to kill him."

He produced a scroll of imperial edict from his robe and handed it to Fang Chongyong, saying, "It arrived a few days ago and has already been proclaimed in Zhezhi City. See for yourself."

Sure enough, Wang Zhongsi, who had spent decades in the army, was not surprised. He merely nodded thoughtfully, without saying whether the killing was justified or not.

Seeing Fang Chongyong admit it directly, Wang Zhongsi finally breathed a sigh of relief. As long as he admitted it, things were easy to discuss—they could be open and honest without playing mind games. Otherwise, he truly wouldn't have known how to broach the matter.

Fang Chongyong spoke of black-and-white principles and couldn't be bothered to explain the details.

Fang Chongyong looked at the somewhat haggard Dugu Jun before him and couldn't help but sigh with emotion. Without standing on ceremony, he had Dugu Jun lead his horse.

That was the scrutiny of a father-in-law!

Fang Chongyong hastily dismounted and was about to call out "Father-in-law," but saw Wang Zhongsi gently shake his head. He immediately changed his tune: "General Wang, you've had a long journey. Please let us speak at the government office."

An old acquaintance of Fang Chongyong's walked over from the gates of Zhezhi City, talking as he warmly took hold of Fang Chongyong's horse.

After they sat down, Wang Zhongsi skipped the pleasantries entirely and asked point-blank: "Was it you who killed the members of the court's diplomatic mission?"

He had many things he wanted to ask Fang Chongyong, but now was not the time for talk, and this was not the place for it either.

"Was it not?

Without the title of "Dudu," whether you were a queen or a king, it was completely useless.

Then with one stroke of the blade, he didn't find this high court official's neck to be particularly hard.

He asked with some puzzlement, "Why did you do this? Didn't you know that being found out would mean a death sentence?"

Fang Chongyong shook his head with complete justification.

This was the honor he deserved!

Wang Zhongsi nodded with great reserve.

Though thinking about it, it was quite normal.

"Judge Dugu, I trust you've been well since we last met!"

The two arrived at the Stone Kingdom's royal palace. Fang Chongyong had Feng Changqing arrange the evening banquet, while he himself took Wang Zhongsi to the signing room specially prepared for the Protector of the River Central Protectorate.

In these places, the former "kings" still retained their titles, but the one responsible for actual affairs was the "Dudu." Even Ana Ye, nominally the "Queen of the Stone Kingdom," held her authority over the Stone Kingdom through the title of "Dudu" conferred by the Great Tang.

"Ambassador Fang is truly imposing; in the Stone Kingdom, one call brings a hundred responses. This humble official has come to lead your horse."

"I know, but Zhang Ji brought people to steal the credit.

This was the rule of the Great Tang!

Yes, these were all names changed after the establishment of the River Central Protectorate.

Wang Zhongsi didn't know what Fang Chongyong was thinking; he merely felt that the situation was rather serious.

As for right and wrong, it was better not to bring it up.

In the positions they held, one only spoke of gains and losses—what right did they have to discuss so-called "right and wrong"?

"It's essentially the same as the imperial edict Zhang Ji brought, except that the Western Regions Commissioner has become you, Father-in-law, while the formal Protector of the River Central Protectorate remains Fang Guan by remote appointment, and Dugu Jun has been sent as the Judge of the Military Commission."

Fang Chongyong set the imperial edict on the desk, no longer bothering to scrutinize it word by word.

Just as he had originally estimated, the only thing Brother Ji cared about was whether the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army would return to Chang'an. That unlucky Zhang Ji, who couldn't even read Brother Ji's intentions—his death was truly in vain.

"Then what are your plans?"

Wang Zhongsi asked in a low voice.

"Return to Chang'an with the army, do exactly as the imperial edict says, nothing more."

Fang Chongyong said, his expression calm and composed.

"When you were young, you were a bit flighty and liked to take shortcuts. I was quite worried."

"Now seeing you bear yourself like a true general, I have nothing left to say."

Wang Zhongsi sighed, worry on his face, clearly harboring a great matter in his heart.

"Is Father-in-law worried about something? There's no need to say more about Zhang Ji's affair. The Sage will not assign blame—the Sage has always looked only at results. I established merit in the Western Regions this time, and since I do not cling to my post at the frontier garrison, I already stand on unassailable ground."

"As long as I lead the army back to Chang'an and relinquish the posts of Hexi Military Commissioner and Western Regions Grand Pacification Commissioner, the Sage will not impose any punishment."

Fang Chongyong's tone was very steady; he was already speaking to Wang Zhongsi as an equal colleague, and what he spoke of were all matters of officialdom.

Having reached their current positions, let alone father-in-law and son-in-law, even a father and son would have to settle accounts clearly.

Because both Fang Chongyong and Wang Zhongsi had supporters under their command, neither of them was fighting alone; in word and deed, they had to consider the views of their subordinates.

No one was fighting single-handedly.

"What I worry about is not this. Since you can tell me the truth, then all is well; no need to bring it up."

Wang Zhongsi waved his hand and spoke, the worry on his face deepening.

"Then what is Father-in-law worried about?"

Fang Chongyong asked with a puzzled look. He had already paved the way; all Wang Zhongsi needed to do was come to Zhezhi City to take charge of the overall situation. Without the Arabs to hinder him, he could handle things with ease. He could not understand what the other man was worrying about, but it was certainly not about the Western Regions.

Wang Zhongsi thought for a moment, then asked with some helplessness:

"Let me ask you: the Tang borders have their limits, and enemies are finite as well. In the frontier army, each position and each person is fixed in number. The relationships among frontier generals are deeply intertwined, with factions and family backgrounds clearly defined."

"Yet below them there are still men skilled in archery and horsemanship, well-versed in battle formations, unwilling to fade into obscurity."

"In the years when Taizong reigned, expanding the frontiers, opportunities were plentiful, and no one worried about these troublesome affairs."

"Now the Ten Military Commissioners of Tianbao have become an established system. How many armies serve under each commissioner is also a fixed number. One army has but one Army Commissioner, a few Deputy Army Commissioners, and a dozen or so Commanders of Ten."

"If those below wish to climb upward, surpassing those born of military families who have good paths open to them, then what must they do?"

"Only through military merit."

Fang Chongyong said these six words unhurriedly.

"You see, you think the same way. In fact, it's not just you and me—just about everyone in the frontier army thinks this way."

"But where are there so many battles to be fought nowadays?"

"Even the Tibetans are in internal turmoil and can barely look after themselves. An opportunity like yours, striking a thousand li to sweep through the Arabs, truly makes people green with envy."

"Many in the frontier army do not fear death—they only fear having no opportunity!"

"Those worthy men who have fewer opportunities than you yet truly possess real ability—where is the path for them to climb?"

Wang Zhongsi asked in return, his words sharp as a blade.

"If they truly wish to advance, there is only one road: to nurture the enemy and preserve one's own importance."

"As long as the frontier generals keep provoking incidents, that is enough. If the frontier is not peaceful for a single day, they will not rest for a single day."

"If the Hu people in those pacified prefectures behave themselves, then seize their women and horses, forcing them to draw their blades."

"As long as they dare to draw their blades, that is detrimental to the Great Tang, and the frontier army can legitimately rise in rank through meritorious service."

"If those Hu people do not draw their blades, then push things even further. The other side will endure and endure, but there will always come a moment when they can endure no more, no?"

Fang Chongyong said with an indifferent expression. These matters were no secret—how many people did such dirty work? Far more than a few.

"In fact, the Military Commissioner was originally dispatched to the frontier garrison with the very purpose of restraining the frontier generals."

"The Military Commissioner is a post that evolved from a 'commission,' or more precisely, it belongs to a certain type of 'civil official post.'"

"It runs on a track parallel to military posts like 'Army Commissioner' and 'Commander' in the frontier army."

"This is also why the Military Commissioner often concurrently holds the post of 'Army Commissioner' of the largest army under his command."

"But the effect of power is often mutual."

"While the Military Commissioner restrains the military officers under his command according to the court's intent, those grunts are also counter-restraining the Military Commissioner, influencing his thinking and governance. This trend has already begun to grow into a prevailing tide."

"Wang Zhongsi was clearly well aware of these matters. So he also understood very well why Fang Chongyong had to kill Zhang Ji."

"In a word, it was all for the sake of survival—they had no choice but to kill!"

"You've got that right."

Wang Zhongsi sighed again and continued:

"I have served successively as Military Commissioner of Hexi, Longyou, and Hedong. Along the way I have seen too much—I cannot say much, and I cannot intervene openly, for public anger is hard to defy."

"Now the Tang frontiers have gradually begun to stir. You should understand what I mean. The situation in Youzhou in particular has gotten quite out of hand."

"Having served several terms as Military Commissioner, I too feel these matters cannot be investigated too deeply. Three cups of penalty wine and a warning not to go too far—that is all it amounts to."

"So when I heard that the court's envoy had died under unclear circumstances in the Stone Kingdom, I knew they must have touched upon something untouchable."

"The frontier garrisons are harsh, cold, and chaotic. A few people dying is perfectly ordinary."

"What you don't know is that Dugu Jun told me that because of your ruthless blade, the court did not dare to send an Investigating Censor here. Dugu Jun was dispatched precisely because he had dealt with you before—equivalent to being promoted three ranks in one stroke."

"When you return to Chang'an this time, be careful of certain people at court."

"The grudge has already been forged. Regardless of whether you explain to them that you did or did not do that thing, they will assume you did it."

"Those people will not let the matter rest."

"Once you reach Chang'an, they will have no shortage of soft blades to deal with you."

"And by then, those armored, weapon-wielding grunts under your command will be of no use either."

"If possible, after you return to report on your duties, leave Chang'an—that place of trouble—as quickly as you can."

"In the Western Regions, you call and a hundred respond, like a fish in water. Back in Chang'an, you will not be so free."

Wang Zhongsi gave Fang Chongyong a warning.

He was very worried that his troublesome son-in-law would stir up some major incident again after returning to Chang'an.

With that temper of his that refused to suffer any loss, if he really did kick up a fuss, it would absolutely be needle against wheat-awn with that crowd at the court's center.

"Father-in-law, this is where you don't understand the Sage."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand dismissively, not taking the other man's reminder seriously at all.

"As long as you understand it in your own heart, that's enough. Being stubborn with me to my face is meaningless."

Wang Zhongsi shook his head helplessly.

"No, no, Father-in-law, you truly do not understand the Sage.

The more people in Chang'an target me, the harder my life becomes, the more it embarrasses the Sage.

When they target me, they are not slapping my face—they are slapping the Sage's face.

It was the Sage's own imperial edict that brought me back to Chang'an.

Then, after returning to Chang'an, I get suppressed and beaten down by a bunch of central court officials—what do you think the Sage would think?

Would he not see this as a challenge to his authority? So this time returning to Chang'an, not only will I be fine, I might even end up doing very well.

Father-in-law, you had better think more about how to manage the Western Regions.

West of the Pamirs, the Great Tang has only Little Bolü left. The Stone Kingdom has been pacified, and the Black-Clothed Arabs have withdrawn from here. The Stone Kingdom exists in name only, and the various small states led by the Kang Kingdom all acknowledge the Great Tang as their sovereign.

The so-called 'commanding the world with none who do not obey' is precisely this principle.

Father-in-law, on one hand you can call upon the states west of the Pamirs to contribute funds and dispatch envoys to Little Bolü to urge their surrender, and on the other hand contact the Tokhara region to borrow passage and troops, then march on Little Bolü.

If the King of Little Bolü knows what's good for him, he will naturally send the Tibetan princess back to Lhasa. The Great Tang would station five hundred men there symbolically, and the King of Little Bolü could submit a memorial confessing his guilt, and that would be that.

If the King of Little Bolü does not know what's good for him, then Father-in-law can rally the various states of the Western Regions to attack him together—it can be pacified with a flip of the hand!"

As Fang Chongyong spoke, he even exuded domineering aura and made a motion of flipping his palm.

After hearing these words, Wang Zhongsi laughed and said, "I should have come two years later, after you finish fighting Little Bolü, and then come over to take over."

When an expert makes a move, you immediately know whether they have it or not.

After hearing Fang Chongyong's strategy, Wang Zhongsi knew that given the situation many people had forged through wave after wave of effort, all of this was merely a matter of doing what came naturally.

"Exactly—without the Black-Clothed Arabs, the various states of the Western Regions no longer have the right to choose sides.

Little Bolü alone can serve perfectly as a touchstone of loyalty, used to test whether the many states of the Western Regions are truly loyal to the Great Tang.

In my view, loyalty that is not absolute is absolutely disloyal.

When the time comes for the Great Tang to send troops against Little Bolü, whoever does not cooperate is a fellow partisan of the King of Little Bolü. Borrow a passage to destroy the enemy—it can be wiped out as easily as that.

Martial virtue is also virtue; the way of hegemony is also a way.

Which powerful nation does not like to have its word be law when getting things done?

When the Great Tang deals with the small states of the Western Regions, whenever a matter can be decided with a single word, they will not negotiate with them.

We can put on a show, but in our bones we cannot indulge them."

Fang Chongyong explained nonchalantly, believing that Wang Zhongsi understood.

Productivity in the Tang dynasty was limited; if the fruits of labor were truly distributed equally among everyone, then everyone would certainly end up living poorly.

So Fang Chongyong understood very well: when he felt he was living well, it inevitably meant that others were being exploited and oppressed to the point of having their line of descendants cut off. Nothing could be conjured out of thin air—if you enjoyed more, someone else would necessarily enjoy less.

If the Great Tang wanted its overall society to live better, it could only exploit and oppress the surrounding barbarians.

Otherwise, with only that many goods and so many mouths to feed, how could you ensure that you got to eat without using a bit of force and trickery?

This was Fang Chongyong's self-awareness as a member of the ruling class! He certainly did not believe that by expanding the Great Tang's borders, he had become some kind of pure lotus saint.

His hands were already stained with blood!

"Back then, I was a bit worried you wouldn't amount to anything. Now, on the contrary, I'm a bit worried that you're far too good at stirring things up. Just don't stir up some huge catastrophe in the future."

Wang Zhongsi said with a bitter smile, tacitly accepting Fang Chongyong's argument.

(End of this chapter)