Chapter 408: Tomorrow, Collect Rewards at the Parade Ground, Without Arms or Armor

Dong! Dong! Dong!

Dong! Dong! Dong!

Dong! Dong! Dong!

The drumbeats of Chang'an's curfew came wave after wave, reaching the Right Minister's residence in Chang'an's Xiuwen Ward—the mansion of Li Shizhi. This Right Minister of the Great Tang was watching the sunset while drinking wine.

Li Shizhi was a notorious heavy drinker in Great Tang officialdom, known as someone who could not be happy without wine. When not on duty, he often drank himself dead drunk.

In the "Biography of Li Bai" in the New Book of Tang, Ouyang Xiu listed Li Bai, He Zhizhang, Li Shizhi, Prince Li Jin of Ruyang, Cui Zongzhi, Su Jin, Zhang Xu, and Jiao Sui together as the "Eight Immortals of Wine."

In other words, the so-called "Eight Great Drunkards"—what kind of conduct Li Shizhi maintained in daily life was self-evident.

Just then, a servant stepped forward and reported to him: "Right Minister, the Commander of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army, Fang Chongyong, requests an audience. This slave came to ask—should I turn him away, or invite him in?"

"Let him in."

Li Shizhi nodded slightly and spoke, his expression calm. At this moment he had not drunk much—more than enough to handle Fang Chongyong.

In truth, Li Shizhi saw through Zhang Jun's intentions as clear as day: nothing more than using public office to settle a personal score.

But as the saying goes, relationships between people are complicated; more often than not, it is simply mutual exploitation.

The words Li Shizhi found inconvenient to say—Zhang Jun was willing to charge to the front, so let him say them. And Li Shizhi's true intention was not to resolve this matter by force.

Rather, he hoped the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army's leadership would "retreat in the face of difficulty," pacify the rank-and-file soldiers, and muddle through the matter of rewards.

So was the court truly out of money?

This matter had to be viewed from two angles.

If one looked only at the total amount, then yes, the Great Tang's central authority was very wealthy. The Great Tang's territory spanned ten thousand li, with millions of households—how could the court have no money?

Without money, how could it maintain such a vast empire?

But when it came down to each specific item, the central authority truly had little money left.

For instance, should officials' salaries be paid or not?

Of course they had to be paid.

Or again, should the border army's pay be arranged?

Of course it had to be arranged properly.

The operating expenses for the hundreds of officials in Chang'an, the expenditures of the imperial palace, maintaining relay stations, repairing roads, building canal boats, dredging canals, disaster relief, managing the Yellow River floods, controlling locust plagues.

Which of these items did not require spending money?

The main problem was that the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army was a newly trained force, and it belonged to the Sage's private army. So the court making no special arrangements for it was not particularly surprising.

After all, the roster of Yinqiang Xiaojie Army soldiers was kept at Xingqing Palace, not at the Ministry of War. How could you expect the Policy Hall and the Six Ministries to make arrangements? They did not even know beforehand how large this army's establishment was!

In short, Li Shizhi believed that in this matter, the officers and soldiers of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army should simply endure it. Otherwise, where was the court supposed to get the money?

Would they not have to add a few more harsh and miscellaneous taxes to meet the demands?

Many things could not be discussed in detail. Once discussed in detail, everyone would feel they were in the right.

"This humble official greets the Right Minister."

Seeing Li Shizhi sitting dazed holding a wine cup, Fang Chongyong bowed respectfully.

"No need for such formality, have a seat, dispense with the courtesies."

Li Shizhi had a servant bring a soft cushion and lay it on the ground, inviting Fang Chongyong to kneel and sit opposite him.

"Commander Fang, rather than staying in Wugong County, you have come to Chang'an—presumably for the matter of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army's rewards?"

Li Shizhi said with a cheerful smile, putting on no official airs, appearing quite easygoing.

Of course, if Fang Chongyong had not read the letter Jiang Wuyan brought beforehand, he might truly have thought Li Shizhi was a very easy person to talk to.

"In reply to the Right Minister, this humble official has indeed come for precisely this reason.

The court's rewards have still not been announced, and the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army is not allowed to return to its parent formation—this defies all reason. Morale in the army is unsettled, and as its commander, I wish to know what unexpected obstacle lies behind this.

I hope the Right Minister will not stint in clearing up my confusion."

Fang Chongyong spoke very politely, but there was a needle hidden in the silk. On closer reflection, these words were very hard to respond to!

Li Shizhi had a coarse temperament—he was not one of those meticulous literati, and could not be bothered to beat around the bush with Fang Chongyong.

He sighed directly: "Simply because the court has no money for rewards—there is no particular reason. This Minister has in fact already prepared a reward plan; it simply has not been issued yet."

Li Shizhi pulled a sheet of letter paper from his robe and handed it to Fang Chongyong.

What was written on it was also very simple.

When Fang Chongyong had originally reported his merits, he had already been on guard against the court fobbing people off with jiaozi notes. So he had stated outright: this much military merit exchanged for this much grain, exchanged for this much cloth.

All demands had been converted into physical goods for distribution.

So Li Shizhi's request to the Ministry of Revenue was also very simple: take thirty percent of the list Fang Chongyong had submitted, cut seventy percent, then convert it into jiaozi notes at the "official fixed prices."

The seventy percent that was cut would, following the old established practice, be converted into meritorious titles and noble ranks. The court had a mature conversion method that had been in operation for many years.

Then a detailed reward document would be drafted, and after completing the administrative procedures, sent to the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army camp.

This way, the distribution of rewards would be cloaked in legitimacy—everything would be in accordance with the rules.

And no one had demanded that all merits be exchanged for wealth, money, and grain! Exchanging merit for noble ranks was itself an old established practice!

Seeing the contents of this paper, Fang Chongyong finally understood why the people at the Policy Hall had mobilized troops from the Shence Army to set an ambush.

This was blatantly messing things around. Once the rank-and-file soldiers under his command learned that the court was treating them this way, it would be strange if they did not blow their tops!

Fang Chongyong drew a sharp breath after reading it!

"Right Minister, this humble official believes that distributing rewards by this method is truly a disservice to the officers and soldiers who campaigned ten thousand li away and swept across the Western Regions.

Therefore, this humble official has no choice now but to go to Xingqing Palace and request the Sage's holy judgment."

Fang Chongyong said in a low voice.

"Commander Fang, listen to this Minister's word—do not put the Sage in an awkward position!

If the Sage had not tacitly approved, could this Minister have made such arrangements? The Sage has already sent General Gao to convey the message. This matter is decided by this Minister's word alone.

Now the nation is in difficulty; the military envoy must endure and also properly restrain the subordinates.

Li Shizhi's deputy showed a businesslike, impartial attitude.

"Right Chancellor, I will speak plainly."

If merit goes unrewarded, when we later need the soldiers' effort, they will first demand rewards before marching out; no reward, no fight.

If this continues, the state will cease to be a state.

Your humble servant can forgo this military envoy, but the distribution of rewards must not be perfunctory!

Please, Right Chancellor, think it over.

Fang Chongyong pleaded again.

His tone was sincere and earnest; Li Shizhi listened, remained silent for a long while, then sighed deeply and said:

"Very well, based on the merits you reported, the court will grant eighty percent now. After the autumn harvest, the remaining twenty percent will be paid in grain and cloth; the military envoy should return with this to pacify the troops."

However, gathering grain and cloth takes time, and the distance makes it unsuitable to transport to Wugong County. Five days from tomorrow, the court will ship the rewards to Xiangji Temple, ten li south of the city, for storage; then the military envoy may bring his troops there to collect the rewards.

But Xiangji Temple is a pure Buddhist site; carrying armor is inappropriate lest it disturb the place. Let the soldiers wear their uniforms and bring carts to receive the rewards.

The military envoy gives Your Chancellor five days to gather grain, fodder, silk and cloth; how does that sound?

"I, on behalf of the entire Yinqiang Xiaojie Army, thank the Right Chancellor for his great favor!"

Fang Chongyong, moved, knelt down immediately and performed a profound five‑body prostration before Li Shizhi.

A flash of guilt passed through Li Shizhi's eyes, and he then bent down to help Fang Chongyong to his feet.

"Military envoy, return to Wugong County to reorganize the troops."

Li Shizhi made a beckoning gesture; that was his way of seeing him off.

As for what the angry Yinqiang Xiaojie Army soldiers will think after five days, Li Shizhi could only say: Fang Chongyong acted with ill intent, fully aware that the court's rewards are limited, and to quell the public anger he deliberately deceived the troops; his heart is punishable!

When the dispute arises, let them argue slowly. Anyway, words are unverified; whatever was said today, once Fang Chongyong steps out of the courtyard, Li Shizhi will not intend to admit it.

If blame is needed, blame Fang Chongyong for being too young.

Li Shizhi thought, why cry just once when you can keep crying all the way; without a little scheme, would they really raise taxes on the people?

He felt his conscience was clear.

"Then, I will return to Wugong County and restrain the soldiers."

Fang Chongyong crossed his hands in a salute to Li Shizhi, his face showing gratitude.

The atmosphere between the two was very harmonious, as if all conflicts had been resolved.

"Hmm, go ahead."

Li Shizhi smiled, nodded, and drained the fine wine in his cup.

When Fang Chongyong stepped out of the courtyard and looked at the evening glow on the horizon, the smile frozen on his face vanished in an instant, as if frost spread over him!

……

Seeing Jiang Wuyan already asleep, Fang Chongyong couldn't help sighing and quickly dressed.

The woman lay in bed, very restrained, clenching her teeth to keep from shouting.

When the two were entwined, Jiang Wuyan stared at Fang Chongyong as if out of spite. Her gaze was steady, her face feigned composure, indicating that even if she were completely exhausted, she could still keep her mind intact.

She wanted Fang Chongyong to know she would not, like other women, become a bewildered, intoxicated phantom after getting into bed.

However, Fang Chongyong had been with countless women and was experienced; the newly initiated Jiang Wuyan was no match.

She quickly fell, alternating between shame and flirtatious smiles, her body completely betraying her will, truly experiencing the utmost physical pleasure.

In the end she let go entirely, not knowing what she was doing.

After the revelry, Jiang Wuyan fell into a deep sleep. Years of vigilance made her sleep especially sound once she relaxed.

Dressed, Fang Chongyong stepped out of the bedroom and saw Wang Yunxiu waiting, her expression solemn.

"You haven't even favored the newly taken concubine for a few days; it's only been that long since you returned home, and the young master is already leaving?"

"Yes, I visited Li Shizhi yesterday; he still treats me like a fool.

There's nothing left to discuss."

Fang Chongyong let out a cold chuckle.

If two parties involved cannot move toward each other, it is essentially a deception, because the other side simply does not intend to resolve the issue properly.

"Reaching this point is truly embarrassing."

Wang Yunxiu also sighed continuously.

People with incompatible worldviews have completely different standards of right and wrong. Fang Chongyong thought the court's rewards were unfair; perhaps Li Shizhi and others thought they had more reason.

This is a game where no one can persuade the other; how else can one negotiate?

There's nothing left to negotiate!

At that moment, Fang Chongyong saw Che Guangqian being brought over by Fang Dafu and asked in puzzlement, "You went to scout inside Chang'an today; how is the situation now?"

"Your Highness, the situation is not good. Within Chang'an, some units of the Shence Army have left Xuanwu Gate and moved toward the southwest of the city, precisely near Xiangji Temple."

Che Guangqian was drenched in sweat, apparently having run to many places today, panting as she spoke.

"Well done; now let us return to the main camp."

Fang Chongyong gave a slight nod, neither confirming nor denying, appearing very composed.

Because Che Guangqian's report merely cemented the decisive information Jiang Wuyan had brought. After multiple confirmations, Fang Chongyong now understood what the Yizheng Hall and the Shence Army intended.

He had almost guessed all the details.

However, while Jiang Wuyan was a great help in "reading the problem," the "solving" now fell to him alone.

Solving a problem is usually far harder than discovering it. This was almost a life‑or‑death test.

It was not a final battle, yet it felt like one.

"Jiedushi, would it be better for Your humble servant now to escort your family out of Chang'an..."

Che Guangqian glanced at Wang Yunxiu, wanting to speak but stopping himself.

"General Che, if something happens to my husband, do you think I could still survive? Could our offspring still survive?"

You're all true men; whatever you need to do, just go ahead and do it—no need to be hesitant.

"My husband is heaven; with him, the sky won't collapse."

Wang Yunxiu said with a smile.

Che Guangqian thought for a moment, said nothing, and directly clasped his fists in a salute to show respect.

Indeed, as Wang Yunxiu said, in these times, any trouble is a family matter.

Unless Fang Chongyong writes a divorce letter now and divorces Wang Yunxiu, she might still find a loophole when the reckoning comes.

So, since losing would be so disastrous, we must not lose—don't even think about what would happen if we did!

Wang Yunxiu understood clearly: if anyone tells you to look after the big picture, they're really just looking after their own.

If anyone tells you that struggle entails sacrifice, then you are certainly the one who will be sacrificed.

Those who force you to follow the rules are certainly the ones least willing to follow them!

These people are all filled with deep malice toward you!

Now this matter has reached a dead end; there's no way to resolve it.

Faced with the enemy's malice, the only answer is to strike back; there's no such thing as meekly accepting it.

In short, just get it done—why bother thinking about anything else!

If Wang Yunxiu can have Fang Chongyong take Jiang Wuyan as a concubine to remove his rear worries, what reason does Fang Chongyong have to retreat?

If Fang Chongyong retreats, the newly taken concubine will become someone else's plaything—can he retreat? Does he even have the right to?

"Jiedushi, let's do it!"

Che Guangqian clenched his fists tightly and said excitedly.

"Let's go back to the main camp first and talk."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand, looked at Wang Yunxiu, and saw that she was also looking at him; both saw determination and resolve in each other's eyes.

"I'm leaving now; I'll be back soon."

Fang Chongyong nodded slightly at Wang Yunxiu.

"Then I, your concubine, will wait for your return."

Wang Yunxiu wiped her tears with her sleeve and nodded, choking up.

(End of chapter)