Chapter 425: Smack

"So you're the one called Xia Luo?"

Fang Chongyong looked at the Uyghur Yabgu Guli Peiluo, whose beard was already gray and who looked utterly listless, and teased.

The generals around him all burst into laughter. Everyone knew that when Fang Chongyong wanted to mock a stranger, he would ask if they were called "Xia Luo."

"Jiedushi, the negotiations are what matter."

Che Guangqian reminded him in a low voice.

Hearing this, Fang Chongyong put away his smile and looked calmly at Guli Peiluo. "Are you convinced?"

"Convinced, convinced, I'm convinced."

Guli Peiluo said in a low voice, not daring to speak loudly, looking very much like a washed-up old man.

"Very well. Our Great Tang will not bully you Uyghurs either.

You will come with me to Lingzhou City, then in front of everyone, swear a blood oath with me beneath the Alliance Stele, and this matter will be settled.

As for the horses, we'll go by the current market price, whatever is fair.

Regarding last night's battle, how do you think it should be handled?"

Fang Chongyong asked, looking at Guli Peiluo with a half-smile, his gaze sharp.

"It was all because the night was too dark, all a misunderstanding. The Uyghurs wandered into the Feng'an Army's jurisdiction by mistake. We will apologize and make amends."

Guli Peiluo put on a fawning expression, not feeling the least bit embarrassed.

"Very well. Then remember this: the one who defeated the Uyghurs is me, Fang Chongyong, the newly appointed Jiedushi of Shuofang.

And the army that defeated your forces is the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army under my command. Remember that?"

Fang Chongyong asked coldly.

"Could it be that you are the son of Fang Quanzhong?"

Guli Peiluo asked with a look of surprise.

Seeing Fang Chongyong give a slight nod, he then sighed with emotion: "A tiger father begets a tiger son. Had we known Jiedushi Fang was here, the Uyghurs would have obediently offered up the horses long ago. How would we have dared to act so rashly?"

Guli Peiluo's tone clearly showed his disdain for Li Guozhen and his lot.

The generals around Fang Chongyong all wore expressions of sudden realization.

The steppe peoples believed in the law of the jungle, and took it for granted. If Fang Chongyong had tried to reason with the Uyghurs, they might well have despised him for it.

Only after giving them a sound thrashing first would the other side actually listen to what Fang Chongyong had to say.

Just as now, Guli Peiluo appeared completely harmless, agreeing to whatever Fang Chongyong said.

Yet last night, this very same person had led tens of thousands of Uyghur cavalry, swaggering outside Feng'an City as though invincible.

That arrogance was something else!

He Changqi and the others all looked at Guli Peiluo with disdain.

The steppe peoples and the Tibetans around the Great Tang were clearly different.

The spirit of the Tibetans far surpassed that of these "small fry." They believed their own kingdom was a "divine kingdom of the high plateau" no inferior to the Great Tang, and looked upon the surrounding peoples with contempt.

Even when they obtained something valuable, they would relentlessly haul it back to Luoxie City. The steppe peoples fell far short in this regard, which was why they so often "rose quickly and fell suddenly."

"Mm, then let us set out today."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand lightly and turned to leave, seemingly having no intention of chatting further with Guli Peiluo.

Everyone felt something seeing Guli Peiluo so obsequious.

Last night's battle had completely broken the spirit of this Uyghur Yabgu. The Eleven Surnames of the Uyghurs were not dominated by Guli Peiluo alone. Many matters had quite a few dissenting voices within the Uyghurs as well.

Guli Peiluo had originally wanted to assert his authority last night, using the Tang army's unwillingness to engage in battle to prove the legitimacy of his actions and rally more people to join him.

Not only did the performance flop, but he himself was captured! All his face was lost!

Of course, this was also related to the Uyghurs not anticipating that Fang Chongyong would take the field. Had the Uyghurs truly been determined to fight to the death, it would have been hard to say who would prevail.

It was just that if you weren't prepared to risk your life, what business did you have on the battlefield?

In truth, this was also because Guli Peiluo had led the Uyghurs for many years without any major wars, and his whole person had grown slack and declined.

Returning to the stone house where he stayed, Fang Chongyong saw Anaye organizing medicinal herbs, so he instructed her: "Pack up our things. We're going to Lingzhou City. Our days in Hetao are almost over."

"So soon?"

Anaye set down the herbs in her hands and asked with a look of surprise.

"How is it soon? After last night's battle, Che Guangqian captured the Uyghur Yabgu Guli Peiluo. All that's left is to negotiate with the Uyghur side.

Once the business is done, of course we should leave Shuofang early. Otherwise, are we staying here to lay eggs?"

Fang Chongyong said with a calm expression.

"Alang, you're really something. You've gotten so formidable now!"

Anaye, thrilled, stepped forward and kissed Fang Chongyong on the cheek.

"Heh, I'm a soldier. Fighting is how I make my living.

Those who can fight survive. Those who can't will sooner or later get beaten to death.

If you can't fight, you might as well not stick around. Going home and holding babies is safer."

Fang Chongyong said with a long sigh.

Beating the Uyghurs was nothing. The Great Tang had already shifted from order to chaos, and the battles ahead would only grow more numerous.

Fighting foreigners, fighting fellow Tang people — both were unavoidable.

This was still just the beginning!

"Let's go. Shuofang is no place to make a living. Going to Yangzhou is a genuine plum posting.

Once we reach Yangzhou, I'll definitely take you around to see the sights and have a good time."

Fang Chongyong promised, taking it all upon himself.

Anaye was overjoyed and linked her arm through Fang Chongyong's: "That's wonderful! I've never been to the south, I haven't even seen the Yangtze River. You have to show me the scenery of Jiangnan properly."

"Mm, it's time to have some fine-looking clothes made for you, according to the customs and folkways of Jiangnan."

Fang Chongyong looked at Ana Ye's graceful figure and murmured thoughtfully to himself.

……

News of the Shuofang Army's clash with the Uyghurs had not yet spread when an even more explosive piece of news arrived in Lingzhou City.

To be precise, it was Fang Chongyong who had sent someone to notify Li Guozhen.

The Uyghur Yabgu Guli Peiluo had been captured, and the Uyghur cavalry who had been plotting against the Feng'an Army were utterly routed by the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army! They fled westward overnight and vanished without a trace!

After their crushing defeat, the Uyghurs indeed lowered their banners and stilled their drums—they didn't dare let out so much as a peep!

Not even Uyghur scouting cavalry could be seen near Lingzhou City anymore.

Such earthshaking news left everyone in Lingzhou City, from the former Shuofang Jiedushi Li Guozhen down to the lowliest soldiers of the Jinglue Army, utterly dumbfounded beyond words.

That was no nobody—they were a heavyweight who, with a single command, could muster two hundred thousand Uyghur cavalry to sweep across the steppe!

You say he was captured just like that?

Yet they had no choice but to believe it, because according to the message relayed, Fang Chongyong was now leading three thousand soldiers of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army, along with the Feng'an Army Commissioner Xin Yunjing and his entourage, in a grand procession to Lingzhou to take charge of the situation.

Not only that, but the military high command in Yulin and other areas where the Zhenwu Army was stationed also had to rush to Lingzhou without pause to meet this formidably overpowered new Jiedushi.

And while they were at it, to discuss in an open and formal manner the question of how to deal with the Uyghur Yabgu.

Simply put, one person acting is private, many acting is public—going through the motions to handle this matter collectively meant it could not be considered a "private arrangement" between Fang Chongyong and the Uyghurs.

How could a matter of such magnitude be faked?

That day at noon, outside Lingzhou City by the banks of the Yellow River, there was virtually a sea of people—the welcoming party for Fang Chongyong numbered no fewer than a thousand.

They were all waiting by the pontoon bridge on the far side of the Yellow River outside Lingzhou City.

"Lord Yan, did the Jiedushi truly capture the Uyghur Yabgu?"

Li Guozhen asked, somewhat uncertain. Had it not been for the handover of the official seal, he would not have been qualified to be here—because he was no longer the Shuofang Jiedushi.

"I myself do not know whether it is true or false, but Fang Guozhong handles matters reliably. I would imagine it is no fabrication."

Yan Zhenqing stroked the long beard on his chin and offered a perfunctory reply.

In truth, he didn't believe it either.

Anyone who had seen the battle report would not believe it.

Three thousand soldiers of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army had sent tens of thousands of Uyghurs fleeing in ignominious defeat—and had even captured the Uyghur Yabgu who led their troops.

This army's combat prowess was extraordinary!

It was said that at Xiangji Temple, they had shattered twelve thousand Divine Strategy Army soldiers with a force of only three thousand!

Could all of this be true?

Many reports were murky and confusing, and Yan Zhenqing harbored doubts in his heart, but he would not undermine Fang Chongyong's position.

The current situation—the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army having awed the entire Shuofang Army—was the best possible outcome.

If Fang Chongyong was slow to gain control of the situation while also facing the Uyghurs with their two hundred thousand archers, faced with so complex a situation, who knew what "unforeseeable" events might occur.

"They're here!"

Zhang Qiqiu pointed at the column of troops appearing in the distance.

Everyone present tensed up.

After all, Fang Chongyong was a "parachuted-in" leader with no local connections whatsoever. Winning people's loyalty would require considerable time and effort.

And even then, success was not guaranteed—not everyone would be wholeheartedly convinced.

But after the great victory over the Uyghurs at Feng'an City, the situation had completely reversed.

Fang Chongyong was descending upon Lingzhou with the prestige of a great victory—who would dare defy him?

Whether these local officials could remain in their original positions was now an entirely open question.

Or rather, it was Fang Chongyong alone who had the final say—he could arrange things as he pleased.

If the local officials now banded together to oppose a Jiedushi of such outstanding merit, how would outsiders view them?

They couldn't prevail against the Uyghurs in external war, yet they wanted to scheme and plot—when it came to infighting, suddenly they perked right up?

That would not be a very flattering look.

Forget outsiders—even within the Shuofang Army itself, they would be looked down upon.

Li Guozhen and the others secretly regretted it—if they had known the Uyghurs were this cowardly, mere showpieces like silver-painted tin spearheads, why hadn't they dealt with them sooner?

Amidst these wandering thoughts, Fang Chongyong and the generals of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army had already arrived before them. Behind them stretched a vast army, fully armored in gleaming formation, awe-inspiring in bearing.

Yan Zhenqing hurried forward, bowed, and asked, "Jiedushi, is the Uyghur Yabgu Guli Peiluo in the army?"

"Naturally."

Fang Chongyong nodded slightly, waved to Che Guangqian not far away, and murmured a few instructions.

The latter brought the ashen-faced Guli Peiluo before Yan Zhenqing and said, "There must be someone in the Shuofang Army who recognizes him. Have someone come and confirm."

His words carried a plainly visible arrogance, but Li Guozhen and the others accepted it without resentment—they didn't find it particularly objectionable.

You're not convinced? Fine then—why don't you go capture a Uyghur Yabgu yourself and see?

If you can't, then shut your mouth! Go cool off somewhere!

In the army, words are backed only by strength! Those who can't fight and have no battle record are weaklings—nothing more to be said!

Stubborn denials will only bring humiliation upon yourself!

"Back then, the Uyghurs acknowledged Tang as their father. Now father and son tear at each other—how did it come to this?"

Li Guozhen stepped forward, looking at Guli Peiluo with a sighing expression.

He still wanted to assert some presence before leaving office.

Little did he know that Guli Peiluo was no pushover either, and was determined to cause trouble for Li Guozhen and the Shuofang Army.

He turned his head away from Li Guozhen and instead looked at Fang Chongyong with an air of pride:

"The Uyghur iron cavalry was defeated at the hands of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army, defeated at the hands of Jiedushi Fang. Our skills were inferior, and I accept my defeat with complete sincerity.

What kind of thing are you, a rat who only knows conspiracy and intrigue? My fierce warriors and I never lost to the Shuofang Army, never lost to you. If Jiedushi Fang hasn't spoken, what kind of bullshit are you spouting here?"

"Enough. How can a defeated general speak of bravery? Are you still unconvinced? Do you want to spar with me a bit?

With this little trick of sowing discord, do you think none of us can see through it?

Believe it or not, right now there are plenty of people among the various Uyghur tribes who want you dead at our hands.

You're not trying to force us to grant their wish, are you?"

Fang Chongyong saw that Guli Peiluo was making no effort to conceal his attempt to sow discord, and spoke up to rebuke him.

Guli Peiluo immediately fell silent.

In truth, Fang Chongyong was absolutely right. The ones who most wanted him dead now were not the Tang army, but rather his own descendants and the leaders of other Uyghur tribes.

Li Guozhen and the others' faces flushed red then went pale. Though they knew that Guli Peiluo's in-your-face mockery was an attempt to sow discord, and a very crude one at that.

But there were simply too many people here. No doubt, the infamy of the Shuofang Army crowd would soon spread throughout the entire Hetao region.

This old thief deserved to die!

In his heart, Li Guozhen cursed Guli Peiluo to ribbons, yet could only suppress his anger.

"Jiedushi Fang, the entire Jinglue Army is ready for your inspection, and the prefectural office in the city has already prepared a banquet to welcome you. This way, please!"

Hun Zhen stepped forward and made an inviting gesture toward Fang Chongyong.

Li Guozhen and Zhang Qiuqiu were now effectively in a "removed from office" state, with only administrative handover yet to be completed. Whatever they said no longer mattered to the Shuofang Army—the tea goes cold once the person leaves.

Therefore, at this moment, the words of Jinglue Army Commissioner Hun Zhen carried more weight.

"General Hun, please lead the way."

Fang Chongyong nodded slightly with a calm expression, appearing very reserved, exuding the air of a big shot.

The previous battle had already smoothed away every form of defiance within the Shuofang Army. Having the commissioner lead the way—this was the treatment a strong man deserved.

"Yehu, this way, please?"

Fang Chongyong suddenly felt as if something was missing. After a moment's thought, he looked at Guli Peiluo with a smile, sending a chill down the latter's spine.

"Jiedushi, please go first. You first, please."

Guli Peiluo said this with great courtesy.

Anyone who didn't know him, seeing this scene, would likely mistake him for a very amiable, easygoing Uyghur herdsman.

"Ah, Yehu, no need to be so polite."

Fang Chongyong brushed it off, glanced at the reins of his horse, and gestured for Guli Peiluo to go ahead.

The implied meaning was already crystal clear.

Left with no choice, Guli Peiluo could only step forward, take the reins, and lead Fang Chongyong's mount toward the pontoon bridge.

Che Guangqian and He Changqi exchanged glances, all of them barely holding back their laughter.

Fang Chongyong's move was truly brilliant. Guli Peiluo was a political animal. Those implied meanings—he understood them as soon as he heard them, exactly as expected.

Telling you to walk in front means you lead my horse for me, not that you get to swagger about!

Guli Peiluo instantly understood what Fang Chongyong meant. One had to admit, he hadn't survived these decades for nothing.

Even as a captive, he understood the principle of living under someone else's roof—knowing when to bow and when to stand tall.

Just as Fang Chongyong had said before, the people within the Uyghurs who wanted Yehu Guli Peiluo done for were truly countless!

Those people couldn't wait for the Tang army to cut Guli Peiluo down with a single blade, so they could rally the people under the banner of avenging the Yehu!

Guli Peiluo naturally understood this as well, so he dared not act recklessly. How could he joke with his own life?

It was just like the traffic rules from Fang Chongyong's previous life: even knowing that cars should yield to pedestrians, anyone with a sound mind wouldn't bet on the driver watching the road—they'd instinctively step aside.

A severed head doesn't grow back because of laws or the person's regrets!

Seeing Guli Peiluo yield, Fang Chongyong felt smug. The Battle of Feng'an City had yielded extraordinarily rich political results.

Once the Shuofang Army was sorted out, he could submit a memorial to Brother Ji, retire after his success, yield the position of Shuofang Army Jiedushi, then lead his troops south to the Two Huai and Jiangnan regions for a proper vacation.

Just as he was sitting there complacently, his mind wandering, Guli Peiluo, walking ahead and leading the horse, had not yet crossed the bridge when he collapsed to the ground without any warning.

The Uyghur Yehu clutched his heart with an agonized expression, seemingly suffering from some kind of heart ailment!

Fang Chongyong's expression changed drastically. He pointed at Guli Peiluo lying on the ground and shouted, "Medical officer! Medical officer, come quickly!"

Hearing his call, Anaye, wearing the uniform of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army not far away, rushed forward and crouched down to carefully examine Guli Peiluo.

Soon, Anaye stood up, shook his head at Fang Chongyong, and said in a low voice, "Likely jue xin tong. I'm not entirely certain, but in short, he's beyond saving. This is an acute illness. Unless it's a very knowledgeable medical officer, no one could save him."

Fang Chongyong pointed at Guli Peiluo, who had stopped moving on the ground, his face full of shock, and asked, "Just like that... he's beyond saving?"

Yan Zhenqing and the others all gathered around. Seeing that Guli Peiluo was no longer moving and appeared to have died, each one wore a look of concern, then turned in unison to look at Fang Chongyong.

Fuck! This damn joke had gone too far!

Fang Chongyong's mind was in chaos too. He looked around at the crowd and found that aside from Anaye, who remained detached and indifferent, not a single person could stay calm.

Because everyone knew that the Uyghur Yehu had died under the watchful eyes of the crowd, on the bank of the Yellow River pontoon bridge, before a host of Tang soldiers.

This was a huge mess!

What had originally been a simple matter to handle was now thoroughly complicated.

(End of this chapter)