Chapter 445: Hindsight and Afterthoughts

Fang Chongyong led fewer than ten thousand troops south from Yunzhou to Shuozhou, gathering several thousand men of the Datong Army.

Then they continued south to Lanzhou, gathering several thousand more from the Kelan Army, bringing their total strength to twenty thousand.

They prepared dry rations and readied to march, but a major disagreement arose over where to go next.

Generals including Feng Changqing and Tian Chengsi all strongly urged Fang Chongyong to head south to Lüliang, then take control of Jiangzhou and Puzhou, holding the route from Hedong into Guanzhong.

Their intent was obvious: if the front line could not hold, the army would enter Guanzhong and seize control of Chang'an. In an extreme scenario, they could even flee with Brother Ji to Liangzhou and bargain with Huangfu Weiming.

If things went poorly, ceding territory to hold one's ground was still a wise course of action.

If the battlefront turned favorable, they could also march through Zhiguan Pass to attack Henei, then strike into Hebei from Henei, so as not to fall behind others in competing for military merit.

This was a plan that allowed for both offense and defense—the best of both worlds.

But Fang Chongyong insisted on leading the army to Taiyuan to fight a defensive battle for Taiyuan City.

His reasoning was exceedingly simple: if this elite force did not go to Taiyuan, the meager troops of the Tianbing Army alone would be no match for Huangfu Weiming, and Taiyuan City would inevitably fall.

If Taiyuan was lost, the northeastern defensive line of Guanzhong would collapse, and Chang'an would face a tremendous threat. Li Yuan had risen from Taiyuan and marched into Guanzhong—with such a precedent, who could possibly not take Taiyuan seriously?

Fang Chongyong's stance was resolute. Seeing that persuasion was futile, the generals had no choice but to follow his orders and, braving enormous risk, planned to first take the "Fen River Valley Road" to Yangqu, then proceed from Yangqu to Taiyuan.

The Fen River Valley Road, as its name implied, was flanked by high mountains with the Fen River running through the middle; the flat ground on both banks was very narrow. This terrain made it extremely easy to be trapped from both ends like dumplings in a wrapping.

Fortunately, the journey was without incident—the rebel army had not reached this area to set up defenses. Fang Chongyong's column, stretched out in a long line through the valley, finally arrived at the last pass west of Yangqu:

Tianmen Pass!

This pass, like Tongguan, was not simply a matter of building a wall between two mountains and calling it done. It was a valley road stretching thirty li long through extremely treacherous terrain.

"Let's take the plank road."

Fang Chongyong, his face weary, pointed with the Gale Illusion Blade at the wooden plank road halfway up the mountainside not far away.

The generals were baffled—the valley floor was flat and open, so why not walk through the valley?

"Jiedushi, though the plank road is faster, if we are ambushed we would not even be able to flee. Better to take the valley. The valley is spacious, and there are boulders from time to time for cover—we need not fear an ambush."

He Changqi advised Fang Chongyong. In truth, many others thought the same.

The generals all feared that the rebel army had laid an ambush here. A mountain road thirty li long was like a man-eating demon's lair—no matter how many soldiers were ambushed, it would not be enough to fill the trap.

If the valley itself was already a death trap, how could they take the plank road?

"In the past, when Yang Guang of Sui was Prince of Jin, he came here to escape the summer heat. He had the cliff face carved and timber laid on the eastern wall of the gorge to build a plank road, creating the ladder-to-heaven stone plankway linked together that we see today.

You must believe that this plank road was the optimal choice of the Great God Guang. Trusting the Great God Guang cannot be wrong."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand and spoke with great confidence.

But no matter how he persuaded them, the generals under his command absolutely refused to go any further.

Just as the two sides were at an impasse, with a tremendous boom, a dragon-like bolt of lightning appeared on the horizon. Then suddenly, with a "whoosh," raindrops the size of beans fell from the sky to the earth below.

The heavy rain poured down as though the sky had collapsed, blanketing everything. The daylight abruptly darkened, as if in an instant it had become night.

The raindrops merged together like a dense net of water, suffocating.

Fang Chongyong and the generals, cursing their bad luck, hastily ordered the soldiers to find shelter and pitch tents on the plank road to escape the rain.

Yet what they never expected was that the clear stream in the valley turned, almost in the blink of an eye, into a muddy, sediment-laden flash flood.

The floodwaters roared furiously, like a herd of startled wild horses, surging down the mountain stream with irresistible force.

The trees on both sides of the valley were blown askew. The stream water became river water, pouring into the valley with the force of toppling mountains and overturning seas.

The water level rose madly at a speed visible to the naked eye!

The floodwaters from various hills dislodged mountain stones, carrying them rolling along. The flood battered the stones, and the stones crashed against the large boulders on the banks, sending out wave after wave of thunderous crashes.

The sound was as loud as the bellowing of oxen and the rumbling of thunder—one glance was enough to know it was extremely perilous. As for testing the water depth, no one had the courage for that.

Fang Chongyong and the twenty thousand Tang soldiers watched this astonishing scene unfold from the plank road, their hearts shaken beyond measure.

To nature, the power of humanity was simply too insignificant.

That was close, so close—who could have known this valley would be such a death trap!

After the rain lessened, Feng Changqing, looking like a drowned rat, gripped the wooden railing of the plank road and could not help muttering to himself: "If Yang Guang had not planted this tree, we would all be buried here today."

The generals all agreed deeply, and He Changqi in particular wanted to find a hole to crawl into.

Yet after the floodwaters passed, the sun peeked out. The valley floor in the sunlight looked strewn with bluish stones, clear as a mirror, exquisitely beautiful!

It was as though it were two different worlds from before.

Had they not seen it with their own eyes, no one would have believed that just half a shichen ago, the situation here had been as perilous as beasts devouring men.

"Pass down the order: anyone who leaves the plank road and goes down into the valley will be beheaded. The entire army marches for Yangqu.

Move out now!"

Fang Chongyong wiped the water stains from his face and issued the order to the generals.

No matter how many ambushers there had originally been, after this torrential rain, those lying in wait in the mountain forest would mostly have perished in the flash flood. Now was precisely the time to press forward through the danger in one push.

This time no one raised any objection. Everyone was grateful to Fang Chongyong for saving the lives of the entire army.

The column continued along the plank road.

When no one was paying attention, Feng Changqing leaned close to Fang Chongyong and asked in a low voice: "Jiedushi, how did you know we had to take the plank road rather than the valley?"

"Yang Guang was a tyrant without the Way. Whenever there was even the slightest danger, he would never deign to risk himself—he would certainly place himself in safety.

The valley here is so flat that men and horses could easily traverse it. Yet he went out of his way to build a plank road, which clearly means there is great danger in the low-lying areas."

Fang Chongyong explained dismissively.

Who knew that Feng Changqing would continue: "This subordinate wished to say that the Jiedushi is remarkably learned and possessed of a prodigious memory—to even know that the plank road here was built by Yang Guang. We are far inferior to the Jiedushi!"

"Not worth mentioning, not worth mentioning."

Fang Chongyong gave a dry laugh and offered no further explanation.

After all, he could hardly say that in his previous life he had traveled here as a tourist, and a sign had mentioned that Yang Guang once built a plank road, which collapsed during the Northern Song, and was rebuilt in every successive dynasty.

Sure enough, when the last soldier passed through Tianmen Pass, Fang Chongyong finally let out a breath of relief.

If the rebels break through Chi Tang Pass, they will definitely occupy Yangqu County.

If they occupy Yangqu County, they will certainly set an ambush at Tianmen Pass.

Their army's smooth passage through the pass is enough to show that the Hedong Border Army is not completely useless; they held Chi Tang Pass and kept the rebels outside the pass!

Now the military situation is unclear, friend and foe indistinguishable, morale unsettled, and the battle conditions are far more perilous than imagined.

It is already night; darkness surrounds, and only a faint glow can be seen from Yangqu County in the distance.

"The whole army heads to Yangqu; every ten men tie a rope together to prevent anyone from straggling."

Fang Chongyong ordered the generals.

At this moment everyone was exhausted, eyes fixed on him. Yet Fang Chongyong kept a cold face, waved his hand, and the words the troops wanted to say remained stuck in their throats.

Night mountain marching was extremely slow; several times someone nearly fell into a valley. If Fang Chongyong hadn't ordered ropes to prevent stragglers, many more would have been lost.

Upon reaching the city of Yangqu County, they found the gates shut, archers crowded the walls, countless chevaux‑de‑frise and iron brambles below, clearly the garrison defended tightly, ready for battle.

"I am the Hedong Frontier Envoy Fang Chongyong! Behind me are the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army, Datong Army, and the various units of Ke Lan Army."

"Defender of Yangqu, step forward for a talk!"

Fang Chongyong shouted toward the city walls.

As his words fell, a sour‑sounding noise rang, and the west gate of Yangqu County swung open.

Without even a helmet, Xin Yunjing rushed out of the gate, rolling forward, and shouted excitedly at Fang Chongyong: "Jiedushi! You finally arrived! Hedong is saved this time!"

Seeing his genuine excitement, Fang Chongyong remained bewildered.

He dismounted, looked puzzled at Xin Yunjing and asked: "Jiedushi, you returned to defend Taiyuan at Yan Xianggong's invitation, for the country and the people—what exactly causes this alarm?"

Fang Chongyong didn't quite understand why Xin Yunjing was as excited as a child about to lose a fight when a father arrives to rescue.

"Jiedushi, you don't know?"

Now it was Xin Yunjing who was confused.

"Know what?"

Fang Chongyong still hadn't figured out what had happened.

"Jiedushi, may I have a moment to speak."

Xin Yunjing looked around, lowered his voice and said.

"Let's first enter the city to rest; you see I'm exhausted, and this place really isn't suitable for talking."

Fang Chongyong nodded slightly.

So the main army set camp outside the city, while the chief commanders followed Fang Chongyong into the Yangqu County office.

Xin Yunjing handed his copied imperial edict to Fang Chongyong for review; Fang read it once and then passed it to the generals.

Then it completely blew up!

Ji Ge actually ordered Fang Chongyong to station the main force in Puzhou, focusing on defending Hedong's southern front.

Implicitly, Taiyuan no longer mattered; first ensure the Guanzhong area is secured!

As for assigning Fang Chongyong to also oversee two towns in Hebei, it was merely a bait to send people to their deaths, utterly useless!

Now Hebei is fully controlled by Huangfu Weiming, so holding any additional post is pointless!

"Jiedushi, under this plan, are we heading to Puzhou?"

Feng Changqing asked softly.

He was merely voicing the question for others; many thought the same.

Since the emperor said he won't defend Hedong, why are you still stubborn?

With Fang Chongyong's skill, wherever he goes, it's bound to be trouble.

"If it benefits the nation, even life or death, we shall not avoid it because of calamities."

We can be absolved by obeying the imperial command, but losing Hedong would likely cause Huangfu Weiming to usher in a regime change.

I am determined to hold Hedong, to hold Taiyuan. Anyone who wishes to go to Puzhou may leave now; I, Jiedushi, will issue the transfer orders.

Fang Chongyong looked around and said.

Someone averted his gaze, not daring to meet his eyes, but no one actually kept their eyes closed, claiming they wanted to be transferred to Puzhou for garrison duty.

"By the way, aren't you in Lingzhou? How did you end up here?"

Fang Chongyong suddenly recalled this thread and asked Xin Yunjing.

"I came to Taiyuan with Yan Xianggong, and along the way fought a hard battle against the rebels at Chi Tang Pass. Had Yan Xianggong not arrived in time, Taiyuan would now be surrounded on all sides."

Xin Yunjing let out a sigh of emotion.

Fang Chongyong nodded silently, observing the defenses outside Yangqu City; clearly the rebels had been here. Yet the distance to Taiyuan is very short, the two cities' garrisons support each other, and the rebels haven't found an opening yet.

The smoke of war now spreads everywhere;

The footsteps of war now echo in the ears.

"Today we first rest and repair, tomorrow we march to Taiyuan; let's all disperse."

Fang Chongyong felt a bit weary, ordered the generals to rest, then followed Xin Yunjing into a secluded courtyard inside the city.

Seeing this border soldier from Hexi with an extensive network seemed about to speak, Fang Chongyong sighed lightly and said, "We've known each other a long time; feel free to speak plainly."

"Jiedushi, disaster is approaching you."

Xin Yunjing's expression was solemn, not a hint of jest.

"Oh? How do you mean that? I, Jiedushi, have won consecutive battles in border towns, making the Uighur people dare not approach my banner, and I also led troops back to defend Taiyuan without hoarding troops."

"From where does this disaster arise?"

Fang Chongyong asked with a puzzled expression.

"Jiedushi, precisely because you performed so outstandingly, disaster draws near!"

"You still don't know, Crown Prince Li Chang has already taken control of Luoyang and publicly declared he will join the people in the national crisis, defending Luoyang to the death."

Military and civilians from all over Henan responded, gathering in droves; in just a few days, they recruited fifty thousand able-bodied youths.

Among those pulling the strings, one was Li Mi, who had lived in seclusion for a long time and used to frequently enter and leave the Xingqing Palace.

The other is your father, the Jiedushi of the Zhongwu Army.

Xin Yun Jing said leisurely.

"What? Li Chang is going to resist the rebel forces in Luoyang?"

Fang Chongyong stared in shock, utterly unable to believe Xin Yun Jing's news.

"It's absolutely true! It's definitely real!"

Furthermore, after hearing this news, the Sage remained silent, neither agreeing nor denying, as if he hadn't heard it at all.

Now the Jiedushi refuses to go to Pu Prefecture, insisting on holding Taiyuan; fearing that once the Sage learns of this, he will suspect the Jiedushi of harboring disloyal intentions.

"The consequences are hard to predict."

Xin Yun Jing urged earnestly.

His information from the Taiyuan side is far more timely than Fang Chongyong's from the marches along the northern frontiers, and there is an official road directly connecting Taiyuan to Chang'an and Luoyang.

Fang Youde has, this time, effectively stabbed Ji Ge in the back.

Nowadays, even if Fang Chongyong constantly vouches for Ji Ge, he will still be deeply suspected.

"What more when it comes to defying orders?"

"So, in your opinion, should I return to Pu Prefecture?"

Fang Chongyong asked calmly, his expression composed.

Xin Yun Jing nodded slightly, then shook his head lightly.

"Jiedushi, from my personal standpoint, I certainly do not want you to leave Taiyuan."

In Hedong, you are a pillar that holds up the sky; all the troops have a backbone, are willing to obey orders, and can be unified under command.

With that, our chances of victory are great, and we can all rest easy.

But if we consider your own perspective, perhaps returning to Pu Prefecture would be better.

"Even if we concede ten thousand steps, even if one must defy orders, marching from Pu Prefecture to capture Chang'an would take no more than two days on foot."

The Jiedushi would still be better off staying closer to Chang'an.

"The Sage is old and muddle-headed, bound to make some mistaken decisions; the Jiedushi must have a sense of self-preservation."

Xin Yun Jing's words have already been quite blunt.

"Now leaving Hedong is tantamount to handing the world over to Huangfu Weiming."

If that is the case, it would be better to lead the troops straight to Fanyang and surrender outright.

In the future, one could still manage to snag a petty inspector post.

"Why go through all this trouble?"

"The matter of returning to Pu Prefecture need not be mentioned again."

Fang Chongyong sighed helplessly, inwardly cursing his scoundrel father Fang Youde for causing chaos!

(End of chapter)