Chapter 473: Standing Like a Sentry

Early that morning, outside the main hall of the Xuanwu Army Jiedushi's office inside Kaifeng City, a crowd had gathered.

They were all attendants of the prefects under the Jiedushi's jurisdiction, and some even held positions such as county magistrates. Unfortunately, none of them could enter the hall to take part in the military council and had to wait here.

At this moment, inside the hall, Fang Chongyong sat solemnly on the main seat. To his left were prefects and regional Simas clad in red official robes; to his right were senior officers of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army, each seated at their own desk, silent.

Only in an inconspicuous spot near the gate did Liu Changqing, dressed in a green robe, stand alone. Behind Fang Chongyong were a few unfamiliar people, apparently staff. The whole hall of a dozen or so people was mute, waiting for Fang Chongyong to speak.

"Gentlemen, the Xuanwu garrison defense zone is vast, yet it lacks famous mountains or rivers to rely on.

The Xuanwu Army's forces are limited; if the Hebei bandit army mustered two hundred thousand troops to attack, what can we do?"

Fang Chongyong looked around at the crowd and asked, glancing at the row of prefects.

The Bianzhou Prefect Guo Na, the Songzhou Prefect Li Jiayou, the Caozhou Prefect Li Pengnian, the Chenzhou Prefect Xue Yuan, the Yingzhou Prefect Chen Shu, and the Bozhou Sima Yan Bojun and their companions involuntarily lowered their heads, having no intention of speaking at all.

Fang Chongyong turned to He Changqi and the others and asked.

"The Jiedushi orders us to strike whomever he names, and we will strike them! No questions!"

He Changqi quickly rose, clasped his fists, and saluted, saying.

Although he already knew the outcome would be like this.

"All decisions rest with the Jiedushi!"

The generals of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army shouted in unison.

"Indeed, the troops' morale is usable!"

Fang Chongyong gave a lukewarm commendation, and the hall fell back into an awkward silence.

The junior officer calculated that before a war, maintaining a single soldier for a year costs at least twenty strings of cash. Even gathering the treasuries of the six prefectures would only sustain about thirty thousand combat‑ready troops in the short term.

"We cannot afford to be worn down by the bandit army."

Feng Changqing's algorithm might not be reliable, but with a single sentence he voiced the many things the prefects wanted to say but dared not.

In fact, to cope with military disasters, these prefects had each recruited some troops within their own prefectures; these unevenly skilled raw recruits could at best protect themselves. Numbers rose, but the quality was another story.

Bianzhou enjoys the benefits of the canal, making it extremely prosperous; raising more soldiers there is no big problem.

This visit to Kaifeng, in fact, many prefects also harbored thoughts of demanding money from Fang Chongyong.

"Lord Guo, what do you think?"

Fang Chongyong suddenly called on Guo Na, the Bianzhou Prefect seated near his own seat.

In fact, this man's support for him was not insignificant. Since Fang Chongyong arrived in Bianzhou, whatever orders were issued, Guo Na would comply.

But that is all.

The problem with Guo Na is that he has neither ability nor standing. He is like the shameless women from Fang Chongyong's past life; any man could take advantage of that woman.

Fang Chongyong was certain that if the Xuanwu garrison got a new Jiedushi, Guo Na would still "willingly pledge loyalty." Such a fence‑sitter is better uprooted early.

"If the Jiedushi says it's feasible, I will obey."

Guo Na, now middle‑aged with a scholarly air and appearing quite refined and gentle, saluted Fang Chongyong with a clasped‑hand gesture, saying.

"A swift wind tests sturdy grass; turmoil reveals loyal ministers.

Lord Guo's loyalty to the court is as evident as the sun and moon!"

Fang Chongyong couldn't help sighing, his tone a little perfunctory, as if reciting a formulaic line.

From the corner of his eye he saw Liu Changqing standing near the hall's entrance, still not stepping forward to cause trouble, and he felt a silent contempt.

And the decisive scholars were all outstanding figures, dragons and phoenixes whose names would be recorded in history.

Liu Changqing's mind was sharp; last night he even revealed many of Guo Na's secrets, saying his ambition existed, but his ability to get things done was still lacking.

Fang Chongyong silently made a mental note.

"Minister Liu, do you have something to say? This Jiedushi saw you take a step forward then retreat; are you worried that some of the officials might mock you?"

"It's just you overthinking!"

"Soldiers are the nation's paramount matter, the realm of life and death, the path of survival; they must not be neglected."

"Today here we have only commands and strategies, no rank hierarchy, no superior‑inferior distinction! Speak plainly; as long as your words are substantive, reasonable and feasible, this Jiedushi will credit you with merit!"

With those words, everyone's gaze in the hall turned to Liu Changqing.

During the Kaiyuan–Tianbao period, the Great Tang had over 1,600 counties.

Honestly, ordinary county magistrates not being noticed by the bureaucratic class, including themselves, is understandable.

Of course, counties like Chang'an County and Wanian County are another matter. Their magistrates wear scarlet robes, a rank different from ordinary county magistrates.

Liu Changqing had intended to wait until the meeting was about to adjourn before speaking, but Fang Chongyong unexpectedly pulled him out to "break formation," and Liu instantly sensed trouble.

It was akin to Fang Chongyong's past life when his company sent him on an out‑of‑town business trip.

He expected a chartered plane and a dedicated car, but instead he rode a green‑painted train for over ten hours, arrived in an unfamiliar place, couldn't hail a taxi, and had to transfer to a short‑haul bus into a mountain gorge.

Liu Changqing stepped forward, saluted Fang Chongyong with clasped hands, and gave a deep bow.

"Minister Liu, you may speak freely."

Fang Chongyong said calmly, his expression steady.

Liu Changqing replied without reservation:

"Jiedushi, matters of the army and state cannot be taken lightly.

The Xuanwu garrison's six prefectures are interlinked; if any prefecture encounters trouble, it will have incalculable effects elsewhere."

"Thus, I believe Lord Guo is frivolous; when the Hebei bandit army was eyeing us, sharpening knives each night, he even recruited dancing girls and singers within the office, even to the extent of candle‑lit night outings."

"Only after the Jiedushi arrived in Bianzhou did he show some restraint. If Guo Na continues as Bianzhou Prefect, I fear a conflict will soon arise; please, Jiedushi, see clearly!"

Moreover, the military governor handles military affairs, the prefect handles civil affairs; in principle they must not interfere with each other. Only in times of urgent frontier military situations can one take "discretionary measures". Liu Changqing, this county magistrate, filing a complaint against the prefect before the military governor will only put the military governor in a difficult spot.

Moreover, the Jiedushi handles military‑civil affairs while the prefect handles civil matters; in principle they do not interfere with each other. Only when frontier military conditions are dire can one act "conveniently." For a county magistrate like Liu Changqing to lodge a complaint against a prefect before the Jiedushi would only put the Jiedushi in an awkward position.

He should lodge his grievance before the "Inspector of Communications," which is why during the Tianbao era many frontier Jiedushi also held the post of Inspector.

But now war has broken out and continues to expand. Thus Liu Changqing's move, though seeming to violate imperial law, is actually a new method adapting to the changing situation.

【61】 "Now that's interesting."

Guo Na hurriedly defended to Fang Chongyong, "Jiedushi, Liu Changqing's ears and eyes are clouded, he babbles nonsense; his words cannot be trusted!"

Guo Na's voice was tense, tinged with uncontainable terror.

In his eyes, Liu Changqing, that bastard, had already been falsely accused once, reduced to a low‑rank county magistrate; why wouldn't he keep a low profile? If he is demoted again, he won't even be able to serve as a county guard and will be stripped of office!

At this moment, Guo Na hated Liu Changqing to death.

"Jiedushi, the great battle is imminent; we should not overexert. Lord Guo has not erred greatly before; you can urge him to restrain himself and strive to fulfill his duties.

Stability first."

Caozhou Prefect Li Pengnian broke the siege for Guo Na.

In fact he was not familiar with Guo Na, and they had no friendship. Yet undeniably, Liu Changqing's actions had violated the hidden rules of officialdom. Who dares say they won't become the next 'Guo Na'? If everyone keeps 'the low overthrowing the high', who can endure?

But evidently someone thought otherwise.

If war truly breaks out, it doesn't matter if we die; dragging ten‑thousand civilians to die together would be an immense crime, and no one could plead innocence.

Eh? There's a master!

Fang Chongyong couldn't help glancing at Yingzhou Prefect Chen Shu, only to notice his robust build and masculine aura, clearly a military man, starkly unlike the frail scholar appearance of other prefects.

Only those who have experienced war can understand how terrifying it is to place someone like Guo Na in a crucial position.

You go shouting, leading troops to battle, while you stay behind partying as if in peace, and when the enemy creeps up… there's nothing left.

Clearly, Chen Shu's words were heavy, almost openly tearing at Guo Na's face!

"What do you all think?"

Fang Chongyong feigned difficulty and asked.

The great hall fell silent, each person's expression different.

Some relished the misfortune, some mourned like a fox whose rabbit died, some wore a solemn look, while others simply watched as onlookers.

"Lord Fang, please decide for me!"

Guo Na stepped forward, placed his official hat on the ground, then bowed without moving, awaiting the decree.

Fang Chongyong hurried forward, steadied him, and helped him sit back in his original seat.

But the hat was not returned, still lying on the ground. Everyone looked at Fang Chongyong, awaiting his answer.

"Gentlemen, the defense of Henan is of utmost importance; no room for carelessness."

Fang Chongyong immediately looked at Guo Na and said, "Lord Guo, the Crown Prince lacks trusted aides. This Jiedushi will petition the Crown Prince, appoint you to Luoyang as an official, to serve as a close minister; you may depart at once."

Upon hearing this, Guo Na was overjoyed!

Not to mention Luoyang is far safer than Bianzhou, the phrase 'Crown Prince's close minister' alone carries extraordinary weight.

"Then, shall I set out now?"

Guo Na asked.

"Naturally."

Fang Chongyong nodded slightly.

This meeting was held to discuss how to defend against the Hebei rebels' southward advance.

Since this is a substantive 'promotion', there's no need to care about figures like Liu Changqing; Guo Na is too lazy to bother him, believing there will be plenty of chances to scheme later.

At this moment, the bustling great hall suddenly had an empty desk. Everyone silently speculated who would take that seat.

Near the hall's entrance, Liu Changqing, standing like a guard, thought to himself: "Hehe, next I, Liu Wenfang, will attend among them!"

However, Fang Chongyong did not address Liu Changqing, but spoke to Yuan Jie, who stood nearby and was thought by outsiders to be a Jiedushi staff officer, saying, "Yuan Cishan, you will act as interim Bianzhou Prefect. After the meeting, this Jiedushi will report the matter to the Crown Prince."

Yuan Jie himself was unaware of the matter; when Fang Chongyong called him, he wore a bewildered expression.

After he recovered, he stepped forward and performed a salute to Fang Chongyong.

"By the way, I forgot to introduce him. This is Yuan Jie, also known as Yuan Cishan, a Jinshi graduate, formerly Hebei Circuit Weizhou Prefect.

When the bandit army attacked, he led five hundred frail troops to defeat the rebel Yinziqi's ten‑thousand‑strong force, and also led some civilians to break through successfully.

Yuan Cishan had previously been a prefect; he simply lost his jurisdiction, but his ability is ample.

He fought the bandits to the death, steadfastly refusing surrender; his character and integrity are trustworthy.

This Jiedushi intends to recommend Yuan Cishan as the new Bianzhou Prefect to the Crown Prince; what do you think?

That's far more reliable than a two‑day driving‑school 'road killer' taking a new car.

The others were fine; after all they bore no grudge against Yuan Jie, and felt no personal pain over this matter, only admiring how meticulous and watertight Lord Fang's handling was.

This smooth combo is both logical and justified, seamless and decisive, leaving no room for dispute!

He passed the Jinshi exam, served as prefect, and fought rebels.

A trinity of credentials, his résumé is nearly unbeatable.

Having Yuan Jie as Bianzhou Prefect is truly deserved; no one present can voice opposition!

As for whether Li Chang will agree, haha, that depends on whether he wants to be slapped in the face by Fang Chongyong. As long as Li Chang isn't the type who naturally seeks disgrace, he won't make a fuss over this matter.

"Lord Fang's words are very appropriate," Chen Shu saluted Fang Chongyong.

"Indeed, Yuan Cishan has been Hebei Circuit Prefect for years, now Bianzhou Prefect, surely no problem."

Immediately several prefects echoed the sentiment. Anyway, there's nothing to oppose.

However, everyone present was satisfied with the outcome except Liu Changqing, who was displeased because he became a clown.

Liu Changqing had thought he would be promoted to 'Acting Prefect' by the tide, then later confirmed officially!

How did this prefect end up being Yuan Jie?