Chapter 485: Rather Than Make Things Hard on Yourself, Better to Disgust Others

"Jiedushi, please!"

In a private room of the Ten Thousand Flowers Tower in Kaifeng city, Lu Yu handed the freshly brewed tea to Fang Chongyong.

"There is salt and there is tea, nothing more. The Way of Tea may seem like a minor path, but in truth it contains the great principles of life."

Fang Chongyong took a sip, set the exquisite tea bowl on the table, and could not help but sigh in admiration.

Lu Yu's tea brewing was all about "refinement" — everything had to be just so.

Whether the quality of the tea leaves, the type of water, or even the steps of preparing the tea, nothing was less than perfection pursued to the utmost. The brewing process itself was like a performance, a pleasure to watch.

Only, Fang Chongyong was like a mountain boar that could not stomach fine grain — he tasted not a whit of superiority in it.

In Fang Chongyong's view, it was nothing more than a cup of tea, yet they made such a fuss over it — nothing but an artificial prestige manufactured by the aristocratic class.

Finely disguised refinement ultimately served the powerful. This kind of affected loftiness did not really appeal to Fang Chongyong.

Lu Yu's Way of Tea was not about the tea, but about cultivating an aristocratic ethos. Of course, there was no need to say any of this to Lu Yu's face.

As the saying goes, even when hitting someone, you don't hit their face!

Seeing Fang Chongyong nod with satisfaction, Lu Yu sat to one side, quietly waiting for what would follow. He did not notice that the Fang Jiedushi before him was not, in fact, very convinced by his so-called "Way of Tea."

"Lord Lu's tea is superb, it's just that…"

Fang Chongyong paused, setting the tea bowl down on the table.

"Just that what?"

Lu Yu asked, his face full of nervous tension.

He had come today not merely to showcase his "talents" — he also bore the heavy responsibility of promoting tea sales for the "sugar daddy" behind him!

If Fang Chongyong was not interested in his Way of Tea and the related tea leaves and tea-making techniques, then getting Jiangnan and Lianghuai tea into the northern market would be like a fool's dream.

"Lord Lu's Way of Tea is exceptionally elegant, exquisitely refined. Everything is fastidious — the tea leaves, the water, even the teapot and stove, all are the finest of the finest.

In that regard, it may be considered a top-grade product of this age."

Fang Chongyong praised first before withholding judgment, paused briefly, then continued:

"It's just a pity that, in the end, tea is made for people to drink.

The Way of Tea is the Way of man.

Lord Lu's tea is meant for high officials and eminent nobles. Good as it is, it is like the high mountains and flowing waters — ordinary people cannot taste it. A single pot of tea costs as much as a common family's food expenses for a month."

After speaking, Fang Chongyong pulled a small paper packet from his chest and poured the broken tea leaves inside into an unused tea bowl.

Then, he said to He Changqi behind him: "Pour the tea."

"Got it!"

He Changqi asked a servant of the establishment for a pot of boiling water, then poured the water into the tea bowl in front of Fang Chongyong.

"This is my Way of Tea. Lord Lu, please give it a try!"

Fang Chongyong pushed that tea bowl over to Lu Yu.

"This is…"

Seeing the utterly crude tea before him, Lu Yu was completely shocked.

The tea he had drunk could be said to fill carts and bushels. But drinking tea as casually as Fang Chongyong did — this was the first time he had ever seen!

Lu Yu took a casual sip and found it both bitter and astringent, the taste within hard to describe in a word.

On the whole, it was not far from torturing one's mouth.

Lu Yu frowned slightly, managed one mouthful and was unwilling to drink a second, then slowly set the tea bowl on the table.

"What does Lord Lu think?"

Fang Chongyong asked with a smile.

Lu Yu only shook his head, not wanting to tell a lie, yet also not wanting to flatly deny it and offend the other party.

After all, Fang Chongyong was someone he could not afford to offend.

"Tea, in the end, is for people to drink.

Letting every person in the world easily and happily drink tea without effort — that is the greatest Way of Tea.

Beyond this, I believe everything can be simplified; there is no need to pursue the extreme.

The method of steeping tea has only just begun; many steps are still imperfect, and the tea itself is barely passable.

But by gradually improving the method of preparing tea, one can bring benefit to the people of the world. Firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, tea — though tea ranks last, it is still a necessity of life.

If drinking tea ultimately becomes a pastime for the great houses to amuse themselves, then frankly, there is no need to drink it at all."

Fang Chongyong said this with a calm expression, then brewed himself another cup of tea, blew on the foam floating on the surface, and took a big mouthful with a smacking of his lips.

Lu Yu remained silent. He did not actually agree with Fang Chongyong's view. But he could also see that the other man genuinely thought this way in his heart — it was not posturing or putting on an act.

"Lord Lu, your request to transport tea through Bianzhou onward to Chang'an and Luoyang — this Jiedushi approves.

Bianzhou will not levy any additional customs duties.

But this Jiedushi also has a word of advice for you."

Fang Chongyong put away the smile on his face and spoke sternly. He had already seen that behind Lu Yu stood many tea merchants from Jiangnan and Lianghuai. Promoting the Way of Tea was also paving the way to expand tea sales, stirring up a trend of tea drinking among the great families and nobles.

Otherwise, where did Lu Yu's food, drink, and expenses come from on his journey from Yangzhou to Bianzhou? He even had Li Jilan following at his side!

"I beg Fang Jiedushi for your instruction."

Lu Yu bowed to Fang Chongyong and spoke.

"Only the lowly and base resort to deliberate mystification, staging lofty rituals to prove themselves superior to others.

Take care that your Way of Tea does not go astray."

Fang Chongyong said, tapping the table with his index finger.

"I thank the Jiedushi for his instruction. I shall certainly engrave it in my heart."

Lu Yu performed a full prostration before Fang Chongyong with utmost reverence. Then, he packed up the set of tea-brewing implements he had brought, wrapped them up, and left cleanly and briskly.

As for whether he had taken Fang Chongyong's words to heart, a person's thoughts are hidden behind their belly—no one present knew what he was really thinking.

After Lu Yu left, He Changqi said thoughtfully to Fang Chongyong, "Jiedushi, what you just said to Lu Yu makes a lot of sense!"

"Of course! To hell with those so-called nobles, to hell with those so-called great houses—the common people at the bottom are the true source of strength.

Whatever we do, we must rely on the common people at the bottom. Those damned nobles aren't worth a hair when it truly matters—brewing tea, my ass! Nothing but posturing!

With that kind of free time, they'd be better off reading a few books!"

With Lu Yu gone, Fang Chongyong could not help but stand up and curse loudly.

Just as he was about to go downstairs and inspect the ferry crossing outside the city, Che Guangqian hurried over, holding a small booklet in his hand.

"Jiedushi, a court gazette!"

Che Guangqian handed the booklet in his hand to Fang Chongyong.

"Eh? The court? A gazette?"

Fang Chongyong was taken aback—the news Che Guangqian brought had stunned him.

The court issuing a gazette—now that was something unusual.

With a puzzled expression, Fang Chongyong took the booklet, over ten pages thick, and flipped through it page by page. His face immediately grew grave.

"Let's go. We'll discuss this back at the Jiedushi yamen!"

Fang Chongyong turned and headed downstairs. Behind him, several trusted aides all looked at one another in bewilderment, not knowing what had happened.

Before long, the group arrived at the Jiedushi yamen's study.

After He Changqi left the study to stand guard outside the door, Fang Chongyong had Che Guangqian summon his aide Zhang Tongru, his brother-in-law Wang Yanshu, Wang Zhongsi's adopted son Li Sheng, as well as Yan Zhuang and Cen Shen, who had followed Li Sheng from Chang'an to Bianzhou not long ago, among others.

All at once the study was packed with people, but since Fang Chongyong had not spoken, no one else dared open their mouth.

"The court's gazette has already been delivered to the Bianzhou Jiedushi yamen today. I believe the prefectural offices of each prefecture should have received it as well.

Have a look for yourselves."

Fang Chongyong said in a low voice, handing the court gazette to Che Guangqian, then letting everyone in the room pass it around.

Before long, everyone had finished reading what was written on it. Each wore a complicated expression, wanting to speak but hesitating.

An awkward silence permeated the entire study.

"The Crown Prince has already ascended the throne in Chang'an and proclaimed himself emperor, changing the era name to Shangyuan, corresponding to the former Kaiyuan. From now on, years will no longer be called 'zai.' The Son of Heaven is addressed as 'Your Majesty' rather than 'Sage.'

As for the former Sage of the Great Tang, he has been honored as Retired Emperor.

What do you all think the implications of this matter are?"

Fang Chongyong looked around at everyone and asked.

The gazette also mentioned other matters, but this was the most important one.

It was not surprising that Li Chang had ascended the throne in Chang'an—or rather, it was absolutely a necessary step in that group's plan, something that would happen sooner or later.

But the problem lay in the issuing of the gazette.

It was not yet known how many copies of this gazette had been printed, but given the financial resources of the Chang'an court, widely distributing the gazette was not particularly difficult. Issuing the gazette meant that Li Chang—or rather, the group behind him—was very confident that they were the legitimate authority.

And in political and public-opinion terms, they had rightfully stripped Li Longji of the supreme imperial power in his hands! And proclaimed it to the world!

A small gazette, yet the energy contained behind it was enormous, and its political influence could not be underestimated—how could it be taken lightly?

"Jiedushi, if Li Longji learns of this, he will surely lead troops from Hedong to crusade against the Guanzhong rebels in his eyes. This will be another fierce battle between dragons and tigers!"

An inexplicable smile appeared on Yan Zhuang's face, and he said with some excitement.

Though the process had been somewhat tortuous and different from what he had envisioned, the chaotic era had indeed descended just as he had anticipated.

The others in the room nodded slightly. Clearly, Yan Zhuang's judgment was correct. Or rather, this matter was plain for all to see.

"According to scouts' reports, Li Longji has already led troops out of Taiyuan City, but for some unknown reason, he has stayed in Jinzhou without moving on.

Regardless, his target must be Puzhou. Controlling Puzhou is equivalent to controlling the key to entering Guanzhong."

Fang Chongyong said with a worried expression. Clearly, this was not good news for him—at least not entirely good news.

"Seeing a great battle imminent, Huangfu Weiming, who sits on the mountain watching the tigers fight, must wake up laughing even in his sleep, right?"

Zhang Tongru said with disdain.

His former patron, An Lushan, had died under Huangfu Weiming's conspiratorial machinations. Even now, thinking about it made him feel indignant.

"Indeed. The problem is that no matter how the fighting and commotion plays out in Guanzhong, Huangfu Weiming in Hebei will not sit idle. He has at least two hundred thousand troops at his disposal and will certainly find a place to stretch his muscles.

Where do you think the Hebei rebel army's next target will be?"

Fang Chongyong sighed softly and asked.

No one answered—or rather, there was no need to answer this question. The answer was obvious.

"Jiedushi, these matters are actually still acceptable. The troublesome part is the next item."

Che Guangqian said cautiously.

The gazette mentioned Li Chang's ascension to the throne and Brother Ji automatically becoming Retired Emperor—this of course counted as 'headline news.' But the next matter it described could not be taken lightly either.

"Indeed. The Chang'an court likely felt it could no longer control the vast territories south of the Yellow River, so it announced a major decree.

Each prefecture may organize its own militia forces into an army, needing only to register the unit designation with the court. Once approved, it becomes an official army. All military pay and provisions shall be resolved by each prefecture and county on its own.

Furthermore, a portion of the materials collected locally may be retained by the prefectural office itself. They need only obey the political decrees from Chang'an and submit tribute as required.

Simply put, every prefectural inspector is now a local emperor."

Fang Chongyong looked around at everyone and said in a low voice.

This was very likely the handiwork of Yan Zhenqing.

Since the court had lost control over many prefectures and counties, rather than handing these places over to the Hebei rebel army or certain unwieldy warlords (such as the likes of Fang Chongyong), it was better to proactively relinquish control and increase the difficulty for opponents to seize these territories.

To put it simply: even if I can't eat this bowl of rice myself, I'll piss in it so no one else can eat it either!

A genuine strategy of fighting poison with poison.

"The world's descent into chaos has been as swift as a shooting star falling to earth—over in a flash. How lamentable, how lamentable!"

The poetically inclined Cen Shen let out a long sigh and said.

How many years have passed, and the Great Tang has already reached the stage of "prefectural autonomy"?

"This is not unusual; over in Chang'an they have everything they want, except for one thing."

Fang Chongyong lifted the report in his hand and said, "They only lack a tiger‑beating elite force that is invincible across the world!"

That remark was a piercing observation.

After Li Chang ascended the throne, why did the Chang'an crowd loosen the autonomous rights of the various prefectures, allowing the inspectors to recruit troops and handle taxes on their own?

Because they knew they lacked a strong army, could not besiege cities or seize lands, and thus could not deal with the local inspectors who harbored treacherous intentions!

Rather than hide their incompetence and let outsiders see it, it's better to lift restrictions and let everyone get excited and revel together!

At least, this move makes Fang Chongyong, the Xuanwu Army Jiedushi, feel very uncomfortable!

Fang Chongyong originally intended to keep controlling several prefectures around the outskirts of Xuanwu Town, ideally extending his reach to Huainan! Yet the court's current maneuver makes it clear that prosperous and populous Yangzhou can easily raise an army of tens of thousands.

"Jiedushi, the court's minor moves won't trouble us for now.

Mainly it's Huangfu Weiming's side; if no major incident occurs, the day the Yellow River freezes this winter will be when the Hebei rebel army moves south."

"Then they'll strike on multiple fronts, dividing forces to attack our weak points. How should we deal with that?"

Li Sheng, who had hardly spoken at military meetings, suddenly interjected.

"Indeed!"

Fang Chongyong uttered two words and said no more.

In fact, although this is a likely scenario, the contents of the report do not allow us to infer it.

Assuming the Hebei rebel forces will move south into Henan, using Ji Ge's troops to attack Guanzhong during the window and seize land, that reflects strategic foresight.

Fang Chongyong glanced at Li Sheng and decided to assign him more important military duties in the future; the cheap brother‑in‑law does have some strategic insight.

"Each of you go back and think. If you come up with any strategy, don't blurt it out everywhere, don't discuss with others; just come here and tell me privately.

If there's nothing else today, disperse."

Fang Chongyong directly announced the meeting's end, and everyone in the study, still lingering in thought, slowly walked out.

Obviously, a life‑or‑death test has been placed before everyone!