Chapter 542: The Spring of Grand Marshal Li Baochen

"Quick, move faster!"

Along the Changlu section of the Yongji Canal, Duan Xiushi was directing laborers to sink the cargo boats along the bank, dismantle the ferry pier, bind the timber and throw it into the river, and build a wooden levee.

No one can guarantee whether the pursuers will follow the canal; this river truly is "the enemy can go, we can go too." After just dealing with Gao Miao, Fang Chongyong ordered the Yongji Canal blocked, which is a kind of "if you can't have it, destroy it."

At that moment, Duan Xiushi saw a rider galloping from the south; after seeing him, the rider dismounted and asked, "Jiedushi? I have an important military report!"

The person was Li Sheng, who had just returned from reconnaissance.

"Oh, the Jiedushi is in Changlu County; the enemy forces are coming? Doesn't seem so, no scouts have been seen."

Duan Xiushi asked with a puzzled expression.

If it's daytime with good visibility, an enemy attack would have a warning; first, scouts would go out to recon.

If the enemy has many scouts, a swarm of light cavalry buzzing around like flies would indicate the enemy is likely to launch a surprise attack.

Conversely, it shows the enemy either won't come or will opt for a night raid, not a reckless daylight assault.

"Alas! They didn't come; the rebel army fled! Li Baochen's troops went mad, heading west along the Yongji Canal; tens of thousands withdrew, the smoke and dust billowing, leaving no trace of their movement!"

Li Sheng let out a long sigh, exchanged a few more words with Duan Xiushi, then spurred his horse and rode toward Changlu County.

Fled?

Duan Xiushi crossed his arms, looking confused.

Although they, together with Pei Min and others, had defeated Gao Miao the previous day, Li Baochen commanded forty to fifty thousand troops! Even if they were poor, there would still be ten or twenty thousand elite soldiers.

It wouldn't mean that after Gao Miao was destroyed, Li Baochen would be so frightened as to flee, would it?

What Duan Xiushi didn't know is that at this moment Fang Chongyong was no longer in Changlu County; he had led a cavalry unit to charge northeast toward Lucheng and successfully took over the undefended empty city.

In Lucheng, Fang Chongyong met someone who surprised him—a person who shouldn't have been there.

Liu Yan!

In Fang Chongyong's impression, Liu Yan should have been serving in the Household Department in Chang'an, not selling salt at a salt field in Hebei.

But fate likes to play tricks; Liu Yan was pushed to Hebei, tasked with piloting a salt tax reform pilot, centered on the Changlu Salt Field, collecting salt tax throughout Hebei.

Why choose the Changlu Salt Field?

Because the Changlu Salt Field is massive, practically handling the entire Hebei populace's salt consumption. This tax is a "production tax"—the amount of salt produced determines the tax, collected from merchants the moment the salt is shipped out.

Instead of taxing the salt‑buying populace directly, and without passing through local prefectural offices.

To standardize the tax, Liu Yan ordered the making of standard hemp bags, each holding five hundred jin of salt.

In fact, the salt tax wasn't huge—just 200%. It used to be ten wen per jin of salt; now it's twenty wen per jin.

However, after Huangfu Weiming raised troops, these newly collected salt taxes all fell into the hands of the Hebei rebels, becoming one of their main sources of war funds. Liu Yan, being so adept at tax collection, was naturally detained at the Changlu Salt Field to continue the work.

And "defecting" Liu Yan dared not return to Chang'an, fearing court retribution.

Liu Yan originally intended to use the salt tax as collateral to issue jiaozi. Due to the war, the plan had to be temporarily shelved.

In short, Liu Yan's life here is miserable, almost like a monk ringing the bell day after day.

"How did Minister Liu fall to this place!"

On the beach outside Lucheng, Fang Chongyong clasped Liu Yan's hand, sighing repeatedly.

"Alas, let's not mention it. The world is in chaos; once these matters are brought up, they never cease."

Liu Yan sighed, pointing to the large salt pans along the shore, each formed by channeling seawater and sun‑drying into salt crusts.

Fang Chongyong remained silent, awaiting his continuation.

Indeed, Liu Yan pointed to the salt pans and continued: "The salt‑making technique at Changlu is quite advanced. First, seawater is taken and sun‑dried under the scorching sun to form salt crusts. Once the crust solidifies, it is transferred into the salt furnace for heating to extract the salt, and the waste brine is discharged. The salt field cannot be moved; it will inevitably become a source of revenue for the rebel army in the future."

The "waste brine" Liu Yan mentioned is the magnesium chloride solution left after extracting sodium chloride. The essence of seawater salt extraction lies in exploiting the differing crystallization concentrations of the two, extracting the former while leaving the latter.

Creating a beach field on the coast, sprinkling seawater, sun‑drying to obtain the crust, then boiling to produce salt; this method is called "dripping brine and frying salt."

The dripping‑brine‑frying‑salt method is highly mature and reliable, with very low cost. As for the sun‑drying method of the Ming and Qing periods, it has its own merits; it yields more salt, but the quality is inferior to the dripping‑brine method.

The "boiling salt" method has been in use even up to the near‑industrial era.

With the Changlu Salt Field in hand, the Hebei rebel army will never lack provisions, depending only on whether they know how to use it.

Using the salt from the field as collateral to issue jiaozi, then using silk, gold, silver and other assets to purchase grain in Henan and elsewhere, they can quickly replenish supplies.

Hebei has a massive population; the rebel army under Huangfu Weiming should not be underestimated.

Fang Chongyong also sighed and said.

If it weren't for the fact that the Changlu Salt Field is essentially a natural facility, with on‑site materials that are hard to destroy, he would have ordered it to be seized long ago.

Fang Chongyong's words aligned with Liu Yan's thoughts.

The salt tax is the lifeblood driving the finances of Hebei's prefectures; control the salt, and you control Hebei's economic lifeline.

If Huangfu Weiming were wise, he would reduce land tax and labor levies, replacing them with a high salt tax. This would invisibly increase revenue without crushing the lower classes too harshly.

Since everyone needs salt, and countless people evade land and labor taxes, a high salt tax effectively spreads the fiscal burden onto the aristocracy and powerful landlords.

As long as it also eases tenant and land rent, in theory it can achieve a restorative purpose.

The only fear is that the salt tax rises while other taxes continue unchanged.

This is why the world often says: it's not the lack of good deeds that worries us, but the lack of good people.

When people's hearts turn bad, any policy becomes corrupt.

Hebei is the foundation of kings and hegemonies, yet not everyone can grasp it.

Just as Fang Chongyong and Liu Yan were chatting idly, the dust‑covered Li Sheng rode in at speed; upon meeting them, he clasped his fists and saluted Fang Chongyong, saying, "Jiedushi, Li Baochen of Beizhou has withdrawn, the entire army has retreated, not a ruse—tens of thousands are marching west."

Hm?

"That shouldn't be; why would Li Baochen withdraw?"

Fang Chongyong asked, puzzled, as the matter was far too unreasonable.

After Gao Miao's defeat, Li Baochen at this point could not safely remain idle; even if merely for show, he should have pursued the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army northward.

At the very least, they should "escort" Fang Chongyong out of Hebei's territory; otherwise, how can they report to Huangfu Weiming?

"Jiedushi, a few days ago I heard something from a salt‑selling merchant."

Liu Yan suddenly spoke.

Fang Chongyong nodded slightly and asked, "Please tell me the details."

"I heard that Huangfu Weiming is leading troops to attack Tongguan, and Li Guiren is attacking Puzhou. I wonder whether Li Baochen's withdrawal is related to this."

Liu Yan laid out everything he had learned.

A few days ago, a large salt merchant from Changlu told Liu Yan that the Guanzhong region's trade routes with the outside world have been cut off, and only the Wuguan Road can be used. Both Puzhou and Tongguan are in constant warfare, and ordinary people cannot pass through.

At the time Liu Yan did not think much of it; Huangfu Weiming's attack on Guanzhong was only a matter of time. But hearing Li Sheng say that Li Baochen has withdrawn made him feel the situation was not simple.

"What do you think?"

Fang Chongyong looked at Li Sheng and asked.

He knew his younger cousin's mind was quick and not to be underestimated.

Li Sheng thought for a moment and, somewhat uncertainly, said, "Jiedushi, I think… could it be that Huangfu Weiming was defeated in Guanzhong, and Li Baochen is racing to Luoyang to seize power?"

Defeat! Seizure of power! Great cause!

Hearing this, Fang Chongyong felt a chill of alarm; Li Sheng's scenario seemed implausible, yet on closer thought the logic fit perfectly.

Because Huangfu Weiming was defeated in Guanzhong, even dying there, the Hebei rebel army now has no leader.

However, even if Huangfu Weiming is dead, Li Wan is still alive!

Therefore, for the powerful leaders of the Hebei rebels, whoever enters Luoyang first and controls Li Wan can command all Hebei forces!

Of course, this is only theoretical; it does not rule out someone overturning the table.

For example, Shi Siming.

But a person without a dream is no different from a salted fish.

Fang Chongyong knew that Li Baochen had a dream, a "dream" personally ignited by someone on his side.

If we put two paths before Li Baochen, one is to chase the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army and clash head‑on with this strong enemy, suffering countless casualties; even if he wins, the benefactors who would grant rewards would already be gone.

The other is to take Luoyang, control Li Wan, and become the "Hebei co‑ruler".

If luck is on his side, he could secure a foothold amid the chaotic war of the warlords, and even theoretically contend for the throne.

Which will Li Baochen choose, the former or the latter? The self‑confident Grand Commander Baochen would certainly pick the second path.

"Um… have the transport ships been destroyed?"

Fang Chongyong let out a light sigh and asked, his gut turning green with regret.

Li Sheng gave a wry smile and nodded.

This time Fang Chongyong's cleverness backfired; if he didn't destroy his own transport ships, he could go anywhere, whether south or north!

It would have been better to act a bit slower; sometimes high efficiency isn't a virtue.

"Jiedushi, a few dozen li north of here lies a ferry where many sea vessels are moored. Riding the north wind southward, landing at Dengzhou Penglai, one exits Hebei territory. The Dengzhou ferry has been operating for centuries, with complete facilities and ample supplies.

This route is very safe."

Liu Yan, with a steady demeanor, suggested, "Obviously, I have planned this route many times and have also gathered details from those in the know."

He only refrained for fear of being purged by the court; otherwise Liu Yan would have already fled by sea vessel.

Both Dengzhou and Laizhou have official sea‑ship docks for anchorage, with abundant and convenient supplies. Of course, a bolder move would be to land at the mouth of the Jishui River, but then the army would lack resupply and would have to capture nearby counties and prefectures for repair.

Clearly, landing directly at the Dengzhou Penglai ferry is foolproof.

"Jiedushi, Dengzhou and Laizhou are currently free of conflict and are under court control.

Perhaps…"

Li Sheng made a chopping gesture toward Fang Chongyong.

An unclaimed land becomes yours once you occupy it, so why be polite? Li Sheng's words reminded Fang Chongyong.

"Go to Changlu County and order the whole army to set out for the northern port, taking only essential supplies."

Fang Chongyong instructed Li Sheng.

"Understood, I will deliver the message at once!"

Li Sheng clasped his fists in salute, his excitement almost overwhelming.

He had his own agenda; after Fang Chongyong seized Dengzhou and the like, someone would be needed to garrison, and he was the most suitable candidate, wasn't he?

But what Li Sheng did not know was that Fang Chongyong's plan was not what he imagined.

Fang Chongyong had a notion in mind, but it was not yet certain; he needed more information before making a judgment.

If Huangfu Weiming truly perished, the world's situation would enter a brief lull, as various ambitious figures would emerge to act alone, first clearing internal ranks, eliminating dissent, and gathering strength.

No one would rashly launch a full‑scale attack.

Considering the logistics cycle, this would take about one to two years—waiting for one or two harvests—so after stockpiling some grain, they could act.

Of course, small skirmishes on a thousand‑person scale are not ruled out.

The era of competing for explosive power is over; now it is a contest of endurance. The game rules will also change dramatically.

"Jiedushi, do you still obey the court now?"

Liu Yan suddenly asked with some nervousness.

"It is important for an outward‑assigned Jiedushi to obey the court, but more important is which kind of court one obeys.

If the court is unjust, then this commander would not wish to obey such a court."

Fang Chongyong said meaningfully, and Liu Yan, exceptionally clever, immediately caught the Jiedushi's implied meaning.

"The Hebei rebel traitors are despicable; I am deeply ashamed to associate with them. If you, Jiedushi, do not abandon them, I am willing to serve as staff, handling accounts and finances for you."

Liu Yan, brandishing his staff, laid his hand openly.

The Hebei rebels are clearly on the brink of collapse, perhaps already suffering a crushing defeat. I am also likely on Chang'an's wanted list, and returning would only mean awaiting purge.

At this moment, joining the familiar Jiedushi Fang Chongyong and seeking shelter is probably the last and best opportunity.

"Let's go to the harbor right now; we can't delay."

Fang Chongyong patted Liu Yan's shoulder and said.

……

A massive army of tens of thousands was marching south along the Yongji Canal, its target being Liyang. There, a large stockpile of Hebei rebel supplies and weapons was stored.

As the commander of this force, Li Baocen rode his horse; though he tried to wear an inscrutable expression, the slight upturn of his mouth still revealed his inner exhilaration.

Heaven! Destiny! All! Return!

Those four words kept echoing in Li Baocen's mind.

I truly am bestowed with destiny!

He couldn't help but sigh at the fickleness of the world.

Li Baocen had already received top‑secret news: Huangfu Weiming was dead, and the army attacking Tongguan was completely annihilated. Moreover, Li Guiren's assault on Puzhou had also failed miserably. Yet Li Baocen still didn't know what this fellow's next move was.

But he understood that his side's marching speed had to be swift!

He who enters Luoyang first becomes king!

Luoyang was empty, with few troops, and Li Wan and the "court officials" were also in Luoyang.

It was truly a once‑in‑a‑thousand‑years opportunity.

Li Baocen knew that his current subordinates were the Hebei field army closest to Luoyang.

In other words, as long as he led these tens of thousands to Luoyang, he would instantly become the most dazzling guy.

Control Li Wan, then have Li Wan appoint him as Grand Marshal of the World's Armies, to command all Hebei troops.

Then the great momentum is already established!

Occupying this center spot would allow him to plot gradually and slowly expand his influence.

Just like Huangfu Weiming before!

Imperial authority is as changeable as clouds in the sky—once untouchably distant, now astonishingly close.

Li Baocen recalled his earlier encounter at Longxing Temple and that mysterious wordless stone slab, feeling that all of this was fate's design.

In short, he is the emperor, chosen by Heaven, unstoppable by anyone!

"Send the order onward, accelerate the march!"

Li Baocen ordered the messenger beside him.

His heart felt as if ablaze, wishing a fire‑wheel could sprout beneath his feet and a prized horse under his hips could travel ten thousand li a day.