Chapter 545: The Human Heart's Changing Intent

While sailing at sea, Fang Chongyong suffered seasickness for two days and never rested well. Now, after finally returning to land and fully securing Penglai Gang, Fang Chongyong found a guest room inside the Dengzhou Fuya and fell asleep.

He almost fell asleep immediately, but before an hour had passed, the Inspector of Dengzhou, Wang Weizhong, came to his door, saying he had urgent business to discuss.

Fang Chongyong reluctantly led him inside for a private talk.

After the two sat down and dismissed their guards, Wang Weizhong finally took a State Letter from his bosom—one could also call it a finely packaged letter—and placed it on the table.

"The Bohai Kingdom's ruler Da Menyi sent someone to deliver a State Letter; the envoy is Da Qinmao."

Wang Weizhong explained slowly, "Obviously, the so‑called State Letter is the one right before us."

Nevertheless, Fang Chongyong was not surprised at all, because for Wang Weizhong this is merely a routine procedure, the very duty of his role as the envoy of the various vassal states of Silla, Baekje and Bohai.

Within the Tang tribute system, the Tang is the father, lofty above; the many other vassals are the children, a rank lower. Thus, when Tang is dominant, there is no such thing as "handing a State Letter face‑to‑face" to the Tang Emperor.

In short, these vassals are not even worthy!

A State Letter must first reach a diplomat under the Honglu Temple like Wang Weizhong. After these officials review it and deem it appropriate, they forward it. If not, it is sent back outright, and the foreign envoy never sees the Tang Emperor.

A little reflection shows that this system, once developed, actually aligns with human nature and natural law.

If even a commoner could step forward to bother Ji Ge, how would Ji Ge court women, play instruments, compose music? He would have nothing else to do all day, overwhelmed just by handling diplomatic affairs.

Therefore it is necessary for Honglu Temple officials to pre‑filter out the highly disrespectful, off‑key, unworthy submissions. Otherwise, if a minor chieftain from a tiny territory hands a State Letter to Tang and asks, "Which Tang is greater than me?"

When Ji Ge sees that, whose embarrassment will it be?

"I wish to hear the details."

Fang Chongyong nodded slightly, saying he already understood that Wang Weizhong's midnight visit was likely also about this State Letter.

"Da Menyi conferred the title of princess on Da Qinmao's daughter, naming her Zhenhui Gongzhu, and intends to send her to the Chang'an harem to accompany the Emperor.

This State Letter is, first, to celebrate the new ruler's enthronement, and second, for this matter."

Wang Weizhong said with a hint.

Li Chang had just ascended the throne; as the most important and best‑related vassal state surrounding Tang, the Bohai Kingdom sending a princess to the new Emperor and requesting her placement in the harem is a perfectly ordinary "minor affair" with countless precedents in the histories.

However, while this matter is commonplace on a macro level, examining the details reveals considerable nuance.

Da Menyi is Da Qinmao's uncle, and Zhenhui Gongzhu is Da Qinmao's daughter, two generations apart.

But the Tang Emperor, politically, is the "father" of the surrounding vassals; in short, Li Chang should be considered Da Menyi's "adoptive father."

If Zhenhui Gongzhu truly entered the harem, aside from everything else, the generational gap alone is huge, making it impossible to discuss each case individually!

Da Menyi calls Li Chang 'dad', Li Chang calls Da Menyi 'father‑in‑law'; the relationship is a complete mess.

Now, with fires of war spreading across Tang, the Hebei rebellion still unresolved, the throne having changed hands, and a new emperor ascending, Da Menyi's probing move even makes Fang Chongyong admire his scheming.

Such an unintentional probe displays the political subtlety and delicacy vividly.

From Li Chang's and the central court's responses, Da Menyi can gauge Tang's current strengths and weaknesses.

Tang's varying power leads to different ways of handling the Bohai ruler's "goodwill".

Whether to accept gladly or reluctantly?

Whether to refuse outright or reluctantly?

Whether to be outraged and dispatch troops, or merely issue a veiled threat with the State Letter?

Da Menyi can always discern some strengths and weaknesses from the Tang court's reactions, and the probe costs almost nothing. Coming from thousands of miles away, this move truly catches everyone off guard!

Moreover, Zhenhui Gongzhu is Da Qinmao's daughter, yet Da Qinmao is not Da Menyi's son! In short, he is selling his nephew's daughter.

Even if Tang were to execute the princess, Da Menyi wouldn't feel the slightest remorse.

It's somewhat like the ancient Han practice of disguising a palace maid as a princess, granting a title, then marrying her off to the Xiongnu—only now the roles are reversed.

Da Menyi's wish‑fulfilling abacus, across thousands of miles, can be heard by Fang Chongyong; the beads seem ready to bounce onto his face.

"The Bohai Kingdom admires our Central Plains culture; this stone‑throwing inquiry is truly clever."

Even with differing stances, Fang Chongyong must admit that Bohai ruler Da Menyi is no simple figure.

This move can both attack and defend, leaving no worry that Li Chang will turn hostile.

Wang Weizhong sighed, "Just as Jiedushi Fang said, it is indeed so. Moreover, Da Menyi's action is actually probing the court's strengths and weaknesses, then deciding whether to aid the Hebei rebel forces. The Hebei situation was already chaotic; if Bohai colludes with them, the consequences would be unimaginable."

Fang Chongyong looked at Wang Weizhong with some surprise; this Minister Wang truly lives up to a diplomat, his words just now were a piercing insight.

Da Menyi's true purpose indeed did not escape Wang Weizhong.

That is probably one reason why this State Letter was detained here.

"So, what does Minister Wang intend to say?"

Fang Chongyong already knows Wang Weizhong is not a die‑hard loyalist to the court, nor does he intend to serve the notoriously infamous Li Chang, who murdered his father publicly. Therefore he has no need to worry about the court.

A midnight visit, its purpose is indeed intriguing.

"When I received the State Letter, the current Emperor had not yet murdered his father.

Because the matter was of great importance, I, the subordinate, kept the State Letter and did not send it to Chang'an.

But later, the Bohai Kingdom actually sent Zhenhui Gongzhu.

And Da Qinmao was already overseeing affairs in Dengzhou; now father and daughter refuse to leave Penglai Gang.

This State Letter has become my (the subordinate's) heartache."

Wang Weizhong did not explain why Zhenhui Gongzhu did not depart; it likely wasn't due to impassable roads.

"The Bohai ruler probably already believes Li Chang will lose the throne, so he no longer wishes to continue probing.

However, Da Menyi worries that Tang will settle scores later, so he lets Zhenhui Gongzhu and Da Qinmao linger here temporarily, treating it as a visit to Tang.

They appear indecisive, but in fact are waiting and watching.

If anyone raises a rebel banner, Bohai might act swiftly.

In other words, Zhenhui Gongzhu will marry a prince who raises a rebel banner, and the Bohai ruler will support his ascent, right?"

Fang Chongyong voiced his speculation.

Wang Weizhong, with a look of admiration, sighed, "Jiedushi Fang, though young, can peel back layers and see through matters as clearly as fire; truly a dragon and phoenix among men. What you just said are also insights I only grasped after much contemplation."

What is the Bohai Kingdom's official stance toward the Hebei rebels now, and what is its attitude toward the court—there's even more to say; it has a huge impact on the Tang Empire's political situation, at least at this critical moment, it's very important.

But Fang Chongyong could see that Da Menyi seemed indifferent to Li Wan, especially after hearing that the Hebei rebels were disastrously defeated at Huayin.

Wanting fish yet disliking its smell, and fearing the bones will stick in the throat—that must be Da Menyi's current mindset.

"Lord Wang, you came tonight to discuss these state affairs?"

Fang Chongyong asked calmly, expression unchanged.

Wang Weizhong gave a slight nod, but offered no explanation.

Fang Chongyong understood, tucked the State Letter on the desk away, and performed a crossed‑hand salute to Wang Weizhong.

"Princess Zhenhui's dowry is very generous; it's written in the State Letter."

Wang Weizhong, fearing Fang Chongyong might not get it, deliberately mentioned it.

It carried a somewhat suggestive implication.

Fang Chongyong smiled lightly and waved his hand gently. The latter understood, returned the salute, then turned and left; the two shared an unspoken understanding.

After Wang Weizhong left, Fang Chongyong finally opened the State Letter, read it line by line, then set it down, weighing pros and cons in his mind and slowly sorting his thoughts.

The State Letter was filled with empty flattery, flowery and pompous language, basically praising Bohai Kingdom's Princess Zhenhui as a beauty who could sink fish and cause geese to alight, a paragon of learning and virtue, beautiful inside and out.

It also expressed hope that Li Chang would take her into the imperial harem, making her a link between the Tang Empire and the Bohai Kingdom.

These polite words were nothing worth mentioning.

The only noteworthy point was the dowry. Princess Zhenhui's dowry consisted of horses—a considerable number of fine Bohai horses.

The Tang Empire's finances have collapsed, regions are warlorded, and the wars have not ceased. Horses, especially warhorses, have become increasingly scarce due to war consumption and lack of replenishment.

Bohai Kingdom's horses would be a powerful aid. Whoever obtains them will gain the upper hand in the coming chaotic era.

Then why did Wang Weizhong come here in the dead of night?

On the surface, this seems to have no direct benefit for him.

Fang Chongyong thought for a moment and realized who was lurking in the shadows: Da Qinmao!

Wang Weizhong was merely the messenger, the middleman; Da Qinmao was the real mastermind who wanted to talk to Fang Chongyong.

The Yinqiang Xiaojie Army has already occupied Penglai Gang, yet Da Qinmao hasn't even come to see Fang Chongyong. This is extremely abnormal! He had served as a follower by Fang Youde's side for two years, so he does have some connection with Fang Chongyong.

But Da Qinmao's failure to come see him can only mean one thing: Wang Weizhong's visit was to scout ahead for Da Qinmao. Both men are on official business in Dengzhou, seeing each other daily, and after years of acquaintance clearly have some rapport.

The matter Da Qinmao wishes to discuss is likely crucial, so he cannot just show up; he needs to test Fang Chongyong's attitude through Wang Weizhong.

Otherwise, a careless offense could burn bridges, making future face‑to‑face talks impossible.

Thinking of this, Fang Chongyong couldn't help but sigh. The Bohai Kingdom, calling itself the "Prosperous Eastern Sea Nation," imitates the Tang Empire everywhere—language, bureaucracy, even the palace layout.

Even the aristocratic customs of interaction were learned from the Tang.

It boils down to petty, low‑level scheming.

"Da Qinmao, why are you so eager to find me? What do you hope to extract from me?"

Fang Chongyong squinted, lightly tapping the desk with his index finger, pondering Da Qinmao's thoughts.

Within Bohai Kingdom affairs lies a key detail often overlooked: although Princess Zhenhui is legally Da Menyi's daughter, by blood she is Da Qinmao's biological daughter.

Such cases of a royal daughter becoming a princess are common among Tang's externally married princesses.

However, Da Menyi's stance on this matter may not align perfectly with Da Qinmao's.

In other words, what Da Menyi intends, Da Qinmao might not carry out, at least he'll have his own ulterior motives.

Now Da Menyi's act of sending the "princess" to Li Chang has become a rotten shell on the outside. The Bohai Kingdom has deep ties with Brother Ji and Fang Youde, so Da Menyi cannot possibly cultivate any relationship with Li Chang, who killed Brother Ji.

Inside that shell lies Da Qinmao's current scheme, which is the main reason the father‑daughter pair have not returned to the Bohai Kingdom to report.

What Da Qinmao intends, Fang Chongyong does not know, but it must involve his position as military governor of Xuanwu Town.

Otherwise, why would Wang Weizhong make such a trip?

Hearts are changing. Although Li Chang is still the emperor for now, both local officials and diplomatic envoys already treat him as dead.

Fang Chongyong thought it best not to be too hasty. He would keep Da Qinmao on ice, waiting for him to come personally, which would make negotiations easier.

……

The next day, Fang Chongyong didn't wait for Da Qinmao, but instead waited for Li Bai!

The poet famed throughout the Tang Empire sought an audience with an unusual pretext—he claimed he wanted to "present a poem."

Fang Chongyong naturally wouldn't refuse such a friendly overture.

If Li Bai were not a staff member and envoy of Prince Yong Li Lin, he would be merely a pure poet.

Such a Li Bai, Fang Chongyong could meet if he wished, or not, with no further comment.

But Li Bai's current status differs from before; he now represents Prince Yong Li Lin's face.

Strike without striking the face; then it's easy to speak again.

Fang Chongyong invited Li Bai to the Dengzhou Fuya, treating him with fine wine and dishes. He expected Li Bai to offer a flattering poem, but when the verses were presented, it turned out to be "Dreaming of Tianmu, a Farewell Poem"!

The fellow is showing off!

Fang Chongyong feigned a "astonished as if a celestial being" expression, gazing at the long poem he could almost recite by heart, suppressing his urge to scoff, continuously exclaiming in admiration and occasionally offering commentary.

Sure enough, Li Bai's face showed a smug expression, he pretended modesty with a wave of his hand, and for a moment they both forgot to discuss the main business!

"Where in life does one not meet? Today, meeting Li Taibai in Dengzhou, I shall raise a great toast."

"Come, fill it up; I won't go home sober today."

Fang Chongyong hurriedly poured wine for Li Bai, his face beaming with the smile of a long‑awaited reunion.