Chapter 548: What

Da Qinmao didn't keep Fang Chongyong and the others waiting too long.

The next day, just after night fell, he came alone to Dengzhou Fuya to pay a visit and presented a gift list.

The list included: the garden of Mount Taibai, kelp of the South Sea, drums of Zha City, deer of Fuyu, the lineage of Yun Jie, horses of Shui Bin, cloth of Xianzhou, cotton of Wozhou, uranium of Longzhou, iron of Weicheng, rice of Lucheng, and the qing (carp) of Meituo Lake.

And so on.

Then it did not specify quantities.

This gift list is less a present than a product guide summarizing the specialties of the Bohai Kingdom, and these items are all best‑sellers in Tang, especially the horses!

Da Qinmao's implication was that, though the Bohai Kingdom is small in size, its output is considerable and should not be underestimated.

His move was like hiding a needle in cotton—hinting at his own worth without making Fang Chongyong feel embarrassed.

One has to admit, this person is rather interesting.

In view of this, Fang Chongyong promptly ordered Li Sheng to escort Da Qinmao to the study in the office.

In Fang Chongyong's mind, people like Da Qinmao, the so‑called "northern barbarians," should all have thick beards, towering stature, and great strength.

Yet on first meeting, Da Qinmao's age and attire resembled the Bohai Kingdom's version of Zheng Shuqing—a mature yet frail civil official look, and his official robes were almost identical to Tang's.

No matter how you look at it, he doesn't seem the type to seize power amid the coming chaos.

Rather than likening him to Dong Zhuo, he's more like Minister Wang.

Fang Chongyong withdrew his scrutinizing gaze, deeply questioning whether he had judged by appearance.

"Your servant bows to Jiedushi Fang."

Though middle‑aged, Da Qinmao did not look old; he bowed deeply to Fang Chongyong.

Nobles like him, who come from Tang's vassal states, often studied at the Tang Imperial Academy, and many became officials in Tang after graduation. Though Da Qinmao has long been "released" by Brother Ji, he remains a link between Tang and the Bohai Kingdom.

He's somewhat like the head of the Bohai Kingdom's Tang liaison office.

Of course, this falls into a "cannot be stated openly" gray area. Tang has never failed to keep Da Qinmao under control, threatening the Bohai Kingdom not to act rashly. Meanwhile, Da Menyi uses Da Qinmao's connections to probe Tang's internal developments and obtain first‑hand information on political changes.

On one hand, if Da Menyi disobeys, Da Qinmao could, with Tang military backing, set sail from Dengzhou and overthrow the Bohai Kingdom's regime, becoming the new ruler.

On the other hand, Da Qinmao also uses his official trips within Tang to build his own network.

Tang, Da Menyi, and Da Qinmao—who is using whom, and who is seeking whose benefit—can only be said to have differing perspectives, with a tangled web of relations.

And his long activity within Tang makes Da Qinmao appear indistinguishable from ordinary Tang local officials. If Da Qinmao does not disclose his origin, Fang Chongyong would not recognize him as a Bohai person.

Whether by appearance or dress, it is the same.

"How should I address you?"

Fang Chongyong asked with a smile.

"In Central Plains culture, 'Da' carries the meaning of a leader. Though my surname is Da, I do not wish to be arrogant or quarrelsome. Jiedushi Fang, you may call me Ren An."

Da Qinmao said modestly.

Fang Chongyong nodded slightly; Da Qinmao truly is deeply sinicized and understands the tacit rule in Chinese culture that "heaven's madness brings rain, man's madness brings disaster."

"The surname 'Da' is very ill‑omened; it easily invites disaster."

Conversely, a benevolent person finds peace; doesn't that sound much more pleasant?

Fang Chongyong also had to admit that Da Qinmao is indeed clever.

The ancients called living things "chong". A tiger was a "da chong", a snake a "chang chong", a person a "luo chong", and so on. "Da" thus implies a king or leader; using it as a surname is extremely arrogant and disliked by others.

Bearing a name that naturally draws dislike, can this person's fate ever be good?

Though Da Qinmao's remark is a trivial matter, it shows his mind is very clear.

"So Ren An comes today—what else does he wish to teach me?"

Fang Chongyong asked with a calm expression.

"My second daughter, Da Zhenhui, has been literate and sensible since childhood; a female official has taught her manners, being gentle, courteous, and frugal."

"I wish her to serve Jiedushi's daily life from now on; that is why I have come today."

Da Qinmao stated his purpose straightforwardly.

Huh?

Fang Chongyong thought he had misheard.

In his expectation, this Da Zhenhui should have been prepared for Prince Yong Li Lin.

And Da Qinmao's visit should have been to ask Fang Chongyong to act as intermediary, to help connect with Prince Yong Li Lin and place a bet on him; that would fit ordinary logic!

"You send me a woman, and she's your own biological daughter—what does that even mean?"

Da Qinmao's line of thinking left Fang Chongyong completely baffled.

"Ren An, what you say... this commander does not understand."

Fang Chongyong let out a light sigh and said.

Da Qinmao seemed to guess Fang Chongyong's thought, crossed his arms and bowed, explaining:

"The Bohai Kingdom has no intention of meddling in Tang internal affairs. Though the current Tang Emperor has murdered his father and sovereign, Tang remains the supreme Celestial Empire. Even if a certain prince seeks to restore order, the Bohai Kingdom should not place bets in it, let alone participate."

"Zhenhui Gongzhu serving Prince Yong is highly improper. Entering Chang'an to serve a beastly ruler is even more improper."

"As a father, I only wish her a good destiny."

Da Qinmao's words were sincere, almost tearful.

Though it is clear he did not lie, there is a possibility that Da Qinmao only disclosed part of the truth while concealing a more important part.

Who says a good father cannot be a good politician?

"Ren An, your statement is neither complete nor truthful. If you keep circling around, then there's no need to say more."

Fang Chongyong, who habitually tells half‑truths to deceive, immediately replied with a cold face.

Da Qinmao's expression stiffened, then he let out a long sigh.

"Jiedushi Fang may not be very clear about Bohai affairs. When my master Da Menyi entered the Tang Imperial Palace as a palace guard, it was in the early years of the Kaiyuan era, decades ago."

Now Da Menyi is advanced in age, and his offspring are all incompetent. If those people ascend the throne, the Bohai Kingdom will surely plunge into great chaos.

Although I am far in the Great Tang, I feel deeply pained by this. I wish to make preparations to cope with the disaster, yet I lack any assistance.

When I saw the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army's majestic might, and Fang Jiedushi commanding troops like a deity, my heart was moved, and only then did I devise this plan.

Da Qinmao bowed down and gave Fang Chongyong a deep bow.

Although he did not say it outright, his meaning was already expressed very clearly.

Fang Chongyong silently laughed in his heart; this Da Qinmao had been by Fang Youde's side for two years, learning none of the virtues, yet he understood one thing:

The Son of Heaven favors those with strong troops and fine horses!

But thinking about it, Fang Youde's virtue is obvious. Whoever opposes him is beaten until they submit; whoever reaches their limit must endure from the beginning again.

If there is any virtue left in that fellow Fang Youde, it can only be "martial virtue."

Da Qinmao saw that Fang Youde's son is also strong in troops and horses, capable of war, and now holds a fief. He plans to send a woman to win his favor, letting him support himself to ascend to the throne of the Bohai Kingdom.

Seems to fit a normal person's logic!

As for the Bohai Kingdom's ruler Da Menyi, whether marrying Li Chang or sending a woman to flatter Li Lin, both aim to forge close ties between the Bohai Kingdom and the Great Tang.

Da Qinmao gains not a single benefit from this, yet he must sacrifice a daughter!

Fang Chongyong instantly understood everything.

Da Qinmao's line of thinking is exactly opposite to his uncle Da Menyi's.

Da Menyi hopes to test the Great Tang's strength and weakness by marrying off Zhenhui Gongzhu, while Da Qinmao, having spent many years in the Great Tang, knows its reality inside out. He intends to have the Tang forces intervene in the deposition and enthronement of the Bohai Kingdom's ruler!

Is such a thing normal?

Very normal; Fang Chongyong's opportunistic father Fang Youde did this back then. Without Fang Youde's interference, the current Bohai Kingdom's ruler should be Da Qinmao. The former ruler Da Wuyi, who was ousted by Fang Youde, is Da Qinmao's biological father.

Fang's father drove the "elder father" from the throne, and Fang's son then lifted the "elder son" onto the throne; this cycle of cause and effect… truly marvelous.

"Da Zhenhui may be good, but I do not wish to bring disaster upon her."

Fang Chongyong politely declined.

"I can, through my connections in the Bohai Kingdom, sell warhorses to Fang Jiedushi at a very low price. This can be a steady, long‑term affair, as long as the two sides maintain trade relations."

Da Qinmao, expression unchanged, urged.

Fang Chongyong raised an eyebrow, a hint of smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

Da Zhenhui and the like, he certainly doesn't mind pocketing them. But if it means risking life and death to go to the Bohai Kingdom to support his cheap father‑in‑law's ascent, then it's meaningless; the cost‑benefit ratio is too low.

But a steady supply of high‑quality warhorses… that is indeed possible!

"Trade, such a thing..."

Fang Chongyong rubbed his palms, seeming indecisive.

"There are also some Bohai Kingdom specialties, and additionally, someone is willing to send his third son Da Yingjun as a hostage, serving under the Jiedushi at will."

Da Qinmao gritted his teeth and said.

It is said Da Menyi's health has deteriorated; after his death, who will become ruler has not been decided. Currently, the Bohai Kingdom's internal politics is basically brewing a succession struggle among multiple sons.

If the chance arises, Da Qinmao wants to take a gamble.

"It can be done, but there is something that needs to be changed."

Fang Chongyong thought for a moment, then said in a deep voice.

Da Qinmao's sending a woman in this way, without returning to the southern wall, makes it impossible for Fang Chongyong to decline.

If refused, the other side would be outraged and block Bohai Kingdom's trade, cutting off a revenue route of Xuanwu Town. So we cannot push the other side too hard.

Hearing Fang Chongyong's words, Da Qinmao was overjoyed, quickly kneeling on the ground to request: "Please, Fang Jiedushi, give your command!"

Having been by Fang Youde's side for two years, Da Qinmao understands better than anyone what it means that "having troops makes one a grass‑head king"!

"I don't like the name Da Yingjun; it's too ostentatious.

With keen ears and sharp eyes, that is the way of a minister. Better to call him Da Congming."

Hearing this, Da Qinmao was stunned, never expecting Fang Chongyong to make such a move. He had thought the other side was going to add some condition.

He didn't expect it was just a name change, and only for his own third son's name.

What a ridiculous demand! Changing a name is not even difficult!

Da Qinmao quickly nodded and said, "Fang Jiedushi is absolutely right; Da Congming, that name is good! Thank you, Jiedushi, for bestowing the name!"

The stone in Da Qinmao's heart finally settled.

He then wrote a memorial to Da Menyi, stating that Da Zhenhui and Da Yingjun—no, now called Da Congming—had both drowned to death.

When Da Menyi dies, that will be the moment for him to forcefully take the throne of the Bohai Kingdom.

Da Qinmao's eyes ignited with a blazing fire. He will definitely prove to the Bohai Kingdom's people that what he has lost will one day be reclaimed.

"By the way, since Ren An mentioned trade, please draft a document."

Da Qinmao, still not recovered from his euphoria, heard Fang Chongyong's voice in his ears, calm and solemn.

"Fang Jiedushi, issue the order; Ren An will obey without question."

Da Qinmao lowered his eyebrows and said obediently.

Now, for him, Fang Chongyong is the only hope, the sole hope of taking the Bohai Kingdom.

And no prince, not even the Son of Heaven in Chang'an, could help him.

"Here's the deal: draft a document. From now on, anyone engaging in trade with the Bohai Kingdom must obtain a permit issued by the Dengzhou Fuya.

Without this permit, the trade is illegal. It is believed that similar measures existed before, but from now on they are all nullified."

Fang Chongyong looked at Da Qinmao with a half‑smile, saying.

"I will write it right now, here."

Da Qinmao gave a wry smile; he had intended to play a small trick, but didn't expect Fang Chongyong to see through it.

The reason Da Qinmao is confident to partake in the Bohai Kingdom's internal power struggle is that he controls the commercial clearance procedures there. Only with his permission can merchants conduct business, meaning they must have PY dealings with Da Qinmao's group to trade at the Bohai Kingdom's designated ports.

I didn't expect Fang Chongyong could spot these subtleties at a glance; his intellect and insight truly are not to be underestimated!

He couldn't help but raise his assessment of Fang Chongyong again in his heart.

However, Da Qinmao did not know that these ordinary trade methods were leftovers from Fang Chongyong's exploits in the Hexi Corridor. Whether such a model existed before or not, Fang Chongyong would set it up in Dengzhou.

Then he would seize the forces involved in the trade, finally host a banquet, behead them, and take them as dogs.

……

Sitting at the bow of the sea vessel, Prince Yong Li Lin felt an indescribable surge of vigor.

Licheng borders the Jishui River, and before the Yellow River changed course and eroded Jishui, that river actually ran straight to the sea, with heavy canal traffic. To reach Dengzhou, one could go from Licheng ferry port eastward along Jishui, then board a sea ship at the coast, a very fast route.

It is far faster than overland travel.

"Wei Zichun, what should I say when I meet Fang Qing?"

Li Lin asked Wei Zichun beside him.

Thinking of the unstoppable Yinqiang Xiaojie Army under Fang Chongyong's command, and with Xuanwu Town's Six Prefectures as a base, Li Lin felt that if negotiations in Dengzhou succeeded, his future dominance over Guanzhong would be greatly enhanced!

At the very least, the potential is boundless.

"Your Highness need not overthink; Fang Qing actually also needs us.

Your Highness is the lord, he is the subject, that's all."

Wei Zichun said calmly, his expression indifferent.

Li Lin nodded thoughtfully, without replying.