Chapter 549: From Guest to Host

After reaching an agreement with Da Qinmao, Fang Chongyong summoned Li Quan, Liu Yan, He Changqi, Che Guangqian, Wang Nande, and even his inexpensive father‑in‑law Pei Min to the great hall of Dengzhou Fuya to discuss maritime trade.

"The Bohai Kingdom produces tiger skins, mink skins, bear skins, horses, eastern sea falcons, ginseng, bezoar, musk, kelp, dried fish, eagles, Maya cups, amber cups, purple porcelain basins and the like; once the sea route reaches Dengzhou, merchants will buy them, yielding hefty profit.

The Bohai Kingdom also needs the grain, silk, tea, porcelain and other goods produced by our Great Tang.

Can we still make this trade?

Fang Chongyong looked around at the crowd and asked.

Everyone in the hall lowered their heads, murmuring silently, weighing pros and cons in their hearts.

In chaotic times, the struggle is for territory.

To fight for territory you must wage war; to wage war you must raise troops; raising troops requires massive supplies!

In short, whatever policy you adopt to raise troops, money is the foundation!

Where does the money come from?

One way is to brutally squeeze the local peasants; another is maritime trade, exchanging goods with the Bohai Kingdom.

Using their high‑value specialties to exchange for grain and the like, then shipping back to the Bohai Kingdom, the profit on each round‑trip is almost unbelievable.

In this way, the burden on the populace in our jurisdiction can be minimized. When the people's burden lightens, they will support the regime and eagerly enlist.

So maritime trade may seem unimportant, but in fact it decides success or failure.

Not doing it is not an option.

The way of life on Bohai lands was originally based on fishing and hunting, with a very backward economic model.

After they contacted the Great Tang, productivity quickly rose through exchange, accompanied by rapid upgrades of social institutions.

Consequently, the population surged as well.

However, this growth hits a bottleneck. Places that cannot grow grain still cannot.

This is the limitation of productivity development; it is not reflected in numbers but in concrete consumable outputs, each of which is irreplaceable.

No matter how the Bohai economy develops, even if they produce many handicraft by‑products, these items cannot be consumed locally and can only be traded.

Not enough grain to eat, not enough cloth to wear—such basic needs cap the Bohai Kingdom's ceiling.

This is also why Da Wu Yi went mad and wanted to confront the Great Tang directly; the Bohai people also want to obtain quality arable land!

But this effort was harshly rebuked by the Great Tang, specifically by Fang Youde.

Therefore Da Menyi changed his approach: he chose to strengthen maritime trade, swapping local specialties for grain, silk and other necessities.

From the later events, Da Menyi's thinking proved correct and benefited both peoples.

In Fang Chongyong's vision, Bianzhou serves as the production‑distribution hub, Dengzhou as the import‑export hub, with canals and seaports as the economic lifelines, creating a full‑chain maritime trade.

Can such a business be undertaken?

The answer is not only yes, but in the future it can easily extend its reach to the two Huais and Jiangnan, thereby conquering those territories.

With this economic strength, maintaining fifty thousand elite soldiers is no problem, right? If we stick to the traditional farming route, scraping money from the miserable peasants, how much can we actually earn?

Fang Chongyong crossed his arms, sat on the main seat of the hall and waited quietly.

"Jiedushi, this maritime trade can certainly be done.

However, the Hebei bandit army poses a great threat to us; if we have no bridgehead on the north bank of the Yellow River, it will be hard to safely implement maritime policy in Dengzhou.

I suggest, Jiedushi, that this winter we dispatch troops to cross the river and seize Di Zhou, which lies on the opposite bank of the Yellow River and is adjacent to the coast.

There we can dig deep trenches and build fortifications to await the enemy.

When fighting, we should engage the Hebei bandits in Di Zhou, not drag the flames onto the south bank of the Yellow River.

Li Quan saluted Fang Chongyong with a crossed‑hand gesture and said.

Hearing this, several generals leading troops nodded continuously. One must admit, Li Quan does have a strategic eye.

Dengzhou has a drawback: the sea route is too close to Hebei. If we don't establish a bridgehead on the north bank of the Yellow River, someone might devise a scheme to sail ships and raid Dengzhou's Penglai Port.

Those people wouldn't even need to occupy Dengzhou; they only need to set fire to Penglai Port. This harbor's history spans several hundred years, older than the Great Tang's.

Once burned to ashes, rebuilding it would not be completed until the Year of the Monkey and the Month of the Horse.

Li Quan's suggestion is forward‑looking; before the enemy strikes us, we first plant a needle in their backside—better safe than sorry.

"What do you all think?"

Fang Chongyong looked around and asked.

Che Guangqian, Wang Nande and others were displeased with Li Quan's previous antics. Even though this time his suggestion was reasonable, they would not agree, keeping their heads down in silence.

"Since no one objects, let's proceed with this as soon as the Yellow River freezes."

Fang Chongyong gave the final word, firmly supporting Li Quan's plan.

"We will faithfully obey the Jiedushi's command."

The crowd said in unison.

Previously staying silent to show attitude was fine; now stepping forward to oppose would insult Fang Chongyong, and such a thing cannot be done.

"Aside from this, what is the next step?"

Fang Chongyong looked at Li Quan and asked.

"The next step…"

Li Quan stroked his beard, pondered briefly, and said:

"The next step, Yinqiang Xiaojie Army will hold Bianzhou, defending against possible attacks from the west and north."

"We also need to raise another force in Dengzhou, without horses, relying on sea vessels."

"If the Hebei bandit army remains idle, this force can move south along the coast to seize territories, especially the southern coastal stronghold Haizhou, which must be taken."

The Yinqiang Xiaojie Army returning to its garrison and holding Bianzhou is a given. Li Quan's real proposal is simply to establish a navy, using the sea route to occupy coastal prefectures including Haizhou (and Lianyun Port).

Implementing this move poses no difficulty; the troops in Dengzhou are already available.

Of course, mixing maritime trade with building a navy centered on sea ships indeed surprised Che Guangqian and the others.

"Jiedushi, are you saying that this subordinate should eat sea fish from now on?"

He Changqi scratched his head and asked.

Upon hearing this, Li Xun explained: "If the Hebei bandit army does not come, we can split our forces and move south to seize territory, using the Huai River as the boundary. After consolidating our holdings, we will then consider crossing the Huai River."

So that's how it is.

Hold Bianzhou to preserve the basic base, attempt a maritime route to occupy coastal prefectures along the shoreline, and finally, based on the enemy's reaction, decide whether to expand southward.

It must be said that Li Xun's combined strategy is thoroughly considered and quite practicable in execution.

He accounted for what must be done, what is likely to succeed, and what requires seizing opportunities.

He Changqi let out an "oh", retreated to his original spot, and fell silent.

"Che Guangqian, from today you will serve as the Inspection and Management Commissioner of the two Denglei prefectures, the Training Commander of Dengzhou, and the Naval Commander."

Take this document written by Da Qinmao and recruit soldiers at Penglai Gang.

You will bring three hundred troops from your own unit as the core. As for these appointments, they are to be executed first and reported later; after the main army returns to Bianzhou, I will submit a memorial to the court to formalize the paperwork for you.

Fang Chongyong stepped forward and handed the document written by Da Qinmao to Che Guangqian.

"Thank you, Jiedushi!"

Che Guangqian hurriedly knelt on the ground and performed a full prostration. Onlookers cast envious glances, their hearts aflame.

Since someone has already been dispatched to command a separate army, successors will naturally follow. As the territory expands, new military commissioners, even new military governors, will emerge.

As for whether the court acknowledges it or not… it makes no difference at all.

If negotiations with Li Lin succeed, we get Li Lin's seal; if they fail, we obtain Li Chang's seal.

Holding a sword in hand, are you still worried about not finding a seal?

That doesn't exist.

Fang Chongyong's mind is crystal clear; this is already an era of warlords dividing the realm. As for the emperor's edicts, let him play with them alone inside Chang'an city.

He helped Che Guangqian to his feet and patiently instructed: "Those who trade on the sea are the kind who lick blood from the blade. Apply both kindness and force, but prioritize force. When necessary, kill to establish authority."

"Subordinate understands!"

Che Guangqian clasped his fists in salute and said.

"Wang Nande, from today you will serve as the Inspection and Management Commissioner of the two Xusi prefectures, the Recruitment and Suppression Commissioner of North Huai, and build an army with three hundred troops from your unit as the core."

After the main army enters Bianzhou for refitting, you will select soldiers from the six prefectures' united troops in Xuanwu Town to form the new Wuning Army, serving as its commander.

When the opportunity arises, lead the Wuning Army to seize territory north of the Huai River.

"Understood!"

Wang Nande, excited, clasped his fists in salute.

Fang Chongyong looked at Duan Xiushi and said:

"From today, you will be the Surveyor of the two Songbo prefectures and the agricultural officer of the six Xuanwu prefectures."

Establish the Zhongwu Army, serve as its commander, recruit primarily displaced people west of Bianzhou to form the troops, which will be stationed in these two prefectures.

Your unit will focus on construction, both soldiers and farmers, not taking part in external campaigns, at most defending cities. Since you need not fight outside your own prefecture, I will not assign you any veterans from the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army.

"Understood!"

Duan Xiushi clasped his fists in salute and said.

Fang Chongyong bestowed a slew of titles on Duan Xiushi, but the core purpose was simply: to establish a professional logistics support force!

"Wang Yanshu and Li Sheng will serve as the ten generals of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army, filling the vacancies."

With a single sentence, Fang Chongyong placed his own relatives into the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army. Whether they are competent, the battlefield will answer.

"Li Xun is the Marching Staff Officer, responsible for strategy and planning."

Fang Chongyong continued to appoint new positions to his subordinates.

"Jiedushi, what about me?"

He Changqi grew anxious; everything has been arranged, how could he be left out?

Fang Chongyong ignored him, looked at Jia Dan, pointed at him and said: "From today, you will be the Staff Officer of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army, tasked with drawing all kinds of maps. As for your title, I will petition the court on your behalf."

Can a passing rank in the imperial examination also be requested?

Under normal circumstances, of course not.

But the current Great Tang is fundamentally an 'abnormal' situation!

A regional military governor can easily request a passing examination slot.

Jia Dan froze on the spot, not knowing what to say.

What on earth is this about!

But Fang Chongyong's meaning was clear: aren't you looking for a commission? I am the greatest power; just submit to me, and I will directly assign you a job!

Seeing Jia Dan remain silent, Fang Chongyong stared at him with a half‑smile and reminded: "I heard you have arranged a marriage with Miss Su of the Su family from Wugong. Don't you want to settle your career first, then return to Wugong County to marry Miss Su? Or do you expect her to wait five, ten, twenty years?"

Upon hearing this, Jia Dan stopped hesitating.

The marriage was already a bit of a climb for their family, originally planned to be completed after passing the imperial exams. But given the current situation, it seems the court will not hold exams in the near future.

"I accept the order."

Jia Dan let out a light sigh, and Fang Chongyong crossed his arms and saluted.

"Liu Yan will serve as the Riverway Commissioner and the Logistics Officer of Xuanwu Town. He will manage transportation and dredging of all rivers under the six prefectures of Xuanwu Town, as well as customs revenue and expenditures."

A new riverine navy will be established, based in Bianzhou, with Guan Chongsi as its commander, responsible for daily maintenance and anti‑bandit operations.

Fang Chongyong issued another military order, still without specifying what He Changqi was to do.

He Laohu, standing nearby, was so anxious he nearly cried.

The onlookers all watched with a desire for spectacle, staring at He Changqi as if waiting for him to make a fool of himself.

"He Changqi, from today you will serve as the military governor of the Xuanwu Army."

I, the commander, continue to serve as the military envoy of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army, and have detached from the Xuanwu Town chain. As for where the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army will belong in the future, I have other arrangements.

Fang Chongyong said something that no one dared to believe.

He Changqi was also dumbfounded.

If He Changqi becomes the Jiedushi of the Xuanwu Army, what will Fang Chongyong do?

"Jiedushi! Jiedushi, this cannot be allowed!"

He Changqi was so frightened that he knelt on the ground, babbling incoherently.

No matter how much Fang Chongyong trusts him, he still cannot hand over the six prefectures of Xuanwu Town to him! He Laohu doesn't understand; if he himself becomes the Jiedushi of the Xuanwu Army, where will Fang Chongyong go?

However, the people beside them, such as Che Guangqian and the others, managed to guess some of the inside details.

From the previous arrangements… the position of Jiedushi of the Xuanwu Army seems to have many of its functions preemptively stripped away. For example, the governance of Songzhou and Bozhou has already been divided out.

If Fang Chongyong no longer serves as the Jiedushi of the Xuanwu Army, then… he must have a more important appointment on the way.

"Do it properly! Take your own troops and recruit soldiers yourself. I, the commander, will not indulge you."

Fang Chongyong laughed and scolded, then helped He Changqi to his feet.

"Everyone disperse; after handling the affairs of Dengzhou, we will set out back to Bianzhou."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand and said.

Everyone lingered reluctantly to leave, wanting to ask but not knowing how to start, because there were too many things to inquire about.

Only Pei Min, the father‑in‑law, stayed behind alone.

Seeing that he seemed to have something to ask, Fang Chongyong invited him to the study for a chat.

After the two sat down, Pei Min finally asked with a puzzled expression, "Today's Jiedushi is delegating authority like this, which is rather confusing."

"I have a scheme to turn the guest into the host: to support Prince Yong Li Lin, enthrone him in Bianzhou, appoint civil and military officials, expand the scope of Kaifeng City, and build a new capital."

Fang Chongyong said calmly, his expression indifferent.

Huh?

The scheming Pei Min was also startled by this proposal. If so, Fang Chongyong's plot became evident.

He wants to become Prime Minister and Grand Commander of all armies!

The Yinqiang Xiaojie Army should be directly expanded into the Imperial Guard!

This is also why Fang Chongyong wants to split Xuanwu Town and other territories: when Li Lin places his confidants, he preemptively blocks the key positions!

Then, using political maneuvers, he gradually sidelines Li Lin.

As long as Fang Chongyong can keep winning battles, sidelining Li Lin will be extremely easy.

Of course, if he keeps losing, sorry, the power already in his hands will gradually be divided away.

"Chang'an, limited by the Grand Canal, is no longer suitable as a nation's capital; its future decline is inevitable.

Rather than racing to enter Guanzhong only to be choked off, it is better to make Bianzhou the core and plan gradually.

Lay a solid foundation, attract talent from all quarters, and there will be plenty of time to pacify the world."

Fang Chongyong let out a long sigh and said.

Obviously, he does not wish to tunnel into the dead‑end of Guanzhong.

Whether the Guanzhong power elites or the Hebei aristocratic families, they cannot be relied upon. His fundamental base is not these people at all.

If Chang'an is the goal, then after Li Lin reaches Guanzhong, there may be a large group of die‑hard loyalists opposing him and Fang someone. Moreover, Chang'an is too conspicuous; anyone who enters gets trapped inside and cannot move.

Instead of that, it is better to plan the layout with Bianzhou as the core.

"This is an unprecedented attempt, sigh!"

Pei Min let out a long sigh, not knowing what to say.

One must admit, Fang Chongyong's strategic thinking is very novel, but whether it works remains to be seen.