Chapter 551: Seemingly Perfect Alliance

A sprawling seaport, towering docks that block the sky and sun, rows of ships packed side by side, and the salty, briny sea breeze blowing head‑on.

All of these refresh the mind and spirit, letting one directly feel the ocean's magnanimity.

But Prince Yong Li Lin's face was as gloomy as a sea about to erupt in a tsunami—black as a pot's bottom, teetering on the brink of eruption.

"General Che, since Fang Jiedushi claims to be ill, shall we go pay him a visit?"

Wei Zichun stepped forward, crossed his arms and saluted Che Guangqian, saying that he was far more scheming than Prince Yong Li Lin.

How could there be such a coincidence in the world—Fang Chongyong neither fell ill early nor late, yet Li Lin became sick the moment he arrived at Dengzhou?

Perhaps the illness is a pretense; the test is genuine.

Sure enough, Che Guangqian wore a troubled expression and said, "It may be inconvenient; perhaps His Highness Prince Yong could stay at the seaport for a few days, that would be fine."

The seaport is damp; although the authorities have built many houses here, they are essentially for the sailors, and people from all walks of life are present, making the environment poor.

No matter what Prince Yong Li Lin says, he is a prince; how could he live here?

Che Guangqian's point was plain: love can wait, but not forever; I have no use for you.

"Your Highness, if you return to Qi Prefecture, you may tarnish your reputation; it would be better to endure for now."

Wei Zichun whispered a suggestion into Li Lin's ear.

Either don't come at all, or if you come, demand a result; there's no logic in turning back halfway.

Li Lin's face as still as water, he nodded, inhaled deeply, and thus accepted the suggestion.

What else could he do but refuse?

Fang Chongyong commands elite troops, and he himself can lead soldiers into battle!

These days there's no shortage of smooth talkers, but finding a big‑wig who bears arms and commands countless elite warriors is rare!

Now it isn't Fang Chongyong who is seeking Li Lin; in fact, Fang Chongyong has many options, and Li Lin is merely the best, not the only, choice.

Li Bai stood aside, his complexion alternating between green and white. He had previously sworn solemnly to Prince Yong, but when the moment arrived, he was set up, truly leaving him speechless.

"Please, General Che, convey a message on my behalf."

Wei Zichun stepped forward to smooth things over, saying.

"Hmm, that's natural."

Che Guangqian spoke in official tone, while thinking of Fang Chongyong's earlier orders: to keep Prince Yong waiting for an hour before speaking.

He also vaguely guessed that Fang Chongyong intended to support Prince Yong's ascent, raising a banner to punish the current tyrannical, patricidal emperor. In that way, it explains why Fang Chongyong yesterday distributed authority broadly to his trusted subordinates.

This is to draw the big pie and allocate the spoils before Prince Yong arrives. In the future, even if Li Lin tries to place his own people, he'll find the key positions already blocked by Fang Chongyong's confidants.

The officials are already sealed; if you try to go back, those low‑rank officials' knives aren't meek. They just lifted you to power, you just snatched someone else's post, what you'll do next is unimaginable!

Aren't you afraid the grassroots low‑rank officials will cause a stir?

After Che Guangqian understood this round, he instantly admired Fang Chongyong's flawless execution and pre‑emptive scheming.

Even before negotiations began, they had already cornered Prince Yong Li Lin tightly and arranged everything clearly.

They waited and waited; an hour passed, and noon approached. Just as Li Lin and his party grew impatient, a figure jogged from afar, drenched in sweat—undoubtedly Fang Chongyong.

At that moment he wore a nightgown, looking somewhat disheveled, and upon meeting Prince Yong he crossed his arms, bowed, and exclaimed, "I, your humble servant, am ill; I did not expect Your Highness to arrive—deadly sin, deadly sin!"

Hearing this, Li Lin and the others were at a loss for words. They knew Fang Chongyong was acting, yet could not call him out on the spot.

He says he's ill—do you really intend to fetch a physician to examine him?

That's the ladder handed over to push you off the stage. Now anyone who tells the truth looks awkward; it's best for everyone to play dumb.

Wei Zichun hurried forward, saluted Fang Chongyong, and said, "Fang Jiedushi, you are exceedingly courteous—ill yet still coming to the seaport to greet us, truly moving."

Prince Yong said nothing, but modestly gave Fang Chongyong a slight nod.

"This is not a place for conversation; please proceed to the office study for a discussion."

Fang Chongyong made a gesturing invitation.

Li Lin and Wei Zichun and the others silently breathed a sigh of relief.

Since Fang Chongyong didn't come, they felt like a wolf struck by a bamboo pole—afraid on both sides, unable to lose face and leave, and full of anxiety.

Now there is a step down, so it's natural they won't pursue Fang Chongyong's earlier 'neglect' of this group.

Clearly they were set up, yet now they must meekly restrain their temper. The marvel of human nature is truly indescribable.

The party arrived at the Dengzhou Fuya study, sat down, and Wei Zichun gave Li Bai a glance, signaling that he could exit the study.

However, Li Bai, as if oblivious to the expression, sat steadily beside Prince Yong Li Lin, not moving a hair.

Seeing this, Fang Chongyong chuckled inwardly.

Li Bai probably had no idea how huge an impact today's meeting would have on Li Lin. One could say without exaggeration that the outcome would be as significant for Li Lin as being reborn!

To prevent outsiders from causing trouble, Li Lin even left his trusted eunuch Gao Shang in Qi Prefecture, not bringing him along!

He feared that the private‑grievance official would ruin the deal between him and Fang Chongyong.

Li Bai's status, his standing within the royal residence, and his habit of bragging when drunk, were insufficient for him to know the hidden details.

In short, the PY transaction between Li Lin and Fang Chongyong is better known by as few as possible. Li Bai's rank and character are not worthy of knowing.

"Brother Taibai, my subordinate Liu Yan has been a prodigy since childhood and greatly admires your poetry. He is now on duty at the Dengzhou Fuya; could you mentor his verses?"

Fang Chongyong smiled and asked.

Li Lin glanced at Li Bai, a look of displeasure on his face, but did not flare up.

Since the matter had been raised, Li Bai had to stand, bow to the crowd, and then hastily excused himself.

Li Lin looked at Li Quan beside Fang Chongyong, seeing that he was a fresh face.

But Fang Chongyong refused to introduce him, so Li Lin suppressed his inner doubt and said to Fang Chongyong: "I have already read the letter from Fang Jiedushi. He said I should come to Dengzhou for a face‑to‑face discussion, so I came."

"Some matters are not convenient to detail in a letter.

I, the commander, only wish to ask Your Highness one question: regarding what happened in Chang'an, and the matter of Li Chang's regicide, how do you view it?"

Fang Chongyong suppressed his smile, adopted a serious tone, and asked.

How do you view it?

Li Lan and Wei Zichun exchanged a glance, secretly feeling relieved.

Before arriving, Li Lan had already discussed with his staff and guessed what Fang Chongyong might say. This question had already been answered by Li Lan and Wei Zichun earlier, and a consensus had been reached with the people in their staff circle.

"Patricide and regicide, inciting the wrath of both men and gods. Though I am far in Qizhou, I think constantly of returning to Chang'an to set things right and tearing Li Chang, this treacherous traitor, to pieces!"

Li Lan spoke passionately, repeatedly pounding the table. Of course, there was no sorrow over his father's death; the chance to vie for the throne thrilled him.

"Although Li Chang has committed patricide, he is still the Son of Heaven. Your Highness's desire to restore order certainly eases the minds of countless loyal ministers and generals."

But dust does not clear itself; it will not depart on its own. Does Your Highness have a good plan to eliminate the remnants and the tyranny?

Or perhaps you only have the will to kill the traitor, but lack the power to set things right?

Fang Chongyong asked casually, speaking very slowly, lest Prince Yong Li Lan not understand.

Li Lan, without showing emotion, gave Wei Zichun a subtle glance; the latter crossed his arms in salute to Fang Chongyong and sighed, "Li Chang has strong troops at his side, and the court officials shield his atrocities. We have the will to kill the traitor, but lack the power to set things right, making Fang Jiedushi look foolish."

"Indeed, the Tianping Army commands fewer than ten thousand troops and has no capable generals; maintaining the three provinces is already very difficult. Advancing westward to Chang'an is truly beyond our capability."

Li Lan also sighed heavily beside them, harmonizing with Wei Zichun.

In fact those words were on the tip of their tongues, but the two held back, waiting for Fang Chongyong to speak.

"Alas, Xuanwu Town, no matter what, is still a fanzhen obeying the court. Though Li Chang is cruel and unkind, he still claims the great cause, and the Jiedushi and his troops cannot defy his orders."

Jiedushi, Xuanwu Town borders Tianping Town; if the Son of Heaven later orders a campaign against Prince Yong, surely the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army would be the vanguard.

When that time comes, you must let the prince ride a horse; you cannot be the one who harms the kin and delights the foe!

Li Quan, who had been watching the scene in silence for a long time, suddenly spoke to persuade Fang Chongyong.

"What Li Sima said is indeed true; at that time, I will certainly issue an order to open a passage, leaving a safe route for Prince Yong to depart."

Fang Chongyong nodded slightly, echoing Li Quan.

Li Lan has an aide, and he does too! Moreover, this aide is also very talkative.

"The Son of Heaven is tyrannical and lawless; how can the Jiedushi aid such cruelty?"

Wei Zichun asked.

"Hey, you can't put it that way."

Feeding on the emperor's stipend and bearing his worries, even if Li Chang is more tyrannical, he is still an enthroned Son of Heaven.

Even Prince Yong refuses to avenge his father, refuses to raise the banner of rebellion to restore order; how can we ministers then step forward?

Holding the court's salary, we must at least do something for the court; that is the way of loyalty to the ruler, right?

Li Quan calmly explained on behalf of Fang Chongyong, his tone even and easygoing, yet it left Li Lan and Wei Zichun feeling as if they had punched cotton.

Li Lan then realized he had missed a crucial step: issuing a proclamation to suppress the rebellion.

Without a proclamation, how can outsiders know your true stance?

If you don't issue the proclamation, though your title is Prince Yong, your office is still the court‑appointed Tianping Army Jiedushi!

A fanzhen exists to guard the central authority; how can you entertain thoughts of rebellion in your heart?

From the perspective of loyalty to the ruler, you should unconditionally support Li Chang!

If not, you should now issue the proclamation and sever ties with the court!

Now Li Lan has not issued the proclamation; regardless of his inner thoughts or what he tells outsiders, it cannot show that he upholds the intention to attack the court.

Not even issuing a proclamation, what excuse can you give!

Li Quan's words were to the point, voicing everything Fang Chongyong found inconvenient to say.

Now the issue has come full circle and returned.

Li Lan needs Fang Chongyong's full support precisely to issue the proclamation; whether it's the elite Yinqiang Xiaojie Army or Xuanwu Town's six prefectures, they can greatly boost his strength.

However, without a proclamation, Fang Chongyong says he doesn't know whether Prince Yong is discussing 'major affairs' here, or merely venting grievances, or just playing around.

He still refuses to state his full support.

Thus it falls into the deadlock of 'which came first, the chicken or the egg.'

Wei Zichun and Li Lan exchanged another glance, each seeing the other's helplessness.

Indeed, events are developing in the direction they most wish to avoid.

Fang Chongyong is utterly impenetrable; as long as Li Lan gives no commitment, he will keep playing Tai Chi, never laying out his plan fully.

At this moment, who begs whom, who cannot part from whom, becomes crucial.

Fang Chongyong has many options, while Li Lan's choices are few; aside from Xuanwu Town and the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army, he truly has little else.

Who is weaker is obvious at a glance.

In fact, even if Fang Chongyong were foolish, seeing Li Lan arrive at Dengzhou with his staff, he understands who is more urgent.

Since he's already here, it must be Li Lan who is more urgent. No matter what tricks Li Lan uses in this negotiation, this fact cannot be hidden.

"Fang Jiedushi, the Tang Dynasty now faces a life‑or‑death autumn; please lend me a helping hand to restore order, eliminate the remnants and tyranny, and revive the glory of Tang!"

With your aid, I will immediately raise the banner of rebellion and issue the proclamation against the rebels!

Li Lan bowed down and gave Fang Chongyong a deep bow.

"Impossible, impossible; Your Highness, please rise quickly."

Fang Chongyong hurried forward and helped Li Lan to his feet.

He grasped the prince's hands and said, "Patricide and regicide, a reversal of the heavens. Li Chang has lost virtue and is unfit to be Son of Heaven. I, together with the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army's soldiers and the people under Xuanwu Town's governance, are willing to serve Your Highness as lord, raise the banner of righteousness, and campaign against the lawless court."

It's done!

Li Lan and Wei Zichun's faces instantly brightened; both were overjoyed!

Immediately after, Fang Chongyong spoke again:

"Bianzhou is prosperous and well‑connected, and also the garrison of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army. Your Highness need not return to Qizhou; tomorrow we will go to Bianzhou together. The coronation ceremony must begin preparations; it cannot be delayed."

Huh?

Li Lin and Wei Zichun were both startled; they just wanted to raise the rebel flag—how could talk of enthronement and declaring emperorship even begin?

"Lord Fang Jiedushi, issuing a proclamation against the rebels is appropriate, but what is this enthronement ceremony all about?"

Wei Zichun asked doubtfully.

Who would have thought Fang Chongyong would calmly wave his hand and say:

"Your Highness, if the name is not correct, words will not be smooth; if words are not smooth, undertakings will be difficult."

"Those who follow Your Highness also hope you are the Son of Heaven, ruling by Heaven's mandate; only then will more people willingly submit to you."

"The officials of Chang'an cover up Li Chang's atrocities, aiding the tyrant—how could you possibly compromise with them?"

"If you ascend the throne in Bianzhou and use it as a base, you can slowly plan—if it fails in three years, try five; if five fails, try ten."

"Rest assured, those who follow you will be rewarded, and they will be at ease."

"Thus you can advance to take Chang'an, or retreat without losing your hold on Henan—isn't that the best of both worlds?"

"Neither Wei Zichun nor Li Lin expected Fang Chongyong to speak so bluntly, almost without reservation."

"Fang Chongyong feared Li Lin was too dull to understand, so he didn't even bother with a fig leaf—he laid out his demands directly."

"If you don't take the throne and declare emperorship, what will become of the status of those who follow you?"

"Without declaring emperorship, how much money can you give them as rewards? What official posts can you grant them? Under what name will you levy taxes on the territories you control?"

"If you are merely a prince, a close relative of the imperial clan serving as the Pinglu Army's military commissioner, what can you offer your subordinates?"

"What qualifications do you have to grant them official posts?"

"This isn't something that can be brushed off with a mere slogan like 'restoring order and righteousness'!"

"Even Wei Zichun now dares not stand up to oppose Fang Chongyong's proposal, for rejecting it would be to betray the staff serving under Prince Yong."

"If you merely call yourself king, I fear the people will not submit!"

"If Your Highness agrees, I—your humble servant—will rebuild Kaifeng City and construct a new capital in Bianzhou; I will set up an altar to prepare the Heaven sacrifice ritual, select officials, and here swear to suppress the rebels and issue a proclamation to announce it to the world."

"Your Highness, what do you think?"

"There are too many people called Your Highness; it would be better to call you Your Majesty."

"Fang Chongyong spoke bluntly, which amounted to laying out his own terms."

"If you issue a proclamation but do not take the throne and declare emperorship, it's worthless—once Chang'an issues an edict, your followers will all desert!"

"Fang Chongyong pointed Li Lin toward a 'bright path'."

"How?"

"Li Lin leaned close to Wei Zichun's ear and asked in a low voice. At this moment his heart was in great turmoil, and the other's mind was also torn."

"One must say, Fang Chongyong's proposal really hit the vital point."

"Everyone follows Li Lin, and though they call him 'Your Highness,' they actually hope to gain merit by submitting to the dragon; otherwise, as a prince's aide, what ambitions could they pursue, and what would be the point?"

"If Li Lin does not take the throne, once an edict comes from Chang'an granting offices to his retainers, who would still want to stay?"

"Or rather, under what pretext would they remain?"

"Your Highness, Lord Fang Jiedushi's words are indeed sound; now we are like an arrow on the bowstring—we have no choice but to release it."

"Wei Zichun spoke carefully. He now understood that they had set foot on a road with no return, and could not turn back."

"Since we are going ahead, let us cast aside all distractions and boldly move forward!"

"Hesitation only leads to defeat!"