Chapter 555: Human Nature Can't Withstand the Test

The terrain of Yidu in the Qingzhou Prefecture is quite favorable for defense.

To the west and southwest are mountains; the city lies on the south side of the main road. Bypassing the mountains and walking along the west, one can reach Licheng directly.

However, the road is rather wild, with bandits rampant. In the late Sui period, it was said the grass grew taller than a person, and those traveling in groups often could not see the people ahead.

He Lan Jinming garrisoned Yidu, training three thousand Tuanjie Soldiers, which could be called a reckless militarization. It shows he is a "forward‑thinking" man.

Of course, although he recruited many troops, their training level was nonexistent.

Thus He Lan Jinming recruited a retired veteran from Hexi named Liu Zhan to train and manage the army. In addition, Fang Guan, who was removed as chancellor after only a few days, had his associate Deng Jingshan demoted to Sima in Qingzhou.

Now Di Wuqi, Minister of Revenue, has taken over Fang Guan's political legacy, and the latter is seeking a resurgence.

Fang Guan's confidants naturally banded together with Di Wuqi's, so He Lan Jinming, a staunch aide of Di Wuqi, handed all Qingzhou affairs to Deng Jingshan, treating him as one of his own.

Simply put, compared with Zheng Xu, the Prefect of Lai Zhou who is addicted to goofing off, He Lan Jinming is very "ambitious". He now lives like a petty emperor, with Deng Jingshan handling civil matters and Liu Zhan handling military affairs, and his days are quite pleasant.

However, word reached that the Eternal King Li Lin was marching south from Dengzhou, accompanied by Fang Chongyong and the invincible Yinqiang Xiaojie Army that sweeps Hebei.

He Lan Jinming immediately became restless.

But he worried about internal instability, so he kept a calm façade, subtly signaling inside and out that "the advantage is ours".

When the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army finally arrived outside Yidu City, He Lan Jinming grew frantic, summoned his staff for a meeting to discuss a plan.

However, while it was fine that He Lan Jinming, Liu Zhan, and Deng Jingshan did not meet, the moment they did, three different opinions emerged!

Although Liu Zhan is a warrior, he firmly demanded opening the city gates and surrendering to the Eternal King.

There is only one reason: outside there is a strong enemy, inside there are no elite troops, not even reinforcements—what can they use to defend the city?

Defending the city is tantamount to suicide!

Deng Jingshan, however, resolutely opposed opening the gates; the reason is simple: he is Di Wuqi's confidant, and Di Wuqi is now Minister of Revenue in Chang'an. Surrendering to Li Lin now would be like having his head smashed by a door.

That would be leaving a stain on himself, ruining his future.

Even a death battle and capture is acceptable; at least it is passive.

Yet He Lan Jinming still had a scoundrel's mindset: surrender is impossible, but "surrendering in spirit" is permissible.

In short, he hopes to ally with the Eternal King Li Lin while keeping everything within Qingzhou unchanged. Put more bluntly, he will obey the summons but ignore the proclamation, refusing to accept the opponent's appointed officials or tax contributions to the provincial treasury.

Because He Lan Jinming now sees that the Eternal King Li Lin is very likely to ascend the throne and become emperor, yet he cannot yet tell which faction will be the ultimate victor after the king's rebellion.

If the court in Chang'an is the ultimate winner, then allying with Li Lin would make him a rebel, wouldn't it?

He Lan Jinming sees clearly: don't place bets early; whoever wins in the end, he will follow that winner!

"Yidu City is certainly indefensible; the Tuanjie Soldiers cannot match the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army."

He Lan Jinming said to Liu Zhan.

He then turned to Deng Jingshan and said, "But we cannot surrender to the Eternal King; that would make us rebels against the court."

We cannot hold, yet we refuse to surrender. Faced with He Lan Jinming's "want both" dilemma, Liu Zhan and Deng Jingshan both felt rather helpless.

"Lord, the Eternal King's elite troops are outside; whether we fight or make peace, we need a clear signal!"

Liu Zhan wore a wry smile, speaking while sighing.

These damn scholars have nothing but nonsense in their heads! Liu Zhan cursed inwardly, though he refused to show it on his face.

"Lord! A letter has been shot in from outside the city; please review it!"

A personal guard hurried into the main hall of the Qingzhou Prefecture Office, handing a arrow with a bound letter to the sorrowful He Lan Jinming.

"Alas!"

He feigned a light sigh, opened the letter, and his heart instantly sank to the bottom of a valley.

It boldly read: "Qingzhou Prefect He Lan Jinming has committed heinous deeds, inciting the wrath of both mortals and deities. If Yidu City hands over He Lan Jinming, the other officials may retain their original posts unchanged. Moreover, the Eternal King's Highness and the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army will not act harshly toward the Tuanjie Soldiers or the civilians within the city."

Otherwise, all those in Yidu City who are aware will be regarded as accomplices in tyranny, and on the day the city falls, they will be killed without mercy.

Seeing this letter addressed specifically to him, He Lan Jinming was both shocked and angry, instinctively reaching to tear it apart, but Liu Zhan's iron‑clad hands seized his wrist!

Everything happened in an instant; Deng Jingshan, seated nearby, had no time to react.

"Lord, the lives of tens of thousands inside Yidu City hang in the balance; to tear the letter so brutally seems overly arbitrary, doesn't it?"

He snatched the letter from He Lan Jinming's hand, read it hastily, and a cold glint flashed in his eyes, his face breaking into a terrifying sneer.

"Take a look yourself!"

Liu Zhan handed the letter to Deng Jingshan, whose expression was likewise complicated after reading it.

Is one person more important, or is an entire city more important?

This question is hard to answer; Deng Jingshan and He Lan Jinming have little personal connection. Deep down, his dark thoughts actually think that sending He Lan Jinming away would safeguard all of Yidu's inhabitants—a great kindness.

But from a standpoint of justice and morality, such an act is highly unethical and despicable.

Moreover, it cannot guarantee that the Eternal King Li Lin will keep his word; after eliminating He Lan Jinming, he might still turn on others.

Deng Jingshan's expression shifted unpredictably, making He Lan Jinming feel his heart rise to his throat.

At this critical moment, a flash of white light burst in the hall, and blood instantly splattered across Deng Jingshan's face!

He Lan Jinming collapsed limply on the ground, fresh blood gushing from his neck.

Liu Zhan, his face icy, handed the Tang sword hanging at his waist to Deng Jingshan, ordering, "You also strike a blow; he hasn't breathed his last yet, so you can send him on his way!"

Deng Jingshan had no doubt that if he didn't act, Liu Zhan would make him join He Lan Jinming in "going the same way."

"Sorry about that."

Deng Jingshan saw He Lan Jinming lying on the ground, eyes wide staring at him; suppressing his inner discomfort, he thrust a blade into the man's neck, then another.

With that, He Lan Jinming finally died completely.

This Qingzhou Prefect never understood, even in death, why Liu Zhan—whom he had promoted—could become a colonel among the Tuanjie Soldiers and then turn his blade on his benefactor.

On what authority does Liu Zhan act? How dare he?

Unfortunately, He Lan Jinming, already on the road to the Yellow Springs, could no longer receive an answer.

Liu Zhan wiped the blood from his horizontal blade on He Lan Jinming's corpse, sheathed the sword, and at the same time took the Tang sword from Deng Jingshan and fastened it onto the lock of his waist.

"Let's go, let's open the city gate together."

Liu Zhan dragged He Lan Jinming's corpse as if pulling a dead dog. Wherever he passed, a mottled bloodstain was left.

……

"Jiedushi, do you think Yidu City will hand over He Lan Jinming?"

He Changqi asked with some doubt.

At this moment, the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army arrayed itself beneath Yidu City. The city was not high, but the walls were defended by many soldiers, clearly far more troops than Yexian of Laizhou Prefecture City.

If a siege were truly to be fought, some cunning stratagem would probably be needed.

So Fang Chongyong directly employed psychological tactics, giving the officials of Qingzhou Prefecture City a choice of two.

Either hand over He Lan Jinming, or die together.

It depends on those people's character and what they choose, and also on whether He Lan Jinming has accumulated enough merit in his daily life.

In short, this is a test of humanity that is also extremely vicious.

"You should ask whether it's the living He Lan Jinming or the dead He Lan Jinming."

Fang Chongyong said to He Changqi in a leisurely manner.

It can basically be concluded that He Lan Jinming is definitely doomed, because human nature cannot withstand such trials. When the safety of the whole city is at stake, how many can guarantee they won't turn into beasts in a crisis?

It seemed to confirm his thoughts, and just as He Changqi was pondering, the east gate of Yidu City suddenly flung open!

A burly general in a Tang army black uniform, without armor, dragged a corpse clad in a scarlet official robe, marching toward the banner beside Fang Chongyong. Behind him followed a middle‑aged official also wearing a scarlet official robe.

"Reporting, Jiedushi Fang, I, Liu Zhan, have already slain the bandit He Lan Jinming!"

"Oh, this Deng Jing Shan, the Sima, also took part in killing the bandit."

Liu Zhan, his face excited, stepped forward, clasped his fists in a salute to Fang Chongyong.

"Uh…"

Who is this fellow?

Fang Chongyong, who often forgets, for a moment could not recall who Liu Zhan was. Yet it was obvious that the other party recognized him at a glance; they must have dealt with each other before.

"Jiedushi, back in Liangzhou, you once wrote a family letter for me!"

Liu Zhan looked at Fang Chongyong with hopeful eyes, reminding him, clearly not pretended.

"Oh! Right, right, I just thought you looked very familiar—so you're the old veteran from Hexi!"

Fang Chongyong laughed heartily, and the atmosphere instantly relaxed, even Deng Jing Shan behind Liu Zhan let out a sigh of relief.

Probably, there will be no worry of life or death now.

Deng Jing Shan felt a quiet sense of relief.

In fact, Fang Chongyong could no longer recall those past scenes; he had experienced so much, having traversed Guanzhong, Hexi, Longyou, the Western Regions, Hedong, Hebei, and Henan.

How could he remember what the rank‑and‑file soldiers looked like or what they were called when he wrote family letters back then!

"The Jiedushi's grace, I will never forget. Upon seeing the contents of the letter, I rode nonstop to eliminate the bandit for the Jiedushi!"

Liu Zhan knelt on one knee, his tone brimming with uncontainable excitement.

Deng Jing Shan standing nearby was stunned.

How had he not noticed before how eloquent Liu Zhan was?

Li Lin and the others, who had originally intended to mock Fang Chongyong, were also dumbfounded. They sent a letter into the city, and the Qingzhou Governor was slaughtered by his subordinates?

This maneuver is rather baffling!

Prince Yong Li Lin and Wei Zichun were also greatly enlightened. In their impression, only battlefield clashes counted as war. Yet watching Fang Chongyong's progress, using schemes, intimidation and inducement, one could also breach a city.

More importantly, it boosted Prince Yong's reputation. Otherwise, without prior fame, it would have been hard to get Yidu City to hand over He Lan Jinming.

"His Highness Prince Yong, the Qingzhou Governor position is now vacant, and this area lies deep between Dengzhou and Laizhou; its location is crucial."

"Therefore, I recommend appointing Liu Zhan as Qingzhou Governor; as for the Sima of the province, we can select a local official."

"Deng Sima will accompany the Prince to Bianzhou for a separate appointment, what do you think?"

Fang Chongyong clasped his fists and suggested to Li Lin.

"What can be said of this appointment? Can Li Lin refuse now? Does he dare to refuse?"

Liu Zhan has just slaughtered He Lan Jinming and delivered Yidu City. Making him Governor is a reward for his 'loyalty'.

If Li Lin now refuses Fang Chongyong's proposal, isn't he afraid Liu Zhan might find a chance to betray him?

Moreover, even if he refuses, Liu Zhan would think Fang Chongyong is his sole benefactor, becoming even more steadfastly devoted.

"Very well!"

Li Lin, seeing Wei Zichun frantically giving him a look, had to pinch his nose and consent to the appointment.

Sure enough, seeing Prince Yong not act impulsively, Wei Zichun quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

Fang Chongyong's political maneuvering was as subtle as a gentle drizzle, moving Deng Jing Shan away from Qingzhou, thereby allowing Liu Zhan's faction to dominate without giving Li Lin any chance to interfere.

The utmost in winning hearts!

Otherwise, given Liu Zhan's 'old acquaintance' relationship with Fang Chongyong, Deng Jing Shan would naturally throw himself under Prince Yong Li Lin's banner for protection.

Thus, the situation in Qingzhou became complicated.

This Jiedushi Fang's little positioning move was extremely despicable and low, yet utterly unpredictable. His political finesse was so delicate it didn't resemble the brutish Qiu Ba, but rather a seasoned, cunning civil official.

"His Highness, please enter Yidu City. After such a long journey, a day or two won't hurt. The rest will be by water, requiring proper preparation."

"I, your subordinate, will lead the way."

Fang Chongyong made a 'please' gesture toward Li Lin.

But Li Lin thought of the grim death of He Lan Jinming; Yidu City gave him an indescribable unease. A troupe trainer daring to kill a governor—Li Lin subconsciously felt that someone like Liu Zhan could not be tolerated.

Thus he was even less willing to enter the city.

"His Highness is used to living on the road and wishes to return to Bianzhou soon."

As for matters inside Yidu City, leave them to Jiedushi Fang to handle.

Seeing Li Lin's difficulty, Wei Zichun stepped forward to smooth things over and said.

North of Yidu City lie the cities of Linzi, Qiancheng, Bochang and others, requiring the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army under Fang Chongyong to clear a path. If not for this, Li Lin would have long ago thrown his sleeves and gone to the Jishui ferry to wait.

"Very well, then I will enter the city and organize the affairs of Qingzhou."

Seeing Li Lin reluctantly agree, Fang Chongyong did not want to feign modesty for a cheap gain; he simply kept a calm expression, crossed his hands, and gave a salute.

Li Lin knew the vexation in his heart. But, after all, vying for power and profit is just that; in the flourishing Great Tang when the state and family were one, one could not contend—those who did faced backlash, even Brother Ji's suppression or outright elimination.

But now is the age of great contention; if you don't fight, others will, and the unlucky one will still be yourself.

Fang Chongyong firmly believes the creed "Mercy toward the enemy is cruelty to oneself" and will never give Li Lin any chance.

"Go ahead."

Li Lin suppressed his inner fury and said.

After Fang Chongyong and his close confidants entered Yidu City, Li Lin finally found a deserted, secluded spot and began wildly hacking at a tree.

When he was exhausted from the struggle, Wei Zichun stepped forward to advise: "Your Highness, the future is long; do not argue over a moment's length. The world is not yet unified, you cannot even see Chang'an City; now letting Fang Qing go unchecked, what can be done? Enduring a hundredfold patience can become gold!"

Wei Zichun felt he had said too much. Li Lin simply did not know how to restrain his sharpness and emotions, wearing everything on his face.

How could one possibly win over Fang Chongyong in this way?

"I know, I simply am unwilling to accept.

Now everywhere are treacherous ministers and rebels who treat the Great Tang's laws as nothing."

Li Lin threw his broadsword onto the ground, panting heavily, and said.

Wei Zichun didn't know how to retort.

If the divine artifact were not tarnished and the nation's foundation shaken, could Prince Li Lin even have a chance to ascend?

He seemed to see it: Li Lin, that fellow, wants to eat meat but refuses to kill the pig, insisting others must finish the dish and bring it to his mouth before he's satisfied.

(End of chapter)