Chapter 556: The Age of the Warrior

"I, your servant, salute you, General."

Fang Chongyong, accompanied by He Changqi and a group of close confidants, arrived at the rear courtyard of the Qingzhou Prefecture office and was astonished by the fluttering maidens before him.

Twelve young, beautiful women stood in a line, saluting them together; it truly left everyone staring dumbfounded.

These women wore brocade robes of varying styles and colors, some ornate, some simple. Their makeup was equally colorful, from lip shades to jeweled patterns on their brows, each distinct.

And these women's sole "occupation" was to play instruments, sing, dance, and even lie naked on the bed to pleasure He Lan Jinming.

Even though Fang Chongyong was accustomed to grand spectacles, he couldn't help but marvel at He Lan Jinming's skill, who seemed to grasp the secrets of "Tuan Jin Cu" almost intuitively.

Seeing this, guide Liu Zhan whispered into Fang Chongyong's ear: "Fang Jiedushi, these twelve are He Lan Jinming's household courtesans. He prides himself on elegance, naming each of the twelve after a month's flower, and indulges in nightly revelry. Jiedushi, would you like to add these beauties to your collection?"

"These courtesans have all been offered to you; do you want them?"

Fang Chongyong smiled wryly.

"Jiedushi, I have a virtuous wife at home and am not inclined toward this. Even if I gave them to a junior officer, the junior officer would have no fortune to enjoy them."

Liu Zhan, with a helpless expression, clasped his fists in salute and promptly declined.

Fang Chongyong gave a slight nod in understanding.

In fact, he greatly admired those who could maintain a long‑lasting high spirit, who for decades, upon seeing a beauty, would instantly feel the urge to pounce.

Such people, in a sense, are truly remarkable; ordinary folk find it hard to achieve.

For example, Gao Cheng, the eldest son of Gao Huan, was like that.

Like a scholar who consorts with courtesans, soaking in a sea of women yet never wanting to leave, which is even more astonishing.

The real norm, however, is like that of rank‑and‑file soldiers, treating the elite's women as objects, venting to satisfy a twisted desire to trample power.

Afterwards comes wave after wave of emptiness.

"By the way, what are all your names?"

Fang Chongyong looked around at the young beauties and asked.

"La Mei."

"Ying Chun."

"Shan Cha."

"Shi Liu."

These young beauties each revealed a stage name; as for their real names, perhaps even they have forgotten them.

The household courtesans kept by He Lan Jinming were proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, their lineup comparable to the private troupe of a former real‑estate magnate that Fang Chongyong once owned.

One must remember He Lan Jinming is merely a prefectural governor! This fellow is overly devoted to pleasure.

Unfortunately, Fang Jiedushi and his subordinate Qiu Ba knew nothing of elegance. Even if these twelve young beauties threw every seductive glance at Fang Chongyong, they were completely ignored—like throwing flirtatious looks at a blind man.

"He Laohu, ask the brothers who lack money to marry, make arrangements, and divide these twelve beauties among them."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand indifferently at He Changqi and said.

Liu Zhan looked surprised, not expecting Fang Chongyong to handle matters so casually.

Even if these twelve beauties aren't needed themselves, they could be sold for a good sum!

Just the six‑character title "He Lan Jinming's household courtesan" already raises these women's value considerably.

In the Great Tang, buying and selling prostitutes was legal, widely accepted by public opinion, and spoken of with relish—there was nothing shameful about it.

In that light, Fang Jiedushi truly cared for his Qiu Ba; no wonder the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army was invincible.

"As you command."

He Changqi clasped his fists in salute, seemingly unsurprised.

"Come, come, you two‑by‑two, stop lingering here, and follow me."

He Changqi shouted at the fluttering maidens, his face impatient.

Actually, although He Laohu's appearance was rugged, he was not lecherous. A battlefield veteran like him was not easily swayed by such temptations.

So what did they enjoy?

These men liked to personally wield knives and cut people. The thrill women brought was far less than the thrill of slaughter.

Legitimate, lawful killing is addictive; this is a key reason why the Five Dynasties' tooth‑soldiers could not retire. Once a knife is drawn, it's hard to put down—human nature.

A large group of women followed He Changqi away, showing no sorrow on their faces. He Lan Jinming was neither their husband nor their kin.

They were merely floating duckweed in the tide of the era, drifting wherever the current took them. Whether the man they attached to was good or bad mattered not.

As long as they could be supported, that was enough.

This is why Fang Chongyong was completely uninterested in these beautiful women. Though still human, they had already become objects.

Such "objects" are tragically unaware of their own lament; therefore, they should not be troubled or even tormented.

After He Changqi led the women away, Fang Chongyong finally patted Liu Zhan's shoulder and encouraged:

"I intend to establish an Observation and Disposition Envoy in Qingzhou and Yizhou; I think you're perfect for it, you already command troops. Prince Yong's coronation ceremony in Bianzhou is no business for you, it's meaningless.

When the time comes, take your own troops, seize southern Yizhou, and I'll reward you handsomely.

As for the Yizhou governor, I have another candidate."

The Observation and Disposition Envoy, though one rank below a Military Governor, still commands troops independently.

Receiving such a promise, Liu Zhan was overjoyed, so excited he could barely speak!

Of course, Fang Chongyong's meaning was clear: Yizhou is not yet Prince Yong's territory.

You must take the knife yourself and claim it; only then will you earn the office. A warrior's status is forged knife by knife.

Liu Zhan never considered that Fang Chongyong might not fulfill his promise; his mind now held only the words "make merit and establish a career."

In truth, Fang Chongyong's subtle power play bordered on open scheming.

If Liu Zhan captured Yizhou and received a reward, he would surely serve Fang Chongyong faithfully.

If Liu Zhan captured Yizhou but received no reward, he would cling even tighter to Fang Chongyong's thigh.

Because if we don't do this, the next time Prince Yong Li Lin's reckoning will come quickly!

The one who takes the blame is always Prince Yong.

So Fang Chongyong makes a casual promise; no matter how Li Lin and his subordinates respond, it's merely a matter of a small loss versus a big loss.

Fang Chongyong can pull off such power plays because he commands the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army; that is his foundation. In chaotic times, whoever controls the top military force controls appointments and dismissals.

In no time, Liu Zhan led Fang Chongyong to He Lan Jinming's study, and they were instantly struck by the refined atmosphere.

He Lan Jinming, though not high‑ranking, absolutely lives up to the word "saucy".

In the Tang dynasty, scholars spoke of the "four refined arts of life", namely: brewing tea, burning incense, hanging paintings, and arranging.

In this modestly sized government office study, the tea set, incense burner, landscape painting, and vase were all present.

Bronze ritual vessels, strange stone inkstone screens, and the like were also abundant. The wall was covered with poems written by He Lan Jinming, filling an entire wall!

Moreover, the desk held many five‑colored slips, and on the tabletop lay Zhuge brushes, Zumin ink, Chengxin Hall paper, Dragon‑tail inkstones, all from renowned makers, clearly expensive.

The whole room lacked any glittering jewels or common gold and silver, yet a careful observer calculating the values would find these "refined items" far surpass gold and jewels. Fang Chongyong had never seen so many elegant objects even at He Zhizhang's house.

"This He Lan Jinming really is damned."

Fang Chongyong couldn't help but sigh; acquiring these items and maintaining twelve courtesans must cost a lot. Yet He Lan Jinming's salary is limited—where does his money come from?

It's obvious without asking; it must come, more or less, from the people's blood and fat.

"Jiedushi…"

Finding no one around, Liu Zhan suddenly lowered his voice, but stopped short of speaking.

"Speak, it's fine."

Fang Chongyong gave a calm wave of his hand.

"Jiedushi, I have been in Jiaodong for several years; from what I know, Prince Yong… in my view, he certainly lacks the bearing of a ruler."

Liu Zhan mustered his courage and said.

Since Qingzhou and Qizhou are close, the conduct of Prince Yong Li Lin is roughly known by officials in the neighboring prefectures.

In short, this Tang prince is the classic "ambitious heart, fragile fate."

His useless incompetence is already notorious.

The reason Liu Zhan killed He Lan Jinming's surrender was not to target Li Lin, but entirely to save Fang Chongyong's face.

Such words obviously need to be spoken now, not postponed.

"The Tang state's power is declining. Many things you don't understand now, I will certainly understand later."

Fang Chongyong let out a long sigh and said something incomprehensible.

He neither claimed any ambition to usurp the throne nor denied Liu Zhan's view, hinting that he likewise has little hope for Prince Yong Li Lin.

It was merely forced by circumstances, nothing else.

"I understand; if the world weren't chaotic, people like me would never have a chance to rise—alas!"

Liu Zhan couldn't help but sigh wistfully.

He rose to prominence purely because the provinces of Henan needed to guard against Hebei rebels moving south, training united troops, requiring talent like him.

Otherwise, who would care about someone with no noble background, only a military career?

The world has changed, become chaotic—so is that good or bad?

It depends on who you ask.

Chaos is a ladder to rise; without chaos, there is no ascent. For someone like Liu Zhan, the current era is not bad.

It could even be said to be good.

"Alright, go organize the troops. He Lan Jinming's close associates must also be dealt with."

Fang Chongyong extended his right hand, making a smoothing gesture. Liu Zhan understood, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, then he clasped his fists and left.

He Lan Jinming governed Qingzhou, so he must have close aides. An Inspector's staff often numbers over ten, sometimes dozens, many of whom are his confidants.

Strictly speaking, they committed no wrongdoing.

Yet it's like a boatman capsizing his vessel; the passengers on board also drown. Choice often signifies right and wrong.

Reality is that cruel.

"Now my heart is as cold as iron."

Kneeling on a cushion before the study desk, Fang Chongyong sighed while picking up the letters pressed under the paperweight, examining them one by one.

If you don't look, you wouldn't know; upon looking, he indeed found the news he was interested in.

The draft at the very bottom turned out to be a memorial He Lan Jinming wrote to the court, but it was only half finished, lacking a conclusion!

The other letters, many were replies from the other side after He Lan Jinming corresponded with Di Wuqi.

Fang Chongyong read ten lines at a glance, then showed a strange expression.

It looked as if a gossip enthusiast, full of anticipation, were about to sneak into a small grove after school to catch a classmate's early romance.

Only to discover the couple were merely reciting English vocabulary together.

It was a mix of irritation and amusement, yet a helpless resignation.

In his memorial, He Lan Jinming wrote that the situation in Henan was extremely dangerous, Hebei rebels were stirring, Prince Yong Li Lin was plotting treason, and Qingzhou could be overturned at any moment.

Therefore he petitioned the court to establish a frontier town near Qingzhou and volunteered to serve as the observer and handler for Qing and Xu provinces, to better stabilize the situation.

Seeing this "ambitious" plan, how should one comment?

Fang Chongyong felt that if an uninformed person saw it, they would surely think He Lan Jinming had great strategic vision, was very ambitious, and loyal to the court.

He would seem to possess talent that spans heaven and earth.

But to those who grasp the pulse of the times, this person only has a few tricks to fool outsiders.

He lacks a diamond‑hard resolve, yet loves handling porcelain. Without solid skill, he especially likes to ride the wall. He appears clever but is utterly foolish.

He Lan Jinming, while playing coy with Prince Yong Li Lin, seemed more easygoing than other prefectural Inspectors, as if any favor from Li Lin would make him switch allegiance.

But secretly, He Lan Jinming was working for Di Wu Qi, also receiving the favor Di Wu Qi gave him in the court. And since Guanzhong is far from Qingzhou, whatever He Lan Jinming does, the court could not learn of it at once.

Thus a strange "tug‑of‑war" formed. In short, the current situation is almost a perfect setup for He Lan Jinming.

The court is far away; to keep the Henan situation from spiraling, they can only keep giving He Lan Jinming benefits, never punish him.

Although Yong Wang Li Lin is nearby, he lacks strong arms. So as long as He Lan Jinming shows he will not target Li Lin, the other side has no way to deal with him.

Walking a tightrope like this lets He Lan Jinming reap benefits from both sides while using the contradiction to preserve his own independence.

One must admit, the strategy is truly perfect; if Fang Chongyong and the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army were not taken into account, He Lan Jinming would have almost succeeded.

But this scholar seems to have forgotten one thing.

When a person is killed, they die. No matter how clever one is—whether great or small cleverness—no one can withstand a warrior's single slash.

No matter how devious the plot, the premise must be that the conspirator remains alive in the end!

Liu Zhan's relaxed single slash turned all of He Lan Jinming's schemes into bubbles.

It may seem boundless, may seem to leap left and right, may seem to hold the pearl of wisdom, yet it is no harder than an ordinary person's neck.

Dead is truly dead.

Seeing He Lan Jinming's case, Fang Chongyong feels many people have not perceived the great trend of the times. They still indulge in the dream that the flourishing Tang will be revived and everything will "get better."

All plans were made on the premise of a "revival of the flourishing Tang."

"He Lan Jinming, you died far too swiftly. You should have been tormented by this world for a few more years before being sent on your way."

"Then you would know how absurdly wrong you were. I bet you thought, before dying, that it was an unfulfilled ambition, that Liu Zhan had ruined your clever scheme."

"Pathetic, lamentable."

Fang Chongyong stood up, casually tossed the draft memorial He Lan Jinming had written aside, and muttered to himself.

(End of chapter)