Chapter 88: Acting in One

Fang Chongyong has always believed that friendship and interaction between people require a carrier; it is concrete, not the vague, ethereal feelings of emotion and gratitude.

It is like an emperor who lacks military force yet can restrain the arrogant border‑town generals; the emperor relies on a sound state institution, abundant and timely logistical supply, an airtight supervisory system among the border troops, and a top‑down hierarchy of rites.

These are all tangible things, with countless people and objects serving as carriers and channels.

When the state falls into chaos, its institutions are greatly weakened, the logistical system falls apart, and the supervisory system becomes barely functional. The people and objects that upheld the emperor's authority disappear, and arrogant troops and fierce generals emerge endlessly; with any discontent they will take their swords to the outskirts of Chang'an and raise arms against the Son of Heaven.

The "friendship" and "interactions" between the emperor and his commanding generals also require these visible and invisible carriers. It does not mean that if someone becomes emperor in Chang'an, the border troops and even the imperial guards outside will truly regard him as emperor.

Exercising power requires carriers and channels; this is the "unspeakable secret" hidden within the power structure.

During the Kaiyuan era, Ji Ge firmly controlled such carriers and channels, allowing him to meddle in state affairs at will.

Now, in a private discussion with Xiao Jiong in the study of the Hexi Jiedu Prefecture, Fang Chongyong truly feels the power of this "carrier".

Lacking talent, Xiao Jiong, who was dismissed over the "white character" incident, was originally a worthless dead weight.

Yet once he gains the authority of the Hexi Jiedushi, he can start to look imposing.

Of course, the imposing presence is not Xiao Jiong himself, but the authority of the state system!

"Staff Officer Fang, you may speak now."

Xiao Jiong said evenly, knowing that Fang Chongyong was not trying to cozy up to him.

"As for this prescription, Jiedushi Xiao, perhaps you should look it over first."

Fang Chongyong pulled the pre‑prepared prescription from his sleeve and handed it to Xiao Jiong.

His arrival here was part of the plan, but the intended interlocutor, Cui Xiyi, turned out to be Xiao Jiong.

In fact, Fang Chongyong understood from the start that without the Hexi Jiedushi's endorsement, Ji Ge would probably disregard this prescription!

Even though he is the son of Fang Youde, Ji Ge would likely treat it as a joke and toss it aside.

"This… seems rather interesting."

Xiao Jiong chuckled casually, using such ambiguous words to mask his ignorance.

In fact, he could not tell what ailment this prescription treated, let alone that it listed only herb types without any ratios.

A masterful Chinese herbal formulation follows a "one disease, one prescription" principle, with no duplicates. The same disease in different patients often requires slight adjustments to the formula.

A skilled physician can issue the same prescription, but by tweaking the proportion of a single herb, can turn a cure into a poison.

Xiao Jiong still knows this simple principle.

"Jiedushi Xiao may not understand what this prescription means to the Sage. My father was a close minister of the Son of Heaven, so I am also concerned about what the Sage thinks and seeks.

Is this formula the thing Jiedushi Xiao is looking for?"

Fang Chongyong smiled and asked, as if he had already seen through Xiao Jiong's entire scheme!

"Uh…"

Xiao Jiong felt as if he were being cornered. He could resist, but it seemed unnecessary; it was better to hear what the other side had to say.

"Jiedushi Xiao, you wouldn't be thinking of going to Dunhuang to hunt for those exotic Western Region formulas, would you?"

"That would of course be impossible…"

Having his thoughts exposed, Xiao Jiong muttered.

"What achievements can one claim in Hexi! I'm not a fool!"

There are so many elite soldiers and great generals here that it almost gathers the essence of the Tang border forces. In Li Longji's view, defeating the Tubo is expected; losing would mean being severely punished.

All of Xiao Jiong's hopes rest on this formula. If Ji Ge becomes sexually fulfilled and physically robust, his own fame and fortune will be secured.

As for whether the Hexi border troops can win… what does that have to do with me, Xiao?

As long as the Tubo cannot besiege or seize territory in Hexi, this Jiedushi has little to worry about; by pleasing Ji Ge, he can comfortably return to the capital and serve as a metropolitan official!

Now being cornered by a half‑grown prodigy feels rather subtle.

"I could hand this formula to Jiedushi Xiao; it serves me no purpose. It's just that it shouldn't be handed to the Jiedushi so casually and willfully, or so I thought."

Fang Chongyong spoke bluntly, not wishing to discuss moral ideals with profit‑driven Xiao Jiong.

Talking directly about profit makes someone like Xiao Jiong understand better.

"Alright, what does Staff Officer Fang propose?"

Xiao Jiong nodded slightly, daring not to regard the other as a half‑grown child any longer. These days, the power of a Tang prodigy is still formidable; at ten Liu Yan wrote a dedication to Mount Tai for Ji Ge, and at nine Li Mi was already bantering with senior scholars at the capital.

Xiao Jiong, being well‑read, did not consider Fang Chongyong's abilities to be outrageous.

Indeed, he is strong, but still within the realm of human comprehension.

"Once the medicine is prepared, Jiedushi Xiao must, in the name of the Hexi Jiedu Prefecture, present this medicine as an auspicious offering to the Sage."

Fang Chongyong made a 'strange' request.

"In the name of the Hexi Jiedu Prefecture…"

Xiao Jiong pondered silently; he had originally intended to present it in his own name, but using the local Jiedushi's name now also seemed acceptable.

No matter how incompetent Li Longji was, he could still discern who had instigated any given matter.

"Anything else? This seems to offer you no real benefit."

Xiao Jiong asked curiously.

"The second request requires Jiedushi Xiao to issue an order that this formula is an auspicious sign, only the Sage may use it, and anyone else who sells the medicine must be fined and punished!"

Fang Chongyong presented his second request, similarly 'strange'.

Nevertheless, his approach aligns with the old custom of sending tributes to Chang'an from various regions.

Goods designated as tribute from a certain locale are generally prohibited from being sold locally on a large scale. Small‑scale trade is tolerated, but if reported or sold in bulk, the authorities will punish the sellers.

In simple terms: the health‑tonic that Ji Ge regularly uses, and you commoners are now copying—are you trying to 'cultivate into a dragon'?

Or perhaps you hope to produce an emperor in your own family?

Such matters are hard to explain and cannot be clarified. In short, only when Li Longji bestows this prescription and medicine can the recipient use it!

Otherwise, it would be a plot!

This is one aspect of the imperial authority's majesty. The emperor's lofty position is manifested through one rule after another.

"Do you intend… to sell medicine in the Western Regions?"

Xiao Jing suddenly realized, finally understanding Fang Chongyong's line of thought.

In the Great Tang, it is indeed improper for ordinary people to use such "imperial medicines." But when Hu merchants of the Western Regions sell them, that problem disappears.

Fang Chongyong essentially exploited the rules to pull off a "borderline move."

"These medicinal herbs all come from the area around White Pavilion Sea. Therefore, it is not I who will sell the medicine, but the White Pavilion Army that will sell it."

Later, we also cannot rule out other armies from Liangzhou joining in, such as the Red Water Army.

Fang Chongyong said calmly, his expression indifferent.

What a deep pit for a riding horse!

Xiao Jing inhaled a breath of cold air, not expecting Fang Chongyong to play so big.

This time, even if they refuse, they must agree!

Blocking the border armies' revenue stream offends not just a few individuals, but an entire group! The medicine used by Ji Ge could become a Hexi "specialty," sold by Western Regions merchants to various places.

"The emperor's fine goods—I'm risking treason by selling them to you, charging you a few dozen strings extra; that's not excessive, is it?"

Since the people don't complain and officials aren't investigated, every level of the Hexi border armies gets a hand in it; who dares to intervene?

Moreover, this kind of scheme brings in money quickly without having to masquerade as bandits and kill people; it's like conjuring a revenue stream out of thin air! Xiao Jing, putting himself in others' shoes, feels that the military envoys of the Hexi Corridor's armies would not oppose this, but would actively take part.

One should know that any such medicine, as long as the man is mature and wealthy, he will not refuse it.

If Ji Ge is already using it, whose life could be more valuable than Ji Ge's?

Xiao Jing realized that Fang Chongyong's move was truly a looped scheme; everyone can only follow his pattern to finish this game!

Conversely, if the border armies scoop up floating wealth, they can purchase warhorses.

The saint obtains health‑preserving medicine, making life more blissful and lively.

As the Hexi Jiedushi, contributing medicines and formulas is meritorious; promotion and wealth are a given.

And the Western Regions merchants in Hexi now have another local specialty; the medicine takes up no space nor weight, and can be exported elsewhere for a handsome profit!

This scheme is a textbook win‑win; no one will stand up to oppose it.

Thinking of this, Xiao Jing suddenly felt a chill down his spine! Fang Chongyong is still a half‑grown child, yet his dealings are already so shrewd and smooth. What will he become when he matures?

Xiao Jing dare not contemplate it further.

But now the matter is beyond his control; he cannot refuse it, lest he offend all the Hexi armies to death—how could the Jiedushi continue to serve then?

"Do you have confidence in this prescription, and how great is that confidence?"

Xiao Jing asked in a low voice, having already tacitly accepted the 'small scheme' Fang Chongyong set up.

"Basically, ten out of nine are secure. Doctor Li is formulating the recipe, and some are testing the medicine; before the saint's birthday, there should be a clue."

Fang Chongyong said outright, without a hint of doubt.

Having spoken up to this extent, one cannot be soft, especially when facing profit‑driven people like Xiao Jing!

"Understood, whatever you need, this Jiedushi will fully support."

Xiao Jing suppressed his inner excitement, trying to keep a calm expression.

"I need many herbs; please issue an order from the Hexi Jiedushi's office to purchase herbs."

Fang Chongyong said in a deep voice, without becoming complacent.

In fact, this matter need not be handed to Xiao Jing at all; doing so merely convinces the other party. Moreover, Fang Chongyong has other plans—without a large supply of herbs, the scheme cannot work.

"That's easy to say."

Xiao Jing nodded slightly and said.

He naturally understood that for a horse to run well, it must eat good grass. Without herbs, how could a prescription be made?

"Then I shall take my leave. This matter, Xiao Jiedushi shouldn't tell the Right Prime Minister, right?"

Fang Chongyong hinted bluntly.

Xiao Jing was momentarily startled, then laughed wryly, "It's impossible not to let the Right Prime Minister know, but we can tell him later; by then the matter cannot be stopped, and the Right Prime Minister will have to accept it."

Xiao Jing had, of course, considered Li Linfu's case; how could he give the chance to please Ji Ge to Li Linfu?

However, these 'detailed operations' only require a time lag—letting the Hexi news reach Ji Ge's ears first; by then, even if Li Linfu wishes to block or claim credit, it will be too late.

"Now I'm relieved; this matter is handled solely by Xiao Jiedushi, with no involvement from this half‑grown child—right?"

Fang Chongyong asked with a smile.

Xiao Jing was momentarily startled, then understood Fang Chongyong's concern. As the saying goes, "strength comes from desirelessness"; if the orchestrator has little attachment to the people and events in the game, he is virtually invincible.

"Of course, Staff Officer Fang… truly a youthful hero."

Xiao Jing, sincerely admiring, bowed once and said, "I have little learning, but that doesn't mean I can't read people!"

"I cannot ride a high‑headed warhorse, nor lift a sword. Calling me a youthful hero would be laughable. I'm merely a yellow‑mouth child with a bit of cleverness, not worth mentioning, not worth mentioning."

Fang Chongyong offered a courteous humility, then bowed in thanks and left the Hexi Jiedushi's office.

After he left, Xiao Jing looked at his silhouette and sighed, "Being able to come and go at will—many scions who have served as officials for years are far less than you."

Xiao Jing felt a sense of powerlessness, like "the back wave of the Yangtze pushing the front wave, the front wave dying on the sandbank."

……

After arriving at the infirmary and meeting Anaye, Fang Chongyong laid out to Anaye everything he and Xiao Jing had promised.

The Hexi local girl of Western Regions descent gasped, "You're insane!"

Working hard on the prescription, only to send it to the emperor, and then handing all the credit to the newly appointed Hexi Jiedushi who gives him no favor—Fang Chongyong's approach seems no different from a fool's!

Seeing Fang Chongyong's indifferent demeanor, Anaye was on the verge of tears.

"I keep the prescription and then wait for the emperor's gracious reward?"

Fang Chongyong retorted.

Anaye stared blankly, then also came to her senses, muttering, "It seems the emperor's grace isn't much use either."

The people of the Hexi region have no firsthand experience of the might of imperial authority. If they were in Chang'an, anyone hearing Fang Chongyong say that would immediately realize this is a path to rapid success and great prosperity.

The saying "high mountains, distant emperor; out of poor mountains and evil waters come troublemakers" is exactly this principle.

"If the prescription really has a problem, wouldn't it be fine to have a Hexi Military Governor take the blame upfront?"

Fang Chongyong retorted again.

"You just keep talking with that mouth..."

Anaye couldn't out-argue him, so she muttered complaints under her breath. Actually, there's nothing else—she just felt Fang Chongyong was too easy to bully, and that others would simply take whatever she controlled if they said they would take it.

"Better to have one bird in hand than a thousand in the forest. As for those benefits you can see but can't grasp, it's best to let them go voluntarily—there's no need to cling to everything in your hand."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand and instructed Anaye, "I still have things to discuss with your father; you go rest first."

Anaye's expression darkened, then she nodded slightly and turned to leave.

In the pharmacy, the medical officer handed Fang Chongyong a very detailed prescription, saying, "That's basically it."

This prescription not only lists the ratios of various medicinal ingredients, but even the method of consumption is written clearly.

"No, decocting medicine is too troublesome. For this kind of medicine, it's best if it can be stir-fried ready, then just steeped in boiling water—no need to pursue the utmost efficacy."

Fang Chongyong directly pointed out the biggest problem in this prescription!

"Health supplements—how can they be inconvenient to take?"

"When Brother Ji gets excited, he just brews a dose of medicine and drinks it—that's the bare minimum requirement for a health supplement!"

"Steep in boiling water?"

The medical officer stared, feeling that Fang Chongyong was talking nonsense.

"Yes, if we could make it into pills, that would be better. But I feel that's rather difficult, so we can only settle for second best."

Fang Chongyong said with a solemn expression.

(End of chapter)