Chapter 9: Turbulence in the Court

Gu Kuang, being very trustworthy, wrote an official document, stamped it with the garrison supervisor's seal and his own private seal, stating that his protection of the farmland was ineffective, that when the subordinate set fire to the mountain half of it was burned, and that replanting now was already too late, and he requested the central authority to punish him.

He then handed it to Zheng Shuqing for review; after the two exchanged sighs and pleasantries, Gu Kuang finally took his leave.

Then he "on the way" left a note for Fang Chongyong, arranging to meet at the riverside outside the city.

Whether to go or not is the question. Logically, Fang Chongyong could simply ignore Gu Kuang.

But seeing the honest man being cheated made Fang Chongyong feel embarrassed, so he went alone to the long pavilion by the riverside outside the city, where he saw Gu Kuang, dressed in a coarse cloth robe, already waiting. The river wind ruffled his unkempt hair, making him look somewhat disheveled.

"Young master, though small in stature, is not small in caution; you trapped me terribly in an instant."

Gu Kuang invited Fang Chongyong to sit, and with a wry smile said,

"Brother Gu…"

"I can't live up to it, young master is the prodigy; that verse, when recited, makes heroes deaf and awakens the deaf."

Gu Kuang said very politely, clearly still angry.

"Brother Gu, actually, although this document makes it seem you suffered great loss, in reality it could very well lead you to become a capital official in Chang'an, turning disaster into fortune. Not to mention you won't be held accountable."

Fang Chongyong gave a mysterious smile and said,

"Alas, thanks for the good words; if the central authority doesn't strip me of my post and investigate, they'll just burn incense and pray."

Gu Kuang wore a look of hopelessness; he estimated that until the court's order arrived, he would eat poorly and sleep poorly.

"Brother Gu, think about it: the red lotus rice you once loaded onto ships—did none of it disappear, all of it go to the imperial treasury? Could the emperor consume that much?"

Fang Chongyong asked a soul‑torturing question.

"That's not exactly the case."

Gu Kuang sneered, saying that although he was an honest man, he wasn't completely ignorant of the inner workings. Just because he dared not lay a hand on tribute didn't mean others wouldn't.

Chang'an is filled with high officials and nobles, either rich or powerful; wanting a taste of local specialties is no big deal. If the emperor doesn't grant a reward, would those precious red lotus rice just rot in the treasury?

Obviously impossible!

Even in the past, red lotus rice would be lost for various reasons; the portion that reached Li Longji could be at most half of the shipped amount, simply because some people had good appetites!

Gu Kuang was puzzled why the young Fang Chongyong knew so much about Chang'an's officialdom.

"Brother Gu, by writing that document you unintentionally provided cover for many.

Those people benefited from your favor, so why would they deliberately strike back? Thus this matter not only poses no danger, but you might even be promoted because of it."

"After all, overseeing fields in Kui Prefecture is not much different from overseeing fields in Chang'an. Those people don't mind someone like you, who is aware and considerate, being close to them, do they?"

Seeing that Gu Kuang seemed to have taken the words to heart, Fang Chongyong began to explain in detail why this action would cause no trouble at all.

Gu Kuang handed over all the red lotus rice, but the manifest listed only fifty percent of the quantity; the remaining fifty percent became cargo outside the court's surveillance, in other words, it would be openly 'lost at sea.' Even if Li Longji learned of it, he would likely do nothing—perhaps he wouldn't even know, or simply lack the time to attend to such a trivial matter.

In previous years, there were also 'lost at sea' incidents, though the process could be a bit convoluted; for example, some would report that a grain transport ship sank, and the red lotus rice aboard was lost.

The high officials and nobles of Chang'an, having benefited from Gu Kuang, would certainly return the favor and help conceal it. Otherwise, who would voluntarily 'pay tribute' to them next time?

"I originally thought the court was bright and the government clear, never expecting there to be so many hidden knots within."

After hearing Fang Chongyong's explanation, Gu Kuang let out a long sigh, already contemplating resigning to return home for farming and study.

"Brother Gu, if you could go to Chang'an and see its customs, it would not be a wasted life; why utter such despondent words?"

Fang Chongyong comforted him, saying,

Gu Kuang gave no reply, only shaking his head and sighing, then rose to take his leave.

He left, and Fang Chongyong alone watched boat after boat stream down the river, the grain transports passing through the Kui Gate River Pass, then gazed at the majestic White Emperor City across the bank, instantly feeling his mind unusually clear.

During this time, the myriad complicated events kept his eyes from resting, but now he had sorted out all the oddities.

"The Prime Minister is not in a dream; only Minister Zheng is in a dream,"

Fang Chongyong couldn't help but sigh, having seen through the maze, yet he did not intend to lay it all out to Zheng Shuqing.

"Fang Youde, styled Quanzhong, a former associate of the Son of Heaven during the Hidden Dragon era. He has a sole son, Fang Chongyong, who since childhood was simple‑minded, unable to speak."

"I observe today that the ancients said 'what the ear hears is void, what the eye sees is real,' and they truly do not deceive me. Your prodigy reputation not only matches what Zheng Shuqing said, but even exceeds it."

From behind Fang Chongyong came Wei Qing's uniquely timbred voice.

"The angel praised me falsely; I cannot live up to it, cannot live up to it,"

Fang Chongyong rose, bowed to Wei Qing, and said,

"Hmm, you're not an ordinary person, so I want to discuss court matters with you. After all, your father once took me under his wing years ago."

Wei Qing said with a look of sentiment, tidied his spotless robe, and sat down carefully.

"Court matters? How so?"

Fang Chongyong pretended to be puzzled and asked,

"In the twenty‑first year of the Kaiyuan era, a great drought struck Guanzhong, and Chang'an suffered severe grain shortages. In March of the following year, the Son of Heaven led a hundred officials to Luoyang to dine. Upon returning to Chang'an, the emperor was furious, feeling his reputation tarnished, and ordered Pei Yaoqing to reform the grain transports of the Yellow River and the Jiang‑Huai waterways."

"After three years, Minister Pei's achievements were remarkable, but…"

"Much can be said, but the word 'but' is the scary part."

Fang Chongyong, having heard Zheng Shuqing recount this, knew that although Pei Yaoqing reformed the Yellow River grain transport, he blocked the Jiang‑Huai routes, causing freight rates to soar. Besides Chang'an receiving grain, the people and officials of the Two Huai regions and Jiangnan complained incessantly.

Of course, for the court ministers, as long as Li Longji was satisfied, the rest didn't matter.

"I think Minister Pei likely seized the rice, grain, cloth and other goods from Jiang‑Huai, storing them in mid‑Yellow River locations such as Mengjin to establish regular warehouses, thereby suppressing Chang'an's grain prices and stabilizing livelihoods."

Fang Chongyong said dismissively, such an outcome could be guessed even with one's backside.

Hearing this, Wei Qing fell silent then laughed, saying: "You are no longer an ordinary prodigy, but a national omen. You are correct; Minister Pei ordered the construction of He‑yin Warehouse, Ji‑jin Warehouse, and San‑men Warehouse along the Yellow River, collecting tribute grain from across the realm, transporting it upstream from Mengjin for three years, amassing seven hundred thousand shi of rice, saving thirty thousand cash, and using the funds as the government's He Market expenses."

And he allocated that sum as the government's He Market expenses.

The so‑called He Market refers to the market opened for trade with frontier tribes, essentially a national import reserve fund.

In other words, Pei Yaoqing used the money for public purposes, not depositing it into Li Longji's private treasury.

Fang Chongyong thought to himself, if he were Li Longji, he would be smiling broadly, shouting "my dear minister" aloud, while his heart was a tangled mess.

Is the emperor truly acting for the benefit of all under heaven?

Perhaps there are such emperors, but the great majority of those who aspire to be emperor—whether they ever become one or not—ultimately think only of a better enjoyment of life!

Seeing Fang Chongyong remain silent, Wei Qing slightly frowned and said, continuing:

"The Jiannan Military Governor Wang Yu was recommended by Pei Yaoqing. Now Wang Yu has been dismissed because of the Nanzhao affair, and Minister Pei has been implicated, already removed as prime minister and appointed Minister of Justice. Of course, that is only the superficial reason; the real reason is… you don't need me to be that blunt, do you."

"I understand, I understand. I won't speak what shouldn't be said."

Fang Chongyong nodded and waited for Wei Qing's next words.

He doesn't even know Pei Yaoqing, nor has any vested interests, so he believes what Wei Qing intends to say is not about this matter.

"Your father this time secretly returned to Chang'an, entered the palace and met the Sage. He did something similar to what Minister Pei did back then, and then asked me, if there is a chance, to bring you back to Chang'an. Of course, I don't recommend that you return to Chang'an now."

"The current situation in Chang'an is rather treacherous; you are the son of a close minister of the Son of Heaven, so you could easily be drawn into the vortex."

Wei Qing said with a hint of helplessness.

"Some people, when you are kind to them, may not remember it; when you do them any wrong, they can remember it for a lifetime."

Fang Chongyong couldn't help but hum a short tune.

"I just thought you were complaining about your father."

Wei Qing slightly frowned, his tone carrying a hint of displeasure.

It is precisely because of Li Longji that we Pear Garden youths can move within Chang'an's high society. So many things Fang Chongyong can say are absolutely unspeakable for them.

Wei Qing could of course discern that Fang Chongyong was railing against Li Longji's harshness and ingratitude, remembering only grievances and not favors. He also greatly admired the incident concerning Fang Youde. It's just that Li Longji would certainly not be happy about it.

From that perspective, Fang Chongyong doesn't seem to have said anything wrong.

"Now, Prime Minister Li is in charge of reforming the canal transport; are you truly confident you can handle the matters of Kuizhou River Pass? If not, I can take you back to Chang'an now, and you can still get away unscathed. If the matter ends up mishandled, Zheng Shuqing will certainly be in trouble, and you won't fare any better!"

Wei Qing couldn't help but point out. Fang Chongyong and Zheng Shuqing are neither relatives nor close allies; there is truly no need for them to go down with this ship.

"The thirty‑hundred‑thousand‑guan customs duties of Kuizhou are already taking shape; the envoy can go back to report to the Sage, and before next year's Shangyuan Festival it will surely be settled."

Fang Chongyong said with full confidence.

"And… that's all. We'll discuss the rest when you get to Chang'an."

The conversation didn't click; Fang Chongyong refused to budge, having no intention of returning to Chang'an with him, and Wei Qing sighed helplessly.

Fang Youde hoped Fang Chongyong could enter the palace and secure a post in the Imperial Guard, but he didn't expect the other to have such 'rebellious son' potential; it seems he has no intention of following Fang Youde's plan.

As for studying for the imperial examinations, given Fang Chongyong's previously foolish demeanor, is he cut out for it?

"You go ahead. I will return to Chang'an today to report my duties, and I still want to see Kuizhou's scenery again before setting out."

Wei Qing spoke with a hint of sentiment, leaving Fang Chongyong a little perplexed. This one, always sighing over spring and mourning autumn, what is he up to?

He clasped his hands together, performed a bow, and immediately turned to leave. As for Zheng Shuqing's affair, Fang Chongyong has only done half of it so far; whether it can be accomplished actually requires two stages, and now he is merely putting on a brave front.

After Fang Chongyong left, Wei Qing finally stood up, gazed across the river at White Emperor City, and recalled the scene he had inadvertently witnessed in the Pear Garden earlier.

…

"Quan Zhong, this journey has been a hardship for you."

In an unremarkable pavilion inside the Pear Garden, the Tang Emperor Li Longji, clad in a reddish‑yellow dragon robe and wearing a Tongtian crown, fifty years of age yet appearing no older than his thirties, helped up a thin, tall middle‑aged man who was kneeling on the ground performing a grand bow, the man dressed in a black Tang army uniform.

That middle‑aged man is Fang Youde, the despicable father of Fang Chongyong.

"I do not know the Sage's thoughts, but whatever the Sage commands, I will certainly see it done."

Hearing Fang Youde's words, Li Longji nodded with satisfaction, and the two strolled through the Pear Garden.

"What do you think of the administration of Kuizhou?"

Li Longji asked rather casually.

"Replying to the Sage, the whole of Kuizhou is colluding, turning the Kuimen River Pass into a foul, smoky mess; the levied taxes are virtually nonexistent, and they deceive both superiors and subordinates…"

Fang Youde wanted to continue, but Li Longji waved his hand.

Those words were not what he wanted to hear.

After Zheng Shuqing left, the levied taxes sent from Kuizhou increased considerably, which is enough. As for those details, he doesn't care, nor can he keep up with them.

"What about the matters over at the Jiannan Army?"

Li Longji asked in a deep voice.

"Wang Yu accepted bribes from the Nanzhao ruler, jeopardizing military affairs and should be executed; Zhang Choujian Qiong incited chaos, and although he has war merits, they are insufficient to offset his crimes, and he too should be executed."

Fang Youde said with great certainty.

"Enough. The position of Censor-in-Chief is already a hardship for you. After finally returning to Chang'an, just take a good rest this time."

Li Longji said wistfully, seeming to have something on his mind.

"I have a matter to report to the Sage," the humble minister said.

Fang Youde's gaze was steadfast as he clasped his hands and bowed to Li Longji, saying,

"Speak, you who served during the Hidden Dragon era; I already have an idea in my mind."

Li Longji nodded slightly and said.

"The Khitans repeatedly breach the border, and the situation in Youzhou is unstable. The Military Governor lacks fiscal authority, and the troops urgently need pay. I therefore transferred the three hundred thousand tax funds that Zhang Choujian Qiong delivered to the Youzhou frontier town, earmarking them for military supplies, exclusive use. This prevents those hill bandits in Hebei from imposing excessive levies."

Hearing this, Li Longji, who had been unruffled, suddenly had dark clouds clouding his face!

"Fang Youde! How bold you are! You actually dare to misappropriate my money!"

Li Longji turned and stared at Fang Youde with an angry glare!

Fang Youde quickly knelt on one knee and said:

"In my heart, there is only the Sage. The Sage is the ruler of the nation, wealthy across the four seas; serving the country is serving the Sage. I know that the three hundred thousand guan of tax revenue is intended for next year's Shangyuan Festival grand banquet and for rewarding the princes of the Ten Kingdom Residences."

"But I think that border frontier affairs are paramount; the rest is insignificant."

"In my heart, only the Sage is the master; I care not how the other princes think, I will never side with them, nor fear offending them."

After hearing this, Li Longji's expression softened slightly and he said, "You act for the country, but I lose face; is my face not important?"

"This… I cannot concern myself with that."

Fang Youde said sheepishly, obviously feeling a bit guilty.

"Forget it, there's a vacancy for a Vice Minister in the Ministry of Rites; you should go take an official post there and stop running around."

Li Longji waved his hand, sighed, and said.

Having no desire makes one strong; a man like Fang Youde has extremely strong convictions, his loyalty reaching the point of obstinacy, and even Li Longji can do nothing about him.

A lackey so loyal that even its master cannot bear to strike him down.

"The people of Hebei are unsettled; this time, Zhang Shougui has received the favor of your humble servant sending charcoal in the snow, and many soldiers and officers in Secluded Prefecture are likewise, surely to be negligent in their defenses. Please, Your Holy One, demote your humble servant to the army of Secluded Prefecture; I wish to be a hidden blade in Your Holy One's darkness, ready for any need."

Fang Youde suddenly knelt on the ground and performed a full prostration.

"How has it come to this… Do you not believe in my abilities?"

Li Longji helped Fang Youde up, tightly gripping his arm and letting out a long, faint sigh.