Chapter 95: The Emperor's Vast Benevolence

Everything is exactly as Fang Dafu said.

Wang Zhongsi led the Red Water Army, splitting his forces into multiple routes to attack the Turkic camps around the White Pavilion Sea.

First a fire attack, then a raid amid the chaos. He was in charge of leading the main force of the Red Water Army to sweep these camps of varying sizes one by one, and he ordered Guo Ziyi to take a thousand cavalry as a special force, maneuvering broadly to the essential road north of the White Pavilion Sea to block the fleeing Turkic troops.

The final outcome needs no further comment.

In this battle, the overconfident Xin Yunqing and the trembling Fang Chongyong, both shivered through the night around White Pavilion Fort, catching not a single hair. Wang Zhongsi's decisive and sharp counterattack, together with the Red Water Army's formidable hard power, left Xin Yunqing's myriad flashy tactics with no room to be employed.

Speaking of which, in history Fang Chongyong's previous life, after the Anshi Rebellion the Red Water Army was the first to return to aid Guanzhong, becoming the earliest Western Regions reinforcement. With a single army it held off more than a hundred thousand rebels for over a year, buying time for the Western Army to gather spiritual forces, and eventually took part in the pivotal Battle of Xiangji Temple.

Would this overkill, killing the internally conflicted Turkic "chicken," be a problem?

Or it merely confirms the saying: before absolute strength, any plot or scheme becomes a joke.

After the war, when merits were discussed and rewards given, Fang Chongyong, who had been idling around White Pavilion Fort and was terrified into helplessness, somehow managed to claim a "defense of the land" merit by serving as the Deputy Military Envoy of the White Pavilion Army, making him feel that this world is far too friendly to the powerful.

To ensure his safety, Wang Zhongsi sent men to escort Fang Chongyong back to Liangzhou City, and had Xin Yunqing lead the White Pavilion Fort garrison back to Liangzhou City for "rest," allowing the Red Water Army to take over the defense of the White Pavilion Sea; the main force set up camp at the White Pavilion Sea Horse Ranch and did not return to their base at Chiwu Town.

Fang Yanei was merely a "child"; even without wetting his pants in battle, he was already considered a hero, so being singled out for praise in the battle report was appropriate.

However, the White Pavilion Army's armaments were unmaintained, and this hasty response was clearly seen by the Liangzhou military‑civilian leadership.

Xin Yunqing was not dismissed, but only because the Tang's contest with the Turkic peoples had not yet concluded, leaving no time to deal with him.

On the surface, this is because, as the Military Envoy of the White Pavilion Army, he acted hastily and failed to provide a "warning," leading to heavy losses at the White Pavilion Sea Horse Ranch.

In reality, it is merely an excuse for the Liangzhou leadership to crack down on the long‑standing smuggling between the White Pavilion Army and the Turkic people.

Don't be fooled by the daily merriment; beware of future blacklists—Xin Yunqing was blacklisted by Xiao Jiong! The Liangzhou superiors have long known those past incidents but took no action. This time the Turkic trouble provides a perfect scapegoat, pushing the tiny shrimp Xin Yunqing forward for Li Longji to answer to, which serves the interests of everyone in Liangzhou's bureaucracy.

Anyone with eyes can see that the Turkic surprise attack disrupted Liangzhou's defensive layout, causing heavy losses at the White Pavilion Sea Horse Ranch. These matters will serve as evidence in assessments, determining the promotion or demotion of Liangzhou's military‑civil officials.

Therefore, whether it is the newly appointed Hexi Military Governor Xiao Jiong or the Red Water Army commander Wang Zhongsi, they are eager to reclaim face from the Turkic people. Otherwise, they cannot explain to Ji Ge the loss of those horses at the White Pavilion Sea Horse Ranch.

A single horse starts at at least fifty strings; if they are held accountable, Ji Ge can make them pay their entire fortune!

Of course, none of this concerns Fang Chongyong. The deeply shaken Fang Yanei has returned to his old trade, arriving at Anaye's father's clinic to take on the job of "writing family letters for a penny."

……

"Alas!"

In the study of the Qinzhengwubenlou of Xingqing Palace, Li Longji could not help but sigh repeatedly before his desk.

Everything is going awry; tonight even the conjugal affairs with Huanhuan are disheartening and depressing. Although Yang Yuhuan said nothing, Ji Ge feels he has grown old and useless.

Moreover, the turmoil of state affairs makes him feel powerless, no longer possessing the ambition of his youth.

Although it is already deep night, he cannot sleep at all, sitting alone in a withered posture. Even Gao Lishi waits outside the study, daring not to disturb the ill‑tempered Li Longji.

"Lishi, come in and keep me company for a chat."

Li Longji called out weakly.

Hearing the call, Gao Lishi cautiously entered, bowed, and asked, "What orders does the Sage have?"

"Sit down, keep me company and talk."

Li Longji sat on the study's couch and had Gao Lishi sit beside him.

"Lishi, tell me why I originally appointed a man like Wei Guangcheng to be the Shuo Fang Military Governor?"

"Am I already old and muddled?"

Li Longji suddenly brought up a matter unrelated to his mood tonight.

It is also his habit in daily speech to never speak directly; circumlocution is the norm.

"How can the Sage, flourishing in spring and autumn, grow old?"

A Military Governor merely oversees a region for a four‑year term, usually seeking no merit but merely avoiding fault. Wei Guangcheng's refusal this time to cooperate with Fang Youde in dispatching troops against the Turkic people is only natural.

Governors like him are not one or two isolated cases.

Gao Lishi, uncharacteristically, said a good word for Wei Guangcheng.

In fact, from an official's perspective, Wei Guangcheng's actions are quite ordinary; even holding fire is what a sensible mind would do.

But Ji Ge does not want to hear such words.

"Fang Quanzhong treats the nation as his home; indeed he is a loyal minister and fine general."

Li Longji said with emotion.

Since placing Fang Youde into the position of the Youzhou Military Governor, nothing has erupted there.

Whenever trouble arises, it's always the Khitans, the Bohai Kingdom, and the like. The Tang forces have shifted from a previously weak defensive stance to a strong offensive.

Of course, Fang Youde has seized a considerable portion of Hebei grain supplies for military needs, which is to be expected.

Without money or grain, how can one win a war? A single defeat on the front line would cost far more than this; Ji Ge thinks this trade is quite profitable.

"Sage, Hexi Military Governor Xiao Jiong has presented a medicinal tea called Shunqi Suoyang Tea. I have had the renowned physicians of the Imperial Medical Office examine it, and others have tried it; they all say it is warm, mellow, nourishing, and regulates Qi. The Hexi people are outstanding and traverse the Western Regions, so this tea is worth trying."

Gao Lishi suddenly offered a suggestion.

The tea that Fang Chongyong concocted was already sent to Chang'an, but Gao Lishi dared not give it to Li Longji. He inquired at the Imperial Medical Office and had people test it, finding it indeed poses no major issue; its weak yet lingering effect makes it suitable for long‑term consumption.

Even Fang Zi and some of the medicinal herbs have already been handed over to the Inner Treasury for storage.

This matter was handled by Xiao Jiong's group with flawless precision; Gao Lishi could not help but admire them.

"Then let's try it."

Li Longji said casually, "Fine, let's try it."

He is the emperor; he has seen every "divine medicine." If Xiao Jiong thought a single prescription could win favor, he has miscalculated.

"Sage, I shall now brew it."

Gao Lishi crossed his arms, bowed, and prepared to take his leave.

"Isn't this tea supposed to be decocted?"

Hearing that, Ji Ge instantly became interested!

Why does he dislike taking medicine?

Because the medicine pills are made from unknown ingredients, he is the exalted Nine‑Five and cannot just casually eat them.

While decocting medicine takes time, sometimes when the mood strikes, he wants to take a bit of medicine to enhance the fun, but by the time the decoction is ready, all interest is gone.

"Your Majesty, in the Hexi region there are many merchants and travelers; often they lack the proper conditions to decoct medicine, so taking it with water or in pill form is more common."

Gao Lishi patiently explained.

"Good, good, then let's give it a try!"

Ji Ge suddenly became excited.

"This stuff is great; just the fact that it can be taken with water is enough to make it a suitable daily tonic."

Soon after, Gao Lishi placed the cup holding the medicinal tea into the icy well water to let it cool quickly; once the tea was warm, he handed it to Li Longji.

Ji Ge drank it all in one gulp; not sure if it was an illusion, but it seemed a warm current was swirling in his spleen and stomach.

"Not bad."

Li Longji gave a slight nod and smiled.

"Your Majesty, this formula was found by Fang Youde's son, Fang Chongyong, among the folk of Baitinghai in Hexi."

Gao Lishi said this without changing expression.

Fang Youde enjoys great imperial favor; he doesn't mind being raised a bit more.

"Hmm, I understand."

Li Longji spoke calmly.

He originally didn't know how to reward Fang Youde, but upon hearing about Fang Chongyong's deed, he instantly formed an idea and kept calculating in his mind.

The more he thought about it, the better it seemed!

"Remove Weiguangcheng from office, investigate him, and immediately send him back to Chang'an for trial. I suspect he is colluding with the Turkic camp."

Li Longji suddenly said something that left Gao Lishi baffled!

"Your Majesty, a regional command should not be moved lightly."

Gao Lishi looked anxious.

Just now we were talking about the Fang father and son; how did we suddenly jump to Weiguangcheng?

"The regional commanders I appoint should be expanding the borders; how can Weiguangcheng be like a dead dog, sleeping soundly in the frontier garrison?"

You see how unruly the Turks are, yet Weiguangcheng doesn't even know to lead troops to the frontier passes to intimidate the Turkic camp—his vision is far inferior to Fang Youde's. The court has plenty of talent; surely we can find a replacement?

Li Longji retorted, clearly dissatisfied.

Actually, Gao Lishi also knows the crux of the matter; the problem lies with Li Longji himself.

At this time, regional commanders held limited authority, checked by the garrison commissioner, finance commissioner, and surveillance commissioner, posts usually filled by literati. Their duty was not to expand territory but to maintain the frontier's basic stability; it doesn't mean that if the central court doesn't send troops, the frontier will descend into irreparable ruin.

Thus these regional commanders are not all uniformly competent; many obtain their posts through nepotism. For example, Weiguangcheng's abilities are sparse, but being a scion of the Jingzhao Wei clan, his posting to the frontier is merely to gain seniority.

But the problem is, Ji Ge's thinking has changed; he wants regional commanders to expand the empire's territory, intending to alter the situation where the central army constantly goes on campaign. Having troops sally from the frontier saves time and effort; Fang Youde has already shown him that the frontier can also project Tang military might, without needing the court to dispatch troops on distant expeditions.

"It's not fear of not recognizing value, but fear of comparing goods. Comparing Fang Youde with Weiguangcheng, the latter is not just slightly inferior; yet nominally commanding the Shuofang army, his forces are not any fewer than Fang Youde's."

Therefore, removing him and appointing someone who can lead troops and fight as the Shuofang regional commander is quite necessary.

This is actually also a fine‑tuning of the complete dissolution of the militia system, the hollowing out of central forces, and the growing weight of frontier authority.

Simply put, the times have eliminated Weiguangcheng, yet without even a farewell.

"Here, I'll go inform the Right Minister right away."

Gao Lishi bowed his head and withdrew; as he hurried to the door, he heard Li Longji shout.

"Right, Fang Youde has recently been given too many offices; it's not suitable to grant him further honors. The post of Ganzhou prefect is vacant, isn't it? Let his son Fang Chongyong serve as prefect to experience local conditions."

When he grows up, I will have great use for him.

Huh?

Gao Lishi suddenly turned, hurried to Li Longji's side, dropped to one knee, and pleaded: "Your Majesty, such an edict must not be carried out!"

Making a ten‑year‑old a prefect—what on earth are you doing, Your Majesty!

Gao Lishi felt utterly unwell, even panicked.

Because he realized he could no longer see through Li Longji!

Whether Ji Ge is lustful, ruthless, fickle as turning a page, or raises his son like a pig, all that still falls within ordinary human bounds.

But no matter how you say it, you can't let a child be a prefect of a frontier prefecture!

Not just in the Tang dynasty—throughout history, nowhere has such a practice existed.

"Lishi, you overthink it; I merely want to set an example for people to follow."

Li Longji waved his hand casually as he spoke.

As for Fang Youde, Li Longji feels it would be inappropriate to grant him more rewards; surely he can't just be given two regional commands on a whim?

Since we cannot lavishly bestow honors, nor dare to chill the hearts of loyal ministers and capable generals, we can only reward the young Fang, so that the world sees frontier generals expanding the realm for the state, and the emperor's generosity is abundantly clear—an outright exception.

But can this child Fang Chongyong actually perform well as a prefect?

That is obviously impossible; the answer is plain to see.

The so‑called "give you a chance, you won't make use of it"—when Ji Ge later grants Fang Chongyong an extraordinary pardon, that too is a vast imperial grace.

Thus, it will be enough to make the Fang father and son feel grateful and indebted, and to have the world sing their praises.

The emperor is so magnanimous, giving you a chance despite criticism; if you fail to seize it, can you blame the emperor?

Besides, Ganzhou lies between Guazhou and Liangzhou, relatively secluded; it is where the Zhangye River, formed by meltwater from the Qilian Mountains, meets the Ruoshui.

Its north is Gan jun Mountain, its south the Qilian Mountains, and not far to the west lies the garrison of the Jiangjun Army.

Judging purely by geography, Ganzhou is far safer than Liangzhou; therefore Ganzhou need not retain a large Tang‑army main force like the Chishui Army.

Its north faces no Turkic threat, its south no Tibetan threat, and east and west lie along the Silk Road, protected by Liangzhou and Suzhou (Jiuquan).

It can be described as an impregnable golden city, utterly secure!

The political and economic structure of the five prefectures of the Hexi Corridor is very different from that of the Central Plains. The Inspector's main duty is only military affairs; border defense is everything. On the civil affairs side, a fixed system has already been formed, everything revolves around the operation of military affairs, and there is little room for adjustment.

Ganzhou has few troops stationed, only a detachment of the Jiankang Army; currently, the Jiankang Army's Military Commissioner Ouyang Ling is acting as the Inspector of Ganzhou, likewise a newly appointed official.

It would be better to let Ouyang Ling return to his proper post, focus on the Jiankang Army's military affairs, and let Fang Chongyong serve as a nominal Inspector.

On the surface this appointment seems nonsensical, but looking at the overall situation, one can only say that Ji Ge's political maneuvering has reached the point of perfection!

Li Longji, uncharacteristically patient, explained to Gao Lishi, whereupon the latter finally set his mind at ease.

The Sage employs people without restriction; showing such great favor to the Fang family father and son, I expect everyone will be loyally devoted to our Great Tang.

Gao Lishi said, heartfelt and convinced.

Go, patiently explain to the Right Minister; tell him what should be told, and do not utter a word of what should not be told.

Li Longji hinted with deep meaning.

The means of political scheming can only be understood through careful contemplation; hidden beneath the absurd appointment is a precise calculation.

(End of chapter)