Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 138

The military pay that Fang Chongyong paid to the Doulu Army was actually misappropriation of the reserves needed to implement the "Hebian Law" from Shazhou Prefecture.

This model operates very flexibly, but the reserve fund is the foundation among the foundations, so Fang Yanei's wave of gameplay has completely blocked his escape route.

The "Hebian Law" in the Shazhou area is more of a financial system that transcends the times and is a product of local conditions. It was not invented by Niu Xianke, and it is completely different from the Hebian currently implemented in Guanzhong.

The biggest difference between the Hebian method here in Dunhuang and the Hebian method in Guanzhong is that the local silk production in Dunhuang is very small!
The reason is simple. Without raw materials, the climate here in Dunhuang cannot grow mulberry trees, let alone raise silkworms.

Dunhuang's local textile industry is not weak, but the vast majority of its output is linen.As well as a series of by-products related to hemp, such as cooking oil, lamp oil, etc.

rather than silk.

Silk fabrics are basically imported from Guanzhong.

The silk in Guanzhong came from all over the Tang Dynasty, mainly from Shu and Yangzhou.Dunhuang is the closest place to the Western Regions in the Hexi Corridor. Regardless of the origin of silk products, the best-selling here is ranked first. No handicraft products can compare with it!

This makes silk the most sought-after local currency, the best currency among good coins!

The silk in Guanzhong is just silk, but the silk in Dunhuang is comparable to gold.Ordinary people in the local area don’t use it for consumption at all, they use it as currency!
The core of Shazhou government's maintenance of local military and civil administration is the Hebian system.All policies are centered around Hebian.

The silk from Chang'an is "light goods" with high value and relatively low freight.The Shazhou government government traded grain with Hu merchants and local businessmen in the form of "loans" to make up for the shortage of grain stocks in the local government.

Merchants first pledge other items of a certain value, which are often grain, oil, linen, or even white thorns and tamarisks cut down for fires in the countryside.After getting the silk and selling it, the Shazhou Prefecture does not care about the sales channel, even if it is sold to the Tubo people.

Then after the agreed time, the borrower must write off the IOU with grain and get back the collateral.

It must be food, or something that can be eaten and stored for a long time, not easy-to-carry items like gems and gold.

Ordinary people also like to exchange grain for silk.

First, make a small loan, then sell the silk you get to merchants in the Western Regions to earn the price difference, and finally use the grain produced in the fields to hand it over to the Shazhou government office to write off the IOU.This objectively reduces the economic burden.

The Hebian system was responsible for the "price regulator" between local silk and grain, eliminating the possibility of hoarding by merchants in the Western Regions.

Of course, these "small loans" are all "usury" in Fang Chongyong's eyes.

Fang Chongyong used a large part of the principal that should have been used for Hebian, that is, for "usury", to make up for the military expenses of the Doulu Army. I have to say that this is really a bold move for a skilled man. !

Or call the ignorant fearless.

If the silk from Chang'an cannot be supplied to Shazhou on time.Then quietly taking Anaye away, living anonymously in the Western Regions, and relying on his own knowledge in later generations to become a businessman, seems like a good idea!

If you still stay in Shazhou by then, you probably won’t even know how you will die.If the peace is not successful, the Doulu Army will run out of food this winter. It will be strange if those Qiu Ba people don't mutiny by then!
Let’s not talk about other bad consequences.

The local rents collected in Shazhou are mediocre and cannot support the [-] Doulu army.

These tax burdens cannot even guarantee the daily rations of the Doulu Army.

However, Fang Chongyong is not without hope.Because the money for Doulujun's winter clothes and spring clothes will eventually have to be made up by the court, and it is impossible to continue to be in arrears.As long as the money there is in place, Fang Chongyong will naturally get out of trouble.

The time for large-scale buying and selling is around this year's autumn harvest. There are very few people who are willing to buy and buy, and the remaining silk and silk in the treasury can still be dealt with.

In other words, Fang Chongyong drank poison to quench his thirst and bought himself half a year by playing the empty city plan.Without the support from Chang'an, this year's autumn harvest day in Dunhuang would have been the time for him to take his sister on the run.

Of course, Fang Chongyong, who is well aware of Brother Ji's inappropriate behavior, will naturally not place his hopes on the increasingly corrupt court. He is looking for ways to actively save himself.

……

"Your Majesty, this matter is not trivial! This is a lie about military information and should be executed according to law!"

In the Zen room of a temple next to the medicinal spring, Yan Zhuang exclaimed in a low voice.

What Fang Chongyong is about to do cannot be said to be very bold, it can only be said that he doesn't even want his life.

Fang Chongyong is like this. He is very timid at ordinary times, but at critical moments, when it is time to deal with things decisively, he can regard the court's laws as nothing.

Now that you’ve done everything, it doesn’t matter if you go a little too far, right?What is the difference between beheading once and beheading ten times?

This is Fang Yanei's thinking.

But to outsiders, that's not the case.

Yan Zhuang felt that Fang Chongyong had fallen into a rampage mode since he misappropriated Hebian's principal. This person no longer cared about the consequences of his actions.As long as it doesn't lead to sudden death, Fang Chongyong doesn't mind trying it, as long as it can be effective.

"Excuse me, does Datang belong to me?"

Fang Chongyong looked at Yan Zhuang as if he were a fool and asked.

Yan Zhuang was suddenly speechless, hemmed and hawed for a long time, and finally lamented: "The Tang Dynasty belongs to the saints, of course not to the emperor."

"So, even if I cause a big problem and make the situation in Shazhou get out of control, wouldn't there be a saint to carry it? In this case, what do I have to worry about?"

Fang Zhongyong said confidently.

This horse is a monster. He won't rebel in the future, right?
Yan Zhuang sighed in his heart, what Fang Chongyong just asked him to do was really hard to explain in words.He has carried forward the irresponsible, reckless and wanton style of Liu Guan to the extreme.

"You do this quietly and find a few tight-lipped people to handle it. I will give you one hundred silks of activity funds and vigorously publicize it here in Dunhuang. Let's say that the Tibetan people will attack Shazhou next and destroy this place. After a sweep, no humans or animals were left behind, and the looted items were used as military expenses.

Well, to exaggerate, let's say the Tibetans have 40 troops. "

Fang Chongyong pondered for a moment and said.

Yan Zhuang was speechless when he heard this.

How many people are there in Tubo? You keep saying that 40 people from Tibet attacked Shazhou, and do you think everyone else is a fool?
"Your Majesty, during the decisive battle between Tibet and the Tang Dynasty in Dafeichuan, the entire country could only mobilize 40 people, and it is hard to say how many people participated in the battle.

Now even if Dunhuang claims that 40 Tibetans attacked Shazhou, no one wants to believe it!The Tubo army was confronting the Tang army in the Hehuang area. "

Yan Zhuang lamented and asked, "Your Majesty, you should think of another way."

"No, no, no, this is how you promote it, no problem. What I want is momentum. How could Tubo attack Shazhou? Even if you think about it, it's impossible!"

Fang Chongyong sneered, waved his hand and said.

It doesn't matter whether others believe it or not. The key is to let such "gossip" spread throughout Shazhou to create a situation of panic among people. This will achieve the goal.

Will the Tubo people attack Shazhou?
That must be impossible.

But when building momentum, you can keep stacking buffs, and the more dangerous the words, the better, no matter how exaggerated they are.

For example, some people questioned that the Tubo people are accustomed to invading in autumn and winter. Now they are unlikely to invade in spring, and Shazhou is still very safe.

Then we can answer: Don’t the Tubo people break the rules?Have you ever heard of the art of war of taking the enemy by surprise and attacking him unprepared?

For example, some people questioned that the main force of the Tibetan army was confronting the Tang army on the Hehuang line, and there was no spare power to attack Shazhou.

Then we can answer: Don’t the Tubo people understand the principle of building plank roads openly and secretly visiting Chencang?
Fang Chongyong can still brag: I am the son of Fang Jie, the commander-in-chief of Shuanghuahongguan Fang in the Tang Dynasty. I have been learning the art of war since I was one year old. Am I not as knowledgeable as you?

After these controversies were hyped up, Fang Chongyong could directly tell the local wealthy people in Shazhou: You local tycoons, you don’t want the Tibetans to come to Shazhou and raid your homes, right?
The Tang Dynasty took away at most one-tenth of your wealth, and Tubo was... Fang Chongyong remembered that when Zhang Yichao revolted, all the local Tubo people in Hexi rebelled against Tibet.

How much hate do you have to be to push your own people to the rebel side?Anyway, there is no need to doubt that Tubo's serfdom policy is inappropriate. There is a general consensus in Shazhou. Even the Tubo people can't stand this evil thing. It can be said to be notorious in the Western Regions.

So no matter how bad and bad the Tang Dynasty was, Tubo was the worse one.As long as this principle remains, Fang Yanei's drama can continue to sing.

"In this case, the subordinate will go to organize things."

Yan Zhuang nodded slightly and said.

"Well, go ahead. I have a dinner party tomorrow. You come with me and meet the local big business."

Fang Zhongyong said casually, thinking about which way would be better to take when running away in the future. It seems that the Western Region is not safe either. Do we really want to go to Lingnan?
Hearing this, Yan Zhuang's heart tightened and he lowered his voice and said: "Local big families, many families have lasted longer than the Tang Dynasty. These people are not easy to deal with."

"There are people from them in the Doulu Army, so there is no need to say these things. I believe those people already know the relevant information."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand, feeling that Yan Zhuang was making a fuss.

In fact, Shazhou belongs to the local people. They cooperated with Datang only after Datang came.The Hexi Corridor itself was the place where those people negotiated and took refuge at the beginning of the founding of the Tang Dynasty, and it has not experienced any major wars.

Therefore, the local forces here have considerable autonomy.There are people from them all over the government office.Using the routine of "making something out of nothing" to put pressure on them is one aspect, but offering sweet dates with real money is another aspect.

Tonight is the time to test these people.

It can be said that this is the first time that Fang Chongyong has faced such a complex scene independently.

But because he was already in a bad state of mind and preparing to run away, he was actually not too nervous.

If you don’t keep me here, you have a place to keep me.

"Go ahead. Remember to go there tonight and get familiar with those people. If anything happens in the future, just contact them directly. If you can't handle it, come back and tell me."

Fang Chongyong patiently gave instructions.

……

Xiaocheng, as the local people call it, is opposite to Luocheng, a city full of fish and dragons.No one knows the original name of this city, but it is an ironclad fact that it has stood in Dunhuang for hundreds of years and has existed here since the Han Dynasty.

In other words, Luocheng is just a "free port" that emerged due to the prosperity of commerce, and the small town is the political center of Dunhuang!All the big local families live here, intermarried from generation to generation, and their influence is intertwined.Except for forces like Tubo that "do not respect martial ethics", they will cooperate with whoever rules Dunhuang.

Every Shazhou governor in the Tang Dynasty had to deal with these people, and Fang Chongyong was no exception.When he was appointed as the temporary governor of Shazhou, no one paid any attention to him. However, a few days after he was "promoted", Yan Chao was sent to test him. His sense of smell was not insensitive.

As soon as night fell that day, Fang Chongyong took Fang Laique, Yan Zhuang, A Duan and others to the Zhang family's mansion in the small town.

The Zhang family is the leading family in Dunhuang. At that time, the Zhang family had a relatively important position in Xiliang politics.

Zhang Bao once held important positions in the Xiliang regime, including Taifu, Prime Minister, and Zhongshu Supervisor. He was a core figure in Xiliang politics.Xiliang was taken over without blood by the Tang Dynasty. In this process, the Zhang family, like the An family entrenched in Liangzhou, also made great efforts.

In terms of rewards after the fact, there are many children of the Zhang family serving as officials in the states in the Hexi Corridor, and their power is not something that a small Shazhou governor can control.

Of course, behind the governor was the Tang Dynasty.Therefore, the local surname in Dunhuang did not want to take advantage of Fang Chongyong.

It was just that Fang Yanei was too young, his father Fang was virtuous and famous, and he was a native of Dunhuang, so he wanted to make friends with Fang Chongyong.

At least both parties can become familiar with each other.

People carry people in sedan chairs. These are old rules in official circles.

Under such a background, it is not surprising that the Zhang family organized a feast in the style of the Western Regions. During the banquet, various families and Governor Fang complimented each other, and the friendly atmosphere exploded.

The head of the Zhang family in this generation is named Zhang Chan, who is over fifty years old.He saw that Fang Chongyong had not eaten or drank at the banquet, and was only concentrating on chatting with them, so he asked curiously:
"But these meals are not to Fang Zhijun's taste? Then remove the banquet and replace it with something Fang Zhijun likes. What do Fang Zhijun think?"

Hearing this, Fang Chongyong sighed and said: "No, no, delicacies are rare in the world. It's a pity that someone is worried about national affairs and can't eat it. Alas..."

He shook his head and sighed again, and everyone immediately gathered their gazes with expressions of "Sure enough" on their faces, waiting for his answer.

"If you have something to say, you may as well speak up. I have been living in Shazhou for many years, and I can still say a few words about some things."

Seeing that Fang Chongyong was silent, Zhang Chan hinted in a very explicit way, almost asking local big businessmen to raise grain and grass to make up for the government's deficit.

Everyone here looked at Fang Chongyong with mixed feelings.

There is respect, regret, and admiration, but there is no contempt or contempt.

The governor who can make up winter and spring clothes for Doulu Army at once, even if he is a half-year-old child, cannot be underestimated.

This level of courage is unmatched by anyone, let alone a state governor who is replaced every four years.

If not for this, they wouldn't be able to offer such warm hospitality today.

"To tell you the truth, I can't bear to eat. It's really a very important matter, and I don't know whether I should talk about it. After all, it's confidential."

Fang Chongyong gently knocked on the table in front of him, and Yan Zhuang on the side quickly pulled his cuffs and shook his head with a solemn expression.

"The thing that worries you is the misappropriation of He Bian's capital to pay for the Doulu Army, right?

In fact, this matter is not difficult to handle. We still have some surplus food in Shazhou, which we can lend to the government without charging interest.After the silk and silk from the imperial court are delivered to Shazhou, the IOU can be written off, and then the peace purchase will be completed.So don’t worry, eat vegetables, eat vegetables! "

Zhang Chan laughed and said.

Lending grain to the government is actually equivalent to buying it in advance.

It is impossible for the imperial court not to pay the Doulu army, and it is certain that the money can be recovered.

So why not use this as a favor to the local governor?

Apart from feeding rats and possible mildew, are there any other benefits to storing grain in the treasury?They won't lose at all if they get the Zhongyuan silk that has no problem selling in Dunhuang later!

These people are very clever in their calculations, they have sold favors and good people have done something good. If anything happens in the future, the local governor will be embarrassed to embarrass them.

"That's not it. It's just a small matter. If I need your help, I will definitely ask. But for now, there is no need at all.

What I am concerned about is another major matter, and I must inform you all.

It is related to the imperial military aircraft, so I do not tell you because it is restricted by military law, but if I do not tell you, I feel sorry for you.This incident really makes Mou sleepless and sleepless. "

"It doesn't matter what you say, Fang Shijun. We are all people who speak strictly, and we will definitely not talk nonsense."

Zhang Chan said confidently.

"In that case, that's what I said.

In fact, it is top-secret news within the border army. The Tibetans are going to attack Shazhou in the spring of this year.I'm afraid there aren't many days left until now! "

Fang Chongyong lowered his voice and released a large satellite as if to be alarmist.

Zhang Chan, who has always been good at dancing and eloquent, couldn't say a word for a long time after hearing these words.

In the huge hall, representatives of various local wealthy families, such as the Zhang family, the Suo family, the Song family, the Linghu family, the Fan family, the Yin family, and the Yan family, were also shocked and speechless.

It's not because this news is too shocking, but...it's so ridiculous!
Yes, Tubo did indeed capture Guazhou (Guazhou County under Jiuquan City), which is adjacent to Shazhou, during the Kaiyuan period, and indeed planned to attack Shazhou.However, due to a series of subsequent strategic mistakes, the trip did not take place.

Now Fang Zhongyong said with certainty that Tibet was going to attack Shazhou... Who would believe this!

"Fang Shijun, we are quite well-connected in Shazhou. There is no news about Tubo's intention to attack Shazhou, so how can it be true?"

Zhang Chan said with a hesitant look.

This half-year-old child, whose hair is not fully grown, really talks freely, and is not afraid of the wind blowing his tongue!

Zhang Chan cursed secretly in his heart, but it was because of Fang Chongyong's position as governor that he did not have an attack.

“Hmph, a certain person risked his life to reveal the imperial military plane to you.

Insufficiency and conspiracy! "

Fang Chongyong stood up, slapped the case, turned around and left!
Zhang Tan was so frightened that he quickly stood up and pulled Fang Chongyong to comfort him.

At this time, Yan Chao, who had met each other before and was sitting at the table as an entourage, said to Fang Chongyong: "Your Majesty, the Tubo people do not have the right time and right place and no one is harmonious. Why did they choose to attack the sand at this time?" Where is the state?”

Hearing this, Fang Chongyong was overjoyed, but his face remained calm.

He sat back on his seat and sighed:

"My father, Fang Jieshuai, is a native of Dunhuang and has always regarded the Tubo people as a serious enemy. To be honest, when he was a child, my father asked me to learn the fighting methods of the Tibetan people in order to defeat the enemy.

Even the followers around me know the Tibetan military laws by heart. "

Fang Chongyong patted Fang Laique beside him on the shoulder and said, "Recite a section of the Tubo Army's military law to everyone present."

"Good good."

Fang Laique, who had been eating and drinking here all the time, suddenly became energetic.

(End of this chapter)