Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 261 Tianbao "God of War" Li Longji

To say who was the number one "god of war" during the Tianbao period, it was none other than the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, Li Longji.

The Anshi Rebellion, which originally lasted for at most two years, ended up lasting eight years due to the clever manipulations of Brother Ji and Li Heng. Of course, Li Heng's military maneuvers were equally fierce compared to Brother Ji's, and they were no less generous.

It's just that none of Li Heng's operations took place during the Tianbao period, so the title of "Tianbao God of War" was not yet his turn.

Fang Youde naturally knows better than anyone what level Ji Ge is at commanding and fighting. And if the emperor wanted to lead the expedition in person, it would definitely be a disaster for the Tang Dynasty's border troops.

He alone can add [-] elite soldiers to the enemy's army!

"Sage, when it comes to your personal conquest...who should I fight?"

Fang Youde said with some embarrassment, but in the end he held back all the unpleasant words.

Fang Youde also wanted to think of Brother Ji as Taizong. If Brother Ji had one-tenth of Taizong's ability to lead troops, he wouldn't say anything more and would just hold his nose and admit it.

When the time comes, if you use your strength on the battlefield, you can make some money back.

But the roaring Battle of Tongguan in the Anshi Rebellion was happening there, and Fang Youde really didn't dare to overestimate Ji Ge's military level.

"Hit whoever comes forward!

Don't worry, I know it well and will not interfere in military affairs when the time comes.

I have never fought in a war in my life, which is a pity to say. Now that I am half buried in the ground, can your beloved satisfy me with this wish? "

Brother Ji asked with a smile, very easy-going and warm.

Fang Youde hurriedly crossed his hands and saluted, "How can I dare to interfere with the sage's decision because I am so frightened?"

"Well, now that you're interested, go ahead and train the Shence Army."

Brother Ji waved his hand indifferently.

After Fang Youde retreated, he looked deeply at the lotus pond in the distance. Spring has arrived, and everything is full of vitality.

The "human and divine integration" plan in Brother Ji's mind is being implemented in full swing. After completion, he will be the god of the Tang Dynasty. No one dares to resist, not even the thought of resisting!

It's just that the Tang Dynasty was founded on horseback, and it was completely impossible without military merit.

Although the last meeting of the Lingzhou Alliance was a success, it was all caused by Fang Youde, and everyone knew that it had nothing to do with him as the emperor.

The imperial commander's personal expedition, entering Lingyan Pavilion, and the Taoist sacred monument are three things in one. To fully strengthen one's power, one of them is indispensable.

Of course, on this basis, Brother Ji still hopes to complete it at the minimum cost.

It is not difficult to enter Lingyan Pavilion and welcome back the Taoist monument (which I secretly sent people to tinker with), but the imperial commander's personal expedition cannot be filled with water. Not only did the emperor have to be in the army, but he also had to meet many conditions to stop the world from talking.

The first is that the enemy must be strong enough. Looking around the Tang Dynasty, only Tubo has this strength.

The second is that the battle must not only be won but also won beautifully.

The third is that the important role played by him as the emperor must be reflected in the war.

In the eyes of outsiders, the emperor must be a help, not a burden.

With this personal expedition, there will be no resistance to entering Lingyan Pavilion and adding Lingyan Pavilion heroes. And more people are willing to believe the words "translated" by that "self-proclaimed" Taoist monument.

Although Brother Ji is old, he understands very well that many people in the civil and military dynasties and various courtiers are thinking about what will happen after the death of the old emperor. Putting your hope on these people, you won’t know how you died until the end.

This made him more suspicious of unfamiliar ministers.

Turn yourself into a myth, achieve great results, and become a banner of the Tang Dynasty. In the end, no one dared to rebel.

Ji Ge planned very methodically.

"I am only one step away from Taizong."

Brother Ji murmured to himself.

He suddenly remembered something, looked at Gao Lishi beside him and asked: "How about that noble thing you mentioned last time?"

"Back to the saint, he is quite smart and capable."

Gao Lishi told the truth, now Gao Shang is managing his house and keeping it in order. The words "alert and capable" are quite appropriate.

"Let him be purified, and you can adopt him as your adopted son. After he recovers, he will be sent to King Yong as a chamberlain and as my spy. I guarantee that he will be rich and powerful in the future.

Let Gao Shang find an opportunity to hint to King Yong that I intend to change the prince. "

Brother Ji said calmly.

"What the saint said is absolutely true. I believe that noble person will be grateful for the saint's love."

Gao Lishi complimented calmly.

"This noble man, do you really not mind becoming a eunuch?"

Brother Ji asked curiously. He also understood very well that no man could bear being stabbed. No one would become a eunuch if they were not forced to do so.

“He might mind becoming a eunuch, but he would definitely mind being poor and unable to make progress for the rest of his life.

He has a noble appearance and an elegant and extraordinary talent. Being a eunuch is his right path. "

Gao Lishi said with a smile, not taking this noble thing seriously at all.

For Brother Ji, Gao Lishi is a helper who has grown up with him and will never lose his temper with him. But to others, Gao Lishi is a ferocious tiger that can always affect their life and death, honor and disgrace.

Gao Lishi had also heard rumors that Gao Shang liked to mess around with women. At that time, Gao Shang had a lot of fun with the county magistrate named Linghu Chao, and they were even impeached by Fang Youde.

If this kind of person is not castrated, I'm afraid he will cause big trouble.

When it comes to Brother Ji's layout, Gao Lishi doesn't dare to be careless.

……

Fang Chongyong, who was far away in Shanzhou, didn't know what Ji Ge planned, but this did not prevent him from going through the "handover procedures" in Shanzhou City and resigning as acting Longyou Jiedushi.

The day after Cen Shen left for Lanzhou, Fang Chongyong gathered the envoys of the Longyou Army for a meeting.

In the lobby of the Longyou Jiedushi Yamen, everyone had complicated expressions. It seemed like there was a lot to say, but in the end nothing came out. It's really because Fang Chongyong is so legendary and has so many stories that they don't know how to evaluate him.

This young Fang Yanei has been struggling ever since he came to Longyou. Now he finally calmed down, fought against the Tubo people, and won a beautiful victory.

As a result, he was transferred to Hexi as a military envoy!

This made them, the military envoys on duty, not sure how to adjust their relationship with Fang Chongyong.

"Everyone, don't worry about military pay. The next Longyou Jiedushi, General Wang Zhongsi, will be someone's father-in-law.

I will make it clear to him face to face about the military pay for Longyou Army. Something promised will definitely be done. "

Fang Chongyong took a long breath and said, waving his hands to signal everyone not to get excited.

At first, all the military envoys were slightly relieved, but when they heard that Wang Zhongsi was Fang Chongyong's father-in-law, they immediately became worried again and secretly complained in their hearts.

This man is indeed gone, but his father-in-law is here again!

I left but it seems like I didn’t leave!

If Fang Yanei wants to put some shoes on someone present, then he really shouldn't take it easy.

"Don't worry, Fang Jieshuai, we will restrain the soldiers."

Gai Jiayun patted his chest and assured.

"Everyone, after autumn comes, the Tubo people will definitely make a comeback. Even if the whole country's troops invade the Hehuang Valley, you guys must not relax in training.

These were the words from the bottom of my heart before leaving. "

Fang Chongyong said to everyone present with folded hands and a salute.

"I will definitely be ready to fulfill my mission!"

Everyone present saluted Fang Zhongyong together and shouted loudly.

However, although what they say now is good, when the Tibetans invade the whole country, how many Tang soldiers will bury their bones on the plateau?     One general's achievements will make a thousand bones wither!

After all, gaining wealth through military service is just a game played by the powerful, and the upward path has not been blocked for the time being.

Not that this upward path is fair. Ordinary people and generals' children are not on the same starting line from birth.

When he thought of this, Fang Chongyong's interest waned, and he was not in the mood to talk about the next scene.

"It's all over. The Tianwei Army's transfer to Lanzhou for reorganization is still an internal matter of the Longyou Army and has nothing to do with X's arrangement.

You can talk about other things after Wang Jieshuai arrives. Everyone, see you later. "

After saying that, he stood up and walked straight out the door regardless of everyone's surprised looks.

Before Fang Chongyong reached the study of Longyou Jiedushi, he noticed the sound of armor scraping behind him. When he turned around, he saw that it was Wang Rao who was chasing him from behind, looking like he wanted to speak but didn't know how.

"Does envoy Wang Jun have anything else to do?"

Fang Chongyong asked doubtfully.

"Someone wants to join the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army."

Wang Rao said in a deep voice, cupping his fists and saluting Fang Chongyong.

Theoretically, all Tang Army generals are loyal to Brother Ji, and there is no question of who belongs to whom. Therefore, Fang Chongyong did not think about recruiting any "cronies", nor did he trust those so-called "cronies". In the end Will join him to death in rebellion.

When everyone was a border general of the Tang Dynasty, if others obeyed him, it was because he was the military governor. As long as it doesn't affect the overall situation, there will naturally be people who are willing to come and get close to each other, and it's not a problem to even pat their chests and be willing to go through life and death.

However, no matter how good the relationship between colleagues is, they are just colleagues.

If Fang Chongyong sees that Brother Ji is unhappy and wants to rebel one day, and he raises the flag, he must find a suitable excuse. Otherwise, no one would be willing to carry the whole family’s head and do such a “big business” with him!

From this perspective, Wang Rao's current behavior is a bit strange.

"Eh?"

Fang Chongyong was stunned. He never expected that Wang Nan would say this. Wang Nan has already been honored as a military envoy. For him to join the Yinqian Xiaojie Army is no less than starting from scratch. His personal losses are not as big as usual.

Of course, in the Tianbao era, it was easy to climb up. The key is to have the ability, follow the right person, and gain the favor of the Holy One.

"General Wang is so good that he is not an envoy of the Heyuan Army. How can he be willing to be a minor official in the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army?"

Fang Chongyong asked doubtfully.

"Fang Jieshuai, stop joking.

Now outsiders don't know how powerful the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army is, and they don't take it seriously. When they find out, they will probably have to sharpen their heads to dig in.

Instead of following the crowd then, it is better to seek an official position now.

Fang Jieshuai also needs someone to help him in the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army. "

Wang Rao said with a wry smile, this time he was willing to risk everything.

Their family used to follow Li Heng, but now that Li Heng has fallen, they must find a job closer to the saint in order to carry forward the family! We also need to find a reliable backer.

Otherwise, what's the point of being a miserable military envoy here in Longyou and not being able to see Brother Ji for several years?

This is the same as the fact that Beijing officials at the same level are always more popular than local officials.

Although the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army is not large in size, it is the saint's personal imperial army, and it is an existence that selects the best among the best. The one who is near the water and the tower first gets the moon. Wang Ruan is not stupid at all.

"Alright."

Fang Chongyong nodded slightly and said.

Brother Ji's original words were "Anyone with any status in the border army can be recruited," which naturally included military envoys. After all, the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army may need to expand its army, and of course it needs senior generals. It is not impossible to recruit Longyou Army envoys into it.

Although the movement is a bit exaggerated.

"Thank you Fangjieshuai for your success. My subordinates will do everything in their power and will not hesitate to mess up their heads!"

Wang Rao said with excitement on his face, his body trembling slightly.

This thick leg is finally hugged!

As for his father, Wang Sijing, who was beheaded by Fang Youde... Wang Rao felt that since the person was dead, he should just lie down in the grave and wait for future generations to come and offer incense to him.

It can't be said that a lot of living people in the Wang family are made miserable by this dead man, right?

"Since you are a member of the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army, you can just call a certain military envoy."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand and said.

He has already written a letter to Brother Ji to use the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army as a "mobile force". The organization can be affiliated at will, which also avoids the difficulty of coordination between the border army and the Forbidden Army. If Fang Chongyong goes to Hexi, then the Yinqian Xiaojie Army will be attached to the Hexi side of the army; if he goes to Hedong in the future, then it will be attached to the Hedong side of the army.

Then recruit brave men from the border army, train your troops, and participate in small-scale battles on the border!

In the end, the soldiers and horses selected from the vast waves on the battlefield must be those who are good at fighting.

Although Brother Ji has high hopes for the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army, he also knows that this matter cannot be rushed, otherwise it will be the second Longwu Army, which will be useless.

"General Wang can choose a few confidants from the Heyuan Army who are skilled in archery and horsemanship to join him. If there are not many familiar people around him, the command will be stiff and he will not be able to perform to the level of General Wang.

If General Wang is promoted in the future, you can also mention them by the way. "

Fang Chongyong suggested very "intimately".

Hearing this, Wang rarely understood what he was saying. He crossed his hands and saluted and said, "General, I understand. Thank you to the military envoy for your kindness. General, I will be richly rewarded!"

"Go ahead and hand over the affairs of the Heyuan Army as soon as possible, and let the Deputy Army Envoy take over for the time being.

After a certain father-in-law arrived in Longyou, he would also place the people he brought with him in various armies. So it's hard to say whether he is the envoy of the Longyou Army now or not next.

You chose to leave the Longyou Army, and you did not go the wrong way. "

Fang Chongyong said meaningfully.

In Wang Zhongsi's letter, Fang Chongyong mentioned a general he promoted in Hedong, named Li Guangbi!

Wang Zhongsi was full of praise for Li Guangbi, saying that he had the qualifications to be a general. This time I went to Longyou to serve as a military envoy, and I also brought Li Guangbi and others with me. In addition, there were many pro-army troops, and the scale was not small.

In other words, Wang Zhongsi never thought about going to Longyou alone to serve as Jiedu envoy. Instead, he brought his team of confidants to quickly take over the military power of Longyou. This is much more prosperous than when he first went to Hexi.

The "family wealth" has also become much better.

Over the years, Wang Zhongsi has not been idle and promoted many people. Many of these people eventually became his confidants who took office with him.

Although the imperial court explicitly prohibited this kind of thing, both An Lushan and Wang Zhongsi were trying to cultivate "one's own people" who would always be with them to cope with the complex situation of the military, political, and financial power of the border town's Jieduzhi. situation.

This is the bottom line that Brother Ji has acquiesced to, and he can never go any further.

In fact, what Wang Zhongsi did was in line with the current situation and was a last resort.

The term of a Jiedushi envoy generally does not exceed four years, and personnel changes between major Jiedushi are also frequent. If any Jiedu envoy does not have his own team of confidants who can follow him, then he will not be able to quickly take root in the local area and control the military power.

The complex situation in the border towns has put higher demands on Jiedushi, so that after they take office, they can use troops externally and properly handle frictions with border forces.

The forces surrounding the Tang Dynasty would not deliberately show mercy just because these Jiedu Envoys were slow to enter the state. Those who should cause trouble will definitely make trouble.

Fang Chongyong had never considered being a military governor before. After all, he was still too young and his seniority was far behind.

Only now, things seem to be changing.

After Wang Nan left, Fang Chongyong was silent and stared blankly at the arrow towers at the four corners of the courtyard wall of the Jiedushi Yamen.

One fence has three stakes. Now that he is the governor of Hexi Province, it is time for him to have a team of confidants who will follow him!

(End of this chapter)