Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 31 Wang Zhongsi!Return my wife!

"Well, this matter is really difficult to explain in words. By the way, I am Li Kui, a distant relative of General Wang's wife's family, and I am temporarily staying here."

After seeing Fang Chongyong take out the red paper with Wang Yunxiu's birthday written on it, Li Kui immediately sensed that something big was about to happen.

Fang Chongyong was invited into the main room by Li Kui, but he saw that there was only one servant cleaning the yard. The whole yard looked empty, and no one from the Wang family could be seen.

I don't know if it's a long trip, or if there is something to go to another place in Chang'an temporarily.

After sitting down, Li Kui sighed helplessly: "After General Wang was demoted, this house can no longer be maintained. Chang'an's food, clothing, housing, transportation, and the care of this house are not something ordinary people can afford.

A certain person was studying in Chang'an and preparing for the imperial examination. To be honest, he couldn't afford to rent a house, so he had to live with a distant relative temporarily.General Wang's wife, Mrs. Li, is from the aunt Li's house in Longxi, and is of the same clan and branch as Mr.Therefore, I took a certain person here to look after the house and prepare for the imperial examination. "

Li Kui's words contained a bitterness that could not be expressed by others.

Wang Zhongsi's family, whose mother Kuang is a descendant of Kuang Heng in the Han Dynasty, is now a small family.It is said that a marriage must be from a well-matched family. If Wang Zhongsi's father, Wang Haibin, was wealthy and had a powerful background, how about marrying the Kuang family, who was already in dire straits?
Now Migui in Chang'an, Wang's family members are all orphans and widows, and they have no income in the family wealth, living in Chang'an is very hard.As for the houses rewarded by Li Longji, they cannot be bought and sold at will, and if they are not done well, they will be labeled as "deceitful".

Li Kui also has difficulties.

Although he was born in the Li family's aunt's house in Longxi, all the money and silk belonged to the clan, and he could only use it when it was needed urgently.And there are many children in the family, and they all find their own way and develop independently.Prices in Chang'an are astonishing, even if you are a child of an aristocratic family, you can save as much as you can when you get here.

To take the imperial examination, you have to go around Chang'an to find connections with "noble people", otherwise there is no chance.So what if Li Kui comes from a noble family?It seems like no one has a good background. When the time comes to fight for connections and backstage, Li Kui is not sure of it.

As soon as he heard that Wang Zhongsi's wife, Li, wanted to quit Chang'an and return to her hometown to settle down, someone in the family provided a guarantee for Li Kui to stay here temporarily and paid Wang Zhongsi and his family a sum of money every month to improve their lives.

There are many benefits to doing this.Because Wang Zhongsi is only temporarily in decline, once he recovers, his house in Chang'an will still be there, and his family, including the Li family, can also move back from their hometown.

Moreover, Li Kui only stayed here temporarily for the imperial examination. Once he passed the imperial examination, he would immediately jump over the dragon gate.A child from such an aristocratic family like him, once he is ranked first, will not lack connections in Chang'an. Of course, he will not be as miserable as Bai Juyi who later had to save money to buy a house.

Seeing that Li Kui didn't look like a cunning person, Fang Chongyong had a question in his heart.He pondered for a moment and asked: "My father-in-law is from the Wang family of Taiyuan, and his family background is good...why would he not be able to afford a house in Chang'an once he is demoted?"

"Even if it is a family of officials and officials, how can everyone be well-clothed and well-fed?"

Li Kui pointed to the robe on his body and asked back, the unwillingness on his face was beyond words.The navy blue mage gown is so plain that there are no accessories on it.

The family is really too big, and he has not yet passed the imperial examination, let alone become an official.There are many children from various branches of the family. If everyone has good food and clothing, there will not be enough gold and silver to spend.

To live a luxurious life, one must be an official in Chang'an, or one's father and brother must be officials in Chang'an.He yearns for such a life and is willing to achieve it through his own efforts.There is only a thin line between his current situation and "living under someone else's fence". His strong self-esteem makes Li Kui unwilling to live here permanently.

"Then Brother Li, does he know where my father-in-law and his family have moved?"

Fang Chongyong asked helplessly, Wang Zhongsi, who was riding a horse, was so unreliable that he didn't even know if his family moved.

Where is the agreed upon childhood sweetheart and adorable wife?
"General Wang's family has moved back to their hometown in Zheng County, Huazhou, and they haven't spoken to someone. To be precise, after coming to Chang'an, they haven't met each other. It's just that a long time ago, when General Wang got married, I just met them once when I went to eat and drink."

In other words, Li Kui was arranged by his family to live here temporarily and manage the house.Wang Zhongsi's wife, Mrs. Li, had no contact with him. It was the Li family who pulled the strings and handled the matter.

"Zheng County, Huazhou..."

Fang Chongyong fell silent, thinking about where this place is.The names of the Tang Dynasty were quite different from those of the previous era. The three-level system of prefectures, counties and counties was changed to two levels of prefectures and counties. Therefore, many unfamiliar place names with the word "state" often appeared.

"Zheng County, Huazhou is at the foot of Huashan Mountain, about eighty or ninety miles away from Chang'an. It takes about two days to get there by oxcart."

Li Kui said casually that he probably also knew the reason why Wang Zhongsi's family moved out of Chang'an.

There are no relatives in Chang'an, and the price is still expensive. Wang Zhongsi is not serving as a general in the court, so what is he doing in Chang'an?His hometown in Zheng County is not far away, and Wang Zhongsi's family has relatives and land there, even if he goes back to Chang'an, it will only take two or three days' journey.It is really not worth the inconvenience of living in Chang'an.

"That's fine, then I'll set off for Zheng County here."

Fang Chongyong didn't know what to say anymore, these adults, what Fang Youde, what Wang Zhongsi, what Zheng Shuqing, one or two are scams!They are all embarrassing him, a half-grown child!
"Could it be...you are Fang Jieshuai's son?"

Li Kui wanted to take the imperial examination, so he naturally paid attention to whether there were powerful people in Chang'an who could gain access to the imperial examination.Fang Youde is actually one of the so-called "connectors", but he has already gone to Youzhou.When Li Kui thought of the family that married Wang Zhongsi, he thought of this incident.

After all, the joke about "holding a hand for marriage" has been spread everywhere. As a relative of Mrs. Wang Zhongsi's family, it is natural that she would know about this.

"Who else is there but me, the unlucky ghost?"

Fang Chongyong sighed and was ready to get up and leave.

"Actually, you are still young, so you don't have to think about marriage. Since Fang Jieshuai has already made arrangements, it will naturally fall into place when the time comes." Li Kui persuaded him kindly, and his intention to please others was very obvious.

Fang Chongyong is Wang Zhongsi's son-in-law and Fang Youde's son. Wang Zhongsi's wife is from the Guzang Li family, and he is also from the Guzang Li family. Isn't this the way to come?
Li Kui's heart was burning, and his eyes changed when he looked at Fang Chongyong.

"It's a long story, and I can only make a decision after I see my mother-in-law. Please forgive me for disturbing you, and I will leave now."

Fang Chongyong bowed his hands to Li Kui.

Unexpectedly, Li Kui pulled his sleeve enthusiastically and said, "There is a man named Wang Sheng in Xuanpingfang who is good at drawing lots and telling fortunes. He and I hit it off immediately, so why not go to Xuanpingfang today?"

"That's fine, anyway, Xuanpingfang is not far from my house."

Fang Chongyong nodded slightly and did not refuse.

Li Kui has selfish motives and his intention to build relationships is obvious.But Fang Chongyong thinks it doesn't matter. People are social animals and the relationship is mutual.I have just arrived in Chang'an not long ago, and the road ahead is quite slim. There are many friends and many paths.

Anyway, it's interesting to see how the magic stick of the Tang Dynasty does tricks on the way home.

Fang Chongyong thought in his heart that there is nothing to do.

……

Youzhou Jicheng (Beijing) is nine miles from north to south and seven miles from east to west. It has ten gates and a city perimeter of 32 miles. It is a rectangular city that is slightly longer from north to south and slightly narrower from east to west. It is a large city of considerable size by ancient standards. .

This is Youzhou, and even the most core area in the north of Hebei, there is no one.

Northeast of Jicheng is Tanzhou City (Miyun District, Beijing). Go north past Gubeikou and continue walking northeast. The Tang Army set up a military garrison here: the Eastern Army is guarding the enemy!

Not only for farming, but also for military training and border defense.

Shouchuo was a border defense institution unique to the Tang Dynasty and not found in other dynasties. The chief was called the Shouchuo general.The number of garrison troops ranged from 300 to more than 7000, and the setting was very flexible. It can be regarded as a garrison establishment for the border army, rather than an establishment based on the source of soldiers.

The officers and soldiers guarding the capital may include regular troops, that is, government soldiers, or united troops, or even prisoners. There are also many local people hired by Youzhou Jiedushi to garrison.The sources are very complex and include both Chinese and Chinese sources, but they are all managed in a unified manner.

Whether you are from the Fubing Fan or recruited locally, there is a rule here.

Further to the northeast is Mo Dou Mountain.The Tang State and the Xi people used Modou Mountain as their national boundary. The Tang army established a border army, the "Modou Army", and stationed troops across Yunling (Tongling) to prevent the Xi people from crossing the border illegally.

Although it is already the time when spring is warm and flowers are blooming, the weather in Duyunling is still chilly.

Wearing a cloak and leather armor, Fang Youde, the investigation and disposal envoy of Youzhou, was inspecting the Mo Dou army with his personal guards.As for Zhang Shougui, the Jiedu envoy of Youzhou, he stood quietly watching from the sidelines without speaking.

It seemed like he was giving Fang Youde a lot of face.

It is indeed impossible not to give face. Although Zhang Shougui's official position is slightly higher than that of Fang Youde, his relationship with Li Longji is more than a little worse than the relationship between Fang Youde and Li Longji.

It can even be described as the difference between cloud and mud.

There are rumors that the reason why Li Longji decisively launched a coup to kill Princess Taiping was that Fang Youde planned the mastermind from it.This person acts low-key, but it does not mean that he has little energy.

Kneeling in front of Fang Youde was a burly young man, whose armor had already been taken off, only wearing unlined clothing, tied up with five flowers, looking at Fang Youde angrily and not speaking.

"Cui Qianyou, the evidence that you stole military rations is conclusive. Now that the Commander-in-Chief is using your head to warn the three armies and enforce military discipline, do you have anything to say?"

Fang Youde pulled out his sword and pressed it on Cui Ganyou's hair, with a very insulting and provocative gesture.

Zhang Shougui on the side couldn't understand what Fang Youde wanted to do, but Cui Qianyou was just a small corps leader of the Mo Dou Army, so he dealt with it as he wished.If killing this person can lead to Li Longji, he wouldn't mind killing ten more.

In officialdom, the life of a soldier counts for nothing.Of course, killing people is fine, but killing people in front of so many people is not acceptable!
"Bah! If you don't take it, you don't take it. If you want to commit a crime, there is no excuse, just do it!"

Cui Qianyou yelled with his neck stuck, spit at Fang Youde, and was immediately punched and kicked by the soldiers beside him.

First, the army reported that there was a loss of military rations, and the next few bags of military rations appeared in his camp "miraculously". Finally, Pao Ze, who ate and lived with him, stood up to testify against him, saying that when Cui Qianyou stole the military rations and brought them back, It happened to be seen by the other party.

All these serial schemes of planting and framing are as well as discussed, if this is not planting, then it is really hell!
"Hold on."

Zhang Shougui walked over slowly and pulled Fang You aside.

"In the border town of Youzhou, there are many people who traffickers and pawns, and it is not uncommon for them to commit crimes on weekdays. This is just like Ban Chao's rule in the Western Regions. The Han army in the Western Regions are all brave and ruthless people, and the innocent young men .

This Cui Qianyou is just the captain of the corps. Although he is from the Boling Cui family, his family has long been in decline, and he is nothing more than an ant in the eyes of Gongtai.How about expelling him from the military, returning him to his home, and then hinting to the local government to send him to corvee service. What would the government think? "

Zhang Shougui asked calmly.

He is the governor of Youzhou!Fang Youde just observed and dealt with it.

If he had his cooperation, Fang Youde would be able to walk around the border town of Youzhou and deal with whoever he wanted; if he didn't have his cooperation, Fang Youde wouldn't be able to do it even if he had many holy relatives!The worst thing is to break up and make trouble in front of the emperor.

Observation and disposal envoys are illegal in the picket army.Cui Qianyou committed a crime (obviously planted), and was taken down by Fang Youde, which is also the responsibility of the other party.

It's not impossible to kill the soldiers on the border in front of Zhang Shougui, but you can't use such despicable frame-up methods.

It means that you can get it under punishment, and killing people is absolutely impossible.

If Fang Youde can randomly kill people in his own army, how can Zhang Shougui command the three armies?

"Zhang Jieshuai interceded for you, the death penalty can be avoided, and the life penalty cannot be escaped. Beat fifty army sticks and escort him back to his original place!"

Fang Youde waved his hand, turned around and left.

The group of people rode back to Youzhou City. This time Fang Youde's inspection of the border military situation was also completed.Zhang Shougui hosted a banquet for Fang Youde, and the food was all local game.There was no one around at the banquet. Zhang Shougui thought of Cui Qianyou and asked Fang Youde doubtfully: "Cui Qianyou is just a corps leader. Why is Gongtai so aggressive?"

"Punishment cannot be known, but power cannot be measured. A certain person knows his innocence, but as Marshal Jie said, there are countless criminals in the frontier army of Youzhou.

Cui Qianyou's generation is in danger of being punished by the military law. Would those who really stole military rations still steal without scruple? "

Fang Youde expressed his own theory.

Zhang Shougui nodded slightly. Although he did not completely agree with Fang Youde's approach, he had to say that if the punishment was unknown, the power would be unpredictable. It might not be easy to treat ordinary people, but the border troops were very fond of his methods.

Fang Youde used an innocent soldier to establish his power, which was really easy to do among the frontier soldiers Qiu Ba who had a very indifferent concept of right and wrong.If there are no rules for taking action, it will be difficult to predict; if it is difficult to predict, it means it will have a strong deterrent effect.

After bidding farewell to Zhang Shougui, Fang Youde returned to his residence. After stepping away from the screen, he took out a thread-bound booklet that was placed close to his body.

Turning to the second page, Fang Youde took out a vermilion pen, and made a heavy stroke on the name "Cui Qianyou".And on his booklet, a series of names were impressively written.

An Lushan, Shi Siming, Yan Zhuang, Cui Qianyou, An Shouzhong, Li Guiren... Among them, the names of Yan Zhuang and Cui Qianyou have been crossed out with a red pen.

"Whoever destroys my Great Tang Dynasty will die!"

Under the illumination of the weak candlelight, Fang Youde murmured to himself, put the booklet into his pocket and put it away, with a look of relief and satisfaction on his face.

If the problem cannot be solved, then solve the person who caused the problem. Fang Youde's thinking is very simple and rude.As for whether it works, I can only ask the heavens.

(End of this chapter)