Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 327 Superfluous Person
In the small town of Shazhou, in the lobby of the government office, tables and desks are lined up one after another, forming a "hui" shape as a whole.

Seasonal fruits provided by local Han merchants were cut and arranged on plates. There are many varieties and they look delicious.

The high-quality grapes produced in Ganzhou were sent to Liangzhou Winery to brew the white wine, which was packaged in emerald green glass bottles produced in Persia and put on the table.

Not to mention the wine, this bottle alone is worth a lot of money. This is entirely because the moon near the water tower can appear here. Ordinary Chang'an dignitaries may not have one in their homes. Well, these kinds of things are all counted as "sets", so it's not unusual to pick them out individually.

In the Tang Dynasty, the colored glaze (glass) technology in Persia was quite perfect, and colored glaze bottles could be mass-produced.

Although this banquet was hosted by Fang Chongyong, he borrowed the place of Shazhou Prefecture. But those who provide dishes and drinks are local Hu merchants and Han merchants in Shazhou.

Hu Ji, who was in charge of dancing during the banquet, and the musicians who performed the flute, music and singing were also paid by these people.

All in all, Fang Jieshuai can treat guests, but "Mr. Fang" will never foot the bill.

It was not dark yet and the guests had already arrived. Fang Zhongyong, who was sitting on the main seat, clapped his hands, and seven graceful orchids wearing colorful floral skirts and veils entered.

At the same time, there was also the sound of Hujia and Huqin with a strong Western style.

Raising grain from large local households in Hexi has almost become a standard operation for successive emperors to open up the Western Regions.

Yan Chao attended on behalf of the Yan family and asked calmly. Zhang, the largest local business owner, remained silent, so he had no choice but to step forward.

"Wang Shijun, you're too polite. This time the commander is just passing through Shazhou to see the elders in his hometown."

Therefore, this section commander would like to borrow some grain, grass, baggage, and mules and horses to transport grain from you in the name of the Tang Dynasty government in the form of Jiaozi bonds. After the army returns from victory, it will be returned with interest. Certificates of commendation from the imperial court and certificates of appointment as honorary officers will also be issued.

This is just a way for the local big business to establish a good relationship with the imperial court.

He picked up the emerald green translucent wine bottle, poured the amber white wine into the wine glass, then picked up the wine glass and poured the wine on the ground.

Secondly, there is something I want to say out, so let’s study it together.

In other words, Zhang Mi must make a statement tonight.

As for the loaned grain and livestock, they are basically just meat bags to beat dogs, and they will never come back.

Drunk lying in the battlefield, Lord Grim, a few people have fought back in ancient times.

At today's night banquet, the only thing left for the official to talk about is eating and drinking. All official and private matters, as far as you are concerned, the official is just a rough man who comes to pay homage to the five internal organs temple.

Is it better to look at the knife in Tang Jun's hand first and then decide?
These days, the Western Region is in chaos. It might cause bandits from Chiyu to come to Shazhou, and it would be depressing if something unexpected happens.

What, someone won’t give it?

Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit awkward and no one spoke, Shazhou Governor Wang Huailiang laughed loudly.

The servants first brought out the cold dishes such as the five-raw dish, steamed pears, and spinach, and prepared to serve the hot dishes after Orchid danced and drank for three rounds.

As for these debts, Hexi Jiedu Mansion will pay half directly to Jiaozi and half will be mortgaged with bonds.

"Today, I have taken the liberty of calling all the folks from Shazhou to have a meal. First of all, the expedition is about to take place, and I don't know when it will be when I return to Shazhou.

At that time, a lamb will be roasted on the spot in the lobby. The chef will roast it until it is half-cooked and then cut it into a plate and serve it directly to the table. After a lamb is finished eating, it is grilled immediately with a new one, ensuring that every bite of the lamb is charred on the outside and tender on the inside, and the deliciousness explodes in the mouth.

Fang Chongyong touched the short beard on his chin and said indifferently.

"Fang Jieshuai, you are from Shazhou and were born and raised here. However, Wang is an outsider and is just a pastor here on behalf of the imperial court.

Grape wine luminous cup, urge you to drink Pipa immediately.

There really is nothing new under the sun!
Before the Tang Dynasty was established, a branch of the Liangzhou Zhang family settled in Shazhou, which was still called Dunhuang at that time. The Tang Dynasty experienced a series of emperors such as Gaozu, Taizong, Gaozong, etc., until today's Li Longji.

After I finish speaking, who is in favor and who is against? "

Sometimes this "veteran governor" had to lament that in the officialdom of the Tang Dynasty, having a good father was really important. A diligent and hard-working person like him couldn't be promoted without a backing, and was firmly stuck in the position of governor.

That's it.

In the past, Zhang Chen, the patriarch of the Zhang family, strongly supported Fang Chongyong. Unfortunately, a few years ago, he died due to "immediate wind" when he took in the concubine in the fourteenth room. Now, his son Zhang Mi is in charge of the overall situation.

When Fang Chongyong came to Shazhou to be the governor, he had just become a prisoner from Shazhou governor. Later, when Fang Chongyong left office and returned to Chang'an, he served as the governor of Ganzhou. Now that Fang Chongyong has returned to Hexi, Wang Huailiang once again served as the governor of Shazhou because he was "familiar with Hexi affairs"!

The eyes of everyone present moved back and forth between Fang Chongyong and the dancing Hu Ji, and the tense atmosphere slowly relaxed.

Everyone present was muttering in their hearts, even Yan Chao couldn't help but smile bitterly.

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! "

In the past, it was all coercion and inducement, and the big households were asked to pay for food without even giving an IOU!

In fact, it’s not really research, it’s just a favor for everyone. To put it bluntly, this time Shuai went to the Western Regions and wanted to do something unprecedented. However, due to the limited soldiers, supplies and support provided by the court, it is difficult to play successfully.

Come, let me first toast to those good men of the Tang Dynasty whose blood stained the battlefields and whose bones were buried in the Western Regions. "

When he said this, the atmosphere in the lobby suddenly became solemn. Others also followed suit and spilled a glass of wine on the ground. Suddenly, a strong aroma of wine filled the air and lingered for a long time.

Fang Chongyong asked as he looked around the people in the lobby, his eyes as sharp as a knife.

He keeps moving places, but he still holds the same official position.

This person has no friendship with Fang Chongyong. Whether he will continue his father's political line is another matter to be discussed and is worth observing.

"The army is about to go on an expedition. Although it is a joy to have men marching across the battlefield and to wrap their bodies in horse leather, I still have some feelings.

"Fang Jieshuai, why did you convene a local good family in Shazhou for a night banquet this time?"

Borrowing food... This game has been played too many times before!

But Fang Chongyong was pretty good. What he said was "borrowing" and he was willing to issue bonds to Jiaozi.

To put it ten thousand steps back, even if Fang Chongyong returns victorious in the future, he will bring a large number of treasures from the Western Regions back to Shazhou, and then reward these treasures to those present.

Fang Zhong bravely gave it away, would they dare to accept it?
Accepting it is a transaction, not accepting it is a favor. Who is more stupid than who? Otherwise, don’t borrow. If you borrow, don’t expect the other party to pay you back.

"I agree! I also support Fang Jieshuai's expedition to the Western Regions!
No matter what Fang Jieshuai wants, be it soldiers, grain, or livestock, our Yan family has the people and the strength to help! "

Yan Chao promised with excitement and patted his chest.

In fact, it is not difficult to understand why he is so active, because Yan Chao himself has to go out with the army. If he doesn't contribute more at this time, will he have to wait until he dies in the Western Regions before he will think of the saying that money is an external possession?

The Yan family paid for it as if they were bringing their own dog food, so it was a benefit to their own people after all!

"I also agree, but I don't believe what others say. But Fang Jieshuai has been in power in Shazhou for many years, and his character and ability can be trusted."

The speaker is from the Song family in Dunhuang and has been working in Dunhuang for more than two hundred years.

During the reign of King Cheng of Zhou Dynasty, Wei Ziqi was granted the title of Weizi Kai in Shangqiu, the birthplace of the Shang Dynasty, and the Song Kingdom was established to worship the Shang Dynasty. After the Song Kingdom was destroyed by the Qi Kingdom, the descendants of the Song Kingdom took the country as their surname. The origin of this branch is the authentic surname of the Song Dynasty. The Song family in Dunhuang finally settled in the Hexi Corridor due to the wave of population migration at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty.

Everything is difficult at the beginning. If someone joins in, there will naturally be many followers. For a time, representatives from major households in Shazhou expressed their support for the Anxi Expeditionary Force and were willing to contribute money and effort.

In fact, Fang Zhongyong wanted their three melons and two dates just to prepare for any eventuality. It did not mean that without this little food, they would not be able to have fun in the Western Regions. I am just worried that these people will not succeed enough and fail more than enough.

If this group of people does not join the gang, what if they lose their minds and are encouraged to cause trouble in the rear?
Of course they cannot be bribed by the Tubo people, but what if they are political enemies in the DPRK?
Fang Chongyong didn't want to guess people's hearts, nor did he want to "test loyalty." He just wants to be able to have peace of mind while fighting at the front. Only the bond of interest can guarantee that no one will backstab until there is no greater interest to break it!
However, at this juncture, Zhang Mi of Dunhuang Zhang Family has not expressed his position yet, as if he is thinking about something.

There were many representatives of large local companies present, and many of them were looking at him thoughtfully, as if they were trying to spot some flowers from their calm faces.

"Zhang Mi, are you not expressing your stance because you have taken advantage of the Tubo people and are you deliberately embarrassing this section?"

Fang Chongyong asked coldly, his tone was extremely unkind and vaguely angry.

His words were like thunder, exploding in the lobby of the government office!
"Fang Jieshuai is joking. He regards the Tibetans as enemies, so how can he take advantage of them?"

Zhang Miqiang smiled, but the smile was very forced.

"Oh? The Zhang family is the largest family in Shazhou and the most virtuous family.

Your father Zhang Tong is an old friend of this section handsome.

Now everyone present has taken a stand, but you have not.

Are you saying that you are not dissatisfied with this handsome guy? "

Fang Chongyong asked with a smile on his face.

Of course it was impossible for Zhang to cooperate with Tubo, and Fang Chongyong knew this.

But looking at the problem from another angle, it seems to make sense.

Because not everyone in Hexi supports Fang Chongyong's expedition to the Western Regions, and not everyone will benefit from it.

For example, some people in Liangzhou felt that Fang Chongyong should not be the commander of the expeditionary force, but someone from their family should be the commander!

"Don't dare, I respect Fang Jie Shuai very much and I don't have any dissatisfaction at all.

It's just a matter of supporting the expedition. It's a matter of great importance. A certain young man is ignorant and needs to go back and discuss it with the elders of his family. "

Zhang Mi tried his best to argue, but even a fool can see that there is something wrong with it.

Fang Chongyong also guessed a rough idea, so he raised the board high and put it down gently. He waved his hand very casually and said:

"Zhang Mi, although you are young, you are also mature and prudent. I admire you very much!
Then go back and wait for the notification. You and the Zhang family don't need to know what we are going to talk about next.

Come, let us see you off. "

Under the complicated looks of all, Zhang Mi wanted to find a hole in the ground and had to leave Shazhou Mansion in anger.

"Jie Shuai, is it the Liangzhou An family that is up to something? Haven't they always proposed that An Chongzhang be the commander-in-chief of the Anxi Expeditionary Army?"

He Changqi leaned into Fang Chongyong's ear and asked calmly.

"Shut up!"

Fang Chongyong scolded angrily in a low voice, how could he not know that the An family was dissatisfied with him leading the expedition?

The people of the An family believe that since they are from the Western Regions and are well-connected with them, it will be easier for them to get things done, and they also have interests at stake that cannot be retreated.

In the eyes of those people, Fang Chongyong was the "Economic Ambassador of the Western Regions" and could only take charge of the overall situation. There was no need to be a military commander.

In fact, An's idea is not wrong. After all, Fang Chongyong is too young, and the situation in the Western Region is also very complicated, not simply black and white.

It is better to find someone who can fight and is familiar with the affairs of the Western Region to handle it. Anyway, it will not delay the important matter.

What's more, the Chishui Army has sent out so many soldiers!
Their thoughts represent the thoughts of a large part of Liangzhou's wealthy families, including the Liangzhou Zhang family.

The people of the Zhang family in Dunhuang were affected by the attitude of the Zhang family in Liangzhou and were unwilling to support Fang Chongyong. This seemed unexpected, but in fact it was reasonable. Only knowledgeable people can understand the benefits of Fang Chongyong's trip.

The An family in Liangzhou comes from the nine surnames of Zhaowu, so they naturally understand.

After Zhang Mi left, Fang Chongyong smiled slightly and said:
“Now that the extra people are gone, let’s get down to business.

What I just talked about in this section is what you have paid, now I will talk to you about the benefits. Obligation and power are two sides of the same coin. In this section, Shuai comes to you for food, so naturally he will not deny you benefits.

It is said that there is gold everywhere in the former Persian Protectorate's Mansion further west than Congling, and the price of goods in Chang'an will be more than ten times higher.

There were caravans in Hexi before. After the Tang army broke through Congling and captured Xiaobolu, the trade route was completely opened, and we were in control of the overall situation and no longer had to look at the faces of some Hu merchants. They can no longer monopolize the pricing power of goods from the Western Regions!
In this section, the company will issue a license to you to operate, and if you collectively buy shares, the risks will be fully controllable.

From now on, as long as the commander of this section is here, the army and the people will be one. If Tang Jun has a bite to eat, you will naturally have a bite to eat. "

Fang Zhongyong's eloquent talk turned into a big liar, preaching "business license" and "share ownership". The number of Tang troops was limited, and if they went back and came back, their economic benefits could not be guaranteed. Only by mobilizing the wealthy households and merchants in Hexi to take risks can the "invisible hand" be used to manage the Western Regions.

Trade in one hand, sword in the other, grasp with both hands, both hands must be strong!
Everyone present was breathing heavily. No one was a fool. After all, they had all been smuggling partners before.

Now, Fang Chongyong wants to turn the former smuggling into the "license trade" that is now on the table, and at the same time promote Jiaozi in the Western Regions.

This also means that if the traditional Hu merchants in the Western Regions do not join the game, they will be targeted by the Tang army! The outcome is predictable!

Will those people get involved?
The answer is obvious!

So the earlier you enter the game, the more benefits you can get! As the Tang army opened the way in front, they, the big households in Hexi, could follow behind to reap their own benefits, and they could also get protection from the Tang army.

There are so many benefits here, do we need to think too much?

"Fang Jieshuai, I, Kang Juting, I want to fully support you! I want to invest in it! All my wealth will be at your disposal!"

Sitting near the door, a Hu Shang wearing a turban shouted loudly, speaking in an excited and confused tone.

In his opinion, supporting the Tang army with food and salary was just a matter of meaning, and he would give others as much as they wanted. But now what Fang Chongyong said must not only be done, but also done in a big way!

As long as Tang Jun can win in Congling, he will make so much money that he doesn't even know his mother!

"Fang Jieshuai, don't be too pretentious. What kind of regulations do you have? Tell us quickly!"

Yan Chao shouted.

In fact, he didn't particularly care about this, he wanted to use his military exploits to climb up the ranks, so his shouting now was just to cheer up Fang Chongyong.

The scene suddenly became lively!

When Fang Chongyong saw the representatives of Shazhou's local big business in the lobby, they started to stir like sharks smelling blood. He smiled slightly and waved his hands to signal everyone to calm down.

"Don't worry, someone will send someone to your house to explain in detail when the time comes.

We’re not talking about business now, we’re about eating well, drinking well, and having fun!
Where is Hu Ji? Where are the musicians?
Then play music, then dance! I won’t come home until I’m drunk today! "

Fang Zhongyong was already happy in his heart, but his face still had a calm expression.

(End of this chapter)