Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 410 The sunset is infinitely beautiful

"Let's go! Be honest!"

Outside Mulu City, a Tang soldier kicked the old man to the ground who was reluctant to leave. He broke away from the team and stopped like a statue, looking back at the huge Mulu City with reluctance.

The surrounding Mulu locals completely ignored him. Like zombies, these people headed towards the sand dunes to the east under the "protection" of the Anxi expeditionary soldiers.

He looked silent and numb.

"You go ahead, don't delay the business."

Fang Chongyong stepped forward and waved his hands to the Tang soldiers in front of him. He helped the old man up, but the old man didn't seem to appreciate it. After he got up, he spit on Fang Chongyong!

This move angered Fang Chongyong's soldiers, who immediately rushed forward and hacked to death the old man who did not know his nationality and who did not know whether to live or die.

Blood even splattered on Fang Chongyong's military uniform.

"Bury it."

Fang Chongyong sighed and said nothing more, let alone blamed his own soldiers.

If curses can kill people, Fang Chongyong believes that he has died countless times. He was still very generous when it came to offending the dead.

Fang Chongyong knew very well that this kind of hatred could not be resolved in the short term.

Whether it is Tang Jun or the locals of Mulu City, they are all talking about their own reasons. As the saying goes, "My hero is the enemy's enemy." If the contradiction cannot be reconciled, the only choice is to use the sword to speak.

After all, martial ethics is also a type of virtue.

If one day the Western Region falls to Tubo, the Tubo people will only go further.

Since the remnants of the great food army from West Asia left Mulu City, the residents in the city have stopped making noises, and they seem to understand what their next fate will be. Fang Chongyong also used various tricks together. In short, he wanted to wipe Mulu City off the map.

The locals will leave in batches, and some of them will eventually be taken to Suiye Town by the Tang Army for resettlement. The rest will be placed in small countries west of Congling.

Of course, it is impossible to organize households to equalize the people. Most people will become slaves.

A policy similar to "mixing sand" will continue even after Fang Chongyong leaves the Western Region with the Anxi Expeditionary Force. These policies of mixing different ethnic groups will continue to fragment the political forces in these regions, and they will never be able to form a synergy.

The "refugees" in the Mulu area, the former Turkic nobles, the Tuqishi tribe leaders, the nine surnames of Zhaowu, the border residents of the Tang Dynasty, etc., the countries west of Congling, all kinds of forces are intertwined, and they will never be able to unite. We can only hug each other to keep warm.

Then strive for Datang's care in order to get along better locally. The newly built Hezhong Protectorate was designed to do just that. It looks similar to the Anxi Protectorate, but in fact the cost is much lower, and it is guaranteed that there will be no problems in a short period of time.

This move will greatly reduce Datang’s governance costs here. After all, the core area of ​​Datang is really too far to the west of Congling!

As for more, Fang Chongyong has no good solution. After all, he is not Brother Ji.

Whether your father is dead or your mother is married, let’s take care of ourselves!

"Jie Shuai, the people have almost evacuated. How about we burn down Mulu City with fire? Anyway, there is only one castle left."

Che Guangqian came over and clasped her fists in salute and asked.

"Burn it, otherwise it will be difficult to explain the whereabouts of the money in Mulu City."

Fang Chongyong laughed and shook his head.

The Anxi Expeditionary Force was free to plunder this time, and it did not have to be turned over to the national treasury. No matter what you say, you have to show off here in Mulu City.

Murder and arson are not enough. Arson is also a necessary procedure. The so-called destruction of corpses and traces of death, without evidence of death, will make you a teacher of benevolence and righteousness after many years.

Seeing that he seemed a little melancholy, Che Guangqian comforted him in a low voice: "Jie Shuai, Mulu City is indeed good, but it is used by the cannibals to deal with us. Such good things will be destroyed if we can't get them. …”

He thought Fang Chongyong was regretting that this magnificent Mulu City had since become ruins.

"The sunset is infinitely beautiful, but it's almost dusk. This section, Shuai is not worried about Mulu City."

Fang Chongyong shook his head, looked at the sunset hanging on the city wall, and secretly sighed in his heart:
This is probably the farthest place Tang Jun has set foot, and it is probably the last time he comes here.

Che Guangqian didn't understand that when he left the west of Congling this time, he should say goodbye forever.

rather than a temporary separation.

"Jie Shuai, no matter who is the new emperor, he needs a sharp knife in his hand to conquer all directions.

Commander-in-Chief does not have to worry about government affairs.

No matter who the new emperor is, he will not be able to control the Western Region without a commander. "

Che Guangqian said calmly.

His vision cannot be said to be bad, he just lacks the skill of "prophet". Moreover, as a soldier, I lack a keen sense of social changes.

If any country or force begins to corrupt, then the army will be the last to suffer.

If even the army begins to deteriorate, then it means that it has reached the end of its rope. The army of the Tang Dynasty is not broken yet, but the fundamentals of society are. It will only be a matter of time before it is transmitted to the army.

"Then you have to ask some people in Hebei. People in Hebei may have completely different views than you.

Forget it, go ahead and arrange to burn the city. The commander is also preparing to withdraw this quarter. "

Fang Chongyong sighed and did not explain much.

Che Guangqian had no choice but to take people to burn the city.

He is an authentic Guanzhong person and generally pays more attention to the Western Regions, which is also the core of the interests of Guanzhong people.

Che Guangqian didn't know the situation in Hebei or what the people in Hebei thought. That was normal.

Much of the food needed by the Anxi Expeditionary Army was appropriated from Liangzhou. The misappropriated inventory must be replenished. Where to make up for it? The answer is Hebei. Hebei has a lot of grain and the freight is low, which is cheaper than water transportation from the Huaihe River.

Fang Chongyong and others were exploring the Western Regions, but Hebei people could not appreciate the benefits of security in Datang's border towns. Anyway, no matter how hard we fight the Tibetans or cannibals, they will never be able to defeat Hebei.

However, the Tang Dynasty imposed heavy taxes on Hebei, and every Hebei person felt this deeply. There is no right or wrong here, it is just a matter of balance of interests.

Feudal rulers also needed their ideal "quiet years".

"Quiet" means that the people who are exploited and oppressed will not make trouble, and "good" means that they will take all the benefits.

Fang Chongyong took another look at Mulu City under the setting sun. The castle in the center had begun to burn, and the houses in the outer city had long been forced to be demolished when the locals were driven away.

It was already in ruins, and not a single hair was left.

"Eh? Isn't this the capital of the Seljuk Dynasty later?"

Fang Chongyong slapped his head and finally remembered why Mulu City, a geomantic treasure land, felt so familiar.

In Central Asia, it is not so easy to find a good location with a geographical and natural environment like Mulu City. Therefore, anyone with some farming conditions will be famous for future generations.

For example, in history, the city of Zhezhi in the Kingdom of Shi was later Tashkent, the Kingdom of Huoxun was later Khwarezm, and the capital of the Kang Kingdom was built with great splendor and became later Samarkand.

Mulu City is naturally not unknown. It was the capital of the later famous Seljuk Dynasty.

Thinking of this, Fang Chongyong felt more and more that he was not wrong in demolishing the city. The Tang Dynasty is just a passer-by here. One day, regional hegemony with Mulu City as the core will develop sooner or later.

Regardless of whether Mulu City is demolished now or not, it will not affect the final result.

"After dealing with the external affairs, Datang will also start to deal with its own affairs.

But do some people who are drunk and dreaming realize that they need to solve the problem? Fang Chongyong asked back as if he was talking to himself, but he never took a step to leave the outer city gate of Mulu City.

He recalled all the hypocrisy and prosperity in various cities in Chang'an City, and did not think that those people thought there would be any trouble in Datang.

At this moment, He Changqi came over with a group of soldiers of the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army. Seeing that Fang Chongyong had not left yet, he stepped forward and saluted and asked, "Commander Jie, why haven't you set off yet? The general has just led some people." After a tour of the city, Mulu City was already empty. "

In his opinion, Fang Chongyong should have left with the others long ago. And his soldiers with the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army were left to "do the dirty work".

"I'll just take a look."

Fang Chongyong responded casually.

"Jie Shuai, don't worry.

The brothers have already sorted out your share.

Don’t you have an imperial farm on the outskirts of Chang’an? We will move the money and hide it there. "

He Changqi came over and whispered.

At this moment, Fang Chongyong had already walked with them to the camp where the camels were placed not far away. The Tang army who came to Mulu this time had almost left one after another.

"No need, just send the handsome part of this section to Huaqing Palace for the saint to observe.

If you don't send it to Huaqing Palace, you won't be able to live well. Whatever is eaten in the stomach must be vomited out.

Our saint doesn't have a very good temper. Don't try to play tricks in front of him. "

Fang Chongyong sneered and waved his hand, indicating that He Changqi no longer needed to be attentive.

If you want money, you cannot ask for power; if you want power, you cannot ask for money. Trying to occupy both is a recipe for disaster.

Fang Chongyong felt that he was in a position of high authority at a young age. If he continued to make money regardless of his face, it would inevitably make people think.

According to Brother Ji's thinking model, money is something I give you and you can't take it away. If I don't give it to you, you can't stretch out your claws.

It's not about living a poor life, it's about whether you have money or not. That's up to Brother Ji.

It was easy for Fang Chongyong to ask for money. He could just cry about his poverty in front of Brother Ji after returning to Chang'an. There was no need to take it from the trophies that were not counted as military merit.

"Jie Shuai, arrangements have been made for the saint, don't worry.

We had to fish it out of the sea in Mulu City this time, and it was all thanks to Commander-in-Chief. Moreover, after returning to Zhezhi City, the military coupons must be opened for use. In short, they must earn enough at one time and then return to Chang'an with these treasures.

How can we miss the part of Jieshuai! "

He Changqi said generously that in his opinion, Fang Chongyong was "too timid".

The two of them were already riding camels and chatting while walking.

"After returning to Chang'an, remember to report my greed and plundering of places in the Western Regions. I will recommend you to be the military envoy of the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army."

Fang Chongyong suddenly said calmly.

"Commander Jie! You can't do it! How can you convince the people when the last general is in power?"

If he hadn't been riding a camel, He Changqi would have almost knelt down in front of Fang Chongyong!
This is not a question of whether you want to take it or not, but now the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army has received real benefits from Fang Chongyong from top to bottom. If He Changqi made the report, he would not only seek glory for his superior seller, but also act treacherously with low personality!
Anyone who has such a reputation in the military will really not be able to survive anywhere.

Fang Chongyong is now using his troops as an arm to command. Isn't it because he leads the troops for justice and always thinks about the benefits of his subordinates?
It’s obvious what people’s intentions are.

"This section commander will cause trouble for you in public and confiscate your share of the money.

After you report me with a grudge, you will definitely not be able to survive in the Yinqian Xiaojie Army. I will take the opportunity to send you to Hedong as the envoy of the Datong Army.

You work hard there, my father-in-law has connections there, and someone will take care of you. "

Fang Chongyong looked into He Changqi's eyes with a calm expression that made it impossible to refuse this request.

"Jie Shuai is saying...that there have been changes in Chang'an?"

He Changqi had a look of horror on his face, but after thinking about it, he felt it was quite normal.

The sixty-year-old dog emperor still refuses to step down from his position! Which prince doesn't want him to die early?
With such a background, how can Chang'an avoid chaos? But sooner or later.

"This is a long story, and one day, the commander in chief will still be counting on you to save his life!
The Silver Spear Filial Piety Army, a fierce tiger, has arrived in Chang'an. All its claws and claws are tied up and cannot move. It's really not as comfortable as you think.

If possible, I actually don’t want to be the envoy of the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army. But it’s impossible for a saint to let me go. Do you understand this? "

This time He Changqi really understood.

"Jie Shuai, why don't we find a prince as our backer? Let's just bring down the old emperor. We're afraid of him!"

Taking advantage of the fact that no one was around, He Changqi lowered his voice and spoke.

In fact, he was not the only one, many generals in the Tang army had this idea.

Brother Ji is already old and cannot give them the future they want. Finding a prince as your backer is the right thing to do.

This is very realistic and human nature.

"Let's just say this to the commander of this section. Just think of it as your talk. If you say it elsewhere, you will lose your head."

Fang Chongyong couldn't help scolding him.

"Hehe, the general can't speak without thinking, but he also knows when to speak and when not to speak.

I'm not stupid! "

He Changqi touched his big round head.

He has done so many taboo things before, so what if he rebels again?
It's all death anyway, and the debts are too heavy to bear.

"Jie Shuai, we are all fine after returning to Chang'an. It was the same before anyway.

But will you really have your military power taken back?

The Silver Spear Xiaojie Army itself has less than 3,000 soldiers. If you don't have other duties, you are just like a military envoy.

No matter what the court says, he still has to be crowned a king, right? "

He Changqi complained unwillingly.

This expedition to the Western Regions can be said to have been accomplished in one battle. Not only did you not reward me, but you also took away the military power. You are really treating the people of the world as fools!
"Bye bye, it's hard to die if you become a king with a different surname. You don't need to curse me."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand quickly, the big tree attracted the wind, and the gun shot down the first bird. Regardless of the fact that there were many "kings with different surnames" in the Tang Dynasty, those were strategies adopted by the court when the political situation was extremely unstable.

For example, Zhang Jianzhi, the king of Hanyang County during the Tang Zhongzong period before Ji Ge, and a series of kings with different surnames after the Anshi Rebellion were all strategies.

As for the late Tang Dynasty, kings with different surnames were just Ji Cao, and Zhu and Wen were all confused with Liang Wang, so let’s not mention it.

"I think it would be better to arrange for you to go to Hedong as soon as possible. You are such a big talker. If you stay in Chang'an, sooner or later something will happen."

Fang Chongyong couldn't help but scolded He Changqi, and accelerated forward on his camel.

(End of this chapter)