Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 423: Receive the reward at the school tomorrow, without any armor

Boom!Boom!Boom!
Boom!Boom!Boom!
Boom!Boom!Boom!
The drumbeats of the curfew in Chang'an City came one after another, located in the Zhongyou Prime Minister's Mansion in Xiuwenfang, Chang'an, which is Li Shizhi's residence. The Right Prime Minister of the Tang Dynasty was watching the sunset and drinking wine.

Li Shizhi was a well-known drunkard in the officialdom of the Tang Dynasty. He was known to be a drunkard and was often drunk when he was not on duty.

In the biography of Li Bai in "New Book of Tang", Ouyang Xiu listed Li Bai, He Zhizhang, Li Shizhi, Ruyang King Li Jing, Cui Zongzhi, Su Jin, Zhang Xu and Jiao Sui as the "Eight Immortals in Wine".

Also known as the "Eight Drunkards", it is self-evident what Li Shizhi's daily behavior is.

At this moment, a servant came forward and reported to him: "Right Prime Minister, Fang Chongyong, the envoy of the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army, wants to see you. I want to ask you, should you block the person back or invite him in?"

"Let him in."

Li Shizhi nodded slightly and said with a calm expression. He didn't drink too much at the moment, and it was more than enough to deal with Fang Chongyong.

In fact, Li Shizhi had a clear understanding of Zhang Jun's thoughts, but he just wanted to avenge his private revenge.

But again, the relationship between people is very complicated, and they often use each other.

Fang Chongyong took a breath after seeing it!
"Right Prime Minister, I think that by issuing rewards in this way, I really feel sorry for the soldiers who have traveled thousands of miles and swept across the Western Regions.

Which of these things is free of money?

The news of the reward from the imperial court has not been released yet, and the Yinqian Xiaojie Army has not been allowed to return to the army. This is unreasonable. Nowadays, people in the army are in a state of confusion, and a certain military envoy also wants to know what accident is involved.

How can you maintain such a big empire without money?
But when it comes to every matter, the center really doesn't have much money.

The main problem is that the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army is a newly organized army and it is the private army of the saint. Therefore, it is not surprising that the imperial court has no special arrangements for it.

"The lower official pays homage to the right prime minister."

Fang Chongyong said very politely, but there is a needle hidden in the cotton. If you look carefully, these words are very difficult to accept!
Li Shizhi had a vulgar character, was not a sophisticated scholar, and was too lazy to make detours with Fang Chongyong.

He sighed directly and said: "It's just because the imperial court has no money to award the reward. There is no special reason. The truth is that the reward plan has been prepared and has not been issued yet."

Then don’t we still have to add a few more exorbitant taxes and miscellaneous taxes to meet the requirements?

Instead, they hope that the top brass of the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army will "retreat from the difficulties" and appease the Qiu Ba at the bottom. Just get over the reward thing.

The requirements were transformed into physical distribution.

When Fang Chongyong reported his merits, he was on guard against the imperial court using Jiaozi to fool people. Therefore, it is directly stated how much military merit is exchanged for how much food and how much cloth is exchanged.

Li Shizhi asked his servants to spread a soft cushion on the ground, and asked Fang Chongyong to kneel down opposite him.

In this way, the reward was given a cloak of legitimacy, and everything was in compliance with the rules.

Therefore, Xiaguan can only go to Xingqing Palace and invite the saint to judge. "

"It's easy to talk, just sit down, there's no need to be formal."

So is the court really out of money?
This matter should be viewed from two aspects.

Isn't this just plain nonsense? It would be strange if the Qiuba people under his command didn't explode when they learned that the imperial court was treating them like this!

I hope the Right Prime Minister will be willing to clarify my doubts.”

After all, the rosters of Silver Spear Xiaojie soldiers are all in Xingqing Palace and not in the Ministry of War. How do you ask Yizhengtang and Liubu Yamen to arrange it? They didn't even know how big the army was beforehand!

Then draw up a reward document in detail, go through the government procedures, and send it to the Yinqian Xiaojie Army Camp.

If we only look at the total amount, it is true that Datang Center is very rich. The Tang Dynasty had a territory of thousands of miles and millions of households. How could the court have no money?

No one asked for it, saying that all meritorious deeds must be exchanged for money, silk and food! Exchanging meritorious service for a title is an old rule in itself!
After seeing the content on this piece of paper, Fang Chongyong understood why the people in the Yizhengtang mobilized the troops of the Shence Army to ambush.

There are many things that cannot be explained in detail, but once they are explained in detail, everyone feels that they are justified.

In short, Li Shizhi believed that the soldiers of the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army should be patient with this matter. Otherwise, where would the court get money from?

Li Shizhi said with a smile. He didn't put on any official airs and looked very easy-going.

Another example is whether the military pay for the border troops needs to be arranged?

That must be arranged.

"Back to Prime Minister, this is why I'm here.

The office expenses of the officials in Chang'an, the expenses of the imperial palace, maintenance of inns, road construction, construction of canals, dredging of canals, disaster relief, controlling floods in the Yellow River, and controlling locust plagues.

It must be sent.

Therefore, Li Shizhi's request to the household department was also very simple. He would take 30% of the order reported by Fang Zhongyong, cut off 70%, and then calculate the deal according to the "official pricing".

The 70% cut off will be exchanged for the title of honorary officer according to the old rules. The imperial court has a mature exchange method that has been in operation for many years.

Li Shizhi took out a piece of letter paper from his arms and handed it to Fang Chongyong.

"Envoy Fang Jun is not in Wugong County, but he came to Chang'an instead. It should be for the silver spear, filial piety and military reward, right?"

For example, should officials’ salaries be paid?

Of course, if Fang Chongyong hadn't seen the letter Jiang Wuyan brought in advance, he might have thought that Li Shizhi was easy to talk to.

It is also written very simply.

If it is inconvenient for Li Shizhi to say it, Zhang Jun is willing to rush ahead, so let him speak. Li Shizhi's original intention was not to use force to resolve the matter.

Fang Chongyong said in a deep voice.

Fang Chongyong saw Li Shizhi sitting in a daze holding a wine glass and saluted respectfully.

"Envoy Fang Jun, please listen to the truth and don't embarrass the saint!

If it weren't for the saint's acquiescence, could the truth be arranged like this? The saint has already sent General Gao to say hello, and the truth of the matter has been settled.

Now that the country is in difficulty, Commander Fang must be patient and restrain his subordinates. "

Li Shizhi had a business-like attitude.

"Right Prime Minister, please tell me directly.

If there is no reward for meritorious service, when the soldiers are needed in the future, they will definitely take the reward first before setting out. If there is no reward, there will be no fight.

If things continue like this, the country will no longer be a country.

You don’t have to give up the military envoy of the last general, but you can’t fool him with the rewards!
Please think again. "

Fang Chongyong pleaded again.

His attitude was sincere. After hearing this, Li Shizhi was silent for a long time and sighed:

"Let's do this. According to the meritorious service you reported, the imperial court will first give you 80%. After the autumn harvest, the remaining 20% ​​will be made up and distributed in the form of grain and cloth. Envoy Fang will go back to appease the soldiers accordingly.

However, it takes time to collect grain and cloth, and the distance is far and it is not suitable to transport it to Wugong County. Five days, counting from tomorrow, the imperial court will transport the rewards to Xiangji Temple, ten miles south of the city, for storage. At that time, the Fang army envoys can come with their troops to receive the rewards.

However, in the pure Buddhist area of ​​Xiangji Temple, it is not advisable to carry armor so as not to disturb the place. Just let the soldiers wear military uniforms and bring carts to receive the rewards.

How about the Fang Jun envoy give the Prime Minister five days to collect grain, fodder, silk and silk? "

"I would like to express my gratitude to all the officers and men of the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army, right Prime Minister, for your kindness!"

Fang Chongyong was so excited that he knelt down and gave Li Shizhi a prosperous ceremony. A trace of guilt flashed in Li Shizhi's eyes, and then he leaned over and helped Fang Chongyong up.

"Envoy Fang Jun, please return to Wugong County to reorganize the army."

Li Shizhi made a gesture of invitation to see off the guests.

As for what the angry Silver Spear Xiaojie Army Qiu Ba would think five days later, Li Shizhi would only say: Fang Chongyong had a bad intention. He knew clearly that the rewards from the imperial court were like that. In order to calm down the public anger, he deliberately deceived the soldiers. His heart is to be punished!
When the time comes to start wrangling, just do it slowly. Anyway, there is no proof for what he said today. When Fang Chongyong walked out of the yard, Li Shizhi was not going to admit it.

If you want to blame it, just blame Fang Chongyong for being too young.

Li Shizhi felt that crying alone is not as good as crying all the way. If you don't use some tricks, can you really raise taxes on the people?
He himself has a clear conscience.

"Then, I will return to Wugong County immediately and restrain the soldiers."

Fang Chongyong crossed his hands and saluted Li Shizhi with a grateful expression.

The atmosphere between the two was very harmonious, as if all conflicts had been resolved.

"Well, let's go."

Li Shizhi smiled and nodded, and drank the wine in one gulp.

When Fang Zhongyong walked out of the courtyard and looked at the sunset on the horizon, the smile on his face disappeared in an instant, and it looked like frost was everywhere!

……

Looking at Jiang Wuyan who was already sleeping soundly, Fang Chongyong couldn't help but sigh and quickly got dressed.

This woman was very forbearing in bed, gritting her teeth to prevent herself from shouting.

When the two of them were in harmony, Jiang Wuyan looked at Fang Zhongyong as if he was angry. Her eyes were firm and she pretended to be calm, to show that she could keep her composure even if she had been eaten dry.

She wanted Fang Chongyong to know that she would not look confused and intoxicated when getting into bed like the other women.

However, Fang Zhongyong has seen countless women and has rich experience. Jiang Wuyan, who has just experienced it for the first time, is no match for him.

She was quickly defeated. Sometimes she was embarrassed, and sometimes she kept smiling. Her body completely betrayed her will, and she finally realized what the ultimate pleasure of the body was.

Finally, he simply let go, not knowing what he was doing.

After the carnival, Jiang Wuyan fell into a deep sleep. The long-term vigilance allowed her to sleep very soundly after she relaxed.

After getting dressed, Fang Chongyong walked out of the bedroom and saw Wang Yunxiu waiting for him, with a solemn expression on his face.

"You haven't pampered your newly acquired concubine for a few days. How long have you been home? Is Alang about to leave?"

"Yes, I visited Li Shizhi yesterday, and he still treats me as a fool.

There is nothing to talk about anymore. "

Fang Chongyong sneered.

If the two people involved in a matter cannot meet each other halfway, it is essentially a deception, because the other party does not want to properly solve the problem at all.

"It's really embarrassing that it has come to this."

Wang Yunxiu also sighed.

People with different views will have completely different standards of right and wrong. Fang Chongyong felt that it was unfair for the court to issue rewards, but maybe Li Shizhi and others felt that they were more reasonable.

This is a game that no one can convince anyone, so how can we talk about it?
Nothing to talk about!

At this moment, Fang Chongyong saw Che Guangqian being brought over by Fang Dafu, so he asked doubtfully: "You went to Chang'an City to investigate today. How is the situation now?"

"Your Highness, the situation is not good. Some units of the Shence Army in Chang'an City have left Xuanwu Gate and gone to the southwest of Chang'an, right over to Xiangji Temple."

Che Guangqian was sweating profusely. It seemed that she had traveled a lot today and was panting when she spoke.

"Thank you for your hard work, now let's return to the camp."

Fang Chongyong nodded slightly without comment, acting very calm.

Because the news about Che Guangqian was just the decisive news brought by Jiang Wuyan. After multiple confirmations, Fang Chongyong now understands what Yizhengtang and Shence Army want to do.

He guessed almost all the details.

However, although Jiang Wuyan helped a lot when "reading the questions", Fang Chongyong could only handle the "solving the questions" by himself.

Solving a problem is usually much more difficult than discovering it. This is almost a life and death test.

It's not a decisive battle, but it's better than a decisive battle.

"Jie Shuai, would it be better for you, General, to escort your family members out of Chang'an now..."

Che Guangqian glanced at Wang Yunxiu and hesitated to speak.

"General Che, if something happens to my Alang, do you think I can live alone? Can our heirs live alone?

You are all real men. Whatever you want to do, just do it. There is no need for mother-in-law and mother-in-law.

Alang is the sky. As long as he is here, the sky cannot fall. "

Wang Yunxiu said with a smile.

Che Guangqian thought for a while, said nothing, and just cupped her fists and saluted to show respect.

Indeed, as Wang Yunxiu said, in this era, anything that happens is a family matter.

Unless Fang Chongyong writes a divorce letter now and divorces Wang Yunxiu, the latter may still be able to be lenient when he is liquidated.

Therefore, since losing is so miserable, you must not lose, and don't think about what will happen if you lose!

Wang Yunxiu knew very well that if someone said that you should take care of the overall situation, it must be to take care of their overall situation.

If anyone tells you that there will be sacrifices if you struggle, then you must be the sacrifice.

The person who forces you to follow the rules must be the person who least wants to follow the rules!

These people carry deep malice towards you!
Now this matter has reached a dead end and there is nothing that can be done.

In the face of the enemy's malice, the only option is to fight back, and there is absolutely no such thing as accepting the malice calmly.

At the end of the day, just do it and that’s it, why bother thinking about it!
Wang Yunxiu could ask Fang Chongyong to accept Jiang Wuyan to relieve his worries, so what reason did Fang Chongyong have to retreat?
If Fang Chongyong quits, all the newly acquired concubines will become other people's playthings. Can he quit? Is he eligible to withdraw?
"Come on, do it!"

Che Guangqian clenched her fists tightly and said excitedly.

"Let's go back to the camp first."

Fang Zhongyong waved his hand. He looked at Wang Yunxiu and found that the other party was also looking at him. Both of them saw determination and perseverance in the other's eyes.

"I'm leaving and I'll be back soon."

Fang Chongyong nodded slightly to Wang Yunxiu.

"I'm waiting for you to come back."

Wang Yunxiu wiped her tears with her sleeves and nodded with sobs.

(End of this chapter)