Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 564: Turning against guests
After reaching an agreement with Daqinmao, Fang Chongyong called Li Quan, Liu Yan, He Changqi, Che Guangqian, Wang Nande, and even his step-father-in-law Pei Min to the lobby of Dengzhou government office to discuss matters concerning maritime trade.

"The skins of tigers, minks, bears, horses, gadflies, ginseng, bezoars, incense, kelp, dried fish, eagles, Mayao cups, amber cups, purple porcelain basins and other items produced in Bohai were transported to Dengzhou by sea and then bought by merchants, making a lot of profit.

The Bohai Kingdom also needs the grain, silk, tea, porcelain, etc. produced by our Tang Dynasty.

Is this business still possible?"

Fang Chongyong looked around the crowd and asked.

Everyone in the hall lowered their heads in silence, weighing the pros and cons in their minds.

In troubled times, the fight is for territory.

If you want to fight for territory, you have to fight. If you want to fight, you have to raise soldiers. If you raise soldiers, you need a lot of supplies to support them!
In a word, no matter what policy is implemented to maintain the army, money is needed as a foundation!

Where does the money come from?
Criticizing the local people is one way, and engaging in maritime trade and exchanging what is available with the Bohai Kingdom is another way.

They used the high-value specialties there to exchange for food and other items, which were then shipped back to the Bohai Kingdom. The profits from this round trip were so huge that it was unbelievable.

In this way, the burden on the people in the jurisdiction can be reduced to the greatest extent. When the burden on the people is reduced, they will support the regime and join the army enthusiastically.

So maritime trade may seem unimportant, but in fact it is crucial to success or failure.

You can't not do it.

The lifestyle on the Bohai Kingdom's side was originally based on fishing and hunting, and the economic model was very backward.

When they came into contact with the Tang Dynasty, productivity increased rapidly in the process of communication, accompanied by rapid improvement and upgrading of the social system.

As a result, the population also grew rapidly.

However, this growth has its bottlenecks. Where food cannot be grown, it will not be grown!

This is the limitation of the development of productivity. It is not reflected in numerical values, but is composed of specific consumer outputs and is irreplaceable.

No matter how the economy of Bohai Kingdom develops, even if they produce a lot of handicraft by-products, these things cannot be consumed locally and can only be used for trade.

There was not enough food to eat and cloth to wear. It was these basic needs that restricted the upper limit of the Bohai Kingdom.

This is also the main reason why Da Wuyi went crazy and wanted to go against the Tang Dynasty. The people of Bohai also wanted to obtain their own high-quality arable land!

However, this effort was severely punished by the Tang Dynasty, specifically by Fang Youde.

So Da Men Yi changed his thinking. The route he chose was to strengthen maritime trade and exchange local specialties for food, silk and other daily necessities.

Judging from what happened later, Da Menyi's idea was correct and benefited the people of both countries.

In Fang Chongyong's vision, Bianzhou would be the production and distribution center of goods, Dengzhou would be the import and export place of goods, the canal and the seaport would be the economic lifeline, and a one-stop maritime trade would be developed.

Can such business be done?
The answer is not only yes, but also in the future it will be easy to extend its tentacles to Lianghuai and Jiangnan, and then conquer these territories.

With such economic strength, it shouldn't be a problem to support 50,000 elite soldiers, right? If they just follow the traditional farming route and take food from the poor farmers, how much money can they make?

Fang Chongyong folded his arms and sat in the main seat in the government hall, waiting quietly.

"General Jie, this maritime trade business is naturally doable.

However, the Hebei bandit army poses a great threat to us. If we do not have a bridgehead on the north bank of the Yellow River, it will be difficult for us to implement our maritime trade strategy in Dengzhou with peace of mind.

I suggest that the general send troops to cross the river this winter to capture Dizhou, which is located on the other side of the Yellow River and adjacent to the coast.

Here we dug deep trenches and built fortifications to await the enemy.

If we want to fight, we should fight with the rebels in Hebei in Dizhou, and not bring the war to the south bank of the Yellow River."

Li Quan saluted Fang Zhongyong with his hands crossed and said.

Hearing this, several generals in command of the troops nodded continuously. It must be said that Li Quan had a strategic vision.

Dengzhou has a disadvantage in that it is too close to Hebei by sea. If a bridgehead is not established on the north bank of the Yellow River, it is hard to say whether someone will come up with a brain hole and harass Dengzhou Penglai Port by sea vessel.

Those people didn't have to occupy Dengzhou, they just needed to burn down Penglai Port. This port has a history of hundreds of years, longer than that of the Tang Dynasty.

Once it is burned down, it will take an indefinite time to rebuild it.

Li Quan's suggestion is very forward-looking. Before the enemy attacks us, we should stick a needle in their buttocks to be prepared for anything.

"What do you think?"

Fang Chongyong looked around the crowd and asked.

Che Guangqian, Wang Nande and others were not used to Li Quan's previous arrogance. Even though Li Quan's suggestion this time was indeed very reasonable, they refused to agree and just lowered their heads and said nothing.

"Since no one objects, let's do it as soon as the Yellow River freezes over."

Fang Chongyong made the final decision and strongly supported Li Quan's strategy.

"We will obey the orders of the commander-in-chief."

Everyone said in unison.

It would have been enough to just keep silent and express your attitude before. Standing up and opposing now would be a slap in Fang Zhongyong's face. This kind of thing cannot be done.

"Besides this, what's the next step?"

Fang Chongyong looked at Li Quan and asked.

"What's the next step..."

Li Quan stroked his beard and pondered for a moment before saying:

“Next, the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army will defend Bianzhou and guard against possible attacks from the west and north.

In addition, it is necessary to establish another army in Dengzhou, which will not be equipped with horses and will mainly be equipped with ships.

If the Hebei bandit army does not move, this army can go south to the coast to plunder land, especially the important coastal town of Haizhou in the south, which must be captured."

It was only natural for the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army to return to their garrison and defend Bianzhou. Li Quan's real suggestion was to build a navy and occupy the coastal counties including Haizhou (Lianyungang) by sea.

This tactic is not difficult to implement, as the troops are readily available in Dengzhou.

Of course, engaging in maritime trade and building a navy centered on sea vessels were indeed somewhat beyond the expectations of Che Guangqian and others.

"General Jie, are you going to make me eat sea fish from now on?"

He Changqi touched his head and asked.

Hearing this, Li Quan explained: "If the Hebei bandit army does not come, we can divide our troops and march south to plunder the land, with the Huai River as the boundary. After consolidating the territory, we can consider crossing the Huai River."

It turned out to be the case.

Hold on to Bianzhou to maintain the base, try to occupy the coastal states and counties along the coastline by sea, and finally observe the enemy's reaction, and then decide whether to expand the territory southward.

It has to be said that Li Quan's combination of punches was well thought out and very feasible to implement.

He took into account what had to be done, what was likely to be done, and what needed to be done according to circumstances.

He Changqi said "Oh", returned to his original position and said nothing more.

"Che Guangqian, from today on, you will serve as the Observation and Disposal Commissioner of Dengzhou and Laizhou, the Training Commissioner of Dengzhou, and the Military Commissioner of Henghai Army.

Taking this document written by Daqinmao, he recruited soldiers in Penglai Port.

You bring 300 people from your own army as the backbone. As for these appointments, they are executed first and reported later. After the army returns to Bianzhou, I will write to the court and complete the procedures for you."

Fang Chongyong stepped forward and handed the document written by Daqinmao to Che Guangqian.

"Thank you handsome!"

Che Guangqian immediately knelt on the ground and bowed to him. Everyone around her cast envious glances at her, and her heart was burning with excitement.

Since someone has been sent out to lead an army, there will naturally be successors. As the territory expands, new military envoys and even new Jiedushi will appear.

As for whether the imperial court recognized it or not...it didn't matter at all.

If you can reach an agreement with Li Lin, you can ask Li Lin to stamp it. If you can't reach an agreement with Li Lin, you can ask Li Heng to stamp it.

With a knife in your hand, are you still worried about not being able to find the seal?

It doesn't exist. Fang Zhongyong is very clear-headed. Now is the era of warlords. As for the emperor's decree, let him play around in Chang'an City.

He helped Che Guangqian up and patiently instructed her, "All merchants on the sea are on the edge of a knife. Use both kindness and force, with force being the main thing. When necessary, kill people to establish your authority."

"I will finally understand!"

Che Guangqian cupped her fists and saluted.

"Wang Nandi, from today on, you will serve as the Observation and Disciplinary Envoy of Xuzhou and Sizhou, and the Recruiting Envoy of Huaibei. You will lead your own 300 men as the backbone to build an army.

After the army enters Bianzhou for rest and reorganization, you will select soldiers from the united troops of the six states in Xuanwu Town, establish a new Wuning Army, and serve as the military commander of the Wuning Army.

Once the time is right, I will lead the Wuning Army into Huaibei to plunder the land."

"Order!"

The king was so excited that he clasped his fists and saluted.

Fang Zhongyong looked at Duan Xiushi and said:
"From today on, you will be the envoy to Song and Bo states, and the envoy to Xuanwu and the six states.

He established the Zhongwu Army and appointed him as its military commander. He recruited refugees from the west of Bianzhou to form the army, and had the soldiers farm in these two states.

Your army is mainly engaged in construction, both soldiers and farmers, and will not participate in external battles, and at most will only defend the city. Since you don't have to fight outside the state, I will not assign you the old soldiers of the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army."

"Order!"

Duan Xiushi said with cupped fists and a salute.

Fang Chongyong gave Duan Xueshi a lot of titles, but the core was actually just one: to establish professional logistical support forces!
"Wang Yanshu and Li Sheng will serve as the Ten Generals of the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army to replace the vacancies."

Fang Zhongyong arranged his relatives into the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army with just one sentence. As for whether they are competent, the battlefield will give the answer.

"Li Quan is the military commander, responsible for making plans."

Fang Chongyong continued to appoint new positions to his subordinates.

"Marshal Jie, what about me?"

He Changqi was anxious. Everything had been arranged, so how could he not be included?

Fang Zhongyong ignored him and looked at Jia Dan, pointing at him and said, "From today on, you will serve as a soldier for the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army, specializing in drawing various maps. As for your honor, I will ask the court for one for you."

Can I ask for the place in the imperial examination?

Of course not under normal circumstances.

But the current situation in the Tang Dynasty is simply "abnormal"!

It is not easy for a local governor with real power to ask for a place in the imperial examination.

Jia Dan stood there in a daze, not knowing what to say.

What the hell is going on!
But Fang Zhongyong's meaning was also very clear: Don't you want to submit your application? I am the most powerful person, just come and vote for me, and I will arrange a job for you directly!
Seeing Jia Dan didn't say anything, Fang Zhongyong stared at him and reminded him with a smile: "I heard that you have been engaged to a woman from the Wugong Su family. Don't you want to settle down your career first and then return to Wugong County to marry Madam Su? Or do you want her to wait for you for five, ten or twenty years?"

After hearing this, Jia Dan stopped worrying.

This marriage was a bit too high for their family, and they were supposed to get married after passing the imperial examination. But from the current situation, it seems that the imperial court will not hold the imperial examination in the short term.

"Your Majesty, take your orders."

Jia Dan sighed lightly, and the other party saluted with his hands crossed.

"Liu Yan served as the river management officer and the Xuanwu Town Support Officer. He was in charge of the transportation and dredging of the rivers under the jurisdiction of the six states of Xuanwu Town, as well as the customs revenue and expenditure.

A new river naval force will be established, with Bianzhou as its base, and Guan Chongsi will be the military commander, responsible for daily maintenance and suppressing bandits. "

Fang Chongyong issued another military order, but still did not specify what He Changqi was going to do.

He Lao Hu was so anxious that he was about to cry.

Everyone present was watching a good show, staring at He Changqi, as if waiting for him to make a fool of himself.

"He Changqi, from today on, you will serve as the governor of Xuanwu Army.

I will continue to serve as the military commander of the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army and will leave the Xuanwu Town. As for where the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army will be assigned in the future, I have other arrangements. "

Fang Zhongyong said something that no one could believe.

He Changqi was also dumbfounded.

If he becomes the governor of Xuanwu Army, what will Fang Chongyong do?

"General Jie! General Jie, this is unacceptable!"

He Changqi was so scared that he knelt on the ground and spoke incoherently.

No matter how much Fang Chongyong trusted him, he couldn't say that he would give him the six states of Xuanwu Town! He Lao Hu didn't understand, if he became the governor of Xuanwu Army, where would Fang Chongyong go?

However, Che Guangqian and others on the side guessed some of the inside story.

Judging from the previous arrangements... it seems that many functions of the Xuanwu Army Jiedushi position have been emptied in advance. For example, the governance rights of Songzhou and Bozhou have been divided.

If Fang Chongyong is no longer the governor of Xuanwu Army, then... he must have a more important position on the way.

"Do your best! Bring your troops and recruit soldiers on your own. I won't pamper you."

Fang Chongyong cursed with a smile and helped He Changqi up.

"Everyone, go away. After we finish dealing with the affairs in Dengzhou, we will set off back to Bianzhou."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand and said.

Everyone was reluctant to leave. They wanted to ask questions but didn't know how to start because they had so many questions.

Only his cheap father-in-law Pei Min stayed alone.

Seeing that he seemed to have something to ask, Fang Chongyong invited him to the study to talk.

After the two of them sat down, Pei Min asked with a puzzled look on his face: "It is a bit confusing that the commander-in-chief has delegated so much power today."

"I have a plan to turn the tables. That is to support Prince Yong Li Lin, have him ascend the throne in Bianzhou, appoint civil and military officials, expand the scope of Kaifeng City, and build a new capital."

Fang Zhongyong said calmly.

ha?
Even the shrewd Pei Min was shocked by this proposal. If this was the case, Fang Zhongyong's plot was about to be exposed.

He wants to be the prime minister and the commander-in-chief of the world's army!
The Silver Spear Filial Piety Army will be expanded directly into the Imperial Guards!
This is also the reason why Fang Chongyong separated Xuanwu Town from other territories, so that when Li Lin arranged his confidants, he could block the key positions in advance!
Then he used political tactics to gradually sideline Li Lin.

As long as Fang Zhongyong can continue to win battles, it will be extremely easy to sideline Li Lin.

Of course, if you lose again and again, then I'm sorry, the power you already hold will be divided away bit by bit.

"Chang'an is no longer suitable as a capital due to the canal, and its future decline is inevitable.

Rather than rushing to enter Guanzhong and being strangled by others, it is better to take Bianzhou as the core and plan slowly.

Lay a solid foundation, attract talents from all over the world, and there will be plenty of time to pacify the world."

Fang Zhongyong said with a long sigh.

Obviously, he did not want to get stuck in this dead end of Guanzhong.

Neither the Guanlong nobles nor the Hebei noble families were enough to rely on. His base was not these people at all.

If Chang'an is the target, then after Li Lin arrives in Guanzhong, there may be a large number of diehards who will oppose someone on the other side. Moreover, Chang'an is too conspicuous, and anyone who enters will be trapped inside and unable to move.

Instead of doing this, it would be better to plan the layout with Bianzhou as the core.

"This is an unprecedented attempt, alas!"

Pei Min sighed, not knowing what to say.

It has to be said that Fang Chongyong’s strategic thinking is very novel, but whether it works well is another matter.

(End of this chapter)