Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 570 Human nature cannot stand the test
The terrain of Yidu, the capital of Qingzhou, is quite favorable for defense.

There are mountains to the west and southwest, and the city is located on the south side of the official road. Going around the mountains and walking along the west side, you can directly reach Licheng.

However, this road is quite wild and full of bandits. At the end of the Sui Dynasty, it was rumored that the grass was taller than people, and people walking in groups often couldn't see the ones in front when they were walking behind.

Helan Jinming was stationed in Yidu and organized 3,000 soldiers, which was a very aggressive move. This was enough to show that he was a man with "ideas".

Of course, although he recruited a large number of soldiers, his training level was not good at all.

So Helan Jinming recruited a retired veteran from Hexi named Liu Zhan to help him train and manage the army. In addition, Fang Guan, who was deposed as prime minister after serving for only a few days, and his henchman Deng Jingshan were also demoted to Qingzhou as Sima.

Now the Minister of Revenue, Diwu Qi, has inherited Fang Guan's political legacy, and the latter is also seeking to rise again.

Fang Guan's cronies naturally huddled together with Diwu Qi's cronies for warmth. Therefore, Helan Jinming, who was Diwu Qi's staunch henchman, also handed over all Qingzhou government affairs to Deng Jingshan, treating him as his own.

In short, compared with the lazy Laizhou governor Zheng Yan, Helan Jinming was very "motivated". He was like a local emperor, with Deng Jingshan as his literary advisor and Liu Zhan as his military advisor, and he lived a very happy life.

However, it was heard that Yongwang Li Lin was heading south from Dengzhou, and that he was accompanied by Fang Chongyong and the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army, which was invincible in Hebei.

Helan Jinming immediately couldn't sit still anymore.

But he was worried about internal instability, so he always pretended to be calm, implying that "the advantage is mine" in his every move.

Finally, the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army had already reached the outskirts of Yidu City. Helan Jinming became anxious and called a meeting of his staff to ask for countermeasures.

However, it would have been fine if Helan Jinming, Liu Zhan and Deng Jingshan had not met each other, but once they met, they actually had three different opinions!
Although Liu Zhan was a military man, he was determined to open the city gates and surrender to Prince Yong.

There is only one reason: there are strong enemies outside, no strong soldiers inside, and even no reinforcements. How can we defend the city?
Defending the city is tantamount to committing suicide!
Deng Jingshan firmly disagreed to open the city gates for a simple reason: he was a close confidant of Diwu Qi, who was now the Minister of Revenue in Chang'an. If he surrendered to Li Lin at this time, had he ever had his head caught in a door?
This is tantamount to leaving a stain on oneself and ruining one's future.

Even if he fought to the death and was captured, at least it was passive.

However, Helan Jinming still has the mentality of a scumbag. It is impossible for him to surrender, but he can be honest.

In short, he hoped to surrender to Yongwang Li Lin without changing the status quo in Qingzhou. To put it more bluntly, he would not listen to orders, would not accept officials appointed by the other party, and would not accept requests such as paying taxes and contributing to the treasury.

Because Helan Jinming has now realized that Prince Yong Li Lin is very likely to ascend the throne and become emperor, but he still cannot see which family will have the last laugh after Prince Yong rebels.

If the court in Chang'an has the last laugh, then if I defect to Li Lin, wouldn't I become a traitor?
Helan Jinming saw it very clearly and knew not to place bets in advance. No matter who laughed last, he would follow the one who laughed last!
"Yidu City will definitely not be able to be defended. The Tuanjie soldiers cannot be a match for the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army."

Helan Jinming said to Liu Zhan.

He turned to Deng Jingshan and said, "But we can't surrender to Prince Yong, because that would make us rebels against the court."

They couldn't defend themselves, and they refused to surrender. Liu Zhan and Deng Jingshan both felt helpless about Helan Jinming's "want both".

"Envoy, Prince Yong's elite troops are outside the city. Whether it's war or peace, you need to give us a definite answer!"

Liu Zhan had a wry smile on his face and sighed as he spoke.

These damn scholars have shit in their heads! Liu Zhan cursed in his heart, but he didn't want to show it on his face.

"Envoy! A letter was shot from outside the city. Please take a look!"

A personal soldier hurried into the lobby of Qingzhou government office and handed an arrow with a letter tied to it to Helan Jinming, who had a worried look on his face.

"Ugh!"

He let out a fake sigh, opened the letter, and his heart sank.

It was written: Qingzhou Governor Helan Jinming has done so many evil things that he is hated by both humans and gods. As long as Yidu City hands over Helan Jinming, other officials can continue to hold their original positions. And His Royal Highness Prince Yong and the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army will not use force against the United Soldiers and civilians in the city.

Otherwise, all those who knew about the incident in Yidu City would be regarded as accomplices of Zhou and would be killed without mercy when the city was captured.

Seeing this letter that was specifically addressed to him, Helan Jinming was immediately shocked and angry. He subconsciously wanted to tear the letter into pieces, but Liu Zhan's iron-like hands grabbed his wrist!
Everything happened in a flash, and Deng Jingshan, who was sitting nearby, had no time to react.

"Sir, this is about the lives of tens of thousands of people in Yidu City. You are so rude as to tear up the letter. Isn't that too arbitrary?"

He snatched the letter from Helan Jinming's hand, read it hurriedly, a cold light flashed in his eyes, and a terrifying sneer appeared on his face.

"Look at it too!"

Liu Zhan handed the letter in his hand to Deng Jingshan, who also had a complicated expression after reading it.

Who is greater, one person or one city?
This question is difficult to answer, as Deng Jingshan had no personal relationship with Helan Jinming. In his dark thoughts, he actually felt that sending Helan Jinming away to save the people of Yidu would be a great benefit.

But from the perspective of justice and morality, doing so is immoral and extremely despicable.

Moreover, there is no guarantee that Yongwang Li Lin will keep his word and will not target others after killing Helan Jinming.

Deng Jingshan's expression kept changing from gloomy to bright, which made Helan Jinming's heart rise to his throat.

At this critical moment, a white light suddenly flashed in the hall! Then blood splashed all over Deng Jingshan's face!
Helan Jinming fell limply to the ground, blood gushing out from his neck.

Liu Zhan handed a Tang knife hanging from his waist to Deng Jingshan with a cold expression and ordered: "You also cut him, he is not dead yet, send him to death!"

Deng Jingshan had no doubt that if he did not take action, Liu Zhan would definitely make him follow Helan Jinming on the road.

"I'm sorry."

Deng Jingshan saw Helan Jinming lying on the ground staring at him with wide eyes. He suppressed his inner discomfort and stabbed the other's neck with a knife, and then stabbed again.

Now, Helan Jinming was finally dead.

The Qingzhou governor never understood until his death why Liu Zhan, a low-ranking man who was promoted by him to become a captain in the Tuanjie soldiers, would draw his sword against his "benefactor".

Why does Liu Zhan have the right? How dare he do that?

Unfortunately, Helan Jinming, who has already walked to the underworld, has no chance of getting an answer.

Liu Zhan wiped the blood off the horizontal sword on Helan Jinming's body and put the sword back into the scabbard. At the same time, he took the Tang sword from Deng Jingshan and hung it on the buckle at his waist.

"Let's go and open the city gate together."

Liu Zhan dragged Helan Jinming's body like a dead dog, leaving a trail of blood wherever he passed.

……

"General Jie, do you think Yidu City will hand over Helan Jinming?"

He Changqi asked with some doubt.

At this moment, the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army was lined up at the foot of Yidu City. The city was not very high, but there were many soldiers guarding the city walls. It was obvious that the military force was much more abundant than that of Ye County, Laizhou Prefecture.

If we really want to have a siege, we may have to use some tricks.

So Fang Zhongyong directly used psychological tactics and forced the officials of Qingzhou Prefecture to choose between two options.

Either hand over Helan Jinming or die with him.

That depends on the character of those people and what choices they will make, and also on whether Helan Jinming has done enough good deeds in his daily life.

In short, this is a test that tests human nature and is also very vicious.

"You should ask, is it the living Helan Jinming or the dead Helan Jinming?"

Fang Chongyong said slowly to He Changqi.

It is basically certain that Helan Jinming is doomed, because human nature cannot stand the test. When it comes to the safety of the entire city, how many people can guarantee that they will not turn into beasts in times of crisis?
As if to verify his thoughts, just as He Changqi was thinking about something, the east gate of Yidu suddenly opened!

A burly general wearing the black uniform of the Tang army but no armor, dragged a corpse in a scarlet official robe all the way towards the commander's flag next to Fang Zhongyong. Behind him followed a middle-aged official in a scarlet official robe.

"Reporting to General Fang Jie, I, General Liu Zhan, have killed the villain Helan Jinming!

Oh, this Deng Jingshan Deng Sima also participated in killing the bandits. "

Liu Zhan walked forward excitedly and saluted Chongyong with his fists clasped.

"Uh……"

Who is this guy?
Fang Zhongyong was a forgetful person, and for a moment he couldn't even remember who Liu Zhan was. But it was obvious that the other party recognized him at first sight, and he must have dealt with him before.

"General Jie, back when we were in Liangzhou, you wrote a letter home for me!"

Liu Zhan looked at Fang Zhongyong expectantly as he reminded him, and it was obviously not an act.

"Oh! That's right, I just thought you looked very familiar. It turns out you are the old soldier from Hexi back then!"

Fang Zhongyong laughed loudly, and the atmosphere at the scene immediately relaxed. Even Deng Jingshan behind Liu Zhan breathed a sigh of relief.

Probably, there will be no danger to life.

Deng Jingshan was secretly glad.

In fact, Fang Chongyong has completely forgotten what happened back then. He has experienced so many things. He has traveled to Guanzhong, Hexi, Longyou, the Western Regions, Hedong, Hebei, and Henan.

How could I remember what those grassroots soldiers looked like or what their names were when I was writing letters home for them?

"I will never forget the kindness of the commander-in-chief. After seeing the contents of the letter, I immediately went to help him eliminate the thieves!"

Liu Zhan knelt on one knee, his tone filled with unconcealable excitement and excitement.

Deng Jingshan, who was standing by, was stunned.

Why didn’t I realize before that Liu Zhan was so eloquent?

Li Lin and others who had originally planned to laugh at Fang Zhongyong were also dumbfounded. A letter was sent into the city, and the governor of Qingzhou was killed by his men?

This wrist is a bit unbelievable!

Yong Wang Li Lin and Wei Zichun were also greatly enlightened. Originally, in their impression, fighting in battle formations was called war. But seeing Fang Zhongyong's progress, he was able to break through the city with tricks, coercion and inducement.

More importantly, the reputation of Prince Yong was established. Otherwise, if he hadn't had such a reputation before, it would have been difficult for Yidu City to send Helan Jinming away.

“Your Highness Prince Yong, the post of Qingzhou governor is currently vacant, and this place is located deep within Dengzhou and Laizhou, so it is a very important location.

Therefore, I suggest that Liu Zhan be appointed as the Governor of Qingzhou, and as for the candidate for the provincial Sima, one should be selected from the local officials.

How about Sima Deng accompanying the king to Bianzhou and appointing him to another position?"

Fang Chongyong clasped his fists and suggested to Li Lin.

How can Li Lin refuse this appointment? Does he dare to refuse?
Liu Zhan had just killed Helan Jinming and surrendered the city of Yidu. Making him the governor was a reward for his "loyalty".

If Li Lin were to reject Fang Chongyong's proposal now, isn't he afraid that Liu Zhan would find an opportunity to turn against him?
And even if he refused, Liu Zhan would think that Fang Chongyong was his only benefactor, and he would become even more devoted to him.

"So good!"

Seeing that Wei Zichun was trying hard to wink at him, Li Lin had no choice but to agree to the appointment.

Sure enough, seeing that Prince Yong did not act impulsively, Wei Zichun secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Fang Zhongyong's political tactics were as subtle as a trickle of rain. He transferred Deng Jingshan away from Qingzhou in order to allow Liu Zhan's family to dominate and not give Li Lin a chance to interfere.

Win people's hearts to the greatest extent!

Otherwise, just seeing that Liu Zhan and Fang Chongyong were "old acquaintances", Deng Jingshan would naturally seek refuge under Yongwang Li Lin.

As a result, the situation in Qingzhou became complicated.

This small move of Fang Jieshuai, similar to blocking the position, is very despicable and vulgar, but it is hard to guard against. His political tactics are so delicate that he doesn't look like a big and strong soldier, but more like a cunning and mature civil servant.

"Your Highness, please enter Yidu City. We have been traveling for such a long time, so a day or two won't be a big deal. The rest of the journey will be by water, so we need to rest up.

I will lead the way for you."

Fang Chongyong made a "please" gesture to Li Lin.

But Li Lin thought of Helan Jinming, who died miserably. Yidu City made him feel uncomfortable. A regiment commander dared to kill the governor. Li Lin subconsciously felt that people like Liu Zhan could not be kept.

This made him even more reluctant to go into the city.

"Your Highness is used to living outdoors and wants to return to Bianzhou as soon as possible.

The affairs in Yidu City will be handled by General Fang Jie."

Seeing Li Lin's embarrassment, Wei Zichun stepped forward to smooth things over.

To the north of Yidu City, there are Linzi, Qiancheng, Bochang and other cities lying there, and Fang Zhongyong's Silver Spear Filial Piety Army is needed to open the way. If it weren't for this, Li Lin would have wanted to throw up his sleeves and wait at the Jishui Ferry.

"In that case, I will enter the city and sort out Qingzhou's affairs."

Seeing that Li Lin reluctantly agreed, Fang Chongyong didn't want to take advantage of the situation, so he just crossed his arms and bowed calmly.

Li Lin knew the reason for his inner annoyance. It was just that the struggle for power was like that. In the past, when the Tang Dynasty was still prosperous, the family and the country were one. At that time, it was not allowed to fight. If you fought, you would be retaliated and suppressed or even strangled by Brother Ji.

But now is an era of great contention. If you don't fight at this time, others will, and then you will be the one who suffers.

Fang Chongyong firmly believed in the creed that "being kind to the enemy is being cruel to yourself" and would never give Li Lin any chance.

"Go."

Li Lin said, suppressing his inner anger.

After Fang Chongyong and his close associates entered Yidu City, Li Lin found a deserted, secluded spot and chopped at a tree frantically.

When he was tired of struggling, Wei Zichun stepped forward and persuaded him: "Your Highness, there is a long time to come, don't argue about the short term. The world is not unified yet, Your Highness can't even see Chang'an City, what will happen if you let Fang Qing win now? Patience can turn into gold!"

Wei Zichun felt that he had said too much. Li Lin simply did not know how to restrain his edge and emotions, and everything was written on his face.

How could he possibly defeat Fang Chongyong in this way?

"I know, I just won't accept it.

Nowadays, there are traitors everywhere, who disregard the laws of the Tang Dynasty."

Li Lin threw his sword on the ground and said while gasping for breath.

Wei Zichun didn't know how to complain.

If the sacred artifact had not been covered in dust and the foundation of the country had not been shaken, would Prince Li Lin have had a chance to ascend to the throne?

He finally realized that Li Lin just wanted to eat meat but was unwilling to kill the pig. He would not be satisfied until others prepared the food and brought it to him.

(End of this chapter)