Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 572 I Used to Be a Good Person

It was late at night. Fang Chongyong was in Helan Jinming's government office study, reading various letters and materials, while Da Zhenhui was classifying the various documents piled up in the study.

People with intellectual talents like Helan Jinming are different. They have an outrageous number of books and manuscripts.

However, the little woman Da Zhenhui was actually quite skilled at her job and did not make any mistakes, saving Fang Zhongyong a lot of time.

"When you were in Bohai Kingdom, you liked reading books, right?"

Fang Chongyong asked nonchalantly while checking Qingzhou's account books from previous years.

"Yes, yes, I love reading. I get so engrossed in reading that I don't even sleep at night!"

Upon hearing this, Da Zhenhui's tone was filled with uncontrollable excitement.

"Reading makes people wise. It's good to like reading."

Fang Chongyong couldn't help but sigh in a condescending manner.

How nice it would be if a person could just read and not do anything.

Especially in such troubled times, those in power often kill people, directly or indirectly.

Fang Zhongyong didn't want to kill anyone, he just wanted to lie down.

"Ah Lang, if you lead your troops to Xiandefu (the capital of Bohai Kingdom) in the future, will you kill my great-uncle's entire family?"

Dae Jung-hye asked in a low voice. She obviously knew everything. If his father Dae Chin-mok seized power, he would definitely not let Daemon-ye's family go.

If for no other reason than political infighting, we should not let our emotions get the better of us.

And the safest people in the world are the dead.

Daqinmao's own descendants are already difficult to deal with. Even if he wins the throne of Bohai in the future, there will be a fierce competition for the successor. If Damenyi's descendants are also included.

Haha, I guess Daqinmao can’t sleep well.

Dae Jeong-hye had obviously anticipated this.

"I will never do such a thing. If anyone has to do anything, let your father do it.

Even if it is…”

Having said that, Fang Zhongyong sighed and didn't want to say any more.

He helped Brother Ji to confiscate the family property of Li Heng. His hands and feet must not be any cleaner than Daqinmao.

But back then, there were some things Fang Zhongyong did not do to the extreme.

Li Heng's wife, Wei, adopted a boy and a girl, whose biological mother was the late Wu.

The man among them is Li Yu, the Emperor Daizong of Tang in the previous life.

The girl was Li Yu's biological sister.

The girl was eleven years old at the time, and was secretly handed over to Wei's people by Fang Zhongyong himself. This matter was later known to Brother Ji, who did not say anything, and even revealed a hint of satisfaction.

Fang Chongyong then realized that he had guessed Ji Ge's thoughts correctly, and it was right for him to let him off the hook.

Brother Ji is cruel and ruthless and does things without any scruples, but he does not want his subordinates to be as cruel and ruthless as him and have no bottom line.

This is a very contradictory yet real mentality.

Giving a girl to her parents' family to raise, especially an adopted girl, can be considered a kind of tenderness within the rules.

After all, women cannot succeed to the throne, and their political appeal is always too lacking, so there is no need to go to extremes.

After all, she is also Ji Ge's bloodline and a woman of the Li Tang royal family. Even if a minister is an executioner, he should be more cautious, right?

Ji Ge hopes that the executioner will be obedient, but he also thinks that the executioner should respect the imperial power.

It can be said that scumbags can't stand others being scumbags, and their double standards have reached the extreme.

What stupid humans are!

Thinking of this, Fang Zhongyong couldn't help but laugh at himself.

He almost forgot that he had been a good person in the past, had done good things and accumulated good karma.

"Ah Lang, can you please not kill my great uncle's family in the future? They treat me very well."

Dae Jung-hye pleaded in a low voice.

Daqinmao lived in the Tang Dynasty for many years, and most of his sons were under house arrest. Dazhenhui was raised in the palace and was actually closer to Damenye's family.

"Let's talk about it in the future. It's too early to talk about this now."

Fang Zhongyong waved his hand gently and did not make any promises.

There was obvious disappointment on Dae Jung-hye's face, and she just said "oh" softly.

Perhaps she also realized that although Fang Chongyong seemed to be in power and doing well, he was often not in control of his own affairs.

This man lives his life too cautiously.

Just as the atmosphere in the government office's study fell into an awkward silence, someone knocked on the study door.

"General, a guest came to visit and said he had something important to discuss."

He Changqi's voice sounded suppressed, mysterious, and a little abnormal.

"Then bring the person in."

Fang Chongyong didn't think much about it and shouted towards the door.

Soon, the study door was pushed open, and He Qichang came in with a woman wearing a hat with ears and a man's official robe. The woman looked very young and familiar.

As for why Fang Zhongyong could tell at a glance that she was a woman, it was because she had a really good figure. Her waist, tied with a belt, was just big enough to be held in one hand, and her body curves were very beautiful, especially with a youthful aura.

Even if you ignore her face, you can tell the gender at a glance.

Fang Chongyong waved to Da Zhenhui, signaling her to leave, but did not let He Changqi go with her.

"Meet my benefactor."

The woman saluted Fang Zhongyong with her arms crossed. She then took off her helmet, letting her long hair fall naturally. In order to conceal her identity, she did not dye her lips or put on any makeup.

Fang Zhongyong immediately recognized who this person was!

She is Li Heng’s legitimate daughter, the little girl whom he had let off the hook back then!
"Li Yi? Why did you come to Qingzhou?"

After Fang Chongyong recognized the person, he immediately asked He Changqi to leave the study.

"Someone sent me here to be a lobbyist."

Li Yi sighed softly and sat opposite Fang Zhongyong.

A trace of sadness flashed in her eyes, and she shook her head and said, "Thanks to the benefactor for saving me back then, but unfortunately I have nothing to repay him with, so I can only say sorry to the commander."

Fang Zhongyong nodded slightly without interrupting.

In fact, with Li Yi's status, even if she willingly gave herself to Fang Zhongyong to play with, she would be harming others. A woman with a sensitive status, falling to the point of throwing herself into the arms of a man, would be harming her benefactor, which is indeed extremely sad.

Li Yi is a reasonable person. Even if he wants to throw himself into the arms of Fang Chongyong, he will not drag Fang Chongyong into the whirlpool of politics for his own selfish desires.

"You're here for your uncle, right?
Huangfu Weiming was defeated and died in Tongguan, and Li Wan is now controlled by Li Baochen.

I think you should know very well what that person is like.

Did your uncle ask you to come for help, or did he use a honey trap?"

After asking, Fang Chongyong sighed softly. The two of them had different positions and he didn't know what to say.

Huangfu Weiming, Wei Jian and others, together with the prominent figure Li Wan, formed the "Guanzhong faction" among the Hebei rebels, with their base in Chang'an.

As soon as Huangfu Weiming died, this faction immediately lost control of the situation.

Whether it was Shi Siming, Li Baochen, or even the wealthy families in many counties and prefectures in southern Hebei, it was impossible for them to continue to support Li Wan when Huangfu Weiming was gone.

As Li Wan's niece, there is no need to elaborate on the fate of Li Yi.

"That's right, that's why I'm here to persuade you to lead your troops into Luoyang."

Li Yi said with a worried look on his face, saying that everything he said was true, without any intention of misleading anyone.

The little girl who had swollen eyes from crying back then has now washed off her makeup and looks graceful and calm.

"In your uncle's opinion, Li Baochen is not trustworthy, but I am trustworthy, right?"

Fang Chongyong sneered, already understanding what Wei Jian and his gang were planning.

The left and right are just trying to form alliances.

The Guanzhong faction is no longer in an advantageous position, and Bianzhou is very close to Luoyang.

Bringing the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army from Bianzhou into the game could increase the bargaining chips a little. Li Baochen wanted to control Li Wan, but the Guanzhong faction was unwilling to hand over Li Wan's banner.

It is normal for them to fight with each other, and it would be abnormal not to fight.

What virtue and ability does Li Baochen have? There are too many people who do not submit to him.

Wei Jian obviously hopes that Li Yi can act as a contact person and borrow the support of Fang Chongyong.

It would be best if I could communicate more with Fang Zhongyong in bed.

Due to Li Yi's sensitive identity, as long as she became Fang Chongyong's concubine, it would be like pulling this heavyweight governor into the game.

This was also a test of the waters strategy. If it succeeded, that would be great, but if it failed, at least it would have destroyed Li Baochen's plan.

However, Li Yi is obviously a woman who values ​​friendship and loyalty, and her ideas differ from Wei Jian's.

She would not harm Fang Zhongyong, and naturally would not take the initiative to seduce him, even though she was a woman with outstanding appearance.

However, if Fang Zhongyong pounced on her like a hungry wolf, she would not resist.

"You've had such a hard life. Unfortunately, you often have no control over your own destiny. There's only so much I can do to help you.

Prince Yong is just outside the city and refuses to enter. I think you should understand why he is here."

Fang Zhongyong didn't want to play any hypocritical games. There was no point in deceiving such a weak woman.

He has always treated Li Yi as a junior.

"If the Tang Dynasty is now full of beasts, then you are probably one of the few normal people."

Li Yi said with a wry smile, obviously for people like Wei Jian, Li Lin's whereabouts were no secret.

"You can just stay here with me. I don't think it will end well for you if you return to Luoyang.

Li Baochen wants to marry you and take control of Luoyang? I guess that's the case, right? "

Fang Chongyong said thoughtfully.

If he were in Li Baochen's situation, he would definitely divorce his wife quickly and marry Li Wan's niece. By the way, he would completely control Luoyang and join forces with the Guanzhong forces.

Wei Jian asked Li Yi to come here to sleep with a man, because Wei Jian would never make peace with Marshal Baochen. Before Fang Zhongyong sent troops to Luoyang, Li Yi's only mission was to sleep with him. How could she leave empty-handed?
This was a brilliant move, a self-rescue strategy adopted by the "Guanzhong Faction" among the Hebei rebels after they lost the military support of Huangfu Weiming.

Once Fang Chongyong takes Li Yi into the room, Wei Jian will take action next and all kinds of political promises will be put on the table.

"General Ji, you are a person who lives too clearly.

My uncle can't hide anything from you now.

Everything is just as you said. Li Baochen is now eager to hold a banquet to marry me.

It was already very difficult for me to escape from Luoyang."

Li Yi shook his head with some disappointment.

To her, the man in front of her was both her enemy and her benefactor, and the safe haven she had always longed for.

He was the executioner who killed his own family, but at that time, who could disobey the emperor's order? Was it his fault?
Good things in the world are always hard to come by, but traps may appear at your feet at any time.

Li Yi, who has experienced many things, is no longer the carefree little girl she used to be. In fact, she knows everything.

Li Yi stood up, walked to Fang Chongyong and sat down, then prostrated himself before him.

Fang Chongyong quickly helped her up.

Li Yi raised his head and said sincerely, "I have always wanted to repay you for saving my life, but I will not let you down or embarrass you. If you need me to do anything in the future, I will do it even if I die."

She held Fang Zhongyong's calloused hands and spoke sternly. Although the two had physical contact, there was no trace of desire or possession.

"I want to see you raising a family and leading a peaceful life in the future.

Don't treat yourself as an object to be manipulated by others.

Your life isn’t supposed to be like this.”

Fang Zhongyong pulled his hand out, patted Li Yi on the shoulder, shook his head and laughed.

A woman with an independent personality should not be treated as an object and sent to be a playmate in the bed of some powerful man.

Of course, if she did it voluntarily, then it would be her own fault.

Fang Chongyong called He Changqi and told him, "Find a trustworthy brother to send her back to Bianzhou and arrange for her to be relocated."

He Lao Hu looked at Li Yi, whose beauty could not be concealed even in men's clothes, and whose eyes were full of reluctance, and he didn't say anything for a long time.

"Can't find anyone?"

Fang Zhongyong asked back with a hint of dissatisfaction.

He Changqi then clasped his fists and saluted, saying, "I will follow the commander's orders."

Li Yi looked at Fang Zhongyong with some resentment, bowed, and felt sad.

People who are eager to possess you never take you seriously. You are just a fire pit.

The person who truly loves you is like the moon in the sky, which you cannot reach even if you stand on tiptoe.

Good things never fall directly into your sight; good things always take time to come.

"General, I will take my leave."

Li Yi suppressed the sadness in his heart and turned away reluctantly.

Not long after, He Changqi returned. When he saw Fang Chongyong and made eye contact with him, he immediately gave up.

He swallowed back all the words he had to say, and finally said in a coy voice, "General Jie, I have asked a trusted brother to take her away from Qingzhou."

"Well, I know you are reliable."

Fang Zhongyong nodded slightly with a calm expression.

Although He Changqi's brain was not very bright when it came to making plans, his execution ability was very strong and he would complete whatever he was asked to do without fail.

"General Jie, that Lady Li... did you really not see it?"

He Changqi felt that Li Yi was so proactive that she wanted to take off her clothes in front of Fang Zhongyong.

Even a fool like him could see it, so how could Fang Chongyong be so confused?

"Do you want me to hide my beautiful mistress in my golden house and not even let her into the house?"

Fang Zhongyong couldn't help but make a teasing remark.

“That’s not even…”

He Changqi rubbed his head. Actually, he thought it was enough to just have fun and there was no need to think about the future.

Isn't that how women are?
"She is Li Heng's daughter, and a legitimate daughter. Although she was adopted by the Wei family, Wei Jian is still her uncle, and Li Wan is her biological uncle.

She had close relations with many of the Hebei rebels.

Don't you consider the consequences of bringing this woman into your room?"

After hearing what Fang Chongyong said, He Changqi was speechless.

Fang Chongyong was a man who wanted to do great things. Although he only supported Li Lin's ascension to the throne instead of proclaiming him emperor, he was undoubtedly a leader, and his every word and action represented the direction and attitude.

Taking Li Heng's daughter as a concubine and flirting with some people in the Hebei rebel army, doesn't this seem a bit like playing two games at once?

The leaders of a force are all like this. How do you expect the people below you to see and think about them?
"General Ji, you are the one who thinks deeply and far ahead. This woman is too troublesome and cannot be touched."

He Changqi hurriedly flattered him and the other party gave him a thumbs up.

"Yes, she is a poor person. But I am not qualified to sympathize with her."

Fang Zhongyong said with some emotion.

If Li Yi was from an ordinary family, Fang Zhongyong would have accepted her offer tonight. She was just a woman, relying on a man in troubled times, and each took what they needed. It was fair.

Pity.

"Marshal Jie, could it be that the idiot Li Baochen wanted to marry Li Yi to gain support, but many people were unwilling to accept him. So Li Yi was sent here to implement the beauty trap, right?"

He Changqi seemed to have thought of something and showed an expression of sudden enlightenment.

"You guessed it right. Our Marshal Baochen has calculations written all over his face. He is straightforward and doesn't beat around the bush."

Fang Chongyong said with disdain and sarcasm.

Even He Lao Hu could see through this extremely crude plan! Li Baochen's abacus beads fell on Wei Jian's face. He really thought those people in Guanzhong were fools!
How should we evaluate Li Baochen?

Fang Chongyong couldn't find the right words to describe it for a moment. He suddenly felt that among the strong and powerful people, there were indeed not many who had brains.

(End of this chapter)