Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 9
Gu Kuang was very trustworthy and wrote an official document, stamped with the official seal of the warden and his personal seal, saying that he was not in a good position to protect the farmland. The army burned half of the mountain when they burned it, and now it was too late to replant it. Please punish the central government.

He handed it to Zheng Shuqing for review. After the two of them exchanged polite greetings, Gu Kuang said goodbye and left.

Then he "dropped in" and left a note for Fang Chongyong, and made an appointment to meet at the riverside outside the city.

To go or not to go, that is the question.Logically speaking, Fang Chongyong could actually ignore Gu Kuang.

However, Fang Chongyong was very embarrassed to see an honest man being cheated, so he went to the pavilion by the river outside the city alone, and saw Gu Kuang in a coarse cloth robe already waiting there.Jiang Feng messed up his careless hair, looking a little embarrassed.

"Young man, you are very careful, and you screwed me up all of a sudden."

Gu Kuang invited Fang Chongyong to sit down, and said with a wry smile.

"Gu everyone..."

"I can't afford it. Mr. Xiao Lang is a child prodigy, and his life as a hero is deafening."

Gu Kuang said very politely, apparently his anger still persisted.

"Brother Gu, actually, although this official document seems to have cost you a lot, in fact, it is very likely that you will become a capital official in Chang'an because of it, which is a blessing in disguise. Not to mention being held accountable."

Fang Chongyong said with a mysterious smile.

"Hey, thank you for your good words. If the center does not dismiss me and investigate, I will burn incense and worship Buddha."

Gu Kuang had a look of despair on his face. It was estimated that he would not be able to eat well or sleep well until the imperial court issued the order.

"Brother Gu, do you think that the red lotus rice that you sent to be shipped away before is not missing at all, has it all been sent to the treasury of the palace? The emperor can eat so much?"

Fang Chongyong asked a soul-torturing question.

"Not at all."

Gu Kuang smiled and said, although he is an honest person, it is not that he is completely ignorant of the truth here.Just because he didn't dare to reach out to the tribute doesn't mean that others didn't either.

There are so many dignitaries in Chang'an, who are either rich or powerful, and if they want to eat some local specialties, is that a problem?If the emperor didn't reward them, would the precious red lotus rice just rot in the treasury?
Obviously impossible!
Even in the past, red lotus rice would be lost due to various reasons. The rice that was delivered to Li Longji was half as good as when it was shipped, just because some people were good-looking!

Gu Kuang wondered why Fang Chongyong was so young, but knew so much about the officials in Chang'an.

"Brother Gu wrote that official document, which invisibly covered many people.

These people have benefited from Brother Gu, so how could they deliberately retaliate?So not only is this matter not dangerous, but Gu Xiongtai is likely to be promoted because of it.

After all, there seems to be no big difference between looking after the fields in Kuizhou and looking after the fields in Chang'an.Those people don't mind that a knowledgeable and interesting person like Gu Xiongtai is closer to them, don't they? "

Gu Kuang seemed to have listened, and Fang Chongyong began to explain in detail why this move would be absolutely fine.

Gu Kuang handed over all the red lotus rice, but only [-]% of the quantity was written on the "manufacturer". Then the other [-]% became goods beyond the scope of the court's surveillance. In other words, it would be "drifted away" openly. .Even if Li Longji knew about it, he wouldn't do anything. It's very likely that he doesn't know about it at all, or he doesn't have time to pay attention to such a trivial matter.

Because in previous years, it will also "float", but the process may be a bit tortuous. For example, some people will report that a tank boat has sunk, and the red lotus rice on the boat has also been lost.

Those dignitaries in Chang'an would definitely reciprocate and help cover up Gu Kuang's favor.Otherwise, who will take the initiative to "honor" them next time?

"I originally thought that the court was bright and clear, and the government was clear and clear. I didn't expect that there were so many joints in it."

After listening to Fang Chongyong's explanation, Gu Kuang sighed, already intending to resign and go home to study.

"Brother Gu, if he can go to Chang'an and see the scenery of Chang'an, his life will not be in vain. Why bother to make such depressing remarks?"

Fang Chongyong comforted him.

Gu Kuang didn't answer, just shook his head and sighed, got up and left.

He left, and Fang Chongyong watched the canal boats passing through the Kuimen River Pass one after another on the river. He also looked at the majestic Baidi City on the other side, and suddenly felt that his mind was exceptionally clear.

The many complicated events during this period overwhelmed him.But now he has straightened out all the weirdness.

"The prime minister is not in the dream, only Zheng Shijun is in the dream."

Fang Chongyong couldn't help but lamented that he had seen through the mystery, but he didn't intend to tell everything to Zheng Shuqing.

"Fang Youde, styled Quanzhong, was an old man when the emperor Qianlong was born. He had an only son, Fang Chongyong, who was stupid and unable to speak since he was a child.

As I observe today, the ancients said that what is heard is false and what is seen is true.Your reputation as a child prodigy is not only what Zheng Shuqing said, but it is even worse. "

Behind Fang Chongyong came Wei Qing's unique voice.

"The angel is so ridiculous, I can't afford it, I can't afford it."

Fang Chongyong stood up and saluted Wei Qing and said.

"Well, you are not an ordinary person, so I want to talk to you about the court affairs. After all, your father supported me back then."

Wei Qing said with emotion on his face, straightened his spotless robe, and sat down carefully.

"What's going on in the court? How to talk about it?"

Fang Chongyong asked with a look of confusion.

Wei Qing turned his head, looked at the green river in the distance, and said with some emotion: "In the 21st year of Kaiyuan, there was a severe drought in Guanzhong, and Chang'an was short of food. In March of the following year, the saint brought hundreds of officials to Luoyang for food. Return to Chang'an Later, the saint was furious and thought he had lost his face, so he ordered Pei Yaoqing to rectify the water transportation of the Yellow River and Jianghuai River.

The three-year period has come and Mr. Pei has made outstanding achievements, but..."

Many words are afraid of the word "but".

Fang Chongyong heard Zheng Shuqing say this. Although Pei Yaoqing had rectified the Yellow River water transport, he had blocked the Jianghuai water transport, causing freight to skyrocket.In addition to Chang'an receiving food, the people and officials in Lianghuai and Jiangnan complained endlessly.

Of course, for the court ministers, as long as Li Longji is satisfied, the rest is not important.

"I think, Mr. Pei, he should have stopped the rice, grain, cloth and other things from the Jianghuai River in Mengjin and other places in the middle reaches of the Yellow River to build Changping warehouses, so as to stabilize the food prices in Chang'an and stabilize people's livelihood."

Fang Chongyong said indifferently, this kind of ending can be guessed with his ass.

Hearing this, Wei Qing laughed dumbly and said: "You are no longer an ordinary child prodigy, but an auspicious one for the country. You are right. Mr. Pei ordered the construction of Heyin Cang, Jijin Cang, and Sanmen Cang along the Yellow River to collect soldiers. Renting grain from the world, he went up the river from Mengjin to the west. In three years, he accumulated 700 million shi of grain and rice, saving 30 yuan in freight.

And use this money as the government's and city fees. "

The so-called Heshi is a market opened with foreign exchanges in border towns, which can be understood as the national import reserve.

In other words, Pei Yaoqing shared the money instead of handing it over to Li Longji's small treasury.

Fang Chongyong thought to himself that if he were Li Longji, he would have a smile on his face, shouting "Aiqing" in his mouth, and feeling numb in his heart.

Is being an emperor meant to benefit the people of the world?
There may be such an emperor, but the vast majority of people who want to be emperor, whether they become emperor or not, their ultimate thought must be to enjoy life better!
Seeing that Fang Chongyong remained silent, Wei Qing frowned slightly, and continued:
"Wang Yu, the envoy of Jiannan Festival, was recommended by Pei Yaoqing. Now Wang Yu has been dismissed from office because of the Nanzhao incident, and Xianggong Pei has been implicated. He has been dismissed as prime minister and served as minister of the Ministry of punishment. Of course, this is only a superficial reason, the real reason The reason is...you don't need to be so straightforward with me."

"I understand, I understand. Don't say anything you shouldn't say."

Fang Chongyong nodded, waiting for Wei Qing's next words.

He didn't know Pei Yaoqing, and he didn't have any interests. I believe Wei Qing didn't want to talk about this matter.

"Your father returned to Chang'an secretly this time, and entered the palace to meet the saint. He did the same thing as Pei Xianggong did back then, and then asked me to take you back to Chang'an if I had the chance. Of course, I don't recommend it. You go back to Chang'an now.

The current situation in Chang'an is a bit strange. You are the son of a close minister of the emperor, so it is easy to get involved in the whirlpool. "

Wei Qing said helplessly.

"Some people may not be able to remember if you treat them well; they will remember it for the rest of their lives if you treat them badly."

Fang Chongyong couldn't help humming.

"I just thought you were complaining about your father."

Wei Qing frowned slightly, with a hint of displeasure in his tone.

It is precisely because of Li Longji that they, the children of Liyuan, can enter and leave the upper class society in Chang'an.Therefore, there are many things that Fang Chongyong can say that they absolutely cannot say.

Of course Wei Qing could hear that Fang Chongyong was complaining that Li Longji was mean and ungrateful, and only held grudges but not gratitude.Wei Qing admired what Fang Youde did.It's just that Li Longji will not be happy.

From this point of view, Fang Chongyong seems to have said nothing wrong.

"Now, Li Xiang is in charge of rectifying water transportation. Are you sure you can handle the matter of Kuizhou Jiangguan well? If not, I will take you back to Chang'an now, and you can still get out. If things don't work out in the end, Zheng Shuqing will definitely Unlucky, you can't fall into good luck!"

Wei Qing couldn't help pointing out.Fang Chongyong and Zheng Shuqing are not related, there is really no need to sink with this ship.

"Kuizhou's tariff of 30 guan is already in sight. The angel can go back and tell the saint that it will definitely be settled before the Shangyuan Festival next year."

Fang Chongyong said confidently.

"And...forget it, let's talk about it when you arrive in Chang'an."

If the words are not speculative, Fang Chongyong will not enter, and he does not intend to follow him back to Chang'an at all, Wei Qing sighed helplessly.

Fang Youde hoped that Fang Chongyong could enter the palace and find a job in the imperial army, but he didn't expect that the other party had such a potential to be a "rebellious son". It seemed that he didn't intend to follow the steps Fang Youde arranged.

As for studying and taking the imperial examinations, Fang Chongyong's stupid appearance before, is that the material?

"Go ahead. I will return to Chang'an today to report on my work. I also want to see the mountains and rivers of Kuizhou before setting off."

Wei Qing said with some emotion, making Fang Chongyong a little confused.What is this one who has been grieved over there all this time?
He clasped his hands together and bowed, then turned and left.Fang Chongyong has only done half of Zheng Shuqing's matter so far, whether it will be completed or not is up for debate, he is just slapping his face to pretend to be fat.

After Fang Chongyong left, Wei Qing stood up and looked at Baidi City on the other side of the river, recalling the scene he accidentally saw in the Liyuan.

……

"Quan Zhong, thank you for your hard work this trip."

In an inconspicuous pavilion in the Liyuan, Li Longji, who was wearing an ocher-yellow dragon robe and a celestial crown, who was in his early fifties but looked no more than 30 years old as the emperor of the Tang Dynasty, knelt on the ground and bowed a tall and thin man. , The middle-aged man in the black military uniform of the Tang Army helped him up.

This middle-aged man is Fang Chongyong's scumbag father, Fang Youde.

"I don't know what the sage thinks, but what the sage orders, I will definitely do well."

Hearing Fang Youde's words, Li Longji nodded in satisfaction, and the two walked in the pear garden.

"What do you think about Kuizhou government affairs?"

Li Longji asked casually.

"Back to the saints, Kuizhou is colluding from top to bottom, making Kuimen and Jiangguan into a miasma, rent mediocrity is useless, deceiving the upper and lower..."

Fang Youde wanted to say more, but Li Longji waved his hand.

Those words were not what he wanted to hear.

After Zheng Shuqing left, Kuizhou sent many more mediocre tunes than before, and that was enough.As for those details, he didn't care and couldn't care less.

"What do you think about the Jiannan army's affairs?"

Li Longji asked in a deep voice.

"Wang Yu took bribes from the leader of Nanzhao and delayed the military plan and deserved to be killed. Zhangchou Jianqiong incited a mutiny. Although he had military exploits, it was not enough to offset his crime, so he also deserves to be killed."

Fang Youde said with certainty.

"Forget it, the position of supervisory censor is also embarrassing for you. After finally returning to Chang'an, let's take a good rest this time."

Li Longji said sadly, as if he had something on his mind.

"I have something I want to report to the saint."

With firm eyes, Fang Youde cupped his hands and saluted Li Longji.

"Let's talk, you are an old minister of Qianlong, I know it well."

Li Longji nodded slightly and said.

"Khitan frequently violated the territory, and the situation in Youzhou was unstable. The Jiedushi had no financial power, and the soldiers were in urgent need of military pay for training. The minister transferred the 30 tax money sent by Zhangchou Jianqiong to the Youzhou town for military supplies. , special funds for exclusive use. To prevent those gangs of Qiu Ba from extorting money in Hebei."

Hearing this, Li Longji, who was still calm at first, suddenly had a dark cloud on his face!
"Fang Youde! How brave you are! How dare you embezzle my money!"

Li Longji turned around and looked at Fang Youde, glaring at him!

Fang Youde quickly knelt down on one knee and said:

"In my heart, there are only saints. Saints are the lords of the country, and they are rich all over the world. Doing things for the country is doing things for saints. I know that the 30 yuan in taxes will be used for next year's Lantern Festival and rewards. It belongs to the princes of the Ten Kings House.

But Wei Chen believed that state affairs in Bianzhen were the most important, and the rest were not worth mentioning.

In Wei Chen's heart, only the saint is the master. Wei Chen doesn't care what the other princes think. Wei Chen will never seek refuge with them, nor is he afraid of offending them. "

After hearing these words, Li Longji calmed down and said: "You are for the country, but I have lost face. Isn't my face important?"

"This... I can't take care of it anymore."

Fang Youde said awkwardly, obviously a little guilty.

"That's all. There is a vacancy for a minister in the Ministry of Rites. You should go to the Ministry of Rites and become an official. Stop running around."

Li Longji waved his hand and said with a sigh.

People like Fang Youde have extremely strong beliefs in their hearts, and their loyalty is to the point of pedantry. Li Longji can't do anything about him.

For a running dog so loyal, its master would not even be willing to cut him with a knife.

"People's hearts in Hebei are unstable. This time Zhang Shougui received help from Wei Chen in times of need. The same is true for many soldiers and generals in Youzhou. They must have neglected to take precautions. Please ask the saint to demote Wei Chen to the Youzhou army. Wei Chen should be treated as a saint and hide in the dark. Keep a knife in case of emergencies."

Fang Youde suddenly knelt on the ground and made a big salute.

"Why is this... do you not believe in my ability?"

Li Longji helped Fang Youde up, clutching his arm tightly, and sighed deeply.

(End of this chapter)