Wushan County has a small territory. It is bounded by the Yangtze River in the northeast, the Wujiang River in the west, and the Fujiang River in the south. The county seat is located at the convergence of these three rivers, and has been the throat of eastern Chongqing since ancient times.
After arriving in Wushan County, Fang Chongyong finally understood why the imperial court wanted to move the garrison here. Because compared with the constant flow of ships near Kuizhou Fucheng, with countless ships queuing up for customs clearance, the river here is narrow and the channel is single. It is obviously much easier to control, and it is easy to block the river.
The shrinking of the imperial court has simplified the defense of the southwest, so it will naturally choose the method that saves money and effort. Kuizhou Fucheng and Baidi City, which were the places where troops were stationed, naturally gave up most of their military functions due to the prosperity of commercial ports.
Of course, Wang Zhongsi came to Fang Chongyong not just to "recruit a son-in-law", but because he had something urgent to do. There were many people in Kuizhou Prefecture and it was inconvenient to handle it. He could only go to Dongyang Prefecture in Wushan County to do it.
The outskirts of Wushan County are humid, with dense vegetation and many snakes, insects, rats, and ants. Wang Zhongsi ordered his people to imitate the building habits of the Liao people and build many stilt houses (i.e. stilt structures) in the outdoor camp, which looked exactly the same as the residences of the Liao people.
It has to be said that even if this general was reprimanded, he still paid attention to military affairs after he arrived at the local level.
The two climbed up to a simple stilt house. The furnishings on the bamboo walls inside were all bows, crossbows and swords. After the two sat down, Wang Zhongsi handed a letter sent from Chang'an to Fang Chongyong for review.
While Fang Chongyong was reading the letter, Wang Zhongsi sighed: "I was demoted to Dongyang Mansion, and I didn't have a single staff around me. Now when I encounter big and difficult decisions, no one can give me advice. It's sad to say that I worry about my family's small size, and sometimes I really envy your father for his decisiveness and his willingness to sacrifice his life to accomplish great things."
This letter was written by Prince Li Ying.
Li Ying wrote a letter to Wang Zhongsi, which was a bit strange. Because the latter grew up with Li Heng and had a close relationship with him, but he did not have much contact with Li Ying, and there was no friendship at all.
But now Li Heng can't do much to help Wang Zhongsi. Even after being demoted to Dongyang Mansion, he didn't even write a letter.
Li Ying told Wang Zhongsi that he could find a way for the latter to return to Chang'an smoothly and serve as the commander of the imperial guards in the palace. I wonder what Wang Zhongsi felt.
And Li Ying also emphasized that Li Heng already knew about the matter and did not express any objection. It is up to you to decide everything.
The meaning is this. The original text is very polite and warm. Basically, the tone is that Wang Zhongsi is treated as a brother in the ten kings' house. To be honest, when Wang Zhongsi was raised in the palace, his treatment was no different from that of a prince.
This letter put Wang Zhongsi in a dilemma.
On the one hand, he has no future here in Dongyang Mansion, and has no chance to even go to the battlefield. He is looking forward to returning to Chang'an day and night.
On the other hand, even Wang Zhongsi, who didn't have a good sense of politics, noticed that Li Ying was planning something big!
In the Tang Dynasty, there were so many dramas about father's farewell and son's laughter, and brother-killing that people can't help but think about it. Wang Zhongsi would rather believe the words of Fang Youde's son than take Li Ying's promise lightly.
Unless the situation forces it.
"The prince wants to rebel."
Fang Chongyong said four words that made Wang Zhongsi tremble.
"Be careful, even though you are smart, you can't talk nonsense about this kind of thing."
Wang Zhongsi exclaimed in a low voice.
"General Wang, isn't this matter obvious? If it were not for rebellion, what would the prince have to say to a lieutenant general in the Southwest who had great military exploits but was dismissed?"
Fang Chongyong's words silenced Wang Zhongsi. Many things were separated by a layer of window paper. After being exposed, it was just that. Before, he just deliberately didn't want to think about it.
"Li Ying has been the prince for twenty years. I have also heard some rumors from Zheng Shuqing about the current situation. The sage doted on Concubine Wu Hui, and he loved Concubine Wu Hui as much as he loved her. He also loved Concubine Wu Hui's son, Prince Longevity Li Xuan.
Does the prince think that the saint has plans to depose the prince? "
Fang Chongyong asked in a deep voice.
These words made sense. If Li Longji really wanted to depose the prince, Wang Zhongsi would not be surprised at all.
"Then what should I do with this letter?"
Wang Zhongsi pointed to the "letter of solicitation" placed on the desk.
"This is just Li Ying's plan to ask for directions. Maybe he has written to other people. For Li Ying, if General Wang responds to the letter, it will be an unexpected surprise; if he doesn't reply, it doesn't matter. He has decided to leave anyway. There’s nothing to worry about when you go this way.”
Unexpectedly, the matter was so serious. Wang Zhongsi didn't know what to say. For generals like him who lead troops into battle, when faced with similar things, they are actually testing their own shortcomings, and their rich battle experience cannot be used at all.
Concubine Wu Hui's background aroused the sensitive nerves of the princes. If the longevity king Li Xuan becomes the crown prince and ascends the throne and proclaims himself emperor in the future... I can't even imagine what will happen.
It cannot be said that Li Ying is "trickling the people and harming me", because Li Longji is indeed very dissatisfied with him!
"At the beginning of this year, the saint was still in Luoyang. But for some unknown reason, he finally returned to Chang'an early. Not long after, I was demoted to Wushan County."
Wang Zhongsi was thoughtful as he spoke. He felt that these things were nothing when viewed individually, but when connected together, they became somewhat meaningful. Li Longji returned to Chang'an early. Did he notice any changes in Prince Li Ying in Chang'an?
Fang Chongyong does not dare to overestimate Li Longji today. This man's moral integrity has been lost!
"In your opinion, how should I reply?"
Seeing that Fang Chongyong didn't speak for a long time, Wang Zhongsi couldn't help but ask.
After receiving Li Ying's letter, there are many ways to deal with it.
The stupidest way is to "read without replying" and pretend that nothing happened.
On the surface, it seems very safe, but in fact, this is the riskiest way to deal with it. "I can't read it back." On the surface, Wang Zhongsi understood the situation, but he wanted to sit back and watch. This attitude is the worst in Li Longji's eyes. Even worse than participating in it.
It’s just no brainer to get involved. If you read it but don't reply, you have ulterior motives. A general leading an army has ulterior motives, which makes one’s hair stand on end just thinking about it!
"General Wang..."
Fang Chongyong stretched out his hand and looked at Wang Zhongsi like this.
"What do you mean?"
Wang Zhongsi asked with a confused look on his face.
"As the saying goes, "You can't be close if you're not close." A sage has a nurturing grace for a general; a loyal king and a general have brotherhood. I'm just the son of a colleague. As the saying goes: "You can't be close if you're not close." There are many things that need to be said with the right status. . Otherwise, how can the general believe what I say?"
Fang Chongyong sighed helplessly.
Hearing this, Wang Zhongsi was overjoyed and quickly took out the red paper from his arms and handed it to Fang Chongyong.
"For the time being, you can call me uncle, and I can call you my nephew. After you return to Chang'an, you will live in the Wang family residence."
Wang Zhongsi took out another letter from his arms, making Fang Chongyong wonder whether the other party was actually a human-shaped mailbox.
When I opened the letter, I saw that it was still Dad Fang Youde's handwriting. The handwriting was stiff and powerful.
Fang Youde said in the letter that he and Wang Zhongsi had a close friendship, and they were brothers. Now that he was going to Youzhou to do a big job, he probably would not return to Chang'an again, so he had no time to take care of Fang Chongyong, so he could only foster him in the hospital. For the Wang family, just follow Wang Zhongsi's arrangements.
The scumbag's usual style never asked Fang Zhongyong if he could do it or not. He would talk about it after it was done anyway.
"Uncle, this matter is very important. We must not treat it as if we don't know what to do."
Fang Chongyong naturally changed his title and said.
Wang Zhongsi nodded slightly, he had also thought of this.
"How should we deal with it?"
"He directly replied to the letter and refused, and then scolded the prince in the letter that he should abide by his duties. The court has its own laws, and it is not a bargaining chip for him to use to win people's hearts. As for this letter, there is no need to send it to the saint specifically. If you send it, it will He is suspected of being a thief with a guilty conscience."
Fang Chongyong expressed his opinion.
Not replying to the letter showed ulterior motives, but forwarding the letter to Li Longji showed a guilty conscience. Only by discussing the matter and rejecting it outright can you prove your innocence.
"It makes sense, and it should be so."
Wang Zhongsi nodded slightly.
In fact, many matters lack competent people to discuss and make decisions, so the parties involved can easily become confused. As long as you can find close people who always have ideas, it will be easy to make a correct judgment. Regarding how to reply, Wang Zhongsi had already had an idea in his mind, and Fang Chongyong just confirmed his idea and strengthened his determination.
"Uncle, I want to learn the art of war."
Fang Chongyong put his hands together in salute, bowed deeply to Wang Zhongsi and begged.
"I understand the things in the battle formation, but I can't teach you. If I just try to deal with it, I might kill you by then."
Wang Zhongsi said with some annoyance.
This future son-in-law is really good. Firstly, he is the son of an old friend, so he will not become a white-eyed wolf. Secondly, he is resourceful and has a calm mind at a young age. He will definitely become a great person in the future! If possible, Wang Zhongsi would certainly be willing to spend all his money to teach him the art of war.
But no matter how smart Fang Chongyong is, he can even write poems out of his mouth, but now he is just a child who can't even ride a horse.
The true experience and experience on the battlefield cannot be described in words. At most, I would like to remind you when you are on the scene. The ability to fight needs to be learned in the war. Whether Zhao Kuo was just talking about it on paper is another matter, but historically it has never been the case. There is a lack of waste that can only talk on paper.
If Wang Zhongsi is digging his heart out, it depends on whether Fang Chongyong can understand his painstaking efforts.
"I understand, it's not too late. My nephew, let's go back to Kuizhou City now. The things there are related to when I can return to Chang'an. After I return to Chang'an, I will organize my uncle's promotion. My uncle only has the money in his hands. Only by holding military power can we protect ourselves. Otherwise, even Li Ying and others will show their fangs to my uncle."
Fang Chongyong said seriously, and his tone and demeanor made Wang Zhongsi not doubt whether this matter could be accomplished.
"That's okay..."
Wang Zhongsi nodded slightly. It was not that he was anxious to recognize his son-in-law, but that he now smelled the coming of rain.
He also knows that he is not the kind of person with a very sensitive political sense.
Li Ying's letter made him understand that it didn't mean that hiding in a remote place could avoid political attacks.
What Fang Chongyong said is correct at all.
"I'll take you back to Kuizhou Fucheng."
Wang Zhongsi sighed, looking melancholy.
…
"well!"
Zheng Shuqing was more excited to see Fang Chongyong return just one day later than to see his own beautiful concubine.
He came over and whispered into Fang Chongyong's ear: "I checked the accounts today and found that I have collected 150,000 guan. Many people did not redeem the 500 guan deposit after returning, but added 500 guan. Shipbuilding. This month we should be able to raise enough money to send back to Chang'an..."
Seeing Zheng Shuqing so excited, Fang Chongyong weakly interrupted: "Shijun, I have an ominous premonition. Haven't you noticed that General Wang and his party are making too smooth progress in Baidi City?"
smoothly? I, the Tang Dynasty, are invincible. I have just wiped out a few bandits. Do we need to go to war? Isn't this a matter of course?
Zheng Shuqing was stunned and had no idea what Fang Chongyong wanted to say.
"We need to speed up the progress. Call all the merchants from the shipyard here today. The construction period will be accelerated. More manpower will be recruited. There will be three rotations a day."
Fang Chongyong said eagerly.
He remembered that there was a huge loophole in his move, and he wondered if the court had discovered it. With Li Longji expressing his support for Zheng Shuqing, it is temporarily impossible to change customs clearance back to the original system. However, the fact that the system cannot be changed does not mean that some people have no other ways to recover their losses.
How can the people in Kuizhou eat such a big piece of cake, the resettlement of the canal ships, alone?
Half a month later, Fang Chongyong and Zheng Shuqing were extremely busy, trying their best to speed up the progress and speed up the ship update. Finally, including the advance payment, they finally collected 300,000 yuan! Almost at the same time, the court's new decree arrived.
In the study room of the Lianhuachi Villa in the north of Fucheng, Zheng Shuqing paced back and forth angrily, holding the imperial decree and documents in his hand. He wanted to throw it to the ground several times and step on it, but finally he restrained himself.
"It's too much! It's too much! What do you think we should do now?"
Zheng Shuqing became anxious again. Once he was anxious, he liked to go to extremes. I thought about it all night last night, and my brain is hurting today. I even considered the bad idea of pretending to be bandits and robbing merchant ships.
"The government order requires us to adhere to the policy of customs clearance after restructuring, but it also says that Kuizhou is located in a remote area. Once something happens to the shipyard, it will affect the water transportation plan. Let us deliver the drawings of ship types suitable for passing the Jiangguan in Kuizhou to the imperial court, and implement a quota system every year , so that Jianghuai's shipyard can also build such ships, so as to avoid vicious competition and eventually build ships that are unusable.
To be honest, I think this move is quite reasonable. "
Fang Chongyong sighed helplessly. Afterwards, he finally understood why the group of "thieves" deliberately came to Baidi City to kill people.
Many ministers in the imperial court also formed a "logical closed loop."
Because the Kuizhou shipyard was almost attacked, it was very risky to throw all the ships that could clear customs into Kuizhou for production.
Because ship production was threatened, water transportation from Shu to Yangzhou was also threatened.
Because changing or expanding the production area does not affect the customs clearance system, it is also acceptable to produce similar tank ships elsewhere.
Because decentralizing production spreads risks, the imperial court should issue an order to Kuizhou to force it to transfer some of its ship production orders.
The plan goes through! Perfect!
Everything was just as Fang Chongyong expected. As long as there was a loophole, someone would definitely take advantage of it. To be able to delay it for so long, he estimated that Li Longji must have exerted his strength inside. But the emperor's power is not unlimited. What the emperor needs is a dog that is capable and can do things, not a dog that needs to be maintained or even protected by himself.
Now Fang Chongyong and Zheng Shuqing have one foot ashore and the other foot is still in the water.
How to get the remaining 100,000 yuan, which is the additional money Li Longji requested?
Zheng Shuqing showed Fang Chongyong the so-called "quota" of the imperial court. The orders received by Kuizhou this year have already exceeded the quota!
Are you going to take the risk and treat the imperial decree as if it doesn't exist, or... are you going to find another way?
Another seemingly insurmountable mountain was placed in front of Fang Chongyong.
