The people living in the small town are basically local large households, as well as their tribes, tenants, domestic slaves, etc. This has the advantage that as long as the local big players are persuaded, the basic order in the small town can be guaranteed.
In the early morning of this morning, the sun was not so harsh. In front of the west gate of the small town, a large group of mobilized and organized local people were carrying stones thrown into the city by the Tibetans.
These stones are not light in weight. To transport them to an oxcart, you must first use a crowbar to pry them out of the soil using the principle of leverage. Then several strong men will carry them to the oxcart and transport them to the west gate.
"Come on, come on, this stone is piled here, be careful..."
Zhang Guangsheng, who was wearing linen clothes, was instructing local people to block the west gate of the small town according to Fang Chongyong's instructions! The people present at the transfer all looked solemn.
Three city gates have been blocked, this is the last one!
I heard that the local governor was just an eleven-year-old child. How could this child be so cruel?
Blocking the city gates means that they want to live and die with the local people, and no one can escape. Of course, this is also a declaration of war on the Tibetans, determined to fight to the last man!
"Envoy Wang, the city gate is blocked. The soldiers must defend the city with one heart and one mind. Don't think about other things."
Fang Chongyong said to Wang Sili calmly.
"With the envoy here, I am not worried about what will happen here. I am just worried that there will be a mixed bag of fish and dragons in Luocheng, alas..."
Wang Sili sighed. He finally figured out that Fang Shijun was already a bastard and was so determined that he didn't even consider the conditions offered by the Tubo people.
Suddenly, he looked around, waved his hand gently, and signaled the soldiers to retreat.
Wang Sili pulled Fang Chongyong aside and asked in a low voice: "There are nearly 80,000 soldiers in Hexi. After so many days, it's time for reinforcements to come to Dunhuang County. Why is there no movement at all yet?"
In the past, based on the reaction speed of the border troops in the Hexi Corridor, reinforcements would arrive within three days. But now that the reinforcements have not come, it is most likely because Wang Zhongsi is very busy now! Too busy to bring troops over to relieve the siege.
It also shows that the military resources in Hexi are very tight, and there is no way to mobilize troops and horses to rescue Shazhou, which is "insignificant" to the war situation.
The Tubo people were calling for reinforcements at the encirclement point, and the senior Tang army officials could certainly see that. No one would be so stupid as to lead the cavalry on the Hexi Corridor, only to be ambushed by the Tibetan heavy infantry!
As for what is going on outside, Fang Chongyong, who is trapped in Dunhuang, has no idea. Just like in his previous life, Xizhou was besieged by the Tubo people for many years after the Anshi Rebellion, and he didn't even know that Chang'an had changed its reign name.
All he can do now is hold on and grit his teeth and persevere.
"No matter what tricks the Tibetans play, their morale will get lower day by day, there is no doubt about it.
The Tubo people camped outside the city, enduring the scorching sun. They are accustomed to the severe cold climate, and it is more difficult for them than us.
The Tubo people now just hope that we will rush out and fight them without thinking, so that they can occupy Shazhou effortlessly. "
Fang Chongyong said with a serious expression.
Wang Sili nodded slightly. He no longer dared to treat the other party as a child. This young governor of Shazhou had a lot of skills in doing things, and his determination was far beyond ordinary people!
"Your Majesty, the city gate has been blocked. Please review it."
Zhang Guangsheng walked aside quietly, and the other party Chongyong whispered.
"Send a letter to the Tibetan people on my behalf, take a good look at their situation, and come back and tell me, do you dare to go?"
Fang Chongyong looked at Zhang Guangsheng with a half-smile and asked.
"Where's the letter? I'll go now!"
Zhang Guangsheng was straightforward and reached out to Fang Chongyong to ask for the letter.
"There is no need to be groveling to the Tibetans. Hand over the letter and don't say anything.
No matter what the other party asks, whether you know it or not, you can only answer: I don’t know.
I can only say these three words. "
Fang Zhong bravely took out a letter from his sleeve like a magic spell, handed it to Zhang Guangsheng and continued: "Go ahead, leave early and come back early."
"He will go now."
Zhang Guangsheng took the letter neatly, put it away close to him, then went up to the tower, sat under the gondola to the outside of the city, and walked with head high towards the Tibetan camp not far away.
Fang Chongyong and Wang Sili watched Zhang Guangsheng's leaving figure on the tower, with mixed feelings in their hearts. After a long time, Wang Sili couldn't help but ask: "Your Majesty, I see that Zhang Guangsheng is a very smart person. Why should he go to the Tibetan people to die?"
"This is also a battle. Not all battles involve wielding swords and wielding sticks. Since you join the army, who dares to say that you will not die?"
Fang Chongyong sighed and said.
Zhang Guangsheng should understand the principle of finding wealth in danger.
Of course, Fang Chongyong also knew that after seeing this letter, the Tibetan general would definitely not do anything to Zhang Guangsheng, and might even entertain him with delicious food and drinks.
"Envoy Wang Jun, we will change the defense at dusk today. Gather the soldiers who have been replaced in front of the government office. I want to give a lecture."
Fang Zhongyong asked with a solemn expression.
"Understood."
Wang Sili nodded slightly, as if he had no objection at all to Fang Chongyong taking charge of Shazhou's defense. Everything was so natural and calm.
In fact, now the entire town, whether it is the local big business or the soldiers of the Doulu Army, is almost controlled by Fang Chongyong, and his words have become military orders here. Wang Sili, who had been in the military for a long time, noticed the gap in personal abilities.
In some key places in border towns, local military envoys often served as state governors, taking charge of military and civil affairs, so as to protect the environment and the people in critical moments.
But usually, border towns are like prefectures and counties, and the military and civil affairs are separated. The governors are usually civilians parachuted in from the central government. They are not good at marching and fighting. Just let them do their jobs well. This also prevents the border towns from falling behind. .
Fang Chongyong first bought up the morale of the army by supplementing the army's salary, so that his military orders as the governor of the state could be recognized by the Doulu army; then he conquered the hearts of the local big families, allowing them to live and die with Shazhou; finally, he led by example, Being busy on the front line and blocking the retreat means that he will be like everyone else in the city.
Although this kind of ability cannot be said to be unique or rare among officials, but considering Fang Chongyong's age, it is not easy.
This was one of the reasons why Wang Sili deliberately transferred part of his military power and was willing to obey Fang Chongyong's orders. The future achievements of this Shazhou governor are limitless. It doesn't matter if you offend him, what about your descendants?
"Wang Junshi, someone is the future son-in-law of Wang Junshi (Wang Zhongsi) in Liangzhou.
If he doesn't save Shazhou, he also wants to save X.
Now that you see how stable I am, you know that Shazhou can definitely be defended. "
Fang Chongyong patted Wang Sili's arm and assured him.
"That's right."
Wang Sili just smiled bitterly, not wanting to comment on these remarks.
There are no fathers and sons on the battlefield. Throughout the dynasties, there are countless examples of sons being used as bait and ultimately winning.
What's more, he's just a son-in-law, but he's also engaged?
That Wang Zhongsi Wang Jun... seems to be a ruthless person. He won't really refuse to save him, right?
Wang Sili muttered in his heart.
…
The desert is solitary and the smoke is straight, the sun is setting over the long river.
The sunset in Shazhou is beautiful, with a hint of tragedy.
In front of the Shazhou government office in the small town of Dunhuang, more than two thousand soldiers of the Doulu Army stood in line, whispering among themselves, waiting for Fang Chongyong to lecture.
However, although the "rightful master" Fang Chongyong did not come, many of the government officials were carrying cart after cart of silk, and boxes after boxes of gold, silver, and jewelry, all piled up in front of the government office. .
The eyes of the Qiuba people, who were tired from guarding the city these days and could not rest day and night, widened their eyes!
"Commanders of the Doulu Army, listen up!"
Fang Dafu next to Fang Chongyong shouted.
The soldiers lined up in front of the government office immediately shut up when they heard the sound, and the scene became silent.
"These silks, gold, silver, and treasures behind me are all yours!"
As soon as these words came out, the team in front of Fang Dafu suddenly burst into warm cheers!
“However, we can’t fulfill it until we win this battle!”
Fang Dafu added.
The cheers were immediately suppressed, and the scene fell silent again.
“If the Tibetans are defeated, the pensions for those of you who are killed will come from here.
Those who have made meritorious deeds will be rewarded here.
As long as the Tubo people are defeated, these will all be yours, and I won’t take a penny from them!
Shazhou people! I swear to kill the enemy to the death and never be a slave! "
Fang Dafu followed Fang Chongyong's instructions and raised his arms and shouted!
"Swear to the death to kill the enemy!"
"Swear to the death to kill the enemy!"
"Swear to the death to kill the enemy!"
The soldiers of Doulu shouted in unison, their voices resounding throughout the sky!
Seeing that the effect was in place, Fang Chongyong said to Fang Dafu: "Give some cooked meat to the soldiers and scatter them all."
"All officers and men, come forward in order to receive the meat!"
Fang Dafu shouted loudly.
Behind him, the officials in the government office had already piled up the roasted mutton.
Anyway, there is no grass in the city, so we can't graze the sheep trapped in the city, so we might as well kill them before they become skinny from hunger and give them to the Qiuba people to improve their food.
After all, if you want to eat later, you won’t be able to eat it!
Back in the backyard of the government office, Fang Chongyong was practicing chopping with a horizontal knife. He felt that the knife in his hand was extremely heavy and it was difficult to hold it.
After practicing for a while, he was so tired that he sat on the ground and gasped.
Although, he also deliberately exercises on weekdays, and has a "health doctor" to give him massages. It should be said that I have been doing physical exercise and it is of high quality.
You can tell from the speed at which he has grown in height in the past two years.
But compared with the farmers in the fields, the amount of exercise is obviously not enough.
There is no guarantee that after he goes to the battlefield, his combat effectiveness will be comparable to that of an ordinary elite soldier.
After all, Fang Yanei still spends a lot of time studying on weekdays, including the laws of the Tang Dynasty, local customs, government documents and official letters, etc. These all require desk work and have no effect on physical exercise.
"Take a break when you're tired. Just practice for a while. Even if the city is broken, you won't be able to defeat even one Tubo man."
Anaye walked over and picked up the Heng Dao on the ground, holding it in her hand and swinging it easily, seemingly stronger than Fang Zhongyong.
"Why are you so skilled?"
Fang Chongyong asked doubtfully, standing up and taking the handle of the Hengdao from the opponent's hand.
"Mr. Lang seems to have forgotten who is cooking, washing, and killing chickens and chopping vegetables every day. If I don't have any strength, how can I do it? Killing chickens is like chopping wood, what do you think?"
Anaye sighed angrily.
In her eyes, Fang Yanei is already considered a "monster" among the powerful, he is close to the people and has no airs, and he does not pursue luxury or those indescribable eccentricities.
But he is also a person who can open his mouth with clothes on his hands and food on his hands.
Children from wealthy families, no matter how hard they try, are completely different from children from ordinary people's families.
Compared to Anaye, who has been busy since she was young, it is not an exaggeration to say that Fang Chongyong is a parasite.
“I often feel that my time is precious and should be used to do big things.
Now it seems that if you don't sweep one house, why sweep the whole world? I will handle my own chores from now on. "
Fang Chongyong sighed and fell into deep self-reflection.
Unexpectedly, Anaye waved her hands quickly and said:
"Don't! If Lang Jun is like this, it will make things difficult for those of us with military status.
You are the one who has to protect your family from the wind and rain. If you are mentally exhausted because you are too tired doing chores and miss important things, it will kill us all.
My father often said that people should know their own identity and not do things that transcend their identity. "
Anaye started talking about Doctor Li again.
"Indeed, your father is actually a very powerful man, far beyond your imagination."
Fang Chongyong said meaningfully and added in his heart: No matter it is your biological father or adoptive father.
"But from now on you will only cook, and I will handle other chores myself."
He sighed again.
If you don't even want to wash your own clothes, how can you know the suffering of the people?
Changes that will affect the millennium are already on the way, and the countdown to the Year of Tianbao begins. Those powerful people who are not down-to-earth should not be treated as such.
Someone could die if you're not careful!
"Oh fine."
Anaye was obviously unhappy, feeling like she would be "unemployed" if she didn't serve Fang Chongyong.
"Don't be upset. Let's go to the study and give me a squeeze on my shoulders. I'm exhausted from lifting rocks today."
Fang Chongyong complained while dragging Anaye to the government office's study room.
…
Zhang Guangsheng went to the Tubo camp, and then quickly returned to Shazhou City, bringing a personal letter from the Tibetan general Ximo Lang.
At night, Fang Chongyong repeatedly checked the letter written by this Tibetan general whom he had never heard of before, and he was a little confused about the truth and falsehood of the other party.
In the letter, Ximo Lang expressed his admiration for the resistance will of the cities in Shazhou, and said that he could release the captured people outside the city into the city to show the Tubo army's respect for Fang Chongyong, the governor of Shazhou.
If Fang Chongyong agrees, the defenders of the small city can use hanging baskets to hoist all the people into the city. The Tibetan army is willing to retreat one mile to express that they will not take advantage of the chaos to attack the city.
Would the Tubo people be so kind as to return the Shazhou people who had been captured and demoted as slaves? That's not one or two people, not even one or two hundred people!
This kind of thing seems impossible even if I think about it, unless there is a conspiracy.
Fang Chongyong, who has always had a strong mindset of "trickling the people and harming me", his first reaction was whether the Tibetan general was trying to trick him!
So Fang Chongyong sent someone to find Zhang Guangsheng to inquire about the situation of the Tubo camp.
"In your opinion, how is the Tibetan army doing?"
As soon as they met, Fang Chongyong asked straight to the point.
Zhang Guangsheng was an astute person. He walked over and whispered:
"All the generals in the Tubo camp were full of energy, but a certain person secretly observed the patrolling soldiers in the camp and found that they all looked drunk and were tired and lazy.
Of course, it cannot be ruled out that the other party's general intentionally exposed it to someone. "
"As expected."
Fang Chongyong nodded slightly. Zhang Guangsheng's answer was exactly what he expected.
Of course, the Tibetan generals are qualified to enjoy the best treatment, but it is difficult to say that for ordinary soldiers in the Tibetan army. Tubo was a serf system with an unimaginably strict hierarchy. These bad habits were also reflected when marching and fighting.
The Tubo people are anxious now!
Fang Chongyong instantly guessed many details that were uncertain before.
It seems that the Tubo people did not succeed in Luocheng either. In order to complain to the court, I had to act as if the Tibetans were coming. All parts of Shazhou were fortified and cleared, and most of the supplies were transported to the city. So the Tubo people couldn't get any supplies outside the city!
Although the Tibetan people are still holding it, in fact, under the continuous baking of the scorching sun, coupled with the impact of food shortage, it is actually the end of the war!
"According to the custom of the Tubo people, you should be skinned and then returned whole to frighten the defenders in the city.
A certain person knew that the Tibetan people were almost at the point where they could no longer hold on, so they took the risk. "
Fang Chongyong teased Zhang Guangsheng with a strange look on his face.
"I'll tell you the truth, this trip scared me, so please stop scaring me."
Zhang Guangsheng smiled bitterly, of course he knew Fang Chongyong was joking.
"It's okay. Just make another trip and say that we will accept people from outside the city into the city in five days.
You also need to tell the Tibetan army commander: We, the people of Shazhou, regard death as home. Even if we defend Shazhou for ten or eight years, we can still defend Shazhou. The city gates on all sides have been blocked, so they should stop thinking wrongly. "
Seeing that the other party hadn't moved yet, Fang Chongyong patted Zhang Guangsheng's arm and said:
"Don't worry, for a strong man like you, the Tibetan Lord will probably reward you. If you come back this time, I will also give you a big reward."
"I'm not afraid of death, I'm just afraid that it won't be worth it. Since I think this trip is okay, then I'll sacrifice my life for once."
Zhang Guangsheng patted his chest and said confidently.
(End of chapter)
