The Emperor ordered Zhao Tang

Chapter 317 Zhang Chengfeng

Their eyes met, and the officers and soldiers were all somewhat awkward.

The Guiyi Army was a coalition of various ethnic groups. Zhang Yichao's original forces, along with the Sogdian Cao clan and other tribes who were loyal to his family, numbered only a few thousand. The rest were a mixed group. Originally, the Guiyi Army was able to launch attacks in all directions, but under Su Xun and Zhang Chengfeng, it became weak and ineffective. In addition to the influence of the complex political environment, part of the reason was that the two leaders were unable to digest their family fortune in a short period of time, so it was better to remain inactive than to take action.

Later generations of Zhang Chengfeng could not remain calm and eventually lost the family's rule.

However, it now appears that the Holy Emperor's recapture of the Jincheng region and the re-establishment of connections with Liangzhou have somewhat suppressed his ambitions.

The arrival of numerous imperial envoys in various kingdoms and territories of the Western Regions was truly astonishing. Moreover, they were all high-ranking officials of noble birth and prestigious positions, enough to intimidate many and deter them from taking any rash action. Since discovering their movements, Zhang Chengfeng decided to intercept them to prevent them from making further contacts. However, these men were very shrewd; after a few pursuits, they were quickly thwarted and disappeared.

Why are they being so vigilant? Could they be calling on all sides to deal with them? Just as Zhang Chengfeng was pondering this, he received news that Cui Xuan, a censor of the Secretariat, had arrived in Shazhou and announced that he would be entering the city on horseback with two riders to deliver an imperial edict and inspect the military and civilians.

Regardless of his true feelings, upon receiving the notification, Zhang Chengfeng immediately began grand preparations for the reception. All the respectable generals and powerful figures were dressed in their finest attire, impeccably groomed, and the entire procession was meticulously arranged to ensure Cui Xuan could find no fault. The rosters of soldiers and the registers of the common people were also carefully prepared for future inquiries. After all, this was the first time the Holy Emperor had sent a special envoy to Shazhou; perhaps there would be some rewards…

In short, Zhang Chengfeng believed that the Holy Emperor harbored hostility towards him, but no real intentions. He guessed the Emperor was just trying to intimidate them, to make them behave, and to quickly offer tributes, gifts, and beautiful women!

But what if they're here to relocate the town and bring it to the capital?
With his mind racing with all sorts of thoughts, Zhang Chengfeng, who was sitting on his horse waiting, kept looking up and down anxiously.

Seeing the young marshal's vexation, his most trusted confidant, Zhang Liangzhen, gently spurred his horse and rode alongside him.

Zhang Chengfeng glanced at him and whispered, "Won't something bad happen?"

Given his arrogant and self-important nature, he would never normally say anything that revealed his unease, but today he just felt inexplicably uncomfortable.

Was this the military leader's intuition about danger? Zhang Liangzhen muttered to himself, then offered a consolation: "We should... As soon as Cui Xuan arrives, we'll treat him to good food and drink, find some Tibetan women to exhaust him, and give him a sum of money before he leaves to keep him happy. If he really can't refuse, we'll send another batch of tribute. If we maintain the appearances well, and don't give him any excuse, what chance does the Sage have of attacking? Besides, the Sage is still in a hurry to deal with the East!"

The Guiyi Army had also studied how to survive in this chaotic world.

Huang Chao captured both capitals with overwhelming force, and the rebels chose to wait and see without hesitation. At that time, everyone with discerning eyes could see that the Tang Dynasty was doomed, so the Guiyi Army had no mental burden. But who would have thought that the warlords who had been sitting idly by and watching the fall of Chang'an would suddenly rise up in rebellion?

Well, that's just how it is! The Guiyi Army was too far away to catch up. Afterwards, all the warlords who fought in the Jingnan Rebellion transformed themselves into loyal and virtuous officials. The Guiyi Army, however, suffered even worse, becoming even more ostracized. Originally, it didn't matter much; the court was in such a mess, relationships weren't important. Unexpectedly, the Emperor, who had been silent until now, suddenly regained his authority. So they went to court again and received the Grand Master of Ceremonies, Su Rong, with great ceremony.

Even so, the Guiyi Army still hadn't decided whether to fight to the death for the Tang Dynasty, continue to observe, or act on its own and focus solely on conquering the country.

In recent days, they have been making inquiries from various sources and have learned that the Sage has once again pacified Lingxia and defeated Li Keyong. Thus, the two most powerful vassal states, Liang and Jin, have been severely damaged, and the danger of national subjugation has been temporarily averted.

The Guiyi Army gradually began to lean towards loyal ministers, but after analysis by Zhang Chengfeng, Zhang Liangzhen, and others, they felt that most of the country was still in the hands of the feudal lords, so it was better to continue to wait and see. They would establish a separate imperial court after the Tang dynasty ended, and then surrender if the Tang dynasty truly revived.

Zhang Chengfeng breathed a sigh of relief and looked back at the densely packed officers and soldiers. All the Uyghur officers and soldiers were present and quiet.

He turned his head, revealing his resentment on his face, and said through gritted teeth in a low voice, "Those bastards in Ganzhou are so hateful, they can't stand a chance! They just like being dogs for others, fighting together for their own family. Isn't that better than charging into battle for that saint of the Li family! After this matter is over, even if the Guiyi Army is severely weakened, I will deal with Li Renmei's whole nest. That was originally my territory!"

With so little wealth, would you dare to take a risk?
"I think it's best to play it safe and wait until we meet the envoy," Zhang Liangzhen said, frowning.

Zhang Chengfeng didn't speak again, but simply looked into the distance.

After waiting for who knows how long, a dozen or so riders came galloping back: "We've arrived! Cui Xuan has arrived!"

"Why are you so late?" The Guiyi Army officials, who were getting a little impatient, murmured among themselves and unconsciously began to check their clothes.

Zhang Chengfeng slowly lifted his belt, his face expressionless. But those who knew him well could see that he was currently unsettled!
"Clatter, clatter, clatter!" In the distance, the sound of more horses' hooves approached, making the ground tremble slightly. Zhang Chengfeng, who was riding there leisurely, changed his expression and glanced at the residence of Commander Suo Zhong by the roadside. Why were there so many people?

"They are some mixed-race barbarians hired by the envoy to serve as guards, about a hundred of them," Suo Zhongfu explained. "Cui Xuan is very stubborn; he insists on keeping them by his side, so..."

“Where did he hire him? What qualifications does he have to hire him?” Zhang Chengfeng’s eyes widened.

"I..." Suo Zhongfu said awkwardly, "Perhaps it's because of my status as an envoy. Last time, when Su Rong, the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, came alone as an envoy, it was the Turks and Uyghurs from the Gansu area who took the initiative to escort him."

"Hmph!" Zhang Chengfeng flicked his whip, a surge of instinctive jealousy and unease rising in his heart.

Ru Niang was merely an envoy, a civil official, yet he wielded such influence in the West simply because of his status as an envoy of the Holy Tang Dynasty! Does the Li family possess such power? I didn't sense it, nor did the Guiyi Army.

"They're here! They're here!" came several more exclamations.

Zhang Chengfeng closed his eyes, suppressed his irritation, put on a polite smile, and raised his head.

"Da da da..." A black tide finally appeared on the horizon.

As they drew nearer, they saw a bustling procession of carriages and horses. The hundred or so infantry and cavalry were all tall, strong men, but their clothing and appearance were inconsistent; some wore the attire of Han Chinese with deep-set eyes and high noses, while others still had long, disheveled hair and short faces. The large group of men surrounded three banners. At the front was a large, fiery red Tang character, its edge trimmed with chicken and eagle feathers that fluttered in the wind. In the center was written "Emperor Yuanhuang Shengdi," and behind it, "Cui," its decoration much simpler, white with black characters. The three banners appeared to be made on the spot, dirty and crudely crafted. Yet, in the sandstorm, they remained remarkably conspicuous.

Finally, a few knights in black straw hats appeared in sight, protecting two men in blue robes.

They were all dressed in elegant official robes, with swords at their waists, and each held a bamboo pole adorned with gold and bronze leaves and red silk ribbons. The gold leaves tinkled in the wind like the crisp rhythm of wind chimes, while the bright red silk ribbons billowed and swayed, seemingly striking straight into one's heart.

Suddenly, the storm dispersed the dust, revealing a young and masculine face on horseback. His back was ramrod straight, the horse's hooves clattered, exuding an imposing sharpness that immediately drew attention.

"Take off!" Cui Xuan grabbed the reins, and his mount scurried about. Before it had even come to a complete stop, he planted a bamboo pole in the ground and used it to roll off the saddle. Then, raising the bamboo pole, he strode towards the officials of the Guiyi Army, the powerful elders of Shazhou, and Zhang Chengfeng.

Zhang Chengfeng's fingers, gripping the saddle, were already red as he stared intently at Cui Xuan. The welcoming crowd behind him silently observed the scene before them, recognizing the banners and observing Cui Xuan's approaching figure on foot, their expressions growing increasingly respectful. They, the Guiyi Army, though also a regional warlord, were still worlds apart from the embers of the empire's legacy!
Zhang Chengfeng looked back and saw that everyone's expressions and actions had become respectful and solemn. His temples throbbed, and he almost opened his mouth to give the order—"Return to the city, do not see the envoy, do not see the imperial edict!"
If the official edict is to order a relocation of the town, the sheer scale of the rebellion will inevitably lead to internal discord among the troops, who will be intimidated by the decree. Even if they don't disband on the spot, internal strife and rebellion will erode their confidence in themselves!
With each step Cui Xuan took closer, this impulse grew stronger. Zhang Chengfeng spurred his horse heavily, almost causing it to bolt. His dozen or so trusted men rode forward, surrounding him, awaiting his command. Zhang Liangzhen, quick as a flash, cracked his whip: "Young Marshal!"

Zhang Chengfeng took a deep breath, nodded coldly, and said, "I understand!"

Time seemed to move both fast and slow, with the approaching queues stopping one after another to line up on both sides.

Cui Xuan's tall and thin figure stopped ten steps away from Zhang Chengfeng, and he said crisply, "Why are you looking like this when you see me, Commander Zhang?"

Zhang Chengfeng seemed to be startled awake, leaping off his horse and trotting to his feet. His men, watching Zhang Chengfeng's retreating figure, and seeing him kneel, also hurriedly bowed: "Welcome, Holy Emperor Yuan! May you enjoy endless happiness and prosperity! Welcome, Envoy Cui!"

After the ceremony, Cui Xuancai took the last ten steps while sizing up Zhang Chengfeng. He saw that this man was tall and strong, with a serious face that revealed a clear stupidity and arrogance and frivolity, making him seem unlike a subject.

Upon reaching Zhang Chengfeng, Cui Xuan gently nudged him.

Zhang Chengfeng and the others stood up. Zhang Chengfeng was about to exchange a few pleasantries and change the subject, intending to first take Cui Xuan into the city for a banquet to avoid publicly issuing the imperial edict. But Cui Xuan waved his hand, took out the imperial edict, and addressed the throng of people directly: "Imperial Edict!"

Anger flashed in Zhang Chengfeng's eyes, but the officials and elders had already bowed their heads, so they had no choice but to follow reluctantly.

The Holy Emperor Yuanhuang said:

The Guiyi Army, since the Dazhong era, has been a bulwark of the Tang Dynasty, a vital stronghold on the western frontier. Zhang Chengfeng, your grandfather's Grand Tutor, praised his abilities from all quarters, and throughout the dynasty, he was hailed as a man of the Three Dukes' talents, and posthumously granted the title of Three Masters. In those days, under the bright moon, the left-fastening robes of a century were restored. The people of ten prefectures, all rescued from the flames of war, were all given a chance to rise again. With renewed vigor, they reclaimed their lost territories, and once again selected Han generals to defend Loulan. To reclaim our century-lost lands, to guard the western gate for the nation—what a triumphant and spirited endeavor!

"The Holy Tang Dynasty, grateful for his merits, bestowed upon him a military title and official rank, allowed his son to succeed him upon his father's death, sent troops to assist in the defense of Liangzhou, cooperated in the conquest of the Tubo in the Hehuang region, and recovered three prefectures and five passes. Only then did the Guiyi Army flourish."

“I never imagined you would be so incompetent! Since you took up your post, the mongrels within our borders have become increasingly rampant, powerful clans have sprung up everywhere, they have refused to submit to the king’s rule, and wars have been constant… causing the people to suffer and the population to dwindle again and again.”

"If you can't control a thousand miles of land, what use are you!"

"I never imagined you would be so arrogant. Since being appointed commander, you have never offered tribute or written a congratulatory letter. You treat the emperor like a puppet and regard me as nothing. As a descendant of loyal officials, you enjoy your current power and high position through your bloodline. Don't you have an obligation to repay the country? You should be serving the nation and doing your best to preserve your descendants' wealth and status. Why are you so disloyal to the emperor and father, abandoning the country and your family?"

"I truly do not know how you will face your ancestors after ascending to immortality."

"The Holy Tang Dynasty treats the Zhang family well because of the merits of the late Grand Protector Zhang, but I really don't know how much longer I can tolerate you."

"And you bureaucrats and nobles of the Guiyi Army, you have created your current career by virtue of the titles and authority granted to you by the Holy Tang Dynasty. Don't you have a duty to serve the country?"

"The Holy King once said, 'If the Way of the King is not prosperous, the fate of the nation will not last.' Those who dare to rebel against the Heavenly Han must be dealt a heavy blow and severely suppressed. The Western Regions are vast and rich in resources, and their strategic location is crucial; they are lands that cannot be lost. But what we see now is that the Guiyi Army is so incompetent. How can the nation rely on you? Moreover, with monsters and demons, where is the Way of the King? Where is the Mandate of Heaven of the Holy Tang? Where is the dignity of the Emperor?"

The Holy Emperor's words were a scathing rebuke of the entire Guiyi Army, especially Zhang Chengfeng, who was singled out and singled out for a separate attack.

His sweat-drenched face revealed his considerable fear. However, most of the officials and powerful figures were quite indifferent; let them scold him, it wouldn't hurt them anyway.

"........."

"With civil officials indulging in leisure and military affairs, military preparations have fallen into disrepair."

"Zhang Chengfeng may retain his original rank and title, but shall be appointed as one of the Nine Ministers. He shall appear before the capital on a specified date without delay."

It was read aloud in full view of everyone. Zhang Chengfeng abruptly raised his head, his face turning ashen. Everyone fell silent, as if struck by lightning. Even Zhang Chengfeng's trusted generals and family generals put their hands back on their sword hilts.

Cui Xuan slowly closed the imperial edict, looking at Zhang Chengfeng, whose jaw was twitching: "Do you respect it?"

Zhang Chengfeng avoided answering, forcing a smile as he asked, "Is this the Emperor's will, or the Secretariat-Chancellery?"

"The Holy Emperor has issued this decree." Cui Xuan glanced at him and said calmly, "Let me tell you clearly, this is an ultimatum for war. If I cannot fulfill my duty and bring you back to Chang'an, the Holy Emperor will come in person."

Zhang Chengfeng could only sneer inwardly: "Why are so many regional military governors coming to conquer me?"

Cui Xuan patted his shoulder, equally indifferent: "To put it mildly, the Holy Emperor doesn't need a reason to summon you to court. Besides, isn't the reason clear enough? To put it bluntly, it's because you're weak. If it weren't for your ancestors' sake, it would have been the punitive expeditionary force that came this time, not me."

Zhang Chengfeng's face turned red.

Dog! Foot! Emperor!
Although the conditions offered by the Holy Emperor were already quite good, for such an ambitious warrior, they were nothing but humiliation and provocation!
Should he accept the imperial edict or not? If he refuses, will that bastard really attack? And if he does, what are his chances of winning? Besides, there are his two major lackeys, the Loulan Uyghurs and the Ganzhou Uyghurs. If war really breaks out, Zhang Chengfeng doesn't think he can hold out for long.

But he was still unwilling to enter the court just like that.

After all, the Holy Emperor has not yet demonstrated the absolute strength and ability to subdue the world. If he ultimately fails, he will be buried with him.

Besides, this place is more than a thousand miles away from Chang'an. In this time of turmoil, where would the dog emperor find the time and space to recover the Western Regions? ...Do you really think I am a big talker?

Zhang Chengfeng's expression shifted for a long time before he finally decided to use delaying tactics. He took Cui Xuan's hand and said, "Lord Cui, you must be tired from your journey. Come with me into the city to eat, drink, and have some fun. We can discuss this official business another day."

“I know you can’t let go.” Cui Xuan’s tone was indifferent, his eyes piercingly fixed on Zhang Chengfeng: “You should think it over carefully! I’ve also prepared many arguments to persuade you. Three days, you only have three days. I’ll be leaving after three days.”

(End of this chapter)