Entrepreneurship in the Late Tang Dynasty

Chapter 108 The Chosen One

Ren Tong swallowed hard, looking at the Baoyi Duqi cavalry who had unconsciously pointed their bows at them. He forced a smile and said to the still bewildered Zhao Huai'an:
"Zhao Da, well done! I've wanted to kill these bastards from eastern Sichuan for a long time! Especially these lackeys, all they do is harm our people in western Sichuan. Don't kill them all, leave one for me."

As he spoke, Ren Tong strode forward and finally managed to find one who was still breathing. It was the same general who had been shot down by Zhao Huai'an's arrow.

Ren Tong touched his waist and found it empty. Calming himself, he said to Guo Congyun, who was on horseback beside him:

"Old Guo, can I borrow your knife?"

Guo Congyun instinctively handed over the knife, and Ren Tong, without hesitation, chopped off the head of the Sichuan soldier at his feet, then kicked the head towards his own generals.

At this moment, the generals suddenly realized what was happening and began kicking the head of the Sichuan general like a ball.

It was only after this exchange that the general and Bao Yidu's cavalry finally relaxed.

That's terrifying! We just wiped out our enemies, and then our brother units spotted us. This is really putting us to the test.

Fortunately, Ren Tong and his group did indeed withstand the test, and now they were all in the same boat.

After Ren Tong finished presenting his pledge of loyalty, he ran over to Zhao Huai'an and asked in confusion:
"Zhao Da, weren't you at Jidong Pass? What are you doing at the main camp? And killing...."

Zhao Huai'an dismounted directly, punched Ren Tong, and laughed:

"What? Can't I come to see you guys for no reason? Before, when Commander Yang led his troops south, he had a drink at my place. A few of you were missing, so the drink wasn't very enjoyable."

Ren Tong chuckled. Zhao Da was still the same Zhao Da, not becoming distant from them just because he had gained power. This time, he spoke directly to Zhao Huai'an:
“Zhao Da, you know me. You saved my life in Qiongzhou. Let alone killing these beasts, even killing Gao Pian is just a matter of a word from us.”

Zhao Huai'an laughed heartily, put his arm around Ren Tong, and said nothing. He would keep the brotherhood in his heart.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Guinian actually asked a question at this moment:
"What if we really want to kill Gao Pian? Will Brother Ren come too?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Huai'an immediately felt Ren Tong's muscles tense up, but after glancing at Zhao Da, Ren Tong's eyes widened:
"I'm a Brazilian man, my spittle is a mountain, and as long as the mountain stands, my promise remains unchanged. If Zhao Da says he wants to kill Gao Pian, then I, Ren Tong, will take up my knife and do it! I've been waiting for this for a long time..."

Zhao Huai'an interrupted Ren Tong with a smile before he could finish speaking:

"Old Zhang was just joking with you, Old Ren. I wasn't talking about you, you're just too serious! By the way, how's my older brother doing?"

Ren Tong was completely relieved. When Zhao Da asked about Xianyu Yue, his face fell, and he started cursing:
"Ever since we joined Gao Pian's camp, it's really been a waste of our talents. We've been either fetching water or escorting supplies. The only military assignment we've ever had is to mop up the defeated soldiers from before. A few days ago, we even led some of our brothers out of the camp to search the mountains."

Zhao Huai'an listened and felt quite sympathetic:

Searching the mountains is a tough job.

Ren Tong was really pouring out his grievances.

That's right. The reason those defeated soldiers lingered in Yazhou was precisely because of the deep mountains and dense forests there. Moreover, there were many tribes in this area. Although they were familiar with each other, who knew which tribe had taken money from the Nanzhao people?

So no one wanted to do the search in the mountains. In the end, only the Chengdu team, who were both good fighters and knowledgeable about the terrain, and who were not Gao Pian's team, were allowed to do it. Everyone was dissatisfied!

Zhao Huai'an listened silently, feeling sorry for his elder brother.
And so, the generals led the cavalry to the main camp, where Ren Tongze chatted with his old friends.

Some people were talking about the battle at Jidong Pass. Later, Ren Tong heard that Bao Yidu had been ambushed by the Nanzhao people while searching the mountains. He was concerned about this and began to worry about his own general.

Meanwhile, the heroes of Baoyidu learned about the situation at the main camp from Ren Tong, knowing that not only were Gao Pian and Yan Shihui there, but Zhao Da's old leader, Song Jian, had also arrived with the Zhongwu Army.

Zhao Huai'an and Zhang Guinian couldn't help but exchange glances, both seeing the other's surprise.

……

The weather in western Sichuan is so strange. It's chilly at night, but now the sun is blazing and you're sweating buckets.

At Furen Garrison, where Gao Pian, the current military governor of western Sichuan, once held his staff, the soldiers on the pass were drowsy from the sun.

Meanwhile, a group of elite soldiers from Luodiaodu, full of vigor and spirit, carrying spears and swords, dressed in fine clothes and sable hats, guarded the deer antler fortress.

Zhao Huai'an, along with Zhang Guinian, Wang Jin, Guo Congyun, and others, waited outside, watching Ren Tong being awkwardly blocked by the eagle-felling soldiers in front of him.

One of the guards, wearing a sleeveless shirt over a chainmail vest, with a small butcher's knife at his waist, looked imposing and sneered at Ren Tong:
"Old Ren, were you involved in the river fight today? Don't think you can disregard military discipline just because you can run away fast. If you break the rules again, humph, let's see if you can escape then!"

Ren Tong also lost his temper:

"Old Zhe, what you're saying is slander! Putting that aside, behind us is our army's renowned General Zhao Huai'an, who has urgent military intelligence to report to the Prime Minister. Make way for us. Don't blame me for not being blunt! If something goes wrong, you won't be able to handle it!"

But who was that Ya Jiang? With just a shrug, he ordered his soldiers to drive Ren Tong away, leaving behind a message:

"The Prime Minister is taking a nap now, so even the most important matters can wait until he wakes up before we discuss them!"

Ren Tong was pushed out, leaving only the words "You you you..." before awkwardly returning to Zhao Huai'an's side.

Ren Tong blushed and said shyly to Zhao Huai'an:
"Zhao Da, why don't we wait here? That general is stubborn and won't let us in."

Zhao Huai'an pursed his lips and asked:

"Who is that dentist? What's his background? If you can spare some money, then spare some!"

Ren Tong shook his head:
“Zhao Da, you don’t understand. This guy can’t do these things. That general is called Zhe Zongben. He was originally a general in Hedong, but now he’s under Luodiaodu. It’s the perfect time for him to show his skills. Besides, I have some connections with him and know that he doesn’t care about money!”

Zhao Huai'an was quite surprised. He had been in the Tang Dynasty for so long and rarely had he met a military man who didn't love money!

But Zhe Zongben didn't care about money, which caused Zhao Da some trouble.

This time, he brought Duan Baolong to see Gao Pian, and they avoided people the whole way, for fear of encountering someone with ulterior motives and causing trouble.

But if we're blocked at the door now, it will inevitably attract attention if this goes on for too long. If that Master Yan becomes wary, things might fall apart.

So Zhao Huai'an decided to personally go up and persuade him, since people may not love money, but they must love other things.

But at this moment, Zhang Guinian volunteered and said to Zhao Huai'an:

"My lord, let me try first. If you are rejected, there will be no room for negotiation."

After thinking for a moment, Zhao Huai'an sent Zhang Guinian.

……

After Zhang Guinian walked over, he said something to the man named Zhe Zongben. Anyway, Zhe Zongben looked Zhao Huai'an and the others over again, then told them to stay where they were and went inside.

Zhao Huai'an was a little surprised. Seeing Zhang Guinian coming over, he asked:

"Old Zhang, what did you say to Zhe Zongben?"

Zhang Guinian was a little embarrassed, but he still spoke honestly:
"Actually, Pei Zha, who is in charge of Gao Shixiang's staff, was my classmate in the Chang'an school. We were very close. He was from Annam and often told me about the customs and culture of Annam. Later, we both failed the imperial examinations. I returned to western Sichuan, and he returned to Annam. We lost contact after that. It was only when Gao Shixiang came to Sichuan that I learned that he had joined Gao Shixiang's staff."

Zhao Huai'an's lips twitched, and he thought to himself:
Both of you failed the imperial examinations, but Pei Zha has already risen to become an official in Gao Pian's staff, while you, Lao Zhang, are still a country bumpkin. In fact, if it weren't for Pei Zha saving Lao Zhang, he would be a traitor to the Tang Dynasty in Nanzhao right now.

Is the difference between people really that big?

However, he certainly wouldn't say that aloud, but Zhang Guinian seemed to see through him and offered his own explanation:
“My classmate used to love collecting strange and legendary tales when he was in Chang’an. I failed the imperial examination because I had no way to submit my work, but my classmate failed because his mind was not on this at all. His family were wealthy merchants from Annam. He had heard many stories from overseas since he was a child and wanted to write a legend of the Tang Dynasty. Coming to Chang’an to take the imperial examination was just to fulfill his family’s long-cherished wish.”

Zhao Huai'an understood. It meant that the other person was a wealthy overseas tycoon who came to Chang'an just to have fun, while his old Zhang was a poor laborer from the Tang Dynasty who came to Chang'an to take the exam but couldn't even see the examiners, so he failed.

Indeed, people are so diverse.

Meanwhile, Zhang Guinian continued:

"Ten years ago, the Nanzhao Kingdom invaded Annam, and Minister Gao was ordered to rush to its aid. At that time, the journey from Haimen to Annam required a sea route. It was summer, and the sea was turbulent with strong winds. In addition, the coastal waters were full of undercurrents and reefs. No merchant dared to undertake the task of transporting Minister Gao's five thousand troops." "But it was at that time that my classmate's family took on the task of transporting the troops. Not a single ship capsized, and they successfully transported five thousand troops to Annam. After that, my classmate joined Minister Gao's staff."

Zhao Huai'an sighed with emotion. Fearing that Zhang Guinian might feel disappointed, he comforted him:

"Old Zhang, it's alright! Your classmate's family is well-off, we can't compare, and there's no need to compare. Let's just do our jobs well, no effort is wasted, and we'll eventually rise to the top. Keep up the good work."

When Zhang Guinian heard the phrase "no effort is wasted," he couldn't help but exclaim:

"My lord, your family's scholarship is so profound. I never knew you were also versed in Buddhist scriptures."

Zhao Huai'an was taken aback. What Buddhist scriptures?
Then Zhang Guinian couldn't help but chant:
"If any sentient beings respectfully worship Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, their blessings will not be in vain. Therefore, all sentient beings should uphold the name of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva."

As he spoke, Zhang Guinian himself became a little embarrassed:
“My lord, when I was in Chang’an, I stayed at Qianfu Temple. The monks there chanted the Lotus Sutra every day, which is why I remember these lines.”

Zhao Huai'an took a deep breath, concealing the embarrassment on his face.

No, Lao Zhang, your erudition makes me, Zhao Da, seem uncultured!
Zhang Guinian felt even more respect for his lord. "My lord is accomplished in both literature and martial arts; he is truly an unparalleled hero!"

No, our Lord has the will to help those in distress and save the world, and to bring peace and happiness to the people; he is clearly a hero!
Completely convinced of Zhao Huai'an's abilities, Zhang Guinian spoke with even greater respect as he further explained:
“My lord, my classmate did not become an official through family connections, but because he is skilled in Qingci poetry. Minister Gao has always been fond of the Immortal Sect, so he naturally favors my classmate. Therefore, it is only right that he was able to become an official.”

Zhao Huai'an was puzzled for a moment, then asked blankly:
"Qingci? What is Qingci!"

Seeing that Zhao Huai'an didn't understand what "qingci" was, Zhang Guinian wasn't too suspicious, since most people really didn't understand these things.

The so-called "Qingci" only circulated within a small circle of literati. It's normal that my lord, though from a family with a scholarly background, didn't participate in this circle and therefore didn't know about it.

So Zhang Guinian gave an explanation.

This is actually a petition or prayer offered to Heaven during Taoist rituals. Because it is written in red ink on green paper, it is also called a green petition or green text.

Seeing that Zhao Huai'an seemed somewhat dismissive, wondering what use this thing could possibly be, Zhang Guinian explained it a little more.

Some great poets of this dynasty, such as Li Shangyin, wrote Qingci (a type of lyric poetry).

Because the content all involves divine protection, disaster relief, and prayer for blessings, and direct communication with Heaven, those skilled in writing Qingci (a type of prayer document) were all important talents in the imperial court's grand ceremonies.

Zhao Huai'an roughly understood. To put it simply, Gao Pian, this big leader, loved to talk about immortals and so he promoted people who were like that.

Thinking about it, Zhao Huai'an couldn't help but shake his head. With the help of these advisors who wrote eulogies and chanted divine commands, Gao Pian was able to achieve so many military exploits. It seems that Gao Pian is really fierce!
However, since Gao Pian likes these things, and Zhao Huai'an wants to use Gao Pian's connections to get himself to Huaixi, it seems he will inevitably have to play around with feudal superstitions as well.

After Zhang Guinian finished explaining the whole story, he looked around, then asked Zhao Huai'an to step aside and said something:

"My lord, do you know why Minister Gao is so fond of the Daoist arts of immortality?"

Zhao Huai'an thought about it for a moment, and it wasn't hard to understand. After all, Gao Pian looked strong and energetic, but he was actually an old man in his fifties.

In the Tang Dynasty, someone this age was practically ready to die at any moment. It was quite normal for someone to indulge in Taoist practices and immortality in their old age to comfort themselves.

After all, even a great man like the First Emperor could not escape the fear of death.

But Zhang Guinian told him that it wasn't like that at all. Many people actually believed that Gao Pian was protected by gods. For example, his classmate firmly believed that Gao Pian was protected by the God of the South Sea and the God of Thunder and Lightning.

This wasn't just because Zhang Guinian's classmates loved legendary stories; it was a consensus among those who had followed Gao Pian since Annam, because it was something they had witnessed firsthand.

Two of these events were personally experienced by Zhang Guinian's classmates.

Back then, their family led Gao Pian's five thousand soldiers to land in Annam by sea. The journey was so smooth that it had nothing to do with their family's naval technology. Rather, it was because the sea suddenly became calm.

Keep in mind that it was summer, and strong winds were blowing in that area. But when they escorted Gao Pian to Annam that time, the vast sea served as a thoroughfare. If there was any difference between the two, it would be this:

Before setting sail to wage war, Gao Pian visited the South China Sea Temple to offer sacrifices.

Isn't this the blessing of the God of the South China Sea? What else could it be?
Moreover, something else happened later that further convinced everyone of Gao Pian's extraordinary nature.

At that time, Gao Pian, who had already quelled the Annam rebellion and was appointed by the court as the Protector-General of Annam, submitted a memorial to Emperor Yizong in order to solve the problem of the circulation of goods in the Protectorate and request that the sea route transportation in Jiaozhou be improved.

Annam is located in the Red River Delta and has been an important grain-producing area since ancient times. In the past, a large amount of Annam's grain and taxes were transported from the Beibu Gulf coast to Haimen, and then through the river network and Lingqu Canal to reach Yongzhou, Guangzhou and Yangzhou.

If sea transport were used directly, it would be possible to reach Guangzhou and Fuzhou directly from Annam, and then use the transportation networks of these two ports to transport Annam's grain to Chang'an.

However, there is a problem here. Along the coast from Ha Long Bay in Annam to Beibu Gulf in Haimen, there is a rocky area called Bai Long Wei.

To avoid the White Dragon's Tail, starting from the Han Dynasty, a canal was dug in the Beibu Gulf to directly cross the peninsula and connect the east and west bays.

However, during the reign of Ma Yuan in the Eastern Han Dynasty, the canal was blocked by a lightning strike on the mountaintop, which caused rocks to fall and block the canal. When Gao Pian took office as the Protector-General of Annam, he decided to repair and excavate the canal.

Then a strange thing happened: when Gao Pian was repairing the canal, lightning appeared again and blasted the huge rock blocking the canal to pieces!

Now the canal was open, and it was named "Tianwei Path" because of this.

You should know that the barbarian tribes in the Haimen area worshipped the Thunder God the most, and Gao Pian was able to get thunder to clear the way, so he was practically the Thunder God's messenger.

After that, the barbarians of Yong, Guan, Gui, Rong, and even Annam all respected him. Even after Gao Pian was transferred to the Tianping Army, hundreds of loyal barbarian warriors still followed him to the death.

Zhang Guinian spoke very softly, but Zhao Huai'an was completely bewildered.

He suddenly remembered the day he welcomed Gao Pian's carriage and saw the images of the Thunder God and the Lightning Goddess, as well as the totem depicting pigs hidden underground. He immediately understood where these things came from.

Logically speaking, Zhao Huai'an should be the least likely to believe in this, but there are too many inexplicable things in this world. Could it be that Gao Pian really has the help of ghosts and gods?
For some reason, Zhao Huai'an recalled the insight Yang Qingfu had shared with him that day at Jidongguan:

"Those who are unlucky can never become generals!"

If that's the case, then Gao Pian is incredibly lucky! He succeeds at everything he does! He's practically the chosen one!

Zhao Huai'an was a little unsure, so he consulted Zhang Guinian:

"Old Zhang, what do you mean by telling me all this?"

Seeing that his classmate Pei Xing hadn't arrived by now, Zhang Guinian was getting worried. Suddenly, he heard his lord ask about it, and he quickly whispered a word of comfort:
"My lord, I'm saying this to remind you of the character of Minister Gao. My classmate will be here soon and will surely be able to take us in. Then you can have a private audience with Minister Gao. A single word can decide Yan Shihui's life or death, but if you say the wrong thing, you'll be in trouble, since we're not in the army right now!"

Zhang Guinian's words stunned Zhao Huai'an, who suddenly realized a problem.

That means if Gao Pian chooses not to deal with Yan Qingfu, but to deal with himself instead, then he would be delivering himself to Gao Pian's doorstep today!

Zhang Guinian continued with his concerns:

"Any attempt to conceal or scheme against someone as autocratic and ambitious as Minister Gao will only bring disaster upon you, my lord. It would be better to respond with sincerity!"

Just then, Zhe Zongben arrived with a thin, dark-skinned young man in a blue robe. The young man had a typical peninsula-like appearance. Upon arriving, he immediately noticed Zhang Guinian and greeted him with a smile.

"Yanshou, what brings you here to see me?"

When Zhang Guinian saw his classmate Pei Xing arrive, he left Zhao Huai'an with a word and then went to greet him with a smile.

"My lord, remember this: only sincerity matters!"

At this moment, Zhao Huai'an looked at his two classmates whom he hadn't seen for almost ten years, exchanging cheerful greetings. He took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly, finally smiling broadly.

Alright, alright, it's just telling the truth! When it comes to honesty, no one is more honest than Old Zhao!

Then, Zhao Huai'an stepped forward, ready to welcome his first challenging conversation in the Tang Dynasty.

(End of this chapter)