Entrepreneurship in the Late Tang Dynasty

Chapter 109 Capture
Seeing Zhang Guinian and Pei Xing reunite after a long separation, their emotions genuine and heartfelt, Zhao Huai'an smiled and stepped forward. But as he got closer and listened to their conversation, he felt increasingly strange.

One person was asking Zhang Guinian what he was still doing in Baoyidu, suggesting he should come to the shogunate if he wanted to. The other was jokingly asking if Old Pei was still writing petitions for the envoy.

Yes, they both care about each other a lot!
Upon seeing his lord arrive, Zhang Guinian stopped his banter with his classmates and began to introduce them:
"Deyuan, this is Zhao Jun Zhao Huai'an, the general of Baoyidu."

Pei Xing saw the tall Zhao Huai'an approaching, and looking up he could only see his chin. He simply nodded and smiled.

"I have admired you for a long time, I have admired you for a long time."

Zhao Huai'an smiled brightly:
"Old Pei knows me, Zhao Da?"

Pei Xing was not surprised by Zhao Huai'an's initiative to get close to him, and said with a smile:

"In the army, he called himself 'Guardian of Justice,' and 'Third Brother Shi,' who hasn't heard of that?"

It's strange, but if Zhao Huai'an had known last year at Baizhushui that he could be ranked alongside Shi Pu, and even ahead of him, who knows how happy he would have been.

But now, hearing that our Zhao Da's name is listed alongside Shi Pu's, I feel nothing but resentment:

"What rank do you, Shi Pu, have? Are you ranked alongside Old Zhao?"

But now that he was counting on Pei Xing for help, he didn't bother with that argument anymore, and so he smiled sincerely:

"Old Pei, I'll need your help this time."

Pei Xing, on the other hand, was quite magnanimous, patting his chest:

“What’s this? Our Prime Minister has a habit of taking a nap and doesn’t want to be disturbed, but it depends on who’s going. Old Zhang and I are close friends and family, so I’ll definitely help you out.”

Pei Xing was magnanimous; what could Zhao Da possibly say?
He kept insisting that he must come for the banquet later, and that he couldn't refuse, since Zhao Da had just made friends with a great man from the South China Sea!

This was not a lie, because Pei Xing's stature was indeed that of a rare man in the South China Sea.

Moreover, perhaps because Pei Xing was always short, he was overjoyed to hear Zhao Huai'an praise him as a great man, and simply asked Zhao Huai'an to go in with him.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Huai'an subconsciously touched the chainmail beneath the lining, then glanced at Zhang Guinian. Seeing the latter quietly nod, he smiled.

"Okay, I'll have my men wait outside, and we'll just go in together."

Pei Xing nodded and was about to lead Zhao Huai'an inside when Zhang Guinian, who was standing beside him, suddenly said:
"Old Pei, you'd better take our generals with you. Don't let our generals' appearance fool you; they're all quite shrewd. They've even compiled a legendary tale in the camp, based on characters from the Shu Han and Three Kingdoms periods. So, you'd better not let our generals offend the Prime Minister, or you'll have no face to read the tale later."

Pei Xing, who had been smiling, exclaimed "Ah!" upon hearing this, then turned to Zhao Huai'an and asked:
"Zhao Jun, you've even written a legendary tale! Can I take a look?"

Zhao Huai'an chuckled inwardly, then let out a hearty laugh:

"Hey Lao Pei, I didn't expect we'd find we share the same interests! Come on, no doubt about it, we absolutely have to drink this. I've long admired the ancients who discussed heroes over wine, so let's have a go this time, drinking and discussing strategy. Oh my, I really didn't expect that! I knew you were so kind to me, Lao Pei."

Pei Xing was now scratching his head in frustration. If he didn't have something else to do, he would have loved to go and read the notebook written by Zhao Da right away.

After thinking for a moment, he said to his old classmate:
"Old Zhang, don't worry, your family will all follow us, there won't be any problems! Oh, right, I forgot to tell you something, we were recently promoted to chief secretary, you see, I told you our fate is extraordinary, you are the chief secretary of Baoyidu, and I, Old Pei, am now a chief secretary of a yamen! Hehe!"

At this point, Zhang Guinian could no longer maintain his smile and could only say "Congratulations, congratulations" against his will.

Over there, Zhao Huai'an had finished talking with Guo Congyun and the others. Then he asked Liu Zhijun to take Duan Baolong and go in with him, while the others waited in place with Guo Congyun.

After receiving private instructions from Zhao Huai'an, Wang Jin secretly left at the back of the line.

Then, Zhao Huai'an brought Liu Zhijun and Duan Baolong over, and he apologized to Pei Xing:

"Old Pei, these two have to come in with me too. One is an important witness, and the other is someone I always accompany. After all, witnesses need to be watched. So what do you think?"

Pei Xing stroked his beard and said to Zhe Zongben, the general beside him:
“Old Zhe, arrange for Old Zhao’s men to stay under the reed shed over there. It’s too hot outside in the sun. Also, get them some water. They’re all our brothers.”

This is why it's so easy to get things done if you have connections in the court. Pei Xing is the chief secretary of the military headquarters. Although this position is only an eighth-rank official, it carries a lot of power. In the military headquarters, he is a high-ranking official second only to the deputy military governor, the military commander, and the judge of the military governor.

So Zhe Zongben listened to Pei Xing's words and immediately took his men to do it, and he even went in person.

Just moments ago, the general had acted as if he couldn't possibly be associated with them, but now he was all smiles as he led Guo Congyun and the others to a long corridor and reed shed near the garrison. He brought them water and a serving of drinks from Jingshui Town. He even had the warhorses that Bao Yi had brought earlier fed with special fodder.

At this moment, Zhao Huai'an looked from afar and suddenly realized, "Oh, so Zhe Zongben doesn't love money, he loves power!"

Pei Xing had already greeted several people before leading Zhao Huai'an, Liu Zhijun, and Duan Baolong into the garrison.

At that moment, the sun shone into the garrison from outside, bringing a cool breeze. Zhao Huai'an's heart skipped a beat for no reason!
……

After entering the garrison, the internal defenses became even tighter, with sentries every five steps and patrols every ten steps. Without exception, these guards all fawned over Pei Xing.

At this moment, Zhao Huai'an finally understood the true status of this son of a wealthy merchant who could write Qingci poems in Gao Pian's entourage.

So Zhao Huai'an took another step forward and got even closer to Pei Xing.

Upon entering, Liu Zhijun and Duan Baolong displayed different expressions.

Liu was carefree and looked around. He would take a few more glances at the fine armor on some of the guards, and stare at the beautifully tattooed face of one guard.

In short, it was extremely impolite, and the soldiers were annoyed by the look and glared back at him.

If this bastard hadn't been following the Party Secretary around, he would have beaten this guy up.

Meanwhile, Duan Baolong, who had kept a low profile throughout the return journey, was now walking with a brisk pace. If it weren't for the numerous Tang Dynasty flags still hanging high on the garrison, one might have mistaken him for walking among the Nanzhao army.

Zhao Huai'an followed behind Pei Xing and soon arrived at a small wooden building. Fourteen halberds were planted under the eaves. In the center, a tall and strong general sat on a stool, his sword resting on his lap, pretending to be asleep.

On either side of him stood fifty men, forty of whom carried swords, while ten others each carried a golden mace or a halberd. Despite the heat, they were clad in gleaming armor, standing like iron towers.

Zhao Huai'an knew that officer.

The man who killed An Zairong, the general of Dingbian Army, that day was Liang Zuan. If I remember correctly, his name was Liang Zuan.

At this moment, the man was merely sitting on a stool, feigning sleep, like a tiger lying on a hill, with extremely low air pressure around him.

What a valiant general!

As Zhao Huai'an was observing, Liang Zuan suddenly opened his eyes and looked over, their gazes meeting directly.

This time, Zhao Huai'an didn't flinch or avoid the stare, staring straight at him, which puzzled Liang Zuan. He looked at Pei Xing beside him and quickly stood up.

Pei Xing waved his hand and asked:
"Old Liang, is the Prime Minister awake?"

Contrary to his rugged and imposing appearance, Liang Zuan's voice was gentle. He clasped his hands in a fist salute to Pei Xing and said:
"Secretary, the Prime Minister has woken up and is composing a poem! He says he's had a burst of inspiration today!"

Zhao Huai'an, who was standing under the corridor at this moment, was speechless when he heard this.

Zhe Zongben is really taking himself too lightly. If he had just asked a question and found out that Gao Pian was awake, would he have stopped them from entering?

After Pei Xing found out, he said to Zhao Huai'an:
"Old Zhao, I'll go in first. You stay here and don't move."

After saying that, Pei Xing went up and knocked on the door. After hearing a loud "Come in" from inside, he pushed the door open and entered.

Zhao Huai'an, who was standing under the eaves, glimpsed a scene inside through the crack, but before he could see it clearly, the door had already closed again.

Then Zhao Huai'an, Liu Zhijun, and Duan Baolong stood under the corridor, waiting quietly.

Suddenly, Liang Zuan, who was sitting on a stool, stood up and walked over. He looked at Zhao Huai'an:
“I know you. You are Zhao Huai’an.”

Zhao Huai'an, unsure of Liang Zuan's meaning, bowed slightly and smiled:
"Liang Du, even Zhao Da knows you."

Liang Zuan squinted and asked curiously:

"Is Zhao Da from Shouzhou?"

Zhao Huai'an nodded, but unexpectedly Liang Zuan said something subtle:

"Shouzhou is a good place."

Then there is no more.

Most people would immediately fall into an awkward silence at this point, but Zhao Huai'an, with his exceptional emotional intelligence, didn't let the conversation fizzle out. Instead, he casually asked:

"So, Lao Liang, where are you from?"

Leung Chuan nodded:

“I come from Zhaoyi. The former military governor and the prime minister were of the same clan, and they recommended me here.”

And then, nothing happened.

Now Zhao Huai'an understood. Liang Zuan looked imposing, but he was a quiet and reserved person. It was already very rare for him to take the initiative to greet him.

Just as Zhao Huai'an was about to speak, a burst of laughter came from inside, and then he heard a young Taoist boy come out and ask:
"Who is Zhao Huai'an? Our envoy wants you to come in."

Zhao Huai'an could only tell Liang Zuan that they would have drinks together later before he hurriedly went inside.

Liang Zuan, remaining where he was, nodded emphatically.

……

As soon as Zhao Huai'an entered the wooden building, he smelled the fragrance of sandalwood. He had smelled this scent in the home of a leader in his previous life; it was sandalwood from the South China Sea. He didn't know what value it had in the Tang Dynasty, but in his previous life, it was already a high-end luxury item.

As he entered, he noticed a row of doors at the back of the wooden building, which were tightly closed at the moment, and he had no idea what was behind them.

When Zhao Huai'an entered, there was a huge folding chair in the right wing of the hall, with a soft couch next to it. An old man wearing a brocade robe was sitting on the couch, laughing and talking with Pei Xing.

Then Pei Xing laughed and said:
“Your Excellency, I feel that today’s poem is still too full of flowery language. I still prefer Your Excellency’s poem.”

Then, right in front of Gao Pian, he sang in standard Luoyang dialect:

"I led my troops across the sea for thousands of miles, and today I repay the emperor's kindness. I will return only when the smoke of war has cleared, and I will not let my battle clothes be stained with tears."

At this moment, Pei Xing's expression was completely devoid of any artifice, brimming with emotion. He said, deeply moved:

“Your Excellency, this poem is one that I read every day. This is a truly good poem. There are already few people in our dynasty who have such a deep sense of patriotism, and to be able to compose a poem in such simple and rustic dialect is even more exceptional.”

As he spoke, Pei Xing took a step back, bowed, and pleaded:

"Today, I have a request: I would like to ask the envoy to inscribe this poem on my calligraphy so that I may take it home. In the future, I will follow the envoy to accomplish the affairs of the world and bring peace to the four seas. When I am old and at home, I can point to this inscription with my grandchildren and recall the glorious past. Then I will have no regrets in this life."

Zhao Huai'an stood outside the curtain, utterly dumbfounded.

Old Zhang, Old Zhang, don't be so resentful. You think your classmate only got to this position because of his family background and by writing flattering eulogies.

Little did they know that they had already mastered the core technology of progress! Old Zhang, you'd better not compare yourself to them. Even Zhao Da himself admits that he can't match their skill.

Sure enough, Pei Xing's sincere words made Gao Pian burst into laughter. He lightly tapped Pei Xing with his jade ruyi and jokingly scolded him:
"You sly fox, you just know how to flatter this old man. But what you said makes sense. I've led you guys from the South China Sea to conquer the world. Money and official positions are of course necessary, but this bond is something that only grows stronger with time and is worth cherishing. I have to write something for you, to leave you with something to remember me by."

After saying this, Gao Pian looked at Zhao Huai'an standing over there:
"Zhao Da, don't just stand there, grind the ink for me."

Zhao Huai'an then came to his senses and hurried over to grind ink for Gao Pian with practiced ease. Gao Pian took a second look at his skillful technique.

Gao Pian rose from the soft couch, draped a brocade robe over his body, walked to the sandalwood desk, pondered for a moment, then picked up a large brush, splashed ink and wrote, finishing in a short while!

Zhao Huai'an has a certain ability to appreciate calligraphy and can often see a person's inner world from their calligraphy.

At this moment, Zhao Huai'an looked at the poem on the table, with only one thought in his mind:
"Impressive! Gao Pian is indeed an extremely confident person!"

At this moment, Zhao Huai'an gained a deeper understanding of Gao Pian's character.

Gao Pian, in high spirits, tossed his brush aside, looked at the calligraphy with satisfaction, and shook his head, saying:

"Little Pei, you're lucky. I didn't expect you to write so well today. I'm almost reluctant to part with it."

Pei Xing was also delighted and kept praising Gao Pianzhen. Fearing that Gao Pianzhen might change his mind, he quickly ordered the young Taoist servants on both sides of the curtain to take the calligraphy down and mount it.

Gao Pian laughed heartily, then looked at Zhao Huai'an:
"Zhao Da, I always thought you were my lucky charm. Of course you had to come at this time. Fine, you can stand aside for now."

Zhao Huai'an suppressed his confusion, swallowed all the prepared remarks, and walked to the side.

Whether it was his imagination or not, Zhao Huai'an, who had just stepped aside, vaguely heard the sound of armor plates clashing, coming from behind the row of wooden doors at the back of the hall.

At that moment, Zhao Huai'an's back was instantly soaked with sweat. He tried to calm his chaotic mind and steady his breathing.

Time passed slowly, and suddenly someone appeared who was completely unexpected to Zhao Huai'an.

With a loud shout from Liang Zuan outside:
"Envoy Yan has arrived."

Zhao Huai'an looked up abruptly and saw a handsome warrior in iron armor walk in.

It's quite ironic, really. This was the first time Zhao Huai'an had ever met Yan Shihui. If it weren't for all the previous events, everyone would have praised his good looks upon seeing the son of the military governor of eastern Sichuan.

With sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, long arms and a slender waist, his demeanor and bearing exuded the agility of a martial artist.

After he entered, he glanced at Zhao Huai'an beside him, frowned, and then bowed to Gao Pian above him, saying:

"This humble general greets the Envoy."

Gao Pian smiled and nodded, gesturing for Pei Xing to hand him a small stool.

Then Master Yan would sit down gracefully and reply to Gao Pian:

"Your Excellency, I have completed the reorganization of my Eastern Sichuan Army. The entire army of seven thousand officers and soldiers is ready to march towards Yazhou at any time."

Gao Pian nodded and praised:

"You truly have your father's style. Back then, your father and I served in the Shence Army. I was famous for my archery skills, while he was famous for his horse spear. I wonder how much of your spear skills you have inherited from your father?"

Master Yan will proclaim in a loud voice:

"Your Excellency, I dare not compare myself to my master, but if we were to compete in spear fighting, I would be willing to take the chieftain's head from his neck!"

Gao Pian laughed heartily, but as he laughed, a sense of desolation crept in, and he lay back down on the soft couch, remaining silent.

He remained silent, and no one dared to utter a sound.

Time seemed to stand still, even though it was clearly passing. The aroma of sandalwood in the room couldn't calm the restlessness in the hearts of those present.

Suddenly, Yan Shihui looked up, glanced sideways at Zhao Huai'an standing beside him, and said to Gao Pian:

"Prime Minister, is this Zhao Huai'an of Baoyidu?"

As he was saying this, he was about to get up and bow to Gao Pian, preparing to offend Zhao Da, but before he could get up, Gao Pian had already spoken.

Earlier, Gao Pian seemed to be pondering something, and as Yan Shihui was about to get up, he suddenly smiled at Zhao Huai'an:
"By the way, Zhao Da, what brings you here?"

In the short time it had taken Zhao Huai'an to stand there, he had already figured things out. Now, he calmly stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting to Gao Pian, and said:
"Minister, I have come to accuse Yan Shihui of three crimes!"

Yan Shihui had already stood up and was shouting angrily:

"You dog-guts, you're asking for death!"

While cursing, Yan Shihui had already leaped up to grab Zhao Huai'an.

Unbeknownst to them, Liang Zuan, who had been standing outside the door, was now standing next to Yan Shihui and had pushed him back onto the stool.

At this moment, Gao Pian, sitting on the soft couch, laughed and said:
"Xiao Yan, I know you're in a hurry, but sit down first and listen to what Zhao Da has to say. What? Can't a person speak?"

Yan Shihui felt the immense force on his shoulder and sensed that something was wrong. He tried his best to suppress his unease and stared intently at Zhao Huai'an.

At this moment, Zhao Huai'an continued speaking aloud:
"This humble general denounces Yan Shihui's first crime: desertion in the face of battle. On the day of the Battle of Baishu River, our 20,000 soldiers from western Sichuan were fighting fiercely when this dog ran away without a fight, causing thousands of our soldiers to die on the opposite bank."

"This humble general hereby accuses Yan Shihui of the second crime: leaking military intelligence. This humble general was ordered to rush to attack Jidong Pass, but the enemy inside the pass was already prepared. If it were not for the Mandate of Heaven, our thousand soldiers of Yidu would have been wiped out long ago. After the battle, it was discovered that the one who leaked military intelligence was none other than Yan Shihui from Dongchuan."

As Zhao Huai'an spoke, Yan Shihui's face gradually turned ashen. He suddenly looked at Gao Pian, who was expressionless at the front, and shouted:
"Prime Minister, are you really going to tolerate this man slandering my Eastern Sichuan Army? If I agree, will my father agree? If my father agrees, will my 30,000 elite soldiers of Eastern Sichuan agree?"

Gao Pian smiled, looking down at Yan Shihui, whose face was ashen.

"Little Yan, Little Yan, I thought you were a son of a military family, but I never expected you to be such a worthless son, haha! How boring!"

After saying that, he simply said:
"Your father has already returned to Chang'an by imperial decree, and the new military governor of eastern Sichuan has arrived."

Yan Shihui was stunned, his face filled with disbelief. He couldn't believe that his ambitious and wise father had suddenly lost in the power struggle.

Why did his father's 30,000 troops in eastern Sichuan kneel before Chang'an without firing a single arrow?

Father, oh Father, your son was ready to fight to the death, yet you surrendered first? How could you abandon your son like this?
At this moment, Yan Shihui's mind was buzzing, and he could no longer hear what Zhao Huai'an was saying.

Zhao Huai'an also heard Gao Pian's words, and at that moment he finally understood, so he shouted out his third sentence:
"And I must accuse Yan Shihui of the third crime: colluding with the enemy. He is shameless and has no sense of loyalty or righteousness. He colluded with Nanzhao, betrayed our loyal and brave Tang officials and soldiers, and caused the people to suffer the ravages of war. And now, Duan Baolong, the surrendered general of Nanzhao, is right outside the door. The envoy may allow him to enter and question him at any time."

At this moment, Gao Pian had finished listening to Zhao Huai'an's words, nodded to Zhao Huai'an, and then said:
"Come in, everyone!"

Zhao Huai'an was surprised, wondering if there were other people who had come in.
But then, from behind the wooden door that had just been tightly closed, a dozen or so soldiers emerged, all fully armored and helmeted. As soon as they entered the hall, they sang to Gao Pian at the head of the table:

"This humble general greets the Envoy."

As soon as these generals came out, Yan Shihui, who was still indignant, looked incredulous, and his handsome face darkened instantly.

Without hesitation, he slid off the stool and knelt on the ground, crying out, "I deserve to die!"

It turned out that these generals who came out from the side were all the commanders under Yan Shihui. Apart from his own personal generals, all six generals and six deputy generals of the army were here.

As Zhao Huai'an looked at these generals, each holding an imperial edict, a flag, a document, and a token, he sighed inwardly.

"I thought it was me, Old Zhao, fighting against Yan Shihui, but it turns out we're just a pawn in Gao Pian's power game. I was wondering why Gao Pian has been staying here all this time; it turns out he's trying to take down Yan Shihui."

"And look at how they handled this, it was like a deer hanging its horns on a cliff. They had already taken down these military leaders under Yan Shi Hui without anyone noticing. They are really amazing."

After Yan Shihui was dragged away, Gao Pian suddenly turned to Zhao Huai'an, who was still looking around, and said in a deep voice:
"Zhao Da, you will be under the command of the army and await orders. Your comrades will also be recalled. You will then travel south to Yazhou with the central army."

Zhao Huai'an paused for a moment, then loudly proclaimed:
"The general will get the order!"

Then Gao Pian laughed even louder, his hair and beard bristling, like a lion!
This moment belongs to his era of brilliance!
(End of this chapter)