Entrepreneurship in the Late Tang Dynasty

Chapter 191: Red Heart
The night was long. After ordering a change of personnel, Zhao Huai'an prepared to take Beiwei and his staff down from the city wall to inspect the finishing work outside the city and to comfort and encourage the three officers who remained outside the city.

Among them, the five hundred soldiers of Shouzhou were particularly noteworthy. Their governor, Lao Yan, had already been left in Bianzhou and had become a guest of honor of the military supervisor Yang Fuguang, showing a rather carefree attitude towards life.

In fact, to some extent, Governor Yan did achieve his goal: Zhao Huai'an fought fiercely in front, while he reaped the rewards from behind.

And isn't that how it is now?
Zhao Da led his army deep into the chaotic Caozhou, risking his life for it. In Bianzhou, he drank and watched songs and dances, yet he still claimed credit. Not to mention, he became a guest of honor of Yang Fuguang, a powerful eunuch in Chang'an. Such good fortune was something he never dared to dream of before.

But what did Governor Yan lose? He lost the real power he had before the chaos began.

However, for someone like him who had spent so much time in the military, losing this power might not be such a bad thing.

……

At this moment, Zhao Huai'an rode his horse and led the Beiwei men to the Shouzhou army camp.

The bonfires burning outside the camp illuminated the area outside the city. Of the five hundred soldiers from Shouzhou, a thousand of them were Shouzhou retainers supporting the battle. At this moment, these retainers were digging trenches outside the camp, pushing soil onto the side closest to the camp as they dug.

These men from Shouzhou all recognized Zhao Huai'an's banner and knew him. Looking at this hero from Shouzhou, they felt a sense of pride.

Suddenly, Zhao Huai'an called out the name of one of the men who accompanied him, greeted him in his hometown dialect, and then called out the name of another man.

He greeted everyone he saw and knew with a smile.

These men and women looked at the dragon-like figures, clad in iron armor and feathered plumes, looking as spirited as heavenly soldiers and generals. But then they heard the great hero surrounded by thousands calling out the names of their men, speaking in their native dialect.

At that moment, they felt an overwhelming sense of honor!

As Zhao Huai'an rode on his horse, he looked at the young men from his hometown who were bowing down to him, and saw their excited expressions, but he remained very clear-headed.

The reason these people were so agitated was not because Zhao Huai'an was from their hometown, nor because he had any great personal charisma, but simply because he had power.

As long as someone has power, no matter how approachable they are, they will still exude an aura of power. And what these followers worship is this power, and what excites them is this power.

Everyone wished they could be like him, and everyone wished they could replace Zhao Huai'an.

This is Zhao Huai'an's clear-headedness.

He rode into the military camp at full speed. The soldiers from Shouzhou outside the camp wanted to report this, but Zhao Huai'an stopped them.

He led the men straight to the large tent in the center of the camp.

The clatter of hooves drew the attention of the Shouzhou soldiers, who then saw Zhao Huai'an, the prefect of Guang Prefecture, waving at them and shouting:

"Fellow villagers, get ready! Head to the central drill ground for your rewards!"

Zhao Huai'an's words immediately drew cheers from the Shouzhou soldiers, who then rushed to the drill ground without even putting on their armor, wearing only robes.

At this moment, all the soldiers of Shouzhou praised him, saying that the governor of Guang Prefecture was indeed as his name suggested, and was really generous in giving money!

But what they didn't know was that Zhao Huai'an used different methods to motivate different people.

For the core members of the Baoyi Army, Zhao Huai'an not only gave them stock options for their careers, but also ensured that once he rose through the ranks, the Baoyi Army members below him would all be promoted and become wealthy.

Therefore, Zhao Huai'an emphasizes loyalty and spirit when it comes to these people; in other words, he focuses on team building and cultivating a strong team spirit.

Because these people have moved beyond the point of desperately needing money; what they want is future power, the power to be fawned over like Zhao Huai'an.

Then, for ordinary officials and soldiers who uphold righteousness, Zhao Huai'an both talked about loyalty and provided them with protection.

Whether it's the Yibao system or the allocation of houses and land to the children of soldiers, Zhao Huai'an grasps one core principle: if you're willing to die for Zhao Huai'an, you don't need to worry about anything else. The only thing you need to do is to leave a trail of afterimages with your rifle once you're on the battlefield.

But simply providing these material guarantees is not enough. If a team wants to be different, just providing good food and good treatment will only lead to its decline. Without a spiritual core and spiritual pursuits, it will only produce pampered soldiers like Wei Bo.

They dare not ride on Zhao Da's head, but they will certainly ride on Zhao Da's son's head.

Therefore, Zhao Huai'an instilled a spirit in the entire army, which was righteousness!

This sense of righteousness is still very small; it's merely the bond between comrades and brothers, at most meaning not abandoning or giving up on each other.

But as the Righteous Army grows larger, this small act of righteousness will eventually become a greater one.

Zhao Huai'an often pondered why things turned out this way at the end of the Tang Dynasty. How could a society and a country decline and perish?
Having been in the Tang Dynasty for so long and met so many people, Zhao Huai'an received different answers from everyone.

Some say it's due to the imperial court's financial crisis, others say it's due to the fragmentation of the country by regional warlords, still others say it's due to the dragging down of continuous wars, and still others say it's due to factional strife and power struggles among the upper echelons.

These are all answers, but Zhao Huai'an gradually came up with his own: the Tang Dynasty, from top to bottom, was morally bankrupt and sliding into the abyss.

Everywhere I look, there are unjust people, and all they do is unjust things.

Just as the two provinces of Cao and Pu suffered disasters, does this necessarily lead to the current great turmoil?
Actually, no, Zhao Huai'an himself had learned about it from his thirteenth uncle.

Back in the Zhenguan era, the Yanzhou region, where Cao and Pu prefectures were located, suffered a famine no less severe than the one we are experiencing now. At that time, the imperial court was in dire need of rebuilding, and Yanzhou had only recently been seized from Wang Shichong and was still an occupied territory.

Therefore, bandits and refugees also appeared in Cao and Pu prefectures at that time, but the imperial court put aside its prejudices and provided great disaster relief to these places. As a result, the bandits were kept to a very small scale and were eventually easily wiped out.

But now?

Although the imperial court has lost the tribute from the various vassal states of Hebei, the overall national strength is far greater than during the Zhenguan era. Yet now, it cannot even produce a single grain of rice. Is this a problem with the national strength?
Rather, the court at that time was already an unjust entity.

The Chang'an that hangs high above the people's heads is no longer the Chang'an that brings peace and stability to the world, but the Chang'an where the whole world is devoted to serving one city.

In the past, the imperial court considered the entire world as its domain, so all that the sun and moon shone upon was Tang territory, and all those who submitted to its rule were subjects of the Great Tang. Therefore, even those who had just come under the court's control used rice from Guanzhong to save people from Guandong.

But what about now? The imperial court is still the same imperial court, but their eyes are only on Chang'an.

Cao and Pu prefectures have been under the jurisdiction of the imperial court for sixty years, spanning three generations.

Yet these people still bear higher taxes, while the wealthier Xuanwu Army next door can go decades without paying taxes. The reason for all this is simply that sixty years ago, they were conquered vassal states.

But did the officials and nobles in Chang'an ever think about this? They were doing well before entering Chang'an, but now that they've returned to Chang'an, they're going to go hungry.

How many people would be grateful to the court? So the rebellion in Cao and Pu prefectures today is not a disaster of today, but the result of the injustices suffered over the past sixty years.

Now that the court is unjust to the people, how many of the officials, eunuchs, noble families, and local tyrants below can uphold justice?
As Zhao Huai'an himself had observed, among so many people in Xichuan, how many truly upheld righteousness? Let alone preaching righteousness to the common people, they would even betray their own comrades-in-arms.

Because there are so many unrighteous people, in the end the righteous are the ones who are wrong.

Therefore, the end times are not only a collapse of order, but also a collapse of morality.

Since Zhao Huai'an has the ambition to bring order to the world, he needs to do more than just use force to rebuild social order; he also needs to inject a spirit into this morally corrupt world.

So what spirit did Zhao Huai'an want to instill? It was the word "righteousness," specifically, the revival of the spirit and vitality of the Han Dynasty.

Only by using both military and moral means can we truly quell the chaos and rebuild the world. Only a dynasty built on this foundation can last for more than two hundred years.

Previously, some people in the military had said that there was no need to go to disaster relief; they, as military men, should only focus on fighting and making military achievements.

There are too many reasons to refute this.

These refugees from Caozhou may seem like a burden now, but they are the essence of Caozhou. If the Baoyi Army can absorb these refugees and make use of their strength, the Baoyi Army's power will take another leap forward.

Not to mention, Zhao Huai'an also valued the anti-Tang sentiments of these people.

Zhao Huai'an did not come here to be a loyal subject of the Tang Dynasty; he wanted to create his own era, which required him to gather a group of people who opposed the Tang Dynasty's order to build his own anti-Tang force.

After all, if everyone below is absolutely loyal to the court, then Zhao Huai'an will also have to be a loyal minister.

Furthermore, his relief efforts for the disaster victims in Caozhou could further spread his reputation as a "righteous protector" throughout the Central Plains.

This was his first public appearance in the Central Plains, and his future prestige here depended entirely on this debut. Not to mention, this kind of event would also reassure his brothers; after all, who wouldn't want their leader to be loyal and righteous?
Now that Zhao Huai'an is willing to let even the people of Caozhou live, let alone us brothers who have followed the magistrate through thick and thin.

Righteousness! It's not just about words, but about actions. Only then can you earn the trust of your brothers and the world!

And what did Zhao Huai'an give up? He gave up nothing.

The rice for disaster relief came from Bianzhou, so why is Zhao Huai'an so distressed?
When the time comes, will the people who survived by eating rice from Zhao Huai'an's side remember the court's kindness? They will only acknowledge Zhao Huai'an's favor.

Never say, "What's the use of this kind of benevolence?"

It is said that the Tian family was able to replace the Qi dynasty because the Chen family used the method of lending out large measures and exchanging them for small measures to win people's hearts.

Just as the hearts of the army need to be won over, so too do the hearts of the people. And now Zhao Huai'an can use the imperial court's rice to buy the hearts of the people of Caozhou. What a great thing this is!
However, the imperial court's period of prosperity has ended. With Ximen Sigong starting to restrict Zhao Huai'an's access to resources, the era of widespread disaster relief has come to an end. He is now looking to start implementing more refined disaster relief measures. Zhao Huai'an has already made some plans for this and is just waiting to overcome this difficulty before he can begin to implement them.

……

As Zhao Huai'an was thinking, the sound of his horse's hooves startled the generals in the main tent.

When Zhang Ao, the military commissioner of Shouzhou, saw the governor coming to inspect the camp, he quickly led a group of soldiers out of the tent to greet Zhao Huai'an.

After dismounting, Zhao Huai'an patted Zhang Ao on the shoulder, said "You've worked hard," and then went into the main tent and sat at the head of the table.

The generals from Shouzhou stood in one line, while the righteous generals and their staff who came with Zhao Huai'an stood in another line.

Zhao Huai'an, gripping his riding whip, looked at the group of generals from Shouzhou and stated frankly:

"These bandits will soon be leading their troops to Yuanju. Some say we should avoid this battle and retreat back to Bianzhou. But before me, Zhao Da, there is no such thing as retreating without a fight. Since these bandits want to fight, then let's play with them!"

Many of the generals in Shouzhou nodded in agreement. Their superior was a brave and courageous man, and as long as they were still warriors, no one would be unhappy.

After stating his position directly, Zhao Huai'an added:

“These past few days, you have all been working together with the Baoyi Army. I think you all know what the Baoyi Army’s system is and how I, Zhao Da, treat my brothers. Now I want to hear your opinions.”

The generals of Shouzhou looked at each other, none of them daring to speak.

Zhao Huai'an frowned and reprimanded these people:

"How did we, the people of Shouzhou, become like this? So fussy and nagging, like women! Just say what you mean!"

Then, one of the ten men, named Liu Kangyi, who was the boldest, stepped forward and said:

"My lord, we also want to be like the Righteous Army, willing to risk our lives for you!"

Zhao Huai'an looked up at Liu Kangyi and recognized him as a chivalrous hero from Shouzhou who was in the same circle as him. Sure enough, in critical moments, you still have to rely on your own people.

As Liu Kangyi shouted, all the generals of Shouzhou pledged their loyalty, fearing they would fall behind.

Zhao Huai'an nodded, then suddenly said to these people:
“You are all from my hometown. Since ancient times, no one has been able to accomplish anything without relying on their fellow villagers. And you are all the elite heroes of Shouzhou. With your help, I, Zhao Da, will surely be even more powerful!”

"But to be honest, the brotherhood between me and my fellow Baoyi warriors is forged through countless trials of life and death, and I trust them and can entrust my back and my life to them. But can I trust you?"

Zhao Huai'an had been staring at Zhang Ao, and seeing that he was still hesitating, he coughed.

Then Liu Kangyi, one of their own, came out with his hands clasped in front of him, his face flushed, and patted his chest, saying:
"My lord, if the Baoyi Army can do it, so can our Shouzhou Army. We can cross mountains of corpses and wade through seas of blood. We, the sons of Shouzhou, can withstand the test of life and death. My lord, give our Shouzhou Army a chance to be your brothers!"

After saying that, Liu Kangyi actually knelt down and begged.

The generals on the opposite side gasped when they saw this. This Liu Kangyi was not old, but was he too eager to improve?
Sure enough, the remaining generals from Shouzhou also knelt down, hoping that Zhao Huai'an would treat them as brothers, and that they would not let Zhao Huai'an down.

Seeing that all the generals were kneeling, Zhang Ao knelt down as well and shouted to Zhao Huai'an:
"My lord, the army of Shouzhou will prove our loyalty with our blood!"

Zhao Huai'an slapped his thigh and shouted "Good!" Then he said to Zhao Liu beside him:

"Bring it!"

Zhao Liu pulled a folded piece of cloth from his chest pocket, walked to Zhao Huai'an's side, and with a flick of his wrists, unfurled a military flag.

Zhang Ao's eyelids twitched, and he saw that the flag read:

"Utterly loyal!"

Zhao Huai'an stood up, personally handed the military flag to Zhang Ao, and said to him:
“Old Zhang, from now on you will be the first commander of my ‘Chixin’ Capital. From now on, your Chixin Capital will only select sons from Shouzhou, father to son, brother to brother. As long as the Zhao family exists, you will be the heart and soul of the Zhao family. You will share the glory of the Zhao family with my Baoyi Yuancong. When the Zhao family prospers, your Chixin Capital will prosper; when the Zhao family perishes, your Chixin Capital will perish.”

"Now, I, Zhao Huai'an, ask you all: are you willing to be the shield of the Zhao family, to shed your last drop of blood for the Zhao family?"

At this moment, Liu Kangyi was already wailing and crying, and he and the other generals of Shouzhou roared:

"I'm willing!"

Zhang Ao took a deep breath, pushed aside mountains of gold and jade pillars, knelt down to receive the "Loyal and Unwavering" banner from Zhao Huai'an, and roared:
"I, Zhang Ao, am willing to shed my last drop of blood for you, my lord! My loyal heart will forever be the shield of the Zhao family, and I will die for the Zhao family!"

Zhao Huai'an drew his knife and pressed it directly against Zhang Ao's head, then addressed everyone present:

"Today, I, Zhao Huai'an, swear that you will not betray me, Zhao Da, and I, Zhao Da, will not betray you! We will drink from the same golden cup together and share wealth and honor! Let future generations see that our loyalty and heroism are a beacon of light that illuminates this chaotic darkness!"

"Where righteousness lies, I will follow even unto death! Since I, Zhao Da, have spoken, I will do it with my life!"

At this moment, Zhao Liu and the others also knelt down, offering their utmost loyalty to the man before them, and shouting together with their devoted followers:
"Where righteousness lies, we will follow, even unto death! We will protect it with our lives!"

Zhao Huai'an laughed heartily, gestured for everyone to rise, and then said to them:
"If it weren't for the impending battle, I would have drunk myself into oblivion with my brothers tonight."

Then, he turned to Zhang Ao and asked:
"Old Zhang, a major battle is imminent. You, Old Huo, and Old Gao will be responsible for defending the three stockades outside the city, especially the last one, the water stockade. This is the throat of our army. Are you confident that you can hold it?"

Zhang Ao clasped his hands in greeting and replied:

"My lord, rest assured, if the enemy forces number 100,000, I will fight for you for ten days; if they number 50,000, I will hold them off for a month; if they number 10,000, I will annihilate them for you!"

Zhao Huai'an slammed his fist on the table and laughed at everyone present:

"See that? That's the spirit our Righteous Army needs! There's nothing to be afraid of. What can a bunch of bandits do to us, no matter how many there are? Since they want to attack, let them never return!"

"Those who dare to underestimate our Righteous Army will regret it with their lives!"

The generals burst into laughter, and Zhao Huai'an was relieved.

However, after settling the generals, he also needed to settle the officials and soldiers below them, so he prepared to take everyone to the drill ground and personally distribute money to the soldiers of Shouzhou.

But just as we were about to set off, someone came in to report.

The person who entered was none other than Shi Chongxin, the former general who had stepped into the palace. After entering, he knelt before Zhao Huai'an and said:
"My lord, we received a messenger from the Yicheng army in the north. They said they have extremely urgent military information to deliver to you."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Huai'an found it amusing.

Having just wiped out the spies of the Cao army during the day, and knowing that the Yicheng army in Puzhou was now completely wiped out, a new envoy from the Yicheng army appeared that night, with something extremely urgent to say.

At this moment, Zhao Huai'an felt as if his brain was being rubbed on the ground by those bandits. Those bandits, especially the strategist Shang Junzhang, were really looking down on him, Zhao Da.

I admit you have some brains, but don't look down on people!

Thinking of this, Zhao Huai'an suppressed his anger and shouted:
"Alright, let them in. I want to see what kind of urgent situation they have!"

After he finished speaking, the generals inside the tent burst into laughter, then drew their maces and swords from their waists with ferocious expressions, looking like angry demons.

Shi Chongxin shuddered, immediately realizing that he had brought in spies. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he stepped aside, angrily waiting for the spies to enter.

You dare to lie to me, Shi Yeye! Tonight I'll skin you alive!
(End of this chapter)