Chapter 301

Provincial Governor's office.

"Northern Barbarians looting the local area?"

Looking at the person who came, Jia Xiaochen thought something was wrong with his ears.

Since the Northern Barbarian invasion, there hasn't been a day without looting; this doesn't count as news at all.

"Yes, Governor.

The Northern Barbarians outside the city have divided their troops and entered Qingzhou Prefecture to loot.

The Commander hopes you can take measures in time to minimize losses as much as possible."

Wu Dage said with a simple and honest look.

"We have no troops in our hands; what can we do? Tell your master to send troops to rescue immediately!"

Jia Xiaochen said unhappily.

Deep in his heart, he was collapsing.

Previously, he lost cities and land and had scapegoats to take the blame; he relied on his connections in the court to win the opportunity to "make up for his crimes with merit," which was why he had recovered from his illness and returned to work.

He never imagined that even as the Northern Barbarians were starting to withdraw, they would pull this on him.

The local army in Shandong had long since rotted and was simply no match for the Northern Barbarians.

The enemy is still cavalry; even if they notify Qingzhou Prefecture immediately, it will be too late to react.

Purely from a realistic perspective, Qingzhou Prefecture being looted by the Northern Barbarians cannot be blamed on him.

Unfortunately, in the officialdom, many times people don't look at the process; everyone only focuses on the result.

As the Shandong Provincial Governor, if problems occur in the prefectures under his jurisdiction, he cannot shirk the responsibility.

Especially since the court strictly ordered to "strengthen the walls and clear the fields," the losses caused by the local area not executing according to regulations are his political stain.

"Governor, you'd better go tell the Imperial Envoy that!

Without the Imperial Envoy's military order, who dares to mobilize the army privately?

I am just a messenger and cannot make this decision.

Please sign the receipt; I still have military duties and cannot delay here."

After speaking, Wu Dage handed over the official document receipt.

The procedure is so strict mainly to make the matter clear.

The subsequent battles, if smooth, mean the Northern Barbarians are now looting the spoils of the King-Protecting Army.

It involves interests; if they don't isolate the risks in advance, future censors will impeach them for deliberately indulging the Northern Barbarians to loot for personal gain, and then it won't be clear.

Now that the official document procedure is complete, their responsibility is fulfilled.

Whether the local government office finds a way to resist the Northern Barbarian invasion itself or negotiates with Marquis Wuyang to send troops to rescue, it all takes time.

After following the official rules to complete the process, the Northern Barbarians should be done looting.

With the burden of spoils, the enemy's high mobility will be gone.

In the subsequent great battle, the King-Protecting Army's chances of winning will increase significantly, and they can also make a small fortune along the way.

Signing his name on the receipt unhappily, Jia Xiaochen's mood became even worse.

He had just spent money in the court to operate and keep his official hat, and now he needs to spend money to grease palms again.

The wealth he had accumulated in over twenty years of serving as an official was all lost this time.

If he can't get it back, he will have suffered a huge loss.

But in the Shandong territory, there is this true god, Marquis Wuyang.

The harvest from raiding the rebels earlier is all in the hands of the King-Protecting Army, and he doesn't even have a chance to get a share.

Now even Qingzhou Prefecture has been harmed, so more than half of Shandong has been washed by the flames of war.

He has no interest in post-war reconstruction, but the massive reduction in gold masters has seriously affected his ability to make money.

His career path suffered setbacks, and his ways of making money were also mostly blocked.

In the King-Protecting Army's commander's camp, Li Mu and Marquis Wuyang were leisurely drinking afternoon tea.

Since the Northern Barbarian main force retreated, the tense atmosphere in the camp no longer existed.

Cleaning up the enemy's rear-guard unit is nothing more than a question of the size of the military merit and will not pose a fatal threat to the King-Protecting Army.

This time going north to protect the King, they have made a fortune.

The previous great victory in Jinan has already gained enough military merit.

They are just waiting for the war to end and the court to reward them based on merit.

Judging from the news received, enfeoffment is a certainty.

This house of Great Dayu has already rotted to the point where it could collapse at any time.

Li Mu has no obsession with titles.

But Marquis Wuyang is different.

Not living a good life in the capital and running to serve in a local position was just to be lured by the hereditary title.

Now that the time for harvest is near, his heart is not just excited.

By comparison, Li Mu's good mood comes more from the rich gains.

When raiding homes earlier, he made a fortune and earned back the military expenses for this expedition.

If there are no accidents, dealing with the raided real estate later will allow him to make another fortune.

If he is lucky, the Northern Barbarians outside the city will also contribute a fortune to him.

The only flaw is that the money and grain promised by the court have broken their word again.

Not only is the military pay for the Liangguang King-Protecting Army unable to arrive in time, but the situation for other reinforcements is about the same.

Because of his status, it is not easy for Li Mu to express his opinion, but the loss of the court's credibility is becoming a reality.

Following this way of messing around, in the future, if the Emperor wants to mobilize troops, I'm afraid it will be difficult to fool the officers and soldiers below with empty checks.

"The Northern Barbarians outside the city are really greedy enough; they aren't even afraid that we will give them a hard blow."

Marquis Wuyang said with a smile.

Perhaps because he is in a good mood, he sees the Northern Barbarians much more pleasingly now.

Especially the Northern Barbarians outside the city; in his eyes, they are no longer enemies, but military merit delivered to his door.

"My Lord, they have the capital to be arrogant.

The fake king in Nanjing recently swore an oath for the Northern Expedition and is currently attacking Yangzhou City.

The Yangzhou Prefect's ability is passable, but that Viceroy of Nanzhili is a complete straw bag.

If there are no accidents, it won't be long before they can occupy the whole of Nanzhili.

Whether the rebel army subsequently swings its troops to Shandong or advances to the Central Plains, the court's attention will be attracted there.

Knowing that the court cannot intercept their return north with all its might, they naturally dare to be arrogant."

Li Mu said with a hint of mockery.

If those outside the city were Tatar elites, he would accept their arrogance.

Their combat effectiveness is fierce, and with forty thousand elites placed there, the King-Protecting Army simply can't chew them down.

The problem is that the enemy army outside only has thirty thousand Guifang troops and less than ten thousand auxiliary troops.

Their combat effectiveness is slightly stronger than the ordinary Great Dayu army, but there is still a long distance from elites.

Gathering the whole army together might be able to make the King-Protecting Army break its teeth, but dividing the troops is purely seeking their own destruction.

However, although it is a military opportunity, Li Mu is not prepared to take action.

The enemy army outside the city has no burden, and its mobility far exceeds that of the King-Protecting Army; if they can't beat them, they can outrun them.

Although there is a deployment on the Yellow River, the range of the Yellow River basin is too wide, and the navy can only defend in the nearby area.

If the enemy goes all the way west and crosses the river from the upstream Henan region, it will be difficult to intercept.

"Commander Li, you have misjudged this time.

The Viceroy of Jiangnan, Pei Yunxuan, is no ordinary person.

This person cares for his subordinates, is very popular in the local area, and also has considerable attainments in military affairs.

Previously, when he was in charge of Shaanxi, his performance was very dazzling."

Marquis Wuyang shook his head and said.

Compared to ordinary officials, Pei Yunxuan's official reputation has always been good.

Especially his colleagues in the court, who evaluate him very highly; many people think he is a talent of the King's assistant who can pacify troubled times.

If everyone didn't think highly of him, Emperor Yongning wouldn't have handed such an important position as Viceroy of Jiangnan to him.

"My Lord, I haven't misjudged this time.

Official Pei is great at being an official, but that doesn't mean he is great at doing things.

Look at the days he has been in the position of Viceroy of Jiangnan; he has planned many encirclement and suppression campaigns against the rebel army, but not once has he achieved merit.

Although every time he fails, he has sufficient reasons to excuse himself, which can be attributed to bad luck.

But continuous failures mean it's not a luck problem.

As for his political achievements in Shaanxi, those are all bragging.

My ancestral home is in Shaanxi, and I know the situation there very well; it's just one spark away from exploding.

If Pei Yunxuan had really achieved dazzling merit during his tenure, he wouldn't have been in such a hurry to jump out of Shaanxi."

After hearing Li Mu's explanation, Marquis Wuyang's expression changed instantly.

If Li Mu's prediction is accurate and Pei Yunxuan is a waste, then the flames of war burning the Central Plains is just a matter of time.

If something unexpected happens in Shaanxi again, life will really be impossible.

By then, the world will be full of beacon fires; who can save the situation?

"Commander Li, this is no joke.

If the situation develops like this, wouldn't it be... the world in chaos?"

Marquis Wuyang asked in a panic.

As the head of the imperial relatives, he is completely tied to the Great Dayu.

Once the situation gets out of control and the Great Dayu Dynasty heads toward destruction, he cannot avoid being buried with this ancient empire.

Involving the lives of his whole family, suddenly the hereditary title didn't seem so fragrant anymore.

"My Lord, there is great governance after great chaos.

The dynasty has been passed down for more than two hundred and seventy years, longer than the lifespan of many dynasties in history.

In this process, too many social contradictions have accumulated and need to be solved.

The failure of the reforms promoted during the late Emperor's reign destined today's outcome.

Fortunately, His Majesty is diligent and loves the people, and there are countless loyal men in the court who can turn the tide in troubled times.

The chaos in the world is only temporary; once the White Lotus Sect rebel army is pacified and the excess population is consumed, social contradictions will ease in the region.

By then, working hard will start a round of restoration!"

Li Mu immediately bluffed.

He can only fill the hole he dug himself.

Originally, he just complained about the Viceroy of Jiangnan being a waste, but he never imagined it would lead to so much trouble.

Deep in his heart, he had already made up his mind that this truth could not be spoken in the future.

"You are right; my Great Dayu has countless loyal men, and we will surely overcome this crisis!"

Marquis Wuyang said with a firm tone.

Regardless of how the situation develops, he, the Imperial Uncle, has no choice.

Wanting to rise against the trend in troubled times is impossible.

His power comes entirely from the Emperor; once the Great Dayu collapses, he will be nothing.

He didn't doubt Li Mu's intentions because the two men's situations were very similar.

Nobles share the same fate as the nation, and their glory and wealth all come from imperial power.

Once the dynasty changes, civil officials and gentry can change masters, but they, these "remnants of the previous dynasty," cannot.

Even if they are willing to surrender, it is difficult to have a good end.

Even if someone offers to buy them, the price cannot be higher than the Great Dayu.

After the great war, not only can he obtain military merit titles, but Li Mu can also obtain a title.

These are the political blessings brought by the status of descendants of nobles.

If it were a grassroots general, wanting to obtain a title would definitely not be so easy.

Developing step by step, one can reach the peak of officialdom, and there is absolutely no reason to betray.

"My Lord, these are just the worst-case scenarios; the reality may not be that bad.

The tense situation in Shaanxi mainly stems from years of drought, which affected grain production.

Disaster is an accidental phenomenon; as long as the weather is favorable, then everything is not a problem.

The Southeast battlefield is the same; after ending the King-Protecting war, the court will have the ability to organize a great war to suppress the rebellion.

By then, as long as we recover Nanjing in time and severely damage the rebel army, we can eliminate the previous bad political impact."

Li Mu comforted him.

Frankly speaking, he doesn't want to launch the battle to recover Nanjing so quickly.

The war has been going on until now, and the officers and soldiers under his command have also shown war-weariness and urgently need to rest and reorganize.

But there is no other way; since the words have reached this point, as a loyal subject of the Great Dayu, he must certainly strive to regain the mountains and rivers.

Actively participating in protecting the King is showing loyalty to the Emperor.

Sending troops to recover Nanjing is also showing loyalty to the Emperor.

The background of being a descendant of a noble determines that Li Mu must manage the "loyal subject" persona.

Although the Great Dayu has the risk of falling apart, it still possesses enough centripetal force.

Officialdom is corrupt, but it hasn't rotted through.

At the end of the dynasty, being able to possess the current team is something to be happy about!

As long as the Emperor doesn't mess around, saving the situation is a high-probability event.

"You are right; it is I who thought wrongly.

The situation is difficult, which shows the true character of a hero.

That bunch of civil officials is not promising, but we still have these nobles.

To save the situation, the Emperor has further delegated power to local government offices.

Forced by the needs of the situation, perhaps in the near future, you will also be able to govern a region."

After hearing Marquis Wuyang's words, Li Mu secretly complained.

Having finally achieved results in Liangguang, he doesn't want to move so quickly.

Governing a region seems infinitely glamorous, but in reality, it is a target.

Just look at Marquis Wuyang; since he became Viceroy, various impeachments haven't stopped.

By comparison, his life as a military Commander is much more comfortable.

Because the two sides are on different tracks, the civil officials don't treat him as an enemy at all.

Even if they suppress him, it is for the needs of the national policy of "governing the military with civil officials."

"My Lord, this matter must absolutely not happen; the civil officials have been stimulated enough, and going further will drive them crazy.

Now we need to be in the same boat, so it is not suitable to stir up a civil-military dispute."

Li Mu refused immediately.

Regardless of whether this is a test, he is not prepared to take the move.

Rather than striving to govern a region, it is better to cultivate more trusted aides and occupy a few positions in the army.

In troubled times, the most important thing is military power; everything else is a side issue.

"You think too much; it's not that I want to push you to the top, but some positions don't need to be fought for at all.

For example: Viceroy of Jiangnan, which seems to be the number one Viceroy in the world, but in reality, it is a hot potato now.

If Pei Yunxuan is finished, do you think anyone dares to take over?

The Viceroy is like this, and the Provincial Governor below is the same.

The land under their jurisdiction is all in the hands of the rebel army, which is purely a nominal position; whoever takes this position will take the blame."

Marquis Wuyang said unhappily.

In this regard, he has the most say; the concurrent position of Viceroy of Minzhe fell on him because no suitable candidate could be found.

"My Lord, discussing this now has no meaning.

Let's clean up the Northern Barbarians outside the city first!

Their heads are much more valuable than the rebel army's.

Our future and career all depend on them.

That bunch of border troops has never been convinced by our military merit.

It is just right to take this opportunity to show our strength to the outside world."

Li Mu immediately changed the subject.

In the eyes of the outside world, there was too much luck in the great victory in Jinan.

If the Northern Barbarians hadn't been so arrogant, the sneak attack wouldn't have been so smooth.

Fighting face-to-face, even if they could win, it would be difficult to achieve complete success.

The same tactic can only be used once.

The subsequent great battle will be a contest of hard power.

(End of chapter)