Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 558: Border Incidents Re-emerge
The new Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi, Zhao Feng, was a pragmatic and ambitious man. After receiving the transfer order, he settled down with great difficulty, took dozens of followers, and immediately set off for Beijing.

As for his family, they were to stay where they were and wait for news. When he took office, they would be escorted directly there by his family guards.

They rode at full speed all the way and arrived in the capital in just 25 days, which would have taken 40 days.

The triumphant Emperor Chenghui met Zhao Feng in the Qianqing Palace. After some greetings, Emperor Chenghui gave him Jia Lian's policy report.

"My dear minister, please take a closer look. I believe that from now on, all officials in charge of a region should provide a policy report to the court."

Holding the heavy report in his hand, Zhao Feng's heart trembled slightly. It seemed that this governorship would not be an easy job.

He opened it and read it carefully. Emperor Chenghui did not urge him. After he had read for about an hour, when he looked up, Emperor Chenghui asked with a smile, "How is it?"

How could Zhao Feng not see that Emperor Chenghui was showing off? Jia Lian was famous for his loyalty, and everyone in the country and the officialdom knew him.

This is just like a fisherman who has loaded a large truck. As long as there is power in the electric bike, he will circle around outside with the fish hanging on it.

"I am not as good as Jia Buqi!" Zhao Feng said modestly. Emperor Chenghui waved his hand and said, "Each of us has his own strengths. Jia Buqi is good at both civil and military affairs, but his methods are too rough and he is too eager to achieve success."

Zhao Feng could only accept it: "Your Majesty is too harsh on Jia. I am indeed not as good as him."

As they were talking, Qiu Shian suddenly poked his head out and then retracted it.

Emperor Chenghui knew Qiu Shian and immediately asked, "Is there something urgent?"

"Urgent news from Yunnan, 800 miles away, all the ministers are here." Qiu Shian explained the situation. Emperor Chenghui glanced at Zhao Feng who was about to leave and said, "My dear minister, please stay and listen."

Zhao Feng's heart warmed up. It was a great favor to be cultivated. Zhao Feng stood up and waited with a serious expression for Qiu Shian to lead the ministers in.

Soon the eunuchs brought chairs so that everyone had a seat. After Emperor Chenghui returned to his desk, he looked at everyone and asked, "What's the urgent report?"

Yue Qi, the military secretary, said: "Your Majesty, the governor of Yunnan has reported urgently that Burma has raised troops to invade the north, and the chieftains under its control are unable to resist and have surrendered one after another. The Burmese army has taken northern Burma without bloodshed and is refusing to give up, continuing to invade the north. As of the day the urgent report was sent, the Burmese army has seized six of our counties."

When Emperor Chenghui heard that the time didn't match, he decisively turned around and asked Zhao Feng, "Did you get any news when Zhao Qing left Chengdu?"

Of course Zhao Feng knew what was fishy going on. It was just that the Governor of Yunnan only reported good news and not bad news, and he could no longer suppress it, so he reported it.

Although it is said that officials protect each other, Zhao Feng will not cover up for the sake of other people's future.

"When I left Chengdu, there was no news."

Emperor Chenghui said angrily: "This Ren Xu, if the matter could not be suppressed, he would not have reported it."

Calling a minister by his name is very rude, which shows how angry Emperor Chenghui was at the moment.

Yue Qi sighed and said, "Your Majesty, the situation may be more serious than what Governor Ren reported."

Zhang Ting'en said, "Yunnan is a border area with high mountains and dense forests, so information cannot be transmitted smoothly. This is related to military intelligence, so we need to confirm it before we can report it truthfully. I can understand that it is a bit slow."

Emperor Chenghui was shocked when he heard this, and realized that he had lost his composure. Zhang Tingen had just acted in a timely manner. In comparison, Yue Qi and Zhao Feng were both a little lacking in political skills.

That’s right, even if this matter needs to be investigated, it would be the cabinet that would make a statement first, and then the emperor would approve it.

Zhao Feng also realized that something was wrong and made timely corrections: "What Prime Minister Zhang said is absolutely right. The border terrain of Yunnan is complex, and the chieftains under its jurisdiction have always been fence-sitters who sway with the wind. In recent years, the imperial court has been vigorously promoting the policy of converting the chieftains into officials, and many chieftains are dissatisfied. Qin Liangyu is a very rare and isolated case."

Yue Qi, who had just entered the cabinet, was taught a lesson by Zhang Tingen without any expression. He was so confused that he didn't know how to continue.

"No matter what, taking away my six counties, even if it's just looting, is intolerable! The Burmese royal court must be taught a severe lesson." Lin Ruhai stood up and made a stern statement.

Li Qing didn't understand military affairs, and he didn't want to follow Lin Ruhai's lead, so he said slowly, "Then we should find out the situation as soon as possible. Unfortunately, Yunnan is a long way away, and it will take several months to go back and forth. Why not arrange for an important person nearby to go over and see what the situation is, and deal with it immediately."

The current King of Burma is indeed a tough guy sent from heaven. After unifying Myanmar, he not only fought with the British, but also with the Central Plains dynasty.

Myanmar has not always been a weak country in history. It’s just that the country is too small and the Burmese king has too little room to play.

Of course, the Central Plains dynasties were exhausted to a large extent due to the geographical environment.

"Yeah, who should we send?" Emperor Chenghui also agreed with Li Qing's statement. After all, it was so far away. By the time they figured out the situation and sent someone there, the situation there might have already deteriorated. This was how it was in this era. The so-called news might have happened a month or two later.

When everyone was wondering who would be the most suitable person to go immediately, Pan Jixun said, "Your Majesty, I have a candidate, but..."

"Why are you hesitating? Speak!" Emperor Chenghui interrupted him impatiently. Pan Jixun gritted his teeth and said, "I am talking about Jia Buqi!"

Emperor Chenghui was stunned. If the person who said this was not Pan Jixun, he would definitely curse, "How much do you not want Jia Buqi to return to Beijing? Did he dig up your ancestral graves or throw your children into the well? Answer me?"

No one thought about Jia Lian, because they all assumed that Jia Lian would return to Beijing. He had been away for six years and had made great achievements, but no one had decided how to deal with him when he returned to Beijing. "Lord Pan, Jia Buqi is indeed the most suitable candidate, but we don't know how to place him now. You are trying to set up the cabinet officials!"

Emperor Chenghui finished speaking with a wry smile, and Pan Jixun followed suit with a wry smile: "I know in my heart that Jia Buqi has made outstanding contributions and can only be rewarded if he joins the cabinet. The military situation is urgent, and when Jia Buqi returns triumphantly, I am willing to step down and let him take over."

As soon as Li Qing saw that the emperor was moved, he immediately said, "I am also willing to give way to the lord!"

Yue Qi was feeling bitter in his heart, I am the Minister of War!

Emperor Chenghui looked at Zhang Tingen, and the Prime Minister nodded slightly: "I think it's okay!" Lin Ruhai stared at Pan Jixun fiercely, "You bastard, you ruined my daughter's youth. I'll make a note of this."

Zhao Feng's heart was filled with emotion as he listened to this. If one day he could be like Jia Lian, and the emperor would give him the utmost trust in times of crisis, that would be the pinnacle of an official.

"Draft an edict!" Emperor Chenghui was very decisive. This matter could not be delayed.

An imperial edict was quickly drafted, and Emperor Chenghui, after reading it and finding no problem with it, stamped it directly.

The meaning of the imperial edict was as full of trust as ever, appointing Jia Lian as the imperial envoy, giving him full authority to deal with Myanmar's border violations and granting him the right to act at his discretion.

This imperial edict was not delivered by a normal person, but was sent quickly over a distance of 800 miles to Tianjin, and then quickly sailed south by a clipper ship waiting there.

Since the advent of clippers, official coastal letter delivery has also been born. At any time, a clipper is ensured to be on standby at the port and ready to depart at any time.

No matter how fast it was, it would take Jia Lian half a month to get the imperial edict. When he opened it, he was stunned. Why did Myanmar join in the fun? Is it so difficult for me to be transferred back to the capital?

If they set off for Yunnan immediately, it would probably take a long time to resolve the issue. Jia Lian opened the map and took a look. Decidedly, they should take the sea route.

Since the imperial edict has been issued, it is impossible not to execute it. It is a good time to rest for a while and stretch your muscles. In addition, Myanmar's geographical location is indeed very important. Once it is taken, it will be an outlet to the Indian Ocean. The only trouble is that it may arouse the vigilance of the British. Fortunately, the British are still focusing on India and Europe. When the French Revolution breaks out, Asia will be even less taken care of. At that time, as long as they don't attack India, the British can hold their noses and bear it.

The contents of Jia Lian's letter to the capital are as follows. First, we can go to Yunnan by land, but the road is not easy to travel and it takes a long time. Yunnan is a border area with complex terrain, and it is difficult for the army to deploy. It is difficult for our army to bring into play its equipment advantages, so it is unrealistic to want a quick victory. Even if the army can be deployed, it is difficult to solve problems such as personnel and food, and the consumption must be too great to bear. Therefore, even if Yunnan is passive, the court should order it to hold on to stabilize the situation. Secondly, sending troops from Nanyang and attacking the plains in southern Myanmar by sea can quickly strike the enemy's deep-seated key points. Whether it is transporting troops or materials by sea, the cost will be greatly reduced. In the plains in southern Myanmar, the superior firepower can also make up for the lack of troops, and it is not difficult to win. At that time, we will seize the king's city, and the initiative will be in our hands whether it is war or peace.

"Military affairs are urgent. I am thousands of miles away and cannot ask for instructions on everything. If I overstep my authority, I will return to the capital to take responsibility."

Jia Lian left this sentence at the end of his report. This was not written casually, but in recent years, many people have seized on the Nanyang New Army and made a big fuss, saying that Jia Lian wanted to learn from the warlords of the late Tang Dynasty and establish his own regime. In addition, Jia Lian did appoint people based on personal connections, so if you really want to be serious, it is really hard to explain.

Preparation for war is never an easy matter. Although this time we need to fight quickly, it will take some time. We can't just say that tens of thousands of people will arrive off the coast of Myanmar.

Which troops to deploy to fight and how much logistical support will be needed are all things that require planning by the General Staff.

It would take Jia Lian a month just to prepare, and the messenger would have to run back and forth. If the emperor had no idea about Jia Lian, then the last sentence would have played a role, at least giving the emperor time to make a decision and finally stop Jia Lian before the expedition. While the messenger was sending to the capital, Jia Lian also sent a letter to Churchill in India, telling him not to misunderstand that he was going to send troops to Burma.

Emperor Chenghui received Jia Lian's report and read it carefully. He thought Jia Lian's opinion was fair and correct. He immediately convened a cabinet meeting. After circulating the report, Emperor Chenghui did not ask anyone else and spoke directly: "I deeply agree with what Jia Buqi said. Regarding the British side, Li Qingjia will personally report it to avoid misunderstandings. Regarding the issue of military power in Nanyang, there are many doubters in the court. Jia Qing is uneasy, and I should appease them. Zhao Xianyun (Feng) should still be on the way, just in time to see Jia Qing off. Regarding Yunnan, immediately issue a letter to order Ren Chusheng (Xu) not to seek victory, but to stabilize the situation and prevent it from deteriorating."

Logically speaking, this is the confidence of a great country. The country is big and has sufficient strategic depth. Even if the whole Yunnan is lost, so what?

The reason why Emperor Chenghui was angry and concerned was very simple. I had just announced the Chenghui Reign, and you came to my door? Where did you put the emperor's face?
Emperor Chenghui issued another imperial edict, emphasizing the authorization of Jia Lian, and issued a document to warn those who made strange remarks. If anyone said that Jia Lian had his own troops and was suspected of being a Chenqiao traitor, he would be sent to Yunnan to fight.

Compared with the court's reaction, Churchill's reaction was really big. After receiving Jia Lian's letter, he read it for a long time and was suspicious.

India is too important to the British. The people here would rather starve to death than resist. With a large population and a vast area, there is almost unlimited human resources that can be exploited to the maximum extent. Where else can you find such a good colony? (PS: It’s not that there are no rebels, but it’s hard to describe. To be honest, only India can give birth to Gandhi.)
With Jia Lian's order, everything from Guangdong to Southeast Asia started moving. Warships began to gather, logistics ships entered the port, and various military supplies began to be loaded. In order to let the soldiers eat good food, Jia Lian even launched Spam (lunch meat). Who cares about food health preservatives? As for where the preservatives came from, of course it was the credit of Lavoisier's laboratory. This thing actually started to be produced last year. After the steel plant produced tinplate, Jia Lian thought about this thing. It happened that a large batch was produced, and it has not yet started to be sold. All of them have been shipped out.

If you want to know what this stuff is like, just look at the jerky that the early British navy ate and you’ll know how conscientious Spam is.

(PS: It’s already cheating, so don’t be so picky.)
With tinplate, you can also make canned fish, with black bean sauce, which tastes very good. But people in the south know that they are tired of eating fresh fish, so why eat canned fish?

Preparations for war are in full swing. Jia Lian hopes that this will be his last expedition. He never wants to lead troops to war again, as it is too tiring.

Before officially setting out on the expedition, Zhao Feng came to Guangzhou. After meeting Jia Lian, he couldn't wait to ask for a talk.

Jia Lian met his request and talked with him alone for an afternoon and the first half of the night, during which Zhao Feng asked questions and Jia Lian answered them.

Zhao Feng was very serious and took a notebook to write it down.

When talking about Western countries, Jia Lian warned him very pertinently: "Brother Xianyun, Westerners must not be trusted. They are barbarians who follow the so-called law of the jungle. They are arrogant and barbaric. The fittest survive and the strong are just. At any time, when dealing with Westerners, do not be fooled by sweet words. Talk to them about interests and calculate every penny clearly."

To be honest, Zhao Feng had read many of Jia Lian's articles, especially those about Westerners. Now, hearing him evaluate Westerners in person, he was really shocked.

These words actually came from Jia Lian, who has always advocated contact with the West and increased trade efforts.

I thought he had always had good relations with Western countries, but I didn't expect it to be like this?
"We are a country of etiquette, and we value reciprocity. Western countries, in diplomacy, pursue maximizing their interests. If we are strong, they will be willing to sit down and talk. If they are strong, they will come to us and arrogantly make all kinds of excessive demands."

(End of this chapter)