Fu Shanhe

Chapter 261: Checking the Military Farms in Guangdong
Xiangyang Prefecture.

"Lord, I just received information that the rebels captured Chongqing Prefecture ten days ago.

This coincided with the previous unusual movements of the rebels under Wei Ni. The enemy wanted to seize Shu with all their strength and strategically contracted the Huguang region.

The opportunity to recapture Wuchang Prefecture has arrived!"

Hou Huaichang said excitedly.

After returning from mourning, Xu Wenyue's reputation dropped a lot. Even though Governor Zhu took the blame, he, the former governor who suppressed the rebellion, was still affected.

Especially in the subsequent war to suppress the rebellion, his performance was also very mediocre. Although Xiangyang was defended, the situation in Jiangnan quickly deteriorated.

If we hadn't dodged quickly enough and proactively split the battle zone, the current situation would be even worse.

Simply performing poorly is not a big deal. It is well known that the White Lotus rebels are difficult to deal with.

However, Marquis Wuyang, who took office as governor at the same time, performed brilliantly during this period. His troops not only recaptured many prefectures, but also killed the false emperor.

In comparison, Xu Wenyue's character as a man who knows military affairs was immediately exposed.

The general evaluation of him by the outside world is that Xu Ge Lao is well-versed in military books and understands military tactics, but lacks the ability to command in actual combat.

Although the comment was very tactful, the meaning expressed was still mocking his "paper talk".

In addition, the fall of Huguang caused heavy losses to the local gentry. Many senior members of the Chu Party were forced to observe mourning, which led to a significant weakening of the power of the faction behind him. Xu Wenyue has had a hard time recently.

The boss's life is hard, so Hou Huaichang, who depends on Xu Wenyue, is naturally not in a good situation.

The plan to recapture Wuchang was formulated after the siege of Xiangyang was lifted.

Xu Wenyue was afraid of the rebels under Wei Ni's command, so he did not dare to take action. It was not until now that things took a turn for the better.

Although it was a bit unscrupulous to celebrate at this time, the officialdom was not a place for morality.

The fall of Chongqing Prefecture and the all-out fight of Wei's forces for Shu was a disaster for the imperial court, but an opportunity for them personally.

The main force of the Wei rebel army entered Shu, and the prefectures and cities they previously controlled in the Huguang region suddenly became empty.

Sending troops to recapture Wuchang at this time would be a godsend opportunity.

Once they recaptured Wuchang, they would suddenly come alive in the big chess game of Huguang.

"Good! Good! Good!"

After saying "OK" three times in a row, Xu Wenyue's face was immediately filled with smiles.

Once he recaptured Wuchang, he could unite the troops from the southern provinces to recapture other fallen prefectures in Huguang.

Only after recovering all the lost territories can he truly be worthy of the title of Governor of Huguang.

The reputation lost previously can also be regained.

"Order all units to prepare for the expedition immediately. The Battle of Wuchang will begin in three days!"

……

Yangzhou Prefecture.

"Lu Junliang and Li Yongliang are both trash!
Shu is easy to defend but difficult to attack, and is a uniquely dangerous place in the world. Yet Chongqing Prefecture was even captured by the rebels.

They are ashamed of the court and ashamed of the people of the world!
......"

Pei Yunxuan kept cursing.

The fall of Chongqing Prefecture meant that the imperial court had to allocate part of its resources to the defense of Shu.

As a result of this increase in resources, the Jiangnan region has less resources to share.

He only scolded the governor and the provincial governor, not because the responsibility lay on their shoulders, but simply because he only knew these two.

Other officials in Shu are not worthy of Pei Yunxuan's attention.

"Governor, calm down!"

“Since the incident has already happened, even if Lu and Li are beheaded as a public display, it will not solve any problems.

Affected by the fall of Chongqing Prefecture, the rebels' momentum is bound to increase greatly.

At this time, we must take action to provide support to the defenders of Yingtianfu!"

Gu Youwen stepped forward and persuaded.

The Jianghuai region is integrated, and since the rebels have attacked Nanjing, there is no way they will let Yangzhou go.

If Yingtian Prefecture is lost, the Yangzhou area will certainly be lost.

This is a bloody lesson left by history.

What’s worse is that the city of Nanjing seemed to be cursed. Although the city walls were very strong, they were breached time and time again.

“Of course I know that we need to take action, but I don’t have any soldiers available right now!

The troops of the Beijing Camp were deploying defenses along the Yangtze River and trying to recapture Anqing.

I can't free my hands for the moment.

The reinforcements from Shandong kept looking at the faces of the Beijing camp and had no intention of coming over.

Even if they are willing to follow orders, they cannot swim across the Yangtze River without a navy escort!"

Pei Yunxuan said unhappily.

The Beijing Army and the Lu Army were not disobeying orders, they just selectively carried out military orders.

As soon as it becomes a little difficult, everyone starts to complain.

Many times, people promise something verbally, but then slack off when it comes to execution.

The recapture of Anqing was originally a "besiege Wei to save Zhao" strategy he planned after taking office.

The people below were very respectful and participated in the battle to recapture Anqing, but they did not see the fighting when they arrived at the front line.

Sending people to urge them, it means that they lacked artillery yesterday, ammunition today, and pay tomorrow...

In short, there are thousands of excuses, but the bottom line is that they just don't want to fight.

Faced with a group of passive and sabotaging foreign military generals, Pei Yunxuan really had no way to deal with them.

It was useless to complain to the court, as they had too many excuses. If a closer look was conducted, the responsibility would be placed on him as the governor.

Crossing the river is indeed a difficult task, but it is not unsolvable.

The Jiangnan navy is gone, but the Dayu Dynasty still has other navies.

Even if you are not familiar with the Yangtze River waterway, you can take the sea route and land in Suzhou Prefecture to provide assistance to Yingtian.

I don’t know whether he, the governor, forgot or the people around him were stupid, but no one stood up to remind him.

“Governor, we don’t have any soldiers here, so let those who have them go.

The Guangxi Army has rested for two months and has initially recovered its combat effectiveness.

If we can get them here, it will definitely deter the rebels!"

Gu Youwen suggested again.

Deep down, he wanted to curse.

Who is the Governor?
The issue of suppressing the rebellion actually had to be pushed forward by him, the prefect of Yangzhou.

When it comes to being a human being, Pei Yunxuan is really good.

Be considerate of your subordinates and be generous.

Such officials are the most popular bosses in peacetime.

But now is a time of war. No matter how you behave as a human being, being a bad person is your original sin.

Without the intimidation of iron-blooded tactics, it is not an easy task to suppress the arrogant and powerful soldiers below.

……

Guangzhou Prefecture.

Just after arriving to take up his post, Li Mu received the tragic news of the fall of Chongqing.

Compared with the other two governors, Marquis Wuyang was much calmer.

Chongqing is too far away from Guangzhou, so no matter how chaotic it is, it won't affect here.

Guangdong and Guangxi have stabilized, and Fujian has not suffered any war. The only thing to worry about is Zhejiang.

However, Marquis Wuyang did not take this too seriously.

After appointing a group of military generals, he did not rush them to take office. Instead, he asked them to fill up the staffing and then go back to recover the lost territory.

The excuse is to not give the enemy an opportunity to take advantage.

You must know that there are still many prefectures in Zhejiang that are still in the hands of the government troops and there is no need to recapture them.

Identity determines stance.

Since you have joined the noble camp, you naturally have to be consistent with the group.

On the issue of suppressing the gentry in the south of the Yangtze River, the nobles had an unprecedentedly unanimous stance.

It just so happened that they were all military generals and came from noble families.

Even if there is an order from above to go in for rescue, everyone will find excuses to delay.

"My Lord, I am here to report!"

Li Mu bowed and said.

"You came at the right time, officials in Zhejiang Province have been asking for help every other day.

This Governor is also very worried now, I don’t know how to save him! "

Although he said he was worried, the smile on his face revealed his true thoughts.

As the Governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, he certainly could not watch Zhejiang fall. However, as the pillar of the nobles, he had to suppress the gentry in Jiangnan.

This war without the smoke of gunpowder has already begun as it concerns the right to speak in the court.

In order to reverse the situation, the gentry in Jiangnan tried many times to bring officials from the noble family to Jiangnan to serve in the city and force them to contribute to the defense of Jiangnan.

Unfortunately, the plan was good, but problems arose during its implementation.

Most of those who came from noble families were military generals, and the few who were from literary backgrounds served in the court, but they also held marginal positions.

In the past, when nobles were suppressed, no one thought there was anything wrong.

When I needed to hire someone, I suddenly realized something was wrong.

Marquis Wuyang was indeed taken away by the Governor-General of Fujian and Zhejiang, but unfortunately his health bar was thick, so losing a few cities was not a big deal.

For long-term considerations, even if we have the ability to solve all problems, we must leave some problems for the emperor to see.

After all, Marquis Wuyang's power rose really quickly.

The group of generals who came out of the Guangxi Army were not only Li Mu's former subordinates, but also the former subordinates of Wuyang Hou.

Looking from the court, Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Zhejiang, Huguang, and Jiangxi are all full of Marquis Wuyang’s followers.

Among all the provincial governors in the Great Yu Dynasty, Marquis Wuyang was definitely the most powerful one.

Just one order and the whole of southern China will tremble.

Even when Xu Wenyue was the governor-general of five provinces, he did not have such a great influence.

"My Lord, you have already made a plan.

The situation in Zhejiang is complicated, and comprehensive defense is unrealistic, so it is better to temporarily shrink the front line.

Just give a hint to the Governor of Zhejiang to gather the officials and troops from various prefectures to protect Hangzhou.

All officials who want to come to Zhejiang will be grateful to you!"

Li Mu made a dirty move without changing his expression.

Officials have the responsibility to defend their territory. If they lose a city or territory, they will lose their heads. However, there is one exception.

If they receive an order for a strategic contraction from above, they can retreat legally.

But in this way, all the pressure falls on the boss.

The rebels are coming to attack, and the local gentry whose interests have been damaged will not give up easily.

If the imperial court holds him accountable, he will most likely be held accountable.

Without the support of Marquis Wuyang, the Governor of Zhejiang would never dare to issue such an order.

"Nonsense!"

"The eleven prefectures in Zhejiang are all important financial and tax bases for our dynasty. How can we give them up so easily?

Order the Governor of Zhejiang to defend Hangzhou at all costs.

Tell the Governor of Zhejiang that as long as they hold out for a month, his reinforcements will arrive in Zhejiang to recover the lost territory.

We will be able to recover the entire Zhejiang province before the Chinese New Year!"

Marquis Wuyang said with great righteousness.

Even if he issued the order, there was no guarantee that the Governor of Zhejiang would understand his meaning.

If the plan goes well, his reinforcements will enter Zhejiang in a month.

If Zhejiang officials do not cooperate, then we can only act slowly.

In addition to serving as the governor-general of Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian and Zhejiang, Marquis Wuyang was also an imperial commissioner.

The authorization granted by the imperial court was to suppress the White Lotus rebels and recover the land lost by the imperial court, with no scope restrictions.

It is also reasonable to give priority to the Huguang battlefield.

After all, grain prices are rising now, and the imperial court needs Huguang as its granary.

Once the army is led to Huguang, it can also get the support of the Chu Party.

Human nature is complex.

Theoretically speaking, the rebels had brought disaster to the gentry in Guangdong, Guangxi, Huguang and other provinces, so they should have hated them with hatred and wanted to wipe out the rebels at all costs.

There is hatred, but they are not active in suppressing the rebels.

What is worrying is not the scarcity of wealth but the inequality of distribution. Now the gentry in these areas whose interests have been damaged hope that the gentry in the Jiangnan area will suffer as well.

Including officials from the occupied prefectures in the Jiangnan region, they now lay down and watched the fun.

Their own losses were heavy, and if their neighbors did not suffer any losses, they would inevitably be spied on after the war.

Any sense of luck will destroy the family heritage.

If you want to maintain balance, the best option is for everyone to suffer together.

It would be even better if your own losses were small and your neighbor's losses were large.

Maybe after the war, when the benefits are redistributed, I can get an extra share of the profits.

The rebels were able to advance rapidly, and some gentry with ulterior motives also played an important role in it.

It’s ridiculous to think about it. The White Lotus Rebellion, which seemed to be so powerful, actually turned into a big brawl among the ruling group.

"My Lord, we will have to send out a large number of troops to suppress the rebels.

It is too costly to train and recruit all the soldiers, so they can serve as the main force, and auxiliary soldiers and guards can also be used.

I have decided to reorganize the garrisons and restore the abandoned organization.

The military fields of various guards in Guangdong have long been occupied by illegal people.

The imperial court had tried to investigate many times in the past, but was always defeated by resistance.

Now that local order has been disrupted, it is the best time to reclaim military land.

......"

Seeing that Marquis Wuyang was in a good mood, Li Mu directly put forward his plan.

In fact, Jing Yifeng took action on the issue of military land in Guangdong Garrison after he was transferred.

Unfortunately, due to his lack of political experience, he handed things over to the lower-level clerks, who then cheated him at the hands of the local gentry.

The original intention was to take back the military land, but in the end, the fiefdom of the vassal kings was accidentally taken into account as well.

Although several princes enfeoffed by the imperial court in Guangdong were all killed by the rebels, there were still some survivors among the royal family.

Emperor Yongning has not yet decided whether to choose someone from the side branches to inherit the throne.

At this time, if you dare to touch the fiefdom of the vassal king, you will be stirring up a hornet's nest.

Fortunately, the Jing family had enough reputation, and after the incident, they exposed the petty official who caused the trouble, and the matter was suppressed.

Those gentry who were behind the scenes did not get any benefits from it. They were soon wiped out by the remnants of the rebels.

The imperial court was furious and ordered the Guangdong Governor's Office to conduct a thorough investigation, and that was about it.

Influenced by the accidental death of their elders, officials in the court were also forced to return to their hometowns to observe mourning.

As a result, as soon as he left the capital, he accidentally caught a cold and died suddenly, which directly led to the annihilation of the entire clan.

After a lose-lose situation, everyone regained their rationality.

After witnessing the strength of the top nobles, the gentry stopped targeting them, and Jing Yifeng was also frightened by them.

The matter of investigating military farmland in Guangdong was put on hold.

When Li Mu took office, he once again turned his attention to Juntian.

Compared with snatching food from other places, the probability of success is obviously higher under the banner of investigating military fields.

“Admiral Li, Guangdong is not like Guangxi, the gentry are much stronger.

Even though it has been weakened, it still has considerable power.

There are too many people involved in Juntian, you must act with caution!"

Marquis Wuyang reminded gently.

Li Mu is the most important general under his command, and no problem can be allowed to occur at this critical juncture.

Although he did not think that the Guangdong gentry could cause any major trouble, there is always a chance of something happening.

Especially when interests are involved, people can lose themselves in thought.

The unlucky families who were wiped out earlier are typical examples.

It would have been fine if they had just resisted the court's attempt to reclaim military land, but they actually dared to set a trap and stir up conflict between the royal family and the nobles.

Killing a chicken to scare the monkey does not mean that there will be no more followers.

There are too many fools who are blinded by interests.

"Don't worry, my Lord. I have experience in investigating military fields.

Instead of investigating the military land, it would be better to investigate the owners of the land directly.

Conduct a large-scale screening of the land near the garrison.

If it is unowned land, then there is a high probability that it is military land occupied by someone."

Li Mu replied calmly.

……

(End of this chapter)