Fu Shanhe

Chapter 557 Death

"My lord, it is not advisable to attack the Goguryeo Kingdom for the time being!"

Unlike other vassal states, the Goguryeo Kingdom was always respectful to the imperial court.

They sided with the Tatars, also due to the enemy's military might.

Taking action against them rashly could easily provoke controversy.

Moreover, the northern barbarians are currently invading the south. We have the resources to attack the Goguryeo Kingdom, yet we don't send troops to defend the emperor; it would be politically unacceptable.

Wang Jingchuan offered his advice in a tactful manner.

While seemingly discussing the uniqueness of the Goguryeo Kingdom, it is actually a subtle reminder that the Annam Protectorate needs the Tatars to move south.

The Great Yu Empire is not dead but not dead. Without external intervention, the Southern Court can hold on for several more decades.

Even if Li Mu had enough patience to wait for the Great Yu to collapse naturally, his ministers, who longed to gain merit by following the emperor, could not wait.

Of the high-ranking officials of the Protectorate Generals in the capital, apart from a few military generals who were still young and energetic, the civil officials were all in their forties or fifties.

In this era of limited life expectancy, forty years old is already the age to be able to hold one's grandchildren.

If they don't unify the country quickly, these old bones of theirs will miss out on the merit of supporting the emperor.

In order to make a name for themselves in history, officials within the Protectorate General's Office secretly stabbed the Great Yu court in the back many times.

The fact that local governors and viceroys dared to oppose the Nanjing imperial court so seriously is a testament to their great contributions.

Li Mu was naturally aware of everyone's subtle actions.

But as the team leader, he couldn't stop his subordinates from being ambitious.

At present, all the civil and military officials of the Annam Protectorate have only one goal—to seize the world.

For the sake of this common goal, all other political differences can be set aside.

The high degree of internal unity contributed to the fighting capacity of the Annam Protectorate's bureaucracy.

With the situation having developed to this point, even if Li Mu wanted to call a halt, he couldn't stop everyone's determination to follow the dragon.

The fact that they didn't immediately bestow a yellow robe upon him was all for the sake of the overall situation.

Constantly provoking foreign wars is both a means of expanding territory and a way to release internal pressure.

All the civil and military officials were busy, so they wouldn't have any wild thoughts.

If it weren't for the ongoing foreign wars, Li Mu suspected that he would have been crowned emperor long ago.

These kinds of things don't need any coordination; as long as someone takes the lead, others will follow.

"Ok!"

"Then let's hold off for now and send troops to the Goguryeo Peninsula when conditions are right."

After a moment's thought, Li Mu readily accepted the suggestion.

With the situation having developed to this point, the Great Yu Empire, like a dilapidated house, is already teetering on the brink of collapse.

Even the slightest change could cause it to collapse.

The cost of rescue and repair is higher than that of demolition and reconstruction.

Since it was destined to be beyond saving, then let's give it a push and accelerate the process of changing dynasties.

The specific actions would be carried out by the subordinates themselves without Li Mu needing to give instructions.

Not only will the officials of the Andu Protectorate intervene, but his old subordinates in the court might also give him a push at a crucial moment.

No one dislikes the merit of following the emperor; the more chaotic the situation of the Great Yu Empire, the more people will be willing to support him.

"My Lord, wise!"

Everyone spoke in unison.

With Li Mu's tacit approval, everyone's enthusiasm soared instantly.

They clearly had the strength to contend for the world, yet they remained holed up in the Annam Protectorate, holding back their troops. Everyone was getting restless.

However, due to political considerations and in order to legitimize their rule, they could not directly launch a rebellion.

The Tatar invasion became the perfect point of intervention.

There's no need for him to personally intervene; he only needs to signal the Yu army generals at the front to preserve their strength, and this invasion will become the final straw that breaks the back of the Great Yu Empire.

Even if the Tatars cannot cross the Yangtze River, the rebels will still cross it, or even both sides will cross it together.

Once the Nanjing court collapses, the last force maintaining the unity of the Great Yu Empire will vanish into thin air.

……

Kingdom of Myanmar.

"Your Majesty, good news!"

"The Tatars and the Guifang people formed a grassland coalition, and together they sent 300,000 troops to launch a fierce attack on Dayu."

The Yu Dynasty's forces in the northern frontier are insufficient; judging by the timeline, they've probably already reached their capital!

"I am excited," said Prime Minister Okuzoran.

After so long of war, we finally received the first piece of good news.

For the crumbling Kingdom of Myanmar, this was undoubtedly a ray of dawn in the darkness.

"Is the news confirmed?"

"Are the grassland allied forces really that powerful?"

The King of Burma asked incredulously.

Through the previous series of battles, he had gained a general understanding of the fighting capabilities of the Yu army.

In his mind, Yu Jun was already the elite of the world.

Even the arrogant Westerners, after fighting against Yu's army, admitted that they were one of the strongest armies in the world.

Having such an elite force, yet still being driven to the capital by the steppe allied forces, was completely beyond his imagination.

"Your Majesty, the situation in the Yu Dynasty is different now. They moved their capital to Nanjing as early as when the Liaodong army rebelled."

The grassland coalition is currently fighting in what was once their capital, which is relatively close to the border.

Even though the Yu Dynasty moved its capital, Beijing was still given special political significance.

The loss of the capital would inevitably cause widespread shock.

Whether for political needs or for strategic security considerations, the Emperor of Da Yu would issue decrees to draw troops from the southern border.

At that time, the military pressure we face will naturally be resolved!

O'Sullivan immediately explained.

No matter how strong the grassland coalition is, the Great Yu Empire is not made of paper.

It was reasonable for the Allied forces to reach Beijing, but expecting them to advance all the way to Nanjing in one fell swoop was absurd.

Even the Mongol Yuan Empire, which swept across the world, struggled for many years during its invasion of the Southern Song Dynasty.

No matter how impoverished the Great Yu Dynasty was, it was still more martial and virtuous than the Great Song Dynasty.

Especially after the national policy of using civil officials to control military affairs was broken, the generals who were freed from these constraints performed exceptionally well on the battlefield.

"it is good!"

"The fact that the grassland coalition was able to reach Beijing is itself a great strategic victory!"

The King of Burma immediately affirmed.

He didn't really care how the grassland coalition fought.

The key lies in the military actions of the allies, which offer hope of rescuing the Kingdom of Myanmar from its decline on the battlefield.

……

The good mood didn't last long. Just as the Myanmar high command was celebrating, an urgent battle report from the border brought them back to reality.

"The Mughal Empire's 100,000-strong army, just like that, gone?"

"Even if I put 100,000 pigs on the front lines, they'd hold out longer than the rest of us!"

Looking at the letter pleading for help in his hand, the King of Burma couldn't help but curse loudly.

Out of dissatisfaction with the Mughal Empire's opportunistic exploitation, he did indeed want to take the opportunity to weaken the Mughal Empire's strength, but he never expected that his ally would be so incompetent.

The 100,000-strong Mughal Empire army, stationed at the existing defensive line, was wiped out by the enemy.

The entire battle, from start to finish, lasted no more than two days.

The exact number of casualties is unclear, but judging from the enemy's speed of advance, there was no bloody battle between the two sides.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"

Seeing the Burmese king lose his composure, his ministers hurriedly tried to persuade him.

People are already used to losing battles.

Losing is perfectly normal.

If the front lines have won, it must be a false report of victory.

Since the start of the war, the Kingdom of Burma has not won a single major battle.

Occasionally, I would receive a few reports of good news, but they were all just boasting.

While it appeared that a large number of enemy heads had been handed over, in reality, they were all people who killed innocent civilians and claimed credit for their crimes.

They didn't even know what a victory looked like.

"Calm down!"

"The enemy is about to besiege the city, how can you expect me to calm down?"

The Burmese king immediately questioned him. For strategic security reasons, after the rise of the Annam Protectorate, the Burmese kingdom moved its capital to the central part of the empire.

Unfortunately, the enemy advanced too quickly, and several eastern provinces had fallen, with the flames of war already reaching the heart of the empire.

The former capital had also fallen in the previous battles.

The enemy is currently less than 150 li away from their new capital.

"Your Majesty, there is an old saying among the people of Yu: A wise man does not stand under a wall."

The enemy is advancing with overwhelming force, and the garrison in the capital has limited strength; it is feared they will be unable to hold out.

The most urgent task is to move the capital to Myitkyina before the enemy attacks, and continue the fight against them!

Shui Saiye was the first to propose it.

The enemy was too fierce; the Burmese army was no match for them.

Whether it was the Western mercenaries on whom high hopes were placed or the Mughal Empire's army, they still faced many formidable opponents on the battlefield.

If they stayed behind to defend the capital, the enemy would wipe them out in one fell swoop.

The only option was to first move the capital to Kachin State, the region furthest from the enemy, and then command the nation's army to continue fighting the enemy.

With allies already deploying troops, the situation is about to change, and what the Kingdom of Myanmar needs most right now is time.

"Moving the capital again?"

After frowning, the Burmese king became hesitant.

When he moved the capital last time, he was labeled a "coward" by the Chinese people.

Moving the capital again now undoubtedly confirms this rumor.

He wanted to refuse, but the words stuck in his throat and he swallowed them back.

Moving the capital was indeed a bit cowardly, but it was safe and reliable.

If we stay here, we will soon become prisoners of the enemy.

"Your Majesty, moving the capital is the only option!"

"The enemy is strong and we are weak, so it will be difficult to win on the battlefield."

For the sake of the nation and its people, we urge Your Majesty to relocate the capital and temporarily avoid the enemy's advance!

O'Sanlan followed up with words of advice.

Theoretically speaking, going to the coastal state of Rakhine State at this time would be the easiest way to obtain assistance from Westerners.

These days, if you can rely on allies, pigs can fly.

The reputations of all the European colonial empires overseas were absolutely terrible.

A little inquiry will reveal just how ruthless they are at sabotaging their teammates.

When things are going well, it's okay to join in and lend a hand.

When faced with adversity, it's a case of everyone scattering when disaster strikes.

As for their old neighbor, the Mughal Empire, they were even less reliable.

The army of 100,000 was as fragile as paper and was annihilated by the enemy in one battle. What could they possibly use to fight the Great Yu Empire?
Without external intervention, the Kingdom of Burma today would be the Mughal Empire tomorrow.

"Fine, then let's move the capital!"

The King of Myanmar said in a low voice.

Once the bottom line is crossed, it will be crossed again and again.

Compared to the first relocation of the capital, when officials cried and wailed, everyone is much more composed now.

There wasn't a single dissenting voice in the court, leaving the Burmese king quite helpless.

……

Java Island.

After six months of continuous drifting, the fleet finally returned to the civilized world in early 2004.

Compared to when they set off, the pampered supervisory team members have been reduced by one-tenth.

Those who survived became weak and listless.

Upon landing, the team received a warm welcome from officials in Java, who also prepared local delicacies for them.

Unfortunately, none of the scholars were interested in these unfamiliar foods.

"Lord Zhang, how far is this place from Yong'an Prefecture?"

When can you arrange transportation for us?

Kong Songlin asked with concern.

Having spent half a year adrift at sea, the time for him to take up his post had been repeatedly postponed.

If they don't hurry up and make their presence known, the imperial court might treat them like they're dead and stage a mass funeral for them.

Political death is easy; resurrection is difficult.

In the imperial court, there is always a fixed position for each person. Once the court announces their death, someone will naturally take their place.

Once an official position is taken by someone else, one can only wait in line to fill the vacancy when returning to the court.

What exactly can be filled, and when it can be filled, all depends on luck.

The pensions previously issued by the imperial court, all funeral procedures, and posthumous honors will all be scrapped and redone.

"Lord Kong, this is the heart of Southeast Asia, thousands of miles away from Yong'an Prefecture."

Although the journey was not as close as that between Nanjing and Yong'an Prefecture, the winds and waves were high and the seas were rough, requiring detours through many areas.

For the sake of your health, sirs, the ship must slow down; the time required should be roughly the same.

"Gentlemen, why don't you rest here for a while and let the people of the island experience the profoundness of Confucianism?"

Zhang Yunze immediately gave a bluff.

There is no unified standard for how long a sea voyage takes.

The season you travel and the route you choose will both affect your final arrival time.

He deliberately exaggerated the difficulty in order to keep these guys around and prevent them from causing trouble for his lord.

"If it takes this long, won't that delay the imperial examinations?"

Meng Jun'an said with a frown.

There was both concern about the long journey and pessimism about the mission.

After all the ups and downs, everyone's morale was almost completely worn down.

After all that commotion, even if these old folks don't collapse, they probably won't have the strength to argue with the Marquis of Hanshui.

If the mission fails, not only will all their efforts be in vain, but their careers will also be ruined.

The cabinet members already disliked them, and now that they have a legitimate excuse, they certainly won't give them a chance to make a comeback.

"Don't worry, Lord Meng. Last year's county examination ended a month ago, and there are still nearly three years until the next prefectural examination."

Ultimately, the Annam Protectorate lacked a strong literary tradition, and the students' abilities were limited, making it impossible to conduct the county, prefectural, and provincial examinations together; they had to be conducted separately.

Zhang Yunze's answer infuriated everyone.

Before the supervisory team even arrived, the Annam Protectorate had already completed the imperial examinations, clearly showing that they didn't take the imperial court seriously.

So all that effort they put in was for nothing?

No matter how unorthodox it may be, once it has become a fait accompli, the Annam Protectorate can no longer overthrow it.

"Lord Zhang, how can this be?"

"According to the laws of the Great Yu Dynasty, when the imperial court sends an imperial envoy to inspect the examinations, the examinations can only be held after the imperial envoy arrives!"

Kong Songlin questioned him sternly.

Rules are very important, as they directly relate to the power they wield.

The Annam Protectorate adheres to the rules; they are the imperial envoys sent by the court, otherwise they are nothing.

These scholars alone could not possibly change the decisions of the Annam Protectorate.

"Lord Kong, it's not that you encountered any storms; the court thought something had happened to you."

After dispatching a search and rescue fleet but finding nothing, they announced his death.

Zhang Yunze spread his hands and explained.

Since the imperial court had declared him dead, the imperial envoy's entourage naturally ceased to exist.

The incident caused a great uproar throughout the court and the public, with suspicions that Li Mu was behind it. As a result, no official dared to take up the post again.

With no new imperial envoy appointed for an extended period, oversight could not be discussed.

Since there is no imperial envoy, the game will proceed as it would have been.

When the time set by the Annam Protectorate arrived, the imperial examinations were held directly.

In fact, the event was delayed until the end of the year because of waiting for news.

Fortunately, the territory of the Annam Protectorate was mostly in the tropics, where there was no winter, so it did not affect the normal conduct of the imperial examinations.

"Bastard!"

"How can the imperial court announce our deaths when the bodies haven't even been found!"

In an instant, everyone lost their composure; even the best self-control couldn't withstand the threat of death.

(End of this chapter)