The Han culture is spreading strongly in Southeast Asia

Chapter 32: Sworn Brothers

Mo Zibu did not become the leader in the end, because he swore in public that if this expedition was a great success, he would become the leader again. Now, he naturally took over the position of leader first.

The reason for this choice is that yesterday's scene was somewhat lacking in grandeur.

Even if Li Xianwen didn't want to fight anymore, his subordinates would not be completely convinced, and others even felt that he was directing and acting in the show himself.

Then he should first take over the leadership and obtain the command power, and then take over as the leader after the Myanmar operation is successfully completed, and then everyone will be convinced.

The first step to get the leading position was for Mo Zibu to start building the framework.

Li Xianwen's fleet was used as the left camp, named Jinshan Camp, and Li Xianwen was the commander of the camp.

The Ha Tien Fleet, Manuel Bonn's Western Fleet and the Japanese in Hoi An formed the right camp, named after the Qilian Mountains, called the Qilian Camp, with Ou Long as the camp commander.

The Mingxiang people of Hoi An and Ding Yong of the Wei family were appointed as the vanguard camp, and the camp was named after Yanzhi Mountain, called Yanzhi Camp. Wei Changle, the eldest son of Wei Haikun, was the camp commander, and Chen Guangyao was the deputy camp commander.

Finally, the Chen family's red-coat and silver-sword soldiers from Hexian became Mo Zibu's central army guard battalion. Mo Zibu also incorporated fifteen French and British gunners to improve the combat capability of the guard battalion.

The logistics system was provided by Wu Shiying from Ha Tien.

As a result, the army had four battalions, each with about 300 people. He Xiwen's battalion had slightly more, but some of his men were also sent to other battalions.

There are about three warships in each battalion, which makes it convenient for them to command even though they do not have much battlefield experience, and also facilitates the coordination between the various battalions.

Now the framework is complete, but warnings from Hoi An are starting to come.

The Guangnan people, who had searched Hoi An City without any results, seemed to know that the Qing merchants in Hoi An would make a big move, and now they were finding some clues. Mo Zibu had to set off immediately.

But before we go, there are three things to do.

The first thing is to completely win over the hearts of Li Xianwen's troops, which requires a strong dose of medicine. Mo Zibu is ready to take action himself.

The second thing is that the fleet is newly formed, and it is very dangerous to directly pull it to the Andaman Sea, so it is best to fight a small battle now.

First, it can help practice coordination in actual combat, second, it can greatly boost morale, and the third and most important point is that it can greatly enhance Mo Zibu's prestige.

But this target is difficult to find, because first, it must be able to be attacked as soon as possible, second, the opponent must not be too strong to cause the ship to capsize, and third, there must be some gains. For example, it would be inappropriate to attack a fishing village with the current strength of the fleet.

The third thing is that it is already late autumn and early winter. When the fleet finishes these voyages and reaches the vicinity of the Strait of Malacca, it will only be a month or so away from the Chinese New Year, and it will definitely need to rest in the middle of the journey.

Given the fleet's current level of coordination, it is impossible for it to go all the way to the Andaman Sea off the coast of Myanmar, so it is necessary to find a stopover and establish a supply station.

So after the election meeting, Mo Zibu immediately found Li Xianwen and his subordinates Huang Zhongtong, Yuan Kaidao, Li Guangcai and others, and had a big meal with them to build closer ties.

During the banquet, everyone was a little drunk. Mo Zibu pulled Li Xianwen's hand and said with great emotion:
"My second brother and I are sworn brothers. We're not blood brothers, but we're better than brothers. But I still feel a little regretful. We should be brothers."

Li Xianwen and his generals all knew why Mo Zibu wanted to see them. When they heard what Mo Zibu said, they all surrounded him, wanting to hear what Mo Zibu meant.

Li Xianwen was also greatly astonished. "Brothers must inherit their father's sperm and their mother's blood. They share the same mother. How can this be done now?"

"I have a sister who is twenty-one years old and is virtuous and kind. She was once engaged, but unfortunately my brother-in-law was not so lucky. He fell into the water when she was fifteen years old, and since then, my sister's marriage has been delayed.

My second brother and I hit it off right away and we share the same aspirations. I know he trusts me, but you brothers still have some concerns. You worry that I, Mo Zibu, will seize the Li family's assets, and you worry that after I succeed, I, Mo Zibu, will not be able to treat these "outsiders" fairly.

So today, I, Mo, have thrown away my pride and come here in person to act as a matchmaker. As long as my second brother and I become brothers, you brothers will understand my true feelings.

You know I really want to bring those of us who have lost our country and our homes to rebuild a home here thousands of miles away!"

At this time, it is actually quite embarrassing for a younger brother to act as a matchmaker for his older sister, which is a bit like his own sister being unable to get married.

However, Mo Zibu no longer cared about losing such a small number of people at this moment.

Moreover, it is indeed difficult for his elder sister Mo Hui to get married. In ancient times, such a widow would usually have to marry down to a man of lower status.

However, Mo Hui's background and her mother Chen's doting made it unrealistic for her to marry down, so it has been delayed until now. At the age of 21, she is already a very, very old leftover woman.

As soon as Mo Zibu said this, the eyes of Huang Zhongtong, Yuan Kaidao and others lit up.

This is the best way. If Li Xianwen becomes Mo Zibu's brother-in-law and the son-in-law of the Hexian Mo family, then the problem of the gap between the two gangs in appearance and in their hearts can be solved immediately.

Li Xianwen was also overjoyed. What he lacked most when he came to Southeast Asia was a stable place to stay and people he could trust. The Hexian Mo family was undoubtedly the best choice.

In fact, he had had similar thoughts a long time ago, but he was afraid that asking would be too abrupt, and he didn't know if the Mo family had any suitable unmarried girls.

Now that Mo Zibu has taken the initiative to say it, it couldn't be better!

"Third brother, I, Li Xianwen, have been traveling from Sichuan to Southeast Asia, feeling as frightened as a stray dog. Everyone on the road has been unwelcome, but you, third brother, have shown me favor. I am deeply grateful. I wonder what your father, Lord Mo, thinks of this?"

Mo Zibu felt that Mo Tianci would agree, because Li Xianwen was also from a famous family, and his appearance was beyond words, even more handsome than Mo Zibu. He was talented and loyal, and had a family fortune of several thousand people.

Under normal circumstances, an older widow like Mo Hui would not be worthy of Li Xianwen.

"Don't worry, brother. I'll take care of it." Mo Zibu promised and immediately said to Chen Guangyao below him:

"Go and ask Wu Sheren from Wushiying to come. He's an expert painter and can paint a life-size portrait of my second brother and send it to Hexian. My father will definitely approve of such a talent once he sees him."

Li Xianwen was overjoyed. "Liang Wenying, quickly fetch the plate of Dongzhu that I treasure, and select ten eloquent messengers to serve as envoys. Take my letter and treasures with you to Hexian."

Afterwards, Li Xianwen shouted loudly to the dozen or so officers behind him, "From today on, the Dragon Head's order is my order.

When the Dragon Head and I disagree, the Dragon Head's orders must prevail. Anyone who dares to disobey will be punished by the ruthless military law!

Huang Zhongtong and the others were all beaming with joy, raising their hands high. "We will obey the general's orders. From now on, we will go through fire and water without blinking an eye at the dragon head's command!"

Mo Zibu was also overjoyed. He stood up, holding the wine bowl in his hand, and said, "Great! From today on, we are all one family. We will be united and stick together through thick and thin!"

"Everyone is united and will stick together through thick and thin!" Everyone raised their wine bowls and shouted.

Just at this time, Hong Ahan sent his nephew to bring good news.

"Longtou, yesterday the Chen brothers from Xianyou, Fujian Province, sent us an urgent letter. They are trapped in Nghe An by Zheng's army and cannot escape. Upon hearing that a great Chinese leader is in Hoi An, they sent their soldiers to plead with you, urging us to send troops to rescue them!"

(End of this chapter)