Fu Shanhe

Chapter 442 Planning
The Tatar royal court.

"A major change occurred in the Yu Dynasty, with the meritorious nobles winning the power struggle and seizing control of the country."

Under the leadership of the two old men, Jing Guoliang and Li Yuan, the military strength of the Yu Dynasty is growing rapidly, and the internal strife has now been quelled.

If this situation continues, it won't be long before the Yu Dynasty launches a counterattack against us.

This concerns the rise and fall of our race. Speak your mind!

Hugjil said with a solemn expression.

As enemies, they have been closely monitoring the situation in Dayu.

They also played a significant role behind the scenes in keeping the Yu Dynasty embroiled in factional strife.

Unfortunately, the situation in Da Yu changed too quickly. Before they could react, the noble faction seized power.

After these military men came to power, their first priority was to strengthen the military.

Despite the fact that the Great Wall defense line is currently under repair, the defensive capabilities of the Great Yu border are still far superior to what they were before.

If we launch an attack now, it will be impossible to break through the pass in a single day.

Even disregarding the fortified cities and passes, the Yu army stationed along the Great Wall was not something they could defeat in a short time.

"Great Chanyu, send out your troops!"

"Assemble the grassland allied forces and, while the Yu Dynasty has not yet recovered its strength, cripple them once again."

Time is not on our side; the longer it drags on, the more unfavorable the situation becomes for us.

Even those greedy Shanxi merchants have recently been intentionally distancing themselves from us.

Although they are still supplying us with resources, the Yu people have yet to acquire our most advanced artillery, which is clearly a sign of passive resistance.

If it weren't for the numerous previous transactions, giving us leverage over them, some of them might have already quit.

Their noses are incredibly sensitive; they would never pass up a lucrative business unless they sensed danger!

Erd said in a deep voice.

In the past, whatever weapons Yu Jun was equipped with, they had the same weapons.

The situation has changed. They were asked to help purchase the most advanced firearms of the Yu Dynasty, but there has been no progress for a long time.

They said the imperial court maintained strict secrecy and they couldn't find the production office.

He didn't believe a word of that nonsense.

"Great Chanyu, Erd is right."

Merchants value profit over righteousness; if they can betray the Great Yu, they can certainly betray us too.

In recent months, the amount of smuggled goods has been decreasing.

It was obvious that they had realized the Great Yu court was going to attack us, and they began to plan their own safety in advance.

The Shanxi merchants' trade routes were our most important source of supplies. If this line were cut off, the meager annual revenue from Goguryeo alone wouldn't be enough to support us.

Nichileg Wanhu echoed this sentiment.

They might not care about internal strife among the Yu people, but they can't afford to risk their lifeline.

The enemy has already made their move; if we don't launch a counterattack quickly, the Tatar people will be in danger.

"War is not easy to start. The previous two raids to the south seemed to be great victories, but the price paid was not small."

Although the main losses were suffered by the Guifang people, it also proves that the Yu Dynasty was not weak.

The failures of Yu Jun in the early stages of the war were mainly due to internal struggles, which led to a group of literati taking control of the military.

They're all armchair strategists; how could they possibly avoid defeat?

Now that the nobility are in power, those civil officials who used to receive salaries without working have been expelled from the court.

With logistical support secured, the Yu army's combat effectiveness was significantly enhanced.

Sarina offered a tactful reminder.

Yu Jun's combat strength has never been weak. The reason he couldn't fight in the past was mostly due to logistical problems.

The way the Ministry of Revenue used foam to play was enough to leave people speechless.

It's normal for grain to be damaged during transport, but for silver to be damaged by 30-40% during transport is utterly absurd.

After the change of leadership, while recruiting soldiers might not guarantee receiving the full amount of money and provisions, they would still get about 70-80% of the money and provisions.

The elite troops of noble families were able to receive ample money and provisions.

The compensation for fallen soldiers has also been greatly improved.

All of these measures are aimed at enhancing military strength.

If they continue playing this game, it won't be long before Yu's army has the ability to counterattack them.

Of course, the price of expanding military strength was that the Yu Dynasty's military expenditures had nearly doubled compared to five years ago.

The benefits of tax reform have been largely swallowed up by the military.

"It's tough, but we have to fight!"
If we start the war now, we still have a very good chance of winning.

If the conflict drags on, the hundreds of thousands of troops that the Yu Dynasty has deployed along the Great Wall will reach their peak combat effectiveness, and the balance of power will be reversed.

The enemy's cavalry force, in particular, poses a significant potential threat to us.

Unlike the military families of Liaodong, the noble families of the Yu Dynasty were much more loyal to the Great Yu.

"If they get a chance to defeat us, these guys will definitely go all out!"

As soon as Erdős finished speaking, he instantly gained the support of the entire household.

As enemies, they never forget to understand their opponents.

The more they learned about the Great Yu, the clearer it became who posed the greatest threat to them within the Yu Dynasty.

Compared to the aristocratic faction, the civil service group was more like their natural ally.

These people did what they wanted to do but couldn't accomplish without any bribery.

"Great Chanyu, the Yu Dynasty appears to be thriving, but in reality, internal conflicts are already very acute."

The internal conflicts are only being covered up by the strong suppression by Jing Guoliang and Li Yuan.

Once the two are gone, the leaderless aristocratic faction will no longer have the cohesion it has now.

When the civil service launches a counterattack, internal strife will surely erupt in the Yu Dynasty, and we can simply watch the show from the sidelines.

As soon as Sarina finished speaking, the hall immediately split into two factions, with supporters and opponents arguing fiercely.

"enough!"

"This is not the place for you to quarrel in the palace of the Chanyu."

Erde, mobilize our forces in the Yu Dynasty and seize the opportunity to assassinate Jing Guoliang and Li Yuan.

"Kill these two enemies, and the Central Plains will belong to our Tatar people!"

Hugjil immediately made the decision.

He has no masochistic tendencies, so since there is an easy mode, he cannot choose the hell mode.

Although the methods were somewhat despicable, compared to the cost of starting a war, losing a little reputation was nothing.

After all, he, the Great Chanyu of the Tatars, had never had a good reputation in the Great Yu.

It's not a big deal if someone calls me despicable.

……

The Marquis of Hanshui's Residence.

"Aren't the three of you going back?"

Li Mu asked, frowning.

"Yes, cousin."

The three answered in unison.

Although the sons of noble families mature early, they also have a rebellious phase.

Li Sen, Li Lai, and Li Long all had a smooth upbringing and never experienced major setbacks, so they were unaware of the importance of political resources.

At around twenty years old, it's understandable that people are eager to make a name for themselves and be full of vigor.

"We cannot listen to you on this matter."

Men should marry when they are of age, and women should marry when they are of age.

In Annam, you simply can't find a suitable in-law family.

Even if I wanted to help you, I am powerless to do so.

I reckon your uncle has already made arrangements for you.

After returning to the capital and getting married, a bright future awaits them.

Li Mu immediately offered his advice.

Although the three of them were only of average ability, their distinguished backgrounds made up for it.

Even for a son born out of wedlock, this starting point far surpasses that of countless others.

If you don't cause trouble or make a scene, you can accumulate seniority in the capital and eventually become the commander of one of the twelve battalions.

Officials in the capital held a more prestigious position, and when placed in local government, they were directly comparable to provincial governors.

Even if one's performance is mediocre, at the very least one can be appointed as a garrison commander or a regional military governor. If one is more capable, it is not impossible to rise to the rank of general or prime minister.

After all, someone needs to inherit the political resources left by his uncle.

While being the eldest son has an advantage, people value ability more.

Without sufficient ability, no matter how prestigious one's status, one cannot outmaneuver those civil officials.

It's impossible for a powerful elite group to put forward a useless person as the faction leader.

If they stayed in the Annam Protectorate, the maximum rank for the three of them would be a garrison commander.

Li Mu was not qualified to grant him a higher position.

Even though the Annam Protectorate governs thirty prefectures and its territory can rival the entire Jiangnan region, it is still considered a provincial-level unit by the imperial court.

"Cousin, the capital is full of intrigue and backstabbing. It's not as comfortable as Annam!"

Li Sen was the first to give his reasons.

"That's right, cousin!"
Being an official in Annam is much more comfortable than in the capital, and the winters aren't cold either.

Li Lai chimed in to support him.

"What my eldest and second brothers said is also my opinion."

Cousin, please write to Father and ask him to let us stay!
Working in the capital is so boring; it's all about sycophancy and backstabbing, it's truly exhausting!

Li Long then added.

Looking at the three pitiful figures in front of him, Li Mu felt a little sorry for them, but then shook his head.

"Intrigue and backstabbing exist everywhere."

The reason you didn't feel it is because the three of you are the sons of the current Marquis of Zhenyuan and the cousins ​​of the Marquis of Hanshui.

In Annam, everyone has to give you some face.

The situation in the capital is complex because there are many powerful and influential people.

However, times have changed. My uncle now holds the position of Second Assistant Minister, which can be considered as both a general and a prime minister.

Many of the unpleasant things you've encountered in the past will be far away from you.

This is both a good thing and a bad thing.

Only those who have survived the infighting in officialdom can gain a foothold in the imperial court.

If things go too smoothly in the early stages, it's easy to stumble and fall later.

Moreover, marriage is a major life event that has always been decided by parents.

With my uncle and aunt both alive, how could I, their cousin, have the right to make decisions?

Rules are rules; no matter how close the relationship, you must maintain proper boundaries.

Especially when it comes to marriage, the three people don't realize the importance of their in-laws at this time, but they will definitely find out in the future.

If one chooses to marry into a family of humble origins, it means that one will need to continuously expend resources in the future political arena.

As sons born out of wedlock, they were able to receive a large amount of political resources because the legitimate sons were still minors.

Once the younger cousin enters the court, the political resources of the Zhenyuan Marquis's mansion will shift.

To make a name for oneself in officialdom, one must seize the initial window of opportunity and demonstrate exceptional abilities in advance.

Only when an individual is highly capable will a family continue to invest political resources in them.

Li Mu himself is the best example.

His meteoric rise to power, seemingly due to his military achievements, was actually fueled by the powerful support of the Jing and Li families.

The difference lies in the fact that having distinguished military achievements makes the promotion seem less abrupt to outsiders, thus downplaying the role of political resources.

Without these resources, the mere sight of swords clashing in the imperial court would be enough to throw people into chaos.

He wasted most of his energy on court intrigues, so how could he devote all his energy to leading troops into battle and creating his own legend?

"Cousin, can't we discuss this matter a bit?"

As they spoke, the three of them turned to Jing Yaqing with pleading eyes.

Working in Beijing, the infighting is secondary; the key is being in front of one's parents.

In the early days, the Marquis's mansion had no legitimate sons, so the three of them were raised as legitimate sons, and the Marquis of Zhenyuan was always very strict with them.

Even after the birth of his legitimate son, Li Yuan's demands on his three brothers remained unchanged.

Having a legitimate son in the family only means that they are at the back of the line of succession, not that they have no hope at all.

These days, the infant mortality rate is high, and no one can guarantee that a legitimate son will reach adulthood.

If we didn't have high hopes for them, we wouldn't have sent them here to be trained.

Having followed Li Mu for several years, they participated in many military affairs.

During the southern expedition, the three also led troops into battle.

The disparity in strength between the two sides was so great that it didn't really showcase the generals' abilities, but at least they gained experience in leading troops.

Compared to their peers, this is their biggest advantage.

“My lord, the situation in the capital is complicated, and the three of them are too young.”

"How about they come back for a few more years of training after their wedding?"

Jing Yaqing pleaded with a smile.

However, this plea was full of perfunctory words.

Once they return to the capital, whether they can leave again is no longer up to the three of them.

Even if Li Mu speaks up, the Marquis of Zhenyuan might not release him.

"Ok!"

"Since Madam has spoken, then the three of you can return to the capital to get married, and then come here for training."

Let me make it clear first, this matter must be approved by my uncle.

If he doesn't agree, there's nothing I can do!

Li Mu spread his hands and said.

His three cousins ​​also played a significant role in his life.

When faced with complicated relationships, simply send the three of them to deal with it.

Because of their special status, they could decisively say no to many things that Li Mu couldn't refuse!

Especially when dealing with relatives, the clan chief's son is always successful.

Of course, the work wasn't done for nothing.

During this process, the three men's ability to handle government affairs improved significantly.

In Li Mu's view, their talent in domestic affairs far surpassed their talent in military affairs.

When it comes to development strategies, he is not in a position to interfere and can only express his views tactfully.

Whether they choose the civil service route or the military route is a decision they must make themselves.

"Cousin, you've agreed, you can't go back on your word."

"After we return to Beijing to get married, we'll come and take up our posts here!"

The three of them said excitedly.

During their time in the Annam Protectorate, they had already formed their own social circles.

When they were in the capital, people often brought up their status as illegitimate sons, which made them lose face.

Many times, I secretly fantasize that it would be better if I were born as the legitimate son.

In Annam, the situation took a dramatic turn.

The illegitimate son, who was previously looked down upon, now receives a lot of envious glances here.

For the grassroots generals, even the collateral descendants of the Marquis's family were objects of their envy.

He was not a son of a concubine, but rather the son of the Marquis of Zhenyuan and the cousin of the Marquis of Hanshui.

Anyone else who wants to enter the Marquis's mansion must make an appointment in advance and wait in line, as they are frequent visitors to the mansion.

Many important holidays were spent in the Marquis's residence.

Their career paths are planned out early on; as long as their abilities match the job requirements, they can be appointed directly.

"Don't worry, I always keep my word."

The journey from Annam to the capital is long; you may go and make preparations!

Hand over your official duties and set off in two months. I estimate that by the time you arrive in the capital, the national mourning period will be almost over.

When you arrive in the capital, please remember to give my regards to my uncle and aunt.

"Madam, prepare some local specialties for them to take along their journey."

Li Mu lied without changing his expression.

All he cares about now is sending the person back; what happens after that is beyond his control.

A promise is nothing but empty words.

(End of this chapter)