Fu Shanhe

Chapter 490 Hearts Stirred in Chaotic Times

"The greater the risk, the greater the reward!"

"Due to the impact of natural disasters, the devastation in the north is a foregone conclusion and cannot be reversed by human effort."

Currently, there is a food shortage in the northern provinces, and the food supply in the south is also not abundant.

If we continue to send grain north, everyone will be dragged down to death.

If it weren't for the Annam Protectorate as a granary, the imperial court would have been dragged down and killed by the previous natural disasters.

However, the Annam Grain Protectorate had limited development time, and could only transport five to six million shi of grain to the north each year, which was not enough to meet the needs of the border troops.

This is still a drop in the ocean compared to the huge shortfall in the north.

Even if Emperor Taizu were to be reborn, he would be powerless to address the food shortage.

Whether we intervene or not, the court will collapse within the next few years.

However, if things reach that point, not only will the northern economy collapse, but the southern provinces will also be dragged down!

Zhou Zhi explained calmly.

The predicament faced by the Great Yu Dynasty was never a secret to these aristocratic families.

It's just that people are used to their current lives and subconsciously don't think about the worst-case scenario.

When the last layer of paper was pierced, Qian Chengxuan had no choice but to accept the reality that the Great Yu Dynasty was about to collapse.

Theoretically speaking, given the devastation in the northern provinces, moving the capital to Nanjing would be the best option.

The southward migration of the capital city could bring a large number of people with it, significantly reducing the food shortage in the north.

The imperial court can use the saved grain quota for the border troops to ensure the security of the northern frontier.

However, reality and theory often go against each other.

Once the imperial court moves south, the empire's strategic focus will also change.

Southern scholars and officials, unable to feel the pain firsthand, often viewed the northern frontier defenses as a burden.

For their own benefit, they usually choose strategic contraction.

Not only will they not fully support the northern border defense line, but they will also abandon the northern provinces that are constantly plagued by natural disasters.

Once this step is taken, the "Northern Expedition" will be nothing more than a political slogan, and anyone who dares to take it seriously will be doomed.

"Brother Zhou, what you said is all correct, but it's still not enough!"

"Don't forget, we don't have any soldiers."

When the imperial court moved south, it brought a large army with it. Even if they came to our territory, it wouldn't be our turn to be in charge.

We can't design a plan that would wipe out the entire army!
If that's the case, even if we manage to control the court, we won't be able to protect the foundation of the Great Yu Dynasty.

"A change of dynasty is too risky; no one knows what might happen during that time. The Qian family cannot take that risk!"

Qian Chengxuan shook his head and said.

Forcing the imperial court to move south is easy; all it takes is to prolong the blockage of the canal.

Faced with a huge food shortage, there was not much the imperial court could do.

Unless overseas trade can be halted and all ships can be mobilized to transport grain to the north, it will be difficult to fill the gap.

Without a doubt, this is impossible.

Even with the cabinet's full support, maritime merchants will not buy it.

The real challenge was how to maintain control of the court after the imperial court moved south.

No one will willingly relinquish their power; seizing power inevitably involves bloodshed and fierce battles.

Driven by their own interests, the northern faction that controls the court is very likely to join forces with the noble faction and strike against them first.

Perhaps in the future, the gentry of Jiangnan will gradually gain dominance in the imperial court, but that is a matter for the future.

In the short term, the risks outweigh the rewards.

"Brother Qian is mistaken. We do have soldiers at our disposal."

The number of local militias, large and small, in the Jiangnan region totaled over a million.

If they could be trained into an army, they would be a force capable of influencing the course of history.

Everyone is quietly training their troops now. If we can delay things for a few months, everything will be very different.

To buy some time, I'd like to ask Brother Qian to lend a hand and create chaos among the canal workers!

Zhou Zhiyong said slowly.

Although they were all gentry from Jiangnan, their interests were quite different.

Qian Chengxuan opposed the interruption of the canal transport because the Qian family were beneficiaries of the canal transport system.

The formidable Grand Canal Gang was actually a pawn secretly pushed out by several powerful families, led by the Qian family.

"Brother Zhou, are you saying I have no choice but to agree?"

As he spoke, Qian Chengxuan's face suddenly darkened.

While it was said that everyone was secretly training their troops, it was actually an insinuation that the Qian family was secretly training a private army.

In the Great Yu Dynasty, it was taboo for scholar-official families to train private armies.

Once it gets out, they'll be facing a complete wipeout, including having their property confiscated and their entire family executed.

"Brother Qian, you misunderstand. I didn't mean to threaten you, but the Qian family is on the court's purge list."

If we don't act quickly, those soldiers will be here soon.

Zhou Zhiyong said calmly.

Some things don't only get you punished because you did them.

If the imperial court believes you did it, even if you weren't involved from beginning to end, you'll still be blacklisted.

Given the Qian family's influence in the Grand Canal, even if they claimed ignorance of any sabotage on the canal, it would require others to believe them.

The crime of failing to report a crime is only slightly less serious than taking action oneself; the responsibility for failing to report is still the same.

If anyone tries to frame them again, the Qian family won't even have a chance to explain.

"Humph!"

"Which other families are involved in this matter?"

After expressing his dissatisfaction with a cold shout, Qian Chengxuan asked again.

The Qian family was passively drawn into the situation, and no matter how angry they were, it wouldn't change anything.

What we can do now is quickly determine how many people will participate and weigh the odds of winning.

"Brother Qian, rest assured, such an important matter cannot be decided on a whim."

When they protested to the imperial court earlier, the various families had already made arrangements.

Currently, more than a dozen families have confirmed their participation, and with everyone's efforts in persuading them, the remaining families are expected to join as well.

The lower-ranking gentry had long been tormented by the imperial court.

They will definitely support us as long as we take the lead!

Zhou Zhi said with full confidence.

There is no love or hate without a reason in the world. As the imperial treasury dwindled, increasing taxes became the only way for the court to escape its financial predicament.

Natural disasters plagued the north, and when the imperial court dared to increase taxes, the people below dared to rebel.

Among the southern provinces, Guangdong and Guangxi were in the hands of the Marquis of Hanshui, and it would be no easy task for the imperial court to take them back.

Moreover, Dayu needs the Annam Protectorate to absorb the excess population, and the tax revenue from Guangdong and Guangxi being handed over to the Marquis of Hanshui is equivalent to paying for stability maintenance.

Yunnan and Guizhou provinces struggle to be self-sufficient in terms of finances. Even with additional taxes, the revenue can only be used within the provinces themselves, making it difficult to support the imperial court.

Of the remaining six provinces, half are located in the Jiangnan region.

The Northern faction currently holds the upper hand in the court and is unlikely to favor the Jiangnan region.

Anyone with a sound mind knows that the three wealthiest provinces in the south will bear the brunt of the subsequent tax increases imposed by the imperial court.

With the general direction set, coupled with a series of previous events, the powerful clans in the Jiangnan region decided to retaliate.

Essentially, they were used to being treated well, and now that they have lost control of the court and need to assume their due obligations, they are very uncomfortable.

"Brother Zhou, you've got a good plan. My Qian family agrees to this!"

After making a complaint, Qian Chengxuan chose to serve tea and see the guest out.

Zhou Zhiyong's enthusiasm was excessive; it was not merely participation, but more like that of a master planner.

Literati families generally adhere to the doctrine of the mean in their conduct and rarely act so radically.

Unless one is unwilling to sit on the sidelines and wants to personally participate in the chaotic struggle for power.

Based on historical experience, once this step is taken, there are only two possible outcomes.

Either go further and achieve kingship and hegemony, or the entire clan will perish.

Realizing the Zhou family's ambitions, Qian Chengxuan immediately decided to distance himself from this ally.

As for the dirty work of instigating a rebellion among the canal workers, all that's needed is to light a fire; there's no need to get involved personally.

……

In the military camp.

"Mr. Lan, the situation in Jiangnan is completely out of control. Has the Marquis made a decision?"

Yun Xiangwen asked, looking slightly flustered.

He only knew that the massacre of Jiangnan Academy would have very serious political consequences, but he never expected that it would completely ignite chaos in the Jiangnan region.

Even those in power within powerful families are human; when interests and hatred intertwine, they too are unable to remain rational.

Judging from their current actions, the gentry of Jiangnan are clearly enraged. "What's the panic? The sky isn't going to fall."

Jiangnan is quite far from Annam, and judging by the time, the Marquis had not yet received news of the interruption of the canal transport.

Let's wait and see; I reckon we'll receive a reply from the Marquis next month."

Lan Linjie answered calmly.

The more chaotic the situation in Jiangnan, the better. If the world is not in chaos, how will our lord have any opportunities?

The Annam Protectorate has long since reached a point where it has no way out.

Apart from Li Mu himself not having any intention of rebelling, all of his subordinates were planning to contribute to the cause of joining the new emperor.

Being born into a noble family makes it difficult to rebel against the Great Yu Dynasty, but that doesn't mean one can't participate in the struggle for power during a chaotic era.

Once the Great Yu Dynasty collapses, the moral shackles imposed on Li Mu will cease to exist.

As for the idea of ​​a coalition of nobles taking control of the government, that's pure deception.

With the strength of the Annam Protectorate, it could have easily fought for the throne fair and square; there was no need for it to resort to despicable means to gain power.

Throughout history, countries that acquire power illegitimately have never enjoyed long reigns.

Those of them who are subordinates must take the initiative to share the burdens of their superiors.

The Marquis's staff played a crucial role in the chaos in the Jiangnan region.

While Lan Linjie was orchestrating underhanded tactics by noble generals, someone else was also manipulating the Jiangnan aristocratic families to cause trouble behind the scenes.

Among so many scions of prominent families, there are always a few who aren't very bright.

To try and sabotage the canal transport was just a foolish idea.

When their own children do something bad, each family can only swallow their tears and bear it.

With the added fuel of the fire by ambitious individuals, the situation in Jiangnan quickly spiraled out of control.

"Mr. Lan, other problems are easy to solve, but the key issue is that there's been another accident involving the canal transport."

I just received news that the canal workers in the Xuzhou area have raised a flag of rebellion, which has attracted the support of various canal gangs.

The dredging of the canal already takes time, and with the rebels causing trouble again, it might take at least six months to resolve.

Both the capital and the nine key border towns needed the support of the Grand Canal.

The sudden disruption of the Grand Canal transport will result in a grain shortage of tens of millions of shi (a unit of dry measure) in the north.

If this problem isn't solved, the imperial court will be in danger!
The only way to salvage the situation now is for Your Excellency to immediately lead your troops north.

The Duke of Chu, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but urge him on.

Back in the day, when the Chu State Duke's lineage was at its peak, it dominated the entire Jiangnan region.

Although they can't be called the King of Jiangnan, they are showing signs of becoming the number one family in Jiangnan.

Even during the height of the civil service and aristocratic era, the Chu State Duke's family, which inherited the position of garrison commander of Nanjing, was one of the most prominent families in Jiangnan.

Unfortunately, with the fall of Nanjing, the family fortune accumulated by their ancestors was lost in one fell swoop.

He now holds a prestigious position, but his actual strength is severely mismatched.

The ability to maintain its dignity is entirely due to the support of the Great Yu court.

If problems arise in the Great Yu Dynasty, he, the founding duke, will be in an awkward position.

At that time, the remaining say might not even be as high as that of General Yun Xiangwen.

If one's own people take power, they can still maintain their current dignity. But if the powerful families of Jiangnan grow too strong, it will be difficult for them to protect themselves.

“My lord, you mustn’t say such things.”

Such a momentous event as the entry of foreign troops into the capital could not be planned without the imperial decree.

The Marquis's family has been loyal and virtuous for generations; they would never act in such a way.

As for the current complex situation, the officials of the court will have their own plans.

All we can do is gather more ships to transport grain north.

Lan Linjie hurriedly denied it.

Leading troops into the capital to seize power was neither in Li Mu's plan nor in the plans of his advisors.

In order to win over nobles and generals, it's fine to use it as a hint or to deceive people, but one must never admit it openly.

To conquer the world, credibility is key.

If it's not publicly acknowledged, then there's no deception.

No matter what happens, the Marquis of Hanshui's mansion is not responsible.

No matter what happens in the future, the current Marquis of Hanshui is still a loyal subject of the Great Yu Dynasty.

In order to maintain the rule of the imperial court, the Annam Protectorate has always acted as a granary, continuously transporting grain to the north.

As long as grain transport continues, the image of a "loyal minister" will not crumble.

Having this person's label means they will be regarded as one of their own by the nobility and will be accepted by political forces loyal to Dayu.

No matter how chaotic the situation in the Jiangnan region is, no one will suspect the Marquis of Hanshui's mansion.

"Mr. Lan, you are being far too cautious."

I am simply speaking the truth, and I dare to say it even in front of all the officials.

Given the current situation, who but the Marquis of Hanshui can clean up this mess?

They thought that the imperial court's dispatch of troops south would quickly resolve the problem and collect the overdue taxes.

Unfortunately, the imperial envoy who was tasked with collecting the debt was timid and hesitant in his actions, even choosing to make an example of the weak. How could he possibly intimidate anyone?

"If the Marquis were to take charge, those gentry would obediently hand over their grain and money in less than a month!"

The Duke of Chu pretended to be angry and said.

Regardless of whether Li Mu was willing to go north, he had to make the invitation as formal as possible.

Under normal circumstances, foreign officials have no chance to wield great power.

However, the situation in Dayu was exceptional.

The emperor was too young to wield power, and the mess in the court kept getting bigger and bigger.

Civil officials, fearing to take responsibility, primarily focused on maintaining stability when handling state affairs.

The nobles were leaderless, and the two heads of the capital could only manage their own households and had no control over the younger generation below them.

The younger generation, who held considerable military power, also acted independently, with none willing to submit to the others.

To seize power, they must bring Li Mu, the leader, back from outside.

In times of chaos, whoever controls the army holds the political initiative.

Coincidentally, Li Mu himself was the most powerful figure in the Great Yu Dynasty.

Once the alliance with the younger generation is completed, the aristocratic faction will be reintegrated.

Next, we will force the gentry in Jiangnan to compromise by force, and after winning a few more battles, the imperial court will regain its lost prestige.

"My lord, let's not talk about this anymore!"

In times of chaos, people's hearts are most restless.

Especially in times like these, we must adhere to our bottom line.

Without His Majesty's decree, the Marquis will not lead his troops north.

The situation in the Jiangnan region changed too quickly, mainly due to the weakness of the imperial court, which emboldened these local tyrants and bullies.

In chaotic times, harsh measures are necessary; I hope the officials of the court will understand this soon!

Lan Linjie calmly gave a reply.

Whether harsh measures could quickly resolve the problem was unknown, but this approach certainly appealed to the tastes of the elite and young nobles.

From the perspective of the Marquis of Hanshui, the greatest gain would be if the two sides were to fight each other.

Once the two sides have stained each other with blood, it becomes difficult to reunite.

In the future, when the Great Yu Dynasty collapses and enters an era of warlordism, powerful clans will not choose generals from the nobility to act as their representatives.

"Mr. Lan, the troops heading south have basically arrived. When would you like to find an opportunity to meet with them?"

With the Marquis taking the lead, bypassing the Imperial Envoy wouldn't be a bad idea!

Yun suggested to Wen that he was eager to try.

Despite acting independently and deviating from established norms, the younger generation is itself a radical group.

This isn't the first or second time they've violated the rules and laws of the imperial court.

They even dared to use the idea of ​​seizing power by force. If Li Mu were willing to take the lead and break away from the imperial envoy to carry out a major operation, it would be entirely feasible.

"General Yun, this is absolutely unacceptable!"
The imperial court has its own laws and regulations; our private meeting was already out of necessity.

If they secretly collude with the generals in the army, it would be tantamount to treason.

If word gets out, it will put all the generals and lords in an unjust position!

Lan Linjie resolutely refused.

The secret operation was precisely aimed at extricating the Marquis's mansion from the picture.

If they were to take the lead now, it would be tantamount to telling the world that the Marquis of Hanshui's mansion was involved in the chaos in Jiangnan.

Deep down, he had already decided to leave.

Reason told him that continuing to associate with these young generals would inevitably lead to trouble sooner or later.

(End of this chapter)