Fu Shanhe

Chapter 518 Clan Affairs
After a brief moment of losing his composure, Shi Jingming quickly regained his rationality.

The enemy launched an artillery barrage at this time, clearly to undermine their morale.

At this distance, enemy artillery shells can reach us, but their accuracy is very poor.

Just by looking at the artillery positions, you can tell that they have been under close enemy control ever since their location was exposed.

After five waves of artillery fire, only a dozen or so cannons were destroyed; most of the shells landed and exploded in the nearby area.

The actual damage caused by the shelling was far less severe than the panic it created.

Many soldiers were hit by flying shrapnel because they panicked and ran around the camp.

Lying down directly on the ground actually increases the chances of survival.

"Pass down the order: the entire army shall retreat and first get out of the enemy's artillery fire zone!"

After weighing the pros and cons, Shi Jingming decisively gave the order.

Identifying the weaknesses in the enemy's artillery attack does not mean that it can be resolved immediately.

Continuing to passively take hits is not a long-term solution.

If you can't beat them, you can outrun them.

Artillery moves slower than infantry, but if they retreat quickly enough, they can evade enemy fire.

"General, the enemy has mobilized. Perhaps we should disperse our troops to meet them."

No matter how many enemy artillery pieces they have, they can't possibly cover the entire battlefield.

Deputy General Liu then made the suggestion.

Deep down, he really didn't want to fight this war.

According to the information brought back by Zhou Qihai, the enemy not only had powerful artillery, but also extraordinary firearms.

The cavalry charge suffered heavy losses even before getting close to the enemy's formation.

The weapons and equipment of the two sides are actually from different eras.

In theory, it is possible to win through strategy, but in practice, this is almost impossible.

The generals trained by Li Mu were universally praised.

Looking at the battle records of the noble generals, it's clear that while their command abilities might not reach the level of famous generals, they were definitely above average.

When faced with such an enemy, the only way to win the war is to risk human lives.

"The morale of the troops has been shattered; now is not the time for a decisive battle."

He ordered Zhou Qihai's cavalry to patrol near the enemy lines, waiting for an opportunity to cause them some trouble.

Shi Jingming shook his head and then gave the order.

The Liaodong Army appears to be the Shi family's armed force, but in reality, it is filled with multiple factions, and the Shi family is more like the supreme leader of the Liaodong military families.

This shareholding structure determines that whoever has the strongest power has more say within the group.

Even within the Shi family, there are numerous factions.

They address each other as brothers in name only, but in reality, they are separated by many generations, and their relationship is far less close than it appears to outsiders.

His ability to enter the decision-making level was not only due to his outstanding military achievements, but also largely due to the fact that he had a capable guard of his own.

It was through this core group that he was able to control his tens of thousands of troops.

Even if you win the war by risking human lives to fight the enemy, you will still become a loser yourself.

If you suffer a defeat, it will be even worse. Not only will your position be replaced by someone else, but you will also lose your last shred of dignity.

……

Nanjing City.

After a long wait, the Li clan members who had broken out of the capital finally reunited.

The number of people has decreased significantly compared to when they set off.

Some of these teams didn't even have a single face showing up.

Without a doubt, given how long it has been since they gathered, it's highly likely they won't be able to come.

Everyone was prepared for this kind of unexpected turn of events.

After all, fleeing is inherently risky.

"Since the clan leader is young, I, as his cousin, will preside over today's meeting on his behalf."

The main reason for gathering everyone here is to discuss the next steps for the clan's development.

The chaotic era has begun, and the Li clan, bearing the title of the most powerful clan in the world, is simply too conspicuous.

A large tree branches out, and a thriving clan branches out.

After so many years of inheritance, it's time for our Li clan to disperse and develop.

However, the branches may separate, but the roots must remain connected.

Those who aspire to an official career and pass the test can be recommended by this Marquis after the mourning period ends.

There are now three options: either follow me to Southeast Asia after the war, stay in Jiangnan to establish a foothold, or take up a post in various provinces to seek opportunities.

Everyone can freely choose their future development direction based on their own ideas.

All choices were made with the continuation of the clan's lineage as the top priority.

Li Mu said in a heavy tone.

In clan-based societies, dividing the family property is undoubtedly a sensitive topic.

However, some things, even if they are tricky, must be done.

The era of aristocratic family politics is long gone.

In chaotic times, there are many uncertainties, and powerful families rarely go all in.

For Li Mu personally, the power of the clan can be used, but it should never become a source of dependence.

Judging from the current situation, he will inevitably become the protagonist in this great conflict.

Addressing the issues of the Li clan in advance is therefore of great importance.

The path has been drawn, and he will support whatever choice everyone makes.

"Brother Mu, even if the situation is critical, there's no need to split up the clan!"

Driven by the gazes of the crowd, Li Sen was the first to speak out in opposition.

The title of the world's number one wealthy family had just been established, and before anyone had even had a chance to reap the benefits, it was already being split up so hastily. Not many people could accept that.

With the Li family's name attached to them, they could receive preferential treatment no matter which industry they entered.

Especially for those from collateral branches who are far removed from politics, their comfortable lives are entirely due to the protection of their clan.

Once the clan splits up, this generation can still get some help, but the next generation will have to struggle on their own.

Whether or not to split into different clans is entirely up to everyone's voluntary choice.

Eggs cannot be put in one basket.

The situation is chaotic right now, and no one can predict what will happen in the future. Our Li clan must also consider our future.

Sending some of their children out to develop their own businesses is a common survival strategy used by powerful families, in case something happens to the main branch.

Compared to other clans, we are in a favorable position for the time being, so everyone is free to choose.

If you don't want to split into separate branches and simply want to develop your own territory elsewhere, I won't object.

Li Mu answered calmly.

The purpose of staging such a grand spectacle is essentially to provide an early warning.

Fighting for power inevitably leads to death, and the Li family members who follow him also need to risk their lives to gain wealth and status.

If you break the rules, you could lose your head.

To avoid future generations coming to their door in tears, they decided to give them the choice in advance.

Judging from the results, everyone was clearly unaware of the seriousness of the problem, and they were all secretly glad that they were not divided into factions.

As for the risks involved in vying for power during chaotic times, many people simply ignore them.

Following Li Mu to conquer the world is dangerous, but it's even more dangerous once we leave!
Once chaos begins, there is no safe haven in the world.

Whether they like it or not, they will eventually be passively drawn in.

Compared to outsiders, these people who were part of the same group had a deeper understanding of the Annam Protectorate.

If it weren't for the rebellion in Liaodong Town, and if the Annam Protectorate had continued to develop under the Great Yu Empire for more than a decade, its overall strength might have surpassed that of the Great Yu itself.

The vast land is Li Mu's greatest asset.

Even if they fail in the struggle for supremacy in the Central Plains, the current Annam Protectorate can still rival the new Central Plains dynasty. Success will allow them to seize the entire country, while failure will allow them to establish their own independent regime.

The risks are already under control; if you don't join now, it will be too late.

The Li family has many members, but they missed the opportunity to contribute to the rise of the new dynasty. Simply being a member of the same clan is of little value to them.

"My lord, I will follow your orders!"

"My lord, we will all follow your orders!"

……

Having received an affirmative answer, Li Mu nodded slightly.

This outcome was entirely expected.

In the clan era, sticking together was a natural practice.

Especially since everyone had just experienced a great escape and was at their most insecure, Li Mu's appearance became their pillar of support.

Of course, the reason they were so easily fooled was mainly because the elders of the clan had all stayed in the capital.

Compared to the older generation, the younger generation is much less cunning.

If it were those old guys, they would also support Li Mu, but they would have to negotiate the terms first.

Even close brothers need to keep clear accounts, let alone those who are only from the same clan.

In terms of blood ties, the Zhenyuan Marquis's family, which is closest to Li Mu, is almost five degrees of kinship away.

The blood relationship with other collateral branches will only be more distant.

Aside from family gatherings, it's difficult for everyone to even see each other on ordinary days, let alone develop any feelings for one another.

Even if it's just wishful thinking, you have to actually draw something first.

Unlike now, Li Mu gained everyone's support without making any promises.

Although these people may seem to have nothing and little value, they themselves are the greatest wealth.

Compared to others, those with family ties are much more loyal.

The status of being born into a noble family is an important political resource.

Li Mu could reasonably and logically place these people in key positions.

Under the Confucian cultural system, supporting one's relatives is a common social practice.

If a family doesn't have dozens of members serving as officials outside the family, it would be embarrassing to call itself a prominent clan.

Some prosperous families had more than a hundred people serving as officials in the same court.

"Since you all trust me, I will arrange your destinations gradually according to your abilities."

As for the lucrative territory of Jiangnan, we'll leave it to the other powerful families in the north.

Li Mu immediately made the decision.

Assigning positions is simple; vacancies for civil officials are not easy to fill, but there are plenty of vacancies for military officers.

In peacetime, an appointment from the imperial court is enough to control a local army.

But the situation is special now; an appointment from the imperial court alone is not enough. Skilled political maneuvering is also required.

The rebellion in Liaodong Town had a tremendous impact on public morale.

There are always ambitious people in the local area who want to take advantage of the chaos to make a name for themselves.

The Nanjing Six Ministries acted on behalf of the imperial court, and while everyone nominally supported this, in practice, officials in various regions had their own agendas.

Fortunately, the Great Yu Dynasty had a strict system of checks and balances, and no one in any region could become the sole ruler; otherwise, it would have been like the late Han Dynasty with its many warlords rising up.

"Brother Mu, besides our Li family, many other noble families in the capital have also sent their sons south."

Recently, many people have come to visit, hoping to obtain an official position. Do you think we should arrange a meeting with them?

Li Lai asked with a grin.

It was naturally not difficult for the sons of noble families to enter officialdom.

Even if they lose their home base now, they can still find someone to recommend them based on their ancestral connections.

Right now, we are in dire need of manpower. The newly formed armies of the six ministries in Nanjing are most lacking in people who can lead troops.

The decision to follow Li Mu's lead was primarily driven by political considerations.

In the officialdom of Dayu, the favor of being recommended was on par with the relationship between teacher and student.

Once someone is recommended for an official position, they become associated with that person.

Currently, Li Mu is the only one who holds absolute power in the military, with no competitors whatsoever.

The main combat legions were either personally commanded by Li Mu or were under the command of his former subordinates.

Occasionally, grassroots generals would rise to prominence and try to join the army, otherwise they would have no chance of making it in the military.

There's no way around it; civil officials like to treat people differently based on their status.

When they took Li Mu's note to demand their military pay, the Ministry of Revenue always paid them in full.

If it were someone else in the past, the civil officials would still have used their traditional skills.

All those who humbly and subtly compromise their principles will ultimately end up with very little success.

On the battlefield, needless to say, the less background one has, the easier it is for them to be pushed out as cannon fodder.

It's no use trying to ally with the civil service; the current court must prioritize the army that comes to the aid of the emperor in terms of resources.

Other generals who want to compete for resources must first prove themselves on the battlefield.

While a general's personal command ability is certainly important, command ability is not a panacea.

The development of firearms technology changed the mode of warfare, and logistics became the main factor determining victory or defeat.

Apart from Li Mu's subordinates, who had access to the most advanced firearms, there were no other branches.

You can certainly grow by figuring things out on your own, but it requires a lot of time and resources.

There's an easy mode, but nobody wants to challenge the hell difficulty.

An extra layer of incense offerings can be a lifesaver on the battlefield.

"Ok!"

"The court is in dire need of talented people. If they are truly capable, I will not hesitate to recommend them."

Li Mu responded calmly.

As things stand today, no matter how much he tries to avoid suspicion, he cannot change the fact that he has become a powerful minister.

Instead of hypocritically concealing it, it's better to show it openly and honestly.

As a military general, it's understandable that outsiders might not think about such things as much.

……

Beneath the walls of Xuzhou.

"General, the enemy has begun to retreat!"

Upon hearing his subordinate's report, Li Sanqi picked up the binoculars.

"Pass down the order: the entire army is charging forward! Give me a piece of flesh!"

With all the credit for the victory practically on his lips, if he were to let the enemy slip away, he would be too embarrassed to remain in the army.

The enemy has cavalry; it's unrealistic to leave them all behind, but at least a portion must be spared.

He was genuinely surprised that the rebel army in Liaodong Town was thrown into chaos by the artillery barrage.

It should be noted that these are basic training exercises in the Protectorate Army.

Liaodong Town, being one of the most elite forces in the land, should have taken precautions under normal circumstances.

However, this common sense only applies to Li Mu's subordinates.

A few years ago, none of the generals from the six garrisons of Guangdong and Guangxi had received similar training.

It wasn't that Li Mu deliberately held back, but rather that the artillery technology at that time was a generation behind what it is now.

With limited destructive power, there's no need to make a fuss over it.

Besides, with such a short range, a single charge would be enough to catch up; there's absolutely no need to make a fuss.

The pursuit began, and Zhou Qihai, who was leading his cavalry on patrol, once again received orders to intercept the enemy.

"Tell Shi Jingming, my abilities are limited, I can't stop so many enemy troops!"

(End of this chapter)