Chapter 245: My Governor Uncle
"Good, this idea isn't bad. The troops ran into a flash flood, which isn't the fault of the battle itself. We almost succeeded, but man's plans can't beat Heaven's will." Burlede praised.
"Commander, should we actually do this?" Charvis asked.
Waving him on, Burlede replied, "Go, go. Today, get rid of those natives, and as for our own men, make sure they behave themselves and don't get clever."
"All right!" Having received orders, Charvis dashed away from Burlede and began carrying out the plan.
That same day, the auxiliary troops were disbanded. Charvis instructed the Portuguese soldiers to drive the native auxiliaries back into Malawian territory, and for those who refused, a bullet was their reward.
"All of you remember, if anyone asks, say we encountered a flash flood. That's how we'll all make it back safely. If anyone dares speak the truth, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
…
"Reporting to the Governor, General Burlede of the Portuguese Kingdom's Karave Expeditionary Force is here to make his report."
"Good, you look spirited." said the Governor of Mozambique.
"General Burlede, why are there so few men returning? What happened to the three thousand native auxiliaries who set out with you? You've come back, so I guess you didn't take the Kingdom of Malawi after all?" asked a young official standing beside the Governor.
The others stood by silently, watching coldly. These young men are fearless, but it's best for them to learn their lesson. Didn't they see no one else is speaking?
"And who might you be? Don't think I know you!" Burlede said with surprise.
"He's Major Chakfu, newly assigned by the Kingdom, from the Nigran area of Portugal," the Governor explained first.
Ah, a "country bumpkin" from Portugal's hinterlands. Burlede decided not to pay attention to him now—he could find a chance later to straighten him out.
"In early March, my force entered the Kingdom of Malawi. As soon as we got in, we clashed with several local tribes. Under my command, the Portuguese soldiers overcame ten-to-one odds, ultimately defeating the enemy and achieving a triumphant first battle. Within seven more days, we pushed our front line about a hundred kilometers ahead to the Chipoka region. After that, we went forward like a hot knife through butter… We were on the verge of victory, but then an unexpected incident happened." With those words, Burlede pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and pretended to blame himself: "Ultimately, my poor judgment caused harm to our troops! To conquer all of Malawi as soon as possible, I led the army north without resting a single day. In a moment of inattention, we encountered a flash flood. At that time, the native auxiliaries took advantage to rebel, and combined with the flooding, our troops suffered heavy losses."
"I see. Burlede, you don't have to blame yourself. That was purely accidental—no one can do much about natural disasters. Besides, you've already performed admirably—indeed worthy of the name of Portugal's brave warriors. So, even though you didn't occupy the Kingdom of Malawi, I'll still commend you," said the Governor.
"Many thanks, Unc… Governor, sir! On behalf of our soldiers, I appreciate your understanding." Almost misspeaking, Burlede felt awkward for a moment. After all, in an official setting, it's not good to speak so loudly about your personal family ties.
Of course, the Governor of Mozambique heard Burlede's slip. He was furious inside—this nephew of his was as big a fool as his lovesick sister, both equally hopeless. Truth be told, the Governor knew Burlede's level well, but he figured the Malawian natives had been hit from north and south by East Africa and Mozambique, so presumably they'd be weak. Why not let his nephew share some glory? Who knew even such a simple task would be screwed up? At least the boy wasn't completely hopeless, coming up with an excuse to cover his tracks.
While they were discussing how to turn this defeat into a victory on paper, that clueless Major Chakfu spoke again:
"Governor, I don't think they should be rewarded. They should be punished. They failed to capture the Kingdom of Malawi, so the entire operation was a total failure. Moreover, this so-called flash flood proves only that General Burlede was overly eager. Anyone with basic military sense would keep an eye on the weather."
No one gave you permission to speak, right? Burlede was enraged. He and his uncle had everything mapped out; now this kid had to pop up to spoil it. He was about to step up and teach Chakfu a lesson.
But the Governor spoke first: "All right, there's nothing to question here. You're overthinking it. You're new to Mozambique, so you don't know how terrible Africa's inland climate can be. Perhaps you should go see for yourself outside Maputo—rivers and wetlands are everywhere, flooding every rainy season. And Burlede happened to leave at the end of the rainy season, marching north and running into northern rains. The flash flood was purely accidental, just a lapse of experience. Even if the Kingdom of Malawi wasn't taken, we still badly damaged the Malawian natives. So, I'd say this mission is done well enough. Out of ten, I'll give it eight points—any objections?"
"The Governor's right. Chakfu, you're too young and don't understand Mozambique's real situation, so don't question the Governor's decision."
"Exactly. I've been in Mozambique for ten years, so I know how weather here can surprise anyone. General Burlede leading so few men deep into Malawi is really impressive. Frankly, nine out of ten people here probably couldn't do it—am I right?"
"Indeed, simply from this battle, General Burlede is absolutely the strongest commander we have in Mozambique. We fully support the Governor's decision."
Quickly, in everyone's flattery, Burlede became "capable in warfare," guaranteeing that with him, Mozambique Colony would be unbreakable.
"Alright then, Burlede performed well here, so rewards are certain. And some people shouldn't doubt the kingdom's 'loyal generals.' If Burlede didn't have extraordinary abilities, would I have specially promoted him as expedition leader to fight Malawi?"
His "extraordinary abilities" boiled down to Burlede having a good mother, who had a good brother, who happened to be Governor of the Portuguese Kingdom's Mozambique Colony.
At this point, Major Chakfu obviously saw that the entire colony was a nest of snakes and rats. He was thoroughly disgusted.
"Governor, I've not been feeling well recently. This colony post probably doesn't suit me, so I plan to leave," Chakfu said.
"Oh, Major Chakfu, I already noticed your off color from day one—it's likely you're not used to this climate. Fine, just write a letter of resignation. I'll issue your paperwork. Indeed, Mozambique's not a pleasant place at all, nowhere near home. You'd be more suited to working back in Portugal," replied the Governor.
"In that case… thank you, Governor," Chakfu said, realizing he was the one taking the initiative. He would remember these faces—if he ever rose to power, he'd settle the score.
Just like that, the matter was tidied up. Everyone got the outcome they wanted. As for the Kingdom of Malawi? Well, pretend you haven't seen it. This expedition was purely organized by Mozambique Colony. Any losses had nothing to do with Lisbon. Just let it lie.
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