The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 206 Give it a try
Wang Xin took the initiative to ask Lin Daiyu to stay, and asked Ping'er and Qingwen to tell the kitchen to prepare two more dishes for dinner, so that Lin Daiyu, Zijuan, and Xueyan could have dinner at the estate.

In other people's homes, it is not allowed for a master and servant to sit at the same table to eat.

But as the saying goes, all rules are made by people, and since they are made by people, they cannot be changed. As long as he wasn't dirty, Wang Xin felt he could sit at the same table with anyone and didn't think it was against the rules.

Since they are all rules, why aren't your own rules rules?

Lin Daiyu and her two maids were already familiar with Wang Xin. Half a year ago, they even borrowed Xue Baochai's courtyard to invite Wang Xin to dinner. Lin Daiyu was not the type to look down on people easily, so Wang Xin was willing to keep Lin Daiyu, but unwilling to take a single step east to Longcui Nunnery.

Ping'er knew the temperament of the servants in the mansion; many of them were gossipy. However, Master Xin gave the head kitchen one tael of silver every month, which was separate from the original amount and was extra. Although it wasn't much, the people in the head kitchen were happy to have extra money, so Ping'er wasn't worried that they would be dissatisfied.

The original four dishes and one soup have been expanded to six dishes and one soup today, with two more dishes added, and the portions have also increased.

A plate of smashed cucumber, a plate of stir-fried greens, a plate of braised tofu, a plate of braised pork, a plate of steamed fish, a plate of Kung Pao chicken, a large bowl of winter melon soup, and then a rice bucket, soup spoon, rice spoon and other utensils.

Lin Daiyu didn't eat much, Xueyan ate the most, and then Wang Xin finished the meal, completing the "clean plate" campaign, and then he saw Lin Daiyu staring blankly.

Wang Xin laughed and said, "Are you stupid?"

Lin Daiyu snorted lightly, her tone deliberately disdainful: "You really can eat."

Wang Xin pointed out: "It's because you're not eating enough."

Lin Daiyu was too lazy to argue.

Wang Xin kept Lin Daiyu and the others for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, asked them a few questions about mathematics, and then sent Lin Daiyu back. Ping'er and Qingwen packed their things and took them to the old women outside, who had already brought them hot water.

Now that the weather is getting warmer, we don't need as much hot water. We can mix in a lot of cold water. Although we still need to carry the cold water in, it's much simpler than carrying hot water.

Ping'er and Qingwen returned to their room and washed themselves first. In the past, Qingwen and Ping'er would wash together without feeling embarrassed. However, Ping'er no longer slept with her and had to do those shameful things with that person every night. It was fine during the day, but now, with only the sound of "splashing" water in the room, Qingwen felt embarrassed and a little curious.

Ping'er remained silent, wiping her body. The sky had already darkened, and the candlelight illuminated her fair skin.

Wang Xin returned to the manor and passed by the bathroom. The door was closed, but the room was lit, and he could hear the sound of running water. He knew that Ping'er and Qingwen were taking a bath. Now that they had finished, it was his turn to bathe.

Thinking of Ping'er, Wang Xin couldn't help but smile.

Just as he was about to return to his room, he saw two dark figures outside, carrying lanterns, heading in his direction. Wang Xin asked sharply, "Who is it!"

Ping'er and Qingwen, who were inside the room, were startled.

"Master Xin, it's us."

Upon hearing a woman's voice, Wang Xin's guard lessened slightly, but he did not completely let his guard down.

Over the years, the imperial court has been fighting amongst itself for its own interests, disregarding the stability of the nation. In the end, it is the common people who suffer. Not to mention other places, the suffering in the southeast during those years was far greater than in the original timeline due to the prolonged and increasingly severe Japanese pirate raids.

Larger in scale and longer in duration.

Although the Great Zhou Dynasty had only been established for a hundred years, it should have been a period of stability and economic prosperity, which was indeed the case. However, due to the Japanese pirates, many people suffered disasters. In addition, the climate was changeable, with snow falling in Hainan and drought in the north.

Local instability caused suffering among the people, with taxes in arrears and the imperial court lacking funds. As a result, local villains gradually emerged, and even the capital could not escape their influence. About eight or nine years later, the Jia family suffered from banditry, and even Miaoyu was kidnapped by bandits.

Building takes the efforts of several generations, while destruction can happen in just ten years.

Wang Xin didn't know the future, so he could only do his best in the present. When the two people approached, Wang Xin lowered his guard. It turned out to be the maids in front of him. The two people smiled and said, "Master is back. Please come to the study, Master Xin."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xin dared not delay and immediately followed.

Unless it was an emergency, Jia Zheng wouldn't come looking for him at this time. After leaving the Grand View Garden, Zhou Rui and the others were waiting outside, leading Wang Xin to Jia Zheng's place, carrying lanterns to light the way.

After a while.

Upon seeing Wang Xin, Jia Zheng disregarded everything else and said, "Chen Yan from the Ministry of War contacted me and told me some very important news."

“Chen Yuanwailang?” Wang Xin remembered this person.

Jia Zheng nodded, his face grim, and told Wang Xin, "Lin Ruhai's proposal is fine, the court will agree, but the court will not let you return to Datong now."

"why?"

Upon hearing Wang Xin's question, Jia Zheng sighed, his expression becoming complicated, unsure whether to be happy or worried.

Seeing this, Wang Xin knew that this matter was not simple, so he patiently waited.

After thinking for a while, Jia Zheng slowly said, "This matter concerns Zhang Wenjin. You know this person, right?"

"Isn't he in Datong?" Wang Xin asked, puzzled. "Zhang Wenjin is the governor and censor of Datong Prefecture. I've met him before. There's something that I'm afraid Master Jia doesn't know yet: I cooperated with him tacitly in dealing with Feng Yong."

Jia Zheng did not know Zhang Wenjin, but he knew of his existence. After Chen Yan's explanation, he knew more about him. With a serious expression, he said in detail, "This person is the one that the court has put forward to truly control the Datong military town. In the future, you will probably only be able to become an ordinary general."

Using civil officials to control the military was an inevitable practice for civil officials.

The role of the cabinet became increasingly prominent. Zhou Daofeng maintained this approach for decades. With the support of the retired emperor, the civil officials had undoubtedly gained control of the court. Whoever held power would seek to control the military.

What kind of power is a cabinet that doesn't control the military? This is the origin of the concept of "civilian control over the military." In other words, military power is the reins of the state. The essence of the matter is that civil officials must control the military; whoever is in power must control the military. If a military general is controlled by the court in every aspect, then he loses his value of independence and autonomy.

Wang Xin knew of Jia Zheng's worries.

Jia Zheng himself was a civil official, so he naturally supported the idea of ​​using civil officials to control the military. However, when it came to his own interests, Jia Zheng was not simply a civil official, so he felt somewhat uncomfortable because it affected his own interests.

And the one who suffers the greatest loss is oneself—that's probably how others see it.

In short, Feng Yong held more power when he served as the military governor of Datong, and his influence was significant. Now, however, Feng Yong has lost much of his power. Even if, as the rumors circulating in the court suggest, he eventually joined the Five Military Commissions and was promoted to the rank of commander-in-chief, his influence has actually diminished considerably.

With less power comes less benefit.

The imperial court intended to seize the opportunity presented by the Great Harmony to completely subdue the military through civil administration, thereby opening up a new front. Wang Xin understood the court's intentions and felt a sense of relief. Knowing oneself and one's enemy is the key to victory, so he asked, "What are the specific arrangements for me?"

Jia Zheng said, "A town will be separated from Datong, and you will be promoted to the rank of Assistant Commander. From now on, the Governor of Datong will be responsible for logistics, the promotion of lower-ranking officers, and the inspection of drills."

"Isn't this the same system used in the middle and late Ming Dynasty?" Wang Xin understood immediately.

From now on, military generals will only be responsible for fighting battles, while civil officials will have the final say in everything else. They'll just be tools, no wonder Jia Zheng is both happy and worried, his expression complex. At his core, Jia Zheng isn't a traditional civil official; he still has the final say based on his own interests.

"What does Master Jia think?" Wang Xin asked tentatively, without revealing his own thoughts.

In Jia Zheng's mind, if Datong were to form such a pattern, he would lose a lot of value. From another perspective, he could also see Jia Zheng's attitude.

A butt is a butt, but human nature is different.

If Jia Zheng turns his back on me and shows no mercy or righteousness just because my value has diminished, then I need to reconsider how to treat Jia Zheng and whether I should repay any favors I have made.

He rose from a commoner to a military officer, and because he insisted on fighting the Japanese pirates against Lin Ruhai's advice, mainly because of his own identity, he was disliked by people on both sides of the court. Therefore, he was promoted in name but demoted in reality. Lin Ruhai not only did not despise him, but also stepped in to protect him and pave the way for him.

This is a debt of gratitude that I must repay, not just any personal gain.

During his two years in the capital, Jia Zheng had helped him a lot. If Jia Zheng was not sentimental or righteous this time, then he could only talk about interests with Jia Zheng. If he was not loyal in the future, Jia Zheng should not blame him.

After thinking for a moment, Jia Zheng, fearing that Wang Xin might not understand, kindly reminded him: "You can't be stubborn so easily in the future, because others can easily manipulate you."

Although the military was controlled by civilians in the past, it was ultimately the generals who led the army. Although many problems have accumulated over the years, the military generals still have the confidence to control the army. Things will change completely in the future.

After hearing Jia Zheng's concerns, Wang Xin smiled.

Jia Zheng said speechlessly, "You can still laugh."

Wang Xin didn't say much, as there were some things he couldn't explain himself, but he confirmed, "This matter is also supported by Grand Secretary Zhang, isn't it?"

Jia Zheng shook his head. "Why would Grand Secretary Zhang tell me his attitude?"

Although he did not receive a definite answer, Wang Xin believed that Zhang Jifu must have been involved in this matter, even if it was not his initiative, it was at least his tacit approval. No wonder his attitude towards him had changed; the root of the problem lay here.

Zhang Wenjin and Zhang Jifu are bullying me because I'm a loyal subject.

Since I am a general who protects the country, I am naturally a loyal subject. If I am a loyal subject, how could I have any complaints against the court? The court is strengthening its control over the army, and as a loyal subject, I should support it.

Otherwise, a gentleman could deceive him with his principles.

Unfortunately, I dared to do this because I had something to rely on, something that allowed me to act without going against my conscience. But that's fine too; everyone will continue to misunderstand, and we'll see who laughs last.

Moreover, I really don't want to cause trouble, and I won't do anything to disrupt the world.

All I do is protect my home and country.

Jia Zheng couldn't help but smile with satisfaction: "I didn't expect you to be so magnanimous at such a young age. I am not as broad-minded as you."

It's okay to have less power; it won't be long before I'm a brigade commander.

Jia Zheng felt that although Wang Xin had suffered a great loss, he had done a good job for the long-term stability of the Great Zhou.

Seeing Jia Zheng's attitude, Wang Xin couldn't help but sigh, "You flatter me, Master Jia. It is your magnanimity that I truly admire." In fact, his own interests were not harmed; on the contrary, he gained a great advantage.

Not only was he eager for his own promotion, but Wang Xin was also incredibly worried about his subordinates getting promoted as well. Anyone who thought they could win over one of his subordinates was welcome to shower him with sweet words and bribes—the more the better, he wasn't afraid of overindulging.

On the contrary, Jia Zheng, who was an ally of Jia Zheng in both civil and military affairs, was the one whose interests had truly been harmed. For the sake of the court's future, he actually chose to accept it happily.

On this point alone, Wang Xin had to admit defeat.

Jia Zheng's attitude was indeed fine; he was just a bit incompetent.

However, the problem is whether some people will bother him like flies, such as Wang Ziteng or Feng Yong? This person is almost in the capital and is thinking about Wang Xifeng again.

Wang Xifeng must know about her falling out with Wang Ziteng.

With Jia Zheng's protection, she'll be fine. But Jia She might cause trouble. I wonder how Wang Xifeng will handle that. Come to think of it, Wang Xifeng has been really good to her.

(End of this chapter)