The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 242 Completely Convinced
Early the next morning.

The silence was shattered by cries and screams.

Two foreigners stole five horses from a shop in the middle of the night and killed a shop assistant. They were just discovered, and the unfortunate victim was a small shop that couldn't even afford to invest its capital.

One of our men died and we lost five horses.

The shopkeeper couldn't help but curse. He hadn't earned a single penny yet, but instead suffered an undeserved disaster and lost a large sum of money.

People who were drawn to the scene went to various places. Some went up to comfort the shopkeeper, while newcomers asked what had happened. Those who knew the details explained the situation enthusiastically, and others went to check on the unfortunate employee.

"Totally dead."

Some people couldn't help but press their wrists to confirm it.

There were no obvious wounds on the man's body, and many people were curious about how he was killed.

"He was probably suffocated."

"That's terrible, how old is this guy?"

"The owner is also unlucky. Not only were five horses stolen, but there's also the money for this fellow's funeral expenses. It won't be easy to settle this without spending seventy or eighty taels."

Everyone was talking at once.

Large businesses have more staff and more people on night watch, unlike small businesses like theirs.

As news of Zhenlu City spread, more small merchants came to try their luck, or to understand the situation and identify business opportunities. Even some small vendors dared to come.

The earthen walls in many parts of Zhenlu City have been built, and there are more than a thousand people working on the construction site.

Including two thousand soldiers and all sorts of other people, there were more than three thousand people to feed, drink, and relieve themselves. Fortunately, Mohe was nearby, with an abundant water source, and it was also close to Weiyuan Pass, so resupply was very convenient.

The young guards quickly found out what had happened at the merchant camp in the distance and returned to tell Wang Xin.

Although Wang Xin felt regretful, he didn't care too much.

Why is business so efficient? Why are business models so advanced? There are costs behind these things. Business is ruthless, not only in terms of external competition, but also in terms of internal competition.

Of ten business people, it would be good if even one survived after ten years.

One after another.

Like an endless tide.

This is the cruelty and efficiency of business. It is a model similar to the imperial examination system, with a constant stream of competition to emerge victorious, but it is even more cruel and efficient.

What happened to that merchant firm will not only happen today, but will continue to happen in the future.

However, as long as there is profit, there will be a constant stream of merchants, and no amount of casualties can stop humanity's pursuit of profit.

Like the Anglo-Saxons arriving in the New World.

In the beginning, it was not easy for even one out of ten settlements to survive for more than three years. Often, when a new fleet arrived, the original settlement had already disappeared.

On the contrary, the government is incompetent.

Just like the Ming Dynasty's attempt to recapture Annam, which ultimately failed.

One failure is inevitable, ten failures are also inevitable, so after a hundred failures, a thousand failures, or even ten thousand failures, there will always be one success. That is the inevitability of success.

The government cannot afford such a failure, but merchants can.

One businessman dies, but there are countless others.

As long as a monopoly doesn't emerge, because a monopoly isn't business, the area outside the Great Wall is barely even starting out, let alone a monopoly. The market's limits are still far off; we've only scratched the surface.

They felt sorry for the individual employee, but didn't care about the business loss.

The merchant who suffered losses was grieving, but soon more merchants would come to his aid because there was profit to be made.

Wang Xin invited Zhou Shiming, Zhang Hui, and others.

Near the Hun River, there are several clusters of tents. The newly established Juzhongchang, because Zhenlu City is not yet completed, also only has a few simple tents. At present, there is not much serious business to discuss; the main focus is on discussing the articles of association of the new business.

Zhou Shiming, Zhang Hui, and Li Dexing are the major shareholders and have the most involvement.

The group arrived together, and upon seeing Wang Xin, they regretted what had happened that morning, but quickly put it out of their minds, their thoughts preoccupied with their own interests.

Wang Xin stated frankly, "The army can sell the cattle and sheep collected from the tribes to merchants at a low price."

From the very beginning, Wang Xin oppressed various tribes, forcing some unwilling tribes to hand over half of their cattle and sheep. He had made such preparations. How could Wang Xin not know the importance of the means of production?

The merchants were overjoyed that Wang Xin would agree so easily.

The low price alone implies profit, not to mention that they will also mortgage the cattle and sheep to others through loans, collect interest, and later buy the cattle and sheep from others and sell them to merchants at a "high price".

However, after learning the actual number, they quickly became distressed again; the number was too small.

There are too few tribes like the Batel tribe. Most tribes, while unable to directly resist like the China tribe, keep their distance and harbor hostility.

According to Juzhongchang's plan, the annual trade volume will reach tens of thousands of sheep and fifty to sixty thousand cattle. As for horses, it will not be a problem to raise thirty thousand horses every year.

In the eyes of businessmen, maximizing profits naturally includes the entire Hetao region.

Whether it can be done or not, who cares? As long as there are visible benefits, they must be included in the target. These businessmen's habits made Wang Xin feel as if he smelled a familiar scent.

The firm doesn't lack money; what it lacks are investment opportunities, and now it lacks time even more.

Seeing everyone looking worried, Wang Xin smiled.

Seeing Wang Xin's smile, Zhou Shiming realized what was happening and quickly asked, "General, do you have a plan?"

Everyone looked up, feeling incredulous that Wang Xin had a solution to what was difficult for them all. Yet, they had to admit their admiration; sometimes, his methods were truly unexpected.

Wang Xin didn't keep anyone in suspense; 20% of the profits from the merchant guild were used to support the army, which wasn't enough, so they needed at least 100,000 taels of silver annually as a safety net.

Even so, the business couldn't survive if it continued to lose money year after year. Besides, Wang Xin wasn't just after 100,000 taels of silver; he wanted 200,000 taels or more. That was what Wang Xin truly desired.

"The merchant guild can recruit barbarian cavalry," Wang Xin suggested.

Everyone was shocked.

Despite being well-prepared, Wang Xin's suggestion was still unexpected.

Wang Xin didn't care.

This is the influence of ancient ideas.

What should we do when the harvest is bad and there isn't enough food left?

Be diligent and thrifty.

People who used to eat two meals a day now eat only one.

He suffers alone.

How did the Anssa people do it in the 18th and 19th centuries?

Go ahead and rob, go ahead and steal, do whatever you want, the king even grants you a license, as long as you bring the stolen goods back to the country.

Why make yourself suffer?
No, I don't want to cause suffering to others.

Such behavior would cause a great uproar in ancient thought; it is truly immoral and would be punished by heaven.

In ancient ideas.

There are too many constraints on myself; I restrict myself in every aspect.

No one should suffer.

immoral.

If you're going to suffer, suffer yourself.

This is what the rulers want.

Don't cause trouble.

The soldiers of the late Ming Dynasty suffered so much hardship that they starved to death, and their wives even resorted to prostitution.
What if a business lacks means of production?
Go ahead and rob it.

This is the greatest benefit.

It was originally intended to replace Hubu Taiji's position in the ecosystem.

So, my thinking is too rigid.

Wang Xin smiled.

What happens if the caravan grows too large?
Let's serve it cold.

I'm not the emperor.

Worrying about the caravan growing too big is the emperor's concern. It's ridiculous for me to worry about it. I still get 20% of the profits. The bigger the caravan grows, the more I benefit.

He plans to open another musket factory.

From now on, every herder household will have to buy a few muskets. This is a necessity due to the living environment. The profits from selling muskets to herders alone will be enough to equip their own army with firearms.

General Wang doesn't do business.

Zhou Shiming was about to say it was a pity, but then he remembered Wang Xin's identity and couldn't finish his sentence.

Wang Xin didn't care.

In the Great Zhou Dynasty, it's impossible not to become an official. "Without me as general, your business can't continue. I don't know how long I can stay here. Maybe one day the court will issue a transfer order and send me away."

"General, rest assured, we will definitely petition the court to spare your life." Zhou Shiming and the others bowed.

Each of their families had connections in the imperial court, which could be considered a promise to Wang Xin.

Wang Xin shook his head, "That's not necessary."

Everyone was stunned.

Without desire, one is strong.

If one is obsessed with officialdom, then one will need to ask favors from others and ultimately be controlled by them. Moreover, one clearly has one's own advantages, so why be blinded by the desire for officialdom?

"Take advantage of the good opportunity now and establish a firm foothold as soon as possible. Even if I am no longer here in the future, it will not affect the development of the business."

It turned out to be the case.

For a moment, no one could figure out Wang Xin's purpose.

What does he want?
Is it simply because you're wholeheartedly doing what's best for the business?
Wang Xinzhen didn't really care.

The commotion in Zhenlu City.

Not only in Datong, but also in Shanxi Province, it alarmed many people.

In particular, after news spread that a shop had opened in Taiyuan, the provincial capital, specifically to recruit disaster victims, even the Shanxi governor, Tao Yi, sent people to investigate.

Having just arrived at Chiershan, Zhai Wen looked at Zhenlu City not far away, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

Although there aren't many people, the sheer number of people scattered across the construction site makes for a rather impressive sight, especially in the vast Tu Mao Chuan area, where they stand out prominently.

"What a big commotion."

Zhai Wen murmured, then looked at Wang Xin and reminded him, "Even the governor of Shanxi has been alarmed."

Wang Xin shrugged.

“I can’t control what the local bigwigs do. Anyone who thinks they can control them can try.”

Those who can control the wealthy do not have a good reputation.

For example, Zhu Yuanzhang.

Those who are good to wealthy people will have a good reputation.

For emperors, reputation is not the most important thing; what matters most is the stability of the country. Therefore, it is normal for emperors to frequently suppress powerful families, leading to fierce disputes between the two sides.

The officials are different.

Officials need a good reputation; a glamorous image is built on mutual support and protection among officials to ensure they can be good officials.

Therefore, no official would be willing to offend a powerful family.

Officials willing to offend powerful figures are extremely rare and hard to find.

Zhai Wen himself would not offend powerful families, and he knew that the Shanxi governor would not offend powerful families either. Even the local Datong governor and censor Zhang Wenjin would not step forward to offend local powerful families.

Who would offend a private person for the sake of official business?
Only a fool would do that.

Zhai Wen remained silent, seemingly lost in thought.

Wang Xin asked, "I was just planning to go to Datong, but I didn't expect you to come."

Zhai Wen sighed and said, "Lord Zhang knows you're busy and can't wait for you, so he sent me to inquire. First, to check on things here, and second, to confirm the news about Hu's department."

Zhang Jifu did not trust Zhang Wenjin's abilities.

Zhang Jifu's judgment was correct.

No one is willing to admit their incompetence. The main problem is that Zhang Wenjin's obedient adherence to Zhang Jifu's plan confirms Zhang Jifu's opinion, which will greatly harm Zhang Wenjin's own interests.

Does Zhang Wenjin dare to take the risk?

Zhang Wenjin lacked the confidence to refuse Zhang Jifu's order, because the man was truly incompetent.

If you lack ability, you won't have the courage to face challenges.

What he needed to do was to create a favorable situation for him. Now that a good situation had been created, whether this person could make up his mind was unknown to Wang Xin.

This is why I have prepared for both possibilities.

If Zhang Wenjin agrees to his plan, then things become clear.

If he rejects his plan, is unwilling to take risks for his own benefit, and accepts Zhang Jipu's orders, then Zhang Jipu is likely to hold a grudge against him. Given Zhang Jipu's personality, if he sabotages Zhang Jipu's plans, Zhang Jipu will retaliate in two ways.

That's why I'm cutting ties with the military.

Even though he left, he left the army behind.

Others wouldn't dare do this, because even if they had a few loyal subordinates, they couldn't stop the tide. There would be disloyal people sabotaging things from within, but I wasn't afraid.

He trusted his subordinates because his confidants were all loyal.

Furthermore, since his interests align with those of local tycoons, even if he leaves, it won't disrupt the overall plan he's laid out. This is also why he doesn't intend to fully support the business.

Even without its own support, the business should be able to grow and thrive on its own.

This also reflects confidence in the new model.

Others' approach is to nurture enemies to enhance their own prestige.

I don't need it.

We can raise our own army.

As long as his subordinates grow stronger, even if he coughs in the capital, the local areas will be in turmoil.

Wang Xin said calmly, "You've seen what's going on here. I've already told the governor about Hu's matter, but the governor hasn't made up his mind yet, and there's nothing I can do to help."

Zhai Wen glanced sideways.

Wang Xin was far too indifferent.

Whether what he did in the Hetao region was a merit or a demerit could be determined simply by Zhang Daren's word.

Zhai Wen couldn't help but ask, "What gives you your confidence?"

Wang Xin did not answer, but calmly looked at Zhenlu City in the distance.

The rise of a model is an unstoppable force; it cannot be built by any one person alone. A business built by one person is bound to have flaws.

The rise of new business models has destined the trend to be unstoppable.

If the business model you pioneered in the Hetao region cannot survive or thrive without you, then the model is wrong, and it should be naturally eliminated.

Just like the Ming Dynasty, a country with hundreds of millions of people, which was conquered by a tribe of a few hundred thousand.

This illustrates that the ideology and mindset of this land have become utterly corrupt; otherwise, why would a nation of hundreds of millions of people be conquered by a few hundred thousand tribes?

You either get eliminated by others, or you reinvent yourself, dig out your own cancerous growths, and start afresh.

Therefore, it was through decades of passionate dedication, countless sacrifices, the elimination of all old models and outdated ideas, and the learning of advanced Western technologies and good ideas that the great rejuvenation was achieved.

Wang Xin knew he didn't have the ability, so he settled for second best. Even a terrible business model was better than the current model of the Ming Dynasty's Great Zhou.

of course.

Even if the Zhou dynasty's model were better, he wouldn't have had the chance to rise to prominence.

So I'm unwilling to take the lead, but some things are ultimately unavoidable.

Twenty or thirty years later, or fifty or sixty years later, or even one or two hundred years later.

Wang Xin didn't know how far the current model could go, nor did he know whether the East Wind would prevail over the West Wind or the West Wind would prevail over the East Wind. What he had to do was suppress the threat from the barbarians.

Wang Xin didn't care about the future of the business; a 20% profit or a guaranteed 100,000 taels of silver per year was enough.

The better the business.

The more silver you get, the more you earn.

The business is not doing well.

That should be enough to get through these next few years, suppress the threat from the barbarians, and maintain the army.

This is the difference between soldiers and businessmen.

He considers himself a soldier, not a businessman.

Victory comes first.

Finally, Wang Xin said softly, "I rest easy in my humble abode, for we have made an old pact to worry about the times. I call for wine to greet my guests, and we sit and discuss military strategy. Clouds protect the ivory tablets, and stars hold the precious sword across the sky. I do not desire to be ennobled, but only wish for peace on the seas."

Zhai Wen looked on with admiration.

He bowed his hand.

He bowed and said, "General, you are truly virtuous."

(End of this chapter)