The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 243 Marriage of a Subordinate

"The general in charge of Weiyuan Pass was named Tang Ping. He was from Zhejiang. He was one of the people who had followed Wang Xin the longest and was extremely loyal to him, so Wang Xin trusted him very much."

Tao Sheng arrived at the Zhou family's residence.

After returning to Datong, Zhou Shiming, the patriarch of the Zhou family, specifically sought out Tao Sheng and invited him to his residence for a chat.

Zhou Shiming was one of the most powerful local gentry in Datong, and his family was so prosperous that they even had a branch in the capital. Tao Sheng was happy to accept the invitation from the head of the Zhou family.

Upon learning that Master Zhou wanted to learn about Wang Xin's subordinates, Tao Sheng did not hide anything and revealed all the information he knew to Zhou Shiming.

"The general in charge of Zhenlu City is named Zhang Can. Zhang Can is from Yulin and used to work in Datong. However, he has a bad temper and his superiors and colleagues do not like him. Later, he was ostracized and sent to the Beijing garrison. Unexpectedly, he followed Wang Xin."

"The highest-ranking official under Wang Xin is Zhao Yong. This man has a complicated background. He was originally a confidant of Luo Ming, and after Luo Ming's death, he also followed Wang Xin."

Tao Sheng introduced them one by one, telling them everything he knew, and then remarked with emotion, "It's strange, but these people are very loyal to Wang Xin. It seems that General Wang is kind and generous to people, so those who follow him are all devoted to him."

Zhou Shiming remained silent for a long time.

Tao Sheng was just a translator and didn't know what it was like to manage people.

Managing people is not easy.

Regardless of status or position, it's hard to guess what people are thinking because it's unpredictable. What people say and do can sometimes be completely different from what they actually think.

Many people don't even know what they're going to do.

Feng Yong ruled Datong as a local tyrant for more than a decade, but once he left his position as military governor, his power immediately disintegrated. Even if he had a few loyal subordinates, they could only drift along with the tide.

On the contrary, it was Wang Xin.

He had been transferred to the capital for quite some time, yet his subordinates had all banded together. Despite being just a guerrilla general, his abilities were truly remarkable and different from others. Zhou Shiming had paid attention to Wang Xin, and the more he paid attention, the more amazed he became.

“This man is extraordinary,” Zhou Shiming finally spoke.

"With General Wang's ability to lead troops into battle, he will surely become a military governor in the future."

Tao Sheng echoed.

Zhou Shiming did not explain to Tao Sheng that these misunderstandings did not matter. His mind was becoming more and more certain, so he no longer hesitated and brought up a matter.

Tao Sheng was also stunned.

They actually asked me to help them find a match, and it was the eldest daughter of the Zhou family!

Why?
What gives Tang Ping the right to do so?
Tao Sheng subconsciously spoke up: "General Wang is more qualified to be Master Zhou's granddaughter. Tang Ping is just a lowly sergeant. What makes him worthy of Master Zhou's attention?"

"General Wang is exceptionally talented; Datong cannot retain him."

Zhou Shiming didn't care what would happen to Wang Xin in the future; this man was too domineering, and it was better for him to leave Datong as soon as possible.

With the construction of Zhenlu City, the status of Weiyuan Pass will become crucial.

Tang Ping was Wang Xin's confidant, but his status was low. Bringing him into the Zhou family would allow the family to help Tang Ping get promoted, which would also be good for Wang Xin. I believe Wang Xin would not refuse; he is a smart man.

Zhou Shiming didn't care about the imperial court; the only thing that mattered was the Zhou family.
-
Since Zhai Wen has already visited, Wang Xin doesn't need to make a special trip to Datong. He can simply wait for news from the imperial court.

Xue Yan led the craftsmen to inspect the site, while Xue Ke and Zheng Hao were busy with military affairs, leaving behind a "clingy" maid.

Xue Baoqin wanted to ride a horse, but Xue Yan refused. Now that her father was gone, she remembered Wang Xin's gentle nature and begged him to take her riding. But Wang Xin dared not agree.

I don't really care.

The key issue is that Xue Baoqin will get married in the future, and this is something that is still very important in this era. What if riding a horse affects her?

Xue Yan loved Xue Baoqin so much, so his disagreement on this matter must have had a reason.

"Big brother, you don't treat me like a little sister."

Xue Baoqin cried pitifully, but no tears came out. Wang Xin was speechless, unable to explain himself.

"Such beautiful weather, why don't you go fly a kite?"

"I just want to ride a horse."

Xue Baoqin was really angry.

Her father rejected her, her older brother rejected her, and her brother was too busy to be seen.

Originally, I only wanted to ride it a little, but now I'm determined to ride it.

"How about this?" Wang Xin came up with an idea. "I'll lead the horse, and you sit on it and don't move around."

"it is good."

Xue Baoqin happily agreed, her eyes crinkling with laughter.

Wang Xin shook his head helplessly.

So I'm really not a ruthless hero. If I have a daughter in the future, I'll probably grant her every wish and won't be able to harden my heart at all.

After a while.

Wang Xin found a gentle horse, helped Xue Baoqin onto it, then took the reins and slowly walked on the grass.

It's slow and very stable.

Xue Baoqin was riding on horseback for the first time, experiencing things she had never experienced before. She was in a good mood and let out a clear, cheerful laugh all the way. Hearing her laughter, Wang Xin also felt happy.

"Big brother."

Xue Baoqin laughed in her silvery voice, "I'm taller than you."

"childish."

Wang Xin remained silent, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"what the hell."

Xue Baoqin pouted, then suddenly saw a small animal shrinking into a hole in the ground in the distance. She quickly pointed and asked anxiously, "Big brother, look! What's that?" She was afraid that Wang Xin hadn't seen it.

Groundhog.

Wang Xin disagreed.

"What is a groundhog?"

"What you just saw was a groundhog."

"what the hell."

"I'm furious."

Xue Baoqin suddenly laughed again, as if she had remembered something. Before Wang Xin could ask, she couldn't help but laugh and said, "No wonder Sister Lin said you are the most annoying person."

Wang Xin shook his head.

I won't argue with them.

If Lord Lin had returned to the capital smoothly back then, and I had powerful figures in the court to look after me, many of the troubles I'm facing now wouldn't be troubles at all.

Just like back in Yangzhou.

Because of Lin Ruhai's care, I can easily do many things.

The Xue family is another example.

Whether it's the rent in Hexi Camp, the market in Hexi Camp, or matters of military equipment and firearms, including the current affairs outside Datong Pass, my relationship with the Xue family is becoming increasingly close.

This is the benefit.

Beyond self-interest, there is also human connection.

Humans are always emotional beings.

However, the Xue family is becoming increasingly important to him, and he is becoming more and more dependent on the Xue family, which is not a good thing.

The eldest and second branches of the Xue family.

Wang Xin frowned.

It would be better if the two families kept their distance. Like before, the eldest son's family was wary of the second son's family, and each family did their own business. But now, because of me, the two families have become closer, which is not good.

Otherwise, the Xue family's influence on him would be too great, beyond his control, and if things continued this way, he would end up being controlled by the Xue family.

"Bahhhhh."

far away.

Led by several young guards, Tao Sheng found Wang Xin and his group by the river.

Upon seeing his old friend Tao Sheng, Wang Xin smiled but did not go forward to greet him, worried about what would happen if Xue Baoqin had an accident on horseback while he was away.

When Xue Baoqin saw someone coming, she immediately became obedient and stopped bothering Wang Xin. She sat quietly on the horse, like a good girl, doing whatever Wang Xin asked her to do.

"General Wang."

Tao Sheng dismounted and bowed before him.

Wang Xin smiled, holding the reins in one hand, and remained still.

Tao Sheng secretly observed the girl on horseback. Even from a distance, she seemed extremely cute. Now that he was closer, he could see her even more clearly and couldn't help but stare blankly.

With a clear mind, it's no wonder that Wang Xin, who is usually kind to others, remained motionless.

"This is the daughter of the second landlord of the Xue family, and also my younger sister," Wang Xin said with a smile.

"So you are Miss Xue, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Tao Sheng dared not look too long, lest he lose his composure, and bowed his head and cupped his hands in greeting.

"This is Tao Sheng, my friend. You can call him Brother Tao," Wang Xin said solemnly, not forgetting Xue Baoqin. Xue Baoqin liked this about Wang Xin the most.

Respect people from the bottom of your heart.

No matter who the other party is, even if they are a servant of the Jia family, as long as they do not offend Wang Xin, Wang Xin will treat them as human beings.

Xue Baoqin said earnestly, "Brother Tao."

"Don't dare, don't dare."

Tao Sheng was at a loss, and when he looked up and saw Xue Baoqin's appearance, he became even more flustered.

Xue Baoqin was not surprised. Although she was young, she had traveled to many places with her father and had even met foreigners. Once, a foreigner, unaware of her situation, actually said he wanted to buy her, which angered her father.

Tao Sheng quickly looked at Wang Xin. There were no outsiders around, only Xue Baoqin.

Knowing the relationship between the Xue family and Wang Xin, and considering Xue Baoqin's young age, Tao Sheng spoke directly out of panic.

"I have some good news to share with you, General. I wonder if you would be interested?"

"What happy event?"

"General Tang, one of the general's subordinates, is also quite old."

Tao Sheng first named the person, then laughed and said, "I heard about a young lady the other day. She's sixteen or seventeen years old this year and quite pretty. I thought that Commander Tang should be looking for a wife. As for this young lady's looks, intelligence, and family background, she's a good match for him. But I don't know what General Wang thinks, so I don't dare to be presumptuous. That's why I came to ask General Wang for his instructions before I dared to tell anyone."

Before Wang Xin had even finished listening, he had already guessed Tao Sheng's purpose.

"Which one is it?"

Tao Sheng replied truthfully, "The Zhou family, Master Zhou Shiming."

It turned out to be him.

As expected of an old fox.

Xue Baoqin was startled. She had thought it was a marriage proposal to her older brother, but it turned out to be to become his subordinate. She was curious and wondered how her older brother would respond.

Although she was a young woman, Xue Baoqin was different from other girls. She was not raised in seclusion and knew some things.

“Go talk to Tang Ping. If he’s willing, then there’s no problem.”

Wang Xin did not hesitate and immediately gave a reply.

Tao Sheng looked surprised, not expecting Wang Xin to agree so easily.

Seeing this, Wang Xin smiled and said, "It's Tang Ping's own marriage, so naturally it should be based on his own preferences. If he likes it, I will support him. If he doesn't like it, am I supposed to force it on him?"

Tao Sheng looked on with admiration.

Such magnanimity is truly extraordinary.

No wonder the people he trained were all loyal to him.

Tao Sheng did not linger any longer. With Wang Xin's permission, he immediately went to Weiyuan Pass to find Tang Ping.

"Big brother."

After everyone left, Xue Baoqin couldn't help but call out.

Behind him, Xue Baoqin had lost the excitement she had at the beginning of riding the horse. Having tasted the novelty and had enough time, Wang Xin felt it was about time, so he took the reins and started to walk back. Hearing Xue Baoqin's call, he subconsciously turned around.

"what's up?"

As Xue Baoqin rode on horseback, looking at Wang Xin from above for the first time, she opened her big eyes and asked with a face full of curiosity, "Should one marry someone they like?"

This is not something you can talk about casually.

Wang Xin hesitated for a moment.

Ping'er's background was simple, and she had the ability to take care of others, including Qingwen. Wang Xin could support whoever Qingwen wanted to marry in the future, as long as they were willing. But Xue Baoqin's status was different.

It's not just her personal matter.

Besides, Xue Baoqin is a young lady from a wealthy family. If you really asked her to live a hard life for love and her sweetheart, there wouldn't be many people who could endure such hardship, Wang Xin thought subconsciously.

Understanding these points, one cannot afford to offer unsolicited encouragement.

Perhaps Xue Baoqin, who is always out and about, has seen someone and is in the throes of first love.

Unexpectedly, her older brother didn't reply, pretending not to hear. Xue Baoqin straightened up, realizing that her older brother was in a difficult position.

Xue Baoqin was not the type to make things difficult for others.

It was only because of the news that Brother Tao had just brought that Xue Baoqin remembered her engagement.

I never paid attention to it before, but now I often think about it.

They had never even met before. Last time, when her father sent her and her elder brother to the capital, the other party didn't even greet them. Xue Baoqin was unwilling, but she didn't know what to do.

With something on her mind, Xue Baoqin remained silent.

When they returned to the camp, Wang Xin helped Xue Baoqin dismount. Her slender waist was so delicate that it could be grasped in one hand, and she moved with ease.

"You've had your fun and ridden the horses, now go back and rest. Don't overthink it."

Wang Xin originally intended to pat Xue Baoqin's head, but upon seeing the bulge in her chest and her height, which was greater than in previous years, he withdrew his action and only showed a gentle smile.

Xue Baoqin lowered her head and quietly returned to her tent, and surprisingly did not bother anyone again.

“When a young girl has something on her mind, she has a lot of worries.”

"Nobody wants to grow up."

After sighing twice, Wang Xin smiled and quickly forgot about it.

Xue Yan loved his daughter dearly.

She not only raised his son, but also cherished his daughter. Beyond their shared interests, their relationship deepened, which she considered one of her ways of repaying Xue Yan.

In fact, Wang Xin also liked Xue Baoqin's personality, but because of Xue Yan, he took a closer look at her.

Once we can produce our own firearms, and we have a stable source of income...

The foundation in Datong is quite solid.

Next up are the soldiers.

Iron-clad battalions and flowing soldiers.

Unlike the previous anti-Japanese pirate campaigns in the southeast, the Japanese pirates did not have cavalry and had a dense network of waterways, so the Japanese pirate campaigns were more like a counterinsurgency operation.

The southeast has enjoyed peace for a long time.

The common people had never experienced war, lived a life of hardship, and looked down on soldiers. No one wanted to die, so it was necessary to spend a lot of money to make the people willing to join the army and dare to fight to the death. This was the most difficult part.

Thousands of dollars to buy horse bones.

But the situation is different in the border regions.

The border regions are more like guerrilla warfare.

What's needed is to outlast the enemy.

The herders don't want money. The desert is too poor and the environment is extremely harsh. In order to survive, everyone has to go south to plunder, and the biggest cost is their own life.

If you succeed, you live; if you fail, you die.

Faced with this situation, the Hexi Camp model could not be sustained for long.

We can't afford to die.

The main reason is that the territory of the Great Zhou Dynasty is too large.

In places like the West, where small countries abound, a single branch of the military is sufficient to protect the country's security.

Any unit of spearmen, swordsmen, or longbowmen can swagger around and protect their country.

The Great Zhou is no good.

The Great Zhou also has many special military units.

Soldiers from Huguang, conscripted soldiers from Guangdong, wolf soldiers from Guangxi, mountain soldiers from Yunnan and Guizhou, Miao soldiers from Sichuan, Lai soldiers from Fujian, sand soldiers from Chongming, monk soldiers from Shaolin, gunmen from Shandong, Mao people from Henan, Wa people from Tianzhou, cavalry from the north, and archers from Beiping.
However, they couldn't adapt to the environment outside the province.

"General, Battalion Commander Tang is here."

Before dusk.

Tang Ping rode his horse to Zhenlu City.

At this time, Zhenlu City was still under construction, but it was becoming more and more complete and was to be finished before winter so that all families could move in.

"General, why are you ignoring me?"

Tang Ping started complaining as soon as he entered the door.

Tao Sheng, who was speechless, followed along. He was worried that Tang Ping might say something inappropriate and cause Wang Xin to misunderstand, so he had no choice but to come back. He was exhausted from the long journey.

Upon learning of the Zhou family's idea, Tang Ping's first thought was that the Zhou family wanted to poach the general's man.

They dared to set their sights on me.

Does the Zhou family believe that they are disloyal to the general?

Tang Ping was furious. If it weren't for the fact that Tao Sheng had a good relationship with the general, he would have beaten him up long ago.

(End of this chapter)