The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 249 Kneaded into a ball

"Lord Zhang, how will you deal with Ou Yanhu?"

Wang Xin asked directly.

The imperial court's idea was to appease and stabilize Ou Yanhu, doing so as to learn from the lessons of fighting against the Japanese pirates.

Although whoever is in charge of the war holds military power, they will also pay a price when they suffer defeat, which is why the emperor completely lost power.

Now that the retired emperor is in power, he naturally does not want war to break out in order to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

However, the court's decision did not align with Zhang Wenjin's interests. The reason he couldn't make up his mind was simply due to the dilemma of choosing between different interests, and nothing else.

My own needs are also very simple.

Eliminating the Hu tribe would resolve the external threat, while simultaneously using a commercial model to obtain the necessary military funds and provide a way for disaster victims to survive.

Then you need a seesaw.

Zhenlu City is it.

I've already opened the floodgates myself.

Zhang Wenjin knew Wang Xin's purpose in coming; it was the final showdown.

"Xuanfu was less attacked by the enemy because there were two fortresses outside the city as a barrier. If the enemy came to attack Datong, the army could directly reach the city of Datong. Datong was afraid to attack Datong for fear of damaging the city.

Zhang Wenjin said slowly.

Listening to Zhang Wenjin's analysis of Xuanfu and Datong, Wang Xin nodded. These were not profound matters; as long as one was in this position and had access to more information, it was easy to make a judgment.

The difficulty lies in how to solve the problem.

We'll wait and see if Zhang Jifu's judgment of Zhang Wenjin was right.

Zhang Wenjin glanced at Wang Xin's expression, but couldn't figure it out, so she didn't care.

However, this person is indeed a skilled fighter.

I still need this person.

Zhang Wenjin said as usual, "This governor plans to build five forts in Shuikou, Xuanning, Heishan Liugou, and Huagou to serve as a barrier for Datong."

Before Wang Xin could speak, Zhang Wenjin couldn't help but introduce: "The Ming Dynasty once built three lines of defense outside Datong City: the Great Wall, the Second Wall, and the Third Wall. Later, as the defense line continued to shrink, the Great Wall and the Second Wall no longer exist, and even the Third Wall, which is only fifty or sixty miles away from Datong City, has been abandoned in fact."

After speaking, Zhang Wenjin concealed the unease in her eyes, hoping that Wang Xin could offer some suggestions.

This person's abilities are undeniable.

Wang Xin nodded.

What Zhang Wenjin said is true. The area north of Datong City is flat for nearly a hundred miles. In order to strengthen the defense of Datong, some officials once suggested building fortresses in Shuikou, Xuanning and Heishan outside the city, but the plan was never implemented.

It's better to invest hundreds of thousands of taels of silver into the army and fight.

Back then, the Great Zhou Dynasty was powerful and prosperous, unlike now, which is riddled with problems.

Therefore, Zhang Wenjin still wanted to stay in Datong.

Since the two of them share common needs, they can cooperate.

Although Zhang Wenjin's method did not suit my taste, everyone has different ideas, and it is important to seek common ground while reserving differences.

Based on Zhang Wenjin's plan, Wang Xin offered his suggestion: "The Crab Method."

"Crab?"

"The governor built Datong into an impregnable fortress, and that is the crab."

"The Datong Western Route Army and the Tiancheng Army are positioned on the left and right, like two large pincers. As long as the barbarians dare to invade, we can crush them."

Of course, things are not as simple as they make them out to be.

The Hu people were less productive, but they were not stupid.

However, there are strategic advantages. Datong currently lacks elite troops, so it can leverage the strengths of the militia, focusing on defense, as well as funding and supplies.

Feng Yong's inability to obtain funds from the imperial court does not mean that Zhang Wenjin cannot obtain funds from the imperial court.

Moreover, the threat of Japanese pirates in the southeast has been largely eliminated, and this year's tax revenue from the southeast should be significantly higher than in previous years.

With this extra money compared to previous years, many people are reaching for it, and whoever has the bigger arm gets the most.

Therefore, in addition to Zhang Wenjin's plan, I also want to establish the Western Route Army, which is in Zhang Wenjin's interest. Whether it is the Tiancheng Army or the future Western Route Army, the two battalions will be responsible for field battles.

Things went as expected, and Wang Xin was relieved.

Zhang Wenjin said no more.

The simplest thing in the world is to help others, and it is also the most difficult thing.

In officialdom, the greatest favor one can do is to help others succeed.

Despite being unrelated by blood, Zhang Wenjin did not want to grant Wang Xin's wish.

Not only was he just a martial artist, but his background was also complicated. Zhang Wenjin was unwilling to let him take the lead, but for his own benefit, Zhang Wenjin had no choice but to accept him.

Looking at the man's calm expression, Zhang Wenjin sighed inwardly.

The imperial court is embroiled in constant turmoil, and the local areas are also in turmoil.

If the local powerful families didn't object, and Zhang Wenjin, the person in charge in Datong, didn't object either, then what other reason was there? Therefore, the establishment of the Western Route Army was a foregone conclusion.

Unless someone opposes them.

It doesn't matter if someone opposes me.

Wang Xin wasn't too worried about the situation, as he had already divided up his troops to lead independently. He could always go back to his own territory if necessary. With the plans he had made and the abilities of Zhang Can and Tang Ping, he was not too concerned.

One person's wealth and glory are not as good as brothers living a good life together.

This has always been Wang Xin's principle.

This was also the case when we were in Yangzhou.

Having arranged a way out for the brothers in the Yangzhou camp, most of them were able to live the lives they wanted.

The only thing that matters is money.

Even brothers have to settle accounts clearly.

Niuxin Mountain is located in the rear between Tuanshan and Weiyuan Pass, and it is also the closest to Yanmen Pass. Therefore, after leaving Datong, Wang Xin came to Niuxin Mountain. In addition to visiting the newly established firearms factory, he also summoned his important generals.

Wang Xin arrived at Liu Er's workshop.

The gun factory was not a complete factory; there were several workshops and sheds along the Shili River, the largest of which was Liu Er's workshop.

“I have made public the family’s traditional techniques and put them into detailed regulations.”

Liu Er said smugly.

He won the bid at a price of 1.8 taels, securing the largest order ever. To ensure the project's completion, he hired dozens of quick-thinking workers, determined to increase production capacity to 100 poles per month.

This is not enough.

If we build 100 bird guns every month out of 3,000, that's only 1,200 guns a year, and it would take more than two years.

Liu Er racked his brains trying to figure out how to continue improving.

Wang Xin nodded.

Besides coercion, another way to force artisans to contribute their ancestral skills is through bribery.

As for which one is more efficient, Wang Xin believes it is the latter.

Just like Liu Er now.

In terms of production efficiency, reducing costs cannot stimulate the efficiency of new models; the core is human initiative.

So Liu Er not only brought out his ancestral skills, but also wanted the workers to become skilled industrial workers as soon as possible. However, Liu Er had his limitations.

Even one Liu Er, or ten thousand Liu Ers, couldn't come up with this.

However, out of every 100,000 people like Liu Er, perhaps one will come up with the assembly line model.

Wang Xin laughed and said, "Why not divide the workers into groups, with each group producing one process on its own? They would only need to do one thing."

Liu Er was stunned when he heard Wang Xin's idea.

The assembly line model has emerged; the next step is to replace it with mechanization and eventually transform it into an intelligent, unmanned production line.

Competition and interests.

It used to take a year or even longer to train a skilled worker, but now it only takes a month. Smart people can even get started in just ten days or half a month, and the success rate has increased dramatically.

Wang Xin was very confident, while Liu Er was skeptical but also felt that what the general said made sense.

"If the monthly production capacity can reach 300 poles, that's 3,600 poles a year. Compared to the current annual production of 1,200 poles, the profit difference is three times. This threefold profit is worth any price to pay."

Wang Xin patted Liu Er on the shoulder.

Liu Er was just a craftsman before. Although he was unwilling to admit his age and had a pioneering spirit, how could he compare to Wang Xin's vision?

I was stunned by just a few words, and pondered them for a long time.

The more I thought about it, the more it made sense.

Wang Xin quickly left the workshop, not caring whether Liu Er would listen to him or not.

He won't listen, but others will.

With a 300% profit margin, many people will work themselves to the bone.

As for new factory owners like Liu Er, Wang Xin now feels there are too few, not too many.

He recruited dozens of people here, so dozens of people have solved their livelihood problems.

"Heh." Zhao Yong had come all the way from Yanmen Pass. Although he had heard about Niuxin Mountain, this was his first time here. He couldn't help but exclaim in amazement when he saw the large waterwheels and tall chimneys standing in the Shili River.

The waterwheel, driven by the flowing water, connects to the bellows in the workshop on the bank. The bellows swing continuously, sending air into the blast furnace.

"It's warm, though."

The weather was getting cold, but there was a wave of heat when I arrived here.

"I'm just afraid it will be uncomfortable in the summer."

"Springtime is tough, but what's a little hardship?"

Hearing the guard's words, Zhao Yong nodded, agreeing that what he said was true.

"small stone!"

Zhao Yong suddenly smiled and called out to a boy in the distance. The boy was wearing light armor and had a long sword at his waist. Hearing someone call his name, he looked around.

"General Zhao."

Little Stone saw Zhao Yong and happily walked over.

Zhao Yong was the Assistant General, the highest-ranking officer in the entire army besides the general.

"You've grown taller again."

Zhao Yong pinched Xiao Shitou's arm, which was full of ferocious muscles and was almost taller than himself. He was so strong and brave that he was very fond of him.

"I'll go and speak to the general, and ask him to let you come with me."

"go."

Little Stone rolled his eyes.

"Haha."

Zhao Yong laughed loudly.

“Of course Little Stone wouldn’t agree.” Zhao Yong’s personal guards behind him also laughed.

There are many children in the military camp. The reason they were enlisted was simply to make it easier to take care of them.

These children have also become successful.

Not only did they have good teachers to guide them, allowing them to learn to read and write from a young age, and eat and sleep well, but they also had the general's discerning eye to recognize talent. Every child chosen by the general was exceptionally good.

Besides Shi Ping, the most promising one is Xiao Shitou right now.

Zhao Yong was just teasing them on purpose. Although they were quite tall, they were only sixteen or seventeen years old and their childishness had not completely faded. He treated them as juniors.

"Where's the general?"

"General, we're waiting for you. Everyone else has arrived."

"Then hurry up and go."

Zhao Yong's expression turned serious. He was the furthest away from Yanmen Pass, so he arrived a little late.

Zhao Yong, Liu Tong, Zhang Can, Tang Ping, Ma Fan, and Huang Wen.

There are also newcomers.

For example, Fang Hua.

This man was originally the garrison commander of the west gate of Yanmen Pass, and was personally retained by the general. His performance over the past year has earned him the recognition of most people.

As for who that bearded man is?

Many people are seeing it for the first time.

"The defense of Tuanshan Pass".

After Tang Ping's reminder, those who didn't recognize him suddenly realized that this person had also been noticed by the general.

With a full beard, he looked quite imposing, and many people couldn't help but stare at him, wondering what skills he possessed.

Huang Wen was a little nervous as it was his first time participating, but he was not intimidated by the stares of everyone.

"The general has arrived!"

Doorway.

Someone sang.

"Crash."

Upon hearing the sound, everyone stood up and looked towards the door.

Wang Xin, dressed in his battle robes, walked in calmly.

"General!"

"General."

"General."

The crowd nodded and shouted.

Wang Xin nodded and sat back in his seat.

Once settled, Wang Xin was satisfied with the large number of talented subordinates under his command.

It's meaningless to become successful on your own.

It's truly meaningful to prosper together with those who follow you.

"Tang Ping".

"My subordinate is here."

Upon hearing his name called, Tang Ping stood up once again.

Wang Xin laughed and said, "Getting a wife will surely increase expenses."

"Hahaha."

Everyone laughed.

Tang Ping felt embarrassed and didn't know how to answer, so he became awkward.

Wang Xin didn't pay any attention and gestured for Tang Ping to sit back down.

"I won't waste any more words; I'm here today to discuss money."

The room fell silent immediately.

Everyone sat upright.

Liu Tong's eyes remained calm.

Talking about money hurts feelings; only fake brothers would be ashamed to talk about money. Liu Tong thought it through very clearly. He would just do whatever the general arranged, and the general would have his own reasons.

Liu Tong glanced at the crowd out of the corner of his eye.

I believe my brothers think the same way. However, I'm not sure how to judge the newcomers. I'll trust the general's judgment. I'll stop thinking about it.

"The Weiyuan Pass has a troop strength of 3,500, including 500 battalion soldiers with a monthly military pay of 800 taels, and 3,000 militiamen with a monthly military pay of 2,400 taels, totaling 3,200 taels."

"The number of soldiers in Tuanshankou is 2,000, including 300 battalions of soldiers, whose monthly military pay is 500 taels, and 1,700 militiamen, whose monthly military pay is 1,360 taels, for a total of 1,860 taels."

"The Yanmen Pass has a military strength of 3,000 men, including 500 battalion soldiers with a monthly military pay of 800 taels, and 2,500 militiamen with a monthly military pay of 2,400 taels, for a total of 3,200 taels."

"The city of Zhenlu has a troop strength of 2,000 men, including 1,000 battalion soldiers with a monthly pay of 2,000 taels, 500 Hu cavalry with a monthly pay of 250 taels, and 500 miscellaneous soldiers with a monthly pay of 500 taels, totaling 3,750 taels."

Wang Xin reassigned all 2,500 original soldiers.

Only two hundred people remain.

"My personal guard battalion has two hundred soldiers, and their monthly salary is six hundred taels of silver."

After hearing the general's arrangements, some people couldn't help but start calculating.

The soldiers' pay alone amounted to 12,550 taels per month.

There were also provisions, fodder, and military supplies.

Wang Xin's troop quota was equivalent to restoring the original actual troop quotas in various regions, but the imperial court would not provide that much silver.

Why are soldiers deserting in various places?

Besides local officials withholding funds, the imperial court also refused to provide them.

If the imperial court had provided the funds, how could it have remained indifferent and tolerated such a result from the local authorities?

The root cause lies with the imperial court.

According to the rules over the years, giving 30% would be considered quite good.

So, in places where there should normally be a thousand soldiers, after the general drinks some of their blood, there are often only two or three hundred soldiers, or even less.

“In addition to the support provided to the soldiers, officers at all levels will also receive an annual allowance, which will be paid from the military’s commercial shares.”

The rent from Hexi Camp, the Hexi Market, and the firearms factory all contributed to the largest share of the profits, but the biggest contributor was still Juzhongchang.

"The key lies in the Hetao region. Whether the army can sustain itself depends on the foundation of victory. Let us all strive together."

Wang Xin said in a deep voice.

"Here!"

The crowd agreed.

(End of this chapter)