The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 260 Blind

If Tang Ping is promoted to Zuo Ji and assigned to the Weiyuan Pass post, his identity will be removed from the Jingying (Beijing) garrison, essentially returning to where he came from.

Not all soldiers who are assigned to Beijing for rotation will stay in Beijing.

It was not that soldiers who obtained official positions in the Beijing Garrison could stay there permanently.

If I can be promoted to the rank of brigade commander and take sole command of Datong West Road, then I will invest all the wealth I have accumulated over the years into Datong West Road, and use this as an opportunity to completely eliminate the threat posed by Hu's forces and open up a new business model.

The Russians were able to expand eastward all the way for the fur trade.

In order to trade ginseng, the Shanxi merchants from Datong were able to travel all the way east and find the Jurchens to help them harvest ginseng.

Similarly, for the purpose of cattle and sheep trade, the trading companies they established could also seize means of production everywhere, whether in the east or the west.

Nothing more.

If they win, then the Russians will advance eastward.

If they lost, it would mean that the Shanxi merchants colluded with the Later Jin and betrayed the Ming Dynasty.

If Ou Yanhu defeats him, the merchants of Datong will also be unable to deal with Ou Yanhu. Since merchants always prioritize profit, they will inevitably make secret contact with Ou Yanhu and will do anything for profit.

Like Zheng Zhilong, who commanded hundreds of thousands of armored soldiers, he was essentially a businessman, as were his allies. So when faced with an opponent like the Qing Dynasty, they didn't think about resisting to the end, but rather wanted to preserve their own interests by surrendering.

I believe that if I can achieve my goals in Beijing, even if it's just in western Datong, I can still leverage the domestic population and resources to reach beyond the Great Wall.

But what if it doesn't happen?

Therefore, Wang Xin had to consider how to ensure Datong's self-preservation and keep its commerce under its own control. This would allow it to resist Ou Yanhu and prevent merchants from defecting to Ou Yanhu. That's why he prepared to divide his accumulated wealth in two.

It can also provide them with military funding at the same time.

Three birds with one stone.

If you don't plan ahead, you'll fail.

With ample preparation, Wang Xin was not too worried about the outcome of his trip to Beijing. He simply hoped for a swift resolution, whatever the result might be, rather than letting it drag on indefinitely.

The foundation for western Datong has been laid, and great development awaits next year.

The military has also made preparations to distance itself from the situation.

Next.

Whether it's self-directed or the layout left behind by oneself is different approaches and requires a clear explanation.

soon.

Wang Xin and his personal guards returned to the Hexi camp.

The situation in Hexi Camp has not changed much.

In good order.

A row of fences separates the two sides.

On one side was a warehouse, with more than a dozen additional buildings constructed. The road between the buildings became even narrower, barely wide enough for two vehicles to pass side by side. Many workers were transporting goods back and forth, and there were also people working inside the warehouse.

"The market is becoming more and more prosperous, and there are too many merchants. The main problem is that there is no place to store the goods."

Wang Xin nodded.

The Great Zhou Dynasty certainly cannot be compared with later generations, but its domestic market was the largest in the world.

The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.

Even the old canal.

There are also the Yangtze River and the dense network of waterways in the Jiangnan region, and so on.

These were equivalent to railways in later times, but at an extremely low cost.

Freight volume is far ahead.

It's to the point that even the second and tenth combined can't compare.

In later generations, there were nearly a hundred large-scale trading markets of various kinds in the capital.

In today's capital city, including the new market in Tongzhou, there are only four or five such markets.

Even these four or five companies are top-tier in this era.

The geography and layout of Tongzhou destined the market here to be immeasurable, provided it is not subject to special restrictions. I have only opened a door; the market demand itself still belongs to the Great Zhou itself, that is, to every individual in the Great Zhou.

Just after we finished inspecting the camp, people from the Eastern Army headquarters arrived.

When Dai Wei learned that Wang Xin had returned to the capital, he kept a close eye on him. Upon learning that the man had returned to Hexi Camp, he did not dare to delay and rushed over immediately.

Upon learning that the Right Commander of the Eastern Army was coming, Wang Xin, not wanting to be impolite, personally went to the camp gate to greet him.

"General Wang."

Before Wang Xin could speak, Dai Wei took the initiative to cup his hands in greeting and stepped forward, his face full of smiles.

Fortunately, Zhang Can wasn't there.

A year ago, Zhang Can almost died at this man's hands and was also beaten up.

Wang Xin was unwilling to be impolite, but he didn't like Dai Wei. Because of Zhang Can's matter, he was even a little impatient with this person. He calmly asked, "I didn't know that you, sir, had the honor of visiting. What brings you here?"

"I am hardly a distinguished person."

Dai Wei remained unfazed and continued to show enthusiasm.

Wang Xin extended his hand, inviting Dai Wei to enter the camp.

Dai Wei didn't stand on ceremony and followed Wang Xin into the camp, leaving his sedan chair and porters at the camp gate.

We arrived at the public housing.

Dai Wei looked surprised.

Despite being just a guerrilla general, Wang Xin was quite famous, and many officials paid attention to him.

Moreover, this person is indeed exceptionally capable.

"I've long heard that General Wang is not only a master at leading troops into battle, but also an expert at maintaining the army." After taking his seat, Dai Wei said with a smile, "The Hexi Camp is thriving day by day, which is truly remarkable."

"It doesn't deserve the clerk's praise; it's just a crooked and unorthodox approach, not worthy of respect."

Wang Xin dared not let Dai Wei praise him.

He flattered me, which aroused jealousy and created many enemies without my knowledge.

Dai Wei disagreed, saying instead, "These days, the ability to lead troops into battle is far less important than the ability to support one's own men."

I never expected that Manager Dai would have such good judgment.

If that's the case, why did you treat Zhang Can that way in the first place?

Although Zhang Can is just Zhang Can, his actions reveal Dai Wei's attitude towards the soldiers; he doesn't look down on soldiers.

Seeing Wang Xin's skepticism, Dai Wei said with a smile, "War is difficult in some ways, but easy in others."

Wang Xin nodded without interrupting.

Dai Wei looked smug, with a hint of showing off. Wang Xin could tell, but he was too lazy to argue with him. He decided to see what Dai Wei's true purpose was.

"Whoever can make the soldiers live well, the soldiers will be willing to risk their lives for them."

"After all, there are many people with families to support."

"To feed their families, many people are willing to risk their lives. The Great Zhou Dynasty has no shortage of people willing to risk their lives."

Dai Wei didn't understand warfare; he was only in charge of military logistics.

But after getting to know more about it, I became convinced of one thing.

Whoever can make soldiers live well will definitely be a good leader, and vice versa.

Dai Wei then changed the subject and praised, "Those who use their minds govern others. General Wang understands this principle and is a master at it. However, General Wang is more soft-hearted than us and is willing to give more to his subordinates, which is something we cannot match."

They know everything.

Wang Xin sighed.

"I come from the common people, and I will eventually return to the common people. It's not a matter of whether I am kind or not."

Dai Wei had heard of Wang Xin, a man who was full of talk about benevolence and morality.

Now that he had heard these words, Dai Wei didn't want to waste any more time and said with a smile, "It's a good thing that this market is thriving, but it's a mixed bag and needs to be properly managed. It can't affect the army, and if something happens, it could easily cause trouble."

Understood.

Seeing that the market in Hexi was thriving, they came to freeload.

Wang Xin refused outright, showing no respect for Dai Wei, and said firmly, "The Hexi Market is doing very well and doesn't need anyone else's interference."

Dai Wei frowned.

To my utter surprise, Wang Xin showed no respect whatsoever.

Wouldn't it be better for everyone to share the profits made by businessmen?

There's no reason to refuse.

Dai Wei's tone softened, as if he were offering a well-intentioned reminder.

"General Wang, you may not know this, but merchants are driven by profit. They will do anything for money and have no shame. If we do not keep a close watch on them, I'm afraid many more innocent souls will be lost in the Tongzhou River. If the censor finds out and submits a memorial, it will not only be trouble for General Wang, but the Right Route Army will also be implicated."

This is a threat.

Wang Xin stared at Dai Wei, his eyes filled with coldness.

Dai Wei was caught off guard by Wang Xin's intense attitude and hesitated.

"Does Steward Dai know the principle of preserving heavenly principles and eliminating human desires?"

"General, you jest. As a scholar myself, how could I not know this principle?"

Dai Wei found it laughable.

Does Wang Xin, a mere warrior, really think he can preach to me?
Is he worthy?
Dai Wei looked at him with disdain. Wang Xin ignored Dai Wei's gaze, as if talking to himself, or perhaps giving a warning.

"As I understand it, this doesn't mean you shouldn't like food, beautiful women, or other human desires, but rather that you should control them appropriately."

"Understand the principles of society and comprehend nature."

in other words.

With a salary of three thousand yuan, you need to learn to lie low.

Having a family to support, with elderly parents and young children, it's even more important to control your desires and avoid pursuing consumption and investments beyond your means. You should cherish the precious moments you have now.

in short.

Unable to control one's desires.

Even if you give him immense wealth, once he gets used to it, he will still be unsatisfied, still feel unhappy, and still feel it's not enough.

And know how to control your desires.

"Therefore, even with simple meals and plain food, one can live a harmonious and happy life."

After Wang Xin finished speaking.

Sighed.

This is the principle of preserving heavenly laws and eliminating human desires.

But the Great Way is the Great Way.

If it were so easy to see through, there would be no seven deadly sins. This shows that regardless of country or country, or race, human nature is inherently sinful, and we need to learn how to be a good person.

But it's precisely these two words, "the principles of being a person," that matter.

A hundred people have a hundred different desires, and thus a hundred different opinions.

The great principle of preserving heavenly principles and eliminating human desires has become increasingly difficult to fathom, and people are often tormented by worldly desires.

Wang Xin didn't expect Dai Wei to understand.

He definitely understands.

But he was unwilling to control it.

Wang Xin was not against luxury.

Luxury should be within one's means. Eat only what you can afford.

What business is it of yours, Dai Wei, if the Hexi market prospers again?

Wang Xin had seen too many people like this: those who would seize power by trickery and covet, and those who were jealous and envious of the profits gained by merchants.

Let's not even talk about the fact that Hexi Market has its own shares.

He did not seize the market by trickery or force; on the contrary, he took action to create the Hexi Market. Moreover, the shares were not held by him personally, but were used to obtain military funds for the army.

Therefore, Wang Xin does not believe that his actions are the same as Dai Wei's.

If Dai Wei has the ability to create a similar market outside Hexi and promote its healthy development, I will not only not stop him, but will also strongly support him.

Even if I didn't own any shares, I wouldn't support Dai Wei's blatant extortion on my own turf.

Seeing Wang Xin's firm attitude, Dai Wei couldn't understand and left in displeasure.

Wang Xin didn't care about Dai Wei either.

Such people will not give up until they see the Yellow River.

Birds die for wealth, and people die for food. Only when he is thoroughly terrified will he regret it.

"Go back to Beijing."

Wang Xin no longer intended to stay in Tongzhou and returned to the capital that same day. Instead of going back to the Jia family mansion, he went to the Eastern Army Commander's Office.

Zhu Wei is still not here.

Zhu Shenggong came out to greet them.

Some officials who saw him inquired about his identity.

Zhu Shenggong warmly pulled Wang Xin along.

"I didn't expect you to come to see me so soon after returning to the capital."

Zhu Shenggong treated Wang Xin as if he were one of his own, treating him with ease.

Wang Xin smiled, picked up the teacup, and took a sip of tea.

After returning to Beijing.

Aside from returning to the Jia family mansion, he only met with Lu Zhongheng privately and did not meet with anyone in official capacity.

The first place to arrive was the Eastern Army Governor's Office.

Amid the complex situation in Beijing, this undoubtedly conveyed a certain attitude to the outside world.

Wang Xin supports the Eastern Army Admiral.

Although he was only a guerrilla general, Wang Xin did not underestimate himself.

I also believe that many people are observing me.

At times like these, even the Eastern Army Admiral needs to express a clear stance to people like myself.

It's like when I left Datong.

Zhang Wenjin poached his own subordinates.

Similarly, if the imperial court wanted to promote Zhu Wei, the commander of the Eastern Army, to the position of commander of the Five Armies Commandery, Zhu Wei certainly wouldn't want to leave the Eastern Army. Therefore, it would be urgent for him for more subordinates in the Eastern Army to express their support.

"Is there any chance for the general to stay?"

Wang Xin was also very curious.

Before he left Beijing, Zhang Jifu had already been plotting against the Eastern Army after returning to the capital, but unexpectedly, it dragged on for half a year.

Zhu Shenggong's expression darkened.

"Zhang Jifu was so capable, it must have been very difficult for my father."

It seems the Zhu family lacks confidence.

Zhang Jifu is still Zhang Jifu, impossible to deal with.

Although Zhang Jifu and Zhu Wei were both subordinates of the retired emperor, they still engaged in internal strife.

So even without an emperor, internal strife will still occur.

Wang Xin pondered.

Zhu Shenggong misunderstood Wang Xin, thinking he was worried, and instead laughed out loud.

Wang Xin looked up, not understanding what Zhu Shenggong was laughing at.

"Regardless of your attitude, our relationship is extraordinary. By any measure, we are friends. You don't need to rush to the governor's mansion. I won't blame you."

"I came to the governor's mansion mainly because I need your help."

Wang Xin couldn't help but laugh and explained it again.

Zhu Shenggong remained silent.

Zhu Shenggong was well aware that Wang Xin's return to the capital was for his official position, so Zhang Jifu's attitude was very important.

At this time, Zhang Jifu was certainly not pleased when Wang Xin came to the governor's mansion.

If he wanted something from her, then it wouldn't be hard to understand; it was just that she misunderstood.

However, more curious about why Wang Xin would come to him for a favor than his own misunderstanding, Zhu Shenggong eagerly pressed, "What could possibly be causing you trouble? Tell me quickly, and I'll definitely help."

Wang Xin had no choice but to recount the events involving the Eastern Army's clerk.

"You're such a tightwad."

"He too, what did he do to offend you, you tightwad?"

Zhu Shenggong did not feel troubled. He could still arrange things within the Eastern Army, but the future was uncertain.

"I never thought I was such a tightwad in your eyes."

"Is not it?"

Zhu Shenggong countered with a question.

Wang Xin thought for a moment, then had nothing to say.

The money given as a token of filial piety is not something that can be easily dismissed with a small amount.

Either don't give it to me.

Giving too little is worse than not giving anything at all, and it will only offend people more.

This will inevitably affect his ability to support his army.

But there's a saying that goes something like that.

Where money is, there your heart is.

How do officials from other regions demonstrate their loyalty to their powerful backers? Certainly not through sweet words in letters, but through real money.

He neither offered tribute to Zhu Wei nor to Zhang Jifu.

This was largely due to the fact that neither of them considered him a confidant.

That wasn't the case when I was with Lin Ruhai.

Whatever the reason.

When he was in Yangzhou, Lin Ruhai did not ask him to show filial piety. Instead, he gave him a lot of money to cover military expenses, saving him a lot of trouble.

(End of this chapter)