The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 261 Poisonous Snake
"Wang Xin went to the Eastern Army Commander's Office?"

Upon hearing this news, Wang Ziteng's face turned grim.

Wang Ren looked regretful, but affirmed, "Absolutely true."

"It seems this person doesn't care about the Wang family at all. Since he's an ungrateful wretch, don't blame me for being ruthless," Wang Ziteng sighed.

If this person's surname is not Wang.

Why should Lin Ruhai take care of him?

Without the connections of the four great families, Wang Xin would still be a peasant.

They don't even understand the principle that we all prosper together or suffer together; no wonder dog meat is not presentable.

If Wang Ren had heard his uncle get angry before, he would have thought that the person who angered his uncle would be in trouble. Now that Wang Ren has seen the reality and knows that his uncle has completely lost power, he is afraid that even if he is angry, it will be of no use.

As for Wang Xin?

He is now a legitimate guerrilla general, and only in his twenties with a strong army under his command. He has a promising future, so of course he won't take his uncle seriously.

As if guessing his nephew's thoughts, Wang Ziteng was too lazy to explain and said indifferently, "Take my calling card and go invite Zhu Shenggong."

"what?"

Wang Ren was stunned.

Wang Ziteng sneered, "He thinks he can be worry-free just because he's the Shandong Military Governor. He can be ungrateful and doesn't take the Wang family seriously. I'll show him who will have the last laugh."

He himself is not as powerful or influential as Zhu Wei, but Zhu Wei used to be considered a junior in his eyes.

Now, to meet him, one would have to pay a visit in person, which would be beneath one's dignity. Therefore, if Zhu Wei were to ask his son to come over, he would not refuse.

Wang Ren didn't understand his uncle's thoughts and hesitated, saying, "It's fine if I bring your name card to invite them, but I'm afraid they won't give me face. If word gets out, it will probably be even more embarrassing."

Good things don't go out, bad things pass thousands of miles.

Wang Ren dared not act rashly.

Wang Ziteng did not explain his thoughts, only saying, "He's busy paving the way for his son right now, so he won't refuse."

A dead skinny camel is bigger than a horse.

The four major families are still the four major families; they haven't fallen apart.

As the head of the Wang family, and having just stepped down from his position as governor of nine provinces, Wang Ziteng was certain that Zhu Wei would not easily offend anyone at this crucial moment for the Zhu family.

Wang Ren was skeptical.

Carrying Wang Ziteng's visiting card, they rode in the mansion's carriage and soon arrived at the Zhu family residence.

When the gatekeepers of the Zhu family learned that he was a member of the Wang family, they dared not neglect him. The steward quickly ran out to personally welcome him inside. After waiting for a while in the study, Zhu Wei appeared.

Wang Ren dared not act arrogantly, and, considering himself a junior, bowed respectfully.

Zhu Wei glanced at Wang Ren and knew that Wang Ren was a member of the younger generation of the Wang family, responsible for running errands outside, and was not an ordinary junior.

Wang Ziteng has no son, so Wang Ren is undoubtedly the next successor of the Wang family.

"Didn't Wang Ziteng get you a real job?"

"Reporting to the old general, Uncle has been busy with official duties for many years and has not been able to take care of his family. I have been dull-witted for many years and have accomplished nothing. I dare not trouble Uncle with my affairs. It would be a laughing stock for the old general."

Wang Ren stood up and replied respectfully.

Zhu Wei glanced at Wang Ren again.

Although he is worldly-wise, he lacks the youthful vigor of his age, while his own son is full of vigor but lacks worldly-wiseness.

No one is perfect.

Zhu Wei never thought his son was bad.

Until Wang Xin appeared.

Both being young, Wang Xin's performance was too perfect. Even though he deeply loved his son, he couldn't help but sigh that if Wang Xin were his son, he would have no other desires in this life.

Zhu Wei's tone became kinder.

He asked gently, "Why did Prince Teng send my son to see him?"

Wang Ren didn't understand why Zhu Wei's attitude had improved, but he thought of his uncle's confidence. It seemed that his uncle was just unlucky and had a really good grasp of human nature.

Thinking this to himself but not daring to show it, Wang Ren quickly said, "My uncle said that he and the old general are old friends, but in recent years they have been busy with official duties and each has their own territory, so they have had less contact. Therefore, he would like to invite the old general's son to come and have a chat."

Zhu Wei pondered for a moment.

Guessing Wang Ziteng's intentions, they finally thought of Wang Xin, who had just visited them before.

It's probably because of this person.

Whatever Wang Ziteng wants to do, as long as it doesn't affect him, Zhu Wei doesn't intend to interfere.

Wang Ziteng is now a trapped beast.

They all wanted to interact with their sons and the younger generation.

Whatever he wants to do, he will fight anyone who stands in his way.

It's not that I'm afraid of him.

Rather, it's unnecessary.

Zhu Wei understood the key point and said directly, "Go back and tell Wang Ziteng that my son will personally visit the Wang family tomorrow."

Wang Ren was overjoyed.

I was nervous before coming, but I didn't expect it to be so easy.

After sending Wang Ren away, Zhu Wei, remembering how much Zhu Shenggong valued Wang Xin, asked the steward to fetch Zhu Shenggong.

Wang Xin was indeed talented.

But he was not a trusted confidant of the Zhu family.

You must teach your son to distinguish between inside and outside, and not to act impulsively.

Day two.

Wang family.

Zhu Shenggong arrived on orders.

They took in the scenery of the Wang family's residence along the way.

This was also Zhu Shenggong's first visit to the Wang family.

"I wonder what instructions Lord Wang has given me in summoning me here?"

When Zhu Shenggong met Wang Ziteng, he was very polite, but also curiously looked at the man.

Wang Ziteng is over fifty years old, and his hair is gray.

It is often said that one should know one's destiny at fifty.

Fifty years old is already considered old; many people don't even live to fifty.

As for sixty years old.

That person is already very old; a birthday banquet should be held to celebrate.

Seventy years old is a rare age.

Seventy-year-olds are very rare.

Wang Ziteng, with a kind expression, first invited Zhu Shenggong to sit down and ordered someone to serve tea.

Wang Ren accompanied him from the side.

His nephew, Wang Ren, was about the same age as Zhu Shenggong.

Wang Ziteng had mixed feelings.

Based on their family background and seniority, Zhu Shenggong should have treated Wang Rencai with courtesy.

Ultimately, however, it comes down to who has the power to decide.

Power is everything.

Wang Ziteng's attitude hardened, and he smiled in the tone of an elder: "Your father and I had a good relationship when we were young. In a way, our two families are old friends. I called you here today for nothing other than a few small matters. As for Wang Xin, his relationship is still with the Eastern Army. I want to transfer him back to the Capital Garrison. In order to avoid your father misunderstanding, I specially asked you to come here first."

As Wang Ziteng spoke, his eyes sharpened.

True.

He made his choice back then, but no one knew that the emperor would suddenly lose power and the situation would take a sharp turn for the worse.

But if the Wang family were to fall like this, he would absolutely not sit idly by and wait for his doom.

However, I never wanted to push myself to the brink, so since returning to Beijing, I have been trying to make amends and alleviate my predicament.

Unexpectedly, things got even worse.

Since that's the case, then I have nothing to hesitate about.

He was able to lead the Wang family to stand out from the four great families back then, and he can lead the Wang family back to its peak now.

Zhu Shenggong's expression changed slightly.

Wang Ziteng seemed like a different person; at first, he didn't pay much attention to this person. He'd seen many people like this before.

Many people hoped to get a real job through the Zhu family's connections.

Among them were many former nobles.

Jiang Zining, the grandson of the Marquis of Pingyuan and a hereditary second-class baron, was also a founding hero. However, he was too ambitious and his father was unwilling to associate with him. As for Jia Zhen, whom he brought with him...

My father wouldn't dare say he looked down on the Jia family, but the Jia family had a great reputation but little real power.

Therefore, getting close to the Jia family is not worth the effort.

The father deliberately ignored them, neither offending nor trying to win them over; it was best for everyone to go their own way.

It's not like we're missing another Wang family member.

The four major families are the four major families, but if we consider the Wang family alone, it's just the Wang family.

"Junior..." Zhu Shenggong hesitated, not daring to speak casually. At this moment, Wang Ziteng made people somewhat wary, so even regarding Wang Xin's matter, Zhu Shenggong remained vague: "I wonder how Your Excellency intends to deal with Wang Xin?"

Wang Ziteng frowned.

His expression remained unchanged.

He said in a deep voice, "This person is too domineering and doesn't care about the big picture. He's likely to offend people. But since he's surnamed Wang, the Wang family will end up taking the blame. So it's better to keep him under our noses and not let him cause trouble. It's better for both of our families."

Zhu Shenggong isn't stupid.

After a moment of hesitation, she was about to speak up for Wang Xin when she met Wang Ziteng's gaze.

Zhu Shenggong is no longer the fearless young man he once was. He was unafraid before he arrived, but now he has finally come to understand Wang Ziteng's arrogance.

Such demeanor is extraordinary.

Especially now, at this crucial moment for his father, the pressure of dealing with Zhang Jifu has already made his father extremely anxious, leaving him with no other energy. Therefore, he absolutely cannot allow any accidents to happen. Zhu Shenggong forced a smile and said, "I originally thought that Wang Xin was also a member of the Wang family."

"The Wang family does not have such ungrateful people."

Wang Ziteng waved his hand dismissively, showing no politeness whatsoever.

Zhu Shenggong's heart tightened.

Although he was displeased, Zhu Shenggong sensed Wang Ziteng's decisiveness and, unwilling to provoke him, chose to back down.

“I’m afraid there are some things I don’t know, but it’s a family matter, and outsiders have no right to interfere. I will definitely tell Father the truth when I get back.” Zhu Shenggong did not respond to Wang Ziteng’s words, but he did not refuse either.

Being ungrateful is a major taboo in officialdom.

Wang Ziteng wanted to completely crush Wang Xin.

The internal strife within the Wang family was far more intense than he had imagined. Even though he looked down on Wang Ziteng's behavior, Zhu Shenggong dared not interfere. He could only turn back and tell Wang Xin that he hadn't kept him in the dark, and that he had done right by him.

Zhu Shenggong sighed inwardly.

Wang Xin was the most fair-minded general he had met in recent years.

Unfortunately, in many people's eyes...

Wang Xin was the most unfair.

Because Wang Xin didn't have any sense of superiority.

Wang Xin certainly knew how to make money.

All the money that could be earned was distributed to those below, while those above didn't get any. In the eyes of those above, Wang Xin was naturally unfair.

Two years ago.

The Zhu family was thriving, and everything was going smoothly for them.

I still admire Wang Xin's childlike innocence.

However, with Zhang Jifu's arrival in Beijing, the Zhu family faced many difficulties and Zhu Shenggong had to realize that officialdom was a complex subject, and that relying solely on a sincere heart was of no use.

Like light and dust.

To blend in with the world, not to stand out, not to show off, and to be indifferent to worldly affairs.

To stand firm in one's position and hold onto it while adapting to the trend, to act in accordance with the times and to strive without striving, is the way to last.

He left the Wang family.

Zhu Shenggong was confused for a moment.

Although it was afternoon, the weather was nice.

Under the sunlight, the shadow of the courtyard wall stretched long to the east.

The Eastern Army Governor's Mansion was in the east. Zhu Shenggong's sedan chair was in the shadows by the wall. Several sedan chair bearers wore clothes with patches on the shoulders. They seemed to be used to the heavy load on their shoulders and did not feel the pain.

Zhu Wei turned down a lot of things today.

Wang Ziteng is a sick tiger. As long as the tiger is alive, we cannot be careless. It would be best if he were dead, then we would no longer need to be on guard.

Although there was no conflict with Wang Ziteng, who knows what this man is planning? What if he has his eye on the Zhu family's things? Zhu Wei really dared not let his guard down, being secretly plotted against by such a person.

If it weren't for Zhang Jifu keeping an eye on things from above, it wouldn't have come to this.

"I understand, it's because of Wang Xin."

After Zhu Shenggong returned, he immediately told his father.

Zhu Wei breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

"My son doesn't know why Wang Ziteng would seek us out if he wanted to deal with Wang Xin."

Hearing his son's question, Zhu Shenggong showed no displeasure.

Many things can only be seen clearly when you reach a high vantage point. The son doesn't understand what Wang Ziteng wants to do, not because the son isn't smart enough, but because the son hasn't reached their level and doesn't have that mindset, so naturally he can't understand.

Actually, I can understand Wang Ziteng.

Sacrificing Wang Xin to save the Wang family—anyone would make that choice.

"Where did Wang Xin come from?"

"Datong" (Great Harmony).

Zhu Shenggong replied subconsciously. After speaking, seeing his father looking at him, Zhu Shenggong thought for a moment and said incredulously, "Wang Ziteng still hasn't given up on Datong?"

Why did he give up?

"He didn't win the argument with Fatty Feng back then."

"Fat Feng is no longer in Datong."

Zhu Wei said calmly.

Zhu Shenggong was speechless and finally said, "I never expected that someone from a family like Wang Ziteng would act so shamelessly."

Zhu Wei revealed a dissatisfied look in his eyes.

Zhu Shenggong knew he had said the wrong thing, so he lowered his head and remained silent.

"For a family like ours, face is very important, but face is not the goal." Zhu Wei earnestly advised, hoping that the family business he had worked so hard to build would be passed down to future generations, one generation after another, each better than the last.

He said earnestly, "Face is for maintaining the family, but if maintaining the family requires us to abandon our face, then what does face matter compared to the continuation of the family?"

Zhu Shenggong understood his father's words.

Although he couldn't do it right away, Zhu Shenggong didn't think he had really reached the point where he was shameless enough not to make sacrifices for his family.

Just as my father has done over the years.

Everything for the family.

“Son, you know? What about Wang Xin?” Zhu Shenggong hoped his father would allow him to tell Wang Xin.

Zhu Wei hesitated for a moment.

Considering Wang Xin's abilities, Zhu Wei finally nodded.

Zhu Shenggong did not delay any longer and immediately arranged for someone to find Wang Xin. Wang Xin soon learned that Wang Ziteng had once again set his sights on him.

"This person always tries to steal from others."

Wang Xin sighed with emotion.

"Didn't you say before that in war, all means are acceptable for the sake of victory? Perhaps Wang Ziteng treats officialdom like a war?" Zhu Shenggong didn't expect Wang Xin to look so relaxed and couldn't help but remind him.

This is true.

For businessmen, the marketplace is like a battlefield.

For officials, the officialdom is also like a battlefield.

"What are you going to do?"

"no way."

Wang Xin shook his head.

Zhu Shenggong was greatly surprised, thinking that Wang Xin had a way to solve the problem.

(End of this chapter)