The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 263 A single move affects the whole body
It turns out it was all because of Zhang Jifu.

After Zhang Jifu entered the capital, he saw that the court was facing financial difficulties and that border troubles were getting worse, so he set his sights on the Beijing garrison.

He took the opportunity to negotiate with Zhang Jifu, offering to go to Datong and other places, and proposed the Western Route Army plan.

Zhang Jifu agreed.

In addition to Datong Military Town, there were also Xuanfu Town and Jizhou Town, as well as Liaodongbei Town outside the pass.

Zheng Hao, Yan Zhongzheng, and a group of officers, totaling two thousand soldiers, were dispatched to Liaodong and placed under the jurisdiction of the Liaodong Regional Military Commission, bypassing Prince Mu Shi of Dongping, which shows Zhang Jifu's intentions.

This was also one of the reasons for Feng Yong's failure.

It wasn't just his own discord with Zhang Jifu; it also stemmed from Zhang's ambition to suppress the powerful and uncontrollable forces in the border region.

It was also because of Zhang Jifu's idea that Zheng Hao and his team failed.

Not only was Yan Zhongzheng transferred back to the Beijing garrison, but Zheng Hao also lost his life.

However, we should not underestimate Yan Zhongzheng and his group.

Wang Xin knew this in his heart.

Prince Mu Shi of Dongping is not comparable to Feng Yong.

The founding of the Great Zhou Dynasty established four kings and eight dukes.

The four non-royal princes hold the highest titles besides those of the royal family princes.

Next are eight dukes.

Examples include Jia Yan, Duke of Ningguo; Jia Yuan, Duke of Rongguo; and the Niu family, Duke of Zhenguo.

Then there are marquises, such as the ancestors of the Shi family who were marquises, and the ancestors of Lin Ruhai are also listed.

Then came the title of Earl of County.

For example, the ancestors of Wang Ziteng's family.

Leaving aside the four princes and eight dukes, even though the Jia family repeatedly chose the wrong side, they were still able to escape from deadly situations and maintain their high status, which shows how strong the Jia family's foundation was. How much more so for the four princes of different surnames.

Apart from the Prince of Beijing's Shuiwang Mansion losing the Da Ning fiefdom, the other three princes are still guarding their respective territories.

The Prince of Dongping was stationed in the northeastern part of Liaodong.

The Prince of Nan'an replaced the former Prince Mu of the Ming Dynasty and guarded Yunnan for generations.

The Prince of Xining guards the Northwest.

This demonstrates the strength of the four kings.

The original text contains more information about the Prince of Nan'an. Based on the timeline, it should have been three to five years later that the Prince of Nan'an fought a battle against some unknown opponent and was defeated.

In order to seek peace and maintain local stability, after much back and forth, they actually chose Jia Tanchun from the Rongguo Mansion to be sent for the marriage alliance.

Therefore, the Prince of Nan'an was somewhat unable to control his opponents, while the Princes of Dongping and Xining spoke less, and it is unknown what the outcome will be.

But let's look at it from another angle.

The Prince of Nan'an has already suffered a defeat, but his wife still wields considerable power in the capital, even leading the negotiations for peace. The Jia family dares not offend her, so it seems that the strength of the princes from other families has not been affected.

This shows that Zhang Jifu failed in this matter.

Even Zhang Jifu failed, let alone ordinary military officers like Yan Zhongzheng and Zheng Ang.

Wang Xin did not underestimate Yan Zhongzheng.

The young and capable mid-level military commander in front of him was actually the talent he needed most right now. Wang Xin looked at Yan Zhongzheng, who looked dejected, with a bit of envy.

Yan Zhongzheng was unaware of Wang Xin's thoughts, but he was already feeling quite disheartened.

Everyone was selected from the Beijing Garrison for training.

Although Zheng Ang was most dissatisfied with this person and repeatedly provoked him, he was actually somewhat dissatisfied himself.

As it turns out, this person is far beyond their reach.

Whether it's leading troops into battle or dealing with different situations.

This man actually defeated Military Governor Feng Yong in Datong. In comparison, they not only lost their lives and futures, but also fled back to the capital in a sorry state. The outcomes for the two sides were worlds apart.

“The Prince of Dongping is indeed powerful, and the General dares not offend him, so he has neglected you. This is the General’s fault.”

Wang Xin felt indignant on behalf of Yan Zhongzheng.

Hearing Wang Xin's words of comfort, Yan Zhongzheng was moved but did not respond or refute them.

He didn't respond because he was aware of his own position.

He didn't refute Wang Xin because Wang Xin was speaking up for him. If he refuted Wang Xin, it would show that he was afraid of trouble and not loyal enough.

Yan Zhongzheng did not explain, but looked down at the ground.

After waiting for a moment, Yan Zhongzheng raised his head and smiled, "What the higher-ups are doing is both right and wrong. How can we know? We can only leave it to fate."

Wang Xin disagreed.

Although Zhang Jifu dragged his feet, objectively speaking, his actions were not wrong.

The fate of border towns becoming warlordized is undeniable, and it is detrimental to both the country and the world.

True.

The Great Zhou Dynasty was a family-run empire, with an emperor above them.

But Wang Xin believed most in one person's words.

Be realistic and pragmatic.

Given the national conditions and society of the Great Zhou Dynasty, including people's perceptions, it was destined that there would be an emperor. Even though new schools of thought emerged in Jiangnan and followed a similar social development path as the late Ming Dynasty, new schools of thought also developed in Jiangnan.

The emergence of numerous vernacular novels such as "San Yan Er Pai" demonstrates the rise of the petty bourgeoisie.

Although the petty bourgeoisie had many shortcomings, their opposition to the existence of an emperor was, in terms of productivity, a form of progress.

As a result, various rebellious ideas, such as the idea of ​​a "lone ruler," spread among the people.

But that's not enough.

The Great Zhou was too big.

In the Jiangnan region, people eat three meals a day, while in most other areas they eat only two. This material disparity meant that the spread of new ideas in other regions was limited.

Social changes that cannot be accepted by the majority cannot quickly become widespread.

Based on the national conditions of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Zhang Jifu's approach was correct.

Wang Xin believed that Zhang Jifu had done nothing wrong, even though Zhu Shenggong and he had a good relationship. Similarly, in suppressing the warlordization of local military towns, Wang Xin did not support Zhang Jifu solely for his own benefit.

Feng Yong's practice of nurturing bandits to enhance his own power was undoubtedly harmful to the world, but only beneficial to Feng Yong himself.

Therefore, he agreed to go to Datong to deal with Feng Yong and support Zhang Jifu.

If I were Zhang Jifu, I would have done the same thing.

On the contrary, it was Zhu Wei.

Unwilling to offend the Prince of Dongping for official business, he chose to ignore Yan Zhongzheng.

This was to show the Prince of Dongping that the matter was between Zhang Jifu and the Prince of Dongping, and had nothing to do with him. That was the proper bureaucratic style, even if he and Zhang Jifu were at odds.

Indeed, governing a large country is like playing a game of chess.

Pulled around and moved the whole body.

If Zhang Jifu wanted to deal with Zhu Wei and take back military power, he would be subject to Zhu Wei's control in other matters.

Thinking that he was to meet Zhang Jifu the next day, and that it was getting late and he still had to return to the capital, Wang Xin patted Yan Zhongzheng on the shoulder, arranged to meet again at a later time, and then took his leave.

Yan Zhongzheng didn't know what Wang Xin wanted to ask him to do, but he had a vague guess in his mind.

Yan Zhongzheng had been paying attention to Wang Xin's talent and style. Following such a general was actually not a bad idea. However, the two had been evenly matched and were rivals in the past. Now, having to pledge allegiance to the other was a bit hard for him to accept.

Thinking about his current predicament, and how Wang Xin was still willing to take him in, while he was worrying about saving face, he realized he was being petty.

"As expected of General Wang, I am far inferior to him."

With Wang Xin nowhere to be seen, Yan Zhongzheng let out a long sigh.
-
They arrived just before the city gates of the capital, and by the time they reached the Jia residence, it was already dark.

Wang Xin and Shi Ping rode their horses along the canal that led from the Tongwai River to the back street of the Jia family mansion. This was where the servants of the Jia family lived, especially some of the elderly people in the mansion who had started their own families.

The largest courtyard is where Zhou Rui's family lives.

Zhou Rui was Lady Wang's personal attendant.

Wang Xin dismounted, and Shi Ping went up to knock on the door.

"Is that General Wang?"

Upon hearing the sound, Wang Xin turned his head and saw a dark figure approaching.

"who are you?"

Shi Ping blocked his way and demanded an explanation.

"This humble one is Zhou Rui."

The dark figure was startled and stood frozen in place, saying... Wang Xin recognized Zhou Rui's voice and laughed, "It's so late, aren't you going to sleep? Are you going to wait for me here?"

"That's right, Uncle Wang has arrived. He's been waiting for Master Xin."

Zhou Rui explained.

It turned out to be the case.

It's mostly about Wang Ziteng.

Wang Xin frowned.

It depends on what Wang Ren has to say; it would be best to find out what Wang Ziteng is thinking.

Zhou Rui led Wang Xin inside. In a room in the southwest corner, not only was Wang Ren there, but Wang Xifeng was also present.

The two siblings said something to each other.

Wang Xifeng's eyes were filled with tears, and Wang Ren's face was also full of hatred.

"Lord Xin has arrived."

Zhou Rui said quietly from outside the house.

"Please come in quickly."

After Wang Xin entered the house, he saw the expressions on the two siblings' faces and vaguely guessed what was going on.

Why is Feng girl crying?

Wang Xin asked with a smile.

Hearing Wang Xin's concern, Wang Xifeng's eyes reddened again. She quickly held back her tears and choked out, "It's nothing, you two talk first."

I just heard from my brother that the Wang family is going through a lot of trouble these days.

Wang Xifeng felt only sorrow in her heart.

No matter how difficult things are for them, they can't compare to the difficulties they face in the Jia family.

However, she also knew that only when her family prospered could she prosper, and she didn't want her own affairs to delay the men's important matters, so Wang Xifeng endured the bitterness in her heart.

Wang Xin said no more.

It was getting late, and since they had come specifically to meet privately, he looked at Wang Ren, intending to listen.

Wang Renxian sighed and said sincerely, "Brother Wang Xin has relied on his own abilities to get to where he is today. To be honest, it is truly admirable."

"It was also good luck. There are countless talented people in the world, but only a few can stand out."

“Brother Wang Xin, you are too modest. You are a very capable person. In principle, as fellow members of the Wang clan, the clan should help you. But as you know, the clan is in dire straits right now, and there is really nothing we can do.”

Wang Xin ignored it.

If it's truly for the benefit of the entire clan, then it will naturally benefit oneself as well, and one will also lend a helping hand.

But if it's just for the benefit of one person, under the guise of the benefit of the entire clan...

Just like Wang Ziteng, who often says that the four great families share the same fate, but who pays attention to him?
If he were still in the position of the military governor of the capital, not to mention others, the entire Ning and Rong prefectures would do anything to help him.

Because helping Wang Ziteng is helping themselves.

This was also because the two prefectures had desperately tried to hand over the position of military governor of the capital to Prince Teng.

Wang Ren was stunned.

Despite his many kind words, Wang Xin did not respond at all.

Displeasure flashed in his eyes.

Although he did not hold an official position, he was still the successor of the Wang family. When he traveled around, everyone gave him face. There was no reason for Wang Xin to not even give him a response.

Wang Ren forced a smile and said, "We're family, so let's not be so formal. Your uncle's idea is actually good for you too?"

Wang Xin calmly asked, "What benefits?"

Thinking that Wang Xin had changed his mind, Wang Ren quickly explained, "Even if you manage to stay in Datong, you will at most be a deputy general in the Datong Western Route Army. But your uncle is different. With your qualifications and status, you can easily become the military governor of the Datong Western Army."

Wang Xifeng sat to one side, as if she didn't exist.

Wang Xin sneered.

Wang Ren quickly said, "Once Uncle becomes a military governor, with his abilities, he can find you a position as a military officer. It's just a matter of a word from him. At that time, our Wang family will have both a military governor and your position as a military officer, and no one in the capital will dare to offend our Wang family."

Seeing that Wang Xin did not agree, Wang Ren said again, "Uncle has become a military governor. With your abilities and your youth, it is not impossible for our Wang family to have two military governors in the future."

Wang Xin waved his hand, stating clearly, "I have my own arrangements for Datong."

Since joining the army, I have never relied on anyone.

They're the kind of people who bring their own rations when they go to war.

Be wary of civil officials.

How could anyone possibly believe Wang Ziteng?

Regarding the affairs of the four major families, the Jia family actually had the best attitude.

Regardless of whether Jia She was convinced or not, or how unhappy he was, he did not take any action to stop her. Wang Xifeng was able to manage the household for so many years, including Wang Ziteng's betrayal of the Jia family's interests for his own benefit.

The real reason for the discord among the four families was actually Wang Ziteng.

Given how self-interested Wang Ziteng is, how can he still win people's hearts?
The four families share both prosperity and adversity; this is not just lip service. Wang Ziteng is indeed a smart man who understands this principle, yet he forcefully attacks the bloodline.

They believe that as long as they force a binding agreement, others will definitely submit.

Little did they know that ideological unity was even more crucial.

Wang Ziteng is too feudal.

Although he was intelligent, his cognitive errors doomed him to failure.

Two years have passed since Wang Xin arrived in the capital. He has become increasingly familiar with Wang Ziteng and increasingly reluctant to get involved with him. However, Wang Ziteng is like a persistent leech, clinging to him as his lifeline.

If things had gone according to Wang Ziteng's plan, even if he had succeeded and become the military governor of Datong West Route Army, he would have been fine.

With this kind of way of doing things, he will only treat me like a dog and will never care about my own thoughts.

I want to be a dog.

I already did it.

Why would I need to be Wang Ziteng's dog?

Is it better to be a dog for Zhang Jifu or the retired emperor than for Wang Ziteng?
Wang Ren's expression changed.

Despite my earnest and patient persuasion, this person remains completely unmoved.

"Do you really think you can stay in Datong on your own?"

"Unless someone is sabotaging us behind the scenes."

Wang Xin said with disdain.

Since they keep claiming to be fellow clansmen, what kind of scheme is this, to secretly plot against us?
Wang Ren's threatening words were cut off, and his face darkened in the candlelight, making him somewhat resemble Wang Ziteng.

"In that case, brother, why don't you go back?"

Wang Xifeng, who was standing to the side, suddenly interjected.

Wang Ren looked at Wang Xifeng with displeasure, while Wang Xifeng's eyes were red-rimmed.

Her family's situation has deteriorated.

Yet they still have internal strife.

Wang Xifeng was caught in a dilemma and felt desolate.

Men aren't afraid of being taken advantage of outside; they can simply retreat. But where can a woman retreat to? Does she even have a way out?

Seeing Wang Xin's firm attitude and with Wang Xifeng's interruption, Wang Ren stopped insisting.

He cupped his hands in greeting to Wang Xin, ignored his sister, and left with a displeased expression.

Zhou Rui was waiting outside.

Wang Xin lived in the Grand View Garden, not far away. The Second Madam lived alone in her own courtyard, so it wasn't difficult for the two of them to come and go. However, Zhou Rui had to make arrangements himself to see Wang Ren off.

The footsteps outside disappeared.

Wang Xifeng suddenly started sobbing.

"Feng girl."

Wang Xin sensed Wang Xifeng's suffering and helplessness and couldn't help but shout.

Wang Xifeng raised her head.

She revealed a small face streaked with tears, her eyes red and twitching, looking extremely pitiful.

"Lord Xin."

Wang Xifeng said dependently.

Wang Xin nodded.

(End of this chapter)