The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 266 Seven or Eighty Percent

Zhang Jifu was indeed very clever.

Skilled at scheming.

Wang Xin also admitted that he was no match for Zhang Jifu in the imperial examinations and could not outscore him.

However, Zhang Jifu's prowess in the imperial examinations does not mean he was equally successful in other areas.

Some people are good at inventing, some are good at doing business, some are strong, some are hard-working, some are emotional, and some are good at fighting!

Wang Xin believed he was good at fighting.

Regardless of his own talent, his mastery of military information alone surpasses that of this era.

Unlike industrial civilization.

The transition from agricultural civilization to industrial civilization is not something that can be achieved simply by inventing a few technologies; it represents progress for the entire society.

It would be difficult to make progress on one's own, and Wang Xin did not believe he had such great ability. On the contrary, military matters were simpler; one thing was one thing, and two things were two things. He also had his own unique advantages, and the combined effect was far greater than the sum of its parts.

If his predictions are correct, Zhang Jifu has failed in his military strategy.

So the princes were not suppressed, but lived well. So what about the border regions after the defeat in Liaodong and Zhang Jifu's change of direction, focusing his energy on the struggle for the capital garrison?
The southeast is bordered by the sea, and there are currently no external enemies.

The west is a plateau and lacks the conditions for independence, so it must rely on the interior. Therefore, whether it was the Ming or the Qing dynasty, the west was relatively submissive, and the same was true for the Great Zhou.

In the Northeast, there was the Prince of Dongping.

In the northwest there is the Prince of Xining.

In the southwest there is the Prince of Nan'an.

These territories belong to them, and they are more concerned about foreign invasion than the imperial court, unless their strength is far inferior to that of the enemy. At present, the crisis is not the most urgent matter.

Then the threat from the northern nomadic tribes was imminent.

The defeat in Liaodong greatly hampered Zhang Jifu's progress, leaving him unable to spare any energy and forcing him to rely on Zhang Wenjin. But could Zhang Jifu really trust Zhang Wenjin?

Wang Xin suppressed his dissatisfaction.

"If there is no trouble in Datong, Your Excellency can rest assured to deal with the Beijing garrison. Otherwise, if the barbarians cause trouble in Datong, I dare to ask Your Excellency what you plan to do?"

"It is not easy for the Hu people to unify the country."

Zhang Jifu didn't pay attention to Wang Xin's attitude and treated him seriously, as if he were an equal. Considering the difference in their status, this was truly surprising.

Wang Xin shook his head.

"Your Excellency is mistaken. I do not think so. Contrary to Your Excellency's prediction, I believe that the Hu people can be easily unified."

Before Zhang Jifu could refute, Wang Xin hurriedly said, "If there is one, there will be two. There is the precedent of the Great Yuan outside the pass, so they have a clear understanding of unification. The important thing is that the Sheng Hu are scattered and chaotic, while Ou Yanhu is powerful. With years of preparation, the various Sheng Hu tribes are no match for him. With all these favorable conditions, as long as Ou Yanhu can unify the Sheng Hu in less than three years."

Wang Xin was not talking nonsense.

This happened in history.

The Ming Dynasty blockaded the grasslands for over two hundred years. The shortage of supplies was not the fatal blow. The key was the lack of cultural and institutional output from the Central Plains, which reduced the grasslands to a third-rate power.

Because Eastern Mongolia was caught in the war between the Later Jin and the Ming Dynasty, it was both courted and suppressed by both sides, which allowed it to learn a lot of experience.

However, the grassland forces in the Hetao region and other areas disappeared without a trace, not even making a splash.

Ou Yanhu absorbed the strengths of the Great Zhou in the Hetao region, conserved his energy for many years, and then made a stunning debut.

He acted decisively and ruthlessly.

Such a ruthless and powerful figure should not be underestimated.

After listening to Wang Xin's explanation, Zhang Jifu fell into deep thought.

They were not worried that Wang Xin was talking nonsense.

If Wang Xin dares to deceive him, he will make him pay the price. Wang Xin is a smart man, and given his character, he wouldn't make such a low-level mistake. So, as he said, Ou Yanhu does indeed need to be taken seriously.

"Zhang Wenjin submitted a memorial to the court, requesting 500,000 taels of silver to build the Six Forts, and revealed that your idea was involved, the so-called crab tactic?"

Zhang Jifu asked.

It seems that Zhang Jifu still hopes that Zhang Wenjin can control the situation.

But it’s understandable.

Civil officials naturally want to be in control of everything, including the final war. This isn't a matter of who's good or bad; it's simply human nature. Anyone who becomes a civil official would want this.

It's like the difference between before and after getting ashore. Even though it's the same person, their attitude towards those on shore changes, from criticism to "If you're so capable, you should try to get ashore too."

Wang Xin didn't care, and the fact that Zhang Jifu didn't directly reject him showed that he was hesitant.

The fact that someone like this is hesitating shows that their chances are very high; they just need to put in a little more effort.

“Five hundred thousand taels of silver can indeed build the Six Forts, but I am worried that once the five hundred thousand taels of silver arrive at the local area, there will probably not even be a fraction of it,” Wang Xin said frankly.

to be frank.

Because the truth is the hardest to refute.

Zhang Jifu frowned but did not refute Wang Xin's words.

Since things have come to this point, Wang Xin laughed and said, "As long as the court has money, even without me, Wang Xin, not to mention the problem of Great Harmony, the problems of the world are not difficult. But if there is no money, I can confidently say that the problem of Great Harmony must be addressed by me, Wang Xin."

Zhang Jifu sneered.

"Looks like we can't do without you."

"The title of Marquis is not my intention, but I hope the sea will be peaceful."

Wang Xin said sincerely, then looked at Zhang Jifu with genuine sincerity, "Your subordinate only asks to destroy the Hu people. After eliminating Ou Yanhu, your subordinate can now swear to the Grand Secretary that if your subordinate eliminates Ou Yanhu in the future, as long as the Grand Secretary issues a transfer order, your subordinate will not delay and will definitely agree to leave."

Unlike others, he is not afraid that his subordinates will betray him.

If someone has such an advantage, and their subordinates are still willing to betray them, then they might as well find a block of tofu and smash their head against it to avoid wasting food.

Wang Xin spoke very sincerely.

He wasn't worried that Zhang Jifu would see through his lie, because he hadn't lied.

Having defeated Ou Yanhu, he had also established himself in western Datong, settling his men into positions so that his presence or absence would not affect the existence of the Western Army of Datong.

Just like a powerful local family that is unshakeable.

Zhang Jifu stared at Wang Xin for a long time, then shook his head helplessly. He really couldn't understand Wang Xin.

"If you were to lead the Western Army of Datong, how long would it take you?"

"Three years at most."

Wang Xin was overjoyed.

"Go back."

Zhang Jifu nodded, but did not give a clear answer.

Wang Xin breathed a sigh of relief.

Since things have progressed to this point and Zhang Jifu hasn't refused, it's highly likely that the deal is done. As for whether any unexpected events will occur during the process, man proposes, God disposes; all we can do is wait and see.

"Subordinates resign!"

Wang Xin stood up and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture.

Only after Wang Xin left did Zhang Jifu raise his head again, staring blankly at the doorway for a long time, lost in thought.

The cabinet currently has five cabinet members.

The chief minister was Zhou Daofeng, the second chief minister was Liu Ru, and there was also Zhang Jifu, who concurrently served as the Minister of War. Then there were two other Grand Secretaries, who were taciturn and never spoke up.

Zhou Daofeng is retiring.

But no date was set, and the retired emperor remained unmoved.

However, Zhou Daofeng stopped managing affairs and became a silent, withdrawn person, just like the two Grand Secretaries.

Although he arrives at the cabinet office on time, he leaves on time and doesn't meddle in other people's business.

Zhang Jifu quietly entered the house.

Zhou Daofeng lay on the rocking chair, facing the window, seemingly asleep, covered with a thick quilt, or perhaps squinting as he looked at the scenery outside the window.

After retiring to his hometown, he could no longer see the scenery of the palace.

"teacher."

Zhang Jifu called out softly.

"Ah."

Zhou Daofeng didn't move, only grunted in response.

"I just saw someone who puzzled me. I wonder if such a person really exists in this world?"

"Have you seen Wang Xin?"

Zhou Daofeng chuckled.

Zhang Jifu was greatly surprised, but quickly came to terms with it. If it was his mentor, it wouldn't be surprising if the old man could guess it.

"Yes."

Zhang Jifu recounted his previous communication with Wang Xin.

During the conversation, Zhou Daofeng only interjected with two questions. After Zhang Jifu finished speaking, Zhou Daofeng fell silent, and the room became quiet. Zhang Jifu did not urge him but waited patiently. "Sigh."

"He said something very good: when the imperial court has money, no trouble is a problem."

Zhou Daofeng was deeply moved.

lifetime.

Suddenly discovered.

Actually, all the problems are mainly caused by money.

This money.

The smell of milk.

Yet it is precisely the key to everything.

From individuals to nations and the world at large, all problems boil down to money.

It took me a lifetime to understand this. Did that kid just stumble upon it by chance, or did he really have such an understanding?
Zhou Daofeng shook his head.

If that's the case, it's an excessively monstrous thing.

"Does the imperial court really have no money?"

"I really have no money."

Zhang Jifu gave a wry smile.

I thought that once the Japanese pirates were eliminated and the region was restored to peace, taxes would also be restored. But I never expected that getting money would be so difficult, harder than taking someone's life.

"You didn't have a choice."

Zhou Daofeng sighed.

"Yes, I really didn't have a choice." Zhang Jifu repeated his master's words, his face showing some sadness.

Seeing his disciple's expression, Zhou Daofeng felt a pang of pity.

The events in Liaodong were a great blow to my disciples.

No matter how much his disciple calculated, the front lines wouldn't listen to him. A loss was a loss, and no amount of words could change reality.

Zhang Jifu no longer hesitated.

Zhou Daofeng did not say anything more.

Now that things have come to this, his disciple actually already has a plan, but he's just unwilling to accept it.

We cannot turn a blind eye to the problems in Datong.

Even if they hoped Zhang Wenjin could control the situation, they still had to consider what would happen if Zhang Wenjin couldn't.

It's a mule or a horse, pull it out and run around.

However, Zhang Wenjin has yet to prove his military talent to the court.

Then you can't gamble.

Wang Xin is the guarantee.

Although I worry that Wang Xin is a military man who will become the second Feng Yong, it's still better than the chaos in Datong, where we would have to rely on the capital garrison and the regional armies to quell the rebellion. That would be the end of us.

Although the Zhou army was large.

However, too many of them were beyond the control of the imperial court.

To reclaim military power piecemeal, there can be no room for error in the process.

"Promote Wang Xin to the rank of Assistant General, order him to establish the Datong Western Army, assist Zhang Wenjin, the Governor of Datong and Imperial Censor, in suppressing the Hu, and allocate 300,000 taels of silver to Zhang Wenjin to ensure the proper construction of the Six Forts."

Zhang Jifu still adopted Wang Xin's crab tactic.

With Zhang Wenjin as the leader, and the Datong Western Army and Tiancheng Army as pincers, the two armies were to be kept within Zhang Wenjin's control while simultaneously attacking and eliminating the Hu tribe.

If Datong wins, it will be a good thing for us.

"I have decided to stop distracting myself and focus on one thing: taking control of the Beijing Garrison," Zhang Jifu said solemnly.

Zhou Daofeng showed a look of satisfaction.

One should not be too proud of oneself.

After Zhang Jifu entered Beijing, things went too smoothly for him, so he chose to launch attacks in all directions.

It is wishful thinking to eliminate numerous problems in a short period of time. If national affairs were so simple, why would Zhang Jifu have to deal with them? Every little thing has far-reaching consequences, and every aspect requires careful consideration.

"Making mistakes is not terrible. As long as you can correct your mistakes, I can rest assured."

Zhou Daofeng smiled.

Zhang Jifu was deeply moved.

My mentor has truly sacrificed a great deal for me.

If it weren't for my own reasons, my mentor would have already escaped the whirlpool of Beijing. It's only because he's worried about me that he wants to keep an eye on me.

"Teacher, thank you for your hard work."

Zhang Jifu stood up, tidied his appearance, and bowed respectfully.

Zhou Daofeng's old face broke into a wide smile.

"The sounds of the zither, the ink, and the books nourish the soul; the affairs of the people, the government, and the nation are all matters of concern."

Zhou Daofeng recited a sentence.

He waved his hand.

I covered myself with my blankets again.

Zhang Jifu left carefully.

On the way, I thought about what my mentor had just said.

These are the words of Cai Wenjia.

Although Cai Wen was a leading figure in the literary world, he was also a man of the emperor, running errands for him in Jiangnan.

However, Zhang Jifu knew that Cai Wen was not a true supporter of the emperor.

Cai Wen opposes everyone.

They believed that the emperor, nobles, and corrupt officials were all parasites on the world, but in the current Great Zhou Dynasty, the latter two were more harmful than the emperor, which was why they supported the emperor.

To be honest, I quite agree with Cai Wen's ideas.

And now is the best time.

Although the retired emperor was the sole ruler, conversely, it was precisely because of the retired emperor that these scholars had the opportunity to suppress the emperor. How could they miss such a golden opportunity?

Therefore, although Cai Wen was a leader in the literary world, he was ultimately just a simple scholar who thought too simplistically.

The more you dislike someone, the more you should get close to them first, because only after getting close will you have a chance.

Although he had not received a definitive reply from Zhang Jifu, Wang Xin was already about 80% certain.

Between two evils, choose the lesser one.

Although he wouldn't admit that he was "harmful," in Zhang Jifu's eyes, especially since he hadn't become Zhang Jifu's lackey, he was an uncontrollable factor and therefore "harmful."

Now all that's left is to wait for the official document from the Ministry of War.

It's just a minor military post; the Ministry of War can handle it without needing to involve the imperial court.

However, as a deputy general, he was to lead the Datong Western Army alone, which meant he wielded considerable power and was quite conspicuous.

He also had to be wary of Wang Ziteng, so he needed to stay in the capital and wait until he received the official document for promotion before taking office. In any case, he had already laid a solid foundation in Datong, and everything was ready except for the final push, so he wouldn't waste any time.

On the other hand, the biggest problem is food supplies.

Zhang Jifu was already doing well to get himself promoted; as for provisions, he would give them to Zhang Wenjin, who would then distribute them to the army.

This aspect is something that cannot be changed.

How much can I give?

The imperial court's funding was not distributed according to need; rather, it was a case of "the squeaky wheel gets the grease."

Those who suffer from drought will die from drought, and those who suffer from waterlogging will die from waterlogging.

There are many ways to make this cry.

The eight immortals cross the sea and each show their magical powers.

Otherwise, why would local officials go to such lengths to travel to the capital? It can't be for exercise.

I am currently unable to speak and need to keep a low profile, so I need others to speak for me.

Jia Zheng's status was a bit too low.

Lu Zhongheng is more suitable.

The most suitable person is actually Lin Ruhai, who has both prestige and official position. However, he is not in the capital. No wonder Zhang Jifu does not allow Lin Ruhai to return to the capital. If Lin Ruhai were to return to the capital, many things would be much simpler for the four major families.

(End of this chapter)