The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 268 Remembering Tan Chun
Now that he had encountered Zeng Zhi, a scion of a prominent family in Liaodong, Wang Xin naturally wouldn't miss the opportunity to carefully inquire about the situation in Liaodong under the Great Zhou.

Zeng Zhimenqing was very knowledgeable.

original.

At the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, several princes were enfeoffed in Liaodong. After the Jingnan Campaign, the Yongle Emperor suppressed the princes and abolished all the princes in Liaodong, Daming and other nine border areas.

Emperor Yongle personally led a large army to oversee the nine border regions and launched five expeditions to the Gobi Desert during his lifetime.

Later, in the Tumu Crisis, the Great Zhou Dynasty replaced the Great Ming Dynasty.

The Great Zhou Dynasty did not have a powerful ruler like the Yongle Emperor.

In addition, the decades of war before the founding of the country, even if the war was not particularly intense, still had a significant impact on the border areas, which is why the model of four kings guarding the borders came about.

The remnants of the Tatar Oirat forces retreated to Nurgan.

The Prince of Dongping led his army to expand into Liaodong, recovered the Liaoxi Corridor, captured Yizhou and other places, established the Northern Garrison Army, and guarded the Liao River.

Later, with the Great Zhou's several eastern expeditions, the Tatars and Oirats were completely eliminated, and the Zhou penetrated deep into Nurgan. Some of the local barbarians submitted, while others hid in the deep mountains and forests. In addition, Liaodong was sparsely populated, so the Dusi system was adopted instead of the prefecture and county system.

after that.

As the population of Liaodong increased, even the population of Nurgan was growing. As a result, the administrative area of ​​Liaodong Commandery gradually moved forward, and successively restored and developed the four guards of Liaozuo, as well as Shenliao and other places.

On the contrary, the Prince of Dongping and his Northern Garrison lagged behind, which made them look somewhat awkward.

these years.

The Liaodong Regional Military Commission and the Prince of Dongping were outwardly friendly but inwardly at odds. There were also occasional traces of remnants of the Tatar tribes, as well as the actions of various Nurgan tribes, some of whom were obedient and others who caused trouble.

The situation remains quite complex.

In particular, three barbarian forces rose up, which were hostile to each other yet also united with each other. As a result, the accumulated problems in Liaodong deepened, and the Liaodong Commandery was in a state of near collapse, which gave rise to the opportunity of the Prince of Dongping.

Zeng Zhi explained Liaodong clearly in just a few words.

It may seem simple, but it's actually quite difficult.

These local news stories are difficult for outsiders to understand unless they are prominent figures in the area.

Zeng Zhi saw the potential crisis in Liaodong and also saw how Wang Xin resolved Datong. Although he had not yet succeeded, it was much better than before. Therefore, he was very concerned and wondered if the method of Datong could be copied to Liaodong.

Wang Xin pondered for a moment, then shook his head regretfully.

Zeng Zhi instinctively looked at Lu Zhongheng.

Lu Zhongheng also shook his head.

Zeng Zhi knew that Wang Xin was worried that others would not want to learn it.

Zeng Zhi trusted Lu Zhongheng's character, so he earnestly asked, "Where is the problem?"

"Liaodong is different from the Gobi Desert."

Wang Xin's expression was serious.

I recall a saying about the continental shelf in Russia: the country that occupies the edge of the continent will ultimately win.

There's some truth to that.

Whether it was the Liao and Jin dynasties, the Mongols, or the future Qing dynasty.

They all started their careers in Northeast China.

The desert lacks resources and needs to rely on trade to survive, while the Northeast does not.

Northeast China has no shortage of strategic materials, such as horses and bows.

On the contrary, the forests and the extremely harsh environment have become an advantage for Northeast China.

Russia's ability to easily conquer the Gobi Desert and Northeast China in history was mainly due to the Qing Dynasty, in addition to commercial interests.

Under the leadership of the Qing Dynasty.

While other countries and regions are experiencing population booms, the populations of the deserts and Northeast are declining sharply.

The potential of Northeast China far exceeds that of the desert.

However, the Qing Dynasty imposed the strictest restrictions on the Northeast, which had a very small population, thus giving Russia the opportunity to take advantage of the situation.

In contrast, look at the present.

Wang Xin frowned and said, “Although Nurgan’s population is not large, it is still quite large. The weather is freezing cold, and people are extremely busy. Outsiders cannot easily establish themselves there because they lack geographical advantages. Furthermore, there is the complicated situation of the Prince of Dongping and the Liaodong Military Command. It can be seen that there is no harmony among people. In recent years, not only has the interior suffered from disasters, but Nurgan has suffered even more severely. Therefore, there is no harmony with the heavens.”

Everyone listened attentively to Wang Xin's analysis, nodding occasionally.

Wang Xin sighed, "We lack the right timing, location, and people, so the model from Datong cannot be copied."

Everyone was speechless.

a long time.

Zeng Zhi gave a bitter smile and sighed, "Are we just going to let the situation in Liaodong deteriorate like this?"

"Unless the entire nation's resources are mobilized."

Wang Xin said earnestly.

Businesses are driven by profit, the desert is sluggish, and they have learned from the Spanish and used some underhanded tactics, which is why they were able to develop the current Datong model based on local characteristics.

But not every place offers opportunities.

Russia’s eastward expansion faced no geographical obstacles.

In contrast, the inland areas are bordered by the Mongolian Plateau to the north and the Outer Khingan Mountains to the northeast, making water transportation inconvenient, unlike Russia, where one can travel eastward along rivers.

In addition, the developed cotton planting and weaving industries in the mainland have greatly reduced the demand for fur trade.

As for the Northeast.

The Northeast is more difficult to conquer than the desert.

In a situation where there is a clear loss after considering the benefits and losses, the only way to push things forward is to concentrate political power and resources and take the lead through top-down power.

Large, relatively loosely organized entities would not be able to initiate such an efficient model.

For example, who should take the lead?

Moreover, he is the one who has the final say and holds real power.

No wealthy family was willing to give it up; they wouldn't even accept the current emperor's offer.

History has proven it.

For example, the Southern Ming Dynasty, dominated by local gentry and wealthy families.

Zeng Zhi recognized Wang Xin's tone and became even more disappointed.

"Unexpectedly, the mighty Zhou Dynasty couldn't come up with a solution to Liaodong."

Zhang Yuncheng sighed with emotion.

Wang Xin remained silent.

Previously, taking advantage of China's internal turmoil, Goguryeo secretly occupied the northeast. The unified Sui Dynasty suffered a setback in this area, and it was only after the Tang Dynasty mobilized the entire nation's strength and launched several campaigns that it finally conquered it completely.

The Ming Dynasty, which had already perished, did not have the power struggles of the Zhou Dynasty, nor did it have the non-royal princes officially appointed by the Zhou Dynasty, yet it still ended up failing.

I don't know if Nurhaci still exists today.

But Wang Xin was certain that Nurgan's problems were not minor.

Although the future situation in Liaodong is uncertain, even if it is quelled by the Great Zhou, it will definitely not be simple and will require a great deal of national strength.

The Datong model cannot solve the problems in Nurgan; it can only play a role in the aftermath of Nurgan's problems.

Wang Xin's words were logical and reasonable, and no one doubted them.

Although Zhang Yuncheng was moved, he didn't care much. Compared to the important matters of the imperial court, what did the harsh and cold land beyond the Great Wall matter?

Even Lu Zhongheng didn't pay much attention.

The Great Zhou Dynasty actually enfeoffed four kings of different surnames. This was not only because the four kings and eight dukes were powerful at the time and the founding emperor was not strong enough, but also because the places they were enfeoffed in were barren lands.

Whether it's Liaodong, Yunnan, the Northwest, or Daning.

Tax revenue is not much, but expenses are considerable.

A heavy burden.

Wang Xin understood their thoughts, but disagreed with them, because the problem was essentially a lack of strength.

The Ming Dynasty recovered Jiaozhi, but then lost it again, turning it from a homeland into a vassal state. It wasn't that the army was incompetent, but rather that the civil officials were incompetent.

Zeng Zhi, seemingly lost in thought, said with a sincere expression, "I wonder if General Wang is short of manpower? If you don't mind my lack of talent, I would be willing to serve as a clerk under the general."

Lu Zhongheng and Zhang Yuncheng were startled.

Wang Xin hadn't expected this either.

"Brother Cheng, why is that?"

Zhang Yuncheng quickly asked.

Zeng Zhi, with a serious expression, explained, "General Wang's approach in Datong is quite different from others. I have been greatly impressed and believe there is much I can learn from him. I'm just afraid that General Wang is unwilling to take me in."

"How could that be? I'm short-staffed."

Wang Xin laughed and said, "It is my fault that I have delayed Brother Cheng's imperial examination." Zeng Zhi was relieved to see that Wang Xin did not refuse directly and said happily, "The imperial examination is not in a hurry in the next two years, and I am not entirely confident. It would be better to take this opportunity to go out and travel more, broaden your horizons, which will actually be beneficial to the imperial examination."

"That's right."

Lu Zhongheng agreed.

He did not participate in the imperial examinations for many years, but he did not waste those years.

Seeing this, Wang Xin no longer delayed. He did indeed need someone, so he spoke frankly: "My cooperation with the wealthy families in Datong is currently maintained through the Xue family's connections. I need a trustworthy person to help manage it. If Brother Cheng is willing, I will trouble you with the business."

It's not really being maintained.

If it is indeed an extremely important task, no matter how much manpower is needed, Wang Xin will not use someone he has only met once.

But it's not to say it's unimportant.

Zeng Zhi is indeed suitable.

He was just a scholar who had passed the imperial examinations, and I could afford to employ him.

He was from a wealthy family, had no connection with Datong, and had a relationship with Lu Zhongheng, making him the perfect candidate.

Moreover, Wang Xin also wanted to learn more about Liaodong and Nurgan.

The imperial court currently does not take Nurgan seriously, or does not value him enough, but Wang Xin dares not be careless.

Zeng Zhi was deeply moved when he saw that the job Wang Xin had arranged was exactly what he wanted. He had been doubting Wang Xin just moments before, but now he realized that Wang Xin was so upright and honest. Zeng Zhi no longer doubted Wang Xin's words.

They are also more curious about Datong's model.

However, we still have to wait for the court's decision. On the day the truth comes out, we will return to Datong with Wang Xin.

Lu Zhongheng nodded in agreement.

After returning, they began to mobilize, ensuring that the Datong Western Army would not be short of supplies.

After seeing Lu Zhongheng and the others off, Wang Xin looked relaxed.

It's been so long since I felt this good.

The more grain and provisions the imperial court can provide, the better. The more they provide, the more abundant one's own reserves will be, and the higher one's ability to withstand future risks will be.

Have no idea.

That's how it is with older people.

The idea of ​​stockpiling grain is ingrained in our very being.

Save money whenever you have free time.

You should save up even more if something happens.

Early the next morning.

When Wang Xin returned to the Jia family mansion, Jia Zheng was indeed waiting for him.

The two came to the study.

"Would Grand Secretary Zhang really agree?"

Jia Zheng was stunned.

For the past six months, Wang Xin has been running around for the sake of Datong. Jia Zheng has seen this, but he is not very determined.

Because Wang Xin's idea was simply too far-fetched.

The Datong military garrison already had the Yongxing Army and the Tiancheng Army. How could they possibly think of splitting off another force to establish the Datong Western Army? Besides, how old is Wang Xin?

When I first met him, he was just Sasuke.

Only a few years have passed!
Is he about to be promoted again? And he'll be leading an entire department alone.

From leading an army to leading a single route, Wang Xin was a truly powerful military commander at every step.

Seeing how steadily he walked, Jia Zheng couldn't help but feel envious and jealous. He couldn't believe it, and words of doubt slipped out.

Wang Xin was used to being envied.

It's normal to be envied.

Some people keep their jealousy to themselves, or even suppress it, while others are blinded by jealousy and do things that harm others and themselves.

There's no need to doubt Jia Zheng.

Jia Zheng was a decent person.

Wang Xin laughed and said, "Given Grand Secretary Zhang's style, there's probably no change."

Others may not know Wang Xin, but how could Jia Zheng not know him?

Although I lacked the ability to help Wang Xin in the capital, I participated in and assisted in everything. It's just a matter of how much effort I put in. Therefore, I understand Wang Xin's character; he is not a boastful person.

Since Wang Xin said there would be no change, then this matter should be a sure thing.

"Where there's a will, there's a way."

Jia Zheng felt a lump in his throat.

Over the years, every time I have hoped for something, I have been disappointed in the end, to the point that I dare not have any hope.

Wang Xin was young, and every time he wished something would come true.

I'm so envious.

Wang Xin glanced at Jia Zheng and deliberately smiled, "Not at all. Just working hard isn't enough. I've put in a lot of effort."

Upon hearing Wang Xin's teasing remark, Jia Zheng's expression froze, then he looked puzzled, and finally he pointed at Wang Xin, both amused and exasperated.

Suddenly, a thought struck me.

He thought of his daughter.

Wang Xin is so promising, and he is still unmarried and young. Isn't he a perfect candidate to be a son-in-law?
But when he thought of his daughter, Jia Zheng hesitated.

If it were the eldest son's daughter, Yingchun's age would be suitable. If she's not old enough to marry, she could get engaged. But if it's your own daughter, she's a bit too young. Isn't it a bit too hasty to bring this up now?

Jia Zheng wanted to speak up, but he didn't want Wang Xin to see him as that kind of person, so he hesitated.

"Does Lord Zheng have something to say?"

Wang Xin asked.

Jia Zheng thought for a moment and then asked, "How is things going with Wang Ziteng?"

"do not know."

Wang Xin looked displeased.

Jia Zheng understood and kindly said, "I'll go and persuade Wang Ziteng. At this critical juncture, there's no need to create unnecessary trouble. If things escalate, it won't look good to outsiders. After all, we're all family."

Who is related to Wang Ziteng's family?

However, the Great Zhou Dynasty placed great emphasis on clan.

Moreover, they are indeed of the same lineage.

Wang Xin didn't want to cause any more trouble, so he cupped his hands in thanks and said, "Please help me, Lord Zheng."

When Wang Xin spoke up, Jia Zheng was even more pleased.

Knowing that things might go wrong if they waited too long, he ordered a sedan chair to be prepared and went directly to the Wang family's residence without giving any prior notice.

It seems Wang Ziteng has nothing to do and should stay home and try his luck. If all else fails, he can come again tomorrow; consider it an extra trip.

As it turned out, Wang Ziteng was not there.

Pounced empty.

Jia Zheng returned dejectedly and went straight to Aunt Zhao's courtyard instead of going anywhere else.

When Aunt Zhao saw Jia Zheng arrive, she quickly tidied herself up again.

As it turned out, Jia Zheng wasn't very interested.

Aunt Zhao frowned and shed tears of grievance.

Jia Zheng quickly asked, "How has Er Yatou been lately?"

Jia Yingchun was the daughter of the first wife.

If we start counting from the second wife's family, Yuan Chun was the eldest maid, and Tan Chun was the second maid.

However, Yuan Chun was the legitimate daughter of Lady Wang.

Tan Chun was an illegitimate daughter born to Aunt Zhao.

Aunt Zhao sat up straight and asked nervously, "Why are you asking about Er Yatou?"

Good things never seem to come my way.

Unexpected events are always bad things.

The master never mentions his children. Over the years, she has been careful and thoughtful. Today, the master unexpectedly asked about his daughter, and Aunt Zhao felt flustered.

(End of this chapter)