The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 331 Reluctant

"When Jia Lian arrived in Datong, he couldn't endure the hardships of military life."

Wang Xin didn't care about Jia She's dissatisfaction. When he was of even lower status, he dared to offend even Wang Ziteng directly, let alone Jia She now.

However, Jia She was, after all, a member of the Jia family, and his prestige and status were not low, so there was no need for him to turn against him directly.

Out of consideration for Jia Zheng, Wang Xin did not show any displeasure and spoke in a calm tone.

"What are you saying?" Jia She snorted coldly, unconvinced. "Jia Lian will become an official anyway. What hardship can he endure? It just depends on whether someone is willing to support him or not."

Wang Xin remained silent.

The atmosphere turned cold.

Jia Zheng guessed that Wang Xin would not agree, but he didn't want to directly refuse his elder brother, so he struggled with the decision all night.

What are you afraid of?

Sensing Wang Xin's dissatisfaction and worried about his elder brother, he feared the two would quarrel.

Jia Zhen quickly spoke up: "Although the entire Western Army of Datong was promoted by Lord Xin, as the saying goes, people get cold when they leave. Sending Jia Lian to Datong will at least keep some people in line, which will also benefit Lord Xin."

Wang Xin found it amusing.

Previously, Jia She coveted someone else's precious fan. It was one thing to be greedy, but he lacked the ability to do so. In the end, Jia Yucun, in order to please Jia She, imprisoned the person and seized the fan to give to Jia She.

Incompetent and greedy.

Although Jia Lian was not as despicable as his father Jia She, he was still pleasure-seeking and had the nature of being bossed around by Jia She.

Unlike Ping'an Town.

The military governor of Ping'an and Jia She were allies. In order to win over the military governor of Ping'an, Jia She often had to exchange many benefits, and both sides got what they wanted.

Jia She, however, was a spendthrift.

The reason they set their sights on the Western Army in Datong was probably not to expand their power, but rather because they valued the interests there.

Juzhongchang distributed 20% of its profits to Datong Western Army every year, including half of the profits it held on behalf of the officers.

Wang Xin did not bring this wealth, nor its annual distribution, to the capital.

Keep a low profile in Beijing.

Wang Xin dared not be high-profile and attract attention. Many things are fine when they are not up to standard, but they become big problems when they come to the surface.

Others might not know, but Jia She couldn't possibly not know.

Just like many things in the imperial court that he shouldn't have known, Wang Xin knew them all.

There are no secrets in officialdom.

Wang Xin didn't want to get into a long argument, so he said bluntly, "The Datong Western Army belongs to the imperial court. The Ministry of War is in charge of the personnel arrangements. I'm just a junior officer. What use would it be to come to me?"

Jia Zhen quickly retorted, "Master Xin is already a general."

"He hasn't taken office yet."

"According to the rules, as long as Lord Xin recommends you to the Ministry of War, the Ministry of War will not refuse."

“I have already recommended many people, and the Ministry of War is getting impatient. If I continue to recommend, I am worried that it will backfire,” Wang Xin reminded him, half-jokingly.

"enough."

Jia She, who had a bad temper, had already noticed Wang Xin's rejection, so he interrupted Jia Zhen's continued entreaties, saying, "Let's go. They look down on us, why should we stay and embarrass ourselves?"

After saying that, he flicked his sleeve and left without any politeness.

Before leaving, leave a message.

"Don't think you've grown up. You can't be so despicable. Our Jia family isn't like Xue Yan."

Jia Zhen was startled.

Fearing that Wang Xin would turn on him on the spot, and knowing that his small arms and legs couldn't withstand the ordeal, he quickly cupped his hands in greeting. Seeing Wang Xin's nonchalant attitude, he felt a surge of anger within him.

"Master Xin, this is going too far."

After saying that, he got up and left, not daring to linger.

Wang Xin calmly drank his tea.

Jia Zheng let out a long breath.

it is finally over.

"Don't take it too seriously, my brother is like that sometimes," Jia Zheng kindly reassured him.

It seems that Xue Baoqin's engagement being broken off by Mei Hanlin had some impact on Mei Hanlin. Even so, Mei Hanlin insisted on breaking off the engagement, which shows that kinship ties were much more important in the Great Zhou than in the Great Ming.

In the Ming Dynasty, the imperial family took the lead, and most empresses came from humble families.

In addition, the civil officials of the Ming Dynasty held power.

Contrary to popular belief, the Ming Dynasty held the greatest power of civil officials for thousands of years, a view shared by mainstream sinologists abroad.

The basis for this is the degree to which civil servants control the state and society.

"Many people have designs on me, I don't need a few more," Wang Xin said bluntly.

Jia Zheng was speechless.

Actually, my son-in-law is quite assertive.

Yeah.

From now on, we'll leave the troublesome issues involving those powerful figures outside to Wang Xin and let him deal with them, since he's powerful too anyway.

Jia Zheng knew he couldn't handle this kind of situation.

They often find it difficult to make a decision to turn against someone, and sometimes even the servants in their household dare to go against their wishes.

Jia Zheng gave a reminder.

"I'm afraid they won't give up easily. What if they've pulled some strings in the Ministry of War?"

“Jia Lian is a man without ambition. What can he do even if he goes to Datong without my support?”

Hearing Wang Xin speak ill of the Jia family, Jia Zheng was speechless, unsure whether to be happy or upset, and didn't know how to respond.

What happened to Lu Zhongheng?

"He."

Jia Zheng stopped dwelling on it and began to explain.

It turns out that Lu Zhongheng also wanted to go to Datong.

"sure."

Wang Xin was overjoyed, "It's good that he's going to Datong."

Jia Zheng became depressed.

Just now, when Jia She and the others mentioned going to Datong, Wang Xin immediately rejected the idea. But when it was someone else, Wang Xin's attitude was completely different.

Although he knew it wasn't directed at him, Jia Zheng still felt a burning sensation on his face.

The Jia family's reputation has indeed been declining over the years.

The Ningguo Mansion maintained its old relationship, but Jia Zhen turned it into a chaotic mess, turning it into a place for young men from various families in the capital to eat, drink, gamble, and seek pleasure, which greatly displeased the elders of many families.

My older brother is the same.

He only had eyes for those who could be of use to the Jia family, fawning over them and looking down on everyone else.

Although Jia Zheng was not one of them, they were all of the same ilk, so how could he feel happy about it?

Wang Xincai didn't care about such nonsense.

The four great families are like an ancient ship, decaying in many places and constantly leaking water.

He's not one to fix things.

Hoping aboard this ancient ship, carrying ordinary people who get things done, or those of good character, and relying on the force of inertia, it's like splitting up a family; each person uses this ship to build their own vessel and set sail again.

One ship becomes two ships, and two ships become even more ships.

Both nobles and wealthy families did this.

"I went through great hardships to quell the barbarians. Although Zhang Wenjin led the army, many people should know that I deserve the greatest credit. I just made a great contribution, but I was transferred away. Even Zhang Jifu has to consider the people's hearts."

Therefore, I did recommend many people to the Ministry of War, including suggesting that Zhao Yong succeed me. Although the suggestion was rejected, the Ministry of War generally agreed to my recommendations, with only a very few changes.

Listening to Wang Xin's words, Jia Zheng observed Wang Xin's expression and saw that he did not appear angry.

to be frank.

Even Lu Zhongheng was reluctant to abandon the Western Army of Datong.

Whether Wang Xin had other plans or genuinely didn't care, Jia Zheng couldn't help but feel curious, though he kept it to himself.

"Wouldn't it have been better if you had explained it clearly earlier?"

After Wang Xin finished speaking, Jia Zheng was speechless.

"Why should I explain to them? We're not on the same path, so why get entangled? A family should separate decisively and cleanly. Getting mixed up together will only make it easier to get involved."

Wang Xin's words were pointed.

Jia Zheng, of course, did not understand the deeper meaning and did not want to continue the conversation.

Although he was satisfied with Wang Xin, he disliked Wang Xin's attitude towards the Jia family. In this dilemma, it was better not to mention it.

"What position is Lu Zhongheng planning to seek?" Lu Zhongheng was a year or two older than him, already approaching thirty.

These past few years I've been cultivating my reputation in the Hanlin Academy. Because of my high ranking in the imperial examinations, I didn't start from the lowest rank of seventh-grade reviewer, but from the sixth-grade compiler. Don't underestimate the difference of just one rank; it makes a huge difference in starting positions in officialdom.

He rose from a self-critic to a sixth-rank attendant, and then from an attendant to a fifth-rank lecturer.

If one seeks a post outside the capital, one can at least obtain a fifth-rank official position. If one is lucky, it is not impossible to directly obtain a fourth-rank official position.

"He's still hesitant. He's not familiar with Datong and has been waiting for you to come back."

"Supervising grain production and participating in government affairs."

Wang Xin said without hesitation.

That's how Xiong Tingbi rose to power. Moreover, Lu Zhongheng's ranking in the imperial examinations was far higher than Xiong Tingbi's, and he wasn't suppressed like Xiong Tingbi was in the early stages. Most importantly, if Lu Zhongheng were to secure this position, it would be beneficial to the Datong Western Army.

"When you see him, just tell him directly."

Wang Xin nodded.

Jia Zheng then spoke of some matters concerning the court, including the unrest in the south and the impending war.

Wang Xin had already anticipated this.

“The Prince of Nan’an is likely to lose the battle, so Lord Zheng should prepare in advance.”

Jia Zheng was stunned.

Given Wang Xin's certain tone, Jia Zheng dared not be negligent and hurriedly asked, "How did you know that?"

Can't explain clearly.

He couldn't very well say that he knew it from a book; Jia Zheng would probably think he was crazy.

"Feel."

Wang Xin analyzed based on his own experience: "With generations of hereditary privilege and living in a life of comfort, how many of their children can become successful? Most of them are like the nobles in the capital, unable to find many capable individuals who can stand on their own."

This remark also implicated the Jia family.

Jia Zheng couldn't say anything, since Lin Ruhai had said the same thing.

Civil officials will inevitably rise to prominence.

Because civil officials are selected through the imperial examinations, producing talented individuals generation after generation, how could the sons of noble families who rely on the legacy of their ancestors possibly compete with them?

Therefore, Lin Ruhai firmly chose to pursue a literary career rather than join the military and follow the old path of the nobility.

No matter how confident he is, he can't fight against the trend of the times. Going with the flow is the wise choice.

"I've heard merchants mention the Kingdom of Nadiulla. The new king is called Mangyul, and he is as ambitious as his father. The kingdom has been expanding for fifty years."

When Mang Yingli ascended the throne, he was already forty-six years old. His position was secure, and his strength was formidable. He had fought alongside his father before and was highly experienced. On the other hand, I really don't have a high opinion of the Prince of Nan'an."

Jia Zheng became cautious.

The four kings and eight dukes were founding heroes, and no matter how things have changed over the years, they have generally been treated with respect.

Especially recently, when the power of the nobles has declined and they are all trying to maintain their own positions, they still do not forget to look after each other. For example, the Prince of Beijing, although he lost his fiefdom, has become a prominent figure among the four princes in the capital.

Overall, Jia Zheng did not want the Prince of Nan'an to be defeated, but he was powerless to do anything about it.

Jia Zheng stopped worrying about it and told Tan Chun about it.

"Your Excellency can arrange it."

Wang Xin no longer hesitated.

He was about to become the general of the imperial court, and he was already young. If he didn't even have a family, it would be a disadvantage for him.

Although the Jia family had a prestigious lineage, Jia Zheng did not inherit the title.

Moreover, Jia Zheng was a scholar, but he was also weak-willed.

Just right.

Otherwise, with such a high social standing and strong power, how could the imperial court feel at ease? What are they trying to do?
It is also a pledge of allegiance to oneself.

If he becomes Jia Zheng's son-in-law, people like Lu Zhongheng and Wu Wenhua will trust him more and believe that he is under their control.

Actually, everyone's thoughts are pretty much the same.

The officials thought so, and so did Jia She.

Human nature.

Whether it's using civil administration to control the military or using merit to control the military, there has to be one way to control the military.

Jia Zheng finally showed a satisfied expression.

Shortly after.

The news of Wang Xin's engagement to the Third Miss has officially spread throughout the manor.

at this time.

Wang Xin had already met Lu Zhongheng at the Hexi camp.

"Zhao Yong, Zhang Can, Liu Tong, and Tang Ping, these four people will jointly decide on the matter of the Western Army in Datong. If none of the four of them can make up their minds, then they can come and ask me."

Wang Xin gave a detailed account of the situation of the Western Army in Datong.

Lu Zhongheng listened attentively.

"You've prepared a good backup plan; it's admirable."

Wang Xin looked completely bewildered.

Lu Zhongheng shook his head. "Why make things mysterious? You left an even number, wasn't that intentional? There will always be times when no one is willing to give in, and a stalemate will be reached. Then your opinion will become crucial, and no one will dare to ignore you."

"You think too much."

Wang Xin was speechless.

Lu Zhongheng sneered.

Seeing that Lu Zhongheng did not believe him, Wang Xin was too lazy to explain.

"The Western Army of Datong has 12,000 soldiers, 3,000 of whom are elite troops. Zhang Can leads three small battalions, while the other three each lead a small battalion. The remaining militia are scattered along the way in fortified positions. My biggest concern is the food supply."

As long as there are no problems with supplies, it will be difficult for anyone who replaces me to shake my strategic layout in the Western Army of Datong.

Grain prices cannot be dictated by the market.

In the original timeline, Zhang Juzheng's Single Whip Law was indeed more in line with the market economy and avoided the government's practice of exchanging goods for goods, which would have added another layer of procedures and thus another layer of oppression on the people.

However, this was based on Zhang Juzheng's performance evaluation system.

First, the examinations were conducted, then the land was surveyed, and finally the Single Whip Law was implemented. Politics, means of production, and the economy were all indispensable.

The Wanli Emperor rejected Zhang Juzheng's reforms.
As a result of losing the performance evaluation system and the land survey, land consolidation got out of control once again, and a large amount of land returned to the hands of large households, which led to the Single Whip Law also quickly bringing about negative consequences.

In the most economically underdeveloped border regions, grain prices began to soar.

In short, the fault lay not with Zhang Juzheng, but with Emperor Wanli.

First, performance evaluations were conducted; then land surveys were carried out; and finally, the Single Whip Law was implemented. The enormous advantages brought about by these cyclical and gradual reform measures were obvious. Those ten years of reform also brought the most prosperous twenty years to the people of the Ming Dynasty.

The Great Zhou Dynasty had many problems and, without the reforms of Zhang Juzheng, it showed no signs of recovery.

However, things have two sides.

Without reaching that height, there's no such thing as a rapid decline.

The Great Zhou Dynasty still primarily relied on in-kind taxes, meaning that the common people suffered from the exploitation of corrupt officials. At the same time, because the imperial court had grain reserves, grain prices in the border regions did not skyrocket.

Because the border troops' provisions were provided by the imperial court in kind, not in cash.

Otherwise, given the current situation in the Great Zhou Dynasty, grain prices in the border regions would likely skyrocket as they have in history.

So, what about the Western Army of Datong?

The bulk of the grain supplies could only be obtained through allocation by the imperial court.

They had several months' worth of provisions, but unless a stable food source was established, the new leader could easily control the Datong Western Army simply by controlling the provisions.

Lu Zhongheng had served in the Hanlin Academy for many years and was very knowledgeable about the affairs of the Ming Dynasty.

"No wonder you asked me to seek the position of Grain Supervisor and Political Advisor in Datong."

Each province has a position for supervising grain production and serving as an advisor.

Each of the nine border garrisons also had one, because everyone knows how important military rations are to the army, and the imperial court certainly knows this as well, so the system dared not be negligent.

"How about it?"

Wang Xin asked with concern.

It turned out that they were relying on Zhai Wen and his group, as well as their friendship with Zhang Wenjin.

She gave him the credit, didn't compete with him for many things, and was so considerate, thoughtful, and capable that Zhang Wenjin had a good impression of her and would take care of her to some extent.

But they are ultimately outsiders. It would be best if Lu Zhongheng could go to Datong in person.

"I'll try my best."

Lu Zhongheng made up his mind.

It would be best if the Western Army of Datong remained within their own circle; otherwise, it would be a waste for others to benefit. Lu Zhongheng was unwilling to accept this, as their circle's strength was too small and their voice in the court was not loud enough.

(End of this chapter)