The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 334 The Unconvinced General
Wang Xin already knew he was a general, but he didn't actually take office until the third day.

The Ministry of War, led by Chen Yan, personally saw them off, and the group first arrived at the Eastern Army headquarters.

If the Eastern Army had a commander, Wang Xin would have had to pay his respects to him first. Now that the Eastern Army does not have a commander, Wang Xin has already met with Zhu Wei. The Eastern Army still has many of Zhu Wei's confidants, which can be considered as a disguised way of paying homage to the enemy.

When Zhu Wei was in charge of the Eastern Army, Zhu Shenggong had no sense of crisis and was somewhat arrogant towards everyone.

Now that his father is gone, he has become somewhat more amiable.

Despite being a lieutenant general, the white-bearded deputy commander beside him clearly treated him as the leader, a fact that was evident to everyone.

"Master Chen."

Zhu Shenggong, accompanied by his generals, greeted them with smiles, adopting the attitude of a host. He then turned to Wang Xin with a smile and said, "We've finally waited for you."

"Greetings, Young General."

Wang Xin cupped his hands in greeting, then cupped his hands again to the deputy commander.

The general had an innocent and harmless appearance, with only a smile on his face and said nothing more.

It seems that this is the person Zhu Wei left to protect Zhu Shenggong. He is indeed very suitable, and a lot of thought went into it.

Chen Yan was very clear about the situation of the Eastern Army and also gave Zhu Shenggong face.

Zhu Shenggong was only a deputy general, but even after Zhu Wei left, he still controlled the Eastern Army headquarters.

It was mainly Zhu Wei who was in charge.

The Jia family also handed over the position of military governor of the capital to Wang Ziteng as a temporary measure. Unfortunately, it is unclear who made the choice, but they clearly misjudged Wang Ziteng.

Wang Ziteng was young, strong, and ambitious, so how could he be willing? On the contrary, the deputy commander-in-chief chosen by Zhu Wei was someone Zhu Wei had carefully selected in terms of status, qualifications, and personality.

It sounds simple, but it's not easy to accomplish.

"The men on the right flank haven't arrived yet?"

After Chen Yan settled down, he glanced around at the people present and casually asked.

"The message has already been sent to the right flank; they'll be here soon." Zhu Shenggong said with a smile, winking at Wang Xin, "To welcome their superior."

Chen Yan was a senior official in the Ministry of War, and he personally escorted Wang Xin to his new post, which shows how deep Wang Xin's connections were.

More importantly, Zhu Shenggong's attitude was very close to Wang Xin's.

Everyone knows Wang Xin.

Despite the enthusiasm, no one was sure whether Wang Xin could establish himself firmly.

Between small talk.

A group of people ran in from outside and kowtowed as soon as they entered.

These were the generals of the right wing army.

Zhu Shenggong pointed at Wang Xin and laughed, "Many of you know him, so I don't need to introduce him. He will be your superior from now on, so you must listen to him and not disobey him."

"Greetings, Your Excellency!"

The group arrived before Wang Xin. The leader, dressed in the uniform of a third-rank military officer, was a lieutenant general, about forty years old, a full twelve years older than Wang Xin. He dared not show any disrespect and led the group to kneel down.

"General Li, please rise."

Wang Xin helped the other person up.

Many people in the Right Route Army knew him, and he knew many people as well. The adjutant in front of him was none other than Li Wei, the same man from before.

With a sincere expression, Li Wei earnestly said in front of everyone, "I was blind to your greatness before and offended you, Commander. Please rest assured, Commander, I will obey your every command."

"Oh?"

"Is there still such a thing?"

Zhu Shenggong asked curiously.

Li Wei felt embarrassed; after all, he was in his forties, which was obvious to everyone present.

Chen Yan sat there without speaking, quietly drinking his tea.

His personal escort of Wang Xin to his post already made his stance clear. As an official of the Ministry of War, he couldn't directly interfere in the affairs of the Eastern Army, especially today, as it could easily cause gossip.

However, Chen Yan could probably understand the hardships Li Wei had endured.

He served in the military his whole life, but in the end, he was not as good as the two young men in front of him.

Although Zhu Shenggong was only a deputy general, he actually led the affairs of the Eastern Army. No one in the Eastern Army dared to disrespect him. Everyone knew that Zhu Wei was paving the way for him to take over as the commander of the Eastern Army.

Wang Xin, needless to say, was already the commander-in-chief of the right flank.

One is in his early thirties, and the other is not yet thirty; they can be described as promising young talents.

The two also share a common identity.

Sons of noble families.

This is the heartache of ordinary people.

Although Zhu Shenggong and Wang Xin were both talented, there are many talented people out there. It is often these young men who rise to the top, while those from common backgrounds seem to have an invisible ceiling above their heads.

Wang Xin, of course, wouldn't reveal the truth, and simply said it was a misunderstanding.

Everyone understood that Li Wei's attitude was so sincere, so there was no major conflict.

Next, everyone stepped forward to pay their respects.

Wang Xin knew some of the people, and had met some of them but was not familiar with them.

The two guerrilla generals were Yang Rong and Qian Gongli, followed by Commander Wu Yi.

"We have come to welcome Commander-in-Chief. All officers and soldiers are eagerly awaiting your inspection at the drill ground. Commander-in-Chief, please give your instructions: shall we depart now, or wait a moment?"

After some polite exchanges, Li Wei spoke warmly.

When I first came to the capital, I was just a junior officer, waiting in the government office, hoping for news and waiting for the heavens. Now I've become a general, with people welcoming me from both the front and back. Others are concerned for me, and others are waiting for me. This is the difference of being in a high position.

Some people really liked this kind of pomp and circumstance, but Wang Xin didn't care.

"Let's go."

"Lord Chen, I'll take my leave now."

Wang Xin cupped his hands in greeting to Chen Yan.

Zhu Shenggong hurriedly tried to persuade Chen Yan to stay, forbidding him from returning to the Ministry of War, and insisted on hosting a banquet for him.

Although the two are not on the same side, they keep public and private matters separate.

Even though he knew Zhang Jifu was after the father and son, who knew what would happen in the end? Chen Yan hesitated for a moment before readily agreeing. Zhu Shenggong gave Wang Xin a few instructions, and Wang Xin nodded.

So the group split into two groups.

Surrounded by his men, Wang Xin returned to camp, while Zhu Shenggong, along with his trusted men, invited Chen Yan to a secluded estate.

Let's leave Wang Xin aside for now.

The estate that Zhu Shenggong prepared was located behind a market town in the capital.

Find peace in the midst of noise.

There was a commotion not far away, but after passing through a grove of trees, it became unusually quiet. The scenery in the village was also exquisite. Although it was not large, it had everything one could need.

The female entertainers bought from Jiangnan were all women, and the musicians were also all women.

She wore a sheer dress that was barely visible, and a fragrant aroma filled the air, while the table was laden with delicacies from land and sea.

However, Chen Yan and Zhu Shenggong did not pay attention to these things.

It was indeed a rare opportunity for the two to sit together, and both wanted to save face for each other, so they subtly mentioned Wang Xin in their conversation.

After all, Wang Xin is also a matter of concern to both sides.

"With the Grand Secretary's support behind Zhou Wen, even if the entire Western Army there is Wang Xin's man, it won't be more than three years before the Grand Secretary takes over," Chen Yan said without hesitation.

Zhu Shenggong nodded, a look of approval on his face.

How long have they worried about the Eastern Army? Even with his father's support, there are still many things about the Eastern Army that leave him helpless.

Once you're in a certain position, you can't easily leave.

Otherwise, the relationship will fade away once the person leaves.

"Where does the Grand Secretary intend to place Wang Xin?"

Zhu Shenggong said earnestly.

Chen Yan sighed inwardly.

Young people these days are really something.

Wang Xin's ability to lead troops in battle was undeniable, and Zhu Shenggong indeed inherited some of Zhu Wei's skills, deeply understanding the essence of officialdom.

Chen Yan put down his wine glass.

At this point, everyone else had left, leaving only the two of them present.

"Wang Xin is a rather regrettable person. Even so, the Grand Secretary was not angry, but just somewhat sentimental."

Chen Yan could understand it, and he couldn't understand it.

Wang Xin and the Grand Secretary have worked together very well in recent years. If things go further, with the Grand Secretary's help, he might not only become the Right Wing Commander-in-Chief, but also a Provincial Commander.

Zhu Shenggong understood.

After glancing at Zhu Shenggong, Chen Yan suddenly laughed and said, "What does the Left Commander-in-Chief plan to do with Wang Xin now?"

Zhu Shenggong was stunned.

Chen Yan said bluntly, "You Zhu family father and son treat the Eastern Army as your own sons, how can you tolerate Wang Xin?"

"If the Grand Secretary can tolerate Wang Xin, then we can too."

After thinking for a moment, Zhu Shenggong said softly.

Chen Yan understood what he meant.

Zhu Shenggong meant that Zhang Ge Lao also used Wang Xin, and then kicked Wang Xin out after the matter was settled.

I can't help but feel sorry for Wang Xin.

With the Datong area dismantled and the Beijing garrison side side side rendered powerless, Wang Xin's efforts ultimately yielded nothing.

Soon after, Chen Yan left.

Someone came in through the back door; it was Zhu Wei.

Zhu Shenggong had already stood up and whispered, "He must be going to see Grand Secretary Zhang."

Zhu Wei picked up the wine glass that Chen Yan had just drunk from, looked at it over and over for a while, and then sighed, "On the surface, it's about sending Wang Xin, but isn't it also a way of getting in touch with us? It's probably all part of the Grand Secretary's arrangement behind the scenes."

Zhu Shenggong was somewhat dissatisfied, "What exactly does the Grand Secretary want to do?"

"Don't be impatient."

Zhu Wei said calmly.

If only Wang Xin's talent for leading troops could be shared with his son in half.

Zhu Wei felt a little regretful.

The biggest weakness of my son is his lack of practical experience.

Everything should be done in a legitimate and justifiable manner.

The son was only a deputy general and ultimately could not control the Eastern Army. More and more ambitious people began to have designs on him, and some of his subordinates could no longer restrain themselves.

These are exactly what Zhang Jifu wanted.

Zhang Jifu was also using Wang Xin, just as Wang Xin was using Zhang Jifu.

Stir it up.

It would be good to disrupt the Eastern Army.

Zhu Wei squinted.

Chaos is the only way to create opportunities; otherwise, why should someone else benefit from your lifelong hard work?

I'd rather destroy it than let outsiders benefit from it.

The general can see the status of his fifteen subordinates.

The original binding needs to be removed after a month of cooling-off. I have been back in Beijing for more than half a month. Except for Zhang Can and the other three, all the others have been unbound, which means I now have eleven slots.

Name: Zhang Can

Position: Guerrilla General.

Status: Zhang Can is extremely loyal to you.

Note: Zhang Can has parted ways with you and is now in command of the naturalized army.

Wang Xin glanced at it a few times, then selected to bind.

bind.

Name: Li Wei

Position: Lieutenant General.

Status: Li Wei is extremely angry.

Wang Xin suspected he was seeing things and subconsciously took another look.

"Your subordinate is utterly loyal to the General."

Li Wei followed Wang Xin.

The others should keep a distance so that the two can talk more easily.

After Cheng Hong left, Li Wei was in charge of the Right Route Army. In addition, Li Wei was Cheng Hong's confidant and already had great power in the Right Route Army.

Li Wei's attitude was extremely sincere.

"I know my own identity and dare not ask for too much. Your reputation is known throughout the country. Everyone knows how powerful you are. So I am sincere and only want to follow you."

"Oh?"

Wang Xin gave a half-smile.

Unaware of what was happening, Li Wei quickly patted his chest and said, "Time will tell. No matter how much I say, it's just empty words. I hope you will observe my future actions, General."

In fact, Li Wei didn't need to do that.

He holds the rank of brigade commander, so I can't touch him; at most, I can make things difficult for him.

Wang Xin also believed that Li Wei was telling the truth.

Nothing more.

Given that he is in a high-ranking position and the situation is developing well, he will definitely keep his word, at least outwardly. But what he does behind the scenes is anyone's guess.

or.

I wonder when I'll collapse.

The trees fell and the hozens scattered.

Isn't this exactly the scene?

"We started gathering all officers and soldiers this morning, and half a day has passed. Nobody has eaten a single grain of rice. How much longer are we going to have to wait?"

Right Route Army Headquarters.

The drill ground was filled with flags, and thousands of officers and soldiers stood there.

The brigade commander, the guerrilla commander, and the commander-in-chief all went to welcome the new general, while the officers stayed behind to reorganize the camp and await the general's arrival, hoping to leave a good impression.

"If the commander-in-chief doesn't come, do you dare to disband the unit?"

Some people said with disdain.

The man was furious.

"Alright, stop arguing."

One of the clerks who stayed behind said discontentedly, "Don't you know what day it is? Is today the time for you to cause trouble?"

The person being accused was a centurion.

In his early thirties, unlike the other officers who were dressed neatly, he was wearing old clothes. When he heard himself being criticized, he retorted indignantly, "When have I ever caused trouble? Commander, please explain yourself."

"Okay."

The clerk was furious and berated the captain. "You, Lin Jie, you deliberately chose today to cause trouble, didn't you? Men, tie him up! We'll question him when General Li returns."

"Why!"

The man named Lin Jie shouted loudly.

"How dare you express dissatisfaction with the new Commander-in-Chief?" The clerk sneered, then shouted, "General Li has already given orders that anyone who messes up the welcoming of the Commander-in-Chief is going against him. Why aren't you making your move yet!"

"You are so slanderous."

"The Commander-in-Chief has arrived!"

Outside.

Suddenly, a loud shout rang out.

Everyone forgot about the others and looked over.

Wang Xin chose to ride a horse, so everyone started riding horses, and those who had been riding in sedan chairs also hurriedly changed to horses.

"what happened?"

Seeing the situation in the training ground, Wang Xin asked calmly.

Li Wei frowned.

"Wu Yi".

"exist."

"Go and see."

Wu Yi quickly rode over there.

The commander and the others had already knelt down, and he whispered, "Let's see how you die, you'll make a scene."

The new official took office three fires.

Everyone saw that it was Lin Jie who caused the trouble.

Shortly after.

Wu Yi returned and gave a brief explanation.

"Lin Jie is a troublemaker who repeatedly violates military regulations. General Cheng once valued him, so everyone had to tolerate him. But even after General Cheng left, he still hasn't changed his old habits."

Li Wei was furious upon hearing this.

"Before I left, did I strictly order that no mistakes be made in welcoming the governor today?"

"Yes."

"Give him a good beating."

Li Wei cursed loudly.

Looking back at Wang Xin, his eyes were full of disappointment, and he said apologetically, "I have made a fool of myself in front of you, Commander. I have failed to discipline my troops properly. Please punish me, Commander."

What is true may be false, and what is false may be true.

Li Wei's attitude was good, and the attitude of the group of generals in front of him was also very good.

Wang Xin also believed that as long as he remained in office, they would handle his words, especially his personal matters, very well.

However, these are not what Wang Xin wants.

What are you doing?

Shaking off the crowd, Wang Xin went up to the man and asked him directly.

The man was pinned to the ground and unable to move.

Even so, the man still stubbornly raised his head and looked at Wang Xin defiantly.

(End of this chapter)