The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 343 Wang Xin is not surprising
The western suburbs of Beijing are mostly mountainous.

Shijingshan, Xishan, Yuquanshan, and other places are strategically located and easy to defend but difficult to attack.

One hundred and fifty li to the north is the Miyun Great Wall. Because of the loss of the Beijing Prince's fiefdom of Daming, although the Great Zhou used a lot of effort to destroy the Donghu Khan, it did not have the strength to completely take it back and bring it under its rule. It can be considered as its sphere of influence.

Therefore, the Northern Army of the Beijing Garrison was very important.

Zhuozhou in the south is the gateway to the capital region, controlling the transportation hub from the interior to the capital. Entering the capital requires passing through Zhuozhou, and leaving the capital also requires passing through Zhuozhou. Therefore, the Southern Army of the Capital Garrison is equally important.

The original Jingying garrison was stationed in Zhuozhou, which was before the era of Wang Ziteng, the military governor of the Jingying garrison.

One was the Beijing Garrison in the south, and the other was the Twelfth Regiment Battalion in the north. After reorganization and reform, they became the Beijing Garrison's Northern and Southern Armies, which were also the two strongest armies.

The Eastern and Western armies were mainly drawn from the Imperial Guard.

Later, due to political changes, the Imperial Guards, which were directly under the emperor, fell into obscurity. After a period of ups and downs, the Eastern Army, which was taken over by the retired emperor, rose to prominence.

Coupled with the harassment from the Donghu people north of the Liaoxi Corridor outside Shanhaiguan and the instability of the barbarians within Nurgan, the rise of the Eastern Army was not unreasonable.

So finally.

Conversely, the Western Army, due to its geographical advantage, became less important.

While it may not be considered important, it is still relative to the currently popular Eastern Army; the Western Army still belongs to the Beijing Garrison.

"Swish swish."

"Looking at the mountain makes the horse run itself to death." A group of officers rode horses to hunt, chasing several frightened sika deer. They finally shot one, and after chasing it all the way, they excitedly took it back with them.

"I got it."

"Look, everyone, I caught it. It's a sika deer."

The young man at the front was beaming with pride, as if he had won a great victory. He was shouting loudly from afar, as if afraid others wouldn't know, which startled many people.

The people around him joined in the commotion.

"What's the noise about?"

Inside the camp, another young man came out and stopped him.

Upon seeing this person, the group of people who had been making a fuss immediately shut up, indicating that the person was someone of considerable importance.

The young man who was initially the first to complain was unconvinced. Although he was a little afraid, he was unwilling to give up and said, "I caught a sika deer. The brothers are in for a treat. What's wrong with having some fun?"

"Lord Qiu, stop talking."

Someone quietly tugged at the young man's sleeve.

"Humph."

"Qiu Shikai, it's a good thing you're just hunting. If you were on the battlefield and made some kind of contribution, wouldn't you be all over the place?" the young man mocked.

The original young man was named Qiu Shikai.

Originally proud by nature, he lost face upon hearing the repeated taunts and, disregarding his status, retorted with dissatisfaction: "Feng Ziying, I know you've always been jealous of me. You're more capable than me, but what's so great about you? You're just using your father's status as a second-rank Divine Martial General to intimidate me."

As soon as these words came out, everyone was shocked.

Feng Ziying was a heroic and forthright man who hated it most when people said he used his power to bully others. Hearing this, he was furious, but he didn't vent his anger and instead held back.

Fearing the two would start fighting, those around them quickly stepped in to separate them.

Feng Ziying sneered, "What am I jealous of? Am I jealous of your ugliness? Of course, since your surname is Ugly, who in the world doesn't know that your family is ugly?"

The young man held back his words.

Then Feng Ziying said, "It's just a pity that no one knows who will marry your sister in the future. She will surely be the ugliest person in the world. But after all, your family is a military commander."

Before Feng Ziying could finish speaking, the young man had already pounced on her.

"As everyone saw, he struck first."

Feng Ziying was prepared and dodged the young man's punch, and then the two began to wrestle.

Regardless of their fathers, Feng Ziying was a fourth-rank Tongshi Sheren, while Qiu Shikai was only a sixth-rank Baiming Sheren. The difference in their status was enormous, not to mention that Feng Ziying's family was from a noble family and he had a group of family friends around him.

These people knew the rules best. When they broke up the fight, they tied Qiu Shikai's hands and feet so he couldn't move. On the other hand, no one was there to stop Feng Ziying, so he landed punches and kicks on Qiu Shikai.

Qiu Shikai stared intently at Feng Ziying.

Seeing this, Feng Ziying said, "You're still not convinced?" and began to hit harder and harder.

"OK OK."

Those around them saw it as a bad situation and knew their limits. They knew Qiu Shikai was a tough nut to crack and that beating him up would vent their anger. Finally, someone went to pull Feng Ziying away.

In the end, only Qiu Shikai, with a bruised and swollen face, was left.

Qiu Shikai struggled to his feet, his initial smugness gone, and left lifelessly.

The soldiers patrolling the camp didn't dare to approach them. Offending these young masters in the army meant they were just ordinary people, and they wouldn't even know how they would die.

What's all the commotion outside?

In the big tent.

The young Prince Chengyong turned his head and asked, and someone immediately went out to find out.

Today is a good day.

The retired emperor suddenly invited some people to go hunting, which is ancient history, something that happened a long time ago.

Everyone was speculating about the Emperor Emeritus's health. However, Prince Licheng, Prince Chengyong, the Western Army Commander, and some soldiers of the Western Army were hunting in the Xishan area for half a day, but there was still no sign of the Emperor Emeritus.

As they chatted, everyone began to show interest in the retired emperor.

Wu Xi, the commander of the Western Army, was feeling troubled.

Most of the Eastern and Western armies were drawn from the Imperial Guards. The Eastern Army was able to gain the trust of the Retired Emperor, and so was the Western Army.

Wu Xi wanted to speak with the Emperor Emeritus and express his loyalty, but he was disappointed to find that it was already past noon and the Emperor Emeritus was unlikely to come.

As for Prince Licheng and Prince Chengyong...

To be honest, Wu Xi didn't really want to get close.

Emperor Taizu of the Great Zhou Dynasty had six sons, who were enfeoffed as six princes: Prince Yizhong, Prince Zhongshun, Prince Shungong, Prince Gongli, Prince Licheng, and Prince Chengyong. The six princes' titles were hereditary and could not be changed.

Emperor Taizong had only one son, the retired emperor.

The retired emperor was over fifty years old and still had no children, and he had also fallen ill. Therefore, Prince Yizhong, who was the retired emperor's nephew at the time, was the most popular candidate.

This is the most suitable arrangement in terms of both seniority and kinship ranking.

The retired emperor also acquiesced.

In this way, Prince Yizhong smoothly gained power and influence. Eventually, the retired emperor sensed the crisis and deposed Prince Yizhong on charges of treason, thus wiping out this branch of the family.

This act was truly contrary to human ethics, and the prestige of the retired emperor was greatly shaken.

Coupled with the internal and external troubles that plagued the Great Zhou Dynasty in those years, the retired emperor selected a child from the Zhongshun branch and made him the crown prince, abdicating the throne to him. In reality, he was still a puppet, but the resentment among the people had lessened considerably.

There was nothing that could be done. The retired emperor was shrewd and held all military and political power. What could he do even if he was dissatisfied?

The current Prince Chungshun is the emperor's uncle and also the nephew of the retired emperor.

Prince Shun Gong was the youngest, only eight years old, a child who knew nothing. Then there was Prince Gong Li, who was of the same generation as the late Prince Yi Zhong and Prince Zhong Shun, and was nearly seventy years old, and had never concerned himself with outside affairs.

Finally, there was Prince Licheng, a man of the same generation as the emperor, a kind-faced middle-aged man in his early thirties.

And outside the door, unable to sit still, was Prince Chengyong, who was only in his twenties.

"It was the son of General Shenwu who got into a fight with the son of Commandant Qiu. They've been separated." Soon, someone returned to explain.

Prince Chengyong was furious.

"The army has become a game; how can we tolerate their recklessness? They're using their fathers' connections to act with impunity! Guards, seize them!"

"Eh."

Prince Licheng quickly stopped him, laughing, "Who isn't arrogant when they're young? That's just how young people are." After Prince Licheng's persuasion, Prince Chengyong calmed down and sighed, "If they can be like this when we're all here, wouldn't it be even more lawless when we're not around?"

"How could that be? The military commander is there to help."

Prince Licheng smiled and looked at Wu Xi, the Western Army Admiral.

Wu Xi had met the two princes before, but this was the first time they had met in private like this, and he couldn't help but secretly observe their behavior.

Upon hearing Prince Licheng's words, Wu Xi quickly replied, "The soldiers' sons do indeed love to fight and are more proactive than ordinary people. If they are strictly managed, it will easily damage their morale, and if they are too lenient, it will easily foster their laziness. Therefore, we need to give them a nudge from time to time."

“Listen to that, that’s what mature people say.”

Prince Licheng remarked with emotion.

Prince Chengyong listened attentively and found it very reasonable. He said enviously, "It's a pity that I can't join the army."

Wu Xi did not respond.

This is a rather sensitive topic.

The establishment of the Great Zhou Dynasty was relatively easy, and it was able to smoothly inherit the legacy of the Ming Dynasty because the Great Zhou Dynasty was relatively lenient towards various forces, coupled with its investment in the construction of the army, and Nanjing was the richest place in the world.

In short.

After the founding of the Great Zhou Dynasty, although the imperial court had a powerful imperial guard, there were also many hidden dangers everywhere.

There were powerful regional princes outside the capital and powerful military governors inside the capital.

Then there were powerful imperial relatives and nobles.

Otherwise, the retired emperor would have had a high level of prestige.

In the first thirty years, under the skillful methods of the retired emperor, first the princes lost their military power, then many military governors, led by the capital garrison, were removed from their posts, and a large number of civil officials were promoted and given important positions.
Even one of the four princes was dismissed.

Just as all the ills were about to disappear, a time of peace and prosperity was approaching.

Unfortunately.

The retired emperor, who was still childless in his middle age, became less concerned with state affairs and instead focused on power.

Because the retired emperor had no sons.

Without a son, the people below will start to plan for their own future.

When those below plan for their own future, the emperor's power will be threatened.

The achievements and glory of the past thirty years have been lost one by one in the following thirty years, and are even declining.

"How much does the retired emperor have left?"

Although she didn't pick up the conversation, Wu Xi suddenly couldn't help but drift off into thought.

The emperor was thirty-five years old.

The current regime has been in power for twenty years.

Even if it's just a puppet sitting on it, after twenty years of fame and established status as ruler and subject, it's still a true Buddha.

No one can shake the emperor's position unless the retired emperor takes action himself.

But could the retired emperor really be moved?
If it can really move, why doesn't it move?

anyway.

Wu Xi hesitated for a moment. Perhaps it was a good thing that he did not see the Emperor Emeritus today. Thinking this way, Wu Xi's depressed mood was relieved a lot. Looking at the two princes in front of him, he suddenly felt that things were not bad.

No matter what happens in the end, I shouldn't miss out on it easily.

It was really just a fleeting moment.

Wu Xi smiled as he pondered, saying, "Why should the prince personally join the army? The two princes are the helmsmen; they only need to give orders. We, the military leaders, are responsible for the actions and will sail according to the helmsmen's instructions, just like a lone boat on the sea sailing together."

"Good good."

Prince Licheng was deeply moved, and a hint of eagerness appeared in his eyes as he looked at Wu Xi.

This time, Wu Xi wasn't offended.

As the commander of one of the four armies of the Beijing Garrison, Wu Xi knew how sensitive his position was and how many people were secretly plotting to take advantage of him. Wu Xi was always very wary of and disgusted by this.

Because those who have designs on him always intend to exploit him.

“It’s a pity I’m getting old, but my fifth brother is young. He can learn more from the military commander. Even if it’s just talking, he can learn more about military affairs.” Prince Licheng nudged Prince Chengyong.

Wu Xi looked bewildered.

This was beyond his expectations.

Prince Licheng was a shrewd man. He understood Wu Xi's expression and took the initiative to say, "The Great Zhou is beset by internal and external troubles. Not only me, but even my fourth uncle knows that we should work together for the sake of the country. Our fifth brother is the most capable and dares to do things."

Upon hearing this, Wu Xi understood.

Wu Xi had heard that the princes supported the emperor, but he never expected that the princes could be so united.

One prince is not so scary, but a group of princes is a different story.

This is no longer a small force.

Prince Chengyong shook his head. "I still need to go and see Wang Xin."

"Wang Xin?"

Wu Xi couldn't recall the person at first, but the name sounded familiar.

"The newly appointed Right Route Commander of the Eastern Army."

"Oh," Wu Xi replied knowingly with a faint sound.

Although the Eastern Army and the Western Army both originated from the Imperial Guard, Wu Xi currently sees them as competitors. The most direct impact was that a few years ago, the Eastern Army poached a group of elite troops from the Western Army, which caused Wu Xi considerable pain at the time.

"How does the military commander view Wang Xin's ability to lead troops?"

Prince Licheng took the initiative to inquire.

Compared to the young Prince Chengyong, Wu Xi had more respect for Prince Licheng, so he quickly said, "Wang Xin does have some talent in leading troops, but he is rather naive in his actions, and I'm afraid he can't accomplish anything."

Wu Xi emphasized the last sentence.

Prince Chengyong found this statement strange. If he was capable, why couldn't he accomplish anything? Just as he was about to ask, Prince Licheng stopped him.

Prince Licheng understood Wu Xi's meaning and asked, "You don't think it's a good idea?"

"This person is too confident."

Wu Xi shook his head. "He built a powerful Western Army in Datong, which is indeed impressive, but he is also too proud of himself and actually thinks it is his own ability. Little does he know that the right time, the right place, and the right people are all indispensable."

Prince Licheng agreed wholeheartedly.

He is indeed a wise and experienced person; his insightful observations are spot-on.

In this atmosphere, Wu Xi felt even more pleased and laughed, "He was able to build the Datong Western Army back then, and he can still build the Datong Western Army today. He only thinks that the advantages of timing, location, and people are due to his own ability. This kid is bound to fail."

"Yes."

Prince Licheng nodded repeatedly, then nudged the younger Prince Chengyong and said earnestly, "General Wu is a talent capable of assisting the country. Fifth Brother should respect him with the respect due to a junior."

"Don't dare, don't dare."

Wu Xi smiled.

Prince Licheng sincerely bowed to Wu Xi.

Wu Xi's expression turned serious. After a moment of contemplation, and noticing that there were only three people in the tent, he quietly nodded.

He was the commander of the Beijing Garrison.

Wu Xi truly did not want the Great Zhou to descend into chaos again; he felt responsible, but he hadn't had the opportunity to do so before.

(End of this chapter)