The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 344 Tang Ping's Angry
From the "post stations" of the Shang and Zhou dynasties to the establishment of post stations in the Qin dynasty with the standardization of cart tracks, and even reaching its peak in the Tang dynasty, there were a total of 1,639 post stations nationwide. In the Yuan dynasty, they were renamed "Zhanchi," which means "manager" in Mongolian.

Even the Ming Dynasty.

The work of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, a top-tier architect in ancient times.

The post station system of the Ming Dynasty became more formal and standardized.

It will form a super facility that integrates postal services, a national transportation information hub, a materials distribution center, and a large-scale food, lodging, and transportation supply point, undertaking core national functions.

There was a post station every 60 to 80 li, but this could be adjusted according to local needs and the importance of the geographical situation, and shortened to one post station every 30 to 60 li.

In the Gyeonggi region, there are naturally more post stations than in other places.

Qinghedian, located thirty miles west of the capital, also had a major post station closest to the capital and was one of the important garrisons of the Western Army of the Beijing Garrison, with two small camps stationed there.

"This is it."

Tang Ping did not rush to the capital, but chose to stay and spend the night in Qinghedian.

"Here you go!"

He brought several personal guards and acted swiftly.

Some went to the post station to complete the formalities, some went to choose rooms, and some followed the post station's porters to the stables, worried that the porters might not take good care of their horses.

Tang Ping wandered around.

soon.

Tang Ping frowned when he saw the dense crowd of refugees outside the city gate.

Soldiers guarded the roads, preventing the refugees from heading towards the capital. Many refugees, with their families in tow, pleaded desperately, but the soldiers guarding the roads shouted at them and even began to beat them with sticks, forcibly driving them away.

"These soldiers are really ruthless."

"If the general saw how ruthless they were in dealing with ordinary people, he would be furious."

"The general often told us that the responsibility of soldiers is to protect our country."

The two bodyguards behind him knew why their guerrillas had stayed in Qinghedian. The scenes they had seen along the way had shocked them. It had only been a few years, and they had returned to the capital again, but they had never expected it to be like this.

"Pooh."

"You call yourself a 'defender of the country,' but you're just a lackey of the imperial court."

A group of men passing by overheard the conversation between the two guards. One of them couldn't help but turn around and spit, only to be glared at by their leader. Not wanting to cause any more trouble, he quickened his pace and hurried away.

"This group of people are acting suspiciously, daring to cross the city and town in broad daylight, and it's the capital city, a very important place. They are really bold."

Unwilling to refute the actions of those soldiers, the two bodyguards had no confidence to refute them, and the other party left quickly, leaving them only to see the backs of a group of people, so they couldn't help but mutter to themselves.

"And what about the capital?"

Tang Ping said coldly, "If the court treats disaster victims like this, I would dare to break into the homes of wealthy families in the capital, let alone the capital. What's there to be afraid of?"

"General, be careful what you say."

The guards were speechless.

"The general is still in the capital."

Although Wang Xin had been promoted to General, they still habitually referred to him as General, which could easily confuse outsiders.

Tang Ping snorted twice before falling silent.

What kind of general leads what kind of soldiers?

Although Wang Xin laid the foundation, each person's personality still inevitably had an influence.

Tang Ping didn't care much about the imperial court and government when he was in Yangzhou. At that time, Wang Xin was still a junior officer. After being forced to go to the capital, Tang Ping decided to quit and went to Yangzhou Island to hang out with his brothers.

Tang Ping's loyalty and sense of righteousness influenced many of his confidants.

The weakness is the lack of rules.

Loyalty without regard for rules might work in the underworld, but it won't work in the army, and his achievements will be limited. So Wang Xin transferred him to lead the artillery battalion, which had the strictest rules.

The most unruly person ended up in the most disciplined new army.

Through this ordeal, Tang Ping persevered, and only after his transformation did Wang Xin recognize him as someone truly capable of great use.

Tang Ping was thinking about something.

If things are like this in the capital, how much worse must it be in the provinces?

Logically, the area outside Datong Pass absorbed over 100,000 refugees, and with the trade between the interior and exterior of the pass flourishing year after year, supporting many more people, the number of disaster victims should have been greatly reduced.

But it's also strange.

In previous years, a disaster would last for one or two years, or even two or three years, which was long enough.

However, the Shaanxi region has been suffering from disasters for two or three decades, as if there is no end in sight. Not only in northern Shaanxi, but also in seven or eight other places every year, but in northern Shaanxi, there have been eight years of disasters.

Tang Ping couldn't help but feel troubled again.

This disaster is so devastating, no one can withstand it.

Logically, one shouldn't blame the imperial court, but every time I go to my father-in-law's house, I come back feeling resentful. Is it really not the imperial court's fault? Probably not.

"Man can conquer heaven."

I recalled the general's words.

Tang Ping's eyes regained their clarity.

Yes.

In a country with hundreds of millions of people, even if someone dies, they should be the last to die.

The neighboring countries did not perish, so how could the Great Zhou have died due to a natural disaster?
So it's still a human factor.

Shandong was also hit by the disaster.

The most severely affected area was Qingzhou Prefecture, where most of the fields yielded no harvest, and hundreds of thousands of people were affected. Due to ineffective local disaster relief efforts, the victims were forced to seek survival in various places, with the capital region bearing the brunt of the impact.

In other places, it would be a good thing for their own disaster victims to leave for other places, but unfortunately, the north is the capital region.

As a result, the Jinan government set up checkpoints everywhere to prevent disaster victims from heading north.

However, after the disaster victims broke through the checkpoints in Jinan Prefecture and entered the four prefectures in the southern part of the capital region, the local officials treated them as if they were plague carriers and did not set up any obstacles, hoping that they would leave their territory as soon as possible.

Since the source isn't you, don't let yourself be affected.

Finally, the number of refugees outside the capital increased so much that it affected the city's appearance. Eventually, the four armies of the Beijing Garrison were mobilized to drive away the refugees from the city and prevent local refugees from entering key areas of the capital.

Checkpoints were set up everywhere.

At the same time, imperial censors were on inspection tours.

The disaster victims surged towards any opening they could find, like a flood.

The four armies of the Beijing Garrison blocked roads in various places.

The right flank army was also responsible for blocking the refugees coming from the Wuqing direction.

The fence is on both sides of the road.

There are several large water vats under the tea shed.

The soldiers lay in the shade of the trees "sleeping," seemingly oblivious to the disaster victims. The victims passed by cautiously, and the children covered their mouths tightly, afraid of waking the soldiers who were sleeping in.

Some people were so thirsty that they dared to drink water, and no one cared.

Or perhaps those soldiers were sleeping too soundly.

As a result, more and more people went to drink water.

Only when water was wasted would the military officer, who was leaning against a large tree with his eyes closed, suddenly cough, startling everyone so much that they dared not move and quietly retreated.

Some people suddenly cupped their hands in a gesture of respect to them.

Some people even knelt down and bowed in prayer.

"stand up."

"stand up."

"Who gave you permission to sleep here?"

A sedan chair arrived, and two sedan chair bearers lowered it. An official stepped out of the chair and angrily berated the soldiers.

So the soldiers stood up lazily.

The military officer cursed, "Which damned bastard moved our fence? This is military equipment; anyone who touches it will be killed."

His voice is louder than anyone else's.

"what's your name?"

The official angrily demanded an explanation.

"you are?"

The military officer had a fawning expression on his face.

"Don't worry about who I am. I'm just an unregistered corvée laborer in the yamen. Why can't I question you?"

The military officer knew he had been caught red-handed and dared not offend him too much, so he could only fawn over him and say, "Replying to your question, sir, I am Chen Zhi, the acting battalion commander of the right wing army, in charge of this area."

Seeing that the other party was sincere, the man's expression softened a little.

"I'll let you go this time, but if I catch you again, I won't let you off easily."

"Yes Yes Yes."

The crowd respectfully saw the official off.

The official got back into his sedan chair, not even glancing at the disaster victims. His face was filled with sorrow and lamentation as he sighed, "The sound of wind, rain, and reading—all sounds enter my ears; family affairs, national affairs, world affairs—all are of concern. How will the affairs of the world ever end?" "Sir, what about us?"

The soldiers below asked.

"Go back to sleep."

The military officer waved his hand.

One of the veterans laughed and said, "Boss, this is different from how you used to be."

"Yes, when the commander first arrived, you advised Wang not to stick his neck out. How come he's become so bold now?"

Chen Zhi disagreed.

“It’s not that I’m unwilling to do things, but that I’m unwilling to be sold out and then pay them for it. How many officials are good? But our General Town is different, so I dare to do things.”

After the reconstruction of Hexi Camp.

Not only was Wang Ying a deputy commander, but many promoted military officers also had the word "deputy" in their titles.

For example, Chen Zhi.

He was a deputy battalion commander, a powerful battalion commander in the Hexi Camp, but outside the Hexi Camp, he was not recognized by the Ministry of War and remained just a nominal sentry officer.

However, the imperial court also had many such phenomena, which were better than having no dynasty at all.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he can eventually earn seniority and become a full-fledged captain.

No one was surprised.

Although the atmosphere of the Right Route Army had not changed much, it was indeed changing. As for the Hexi Camp, which was personally guarded by the General, its morale had undergone a tremendous transformation.

Even Chen Zhi, who used to be a grumbling, hardened soldier, has changed.

No one could have guessed that Chen Zhi actually had a kind heart. It was the commander-in-chief who recognized his talent. Even he himself thought that Chen Zhi was no different from the other sentry officers, all black as crows.

The veteran was filled with emotion.

The commander-in-chief was undoubtedly excellent, and Wang Daiqianzong was even more strict with himself and set an example.

With the addition of two promoted acting battalion commanders and newly selected sentry officers, the entire Hexi Camp was completely transformed, and the old stories seemed like things from a past life.

Everyone's selfishness has decreased, and there hasn't been any backstabbing or infighting for a long time.

That's great.

The veterans really appreciate this kind of atmosphere.

As the general often says, the duty of soldiers is to protect the country and the people. If that is the case, how can they bully the people?

How can you use sticks to beat ordinary people?

They were so ruthless.

While the friendly forces' actions were due to strict orders from above, they weren't required to act like the Hexi Battalion. But couldn't they at least raise their guns three inches higher and pretend to be something they were not? It made the people seem like their fathers' killers.

Upon entering the capital, they arrived at Wang Xin's home according to the address provided.

Unexpectedly, Wang Xin was not at home.

"Meet my lady."

Ping'er was pregnant, and her pregnancy was already showing. There was no master of the house at home. When she learned that Tang Ping had come, she hurriedly asked the guards outside to entertain her well, while she herself looked apologetic in the next room.

Upon learning that the room next door belonged to the general's concubine, Tang Ping immediately left the table and kowtowed to the wall.

The general is going to have a child.

Tang Ping already knew this and was extremely excited.

Although Ping'er didn't see it, she guessed it from the noise and hurriedly said, "General Tang, you mustn't do this. Please get up quickly. I dare not disturb you any longer and will leave now. Please don't be offended, General Tang. The General didn't know you were coming, which is why I wasn't waiting at home."

"Madam, there's no need for further words."

After kowtowing, Tang Ping stood up and laughed loudly.

Ping'er was somewhat gratified. Although she knew her husband's reputation outside, she still shared his honor and disgrace. She had a very good impression of General Tang Ping, whom she had never met, and hoped that she and her husband could always be like this.

After Ping'er left, Tang Ping asked about the guards.

Shi Ping returned home, Shi Gandang went to Tongzhou, but Tang Ping also knew these people.

"Then I'll leave the city later."

"Not going to the Ministry of War?"

"What's the point of going to the Ministry of War? Of course, we should go see the general first."

Tang Ping glanced at the same group of people.

Several people breathed a sigh of relief.

"You bunch of bastards, it's only been a short time since I last saw you, and you've become even more mischievous. If we were still in Datong, I'd teach you a lesson!" Tang Ping knew exactly what they were thinking and immediately cursed.

They were actually relieved to be scolded.

The youngest of them, who looked only seventeen years old, was an orphan brought in by Shi Gandang. He had been in the military camp for more than two years and had completely changed.

Wu Liang, not thinking much, exclaimed excitedly, "Tang Tou'er really didn't know, the General has been impeached again."

"what happened?"

Tang Ping quickly asked.

Wu Liang, being straightforward, explained in detail.

Why are officials unwilling to do practical work? Because flattery and maintaining personal relationships can not only lead to promotions but also bring in money. On the contrary, doing practical work not only fails to bring favors but also easily offends colleagues.

Since doing practical things easily offends people, it's inevitable that Wang Xin would be the same.

In the past, with Zhang Jifu protecting them, even if someone was dissatisfied, they wouldn't speak out. But things are different now.

First, Wang Xin caused a scene at the Ministry of War, then he made all sorts of demands for supplies. In the most recent incident, all four armies of the Beijing Garrison were blocking the disaster victims, but the right flank of the Eastern Army was not blocked.

“Some censors have said that an army that can’t even hold off disaster victims will be useless in wartime. They believe that our General Zhenjiang is out of talent and no longer of great use. They also believe that the court should not entrust the important Right Route Army to the general.”

Wu Liang became increasingly angry as he spoke.

"Damn his ancestors!"

Tang Ping slammed his fist on the table, making it shake, and said in a fit of anger, "I advised the general to leave some of the barbarians behind, but the general wouldn't listen."

"How could the commander-in-chief show any mercy to the enemy?"

Someone sighed.

Sometimes I really worry about my own town.

They had followed Wang Xin for a long time and had long since changed their way of addressing him as General.

Tang Ping and his subordinates, who had been separated for half a year, still habitually addressed him as General.

"The general never thinks of himself."

"No."

Tang Ping couldn't hold back any longer, "I'm leaving now, I'm so angry!"

Wu Liang said happily, "Everyone is saying that Tang Tou is going to be promoted, and that the Datong Western Army might change, which will affect the General Commander. But when I saw Tang Tou today, how has Tang Tou changed?"

"Wu Liang, what nonsense are you talking about?"

Someone cursed.

Tang Ping stopped and turned around to stare coldly at Wu Liang.

Wu Liang felt uneasy under their gaze.

Tang Ping, a veteran who had fought in battles every year since joining the army, asked with bloodshot eyes, "Who said all this?"

"Your subordinate, Tang Ping, has been promoted to the rank of adjutant."

Wang Ziteng personally went to the Right Route General's Office and calmly looked Wang Xin over.

Wang Xin was drinking tea.

Unexpectedly, Wang Ziteng jumped again.

This time, they switched their allegiance from Jia She back to Prince Zhongshun's side.

He was Jia Zheng's son-in-law, and his benefactor was Lin Ruhai.

He also knew that the emperor had ultimately won.

On the contrary, it would be bad to offend Prince Chungshun.

"You knew already?"

Wang Ziteng nodded, "I know a lot of things, but you're the only one kept in the dark."

Thinking of this, Wang Ziteng looked regretful.

“You left behind a lieutenant general, three guerrillas, and a commander to resist the new general, but you overlooked the local powerful families. Now your guerrillas are going to be promoted to lieutenant generals, which will ruin your plan. The Datong Western Army will soon be completely out of your hands.”

The more Wang Ziteng talked, the angrier he became.

That blind fool Wang Xin, if only he had listened to me back then.

Wang Ziteng said bitterly, "Now they're impeaching you again. Do you think you can hold your position in the Right Route Army? What good are all the things you've done? In the end, it's all for nothing."

Wang Xin was getting a little annoyed by what he was hearing.

Wang Ziteng always views things from the perspective of purely personal interests. Who doesn't understand this kind of utter nonsense?

If I wanted to do this myself, would I need Wang Ziteng to give me pointers?
(End of this chapter)