The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 351 Lin Daiyu's Puzzle
The first guest was Zhu Shenggong.

Wang Xin didn't want to see guests. Ping'er finally gave birth to a son safely, and both mother and child were well. However, some things cannot be done according to one's own preferences. When Wang Xin learned that Zhu Shenggong had arrived, he had no choice but to come out to greet him.

Zhu Shenggong did not care that Wang Xin had a son.

Zhu Shenggong had one wife and five concubines, and already had five or six children. After offering a few simple words of congratulations to Wang Xin, Zhu Shenggong explained his purpose.

"I will never forget the kindness of the Grand Commander."

Wang Xin roused himself.

“There’s no need. We’re not outsiders. Of course, we’ll help each other.” Zhu Shenggong laughed, then changed the subject, “Now you see Zhang Jifu’s true colors, don’t you?”

Wang Xin did not reply directly.

Zhu Shenggong knew Wang Xin's temperament and disagreed, saying, "Zhang Jifu is ungrateful. You've done so much for him, and he just throws it all away like that. He has no intention of helping you at all."

When will you be promoted to admiral?

Wang Xin let Zhu Shenggong continue complaining. Zhu Shenggong could talk for a long time, but Wang Xin had no patience to listen and changed the subject directly.

really.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Shenggong's eyes lit up, but then he became dejected again.

"what happened?"

Wang Xin asked, feigning curiosity.

Zhu Shenggong sighed, his tone quite helpless: "I have no real combat achievements."

Zhu Wei is nearly sixty years old, and Zhu Shenggong is almost forty.

I remember when I first met Zhu Wei, he was only fifty-four or fifty-five years old, and Zhu Shenggong was only in his early thirties. Time flies. They were young and in their prime, so as Zhu Shenggong said, what they lacked was military achievements.

This reason is indeed a reason, but whether it works or not still comes down to the point mentioned above.

If Zhang Jifu insists on blocking the way, then there's nothing we can do.

"Just bear with it, anyway, it's yours and it can't run away."

Wang Xin said.

The difficulty in defending against Japanese pirates lies in their difficulty to prevent them from entering the country, and there are no elite troops available in the southeast. Therefore, the capital garrison was eventually deployed. Now that the Japanese pirate problem has gradually subsided, it is difficult to use the capital garrison in other places. The use of the capital garrison will only be for large-scale wars.

Last year, the Datong Army did not need to use the Beijing Garrison during its Northern Expedition.

Because using the Beijing garrison was too expensive.

If it weren't for my own reasons, the Datong Army wouldn't have been able to launch the Northern Expedition. There's really no one else as cheap as me.

Zhu Shenggong came to settle a favor, and knowing that Wang Xin was a smart man, he left quickly and did not want to stay any longer. He did not know that Wang Xin had something to do at home today and had not brought anything with him.

Zhu Shenggong is gone.

Wang Xin was not in a hurry to go back to see his son.

When he was alone, Wang Xin didn't care about many things.

Now I have a wife and children.

Wang Xin had to consider many things.

It's not about seeking power, but rather that I've already reached this position, and there's no way to hide, nor is it easy to retreat. After all, I've offended quite a few people, and if I step down, what if someone retaliates?
East Army's right flank.

I must keep it in my own hands, as well as the Western Army of Datong.

By controlling these two armies, his position would remain secure. Furthermore, with Lin Ruhai's mediation in the drama, whatever the future held, his situation would be relatively peaceful.

If the emperor personally leads the expedition.

If the emperor trusts Lin Ruhai, then he can continue to lead troops, at most in a certain place.

If the emperor doesn't trust him, with Lin Ruhai's protection, he can simply relinquish his military power and become a leisurely military officer without starving. He's already a second-rank general, so even without an official post, he won't have to worry about food and clothing.

However, if the original trajectory changes, such as the emperor not personally leading the expedition, then...

With two large armies at his disposal, he can deal with the situation more calmly.

Therefore, no matter what, you must have some leverage.

If Zhang Jifu wanted to take down the Eastern Army, he had to suppress Zhu Wei. Zhu Wei was weak, and the risk of a direct conflict with Zhang Jifu was too great. Therefore, he would definitely support Zhang Jifu to take charge of the right flank. Lin Ruhai's calculation of people's hearts was indeed incredible.

No wonder he was able to stay in the position of Salt Inspector for many years, and even found a sensitive balance between the emperor and the retired emperor.

However, Zhu Wei's support for me does not mean that he supports me actually taking control of the right flank army.

So what should I do?

Whether or not you can control the right flank is a matter of your own ability. Relying solely on strategy is useless; strategy can only be used for planning, and ultimately, implementation still depends on yourself.

You must give others a weakness that they believe they can control.

For those in power, or for the ruling class, a vulnerable populace is a more stable factor than an easily controlled Wang Xin.

Whether it was Zhang Jifu or Zhu Wei.

I need to put their minds at ease.

"Let Qingwen come."

Wang Xin gave the instructions.

The inner courtyard was a chaotic mess.

Ping'er gave birth to a big, healthy baby boy, much to everyone's delight. She was so exhausted she could barely move. The experienced midwives directed everything, while Qingwen helped out. The swaddled baby was carefully laid on the kang (a heated brick bed).

Qingwen personally looked after her, fearing that something might go wrong.

at this time.

A little boy was looking around suspiciously at the gate of the courtyard. Someone saw him, recognized him as someone from the mansion, and asked, "What are you looking at?"

"The housekeeper asked me to tell you that the master wants Sister Qingwen to go there."

Upon hearing this, the daughter-in-law immediately went inside to find Qingwen.

Qingwen was startled. At this time, Wang Xin would not look for her unless something serious happened. She quickly gave him instructions again and again, "When I am not coming back, you must not leave. Leave everything to others and make sure to keep a close eye on the young master."

"To save myself the trouble, I'm not going anywhere."

The daughter-in-law nodded vigorously.

Qingwen left without waking Ping'er, still feeling uneasy.

Feeling anxious the whole way, Qingwen perked up when she arrived at the study and saw Wang Xin's serious expression.

"I've already sent someone to prepare a carriage and horses. Change your clothes and go to the Jia residence."

Seeing the weariness on Qingwen's face, Wang Xin couldn't bear it and said...

Qingwen was stunned.

Her big eyes blinked, as if she thought she had misheard.

Wang Xin knew what Qingwen was thinking, so he didn't explain further but instead gave her a serious explanation.

"One was to inform the Jia family that Ping'er had given birth to a son, and especially to tell the old lady in person, to thank her for raising such a good person, and to say that I, Wang Xin, kowtow to her."

"The second thing is to tell Tan Chun that everything is fine at home and she shouldn't worry."

Qingwen grew angrier the more she listened.

Especially what he said to Tan Chun, if Ping'er heard it, how heartbroken she would be. She certainly wouldn't complain about Master Xin, but she would definitely be secretly sad at night.

Qingwen mustered her courage and spoke up in protest.

"Lord Xin."

Wang Xin waved his hand, interrupting Qingwen, and said seriously, "Do as I instruct, Qingwen, don't mess it up."

Qingwen was stunned.

Although she didn't know what had happened, Qingwen understood and nodded seriously, knowing that Master Xin must have his reasons.

Although Qingwen is sometimes outspoken, she is actually a smart girl. She just doesn't like to be tolerant. Wang Xin is quite at ease letting Qingwen do things.

The Jia family was in a very advantageous position.

Many things will get out.

This may be one of the reasons why the servants in the Jia family developed a habit of gossiping, after all, the servants in the Jia family were very good at gossiping.

Without the Jia family as the center of public opinion, how could the sons of noble families quickly obtain all sorts of gossip?

When people without power gossip, it's just gossip. But when people with power gossip, it's politics.

The carriage was readily available, and Wang Xin even summoned Shi Gandang.

Shi Gandang and several brothers were celebrating the general's succession and about to drink when they unexpectedly received orders to escort Qingwen to the Jia family mansion. Knowing it was no small matter, Shi Gandang and his carriage were already waiting at the gate.

Qingwen changed into clean clothes and got into the carriage.

About half an hour later.

When Qingwen arrived at the Jia family mansion, she quickly met with Grandmother Jia.

Ping'er was about to give birth, but the exact date was unknown to Grandmother Jia and the others. Upon hearing that Qingwen had arrived, Grandmother Jia hurriedly said, "Quickly, let her in."

Qingwen entered through the hanging flower gate, where there were covered corridors on both sides and a passageway in the middle, where a large marble screen with a rosewood frame was placed.

Turn past the screen, you'll find three small inner rooms, behind which lies the main courtyard.

The main building has five rooms, all with carved beams and painted rafters. On both sides are covered corridors and side rooms, where various parrots, thrushes and other birds hang. On the platform, several maids dressed in red and green sit.

Most of them recognized Qingwen, and Qingwen recognized them too.

"The old lady was just thinking about Ping'er, and then you happened to come."

So three or four people rushed to lift the curtain, and then they heard someone say, "Miss Qingwen has arrived."

When Qingwen entered the room, only Grandmother Jia and Wang Xifeng were there. The elders, such as Lady Wang and Aunt Xue, had already left. The young ladies were also in the garden. Since Wang Xifeng had stopped managing affairs, she mostly stayed with Grandmother Jia.

"Has Ping'er given birth?"

Grandmother Jia asked hurriedly.

Qingwen came in and knelt down. Just as she was about to kowtow, Wang Xifeng smiled and helped her up, saying, "Quickly answer the old lady's question."

"Reporting to the old lady, Sister Ping'er has given birth to a big, healthy boy. Master Xin specially ordered me to inform you. Master Xin said he was grateful to the old lady for raising such a good girl, and that he wanted to come and kowtow to the old lady."

"Qingwen said in a crisp voice."

Wang Xifeng's hand, which had helped Qingwen up, paused for a moment before quickly returning to normal. However, she subconsciously glanced at Qingwen and couldn't help but wonder what she was thinking.

Grandmother Jia was overjoyed upon hearing this.

“Tell him not to come anymore. He’s not young anymore. Now that he has a son, he’s settled down and will be more at ease in the future. But Ping’er is a good girl, but she can’t overstep the rules.”

After giving a few words of advice, Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "Wang Xin is a sensible person, so I trust him."

Qingwen quickly said, "Master Xin arranged for me to come, and even asked me to go see the Third Miss."

"What do you want to say?"

"Master Xin told the Third Miss that everything is fine at home and that she should not worry."

Grandmother Jia was increasingly satisfied, while Wang Xifeng hesitated, feeling that this was not Wang Xin's usual style. However, she would not expose Wang Xin, but she couldn't help but wonder what was going on here.

Grandmother Jia had some gifts packed and asked Qingwen to take them back with her.

As for the message to Tan Chun, Grandmother Jia had the maids in the mansion deliver it, so Qingwen didn't need to convey it personally.

The news that Ping'er had given birth to a son, and that Wang Xin had sent Qingwen to the mansion, quickly spread throughout the Jia family. People came and went in the Jia family, and some of the servants became county officials, while others settled their younger sisters in the Jia family for their future.

There were also relatives like Aunt Xue, as well as all sorts of retainers and students—all kinds of people.

Therefore, any news that reached the Jia family was like a tornado, quickly spreading throughout the capital and reaching every corner of the city in just a few days.

The Grand View Garden was actually a little quieter.

Yingchun was about to get married, and Jia She made arrangements in a hurry. Tanchun couldn't show her face, and Xichun was still a child.

Lin Daiyu was happy to have some peace and quiet.

Zijuan brought a pot of hot water back into the house and changed the water in the teapot.

"That's strange. Although Lord Xin meant well and everyone in the manor was happy, he overlooked Sister Ping'er. Lord Xin wasn't careful enough this time. It seems that people change after they become high-ranking officials."

Zijuan had not seen Wang Xin for two or three years.

I was young then, and now I'm a bit older. Although they are still good memories when I think back on them, they are ultimately childhood memories.

Lin Daiyu lay lazily on the kang (a heated brick bed), holding a book in her hands.

Seeing the book in her young lady's hand, Zijuan sighed, "Other people's daughters read poetry and prose, but our young lady is going to be an accountant."

Ever since Master Xin asked Miss for help, Miss has developed a habit of reading these arithmetic books.

Zijuan didn't understand.

It's time-consuming and tedious; just looking at it makes me tired.

When Lin Daiyu heard Zijuan teasing her, she straightened her back. Just by sitting up straight, she became even more adorable. Zijuan sighed inwardly, thinking that her young mistress was truly remarkable.

She was remarkable before, but she was still just a little girl.

Although he is still young, he can no longer hide it.

However, Zijuan was secretly pleased, thinking that her young lady was indeed remarkable.

"Why do you still like to gossip? You're almost a gossipmonger now." Lin Daiyu sighed deeply, then raised her small hand to cover her face, her delicate chin squeezing into a pout. Her previous beauty was gone, replaced by a haughty look.

Despite being called a gossip by her mistress, Zijuan couldn't get angry. She smiled and said, "I meant well, afraid that you might be upset."

"It's my fault. I made you suffer. I apologize."

Lin Daiyu pouted.

Although she was clearly apologizing, Zijuan was both amused and exasperated. It was as if the young lady had been wronged, which was truly pitiful and made her feel sorry for her. Zijuan really didn't know that there could be such an outstanding person in the world.

So he sat down and sat down with Lin Daiyu, lost in thought.

Lin Daiyu didn't think Wang Xin would change his nature; she just didn't know why he did it.

It is said that Wang Xin fell in love with the Jia family's daughter at first sight in the Grand View Garden.

Did Wang Xin really like Tan Chun?
If Lin Daiyu couldn't sense it, then why did Wang Xin do this?

Regardless of the reason, Wang Xin should not have done it.

Tan Chun is actually quite pitiful.

Everyone says that Tan Chun is very capable, but Lin Daiyu feels that Tan Chun is actually more sensitive than Ying Chun. However, Ying Chun chose to accept her fate, while Tan Chun chose to fight desperately and use every means to strive for it.

Because Tan Chun is more sensitive and has a lower self-esteem than Ying Chun.

"Ugh."

"Wang Xin, why did you do this?" Lin Daiyu asked with a worried expression, feeling that Wang Xin was being unfair.

"Oh no!"

"Oh no!"

Lin Daiyu's face was full of sorrow. Zijuan was used to her mistress's appearance. Anyway, her mistress's mind was always elsewhere. Sometimes she thought that it wasn't so bad that Master Xin had found her a job.

The young lady is very clever; she's so intelligent that when she's idle, she tends to overthink things.

While the master and servant were quiet, someone burst in, shouting loudly.

"Bao'er."

Lin Daiyu's eyes lit up, and she immediately put on the airs of an elder, ready to give the person a good scolding.

Xue Baoqin's eyes darted around, and she knew exactly what Lin Daiyu was planning. She immediately exclaimed, "Big brother is going to war again! I came to tell you right away!"

Lin Daiyu, as listless as Liu Mianyan, said uninterestedly, "When has he not been at war? What's so surprising?"

Xue Baoqin had nothing to say.

indeed so.

“This time is different.”

Xue Baoqin retorted, unconvinced, "In the past, it was Japanese pirates and barbarians, but this time it's ordinary people."

Lin Daiyu looked over.

Xue Baoqin, with a serious expression on her fair face, said, "The starving people in Shandong have revolted."

Xue Baoqin heard it from her brother.

The mobs mentioned in the imperial gazettes were actually starving people.

(End of this chapter)