The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 364 Convinced
Wang Xin was no stranger to Tiancheng City, including the main generals of the Tiancheng Army. Even if he wasn't familiar with them, Wang Xin knew their names.

However, with Zhao He by his side, Wang Xin felt more confident.

For example, the Tiancheng Army had one general and two assistant generals. The general was Hu Liyong, who died because of his arrogance.

The other two adjutant generals were Zhang Zhen and Li Kun. After Hu Liyong's death, although they did not stop the soldiers below from shouting for revenge, they did not take any actual action. Instead, they were eager to find connections and start vying for the position of general.

Zhao He spoke with disdain.

This is also why he decided to give up and support Wang Xin, an outsider, not only because Wang Xin had a good reputation and high prestige.

Wang Xin didn't care what Zhao He's reasons were for choosing to join him, as long as Zhao He's words and actions were true. He was rather moved by this.

Regardless of anything else, Hu Liyong had been in charge of Tiancheng Army for many years. The two lieutenant generals had more or less received his support and were regarded as his confidants. They had a very close relationship. However, after his death, the two former trusted generals did not even bother to retrieve his body.

"How skilled are Zhang Zhen and Li Kun?"

Wang Xin did not investigate further.

The actions of Chang Chen and Li Kun do not mean that they are not good people.

What makes a good person?

What is a bad person?

Aside from a small minority of inherently bad people, most people are influenced by their environment, a fact that Wang Xin clearly understood.

If the environment is bad, then many people will go along with it, and the bad will fester.

But if you give him a new environment, he suddenly becomes an innocent person again, completely different from before.

Therefore, Wang Xin did not completely distrust the two men because of their performance.

A person who doesn't know gratitude will never be loyal.

Therefore, whether two people are truly loyal to you depends mainly on whether you can gain their approval during your interactions with them, as well as their personalities.

Just like Zhao He right before my eyes.

Zhao He had long heard of my actions in the Western Army of Datong, and had also fought alongside me in the northern expedition against the Hu people, witnessing and interacting with them firsthand. Therefore, Zhao He approved of me, and this, combined with my personality, was the reason why he approved of me.

Therefore, Zhao He decided to pledge allegiance to him. Beyond his words and actions, there was also an unseen loyalty, which reassured Wang Xin.

The reason these two lieutenant generals are disloyal to Hu Liyong might be because Hu Liyong's behavior and thoughts fail to gain their approval.
In fact, the two of them were extremely disgusted with Hu Liyong.

However, due to the circumstances, he had no choice but to submit to Hu Liyong. After all, people are all different, and not everyone can be straightforward. Therefore, Wang Xin asked very detailed questions, including about each person's talents.

What Zhao He said may not be correct, but given his loyalty to me, it's probably mostly the truth.

At the same time, through Zhao He, I gained a clearer understanding of the current situation in Tiancheng City.

Datong is located in a mountainous area.

The northwest is the Yinshan Mountains and the Lüliang Mountains, including Shuangshan, Erlangshan, Yunmenshan, Cailiangshan, etc. The southeast belongs to the Taihang Mountains, which include Hengshan, Taibaishan, Liulengshan, etc. The northeast is the extension of the Yanshan Mountains.

Only after passing Ningwu Pass to the south and entering Shanxi Province does the proportion of plains gradually increase.

Even if the small, fragmented plains are cultivated, most of the land cannot be considered farmland. They are lucky if they are classified as medium-sized farmland, which not only cannot support a larger population but also makes it difficult to collect taxes.

The cost of collecting taxes is far higher than the taxes collected, and the people in the mountainous areas do not have much harvest. They often go hungry, and they do not have enough grain to pay taxes.

In addition, being a border region, it was constantly threatened by war, so the people mostly relied on wealthy families. Although the essence of the people in the interior relying on wealthy families was the same, the patterns were different. The wealthy families in Datong mostly built fortified villages and were more militarily powerful than the wealthy families in the interior.

Local officials lacked the capacity to collect taxes, resulting in a severe imbalance between revenue and expenditure in Datong, which was heavily reliant on supplies from the interior.

Datong itself cannot accommodate a large population; to this day, there are fewer than 200,000 households, and only more than 300,000 when soldiers and their families are included.

Datong City had the largest population, including the most soldiers and their families. It had a population of 100,000 and was praised by scholars as the "City of 100,000".

The livelihoods of most of the city's population depended on government allocations.

Secondly, there's Tiancheng City.

Tiancheng City has at least 18,000 registered and unregistered soldiers. Adding in the families of some soldiers, the elderly and children, the total population is about 20,000 to 30,000. Including the local people, the population is about 30,000 to 50,000.

In other words.

Without the imperial court's supplies, more than 60% of the population in Tiancheng City would not survive.

Then it's not hard to understand.

Why did the military uprising in Datong occur earlier than the civil unrest in Shaanxi when the imperial court was facing economic difficulties?

During the mid-to-late Ming Dynasty, a military rebellion broke out in Datong, and history took a different turn. However, the Great Zhou Dynasty also experienced a military rebellion. Because the overall circumstances were the same, the outcome was bound to happen sooner or later.

Although the Datong Mutiny was resolved in the mid-to-late Ming Dynasty, it was only by suppressing the conflict with force that the problem was actually solved.

The sudden surrender of Datong, a military town that would later remain powerful, to Li Zicheng, who was hundreds of miles away and had become hesitant due to heavy losses at Ningwu Pass, restored Li Zicheng's confidence and shocked the world. This act tolled the death knell for the Ming Dynasty and laid the groundwork for its eventual demise a month later.

Instead of addressing the problem, they forcefully suppress it, focusing on eliminating those who create it, as long as it doesn't affect their own future—a bureaucratic approach of killing without burying the guilty.

This has always been the case for Ming Dynasty literati.

Who cares about the deluge after death?

So was the imperial examination system really a good thing?

Both the Song and Ming dynasties, with their combined advantages of ten or even a hundred times, were defeated by extremely small tribes.

Officials only distribute wealth, but do not create it.

When all the smart people are pursuing the imperial examinations, who will create wealth?
Intelligent people work hard to gain power, but end up living a less fulfilling life than those who create wealth. So, can those who create wealth keep their wealth?

Therefore, the truly wealthy people in the Song and Ming dynasties were all officials.

Ironically, officials do not create wealth.

Three years to destroy the Japanese pirates, three years to quell the barbarians, and now we have to start suppressing the rebellion again. Is it going to take another three years?
The imperial examination system was better than bloodline.

However, the imperial examination was also a wrong path.

History has proven this.

Only business.

The industrial revolution was brought about by business models, that's a fact. Based on this fact, Wang Xin supported the development of the business, but based on the same fact, he supported commerce, not businessmen.

The ultimate purpose of business is to serve people.

But the foundation of everything lies in the gun.

The reforms in Datong will face enormous pressure. It must first achieve self-sufficiency, otherwise it will easily go bankrupt under external pressure. However, Datong has one advantage: it has a large military force.

Wang Xin pondered all night.

Day two.

in the afternoon.

It is located 20 miles outside Tiancheng City.

Many military officers eagerly awaited the arrival of the new military leaders.

"Zhao He is a real sly one. He didn't even say a word before running off to greet the new commander-in-chief."

Someone cursed.

"This kid usually acts all loyal to the garrison commander, even calling us ungrateful and behaving like a proper official. But in the end, he turns out to be a petty person even more despicable than us. I could never do that."

"That guy surnamed Zhao is a scoundrel."

The officers cursed in unison.

Hearing the discontent of the officers below, Zhang Zhen did not stop them. He glanced at Li Kun, who was equally pleased, and couldn't help but step forward.

Zhang Zhen and Li Kun are both lieutenant generals, the highest-ranking officers in the Tiancheng Army after Hu Liyong's death. Each of them has a group of men under their command, and they have been trying to win over Zhao He, who is leading Hu Liyong's elite troops.

Whoever can gain Zhao He's allegiance will be stronger than the other.

Zhao He's actions were indeed beyond their expectations.

"We are ultimately fighting among ourselves. Now that Zhao He has brought a wolf into the house, I'm afraid our days will not be easy in the future."

Zhang Zhen attempted to sue for peace.

Li Kun nodded.

Although Wang Xin received the imperial decree, he remained a general, only gaining the right to control the Datong military town. In other words, if the Tiancheng Army were to become independent, it would likely be beyond Wang Xin's control.

Both of them wanted to be promoted to general and take Hu Liyong's place.

"Wang Xin is not easy to deal with, let's wait and see," Li Kun said in a low voice.

Actually, everyone around is far away.

No one would be so blind as to interrupt the private conversation between the two adjutants.

"coming."

Before Zhang Zhen could speak, someone shouted from afar.

A line of shadows could be seen in the distance, gradually approaching and growing larger. The officers present were all former soldiers, and many of them could tell at a glance that the group numbered about one or two thousand.

An elite force formed in a thousand days.

Five hundred garrison troops.

This is not a militia.

Although life was miserable for the Tiancheng Army, the elite troops could still manage. However, they trained rigorously every day, and after many years of military service and numerous battles, they couldn't even get enough to eat. Who could accept that? Although they were dissatisfied, it wasn't time to sell their armor and weapons yet.

Thus, though there were only 1,500 men, their banners fluttered, their armor was excellent, their weapons were sharp, their soldiers were fierce, and their morale was high.

Even before we got close, we could already feel its power.

"Greetings, Commander-in-Chief!"

Now, no one dared to offend them, and led by the adjutant, they bowed respectfully from afar to welcome them.

"Bahhhhh."

Wang Xin did not dismount, but looked down at the crowd from his high position.

"Who are Chang Chen and Li Kun?"

Shi Gandang, riding a tall and imposing horse, shouted a question.

Zhang Zhen and Li Kun were startled. It wasn't that they were afraid of Shi Gandang, but rather that the tone of the voice suggested that the visitor was hostile. To make matters worse, the visitor was Wang Xin, and with Zhao He bringing Hu Liyong's elite troops to join them, the two men were inwardly groaning.

"This humble general is Zhang Zhen."

"This humble general is Li Kun."

"Come forward, the commander-in-chief has some questions for you!"

Shi Gandang shouted, showing no respect for the other party in front of everyone.

Zhang Zhen and Li Kun suppressed their displeasure and trepidation, respectfully stepping forward while trying to gauge the situation.

The other military officers watched and observed, and the atmosphere became strange.

Many people were resentful.

The Tiancheng Army is no less capable than the Datong Western Army, and in terms of numbers, the Tiancheng Army is even larger than the Datong Western Army. Although Wang Xin has been promoted, there is no need for him to be so arrogant and treat the Tiancheng Army as nothing.

Some people glared angrily at Zhao He.

"traitor."

Someone muttered a curse under their breath.

"Are you Zhang Zhen?"

Wang Xin asked.

"Yes."

Zhang Zhen said, forcing himself to speak.

"I've heard that you're a skilled commander, and your family isn't particularly wealthy. You're a rare 'poor' military officer in the Tiancheng Army. Many people privately mock you, saying you're inflexible. Is that true? If so, you're a good officer indeed."

Wang Xin asked curiously.

That might not be a good thing.

It depends on who is asking the question, but since the other party is Wang Xin, how could Zhang Zhen not have heard of Wang Xin's reputation? He felt a little relieved.

He quickly replied, "It's not that I don't love money, it's just that the soldiers are too poor. I'm not stupid, how could I not know the principle of draining the pond to catch all the fish? So I'm just being nicer to the soldiers, I'm not a good official."

"Pity."

Wang Xin shook his head.

Zhang Zhen was startled and panicked. Had he guessed wrong?

Li Kun lowered his head and pricked up his ears.

The military officers around them stood silently on both sides, their expressions complex and varied.

"Such a simple principle, yet many people don't know it, and even fewer know it and can put it into practice, so you are a good official."

After sighing, Wang Xin said loudly, "This time, the court has appointed me to control Datong. I don't care about the previous rules. From now on, there will only be my rules, which are: anyone who reaches out will be caught, and anyone who violates them will be punished."

No one reacted.

Wang Xin said this in his usual style, but many people disagreed.

How can you raise an army if you don't lend a hand?
The imperial court only provides so much money, but the army still needs to be supported, and the people below need to be expected to risk their lives for them. So what can be done? Of course, they can reach out and take as much of the military funds as possible, and then distribute it to their own people.

If we don't do this, Tiancheng Army will completely collapse.

They have no fighting power left.

They couldn't possibly let their trusted soldiers stand guard on an empty stomach, but no one dared to say it out loud, fearing they would be made an example of.

Since it's impossible to do it anyway, what difference does it make if Wang Xin says it?

It's not just empty talk.

Wang Xin looked around calmly, as if he was looking at something, but there was nothing there. Was he just spacing out?

Zhang Zhen and Li Kun were living close by, and he couldn't help but speculate.

Shi Gandang and Shi Ping stood on either side, ready to guard against any unexpected events.

I am already familiar with the habits of my own chief commander. He is a thoughtful person who thinks before he speaks, although he does not always do so, but that is generally the case.

"Whether it's the Tiancheng Army or the Yongxing Army, since I'm in charge, they must all follow the Western Army's standards. You all know about the Western Army's treatment, but what you probably don't know is that although the Western Army's treatment is generous, its military regulations are extremely strict."

Wang Xin said sternly, "Let me make this clear: soldiers need to be fed, that's what a general should do, there's nothing to brag about. But I won't tolerate any general who dares to take advantage of his soldiers. You can try and see how sharp my blade is."

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

Although Wang Xin controlled Datong, he did not have the authority to kill people indiscriminately.

Wang Xin didn't care.

There is no reform without bloodshed.

Previously, the problems were minor, but now there are hundreds of thousands of people, hundreds of thousands of soldiers and their families. The problem cannot be solved without thorough reform. If we want thorough reform, we must be ruthless. Otherwise, if we follow the rules of the imperial court, we will not have the right to reform.

"you."

Wang Xin pointed at Zhang Zhen and said, "He will temporarily take charge of the military affairs of Tiancheng Army." He then added, "Zhao He will be in charge of the defense of Datong City."

Zhang Zhen was stunned.

He thought Wang Xin's words made sense, and if it could really be done, he wouldn't need to object. He never expected that Wang Xin would trust him so much the next moment, putting him in charge of the Tiancheng Army's military affairs?
Wang Xin did not hesitate.

Every group is xenophobic.

The same applies to ordinary people.

Unless you spend more time getting to know people and gain their acceptance, which is unnecessary.

Now is the time to act quickly and decisively.

Once the rebellion is quelled, Zhang Jifu will not give me much time to develop. Only by securing my position in Datong before he has a chance to make a move will I truly be qualified to negotiate with him.

As the art of war says...

It is as swift as the wind, as slow as the forest, as fierce as fire, and as immovable as a mountain.

I need to finish this quickly.

Li Kun raised his head in surprise, revealing anticipation, and said respectfully, "General, you are wise. I am completely convinced and will obey your orders."

Wang Xin nodded, paying no further attention.

Li Kun was stunned.

It seems I need to flatter Wang Xin more to gain his trust.

I originally thought I was going to be made an example of, but unexpectedly I was temporarily put in charge of the Tiancheng Army's military affairs. Although it was only temporary, it was still more promising than Li Kun's situation, and it also showed that the new commander-in-chief trusted me. This was a good start.

If the Tiancheng Army could receive the same treatment as the Datong Western Army, Zhang Zhen really didn't see any reason to refuse.

He followed Wang Xin with a silly grin.

Who knows what will happen in the future? Right now, two of the three main generals of Tiancheng Army have stood behind Wang Xin, and the remaining one is also trying his best to show his loyalty. The officers and soldiers present saw this and understood the situation.

Not only the Tiancheng Army, but also the Yongxing Army, will undergo a reorganization of the three armed forces in the future.

Wang Xin was well aware of the situation.

Zhang Zhen is doing quite well so far and deserves continued development.

Li Kun, he talks a good game, but he's actually a liar, a two-faced scoundrel. We'll find an opportunity to take him down.

The army entered the city.

Zhao He felt somewhat uncomfortable.

too fast.

Despite the seemingly harmonious atmosphere, Wang Xin did indeed issue many strict military orders. According to his understanding, there should have been many discontents and resentment, so why did it turn out like this?

That's truly remarkable.

Considering Wang Xin's achievements over the years, each one is remarkable.

Zhao He was completely convinced.

(End of this chapter)