The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 365 Shock
Wang Xin only brought 100,000 taels of silver with him.

It seems like a lot, but it's just a drop in the bucket. Not to mention quelling the unrest or making up for the arrears in military pay, but at least some of it should be given.

Even excluding the Western Army of Datong.

Yongxing Army needs reinforcements, and Tiancheng Army needs reinforcements too.

The two armies actually numbered forty to fifty thousand men. Even if each person only received two taels of silver as compensation, one hundred thousand taels of silver would be gone.

Therefore, 100,000 taels of silver is far too little.

Not to mention that quelling the rebellion requires mobilizing military forces, and mobilizing military forces requires spending money.

Otherwise, Zhang Jifu would have no choice but to come to him.

It wasn't that no one could quell the rebellion, but rather that Zhang Jifu was overwhelmed with problems, unable to raise the necessary funds, and dared not interfere with the progress of the Shandong rebellion. Otherwise, if the Shandong rebellion was affected and the Datong military uprising was not suppressed, then the whole thing would be over.

Of course, even with such a serious problem, most people just watched and laughed, and no one believed that the Great Zhou was doomed.

Wang Xin also thought so.

These problems are significant, but the Great Zhou Dynasty has been established for a century, with a vast territory and a large population. With such strength, it will not fall easily unless it squanders everything and finally collapses.

in short.

Wang Xin believed that Zhang Jifu could only rely on him, and he had to put up with it even if he had to, as long as it didn't cross his bottom line.

Such a great opportunity.

Wang Xin, of course, wanted to take drastic measures.

With Zhao He's allegiance, they also won over Zhang Zhen.

Zhao He's 1,000 troops were responsible for the defense of Tiancheng City, while Zhang Zhen was stationed in Tiancheng City to temporarily oversee the military affairs of the Tiancheng army. Wang Xin issued orders, the first step of which was to take stock of the soldiers, including both household servants and militia.

Wang Xin could clearly see who supported him and who opposed him.

The Tiancheng Army consisted of two adjutant generals, six lieutenant colonels and commanders, and about ten lieutenant colonels and captains.

There were a total of more than twenty mid- to high-ranking generals.

In the past, when the army was smaller, such as the Yangzhou Camp or the Hexi Camp, it was easy for a few subordinates to become extremely loyal. Therefore, the number of positions could be doubled. For example, when the commander-in-chief was in charge, he had three positions, but after doubling, he had six.

Now that there are more generals under him, and he has been promoted to general, although there are fifteen slots available, the number is fixed at fifteen because not all the generals under him can be completely loyal.

Its function has also changed.

More are used to view them in turn.

Time is of the essence, so Wang Xin reserved four slots and used the remaining eleven to bind key generals.

Zhao He, Zhang Zhen, and Li Kun.

Then there are the mid-level generals who lead troops.

Although with his entry into the city, the announcement of his goals, and the implementation of measures, the index of generals on the list was fluctuating, with some increasing and some decreasing, Wang Xin was not in a hurry.

Including Li Kun.

Wang Xin did not give up easily; a month of observation was enough to see a person clearly.

Simultaneously.

With the arrival of Lu Zhongheng, Zeng Zhi, and others, Wang Xin also began to mobilize the Western Army in Datong.

"Zhang Canbu cannot be touched."

Wang Xin rejected Yan Zhongzheng's idea.

“But most of the elite troops are in Zhang Can’s hands. If Zhang Can’s troops are lost, the other three troops will have to gather militia. I’m afraid there won’t be enough supplies and time to prepare,” Yan Zhongzheng said hesitantly.

If Zhang Canbu doesn't come, there will be many risks.

Lu Zhongheng, Zeng Zhi, and Zhang Yuncheng all agreed that Yan Zhongzheng was right.

Wang Xin remained calm and persisted, "Although Ou Yanhu's death led to the collapse of the Hu army and eliminated the greatest threat to the Hetao region, the Hu people still exist."

Everyone was shocked.

For more than a year, the Hu people disappeared and mostly lived peacefully. Even those tribes that remained hostile took the initiative to stay away.

"The general's consideration is reasonable, but it may not be too late."

Yan Zhongzheng believed that the Datong mutiny should be resolved as soon as possible, and that the Hu people would not have time to pose a threat in the short term.

"There can be no risk whatsoever. Not only can Zhang Can's troops not be transferred, but Tang Ping and Zhao Yong's main forces cannot be transferred either, because the situation outside the Great Wall is more serious than before, and this is the foundation for the future."

Wang Xin firmly believed that there must be some Hu people waiting for the right opportunity.

Given even the slightest chance, someone will jump at it, and won't miss it even if the chance is slim.

The stability outside the Great Wall is now crucial to the survival of the Datong Reform.

The worst thing for a business is instability.

If any barbarian rebels cause trouble and harm, even if it doesn't affect the safety of the Western Army in Datong, it will hinder commercial development and slow down the prosperity of the area outside the Great Wall. Then Wang Xin will have nowhere to get money.

These days, you can't just make up for the military spending shortfall by doing a few casual business deals.

Only the rich and vast land of the Hetao region can support it.

"Liu Tong's troops are the main force, along with Tiancheng's army. We should prioritize appeasement over offense, and try to recruit the rebel soldiers back as soon as possible."

The idea is good.

Zeng Zhi asked worriedly, "Can we trust Tiancheng Army?"

"Whether you can trust us or not, we'll find out by taking them out for a test," Wang Xin said with a relaxed smile. "Use what you can use, and dismiss what you can't."

Seeing the commander's confidence, everyone no longer had any doubts.

Zhang Yuncheng, who arrived last, was the only one who couldn't believe in Wang Xin's abilities like the others.

In his view, the gambling mentality was too strong.

Why should Tiancheng Army be trusted? Is it enough for them to just say a few words of loyalty?
Too many inconsistencies.

But things are going very smoothly so far.

Zhang Yuncheng could only suppress his doubts for the time being.

soon.

After Zeng Zhi's revisions, Wang Xin issued the order to all armies in the name of the General Commander of Datong, including sending people to inform the mutinous soldiers.

The person who went was none other than [name omitted].

It was Lu Zhongheng.

Lu Zhongheng volunteered to serve, wanting to earn merit as well. Wang Xin had returned to Datong, and he was going to return to the imperial court. The more merit he earned, the higher his chances of getting promoted back to the capital. For the sake of his future, Lu Zhongheng took a bold step.

Wang Xin did not refuse.

Because of Lu Zhongheng's identity, if he were to contact the rebel army, the promises he made would be enough to gain their trust.

If the person in question were of a lower status than him, the doubts among the rebels would only increase.

Jiaoshanpo.

As the name suggests.

A slope in the mountains.

Because the terrain is flat, the surface is smooth, and it is close to a water source, it is indeed suitable for cultivating fields. Unfortunately, the area is not large, the cultivated land is limited, and since it is mountainous, the harvest is not much, only the upper, middle and lower grades of fields can be cultivated.

Lu Zhongheng was quickly discovered by the soldiers. The worst thing didn't happen. After questioning him for a few minutes and learning his identity, the soldiers didn't dare to delay and quickly went to inform their leader.

Although the rebels were acting in Jiang Wanhua's name, the one who actually put forward to make the decisions was Liu Zhong.

Liu Zhong acted decisively, personally killing Zhao Tao. Although he was only a low-ranking military officer, he was brave and resourceful. People of higher status were unwilling to take the lead, so Liu Zhong became the de facto leader.

Many people followed, but hesitated to speak.

Lu Zhongheng comforted her along the way.

"The magistrate said he would not hold past offenses accountable, even if someone had killed an official, but he would not let those who burned, killed, and looted the people go unpunished. The brothers gathered together out of desperation; we are not villains."

Many people were watching Lu Zhongheng closely, eager to go up and confirm.

He was just worried about his companions.

Lu Zhongheng saw this and spoke even louder.

Wang Xin told the rioters that they should be forgiven for their past actions, but he insisted on adding further requirements. Although this would increase the trouble, he thought that the rioters did not cause much trouble and that they spent most of their time in this area, so the risk was still manageable.

Seeing a group of people approaching from afar and heading straight for him, Lu Zhongheng finally shut up.

"Are you Lu Zhongheng?"

"That is indeed me. May I ask if you are Officer Liu Zhong?"

Lu Zhongheng deliberately asked the question and addressed the official by name.

Mutinous soldiers are different from a mob.

But this is also Liu Zhong's weakness.

He was, after all, just a sentry officer. Many people recommended him, but they didn't want to get involved in the officialdom. This also shows that most military officers were willing to return to the court, but they wanted to force the court to solve the problem by causing trouble.

Liu Zhong was stunned, not expecting the other party to be so bold.

"Aren't you afraid that I will kill you?"

Lu Zhongheng laughed. Liu Zhong wasn't angry; he stared at Lu Zhongheng expressionlessly and said coldly, "Is it funny? Or do you really think I wouldn't dare kill you?"

Although Liu Zhong was of lowly status, he was able to cause a stir, so he must have a group of followers.

Several of his close confidants revealed murderous intent.

Lu Zhongheng stopped laughing and said seriously, "Commander Liu, you brought your brothers to such a barren place to work hard in the fields. It is clear that you have put a lot of thought into your brothers and have no intention of leading them to their deaths."

The people around Liu Zhong were taken aback.

The soldiers around them listened with curiosity.

Lu Zhongheng laughed again: "It is the responsibility of the court that you did not have enough to eat. The General Commander said it himself. He also said that Officer Liu did a good job killing the corrupt official. As long as Officer Liu goes back, he will have done a good job and will not be blamed."

"What a silver tongue!"

Liu Zhong sneered.

Lu Zhongheng shook his head and retorted, "I was just telling the truth and relaying the words of the General. Just like Officer Liu, he did not lead his brothers to wreak havoc on the area, but came here to work hard to cultivate the land. All he asked for was a bite to eat. It is truly rare."

Lu Zhongheng sighed, "Only after arriving here did I realize why the commander-in-chief praised you."

"It's full of nonsense."

"Take it down."

With a wave of his hand, Liu Zhong's confidants rushed forward and tied Lu Zhongheng up tightly.

Lu Zhongheng was startled; it wasn't what he expected. But he was too embarrassed to show his fear, so he could only try his best to remain calm. He was pushed down by the soldiers and locked in a newly built thatched hut.

After a while.

One after another, generals rushed over upon learning that the imperial court had sent envoys.

"I've imprisoned the officials from the imperial court. If you have any objections, let's discuss them together once everyone is here," Liu Zhong said politely.

The crowd found this reasonable.

soon.

Everyone has arrived.

The size of the rebel army was neither large nor small.

When they caused trouble, they received a great deal of support, as if they were responding everywhere. They even stormed into Datong City, although they eventually fought their way out.

Some people followed.

Some people stayed.

Many of the mutinous soldiers were unwilling to stay in Datong City, fearing that their names would be remembered. Many others did not want to stand out, fearing that the imperial court would receive news of Datong's fall. Their names were among the names on the list of mutinous soldiers.

Moreover, most of the Yongxing Army's families were also in Datong City.

When Liu Zhong returned to Jiaoshanpo, in addition to the few hundred people he had initially gathered, he had more than two thousand more, most of whom were militiamen and few were elite soldiers.

Some people didn't come, while others chose to hide elsewhere.

However, Liu Zhong knew very well that his name was definitely on the court's list.

“The people from the imperial court said that Wang Xin has returned to Datong. He said that as long as the soldiers who return to their camp are forgiven for their past mistakes, they will be given a resettlement allowance of two taels of silver, and their military pay will be paid on time every month thereafter.”

"Only two ounces?"

Someone angrily said, "The regulation stipulates two taels, but I'm afraid I won't even get five qian. What kind of nonsense is this?"

"It shouldn't be. General Wang is different from others. The Datong Western Army always pays its full salary and has never been stingy. If it says two taels, then it must be two taels." Someone retorted and expressed their opinion.

“That’s right, that’s exactly the case with the Western Army in Datong.”

A person's name, the shadow of a tree.

Wang Xin had a good reputation among the soldiers. No one doubted him, but they had some concerns. After all, he had done such a big thing, and they were always a little uneasy and fearful at heart.

"Two ounces isn't much."

"The imperial court has been in arrears with our military pay for thirty-six months."

"Ugh."

"You expect to make up for old grievances? You'll be lucky if you don't fall behind on payments in the future."

Everyone was talking at once.

But in the end, everyone looked at Liu Zhong.

People still have reservations about Liu Zhong. Not only his confidants, but also those around him, are afraid of his methods. He is decisive and should not be offended easily.

Moreover, it was related to the imperial court.

People did have doubts.

Who knows if the promise will stand? What if Wang Xin leaves again?

Many people are conflicted.

"Boss, we'll do whatever you say." Someone couldn't stand it anymore and said seriously, "If the boss decides to rebel, we'll all follow. Even if we're not strong enough, we can still contact the Hu people. They'll definitely be willing to unite with us."

This is true.

If they could gain the support of the Hu people, the pressure would be much less.

Everyone looked at Liu Zhong.

"I decide."

Liu Zhong no longer hesitated, "I surrender!"

Liu Zhong's decisive and efficient work style was indeed impressive, which moved everyone and also relieved them.

"Boss, isn't this a bit too hasty? What if Wang Xin is lying?"

Someone was worried.

However, the reaction was lukewarm, and most people did not doubt Wang Xin's promise.

With no further objections, Liu Zhong decided not to change his mind.

Day two.

Liu Zhong, accompanied by some of his confidants, went directly with Lu Zhongheng to see Wang Xin.

same day.

Liu Tong led his troops to Datong.

Datong City fell easily into Liu Tong's hands.

There were few pedestrians on the streets. The city of 100,000 people was unusually quiet. Fortunately, the mutinous soldiers did not cause too much disturbance, which was not surprising.

Datong City is the main base of the Yongxing Army, so even if there is a rebellion, the soldiers will not act recklessly.

"General, you will arrive in Datong tomorrow!"

Liu Tong informed him.

Wei Yi also came with Liu Tong.

Wei Yi was a guerrilla general in the Yongxing Army. He had risen through the ranks of the Yongxing Army and had considerable prestige and a good reputation. He personally contacted his colleagues, and after meeting him, the generals of the Yongxing Army felt even more at ease.

Day three.

Wang Xin arrived in Datong.

in the afternoon.

Liu Zhong led the disorderly soldiers back to camp.

Wang Xin met with each of the military officers individually. He promised to forgive and pardon any officer who had been accused of arson, murder, or looting, and to allow them to remain in their original positions.

Then comes the silver distribution.

Whether they were soldiers who rebelled or not.

They did not distinguish between household servants and militia.

Two taels of silver per person.

They could also exchange them for grain coupons worth two taels of silver. Two taels of silver grain coupons could be exchanged for four shi of grain at Xue Tang Grain Shop. This news stunned the soldiers.

With the instability in Datong, the civil unrest in Shandong, and the disasters in various places.

Grain prices are rising day by day.

In some places, the price even reached one tael of silver per shi (a unit of dry measure), while in Datong, it was as high as two or three taels of silver per shi of rice.

What's even more surprising is that the massive rebellion was quelled by Wang Xin in the short span of time since he entered Datong, without him even having to deploy his troops much.
"Indeed, a person's name is like a tree's shadow."

"Wang Xin's prestige in Datong is much higher than that of the former Fatty Feng. The entire army respects him."

Zhai Wen sipped his tea and reminisced with his old friend Tao Sheng.

Tao Sheng couldn't help but sigh.

"I first met Wang Xin five years ago. At that time, he was just a guerrilla commander, a general stationed at Yanmen Pass. Now he is the general in charge of the entire Datong. With Wang Xin's prestige and his skills, I really don't know what will happen to him in the future."

Zhai Wen was both happy and worried upon hearing this.

(End of this chapter)