The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 370 Transformation
As the saying goes, when poor, one should cultivate one's own virtue; when rich, one should help the world.

Wang Xin deeply agreed.

General's Residence.

The guards stood watch at the gate, led by Shi Gandang today.

The general does not receive guests in the morning.

He shut himself in to think deeply.

Wang Xin sat behind his desk, contemplating the future of a unified China.

When I first arrived, I was just a young man who came from an orphan family. My abilities were limited, so I had to take care of myself first. Only when I was fed and clothed and had enough to eat and wear could I have the energy to think about and do other things.

Now he has become the commander-in-chief of a town.

Continuing to drift with the tide is no longer appropriate, just like the relationship between myself and Zhang Jifu.

As their status rose, the conflict between the two became increasingly irreconcilable.

In the past, he could promote himself and then transfer himself.

He can afford it, and he can accept it.

So now.

What else can he give?

Not only him, but the court will also be suspicious of him unless he is willing to give up the Datong military town and return to the capital to become a leisurely general.

Wang Xin tapped the table.

The things Datong has done recently will inevitably cause a great uproar in the imperial court.

For example, recovering stolen assets.

For example, arbitrarily altering the system.

Inspections were the responsibility of the censors, while rewards and punishments were the responsibility of the Ministry of War.

That's why there's the saying "using civil officials to control military forces."

Granaries, reserves, money, military discipline, equipment, merits, and crimes are all subject to inspection by the Imperial Censor.

Local regulations stipulated that the prefecture would report to the province, and the province would report to the imperial court.

Datong belongs to the Nine Border Regions.

The censors of the nine border regions would directly appeal to the imperial court, which would then make a decision.

Reporting credit and making decisions.

None of them are under the control of the military generals themselves.

This approach is not good; it's very outdated.

Wang Xin was very certain.

Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of the Ming Dynasty, initially established a system of separation between civil and military affairs, with officials managing local areas and nobles managing military generals, but not being responsible for specific military matters. This was a relatively stable triangular model, but unfortunately it was broken.

Ultimately, it was implemented in the Qing Dynasty.

Nobles, military generals, and civil officials.

Although civil officials still wielded considerable power and suppressed military officials, military officials were still under the control of noble families.

Nobles could not directly command troops and did not have daily contact with military affairs unless it was necessary to fight a war or to be specially dispatched.

The nobles of the Qing Dynasty were slave owners.

Therefore, officials cannot deal with them no matter what, and they should not even mention them, otherwise it would be considered insubordination.

Even civil officials who reached Zeng Guofan's level dared not think of dealing with nobles.

There is no political foundation.

It's the same as in business.

Since ancient times, the social order has been: scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants.

Officials want to control everything, believing and promoting the idea that only officials can govern the country well, and that a prosperous world depends on the management of officials.

But then came the Qing Dynasty.

Scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants are all slaves.

No one is more noble than anyone else; the buying and selling of official positions has become the norm in this decadent era.

However, every advantage has its disadvantages.

Every disadvantage has its advantage.

There is always a way out.

The constraints on commerce were indeed looser than in the Ming Dynasty.

This constraint is not legal, but rather stems from the destruction of the traditional social order of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants.

Therefore, the Qing Dynasty collected a lot of taxes.

Because businessmen can become officials, and they can buy their way into office, although they are not on equal footing with officials, they are no longer ATMs that officials can manipulate at will.

Businessmen are bold in doing business.

Silver only has economic value for social development when it circulates in the market.

The money officials embezzle is only for their personal and family enjoyment, and has very little market value.

When merchants reinvest their profits into production, the faster the cycle, the faster society develops, and the faster wealth grows. The market circulation value attribute is far higher than that of the former.

Ultimately, as the market expanded, the total amount of social wealth also increased.

As for how to divide it.

This is a social problem that requires the intervention of the ruling class.

Therefore, the Qing Dynasty's approach was a lucky accident. However, although the method was correct, the root cause was undoubtedly wrong. As a result, even though the taxes collected were astonishing, the actual effect was extremely low. Ultimately, the backward production relations led to a gradual loss of social vitality.

When society stagnates, the market shrinks completely, ultimately leading to a lifeless and stagnant society.

It's like the difference between the reforms in the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The reforms of the Ming Dynasty have always been about how to carve out a piece of land from the hands of the privileged classes, so that the court can receive compensation and, ideally, alleviate the burden on the people.

Zhang Juzheng's reforms were just like that.

Many of Zhang Juzheng's reform measures were methods that had been proposed and tried by officials during the Jiajing era.

But then came the Qing Dynasty.

The Qing Dynasty's reforms have always prioritized consolidating its own rule.

Learn from history.

The Ming Dynasty lacked the necessary capabilities.

The Qing Dynasty was fundamentally flawed and lacked capability, but by sheer luck, it stumbled upon a winning formula. This dynasty had always been fortunate since its rise, as its main rivals often died out first.

The two biggest enemies.

When they attacked the Ming Dynasty.

The Ming Dynasty died at the hands of Li Zicheng.

When they fought against Li Zicheng, Li Zicheng died at the hands of the peasants.

Secondly, Zhang Xianzhong

He suddenly had the idea to inspect the front lines, but was then encountered by a group of Qing soldiers and was shot dead by an arrow.

This happening every time is truly outrageous.

Even if the Qing Dynasty had such incredible luck, if the root cause was wrong, any temporary benefit would be of no use.

Therefore, the conclusions that can be drawn from the Ming and Qing dynasties are as follows.

Not only must the foundation be upright, but we must also know how to do things and ultimately distribute social wealth rationally. Only in this way can we achieve the only path for society to maintain long-term vitality and sustainable development.

"Ugh!"

Wang Xin sighed.

How difficult it is!

Spider-Man said that with great power comes great responsibility.

This applies to moral people.

It is precisely because the future is so difficult that I am unwilling to take the lead rashly.

Many people are blinded by self-interest and selfish. They only see the high position and envy the power to do whatever they want. Such people are not a minority.

But Wang Xin knew he wasn't that kind of person.

I've always known myself.

I am neither a saint nor a bad person.

While he wouldn't dare say he's never made a mistake, much less that he's morally blameless, Wang Xin has never distorted his basic humanity.

Human nature is something most people possess.

Wrong is wrong.

Like the Jin Dynasty.

Why is the use of Wushi San (五石散) so popular?

Because the whole society was filled with despair, everyone understood that the country's future was bleak, and as members of the ruling class, they were powerless to change the status quo, so they could only numb themselves and live one day at a time.

Like the Soviet Union.

It collapsed overnight.

The same social despair exists, and the ruling class has long since become numb to it.

On the other hand.

What's right is right.

Society will then be full of vitality and confidence.

The spirit and morale on the faces of the people are a barometer, representing the embodiment of comprehensive national strength.

Therefore, petty thieves are actually very vulnerable.

Because they themselves know they are wrong.

Wang Xin left the table.

"Go see Li Qi."

Shi Gandang approached and, upon hearing the commander-in-chief's instructions, immediately went to make arrangements.

Li Qi was a brigade commander.

The main generals of Yongxing Army.

The General's Mansion in Datong vacated several courtyards, and people like Li Qi were kept in solitary confinement.

Li Qi had marks on his body from being tortured.

Upon seeing Wang Xin, Li Qi didn't even lift his eyelids, ignoring him completely. All the furniture in the room was removed.

Only one bed was left.

"You probably think the court will intervene, and that my actions are too presumptuous and will inevitably provoke the court's wrath, right?" Wang Xin wasted no time and did not think much of Li Qi.

"Is not it?"

Li Qi sneered twice, his tone full of dissatisfaction.

"you are wrong."

Wang Xin was very rational and didn't care about Li Qi as a person. His calmness made Li Qi uneasy.

"The Emperor Emeritus is old. People used to say he was old, but now he really is very old. So Zhang Jifu is very anxious. He has many things he hasn't had time to do. There are unrest in Shandong, instability in Liaodong, and although the war in the southwest has ended with the sue for peace, the victors will not be satisfied with that."

Li Qi looked bewildered.

Wang Xin understood.

It is said that a scholar can know everything under the world without leaving his home.

It's just self-praise.

Some people can indeed do this, not just scholars; it's just that this person happens to be a scholar.

Li Qi, a military general with a shallow background, may know a lot about the affairs of the imperial court, but he cannot grasp the real secrets.

He has four powerful families behind him.

The four families have connections with each other and are among the most well-informed.

In addition, there was his own understanding of Zhang Jifu.

Wang Xin truthfully said, "The bigger the trouble I cause, the more Zhang Jifu hesitates to act against me. If I don't cause trouble and am as obedient as before, then he will take action against me."

The more obedient and hardworking you are, the more likely you are to be eliminated first.

The more dishonest they are and the more landmines they plant, the less likely they are to take action.

Raise the bandits to respect themselves.

It's a principle everyone knows, yet everyone does it, simply because it works.

"you"

Li Qi was so surprised he couldn't speak.

This isn't Wang Xin's nature.

"You've been pretending for so many years, and now you've finally shown your true colors." Li Qi laughed angrily.

Wang Xin shook his head.

“I’ve never changed. I’ve always been like this since I first joined the army: to lead the troops well and protect our country. It’s just that you didn’t take it seriously and thought I was just spouting slogans.” Wang Xin said calmly, “Don’t have any illusions.”

Wang Xin's tone was frighteningly calm.

The more this happened, the more despair rose in Li Qi's heart.

He did indeed have high hopes for the imperial court.

The wealthy families of Datong would not allow Wang Xin to act recklessly.

"You are doomed to die."

"However, if you cooperate, it can reduce the responsibility of your family members."

"You're so unethical, you're even dragging family members into this?"

Li Qi was taken aback.

Unable to control himself any longer, Li Qi stood up, but was quickly stopped by Shi Gandang. He panicked and asked, "What wrong have my family done?"

"Of course your family members are at fault."

Wang Xin was too lazy to argue.

A murderer.

He committed the murder in a fit of rage.

His family is certainly not wrong.

A corrupt official.

Could his family be innocent?
Unless his family knows he embezzled, and even if they don't report it, they must draw a clear line and never have anything to do with him again, and not take any benefit from his money or power, then he is an accomplice.

Embezzlement is a more serious crime than murder.

Most murderers only kill one person.

Corrupt officials have killed many people and harmed countless others.

How many families, after eating their last meal together, then tearfully commit suicide with a packet of rat poison, leaving the whole family together, trying their best to preserve the most basic human dignity?

Corrupt officials are punished less severely than thieves.

It's really ridiculous.

In the Great Zhou Dynasty, corrupt officials were never punished for corruption; they were only dealt with because of factional strife.

He was killed for embezzlement.

The families of corrupt officials will be held accountable.

Wang Xin looked at Li Qi calmly.

Li Qi sensed Wang Xin's rationality, but it was precisely because of this rationality that Li Qi became afraid.

"If you confess honestly, you can get leniency and reduce the charges against your family members. Think about it carefully. The reason I came to see you is not because I care about your confession, but because I want to make a good start."

After Wang Xin finished speaking, he left.

"and many more."

"I have something else to say."

Li Qi wanted to persuade Wang Xin to change his attitude. He wasn't the only one involved. If he betrayed others, even if his family members survived, he would still face retaliation.

Wang Xin did not linger.

A person like Li Qi is disgusting to even speak to.

really.

Soon after, the imperial court urged Wang Xin to return to the capital to give an explanation.

"We can't go back."

Upon learning of this, Tang Ping categorically rejected the idea.

After learning that the Zhou family dared to secretly plot against the general, Tang Ping divorced his wife.

Wang Xin tried to persuade him.

Tang Ping said he had given his wife a choice: either sever ties with her family or get a divorce. His wife was unwilling to sever ties with her family, and Tang Ping knew he couldn't change that, so he stopped hesitating.

"I have to go back."

Wang Xin shook his head.

Some risks are worth taking.

Moreover, I am not at any risk.

It is said that Yuan Chonghuan suddenly executed Mao Wenlong, but in fact, Yuan Chonghuan took advantage of Mao Wenlong's lack of support in the court.

Lin Ruhai and Jia Zheng are both in the capital.

If Zhang Jifu really wanted to take action against them, they wouldn't agree and would definitely inform them.

Besides, it hasn't come to that point yet.

However, there will definitely be troubles, but compared to the troubles of not returning to the capital, the troubles of returning are at most a few more difficulties, which can be tolerated.

“The unrest in Shandong has not been quelled, and Zhang Jifu will not take action against me until he has completely controlled the Beijing garrison. Moreover,” Wang Xin smiled, “if his plan goes smoothly, he will be even less likely to give up on me easily.”

Seeing that the general was so confident, everyone knew that now was not the time to offend the imperial court.

anyway.

Although not all of the 1.4 million taels of silver was given to Datong Military Town annually, one million taels was still provided. Without this one million taels, Datong would not have been able to raise enough funds to support its army, even if it worked itself to the bone.

Wang Xin was well aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the Nine Border Regions.

Even in the situation at the end of the Ming Dynasty, there was no rebellion in the Nine Garrisons because the Nine Garrisons were like gold-devouring beasts, inseparable from the imperial court.

The two sides can be pulled and tugged, but they must never be separated.

The more than 50,000 soldiers in Datong were also dependent on the imperial court for their support.

Moreover, Wang Xin did not want to cause chaos in the world and become an object of hatred for the people.

"What if Zhang Jifu doesn't let the general return?"

No one thought the court would punish the general, but they were certainly dissatisfied with him. What if the general returned to the capital and the court promoted him to the Five Military Commands?
That's very likely.

“There are advantages and disadvantages to everything. If I were to stay in the capital, wouldn’t I be able to fight for more opportunities there? Besides, you’re just doing what I tell you. What difference does it make whether I’m here or not?”

Only then did the others stop trying to dissuade them.

Although the reorganization of the three armed forces is not yet complete, it has proceeded smoothly.

Zhang Dehui lent 100,000 taels of silver, relieving his immediate crisis.

The recovery of stolen assets has begun.

The summer grain tax has been collected in the capital. Once the court has settled the accounts, it will be distributed to various places soon. The bulk of the tax goes to the nine border regions. With the relief from the summer tax and the rest of the taxes collected, they can barely manage to cope.

"With the commander-in-chief personally overseeing things, we all feel at ease."

Zhang Can remarked with emotion.

People's hearts are unpredictable.

No one can achieve what the commander-in-chief has.

In every instance, there were internal conflicts; it's normal for there to be infighting. In their group, infighting is already quite minor, which is what outsiders find unbelievable.

"We might see each other even less often in the future."

Wang Xin smiled.

In previous years, people could meet frequently, but after the establishment of the Datong Western Army, they could only meet a few times a year in various places inside and outside the pass, and now it is even more difficult to meet once a year.

Understanding the meaning behind the general's words, everyone's expressions became complicated.

Tang Ping smacked his lips.

As a poor, struggling miner, I never imagined I would achieve what I have today.

That old hag is so stupid.

You don't even understand this?

I feel frustrated.

(End of this chapter)