The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 388 Xue Baochai Arrives

Most of the inspectors are from the child scouts.

Although it had only been a little over a year, many of the young men still had soft, newly sprouted beards on their lips, making them look immature. However, these children showed no fear of the Zhou family, only a look of revenge on their faces.

The Zhou family said their army was full of useless people.

The Zhou family offended the military commander several times.

If the commander wasn't angry, they couldn't help but be angry.

Each veteran in the army, each time they showed their anger in front of them, and some half-understood what was said about a subject dying for his lord's honor, that the commander had been humiliated, and that they were the commander's men, and would die to clear his name.

Of course.

When pressed further, the veterans couldn't answer, and then, enraged, they started to attack.

The boys, though not entirely understanding, knew this.

The commander treated them well.

The commander was just as thin as them.

The veterans said that Marshal Jie was very powerful in the past, and many young ladies wanted to marry him.

They looked at Zhou Shiming as if he were their enemy.

Where is Zhou Gui?!

"Let him come out."

They roared angrily.

The steward was terrified by their appearance, and the maids and servants outside the door dared not even breathe loudly, and dared not go in with the tea trays they were carrying.

"May I ask what business you have with him, or what the governor's office has to say to the Zhou family?" Zhou Shiming sat in the main seat, leaning on his cane. Since the visitors were not friendly, Zhou Shiming was very polite, and then said calmly, "I am the master of the Zhou family. You can come to me with anything."

The butler admired the master's demeanor.

Thinking of the master's connections, the butler stepped forward and said, "Gentlemen, why don't you sit down and talk?" Then he shouted outside, "Where's the tea?"

The maids quickly came in to serve tea.

Holding the cup with trembling little hands, they saw that the young men did not sit down and did not know where to put the tea. They were also glared at fiercely by the housekeeper. Finally, they looked at the guests for help.

The boys, who were still young, were suddenly at a loss.

"Please sit down. I have a long-standing friendship with Commander Wang. Whatever the governor's office orders, the Zhou family will do what it can, and do its best to do what it cannot," Zhou Shiming said kindly.

The group felt awkward, unsure whether to sit or stand.

They originally intended to use the job to get revenge, but after dealing with it several times, they ended up not knowing what to do.

Of course you can't sit down.

"We'll be scolded when we get back," the young leader said sternly. "The governor's office has given us an order. We are here to deliver it. The Zhou family must arrive at the governor's office before 7:00 AM three days from now. Those who fail to do so will bear the consequences."

Zhou Shiming was not surprised.

Based on his understanding of Wang Xin, Wang Xin was not the type to act recklessly. Although his son was impulsive, his views were correct, but his methods were flawed.

But it's not entirely wrong either.

Wang Xin was indeed not the kind of person who would compromise based on relationships.

The Zhou family's help to Wang Xin was considerable. They played a significant role in enabling Wang Xin to establish himself in Datong, including contacting several other families to form Juzhongchang, from which Wang Xin benefited immensely.

The outcome remained resolute for the Zhou family; they gained absolutely no additional benefit.

The goal was to satisfy both sides, but also to prevent the other side from perceiving the Zhou family as easy targets. This principle was applied to all previous prefects, including the former Feng Yong.

"Did you specify that I should go, or does it mean that anyone from the Zhou family who can take charge will suffice?" Zhou Shiming asked in more detail now that he felt more confident.

The last few people left.

"Damn it." A young man turned around and cursed, "This is so frustrating."

"Let's go, to the next one."

The young leader was somewhat annoyed, but then he remembered his master's words: to be calm and composed, not impatient, and to be clear about one's purpose.

Although the young man was frustrated by his experience in the state capital, he couldn't help but reflect on why things had turned out this way.

Master was right.

I was too hasty in my actions. I didn't think carefully about how the Zhou family would respond. I just assumed that the Zhou family would be afraid and beg for mercy based on my own imagination. I was still unconvinced when my master scolded me for being a hothead.

The first time leading a team, not only did I feel dejected, but the team members were all crestfallen. The young man secretly warned himself that he must not let this happen again next time.

"Xu Ning, who's next?"

"The Li family."

The young man calmed down.

The streets of the city were filled with disaster victims, who were begging and even stealing.

Inspection teams patrol the streets from time to time.

He used to be a sergeant, but Wang Xin disagreed with this situation indefinitely and quickly had the inspection team take over.

There were actually government officials in the city.

However, the officials were like wolves in the eyes of the common people.

In Datong City, there used to be children begging on the streets. Even the common people could tell that they were children who had been mutilated and harmed by human traffickers. Even if they appeared in front of the officials every day, no official would ask them a single question.

Even worse, some children pleaded with the officials, only to be returned to the traffickers and subjected to inhumane punishment instead of being rescued.

Therefore, the people of the Great Zhou never relied on government officials, because officials not only failed to solve their problems, but contact with them only brought them new and even more unavoidable troubles.

After a purge by the military, all sorts of scoundrels were arrested.

Those who were killed were killed, and those who were sentenced were sentenced.

Then a new inspection team came in, and the security rate was much higher than before. However, with countless disaster victims and an increase in population, the number of petty thefts in Datong City increased significantly.

There are two main routes from the capital to Datong.

One route passes through Xuanfu, and the other passes through Zijing Pass.

The route from Xuanfu is located in a border town, while the route from Zijing Pass is from the capital to Zhuozhou, then to Baoding Prefecture in the capital region, and then from Zijing Pass into Datong, passing through Lingqiu County in Datong.

Nine border military towns.

The capital region includes Jizhou Town, Xuanfu Town, Zhenbao Town, and Changping Town.

When the retired emperor became emperor, he first targeted the military governors of the capital, taking back the power of the capital garrison. Then he targeted the various towns around the capital. As a result, there are not many military governors left from the founding period of the capital region.

The farther away a place is from the capital, the more military governors (jiedushi) remain from the founding period.

Such as the military governor of Chang'an, the military governor of Yunnan, and so on.

Among the most powerful military governors in the capital region is the Ping'an Prefecture military governor, whose territory includes Zhenbao Town, encompassing Zhending Prefecture and Baoding Prefecture.

Military spending is in arrears.

The attributes of the generals of each town determine that they will seek help from the imperial court and rely on it, while the attributes of the military governors in each town mean that they will be more like Wang Xin, responsible for their subordinates.

The road to Xuanfu, which was originally heavily guarded, has become the most unsafe road.

As for the territory of Baoding Prefecture.

Although it's not entirely peaceful, most of the disturbances occur within Ping An Prefecture.

Therefore, Xue Baochai and Du Song, the head of the second wife's household, escorted by a group of hired bodyguards, passed through Zijing Pass and entered Datong.

The group not only included more than a dozen bodyguards, but also several boxers from their own business.

Xue Baochai rode in a carriage, accompanied by an old woman and a maid.

Apart from the head镖师 (bodyguard) and the boxer riding horses, the other shopkeepers also rode in carriages, two or three to a carriage. With their food and luggage, everyone was very careful along the way until they left Zijing Pass.

"Ahead lies Datong. Once we reach Datong, we can finally relax," the head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) said with a smile.

There can only be one leader in a team, and there can only be one head镖师 (bodyguard/escort).

The head of a镖局 (bodyguard agency) not only needs to be familiar with the routes, but also needs to have connections with the forces along the way. Each镖局 has its own trade routes that it is more familiar with, and it will not easily cross the line unless it forces a way through or pulls strings.

The trade route from the capital to Datong involved the most escort agencies.

Because there were the fewest bandits in Datong.

Having heard a lot about Datong along the way, Xue Baochai smiled in the carriage. When she was young, her father often said that success depends on the people involved. The reason why she was so concerned about Datong was that as long as it was Wang Xin, there was no need to doubt him.

Having personally met this man she had met in the Grand View Garden a few years ago, Xue Baochai had no doubt about her own judgment.

Doing business is about making money.

But it also comes down to how you treat people and how you treat them accordingly.

As long as Wang Xin is around, Xue Baochai is confident that the more she invests, the more she will earn. Otherwise, no matter how many business opportunities there are, she cannot easily get involved, as she could easily lose everything. Her second uncle used to be the same way; why has he changed?

When Xue Baochai realized that her uncle hadn't come, she was happy but couldn't help but ponder the logic behind his actions.

logic.

Is that what Wang Xin said?

Thinking back to the time in the Grand View Garden, when everyone helped him with arithmetic problems, many strange and wonderful ones, it's hard to believe that so much time has passed. Everyone has grown up, and the sisters from the garden have all gone their separate ways.

Lin Daiyu returned to the Lin family mansion, her cousin returned to Jinling, Shi Xiangyun returned to the Shi family mansion, and her own family moved away. Yingchun got married.
Thinking of Yingchun, Xue Baochai then thought of Tanchun.

I heard that because of Wang Xin's matter, my uncle was furious, and the marriage between the two families was put on hold without any explanation. Thinking about this, Xue Baochai suddenly remembered the beginning.

The mother agreed to arrange her marriage to Wang Xin and almost made it public.

Xue Baochai sighed.

Looking out the window with a sense of loneliness, Tan Chun had been strong-willed since childhood and wished she were a man so she could make a name for herself. Unfortunately, as a woman, it was so difficult to make a name for herself.

Those outside don't understand, and those inside are resentful.

There's also dissatisfaction at home.

"Huh." The head镖师 outside exclaimed in surprise, seeing that there were many more soldiers in Lingqiu County, strictly checking the roads. Although they did not obstruct traffic, the situation clearly indicated that something big was going to happen.

The bodyguard and the boxer tensed up. "Should we retreat first?"

"Go and ask."

The head镖师 shook his head. It was something that would eventually pass. Thinking about the changes in the Datong Army, he decided to give it a try first.

Ordinary people are not subject to inspection.

Travelers carrying only bundles or luggage are not subject to inspection.

Only caravans are subject to inspection.

Although Xue Baochai's party did not carry any goods, they had many carriages and horses, as well as many bodyguards and boxers, so they were also subject to inspection.

"What?"

The soldier inspected the luggage in the carriage, then lifted the carriage curtain.

It was Xue Baochai's turn to ride in her carriage.

When someone blocked his way, he explained, "The people inside are women."

The sergeant paused, somewhat hesitant.

These days, it's quite rare to see a family letting its women work outside.

"We are from the Xue family, invited by Commander Wang. This is the document from the Jiedushi's office." The steward handed the document to the military officer next to him. Upon hearing this, the officer rushed over. He recognized a few characters and, seeing the Jiedushi's seal, let them pass.

They should have been able to pass through, but one carriage was not checked.

The journey continued smoothly until they approached Datong, when they heard news that the Datong army had taken control of key roads, clashed with the Zhou family, and were at odds with the Yu Prefectural Government, reaching a point of irreconcilable conflict.

"Would Commander Wang be planning a rebellion?!"

The head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) panicked. If the Datong army rebelled, it would be easy for them to get in, but difficult to get out. In the chaos of war, even martial arts skills are no match for swords and spears.

"Miss."

Du Song, the second son-in-law, came to the carriage window and said softly, "Should we go back first?"

The employer is not coming.

It doesn't mean abandoning the business in Datong.

On the contrary, the business in Datong has become the core business of the second branch. The more this is the case, the less the owner is willing to rely on Wang Xin alone. Otherwise, Wang Xin's demands will increase and the impact on the interests of the business will become greater.

Xue Baochai became hesitant, and after much thought, she thought of the Grand View Garden.

"continue."

Xue Baochai made up her mind.

She updated Wang Xin.

Wang Xin must have his own ideas. She could see clearly that everything was in turmoil, and she didn't believe he would act recklessly.

Since that's the case, wouldn't helping him now be like sending charcoal in snowy weather?

Wang Xin was a man of loyalty and affection.

Based on the image in her memory, Xue Baochai made this judgment.

soon.

Xue Baochai and her companions arrived in Datong.

Xue Ke approached Wang Xin, displeased, and said bluntly, "My father didn't come."

Wang Xin nodded.

Unexpectedly, Xue Baochai actually came, even more determined than Xue Yan.

However, given Xue Yan's experience, Wang Xin will not place his hopes on just one company.

"Xue Ke, why don't you take charge of your family's business?" Wang Xin asked with a smile. "Make a choice."

Xue Ke pondered.

Although Wang Xin trusted Xue Ke, he was also afraid that Xue Ke might overthink things, so he said, "Continue to work at the Marshal's Mansion, or go and manage the business. Right now, I need you to manage the business more."

She couldn't change Xue Yan herself, but she could change his son.

The son follows in his father's footsteps.

If Xue Ke were to step in and gain his support, many people in the Xue family's second branch of businesses would change their attitude, since the source of their business was outside the Great Wall.

“No need for that. I’ll tell Du Song to just follow the orders of the Jiedushi’s office.” Xue Ke had no intention of leaving the Jiedushi’s office. He was no longer the boy he once was and had his own ideas and pursuits. “Du Song knows what he should do.”

"Ok."

Wang Xin said no more.

Xue Baochai came in person, and Wang Xin also went to greet her personally.

After changing clothes at the mansion.

Xue Baochai, now dressed in a new outfit, exudes a sweet fragrance. At the tender age of twenty-nine, her hair is styled in a glossy, undone bun, adorned with a plain silver hairpin inlaid with pearls and plum blossoms.

"Miss Baochai."

Wang Xin said politely.

The attitude was clear: Xue Baochai was recognized for her status as a crucial and trustworthy ally.

Xue Baochai wore a honey-colored fine linen cotton-padded jacket, over which was a rose-purple plain velvet two-tone gold and gray squirrel fur vest, and underneath was a light green embroidered silk cotton skirt with gold accents. She looked elegant and graceful.

Her eyebrows were naturally beautiful, naturally green without any makeup.

As intelligent as she was, she understood the meaning behind Wang Xin's attitude. Her face, plump like a jade plate, couldn't help but reveal a smile, clear as autumn water.

"Uncle Xin."

"The Xue family's first and second branches, with nearly five thousand employees, will certainly do their utmost to support the governor's office, whether it's with money, grain, or anything else," the young Xue Baochai said with a light laugh.

What he said pleased Wang Xin greatly.

I haven't felt this good in a long time.

If you have allies like these around you, you won't have so many worries.

"Xue Tang Grain Store will be renamed Xue Tang Grain and Vegetable Store." Wang Xin didn't tell Xue Baochai his purpose directly, so that she could cooperate with him better. "In the four prefectures and seven counties of Datong, the eldest and second sons will contract forty grain and vegetable stores, and leave fifteen for the rest of the merchants."

All meat and grain in Datong will be centrally managed.

Sold at a fair price.

However, each person needed to use food coupons and meat coupons to purchase them.

Everyone was subject to rationing, regardless of their status; even the governor's office had to use grain coupons and meat coupons to purchase food.

At the same time, the inspection team supervised the 55 grain coupon shops to check whether there was any embezzlement, whether there was any violation of regulations, and whether anyone was hoarding grain.

Xue Baochai opened her eyes wide.

Wang Xin sneered, "We've been waiting for you. Once the grain and vegetable distribution is finalized, the Marshal's Office will immediately issue a fourth-level disaster and disease classification."

"Four levels of disaster and illness?"

"From the smallest disaster to the most severe disaster, the current disaster is the most severe. All grain needs to be stored in a unified manner, with a daily limit on each person, and grain and meat coupons issued on time."

Xue Baochai was well aware of the grain coupons from Xue Tang Grain Store, so meat coupons were not hard to understand either.

just
So that's the purpose of establishing Xue Tang Grain Store?
Xue Baochai looked at Wang Xin in disbelief. Xue Tang Grain Store had been established for almost three years. Was Wang Xin already preparing for it back then?
(End of this chapter)