The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 396 No worse than Wang Xin

The Datong Prefectural Government Office collapsed, and Han Bin fled with his concubine.

The yamen gates were open, and all the unregistered constables were dismissed.

They performed all sorts of odd jobs, including carrying sedan chairs, washing clothes, and making tea. They also worked for officials at various levels, serving as servants in their households, such as attending to masters and young masters, acting as pages, washing clothes, cooking, sewing, pounding rice, and even farming for their families.
The fact that a prefectural government office forcibly recruited more than 3,000 postal workers from various places shocked many people. The government office usually only had 300 to 500 people, and the government office itself probably did not know that there would be so many people.

After review, they were all put back.

Each employer must pay wages for the labor used in the place where the labor was employed, and the amount to be paid depends on the number of years the labor was used.

If the compensation is insufficient, houses, farmland, etc., can be used as collateral.

That's still not enough; I have to mortgage myself to work for others.

Working for the government office meant no pay, frequent beatings and scoldings, poor food and sleep, and having to bring your own rations. Many people died from exhaustion, and quite a few starved to death.

Otherwise, when ordinary people asked him what he feared most, his answer wasn't paying taxes, but performing corvée labor.

Forced labor is worse than paying taxes.

They thanked him profusely, fearing the authorities might change their minds, and many fled overnight.

They would rather starve to death than die from exhaustion.

Some people stayed behind to wait for compensation.

The yamen (government office) became their temporary residence.

"I'm not going!"

Zhai Wen refused Zheng Ang's offer to come.

Zheng Ang laughed and said, "Is Your Excellency afraid of interrogating the magistrate of Fanshi County? According to the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty, if the common people bring officials who bully them to the higher-level government, the government must accept them. If anyone obstructs them, they will be punished as well."

His attitude was very polite, but his tone left Zhai Wen speechless.

You can't refuse even if you want to.

Zhai Wen stared at Zheng Ang expressionlessly, unable to believe that Zheng Ang could be so heartless.

"Is the Prefect still worried about the money spent on compensating the people?" Zheng Ang asked again.

Zhai Wen broke down.

"More than eight thousand taels of silver." Zhai Wen pointed to the bare walls of the living room and roared, "Look, what else do you have?"

Zheng Ang remained silent.

Zhai Wen was furious beyond words, pounding his chest in anguish, "Even if we compensate according to the market price, why should we be paid one tael of silver a month? Is the market price really that high?"

Not only were decades of savings wiped out, but half of the land he had accumulated over the years was also lost.

"Back then, the prefect forced them to work without even asking if they agreed, didn't he?" Zheng Ang said dismissively, his smile becoming even more detestable in Zhai Wen's eyes.

There's no way to fight city hall. Considering Wang Xin's current power and his past relationship with him, there's still a sliver of hope.

Zhai Wen sighed, "We're just doing our jobs for the government and the imperial court. Even if we make mistakes, we shouldn't be treated so ruthlessly. Does that mean that any employee in the business who messes up their job has to pay for everything?"

"We've heard that kind of talk a lot."

"This shows that everyone agrees on this principle. Does hearing it so often mean it's no longer true?"

“You’re right. At first, many people in the Jiedushi’s office agreed, thinking that the Jiedushi’s punishment was too severe.”

Zhai Wen was not surprised to hear Zheng Ang's words.

He simply didn't believe that the people in charge of the military governor's office wouldn't have selfish motives.

"But the military governor said that the emperor is subject to the same laws as the common people. If the military governor's office believes that officials don't need to follow the law just because they are officials, then shouldn't the military governor himself be even less likely to follow the law?"

Zheng Ang neither agreed with Zhai Wen's words nor refuted them, but simply said truthfully: "At that time, no one doubted that if anyone dared to say that the military commander did not need to follow the law, the military commander would really not follow the law."

"No way." Zhai Wen was surprised and doubtful, feeling that Wang Xin was not that kind of person.

“Although you have known the General for many years, you have never worked together and do not understand his temperament.” Zheng Ang said seriously and without hesitation, “Anyone who dares to say that the General does not follow the law will be treated no differently by the General than those who were tortured to death in Fanshi County.”

"Is there anyone still working for him?" Zhai Wen asked incredulously.

Zheng Ang's expression became even more complicated, and his tone became somewhat erratic, "Those who believed that the law should not be invoked were killed by the lawless; they got what they wanted. Those who remained believed that the law should be invoked, and they will only support the commander even more."

Zhai Wen was utterly speechless, and felt even more as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.

He was unwilling to work for Wang Xin even if he wanted to, but his path was blocked. He had no choice but to interrogate the magistrate of Fanshi County, otherwise he would be an accomplice.

One Ming Dynasty law, one Zhou Dynasty law.

Wang Xin treasured it.

"How ridiculous, how ridiculous." Seeing Zhai Wen's conflicted expression, and having seen too many of these people's faces, Zheng Ang had a different thought in his mind and sighed, "Officials are supposed to enforce the law, but they are the group that dislikes the law the most."

Upon hearing this, Zhai Wen's face turned bright red.

He used to be a senior figure, instructing Zheng Ang on the path of sages; now he looks like a clown.

soon.

News of the trial of the magistrate of Fanshi County spread throughout Datong.

There were no guards in the yamen, and anyone could come and go as they pleased. Only a few young guards were maintaining order in the main hall. They did not act arrogantly towards the people who had come to watch the excitement, even though they still had their sticks in their hands.

Many veteran constables not only lost everything, but some were even beheaded.

During his tenure.

They intercepted and killed more than 20 merchants, embezzled and murdered over 170,000 taels of silver, and caused the deaths of 372 civilians during their service.
The evidence is conclusive.

Amidst gasps of astonishment, the court, in accordance with the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty, sentenced the family to be skinned alive and their property confiscated. The family members were exiled to the Xiaohuanghe Reclamation Team to work, and sentenced to life imprisonment with no possibility of release. The confiscated property was first used to compensate the victims, and then the fines were added to the yamen (government office).

If the compensation and fines are insufficient, the remaining amount will be paid by those members of their clan who have benefited from the payment.

The official document regarding the recovery of stolen assets was posted for public review.

Anyone who reports clues that their clansmen have received benefits, and who is successfully apprehended, will be rewarded based on a percentage of the stolen money.

The results of the public trial of the magistrate of Fanshi County have been released.

Not to mention the three counties in Daizhou, many officials in Datong Prefecture even fled overnight.

"Will it be bad?"

Zeng Zhijian saw the situation escalating and couldn't help but worry.

"Isn't this a good thing?" Wang Xin couldn't understand and asked in return, "These people who exploited the people and harmed society have all run away. Although it's a pity that they weren't punished, Datong has been reborn. How can this be a bad thing?"

Zeng Zhi had no way to refute it.

"Crackling."

"Crackling."

Sudden.

The sound of firecrackers went off outside.

In impoverished Datong, and in Datong afflicted by natural disasters, firecrackers have been set off everywhere these past few days. Even those who have no idea where their next meal will come from behind their smiles as others set off firecrackers.

"Speaking of Yangzhou, talking about Yangzhou, Yangzhou is truly a wonderful place."

on the street.

Cleanly dressed children, though pale-faced, chased and played in the streets and alleys, laughing and jumping while singing nursery rhymes.

"A marshal named Wang Jie has emerged from this blessed land."

"Heaven has sent another Zeng Zhonglang."

"The army's benevolence is boundless in all four seasons, bringing joy to both inside and outside the Great Wall."

"Oh"

"Oh"

The place where the Boy Scouts are is the most fun. They can tell on the bad kids who dare to bully others, and play with the kids who don't bully others. Many kids run over there to play.

Zeng Zhi, who was leaving the Jiedushi's residence and heading home to get two sets of clothes to change into, rode on a mule with his eyes half-closed.

Previously, the military governor's office only needed to handle military affairs, but now it has several times more responsibilities, yet it is short-handed. He hasn't been home much for months, having been staying at the military governor's office. His family in Liaodong has all moved to the capital, and in their letter, they asked if he wanted them to send relatives or members of their clan to help.

The meaning was clear: after thinking about it for a while, Zeng Zhi refused.

Not only was he worried that the military governor would be displeased, but he also had his own considerations. The affairs of the military governor's mansion were different from other places. If things went wrong, he might not only fail to help his clansmen, but also cause them to lose their lives.

In the past few days, a large number of government officials have fled, and I didn't sleep well last night, feeling completely dazed.

A group of children ran over.

Nursery rhymes were left behind.

Is Zeng Zhonglang referring to himself?
Zeng Zhi opened his eyes and looked over in disbelief, searching for the children.

"Wang Xin is rebelling."

In front of Tao Lu, the governor of Shanxi, Zhou Wen spoke aggressively, waving his sleeves as he spoke, displaying great power.

With Zhang Jifu's support.

He not only commanded 60,000 troops in Taiyuan, but also had the military power to mobilize local militias and was responsible for defending against the Shaanxi bandits. Although he had only been in power for a little over a year, he had caused quite a stir.

"It was a rebellion, and then what?" Tao Lu sat behind his desk, expressionless.

Zhou Wen was stunned.

"What then?"

"Wang Xin rebelled, and then what?"

Zhou Wen was speechless for a long time before finally saying, "Of course, we should send troops."

"Whose troops should be dispatched, how should they be dispatched, and how should the provisions be allocated?" Tao Lu asked politely, his tone unchanged. "Please give your instructions, Admiral."

"How dare you."

Zhou Wen restrained himself slightly and said unhappily, "Of course we will obey the imperial court's orders, mobilize troops from various departments, and collect provisions."

Tao Lu suddenly realized something and said, "The commander doesn't need to worry about impeaching Wang Xin for rebellion. Many people have already done so, so let's wait for news from the court."

When facing someone like Tao Lu, it's like throwing a punch at cotton.

Zhou Wen was helpless.

"Should we just let the matter of Daizhou go like this?"

"What are your thoughts, Admiral?"

Zhou Wen was puzzled again. Why had his attitude changed this time? "We can't let them control Daizhou, otherwise they will easily cut off Ningwu Pass's retreat. At that time, the more than 10,000 garrison troops at Ningwu Pass will be trapped like turtles in a jar."

"This matter will be decided by the Admiral, and all parts of Shanxi will fully cooperate," Tao Lu readily agreed.

Zhou Wen understood somewhat.

Matters within Shanxi concerned Tao and Lu's official positions, so they supported them. However, regarding matters outside Shanxi, unless required by the imperial court, they preferred to avoid involvement and remained silent.

They are aware of the threat posed by the Great Harmony, yet they turn a blind eye to it.

Zhou Wen felt helpless.

But that's okay.

He left the governor's office and returned to his own admiral's residence.

Taiyuan Military Garrison is located in Shanxi Province, which is considered inland. Since Taiyuan Military Garrison does not have a military governor, but only a few generals, each leading a contingent of troops, no one could resist a high-ranking official like Zhou Wen, who was also the direct superior of the provincial governor.

Otherwise, Zhang Jifu would not have transferred Zhou Wen to Taiyuan.

With Zhang Jifu's full support behind him, and the limited strength of the generals below, he impeached one, promoted one, and won over another, in addition to a large number of changes in middle and lower-ranking officers.

I think I'm on par with Wang Xin, right?
Zhou Wen guessed.

Everyone says that Wang Xin's men are extremely loyal to him. I have learned from his methods, and with my years of experience, I can use both kindness and severity. Even if I can't surpass him, I won't be inferior to him.

With this in mind, Zhou Wen summoned several of his trusted confidants.

“We must go back to Daizhou more often, and we should also contact the commander-in-chief of Xuanfu.” A deputy general said confidently, “We are familiar with Datong Prefecture. They only have 20,000 troops in Guanzhong, and they have sent half of them to Daizhou. They seem invincible, but in reality, it’s just a bluff.”

The others were skeptical, but the Datong Army's record was evident.

Although he did not admit that he was inferior to others and had confidence in his own servants, he did not think that the Datong Army was easy to deal with.

Yao Baoshan explained, “The admiral was once the commander-in-chief of the Datong Western Army. I also followed the admiral and led the Datong Western Army. As the saying goes, know yourself and know your enemy and you will win every battle. I have also made meritorious contributions and fought in the north and south. Do you think I don’t understand military affairs?”

"That's true. How could we brothers doubt General Yao's ability to lead troops?"

Someone echoed.

“The court is in dire straits, and we should share the burden for the Grand Secretary. We really shouldn’t make a big fuss about this.” Yao Baoshan nodded, then changed the subject, “But since Wang Xin dares to gamble, although we shouldn’t go too far, we can strike while the iron is hot and teach him a lesson so he won’t become arrogant.”

"How to do it?"

Zhou Wen remained silent, listening to the discussions among his subordinates.

Taiyuan Military Town is located at the foot of Taiyuan.

Taiyuan Prefecture was the wealthiest provincial capital in Shanxi and Shaanxi. Being in a prime location, it was better off than other towns, and now all the benefits were going to its own.

Grand Secretary Zhang hoped to control a town, not only to share the burden of the Grand Secretary, but also for his own future.

Having already lost once in Datong, if he were to lose again now, even with Old Master Zhou behind him, Grand Secretary Zhang would not use him again.

Moreover, now is indeed a good opportunity to deal with Wang Xin.

"Please ask the Grand Secretary to intervene and have the General of Xuanfu station troops outside Tiancheng City. Even if he doesn't fight, would Wang Xin dare to gamble? He must mobilize troops to Tiancheng City. If he mobilizes troops from outside the pass, then there will inevitably be unrest outside the pass. If he mobilizes troops from inside the pass, then the pass will inevitably be empty."

Yao Baoshan smiled confidently: "No matter what he does, he will reveal his weaknesses. If he doesn't understand the troops of Daizhou, we will send the more than 10,000 garrison troops of Ningwu Pass north to give him a fatal blow. If he mobilizes the troops of Daizhou, we can easily take back Daizhou."

"The first few were fine, but when he mobilized the troops from Daizhou, all we did was take back Daizhou. It didn't cause him any loss."

General Jiang Heng frowned.

His cousin went to Datong to do business, intending to seize things by trickery and force. However, the merchant from the other side complained to the Jiedushi's office. Thinking that the Jiedushi's office would give him some face, he hurriedly sent someone to plead for mercy, but was beaten and thrown out.

He kept this matter in his heart. Not only him, but many people hated Wang Xin.

Every family has its own army.

How can you raise an army without spending money?
The imperial court was too busy to take care of itself and couldn't wait for the funds and provisions from the court. It couldn't compete with merchants in its own business, so in the end, it had to rely on power and influence.

Everyone does it this way, giving each other face and showing each other respect. It doesn't matter if it's a businessman or even a subordinate military officer; as long as the relationship is good enough, they'll handle things the way they should.

"He was able to attack our Daizhou, and we can attack Lingqiu in Datong. He did it first, so the court can't say he's rebelling, much less that we are."

Everyone's eyes lit up.

There are two routes from Datong to the capital region.

One route goes through Xuanfu, and the other goes through Zijing Pass. The first route is the Jiubian route, which is generally not used for trade. Instead, it goes through Zijing Pass in the south, which means passing through Lingqiu.

By controlling Lingqiu, they effectively controlled the trade routes of Datong.

Who wouldn't be envious of Datong's trade outside the customs?
Now that they control this trade route, regardless of whether Wang Xintong agrees or not, Taiyuan Town can take as much as they want, since they don't incur any costs.

"That's it!"

Zhou Wen rubbed his hands together, grinning from ear to ear.

Wang Xin's methods were quite useful. He had his subordinates discuss the ideas together, and as the saying goes, "three cobblers are better than Zhuge Liang." The methods they came up with were ones that even he hadn't thought of. Not only did they block the enemy's path, but they also saved themselves.

"I will write a letter to the Grand Secretary right away."

"General Jiang should personally go to Ningwu Pass to oversee the situation and prevent Wang Xin from being blinded by greed. It would be best to teach the Datong Army in Daizhou a lesson. If that doesn't work, it's alright. Just guard the key road and block their advance. It's better to be safe than sorry."

Yao Baoshan suggested.

"Alright, General Jiang, you can do it this way."

"Here!"

Jiang Heng cupped his hands in acknowledgment.

His face lit up with joy.

(End of this chapter)