The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 407 New Dynasty
"Clatter~"

Because their armor and banners were similar to those of the Taiyuan army, the Datong army wore red ribbons on their helmets to make them more distinguishable. A dozen or so cavalrymen suddenly encountered more than twenty cavalrymen from the Taiyuan army.

Both sides were aware of each other's identities.

"kill!"

The side with fewer troops launched the first attack.

"Like a madman."

The military officer opposite cursed and turned his horse around without hesitation, "Withdraw."

Before the military officer could finish speaking, the cavalrymen around him had already retreated.

The Datong Army fought fearlessly, and no one wanted to fight such a madman. Besides, it wasn't a proper battlefield; they were just scouting the Datong Army's situation, so there was no need to force a battle.

Seeing that the scouts of the Taiyuan army had all fled, the Datong army also stopped.

Along the Xinshui River, there were scouts on both sides.

To the north was the Datong Army camp.

The exact number of troops on the other side and why they didn't launch an attack were the most pressing military intelligence Zhou Wen needed to know, especially since the city had finally managed to regain its footing along the Xin River. Therefore, he dispatched a large number of scouts and elite troops.

In order to drive away and eliminate the scouts and night watchmen sent by Zhou Wen, the other side also dispatched a large number of elite cavalry.

Xinzhou lies between Taiyuan and Daizhou.

To protect Taiyuan, we must protect Xinzhou; to protect Xinzhou, we must guard the Xinshui River.

Zhou Wen inspected the camp.

Morale was low in the army camp due to the defeat.

"Ningwu Pass fell overnight. According to the fleeing soldiers, it was because the Datong army used extremely powerful firearms, which should be the Hongyi cannons." Yao Baoshan was quite annoyed and regretful.

"I never imagined that the Hongyi cannons were so powerful."

"We were careless. The Hongyi cannons have been in the Datong Army for a long time, but we have never paid attention to them."

"The Datong Army has never used it on the battlefield. Who would have thought this thing would be so powerful? I thought it was not very useful, which is why the Datong Army did not use it."

“It’s not that we don’t use it, but there are too many restrictions. I heard that this thing weighs several thousand kilograms. Apart from those few relatively flat post roads, how many roads can withstand the transport?” Yao Baoshan shook his head and said bitterly, “Wang Xin had long harbored rebellious intentions and actually transported this thing to Shuozhou long ago, which is why he was able to take Ningwu Pass in a surprise attack.”

Everyone was talking at once.

After two or three days of panic, things finally calmed down. While everyone was still shaken, they didn't forget to analyze why they had lost.

"This battle was not a failure of our own. After this lesson, the next time we fight against the Datong Army, we must not have any concerns about our comrades. We must go all out and use every means to defeat the Datong Army."

Jiang Heng said bitterly.

This defeat was too sudden. They were on the verge of defeating the Taiyuan army, but then they were inexplicably defeated.

It feels like my home has been raided.

"General Jiang is absolutely right. Wang Xin's actions this time were not glorious enough. He had already plotted against us. When dealing with such a villain, anyone who still acts like a gentleman will surely be no match for him."

"Having learned from this experience, we will be better prepared next time, and the Hongyi cannons will be no threat."

My subordinates are right.

They were all seasoned veterans with considerable combat experience.

Zhou Wen stared blankly at the map.

He felt something was wrong.

Wang Xin is definitely not a reckless person. His act of flipping the table this time is very unlike his usual style. Unless there is another reason, what could it be? After thinking about it, could it be the capital?

He couldn't think of any other reason besides the capital.

"嘚嘚嘚~"

night.

Ignoring the horse's strength and risking a mishap, the rider galloped wildly.

Beijing.

problem occurs.

"Something has happened in the capital."

Looking at the former commander-in-chief who had almost become his brother-in-law, now known as the military governor, Jia Huan's eyes were filled with excitement, resentment, and hope. Such a complex look on a young man's face was impossible for anyone to ignore.

Wang Xin patted Jia Huan on the shoulder.

"Thanks for your hard work."

Upon hearing Wang Xin's approval, Jia Huan almost burst into tears, but forcibly held them back.

The more this is the case, the more extraordinary it becomes.

Jia Huan has finally grown up.

The way Aunt Zhao died was extremely similar to the way Emperor Chongzhen's fifth son died.

Emperor Chongzhen's fifth son went mad because Chongzhen wanted to threaten the interests of the nobles. He uttered some supernatural words and died. Aunt Zhao died in the same way.

Aunt Zhao went mad, uttered some supernatural words, and then died.

Tan Chun is truly remarkable.

From a young age, she knew how to pretend. Everyone thought that Tan Chun disliked her mother and was loyal to Lady Wang. Even Jia Huan was fooled.

But Lady Wang was, after all, a woman from a high-ranking family.

Even so, despite her unwavering loyalty to Lady Wang for over a decade, Tan Chun did not earn Lady Wang's pity. Lady Wang's style was to avoid future troubles, so Tan Chun became a noblewoman sent overseas for a political marriage.

The vassal states that were to be allied with the Zhou Dynasty overseas were also hostile to the Zhou Dynasty, and were far away.

He pleased the princesses, saved face, and eliminated potential threats—a triple win.

With Aunt Zhao dead and her elder sister marrying overseas, the life and death of young Jia Huan were completely at Lady Wang's mercy. In the original novel of Dream of the Red Chamber, Jia Huan seemed to disappear after that.

If the Jia family hadn't suddenly suffered a calamity that disrupted Lady Wang's plans, Jia Huan wouldn't have had the chance to take revenge.

As for Tan Chun, she was even more remarkable.

The dead end that Madam Wang had arranged for her, she actually managed to navigate.

Finally, they returned to Beijing in glory.

What does it say?
She managed to win over the overseas vassal states. Regardless of the methods she used, her words and demeanor after returning to the Jia family mansion were enough to show it. Not to mention that she turned the impossible into the possible. This was a girl without any problems, who didn't even speak the local language.

He's a truly arrogant and overbearing character in Dream of the Red Chamber.

Wang Xin admitted that he was inferior to him.

As the saying goes, "When Heaven is about to place a great responsibility on a person, it will first test his mind, strain his muscles and bones, starve his body, leave him destitute, and thwart his actions, so as to strengthen his resolve, temper his character, and increase his abilities."

Tan Chun and her siblings were born into a wealthy family and had experienced all the riches and honors of life, but they also suffered hardships and experienced the coldness and warmth of the world from a young age.

Not to mention the siblings' extraordinary intelligence.

It should be known that Jia Huan's reading ability was so good that even Jia She publicly admired it.

Therefore, Wang Xin was in a bit of a dilemma.

How should we settle Jia Huan?
"The matter in the capital has already been addressed by people from the capital," Wang Xin sighed.

Jia Huan was taken aback.

He then said awkwardly, "I acted on my own initiative."

He still addressed Wang Xin as the commander of the Eastern Army's Right Wing in Beijing, maintaining composure, which was quite remarkable for his age.

"You should stay at the Marshal's Mansion for now."

Wang Xin said no more, hoping the other party would listen, and advised, "Don't live in hatred."

Jia Huan breathed a sigh of relief.

As my sister was right, Wang Xin understands everything. I don't need to say anything. Just appear in front of him and don't say anything. Not saying anything will soften his heart and make him unable to refuse.

As long as he could stay in the General's Mansion and have a chance, Jia Huan vowed that he would definitely make a name for himself.

Watching Jia Huan's departing figure, Wang Xin didn't know if his arrangements for today were right or wrong. However, he couldn't care less about the two siblings' affairs right now. He had only just received news of what had happened in the capital, and then Jia Huan rushed over.

"Zhang Jifu is dead."

Tang Ping choked, coughing so hard he felt like he was going to die. When he finally stopped, he stared blankly at the commander, wondering if he had misheard.

Wang Xin nodded.

“Zhang Jifu went from home to the cabinet. After entering the palace, he was killed on the spot by the Embroidered Uniform Guard at Huiji Gate. Then the evidence of his rebellion was made public.”

"Then...then..." Tang Ping stammered, finally thinking of the Beijing Garrison, and said incredulously, "The Beijing Garrison is in his hands, who dares to touch him? Aren't they afraid of a rebellion in the Beijing Garrison?"

"Liu Qi is also dead."

Wang Xin's expression was complex as he remarked with emotion, "Admiral Feng Tang personally took action."

"Isn't Admiral Feng less capable than Liu Qi?"

Since the Beijing garrison was reformed by Zhang Jifu, the Eastern Army became dominant first, and then the Northern and Southern Armies became dominant. Liu Qi led the Northern and Southern Armies.

The Western Army, led by Admiral Feng, was the weakest of the three.

“His strength was indeed insufficient, but he had many people supporting him.” Wang Xin himself could not accept that Zhang Jifu had died so easily. He sighed, “The most important thing is the inner court. The inner court chose the emperor.”

Tang Ping quieted down, trying to process this unacceptable news. After a long while...

Tang Ping snapped out of his daze and asked uncertainly, "Has the emperor taken personal control of the government?"

Wang Xin nodded.

The emperor not only took over the reins of government, but also conveniently took control of the Beijing Garrison.

Zhu Wei regained command of the Eastern Army.

Feng Tang led the Western Army.

Prince Zhongshun succeeded Liu Qi and took command of the Northern and Southern armies.

There are also traces of Jia Zheng and Lin Ruhai in this. It should be noted that Feng Tang is Feng Ziying's father, and Feng Ziying and Jia Baoyu have a close relationship. For noble sons of such status, even making friends has to take into account family relationships, and they cannot just follow their personal preferences.

"They cut through the mess quickly, all within a day or two." Wang Xin felt a sense of familiarity; this style of doing things was somewhat reminiscent of Lin Ruhai. Perhaps he was overthinking it. "Whether things can be completely stabilized depends on the situation going forward."

Whether the Beijing Garrison can be completely controlled depends on the reactions of various towns around Beijing and other regions.

"General," Tang Ping suddenly remembered something, his face turning solemn, "we must quickly request military funds from the imperial court."

The natural disasters had not yet subsided when the imperial court was struck by such a major event.

Tang Ping dared not even think about whether the military funds for the Datong Army would be disbursed.

Last year, the Datong army only received a few hundred thousand taels of silver, but this amount of silver was also very important to Datong because the "stability" of grain prices led to a stabilization of commodity prices.

With a large pool of manpower available, this is a perfect opportunity to build.

Even 200,000 taels of silver would be enough to pay more than 30,000 migrant workers for a year.

"We still have to fight."

"We can't miss the chance to beat Zhou Wen while he's down on his luck," Tang Ping exclaimed excitedly.

Zhou Wen was a staunch confidant of Zhang Jifu.

The commander of Taiyuan Town.

The emperor would never trust Zhou Wen and would inevitably take action against him.

Having lost the support of the imperial court, Zhou Wen would be unable to mobilize the Taiyuan army, let alone protect himself.

"Wait a minute."

Wang Xin shook his head.

Tang Ping looked surprised, unable to see through the general's plan.

"The Xue family has already prepared seagoing vessels. I have a plan: to have the vessels transport the goods to Dagukou, then to Daning, and from Daning to the Hetao region. We will spend two years preparing, and in the third year, we will fully launch the operation. By then, the roads in the areas we control will also be completed."

"Sweet potato?"

Tang Ping still found it somewhat unbelievable.

A mu of land can yield more than a thousand jin, and even barren mountain land can yield five or six hundred jin.

Are you kidding me?

Moreover, there's no need for irrigation ditches; one person can handle most things with just a hoe, a carrying pole, and two buckets—it all sounds like a fantasy.

If it were someone else who said it, Tang Ping would have assumed they were a fraud and would have called them back long ago.

But he was a righteous general.

Wang Xin did not continue to explain.

Many people have never seen it before and therefore cannot believe it, but that doesn't matter. By leveraging your prestige, you can pave the way for things to proceed.

Historically, the Ming Dynasty did not officially promote sweet potatoes in the late Ming period. Sweet potatoes spread spontaneously among the people. They only became popular in Fujian when the Ming Dynasty fell, and a small number in Jiangxi and Zhejiang. Several decades later, by the time they became popular in the north, it was already the second half of the Kangxi era.

It took more than a hundred years for the novel to be introduced by Chen Zhenlong at great risk during the Wanli period and to become popular throughout the Qing Dynasty. It spread spontaneously among the people and was only recognized for its value by officials after it became a fact.

Why is it called the Kangxi Prosperity?
Because of sweet potatoes.

Why is it sung about eating chaff and drinking thin gruel?

This folk song, which circulated among the people during Emperor Kangxi's southern tour, reflects the poverty and destitution of the common people.

They were able to eat their fill on one hand, but were also destitute on the other.

The former was probably due to sweet potatoes, and the latter was probably due to the Qing Dynasty.

The changes in the new dynasty, the emperor's methods, the situation in the capital, and so on—everything is unknown.

However, what is known is a natural disaster.

The number of disaster victims could reach tens of millions. If not handled properly, the destruction caused by the victims could snowball, eventually engulfing the entire north and affecting tens of millions of people.

Now that I've come this far, there's absolutely no reason to turn back.

Three years.

Give yourself three years.

Wang Xin reminded himself that this was also his plan.

If we can rely on the imperial court, sweet potatoes will be planted on a large scale in three years, and with the help of the imperial court, they can be promoted throughout the country and save millions of disaster victims.

We can't count on the imperial court.

I won't turn a blind eye to it, because I already have the ability.

Being poor cares themselves, being wealthy cares the world.

"Help me arrange a meeting with Zhou Wen."

Wang Xin made his decision.

The world changed overnight.

Taiyuan already knew about the changes in the imperial court.

The retired emperor died, and Zhang Jifu concealed it for five days, was delayed for three days, and was captured and killed by the Embroidered Uniform Guard on the sixth day.

Cabinet Minister Li Chengxian, a former subordinate of the retired emperor, immediately supported the emperor. Another cabinet minister, Zhu Zhenjie, was always a yes-man, lacking his own opinions, and of course, dared not stand out.

The most unexpected thing was that Li Yuan, the Minister of War, also defected to the emperor.

It was he who arranged the meeting with Zhang Jifu, who was caught off guard.

The key actually lies within the inner court.

This time, the inner court chose the emperor. The retired emperor had always kept the Embroidered Uniform Guard for the emperor, originally to balance the two sides, but unexpectedly it became the absolute factor for the emperor to turn the tide.

Just as everyone was discussing the matter, the four princes simultaneously submitted memorials to the emperor, pledging their loyalty.

Then Jia Zheng personally invited various noble families.

Prince Zhongshun was stationed at the Beijing Garrison.

Liu Rusheng was promoted to Grand Secretary.

One thing is another.

Lu Zhongheng arrived in Datong, while Wang Xin remained in Daizhou.

"You're not really planning a rebellion, are you?"

Lu Zhongheng looked at Wang Xin with suspicion.

Based on his understanding of Wang Xin, Lu Zhongheng believed that Wang Xin was not a tyrant who would wreak havoc on the world because of his ambition, so he always thought that the conflict was local.

"No."

Wang Xin shook his head and said confidently, "The disaster victims are all flocking to Datong. The imperial court is not distributing grain, and the local authorities are blocking Datong's trade routes. Are you suggesting that we let hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians in Datong wait to die? I don't have that ability."

Lu Zhongheng also felt that Daizhou had done something wrong.

Cutting off someone's business at such a critical juncture would make anyone anxious.

Wang Xin was being quite polite.

"Stop joking around." Lu Zhongheng said calmly, "The emperor is very suspicious of the military commander, but Lord Lin has spoken highly of him many times. Although the emperor is suspicious, he also has expectations for the military commander."

Wang Xin nodded.

One emperor and one courtier.

The problem with the Great Zhou was not that it had a weak foundation; on the contrary, the Great Zhou's wealth was enormous in this era.

Super invincible, the kind where the pursuers can't even see a shadow of you.

It has abundant coal and iron resources.

The area of ​​arable land is vast.

Its population is the largest in the world.

Hexagonal all-rounder.

The root cause is that ordinary people receive nothing but also have to bear absolute sacrifices.

Therefore, Wang Xin also wanted to wait and see how well the new dynasty would develop.

And the day after tomorrow, I'll meet with Zhou Wen and see what his decision is.

(End of this chapter)