The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 409 Chess Player
"Confused!"

Zhou Shiming angrily smashed his favorite vase.

The second son stood timidly at the door, head bowed, barely daring to breathe. Seeing his son's appearance, Zhou Shiming felt even more heartbroken, still brooding over his eldest son's death, and angrily scolded, "What kind of person are you?"

Hearing his father's accusation, the second son, Zhou Wen, said aggrievedly, "I have already informed Governor Tao Liang of Shanxi, but Commander Zhou Wen made the decision on his own. By the time Governor Tao Liang learned of the situation at the camp, the army had already dispersed."

"You're still making excuses!"

Zhou Shiming spat, his disgust growing.

If it were the eldest son, he wouldn't make excuses; he would only try his best to solve the problem. He said with disdain, "Wang Xin, that dog, can only mobilize 20,000 troops at most. The Taiyuan army is several times larger than Wang Xin's. Don't be fooled by Wang Xin's bluster and seemingly powerful appearance. In reality, he can be easily defeated. Have you made yourself clear?"

"My son really told Lord Tao everything." Zhou Wen felt a deep sense of despair.

My father looked down on me from a young age, and only had eyes for my older brother.

He dared not say much, for fear of displeasing his elder brother, and knew that his father would only support his elder brother. He had always been well-behaved, but in the end, he still could not escape it.

Zhou Shiming became increasingly displeased.

"Your elder brother is dead, and you feel hopeful, but you're still secretly grateful to that scoundrel Wang Xin, aren't you?" Zhou Shiming said with a gloomy face. He had long suspected his second son, and now the Datong army had gained the upper hand and achieved a great advantage.

Seeing Wang Xin's growing strength, Zhou Shiming's hidden dissatisfaction became increasingly uncontrollable, and he squeezed out cold words through gritted teeth.

Zhou Wen lowered his head, "Your son wouldn't dare."

He no longer wanted to explain.

Do whatever you want.

Seeing his son's attitude, although not as good as his brother's, at least he was filial, Zhou Shiming regained some composure. "Go to the capital."

Going to the capital?
Zhou Wen raised his head blankly.

"The emperor has taken personal control of the government, and Minister Li of the Ministry of War has pledged allegiance to the emperor. Go see him and ask him to make sure the emperor knows about Wang Xin's ambitions." The Taiyuan army is no longer a reliable option; we can only rely on the imperial court.

Zhou Wen hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Lord Li Yuan was, after all, someone of the retired emperor. With each new emperor comes a new court. Lord Li Yuan is probably feeling uneasy lately, trying to gain the emperor's trust. Asking him to deal with Wang Xin now is probably not a good idea.

In the capital, Wang Xin still holds far more power than the Zhou family, and given the current critical juncture, how could Lord Li Yuan easily make enemies?

After thinking for a while, he realized that if he refused, his father would only misunderstand him and wouldn't listen to his advice. So, Zhou Wen sighed inwardly, "I'll go and prepare to go to the capital now."

"Go."

Zhou Shiming urged him on.

He had no other thoughts but to see Wang Xin die.

Leaving the Great Zhou Courtyard.

Zhou Wen rushed to his family's business.

Upon learning that the young master was leaving Datong for the capital, the old manager of the business was puzzled. "The Jiedushi Prefecture has established many businesses, and many people are afraid of missing out. Why does the young master still want to leave?"

The Zhou family business holds a significant stake in Juzhongchang's business.

They also have their own businesses.

Although the relationship with the Jiedushi government is not as good as before, the Zhou family business still has money and channels. Although its advantages have diminished, it can still do business.

"Ugh."

Zhou Wen sighed.

The old shopkeeper understood and said no more.

Zhou Wen stared blankly out the window.

A large crowd had gathered under a notice board in the distance, where various businesses posted job openings.

Although everyone was short of food and had to count their rice before cooking, even the Zhou family dared not waste any extra grain. Despite the tight budget, the days were full of life, with people everywhere and a vibrant atmosphere.

Business opportunities are everywhere; as long as you have a brain and are willing to take risks.

Actually, this kind of harmony isn't bad.

Zhou Wen thought to himself.

At least tens of thousands of disaster victims flock to Datong every month.

The number of Datong troops entering Taiyuan for combat did not decrease; on the contrary, it seemed to have entered a period of explosive growth. Although there were no statistics, everyone could feel that the number of disaster victims pouring into Datong was several times greater than usual.

“Not surprising.”

"It's been two years already. Many disaster victims who have settled in Datong are sending messages back to their hometowns. The word spreads from one to ten, then from ten to a hundred, so if the disaster doesn't subside, I'm afraid the number of disaster victims pouring into Datong will only increase."

Zeng Zhi said calmly.

The atmosphere was rather quiet.

Population growth is a good thing, but people still need to eat.

Datong is not short of money.

Especially after the introduction of paper money such as grain coupons and silver notes, not only did it accelerate business turnover and improve the efficiency of capital use, but it also brought Datong's tax burden to a new level, and various factories were established.

"As of the month before last, more than 20 new factories have opened in Datong, including two firearms factories, one mainly producing matchlock guns and the other mainly producing three-barreled muskets."

"The merchants who reclaimed pastureland outside the pass were reluctant to purchase firearms for the herders in the past. After doing the math, they found that it was not worth it, so they started placing orders. The original factories could not meet the production capacity, so some people opened new ones."

Wang Xin listened quietly to Zeng Zhi's introduction.

These are not surprising.

Datong has no shortage of coal mines, no shortage of iron mines, and also has a trade in cattle and horses.

As long as capital is allowed to operate fully and these industries are developed, coupled with the guaranteed treatment of herders, workers, and soldiers, these things are not surprising given the unique advantages.

The conditions for production are not lacking, and are even quite favorable; what is lacking is only the relations of production.

The current outcome is a natural result of streamlining the relations of production and is not surprising.

"We must make good use of our advantages." After Zeng Zhi finished speaking and understood the current situation in Datong, Wang Xin reminded him, "Although the Datong model has affected the interests of many wealthy people, it has also brought new and enormous wealth to many others, so many people have mixed feelings about us."

Zeng Zhi's eyes lit up; he had always been somewhat conflicted.

"I think so too, but I was a little unsure. After listening to your words, General, I am no longer confused." Zeng Zhi couldn't help but smile.

If all the wealthy families in the world oppose the Great Unity, Zeng Zhi will see no hope.

Imperial power did not extend to the countryside.

The countryside was managed by the local gentry, who also helped collect taxes for the government, which were then handed over to the county seat.

Even if the commander doesn't like this model, that's the reality, and the status quo must be acknowledged. Even if he wanted to change it, it wouldn't be possible overnight; on the contrary, he would need to win them over.

Wang Xin did not share Zeng Zhi's worries.

In terms of adaptability, the rich are often more adaptable than the poor, because they are more focused on self-interest.

Self-interest is more real than any slogan or morality.

What if you turn it off by mistake?
All the apologies were fake; only the money they paid was real.

The more money you pay in compensation, the more sincere your apology is; otherwise, it's just empty words that don't cost you anything.

So who cares most about the people?

It all comes down to who is most willing to give money to the people.

The rich value money more than the poor because the poor lack money and have never experienced the life of the wealthy. Consequently, they lack the perseverance of the rich in protecting their assets. In order to protect their wealth, the rich are more proactive.

This includes unprecedented changes in two thousand years.

It was the wealthy who took the initiative first.

Setting up factories, establishing businesses, and so on were all activities undertaken by the wealthy.

As long as people see the benefits, and that a particular model can bring them more wealth, they will naturally change and quickly adjust their behavior.

Landlords will soon become factory owners and capitalists.

Wang Xin's biggest concern right now is that he doesn't want too many people to die in the process.

Since he had the ability to minimize the cost, why couldn't he just endure it? Therefore, Wang Xin had many concerns.

"Merchants from all over the country who want to establish businesses in Datong, as long as they do not break the law or commit any crimes, neither the Datong government nor the Jiedushi Prefecture has the right to interfere," Wang Xin said calmly.

Businessmen are profit-driven.

However, the methods used to achieve this will differ.

For example, if Datong were divided into different prefectures, and each prefecture competed with others in business development, the result would be the same, but the process would be very different.

For example, whether or not to treat the people as human beings. The reason why some businessmen commit crimes and the local authorities protect them is actually because they do not treat the people as human beings.

Bad money drives out good money.

In reality, if we treat the people as human beings, protect their rights and interests, and prohibit merchants from committing crimes, then as long as merchants can see the potential for profit, they will still come to do business.

Otherwise, even if merchants are allowed to commit crimes, they will not come if it does not bring them any benefit.

As a result, it was all businessmen who came to invest.

The processes, however, were completely different.

Zeng Zhi nodded. He had been leading the reforms in Datong for the past two years. Although the general proposed the direction, he was in charge of the specifics. He quickly caught up with the general's thinking and agreed, saying, "As long as the rules are explained to the merchants and they are strictly followed, the merchants are actually very satisfied. If they are not satisfied, they will not agree."

This is the benefit of talking about interests.

Benefits are not just money, but also reputation.

A person who seeks neither fame, fortune, nor power—such a person either does not exist or is unsustainable.

Beijing.

Wenhua Hall.

Li Chengxian respectfully suggested again that the emperor move the palace.

The emperor politely declined.

Li Chengxian requested the emperor to move the palace to demonstrate his loyalty, but the emperor refused, so he immediately stopped insisting.

The emperor glanced at the important officials present.

I felt a sense of pride.

I won.

"Prince Zhongshun." The Emperor looked at Prince Zhongshun with a calm expression. "The barbarians have plotted to attack Kai and Tie cities and threatened Shen Fu. The Liaodong Military Command has impeached the Prince of Dongping multiple times. Has the court reached a conclusion?"

Those present all looked at Prince Zhongshun, while some subconsciously looked at Grand Secretary Liu Ru.

Liu Ru remained silent.

Some people were dissatisfied, but they did not show it, believing that the time was not right.

Prince Zhongshun stepped forward respectfully without hesitation and said, “The barbarians are powerful and cannot be dealt with by ordinary suppression. We need to gather a large army to destroy them with overwhelming force. The reason why Prince Dongping is refusing to fight is not because he is afraid of war, but because he wants to preserve his strength.”

Lin Ruhai glanced at Prince Zhongshun, then at Liu Ru, before lowering his head, lost in thought.

"The Liaodong Regional Military Commission has lost territory but shows no remorse, only shirking responsibility. Your Majesty must not believe them, or you will be making a grave mistake and it will be too late to regret it." Prince Zhongshun, loyal to the public good, spoke earnestly, "Try different approaches, mainly to delay, and wait for the court to free up its resources."

"What does the Grand Secretary think?"

The emperor asked again.

Prince Chungshun was taken aback.

Lin Ruhai suddenly raised his head, and the atmosphere in the hall changed slightly.

Liu Ru was stunned for a moment, but quickly reacted. He stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said bluntly, "The Prince of Dongping has tens of thousands of elite troops under his command. Why wait for an opportunity? We should ask him what opportunity he is waiting for. I believe the court should send more officials to Liaodong to coerce the Prince of Dongping into sending troops."

"I object."

Prince Zhongshun immediately spoke up, loudly proclaiming, "His Majesty assumed personal rule, and Prince Dongping and others were among the first to support him. How can you not trust loyal ministers?"

"King Zhongshun."

Li Chengxian seized the opportunity and reminded him, "How can you roar in front of the palace?"

"Shut up!" Prince Zhongshun said disdainfully, "I am wholeheartedly devoted to the country and its people, as the sun and moon can attest. I am also utterly loyal to the Emperor, and my heart belongs only to him. Honest advice may be hard to swallow, but what is there to be afraid of?"

Li Chengxian blushed on the spot and stammered as he retreated.

None of the ministers spoke.

The emperor nodded, "Do as Uncle Wang does."

Prince Chungshun's expression finally improved.

We left the Wenhua Hall.

Lin Ruhai quietly followed Liu Ru.

"Lin Hai," Liu Ru turned around and said with a smile, "His Majesty intends to promote you to Right Vice Censor-in-Chief. Congratulations in advance."

From Left Vice Censor-in-Chief to Right Censor-in-Chief, a high-ranking official of the third rank became a high-ranking official of the second rank.

How many powerful officials of the second rank or above are there in the imperial court?
Although it's only one rank difference, once he enters the ranks of second-rank officials, Lin Ruhai is already qualified to be called a local bigwig.

There is a provincial governor and a provincial military commander in Jinling, who is also the Minister of War of Jinling. The only missing person is to enter the cabinet. There is a lack of a leader with enough weight. At present, it is still maintained by the banner of the Duke of Jia family.

However, we were already only half a step away.

It's either Wu Wenhua, the governor of Guangdong, or Lin Ruhai, who is right in front of us; both of them are qualified to join the cabinet in the future.

Liu Ru couldn't help but admire the younger generation before him.

What a generous gesture.

What incredible patience!

"It's all thanks to the Prime Minister's care," Lin Ruhai said politely, falling half a step behind Liu Ru as the two walked in the square of Wenhua Hall.

"Is there a problem?"

“Prince Zhongshun is too assertive; this may not be a good thing,” Lin Ruhai cautioned. “Your Excellency should fight when necessary, and I will certainly support you.”

Liu Ru stopped and carefully observed Lin Ruhai's expression.

Lin Ruhai stood quietly.

Unable to fathom Lin Ruhai's thoughts, Liu Ru asked directly, "What do you mean?"

"The emperor has just assumed personal rule and relies on Prince Zhongshun for many things, but he will not rely on him forever. Moreover, Prince Zhongshun holds several positions and controls most of the military power in the Beijing Garrison. He should be valued both morally and logically."

Lin Ruhai honestly replied, "His Majesty does not trust me. Only the Grand Secretary is His Majesty's mentor. After many years of companionship, His Majesty trusts the Grand Secretary the most."

"Not so." Liu Ru smiled and said with emotion, "His Majesty still trusts Prince Zhongshun."

Lin Ruhai said no more.

Liu Ru's smile gradually faded, and his expression turned serious.

"You are a smart person, a third-place scholar in the imperial examination. As long as you don't go down the wrong path, you will surely be able to enter the cabinet in the future. The country and its people still need you younger generations to take charge. In the end, it belongs to you."

Liu Ru patted Lin Ruhai on the shoulder.

Lin Ruhai lowered his head.

Of the 180,000 troops in the Beijing Garrison, at least 100,000 were under the control of Prince Zhongshun.

The Prince of Dongping, the Prince of Nan'an, and the Prince of Xining successively expressed their support for the emperor. In reality, it was Prince Zhongshun who coordinated these efforts. Naturally, Prince Zhongshun represented the interests of the princes in the court, which led to Prince Zhongshun's support for the Prince of Dongping.

The title of Prince of the Second Rank is hereditary, as is that of a Prince of the First Rank.

On the contrary, the officials of the Military Commandery naturally listened to the cabinet when compared with the other side.

What appears to be a contest between the Grand Secretary and a prince is actually a contest between civil and military officials.

Prince Chungshun controlled and influenced too many troops, while the cabinet did not even control much of the Beijing Garrison.

After returning.

Lin Ruhai arranged to meet with Jia Zheng.

After Wu Wenhua went to Guangdong to serve as governor, Jia Zheng was in charge of maintaining order in Beijing for the next two years. Jia Zheng's position was not high and his abilities were insufficient, so he became quite haggard and disheartened, and he finally realized his own shortcomings.

When his brother-in-law returned to the capital, Jia Zheng was overjoyed.

"Choosing to help Liu Ru is not only about considering the emperor's future choices, but also because it is most beneficial to us, since he needs us the most," Lin Ruhai explained to Jia Zheng in detail.

Jia Zheng suddenly realized.

The conflict between the first and second wives is a struggle for interests, but to the outside world, they are ultimately one family.

The eldest son-in-law was a military officer in the Beijing Garrison and could even influence the governor of Ping'an. The second son-in-law, although not in the Beijing Garrison, was the governor of Datong. Not to mention that the second son-in-law had connections with the commander of the Western Army of the Beijing Garrison.

If Liu Ru is a smart man, he will definitely value them and try to win them over by making them the core of his team.

He gained the emperor's trust through Liu Ru.

Then joining the cabinet would be a natural progression.

(End of this chapter)