The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 412 This calculation is wrong
Where there are mountains, there must be water; mountains and water are inseparable.

Abushan thus became the most suitable place for grazing in this area.

Rainfall here is not as abundant as in the inland areas. Although grass can grow, it cannot be used for cultivation, so a nomadic way of life can only be adopted.

Natural disasters are happening now.

With the surrounding grasslands decreasing, the number of cattle and sheep that can be fed has been reduced by half, requiring more land.

However, it is very suitable for growing sweet potatoes.

There is sufficient water supply, high yield, and convenient production conditions.

Wang Xin knew that in later generations, the area surrounding Abushan was mainly planted with sweet potatoes in the east, and the west was the potato capital, officially recognized as the potato capital.

The area around Daning was perfect for promoting sweet potatoes.

Both sweet potatoes and potatoes, two crops from the Americas, are more abundant than traditional crops.

In the south, the main crop, rice, can yield up to 2.5 shi per mu, while in the north, wheat can yield up to 1.5 shi per mu. Potatoes, on the other hand, yield between 3 and 6 shi per mu. This is not even considering the hybrid potatoes produced in the United States in later generations.

After years of stalemate, Wang Xin believes that the area outside the Great Wall should have the conditions to stabilize.

The purpose of this trip out of the pass is to resolve the threat once and for all, while also welcoming the upcoming arrival of new crops and observing the situation in the capital.

There are several agricultural reclamation teams in this area.

Each state farm team has about 100 people.

There are both men and women, very few elderly people, and no children under the age of fourteen.

Children under the age of fourteen will be recruited into the Child Army.

There were quite a few before, but most of them failed and went elsewhere.

Several centurions were nervously invited before Wang Xin.

Wang Xin asked a few questions about the agricultural reclamation team, and the centurions answered haltingly, becoming more and more fluent as they spoke.

"Thanks for your hard work."

Wang Xin knew that life was tough for the farm reclamation team, and without any pretense, he said frankly, "Under the circumstances of natural disasters and man-made calamities, we can only save ourselves. We know that the team members are not afraid of hardship. As long as we give them hope and let them see the future, we must also be considerate of them and not let them reach the point where they can't bear it anymore, or drive them to their deaths."

The centurions dared not say a word and listened obediently.

The centurion was not appointed by the government or the military governor's office; Wang Xin made the decision that the team members should elect him themselves.

Whoever is chosen will be chosen.

They were responsible for the team's daily affairs and dealings with the government.

The term of office is five years.

A new election is held every third year.

Wang Xin also knew many of the so-called negative aspects.

These negative aspects are actually caused by the government.

Gangsters can kill without breaking the law, while ordinary people can go to jail for swearing. Of course, gangsters are rampant. The root of the problem lies in gangsters.

The root cause lies in the government's failure to enforce the law.

Therefore, Wang Xin was not afraid of local strongmen committing crimes and monopolizing the selection process within the team.

"The Jiedushi government is planning a new security team, which will be responsible for local security. All illegal activities will be investigated and dealt with by the security team. Each of your teams also has the responsibility to cooperate. When the time comes, if anyone breaks the law, even if it is yourselves, you will not only not be treated leniently, but will be punished even more severely."

Wang Xin warned.

"We common folk dare not."

Several centurions were so frightened they almost knelt down.

Wang Xin helped the group up, but he didn't entirely believe what they said.

There are good people and bad people.

Regardless of profession.

No other profession is more noble.

Day two.

Wang Xin personally visited the state farm team.

The people were pale and thin, their eyes appeared large, and most of them wore loose clothes. Upon seeing the commander, everyone showed varying degrees of excitement.

Have you had lunch yet?

Wang Xin asked with a smile.

"Commander, we've already eaten."

"What are you eating?"

"Paste."

"Thank you for your hard work."

Wang Xin remarked with emotion, "I ate a better breakfast than you all this morning; I had noodle soup."

How can you say something like that in public?
Gu Shi, who was following behind, was startled. The military governor spoke too casually, and he didn't even have a chance to stop him. What if the people were dissatisfied if they found out? How could people outside believe that the dignified military governor only ate noodle soup?

The agricultural reclamation team's facilities were very basic, consisting only of tents.

Several mud houses were used as warehouses.

In the open space in the middle of the mud houses, hundreds of people gathered and were all stunned for a moment.

"Marshal should eat more," a woman said, her eyes red. "What will we do if something happens to Marshal?"

I don't like hearing that.

Wang Xin shook his head. "If we can only have a good life because of me, then I will die eventually. After I die, will everyone go back to the miserable life we ​​used to live?"

That's not surprising at all.

Aren't we living a hard life now?

Gu Shi vaguely understood.

No wonder the General was able to achieve what he has today at such a young age.

Countless loyal followers followed him.

interest.

faith.

Isn't self-interest the same as faith?

Isn't the purpose of making sacrifices to receive something in return? To give back to oneself, or to give back to future generations.

No wonder some say that General Jie was a peasant.

His actions and thoughts are rooted in the fact that he still considers himself a peasant, so it's not surprising that many of his remarks are like that.

"The general is still young."

“Every day I pray to the Bodhisattva, wishing the General a long and healthy life.”

"Good people are rewarded, and the general will surely be rewarded."

The bolder members of the community spoke up one by one.

The other people dared not say much, but they all echoed each other, and the atmosphere was wonderful for a moment.

Gu Shi felt a pang of emotion.

My elder brother is an official in Taiyuan, and I originally did not want to become a thief.

But since the Datong army had captured Daizhou, in order to protect the safety and interests of his family, he went to the Datong army and said that he knew Wang Xin. With Zheng Ang's help, they actually asked him for help.

As time went by, the more he helped, the more he became attached to her, until now he's working for Wang Xin.

Along the way.

The longer Gu Shi stayed by Wang Xin's side, the more he felt he was losing control of himself.

I really wanted to pounce on him.

Such a person!
They're incredible! How could anyone fail if they followed such a person?

Even if we really fail.

There won't be many regrets, right?
Gu Shi still found it difficult to make a decision. While others were still debating whether Wang Xin had any intention of rebelling, Gu Shi wondered whether the Datong Army's actions in recent days were a deliberate attempt to suppress the conflict or a test of the Datong Army's ambitions.

Especially after Wang Xin voluntarily stopped his offensive.

Many people believe that Wang Xin did not dare to rebel, but was forced to cause trouble due to the circumstances. They believe that as long as the court takes measures, the turmoil in Datong will eventually subside.

He's just another Fatty Feng, or perhaps an even bigger Fatty Feng than before.

Gu Shi scoffed at these remarks.

Wang Xin's actions were completely at odds with the court's policies and went in the opposite direction. If Wang Xin continued to act, the conflict with the court would inevitably escalate to the point of irreconcilable differences.

His approach was to flip the table.

Wang Xin wanted to let the common people sit at the table.

“We not only recognize ordinary people, but you business people are also ordinary people and should be recognized as well. We do not recognize the so-called hierarchy of scholars, farmers, artisans and merchants. Why should we be treated unequally?”

Merchants from the surrounding trading stations all came.

They originally thought that they could avoid trouble by spending money and offered supplies to the army, but the governor refused their reward.

"The richest people in this land should be businessmen, not officials." "If you want to get rich, go into business and take on the risks."

"If you want to enter politics, then become an official and take on the risks of being an official."

"It's wrong to want everything and not want to take responsibility for anything. So no matter how much money you earn, the Jiedushi government will not be jealous, but will only support you."

Wang Xin laughed and said, "The more you earn, the more taxes the military governor's office will collect. Why not do it?"

"I can't wait to see General Jie."

A businessman was greatly encouraged.

“It is not easy for us to establish trading posts outside the pass. In addition to the huge expenses of reclaiming land, we also have to suffer from the unexpected risks of barbarian invasions and wounded soldiers in the early stages. If the world were at peace, all kinds of risks would be reduced.

"Therefore, we need to reach a consensus."

Wang Xin nodded. "The herders need trade. If we don't let them trade, they will die. There's no reasoning with that. The Great Zhou needs security, and security is more important than the economy. That's why we're unwilling to trade with the herders, fearing that trade will make them stronger."

Everyone agreed.

“What the two sides lack is trust. The herdsmen cannot pose a threat to the Great Zhou, and the Great Zhou cannot cut off trade.” Wang Xin suddenly laughed: “Some time ago, some villains caused trouble and cut off the trade route of Datong. This is forcing Datong to its death, and Datong cannot tolerate it.”

Gu Shizheng listened carefully.

As Zheng Ang said, one can learn a lot by following the general, and at least understand the general's way of thinking.

The more I think about it, the more something seems off.

Rebellion is rebellion, that's a good reason.

I couldn't help but look at him with new respect.

The military commander was also adept at finding excuses; ordinary people wouldn't be in such a hurry, but he really knew how to create reasons.

Those leaked comments were probably mostly pushed out by Jie Shuai, right?

"The General's words are truly moving," a merchant said admiringly. "I've heard the General say that it's either the East Wind prevails over the West Wind or the West Wind prevails over the East Wind. Now that Datong is strong, the threat from the barbarians in Daning has been completely eliminated. With the threat gone, we now have a foundation of trust."

"Your surname is Qi?" Wang Xin looked at the man hesitantly.

"Reporting to General, I am Qi Yongkui. I once met you at the Yangzhou Guild Hall. At that time, you were serving as a guerrilla commander in Xiaoying, Hexi." The merchant said in detail.

His companion became anxious.

Everyone knows this person likes to tinker, and these words have already been brought up. What if they displease the military commander?

Wang Xin suddenly realized that he hadn't actually remembered this person.

"Trust doesn't come from nowhere," Wang Xin said with a smile. "As long as it brings benefits to everyone, then trust will naturally follow."

"Is it all about trust? What about morality and righteousness?"

Qi Dongjia asked curiously, feeling that Wang Xin was being too extreme.

"Without any benefit, how can there be morality and righteousness?" Wang Xin retorted. Qi Dongjia was speechless for a moment. Wang Xin did not press further and said with a smile, "The root of morality and righteousness is benefit; otherwise, it is just a false thing to deceive others."

That's an incredibly arrogant statement.

Qi Dongjia was prepared to give a proper rebuttal.

"Or how about I talk to you about morality and righteousness instead of profit?"

Qi Dongjia immediately shrank back.

Everyone was furious, as Qi had almost ruined everything.

Wang Xinzhen is not afraid of being refuted.

If someone believes that self-interest is not the foundation of morality and righteousness, then as a military governor, he would naturally prefer this theory; how much more pleasant it would be to not talk about self-interest!

He doesn't even need to spend money.

They won't have to worry about money.

Therefore, whether or not one opposes it mainly depends on their own interests.

If you see yourself as a slave owner, then you are the one who benefits from others.

Think of yourself as a politician.

So it's about bringing benefits to others in order to satisfy one's own political needs.

It brings benefits to the people.

The common people included farmers, merchants, ordinary citizens, soldiers, and craftsmen.
"If you merchants want to do business, then the Jiedushi government should strive to create a better business environment for you. The Jiedushi government should take the initiative to resolve the risks you encounter in doing business, so that you can obtain greater benefits. Of course, you will be willing to pay the corresponding compensation."

"It is one's freedom not to pay remuneration; one should neither pay remuneration nor enjoy the benefits brought by the Jiedushi's office."

"The people couldn't get enough to eat, so the Jiedushi government instead tried to lead them to cultivate the land and obtain more food."

"Soldiers risk their lives to serve their families, hoping to provide a better life for them. Therefore, the military governor's office must ensure the army wins battles, allowing more soldiers to survive while also receiving generous rewards."

"These are all about interests."

"Everyone benefits, and this can continue for a long time, so who would refuse? Because they will gain even greater benefits, and no normal person would refuse."

"This is benevolence and morality."

Wang Xin said with a smile.

This is the secret to his confidence.

Serve the people!
Whoever does this is invincible.

It's an undeniable fact.

Why did the Qing Dynasty win?

Because Nurhaci did indeed bring benefits to the Jianzhou Jurchens.

Why did the Ming Dynasty fail?

Because the late Ming dynasty brought harm to everyone.

The Qing Dynasty was aware of its own reactionary nature, so it always protected the interests of the Manchu people, which is why the Qing Dynasty perished due to external factors.

The world's most populous country.

Why did it perish due to external factors?
Because the Qing Dynasty actually only had a few million people, and it served only those few million people.

With millions of people fighting against tens of millions, it was no surprise that they achieved the worst record among all nations and tribes in the 19th-century wars against Britain.

This statement is not just a theory about building a strong nation.

This sentence contains the key to entering industrial civilization, as well as the code to stepping into the next civilization.

If the mountains don’t see me, I will go and see the mountains.

Wang Xin was confused before, feeling that things were difficult to handle.

But once you start doing it, as long as you grasp this sentence, everything becomes crystal clear.

Datong is not only home to 1.5 million people, but also a consumer base of 1.5 million people built on the foundation of trade outside the Great Wall. Even though disaster victims were integrated into the agricultural reclamation teams, consumption was still generated under the agricultural reclamation team model.

The necessary clothing, farm tools, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, etc.

All of this is driven by market demand.

This is the reason why merchants flocked to Datong – because of profit.

"General Jie".

Shi Gandang arrived with his men.

The Class A battalion has 3,000 men, plus the personal guard battalion of 1,000 men, for a total of 4,000 men.

"Four thousand against six thousand, the advantage is in my hands."

Wang Xin glanced at the map, smiled, turned around, looked at the merchant guild manager from Da Ning, and asked gently, "How much longer until they arrive?"

The shopkeeper was a little confused by this arithmetic problem.

How was the advantage derived?

Not daring to delay, for fear of displeasing the military governor, the shopkeeper didn't dare to think too much and quickly said, "It will take at most three days."

"it is good."

Wang Xin nodded.

Businessmen urgently need a stable business environment.

On one side was the Jiedushi government, which brought them great profits and pushed them to the table, making merchants the wealthiest group in the world, replacing nobles, eunuchs and officials. On the other side were the tribal Taijis, who brought risks and were full of instability.

Four thousand elite troops are enough to wipe out Daming.

However, instead of taking the initiative, it's better to wait for the enemy to come to you and wipe them out in one fell swoop.

"Where are the advantages?"

Even after leaving the main tent and being escorted by soldiers to rest, the innkeeper was still uneasy.

No matter how I calculate it, I can't find any advantage.

Each department has gone all out this time, determined to capture the leader first and take down the military governor. If the military governor hadn't revealed the itinerary, how could their merchant guild, being no gods, have predicted it? Since it was the military governor's scheme, why didn't he bring more troops?

What if we lose?

"Arrogance can be deadly."

Manager Li was so worried that he couldn't sleep all night.

(End of this chapter)