The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 423 Targeting
Xinzhou is the northern gateway to Taiyuan. Taking Xinzhou would threaten Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province.

After Zhou Wenbing's defeat at Daizhou, in order to protect Xinzhou, he confronted the Datong army on the banks of the Xinshui River.

Later, the Taiyuan army withdrew.

The Datong army took over Xinkouzhai on the opposite bank of the south bank, while Xinzhou remained in the hands of the Taiyuan army. The two sides maintained a preliminary balance and neither side attacked the other.

The weather is getting colder and colder.

Soldiers on both sides were preparing for the New Year.

Unlike other places, Xinkou Village has recently seen a frequent influx of convoys bringing rice, flour, barley flour, soybeans, pork, mutton, dried salted fish, and a new batch of military equipment and uniforms.

The thick military blankets and uniforms allowed the soldiers to get a good night's sleep.

And across the street is Xinzhou.

The city was also filled with the atmosphere of winter, except that the soldiers on the city walls were wearing thin, tattered coats, stamping their feet and breathing out warm air, huddled together under the battlements, their faces red and hands swollen from the cold.

"I heard that soldiers in Datong receive two taels of silver a month in military pay?"

Although they themselves were struggling to make ends meet, they all perked up when talking about recent news from their colleagues, especially news from Datong.

On the contrary, even news that the general would be coming to inspect them soon did not arouse their slightest interest.

Even if the general comes, they will only eat a few more bites that day at most.

For just a few extra bites of food, they would have to work hard for several days, which was not worth the trouble, so no one wanted to cause any trouble.

"fart."

The official at the city wall gate cursed and sneered, "Who said there were two taels? There are only one tael of silver, and that includes travel and monthly rations. What's the price of rice now? How much will you actually receive?"

Everyone suddenly realized.

With rice prices these days, poor people simply can't afford it.

No one can survive in the city either; many people have become disaster victims.

An old soldier sneered upon hearing this, seeing through the clerk's thoughts. The more he knew, the more he hated these officials. This seasoned veteran was not afraid of the clerks. "A tael of silver? That's what new recruits get."

"Huh? New recruits get a tael of silver?"

"New recruits get one tael, veterans get two taels, and elites get two taels and five mace. As for rations and monthly provisions, the price of grain in Datong is one tael of silver for two shi of rice. Even if they eat as much as they want, how much can one person eat?"

"hiss."

"My goodness."

Gasps of amazement rippled through the crowd; many found it unbelievable.

Everyone recognized the veteran.

Because he liked to argue with his superiors, but he was indeed a skilled fighter with many connections, and his superiors had no leverage against him, they did not suppress him to death, but they kept him firmly in the position of squad leader.

Everyone says that with his abilities, he's more than qualified to be a garrison commander, let alone a sentry officer.

"Nonsense," the official retorted. "Since grain prices are so cheap in Datong, why doesn't anyone go and buy grain from Datong? Wouldn't they make a fortune?"

"Grain from Datong is not to be transported out; it is only brought in and not sent out."

The veteran exposed the deception once again.

The clerk stared at the veteran, but the veteran did not back down.

Now everyone can see it.

The veteran, fed up with the situation, decided to defect to Datong and sarcastically remarked, "Even if what you say is true, their monthly military pay of one tael of silver is real, right? Why don't you pay them that too?"

The clerk immediately began to stammer.

The veteran then stopped paying attention to him.

Looking at his brothers around him, he sighed inwardly. He couldn't care less about his comrades now. When disaster strikes, everyone flies away. The smart ones should leave as soon as possible; staying here would only lead to suffering.

The Taiyuan army suffered a defeat, and its morale was low. Several months passed, and it did not recover much.

General Jiang Heng returned to Taiyuan after inspecting various places.

“We have already contacted the other generals, and they are all willing to listen to the court. However, Zhou Wen is still the commander-in-chief, and many people dare not offend him. So it would be best to get rid of him as soon as possible.”

Jiang Heng smiled and informed Governor Tao Yi.

Tao Yi nodded.

They understood Jiang Heng's plan.

He hoped to replace Zhou Wen himself. Although he was quite ambitious, it was good to have ambition. Otherwise, if Zhou Wen had no desires, how could he be mobilized?

If you can't wholeheartedly serve yourself and procrastinate, you won't get anything done well.

People only go all out when it's for their own benefit.

Tao Yi was well aware of this and did not resent Jiang Heng's ambition. Therefore, military officials needed to be controlled by them to avoid an imbalance in the military and a return to the tragedy of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.

“Zhou Wen will definitely be transferred, and you do have the best chance of filling the vacancy he leaves behind, but it’s not enough,” Tao Yi told him frankly. “Every position has its own vacancy, and you don’t have any connections in the capital. As soon as Zhou Wen leaves, someone will probably be eyeing you.”

Jiang Heng had a bitter face.

He wasn't completely uninvolved, but now that he's in his position, going any further is beyond his control.

Zhou Wen was backed by Zhang Jifu.

Wang Xin was backed by the Jia family.

They all have impressive backgrounds.

"Please take care of me, Your Excellency." Jiang Heng was unwilling to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so he knelt down on one knee before Tao Yi.

"Please get up quickly."

Tao Yi smiled and helped Jiang Heng up. After this bow, their relationship was officially confirmed. "Only when the threat from Datong is resolved will your matter be a sure thing."

Jiang Heng knew that his foundation was weak, so he made up his mind a long time ago.

"Five hundred thousand taels of silver."

Jiang Heng gave a number.

Tao Yi frowned.

Jiang Heng quickly explained, "There was really no greed. This is already the lowest possible level. If it were any lower, morale wouldn't be restored, and how would we be able to deal with Datong?"

Everyone knows how difficult it is to take money from someone else's pocket.

Only public property is free, so use it all, even if it's wasteful.

"According to my original intention, it would be best to have a hundred thousand taels of silver."

Jiang Heng explained earnestly, "Not only will we restore the morale of the soldiers, but we will also give the militia in Shanxi a sum of money, and with several hundred thousand taels of silver to mobilize supplies, Shanxi can gather an army of 100,000 and redeploy along the northern part of Taiyuan, turning defense into offense."

How could a veteran of many years be unfamiliar with military affairs?

It's easy as long as you have money.

pity.

Jiang Heng had already guessed that he would be lucky to get three or four hundred thousand taels of silver.

"Seven hundred thousand taels."

Tao Yi suddenly said.

Jiang Heng didn't react.

"Besides 700,000 taels of silver, there are also 200,000 shi of grain, to be delivered in batches over the next two months. How does that sound?" Tao Yi asked with a smile.

Jiang Heng was convinced.

As he left the governor's office, Jiang Heng couldn't help but look back at the imposing building.

Jiang Heng was the commander-in-chief of the Taiyuan military garrison, second only to Zhou Wen in rank, and held high prestige in the army.

Now that everyone knows their admiral is a thing of the past and won't stay in his position for long, many people have started to observe and no longer heed Zhou Wen's orders.

A group of people gathered around Jiang Heng, and they supported him in taking the lead.

"Our governor's methods for making money are quite good too," said General Cao Zhen, who had come to inquire about the situation. He couldn't help but sigh upon hearing the news.

Jiang Heng said happily, "It seems that the governor is also anxious and motivated to make money. He actually managed to win over those big shots."

"The behavior of these wealthy households is laughable. If they had taken out this silver and grain earlier, how could Admiral Zhou Wen have suffered such a crushing defeat? Even if Ningwu Pass had been defended to the death, they would not have suffered such a great defeat."

Cao Zhen didn't dislike Zhou Wen; on the contrary, he was quite respectful of Zhou Wen before his patron fell from power. He was the first to speak well of him, saying, "In that situation, Admiral Zhou Wen didn't actually do anything wrong. It was precisely because of his decisiveness that he ordered a retreat immediately and threw the flanks without hesitation. If he had hesitated, the entire army might have been wiped out."

Why talk about him?

"How do we deal with Wang Xin?"

"Don't be afraid of them. Although the Hongyi cannons are powerful, they are also subject to many restrictions. If we make more preparations, although we cannot completely eliminate the threat of the Hongyi cannons, we will at least prevent a repeat of the Ningwu Pass incident."

Ningwu Pass was breached overnight, mainly because it was completely unprepared.

Now that we are prepared and morale is high, the Hongyi cannons, while threatening, are not fatal.

With 100,000 soldiers available, how many can the Datong army mobilize?
“This time, let’s go all out and no longer worry about camaraderie,” Yao Baoshan, who was also among them, reminded everyone.

The Tu Mao Chuan area has been stable for more than five years. The last time the Shanyu region was affected by the Hu (non-Han) threat was four and a half years ago. The Xiao Huang He area has not experienced any Hu threat for two years. Da Ning has indeed just eliminated the largest Hu force.

"Logically speaking, with such a large territory outside the pass, it wouldn't be surprising to leave behind more than 20,000 troops, or even 50,000."

Yan Zhongzheng frowned and said, "There are less than 30,000 troops inside the pass. The territory is too large and there are many threats. If it really doesn't work, let's expand the army."

Yan Zhongzheng's method would cost him his life.

Zeng Zhi frowned even more deeply.

"Let's ask Lord Lin to intervene and exert his influence in the court to protect Zhou Wen," Zeng said, looking at Wang Xin.

The problem is back in our own hands.

Wang Xin was both amused and exasperated. "Although Lord Lin is powerful, the imperial court is not his private property. Zhou Wen's matter is probably beyond redemption. It is already a great favor from the imperial court to allow him to be demoted and transferred to Datong."

Zeng Zhi said helplessly, "I have no money."

Yan Zhongzheng quickly followed, "We don't have enough soldiers."

"I have an idea."

Jia Huan, standing in the corner, cautiously raised his hand.

The high-ranking officials of the Jiedushi Mansion looked over calmly. Jia Huan's heart sank, and he felt as if he could hardly breathe. He said breathlessly, "I dare to say that I have a way to solve this, and at the lowest cost."

Everyone can see why Jia Huan persisted.

Without the virtue of helping others achieve their goals, one cannot appreciate the youth before them.

However, everyone remained silent.

In the silent hall, the atmosphere was so tense it felt almost tangible, causing Jia Huan's face to turn pale, yet he still did not lower his head.

"This child is really good."

Yan Zhongzheng sighed inwardly. Back when he was in the Right Route Army of the Beijing Garrison, Jia Huan was also very clever, but he lacked the tenacity he had today.

Only those who have been through it truly understand that perseverance is the most precious quality. Otherwise, no matter how great one's talent, without unwavering perseverance, it is often difficult to achieve great results.

Although the discussion with my subordinates just now was a bit too frivolous, I did come up with their solutions.

My own methods also rely on these few things.

Either try to be opportunistic, or if you can't be opportunistic, then use force to overcome it.

However, Wang Xin was unwilling to defeat him by force.

"Go ahead," Wang Xin said, smiling first and offering the boy his greatest support.

If Jia Huan proves capable and can become the talent the governor's office needs, then he should be given a good environment for training.

The military governor's office should cultivate talent, not suppress young people.

"Bring Jiang Heng back to Datong for a public trial."

Jia Huan said nervously, then quickly lowered his head, his mind blank, trying hard to regain his composure. Under immense pressure, Jia Huan hoped he wouldn't make a wrong decision.

Should Jiang Heng be arrested and brought to Datong for a public trial?
Zeng Zhi realized what was going on and couldn't help but say, "If we don't directly use troops and control the situation properly, this is indeed feasible. However, we still have to rely on Lord Lin and the others. Even if the emperor is dissatisfied, we can't afford to break off relations."

"The worst outcome is nothing more than a complete breakdown in relations." Yan Zhongzheng nodded in support. "If we can't deal with Jiang Heng and let him replace Zhou Wen, we'll still break off relations in the end, and the cost will be even greater."

Caravans came and went incessantly.

How could they not know what was happening in Taiyuan?

Many people are afraid of Datong, so they have become generous in supporting efforts to combat Datong.

A Shanxi officialdom where civil and military officials are united is still quite formidable, and no one dares to ignore it, so they are forced to discuss how to deal with it.

"Our original plan was to delay as long as possible, preferably for two or three years, but they're not stupid. If they let us grow stronger, they'll definitely find a way to make a move, so there's no point in hesitating."

Zhang Yuncheng looked at Wang Xin one last time and advised, "Things in this world can never go as planned. Just do your best, General."

Wang Xin nodded.

No matter how the process changes, the outcome must remain the same: how to conquer Shanxi.

Only by taking over Shanxi can he solve the problem of millions of disaster victims.

Sweet potatoes alone are not enough; a robust food distribution system is also needed. Only by combining the two can the problem be effectively solved by addressing both natural and man-made disasters.

"We must take Shanxi by next year at the latest."

Wang Xin no longer hesitated.

This is the best situation now. There is a faction in the imperial court that is helping to mediate, and the top general in Shanxi has pledged allegiance to me. I have worked so hard for so long to create this situation, and I really shouldn't miss it.

Beijing.

Yangzhou Guild Hall.

When Jia Zheng arrived, Lin Ruhai and Lu Zhongheng were already waiting for him.

Are you really sure you want to go to Taiyuan?

Jia Zheng asked curiously, "You trust him so much?"

Lu Zhongheng did not hesitate, "Only those who have personally visited Datong can understand how formidable Wang Xin is; otherwise, no amount of explanation will be of any use."

Jia Zheng was surprised by Lu Zhongheng's high praise and couldn't help but look at his brother-in-law with a look of certainty.

Lin Ruhai nodded in response.

He had been hesitant, but his most prized disciple was so resolute, and considering Wang Xin's character, Lin Ruhai finally wavered and decided he should stay in the capital.

"Didn't you say the capital would be a big threat?" Jia Zheng asked with a worried expression. Although he didn't understand why his brother-in-law had changed his mind, his brother-in-law's warning was still vivid in his mind, and Jia Zheng felt uneasy.

"Wang Xin has grown too big for his britches."

Lin Ruhai smiled bitterly, "He flew too high and was too deeply tied to us. If something happens to him, it will be difficult for us to stay out of it."

"This person can be quite a headache at times."

Thinking back to the days when Wang Xin lived in the Jia family mansion, and how many times he had been troubled by Wang Xin's affairs, Jia Zheng couldn't help but sigh.

"The risk is too great."

Jia Zheng was unwilling to take the risk.

Lin Ruhai understood, and he was also somewhat conflicted.

"The Emperor wants to send a garrison from the capital to Xuanfu. In addition to cooperating with Shanxi to deal with Wang Xin, he also intends to take the opportunity to interfere with the capital garrison. At that time, Wang Xin will be attacked from both sides and will not dare to fight. Once the trade routes are cut off, he will have no choice but to obediently bow down to the court."

Jia Zheng became increasingly curious. "Since the Emperor wants to win over Wang Xin through you, and doesn't intend to strip Wang Xin of his military power, but only weaken him, I think this is a good thing. Why are you so hesitant?"

"Sigh." Lin Ruhai knew that his brother-in-law's view of things was rather superficial.

Wang Xin's selfless character led to a irreconcilable conflict with the imperial court because their interests clashed.

"His Majesty's plan to move the Beijing Garrison is too presumptuous and too hasty."

"I understand the Emperor's thoughts. He is simply facing a difficult situation in the court, which cannot be maintained. He wants to turn things around as soon as possible, but the accumulated problems of so many years cannot be solved overnight."

"Are you worried about something going wrong?" Jia Zheng asked incredulously.

“When the emperor wants to do something, he will inevitably use people like us. This matter will either go wrong, or failure will be the least of our worries. But if it fails, someone will have to take responsibility, and that responsibility is not easy to bear.”

Lin Ruhai spoke slowly.

Jia Zheng was confused. What were they talking about? It was all baseless. He wondered how his brother-in-law could come up with so much.

But if he didn't trust his brother-in-law, Jia Zheng wouldn't dare.

(End of this chapter)