The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 428 Establishing a Foundation

The question Wei Zhao raised in public was not as simple as it seemed.

Conquering the world is easy, but governing it is difficult—a sentiment many founding emperors readily acknowledged.

He could have ignored Wei Zhao's questioning; would ignoring Wei Zhao mean he was no longer the military governor of Datong? However, that was a poor choice, so Wang Xin did not choose to avoid it.

The population of Taiyuan Prefecture was over two million, and most of them were in debt.

If Datong is people-oriented, then these two million people are not slaves to be taken from at will, but are treated as real people. From this perspective, maintaining the status quo is most beneficial to Datong.

They were able to avoid supporting two million people while maintaining their business interests.

Finally, let's return to one question.

Are the people of Taiyuan human beings?
Therefore, Wang Xin chose to help those who are successful in helping others.

But the world is so big, and everyone has their own ideas. How can we bring people together and make them of one mind?
If we can't even achieve unity, then what will sustain a country?
Violence?

This is also a means.

Violence is not sustainable, and we must still share the same ideology.

Therefore, when China ended the Warring States period and entered a unified country, the Confucian concept of Heaven, Earth, Ruler, Parents, and Teacher, which was in line with the monarch's greatest interests and was suitable for promotion, naturally took its place.

Reverence for heaven and earth and nature reinforced Confucian morality.

The supernatural aspects of these two are the source of the latter three's status.

The emperor was the Son of Heaven, and the concepts of Heaven, Earth, Ruler, Parents, and Teacher emphasized the legitimacy of the mandate of Heaven. People's loyalty to the emperor became a basic moral principle, and the core of the idea of ​​loyalty to the emperor was to maintain the legitimacy of the monarch's rule.

However, an emperor cannot govern the country alone, so he needs a clan.

In ancient society, a person's life was inseparable from their hometown, so it also had to be within their clan.

Thus, loyalty to the monarch and respect for teachers developed into a set of behavioral norms, which were ultimately used to govern society through ethical norms.

In this process, only the monarch and the teacher are considered human.

Therefore, it is only natural to educate the people, because who would want to be a non-human being?

In order to protect their own interests, monarchs and teachers must make the people understand this principle, even their own sons, because teachers mostly educate their own children. By protecting the interests of teachers, monarchs encourage teachers to uphold and implement this principle, ultimately imprinting it deeply into the hearts of the people and passing it down from generation to generation.

It's actually a method of enslavement, but it's more sophisticated than brutal enslavement.

Because Confucianism originated in the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods.

Although the historical records of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods are fascinating, viewing history from the perspective of ordinary people cannot change the fact that it was essentially a feudal slave society. Confucianism, based on this foundation, did not overthrow and rebuild, but rather made improvements.

To promote something for one's own benefit, it must naturally meet the needs of the ruler.

This is the fundamental essence of Confucianism.

So even though the Han Dynasty had animal-powered harvesters and seeders, and had only tens of millions of people, it had abundant land resources, and its technology in various industries such as iron smelting was at the world's peak. Many of its technologies were only caught up with by the West in the early stages of the Industrial Revolution.

However, the Han Dynasty still did not enter the industrial society, including the later Tang, Song, and Ming Dynasties.

Without reforming outdated production relations, leaps in productivity will forever remain a mirage.

If this backward production relationship cannot be resolved, then productivity is destined to remain stagnant, and the Industrial Revolution will never be achieved.

In the 17th century, England enacted its first law to address royal power, ending feudal autocracy and creating a stable political environment for commercial development and the freedom of the people, thus ushering in more advanced relations of production.

However, the Great Zhou Dynasty was different from England.

Britain is an island nation.

The threats facing the Central Plains are far greater than those faced by Britain. To be honest, Wang Xin has been thinking about this, and since the question has been raised today, he intends to release some information first.

"Invincible in battle, unconquerable in attack, protecting our homeland and ensuring the well-being of our people."

Wang Xin spoke slowly.

Wei Zhao was taken aback. What did this have to do with him?
Zeng Zhi opened his eyes wide, pricked up his ears, and held his breath in concentration.

"Datong is people-oriented, and people-oriented is the foundation of Datong. Everything in Datong is done based on the needs of the people. As the military governor of Datong, I bear the heavy responsibility of the court, and I put the people first in both public and private matters."

“Now there are disaster victims everywhere, struggling to survive. How can I ignore them? When will I be able to resolve the plight of the disaster victims in Datong? When will I be able to return to the capital?”

It's not that I don't want to return to Beijing, but that the people won't let me go back.

Having understood the meaning behind Wang Xin's words, Wei Zhao was utterly speechless. How could there be such a shameless person?

Jia Huan, who was in the crowd, heard it this time as well.

Remembering what Zeng Zhonglang had told him, and hearing the words of the military commander today, he realized that Zeng Zhonglang was an extremely intelligent man and could not possibly not understand.

Invincible in battle, unconquerable in attack, protecting our homeland and ensuring the well-being of our people.

Does this require education?
In an environment surrounded by powerful enemies and barbaric invasions, defeat meant the destruction of families and the loss of loved ones. Only those who have never personally experienced the brutality of barbarians would not take victory or defeat seriously. Therefore, the pursuit of victory is a survival instinct ingrained in one's bones; what need is there for education?

Therefore, the principle of being invincible and unconquerable does not need to be taught.

As for protecting the country and defending the homeland.

The core of these four characters lies in the word "home".

What they are protecting is not the ethereal "emperor" or "state," but the real homeland where their parents, wife, and children reside—their own land and wealth. They are protecting their own vital interests; does this require any moral education?

Finally, the people achieved a moderately prosperous life.

If all people in the world could live a prosperous and stable life, who would object? Who would not support it? Does this even require education?

Wei Zhao did not get the answer he wanted, and left helplessly in the face of the domineering Wang Xin.

On the way back, Wei Zhao, who was in the sedan chair, suddenly opened his eyes wide.

Wang Xin is not rebelling.

This is going to uproot them!
His incredulous gaze was filled with deep hatred.

Then he thought about how the governor's office was neglected, how the constables were so cautious that they didn't even dare to deal with the people, and how they became timid and hesitant. How could they possibly control the people like this?

There are plenty of troublemakers among the common people!

It all made sense.

"A charlatan who steals fame and fortune." Wei Zhao felt as if facing a formidable enemy and wrote a memorial overnight: "The court must recognize Wang Xin's true nature, otherwise, if Wang Xin continues, then the Great Zhou will be finished, hundreds of millions of people will enter the Dharma-ending Age, the land will be overrun with wolves, and the people will lose their manners and become demons."

After writing it, I sealed it myself.

He summoned his trusted confidants and ordered several men to deliver the package to the imperial court at top speed.

The north is howling.

Despite wearing thick cotton-padded coats, the soldiers were still chilled. Those carrying muskets were alright, but the pikemen suffered the most, their outstretched hands turning red with cold, and the flags on their heads swaying wildly in the gale.

"Luckily there are towns along the way where we can stay overnight, which will allow us to recover some of our strength. It was really a disaster."

Zhao He's battalion was responsible for clearing the way.

Three thousand soldiers were either on horseback, on foot, or riding in mule carts. These carts, pulled by animals, were piled high with supplies, and as the supplies were consumed, the number of empty carts increased.

“That means it’s us,” the officer laughed. “We live off the land and the water. We’re guarding the border, so we won’t have to worry about livestock.”

"That's true."

Livestock consume a lot of resources; feeding them is a huge expense on a daily basis, not to mention the daily wear and tear each year.

However, Datong Military Town has advantages that other places do not have.

With control of the vast borderlands, livestock would be sent there to be fed for at least half the year. This served both as training grounds for the army and greatly reduced the consumption of livestock. The Datong military town had the lowest cost of acquiring livestock and could afford the daily losses.

"I wonder if things are going smoothly in Xinzhou," Zhao He said worriedly.

Winter is definitely not a good time for fighting.

The Datong garrison chose to fight now, not because they were prepared for a tough battle, but because Taiyuan was currently the most vulnerable, they took the opportunity to incorporate the Taiyuan army and ensure that the entire Shanxi province posed no threat to Datong.

"It's not easy for us here, but it's only harder for them."

Zhao He nodded.

November 2nd.

The Datong army set up camp in Xinzhou, cooking and slaughtering sheep and cattle to lure the city's garrison. The garrison, unable to resist, opened the city gates and surrendered. Daizhou fell into the hands of the Datong army, opening the gateway to Taiyuan. The third day.

Zhou Wen personally welcomed Wang Xin, and the Datong army successfully entered Taiyuan.

"It's over."

Tao Yi slumped dejectedly in the chair.

All efforts were in vain, the situation was already decided, and a sense of powerlessness arose in my heart. I tried every possible method and used all my strength, but what I wielded was always weak and powerless. It was good if I could only exert two or three tenths of my strength.

"Your Excellency, what should we do?"

Li Hao wanted to cry but had no tears.

Not to mention that the Li family is deeply rooted in Taiyuan City, they are one of the largest grain merchants in the city.

You should know that Datong confiscated all the grain merchants.

"Let fate decide for each of us." Tao Yi thought for a moment and comforted him, "It seems that Wang Xin still hopes to maintain his relationship with the court. As for how the emperor will decide and how the court will respond, who can know? But since he has this intention, he won't act recklessly."

What does it mean to not act recklessly?

Wasn't Datong chaotic enough? Even the general was skinned alive and had his tendons pulled out.

Tao Yi also knew that there was a problem with what he said.

But Wang Xin was indeed acting in accordance with the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and no one could criticize him on the surface; on the contrary, he should be praised. This is the most speechless thing.

Tao Yi sighed, "How absurd!"

Seeing the governor's attitude, and knowing that he could not be relied upon at all, Li Hao left the yamen in a dejected manner and went home as soon as possible.

As soon as I entered the house, I was blocked by someone.

"Master, soldiers are waiting for you!" the steward said in a panic.

Why didn't you send someone to tell me?!

Li Hao was furious. If he had known that soldiers were guarding his home, he would never have come back. Even if he couldn't leave the city, he would have hidden away and looked for an opportunity to escape, or used his connections to get out of trouble.

The butler quickly explained, "We can't get out."

Things have become more complicated.

"So you're Li Hao." Several soldiers rushed over, and one of the officers said bluntly, "Come with us."

Li Hao looked panicked.

No amount of flattery along the way worked; the officer remained silent and cold-faced.

When they arrived at the destination, they discovered that he wasn't the only one invited; many of his peers had also been invited. Their businesses were quite diverse, but they all shared a common identity: they were all grain merchants.

"Master Li."

Everyone exchanged pleasantries.

Li Hao hurriedly inquired about what had happened, but no one knew.

"It shouldn't be too excessive." Someone pointed to the hall and explained, "There are chairs to sit on in the hall, and tea is provided. You can also use the restroom if you need to. If they really wanted to kill us, why would they have such an attitude?"

That makes sense. Although I'm still worried, I feel much better.

Waited for a long time.

Finally, someone came out.

"Gentlemen!" The man entered with a smile, accompanied by several officials, and bowed to the crowd.

However, there's someone behind him that everyone recognizes.

Gu Chen, Ambassador of the Taiyuan Prefecture Agricultural Development Office.

“My name is Wang Xin, and I am the military governor of Datong. You may not recognize me, but you should recognize the man beside me. I didn’t originally have anything to do with the ambassador’s affairs, but I invited him here to put your minds at ease.”

This person is Wang Xin.

The crowd fell silent for a moment.

The initial panic subsided when they saw Gu Chen's familiar figure, and everyone felt reassured.

"May I ask, since we have come on a mission from the governor, is there anything we can do to help you?" Li Hao asked, mustering his courage.

People are knives and servants, and I am fish and meat.

Li Hao has resigned himself to his fate.

Wang Xin replied seriously, "Datong has issued disaster relief regulations. The current natural disaster is at the highest level, so the grain stores in the city need to be sealed off. Not only grain, but anything involving people's livelihood and related to the safety of people's lives can be seized by the Datong Military Governor's Office!"

Sure enough.

Li Hao was furious, but he knew that no matter how angry he was, what could he do?

Only by surviving can one have a chance to take revenge.

He refused to believe that Wang Xin's perverse actions would not be opposed by the people. There would definitely be an opportunity to deliver a fatal blow.

As long as he's alive, Li Hao believes he can definitely make a comeback based on his family connections.

"The grain in our grain store is also obtained through trade, not fallen from the sky. We often hear the governor say that people are the foundation, so are we not human beings?" a merchant said angrily.

Everyone recognized the businessman.

This businessman was new to the business. He used to run a small business, worked hard all his life, saved up some money, made connections, and switched to the grain business.

"There will be compensation."

"The compensation rule is to be higher than the merchants' purchase price. The price of grain under natural disasters is no longer the normal market price. We need to find a point that is acceptable to all parties, so it is higher than the merchants' purchase price."

Wang Xin explained patiently.

Hearing that there would be compensation, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. If that was the case, it wasn't unacceptable.

Ultimately, it's because they have bigger thighs.

How can an arm twist a thigh?

Someone calmly asked, "Would you like to pay first, or receive the goods first?"

There is something in the words.

The clever people immediately realized what was going on and waited for Wang Xin's reply.

"The military governor's office cannot come up with the money in a short period of time, so it needs to sign loan agreements with various businesses." There were too many questions, and Wang Xin needed to answer them one by one.

He knew what the businessmen were worried about.

However, Wang Xin didn't care. As long as both sides put people first and went through sufficient communication and consultation to understand the Jiedushi's approach, those who opposed it wouldn't be too vehement, and there might even be quite a few supporters.

Knew it.

Li Hao was greatly disappointed.

Who would dare to ask the military governor's office for money back with a so-called IOU?

"Three years."

Wang Xin spoke loudly, attracting everyone's attention, and promised, "I will repay the debt within three years, and compensate for the interest."

Setting a date is better than not setting one.

The merchants in the hall no longer objected; they had no power to object anyway.

A famous businessman cried.

It was the same small businessman from before. He cried, "I've invested all my money in this business, and now it's all gone."

"Stop crying, look where you are."

Someone kindly reminded me.

(End of this chapter)