Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 441: Changes in the Situation
Ten warships were lined up on the sea. Wang Ziteng, on the flagship, looked at the basically formed main fleet under his command and stood on the deck with high spirits. With this fleet in hand, even the scorching heat could not stop Wang Ziteng from taking the warship to sea and getting used to the frequent sea battles in the future.

Accompanying Wang Ziteng was the newly promoted counselor of the Governor-General's Office, Sassoon. This squid was good at scheming and had made great efforts in forming a fleet, thus successfully being promoted.

"Each of these ten warships has 96 guns. Even in the Mediterranean, some small countries' fleets will be no match for them." Sassoon seized the opportunity to show off his achievements, but Wang Ziteng was unhappy about this and didn't care.

Wang Ziteng has gotten used to Maoming, where Westerners love to show off.

"Are the Westerners you invited well behaved?" Wang Ziteng asked casually after putting down the telescope.

Sassoon said respectfully: "People in the European continent have no concept of a motherland. They only recognize their lords and financiers. At sea, they listen to whoever pays them."

Wang Ziteng secretly disdainfully heard this. Barbarians are barbarians, but it doesn't matter. If they can be used by me, then they are barbarians. After all, Western warships need enough foreigners to help train personnel and operate warships.

After ten days at sea, Wang Ziteng, as the governor, insisted on getting used to life on the ship.

This is also a ruthless person! At the beginning, he vomited all over the place. The majesty of a big man is useless in the face of the great power of nature.

"Zhuang Sen, give the order to return!" On the other side of Wang Ziteng, there was a foreigner who gave himself a Chinese name according to the transliteration. As the governor's counselor, he was in charge of the fleet.

It’s not that Wang Ziteng trusted Westerners, but that Chinese people were not good at ocean-going. No one in the navy of Guangdong and Guangxi could control these Western warships, so they could only learn from the Western barbarians.

The command flag was raised and the fleet began to turn, practicing at the same time to seize the T-head.

I can only say that the Great Zhou Navy's skill in changing formations while marching is a little lacking, but what can I say? Practice!
Wang Ziteng treated the naval officers and soldiers like servants and treated the fleet as his own private army. He knew what the emperor would think, but Wang Ziteng didn't care at all.

What he is most worried about now is that Jia Lian will not give him face and will not provide him with equipment. It will be difficult for the ground forces to crush him with their combat effectiveness.

Under Wang Ziteng's command, the most elite troops were the cavalry. However, due to the complex terrain in Guangdong and Guangxi, the role of the cavalry was greatly reduced. Wang Ziteng chose to recruit soldiers in the mountainous areas of Guangxi and used his old subordinates as the backbone to build a southern expedition army. After several years of preparation, everything is basically ready. He just needs to wait for the dry season to come and march south to achieve the great cause of the Wang family.

In Annan, there are no four seasons, only rainy season and dry season. In fact, Southeast Asia is similar.

The biggest problem was still malaria, and Wang Ziteng also spent a lot of money to stock up a batch of quinine.

After landing, Wang Ziteng returned to the mansion and learned that Xue Pan had sent someone to deliver a batch of equipment and a letter, detailing the situation.

After reading the letter, Wang Ziteng smiled. It was just a little extra money. It was nothing. But Jia Lian still hated opium very much. For Wang Ziteng, the opium business made money too quickly and he couldn't stop it.

"They actually alarmed the Second Prince, who personally led people to capture Xue Pan. Now that the southern expedition is imminent, the opium trade should be suspended for now to avoid any further complications." After giving some instructions, Wang Ziteng returned to the backyard.

Wang Yi and Wang Ren were both there, and their concubines were drinking and having fun with them. Wang Ziteng came in without noticing.

When he felt that the atmosphere around him was not right, he stopped and looked back to see that it was Wang Ziteng standing behind him. He was immediately scared out of his wits and quickly pulled his hand out from under his collar and wiped it on his body.

One is his son, the other is his nephew. Wang Ziteng felt helpless when he saw their ugly behavior. Wang Ren was definitely hopeless. He spent all day in Guangzhou fighting cocks and running dogs, and didn't do his assigned tasks. He also said that Guangzhou was not as fun as the capital, or even as fun as Nanjing. Wang Yi was better. Wang Ziteng was at home, and he was still honest.

Wang Ziteng did not get angry, but just snorted heavily, went back to the room to wash and change clothes. After washing away his tiredness, he returned to the study, let his hair down, and waited for it to dry naturally.

There were some recent letters on the table. Wang Ziteng picked up a letter, opened it and read it. He frowned and said, "Call Wang Ren and Wang Yi."

The two arrived soon. When Wang Ziteng stood in front of him with an uneasy look on his face, he picked up the letter in his hand and said, "I received a letter from home saying that your father is in poor health while in office and has requested to retire and return to his hometown to live out his old age. His Majesty has approved it. You should also return to Jinling." Since he can't lead the way well, then get rid of him. In order to avoid leading Wang Yi astray.

Wang Ren didn't dare to resist and quickly nodded in agreement. He had just had enough fun in Guangzhou.

After leaving, Wang Ren went to Sassoon and was warmly received. Wang Ren bought four goddesses from Sassoon and took them back to play with them and sell them to make a fortune.

Sassoon found out Wang Ren's real purpose in just a few words. He was moved and said in a way that seemed to be good for Wang Ren: "Four women are worth only a few dollars. I can give them to you. If you want to make money, you have to do big business."

Wang Ren became excited: "What kind of big deal?"

Sassoon said, "The business I'm doing with Xue Pan, his main market is in Liangjiang. Da Zhou is so big, you can sell it somewhere else."

Wang Ren lost interest when he heard him say that and shook his head: "The Xue family makes money for my uncle. Apart from Jinling, local officials and gentry may not buy it."

Sassoon cursed secretly, "waste", but continued to smile, "The Wang family is one of the most powerful families in the Great Zhou Dynasty. Can you only rely on the Xue family to do business? You don't want to be an official, and you have no income. Where do you get the money to live a life of luxury?"

Wang Ren was moved by these words. He thought for a moment and said, "Don't worry. I'll go back to the capital to see the situation first. I can't rely on my brother-in-law Jia Lian, but the Shi family can do something."

After hearing what he said, Sassoon immediately understood that this matter would probably work. Having been in the Zhou Dynasty for many years, Sassoon had enough understanding of these officials and gentry, and knew that no problem could be solved without money.

After leaving Sassoon, Wang Ren went to Wanqing Tower, spent fifty taels, had a cup of tea with Miss Wanqing and said goodbye to her.

Wang Ren has been a frequent visitor to Wanqinglou recently. He is fascinated by the top girl here, Miss Wanqing. However, Miss Wanqing only sells her art but not her body. Every time she comes, she can only spend fifty taels, drink tea, listen to music, and chat face to face. Even so, Miss Wanqing always wears a veil.

The situation today was the same, Miss Wanqing wore a veil and chatted with Wang Ren over tea. This unrequited excitement made Wang Ren feel that he was in love.

"Miss Wanqing, I'm leaving and going back to Jinling. Can I see her full appearance before I leave?" In Wang Ren's mind, Wanqing was holy and pure. So, when he made the request, he was still quite nervous. This was not a girl on the streets of Jinling that he could just snatch back if he liked her. Of course, this was in the past. Now, if you snatch a girl on the street, Governor Sun will arrest you and beat you with a stick.

Upon learning that Wang Ren was going back to Beijing, Miss Wanqing was stunned for a moment. She thought, she can’t continue to harvest leeks in the future, right?
"So what if we met? My Lord is leaving, which means our fate is over for now. When fate comes again, I will let you see enough of me."

After hearing these words, Wang Ren felt a mixture of sadness and joy. He was sad that he might not be able to see the beauty again in the future, but he was happy that Miss Wanqing left a promise to renew their old relationship.

Accompanied by Miss Wanqing, Wang Ren spent another hundred taels to order a banquet. He got drunk and cried bitterly for his unrequited love. He was carried back by the servants.

After seeing Wang Ren off, Wanqing returned to her boudoir, took off her veil, and said to herself in front of the mirror, "Such a beauty, and yet that bastard Jia is not tempted."

The maid beside her sighed and said, "Miss, you are crazy!" Wan Qing turned around and said angrily, "Nonsense! I'm fine!"

The maid exposed her shamelessly, saying, "Since you left the capital, you have said this to the mirror 288 times!"

In the capital, after the dog days of summer, it is still so hot that people don't want to move.

Jia Lian, who had been very busy recently, returned home and lay motionless in the newly built bathing pool.

The tiles on the bathtub were a new product developed by the R&D department at Jia Lian's request. They were originally asked to make toilets, but it took a while to make them. However, the tiles were simple and worked successfully in one go.

Naturally, he would not miss the opportunity to use his power for personal gain. Jia Lian asked someone to build a private bath for him. Today was his day off, and after taking a bath, Jia Lian did not want to get up.

When Wang Xifeng saw this bathhouse, she thought it was a high-end item and wanted to enjoy it as well. Unfortunately, she couldn't compete with Jia Lian for the first time, so she could only wait for the next time.

The new business of tiles is undoubtedly a new source of income, but it does not require much technical skills and an average craftsman can learn how to make it with just one look.

Jia Lian could only ask the R&D department to spend money as soon as possible to make some quick money first. Once the technology spread, the toilet would also be developed. This had a certain technical content and could make more money for a few more years.

Before they could enjoy it for a while, there was a sudden noise outside. Jia Lian frowned when he heard the noise. Xiangling took the clothes, put them on randomly and came out.

At a glance, he saw that it was Jia She who came. Jia Lian had guessed it before. Now no one dared to make trouble at Jia Lian's place, except Jia She.

"What's wrong again?" Jia Lian glanced at Qingwen who was stopping Jia She at the door. Her face was full of panic and fear, and she was crying because of being scolded.

"You built the bathing pool, why don't you build one for me? I will go to the government office to sue you for being unfilial." Jia She threatened, and Jia Lian was immediately angry: "You are anxious when I am enjoying myself. Usually I am outside, if my father can give me some help, I won't be exhausted physically and mentally because of the things outside."

Jia Lian knows how to fight back. He starts by accusing others of his biased grandmother and useless father, and tells them that they have to rely on themselves to succeed.

Jia She was at a disadvantage in terms of momentum. He was a little afraid of Jia Lian because of Jia Jing. Others thought that Jia Jing had committed suicide by himself, but Jia She guessed that it was probably Jia Lian who had done it.

It's just speculation without evidence, scaring yourself.

There is always a thorn in my heart.

When the father and son were confronting each other, Jia She, who had a thorn in his heart, naturally suffered a disadvantage.

"Anyway, you have to fix the pool for me." Jia She could only play tricks, and Jia Lian said unhappily: "I know, I will fix it for you. It takes time to bake tiles, so wait."

Jia Lian didn't want to argue any further, and Jia She, having achieved his goal, left in disgrace.

Jia Lian was helpless about this. This old guy was only focused on these trivial matters.

Whenever something good came out, Jia Lian would send a batch to the emperor first, not to flatter him, but for advertising.

After Emperor Chenghui used the tiled pool, he was naturally very satisfied. For a time, countless people in the capital followed suit. Jia Lian had an exclusive deal and dared to sell a tile for one silver dollar in the second half of the year.

Just tell me whether you want to buy it or not. If you don’t, there are many people queuing up to pick up the goods, and you won’t make any difference.

Are there any jealous people? Of course there are, but they can only watch. This is the income of the R&D department, and others can only watch.

Fortunately, this thing is not difficult to manufacture, and Jia Lian can only make quick money for half a year, and then wait for someone to follow suit. Jia Lian plans to directly lower the price and let the followers taste the taste of price war.

These are all trivial matters. The real big event happened on the day of the Beginning of Autumn. Wang Ziteng submitted a memorial to the capital to propose sending troops to Annan to comfort the people and punish the criminals. Soon after, the Prince of Dongping came to the capital and submitted a memorial.

Emperor Chenghui also returned from Xishan. Two major events happened in succession, so he immediately convened a cabinet meeting and specifically requested Jia Lian to attend.

Jia Lian really didn't want to get involved, so he had to hold his nose and come to the meeting after being named. Everyone here is a big shot, and you have to greet everyone before you meet them. It's really unpleasant.

There is nothing much to say about Wang Ziteng sending troops to Annan. Annan was his homeland in the past. Now that the entire Chinese family was massacred in Annan, it is natural to teach them a lesson.

As to whether it was a lesson or a direct war to annihilate the country, no one knows for the time being, and Wang Ziteng did not say to annihilate the country.

The cabinet quickly approved Wang Ziteng's memorial. It was not considered as provoking border conflicts. After all, there were too many records of dishonesty in the history of Annan. It would not be a big problem to teach them a lesson if something happened.

The real big problem was Liaodong. After the Prince of Dongping came to Beijing, he lived in his own palace. Emperor Chenghui gave him face and did not confiscate his property.

Now the Prince of Dongping has come to the capital and submitted a petition, saying that the Prince of Dongping plans to march north to expand the territory. I just came to the emperor to ask for a definite answer, do you think what you said counts?

In this era, the so-called Liaodong was probably mainly Liaoning. To the north, it was all barren and undeveloped land with no value.

After Emperor Chenghui released the news, Prince Dongping made a decisive decision. The best way to avoid being watched by the court was to give up most of the developed areas in Liaodong.

The Prince of Dongping saw clearly that it would not last long if he established a separatist regime in Liaodong. He had some ideas at first, but after Jia Lian defeated the 100,000 cavalrymen in Zhangjiakou, the Prince of Dongping immediately came to his senses.

The grasslands were in internal strife, Li Ni was driven to the northern desert, King Lin Dan went to the northwest plateau, Chahar surrendered, Khorchin trembled, and huddled together with Liaodong for warmth. This is the general trend!
Things are different now. The Dongping cavalry may not be much stronger than the grassland cavalry. In the face of the hail of bullets from muskets and artillery, the only advantage of the cavalry is mobility.

This mobility, however, is unlikely to play a big role in a strategic defensive situation. If the imperial court really gathers a large army and strikes with thunder, everything will be wiped out.

It just so happened that Emperor Chenghui released the news that even Li Ni could be pardoned, let alone me?

(End of this chapter)