Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

When it was almost dawn, Li Meng, Wang Ning, Wang Ziteng, Niu Jizong and others came into the palace together.

Jia Cong met with everyone in the west side hall of the Yangxin Palace and said, "Everyone, has the chaos outside the city been quelled?"

Li Meng said: "With the help of Governor Wang, General Wang, General Niu and others, the misunderstandings have been cleared up in all camps, and the fighting has been stopped. Now they are being led back to their camps by their commanders. The Five Army Governor's Office has sent people to give them wine and meat to comfort them."

"good."

Jia Cong nodded, knowing that such a casual remark would mean at least thousands or even tens of thousands of casualties.

As the old saying goes, one general's success is the result of the sacrifice of thousands of soldiers. In their position, the lives of soldiers are just a number, a chip.

He did not ask how many people were killed or injured, but smiled and said, "General Li, General Wang, now you know that Cong has no ill intentions, right?"

Li Meng hurriedly said, "Young Master is loyal and courageous, how could we doubt him?"

Wang Ning also bowed and said: "I know that the young guard is full of lofty sentiments and aspirations. If he wants to take my head, he will never resort to any conspiracy or trickery.

The new army under your command alone is enough to conquer the world, so we accept the order calmly without any doubt. "

Jia Cong bowed and said, "Thank you both for your appreciation. Just now, Cong followed the Queen's order and discussed some court affairs with Jun Gong and others..."

He briefly recounted what had just happened, and then said, "What I want to discuss with you two is a matter in the military."

Li Meng hurriedly said, "Please teach me, young master."

Jia Cong said: "The government has implemented new laws, and the army cannot stick to the old routine forever. There must be some changes. Of course, no matter how it changes, you two will always be the pillars of the army."

Wang Ziteng, Niu Jizong and others listened with a smile and said nothing. After all, Jia Cong would not let them suffer any loss.

Li and Wang looked at each other, a little anxious, and said, "We will follow the orders of the young guard."

Jia Cong said slowly: "Cong has proposed to the Queen that the army should abolish cold weapons as soon as possible, promote hot weapons in an all-round way, and develop the navy. This is the biggest change."

Li and Wang nodded slowly. In the past, they would have objected. However, since Jia Cong used the new army to slaughter the imperial guards like a whirlwind, how could they have any objection? They hurriedly asked, "The hot weapons that Shao Bao mentioned are firearms?"

"Yes."

"This method is very good. If the whole country changes its uniforms, I'm afraid there won't be enough money in the treasury." Li Meng said.

Jia Cong said: "We can only make a small contribution. If we want to replace firearms, we must first encourage industry and commerce and develop maritime trade. The more rich people there are in the country, the more taxes there will be, and the more abundant the treasury will be. We don't want to achieve it all at once, but replace it step by step.

I mean, first the capital army, then the nine borders, and finally the local garrisons."

"I have no objection."

"Secondly, the Five Military Commands Office has a complicated structure, too many redundant personnel, and low efficiency, which is very detrimental to military affairs.

Cong has suggested to the queen that the Five Military Commands Office be reorganized into the General's Office to take charge of the army of the whole country." Jia Cong said calmly.

"Young Master, what you said is absolutely right." Wang Ziteng and Niu Jizong clapped their hands in agreement. A change in the organization meant that everyone's position would have to start from scratch.

The reconstruction of the highest command organization in charge of the world's military forces contains enormous benefits.

Li and Wang knew that they were powerless to contend. They had just seen the powerful soldiers under the command of Niu Jizon and others. The six battalions were suppressing the fourteenth battalion. Whether in terms of combat power, morale, or ordnance, they were obviously two levels higher. In addition, Jia Cong's new army could massacre cities and destroy countries...so what was there to fight?
Political struggle is not about thugs fighting for territory, or fighting to the death over a disagreement, but rather it is about deceit, compromise, and balance.

Li Meng has been in charge of military power for many years, so naturally he would not fight a battle that is doomed to fail. The wisest choice is to keep enough trump cards.

Yin bowed and said, "Shao Bao's words are very insightful. I have served in the Five Military Commandery for many years and have a deep understanding of this, but I am unable to innovate. Only a hero like Shao Bao has such courage."

Wang Ning had a shallow foundation and did not dare to fight back, so he hurriedly said, "I have no objection."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Since both of you agree, we can discuss the details of the reconstruction later. Please rest assured that Cong is also a warrior and will not let our brothers who shed blood and sacrificed their lives for the country shed tears again."

"Thank you, Young Guard." Everyone said in unison.

"After the new emperor ascends the throne, everything will be new. We must work together to support the emperor and keep an eye on all nations. I hope you two will not take past grudges to heart." Jia Cong bowed.

Li Meng and Wang Ning hurriedly said, "We are ashamed of what the young master said. From now on, we will follow his lead and never dare to have any other thoughts."

Jia Cong smiled. These polite words were just to maintain superficial unity. As for the real thoughts, everyone knew it tacitly.

Therefore, he did not argue and said, "Now that the Beijing army has just been settled, in order to prevent scoundrels from causing trouble, please ask Governor Wang to quickly inspect the Xishan camp and Governor Niu to inspect the Beijing camp. After confirming that there is nothing wrong, hurry back to support the new emperor to ascend the throne."

"Yes, sir." The two of them hurried off.

After the two men left, Jia Cong looked at Li Meng again and said calmly, "Grand Commander, do you know why I sent Commander Wang away?"

Li Meng's mind moved, this is to deal with Wang Ning, and hurriedly said: "Please teach me, young master."

Jia Cong waved his hand and said, "Let's not beat around the bush. Although Governor Wang made great contributions during the Tu Fei Rebellion, he was born in a humble family and his foundation is shallow.

He suddenly assumed a high position, most likely because the late emperor bestowed upon him a favor beyond the law, and he wanted to use military officers from humble backgrounds to check and balance the nobles like us.

Therefore, many nobles are dissatisfied. Does the Grand Commander know about this?"

Li Meng nodded and said, "That's true. Commander Wang was made a marquis in one fell swoop and commanded a powerful army. His achievements in one day and one night were comparable to the accumulation of several generations of us. The nobles who founded the country all had complaints."

Jia Cong pointed at each other and said with a smile: "Speaking of which, our two families were also hereditary nobles when the country was founded. In recent years, there is no need to distinguish between the lineage of the Duke and the lineage of the Marquis.

Our ancestors once fought side by side, but we are now fighting among ourselves, which is actually the result of the Heavenly Family’s trick.”

Li Meng also laughed and said, "Shao Bao is right. Since Taizu, Taizong and the Emperor Taishang have been afraid that our military merits will be united, so they deliberately reduced the military power of the Duke's Mansion and let the military marquises take charge.

It is nothing more than a scheme to make two tigers compete for food. As subjects, even if we see through this scheme, how dare we not follow your orders?"

"It is understandable that the government should pay attention to the balance to prevent one party from dominating and monopolizing military power, which would lead to disaster.

But no matter how much we fight, it is our internal affairs. Suddenly, a bunch of peasants come to grab food...

Grand Commander, you and I both have the responsibility to safeguard the interests of the nobles." Jia Cong said slowly.

Li Meng was somewhat moved. Jia Cong meant to drive Wang Ning's faction out of the top circle. He hurriedly said, "What Shao Bao said is very true. I wonder what I need to do?"

Jia Cong smiled and said, “There is no need for the Grand Commander to charge into battle. He only needs to speak a fair word for the nobles who have fallen on hard times and are now unemployed.

It's better for two people to share one pancake than for three people, right? "

Li Meng was secretly delighted. Jia Cong's proposal was really impossible to refuse. If Wang Ning could be driven away, a huge power vacuum would be created in the Beijing army.

But he was afraid that Jia Cong would destroy the bridge after crossing the river, and defeat them one by one, first take down Wang Ning and then deal with him, so he tried to test: "Shao Bao means to take Wang Dudu..." As he said this, he slashed down lightly with his palm. Jia Cong shook his head and said: "Although Wang Dudu and his men came from a poor family, they were martial arts graduates after all, and they have the ability to lead troops in battle, but their foundation is still a little shallow, and they still need to be trained. You can't let him catch up with the accumulation of three or four generations of us in one generation, right?"

What this meant was obviously that the system would suppress military commanders who came from humble backgrounds and had little background at the middle and lower levels, so that if they wanted to move to a higher position, they would have to rely on the noble families in the court, just like Yang Xiong, the governor of Liaodong, and Liu Jiezhen, the governor of Gansu.

Li Meng breathed a sigh of relief. Since Wang Ning was not to be killed, there was no reason to kill him, so he saluted and said, "Shao Bao is right. I will follow your orders without hesitation.

"The troops under Governor Wang's command also need to be reorganized urgently. After all, the commanders of the various camps are from humble backgrounds. Once they take power, they are eager to eat empty salaries and suck the blood of the soldiers without caring about their dignity. This is really outrageous."

Jia Cong knew that he was hinting at the issue of future distribution of benefits, so he smiled and said, "The Grand Commander and I have the same idea.

Governor Wang now has six battalions of soldiers. I think after the matter is accomplished, since Cong’s people are small and weak, we can organize two battalions, and the governor-general can organize four battalions if he is capable. What do you think?"

Li Meng waved his hands and said, "You are wrong. Shao Bao is a great man of the time and he is at the peak of his career. He should reorganize the four camps. I am old and weak, and I have done my best to reorganize the two camps. Please do not refuse."

He was also a smart man, so he could naturally hear the irony in Jia Cong's words.

Jia Cong bowed and smiled, "Well, if I continue to decline, it will make me look hypocritical. So let it be. After all, we are all serving the court, so what's the difference?"

Li Meng laughed and said, "That's exactly what I said."

The two men smiled at each other, and everything was self-evident. The noble families excluded the generals from humble backgrounds. This was a matter of principle and a basic position.

Jia Cong was just making a suggestion, and Li Meng would not dare to refuse. Otherwise, if the news got out, he would not be able to gain a foothold among the nobles, and Jia Cong would win the hearts of all the nobles, and then Li Meng would be kicked out.

If someone must leave, Li Meng will naturally not sacrifice himself for others.
-
The next day, the corpses and bloodstains from the war in the palace had been cleaned up, and the damaged city gates and walls had been repaired. It seemed that Jia Cong's "clearing the court" had never happened. Only the new army wearing cotton armor and carrying muskets that could be seen everywhere in the Forbidden City reminded the court officials that times had changed.

This time, Jia Cong summoned 7,000 new troops, leaving 4,000 to guard the capital, and the remaining 3,000 were stationed in the Beijing camp to intimidate the other camps and prevent mutiny.

Together with the elite six battalions led by Niu Jizong and others, they could gain an overwhelming advantage.

There was no precedent for the Supreme Emperor and Emperor Xifeng to die on the same day. After discussion, the Ministry of Rites decided to place both coffins in the Qianqing Palace for court officials and clan members to worship them.

On the same day, Empress Chen came out with her eldest grandson, who was wearing a specially made little dragon robe. After paying tribute in front of the coffin, An Wenyao read out the late emperor's will in the hall. The four-year-old Sun Du was very lively and ran around in front of the coffin... and ascended the throne by the way.

Princess Sun Can looked very sad. She quickly hugged him and accepted the respect from all the ministers.

Jia Cong took the lead in bowing and shouting "Long live the emperor".

"Your Majesty, long live the Emperor."

Looking at all the civil and military officials, royal relatives and nobles kneeling on the ground, Empress Chen smiled and glanced at her daughter-in-law.

The princess was busy whispering instructions in her son's ear.

"Stand up." Sun Du chuckled and said in a baby voice while looking at the ground.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." The ministers stood up.

This completed the first procedure for the new emperor's ascension to the throne. He ascended the throne in front of the coffin, making it clear that the world cannot be without a ruler for a day.

The next step is to wait until the twenty-seven-day mourning period is over, then hold a coronation ceremony to offer sacrifices to heaven and earth, worship ancestors and announce it to the world. Only after the coronation ceremony is completed can the new emperor be officially enthroned.

With the joint efforts of Jia Cong and all the civil and military officials in the court, the twenty-seven days passed quickly without any disturbances.

Although this period was spent guarding the two saints' caskets, all parties were not idle either. They were racing against time and making intensive preparations for the upcoming new dynasty.

Chen Ji, the uncle of the emperor, had arrived in the capital. He visited Jia Cong immediately, presented him with a valuable gift, and took out a list of officials to be promoted and given important positions.

After seeing this, Jia Cong smiled and said, "Don't worry, my uncle. Cong and the young uncle have worked together for many years and have a close relationship. I have no objection to this."

Of course he had no objection to the fact that all the people on the list were civil servants. He could just let him argue with Duan Zhun, Jiang Feng and the others.

Chen Ji understood what he meant. As long as he didn't interfere, everything would be easy, so he smiled and said goodbye.

Jia Cong sent away the uncle who was over fifty years old and had a face as red as a date, and then returned to the inner house to visit Ruyi.

She was really heartbroken these days, almost like she had a serious illness. The three men who loved her the most in the family, the retired emperor, Emperor Xifeng, and Sun Cantian, passed away at the same time, and Sun Can died so tragically. In addition, there was also Sun Qiu who died, which made her heartbroken. She had been in tears for days and had no appetite.

Fortunately, thanks to Ye Tianshi's skillful treatment, and Jia Cong, Baochai, Daiyu and others' day and night companionship and comfort, her condition finally improved after ten or twenty days.

Pain is always comparative. Daiyu was very sad when she lost her father, but when she saw that Ruyi was ten times more miserable than her, she immediately cheered up. With sympathy for each other, the two of them warmed each other and felt better.

When Jia Cong returned to the inner house, he saw the girls talking to Ruyi. Knowing that she was in a bad mood, they did not dare to make her sad. They just talked about local customs and practices from all over the world to amuse her.

Wanyan Xi was an eloquent speaker, and she was telling the stories of the Jurchens' hunting and life in vivid detail, giggling from time to time. The girls found her stories so interesting that they couldn't help but yearn for the white mountains and black waters.

Jia Cong interrupted and said with a smile: "Don't even think about it. In their place, water freezes into ice in the winter. You have to put wax on your face when you go out, otherwise you will get frostbite. You are so delicate and tender that you can't stand it for even a day."

The Wanyan sisters all laughed.

The girls thought about how they would face others with their sallow faces, and said hurriedly, "Why don't we go in the summer?"

Jia Cong smiled and said, "It's OK in summer, but there are a lot of mosquitoes in the mountains. If you don't mind getting bitten, it's OK."

Wan Yan Shan smiled and said, "In fact, we also have mosquito repellent. You can just apply it on your body, but the smell is not very pleasant."

All the girls love beauty. Apart from essential oils and powders, they would never put anything else on their skin. They just smiled and said nothing when they heard this.

Ruyi rolled her eyes at Jia Cong and said, "You are so particular. Do you think we can't go anywhere?"

Jia Cong said hurriedly: "I don't have such intention. If we have time, we can go to the Western Regions. The climate there is dry and there are fewer mosquitoes."

Daiyu sneered, "Are you going to see your barbarian wife?"

The girls laughed.

Jia Cong laughed dryly and said, "Isn't this a benefit to both the public and private sectors?"

All the women spat at him.

Ruyi was silent for a moment, then said, "Sisters, you have been talking to me for a long time and you are tired. Let's go and rest. I want to talk to Congge'er for a few words."

"Yes." The women hurriedly stood up and bowed and left.

"Yan'er, what's the matter?" Jia Cong asked hurriedly when he saw that she looked strange.

"How did my grandfather, father, elder brother, and second brother die?" (End of this chapter)