The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 275 Doubt

Rongqingtang

Grandmother Jia looked displeased.

Everyone knew that the ancestor was unhappy, and the atmosphere became heavy.

Wang Xifeng and Li Wan sat next to each other. Li Wan glanced at Wang Xifeng speechlessly. How could she be so reckless, letting her young mistress go out like this? What if word got out?

Lin Daiyu went out with Xue Baoqin yesterday.

Upon inquiry, it turned out to be Wang Xifeng's arrangement.

Let's not mention Miss Xue Baoqin anymore; she's a guest, and the Jia family has no say in her affairs.

As for Wang Xin?

Wang Xin was also a guest.

Moreover, he lived in the Jia family mansion.

They couldn't very well ask the guests; there was no way to do that. In the end, only Wang Xifeng could be summoned.

The maids and servants were very careful, knowing that things were not going well and no one dared to make a mistake.

In the inner room behind the screen, Yingchun, Tanchun, Xichun, and Lin Daiyu were all inside. Although it concerned Lin Daiyu, she was only allowed to stay inside.

Each of their maids followed. Zijuan hesitated to speak, while Lin Daiyu lowered her head.

The three young ladies looked at each other, wanting to say something but not knowing how to start. They especially wanted to ask Daiyu where she had gone out and what she had done yesterday.

Lin Daiyu knew this day would come.

I can't let Second Grandmother get scolded for this; I have to stand up for her later.

Lin Daiyu thought to herself.

That's probably what that person was thinking too.

As he said.

Every place has its own customs, but whether or not to bow down is up to you.

Because of the new education system, Jiangnan not only encouraged women to study, but some women even went out into business to support their families.

There was a scholar who disliked fame and fortune and preferred to travel.

He travels abroad every year, and his mother doesn't interfere. Instead, she supports him in doing what he wants. His mother manages the family business, which is not uncommon in Jiangnan.

Otherwise, Xue Baoqin wouldn't have traveled all over the country with her father since she was a child; the Jiangnan region has an inclusive atmosphere.

The rules in the capital are strict.

You have to follow the rules in many things. It's better to compromise yourself than to make a mistake.

Although that person was not reckless and often compromised, he would not completely go against his own will.

Lin Daiyu thought to herself.

Wang Xifeng thought about it and decided it was best not to involve Lord Xin in this matter.

Firstly, since Master Xin was a guest, the old lady didn't know how to handle him.

Secondly, it points out that Master Xin was ultimately hurt, which damaged his reputation.

I took responsibility for it myself, and the old lady only scolded me a couple of times.

Grandmother Jia had a full head of white hair and looked very old.

He used to be kind and gentle, always with a smile on his face, but now he spoke with a tone of exasperation, scolding Wang Xifeng: "You used to be so sensible, which is why we entrusted you with managing all the affairs of the household. I never expected you to make such a big mistake."

Madam Wang frowned.

Although he was also unhappy with Wang Xin's nonsense, he was still a member of the Wang family. However, when he thought about the conflict between his elder brother and Wang Xin, which almost turned them into enemies, he became even more dissatisfied with Wang Xin and didn't bother to speak.

However, upon further reflection, it also involves Xue Baoqin.

Although Xue Baoqin was a maid in the second branch of the Xue family, she ultimately cared about her younger sister's reputation.

Madam Wang said, "Grandma, this matter is also Baoqin's fault. Why don't we ask Baoqin to come over?"

Xue Baoqin was someone that Grandmother Jia praised in public.

By praising Xue Baoqin so highly, isn't Grandmother Jia overshadowing Xue Baochai?
Now that Xue Baoqin has caused trouble and even implicated Daiyu, Lady Wang wants to see what Grandmother Jia has to say.

Grandmother Jia shook her head.

It was as if Xue Baoqin was a guest.

Mrs. Wang felt relieved.

The old lady wanted to bring Daiyu and Baoyu together.

Kiss upon kiss.

But he himself was unwilling.

Baoyu and Baochai are the ones she truly desires, especially since Baoyu is her own son.

The old lady was naturally unhappy.

They praise Xue Baoqin, the maid, and criticize Baochai, the maid.

pity.

Thinking back to the time when her elder brother and Wang Xin hadn't fallen out, her younger sister had secretly supported Baochai and Wang Xin's engagement behind her back. Fortunately, it didn't work out in the end. Thinking of the humiliation she suffered back then, Madam Wang felt a mix of emotions.

Thinking of this, Madam Wang couldn't help but say, "It's still that Wang Xin who doesn't follow the rules. He's clearly a guest, yet he's causing trouble in the host's house."

Grandmother Jia remained silent.

She didn't want to involve the guests, but Madam Wang insisted on doing so, which made her increasingly dissatisfied with her daughter-in-law. However, she also knew her daughter-in-law's personality. Despite her seemingly high-status appearance, she was actually selfish, petty, and intolerant of others.

About to speak.

Suddenly, someone came in from the outer corridor to announce good news.

"Grandma, this is good news!"

"What's wrong"

The stewards' wives outside stopped them and asked.

"It's Lord Xin!"

The woman was out of breath.

The Ministry of War just came to deliver the news of Wang Xin's promotion.

The news has already spread throughout the manor.

Hearing the commotion outside, Grandmother Jia got up and quickly asked, "What's wrong with him?"

The steward's wife rushed in, her face complicated, and said, "It's Lord Xin from the manor. I heard he's been promoted again, and he's going to lead a whole region and build some kind of Datong Western Army. The people below don't understand, but judging from the tone of the Ministry of War officials, it seems like it's no small matter."

For those not in officialdom, unless they hold well-known official positions, it is indeed difficult for outsiders to distinguish them.

Over the years, Jia Zheng was the only one in the Jia family with a proper job.

Even the elderly women only knew about imperial titles.

Due to military system reforms in recent years, the titles of Jiedushi (military governors) are no longer in use.

Grandmother Jia was still pondering.

She knew more, so she asked the steward's wife to explain in detail, but they didn't understand and couldn't give a clear answer, which made Grandmother Jia quite anxious.

Just then.

Then someone came to report that Jia Zheng was at his residence receiving officials from the Ministry of War, and had sent someone to deliver a message.

"Greetings, Ancestor; Greetings, Madam..."

"Say it."

Grandmother Jia was most concerned about this.

Wang Xin was a guest, and the Jia family had never wronged him over the years, providing him with good food, lodging, and service.

I heard that this person had a falling out with Wang Ziteng.

He also didn't get along well with the boss.

However, she had a good relationship with the second son, and besides, he was someone promoted by her son-in-law Lin Ruhai. Grandmother Jia hoped that Wang Xin could be promoted to a high-ranking official position. Even though what happened yesterday, she originally did not intend to involve the guests.

"The Ministry of War promoted Lord Xin to the rank of Assistant General."

"He led a separate route, established the Datong Western Army in Datong, which included five cities and two passes, and also took control of Yanmen Pass."

"Ancestor, this is a joyous occasion! Lord Xin is only in his twenties, yet he has already taken charge of a region at such a young age. His future is promising and limitless."

The person who came explained it clearly.

Many people in the room still didn't understand, but they knew that this official was no ordinary person.

"Not bad."

Grandmother Jia understood and laughed, "It's like promoting a civil official to a local prefecture."

In a word.

Most people understood. They all smiled, but Madam Wang, who had been there earlier, had a gloomy expression.

Wang Xifeng looked surprised.

Wang Xifeng was moved by the thought that only Lord Xin would be willing to help her, and that he would arrange things for her whenever she asked. That's why she agreed to help Wang Xin.

Unexpectedly, I didn't have to take any responsibility at all. Judging from the old lady's expression, she didn't seem to care about pursuing the matter at all.

Even later, he might let himself go and properly arrange a celebration for the guests.

Behind that screen.

Lin Daiyu breathed a sigh of relief.

That's just how he is; that's probably his source of confidence.

I mustered up my courage.

Yingchun was taciturn, Xichun was still young, and Tanchun's face showed envy.

I had known about Wang Xin for a long time.

I had only heard of him by name at first, but later I learned more and more about him.

From being an insignificant guest in the mansion at the beginning to now holding a position that even the matriarch has to be respectful of, it's true that it's better to be a man. I really want to be like him and make a name for myself outside.

"Feng'er, matters outside are of utmost importance. We must not disturb the guests. Send someone to inquire later if the guests need anything. We cannot put them in a difficult position," Grandmother Jia changed her mind.

“Master Xin is a cautious man, and there aren’t many rules in the capital, so he certainly won’t be thinking of holding a big celebration,” Wang Xifeng said with a smile. “However, I will definitely tell Master Xin about the old lady’s good intentions.”

Grandmother Jia nodded.

Wang Xifeng is a reliable person.

But then I thought of Wang Xin; he should get married.

As for Ping'er's matter, she was too old to bother with such troublesome things. As long as she didn't do anything out of line, she would pretend not to know. Thinking about the situation in the mansion, Grandmother Jia sighed inwardly.

Jia Zheng stroked his beard and smiled.

Before the matter was finalized, no one dared to say for sure that it would succeed. Even after hearing Wang Xin's words, Jia Zheng still couldn't quite believe it.

After seeing off the Ministry of War officials with Wang Xin, Jia Zheng looked at Wang Xin and smiled, "This saved a lot of money."

Wang Xin nodded.

Jia Zheng's official position was granted by the emperor himself, so it was a special case and he didn't have to spend any money.

Ningguo Prefecture.

Jia Rong needed to pay money to buy an official position, and he would also need to pay money if he wanted to inherit the title after Jia Zhen's death.

The same applies to promotions.

However, he was a special case handled by Zhang Jifu.

Zhang Jifu did not have the same prestige as the emperor, but he was the future Grand Secretary, so his subordinates dared not express dissatisfaction.

This was also Zhang Jifu's way of making amends to himself.

After all, the military pay should have been 300,000 taels of silver, but only 150,000 taels were given. Although this saved him tens of thousands of taels of silver, it was still a huge difference compared to the shortfall in military pay. Otherwise, Zhang Jifu would not have easily offended anyone.

Even if those below dare not object, everyone works hard to become an official for money, and blocking someone's path to wealth is a major taboo in officialdom.

Is the old lady alright?

Wang Xin had just started discussing yesterday's events with Jia Zheng.

The old lady was certainly not suitable to appear, and Jia Zheng had no intention of pursuing the matter, only mentioning it casually.

As the two were talking, someone from the Ministry of War arrived unexpectedly.

Actually, I wasn't worried about Grandmother Jia.

Grandmother Jia is an old woman who doesn't get caught up in internal struggles; she has a very clear mind.

Even if there are things she wants to do, she won't force herself. She'll treat people differently based on their status. Only things that cross her bottom line will make her angry. That's why she's willing to take Lin Daiyu out. The trouble isn't actually that big.

Firstly, Lin Ruhai was still alive; secondly, he himself was a fairly high-ranking military officer; and thirdly, Grandmother Jia was not the type to take things too seriously.

Jia Zheng almost forgot his purpose and said with a smile, "Don't worry, the old lady often praises you."

Wang Xin smiled and said, "As long as a person rises through the ranks, he will realize that there are still more good people than bad in the world."

He had accomplished his purpose in coming to the capital, taken care of Lin Daiyu, comforted Wang Xifeng, and asked Jia Zheng and Lu Zhongheng for help. He was grateful and would repay them in the future.

Just like yesterday when he insisted on taking Lin Daiyu out for a trip.

Lin Ruhai entrusted Lin Daiyu to his care. Even if he disregarded his past relationship with Lin Daiyu, he would repay Lin Ruhai's kindness by taking good care of Lin Daiyu and ensuring that she would not be bullied.

Wang Xin looked grateful and took the initiative to explain his plans: "According to the instructions of the Ministry of War, I can take office within three days after receiving my official title. I plan to go to the Ministry of War tomorrow to complete the procedures and then set off back to Datong the day after tomorrow."

"So urgent? Let's get through the New Year first."

Jia Zheng quickly tried to dissuade him.

Last time, he mentioned the matter of the young lady Tan Chun to his concubine, and the woman was very supportive and took it very seriously. She kept urging him to take the matter seriously, but he couldn't find a suitable opportunity.

The main problem is that I find it hard to open my mouth.

Being too snobbish, Wang Xin, with his shrewdness, would surely see through it, which was truly embarrassing. Jia Zheng hesitated for a moment, but still asked Wang Xin to stay a little longer, hoping that a natural opportunity would arise so that everyone could bring it up naturally.

From what I know, Wang Xin doesn't care much about marriage. Since he's not in a hurry, why should I be too proactive?

Wang Xin shook his head. "The most crucial task is to pacify the Hu within three years."

Jia Zheng was speechless.

indeed.

The Hu people were pacified in three years.

Jia Zheng was unsure whether to doubt Wang Xin's boast.

Feng Yong had been stationed in Datong for many years and was also the military governor of Yongxing. He had caused headaches for Prince Teng and the Jia family, but he was unable to resolve the problem of the barbarians.

Although Feng Yong lost to Wang Xin, it wasn't solely Wang Xin's achievement; everyone knows that Zhang Jifu supported Wang Xin.

But Jia Zheng was somewhat hesitant to disbelieve Wang Xin's record.

He opened his mouth, but couldn't bring himself to say anything more to persuade Wang Xin to stay. He was also too embarrassed to bring up the matter of the marriage between the two families. Jia Zheng felt a bit frustrated.

Many people seem to doubt the claim that the Hu people were pacified in three years.

Even Jia Zheng became sullen.

Wang Xin smiled.

Once a breakthrough is found, things are not difficult.

Ou Yanhu was indeed powerful, but he was powerless to extricate himself. Once he successfully disemboweled himself, even a lion would only be left to howl in agony.

The internal issues are more troublesome.

The Hetao region is quite profitable, and providing 150,000 taels of military funds annually would not be a problem. The key issue is the lack of time for development; it will take three to five years to achieve results, which is precisely what we lack most.

Give Ou Yanhu three to five years, and he might have already unified the entire desert.

Can Xue Yan cooperate with me?

Wang Xin thought for a moment and decided that he couldn't gamble on Xue Yan's choice. It would be best to introduce another entity to check and balance Xue Yan.

Just any businessman would not do.

You must have the strength.

A powerful businessman inevitably belongs to a certain faction.

Outsiders are even more worried.

The Xue family's eldest branch is actually quite good, with an orphan and a widow. It's just a pity that Xue Pan is a bit hopeless and hasn't settled down yet. We need to think of a way to deal with him.

"confirmed."

Jia Lian rushed into the room with news: "Wang Xin has been promoted to Assistant General, in charge of the Western Army of Datong and concurrently in charge of Yanmen Pass."

Jia Zhen and Jia She sat inside the room.

"It's incredible."

Jia Zhen sighed.

Jia She looked puzzled. "Whose side is Wang Xin on? Zhang Jifu supports him so much, could it be that he has sided with Zhang Jifu?"

"No way?" Jia Zhen exclaimed in surprise.

Wang Xin was certainly a member of the four major families.

However, the four families are not of the same ilk; each has its own path.

To be precise, Wang Xin was Lin Ruhai's man, and he was on the same side as Jia Zheng and his group. Of course, whether other civil officials recognized Wang Xin as a military general was another matter, and there was no clear distinction between them.

Lin Ruhai and Jia Zheng were the emperor's men.

However, they weren't particularly close to the emperor, yet they held a very important position.

(End of this chapter)