The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 284 Golden Glitter
"How many barbarians did you kill?"

Upon receiving the news of the victory in Yunchuan City, Wang Xin immediately inquired.

Qi Shannian, who came to deliver the message, was stunned.

Seeing this, Wang Xin smiled and explained, "People are the most important thing. If we can't eliminate a large number of enemies, the victory will be compromised."

Qi Shannian learned another lesson from the general and couldn't help but grin.

"Reporting to the general, we killed over eight hundred enemies, and wounded no less than two thousand, both lightly and seriously."

"so much?"

Wang Xin looked surprised.

Qi Shannian nodded. "The Hu people chose to launch a strong attack, and each time we repelled them. After the third attack failed, the Hu people chose to retreat."

It seems the Hu people have been provoked.

Wang Xin had a pretty good idea of ​​the reason.

The clerks Zheng Ang and Xue Ke, who were initially incredulous, were overjoyed when they realized what was happening.

Xue Ke asked with concern, "What are our casualties?"

When the topic of casualties came up, Qi Shannian sighed and said with dissatisfaction, "The casualties are not small, more than three hundred people."

Nearly three thousand Hu people were killed or wounded, while the Hu themselves suffered more than three hundred casualties.

The ratio is close to 10 to 1.

A resounding victory.

Xue Ke and Zheng Ang didn't know how to start the conversation.

To say I'm sad would be too fake.

Saying I'm happy feels inappropriate.

Qi Shannian looked at the general and said, "The casualties are mainly among the militia."

Wang Xin nodded in understanding.

If it weren't for the power of firearms, the militia's fighting strength wouldn't be stronger than that of the Hu people.

Farmers who till the land are no match for hunters.

The two sides are now in a state of hostility.

The vast majority of farmers are killed by hunters.

Even a well-trained farmer is no match for a hunter who makes a living by hunting.

The same applies to the Hu people.

The Hu people were born on horseback, and their lifestyle and output made them qualified warriors.

Farmers who cultivate the land need training that provides them with resources in order to keep up with, or even surpass, the fighting prowess of the Hu people.

This is the significance of firearms.

This greatly narrowed the gap.

The bows and arrows used by hunters and the Hu people in their daily lives, and the advent of firearms, lowered the threshold for long-range killing power, much like the emergence of assembly line production, which allowed a large number of ordinary people to join industrial production.

Farmers who cultivate the land and hunters are nearly on the same level in terms of martial prowess.

"Go back and tell Liu Tong that he did a good job."

Wang Xin gave the instructions.

"Here."

"The construction of Yunchuan City cannot be delayed either. The Hu people suffered heavy casualties this time and will be unable to harass us for a long time to come. We should take this opportunity to speed up the construction."

Wang Xin did not disclose the subsequent arrangements.

The number of Hu people attacking Yunchuan City reached tens of thousands, with nearly three thousand casualties and more than seven thousand remaining.

However, the first to attack are usually young and strong men.

Moreover, after such a crushing defeat, morale was shattered and it would be difficult to restore it in a short period of time. Without morale, it would be impossible to organize an attack.

Next.

All is ready except for the opportunity.

Once Yunchuan City is completed and supplies are stored there, providing a stable rear base for the frontline forces, the Datong Western Army can continue its advance into the desert.

With the victory in this war, the schedule for attacking Osaka can be brought forward by six months.

Qi Shannian returned with Wang Xin's orders.

The good news from Yunchuan City spread quickly.

This victory was not only a military victory, but especially a victory for Juzhongchang.

"Good news."

Zhou Shiming was in his own courtyard.

Someone came to visit, looking hurried but unable to hide their joy.

"What's the good news?"

Zhou Shiming smiled broadly when he saw his old friend.

"We won the battle."

The person arrived immediately after receiving the message.

He took out half of his own money and followed Zhou Shiming into Juzhongchang.

"You're finally at ease, aren't you?"

Zhou Shifeng joked, "It's only fifty or sixty thousand taels of silver, why are you so worried, running to my house every day?"

The man wasn't angry. He retorted, "Our family can't compare to your Zhou family. Besides, fifty or sixty thousand taels of silver is enough for an ordinary family of five. If we calculate it as sixty years per generation, that's enough for seventy or eighty generations to eat and drink. How could I not care about such a large sum of money?"

In just over a year, they raised funds three times, totaling more than one million taels of silver.

The Zhou family is wealthy and powerful, but they wouldn't invest their entire fortune in it, nor do they have that much cash on hand.

Besides, we're all of the same ilk, there's no reason for me to eat alone.

Therefore, the number of owners of Juzhongchang did not decrease, but increased. The initial two or three hundred thousand taels of silver raised suddenly became more than one million taels.

The man was overjoyed and exclaimed, "This time, the profits from Rabbit Hair River are guaranteed!"

There are two major risks in investing in the desert.

One is natural disaster.

In order to minimize the impact of natural disasters, the number of herders is strictly controlled. Since the land is free and they didn't spend any money, they are very generous when distributing grazing land, thus increasing the herders' ability to withstand natural disasters.

The second risk is that the Western Army of Datong suffers a defeat and loses territory.

That is also the biggest risk.

It's like the investment was wasted.

If it weren't for Wang Xin's astonishing performance since arriving in Datong, very few people would have dared to do it this way.

The safest risk is still trade.

Even if they are robbed, they will only lose a batch of goods; it won't be a serious financial blow, much less a complete loss.

"It seems the pace in the Shanyu region is about to accelerate. I'm afraid they'll start raising funds again in less than three months," Zhou Shiming thought, looking even further ahead.

It's not just about making money.

It also has influence over the equity control of Juzhongchang.

As originally agreed.

The military accounts for 30%.

The Xue family owns 20%.

Wang Xin holds half the share.

The Zhou family owns 20%.

The Zhang family accounts for 10%.

The Li family owns 10%.

Then there were other smaller merchants, most of whom did not hold shares but were allowed to trade with Juzhongchang in Zhenlu City.

It can be used for fundraising through number theory.

The military's strength has been reduced to 20%.

The Xue family's share dropped to 15%.

After discussion, everyone decided to keep General Wang Xin's half-price, which was a way of currying favor with Wang Xin.

The Zhou family's share also dropped to 15%.

The Zhang family and the Li family each take half.

The remaining companies each account for 25%.

In just one year, the value of their shares alone has more than doubled.

If I were to put my initial investment of over ten taels of silver up for sale now, I'm sure someone would be willing to take it on. It could easily fetch three hundred thousand taels of silver. But I'd have to be crazy to sell it.

With the stability of the Tu Mao Chuan area, and given the current output, we can recoup our investment in three years. For the next ten years or so, we'll make huge profits every year, not to mention the monopoly on procurement.

You can make money while sitting at home.

Not to mention the influence of Juzhongchang, and the role of Zhenlu City and Yunchuan City.

But then...

The Shanyu region is much larger than the Tu Mao Chuan region, and many areas are even more fertile than the Tu Mao Chuan region.

The faster you invest, the faster you make money.

The wealth generated from developing the Shanyu region would likely exceed one million taels.

Could it be that the silver winter melon, which was hidden in the cellar by the Zhou family, could only be dug up and used according to ancestral family rules, unless the family suffered a disaster or encountered an insurmountable obstacle?
"No."

Zhou Shiming shook his head.

I fear many members of my tribe will disagree, and I will need to explain this to them in detail.

However, if they don't use it, the Zhou family won't have much silver left in their accounts. Are they just going to watch their share decline?
Zhou Shiming felt somewhat regretful.

I shouldn't have been tempted by Wang Xin and only thought about making money quickly.

If Wang Xin were so capable and things were going so smoothly, they should have agreed from the beginning that the money would be divided among the families, instead of raising funds and investing in order to quickly acquire wealth.

What was I thinking back then?

Damn it. Zhou Shiming was increasingly filled with regret.

I wish I could slap myself twice.

What I thought was a prudent move at the time now seems ridiculous.

That person knew what was troubling Zhou Shiming.

He doesn't have that kind of trouble.

They are self-aware enough to know that they are not qualified to get involved in Juzhongchang, and they can just be small shareholders who get the scraps.

If we raised funds at that time...

Should I continue to follow up?
If you don't follow suit, the money will be divided up by others, and you won't be happy about that.

If we follow up...

They invested all of their family's assets.

Whether they live a life of luxury or end up destitute, everything depends on the Western Army of Datong.

The man hesitated.

Everyone knows the principle of not putting all your eggs in one basket.

The profits this time are simply too substantial.

If you miss this opportunity, who knows how many years it will be before another one comes along?

Didn't you see that Zhou Shiming is in trouble?

That person couldn't help but follow in his footsteps and also began to struggle, unsure of what to do.

"Another victory?"

Governor's Yamen.

Upon hearing the news of the victory of the Western Army in Datong, Zhang Wenjin's expression became complicated.

Zhai Wen's expression was also not good.

After arriving in Datong, Wang Xin repeatedly distinguished himself in battle.

How long has it been since the establishment of the Western Army in Datong?
He has made another great contribution.

Nearly three thousand Hu people were wiped out. Normally, this would be a once-in-a-decade victory for Datong, but now it's happening too frequently, and no one seems to find it particularly surprising anymore.

The key point is that the Western Army of Datong did this.

It makes them look so incompetent.

What does the imperial court think of them?
Zhang Wenjin glanced at Zhai Wen, knowing that Zhai Wen and Wang Xin had a good relationship in private, and said with a forced smile, "With Wang Xin around, the court can ignore us. Congratulations."

Zhai Wen dared not ignore his superior's dissatisfaction and said with a wry smile, "I have served in Datong for many years and shared its glory and disgrace. What is there to be happy about?"

Zhang Wenjin also knew that she was displaced her anger.

He asked the imperial court for 500,000 taels of silver before the new year.

Given his connections and the situation in Datong, even if the imperial court doesn't give him the full amount, it will at least allocate 300,000 taels of silver.

With these 300,000 taels of silver, and having fed the people below, who would dare disobey me?

As a result of Wang Xin, the matter was delayed.

Now, the Western Army has achieved another great victory at Datong.

If the Western Army of Datong continues like this, will the imperial court still need them?

How can they then ask the imperial court for money?
"Go to the area outside the pass."

Zhang Wenjin sighed and didn't make things difficult for Zhai Wen any further.

"I wonder what Your Excellency has arranged for me to go to the border region for?" Zhai Wen did not refuse.

"Go and see."

“That Zhenlu City, and Yunchuan City under construction.”

Zhang Wenjin said calmly.

Zhai Wen was startled. Was the governor about to make a move? He quickly looked up to check Zhang Wenjin's expression, trying to figure out what was going on.

Zhang Wenjin is a man of deep thoughts, and his expression reveals nothing of his mind.

Zhai Wen was at a loss for what to do.

Should he choose to help Wang Xin, or obediently follow the governor's orders?
Zhang Wenjin didn't care about Zhai Wen's thoughts.

The goal was simply to use Zhai Wen to get the names of Zhenlu City and Yunchuan City appear on official documents in Datong.

If it were someone else...

If Wang Xin could see through his thoughts, he might not be able to come back.

The area outside the pass is the area outside the pass.

Inside the pass is inside the pass.

Two different worlds.

The inner world has rules, but the outer world has no rules.

This is why the Nine Border Garrisons are so unruly, unlike the obedient armies in the interior.

Including Liaodong.

Things that are difficult to do inside the pass can be done without restraint outside the pass. Not to mention framing colleagues, they can directly assassinate them from behind and then pin the blame on the Hu people—an open secret.

Nobody bothered to investigate.

It can't be checked either.

Since we can't do anything to Wang Xin, let's send him to another place.

Get them away quickly.

Zhang Wenjin remained calm.

There are plenty of ways to deal with military generals.

They can't turn the tide.

Due to the constant instability, herders in Tu Mao Chuan have been frequently attacked.

"According to the merchant's statistics, more than 200 households have been affected by the disaster, with about 50 households suffering the most severe damage and 34 households suffering less severe damage." A manager of Juzhongchang looked at Wang Xin respectfully.

"The most recent attack was last month. The head of that household, Liu Er, was killed by the Hu people. Although only one person died, a lot of cattle and sheep were lost."

Five or six days have passed since the great victory at Yunchuan City.

Count the days.

It just so happened that those Hu people left and then joined the army to attack Yunchuan City.

To avoid causing significant population losses to the enemy.

The instability of the Tuge River will continue.

More than a year has passed.

The losses are probably less than one-tenth, and the extent of the losses varies, but overall, it is still very profitable for the business.

The cattle and sheep suffered the most damage.

As for the herdsmen.

Although it takes effort and resources to cultivate them, their value is limited.

There are just too many people in the Great Zhou.

The number of disaster victims is countless.

The business can afford to lose money.

The business can ignore it.

Just like during the Industrial Revolution, British merchants didn't care about the cost of workers because workers were so cheap.

But I can't just ignore it.

The only way is to win the battle.

Once the enemy is eliminated, the losses will naturally cease.

Wang Xin smiled and said, "I have a suggestion, but I don't know if I should say it."

The shopkeeper smiled and said, "General Wang is also the owner. Of course, the owner can discuss matters concerning the business."

"Although the merchants lost money due to the disaster, it was due to force majeure. These herders have already gained experience and integrated into the land they were allocated. Replacing them would not only require retraining but also waste time."

Wang Xin carefully analyzed the advantages and disadvantages.

The shopkeeper had already understood Wang Xin's idea.

Losses caused by force majeure do not require compensation.

At first, the owners thought they had gotten a good deal.

After all, Wang Xin was holding a knife.

Everyone is worried that he will turn on them.

The conditions he proposed himself restricted him, meaning that he wouldn't have to compensate for any losses the business suffered due to force majeure in the future, and everyone would have a reason to fight against him.

But no one expected it.

The trading company absorbed the losses first, so the herders didn't have to pay compensation.

I admire them.

The shopkeeper was still a little curious.

Talk about it.

Wang Xin is also the owner of the business. If he does this, won't he be losing money himself?
Are there really people who don't love money?

The shopkeeper was somewhat skeptical.

Those who are usually benevolent and righteous, concerned about family, country and the world, with the sounds of wind, rain and reading filling their ears, and who care about family affairs, national affairs and world affairs, shouting all kinds of slogans loudly, are all shining with gold.

In reality, who isn't greedy?

When embracing a beautiful woman in private, who doesn't reveal their ugly side?

What kind of person is General Wang?

The shopkeeper was very curious.

(End of this chapter)