The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 309 Invincible

"Boom~~~"

A sudden thunderstorm in broad daylight.

Raindrops fall to the ground, turning into steam before they even wet the ground. In an instant, a wave of heat rises from the ground, carrying the smell of earth, yet with a refreshing and invigorating quality.

As Wang Xin drank his herbal tea, thinking about the light rain, he couldn't help but feel a little sad.

Without the massive reservoirs of later generations, and without well-constructed, electricity-rich irrigation systems, the Great Zhou Dynasty, despite having many waterwheels and canals, still largely relied on the weather for its water supply.

Most farmland needs sufficient rainfall and ample sunshine during the summer to yield a good harvest.

Strong winds, less rain, and fewer sunny days will all affect the grain harvest.

But in the end, there were still gains.

What I fear most is a severe disaster.

The Gyeonggi region has not seen rain for a long time, and even several prefectures and counties in Shandong are experiencing severe drought, with signs of the White Lotus sect appearing.

Not to mention northern Shaanxi.

There's little rain here, and probably even less over there.

A thunderclap in broad daylight.

Thunder, little rain.

This rain has extinguished the hopes in the hearts of the people.

"I've heard that General Zhang is highly regarded by the Grand Secretary. Countless people want to see the Grand Secretary, but few succeed. Yet General Zhang returned to the capital with ease. I wonder why the Grand Secretary values ​​you so much?"

Sudden.

An official broke the silence in the room.

Jia Zheng and Lu Zhongheng's expressions suddenly changed.

This was what they were most worried about, and they had been trying to gloss over it.

Wu Wenhua turned around at the door, glanced at the official, and then his gaze fell on Wang Xin.

As mentioned earlier, Wang Xin remembered this official.

Zheng Guoliang, a sixth-rank official in the Ministry of Works.

In fact, the identities of the officials present also reveal that the main members of Lin Ruhai and Jia Zheng's circle were primarily from within the Ministry of Works.

The Ministry of Works was responsible for the Grand Canal transport, and Lin Ruhai, as the Salt Commissioner, was constantly dealing with the Grand Canal transport.

Among them was Wu Wenhua, the highest-ranking official present. He is now the Supervising Censor of Zhejiang Province. He first entered officialdom by observing politics in the Ministry of Works and came from the Ministry of Works.

These people belong to the circle within the Ministry of Works, but the circle within the Ministry of Works is not limited to their own.

This is politics.

Just like ordinary people.

Small circles are formed by three or five close friends, and small circles exist within the same industry.

They also exchange resources, share what they have, and help each other.

People with connections not only have a long career in the industry, but they can also rise through the ranks with ease.

This was also the reason why Wang Xin wanted to join the army.

Joining the military has many advantages and disadvantages, but the strict hierarchy of the military makes it easier to build the army you want, although there will be many twists and turns, which is impossible at the level of a civil servant.

It's much more difficult than joining the army.

Whether it was Li Chengliang or Qi Jiguang.

They all have their own circles.

However, they have their own way of doing things.

Even exaggerating a little.

Nurhaci initially mingled within Li Chengliang's circle.

Wang Xin put down his teacup.

I don't need to rely on any particular circle, but if I want to get things done, I inevitably have to deal with people from various circles and persuade them to support me or at least not hinder me.

"I am currently a deputy commander in the Beijing Garrison. Grand Secretary Zhang is keen to reorganize the Beijing Garrison, and I happen to have caught his eye. He believes I can be of help to him, so he is willing to support me in many matters."

Wang Xin said calmly.

After listening, Zheng Guoliang remained silent and looked at Wu Wenhua.

Wu Wenhua sat back down and listened intently, his brows furrowing as he listened, his expression gradually turning grim.

Wang Xin had no idea how they viewed Zhang Jipu's reorganization of the Beijing garrison.

However, Wang Xin knew that many officials privately supported Zhang Jifu not because of the retired emperor, but because they supported Zhang Jifu in consolidating military power as a civil official, which would benefit all civil officials.

Regardless of who is in the cabinet in the future, military power will be in the hands of the civil officials themselves.

They've seized military power; it probably won't be long before they do.

The death penalty or exile for official corruption must be abolished. Although official corruption has reached such a level now, the fact that the law is still in place is unsettling.

Regardless of the dynasty or era, it is inevitable that someone will be in power.

Wang Xin also didn't believe he could stop it.

This is also why I dared to get close to Zhang Jifu. Even the officials on the emperor's side were happy about this, at most they wouldn't show it on the surface.

Wu Wenhua didn't dwell on that matter and instead asked about something else.

“You want to launch a northern expedition, but even if you succeed, you will likely suffer heavy losses and gain little. The court will not acknowledge your merits. Is it really necessary?” Wu Wenhua said with a smile.

The rise of civil officials is now a certainty.

Once Zhang Jifu has reorganized the Beijing garrison, his position will be even more unshakeable.

This miracle in the eyes of the civil officials was the fundamental reason for Zhang Jifu's rising prestige, and the vast majority of civil officials hoped that Zhang Jifu would accomplish it.

Therefore, it would be a pipe dream to expect civil officials to acknowledge the merits of military generals.

The achievements of military generals must be accomplished under the leadership of civil officials; the leader is the one who deserves the most credit.

Seeing that Wu Wenhua did not pursue the original issue further, Jia Zheng and Lu Zhongheng breathed a sigh of relief. The matter was over, and given Wang Xin's character, everything would proceed smoothly and everyone would be happy.

How many years have I been in the Great Zhou?

Wang Xin sometimes couldn't remember.

There are so many things I can't stand, yet I feel powerless to do anything about them.

Because Wang Xin knew that trying hard was useless.

Ultimately, he chose to join the army.

Take the path that you think is simple, and do what you want to do.

If it were an ordinary person, without their own conditions and advantages, they would never act on their own whims.

Feng Yong, relying on his own abilities, also rose from the bottom and governed Datong for more than ten or twenty years. In a fair comparison, I am probably not as good as him.

And there's Yan Zhongzheng, who I want to come to my side.

This man rose from a lowly soldier to his current position through killing enemies, flattery, and intelligence, gaining recognition. Only he knows the hardships he endured.

Like Naramin.

He died before leaving the army.

Even outstanding people cannot live freely.

"Isn't it necessary?"

Wang Xin asked back.

Wu Wenhua was stunned.

Lu Zhongheng suddenly raised his head, and Jia Zheng also looked surprised.

That tone doesn't sound very good.

Wu Wenhua chuckled and asked, "Is it necessary?"

Wang Xin sighed. The tension that had been building up inside him seemed to snap.

“There is a county called Baishui in northern Shaanxi. This county has suffered from disasters for many years and has relied on the allocation of grain from various prefectures to cope with the crisis. The governor of Shaanxi had no choice but to ask the imperial court for help. The imperial court has been affected by the Japanese pirates in recent years and has been in debt for many years. It also has no surplus grain and can only delay.”

In fact, not all areas of Baishui County suffered a complete crop failure. As long as the county magistrate was willing to take responsibility and pressure the wealthy households in the area to contribute money and grain, and with the support of various prefectures, the county was able to raise 100,000 shi of grain.

I heard that this county magistrate spent 30,000 taels of silver to acquire land in his hometown, totaling 100,000 shi of grain. He took 30,000 taels of silver to his hometown to buy his own land; how much was wasted in the process, I have no idea.”

Everyone was silent.

Zheng Guoliang stared at Wang Xin and asked impatiently, "What do you want to say?"

Ignoring Lu Zhongheng's expression, Wang Xin calmly said, "His embezzlement of silver is secondary; what's terrible is that during his years in office, disaster relief in Baishui County was completely delayed, missing the best opportunity for self-rescue. Two hundred thousand people were displaced, and people died every day."

"You can tell Grand Secretary Zhang and ask him to punish this person."

Wu Wenhua wasn't angry; she told Wang Xin with a smile.

Wang Xin shook his head.

He knew what Wu Wenhua was thinking.

No official was arrested for corruption; the only reason was that their powerful backer fell from grace and they had to vacate their position.

"I am a warrior, and there is only so much I can do. Eliminating the enemy is my duty. I will do my best to help the country by eliminating the Japanese pirates and the barbarians. I believe that by doing so, I can help the disaster victims."

"I never expected General Wang to still have such a pure heart. It's truly rare."

Zheng Guoliang said with a forced smile.

Wu Wenhua waved his hand, "It's truly rare to find someone as sincere as General Wang." Then he looked at Jia Zheng and said, "Cunzhou, the person you've chosen is indeed quite good; he does resemble you somewhat."

Cunzhou was Jia Zheng's courtesy name.

Jia Zheng quickly smiled and said, "General Wang is young and has had a smooth life these past few years. Please forgive him if he speaks inappropriately."

Wu Wenhua didn't mind, and out of respect for Jia Zheng, everyone smiled.

Wang Xin couldn't laugh.

The things that I care about most, and the things that I think officials should care about most, are actually things that officials don't care about at all.

Shortly after.

Wu Wenhua and the others left.

Their sedan chair bearers carried the sedan chairs, each person sitting in one. Jia Zheng followed them away, as he would need to handle the rest of the matter. Lu Zhongheng, however, stayed behind.

"Brother Xin, we've known each other for five years now."

Lu Zhongheng sighed.

"Yeah, time flies."

"Unconsciously, I have changed a lot, but Brother Xin has never changed." Lu Zhongheng said as if he were chatting about family matters, and then said, "But in the end, there is still some helplessness. What should be said and what should not be said depends on the occasion."

There was a hint of resentment in his words.

Wang Xin's complaints in front of everyone were not only useless, but also annoying and delayed things.

If they talk about it privately, Lu Zhongheng can appreciate it, provided it doesn't interfere with his work.

Wang Xin understood Lu Zhongheng's anger.

Every family has its own troubles. In officialdom, officials do protect each other, but if you want to advance your career, it's sometimes easy and sometimes difficult, especially under the emperor's nose, where everyone has their own specific role.

Zhou Daofeng served as the Grand Secretary for over twenty years, while countless others faded into obscurity.
No one wants to end up like that.

Like that scholar Mei Hanlin.

The reason he was willing to risk damaging his family's reputation to annul the engagement was because the Xue family had fallen on hard times and could no longer provide him with the support he needed, so he was willing to take the risk.

Lu Zhongheng has reached this point because he carries the expectations of many people, and he has no way out.

You can't afford to make a single mistake.

Because in officialdom, if you're slow to act, you'll be slow to act at every step.

Wang Xin looked at Lu Zhongheng and recalled the things the two of them had done together over the years, such as the Hexi Market.

"Life is short, only a few decades. How many things can we do as we please? The sun sets in the west, but it will always rise again. All I can do is to have no regrets. I would rather the world betray me first than I betray the world first."

Wang Xin looked somewhat dejected after he finished speaking.

Everyone has an ideal world in their heart. When reality is far from one's ideal world, or even when reality is a false world full of lies and evil, who can not feel lost?

In the Great Zhou Dynasty, Wang Xin witnessed far too much.

The accusatory look on Lu Zhongheng's face disappeared, replaced by shame and a hint of embarrassment.

"You're still you."

Lu Zhongheng sighed.

When he was in Yangzhou, he was just as carefree, and he didn't even want to participate in the imperial examinations.

When his reputation was questioned and everything went wrong, he eventually stepped into the officialdom under the guidance of his mentor. Gradually, he became powerless to control his own destiny, and every step he took was pushed along. Under the spotlight, who was he really?

Flowers may bloom again, but youth never returns! Ten thousand years is too long; seize the day!

Wang Xin revealed his determination.

I know my abilities are limited, so I'll start with the things around me, one thing at a time. Doing one thing well is better than a thousand words. As for how far I can go, I just need to make sure I have no regrets.

At least.

Now we have built an army that does not bully the people and dares to fight.

Lu Zhongheng suddenly raised his head, looked at Wang Xin in disbelief, and exclaimed in surprise, "You can also write poetry?"

"will not."

Wang Xin shook his head in denial.

“Sometimes, I admit I’m not as good as you, but I won’t lose to you.” Lu Zhongheng stopped probing and regained his confidence, saying bluntly.

"I believe."

Wang Xin laughed.

The seas are churning with furious clouds and waters; the five continents are shaking with thunder and lightning.

Eliminate all harmful pests.

Invincible.

As long as I'm alive, I'll keep fighting.

I'll be heading back to Datong soon.

"If I were Wang Xin, Datong would have fallen into our hands long ago."

In a manor.

The group drank tea and chatted, discussing what had just happened.

Upon hearing this, Jia Zheng sat up straight and listened intently, wondering what insightful opinion the other party had.

"First, I'll sit and watch Zhang Wenjin embezzle military pay. When that happens, the Yongxing Army will inevitably run into trouble. Even if Zhang Wenjin isn't transferred, he'll have no choice but to win over Wang Xin. Second, I won't be in a hurry to let the Hu people threaten Datong. I'll watch Zhang Wenjin make a fool of himself no matter what."

The Western Army of Datong is capable in battle, and Wang Xin is a skilled commander. What is there to be afraid of? There's nothing to be afraid of.

Hahaha.

The greater the disaster that befalls Datong, the more likely Wang Xin will take action, and we'll cheer him on from behind, creating a powerful momentum. He might even become a military governor, let alone a general. It's a pity he's too young and rather naive.”

Zheng Guoliang shook his head.

Jia Zheng listened attentively at first, but after half of it he could hardly listen anymore.

Although he was not from a civil service background, he always demanded high moral standards of himself. On the other hand, Zheng Guoliang, despite his good name, was a proper civil service official, and he looked down on Zheng's way of doing things.

Unfortunately, in the eyes of outsiders, he was not as good as her.

Although he was only a sixth-rank official while I was a fifth-rank official, his status was higher than mine simply because he came from a proper imperial examination background.

Wu Wenhua seemed lost in thought.

No one could figure out what he was thinking.

(End of this chapter)