The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 319 Wang Xin, who bullies others by abusing his power

The Datong Western Army numbered 12,000, the Tiancheng Army 18,000, and the Yongxing Army had the largest number, nearly 30,000.

Most of the supplies were delivered to Datong.

Zhang Wenjin was also worried about the supply lines being cut off, so he set up a large stockade in Fengzhou to store grain and fodder, with at least 200,000 shi of grain, which was still being continuously transported from the rear.

The military rations supplied to the Western Army in Datong mainly came from Shanxi. The ration route passed through Yanmen Pass, along Shuozhou, Mayi, Zuoyun, Niuxinshan, and out of Weiyuan Pass, passing through the cities of Zhenlu and Yunchuan, with the final destination being Dabansheng.

The Tiancheng Army lacked the advantages of the Datong Western Army and was controlled by the Yongxing Army. Unlike Wang Xin, its provisions were entirely allocated by Zhang Wenjin.

Wang Xin was well prepared.

The army had many sources of food and provisions.

Besides the fact that 40% of the grain came from Shanxi and 20% from Datong (which were grains allocated by the imperial court), the remaining 40% came from Juzhongchang.

Let's put it another way.

The grain that should have been 100% complete actually only reached 60% of its intended quantity by the time it reached Wang Xin.

It's down by a full 40%.

This was also a drawback of the Great Zhou Dynasty inheriting from the Ming Dynasty.

In the Ming Dynasty, taxes were shared equally between the imperial court and local governments. Therefore, along the route of the army's march, the counties along the way supplied provisions and fodder, or the imperial court assigned corvée labor and levies to the counties, which were initially paid by the local governments and then recouped through tax reductions in the future based on the consumption.

This approach reduces the burden of transportation, alleviates the strain on the people, and is highly efficient, among other benefits.

This can be considered a good method.

But what if the place is completely rotten?

Others may not know, but Wang Xin knows very well.

There are various theories about why the Ming Dynasty fell, but in reality, it was simply that local interest groups lost control and seized all the interests of the people—a phenomenon that has remained unchanged for thousands of years.

Human nature is eternal.

This system in the Ming Dynasty worked very well in the early stages, but in the later stages, when the local interest groups became completely corrupt, it became a bottomless pit.

The 40% of taxes originally allocated to local governments was entirely embezzled and squandered by vested interests.

Instead of fulfilling their duties and responsibilities, local officials have turned into a malignant organization that extorts money from the people without providing any benefit to the populace.

The loopholes are getting bigger and the contradictions are getting deeper.

In the end, the helpless imperial court could only use 60% of its tax revenue, which should have been used for the court's own affairs, to subsidize the local areas, but the local areas were already bottomless pits.

This explains the famous dispute over the imperial treasury during the Ming Dynasty, where officials frequently asked the emperor for money, but the emperor was unwilling to use his own imperial treasury.

Actually.

The local interest groups are rotten to the core, and the interest groups within the imperial court are just as rotten to the core.

This is also why Emperor Chongzhen lamented that all civil officials could be killed before he hanged himself.

Leaving aside everything else, let's focus solely on military matters.

During the late Ming Dynasty, the Ming army was like a mountain of excrement; if left undisturbed, it was fine, but once the army set out, it was all over and a mutiny was inevitable.

Because the local governments had long since embezzled all the military provisions that should have been provided by the local authorities, they were unable to provide provisions for the passing troops.

This system in the Ming Dynasty meant that when the army was on the march, it could only rely on the local county governments to provide provisions. If the local county governments dared not provide provisions, the army itself had no way to solve the problem.

This creates a deadlock.

The army had only one option: mutiny or starvation.

In other words, soldiers can only survive by becoming bandits.

Since the Great Zhou inherited the legacy of the Great Ming, what drawbacks would it have, and what arguments would be made against these drawbacks? Wang Xin dared not say he was completely clear on these issues, but he had a general idea. Although he wasn't an expert, amateur science is still science, after all.

But was it during the Jiajing period, the Wanli period, or the Tianqi period?
It couldn't possibly be during the Chongzhen era.

It's only been a century since then.

Wang Xin dared not make a decision, preferring to be a dog in times of peace rather than a man in times of chaos.

Anyone who starts a period of chaos during times of peace, regardless of their reasons—whether it's a peasant uprising or a desperate struggle for survival—will not gain a good reputation.

Solving problems is always more appreciated than creating them.

Wang Xin didn't want to create problems; he only wanted to solve them.

How do we solve this problem?
Empty talk harms the country, while hard work builds it.

These eight words are probably familiar to many people, but whether they have the luck to achieve great things is another matter.

Wang Xin never bothered with things that were too far away. What was the use of complaining when things were out of reach? But he would always try his best to solve the problems right under his nose.

With this understanding, Wang Xin's approach to things has remained unchanged.

Fengzhou Camp.

Tiancheng's army had already arrived, but Wang Xin was late.

at this time.

At least 50,000 soldiers were stationed in Fengzhou, not counting the more than 20,000 civilians already there. The camp stretched for miles, with flags covering the mountains, a truly magnificent sight.

"The Western Army of Datong has arrived!"

The once calm and uneventful Fengzhou camp, like a stone dropped into water, finally stirred.

Different from anywhere else.

Wang Xin led 7,000 men, whose elite troops went without saying. Even the militia were fully equipped, and most eye-catching of them were the fact that most of the militia carried a brand-new musket.

In addition to their own weapons, both cavalry and infantry were uniformly issued a waist knife.

Moreover, the Western Army of Datong had a large number of mule and horse caravans.

The force of 7,000 men consisted of more than 250 wagons used to pull the supply wagons. Each supply wagon had two militiamen. The supply wagons were different from other armored vehicles, so most of them were made of yellow oxen, and there were not many water buffaloes.

In addition to supply wagons, there were more than 380 sidecars and quasi-front wagons.

These vehicles were not all driven by livestock; most were propelled by militiamen.

Wang Xin was accompanied by a hundred mounted messengers, who were also his personal guards, followed by a force of about two thousand men, all cavalry in armor, roughly sixteen or seventeen hundred men carrying three-eyed muskets on their horses.

Then there were sixteen general cannons, eighty enemy-annihilating cannons, and two hundred and fifty-six Portuguese cannons.

I recognize everything.

With such a wide variety and such a large quantity, it's easy to see things that are completely unfamiliar to people.

Even the laziest soldier couldn't help but hold his breath and stare intently at the Datong Western Army's ranks when he saw them making such a commotion.

Ten miles of continuous camps.

Zhang Wenjin came to greet them personally, and Hu Liyong was at the very front of the crowd behind him.

Hu Liyong squinted, his thoughts unreadable.

However, everyone was quiet, and even though Zhang Wenjin had a smile on her face, her eyes were somewhat dazed.

"No wonder everyone says Wang Xin is a great fighter; it must have cost a fortune."

Some people couldn't help but feel emotional.

"Yes."

"Tsk, tsk."

It was as if she had opened a floodgate of conversation.

"Anyone can learn from General Wang; everyone keeps servants, but who can be as generous as General Wang?"

Tao Sheng, standing in the crowd, couldn't help but retort.

Although he couldn't bear the hardship of following Wang Xin, he was absolutely forbidden from taking money. Without these rules, how could he support his family?

Even after leaving Wang Xin, Tao Sheng's admiration for him did not diminish.

Many people rarely refuted Tao Sheng's words.

"Greetings, Governor-General."

Upon seeing Zhang Wenjin in the distance, Wang Xin quickly dismounted and rushed over to pay his respects.

Zhang Wenjin was promoted to Governor-General of Datong, commanding the three armies. Although he still held the title of Governor and Censor, everyone knew that as long as the suppression of the Hu was successful, he would soon become a high-ranking official of the second rank in the imperial court.

Civil officials are becoming increasingly valuable, while military generals are becoming increasingly devalued.

Wang Ziteng used to be the governor of nine provinces, which is a first-rank official. However, because of his noble status, he became worthless.

"Please get up quickly."

Zhang Wenjin smiled and helped Wang Xin up, her face beaming with joy.

He felt a mix of emotions. Wang Xin was indeed a good helper; without Wang Xin's plan, how could he have been promoted so easily?

If the campaign against the Hu is successfully completed, then as Li Chengxian stated in his letter, as a civil official leading a large army, he will be the first person in the Great Zhou Dynasty to pave the way for his colleagues and create a bright future.

Wang Xin stood up and, upon seeing Hu Liyong, offered his hands in greeting.

"General Hu."

"Ah."

Hu Liyong nodded, but not very warmly.

Wang Xin didn't care.

at this time.

The main force of Datong was in the Fengzhou camp. Now that things had come to this, the strategy of pacifying the Hu was irreversible. However, how to fight next was something that the group needed to discuss.

Follow the authority in urgent matters.

After settling in, Zhang Wenjin invited Wang Xin and Hu Liyong over, and the three of them discussed things privately.

"According to the information we have gathered, Ou Yanhu has already led his troops south."

Zhang Wenjin said, "The original plan was for most of our troops to reach the Xiaohuang River, make a commotion in the Abushan area, destroy Ouyanhu's rear, force him to return to his camp, and ruin his plan to unify the Hu people."

We haven't even reached the Little Yellow River yet, and this man has already led his troops back. What should we do next? Fight or retreat?

"Of course, we'll retreat."

Hu Liyong said urgently, "The army doesn't have much food left, but we've already achieved merit and can report back to the court. Besides, we've already accomplished our goal. I don't believe Ou Yanhu can break through our defenses."

Zhang Wenjin hesitated and wavered.

The Hu people are very active, and if their army were to be defeated outside the pass under my command, I would be absolutely unable to bear the responsibility.

As Hu Liyong said, the credit has been earned and the objective has been achieved. To be on the safe side, it is indeed possible to withdraw. Taking advantage of the Datong border fortress, the risks will be greatly reduced.

Zhang Wenjin couldn't help but look at Wang Xin.

Wang Xin shook his head. "Our three divisions together have a total of 60,000 troops, while Ou Yanhu has at most 70,000 to 80,000. Although it seems like we have more people, there are actually many new recruits, and the morale is even more unstable. We may fall apart if we encounter even a small setback."

That makes sense, Zhang Wenjin couldn't help but nod.

If we can defeat Ou Yanhu, the benefits will be numerous, and it's not impossible for him to join the cabinet in the future.

On one hand, there is stability; on the other hand, there is high risk and high reward.

Zhang Wenjin hesitated.

Seeing this, Hu Liyong said bluntly, "General Wang advocates war because he has privately forged several cities outside the Great Wall and has the benefits of Juzhongchang. However, I have a question for General Wang."

"General, you're too kind. Please go on."

Wang Xin was not angry; his attitude remained calm.

Snakes have snake ways, rats have rat ways.

In those days, you couldn't count on the government's money, nor could you count on the local governments. Everyone had to use their own methods. As long as the soldiers were fed, they were considered good generals.

If Wang Xin wanted to fight a war but couldn't get his soldiers to produce supplies to save themselves, he had no choice but to resort to crooked methods.

Moreover, it's a crooked path that doesn't harm morality or reason.

Hu Liyong changed his attitude, and as if because of Wang Xin's amiability, he sighed, "Speaking of not long ago, you sent your men to come and help me. Although I didn't need them, I appreciate your kindness."

“We cannot ignore the danger to our friendly forces. Although the Tiancheng Army is formidable, we probably won’t need them. But we can’t be complacent.”

Wang Xin said with a smile.

He came to discuss pacifying the Hu people, not to make enemies with anyone.

You can't hit someone who's smiling; you should always give them some face.

Wang Xin's attitude is beyond reproach by both Zhang Wenjin and Hu Liyong.

Hu Liyong became serious. "From the moment General Wang pacified Dabansheng, to the moment our army mobilized and forced Ou Yanhu back from the far north, he was already a grasshopper in autumn, not long enough to live."

Zhang Wenjin was stunned, somewhat unable to understand, so he looked at Wang Xin.

Wang Xin did not refute, but said truthfully, "That is indeed the case."

Hu Liyong sighed.

His eyes revealed a complex expression.

He had been suppressed by Fatty Feng for most of his life. Finally, Fatty Feng left, but this young man appeared out of nowhere, and it was this man who forced Fatty Feng to leave.

This person has an incredibly sharp eye.

Ou Yanhu only revealed one flaw, and it wasn't even a big one, but this person seized on it and turned it into Ou Yanhu's Achilles' heel.

The key is to actually get him to do it.

Ou Yanhu, without any roots or stable territory, couldn't afford to let the newly surrendered tribes starve. He couldn't break through the Datong border defenses, so what good would it do to regain Dabansheng?

Cattle and sheep are not farms; their reproduction rate is limited to one year.

In short.

Even if Ou Yanhu successfully reclaims Dabansheng, his strength will be greatly diminished. The Hu people have had a tough few years, and it will take at least three to five years to return to their peak.

"Who knows what the situation will be like in three to five years? Ou Yanhu is definitely going to fight desperately now. Even if we defeat Ou Yanhu and exhaust our resources, who will still take us seriously?"

Hu Liyong looked at Wang Xin.

This argument might convince military generals, but it might not convince civil officials.

Even if the Datong military town is wiped out, as long as Ou Yanhu is defeated, Zhang Wenjin will continue to promote him, which will not harm his interests at all, but will only benefit him.

Only military generals.

These days, whose servants aren't painstakingly recruited?

The light will obscure it.

A general without servants is like a toothless tiger; he loses his purpose and becomes like a lazy dog, despised by everyone. His so-called merits are more about his own value.

Who would waste their energy on a general who has no value?

“Dabansheng, the Shanyu region, and the Tumaochuan area have a population of nearly 100,000. How can we easily let them be taken away?” Wang Xin retorted.

"Then we should move all the population back to the interior of the pass."

"What should we use to raise them?"

Hu Liyong remained silent.

Wang Xin looked at Zhang Wenjin and asked, "With 100,000 disaster victims pouring into Datong, would the Governor-General be willing to allow it?"

Zhang Wenjin, of course, refused.

Hu Liyong became anxious.

"Is it worth it to exchange 50,000 or 60,000 troops for 100,000 disaster victims?"

The 100,000 disaster victims were not all young adults.

Among the herders, families usually live together, with an average of five or six people per household. Out of 100,000 herders, there are approximately 30,000 young and middle-aged people.

But that’s not how the accounts work out.

Wang Xin's attitude was firm and unwavering: "Defending the country and eliminating the barbarians is my inescapable duty, and I will die a worthy death."

Hu Liyong rolled his eyes.

It's one thing for a civil official to shout slogans, but why did a military man get so carried away?

These words are just meant to fool the common people.

Only ordinary people would believe that.

Ordinary people are far away from these things and are more likely to believe them.

Ignoring Hu Liyong, Wang Xin pulled out his trump card: "Grand Secretary Zhang and Chief Censor Li both support the suppression of the Hu. I urge Your Excellency to make a wise decision."

Zhang Wenjin no longer hesitated.

Hu Liyong was helpless and furious. He hated these sons of noble families the most, who repeatedly used their power to bully others because of their deep connections.

Even a general like him couldn't reach those two.

Wang Xin was merely a military officer; if it weren't for the connections with the four powerful families behind him, what right would he have to get close to those two?

Wang Xin didn't care.

Running around to advance, keeping a low profile in the capital—it wasn't all for a moment like this.

(End of this chapter)