The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 327 Separation
To be fair, Wang Xin didn't want to be busy every day.

If it weren't for the threat of Japanese pirates and barbarian invaders, Wang Xin believed he would most likely have lived a life of idleness and waiting for death.

With the conditions he has created so far, plus the support from Lin Ruhai and his circle, becoming a general shouldn't be a problem for him.

The key is that Lin Ruhai and Jia Zheng are not domineering and would not force others to do things against their will.

It would be very comfortable to live a quiet life behind closed doors.

The general is a second-rank official. According to the regulations of the imperial court, if the son can serve as a fourth-rank interpreter, he can inherit his father's position and start as a fourth-rank military officer. Even if he is not capable, he can live a life of ease and comfort.

His son had no skills whatsoever and lived off his family's wealth his whole life, yet his son still managed to become a sixth-rank official.

What else is there to complain about?

This is the advantage of being a general; as long as you don't rebel, your family line is guaranteed for at least three generations.

With a little effort, it's not difficult for children and grandchildren to continue for four or five generations.

By the time of Liu Bei, a member of the Han imperial family, even he had to weave straw sandals, let alone someone who was just a general.

This is also the foundation of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

For example, the generals of the Ming Dynasty's garrison repeatedly saved the Ming Dynasty from disaster, and many of them were outstanding figures in both civil and military affairs. Even the famous Zhang Juzheng and Qi Jiguang came from military families.

As for what will happen a hundred years from now.

Serve cold.

Can I really control things a hundred years from now?
As long as it's not the Qing Dynasty, it's fine.

The Qing dynasty's policy of governing with a small force inevitably suppressed the development of the main body of the state, which was a natural consequence of the situation.

Furthermore, this is a time of peace and tranquility. Those who are not in a position should not concern themselves with politics. As a soldier, what right do I have to talk about governing the country? It will only annoy people.

The biggest trouble actually lies with the retired emperor and the emperor.

In order to avoid ending up like Jia She and his ilk, one must think more carefully. The more bargaining chips one has, the more confident one will be in dealing with the situation.

Lin Ruhai's approach was correct; he went straight to the point: controlling the Beijing garrison would make both sides wary.

The reason for the downfall of the four great families was not the so-called bullying of men and women, loan sharking and murder, but that the four families completely lost their military power and had no bargaining chips in front of the emperor. Of course, they were used by the new emperor to make an example of them.

The primary responsibility lies with Wang Ziteng.

And then there was bad luck; a key figure like Lin Ruhai passed away from illness.

Lin Ruhai hoped that by seizing military power, many things would change, his confidence in the court would increase, and becoming the de facto commander-in-chief of the Beijing Garrison would make his position more important within his circle.

But it's not enough.

There are too many generals in the Beijing Garrison, and above them are four admirals, and above the admirals are the Five Military Commissions.
So how should the Western Army in Datong be settled?

As Wang Xin pondered, he seemed to be looking at something in the sky for confirmation.

Without further hesitation, Wang Xin asked Yan Zhongzheng and Zeng Zhi, one a scholar and the other a military officer, who had helped him with many tasks, "If I return to the capital and recommend Zhao Yong for promotion to the rank of Assistant General to take over the Datong Western Army, what do you think?"

Yan Zhongzheng and Zeng Zhi exchanged a glance.

Military power rested with the Ministry of War. What did military power mean? It included personnel appointments.

The promotion, transfer, and dismissal of any military officer were all controlled by the Ministry of War. Except before the Tang Dynasty, such as during the Tang Dynasty, the power of personnel and finance was in the hands of the military governors, but they did not have local administrative power.

The promotion and transfer of his subordinate generals were decided by the military governor, and with the addition of financial power, it is evident how powerful the military governor was.

It is unimaginable since the Song Dynasty.

The Great Zhou inherited the Ming system, and the Ming Dynasty fell at Tumu Fortress. Therefore, at the beginning of the Great Zhou, like the Great Ming, military power was held by nobles. However, the Great Zhou did not have Zhu Yuanzhang to weaken the power of the nobles, so the power of the nobles in the Great Zhou was much stronger.

However, once development reaches a certain stage, many things become inevitable.

The fact that the sons of nobles were unfit for service, that civil officials were rising in power, and that the Ministry of War was consolidating military power shows that the retired emperor accomplished a great deal in his youth.

The Ministry of War has centralized military power, but it cannot fully grasp the capabilities of the generals below it, or who can be effectively utilized.

Actually, we should listen to the advice of our superiors.

Wang Xin had the power to recommend and make suggestions.

For the merits of the generals of the Western Army of Datong, Wang Xin could directly recommend those of lower rank to the Ministry of War, which would generally not refuse. However, for those of higher rank, Wang Xin could only make suggestions to the Ministry of War, and whether or not they were adopted depended on the Ministry of War's decision.

However, corruption was rampant in the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Before making a recommendation, one needs to send money to the Ministry of War and various levels of government to cultivate relationships. There is an approximate amount of money required for each rank, and this has become a established rule.

This is buying an official position.

Buying an official position doesn't mean spending money to get a rank; rather, it means that people who want to get promoted need to spend money to secure it.

Just like before.

Nobles and garrison commanders who inherited titles and positions had to pay a sum of money first.

Nobles and nobles bribed eunuchs, and military commanders bribed government officials.

Wang Xin did not accept bribes from his subordinates, but the subordinates could accept bribes from their subordinates. Everyone received their salaries in full, which ensured his integrity and allowed him to survive.

Wang Xin used the money he earned to pay the officers and soldiers the military salaries owed by the court, including purchasing some military equipment.

In reality, it's a transfer of debt.

Originally, the imperial court owed each soldier a debt, but the Datong Western Army paid in advance, so the imperial court ended up owing the Datong Western Army a debt.

Back in Yangzhou, when we did this, Lin Ruhai was there to protect us. He was the god of wealth at the time, and everyone criticized him for squeezing a little profit out of his pocket. Nobody dared to disrespect him.

Later, when he arrived in the capital, he became a regular soldier and was no longer a militia commander, and many things changed.

However, relying on the promise of pacifying the Hu in three years, Zhang Jifu made a special exception.

This time...

Yan Zhongzheng and Zeng Zhi both had solemn expressions and furrowed brows.

“If the Hu people were still around, things would be a bit easier,” Zeng said frankly.

Wang Xin shook his head.

Zeng Zhi was from a wealthy family in Liaodong, which was the territory of the Prince of Dongping. In the borderlands, anyone who didn't cause some trouble was essentially raising a bandit to maintain their own importance.

Cheng Yaojin's three axe blows are effective as long as they work.

And this set is indeed very useful.

Qi Jiguang did too well, so much so that the imperial court dared to dismiss him.

In Liaodong, the imperial court also dismissed Li Chengliang once, but dared not go too far, leaving his son to continue to hold power in Liaodong. In the end, due to the serious bandit situation, Li Chengliang was released back to Liaodong.

Yan Zhongzheng smiled and said, "If the general had intended to do this, he would have done it long ago."

"What should I do?"

"Moreover, the candidate to take over the Datong Western Army is a general because he lacks seniority, but his merits are enough to be promoted to the rank of general. Logically speaking, the commander of the Datong Western Army should be a general."

Zeng Zhi's expression was calm, and his tone was very certain.

“Zhao Yong is only a guerrilla general. Although he is only one rank lower than the general, the difference is actually much greater. If the general wants Zhao Yong to take over, I'm afraid it will be difficult for the court to approve it.”

He is, after all, from a wealthy family, and knows a lot about many things.

That's right.

Yan Zhongzheng had nothing to say.

Wang Xin nodded in agreement. If he were to leave the Datong Western Army, the Ministry of War might indeed send someone from outside to take command of the Datong Western Army.

"Let's split up."

Zeng Zhi suggested.

Wang Xin looked surprised, and Yan Zhongzheng also showed a curious look.

“There’s one unit outside the pass and another inside. No matter who succeeds the general, they won’t be able to easily control the Western Army of Datong.” Zeng Zhi’s words became clearer and clearer, and he had a complete plan.

"Let Tang Ping be in charge of the area outside the pass, Zhao Yong in charge of the area inside the pass, and Zhang Can lead the cavalry to garrison Guihua."

Wang Xin understood.

With Tang Ping stationed at Weiyuan Pass and backed by the Zhou family, plus the Juzhongchang Group, his position outside the pass will be very stable. Even if Zhang Wenjin wanted to take action against Tang Ping, it wouldn't be easy, let alone a newcomer.

As long as we protect the area outside the pass, who can stop trade?

Zhang Wenjin is no good.

Furthermore, the area outside the Great Wall was not under the control of the imperial court.

Zhao Yong was the highest-ranking general in the Datong Western Army besides himself. He was in charge of the area inside the pass and had the support of all the generals in the Datong Western Army. His position was equally stable, and the new successor could not defeat him.

Even though he wasn't a military governor, Zhao Yong's promotions were still in the hands of the Ministry of War.

Neither they had personnel authority, nor did the new successor, leaving everyone feeling constrained.

Then why separate Zhang Can out of the picture?

Wang Xin was filled with emotion.

The sons of wealthy families are indeed the sons of wealthy families; their vision is something that commoners can hardly match. At least Zeng Zhi had already seen that, with its expansion, the Western Army of Datong had reached a point where it had already established its own independent power base.

The veterans from Yangzhou were the first to follow him, and most of them were promoted. One-third of the field officers in the army were from this group of veterans. They did not exclude newcomers, but they had a very good relationship with each other.

When their relationship improves, others feel neglected.

Once you have your own people, you'll have "outsiders," and those outsiders will automatically band together.

On one side, Tang Ping was in charge, and on the other side, Zhao Yong was in charge.

But it's not a clear-cut distinction.

For example, Liu Tong, who also followed him early on, had a good relationship with both Tang Ping and Zhao Yong.

If we have to divide them, Zhang Can's backers are the same group of people from the original Hexi Xiaoying.

In fact, which army doesn't have factional issues? The factional issues in the Datong Western Army are currently very peaceful and haven't reached the point of conflict. Most people themselves are unaware of it.

It can only be said that Zeng Zhi had an extremely keen sense of smell and noticed some signs.

His division of interests was indeed in line with his own, even though he didn't need it.

Whether it was Zhao Yong, Tang Ping, or Zhang Can, Wang Xin believed them without a doubt.

“Let’s do it that way. But you two, would you rather stay in the Western Army in Datong, or come back to the Capital Garrison with me?” Wang Xin smiled. “Although I plan to return to the Capital Garrison, I’m not sure what will ultimately happen.”

The two didn't hesitate.

"I'm going back to the capital with the general."

"Me too."

Zeng Zhi's choice is not surprising. He is an outsider with no roots in Datong, so there is no need for him to stay in Datong.

Wang Xin looked at Yan Zhongzheng and said, "If you want to lead troops, this is an opportunity. I can recommend you to the court to stay in the Western Army of Datong and I will definitely help you get a commandership."

Yan Zhongzheng was promoted to the rank of Qianzong, which is equivalent to being promoted two ranks to Dusi.

Wang Xin never dared to make promises about things that were uncertain, but for Yan Zhongzheng, Wang Xin was willing to go all out and use all his connections. He dared not say it was 100%, but he was 90% sure there would be no problem.

Yan Zhongzheng shook his head again, "I am still willing to follow the general."

Wang Xin somewhat understood Yan Zhongzheng's choice.

If Yan Zhongzheng was just a battalion commander, that would be quite ordinary in the Datong Western Army. Moreover, although Yan Zhongzheng was from the Beijing Garrison, he did not come from the Hexi Small Camp, and he had only been in the Datong Western Army for a short time.

Having someone by your side makes a difference.

Wang Xin also needed a deputy like Yan Zhongzheng.

"Alright, you two continue to follow me."

Wang Xin was very satisfied.

"Yan Zhongzheng, please review the recent affairs of the Datong Western Army. Zeng Zhi, please put aside other matters and urge Juzhongchang. It's almost the end of the year. When will this year's military funds be delivered? I'm waiting to reward the entire army."

Fighting for one's life requires more than just shouting "defend the country."

Because the soldiers need to eat, and they have families to support.

It would be most disadvantageous to fight the Hu people.

Because the Hu people were too poor, they were even worse off than the bandits in the interior.

Therefore, whether it was suppressing bandits or fighting inland, soldiers could always get some spoils of war. Even if the imperial court's rewards were delayed, the soldiers could still get a share of the spoils and wouldn't go home empty-handed.

But in the desert...

He was incredibly wealthy, but that didn't count as having a lot of money.

What else could the soldiers get besides a few good meals? What they wanted were things that could be exchanged for money, such as gold, silver, jewelry, and silk ornaments, which were easy to take back and exchange for cash.

Old rules.

Wang Xin was unsure when the imperial rewards would arrive, but the Datong Western Army had already distributed the soldiers' rewards.

I can't give much, I can only say I have some.

Each elite soldier receives twenty taels of silver, while the militia also receive ten taels each.

This reward alone will cost 150,000 taels of silver.

Thirty percent of the livestock died. Fortunately, Guihua City had made preparations in advance; otherwise, it would have been normal for half of them to die from disease or exhaustion. Livestock are just that delicate, far less resilient than humans.

According to records.

The mortality rate of livestock, especially donkeys, mules, and cattle used for transportation, during the Ming Dynasty's northern expedition was catastrophic.

The percentage is generally between 30% and 50%, and records of exceeding 70% under adverse conditions are not uncommon.

This record aligns with the accounts of the Han army's expedition against the Xiongnu, where 140,000 warhorses set out beyond the Great Wall, but fewer than 30,000 returned.

The Datong military garrison's northern expedition against the Hu was small in scale and short in duration, so the overall livestock casualties were within acceptable limits; otherwise, they would have lost everything.

Wang Xin could indeed understand why the various Zhou armies were unwilling to launch a northern expedition against the Hu people.

The main problem is that I don't have money.

They had to raise their own money to support their troops, maintain their own household guards, equip their guards with good gear, and even gather warhorses and other supplies.

One battle against the Hu people wiped out years of savings.

Especially livestock such as horses.

Just like myself.

The military funds provided by Juzhongchang over the past few years, along with the allocations from the imperial court, have taken away most of the wealth accumulated over the years, if not completely depleted.

In a short period of time, the Western Army of Datong lacked the resources to sustain itself in the next war.

Unless the imperial court allocates funds and grain, replenishes equipment, and brings in livestock and horses.

Warfare is all about money and supplies.

The Western Army of Datong not only had slogans, but also ensured that money and supplies were in place.

This is also why Wang Xin had to be unconventional.

Otherwise, if it were just about buying official positions, how much silver would the entire Datong Western Army, from top to bottom, have to spend?
What's the point of fighting a war if things are like this?

They could only drink the blood of their soldiers, just like other armies.

Do the militiamen receive eight qian of silver per month?
Dream it.

As long as we don't starve to death, that's fine.

Not to mention that Wang Xin, with only the rank of deputy commander, was able to support three thousand elite troops.

Raising bandits to respect themselves?

Wang Xin chose to lead a strong army.

If the Great Zhou is peaceful and there is nothing to do, then there will be no place for him to use his talents, and if this path is blocked, he can become an idle person.

on the contrary.

The more affairs the Great Zhou has, the more it needs someone like me who gets things done, and that's the path that will lead to success.

"General!"

"I heard you're leaving!"

Tang Ping stormed in aggressively.

Wang Xin was playing chess with Xue Baoqin by the heated kang (a traditional Chinese bed-stove).

Xue Yan, carrying his decision, was in a hurry to return to the capital. Therefore, he left Xue Baoqin with her brother Xue Ke, as it would be easier to travel after the spring. At that time, the two siblings could return to the capital with him.

The journey from Guihua City to the capital is about a thousand li. Considering the travel conditions, it will take Xue Yan about half a month to reach the capital.

Then, with Jia Zheng and his associates pushing things through the court, and sending people to contact Zhu Wei, the results are expected to come out next spring.

Wang Xin remained calm and responded to each move with a counter-strategy.

While waiting for the military funds from Juzhongchang, Tang Ping arrived first.

So fierce.

Xue Baoqin's big eyes lit up, looking like she was waiting to see a good show.

"Didn't you go to your father-in-law's house?"

Wang Xin has a headache.

"I heard it from my father-in-law. I gave him a good scolding. Damn it, how dare he hope the general leaves Datong? What a heartless old man!" Tang Ping cursed. "If the general leaves, I'll go with him."

It feels just like back in Yangzhou.

Many years have passed, and some people have changed, while others remain the same.

Tang Ping remained the same person who would leave at the slightest disagreement, showing no reluctance despite his increased official rank.

(End of this chapter)