The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 330 Undisturbed
Beijing.

Wang Xin's family.

The guards carried the luggage without any of the usual rules. Ping'er and Qingwen looked out from the doorway, and when they saw Wang Xin, their eyes lit up with laughter and their lips curled into smiles.

Besides a dozen or so books, there were also Wang Xin's armor and clothing, as well as several boxes of documents, account books, and so on.

There were also wooden boxes containing silver.

The annual salary of a deputy general was 240 taels of silver. In addition, the Datong Western Army itself distributed bonuses to its officers, with the deputy general receiving 800 taels of silver.

Wang Xin didn't usually have many expenses, so while he didn't leave the thousand or so taels of silver untouched, he brought back the vast majority of it.

Whether it's salary or profit sharing from the business, Juzhongchang remelts the materials, resulting in very few impurities.

Ping'er is now in charge of the household. When she saw the chest full of silver, her eyes were so wide with laughter that she could hardly open them.

"It's not like we've never seen silver before, is there any need to be so fussy?"

Wang Xin found it strange.

Ping'er covered her mouth and laughed, her eyes almost overflowing with tears, as if they were being drawn out like silk.

“No matter how much silver someone else has, it’s not my own. Of course I’m happy with my own silver,” Ping’er said matter-of-factly.

Although Ping'er didn't skimp on the family's expenses with the money left to them, her spending was indeed minimal. She didn't buy antiques, calligraphy, paintings, jade fans, or anything else unless she needed to pay for social obligations.

Even with a dozen or so mouths to feed, the family's food and drink would only amount to about forty taels a year.

The only things that cost a lot of money were makeup, cosmetics, and clothes.

Ping'er wasn't actually frugal; she wasn't wasteful or stingy. However, she was particular about these two things—goods and bads—and she would buy them for herself as well as for Qingwen. Even so, after more than a year, she only managed to earn a little over a hundred taels of silver.

Even without dividends, Wang Xin's salary of 240 taels would be more than enough.

But how many people can do what I do?

If everyone could restrain their desires like I do, the privileged class wouldn't be driving ordinary people to the brink of despair. This is the principle of preserving heavenly principles and eliminating human desires that I advocate to scholars.

An ordinary family, with several members working hard, could only earn six or seven taels of silver a year. If the harvest was bad, they would go hungry.

The annual salary of a military officer is 240 taels, not including the various gifts distributed by the imperial court during festivals.

One person's income is equivalent to the income of nearly two hundred people.

The Jia family said they didn't have enough money.

Wang Xifeng, a granddaughter-in-law, had at least 70,000 to 80,000 taels of silver in her possession when her family's property was confiscated.

Not to mention the wealth of Grandmother Jia and the other gentlemen, even with so much money, they still said it wasn't enough because they couldn't control their desires; a hundred times more money still wouldn't be enough.

I'll buy earrings that cost just a few dollars.

I'll buy earrings that cost several hundred yuan.

Earrings costing millions of dollars are still available.

These earrings, costing millions, come at the cost of countless billions in favors and obligations behind them.

So how much money is enough to spend?

There is no end.

Looking at his busy personal guards, and at the account books about Datong and the official documents he had handled in the box, Wang Xin's brow furrowed with worry.

After going through countless hardships to finally resettle 100,000 disaster victims, I don't even know if they can survive.

"Master, what's wrong?"

Sensing Wang Xin's unhappiness, Ping'er asked timidly.

"It's unrelated; it's a matter for Datong."

Wang Xin grabbed Ping'er's hand.

Feeling the warmth from Wang Xin's palm, Ping'er felt a wave of tingling sensation and almost collapsed into his arms. She lowered her head and murmured, "Master, we're home. I'm glad you're happy."

Soft and gentle like jade.

Wang Xin's appetite was whetted by their submissive demeanor.

"Stone, I'm leaving this place to you."

Wang Xin left behind a sentence.

Shi Ping's new wife is pregnant and is about to give birth.

These young people don't understand, so I have to think more about them. Therefore, for safety reasons, I left Shi Ping in Datong so that he could accompany his wife to give birth. After the baby is safely delivered and has been cared for for a few months, he can return to Beijing.

In the personal guard, Shi Gandang and Shi Ping each led a team, and the two took turns leading the teams on weekdays.

Now that Shi Ping is not here, Shi Gandang is in charge of everything.

Shi Gandang and several other young men winked and suppressed their laughter. Wang Xin chuckled and cursed, then left with Ping'er and Qingwen amidst the laughter.

"They're all grown up and ready to get married. I thought that since Shi Ping made the first move, they would be anxious too, but it seems like he hasn't figured it out yet. It's really a headache."

Wang Xin held Ping'er's hand, with Qingwen following behind.

With so many young men, where am I supposed to find enough wives for them?

Ping'er was very interested. After thinking it over, she suggested, "There are still many daughters in the Jia family. Although they are servants, they are still daughters of good families."

Wang Xin frowned.

Ping'er knew what Wang Xin was thinking and pointed out directly: "Shi Gandang are too proud. Shi Ping would rather marry an actress than not find a girl he likes. He's afraid they won't even look at a girl from an ordinary family."

It's in young people's nature to love beautiful women.

It's just that the poor and suffering masses are suppressed, so what can they talk about their natural instincts?

Shi Ping and his comrades had a tough childhood, but after they came under his command, they had no worries about food and drink. They trained hard every day, learned a lot of skills, were fearless on the battlefield, and were all incredibly proud.

Although many of the young ladies in the Jia family were not considered beautiful, they were spared from the elements and did easy jobs. They were also young and in the prime of their youth.

That is indeed quite suitable.

It's not that it doesn't exist in other places either.

The daughters of city merchants, girls from wealthy families, and daughters from respectable families.

But where can I meet them?

This is why the role of a matchmaker is so important.

Unlike later generations.

Only when boys and girls go to school and work together can there be an environment for free love; otherwise, they won't have any contact on a daily basis, and they won't have the opportunity to get to know each other.

Wang Xin was more wary of matchmakers outside the marriage.

Professional qualities?

does not exist.

The girls from the Jia family were at least well-known.

Wang Xin shook his head and cursed, "I'm their general, yet they act like I'm their father. I have to worry myself sick over finding a wife for them."

Shi Ping's marriage to his wife had caused quite a bit of trouble before.

In the end, he had to step in to "clean up his mess" and support Shi Ping's marriage to the actress, thus calming the storm down.

Qingwen glared at Wang Xin.

"What's up with her?"

Watching Qingwen's departing figure, Wang Xin was completely bewildered, not knowing why she was angry.

"Who told you to swear?"

Ping'er smiled and poured Wang Xin a cup of tea.

Upon entering the room, Wang Xin cleared his throat, and the atmosphere quieted down. He saw Ping'er dressed in a moon-white wide-sleeved ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) with flowing cloud patterns. The dress was embroidered with light moon satin and silver-threaded flowing cloud patterns, with layers of wispy cuffs. A lotus-root-colored brocade ribbon was tied around her waist, as if gathering half a sliver of moonlight.

As the saying goes, "After three years in the army, even a sow can rival Diao Chan (a legendary beauty)."

While fighting outside Datong Pass, I didn't see many women. As for Xue Baoqin later, she was just a little girl. Although she was pretty, I treated her as a junior.

It's different now.

Ping'er stood right in front of him, a stunning beauty.

Her eyes were like dewy peonies, and her eyelashes trembled like butterflies.

Ping'er felt embarrassed by the stares, so she raised her hand, pretending to be calm. Her fingertips brushed against the white magnolia hairpin at her temple, and the tourmaline pendant by her ear tinkled softly.

"ah."

Suddenly there was a scream.

Ping'er was pulled into Wang Xin's arms, and she was so frightened that her face turned pale.

"Sir, how about tonight?"

Ping'er pleaded.

Wang Xin reached down and pinched her hard, causing Ping'er to bury her head in his chest in pain, pleading like a little bird.

"I'll spare you."

Wang Xin reluctantly let go.

Ping'er was worried that Wang Xin couldn't hold back, so she quickly got up and ran away to make arrangements outside.

Wang Xin and his personal guards had a long and arduous journey, so Ping'er wanted to prepare a good meal for them and also check if their bedding and other supplies were of good quality.

A three-courtyard house.

After a series of adjustments, it has been completely finished.

The two side courtyards are used as a storeroom for sedan chairs and a warehouse, while the gatehouse, kitchen, and other rooms are all located in the first courtyard.

Wang Xin's family did not hire individual sedan chair carriers, but they had arranged a monthly fee with outside sedan chair carriers, and would give advance notice when needed.

The second courtyard was where the women lived. Although Wang Xin didn't care much about etiquette, there was still a distinction between inside and outside. Although Shi Ping and the others were young, they weren't stupid. They wouldn't come in unless the general called them, and they hadn't stayed with Wang Xin for more than a few days.

Ping'er went to the kitchen herself.

Unlike the Jia family.

A simple eggplant dish in the Jia family required more than a dozen chickens to prepare.

These dozen or so chickens weren't a waste. The Jia family had a large population, so these chickens could eventually be distributed among the servants. Wang Xin's family only had a dozen or so members, so they ate ordinary chickens, ducks, geese, and fish.

There were post stations along the route of the Great Zhou Dynasty, so Wang Xin's status was not low.

There's no place like home.

The inn was far from comfortable.

Those high-ranking officials and wealthy families had servants to attend to them, and they carried all sorts of their own luggage, but Wang Xin did not have such a habit.

So when a table was filled with a sumptuous and steaming feast, not only did Wang Xin show a smile, but Shi Gandang and the other young men were already drooling.

Ping'er and Qingwen are not here.

Wang Xin didn't need anyone to serve him.

Two large square tables were set up in the hall. The thirteen guards plus Wang Xin made a total of fourteen people, but it didn't feel crowded. There weren't many rules either; they were just having a lively conversation.

just.

Xue Ke is back.

"So fast?"

Wang Xin asked.

Xue Ke smiled and said, "I'll come back after I send my sister to my father."

"Perfect timing, come quick."

Wang Xin waved his hand and didn't ask any further questions.

Shi Gandang offered a seat, and Xue Ke, without hesitation, sat to Wang Xin's left, which no one else found strange.

Xue Ke had been working for the general for several years. Although he was not of high rank, everyone knew him and knew that the general liked him, so they were all very polite to him.

Wang Xin did indeed like Xue Ke very much.

Such a young person is steady, calm, and talented; who wouldn't like him?

Full of wine and food.

Someone sighed.

"Why are you sighing for no reason?" Shi Gandang said with a laugh.

The man's eyes were slightly red, filled with deep affection. "Afterwards, many of our brothers will be separated in the capital. I don't know when we'll see each other again."

Wang Xin did not blame him.

Isn't it our duty to ensure everyone's military pay?

When you go to war, you're always risking your life, never knowing when a stray arrow from afar will take your life.

Many things should be done by the imperial court.

If the imperial court couldn't do its job well, Wang Xin could only do his best, but his abilities were limited and many things were not perfect.

Honors and status are also among them.

Wang Xin could not change the prevailing social atmosphere of disdain for soldiers.

Therefore, as long as his subordinates who worked diligently and risked their lives to fight the enemy did not violate Wang Xin's bottom line, such as bullying the common people, Wang Xin was never too harsh on them, such as spoiling these young men excessively.

Shi Gandang said indifferently, "All good things must come to an end. How can we stay together forever?"

"Then I'll transfer you away from the general's side."

Someone deliberately provoked Shi Gandang.

Even though he knew he was being deliberately provoked, Shi Gandang still cursed, "Go to hell!"

"Haha."

The man laughed loudly, and the other brothers couldn't help but tease Shi Gandang.

On the battlefield, even generals sometimes couldn't help but swear. They didn't care about such things; cursing at each other was often a sign of closeness.

Xue Ke remained calm, as if he had no intention of getting involved, trying his best to maintain his composed persona.

Looking at the table full of young men, Wang Xin felt a great sense of accomplishment.

"I hope you all become more successful, preferably surpassing me. But when that day comes, don't forget my teachings, and don't forget your roots, lest you become petty people who bully the people and bring disaster to the country."

Wang Xin said with a smile.

"I will never bully the people."

"General, you are overthinking it."

Everyone said something to me.

Wang Xin nodded with a smile.

The lofty ideals of a group are forged through blood and tears.

Over the years, Wang Xin discovered that the only truly successful path he could take was through his personal charisma, inspiring young people to learn from him and changing their thoughts and conduct through military discipline.

Under the influence of the semi-closed environment of the military, they have unconsciously become accustomed to it, which is the most effective way.

Early the next morning.

Ping'er couldn't get out of bed.

While serving Wang Xin, Qingwen scolded him, "You have no compassion for people, how can you be like this?"

Smelling the fragrance emanating from Qingwen, Wang Xin felt satisfied. He glanced at Ping'er, who was lying on the bed with tear stains, and left with peace of mind, heading towards the Jia Mansion.

Find out the situation first, then go to the government office to report.

Shortly after.

The Jia family mansion was still grand.

On the main street in front of the Jia family mansion, Wang Xin rode on horseback. Even though he had seen it many times, he was always moved every time he saw it.

The fact that the Jia family monopolized this street is astonishing enough.

You can't buy it with money.

"Lord Xin."

Greetings, Lord Xin.

When the servants of the Jia family saw Wang Xin, most of them recognized him. The news of Wang Xin's promotion had spread throughout the mansion, and they all stepped forward to greet him warmly.

"Good good."

Wang Xin remained the same, treating everyone with courtesy.

Everyone likes Wang Xin.

soon.

When Wang Xin arrived at the study of the Jia family mansion, not only was Jia Zheng there, but Jia She and Jia Zhen were also present.

After we were seated.

Jia She was the first to lose his composure, "How about sending Jia Lian to Datong?"

"What should I send him to do?"

"Go to the Western Army in Datong and become a sub-prefect."

Jia She answered without hesitation.

Jia Lian held the official title of a fifth-rank assistant prefect, but he never actually took office.

If he were to go to Datong as a sub-prefect, although both would be sub-prefects, their powers and ranks would be different. However, if he were to go to the Western Army of Datong, with the support of the Western Army, Jia Lian would easily gain a foothold.

Even if a new commander-in-chief of the Western Army of Datong takes office, he will still have to win over Jia Lian.

This is a win-win situation.

Jia She held this view.

Wang Xin looked at Jia Zheng, whose face showed a troubled expression.

Wang Xin was speechless.

She didn't want to be told what to do, and Jia Zheng was soft-hearted, so that was why she chose Jia Zheng.

Similarly, when faced with problems, Jia Zheng often lacks decisiveness.

We agreed to each do our own thing.

Why do they keep focusing on this circle when they see the benefits?

When collaborating with Lin Ruhai and Jia Zheng, blood ties and marriage were secondary; the key was discretion and methods of doing things.

Jia Zheng was undoubtedly an honest official.

Jia She was an insatiable greedy man.

I can't decide many things myself, but I certainly won't support greedy people reaching out to me.

Wang Xin shook his head.

Jia She should not expect to gain support from me.

"Why?"

Jia She was furious.

(End of this chapter)