The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 336 Making a Mistake
I don't know about elsewhere, but the most discussed topic recently among the Right Route Army, or the entire Eastern Army, is the newly appointed commander-in-chief.

One of the camps.

The flag of Wangjiaying was flying, and just by looking at the flag, you could tell that this was a small camp belonging to the Right Route Army, and the commander of the troops was surnamed Wang.

With more experience, one could deduce from the location that the person in question was probably a captain.

"What are we eating today?"

Early in the morning.

A group of soldiers gathered together and chatted idly.

"It's wheat rice."

"You went to check the kitchen?"

"I heard it from Old Liu yesterday."

"Alright."

The soldier was somewhat disappointed.

"A new broom sweeps clean." The veteran, having seen through the ways of the world, calmly smiled and said, "The fire hasn't really started yet, but it's true to his name. He treats his soldiers like his own children. It's been more than half a month already, which is already quite good."

"Just a token gesture will suffice."

"You guys still dream of eating well every day?"

Someone joked, "If I were the commander-in-chief, I would treat you to a good meal and save the rest. It would be a waste to feed you like this for so many days."

"You damned, heartless bastard."

His companions laughed and scolded him.

Anyway, everyone has been eating quite well these past two weeks, better than in the past few years.

I have a good impression of the main town.

However, everyone knows that he is just a newly appointed official and his position will not last long. This has exceeded everyone's expectations. What everyone expected was only two or three days, but it has lasted for more than half a month.

"I wonder if that bastard Zhou Wan has been crying his eyes out lately, he's spent a lot of his money."

"Is it his money?"

Some people made sarcastic remarks.

Zhou Yi was the grain officer of the right wing, and all the grain supplied to the various camps had to go through his hands. Although he was only a minor official, no one in the right wing army dared to offend him.

Everyone chimed in with their own comments.

We've been eating well lately, so everyone has energy, and with energy comes leisure time.

When the mind is idle and has nowhere to rest, problems are likely to arise.

So they intensified their training.

Although the training was tough, it was still better than going hungry.

The people were able to accept it to a reasonable degree; the training wasn't too strict, mostly involving standing in formation and marching.

"Gathered."

Someone with sharp eyes pointed it out to everyone.

Every morning, they would gather for 25 minutes. The first 15 minutes would be spent singing two military songs, and the second 15 minutes would be spent reading aloud military regulations and discipline.

The military songs and discipline were both quite peculiar.

In particular, the military discipline is not the original military discipline, nor is it to say that the original military discipline will be abolished.

Anyway, everyone was a little unaccustomed to it, but because the food was good every day, no soldiers complained and they wished it would just drag on.

But it looks like today's loss is the biggest one.

"If we don't have anything to eat anymore, and there are still so many trivial problems, then the brothers are going to start cursing."

The man muttered.

Few people paid him any attention; many were still wondering what they would eat later.

After singing military songs, they recited military regulations.

Each sentry and team took turns queuing.

There were nearly ten cooks in the barracks, responsible for feeding the more than 400 people in the entire camp.

"Wheat rice?"

Someone at the front of the line called out.

Some people heard it, some didn't, and the line at the front became a little chaotic.

Another moment passed.

The head of each hamlet was called over. There was a bowl of pickled radish. This was a good thing. Not only could it help people go down to the countryside, but it could also replenish their salt and give them strength.

The bowl of wheat rice was quickly finished.

The soldiers discovered they could go get more food.

This discovery was significant, and soon more soldiers went to get food, fearing that if they were late, there wouldn't be any left.

Officers and soldiers did not eat together.

Their subsidies are different.

Wang Ying, with his bushy beard, glanced at the situation in the camp and left without saying a word.

"Boss, how's it going with Commander Lin?"

"How about what?"

Wang Ying ate her meal in a sullen mood.

The atmosphere at the scene was somewhat strange.

"Didn't they say that Commander Lin's performance caught the eye of the new commander? Why haven't we heard anything about him lately?" a sentry asked with a smile.

"Can you guys stop worrying about these trivial things all the time?"

Wang Ying suddenly lost her temper.

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, wondering what had gotten into their commander today. No one dared to offend him, and they obediently lowered their heads.

"And tell that old Liu from the kitchen not to come tomorrow, and to get out of here."

Wang Ying simply blurted it all out.

"Why?"

One of the sentries asked in surprise, and said urgently, "Old Liu is a conscientious worker. We all praise him. Isn't it disheartening for the leader to do this?"

“Indeed, boss, we can’t do that.”

“Old Liu has upset the boss. The boss has told the brothers to go and teach him a lesson so he knows he was wrong.” Another officer said earnestly, “We have to give him a chance.”

"Am I the captain, or are you guys the captains?"

Wang Ying became even angrier.

The sentries fell silent, calmly watching their commander.

It's not fear, nor dissatisfaction.

We're usually like brothers, why did he suddenly get so angry?

See this.

Wang Ying sighed.

However, one cook had three brothers who spoke up for him, saying disappointedly, "Each soldier is allotted five catties of rice per day. With the monthly allowance and military pay, that's enough for a soldier to support his family."

Hearing Wang Ying talk about these things, everyone was even more confused.

"Boss, why bring up these old sayings? They're not only useless, but they're also likely to offend people," someone advised.

Wang Ying seemed not to hear.

At this point, Wang Ying became someone that people didn't recognize.

"Later, the higher-ups delayed payment, and as time went on, in order to support themselves and their brothers, everyone started to embezzle money, taking money from ordinary soldiers to support their cronies."

Wang Ying raised her hand and pointed to the people present.

“I’ve raised you all, and you’ve also subsidized the people under you.”

"The daily rice allowance was reduced from five catties to one catty and six liang. The higher-ups had calculated the accounts perfectly, just enough to keep the soldier from starving and support him. As for his family, they didn't care."

Then, you colluded with the cook to turn one jin and six liang of rice into eight liang of rice.

No one's expression changed.

It's not just them doing this; the entire Beijing Garrison is doing it.

“We have a clear conscience. I didn’t take a single pound of rice home,” one of the sentries said matter-of-factly, though his face showed some dissatisfaction.

“I know you didn’t take it, and I know you shared it with your brothers, just like I did for you before.”

Wang Ying's expression grew increasingly conflicted as he said with distress, "Without you, there would be no me. Similarly, you also need brothers below who are willing to risk their lives for you."

Everyone started joking around again, since they hadn't done anything wrong anyway.

Wang Ying sighed, “It seems that the new commander-in-chief really wants to change the bad habits. He is working hard at the top, and I can’t lose face at the bottom. Someone has to step up and do the work. Since he is willing to take the lead, even if I don’t help, I will never hold him back.”

The Ministry of War released rice, but the 20% was short, so the General Commander went to the Ministry of War to ask for more.

The Eastern Army released 20% less rice, but the general still went to ask for more.

On the right flank itself, the commander-in-chief severely punished the grain steward and distributed the grain to each battalion without missing a single grain.

Once they reached the various battalions, Wang Ying was no longer willing to embezzle funds.

"The boss's idea is good, and the brothers know that the boss has always wanted to make changes, but this is not something that we little guys can get involved in. Who knows when the general will change his mind?"

One of the sentries earnestly said, "I support the boss in doing this now."

Everyone looked at him.

He continued, "Anyway, we can't just blindly run into the enemy's guns right now. It's good to take it easy." Everyone then realized what he meant.

The man added, "But Commander, don't get carried away and rush headlong into it. The General has powerful backers; if you really mess things up, he can just walk away and get promoted elsewhere, but you'll be finished."

"Yes, Chen Zhi is right."

The first sentry joked, "If we stumble on something this big, the brothers can't help the battalion commander. At most, they can look after his family."

"Your motherfucker."

Wang Ying hesitated.

What the brothers said makes sense; let's see how it goes first.

"Zhou Yi is outside requesting an audience."

Li Wei offered a careful reminder.

Wang Xin was processing official documents on the right side of the desk.

"You want to speak up for him?"

Wang Xin put down his pen and asked seriously.

Li Wei quickly waved his hand, "My relationship with him is not harmonious. I was just conveying a message. General, please don't misunderstand."

With such a demeanor, Li Wei, as a military officer, truly deserves praise.

Such an obedient person would be liked by others, and even if they didn't like someone, they wouldn't feel disgusted by them.

Wang Xin was also aware of Li Wei's thoughts.

This includes the behavior of many people in front of me recently.

They do what they like.

Wang Xin didn't expose the fact that he wanted to make sure the soldiers were well-fed. Many generals had indeed been very generous to their soldiers lately, suddenly becoming like sons to them.

There's no need to expose it; it's enough that you know it yourself.

“There’s a man named Wang Ying. Tell him to come see me.”

Wang Xin gave the instructions.

Li Wei was stunned.

He had considered many people, but he never expected that Wang Ying would catch the eye of the commander-in-chief.

What's so good about this person?

In terms of performance, many people surpass him, including Lin Jie.

If the general promotes this person, wouldn't that be a wonderful story, a testament to the general's discerning eye for talent?

"What else?"

Wang Xin asked.

"Oh, it's nothing." Li Wei realized what was happening and quickly left, still puzzled.

Shortly after.

Wang Ying rode up on horseback, his forehead still damp with sweat.

"Greetings, General."

"Get up."

Wang Xin asked calmly, "Are you planning to move to another spot?"

Wang Ying was startled and knelt down again, saying fearfully, "I beg your forgiveness, General. I really don't know what I did to anger you. Please give me a chance."

Even as a mere battalion commander, I'm no match for the general commander.

Wang Ying dared not be presumptuous in the slightest.

Wang Xin shook his head. "You know I used to lead the Hexi Camp, right?"

"know."

Wang Ying said honestly.

"I want you to lead the Hexi Camp."

Wang Xin spoke with caution.

Wang Ying was stunned, unable to react, or perhaps in disbelief.

Wang Xin gave him an affirmative look.

Now Wang Ying understood, and his face lit up with excitement. "Your subordinate is willing."

Although the Hexi Camp is now just an empty camp, it was still the place where the General Commander came from, which shows that the General Commander intends to give him an important role and also plans to restore the strength of the Hexi Camp.

Wang Ying wasn't stupid; seeing the look in Wang Xin's eyes, she confirmed her thoughts.

Wang Xin was not surprised.

Logically speaking, Wang Ying belongs to Li Wei, who is the second highest-ranking person in the Right Route Army and has served there for many years. So, who would be willing to train someone else?

Wang Xin, familiar with the process, carefully explained, "I plan to restore the Hexi Camp to its original size of three thousand men, but it will take some time. You will lead a few hundred men for now and wait for my further arrangements."

This is a promise of promotion.

Wang Ying was happy, but he felt uneasy.

Will the commander-in-chief mistake my behavior for that of a petty person?
More often than not, it's about being free from confusion.

After thinking for a moment, Wang Ying mustered her courage.

"Your subordinate dares to ask, General, why were you chosen?"

Wang Xin smiled.

If the people below are all ambitious or petty, the petty people won't show it on their faces; in fact, they often act more loyal than the loyal ministers.

But what makes a loyal minister loyal?

There must be something he's pursuing in it.

Therefore, one must be a kind person at heart. Only such a person will not forget their roots and will truly be loyal to something they believe in.

Wang Xin did not seek loyalty from others.

However, many things can only be influenced by one's own influence, affecting others and changing their original thoughts and beliefs.

in this process.

What Wang Xin needed were subordinates who trusted him implicitly.

Otherwise, what's the point of building the most powerful army? What does the world's strongest army have to do with ordinary people?

Wang Xin's bottom line is a strong army that does not offend the people; otherwise, he would rather not have one.

Improving the soldiers' treatment is the biggest test.

Reforms that benefit those below them will inevitably infringe upon the interests of the old interest groups.

Is it a human or a ghost?

Others may not see it clearly, but Wang Xin sees it clearly.

Among a group of officers whose careers were declining, Wang Xin could easily discern what kind of person Wang Ying was and whether he truly supported him, based on his usual performance and the opinions of others.

It's easy to give money to generals; increasing their pay by several tens of percent every year is a piece of cake.

Paying soldiers is difficult; even raising their wages by a few coins each year would be a huge loss for many.

So, if I transfer Wang Ying to my side and we get to know each other over a long period of time, I don't think there will be any problem in getting her to be completely loyal, unless I'm wrong.

Even if you're wrong, it's okay, you'll know immediately, and if it doesn't work, you can find someone else.

One Wang Ying, two Wang Yings, three Wang Yings. Then a virtuous semi-closed environment is formed, and even if one leaves temporarily, the inertia can sustain it for a long time.

Wang Ying felt dizzy and unsteady, and left in a daze.

to be frank.

He always felt that things shouldn't be like this in the military camp, but because of his lowly status and insignificant voice, he dared not show it.

"Wang Ying."

Someone called out to him.

Wang Ying looked over and realized it was someone she knew.

"Someone looking for you."

Wang Ying had no choice but to follow.

really.

Li Wei looked serious.

Wang Ying was startled and sensed his superior's suspicion. He quickly stepped forward and bowed, "Your humble servant Wang Ying greets the Assistant General."

"What does the commander-in-chief want with you?"

Li Wei asked in a deep voice.

Wang Ying was someone he had promoted. Although Wang Ying wasn't his true confidant, he had done Wang Ying a favor and Wang Ying was considered one of his own.

Wang Xin was blind after all.

He really thought he had been a member of the Generals for nothing all these years.

Also.

Li Wei was not surprised.

Wang Ying had no connections, and Wang Xin couldn't possibly know exactly who his people were. If Wang Xin intended to promote his own people, he would easily set his sights on a general like Wang Ying with a clean background.

If a spy could be planted next to Wang Xin, then Wang Xin would have no secrets from him.

Li Wei couldn't help but feel smug.

(End of this chapter)