The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 442 Unstoppable
"Now is not the time to offend the imperial court; let's stall for time."

"I'm afraid the eunuch sent by the Emperor will be difficult to deal with."

"If the old ox doesn't want to lower its head to drink water, can we force it to drink? The initiative is in our own hands. I have my own plans on how to deal with the refugee army, and I will never listen to the court's ideas."

Wang Xin looked completely indifferent.

Having reached this point, there's no turning back now; we can only continue running at full speed.

How did the refugee army come about?

"It was caused by the imperial court."

Zeng Zhi answered without hesitation.

Wang Xin nodded in satisfaction, then said disdainfully, "The court is poorly governed, yet they still want to wipe out the refugee army. It makes no sense at all."

"The officials of the court also understand this principle, so whether to suppress or appease has been a point of contention within the court. Some even worried that the court would choose suppression, and some even brought up the issue of 'vital energy'," Zeng Zhi said with a smile.

"Oh?"

"Cabinet Minister Zhu Zhenjie said that people are the vital energy. If too many people are harmed, then the vital energy is depleted, which is detrimental to the country and the nation. Therefore, we should protect people, not harm them," Zeng Zhi explained.

Although it's a bit far-fetched, the intention is good.

“How could I not know that there are good people among the officials?” Wang Xin shook his head. “It’s a pity that they lack the ability to handle things properly.”

What I find objectionable is the incompetence of the officials of the Great Zhou Dynasty, not that the officials of the Great Zhou Dynasty are not human.

What is backward is the relationship of production.

People change.

If it were to become like the Qing Dynasty, that would be truly hopeless and utterly anti-human.

Because I know that the problem isn't people, but rather the relations of production, I've been struggling with this issue all these years.

Besides feeling lost about the future, there is also a fear of the difficulties of construction.

I've gotten to where I am today step by step, so there's no turning back, which is why I've become so determined.

But what if I were to arrive in the Qing Dynasty?

Wear it clean and don't rebel, use an electric drill as a chrysanthemum.

This is the truth.

Because the Qing Dynasty was anti-humanitarian.

"The news from Datong says that since the military governor left Datong, Governor Wei has been restless and has been making secret trips around. Some people are worried that he is colluding with others to murder the military governor or do something to damage the Datong military governor's office, and have suggested restricting his travel."

"He is a scholar who cannot even kill a chicken, yet he can damage the interests of the military governor's office with just his words. This shows that there is a problem with the military governor's office itself. What should be done is not to restrict his travel, but to correct itself immediately."

"That being said, we still need to be on guard."

Wang Xin pondered for a moment and slowly said, "The territory and population controlled by the Jiedushi Prefecture are increasing, and it is difficult to please everyone. The Jiedushi Prefecture can only do its best. There will still be a lot of people who are dissatisfied with the Jiedushi Prefecture. If you are upright, you have nothing to fear. As long as most people support the Jiedushi Prefecture, there is no need to go to extremes."

If those who are dissatisfied with the military governor's office are restricted, then only those who are satisfied with the military governor's office will remain, which is not what Wang Xin wants.

Because this would undoubtedly be a collective suicide.

The birth of a new civilization must meet human needs in order to grow and thrive naturally.

Otherwise, how could one stand out in the face of such enormous resistance?

In Datong City, there were many people dressed in black official uniforms. Because these people carried wooden sticks, they were called "Black Sticks".

There are always at least three of the black sticks present each time.

Black uniforms are only permitted during work hours and are prohibited after get off work.

Black sticks can be seen everywhere, on the streets and in the alleys.

"Shh~sh."

The bustling streets are diverse in style, with both brand-new and beautiful shops and old, low-rise houses, but they are all relatively clean, and the street fronts are spotless and very tidy.

Wei Zhao was accompanied by one of his old servants as they walked down the street.

Hearing the sound of bamboo whistles in the distance, many people looked up, while others were busy with their own things and didn't pay attention. They could hear the sound of bamboo whistles every day.

Several members of the inspection team, dressed in black uniforms, were chasing two filthy disaster victims.

The inspection team members are assessed, including familiarity with the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty and physical fitness requirements. The two who escaped were clearly disaster victims just by looking at their clothes, and they were quickly caught up by the inspection team.

"Put your hands behind your head and squat down!"

"hurry up."

Several members of the inspection team stood ready, their wooden sticks threateningly raised as if they were about to strike. The two disaster victims were terrified and obediently squatted down.

Nevertheless, the inspection team members did not let their guard down. They carefully searched the area and, after confirming that there was no longer any threat, tied the two men's hands with hemp rope, covered them with a black cloth, and took them back to the inspection team's location.

After they left, the streets quickly returned to quiet.

"It's rather unnecessary."

The old servant chuckled and said, "What can that piece of cloth hide?"

Wei Zhao remained silent.

He couldn't bring himself to speak well of Datong.

Despite the fact that the Datong army was marching south to Taiyuan, a major event, Datong remained remarkably calm, showing no sign of panic.

Let's leave aside the fact that the common people lived like that.

But what about those scholars?
They actually gave Wang Xin three million taels of silver.

Wei Zhao found it unbelievable.

This was completely different from what he had imagined. What method did Wang Xin use to make them, whose own interests were being harmed, willingly support him?

Wei Zhao stopped in front of a large house.

How deep was the hatred between the Zhou family and Wang Xin?

They actually spent 200,000 taels of silver.

The Zhou family has had a lot of bad luck in the past few years.

After settling his father's funeral, Zhou Wen only cared about his business at the counter and ignored everything else. He stayed at home all day, oblivious to the changes in the outside world, but his small courtyard remained unchanged.

"Master, master, the governor has arrived!"

Zhou Wen was startled.

A bitter smile crept onto his lips. "What I feared most has come to pass."

"So, will you see me or not?"

The butler asked.

The other party is the Governor of Datong; would he have dared to refuse to see him in the past?

Things are different now, and the butler knows what his master is hiding.

"How could I not see him? I will go to greet him myself." Zhou Wen dared not delay.

After his elder brother died, his family was implicated and exiled to the cold, desolate lands beyond the Great Wall, except for his two nephews who were under the age of six and were spared punishment.

There was nothing he could do to stop his sister-in-law from being exiled beyond the Great Wall.

However, the two nephews did not mistreat them.

Everything you need for food, clothing, daily necessities, and books is readily available.

Zhou Wen didn't think he had anything to hide; he just didn't want to cause trouble. The Zhou family had had too many problems in the past few years and needed a few years of peace to let things go completely.

Unfortunately, some people still can't let go of the Zhou family.

The gates of the mansion were wide open.

Zhou Wen remained calm, showing no sign of his inner turmoil, and greeted the man with a smile as he went out to meet him.

This is the governor of Datong.

In the past, when traveling, it would take hundreds of servants just to maintain the head of the procession.

Now he only has an old servant by his side.

No matter how you explain it, you can see the governor's position in Datong.

"Greetings, Your Excellency Governor." Zhou Wen remained respectful.

Wei Zhao smiled and said, "I have come uninvited and have disturbed Master Zhou. Please forgive me."

"How dare I?" Zhou Wen cupped his hands and said, "It is an honor for me to have the Governor here. Please come in."

"Good good."

The group went inside.

When serving tea and presenting gifts, Wei Zhao glanced around at the surrounding furnishings without any hesitation.

To the untrained eye, the porcelain and calligraphy were simply exquisite, but Zhou Wen knew that each piece was made by a renowned artist and was of great value; no wonder it was the Zhou family.

Zhou Wen took the initiative to ask, but seeing that Wei Zhao ignored him, he thought for a moment, then turned around and said, "You all go out first."

The servants all left, leaving only the two people in the room.

Zhou Wen rose and bowed, saying, "I wonder what you, sir, have to teach me?"

This illegitimate son was neither humble nor arrogant, and acted cautiously. He was truly a rare talent, but unfortunately, he was an illegitimate son. However, he was quite lucky, as the vast family fortune ended up in his hands.

Wei Zhao nodded and said coldly, "You sent 200,000 taels of silver to the Jiedushi's office. I have heard about your Zhou family's affairs."

His elder brother died in the military governor's mansion, and his father died for the same reason.

Instead of seeking revenge for deep-seated hatred, they actively send money to the enemy. Who can respect such a person's character?

If no one says anything, things will probably just calm down and be forgotten.

But what he feared most was that someone would say something, especially someone influential, which could easily distort the truth of the matter. That's why Zhou Wen went into hiding, but he didn't expect trouble to come knocking on his door.

Since trouble has come knocking, there's no escaping it.

"I know what Governor is thinking. In fact, I also know that many people want to come to me. I know their purpose as well. They are only interested in the hatred between the Zhou family and the Jiedushi Mansion."

"Is not it?"

Wei Zhao found it laughable; he couldn't feel any anger from Zhou Wen's actions.

"Does Your Excellency know Miss Xue?" Zhou Wen was neither angry nor did he answer directly, but instead brought up the Xue family.

Wei Zhao nodded slightly.

Zhou Wen sighed, "The Xue family's business should never be the responsibility of Miss Xue to interfere with, but not only has she interfered, she has taken over all of it. Recently, she even said that she wants to split up Yongxin Tickets and put the shares up for auction."

"so what?"

Wei Zhao neither agreed nor disagreed.

Zhou Wen explained calmly and deliberately, "Yongxin Ticket Office belongs to the Xue family, without a doubt. Given how extravagant Miss Xue is, does the Xue family not care?"

Wei Zhao frowned. Upon closer examination, there was indeed a problem with this matter.

"Yongxin Draft Bank has grown to such a scale in just a few years because merchants all need it, including our Zhou family. The same goes for the share distribution of Yongxin Draft Bank. The more powerful forces behind Yongxin Draft Bank, the more invincible it becomes. And since everyone can get a share, who wouldn't support it?"

"Whether it's external businessmen or their own internal managers, everyone supports Miss Xue, so the Xue family can be ruled by her."

Zhou Wen believed that Wei Zhao could understand his meaning.

It was quiet for a moment.

Wei Zhao gave Zhou Wen a deep look.

Zhou Wen nodded. "The Zhou family is the largest shareholder of Juzhongchang, but from their peers to the managers below, no one wants the business to act recklessly. They prefer the business to focus on operating Juzhongchang. If the Zhou family doesn't do this, someone else will soon take the initiative to do so."

"Aren't you afraid that Wang Xin will rebel?"

Wei Zhao had no other choice but to ask a final question.

Zhou Wen took a sip of tea to calm his unease. He quickly came to his senses and sighed, "Wang Xin has never been defeated."

Yes.

Wang Xin had never been defeated.

This is not the most terrifying thing; the most terrifying thing is the stability and prosperity of Datong.

Even the atmosphere in the capital city can't compare to that in Datong.

If Wang Xin were given a few more years, he could conquer the entire Shanxi province and transform it into a second Datong. Then who in the world could stop him?
Even his enemies would likely be unable to oppose him.

A deep sense of powerlessness.

The imperial court had no idea how great a threat Wang Xin posed; this could not be explained by memorials alone, nor could it awaken the officials of the court.

They need to see it for themselves.

"It seems you've already made your decision," Wei Zhao said regretfully as he stood up.

Zhou Wen did not lose his temper, but still respectfully said, "It is not a decision made by the student, but a collective decision made by those below, who are pushing the student to follow. The student can only go with the flow."

After thinking for a moment, he continued.

"Now the world is in chaos, the court is powerless to suppress the rebels, and there are great disasters and famines all over the country. How long will the Great Zhou Dynasty last? If it weren't for the emergence of people like Wang Xin, everyone could turn a blind eye. But now that such a place has been established, how many people are willing to give up their families and homes to settle here? Governor should find out how many wealthy families have moved to Datong in recent years."

The governor's office is very stable.

The situation outside is quite stable, and in Datong today, many people are not surprised by Wang Xin's decision.

"Confused."

Wei Zhao cursed, "If Wang Xin seizes the world, what hope is left for us scholars?"

"You can get rich by joining the army, going into business, running a factory, doing business, or even collecting manure in the city. There are many ways to get ahead."

"It's insulting."

"Ugh."

……

Lin Ruhai plotted to become the Governor-General of Shaanxi.

At present, Shaanxi does not have a governor-general; the person in charge of suppressing the rebellion is still Su Guan, the governor of Shaanxi.

“Although they agreed to be granted amnesty, it was because they were facing a desperate situation. Now that we have granted amnesty, we don’t even have any food to eat. Where will we get food to settle them?” General Li Zhuchen said anxiously.

Su Guan, in his forties or fifties, was a refined scholar with shifty eyes.

Shaanxi has more military towns than Shanxi.

There are four military towns in Shaanxi.

The towns of Yansui, Ningxia, and Guyuan, as well as the Prince of Xining who guarded Gansu.

Excluding the Prince of Xining, the total military strength of the three towns after reorganization is 90,000.

What Zhang Jifu didn't know was that he had just reorganized and reduced a large number of soldiers, cutting military spending from 150,000 to 90,000. However, there are always ways to circumvent policies, and the military pay of 90,000 soldiers was reduced to only 20-30% of what was originally intended for them.

So it's better not to lay off any workers.

Before the layoffs, the three towns could muster an army of 50,000 to 60,000, but now they can't even muster 20,000 to 30,000.

All the various groups of refugee armies were of peasant origin.

Lacking weapons, let alone armor, and without cavalry, the troops were ignorant of warfare and lacked even the courage to fight. Despite this, it took two or three years to achieve some progress.

The question is whether to offer amnesty or to annihilate them.

"Wait for the court's decision." Su Guan made his choice without hesitation.

He couldn't bring himself to massacre all the refugee armies, and he wouldn't dare take the blame for it.

The so-called refugee army was nothing more than refugees.

The various groups appeared to be making a great show of force, but in reality, they were just thousands or tens of thousands of people who had gathered together to riot in order to survive. Whenever the imperial court provided disaster relief, the disaster victims would have a way to survive and would disperse on their own without the need for government troops to intervene.

"Lord Futai!"

Li Zhuchen was extremely anxious. "Opportunity knocks but once. If we miss this chance, it will be all over next time."

If the people's morale is unstable, the military's morale will also be unstable.

Many soldiers actually went to join the ranks of the refugee army.

"The imperial court certainly can't produce enough grain, so we might as well wipe them all out once and for all."

"Bastard!"

Su Guan was furious. "Do I, the governor, need you to teach me how to do things? Commander Li, don't try to be like Wang Xin next door. You are not Wang Xin, and I am not Zhang Wenjin."

Wang Xin's real opportunity to rise to power came when Zhang Wenjin served as the governor of Datong.

Li Zhuchen dared not say anything more.

(End of this chapter)