The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 443 Will Wang Xin Replace the World?
Fenzhou, Shanxi.

The military camp outside Fenzhou City.

The militiamen, who had previously received extremely poor treatment and were often ordered around, actually stayed obediently in the military camp. On the contrary, some of the elite guards deserted one after another, especially the two military commanders from Fenzhou.

One was captured and attempted to lead a rebellion, but no one dared to follow him. He was eventually arrested and taken to Taiyuan to be executed. The other surrendered voluntarily and thus saved his life and property.

If even the deputy commander is like this, how could the elite servants who have committed numerous evils in the past dare to stay?

However, many people stayed.

Especially the militia.

Taiyuan was not the only town in Shanxi; there were soldiers in various other places as well.

The Taiyuan Garrison was reduced by half, but the military expenditure was actually higher than before. Moreover, the discharged soldiers were helped to be resettled and merchants were found to recruit them, so the cost of absorbing the Taiyuan Garrison was very high.

The response was excellent.

As the military governor's office began to consolidate troops in various places and investigate generals who had committed serious crimes, no major incidents occurred for several months, which seemed to be a natural progression.

However, chaos inevitably broke out in various places. The imperial court was already in arrears, and the county governments were also starting to neglect their duties.

Soldiers in various places are barely getting enough to eat. If this continues, in two or three months at most, the soldiers will inevitably start to riot or harass the surrounding people, and then the responsibility will fall on the Jiedushi Prefecture.

We don't treat the people like pigs.

Wang Xin ordered the pace of incorporation to be accelerated.

By leveraging the shareholding of Yongxin Draft Bank to attract numerous business opportunities, the banks were encouraged to provide more jobs. At the same time, 500,000 taels of silver were allocated as a special fund to settle the laid-off soldiers.

The hard-earned money was given to those stinking soldiers.

As the news spread, the soldiers who had not yet received their silver were skeptical, but they all stayed obediently in the camp.

"stop!"

The soldiers guarding outside the camp looked tense when they saw a group of people riding over.

"My name is Liu Zhong, commander of the Datong military camp. Where are your officers? Provide a roster. Those who want to join the army, submit your applications. Those who don't want to join, please state your reasons. Let's part ways amicably. In addition to providing some demobilization pay, we will try our best to arrange a good job for you."

The soldiers guarding the camp were stunned.

It's really true, happening right before my eyes, it still feels like a dream.

Several militiamen immediately kowtowed.

"Long live the Datong Army!"

Liu Zhong smiled and had someone help them up.

Treat people as human beings, and you will succeed in everything.

of course.

Treating people as human beings is not just empty talk; it means giving them real money. Even food coupons or banknotes are not acceptable, since this is not the Great Harmony. Therefore, copper coins and silver are distributed.

However, the Jiedushi's office began to take over the grain stores in various places, and the silver eventually returned to the Jiedushi's office, which then distributed it indefinitely.

Wouldn't that mean everyone could get more than one thing?
That's what makes it so amazing.

Liu Zhong didn't quite understand these things; he found them incredible and couldn't comprehend the reasons behind them. However, he was well aware of the power of reality and understood it perfectly, so he wasn't worried about the trip to Fenzhou.

The military camp outside Fenzhou City had fewer than a thousand men, probably around eight or nine hundred.

Upon learning that the Datong Army had arrived, they would receive a demobilization allowance ranging from seven or eight taels to more than ten taels, and they would also be helped to find a job from a large merchant guild.

The key point is that even among the same large trading companies...

The regulations for employing workers in Datong are different from those for employing workers in other places.

The former, the lowest rank of apprentice, received five or six coins a month, two days off every ten days, annual leave, and holidays. They could not work more than five hours a day and could not be easily dismissed.
The latter apprenticeship was free, and they were bossed around.
Meanwhile, the Datong Employment Regulations were implemented in Taiyuan, and the resettlement and treatment of retired veterans had to be in line with the Datong Employment Regulations.

Many militiamen would be overjoyed to have such a job.

I never dreamed such a wonderful thing would happen.

Of course, you can stay and continue serving in the military.

The lowest pay was one tael of silver per month, which was twelve taels of silver per year. The rank of soldiers was two taels of silver per month, and the elite soldiers were two taels and five mace. What does that mean?
An ordinary family of six or seven, a self-sufficient farmer with ten acres of farmland.

The annual income was only seven or eight taels. In reality, after deducting the family's food rations, the grain to be planted next year, and various taxes and local levies, there was hardly any money left for daily necessities like clothes.

Therefore, if they wanted to eat meat, they could only do so during festivals and holidays, when the adults would grit their teeth and buy a little bit.

The situation is better in the south. People can still save two or three taels of silver. If they have a side business, such as growing mulberry trees and raising silkworms, they can earn seven or eight taels of silver a year.

Therefore, among the customs of eating only two meals a day in various places, only the people in the Jiangnan region have popularized eating three meals a day.

why.

Simply because they are richer.

Looking at the soldiers from Fenzhou in front of him, Liu Zhong was overjoyed.

Taiyuan alone could overwhelm Datong, not to mention the entire Shanxi province.

Even with control of the Taiyuan Garrison Commander in Shanxi, and the cooperation of the Shanxi Governor, coupled with the overwhelming strength of the Datong Army, they still felt there was great resistance. Fortunately, the Jiedushi Prefecture had a strong foundation.

When local government offices were struggling to make ends meet, and during the most difficult times, the military governor's office was not only short of money, but it could mobilize resources that even Taiyuan could not match.

Now, a single battalion can control an entire prefecture.

This would have been absolutely impossible without the support of those below.

With only three thousand men under his command, he feared that if they were dispersed, they wouldn't even be able to maintain order, let alone incorporate troops from various regions. Now, however, troops from all over the country were waiting for him to incorporate them with ease. Liu Zhong knew perfectly well that this was not because of himself, but because of the military governor's office behind him.

With more troops at your disposal, you will inevitably be promoted.

Liu Zhong pointed to the car behind him,
"Bring ten bags of rations first, so the brothers can have two full meals."

Indeed, we ate two full meals.

A bag of rations is one shi (a unit of dry measure), which, when divided equally among the soldiers, amounts to two jin (another unit of dry measure) per person. That's enough for two large, hearty meals, and many of them can eat until they're stuffed.

The soldiers from Fenzhou looked at each other, and smiles appeared on their faces.

While we don't doubt the credibility of the Datong Army, if the benefits are tangible, such as having two full meals first, then everyone will have even less to complain about.

Day two.

The merchant guild personally delivered supplies to the camp.

This is an IOU issued by the Jiedushi government to local merchants.

The transportation of supplies is difficult, so it is better to recruit militia from the local area and then have local merchants distribute them to the surrounding areas. By balancing market demand through commercial market activities, the main reason is that the local military strength is not large and can adapt to the surrounding areas.

The merchants who were given IOUs did not object. They knew the reputation of the Jiedushi Prefecture well, and which merchant would be unhappy with business coming to their door?

With the arrival of supplies, the soldiers were able to have enough to eat.

The morale of the troops was completely stabilized.

"I want to continue serving in the military."

Some people begged and pleaded with the officers in Datong.

"Whether or not you can join the army is not up to me. You can join if you pass the physical fitness test, and you can't if you don't." The officer had no choice but to explain this many times.

In fact, considering the conditions of the militiamen, who have been starving and cold for many years, what strength could they possibly have?
It's already a miracle that they can even stand up.

So the physical fitness test is very simple, it's just standing at attention, and the time is also compensated, only half an hour. If you can't even stand at attention, how can you form ranks on the battlefield?

"I just haven't had a proper meal in a long time."

The soldier pleaded, "Let me recover for a while, I'm sure I'll make it."

The officer shook his head.

"Half an hour of standing at attention is the simplest, just to take care of you. After a while, the standard will be higher, and if you can't keep up then, the army can't just fire you again. You're not suited to be a soldier. Go work in a trading company; it's not bad there."

Of course it's good.

But if there's something better, who wouldn't want to strive for it?

Everywhere, soldiers were trying to find ways to stay.

"Damn it." Miao Yong, the battalion commander of Fenzhou Camp, sighed with emotion. Looking at the group of people who used to be lifeless, they had become vibrant and full of life, each one of them acting like a human being, and they had started to actively pursue each other. He really couldn't believe that these two groups of people were the same group.

"Boss, when do we leave?"

His trusted subordinate asked.

The Datong Army had strict discipline. They used to be arrogant and domineering in front of the people, and no one would not bow and scrape before them. But that won't work in the future.

Even if it's just a street vendor, you can't even touch a single date, let alone bully the owner.

They were already aware of what had happened to their comrades in Taiyuan.

But there was nothing they could do. The Datong Army was too tempting for ordinary soldiers. In fact, it wasn't bad for the elite soldiers either, with a solid income of two and a half taels of silver per month. But without that "respectability," many people felt resentful.

"In a couple of days," Miao Yong said vaguely.

"Row."

The confidants laughed and said, "If they don't want us here, there are plenty of other places that will. With our abilities, as long as our leader leads us, we can go anywhere. So many people are eager to have us."

"Chief Miao".

Liu Zhong suddenly blocked Miao Yong's path.

Miao Yong recognized the person and relaxed his guard, realizing he had nothing to fear. "What are your orders, Battalion Commander?"

"Shall we take a walk?"

Liu Zhong smiled.

Miao Yong glanced at the dozen or so confidants behind Liu Zhong, unsure of Liu Zhong's intentions, but with a clear conscience and knowing the style of the Datong Army, Miao Yong wasn't worried, so he followed Liu Zhong away.

"Look at it."

Liu Zhong led Miao Yong to the outside of the camp and then pointed to the camp.

The land outside the camp was all cleared.

Yes.

The muddy ground had to be swept away.

Even if it's mud, it should be spotless, or at least look clean and tidy.

The same camp, but they look completely different.

Miao Yong nodded and said calmly, "Indeed, you are quite capable. I cannot match your skills, Battalion Commander."

“I am no different from you, the only difference is that I have a military governor’s office behind me.” Liu Zhong shook his head, stopped probing, and said, “I have heard of you, someone has introduced you to me. Actually, you are very good, and I hope you will stay.”

Miao Yong was stunned and said in disbelief, "I'm just a junior officer."

"So what if he's a captain?"

Liu Zhong sneered, "I used to be just a sentry officer, and a warlord who killed officials and rebelled."

Miao Yong was greatly alarmed.

Only then did Liu Zhong tell Miao Yong about his past mutiny in Datong.

"Oh it's you!"

Miao Yong was terrified.

The Datong Mutiny was such a big deal a few years ago that they even put on martial law in Fenzhou, worried that it would have an impact on the area. Now that he has met the person involved, Miao Yong can only think that the world is too strange.

Not only was this person unharmed, but he even became a guerrilla general, leading three thousand men.

However, Miao Yong was also clear that this person was definitely capable.

"Although the battalion commander was a sentry officer before, he was able to lead a group of unruly soldiers to gain a foothold and grow the size of the force, which shows that he has real ability. He just didn't have a patron. Later, he met the military governor, who had the insight to recognize his talent."

"Yes."

Liu Zhong did not deny it. "I'm telling you all this because you are indeed a good person. You love your soldiers like your own children, you haven't gone along with the corrupt practices, and you've maintained your bottom line."

Arrogant and fierce soldiers.

If the imperial court is in arrears and the benefits are insufficient, then the only way to make up for it is to find other ways.

Compared to other military camps, Miao Yong's household guards were the best. Liu Zhong wanted to keep this man and said, "I think you are very good. The Jiedushi's office needs talents like you. You should also be a smart man. Only by joining the Jiedushi's office will you have a greater chance."

Even a mutinous soldier leader could rise to the position of guerrilla general.

The momentum of the Datong Military Governor's Office is so strong.

Miao Yong nodded.

Liu Zhong laughed loudly, and finally patted Miao Yong on the shoulder, "From now on, we're comrades-in-arms, we're all soldiers. Don't have too many ulterior motives. If you have any difficulties in the future, just come to me. But let me make this clear beforehand, don't mention anything illegal or taboo."

"Thank you, Battalion Commander!"

Miao Yong respectfully cupped his hands in greeting.

……

Beijing.

Liu Ru became the Grand Secretary and the Emperor's teacher, so his prestige is now considerable.

However, Liu Ru became even more low-key.

When Lin Ruhai arrived at Liu Ru's residence, it was neither simple nor luxurious, but rather unremarkable, much like Liu Ru's character—unassuming and unassuming, yet always present. This man should not be underestimated.

"Greetings, Your Excellency!"

Upon arriving at the main hall of the Liu residence, Lin Ruhai cupped his hands in greeting.

"Ru Hai, please sit down."

Liu Ru personally greeted them and gave them a warm welcome.

The butler brought in a tea tray and served hot tea.

Lin Ruhai knew that the Grand Secretary must have something important to say by specially inviting him to his residence.

The four armies of the Beijing Garrison.

The two armies, one in the north and one in the south, fell into the hands of Prince Zhongshun.

The Eastern Army was still influenced by Zhu Wei and his son, but compared to the Western Army, which was personally commanded by General Feng Tang, the Eastern Army was clearly weaker, so many people were eyeing it and wanted to become the commander of the Eastern Army.

Despite the Grand Secretary's silence, Minister of Military Affairs Tao Jie had actually devised every possible method to control the military power of the Beijing Garrison.

Reform is still necessary.

Only through rectification can military power be regained.

But how can we rectify this?

No one is easy to please.

It is easy to ask God but difficult to send Him away.

When Prince Chungshun returned to the capital, it was the most difficult time for the emperor. Prince Chungshun naturally believed that he had made the greatest contribution and was the most qualified to help the emperor guard the capital garrison.

But what about the cabinet?

Would they trust Prince Zhongshun and allow the military power of the Beijing Garrison to remain in the hands of the prince and military officers?
Then
The Jia family presented another opportunity.

The Jia family consists of half old nobles and military generals, and half new civil officials pursuing official careers.

"Does Wang Xin intend to usurp the throne?"

Liu Ru asked softly, his voice so low that it couldn't be heard outside.

Lin Ruhai was startled.

Unexpectedly, the Grand Secretary brought up Wang Xin's matter.

The matter of the Beijing garrison hasn't been resolved yet, and the barbarian threat in Liaodong is even more pressing. Why then have they set their sights on Wang Xin? Although what Wang Xin did was indeed excessive, compared to other things, it doesn't seem so excessive anymore.

Lin Ruhai knew that the imperial court would definitely deal with Wang Xin, but he prioritized the situation. Wang Xin should be dealt with later than the capital garrison, and even later than Liaodong.

(End of this chapter)