[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army":3,"chapter-a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-325":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","A Little Soldier of the Late Ming Border Army",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1205614,1561,"Chapter 325: Reassessment","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-325",325,"\u003Cp>Wen Shiyan gazed at Wen Fangliang for a long while, suddenly feeling that the nephew before him had become a stranger. He sighed, \"To forgo small gains in pursuit of a great enterprise — that Liang'er can think this way is truly rare.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He mused, \"Baoanzhou is the founding stronghold of the General Who Pacifies the State, so naturally it must be guarded by someone close to him. That Zhong Diaoyang, being the general's maternal cousin, is indeed the most suitable candidate. For you, Liang'er, to voluntarily step aside — this decision is correct.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Wen Fangliang, nodding with a smile, his face showing considerable gratification.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be praised so highly by his uncle caught Wen Fangliang somewhat off guard, and at the same time he felt a secret delight. This uncle of his had always been stern with him and rarely showed such an amiable expression. To be praised by an elder, especially one who was usually strict, would make anyone happy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncle and nephew sat down again to talk. When the conversation touched on one matter, Wen Shiyan's hands trembled, nearly spilling the tea from his cup. Unable to contain his excitement, he rose and began pacing in the study.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pondered deeply for a long time, his expression grave. \"The General Who Pacifies the State is establishing a command staff. This is a matter of great importance. If one could secure a post in one of the departments and follow at the general's side, the prospects would be limitless. A mere Garrison Commander truly cannot compare.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paced and mused, \"In my humble opinion, among the staff departments, Finance and Staff are the most important. The heads of Intelligence and the Pacification Commission are already decided. Logistics, Civil Affairs, and Education — you are not the right candidate. I hear that Lin Daofu is in charge of troop training at Shunbao; he will likely be the Training Department Director. As for Finance... my inclination is toward the Staff Department. Han Chao will be appointed Garrison Commander of Laishui, and if Zhong Diaoyang also takes the prefectural garrison command, then among the various officers, you hold the highest rank and the deepest seniority. The post of Staff Department Director can be none other than you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Fangliang smiled. \"Your nephew thinks the same.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the spirited expression on Wen Fangliang's face, Wen Shiyan sighed inwardly. In the past, this nephew had been a ne'er-do-well. Now it seemed the heavy responsibility of reviving the family would fall upon this very person he had always regarded as a profligate son. Such was the wondrous strangeness of life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while, he calmed his agitated heart and quietly instructed Wen Fangliang, \"Although it is highly likely you will get the Staff Department post, you should still move about more among your colleagues to guard against unforeseen mishaps.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Fangliang, however, shook his head. \"Not so. The general's mind is like a clear mirror regarding the candidates for each department post. Action is not as good as stillness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his composed demeanor, Wen Shiyan was astonished for a moment, then said self-deprecatingly, \"Could it be that your uncle has grown old?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed. \"The garrison city is a pool of stagnant water. My colleagues are all restless and wish to come to the prefectural city to seek positions. It is said that at thirty one stands firm, at forty one has no doubts, and at fifty one knows the will of Heaven. Your uncle is nearing the age of knowing Heaven's will, yet has accomplished nothing. Thinking of this fills me with shame.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said to Wen Fangliang, \"By the way, if a good opportunity arises, Liang'er, you could seek for your uncle an advisory staff position in the Staff Department. Your uncle still has the ability to offer words of counsel to the General Who Pacifies the State.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, inside Zhang Gui's residence, Tian Changguo gazed at the dazzling array of books in Zhang Gui's study and could not help but wag his head in praise. \"I never imagined Brother Zhang had collected so many books on military strategy and agriculture. Such devotion to learning — your elder brother is truly filled with admiration, admiration.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui plopped down onto his seat and sighed. \"I have no choice but to study. Now everyone in our Shunxiang Army must learn to read. The slightest slack and you'll be left behind. Brother Tian, you know there are plenty of people inside and outside the prefectural city eyeing my position with envy. Every day I tread on thin ice, not daring to be negligent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Changguo chimed in, \"Yes, yes, none of us have it easy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He leaned back comfortably into the official's hat chair of huanghuali wood and said with emotion, \"To be invited to attend the council today — Brother Zhang, you don't know how at ease my heart feels.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed. \"I am already past fifty. In title, I am Assistant Guard Commander of Bao'an Guard and the administrative officer of the prefectural city. But as you know, the authority over my battalion drills and troop inspections has all been taken over by Lin Daofu. What pleasure is there left in the one remaining patrol duty? Baoanzhou nowadays can be said to have no one pocketing lost articles on the road and no need to bar doors at night. I might not even patrol once a month. Your elder brother is bored to madness. Thank Heaven the General Who Pacifies the State has cast his discerning eye upon me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed repeatedly in contentment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui glanced at him. \"A rare opportunity is hard to come by. Brother Tian, take care. The general has always detested subordinates who indulge in wine and women. In the future, you should frequent the pleasure quarters and wine shops less. If you incur the general's displeasure, that would ruin everything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Changguo's expression turned somewhat awkward. He said, \"Yes, yes, many thanks for Brother Zhang's reminder. Your elder brother is engraved with gratitude, engraved with gratitude.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lifted his teacup and took a sip, then coughed once. \"The general is establishing a command staff with subordinate departments. In your elder brother's view, the post of Civil Affairs Department Director is surely none other than Brother Zhang.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui looked smug, but he said with restraint, \"The general has not yet made his final decision. It is too early to speak of this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Changguo mused, \"From what the general said today, the future Eastern Route territory is to develop land reclamation, animal husbandry, mining, forestry, roads, and commercial affairs. In your brother's opinion, how many sections will the Civil Affairs Department be divided into?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui rose and paced. \"My guess is no more than Water Conservancy, Agriculture and Husbandry, Commerce, and Mining. If a Commerce Section is indeed established, I will certainly recommend you, old brother, as its head.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Changguo was overjoyed. He rose and thanked Zhang Gui. \"In that case, many thanks to Director Zhang.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui hurried over to help Tian Changguo up. \"Brother Tian, if I become the Civil Affairs Department Director, we two brothers will work together to put the entire Eastern Route's civil affairs in order and create a paradise. The general's discerning eyes are like lightning; he will surely take note of our achievements.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his ambitious demeanor, Tian Changguo was also stirred. Rubbing his hands, he said, \"Director Zhang, rest assured. When it comes to doing business, your elder brother still has a few tricks up his sleeve.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui said, \"There is an opportunity right now. Prices in Baoanzhou are soaring. I hear the general is deeply worried. If we can stabilize prices, the general will certainly look upon us with new eyes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Changguo said, \"Your elder brother knows of this matter too. But our Baoanzhou is different from other places. It is not that the prefectural people have no grain, only that they are unwilling to sell. Moreover, they have silver in hand and are buying grain vigorously. As soon as any grain shipment arrives at the rice shops, they buy it all up, causing prices in Baoanzhou to rise continuously.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Solving this problem is also simple. As long as the prefectural people sell grain or stop buying it, prices can be stabilized. Given the general's prestige, it would only take a single written notice. Not to mention that the general has seized back a large amount of grain, cattle, and horses. Finding some trustworthy rice shops to sell grain at fair prices would eliminate any worry about prices.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui shook his head. \"Brother Tian has considered the first point but not the second. The prefectural people can sell grain, and the general can sell grain. But what if grain merchants from other regions come to Baoanzhou to buy up grain? You must know that in the garrison city and over in Taiyuan, there are quite a few wealthy and powerful grain merchants. If they buy up large quantities of grain, prices will rise even more severely than now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Changguo was stunned for a moment, then blurted out, \"Then we'll just forbid them from buying grain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui shook his head even more. \"If we do that, merchants from other regions will no longer ship grain goods to Baoanzhou.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Changguo unconsciously rose and began pacing as well. He pondered back and forth but could not find a perfect solution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing him lost in thought for a long while, Zhang Gui said, \"Let's discuss this matter slowly another time. Brother Tian, there is one thing I must make clear to you. If you truly become the head of the Commerce Section, to avoid suspicion, it would be best to close down those shops and businesses under your name. Find a suitable price and transfer them soon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Changguo said awkwardly, \"This... surely it's no hindrance? It's just some nephews and brothers in the family doing a little small trading.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui slapped his forehead. \"Old Tian, don't be muddled. If your family is engaged in trade, how can you manage the affairs of the section? What will outsiders think? What will the general think? A bit of wealth is a small matter; losing the general's esteem is a grave matter. Time waits for no one.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold sweat instantly broke out on Tian Changguo. He gave Zhang Gui a deep bow. \"Many thanks for Director Zhang's reminder. Your elder brother nearly ruined a great matter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui waved his hand. \"You and I are brothers like one family. Why stand on such ceremony?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He mused, \"From what the general said today, tax bureaus are to be established throughout the Eastern Route in the future to collect commercial taxes. I think the establishment of these tax bureaus can start from the prefectural city, collecting taxes from those merchants for the purpose of supporting the army and the people. With those merchants under the control of the Commerce Section, it will also be easier to guard against outside thieves and spies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Changguo said, \"This matter is likely to cause a huge uproar. The merchants operating in the prefectural city are mostly the sons and nephews of various officials and local gentry. Collecting commercial taxes from them will probably draw a wave of curses and might even lead to strikes and market shutdowns to coerce the authorities.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui gave a cold laugh. \"Our Shunxiang Army is ever-victorious in battle and unstoppable in assault. Should we fear a mere disturbance by some merchants? If they dare to jump out, the General Who Pacifies the State need only extend one little finger to crush them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"On this matter, you can rest easy. Either they obediently pay their taxes, or they get out of Baoanzhou. I don't believe they would refuse to do business. Our Great Ming's commercial tax is only one-thirtieth, and goods priced below forty taels are entirely tax-exempt. If they are unwilling to pay such light commercial taxes, then they are utterly deranged. What use is keeping such treacherous merchants in the Eastern Route?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Changguo gnashed his teeth. \"With those words from Director Zhang, your elder brother is reassured. Damn it, let's do it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui cried out, \"Good! You and I, brothers, advance and retreat together.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterward, he sighed. \"You have it easy managing the Commerce Section. If I manage the entire Civil Affairs Department, I'm afraid it will draw a tidal wave of curses.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Changguo probed, \"What does Director Zhang mean?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui said, \"From the ninth year of Chongzhen, when the General Who Pacifies the State first arrived at Shunxiang Fort, and later came to the prefectural city, he has been opening up wasteland and distributing land to soldiers and civilians. But as you know, old brother, the lands under the names of the original prefectural city and fort officers were not touched, nor did they pay taxes. My intention is to re-survey their lands and levy grain taxes by the acre.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For newly distributed land, whether to officers or common soldiers, grain is levied by the acre. There is no reason those old landholdings should still not pay a single coin now. It is time to unify the grain levy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Changguo drew in a sharp breath. \"This matter is of no small consequence. I'm afraid...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui chuckled. \"If not for this, how could I leave a deep impression in the heart of the General Who Pacifies the State? Brother Tian, in my fort, there used to be Han Chao, Gao Shiyin, Zhong Xiancai, and others. When it comes to fighting, I can no longer keep up with them. If I don't accomplish something in civil affairs, how can I stand firm in our Shunxiang Army in the future?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Changguo looked at Zhang Gui for a long while, reassessing this man who, in the eyes of outsiders, was famous only for his crudeness.\u003C\u002Fp>",2333,"2026-06-03T14:05:36.780Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","a8468f83c928469e58524a6f14d72559a16c45e3dfcdc5db1ccce57593cc5da8","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-326","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-324",896,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fa-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-cover.jpg"]