Chapter 594: A Daughter

If a boy was born, then Zhao Camp would have an heir, and the overall situation would be settled. If a girl was born, then variables would remain — others would still have a chance. At the very least, they could marry in and fight for a share of this enormous family fortune.

Despite all the worries beforehand, the delivery went very smoothly this time. Both mother and child were safe. But inside Zhao Camp, people were not particularly satisfied with the outcome, because Xu Zhenzhen had given birth to a girl.

When the midwife brought the news out, Zhao Jin was all smiles, but He Cuihua's expression was rather sour. Zhao Zhentang immediately scolded her, saying, "What kind of face are you putting on? The kids are still young — you think they'll stop after just one?"

Still, everyone could hear a trace of irritation in Zhao Zhentang's tone. Zhao Jin simply pretended not to see or hear it. Anyway, his parents hadn't explicitly expressed anything.

Zhao Jin's group of companions did discuss it privately for a few sentences, but then Chen Sheng scolded them, and they all fell silent.

"His family having a child — what does it have to do with you?" That was all Chen Sheng said.

In truth, many people felt it did have something to do with them. All across Xuzhou, any family that considered itself of decent standing and had a daughter of suitable age began making plans. They figured that given Zhao Jin's current status and prestige, their daughter might not be able to become his principal wife, but becoming a concubine wouldn't be too bad either. And if she could bear a son first, then her position would be entirely different.

Moreover, more and more people believed Xu Zhenzhen would never bear a son. Rumors had long been circulating — saying that if a woman was too strong-willed and too old, she would only give birth to girls, or might not even be able to bear children at all. Xu Zhenzhen was just past twenty this year and managed the Xu household affairs, perfectly matching both conditions. These words were all passed on to Zhao Jin by Lei Cai. Zhao Jin's only comment on the matter was two words: "Ridiculous."

When Wang Zhaojing delivered the urgent letter, he was vaguely worried. He thought that Zhao Jin's mood had not been good these past few days, and since this concerned the Jurchens of Liaodong, a matter Zhao Jin took very seriously, he might fly into a rage. Wang Zhaojing had even thought out in advance how he would calm him down.

The fall of Fushun, the death of the Regional Commander in battle, the defending general's surrender — this whole chain of events, although it caused a shock in the capital, was not widely known across the realm. The court had not yet issued the official gazette. Only those in various regions who paid close attention to news from the capital had a rough idea. Wang Youshan's letter could be considered the most timely and detailed military intelligence report.

Since it was sent under the guise of a family letter, Wang Zhaojing naturally opened and read it first. When he saw that Liaodong Garrison had suffered such a major defeat, he too was utterly shocked. On one hand, it was the defeat itself — in nearly a hundred years, the Great Ming had never suffered a defeat like this: a city breached, a general of Regional Commander rank killed in battle, over ten thousand government troops completely annihilated. That so-called Jianzhou Jurchens were actually this ferocious. On the other hand, it was because of Zhao Jin.

The Eastern Barbarians — no, they should now be called the Eastern Slaves — the Jurchens, the Jianzhou Jurchens, Nurhaci. This whole string of names — Zhao Jin had shown interest in them as early as a year ago, or even earlier. Back then, everyone had been surprised. What value did such a frontier tribe, one no one else paid any attention to, hold that Zhao Jin would keep it on his mind?

Besides, Xuzhou was thousands of li from Liaodong Garrison — they were places with virtually no connection. Why did he value it so much? Why did he go out of his way to gather intelligence on it?

Looking at it now, this concern was not without aim. Wang Zhaojing knew that Zhao Jin cared about the great trends of the realm. With Zhao Jin's strategic vision, he would certainly take note of a foreign power this ferocious, one capable of posing a threat to the Great Ming.

So how had Zhao Jin known? Wang Youshan had mentioned it a few times in his letter and urged Wang Zhaojing to ask when the time was right. Wang Youshan's judgment was similar to the conclusion Wang Zhaojing had reached before — that Zhao Jin could make such a prediction because of that uncle of his who had traveled far and wide. Wang Zhaojing had also had contact with Zhao Zhenxing. He knew this down-and-out middle-aged man, afflicted by injuries and illness, possessed remarkably extraordinary insight, and he had likely been to Liaodong. Perhaps he had seen something back then.

"Big Brother, an urgent letter from my father. The Jianzhou Jurchens have invaded Liaodong. Fushun has fallen — a disastrous defeat…" Wang Zhaojing spoke as he handed the letter over to Zhao Jin.

He had assumed that with the firstborn being a daughter, Zhao Jin would be somewhat glum. Yet Zhao Jin seemed thoroughly cheerful here — it was rare to see him maintain this kind of mood.

Hearing Wang Zhaojing's words, Zhao Jin furrowed his brow. He took the letter and read it carefully. Like the official gazettes and such, Wang Zhaojing had already punctuated and divided it into sentences.

Zhao Jin's attitude toward his daughter was somewhat unexpected. And his reaction upon reading this detailed military report also surprised Wang Zhaojing greatly. He had thought Zhao Jin would be deeply shaken, then extremely agitated. He had not expected Zhao Jin to simply furrow his brow and read with focused concentration, occasionally murmuring the words aloud. Those who knew him well understood this was Zhao Jin's state when reading intently.

"You've surely already read Uncle Wang's letter. What do you think?" After finishing it, Zhao Jin pondered briefly, then turned and asked Wang Zhaojing.

Wang Zhaojing carefully studied Zhao Jin's expression. He found no trace of agitation or anger — Zhao Jin even seemed somewhat relaxed and composed. That was rather strange. Thinking this to himself, he still answered aloud: "Judging from this letter, although Liaodong Garrison has been defeated, there is no need to worry. The Jianzhou Eastern Slaves mobilized tens of thousands in one campaign, while the defending troops of Fushun in Liaodong Garrison, plus reinforcements, numbered no more than fifteen thousand at most. Outnumbered and caught off guard, this great defeat for Liaodong Garrison was to be expected. But now that the court and the public have been alarmed, Liaodong Garrison can gather strength for a counterattack, and troops from within the passes can also be transferred to support them. The capital garrison of Zhili, the border armies of Ji Garrison and Xuanfu Garrison, and the newly established Shanhai Pass Garrison — all can dispatch large forces."

At this point, Wang Zhaojing's anxious heart had eased considerably. Analyzing it, the Great Ming could mobilize troops from various routes — a hundred thousand, even two hundred thousand was possible. With overwhelming numbers against a smaller force, those Jianzhou Jurchens, those Eastern Slaves, would have no path but annihilation. Could it be that the ease on Big Brother's face was also because he had thought this through? Truly the seed of a famous general — he saw things clearly. Wang Zhaojing continued: "Moreover, Liaodong Garrison itself has a population of several million. It has been a border garrison for over a hundred years, with a thriving martial culture. By conscripting able-bodied civilians on the spot, they could also assemble a large army. There is truly nothing to worry about."

In the letter, Wang Youshan was very optimistic. Wang Youshan knew Zhao Jin wanted to read this letter, so between the lines he emphasized repeatedly that this defeat was nothing much. Although the capital was shaken and the Son of Heaven was terrified and anxious, it was nothing much. As long as the court got serious and all sides joined forces, the Jianzhou Jurchens would not be rampant for long.

However, Zhao Jin could roughly guess the other man's true thoughts. The letter was still reminding him: this minor defeat could not shake the foundation of the Great Ming's realm. The Great Ming's foundation was still deep and solid. Do not act rashly, lest you seek your own death. As for Wang Zhaojing's analysis, it was based purely on the facts at hand and could not be called wrong. After all, he did not know anything else and was speaking solely from this military report.

"Let's just wait and see. This one time truly doesn't signify anything!" Zhao Jin's words were very brief. This left Wang Zhaojing quite taken aback. He had expected agitated words, even roaring.

After saying this, Zhao Jin became much more serious. He spoke: "What happens outside has nothing to do with us right now. What we need to do is hold firm to Zhao Camp's position. Don't let the brothers below grow slack or lax. They must train hard, train diligently. We also cannot be confined to Xuzhou alone — we must expand outward. Qingjiangpu has been taken, but the counties, cities, and towns between Yutou Town and Qingjiangpu are still in other people's hands. We must make them obedient and submissive. We must also earn silver. That market in Qingjiangpu, the salt route on the Wild Grass Flats — we must keep a firm grip on all of these. We must also keep a close watch on the Yellow River. We can't always rely on those few men from the Cai family. Over time, it's easy for them to pull tricks. Go back and make arrangements. The day after tomorrow, we'll go to Qingjiangpu. If that market and trade center there can take off, it will certainly generate more than what we can develop here."

Wang Zhaojing was somewhat stunned. He had not expected that the delivery of such critical news — the Eastern Slaves' invasion, news Zhao Jin had always inexplicably treated as important — would be met with Zhao Jin talking at length about Zhao Camp's internal affairs and future.

After his initial shock, Wang Zhaojing also felt much more at ease. What Big Brother Zhao Jin said was right. What happened outside had nothing to do with Zhao Camp. Liaodong Garrison was several thousand li from Xuzhou — what did their life-and-death struggles have to do with things here? The court would sooner or later sweep away such foreign slave-bandits. He need not worry too much about it. But then why had Big Brother cared so much before?

Watching Zhao Jin sit there deep in thought, Wang Zhaojing paused, then spoke: "Big Brother, if I may be so bold — your wife has given you a daughter. This is a great joyous event. Outside, there are some…"

"A son or a daughter, it's all the same. Those people outside have rotten brains — why bother with them!" Zhao Jin said with a laugh, unconsciously using a phrase from his memories.

Wang Zhaojing smiled and nodded, then took his leave. Since they were going to Qingjiangpu, he truly had quite a few matters to arrange.

Alone now in the study, Zhao Jin sat in silence for a while, then ordered the household guards outside not to let anyone in. Zhao Jin sat alone at his desk, staring blankly.

After spacing out like this for a time, Zhao Jin let out a long breath. He did indeed feel somewhat relaxed now. At this point, Zhao Jin could finally confirm one thing: the Jianzhou Jurchens — or more precisely, the Manchu Qing — were about to rise, and the Great Ming would continue its decline like this, all the way until its destruction.

Although he still had no clear memory of the specific details, he could now grasp the general trend with clarity. This fall of Fushun should be the beginning of everything. It would not be long before heaven and earth shattered and dynasties changed.

He had no clear memory of the specific details and process, but the descriptions of that era from every aspect — the suffering and despair — had left a very deep impression on Zhao Jin.

He had fought tooth and nail and finally built Zhao Camp into its current position. This position, this strength — could it survive that apocalyptic era of despair? Could it protect himself and every important person at his side? Could he do even more? It seemed he could not just be a wealthy man, nor could he just be a local magnate…

Thinking to this point, Zhao Jin smiled and waved his hand, as if to brush away these thoughts. He had never wanted to be a wealthy man in the first place, nor had he ever wanted to be some local magnate. Zhao Jin clearly remembered his own wish: he wanted to leave his name in history, a name that countless people would remember.

Thanks to old friends "Yuan Heng Li Zhen, 123*, Immovable as a Mountain, Brother Feiran" for their tips, special thanks to book friend "Immovable as a Mountain" for the generous reward, and thanks everyone for your subscriptions and monthly tickets.