Chapter 0009: Sending Money to the Army

Wang He furrowed his brows and said, "What exactly would he consider to be to his liking?"

In this era, the three hundred years of warfare during the Northern and Southern Dynasties were incessant, particularly in the North where the Han and Hu peoples were mixed, and martial spirit was strong. From high-ranking officials and generals to common folk, all aspired to achieve merit and establish their careers, seeking to secure titles for their wives and benefits for their children as their life goals. Dying on the battlefield, wrapped in a horse's hide, was regarded as the highest honor for a man, while dying peacefully in bed and living a safe life was seen as a disgrace

Wang Shichong did not speak; during the Sui Dynasty, the term "Kaifu" referred to high-ranking military generals who were allowed to recruit their own staff, and the salaries of these staff members were not borne by the court

Wang Shichong lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then shook his head: "Third brother, I believe that Wang Shiji has come this time likely seeking individuals who can assist him in warfare; considerations regarding wealth are secondary. After all, if it is indeed as A Da said, that the Supreme Ruler has decided to attack the Southern Chen, then if Wang Shiji achieves military merit in this battle, the rewards and salary increases he would receive would far exceed what our family could offer him. I fear that he may have numerous connections for military enlistment, and he may not prioritize our family's money."

The Battle of the Destruction of Chen may be an opportunity that an ordinary person might not encounter in several lifetimes. Although I have now become the head of the family, my two brothers also have the chance to earn merit on the battlefield through their own martial skills. If I do not allow them to go, they might resent our father for a lifetime. Just like the Yang Family Generals in later generations, who always fought together as fathers and sons, brothers, without considering any issues of leaving behind. Even Wang He himself, if he were not unable to get out of bed, would likely not want to miss this opportunity.

Wang Shishi shook his head: "He hasn't said anything yet, he just wants the second brother to go over early, saying that once we brothers are all gathered, he will naturally conduct the test."

A trace of pain appeared on Wang He’s face as he closed his eyes once more, two lines of clear tears flowing from the corners of his eyes. Wang Shichong hurriedly took out a handkerchief from his bosom to wipe them, but was pushed away by Wang He’s outstretched hand

Wang Shichong glanced at his two brothers and smiled slightly: "Elder Brother, I and Third Brother did not hear your esteemed analysis just now. To be honest, I was quite surprised when I first heard it. Although I could vaguely guess that he was after money, I did not expect you to offer him so much. It seems that he probably has a big appetite, and even 100,000 coins may not satisfy him. In my opinion, it would be better to let him go."

Wang He helplessly shook his head, opened his eyes, and his gaze was murky: "Shichong, your brothers are not as quick-witted as you. Although our Wang family is engaged in business, we have always been oppressed by the collusion of officials and businessmen. After Wang Shiji left that year, our family's business has continuously encountered troubles. If it weren't for your business acumen, we would have likely collapsed long ago. Isn't this clearly the doing of Wang Shiji? Don't think that just because the businesses you have handled in the past two years have been doing well, it is because our Wang family's influence is still not large enough to pose a threat to others. Once your business grows larger, others will set their sights on you. Without power and influence, what good is having money? Five years ago, when Wang Shiji came to forcibly seize our family assets, could the authorities have stood up for us?"

Wang Shichong glanced at his elder brother, who was drenched in sweat, and urgently asked, "Wasn't it said that they would only arrive at night? How come they are here just after noon?"

With the southern expedition imminent, Wang Shiji's military office will certainly recruit a large number of strategists and valiant generals, all of which require funding. This is the true reason why Wang Shiji is willing to give his family a favor by visiting a relative he hasn't seen in many years.

Following Wang Shishi was his slightly shorter third brother, Wang Shiwei, who was dressed in red and appeared to be around seventeen or eighteen years old. He had a spirited expression, but his features bore a resemblance to Wang Shishi, sharing about seventy to eighty percent of his looks.

Therefore, a military general with the authority to establish a government requires substantial financial support; relying solely on their salary would likely be far from sufficient

However, thinking of what Wang Ban said to him in the tavern, Wang Shichong shook his head again: "A Da, our Wang family is a family of merchants, and our business is doing quite well now. None of us brothers have ever fought in a war. Is it really necessary to risk our lives on the battlefield in this southern expedition, exchanging our heads for a title?" Wang Shichong shook his head again: "A Da, our Wang family is a family of merchants, and our business is doing quite well now. None of us brothers have ever fought in a war. Is it really necessary to risk our lives on the battlefield in this southern expedition, exchanging our heads for a title? Moreover, I know you value Wang Shiji's position as a Grand General and wish for him to nominally support us brothers as a distant relative within our family. However, he has always had his eyes on our family assets. Five years ago, when our family only had five rice shops, he led troops to forcibly seize them. Now that our business has expanded, he is likely even more covetous. If we invite him, it would only bring humiliation to our family. Why should we do that?"

Wang Shichong chuckled softly; these two lines of poetry are timeless verses from the "Li Xue Pian" by Zhao Heng, the Song Zhenzong of later generations. A few years ago, when my elder brother Wang Shishi mocked my literary weakness, I used these lines to retort. At that time, my elder brother and third brother were left dumbfounded, their embarrassment palpable, and I still vividly remember that moment.

Wang Shiwei curled his lips and raised an eyebrow: "This Wang Shiji is being unreasonable. As a relative, even if A Da is bedridden, he should at least come to pay a visit. How can A Da not have made an appearance, yet he acts like an elder, calling us brothers out to do some tests? We are not his subordinates to be ordered around like this"

Wang Shishi and Wang Shiwei did not hear what Wang He had just said. Upon hearing Wang Shichong's words, both were taken aback and exclaimed in unison, "We still have to give him money?"

Wang Shichong said resentfully: "That really is a bargain for that little brat Wang Shiji. A-Da, your current condition is not quite suitable for meeting him, right? When he arrives, let the child handle it. The child knows what to do, you can rest assured."

Wang He helplessly shook his head: "Isn't it all for the future of you few youngsters! A Da knows his own body best; this time, he is afraid he cannot escape. Moreover, A Da holds an official position without a title, and you cannot inherit a title, only remaining as commoners. Don't you know that people like us, who are wealthy yet powerless, are seen as easy prey by those in power? Wang Shiji is only interested in our family's money. A few years ago, you showcased your exceptional business talent in front of him. A Da believes that keeping you to manage the family business and provide him with filial piety money is better than directly harming you. After all, if anything were to happen to the three of you under his care, he, as an uncle, would be criticized for not taking proper care of you. It is not worth it to tarnish our family's reputation for the sake of this little inheritance."

Wang He frowned and was about to speak when he heard a deep and powerful voice from outside, accompanied by the sound of hurried footsteps approaching: "A Da, A Da, Wang Shiji has already arrived at the door!"

Wang He sighed and said: "You say that Wang Shiji has always been arrogant, but that is something he earned with his life. Even your grandfather, Duke Jie, was able to attain this position of Yitong through risking his life for his achievements. On the battlefield, amidst the chaos of blood and flesh, how can it be so easy to establish merit and success?"

Before the words had left his mouth, two individuals crashed through the door. The one in front was none other than Wang Shishi, the elder brother who had just encountered Wang Shichong at the entrance.

Wang Shichong lowered his head, understanding his father's intention, which was to prevent others from harboring ill intentions and seizing this family fortune. Therefore, he wanted his three brothers to rely on Wang Shiji's connections to enlist in the military. After all, in this era where civil service positions were predominantly inherited by aristocratic families, achieving merit through military service was the best path for promotion.

Wang He continued, saying: "I have heard that the current supreme ruler intends to launch a southern expedition to eliminate the Chen state and unify the realm. Wang Shiji has no brothers, and in recent years, his official position has grown increasingly prominent. He also wishes to find some reliable relatives. Although we have not been in contact for many years, our family has been doing well in business over the past few years and has accumulated some wealth, which can support him in establishing a government and recruiting talent. Therefore, this is essentially a transaction."

Wang He pondered for a moment and slowly said: "Well, it is not explicitly stated in the letter; we will have to discuss it slowly after he arrives. If he is willing to support you brothers a little, I would be willing to offer a gift of one hundred thousand coins each year."

Wang He laboriously raised his hand and shook it, saying: "Shichong, one must be magnanimous and not too petty! If Wang Shiji can arrange for you three brothers to work under him this time, during the campaign against Chen in the south, there will surely be someone who will achieve military merit. If one of us can attain an official position like Yitong, then we won't have to worry about being bullied anymore. Otherwise, without power and wealth, we will eventually be swallowed up by others."

Thinking of this, Wang Shichong spoke up: "A Da, how much money is our family preparing to give Wang Shiji this time, and what official positions can he offer our family brothers?"

Wang Shishi and Wang Shiwei reluctantly replied in the affirmative, and fell silent thereafter

Wang Shishi and Wang Shiwei both widened their eyes, unable to close their mouths: "What, give him 100,000? A Da, are you not confused due to illness?"

Wang Shishi wiped the sweat from his face and said in rapid succession: "Second brother, that Wang Shiji said that in warfare, speed is of the essence. He only brought one attendant and rode over. He also mentioned that upon hearing that A Da was bedridden, he deemed it unnecessary to trouble himself to meet him. He will look at our family's several brothers, and if any of us meet his approval, he will take them away."

Wang Hezhong let out a heavy "hum": "You all don't need to think too hard. If it weren't for our family's money, how could Wang Shiji suddenly come knocking after not having any dealings with our family for over twenty years? You all, even if you end up serving under him in the future, should learn from the second brother and use your brains more often"

Wang Shichong exclaimed: "One hundred thousand? A Da, isn't that a bit too much! The total profit from all the shops of the Wang family, after deducting wages, is only a little over two hundred thousand each year. To give that Wang Shiji one hundred thousand?"

Wang Shichong raised his head and said: "A Da, since you are also aware of how wicked Wang Shiji is, why do you still want to use your warm face to approach his cold backside this time? I fear that he will not genuinely give us the opportunity to achieve merit, and may even take action to harm us."