Here is the English translation with the original HTML tags preserved:Chapter 324: "Spoils of War"
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Beyond the passing time
"Victory report, victory report!" Just as Zhang Shun was staying in Xingzhou to plan and arrange the logistics and transportation for the 200,000 strong army, reports of victories flew into the city like snowflakes.
The first news to reach the capital was the report of victory from Zhang Sanbai, who had conquered Fenzhou Prefecture.
Following that, there was news of victory from Zhang Dashou, who was dispatched by Sun Chuanting and had severely defeated the Later Jin troops. Then came the report of triumph from Cao Wenzhao, who had "slain in battle" Ajige, a renowned Later Jin prince. Along with the report, spoils of war such as a golden helmet, a white horse, and a seal were sent to the capital.
Here is the translation of the webpage content into English, preserving the original HTML tags:Finally, the good news arrived that Zhang Sanbai had defeated the Jin dynasty's famous general Ajige and recovered Jiexiu City.
However, following this news of victory, there was also Zhang Sanbai's "confession letter", the "small gifts" from the family heads of Wang and Jihou's three households, and those sent by Zhang Shun.
Here is the translation of the web content into English, preserving the original HTML tags:Zhang Shun took a quick look at Zhang Sanbai's "plea of guilt", and then glanced at the pair of weak and feeble "little things", instantly not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
It turned out that in the urgency of the situation, Zhang Sanbai had indiscriminately killed all the men, women, old and young of the Fen Zhou Qing Wang and Yonghe Wang's direct lines. Fearing that Zhang Shun would be angry, he then captured Fan Yongdou's wife and daughter alive and presented them to "calm his anger".
"He's overthinking it!" Zhang Shun cursed, then had no choice but to say to Zhang Fengyi with an awkward expression, "Take them away. In the next couple of days, send someone to escort them back to Taiyuan. For now, let them stay at the Wang residence..."
Here is the translation to English, preserving the original HTML tags:"No, what's with that expression of yours?"
"You beast!" Zhang Fengyi spat at him, not wanting to pay him any attention.
"Heaven have mercy, I truly don't have any such intentions!" Zhang Shun felt he was being wronged to death, and hurriedly tried to explain.
Here is the translation with original HTML tags preserved:"I let them stay in the prince's mansion because I fear others may have ill intentions and ruin their reputation..."
"So you can keep them for yourself to ruin, right?" Zhang Fengyi said with a distorted face.
Here is the translation to English, preserving the original HTML tags:"Hah, with my thick skin, if I wanted it, I would have asked for it right then and there. Why would I need to make up lies?" Zhang Shun, seeing that he couldn't explain it clearly, simply gave up explaining.
"That's true!" Zhang Fengyi, recalling his earlier shameless behavior, believed most of what he said.
Here is the translation to English, preserving the original HTML tags:However, she then remembered Zeng Shi in Zhang Shun's rear residence, as well as herself and Huang Shi, and instantly began to waver again.
This guy has a criminal record and doesn't speak a word of truth.
In the past two days, he has also impregnated both Huang Shi and Da Zhu Shi, which is extremely despicable.
Here is the English translation with the original HTML tags preserved:"No, you're deceiving me again!" Thinking of this, Zhang Fengyi suddenly remembered something - clearly this guy had no good intentions.
"There is also a Duchess of Lu in the Prince of Jin's mansion, are you planning to keep a mistress in secret?"
Here is the translation to English, preserving the original HTML tags:"Oh come on, what are you even talking about?" Zhang Shun said, exasperated upon hearing this. "These few people will be of great use to me in the future, don't always relate everything to romantic affairs!"
"What use? Leaving them to put a green hat on your opponent?" Zhang Fengyi mocked sarcastically.Note: "Wearing a green hat" is a Chinese expression that refers to a man whose wife is cheating on him, i.e. being cuckolded.
No, I previously thought you were a generous female general, but now you're just throwing these petty tantrums?
Seeing that Zhang Shun was truly angry, Zhang Fengyi quickly went down and grabbed one with each hand, dragging the mother and daughter out.
As soon as she left, the council chamber burst into laughter.
Zhang Shun looked helplessly at the seated generals. After everyone had laughed to their heart's content, he smiled at the three family heads, Wang Xie, Ji Bei, and Hou Jue, without changing his expression, "This king's lack of control over his wife has made him a laughing stock in front of you three!"
Wang Xie, Ji Bei, and Hou Jue were also feeling extremely uncomfortable, but since it was their first meeting, they didn't dare to be unrestrained. They could only bite their lips and nod in response.
It turned out that previously, the two women, Huang Shi and Da Zhu Shi, had accompanied Zhang Shun on his military campaign and enjoyed exclusive favor. After two months of pleasure, they both recently announced their pregnancies.
However, as the war was at its height, Zhang Shun dared not delay for a moment. He had no choice but to temporarily leave his children at the palace of the King of Jin in Taiyuan, along with Shi Shu to attend to them.
When Zhang Fengyi, who was eager to conceive, learned about this matter, she naturally became so jealous that her nose was no longer a nose, and her eyes were no longer eyes.
Today, she was making veiled accusations, fearing that the two "vixens" had already stolen her "pregnancy" luck, which led to this outburst.
If it were someone else, they would either give her a severe beating to vent their anger or send a divorce letter, "parting ways for good".
However, Zhang Shun had a good temper after all and wouldn't do anything to her.
"Everyone says that Your Highness Prince Shun is unparalleled in benevolence and righteousness. Today, seeing it in person, it truly lives up to its reputation!" After holding back for a long time and swallowing the laughter down to the stomach, only then did Wang Xie admiringly say.
These three family heads were extremely wealthy and had seen all sorts of people, but someone with a good temper like Zhang Shun was someone they encountered for the first time.
Speaking in business terms, to be honest, the three people's biggest concern before meeting Zhang Shun was that the other party would use their power to bully the merchants.
Doing business is different from doing other things. It emphasizes fairness, justice, and meticulous attention to detail.
If one party fails to follow the rules and frequently resorts to force, then no business can be conducted.
As a result, after witnessing this incident today, the three of them were instantly overjoyed to discover: this is someone who can be reasoned with!
As long as a person is reasonable, business will be easy to conduct, and partners will be easy to get along with.
Therefore, Wang Xie continued, "Previously, when the righteous army passed through Jiexiu, life went on as usual. Although we were full of admiration, we had no one to introduce us and could only lament the lack of opportunity."
"Unexpectedly, due to a twist of fate, we have the honor of meeting Your Highness, King Shun, and there are a few heartfelt words I wish to say."
"Oh? Please do tell, you three." Zhang Shun, of course, did not believe their nonsense and just wanted to see what tricks they were trying to pull.
"It's like this. I'm not sure if Commander Zhang mentioned it in his letter to Your Highness," Wang Xie said with a smile, "but each of our merchant families naturally has a 'master' of our own."
"These 'employers' are either high-ranking court officials, important generals guarding the borders, palace eunuchs, or royal relatives and nobles, without exception."
"If it were someone else, we would rather die than speak, pretend to know nothing even if beaten to death, and carry out everything in secrecy."
"Now that King Shun is benevolent and righteous, and has saved our three families from floods and fires, we are willing to change our allegiance and transfer the shares originally belonging to the 'East Family' to Your Highness. May I know what Your Highness thinks about this?"
"Oh?" Upon hearing this, Zhang Shun narrowed his eyes and said, "May I ask what is the 'East Family's' share?"
"My family holds 50%, and as for the profits, we must share half with the East Family, which amounts to about 400,000 to 500,000 taels of silver per year," Wang Xie replied, delighted by what he heard.
Here is the translation to English, preserving the original HTML tags:"We'll also take 50%. Those are the rules of the underworld - we split things 50/50!" Ji Bei and Hou Jue hurriedly agreed.
"Is that so?" Zhang Shun suddenly smiled and slowly said, "If these 'bosses' are captured by me later on and tell the truth, it won't look good for you!"
"Ah? Haha, I was just joking with Lord Shun. Actually... actually, my family takes a sixty percent cut..." Wang Xie wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and couldn't help but soften his stance.
"Ah, we also take sixty percent. As long as Lord Shun can help us get rid of our old 'boss', these profits will be yours in the future, Your Highness!" Ji Bei and the Marquis were also startled.
Here is the translation to English, preserving the original HTML tags:"Are you sure?" Zhang Shun's gaze turned dangerous.
"Uh... actually seventy percent... seventy percent is not impossible... just can't... can't be more than that!" At this point, Wang Xie, Ji Bei and Marquis all started sweating from their foreheads.
Here is the translation to English, preserving the original HTML tags:"It's really dark!" Zhang Shun said, shaking his head unexpectedly.
"Your Highness, please spare our lives! Your Highness, have mercy!" Hearing what Zhang Shun said, the three men were instantly scared half to death. They couldn't help but kneel down with a "thud, thud", kowtowing like they were pounding garlic.
Here is the translation to English, preserving the original HTML tags:"Never mind, I wasn't talking about you guys!" Zhang Shun shook his head, torn between laughter and tears.
"I was referring to the boss behind you. Working hard all year round, yet only letting you keep 30% of the profits - that's pretty ruthless!"
"Huh?" The three of them were stunned, looking at each other, not knowing how to respond.
"Forget it, I, the King, am not a greedy and insatiable person," Zhang Shun said, shaking his head with a smile.
"I do not eat more than three meals a day, nor do I wear more than five feet of cloth. What more could I ask for?"
"A 50/50 split is already very good. You can keep the remaining 50% to expand your business or repair bridges and roads!"
"Ah? Your Highness is benevolent and virtuous, how dare we not serve you with our lives?" In a turn of events, Wang Xie, Ji Bei, and Marquis Hou were in disbelief at first, then overjoyed.
"By the way, Your Highness, this commoner has something to say, but I don't know if I should say it or not?" Just then, Marquis Hou's eyes darted around, and he suddenly spoke up.
Here is the translation of the webpage content into English, preserving the original HTML tags:"Speak, I shall not punish you for your words," Zhang Shun said with a smile.
"It is indeed as this humble one stated before. There are many 'Dong Jia' among the merchant associations in the world. We of the Meng Shang are but a small family and cannot compare to the long-established merchant guilds."
"If it were elsewhere, I couldn't guarantee it, but in Pingyang Prefecture alone, the families of Wei, Wang, Liu, Yang, and others are prosperous, with assets in the millions. If they could turn to support Emperor Shun, it would be no less than a million?"
"Oh?" The Marquis's words instantly shocked Zhang Shun, almost making him want to bestow upon him the title of a real marquis.
Originally, the righteous army was short of provisions and funds for their northern expedition. If they could squeeze out some more resources from these few even more powerful families, what in the world would be difficult to achieve?
Here is the translation with original HTML tags preserved:"Well, let's discuss this matter later!" This was no small matter, and Zhang Shun did not intend to make a decision on the spot for now.
The three of them looked at each other, at a loss for words for a moment.
At this moment, Zhang Shun suddenly remembered something and couldn't help but ask, "You three are all traveling Mongolian merchants. Do you have any drivers or vehicles for hire?"
"Oh? May I ask how many King Shun needs?" The three looked at each other and asked.
Here is the English translation with the original HTML tags preserved:"Nine thousand!" Zhang Shun slowly uttered a number.
"Oh? May this humble citizen boldly ask, what does King Shun plan to do?" Ji Bei suddenly spoke out daringly upon hearing this.
"Actually, it's nothing much. Just planning to transport some military supplies," Zhang Shun hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"I'm afraid there's more to it, isn't there?" Unexpectedly, Ji Bei suddenly spoke up, "If this commoner's guess is correct, Your Highness, you're planning to transport military provisions, am I right?"
"Oh? And what if it is?" Zhang Shun's eyes began to narrow again, like a fierce tiger ready to pounce and devour.
"Please forgive this commoner's bold presumption, Your Highness. This commoner is in the tea trade, while my in-laws, the Liang family, operate a camel and horse convoy with no less than three thousand camels, horses, and vehicles under their command."
"If Emperor Shun has any need, just give the order and we can handle the transportation of your provisions and supplies, the food, clothing, and accommodation for the soldiers, as well as the medicine, gunpowder, and repair of military equipment."
"Oh?" Zhang Shun was taken aback upon hearing this, but then realized that it was not a bad idea.
Recruiting civilian laborers and organizing transportation again would not only require more effort, but also allow officials to line their own pockets in the process, resulting in lower efficiency and severe losses.
If it were possible to outsource some services to merchants, similar to government procurement in later generations, it would be a good way to improve efficiency.
The first news to reach the capital was the report of victory from Zhang Sanbai, who had conquered Fenzhou Prefecture.
Following that, there was news of victory from Zhang Dashou, who was dispatched by Sun Chuanting and had severely defeated the Later Jin troops. Then came the report of triumph from Cao Wenzhao, who had "slain in battle" Ajige, a renowned Later Jin prince. Along with the report, spoils of war such as a golden helmet, a white horse, and a seal were sent to the capital.
Here is the translation of the webpage content into English, preserving the original HTML tags:Finally, the good news arrived that Zhang Sanbai had defeated the Jin dynasty's famous general Ajige and recovered Jiexiu City.
However, following this news of victory, there was also Zhang Sanbai's "confession letter", the "small gifts" from the family heads of Wang and Jihou's three households, and those sent by Zhang Shun.
Here is the translation of the web content into English, preserving the original HTML tags:Zhang Shun took a quick look at Zhang Sanbai's "plea of guilt", and then glanced at the pair of weak and feeble "little things", instantly not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
It turned out that in the urgency of the situation, Zhang Sanbai had indiscriminately killed all the men, women, old and young of the Fen Zhou Qing Wang and Yonghe Wang's direct lines. Fearing that Zhang Shun would be angry, he then captured Fan Yongdou's wife and daughter alive and presented them to "calm his anger".
"He's overthinking it!" Zhang Shun cursed, then had no choice but to say to Zhang Fengyi with an awkward expression, "Take them away. In the next couple of days, send someone to escort them back to Taiyuan. For now, let them stay at the Wang residence..."
Here is the translation to English, preserving the original HTML tags:"No, what's with that expression of yours?"
"You beast!" Zhang Fengyi spat at him, not wanting to pay him any attention.
"Heaven have mercy, I truly don't have any such intentions!" Zhang Shun felt he was being wronged to death, and hurriedly tried to explain.
Here is the translation with original HTML tags preserved:"I let them stay in the prince's mansion because I fear others may have ill intentions and ruin their reputation..."
"So you can keep them for yourself to ruin, right?" Zhang Fengyi said with a distorted face.
Here is the translation to English, preserving the original HTML tags:"Hah, with my thick skin, if I wanted it, I would have asked for it right then and there. Why would I need to make up lies?" Zhang Shun, seeing that he couldn't explain it clearly, simply gave up explaining.
"That's true!" Zhang Fengyi, recalling his earlier shameless behavior, believed most of what he said.
Here is the translation to English, preserving the original HTML tags:However, she then remembered Zeng Shi in Zhang Shun's rear residence, as well as herself and Huang Shi, and instantly began to waver again.
This guy has a criminal record and doesn't speak a word of truth.
In the past two days, he has also impregnated both Huang Shi and Da Zhu Shi, which is extremely despicable.
Here is the English translation with the original HTML tags preserved:"No, you're deceiving me again!" Thinking of this, Zhang Fengyi suddenly remembered something - clearly this guy had no good intentions.
"There is also a Duchess of Lu in the Prince of Jin's mansion, are you planning to keep a mistress in secret?"
Here is the translation to English, preserving the original HTML tags:"Oh come on, what are you even talking about?" Zhang Shun said, exasperated upon hearing this. "These few people will be of great use to me in the future, don't always relate everything to romantic affairs!"
"What use? Leaving them to put a green hat on your opponent?" Zhang Fengyi mocked sarcastically.Note: "Wearing a green hat" is a Chinese expression that refers to a man whose wife is cheating on him, i.e. being cuckolded.
No, I previously thought you were a generous female general, but now you're just throwing these petty tantrums?
Seeing that Zhang Shun was truly angry, Zhang Fengyi quickly went down and grabbed one with each hand, dragging the mother and daughter out.
As soon as she left, the council chamber burst into laughter.
Zhang Shun looked helplessly at the seated generals. After everyone had laughed to their heart's content, he smiled at the three family heads, Wang Xie, Ji Bei, and Hou Jue, without changing his expression, "This king's lack of control over his wife has made him a laughing stock in front of you three!"
Wang Xie, Ji Bei, and Hou Jue were also feeling extremely uncomfortable, but since it was their first meeting, they didn't dare to be unrestrained. They could only bite their lips and nod in response.
It turned out that previously, the two women, Huang Shi and Da Zhu Shi, had accompanied Zhang Shun on his military campaign and enjoyed exclusive favor. After two months of pleasure, they both recently announced their pregnancies.
However, as the war was at its height, Zhang Shun dared not delay for a moment. He had no choice but to temporarily leave his children at the palace of the King of Jin in Taiyuan, along with Shi Shu to attend to them.
When Zhang Fengyi, who was eager to conceive, learned about this matter, she naturally became so jealous that her nose was no longer a nose, and her eyes were no longer eyes.
Today, she was making veiled accusations, fearing that the two "vixens" had already stolen her "pregnancy" luck, which led to this outburst.
If it were someone else, they would either give her a severe beating to vent their anger or send a divorce letter, "parting ways for good".
However, Zhang Shun had a good temper after all and wouldn't do anything to her.
"Everyone says that Your Highness Prince Shun is unparalleled in benevolence and righteousness. Today, seeing it in person, it truly lives up to its reputation!" After holding back for a long time and swallowing the laughter down to the stomach, only then did Wang Xie admiringly say.
These three family heads were extremely wealthy and had seen all sorts of people, but someone with a good temper like Zhang Shun was someone they encountered for the first time.
Speaking in business terms, to be honest, the three people's biggest concern before meeting Zhang Shun was that the other party would use their power to bully the merchants.
Doing business is different from doing other things. It emphasizes fairness, justice, and meticulous attention to detail.
If one party fails to follow the rules and frequently resorts to force, then no business can be conducted.
As a result, after witnessing this incident today, the three of them were instantly overjoyed to discover: this is someone who can be reasoned with!
As long as a person is reasonable, business will be easy to conduct, and partners will be easy to get along with.
Therefore, Wang Xie continued, "Previously, when the righteous army passed through Jiexiu, life went on as usual. Although we were full of admiration, we had no one to introduce us and could only lament the lack of opportunity."
"Unexpectedly, due to a twist of fate, we have the honor of meeting Your Highness, King Shun, and there are a few heartfelt words I wish to say."
"Oh? Please do tell, you three." Zhang Shun, of course, did not believe their nonsense and just wanted to see what tricks they were trying to pull.
"It's like this. I'm not sure if Commander Zhang mentioned it in his letter to Your Highness," Wang Xie said with a smile, "but each of our merchant families naturally has a 'master' of our own."
"These 'employers' are either high-ranking court officials, important generals guarding the borders, palace eunuchs, or royal relatives and nobles, without exception."
"If it were someone else, we would rather die than speak, pretend to know nothing even if beaten to death, and carry out everything in secrecy."
"Now that King Shun is benevolent and righteous, and has saved our three families from floods and fires, we are willing to change our allegiance and transfer the shares originally belonging to the 'East Family' to Your Highness. May I know what Your Highness thinks about this?"
"Oh?" Upon hearing this, Zhang Shun narrowed his eyes and said, "May I ask what is the 'East Family's' share?"
"My family holds 50%, and as for the profits, we must share half with the East Family, which amounts to about 400,000 to 500,000 taels of silver per year," Wang Xie replied, delighted by what he heard.
Here is the translation to English, preserving the original HTML tags:"We'll also take 50%. Those are the rules of the underworld - we split things 50/50!" Ji Bei and Hou Jue hurriedly agreed.
"Is that so?" Zhang Shun suddenly smiled and slowly said, "If these 'bosses' are captured by me later on and tell the truth, it won't look good for you!"
"Ah? Haha, I was just joking with Lord Shun. Actually... actually, my family takes a sixty percent cut..." Wang Xie wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and couldn't help but soften his stance.
"Ah, we also take sixty percent. As long as Lord Shun can help us get rid of our old 'boss', these profits will be yours in the future, Your Highness!" Ji Bei and the Marquis were also startled.
Here is the translation to English, preserving the original HTML tags:"Are you sure?" Zhang Shun's gaze turned dangerous.
"Uh... actually seventy percent... seventy percent is not impossible... just can't... can't be more than that!" At this point, Wang Xie, Ji Bei and Marquis all started sweating from their foreheads.
Here is the translation to English, preserving the original HTML tags:"It's really dark!" Zhang Shun said, shaking his head unexpectedly.
"Your Highness, please spare our lives! Your Highness, have mercy!" Hearing what Zhang Shun said, the three men were instantly scared half to death. They couldn't help but kneel down with a "thud, thud", kowtowing like they were pounding garlic.
Here is the translation to English, preserving the original HTML tags:"Never mind, I wasn't talking about you guys!" Zhang Shun shook his head, torn between laughter and tears.
"I was referring to the boss behind you. Working hard all year round, yet only letting you keep 30% of the profits - that's pretty ruthless!"
"Huh?" The three of them were stunned, looking at each other, not knowing how to respond.
"Forget it, I, the King, am not a greedy and insatiable person," Zhang Shun said, shaking his head with a smile.
"I do not eat more than three meals a day, nor do I wear more than five feet of cloth. What more could I ask for?"
"A 50/50 split is already very good. You can keep the remaining 50% to expand your business or repair bridges and roads!"
"Ah? Your Highness is benevolent and virtuous, how dare we not serve you with our lives?" In a turn of events, Wang Xie, Ji Bei, and Marquis Hou were in disbelief at first, then overjoyed.
"By the way, Your Highness, this commoner has something to say, but I don't know if I should say it or not?" Just then, Marquis Hou's eyes darted around, and he suddenly spoke up.
Here is the translation of the webpage content into English, preserving the original HTML tags:"Speak, I shall not punish you for your words," Zhang Shun said with a smile.
"It is indeed as this humble one stated before. There are many 'Dong Jia' among the merchant associations in the world. We of the Meng Shang are but a small family and cannot compare to the long-established merchant guilds."
"If it were elsewhere, I couldn't guarantee it, but in Pingyang Prefecture alone, the families of Wei, Wang, Liu, Yang, and others are prosperous, with assets in the millions. If they could turn to support Emperor Shun, it would be no less than a million?"
"Oh?" The Marquis's words instantly shocked Zhang Shun, almost making him want to bestow upon him the title of a real marquis.
Originally, the righteous army was short of provisions and funds for their northern expedition. If they could squeeze out some more resources from these few even more powerful families, what in the world would be difficult to achieve?
Here is the translation with original HTML tags preserved:"Well, let's discuss this matter later!" This was no small matter, and Zhang Shun did not intend to make a decision on the spot for now.
The three of them looked at each other, at a loss for words for a moment.
At this moment, Zhang Shun suddenly remembered something and couldn't help but ask, "You three are all traveling Mongolian merchants. Do you have any drivers or vehicles for hire?"
"Oh? May I ask how many King Shun needs?" The three looked at each other and asked.
Here is the English translation with the original HTML tags preserved:"Nine thousand!" Zhang Shun slowly uttered a number.
"Oh? May this humble citizen boldly ask, what does King Shun plan to do?" Ji Bei suddenly spoke out daringly upon hearing this.
"Actually, it's nothing much. Just planning to transport some military supplies," Zhang Shun hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"I'm afraid there's more to it, isn't there?" Unexpectedly, Ji Bei suddenly spoke up, "If this commoner's guess is correct, Your Highness, you're planning to transport military provisions, am I right?"
"Oh? And what if it is?" Zhang Shun's eyes began to narrow again, like a fierce tiger ready to pounce and devour.
"Please forgive this commoner's bold presumption, Your Highness. This commoner is in the tea trade, while my in-laws, the Liang family, operate a camel and horse convoy with no less than three thousand camels, horses, and vehicles under their command."
"If Emperor Shun has any need, just give the order and we can handle the transportation of your provisions and supplies, the food, clothing, and accommodation for the soldiers, as well as the medicine, gunpowder, and repair of military equipment."
"Oh?" Zhang Shun was taken aback upon hearing this, but then realized that it was not a bad idea.
Recruiting civilian laborers and organizing transportation again would not only require more effort, but also allow officials to line their own pockets in the process, resulting in lower efficiency and severe losses.
If it were possible to outsource some services to merchants, similar to government procurement in later generations, it would be a good way to improve efficiency.