At the Xiamen Xigang Wharf in the early morning of December 23, 1917, a ferry approached the wharf in a grey weather. The atmosphere on the wharf seemed both depressing and low. Bai Chongxi, commander of the Second Division of the Fujian Army, and more than a dozen officers stood on the wharf, watching the ferry docking, and were silent.

The entire terminal was completely martial law, with only five or six hundred fully armed soldiers forming three cordons, and there was no passenger coming and going. Xiamen Xigang is now empty. As soon as the incident occurred on the 21st, all the merchant ships docked here left, and even the Beiyang government's second naval fleet had set off north to Shanghai. Therefore, Chang Ruiqing could only arrive at Canghai Town, west of Xiamen Island by land, and then take a ferry to the island.

Chang Ruiqing stood in the cabin of the ferry. His appearance looked a little excited, and he didn't seem to be worried about the terrible disaster he had just made. The Australian reporter Duanna was next to him. The cabin door was gently knocked, and the adjutant Xu Haoyu pushed open the cabin door and whispered: "Supervisor, the dock has arrived, and Commander Bai and the others are waiting on the dock."

Chang Ruiqing responded lightly, turned around and smiled at Duanna: "Mr. Duanna, let's take a look at Xiamen. She is a very beautiful coastal city... Maybe in a while, the British Empire's naval cannon will razend her to the ground..."

Even though he said that, he was not actually worried about the British's reaction. It was not because China is still a member of the Allies and is considered an alliance with Britain, but because the "radical change" in Petrograd will occur on January 5 next year, and the Bolsheviks will use force to disperse the newly elected Constitutional Convention! And soon the "Brest Peace Treaty" will be signed with Germany. This will mean that the Germans can put the troops originally used on the Eastern Front into the battlefield on the Western Front!

After the signing of this peace treaty in history, Germany launched five large-scale offensives on the Western Front! In that case, how could the British send troops to Asia to cause trouble for themselves? Unless the Prime Minister Lloyd George really didn't worry that the Germans would attack Paris in one go...

So in this "unplanned" conflict, he was actually invincible. What he has to consider now is how tough he should be!

The Fujian Customs, which was just taken into his hands, is the largest money-collecting yamen in Fujian Province. There are always five to six million tariffs a year. With this fortune, I am much more abundant. If I save some money, I can support two divisions of soldiers! This yamen can't hand over anything!

As for the British Concession in Xiamen, it cannot be returned to the British. This is not only because of the little commercial tax, but also involves one's own reputation! If one can take back the concession from the number one power like the British Empire, he will definitely become an idol praised by all patriotic youth... These are the youths of the "Fifth and Fourth Generation"! Whoever can have them can own the entire era!

When Chang Ruiqing walked off the springboard, he had already made up his mind to fight imperialism to the end! His despicable look was deep, his eyes were sharp and murderous, and he looked like a tough guy!

Bai Chongxi welcomed him. Although he was involved in the matter of taking back the British Concession, his scalp became a little numb when he thought of the British Empire's revenge.

However, for the sake of face, he and the officers he brought were still very soldiers. When he saw Chang Ruiqing walking down, he sniffed and saluted everyone.

Chang Ruiqing also stood attentively and returned the salute with a serious expression, and then focused on everyone: "Everyone, you expelled the British and Indian military and police who slaughtered my innocent civilians and regained the British Concession in Xiamen! It is exactly what my people should do! This time, we can no longer return the customs and concessions to the British. That way, I am sorry for those who sacrificed their lives to regain the customs and concessions!"

After saying this, Chang Ruiqing and Bai Chongxi boarded the car and drove to the Second Division headquarters in Xiamen City. Duanna had personnel from the Fujian Provincial Foreign Affairs Department to arrange for him to check in at the hotel.

As soon as the car door was closed, Bai Chongxi began to introduce the latest situation in Xiamen to Chang Ruiqing. He said: "Yaoru, we have kept the scene of the 'British Concession Blood Case' as you wish. Now most Chinese and foreign journalists and friendly people on Xiamen Island have visited. Bishop Du Paul also made a public statement condemning the atrocities of the British and Indian military and police. The Associated Press reporter Mr. Moore also sent photos of the scene of the bloody crime back to the United States... We probably won't lose in public opinion. Also, the British Consul in Xiamen, Frez, sent someone to me several times, expressing his willingness to resolve the conflict through negotiations and asking us to clean up the scene of the bloody crime first..."

"Don't clean it up!" Chang Ruiqing shook his head: "That's evidence they want to destroy! But negotiations are OK. You can ask him to come to Xiamen Island to talk to me, or ask Mr. Wang to go to the Gulangyu Public Concession to talk to them."

"Oh, the naval personnel on the Hulishan Fort in Xiamen told us that they did not want to participate in this storm and wanted to withdraw from the fort." Bai Chongxi frowned and said, "Yaoru, do you think we are going to take over the fort?"

Chang Ruiqing waved his hand: "Take it over! Those Fujian navies have British phobia. I'm not relieved to let them take care of the Hulishan Fort."

Bai Chongxi nodded and said, "Yaoru, the Chinese and foreign journalists in Xiamen heard that you were coming, and they all wanted to interview me. Do you think..."

"We must hold a press conference and we must make our position to the press! We must also win the support and sympathy of the international press. This is very important to our struggle!"

...

Just as Chang Ruiqing was preparing to make a generous speech at the press conference, President Feng Guozhang of the Republic of China, Duan Qirui, Wang Shizhen and Xu Shichang were sitting in the spacious and luxurious living room of Jurentang, Zhongnanhai, smiling with the visiting British Minister Zhu Erdian and Counselor Eston.

Although there is an atmosphere of anti-imperialist struggle in Beijing now, with students and citizens marching and protesting everywhere, the working class in Tianjin also launched a general strike under the leadership of the Red Trade Union to protest the atrocities of British imperialism in Xiamen! The Red Brigade, the initiator of this conflict, has successively been in Beijing. The newspapers in Tianjin, proclaiming that the target of the attack would be turned to British institutions and personnel in China. Revenge the tragedy that occurred in Xiamen on December 21!

However, in this presidential palace of the Republic of China, the atmosphere of meeting between the British Empire's interest representatives and the Chinese leaders was extremely harmonious.

To be honest, Jurden and the British Empire he represented did not have further ambitions for China. They were not Japan, and the British were completely satisfied with everything they had seized from China now... The British Empire's goal in China was only to maintain the status quo, including maintaining the situation of division and internal friction in China, maintaining a weak but obedient central government, and maintaining the Chinese people's awe of the great powers!

This Beiyang government is indeed the most suitable agent they can find. There is really no reason for them to force the Beiyang government to death.

And the people in Beiyang have now realized how ridiculous it was that they wanted to resist the British Empire a little bit... After all, the British Empire still supports them!

Well. The previous conflict was completely a flood that washed away the Dragon King Temple! It was entirely out of misunderstanding and the provocation of the Red Brigade elements! Since both sides have now recognized the other party's kindness, the rest is just to find a decent solution for the current chaos in China.

Of course, what needs decency is the British Empire, and the Beiyang government does not want any decency.

After a long time of greetings and laughing, Juerdian made several requirements for resolving the Sino-British conflict on behalf of the British Empire.

The first is naturally that China is fully responsible for the Xiamen incident! The British Concession in Xiamen returns it to the British side, and China compensates the British and Indian military and police personnel who were injured and killed in this conflict, and compensates the British foreign companies that suffered losses in the conflict. In addition, a special person must be sent to the UK to apologize.

The second is that the Fujian Customs handed over to the personnel assigned by the UK to manage, and all systems have returned to the state before the incident.

The third is of course the person responsible for handling the accident. Fujian's supervisor, governor, and military supervisor Chang Ruiqing all stepped down! The Second Division of the Fujian Army, which participated in the capture of the British Concession, was dismissed! Officers above the division camp must be punished by military law!

The fourth is about the Red Brigade. The Chinese government must ensure in writing that it will do its best to eliminate the Red Brigade.

The fifth is Guan Yu. After the Chinese government completes the above four requirements, the UK can return most of Guan Yu to China. However, 3 million yuan is required to deduct it from it every year to form a 100 million yuan business group to defend the concessions in various places. At the same time, the terrorist activities of the Red Brigade have caused losses to the institutions and individuals of the great powers in China. Guan Yu must also be used to compensate.

Regarding these five "not excessive" requirements, the four Beiyang leaders here answered just a sigh.

Duan Qirui looked at the other three Beiyang leaders and smiled bitterly at Zhu Erdian, "His Excellency Zhu Erdian, to be honest, your request is not too much, not too much... Whether it is the Red Brigade or this customs incident or the Xiamen incident, the cause is ours. We should make compensation and take responsibility. But... we really cannot fulfill the request you have made now! Duan is really ashamed, really ashamed, Duan may not be able to do this Prime Minister or the Chief of the Army."

Zhu Erdian was stunned when he heard this, frowned, and asked, "Why? You can tell me any difficulties. I have been in China for so many years, and you still don't understand what my attitude towards China?"

Duan Qirui sighed again: "Mr. Zhu Erdian, let's not say anything else. If you want the Fujian Military Supervision Office to step down, you will also dismiss the Second Division of the Fujian Army and punish the middle and senior officers of the division. I can't do anything about it!"

"How could that happen? Isn't that Chang Ruiqing from your Anhui clan?" Zhu Erdian asked.

Duan Qirui shook his head slightly: "Mr. Zhu Erdian, I am grateful to Chang Ruiqing, but his Fujian Army is a system. To be honest, if you are not afraid of your joke, Chang Ruiqing's control over the Fujian Army is much stronger than our control over the Beiyang Army! If you just ask him to step down from the stadium to avoid the limelight, I can do it. However, it is impossible to disband the troops and punish the officers under his command... If you insist on doing that, you must use weapons. This operation is bound to be a large amount of military expenditure. We Beiyang now have no money!"

Juerdian and Eston looked at each other, and Eston slowly said, "Since you admit that the responsibility for the Xiamen incident is on your side. Then the person responsible for the punishment is what the person responsible for it should do, so... the dismissal of the Second Division of the Fujian Army can be temporarily suspended, but the commander of the division, the brigade commander of the troops involved in the accident, and the regiment commander must accept military law sanctions. We do not require too severe punishment. As long as the rank is deprived of it and expelled from the military headquarters, right?"

Feng Guozhang, Wang Shizhen and Xu Shichang all turned their expectant eyes to Duan Qirui, probably because they wanted him to agree?

Duan Qirui frowned and thought for a long time. Since he heard that Chang Ruiqing's army took over the British Concession in Xiamen, he knew that things had lost control! It was difficult to get Chang Ruiqing out of power, let alone dismiss his army... However, the request made by the British was not too much, and refusing it would probably further expand the situation. Now it seems that only one can compensate Chang Ruiqing elsewhere, for example, he nominated the candidate for the next Fujian governor and governor, so that he can continue to manipulate Fujian's military and political power behind the scenes!

Thinking of this, Duan Qirui was about to agree, but he heard a burst of rapid footsteps outside the door. Then a Feng Guozhang's aide saw the man holding a telegram and shouting: "Not good! No... Chang Ruiqing held a press conference in Xiamen and announced that he would never return it to the Fujian Customs and the British Concession in Xiamen! He also asked the British side to compensate for the tragedy on December 21..."

Wang Shizhen knew some inside information. When he heard this news, he looked at Duan Qirui with confusion and asked loudly: "Zhiquan! This, where is this?"

Duan Qirui's face had already become cold, and Chang Ruiqing looked really unfair! He slapped the table suddenly: "How do I know! I'm not the roundworm in this kid's belly!"

Xu Shichang stomped his feet: "What should I do? What should I do?"

Duan Qirui bowed to Zhuerdian: "Mr. Zhuerdian. What's wrong with this?"

Zhu Erdian's face also turned completely gloomy. He was really a little angry with our Changda Warlord. He felt that it was an unforgivable mistake for a small middle-level clan to dare to challenge the authority of the British Empire!

Well, the mistake Chang Ruiqing made before is unforgivable! But he was still preparing to give him a chance for peace of mind. However, he did not expect that this damn warlord would further provoke. If he did not defeat his arrogance, how would the British Empire rule Asia in the future!

Thinking of this, a smile appeared on Juerdian's face. He laughed a few times: "Okay, I didn't expect that the dignity of the British Empire would be trampled on by an insignificant warlord! This mistake is absolutely unforgivable!"

Several Chinese people in the room knew that Zhu Erdian was really angry this time. This time the matter was serious!

"Mr. Minister, please calm down, calm down... I will issue a presidential order to remove Chang Ruiqing from his post as a member of his post, and then let Fujian Governor Sa Zhenbing capture him to Beijing. What do you think?"

President Feng Guozhang, who was at a loss, even suggested that Sa Zhenbing, who was born in the navy and had only one company of guards, would capture Chang Ruiqing, who had three divisions!

Zhu Erdian looked back at the honest Chinese president and said coldly: "If Governor Sa can get rid of Chang Ruiqing, Britain is willing to make friends with him, and the request of the Fujian Governor will no longer be made. But what if Governor Sa can't catch Chang Ruiqing?"

Several Beiyang leaders looked at each other, and no one knew what to do? Chang Ruiqing had three divisions of soldiers. He had to defeat him at least six divisions, right? And Sun Yat-sen from Guangdong would definitely join forces with him... He might not be able to fight ten divisions like this, but how much military pay would be spent on the Beiyang soldiers of these ten divisions? There was no battle without tens of millions of silver dollars. Where was the money?

At this moment, Duan Qirui actually laughed out loud. He smiled and said to Zhu Erdian: "Mr. Minister, we don't care about Fujian, we can't control it... If you want to manage Fujian, you have to fight, and you have to spend money. We have to keep this money for the Red Brigade! Otherwise, you Britain will go to Chang Ruiqing to negotiate, see if he is willing to bow to your British Empire!"

Juerdian was completely slapped. He let out a contemptuous hum from his nose, stood up and held the hat in his hand, and nodded with a sneer: "Since that's the case, the British Empire will reserve the power to force Fujian to submit!" As he said that, he took a deep breath: "As for the Chinese government, I advise you to organize it as soon as possible. The British Empire is still looking forward to cooperating with responsible Chinese politicians." As he said that, he and Eston walked out one after another.

Watching Zhu Erdian leave with anger, the four Beiyang leaders in the room looked at each other, all with wry smiles and helpless expressions.

Xu Shichang sighed and was the first to speak: "Okay, let's talk about forming a cabinet. Zhiquan, Pinqing, who will come to this prime minister who is so angry?"

Duan Qirui shook his head: "I won't do it anymore, let me be the Chief of the Army!"

Wang Shizhen smiled bitterly: "I have a good temper, so I will do what I am angry about. But Zhiquan, is it that the British really want to find a way for the Fujian incident?"

Duan Qirui spread his hands and said, "What else can I do? He has three divisions... At least he still has a Beiyang sign. If you really want to turn against Sun Yat-sen, will we have more trouble? Let the British think about it themselves. If they can't deal with Chang Ruiqing, let's come forward to be good people." (To be continued...)

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