We arrived in Baoding at nine o'clock the next morning. Before leaving yesterday, we had sent a telegram to the Governor's Mansion. The Governor's Mansion sent someone to the train station early in the morning to wait to greet us. () First of all, Yuan Su is the nephew of the President, and also
Zhang Zhenfang's cousin and nephew. Secondly, he also holds the title of military protector, so he still has to take good care of etiquette procedures.
What the Governor's Mansion sent to greet him was not so much a person as a team, with three carriages in front and back, seven or eight footmen, and three or five guards. The leader of the team was Zhang Zhenfang's trusted adjutant Cheng Shichang.
Yuan Su and his party had just stepped off the train. Adjutant Cheng quickly cheered up and greeted him enthusiastically. Although he did not know Yuan Su, and Yuan Su was not wearing military uniforms, the guards following behind him all had brand-new uniforms.
First Mixed Brigade badge, if not someone from Luanzhou, who else could it be?
The two parties met, and Cheng Shichang said hello and introduced himself. Yuan Su returned the courtesy politely and said, "I have Mr. Cheng here to greet me. I wonder if the arrangements at my uncle's house will go smoothly?"
Cheng Shichang said with a smile: "Thank you for your concern. Yuan Hujun is concerned. Everything is going well. The day before yesterday, Governor Feng's secretariat master Lan Feng had brought some people to Baoding and was helping the governor with official affairs these past two days.
Basically, everything has been explained. The Governor is looking forward to Yuan Hujun arriving soon, and he has decided to go south the day after tomorrow."
Yuan Su said with slight concern: "My cousin left in such a hurry? If I had known this, I would have come some time in advance to help, or chat more with my cousin."
Cheng Shichang hurriedly said: "There is no need for Yuan Hujun to worry about it. The governor has taken care of all the big and small things. It is helpless to leave in a hurry. The order came too hastily. There is chaos over there in Henan. Swordsmen are rampant in western Henan."
, there are still party members active in southern Henan. The Governor must first settle the settlement matters before he can deal with various matters in the province in an orderly manner."
Yuan Su nodded slowly. He remembered that "swordsmen" are a specialty of western Henan. Just like the horse thieves in Shandong and the beards outside the pass, they are organized bandits who can occupy land and become kings.
After a pause, Cheng Shichang said again: "How can we let Yuan Hujun stand here for a long time? The car has been prepared. Please go to the Governor's Mansion first and take a rest."
So, Yuan Su followed Cheng Shichang and others out of the train station, got on a carriage and headed towards the Governor's Mansion in the direction of Dongcheng.
Along the way, he chatted with Cheng Shichang, and naturally they talked about Baoding Army Academy. Baoding Army Academy is a comprehensive system. Due to frequent military and political changes in the late Qing Dynasty, the name and academic system of the school also changed, including
There are Army Crash Course, Army Officer School and Preparatory College.
These three schools are all run in one place, and many teaching resources are even shared.
Nowadays, the Preparatory College is being relocated to Beijing one after another, and the Accelerated College and the Officer Academy are tending to merge. After the merger, it became the famous "Baoding Army Officer School".
From Cheng Shichang's mouth, Yuan Su learned about the current situation of the Preparatory College. At the second graduation ceremony held not long ago, Zhang Zhenfang personally attended the ceremony to deliver a speech. Now, due to the relocation of the school, most of the students are traveling between Baoding and Beijing to help the school.
Handle relocation matters.
These were all news that Yuan Su knew. He thought there was nothing new to say. However, Cheng Shichang suddenly mentioned that there might be a party held at the Preparatory College Hall at the end of the month. The second batch of students had already graduated and had been living in the school for three years.
, it is natural to have a final meeting, whether it is to reminisce about old times or to connect with each other, this has long been an unwritten tradition in the school.
"Is this true?" Yuan Su asked.
"That's about it. A few days ago, the general office of the school sent someone to invite the Governor to the house. I hope that the Governor can also attend the banquet. Unfortunately, the Governor has a busy schedule and can only decline." Cheng Shichang said seriously.
said.
"Then, I don't know the specific time and place?" Yuan Su asked again.
"This...I'm not sure. After all, I'm not from the school, and the people sent by the general office didn't explain it too carefully. However, if Yuan Hujun is interested in attending this banquet, I can make inquiries on my behalf.
." Cheng Shichang said with undiminished enthusiasm. He naturally knew that Yuan Su was a student in the second batch of the Army Preparatory College, and seeing that the other party was so enthusiastic about talking about this matter, he more or less guessed the meaning.
"Really? Then I have to have Mr. Lao Cheng. As the saying goes, the school has cultivated me. It has been more than half a year since I left school, and I always want to find an opportunity to go back and have a look." Yuan Suxin said with a smile,
He secretly thought that Cheng Shichang really knew how to behave as a human being. If he could use the other party to communicate on his behalf, it would be more natural for him to return to school.
"Yuan Hujun values love and righteousness, and is truly a role model for our generation. Please rest assured, Yuan Hujun, this matter will be taken care of by me."
"Thank you very much."
It took about three-quarters of an hour before the carriage arrived in front of the main gate of the Zhili Governor's Palace.
At this time, the gate of the Governor's Mansion was open, and many horses and carriages had been parked on the horse piles and open space outside the door. It is not difficult to imagine how lively the mansion has been these days. After Cheng Shichang and Yuan Su got off the car, they walked straight through the main gate.
Upon entering, there were already several servants waiting near the porch. When they saw Cheng Shichang coming back, they rushed to greet him.
Cheng Shichang ordered a servant to inform the master quickly, and asked another servant to go to the atrium to prepare refreshments first, and then led Yuan Su to continue walking inside. The front yard of the Governor's Mansion is the office, and after two yards, he entered the atrium.
, this is an independent courtyard connecting the office and the official residence, specially used to entertain guests.
There is a large lobby in the middle of the atrium, and there are several scattered small halls on the left and right sides of the lobby.
Walking along the central stone road towards the lobby, Yuan Su found that the small halls on the left and right sides had their own lives, which were a bit lively. When he turned to look, he could still see people coming in and out, some of which were servants.
Tea and water were served, some guests were strolling in the courtyard, and some young people were running around and playing in groups.
Cheng Shichang, who was walking a little ahead, introduced: "This time the Governor went south to take office, all the family members, old and young, have to go there together. They have been busy taking care of things these past few days, and there are too many guests coming and going. Most of the time, I have no time.
The clone can only be received by a group of relatives. The yard is really a bit chaotic, Yuan Hujun must not take it to heart."
Yuan Su knew that Cheng Shichang was talking about the situation in the small halls on the left and right sides, so he just smiled and responded politely.
When we arrived at the lobby, there was no one else around, only two maids were arranging refreshments.
Thinking that the small halls on the left and right sides were busy, but the lobby was empty, Yuan Su vaguely guessed that this place should only be used to receive distinguished guests, and other small bureaucrats and gentlemen could only sit in the small hall.
Cheng Shichang asked Yuan Su to take a seat, and arranged for his servants to take Du Yu and other guards to the side courtyard to rest first.
"Yuan Hujun is waiting for a moment. Let's have a cup of tea first. I'll go back and let you know again."
"Thank you, Lord Cheng."
Yuan Su was sitting alone in the lobby, having spent half a cup of tea, when suddenly a burst of familiar laughter came from the side door behind the screen. Just as he was about to put down his tea cup and follow the sound, the footsteps outside the side had already crossed the threshold. Before he could reach it, a sound of laughter came from the side door.
A tall girl walked quickly around the screen and came towards Yuan Su's seat.
"Cousin Keli, I haven't seen you for a long time, you have changed a lot!"
Yuan Su stood up and saw this tall girl wearing a light brocade robe and a thin cotton vest on her upper body. The coloring was light and elegant, making her whole person look extra energetic. She was Zhang Zhenfang's daughter Zhang Hanling. He
I remember the last time I said goodbye to Zhang Hanling at Luanzhou Railway Station, it was just before the end of winter. Zhang Hanling could show off her tall and graceful figure even in thick clothes. Now that the weather is getting warmer, the other party is wearing light clothes, which is even more highlighted.
The exquisite and unique lines are really eye-catching and heart-pounding.
"Han Ling? Aren't you in Beijing?" Yuan Su asked with a smile.
"My father is going south to take up a new post. Is it possible that he won't allow me to come back to help?" Zhang Hanling said with a smile.
"That's right, so you are going to Kaifeng with your uncle?" Yuan Su wanted to ask this question first, so he forgot about the recent exchange of greetings.
"Maybe, but dad will leave the day after tomorrow, and aunt and I will stay at the house for a while to organize things. This move will take a lot of effort. There are too many things in the house." Zhang Hanling said this, like
He sighed like a little adult, looking very cute.
"I haven't seen you for a few days. How were you when you were in Beijing?" Yuan Su asked with concern.
"Of course you are very good, but I think cousin Keli, you must be better than me. I have heard that you are now the dignified Lord Protector. I really didn't expect that you have changed so much!"
Zhang Hanling's eyelashes fluttered when she spoke, and her face showed sincerity.
Yuan Suzheng was about to say that it was only his official position that had changed, and his personal status had not changed at all. However, before he could say anything, another voice unexpectedly came from behind the screen: "If my father hadn't taken care of him, how could he be where he is today?"
What’s the scenery like today?”
Yuan Su was startled for a moment, his face gradually changed, and he turned to look in the direction of the back door.
I saw another young man walking out from behind the screen calmly. He was wearing a white suit and holding a civilized stick in his hand. He was about eighteen or nineteen years old.
He has an aristocratic temperament. However, his eyes seem to squint slightly out of habit, giving the impression that he never looks at people.