On the afternoon of the next day, Zhang Boju actually sent a telegram to Kaifeng from the telegraph room of the Presidential Palace, informing his father Zhang Zhenfang about Yuan Su's willingness to lead troops into Henan to help fight against the thieves. At the same time, he also hinted that Yuan Su wanted to take advantage of the opportunity.
When he met his third sister, after sending the telegram, he went to Yuan Su to inform him.
For Yuan Su, this was naturally good news, so he later sent a telegram back to Luanzhou, explaining his plan to send troops to Henan, and asking He Qigong and others to formulate relevant action plans as soon as possible. Once the plan was confirmed
When we got down, Adjutant Du Yu made a trip to Beijing and presented the plan.
After all, sending troops is a troublesome matter, and there are many arrangements that need to be supplemented when sending troops from Huaibei, such as the subsequent replenishment of the military headquarters after the third brigade leaves, and the long-term stationing of the third brigade after entering Henan, or
Just like the previous regiments 1 and 2, a part of the troops will be allocated to stay, and then the main force will return to Huaibei, etc. These things need to be discussed and planned in detail, and Yuan Su will definitely need some staff around him.
Another day later, Yuan Su submitted this matter in a formal document to the Military Council Office of the Presidential Palace. Moving troops across provinces is not a casual matter, not to mention that we are currently in a period of military reform. As the central yang
As one of the branches of the military system, it should set an example. Only when the president personally gives the order can he start to act blatantly.
He originally thought that Yuan Shikai would learn about this matter soon, but he didn't know that two or three days later, Yuan Su received a message from Zhang Zhenfang from Kaifeng, but he was still not called by Yuan Shikai for questioning. He didn't know that he
The uncle of the great president has neglected this matter recently because he is too busy, or he does not think it is an important matter at all.
The message Zhang Zhenfang sent to Bei Jing was that Zhang Boju drove specially to Beihai Guest House and handed it over to Yuan Su.
When Zhang Boju sent the telegram, he teased Yuan Su from time to time, saying that it wouldn't be long before Keli would get what he wanted. He also said that the third girl was actually looking forward to meeting Keli as soon as possible.
Hearing these words, Yuan Su was really a little embarrassed. He had to say that he was indeed interested in Zhang Hanling when he was in Luanzhou, but now that he is in a high and powerful position, there are always more important things to take priority. For example, he planned to bring Zhang Hanling with him this time.
The troops entered Henan just to cover his personal intention to expand his power, so he lied that he wanted to meet Miss Zhang San.
I don’t know if Zhang Hanling would have any different thoughts in her heart after hearing the news.
After thanking Zhang Boju, Yuan Su returned to the room and opened the message and read it. Zhang Zhenfang regarded himself as an elder at the beginning and said some words of encouragement and nagging, and then described the current situation in Henan. Now the Bailang Uprising has entered a period of decline.
At this stage, although the peasant army defeated several sieges by the government army in Henan Province, it also realized that it would face more serious threats in the future, so Bai Lang himself had decided to move to Shaanxi and Gansu.
In other words, the situation in Henan is gradually improving at this stage, but because the previous unfavorable encirclement and suppression campaign made Zhong Yang Lei furious, Zhang Zhenfang urgently needs to seize the opportunity in front of him to give the peasant army a heavy blow to make up for the previous consecutive defeats.
Offense.
Yuan Su remembered that even when Bai Lang was moving to Shaanxi and Gansu, the Zhengfu army was blocked and pursued all the way. It was precisely because of the unfavorable pursuit that he was even beaten several times by the peasant army.
The ambush eventually directly led to Yuan Shikai's anger and the removal of Zhang Zhenfang from the post of governor of Henan, and appointed Lu Jianzhang, governor of Shaanxi, and Chen Shufan, the director of the Shaanxi Military Affairs Council, to be responsible for suppressing the bandits.
I believe that Zhang Zhenfang himself was aware of his current situation, so he seemed a bit anxious in the message, and hoped that Yuan Su could really send some troops to Henan for support. For Zhang Zhenfang, the top priority is to inflict heavy damage on Bai Lang by any means necessary.
Not only must he keep his official position, but he must also not lose the face of the government army.
For Yuan Su, this is good news. With Zhang Zhenfang's consent, his entry into Henan can basically be finalized. As for his uncle Yuan Shikai, since the other party has supported him openly and openly, the matter is 90% likely.
I won't object. In any case, we are working for the government. It will be good for everyone to deal with the Bailang uprising as soon as possible. Especially the face of the Beiyang government.
On the afternoon of January 23rd, Du Yu finally rushed over from Luanzhou. His trip was not only to follow Yuan Su's order and bring the troop dispatch plan discussed by the brigade headquarters, but also to bring 20 Spanish troops.
A new plug-type rifle. He had already sent a telegram in advance to inform him of this incident in the afternoon before his departure. Therefore, Yuan Su rushed to the train station in person after noon to meet him.
I met with Du Yu and listened to Du Yu’s brief report on the situation in Luanzhou during this period, which was basically related to the industrial development within the jurisdiction. All equipment including the integrated metallurgical plant was in place, and the technical personnel hired were all from
Shanghai arrived in Luanzhou and is currently training other ordinary mechanics; the Northern Bank Board of Directors held a financing meeting on the Little New Year's Day and jointly financed with Salt Bank, China Huiye Bank and the British HSBC Bank, and obtained one million pounds
Reserve funds; Suren Weiye Trading Company has recently opened up international trade lines through cooperation with Shanghai Northern Commercial Bank, but they are currently in several places in Southeast Asia.
In addition, the first phase of the renovation project of Shanhaiguan Nandaihe Seaport was completed ahead of schedule in mid-January, and the Dongzhili Shipbuilding Company, a joint venture between Suye Company and the British Merlin Sauers Shipyard, officially opened the morning of yesterday. Dongzhili
The shipbuilding machinery company mainly operates three projects, one is the manufacturing of small and medium-sized freighters, the second is the maintenance of various freighters, and the third is the production of commercial steam engines and the OEM of recent German internal combustion engines.
Of course, the internal combustion engines that shipbuilding companies can produce are still in the experimental stage. In order to avoid various property rights disputes from Germany, the UK secretly set up the company in China. Most of the current internal combustion engine models imitate the German Diesel internal combustion engine.
, and by the way make improvements based on the prototype.
It has to be said that although Dongzhili Shipbuilding Company has the characteristics of a typical copycat in China, Yuan Su is well aware of the importance of internal combustion engines to the entire industrial world. So although he is shameless, he still accepted it calmly and asked Merlin Sols Company.
The shareholder pledged that the individual would use his official status to thwart any inquiries and inquiries from Germany.
On the car returning to the Presidential Palace, Yuan Su asked Du to write down one thing in advance, which was to send a telegram to Linyu County as soon as possible to inform the Governor's Office to set up a mechanical school near Dongzhili Shipbuilding Company. The name should not be too showy, just
All you need is a code name like 101 Factory, even 101 School.
He plans to use the ready-made industrial environment of the shipbuilding company to start cultivating Chinese industrial talents.
Upon arriving at the Presidential Palace, the Internal Affairs Department of the Presidential Palace specially sent a dozen attendants to meet them. After all, they had brought twenty new rifles, which needed to be submitted to the relevant reserve units immediately, and then wait for arrangements for testing.
Yuan Su originally thought that after the new rifles were delivered, the Presidential Palace would be away from arranging related testing work, but he never expected that this matter would be like the report of leading troops into Henan, which would just sink into the sea and there would be no response at all. At the holiday dinner, Yuan Su was
I didn't hear Yuan Shikai mention these two things, and it was not convenient for him to ask more.
The dinner was as usual, with a family banquet at Huairen Hall, and then the state banquet held at Yingtai at eight o'clock.
Fortunately, Cai E and Jiang Baili were present at the government banquet. Yuan Su decided to find an opportunity to talk with them to see if he could find out the relevant arrangements for the new rifle. First, he walked around the banquet hall.
After a few laps, I greeted several seniors from Beiyang, such as Xu Shichang, Wang Shizhen, Zhang Jian and others, and also exchanged greetings with Duan Qirui, Xu Shuzheng, Yan Xishan and others. Fortunately, this year is the Spring Festival, even if
These people don't take themselves very seriously and can still smile at each other.
What surprised Yuan Su was that at this year's banquet, some foreign envoys made a special trip to get to know him, especially the British Minister to China Juldian, the French Minister to China Kant, and the German Minister to China Reinsch. It is undeniable that
At present, many of his industries in East Zhili have dealings with these three countries, especially the United Kingdom. However, according to Reynoldson, the forces behind East Zhili should be directly affiliated with the British Admiralty, which is completely different from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
different.
Of course, even though the situation in Europe is in dire straits, these foreign ministers in the Far East can still maintain politeness with each other. Just like today's banquet, the German minister, the Austrian minister, and several ministers from the Allied Powers could all say hello and chat.
The ladies also gathered together in twos and threes, communicating in unfamiliar English, French, and German.
While chatting with Zhu Erdian, Zhu Erdian conveyed the words of several businessmen from the Beidaihe British Chamber of Commerce, expressing his gratitude to Governor Yuan for formulating policies to promote commercial development in Shanhaiguan and its surrounding areas, and for sparing no effort in helping foreign businessmen. He also hoped that Yuan Su would
In the future, we can continue to maintain this open cooperation method, establish closer cooperation with foreign businessmen, especially British businessmen, and provide more room for development.
Yuan Su smiled meaningfully and replied in English: "Business is a bilateral matter. Naturally, I can provide more development space to friendly businessmen in your country, as long as you can also provide me with the same benefits. Business field
Isn’t that what happened above?”
Zhu Erdian laughed and said: "You are right. We understand Mr. Yuan's thoughts very well. As long as everyone can get what they need, cooperate happily, and everyone is happy, what's wrong?"
Yuan Su raised the wine glass in his hand to salute Zhu Erdian and said: "Mr. Minister, you are the most sensible person. We Chinese just like to cooperate with people who understand sense. In this regard, we can have a more in-depth exchange and discussion."
"
Zhu Erdian raised his eyebrows, took a sip of red wine, and said: "From what Mr. Yuan said, you seem to be making up your own mind. In Chinese, that's your own little plan, right?"
Yuan Su smiled noncommittally and said, "What does it matter whether this is the case or not? As long as Mr. Minister can see the benefits, wouldn't it be better to have nothing to say at this time?"
He said these words in Chinese. As a Chinese master, he can not only speak fluent Chinese, but also speak many Chinese dialects.
Zhu Erdian nodded slightly and said thoughtfully: "I understand. So, does Mr. Yuan have any plans, or some plans?"
Yuan Su took a slow breath, with a rather deep posture, and said in a very slow tone: "I recently noticed that there seems to be something conspiring between our country and your country. Maybe this is a confidential matter for you.
But for us, it won’t be long before everyone knows it.”
Zhu Erdian asked in confusion: "Really? Then... what exactly is this?"
Yuan Su said unhurriedly: "Everyone is very clear about the situation in Europe today. Although many people do not want the contradiction to continue to deepen, if they are driven by interests, they cannot change the status quo no matter what. I don't know if you Europeans
What are the calculations of the various countries, but I know that our Chinese neighbors are brewing in their hearts. The ambitions of the Japanese have always been big. Since the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1894 and the Japanese-Russian War, the ambitions of the Japanese have been as great as
It is fermenting yeast, swelling more and more. In their view, they are the first country in Asia that can defeat the Western powers."
Zhu Erdian couldn't help laughing, but he still tried his best to restrain himself and didn't make his smile appear too rude.
"Why, sir, is there anything funny about what I said?"
"Please forgive me for taking the liberty. What you just said about Japan's own country, I'm afraid only Japan will think so. They defeated you Chinese, and luckily defeated the Russians. These cannot explain the problem. And honestly
"The scale of these two wars is far from enough to attract the attention of many countries," Zhu Erdian said unabashedly.
"I believe what you said, Mr. Minister, is true, but I also ask you, Mr. Minister, to believe what I just said. Even if this is the case, Japan's growing ambition cannot be underestimated." Yuan Su said solemnly.
Said. Of course he believed in the concepts of Westerners. After the two Opium Wars, the image of the "Celestial Kingdom" had long since disappeared in the eyes of Westerners, and the only once awe-inspiring big country in Asia had become a laughing stock.
In other words, from that era, Asia in the eyes of Westerners was a weak agricultural country. Even though Japan has developed by leaps and bounds after the Meiji Restoration, it only has some outstanding advantages in Asia. Looking at it,
Huanyu still cannot catch the eye of Westerners.
"Master Yuan, what exactly do you want to say? Even if the Japanese have many ambitions, what does that have to do with us in Britain?" Zhu Erdian thought for a while, and then said straightforwardly.
"Japanese people have been interested in our three eastern provinces of China and Qingdao, Shandong Province for a long time. Let's not talk about anything else. I just said that when the bidding for the Beijing-Fenghuang Railway project was held, several banks in Japan took the opportunity to engage in activities. At first, they had to negotiate with your company for this matter.
There have been great conflicts and conflicts in the country. Recently, I have heard from some businessmen in Germany that the reason why Japan joined the Allied Powers camp is because it hopes to have a chance to deal with the Germans in Qingdao and take the opportunity to take Qingdao as its own." Yuan
Su said openly.
"Oh? Is this happening? But Mr. Yuan, where did you get the news?" Zhu Erdian looked a little surprised and asked Yuan Su seriously.
Yuan Su knew in his heart that in January 1914, the Japanese had not officially begun to formulate a plan against the German forces in Qingdao, Shandong. Even if there was such a plan, it was not fully disclosed. The reason why Britain and Britain
Japan is very close. In fact, it is hoped that Japan can use its power to contain Germany's power in the Far East.
Even if the United Kingdom has no plans for Qingdao, Shandong, and does not care about Japan's intentions, for the British, they have never regarded Japan as a partner, but more like a country that can be summoned at a moment's notice.
After the end of World War I, Britain did not give Japan enough benefits, which led to the breakdown of British-Japanese relations and indirectly led to Japan and Germany coming together in World War II.
.
Now Japan is plotting to replace Germany's sphere of influence in Qingdao, Shandong Province, but it did not even say hello in advance, which will surprise the British side anyway. If Japan is willing to negotiate well with Britain, the British side does not care what Qingdao, Shandong Province belongs to.
If they were controlled by others, they would naturally be willing to exchange Shandong and Qingdao for Japan to send troops to deal with Germany. This can be fully confirmed from the subsequent development of history.
Yuan Su wanted to give Zhu Erdian a head start before Japan started conspiring with Britain, and created an image of Japan as arrogant and arrogant, so much so that when it grew stronger, it would overwhelm the host at any time. He hoped that Britain could take a stand on the Qingdao issue by then.
From China's standpoint, at the very least, don't support Japan openly or covertly.
"How I knew about this matter, I think it is not important. I originally did not want to trouble Mr. Minister with this matter, but considering the various cooperation between me and your country, it will naturally be possible to expand the content of cooperation in the future.
If Mr. Minister can help me with the Qingdao issue, I will repay you with a spring of water." Yuan Su said directly without much concealment.
"I think, after all, this matter is a diplomatic issue between China and Japan. Even though I am willing to help Mr. Yuan as a friend, I am not suitable to interfere in this matter." Zhu Erdian has been engaged in diplomatic work for so many years, so he naturally knows the meaning of it.
Deep and shallow. He will be able to react quickly. With the current international diplomatic situation, the British would rather offend China than win over Japan. So instead of continuing to waste words with Yuan Su, or giving a blank check, it is better to simply
If he refuses this matter, Yuan Su from the provincial government will spread some bad news outside.
"Mr. Minister, I hope you can understand one thing. The cooperation between the United Kingdom and Japan is about the situation in Europe. However, although we in China cannot provide your country with the help that Japan does, we can give Mr. Minister more than Japan in the Far East."
Ben’s help." Yuan Su said calmly.
"Really?" Zhu Erdian wanted to laugh it off, but soon realized the true meaning of Yuan Su's words.
Yuan Su emphasized British interests and Zhu Erdian's personal interests, which is obviously an intriguing meaning. Perhaps as a patriot, he should not accept Yuan Su's temptation, but if he thinks about it carefully, if he helped Yuan Su,
It has not caused any losses to the country. Japan cannot get Qingdao, which has nothing to do with Britain. On the contrary, if Yuan Suruo can really help himself beyond Japan and help him stabilize or even expand British interests in the Far East, it is obvious that
is more worthy of consideration.
As the minister to China, he naturally has to consider the interests of "his own territory". As long as he can seek the greatest benefits for Britain in the Far East, he can not only improve his personal status, but also win awards from the British mainland. Combining honor and interests in
One body, why not do it?
Of course, he will not change his mind just because of Yuan Su's simple words. At most, he will reconsider this issue. You must know that Yuan Su is just a small warlord who is developing rapidly now. No matter how fast he develops, he is just a warlord. The first thing to consider is
The first thing is what kind of benefits can a warlord bring to him beyond Japan? The second thing is how to deal with disputes arising from Japan, so as not to cause Britain and Japan to go to war because of Qingdao.
"I think if Mr. Minister is really interested, we can arrange a special time to have a good talk on this issue." Yuan Su said with a somewhat confident smile.
"Of course, Mr. Yuan is welcome to visit at any time." Zhu Erdian said with the same smile.
Then, the two of them raised their wine glasses and clinked them in a decent manner.dd