It was getting colder in the north in December, especially in Beijing's Xinhua Palace. The sudden cold within the red walls seemed to have almost exceeded the seasonal climate changes. Yuan Shikai's body finally could not bear the pressure of all the recent changes, and he reached the end of his life.
moment, and it was precisely because of the fall of this Northern hero that accompanied the most serious moment of decision for the Chinese Empire that Xinhua Palace cast an extremely thick and serious shadow.
Huairen Hall has long been overrun by cries. All relatives of Yuan Shikai have been unable to control their emotions since the day before yesterday. They mourn and cry day and night. It is not just to put on a show. Regarding Yuan Shikai's death, these relatives
We are never really sad. After so many years, whether it is for temporary glory or wealth, feelings are inevitable.
Those who cried until they fainted did not stop, and those who woke up would continue to cry again.
Outside the palace, all the attendants had solemn and downcast faces. A group of old ministers who were still loyal to the empire were standing or sitting, and they were all in high spirits. Some of them were feeling sad for Yuan Shikai, and some were feeling sad for Yuan Shikai.
Some people are worried about where they will go after the fall of the pillar of the empire, and some people have completely lost their imagination. Apart from panic and sadness, they can no longer sustain anything else.
In the corridor inside the palace, with the palace gate as the benchmark, the Young Zhuang Faction and the Huangzong Faction headed by Yuan Su all stood to the right, while the Prime Minister Faction and local warlords headed by Duan Qirui and Feng Guozhang all stood
Standing to the left. As the Central Guards won successive victories in the south, their military power continued to expand, and they controlled more and more territory. Yuan Su, who insisted on supporting the monarchy, and Duan Qirui, who was dedicated to supporting the republic,
The contradictions between them are becoming more and more acute and obvious.[
At this moment, although he was wearing a military uniform, Duan Qirui looked calm and composed on the surface, with a slight pain between his brows, but he still gave people a calm demeanor in the face of danger. However, during this period,
Deep down in his heart, he felt an annoyance, especially as Yuan Su's ambitions expanded and he increasingly assertively controlled the power of the Central Guards, this annoyance became more profound.
This guy shouldn't have been in charge of the Guards in the first place. I really didn't expect that after being laid off by Yuan Shikai for a year, Yuan Su actually still wanted to support the monarchy in his heart! Duan Qirui would think about these words from time to time, and even thought about it.
His cronies often complained like this. He really didn't understand that Yuan Su and Yuan Shikai were obviously in conflict, so why did Yuan Su insist on supporting the imperial system?
He didn't think about this problem before, but recently he has gradually come up with some ideas.
Yuan Su's support of the imperial system was not to support Yuan Shikai, but to have already calculated that after Yuan Shikai's death, he, the "guardian of the imperial system," could logically take over the imperial power and become the new ruler of Beiyang after Yuan Shikai.
After thinking about this, Duan Qirui no longer had too many doubts, but he was still surprised that in just one year, Yuan Su jumped from a deputy provincial warlord to a semi-controlling one.
He is the leader of China's central government. It's too fast, everything is too fast. As long as this gate is loosened, the Young People's faction will be like a flood and get out of control.
Yuan Su on the other side of the corridor had a solemn expression. Although he now knew that the overall domestic situation was under control, his uncle Yuan Shikai was dying, regardless of whether he needed to put on a show or not, he had to show some sadness. Again
Or he knew very well that even if he had more power in his hands, the subsequent political struggle still could not be taken lightly. Precisely because Duan Qirui was an old man in Beiyang and had the support of many local warlords, he and Duan Qirui
The struggle between the two countries cannot be solved simply by military means. In the future, the central government will inevitably have to expend a lot of effort.
"Ke Li, Zhiquan and Hua Fu are afraid that they will not compromise and will definitely cause trouble in the future. We cannot take it lightly." Yuan Kewen, standing behind Yuan Su, said worriedly. Yuan Kewen was not actually keen on politics, and even at first
When Yuan Shikai implemented the imperial system, he still had some objections. However, as the imperial system has persisted to this day, coupled with the various remarks released by the Prime Minister's faction, he had to worry that once the Prime Minister's faction overthrew the monarchy, the Yuan family would suffer misfortune. Therefore, this
I have been very close to Yuan Su for some time.
"Don't worry, the situation won't be chaotic." Yuan Su said consolingly.
"I heard that Hua Fu is already preparing to mobilize troops to Beijing. Chief Yuan should also take action." Xia Shoukang added.
Yuan Su pondered for a while and did not respond in time. He always felt that Yuan Shikai's blatant appointment of him as the army chief two months ago was an unwise decision. This not only openly announced that he would seize Duan Qirui's power, but also intensified the Young Zhuang faction.
Conflicts with the Prime Minister faction disrupted many established plans.
After taking a deep breath, he said: "Yesterday I ordered Guo Wenyuan to station in Shandong, and Zhao Jishi to move to Hefei. Jiangsu and Jiangxi provinces should not make any moves so soon. Later I will also step up arrangements to mobilize troops from Luanzhou to station.
The capital, rebuild the Royal Guard, and strengthen the security work in Kinki."
Xia Shoukang nodded slowly and sighed: "From now on, I will all rely on Mr. Yuan."
Yuan Su said calmly: "The responsibility lies, so there is no need to say this."
At this moment, the door of the palace opened, and Yuan Keding, who was haggard and stained with dried tears, walked out with heavy steps. He first glanced at the people in the corridor on the left, then turned to the right and said in a hoarse voice: "
Father asked Keli to go in and see him. Keli, go in quickly, father doesn’t have much time."
Whether it was the corridor on the right or the corridor on the left, or the other civil and military ministers in the center of the courtyard, there was a commotion in response to Yuan Keding's words. Although this was within everyone's expectation, everyone still couldn't help but whisper to each other.
After some discussion, as the person with the most military power in the current Beiyang government, Yuan Su obviously has to shoulder the heavy responsibility of entrusting the orphans. But as early as half a year ago, some people were worried that after taking power, Yuan Su was no longer as cautious as he was a year ago.
On the contrary, ambition is evident at every turn. It is really unknown whether Yuan Su will accept Tuogu or wait for Yuan Shikai to usurp the throne after returning to the West.
Yuan Su ignored the comments of everyone present, and after adjusting his mood, he stepped into the palace.
The bedroom was filled with the smell of herbs and blood, and several women were sobbing softly behind the screen. Several doctors were standing not far from the bed. Whether they were foreign doctors or Chinese doctors, all of them looked downcast.
On the bed, Yuan Shikai's withered figure was like a thin paper cut, looking so empty and unrealistic, as if his soul and spirit had been taken away, leaving only an empty skin. He was still breathing slightly, but It seemed that his body could no longer move. The moment Yuan Su walked into the door, Yuan Shikai seemed to have some reaction, but he still looked so weak.
Yuan Su came to Yuan Shikai and knelt down, greeting him in a sad tone: "Uncle..." [
Yuan Shikai tried his best to open his eyes, but after trying several times, he still failed. He did not take any other actions, and tried his best to use all his last strength to explain his last words. He said weakly: "Keli... You are here...don't interrupt, don't...don't say anything...you, you must listen to what I have to say, and you must promise me...promise me..."
These words were spoken very coherently, but I could barely hear them clearly.
Yuan Su nodded and agreed: "Yes, uncle, I agree!"
Yuan Shikai then said: "The imperial system... may not be as good as many people want. I am almost dead, so there is no need to say those superficial words... Yes, the imperial system is indeed... It is indeed not what I promised at the beginning. To a large extent, it is indeed my personal selfish desire. But now that the imperial system has come to this day, if it changes back again, whether it is the citizens or foreign envoys, they will think that our China is immature... or even does whatever we want and has no principles. Changing the country and state structure will only make the country worse. Rather than doing this, it is better...it is better to stick to it..."
Yuan Su felt that Yuan Shikai's words were of course still making excuses, but these were nothing to him. Anyway, he already had a position and decision in his heart, and his future plans were well formulated, and he would definitely continue to implement the imperial system.
After a pause, Yuan Shikai continued: "Duan Zhiquan is a stubborn person, in other words, he is too old-fashioned... But it turns out that Zhiquan is a very kind person. Although I have been unjust to him many times, He has never betrayed me. But if he can't accept the imperial system, then it's really... really disappointing. I don't have much time, so I can't say everything. In short... In short, if Zhiquan You still want to oppose the imperial system, you... you must not let him succeed. Because too many people know that I am actually doing this imperial system out of selfish desires. Once the imperial system is over, we surnamed Yuan... will also be over... Keli, do you understand? "
These words were naturally intended to tie Yuan Su to the imperial system.
Yuan Su nodded and said solemnly: "Uncle, I understand, of course I understand. I know what to do. Uncle, you don't have to worry. If Yuan Su's body is shattered, the life of the Yuan family will be preserved."
Yuan Shikai nodded happily and said: "That's good, that's good. In addition... there is one more thing..."
When he said this, he no longer had much energy, and his words suddenly became softer.
"Ke Ding will succeed to the throne tomorrow, and you must assist him well. However... he has never been able to do anything. He has no palace, and no ability to influence the government. Everything is left to you to take care of. Ke Li, you are talented. Man, I was wrong before, but now it’s different. I can see that you are the one who can really take charge. It’s fine if Keding does nothing. If you take power, just let him be a hypocritical emperor. "Even if you want to learn from Britain or Japan, it's okay to have a constitutional monarchy and have a prime minister. You will be the prime minister."
Yuan Su gradually felt that Yuan Shikai's words were just like Liu Bei's entrustment in Baidi City. Even though Yuan Shikai was on his deathbed, he was still very aware of the current environment in Beiyang.
"If Ke Ding does nothing, but acts randomly, making the country uneasy and Beiyang uneasy, and putting China in a position of international injustice, Ke Li, you are also a member of my Yuan family, so you can take your place." Yuan Shikai said.
When he said these words, his body that could not move suddenly moved. He stretched out a hand to firmly grasp Yuan Su's arm. At the same time, he tried his best to open his eyes a little and stared at Yuan Su. Even if it was a
The light in the dying man's eyes also sent a slight chill down Yuan Su's spine.
"Uncle, please don't say these words. My cousin Keding has a kind heart and will definitely take over the throne. Although I, Yuan Su, am fond of fighting and strong, I am just a common man after all. I will guarantee with my life to defend the Yuan family's orthodoxy and Keding
My cousin's throne." Yuan Su emphasized his tone and gave a sonorous reply. Regardless of whether it was perfunctory or not, for a dying person, it is natural to make him less worried as much as possible, not to mention that he really doesn't have much interest in the throne.
Lots of ideas. What the country always needs is progress!
"That's it, that's it... I feel at ease... In short, from now on, the entire Yuan family will be entrusted to you. I have drafted a will to confirm the succession, and you will be promoted to the title of regent, and your descendants can inherit it hereditary.
This title." Yuan Shikai let go of his hand and his tone returned to the half-dead state before.
After exiting the dormitory, Yuan Keding, who was waiting outside the door, glanced at Yuan Su with a complicated look. He seemed to want to say something, but in the end he stopped. Instead, Yuan Su took the initiative and said: "Cousin Keding
, Don’t worry about tomorrow’s succession, Mr. Xia and I will definitely make arrangements and there will never be any accidents.”
After hearing these words, Yuan Keding showed a slightly relieved expression, nodded and said, "Thank you."
Then Yuan Keding walked into the palace again and came out again after a few minutes. This time he asked Duan Qirui to come in.
Feng Guozhang had some doubts and asked Yuan Keding: "Didn't Xiang Cheng let me go in with him?"
Yuan Keding was a little embarrassed and didn't know how to explain it. Fortunately, Duan Qirui stood up and said, "Hua Fu, don't be impatient. There must be a reason for Xiang Cheng's arrangement. I will talk to you alone later."
Feng Guozhang was a little unhappy, but he still accepted Duan Qirui's words.
This time Yuan Keding and Duan Qirui entered the palace together. When they came to Yuan Shikai's side, Yuan Shikai's face was already pale and his breath was much weaker. Two doctors were making the final diagnosis. You could tell just by looking at the situation.
Yuan Shikai could hardly hold on any longer. Yuan Keding suddenly knelt down in front of his father, held his father's hand and cried bitterly.[
Duan Qirui's face twisted, and the look of pain suddenly became intense. He lowered his head and called: "Xiang Cheng."
Yuan Shikai breathed heavily and said without saying a word: "Zhiquan... what I am most gratified about in my life... is to have you as an old subordinate... an old friend... no matter how much I do, it is too much for you and me.
Is there any misunderstanding or... conflict between you, but... you have never betrayed me... I am very happy... This is the most gratifying thing in my life, really, the most gratifying thing."
Duan Qirui was very moved and wanted to speak, but his throat was so choked that he couldn't speak.
Yuan Shikai then said: "Zhiquan, I know you have always wanted to restore the Republic... I... I'm afraid I don't have the time or energy to talk to you anymore... No matter how future generations comment... it's a foregone conclusion...
...I only know that I am sorry for you, not only for the imperial system, but also for many other things. I finally and most sincerely say I am sorry to you. I hope you can accept it."
Duan Qirui said quickly: "Xiang Cheng, don't worry, although I have complained and hated you, I can understand you from the beginning to the end. I am sorry and I accept it."
Yuan Shikai reluctantly showed a smile and said: "In this way... In this way, I have fulfilled a wish... Finally, the last thing, I hope you can listen carefully. This is the last thing I ask you as an old friend. No matter what
No matter what system the country adopts in the future, don't blame my family. You are my old friend, my son, and my family. You must take care of me."
Duan Qirui nodded and said: "I will do it. Don't worry, I will definitely do it."
Suddenly, Yuan Shikai broke away from the hand that Yuan Keding had been holding, and reached out to grab the corner of Duan Qirui's clothes.
Upon seeing this, Duan Qirui quickly leaned down and approached Yuan Shikai. Yuan Shikai struggled to say in Duan Qirui's ear: "Zhiquan, Yuan Su is ambitious. If he has other intentions, you must eradicate him... Who is this person?"
The most terrifying thing is a person like Yuan Su. He can listen silently or swallow his anger, but once he takes power, he turns into a wolf and tiger in an instant. Zhiquan, looking at Beiyang, you are the only one who can deal with him."
As soon as these words came out, the first person who was surprised was Yuan Keding. He stared at his father with wide eyes for a long time, and couldn't close his mouth for a long time. He really didn't expect that his father would say such a thing.
Although Duan Qirui was a little stunned, he quickly recovered his composure. He was actually looking forward to Yuan Shikai's words, and he was convinced that he had never betrayed Yuan Shikai from beginning to end. With these words, he would be justified.
To deal with Yuan Su, and at the same time to restore the Republic legitimately.
Just when he was about to say something, Yuan Shikai's hand suddenly dropped. Not only that, but his breath was so weak that it was almost imperceptible. The doctors on the side quickly asked Yuan Keding and Duan Qirui to retreat, and then called other doctors.
Come to rescue quickly. Even if this is an impossible thing, doctors have to do it despite a lot of pressure.
Shortly after ten o'clock in the evening, a doctor in the dormitory came out with an extremely sad expression and asked Yuan Keding to come in again. A few minutes later, as Yuan Keding's long wailing came from the dormitory, outside the door
Many bureaucrats waiting lowered their heads and lamented. Everyone knew exactly what happened.
After a while, Director Chen of the Medical Officer's Office opened the palace door tiredly and sadly and walked out. In a low voice, he said to the people who had been waiting for several hours: "At 10:05, His Majesty the Great Emperor has ascended to heaven."
The entire audience was in awe, a few people suddenly cried uncontrollably, and more people cried softly.
Yuan Su, who had always looked solemn, let out a long sigh, and then looked up at Duan Qirui across the corridor. Duan Qirui had two lines of tears on his face, and an attendant was supporting him. Yuan Su didn't know what Yuan Shikai's last words were.
What did he say to Duan Qirui, but from Yuan Keding's face afterwards, it was obvious that Duan Qirui had accepted another will. He might be able to guess what it was, but it was not important, because he had already planned it
Everything is better.
He doesn't care about the so-called "republic" system, nor does he care whether Yuan Shikai is afraid of him. He holds more than half of Beiyang's military power and economic resources in his hands, which is enough for him to complete his next plan.
The next morning, Yuan Keding's succession ceremony was carried out in an orderly manner. Although the Prime Minister's faction had been vigorously opposed, under Yuan Su's tough attitude, the Prime Minister's faction had no other way to stop it except refusing to attend the ceremony. On the same day, Yuan Su
In the Beihai War Ministry compound, he announced the appointment of the regent, and sent a message to the whole country that the Empire of China had officially entered the preparatory period for a constitutional monarchy, changed the prime minister of the cabinet to the ruling prime minister, and asked all provinces to start preparing for a national universal suffrage plan.
At the press conference, Yuan Su and Yuan Keding jointly stated that the preparation period for the national universal suffrage plan is five years, and the imperial central government will complete a comprehensive transition within five years and usher in the era of democracy in the Chinese Empire.
On December 20, Yuan Su formulated the regent etiquette system, stipulating that the regent was a specific throne. After the nationwide universal suffrage was successfully carried out, only the direct members of the royal family who were elected as the ruling prime minister were called regents. Before the universal suffrage,
The Prince Regent is the acting head of the central government of the empire.
Yuan Su's two resolutions have given democrats new hope. Although many people think that the five-year preparatory period is an excuse and a delay, there will still be changes at that time. But more people can still feel the democratic era.
It's approaching, at least it's only five years, so there's always something to look forward to compared to the preparatory period.
As for the remaining revolutionary party forces and local warlord forces in the south, they soon split after the intervention of the imperial central government. One group was the conservative group, led by Song Jiaoren and Cai E, and chose to oppose the imperial central government.
compromise, patiently waiting for the democratic transition period, and actively participating in local council elections and promoting democracy; the other faction is still stubbornly resisting, but its momentum is not as strong as before, and it can only go underground again.
After several press conferences held by Yuan Su, the political power of the Prime Minister Party became more and more powerful. Then conflicts and rifts appeared between Duan Qirui and Feng Guozhang, and they gradually became loose and lost their original advantages. However, Duan Qirui still had enough political power.
Prestige, relying solely on his own will to maintain the struggle against Yuan Su.
Even a year later, there was an extremely serious military confrontation, which was the conflict between the Central Guards and the Anhui warlords in the Huaihe River area. Duan Qirui and Yuan Su refused to give in to each other, and the war was about to break out. But in the end, Zhang Jian and Feng Guozhang
The conflict was finally resolved when the bureaucrats came forward to mediate, and the events of the Paris Peace Conference in 1917 diverted most attention.
In the early morning, Yuan Su put on the regent's attire and came to the floor of the large study room. He looked at the increasingly red clouds in the sky. He suddenly had a feeling of aging. Although it was only seven or eight years ago, the world had changed so much.
Much. But then he thought again, everything he did in the past seven or eight years was precisely to change the current situation in China, hoping to establish a perfect political system and make the Chinese nation the leading nation in the world.
"Five years, just wait five more years. Our Chinese Empire will surely embark on the road of becoming a powerful nation." He said to himself.
Then, the door of the big study room opened, and Adjutant Du Yu informed that the carriage was ready.
Yuan Su pulled the hem of his dress, turned around and walked towards the door with strong steps.