After the battle on the Eastern Front, and seeing the Manchu Qing Dynasty's rapid deployment of troops in order to keep Hangzhou, Yang Rui was relieved of Yanzhou. () At the very least, within a year the Yanzhou base area is stable, wait until the end of the year or the spring of the next year when the Manchus attack again, even if the Manchu forces are strengthened, and nearly half of the base areas are expanded, there is still a fighting force, as long as the Manchu survives that time, then the Manchu will be gone.

In the bright apartment in Shanghai, Yang Rui began to imagine the future again, but he felt that things would not be so simple, if the revolution succeeded so easily, it must not be a revolution, but acting according to the script. Thinking about this, he took out a briefing on the various forces after the war made by Chen Guangshou and studied it carefully to see how the situation would unfold in the future.

At the beginning of the briefing, Guangxu was furious, Tieliang was dismissed, the situation in Beijing was weird, Guangxu took the responsibility of defeat to completely take back the 6th Army Department, and the new 6th Army Minister was Zaitao, the half-brother. Yang Rui just smiled when he saw this, he thought of the Minister of the Navy Zaixun, carrying a huge sum of tens of millions of taels, with Sa Zhenbing, who went out to the countries only to be held by foreigners, and bought ships in order not to offend the powers, each of the powers ordered a few ships, only France, because of its support for the Sun Wen Revolution, was that the medal level was too low under the pretext of Zaixun, and a ship was not decided. 5,200,000 taels of silver, bought a lot of gunboats and destroyers, and came back, which were still made by all countries, and some of the navy were busy in the future.

In addition to the cabinet personnel changes in the capital, there were some discussions about making peace with the revolutionary party, but this proposal was ultimately vetoed by Guangxu. In this information, Yang Rui saw an acquaintance. Cheng Jiata, the briefing introduced that after returning to China after graduation, he became a professor of agriculture at Beijing Normal University, and then became a tutor of Prince Su. This person was initially considered a traitor to the Alliance, and then news came from Tokyo that he was an undercover agent at all, and Shanqi, who was in charge of the patrol department, seemed to know that he was an undercover agent, but for some reason, he did not kill him, but treated him with courtesy. If it weren't for the fact that later generations would know that this Shanqi was an iron-hearted Zongshe Party. Yang Rui was going to be deceived by him. Now he was clamoring for peace talks with the revolutionary party, and after mentioning yì was vetoed by Guangxu, he went to the parliament to lobby the Blue and White party members. Although the National Assembly did not have the right to decide whether to fight or make peace, Shanqi still wanted to create some public opinion so that Guangxu would be cautious about the revolutionary party in Yanzhou.

Skipping the peace, the next thing is that Zai Ze and Yi Liang seem to be getting closer. Tie Liang for a moment. The military power of the post-party has been lost. In order to protect himself, Zai Ze had to show favor to Yixuan, although he did not seek an alliance, but he also begged not to kill each other, so that the imperial party and Yigan would benefit. The Later Party and Qingyuan reconciled, but the Imperial Party began to have some friction with Qingliu, and in Guangxu's new edict, the Hubei New Army was all under the control of the 6th Military Department. It's easy to talk about moderation, but the military expenses of the new army in this one and a half towns still have to be paid by Hubei. In addition, Guangxu also has the meaning of transferring Zhang Zhidong into Beijing, as soon as Zhang Zhidong leaves Huguang, then its position will be taken over by Xiliang, the governor of Zhili, and Zhirui, the governor of the three eastern provinces, can justifiably enter Jinggi, so, plus the governor of Shaanxi and Gansu, who has firmly controlled the northeast and surrendered to Chengcheng, the whole of North China is Guangxu's sphere of influence.

Looking at Guangxu's step-by-step acquisition of power, Yang Rui thought of a question, Guangxu's disgust for the gentry because of the expansion of power, the disgust of the people caused by the continuous increase in taxes under the new policy, and the rise of the cabinet of Saionji Temple in Japan and the second Moroccan crisis, how can these things be perfectly matched together? And what is the most important of these? If these things don't match in time, what will happen then?

Germany, France, the United States and other countries expressed deep regret over the war and expressed deep concern about the attack on Hangzhou by the Yanzhou Revolutionary Army, while Britain and Japan were completely one-sided on the side of the Manchus, and the Japanese quickly signed an arms loan contract with the Manchus in Beijing, while the British were relayed to Xie Zhangtai by Gai Winter, reminding the Fuxing Society to abide by its previous promises, not to burn the war to the Yangtze River Valley, and for the attack on Hangzhou, it is best to stay on the line of Gongshu Bridge.

Yang Rui was very angry when he saw this, so he only asked Chen Guangshou to find Xie Zhangtai, and as soon as he saw him, he asked loudly and urgently: "What do the British mean over there, do they treat us as puppets?" ”

Xie Jintai had just returned from Europe, and as soon as he came back, the Yanzhou Revolutionary Party had won a big victory, but as soon as he won a big victory here, the British had an appointment over there, and this result came out after talking for a long time.

"Actually, Gai Went said that now the Manchu Foreign Ministry has sent a note to the British and French lend-lease authorities, prohibiting the Revival Association from operating in the concession, and he said that if he wants to stay in the concession, then he must not attack Hangzhou, and the revolutionary army had better stop at the line of Gongchen Bridge." Xie Jintai was worried, and he also felt that it was very unpleasant to be pinched by foreigners like this.

"Is it because if we don't agree, the concession authorities will expel us?" Yang Rui didn't laugh angrily, and looked at Xie Zhangtai Dao.

"That's true. The French Concession is okay, but the British Concession does have this possibility. Xie Jintai thought back to what the British said, and said very worriedly. It is very detrimental to the revolution if it goes on like this. Once the British were bought off by the Manchus on that day, the consequences were unpredictable. ”

What Xie Jintai said was exactly what Yang Ruizhi thought, but the land of Shanghai was mixed with dragons and snakes, the transportation was convenient, and it was not easy to stand on the ground, and it was really proper to leave here, he turned around and looked at the map of China hanging in the room, the Yangtze River swept over, the coastal swept really has no good place to stay, the base area has always been blocked, the airship from the two aspects of manning and secrecy, and cannot be used as a means of transportation to connect the inside and outside of the base area, the huge China, really can't find a better place than the Shanghai concession. Thinking of this, he had to relax and said, "I'm going to find another place, let them find it first." What else did the British say? ”

"He also said that we had provided very good information, and he hoped that we would continue to provide them with information." In the case of the Qingdao espionage mentioned by Xie Zhangtai, the Chinese spies were not as conspicuous as the British spies, and the Revival Society had been exhibiting members in the German factories, and the intelligence of Qingdao was flowing to Britain in a steady stream, and Major Gevent estimated that he would become Lieutenant Colonel Gevent in another year.

"Fuck it!" Yang Rui couldn't help but burst into foul language. Then wait until you have averaged your mind and ask again. "I'm busy when I come back, you haven't told me about the situation in the UK, have you found any way?"

I heard Yang Rui ask about things in the UK. Xie Jintai shook his head very ashamedly, "Actually, I have said all the saliva, but I still didn't get Churchill's approval, but I was almost persuaded by him." Now that the Liberal Party is in power in Britain, Asquith's cabinet is now undergoing social reforms under pressure from workers. Against this backdrop, they feared that the revolution in China would affect Britain's vested interests in China. In addition to Churchill, I have met several MPs. They all have such concerns, so ......"

Revival and Churchill, Winston to be precise. Churchill's relationship began with the South African miners' affair – in 19o5 Churchill was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the colonies. One of his important tasks during his tenure was to solve the problem of "Chinese slaves". This was the subject of much criticism in the last Balfour cabinet. He wants to clean up the laborers, and the revival will need laborers, and the cooperation between the two sides is extremely pleasant, and from this point Yang Rui also understands how to curry favor with the British parliamentarians, that is, to be anxious, help them do what they need, and then ask for a reasonable return. However, in the case of the South African miners, Yang Rui did not ask for anything in return. Just to maintain a certain friendship with Churchill, he hopes that this return will be given for a later date and not now.

"Isn't he going to be in the cabinet now? How can we help? "For the UK domestic. Xie Jintai's trip was just to find out, so Yang Rui was not too disappointed, he only focused on the future.

"Yes. He had been appointed Minister of the Admiralty, but he did not agree to the imminent war between Britain and Germany, and he was later appointed Minister of Local Government, but he still did not agree. Now he has decided to become the Minister of Trade. Xie Jintai said that Churchill only felt funny, this was an extremely irritable and rude person, and he didn't understand why Yang Rui was interested in this person.

Yang Rui just laughed when he heard this, Churchill didn't have the style of a British gentleman at all, but like a frizzy child, he only said: "In this way, if he becomes the British Secretary of State for Trade, we won't be able to help much?" ”

"Nope. Since the Cromwell era, it has been stipulated that those who are promoted to cabinet ministers should participate in the by-election, and if the by-election cannot be passed, then he cannot become a cabinet member," Xie Zhangtai looked at Yang Rui's eyes and immediately said: "This is just a by-election for others, it is nothing more than spending some money to promote himself in the newspaper, but this is too difficult for Churchill!" Because he had been a Conservative and then defected to the Liberals, the Conservatives had not forgotten what had happened, and now the Conservative newspapers were vigorously proclaiming that he was an untrustworthy man and unprincipled. ”

Thinking of Churchill's previous experience, this is indeed an extremely headache, but thinking of the principle of investment, Yang Rui still said: "The more difficult he is, the more we have to help, so that he can be grateful." Of course, there is no friendship between countries, but at least such help will allow him to say a good word or two to us later, and many times this is enough. ”

"But it costs a lot of money." Xie Jintai was very puzzled, "Even after spending this large amount of money, he may still lose the election, and then he is likely to become an unknown and influential parliamentarian, there are many parliamentarians in the UK, we can lobby others, at least we have a few years to ......"

"No, just Churchill." Churchill doesn't bet on anyone, Yang Rui only thinks about this thought, and he feels that this person's luck will not be so bad, and now is the best time to bet.

"Alright then, I'll arrange it right away." Seeing Yang Rui's decision, Xie Jintai had no choice but to implement it. After talking about this matter, he began to say the next thing: "Actually, this time all countries have come full circle, and I feel that there is an extremely important thing to talk to you about." ”

Seeing that Xie Zhangtai said so solemnly, Yang Rui laughed and said, "Brother Chong'an, don't be so strict, you say, I'll listen." ”

Yang Rui smiled, Xie Jintai couldn't think of it, just said seriously: "After Hangzhou, many matters of the association are now formalized, but it may not be advisable to always cover your head in China." Sun Wen has been running around various countries now, lobbying people from all over the world to sponsor and support him, but we have been quiet and obscure. Since you said that you want to make sure that they will not have time to look eastward, and that the success of the revolution in the future will not completely turn against the foreigners, then we should now stand up and travel around the world, and tell them what our Renaissance Revolution will make China look like, even if they do not approve of us. They don't support us, but at least they don't think of our revolution as a civil unrest like the Boxers......"

Xie Zhangtai gushed on and on for more than an hour on this issue. The main content is that Yang Rui, as the master of the meeting, cannot always pay attention to the domestic market, but must begin to turn abroad, and the future China will not be a closed China, but an open China. In view of this, the Revival Society should also go out boldly. The gradual change from the identity of a revolutionary party to the identity of an opposition party will bring some problems. For example, the safety of travel, the problem of accidentally damaging Yang Rui's image, but if you want to gain the support of other countries in the future. That's how it should be.

After Xie Jintai finished speaking, when he poured water into his throat, Yang Rui said: "You are right about the serious case, but the time has not yet come." I mean the time spent traveling around Europe and the United States. But now we are going to start the reputation and image problems on the side of foreigners. At the very least, we have to dress up as a righteous person to win the approval of foreigners. ”

Hearing that Yang Rui only agreed with half of himself, Xie Jintai put down the teacup and was about to continue talking, Yang Rui hurriedly stopped him and said, "Brother Chong'an, didn't you say that in the UK, the only person who can help China speak is Morrisun, then let him give it to me." How about an interview with the Revival Society, in Tianjin. What do you think? ”

"Tianjin. Is it safe there? Isn't there also a Times reporter named Pu Lande in Shanghai? Xie Zhangtai wanted Yang Rui to go abroad, but he didn't want him to go north to Tianjin.

Yang Rui thought about it: "We are in Shanghai, so we can't find Puland, but it will be better to go to Tianjin." ”

After Yang Rui finished speaking, Xie Jintai wanted to stop talking, although he said what he said just now was very happy, but when it came to practice, he was very worried that Yang Rui would have an accident, Yang Quyun had sacrificed like this before. Seeing his worries, Yang Rui said again: "Brother Chong'an is right, we can't always shrink in the dark, we should stand up." ”

After this talk, Xie Zhangtai went north to Tianjin to contact Mo Lixun, Chen Guangshou was responsible for the safety of Yang Rui this time, and Yang Rui himself went to Zhang Taiyan in person.

"If you really want to go to Tianjin, can't you go to Shanghai?" Zhang Taiyan also said as Xie Jintai did.

"Tianjin has the benefits of Tianjin, and Morrisun's fame is much greater than that of this Pu Lande in Shanghai, and foreigners trust his articles and opinions very much, and they can only look for him in China." Yang Rui explained.

Seeing Yang Rui say this, Zhang Taiyan said that he couldn't say anything more, but said: "What do you want to do when you come here?" ”

took out a point of people's newspaper, Yang Rui pointed to the previous article and said, "Now the alliance will attack us, saying that nationalism is **, China has never had a tradition of democracy and republic, nor has it attached importance to the tradition of civil rights, even if there is a people-oriented theory, it is also a lie made up by the ruler in order to better fool and control the people at the bottom." ”

Yang Rui read the contents of the newspaper, and only felt that Zhang Taiyan's face was getting more and more ugly. After Yang Rui came back, he has been compiling classics of Chinese culture, and the matter of fighting has been handed over to Wang Xiaolin's Propaganda Department. But I didn't want that in a few months, those students who didn't learn and didn't know how to study in the League would actually start to point fingers at China's history. Seeing him like this, Yang Rui did not stop but continued: "The people of the League also said that if we want to implement democracy and protect people's rights, we can only learn from the United States, establish a republic, and establish a power structure with separation of powers, so that China can ......."

"It's really unlearned! It's really unlearned! Zhang Taiyan was really annoyed, picked up with both hands, and slammed it on the table, causing pieces of paper to fly and ink to splash. Yang Rui had already seen that he was going to soar, so he avoided it early. "Uncle Mei, tell me, these guys who don't learn and don't know how to give them a big face, and what kind of model is our political system, otherwise those bastards will attack our dictatorship."

"China's democracy, or China's parliament, existed as early as 3,000 years ago." Zhang Taiyan stood up, picked up the folding fan and began to fan it around, "It's just that these people who don't learn and don't know how to do things forget their ancestors." ”

Zhang Taiyan's first sentence startled Yang Rui, there was a democratic parliament three thousand years ago, it's not that Zhang Taiyan is stupid to read. But seeing him like this, until it was difficult to interrupt, I had to wait for him to continue.

A month later, Tianjin Li Shunde Hotel.

Morrison followed Xie, who he met half a month ago, claiming to be the head of foreign affairs of the Renaissance Association, and came to the Li Shunde Hotel, which is the most famous diplomatic hotel in Tianjin on Victoria Road, where the US Consulate is located, and the British Consulate has held meetings here many times. Morrison was also very familiar with the place, and of course, his monthly salary did not allow him to stay here for many nights. Take the elevator to the third floor, in a room with an open door, the two meet for the first time in their lives.

Yang Rui had heard of Mo Lixun for a long time, and the Tonghua Railway was allowed by the Manchu Qing Dynasty and his credit, and the role he played in the Russo-Japanese War was even more amazing, this foreigner wearing a black satin hat and a green robe and horse coat was simply an uncrowned king. At the same time, his Chinese-style dress surprised Yang Rui very much, fortunately, he was not wearing Western-style clothes.

Yang Rui looked at Mo Lixun, who also looked at Yang Jingcheng, the leader of the revolutionary party worth 300,000 taels of silver and a reward of 50,000 pounds, and later wrote in his memoirs: When I first met Yang, he was wearing an ancient Chinese dress, which is usually only seen in oriental landscape paintings......

"Hello, Mr. Morrison!" Yang Rui arched his hand towards him.

"Hello! Poplar. Morrison only spoke Chinese and then English, "I was surprised to see you." ”

It is not surprising that he said this Yang Rui, Xie Jintai, who was in charge of liaison, did not reveal the identity of the guest, and only when he was sure that Morrison was free to go to Tianjin, he told him on the train that it was Yang Jingcheng, the president of the Revival Association, that he was going to meet Yang Jingcheng, the president of the Revival Association, and that he had only wished to meet a representative of the Revival Society this time.

Neither of them was polite, and Morrison's first question was to ask how the Revival Society would reply to the Qing government's peace proposal - with the efforts of Prince Su and Liangbi, Guangxu agreed to the peace proposal, whether true or false, but at the same time, the armament raising did not stop.

"The current Qing government is not the government we recognize." Yang Rui replied, vetoing the legitimacy of the Manchus in one sentence, "They can only represent 55 Manchus, not 40,000 Han people." Their rule was gained by violence, not legitimately inherited from the Ming dynasty. Of course, although the ruling power of the Ming Dynasty was also obtained by violence, it was the Mongols who rebelled. I don't think any Western country would consider the Mongols of Genghis Khan's time to be legitimate. The Manchus brutally slaughtered and suppressed the Han in order to gain power, and this massacre has been frequent for two hundred years, the most recent of which was in Hangzhou in 19o6, so we have no possibility of negotiation with the Manchus, because they are not legitimate governments themselves. ”

Yang Rui replied in Chinese, while Xie Zhangtai translated in English, Mo Lixun listened and remembered, and then said: "As the edict said, the Hangzhou massacre was not the government's original intention, and Emperor Guangxu had already sent ministers to Hangzhou to pay tribute to the victims. Yang, collateral damage in war is unavoidable, so why can't we negotiate calmly instead of going through war? ”

Morrison's question was very positional, Yang Rui just smiled at it, and said, "Mr. Morrisun, I would rather kill all the five million Manchurians and then go to pay tribute to them in person." ”

The meaning of Yang Rui's words only made Mo Li cold, he finally broke free from Yang Rui's gentleness, understood that the person in front of him was a soldier, a revolutionary party, he had Russian blood on his hands, there was Chinese blood, his troops surrounded nearly 30,000 government troops last month, killing more than 4,000 of them, these government army coffins were piled up all over the outskirts of Hangzhou, even if those coffins have now been removed, but the black and endless coffin in the photo still makes those who see it only shiver. With this in mind, Morrison felt that perhaps he should jump away from this topic and talk about something else. (To be continued......)

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