When Zhang Lan came to the door, Cai Yuanpei was sitting on the sofa in the hall looking at the newspaper that his subordinates had just bought from outside. Although he is the Minister of Education, military affairs have little to do with Cai Yuanpei, but from a certain point of view, Cai Yuanpei, who has become the Minister of Education, is more or less a member of the politicians, even if Cai Yuanpei's scholarly anger has not decreased in the slightest, but after many years of career in the sea, Cai Yuanpei's personality is undoubtedly much smoother than in the past―――――― which is different from Cai Yuanpei in history.

Although Cai Yuanpei also served as the chief of education of the Republic of China, the problem is that his chief of education is from the cabinet of the Nanjing Provisional Government.

Anyone knows that it is very boring to be an official in that provisional government.

Even if the government has a little money in its hands, it goes into the pockets of officials, or it is used for military expenses and severance pay for the civilian army. Even if Cai Yuanpei wants to do something in office, he can't do anything when he has no funds in his hand.

Although the Ministry of Education is definitely not the largest in the cabinet, Yan Shao, who is well aware of the importance of education, has never been stingy in funding. Therefore, Cai Yuanpei's Minister of Education is finally like a real Minister of Education.

As a politician, caring about public opinion can almost be said to be a compulsory course. Although this kind of public opinion usually does not need to be cared about, you can not care, but you cannot be unaware. In addition, Cai Yuanpei already knew about the actions of the National Defense Force, so he naturally arranged for his subordinates to go outside to buy newspapers early...

And what he has in his hand. It's the latest newspaper to come out today.

It's just that when Cai Yuanpei was still reading the newspaper in the hall, there was a knock on the door outside. When the next person opened the door, he saw Zhang Lan. Cai Yuanpei was really surprised.

In fact, Zhang Lan came to Beijing this time entirely because of Cai Yuanpei's invitation.

Of course, Cai Yuanpei will do this not only because of a whim, in history Cai Yuanpei once invited Lu Xun to serve in the Ministry of Education, from this point of view, Cai Yuanpei had a criminal record, but it was still 1912 at that time. And it was February, on the eve of the fall of the Manchus, and at the same time when the provisional government had just been formed. So Cai Yuanpei's Ministry of Education is just a shelf.

After the establishment of the Beiyang government, because he was unwilling to serve Yuan Shikai, Cai Yuanpei even went to France by boat to continue his academic research. It was not until later that he returned to China. And by that time it was the end of 1916.

It should be noted that in 1915, he and Li Shizeng, Wu Yuzhang and others initiated the organization of the Sino-French Education Association, advocating work-study in France, hoping to help more Chinese study in Europe with this organization.

Of course, now this organization is definitely gone.

But now, Cai Yuanpei's department. It's finally a bit of a name.

Subsequently, Cai Yuanpei implemented some policies that had been prepared for a long time. Immediately afterwards, he invited some well-known people to serve in the Ministry of Education, and Zhang Lan was one of them.

The problem is that Cai Yuanpei sent someone to the train station to pick up people early, but now Zhang Lan came by himself in a rickshaw, how can Cai Yuanpei not be surprised.

In fact, the people sent out by Cai Yuanpei did arrive at the train station, but after arriving at the train station, they had a dispute with someone, so until now they have been locked up by the security guards at the station, let alone picking up people, and they can't even get out.

Although those people have already said that they are from the Ministry of Education, and at the same time they say that they are here to pick up people, but for the security guards at the train station―――――― so what?

They are under the control of the Ministry of Communications, but not under the Ministry of Education.

Of course, in the end, at the 'request' of those people from the Ministry of Education, the railway station still sent someone to the platform to pick up people. The problem is that the people from the Ministry of Education in front of them have been tossing with the people at the station for a long time, but when they finish tossing, the time has almost passed, Zhang Lan on the platform has been waiting for a long time, and he is a little impatient, but when the train station sent someone to pick up Zhang Lan, Zhang Lan had already taken the rickshaw, and then rushed towards Cai Yuanpei's address in his hand.

If you calculate the time, at most it is the work of the front and back feet...

Those people in the Ministry of Education were naturally very annoyed by this, but the people at the train station didn't care much, as for Zhang Lan? He had just boarded the rickshaw and was heading towards Cai Yuanpei.

――――――――――――――――――――

Looking at Zhang Lan who suddenly appeared in front of him, Cai Yuanpei showed a surprised expression, and then looked behind Zhang Lan, wanting to see where his subordinates were hiding. As a result, he, of course, saw nothing.

Anyway, it's good that people can arrive safely, although it is a little strange and a little annoyed that his subordinates didn't receive anyone, but Cai Yuanpei still invited Zhang Lan into his home.

"Omoirata, how is the scenery of this northern land, is it different from that of Sichuanchu?"

Affectionately calling Zhang Lan's words, Cai Yuanpei asked his subordinates to carry Zhang Lan's luggage into the house, and then took his arm and walked inside.

Cai Yuanpei lives in a small two-story building, although it is not very big, but it looks very chic, there are a few people in the villa, at this time they are cleaning in the courtyard, although they don't recognize Zhang Lan, but after seeing Zhang Lan, they still stepped forward one by one...

After entering the room and sitting in the hall, looking at Cai Yuanpei, Zhang Lan said with a smile. "Compared with when I came here a few years ago, the changes are indeed very great..."When he said this, Zhang Lan's tone also had a hint of emotion.

Zhang Lan refers to the previous few years, referring to the time when the Kuomintang government was just established.

At that time, as a representative of Sichuan Province, Zhang Lan also came to Beijing once and participated in the inauguration ceremony of the Guoshe government. When the new government was first formed, it was just when Beiyang was just ousted. Although because of Yuan Shikai's voluntary resignation, Beijing was not much damaged by the war, but even so. Beijing at that time was not very good.

Now, after more than four years, when Zhang Lan sets foot on the soil of Beijing again after four years, what appears in front of him is a new and modern city. The brand-new buildings, the clean and spacious streets, and the bustling traffic in the city are almost indistinguishable from the cities that Zhang Lan saw when he studied in Japan. Considering the huge population base, it is even more prosperous.

In particular, it is a towering building that can be clearly seen even from the train station. It is even more impressive, although Zhang Lan had seen photos in the newspaper back then, but after all, he still did not witness the shock...

(Zhang Lan was once selected to study in Japan in 1903.) Enrolled in the Teacher Training Department of Tokyo Kobun Academy. In 1904, he was escorted back to China because he proposed that the Empress Dowager Cixi should return to power to Emperor Guangxu. He was appointed as a regular teacher in the government middle school of Shunqing Mansion (Nanchong) in Sichuan. ）

Hearing Zhang Lan say this, Cai Yuanpei smiled 'hehe' and didn't say anything, just waited until the next person brought the tea and said softly.

"This time, I asked the table to come, but I asked you to help me come, you must not refuse..."

Hearing Cai Yuanpei say this, Zhang Lan nodded silently, he will make a special trip to Beijing this time. It also means that.

In the impression of later generations, Zhang Lan is usually a bearded man. It looks very old, at least at first glance, it knows that it is very old. In comparison, Cai Yuanpei looks much younger than Zhang Lan. But in fact, Cai Yuanpei is at least 4 years older than Zhang Lan, and he is much older than Zhang Lan...

There is only one reason why Cai Yuanpei invited Zhang Lan to come to Beijing this time, and that is the compulsory education that the Ministry of Education is now implementing. With the government's financial investment, compulsory education has yielded some results, but as it has been said, the human factor has always been the biggest constraint on this program.

Although there is a lot of money needed for the implementation of compulsory education, but counting the government's financial investment and donations from all walks of life, it is basically the same.

It's a hassle indeed...

Now, with the development of the policy, compulsory education has entered a bottleneck, and the Ministry of Education also needs more people to assist, at this time Cai Yuanpei remembered Zhang Lan.

When Zhang Lan went north, because of the same ideas, Cai Yuanpei and Zhang Lan could be said to be like-minded and like-minded. Zhang Lan himself is quite capable and has a high reputation, so it is natural that he will be invited over...

In fact, long before the Xinhai Revolution, that is, during the Sichuan Road Protection Movement, Zhang Lan was already up-and-coming, when Zhang Lan attended and was elected as the vice president of the Sichuan-Han Railway Shareholders Congress as a representative of Nanchong, and later when Zhao Erfeng trapped Pu Dianjun and Luo Lun and others, Zhang Lan was also one of several people who were trapped, which made him famous.

After the success of the Xinhai Revolution and the recovery of Sichuan, Zhang Lan also served as the propaganda envoy of the Sichuan Military Government in northern Sichuan, and was elected as a member of the House of Representatives of the Republic of China in 1913.

If history hadn't changed because of Yan Shao's arrival, Zhang Lan would have served as the governor of Sichuan Province at this time, and he could also be called a prince, although he didn't have any military power in his hands, but now...

Without variables such as Yuan Shikai becoming emperor, after the establishment of the Guoshe government, Zhang Lan's life seemed a little duller. But even so, no one will doubt Zhang Lan's character and ability, which is also one of the reasons why Cai Yuanpei will invite him to go north.

At present, the Ministry of Education is short of manpower, and instead of continuing to keep Zhang Lan in Sichuan, it is better to get the Ministry of Education to do more things. He still knows a lot about Zhang Lan's character and ability, and after getting Cai Yuanpei's invitation, Zhang Lan also gladly accepted the invitation...

Because just like Cai Yuanpei, Zhang Lan also has his own political ambitions.

And it is obvious that in this era, the only person who has the ability to achieve Zhang Lan's revenge is Yan Shao's Guoshe government.

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"I'm tired all the way, I'll let the ancestors take you upstairs to rest first..."Saying that, Cai Yuanpei looked at the clock hanging on the wall, and then continued to Zhang Lan. It's still early, and I'll ask someone to call you out for dinner in the evening..."

"It's okay...", nodding, all the way from Sichuan to Beijing by train. Zhang Lan did feel a little tired. It's just that just when Zhang Lan got up and was about to rest with his subordinates, he suddenly thought of something, and then stopped and looked at Cai Yuanpei. "That's right. Brother Heqing, about the matter of the Wehrmacht going north this time......... Did you know beforehand? ”

"This..."Hearing Zhang Lan's words, Cai Yuanpei couldn't help but smile bitterly. I do know, but what to say..."

Cai Yuanpei is always difficult to tell Zhang Lan, he has known about this matter for a long time, and it was not after the establishment of Soviet Russia, but before that. It is even more impossible to sue Zhang Lan. In fact, this matter itself is a conspiracy, and even the establishment of the Soviet Russian government, which has shocked the world today, has the figure of the Nationalist government behind it. The reason why this so-called Soviet Russian government was established so smoothly was that the Nationalist government contributed a lot to it, and it spent millions of dollars before and after...

As a Minister of Education, one of the many ministers in the Cabinet. Cai Yuanpei knows this. But he couldn't reveal it.

After all, these are state secrets, and if they leak out, trouble will definitely be indispensable, considering that this time the Nationalist government is still supporting a Bolshevik regime, it is conceivable that it will definitely cause an uproar, and even Britain and the United States may cause many problems.

Although Cai Yuanpei himself is not a 'friendly surprise' theorist, the current national defense forces are marching into the outer northeast, which is related to the loss of 600,000 square kilometers of territory. and the life and death of 200,000 Wehrmacht, but he really didn't want to make extraneous troubles...

Of course. Even Cai Yuanpei himself didn't know that behind the dispatch of troops to the Northeast, there was another more shocking plan. It's just that this plan is absolutely impossible to get the support of Cai Yuanpei and others, so Yan Shao kept it a secret, and just notified this plan to the people in the military, not them...

But then again, it seems that there is no need to notify the Ministry of Education of such a plan, after all, it has nothing to do with the Ministry of Education...

I didn't know this, looking at Cai Yuanpei's embarrassed appearance, Zhang Lan couldn't help but say.

"What does the government think, at this time, I don't have any opinions on recovering the lost territory by sending troops to the Northeast―――――― but now that the Soviet Russian government has just been established, the government has sent troops to the Northeast, isn't it morally ......... And Britain and the United States probably won't sit idly by..."

Looking at Zhang Lan's appearance, Cai Yuanpei smiled, and then stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder to comfort. "Don't worry, since the government dares to make a move, it will definitely be completely prepared, in fact, now the president's side believes that it has begun to negotiate with the powers, and it will basically not be a big problem to obtain the understanding of the powers..."

"Besides, if you don't want to take back the Outer Northeast now, I'm afraid it will be difficult to have this opportunity in the future, even if you do it rashly, the price you need to pay at that time is definitely not comparable now..."

This is also the reason why Cai Yuanpei and other officials will support this plan, and they have always been keen on such things as recovering lost territory. It's just that they are very disgusted by the possible casualties, impacts, and economic and financial pressures of the war, but they also know very well that this is indeed the best opportunity to recover the Outer Northeast, and if they think about any action in the future...

As Yan Shao said, the price that needs to be paid at that time is not as simple as it is now. In this case, the long pain is better than the short pain, rather than suffering in the future, it is better to solve it sooner now, and even if they oppose it, it is impossible to accept Yan Shao's posture, they have no influence on the army, and the most important thing is that the army will not listen to them at all, since this is the case, it is better to be more simply, so that when the Outer Northeast is recovered in the future, they can also get some benefits from it―――――― not to mention how strong Yan Shao's control over the army is, the soldiers are already keen on war, And this time it is still a reconquest, this is a famous thing in history, even if they say flowers, the military will not listen to them...

Don't look at these guys are very stubborn, they know this very well.

So they don't seem to have much choice but to compromise ...

"Okay, Biao Fang..."Looking at Zhang Lan with a tired face, Cai Yuanpei said with a smile. This matter will be left to the government to solve, you better rest first, it is not easy to take a train from Sichuan to Beijing along the way..."

Hearing Cai Yuanpei say this, Zhang Lan also felt a little tired.

Unlike the high-speed rail of later generations, taking a train in this era is a hard job, not to mention a literati like Zhang Lan. took the train from Sichuan to Beijing, and I don't know how many days have passed along the way, and Zhang Lan's bones are about to be torn apart. Therefore, after listening to Cai Yuanpei's words, Zhang Lan nodded and followed the subordinate towards the guest room on the second floor...

After Zhang Lan left, Cai Yuanpei couldn't help but exhale softly.

――――――――――――――――――――

When Zhang Lan arrived at Cai Yuanpei's home, in the British Embassy, Zhu Erdian and American Minister Cook were sitting together, not knowing what they were talking about. Even though they wanted to make a very calm expression, the anxiety on their faces betrayed them.

No way. Who told the Nationalist government to suddenly make a move to the Northeast...

Although the Americans and the British were also hostile to the Russian government, for them at the moment there was still some use for Soviet Russia. Now that the government of the country has suddenly moved, things have suddenly become troublesome.

London and New York were outraged. What made them even more angry was that Zhu Erdian and Cook (the American minister) had not even been able to get any information in advance, which was undoubtedly very dereliction of duty in the eyes of Britain and the United States.

If this time things are not done well, they may even threaten their lives―――――― although from any point of view. Zhu Erdian was not far from entering the coffin. Even if no one helps him end his so-called political life, I believe it won't last long...

Sitting on the couch, Jurdian and Cook were speechless.

I can only drink coffee one by one, tasting the bitterness in it.

I don't know how long it took before there was a sudden noise outside the door.

When Cook came, Jurdian had already ordered that no one should be allowed to come in unless there was something important, and Cook had also heard of this order. So after hearing the movement outside the door, Jurdian and Cook immediately looked in the direction of the door. Immediately after that, they saw that Thunder, who was already an old dragon clock? Copa walked in through the door...

See is Thunder? Copa, Jurdian and Cook hurriedly stood up from the sofa, and then saw Jurdian and Cook greet them.

"My dear friend, I hope you can bring us some good news..."

"That's right," the American minister echoed.

It is clear to everyone that the French government has a very close relationship with the Chinese government. Kopa himself, when Yan Shao was only the governor of the Anhui Military Government, made a bet on Yan Shao with discernment.

The end result proves that Ray? Coppa was not wrong in this bet, and he paid off handsomely for himself and the French government. Whether it was Yan Shao's large order to France during the 'Seventh Five-Year Project', or Lei? Copa's rapidly rising status among French diplomats was the envy of Jurdian and others.

Especially after Yan Shao successfully reached the top, Lei? Kopa became Yan Shao's guest because of his investment that year, and had a good personal relationship with Yan Shao...

However, in the face of this situation, it seems that they have nothing else to do but regret it.

But now, Ray? The personal relationship between Kopa and Yan Shao was the only thing they could count on, so after the Nationalist government sent troops to the Northeast, Zhu Erdian and Lei? After they had consulted, Kopa immediately put Ray? Kopa pushed him out and asked him to go to Yan Shao to find out.

Now Ray? Kopa is back, and Zhu Erdian and the others are naturally curious to know what the result will be.

Looking at the look of the two of them, Ray? Copa smiled wryly, not knowing what to say...

At this moment, he recalled the situation when he went to Yan Shao...

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After learning that the Wehrmacht was heading north to the Outer Northeast, after some discussion with Zhu Erdian and others, Lei? Kopa made a phone call to the presidential office, hoping to meet with Yan Shao and 'learn' about what was happening in the Outer Northeast.

Although the original Russian Provisional Government has been overthrown and the Soviet Russian Government has been established, the countries have not yet recognized the Soviet Russian Government, in other words, the overthrown Provisional Government is still the legitimate government of Russia―――――― even if it has been overthrown.

However, in the case that the footprints of Soviet Russia have not yet reached the Far East, at least the Outer Northeast is still the territory of the Russian government. Now China's attack on the Outer Northeast is tantamount to attacking its allies...

If it was something else, it might have been forgotten, but this matter was definitely not tolerated by the Entente countries.

But something, smart Ray? Kopa and others still know better.

Say. Without the support of other countries, it would be difficult for the overthrown Provisional Government to make a comeback.

For example, today's Russia is no longer the 'European gendarme' and 'steam roller' of the past. It is far from being comparable in importance to China. Especially considering the chaotic state of Russia today, even if Russia can make a comeback, I am afraid it will definitely not be able to be done in a short time...

And what is clear is that this war is likely to end in the next one or two years, or two or three years. Therefore, if necessary, in order to protect their own interests and ensure the final victory in the war, Britain and the United States and other countries are likely to sacrifice the interests of Russia to meet China's invitation...

Historically. Britain and France have done this kind of thing countless times, but in the past, it was usually countries like China that were sacrificed. This naturally includes China, and as for the sacrifice of such a behemoth as Russia, it seems that it has never happened in history.

Of course, it is precisely because of this. So the Paris side gave Ray? Copa's order was to act at the opportune moment. Rather than allowing them to use Russian interests to satisfy China at will. After all, no one knows what happened next...

However, in Ray? After Kopa's call reached the presidential palace, he didn't see Yan Shao immediately, because Yan Shao had already changed places at that time, and in the end there was no other way, Lei? Copa had no choice but to change places.

And that place is exactly the place where Zhang Lan once looked up after coming out of the train station.

【Empire State Building】

As the tallest man-made building in the world, it is now close to the completion of the Empire State Building. Quite some time has passed. When the building was first completed, the building caused a stir around the world. After all, there has never been a building of this height in the past, which is simply a miracle in the history of architecture―――――― according to some layman's comments.

As for the insiders...

"As long as there is money, anyone can build such a tall building, and the one named Wang Xuan is just a rich investor..."

Money is the most important thing to build a tall building, but it would never have been possible without a good engineer.

And Wang Xuan is undoubtedly such an excellent engineer.

Of course, in addition to the above statements, there are other statements that have followed. For example, white people must have been involved in the design of a building, and it is impossible for a yellow race to build such a building.

Or maybe there must be a quality problem, maybe one day when the wind is a little stronger, the building may be blown over or something.

There are even voices of opposition in the country, and one of the main ones is. "If you have so much money to build such a mansion that is not of any special use, why not just donate all this money..."

Basically, it's almost all of that kind of talk.

However, despite the strong skepticism at home and abroad, the fact that such a tall building stands there still caused a great sensation and ......... Extremely attractive.

Both at home and abroad, a large number of people have rushed to Beijing by means of transportation to see this miracle building, which claims to be the tallest in the world.

Almost every Chinese who has seen the Empire State Building has been surprised that the Chinese can build such a magnificent building, and there is an unimaginable sense of pride in their hearts.

As for like Thunder? Every time a foreigner like Kopa sees it, all that gushes out is shock or ......... Crisis...

It is not necessary for non-self races to be united, and this kind of affection is usually given to the weak.

Just like the lions, tigers and wolves in the zoo, why are we not afraid of the animals in the zoo at all, willing to tease them, feed them, or feel pity when we see these people in cages, and even mumble that this is animal cruelty when we see them being locked in a harsh environment―――――― of course, there are also some teasers who will die regardless of the situation.

It's like a news that Yan Shao saw before crossing over, there was an aunt who actually took a bag containing hundreds of thousands of IOUs to tease the tiger, but the tiger took the bag away, and the IOU inside disappeared completely, this is undoubtedly a kind of teasing behavior, of course, it is also possible that this aunt has already lost the IOU, and plans to plant it for the zoo or the tiger or something...

In short, when visitors see the animals in the cage, they feel pity because they know very well that these animals are already in cages and cannot hurt them at all, compared to them, these animals are some of the weaker people who are bullied, and they can easily kill most of the humans in the disregard of these animals...

Of course, that's not to say that they aren't aware of it, it's just ......... Just because they know they're safe, just because they know that these animals have been locked up in the cages they've made, and that these animals, no matter how strong they are, are just weaker than them...

They can show mercy when they are in a position of strength, or they can kill these animals for various reasons, the difference is only whether they care or not. No matter how strong and dangerous these animals may seem, they are undoubtedly weakling...

But now, things have changed dramatically...

With the development of time, China, which originally existed as a weakling, has gradually become a strong one. It's like a visitor suddenly discovering that the guardrail that had trapped the animal is gradually breaking down, and it may even disappear at any time...

If these beasts are really rushed out of the cage, the people outside the fence may even have to worry about their lives, and the most important thing they should do now is to weaken the strength of the beasts in the cage, and repair the gradually broken guardrail...

However, it is a pity that the humans who are supposed to do this are so busy killing each other that they don't bother to repair the guardrails. And by the time the guardrail is completely broken and the beast has rushed out of its cage, it will be too late to repair and reinforce... (To be continued......)