Chapter 192 North and South

When Xu Shichang walked into the study, Chen Moran was already sitting on the cushioned mahogany chair waiting for him. Xu Shichang glanced at the study. This is a study completely arranged according to the habits of traditional Chinese literati. On the antique bookshelf, there are almost all kinds of thread-in-line books. The desk is large and thick, with a stone inkstone one foot square on it. In the large tripod-shaped antique bronze pen holder, there are about a dozen thick brushes.

All of this seems to be very close to the appearance of the owner of the study. Several landscape paintings are hung on the four walls. A word is hung on the wall near the window. Xu Shichang recognized that this was the master's handwriting. Although calligraphy is not good, it is powerful one by one. It is written with a lyrics entitled "Manjianghong":

"Gengzi tears, Jiachen shame, yellow hatred, when will it snow! May the spirit always be flawless. The soul turned into a guard bird, and the blood splashed into red heart grass. From now on, a good burden of mountains and rivers is made by heroes.

"This poem is a little bold!"

Xu Shichang praised a sentence. Although this word is a little incompetent, it is beyond his expectation to think that Chen Moran has been able to write this word since he grew up overseas.

"Smile, laugh!"

Chen Moran said with a happy smile when he was praised for his own work.

"I write poems and lyrics. I'm a layman. I'm just talking about it."

"The soul turns into a guard bird, and the blood splashes into red heart grass. These two sentences can't be chanted by non-real heroes.

Xu Shichang said with a smile and read the last sentence.

"A good load of mountains and rivers, made by heroes. The marshal is really a real hero.

"Hahaha!" Chen Moran laughed very happily.

"Bu Wu, you can really tell jokes."

At this time, Ruisha came in with a tea ceremony with a smile, gently greeted Xu Shichang with tea, and then gently closed the door and went downstairs silently. When Xu Shichang saw the servant with obvious Western blood, he was stunned and frowned.

"Marshal, I came to Zhangde by the order of Lord Yuan this time. He asked me to tell you that he was not single-minded, but it was a pity that he was full of persecution, so he had to lead troops south.

Xu Shichang didn't want to gossip anymore, so he came straight to the point and shook out the purpose of the trip.

"What are you doing with the troops going south?"

Chen Moran asked knowingly.

"Failor south to suppress the commander's light and restore the army."

Xu Shichang stared at Chen Moran's smiling face and replied.

"Do you want to suppress the Guangfu Army?"

Chen Moran was used to holding a cigar and pointing to the cigarette box, indicating that Xu Shichang took it himself.

"Can it be moved?"

Xu Shichang took out one and said while wiping the match.

"Lord Yuan knows that he is already a Han man, so he doesn't want to lead troops south."

Chen Moran spewed a puff of smoke from his nose and sneered.

"Oh? Is that so?"

"Lord Yuan fell and injured his foot first, and then pretended to be ill. He also asked the commander-in-chief Mingjian. Lord Yuan didn't want to go to Beijing."

"If you don't want to go to the army, you can rise up anyway?"

Chen Moran gently tapped the cigar on the ashtray, and the gray ashes were scattered in the black and red jar, as if adding a thin layer of frost. At the same time, he looked at Xu Shichang in front of him with a smile. Chen Moran's staff was still in the capital two days ago, but at this time he had arrived in Jiangning.

"Anyway, I'm afraid that my life will be saved."

Xu Shichang has figured it out. Chen Moran did not refuse Lord Yuan anyway. He was looking at the price.

"Bu Wu, please go back and tell Lord Yuan the blood in your body and the name behind you."

Chen Moran threw half of the unfinished cigar into the ashtray, and a stream of smoke rushed out of his nose, adding at the same time.

"How can I, a Han man, be a Qing minister? Tell him that very early anyway, he can be worthy of his ancestors and descendants. Although I don't want to be like my compatriots, I have no eyes. If he says that if he sees each other on the battlefield, the army will be restored up and down, there will only enemies in his eyes, and there is no compatriots, let alone compatriots who hold the war!"

Xu Shichang, who was shocked by the commander's words, smiled awkwardly.

"Yes, of course! Commander, I would like to ask you. In your view, what kind of power cabinet will come out of the country after it is restored in the future?

Looking up at Xu Shichang, Chen Moran rekindled a cigar and said slowly.

"This question is right for me to ask you. Although I am the commander of the restoration of the government and the commander of the restoration of the army, I should not express any opinions in the national body. Although you are an official of the Qing Dynasty, you have a sense of righteousness and a social sage. What do you think?

After the problem was kicked back, Xu Shichang shook his head and said with a wry smile.

"Marshal, when I came to Shanghai, I saw that he was talking about the restoration in the newspaper. When the people elected those who have made great contributions to the country and the people, they should be constitutional! What are we talking about constitutional legislation! Nowadays, China is very powerful. Where is the time to formulate a constitutional government? Even if it is formulated, no matter how well the provisions are listed, who will implement them? Who will supervise? It's not just a piece of paper!"

While talking, Xu Shichang took a look at the commander in front of him. Who is the one who has made great contributions to the country and the people? There is no doubt that it is the commander-in-chief in front of him. The reason why he said this is that he has something in mind, and on the other hand, he wants to explore the thoughts of the commander in front of him.

"You're telling the truth."

Chen Moran picked up his ink jade cup and took a sip.

"The no matter how big the law is, it must be implemented by people. A good constitutional state is only one of the country, but in the end, there must be capable people to govern the world.

Chen Moran's words have similarities and differences with Xu Shichang's thoughts. Of course, this is not the time for debate. Xu Shichang didn't want to talk about this issue any more. He looked at Chen Moran and said.

"Marshal, now the whole country regards you as the hope of national restoration. Even foreigners say that China cannot be separated from the general in the future."

Xu Shichang's words were not fabricated to please Chen Moran, but the truth. Since three days ago, newspapers in Britain, France, the United States and other countries have often consciously published articles praising Chen Moran, saying that he is a real capable person in China. Recently, when the envoys of Dongjiaomin Lane complained about the fatigue of the Chinese court, they often couldn't help but say a word.

"Jiangning's temporary political axe is not like this when dealing with foreign affairs."

embarrassed the court. The reason why Lord Yuan was worried that the Qing Dynasty would not be destroyed is that, in addition to the popular and military power of the restoration army, the support of foreigners is also a very important reason.

Chen Moran twisted the eight-character beard left on his lips and smiled. He didn't care what the foreigner said! But what he cares about is the performance of those foreigners, which has made many people think that the temporary political axe has been semi-recognized by the great powers, but at least now it is just a fantasy.

Smiling and looking at Xu Shichang, Chen Moran wanted to push Chen Moran again, so he said to Xu Shichang.

"Bu Wu, let me tell you something. This is not news. I guess it will be reported in a few days."

"What's the matter?"

Xu Shichang was a little confused by Chen Moran's sudden demeanor.

"Yesterday, Zhang Jizhi has accepted the position of temporary Minister of Agriculture and Commerce."

Compared with Xu Shichang's puzzlement, Chen Moran's eyes suddenly lit up.

"He talked to me for four or five hours and didn't send him back to the passenger ship until midnight."

Zhang Jizhi is Zhang Jian, the champion of the world in those years, and now the chairman of Nantong Dasheng Yarn Factory. It can be said that he is a business name in the southern province.

Xu Shichang thought to himself what this had to do with him, so he asked.

"Marshal, why did Mr. Ji Zhi leave Jiangning after he was appointed?"

"Bu Wu, do you know that since I returned to China from another country, there is a benefactor!"

Chen Moran did not answer Xu Shichang's questions directly, but pulled up his past.

"The Duke of Dyan Zhuang is the benefactor of the commander!"

Xu Shichang nodded. When he was in the capital, there were many imperial envoys Zeng, "Chen's ability to get what he said today was Liu Xianzhuang had to do."

"Everyone says that Chen Yi has a benefactor, but they don't know that Chen Yi also feels alone."

Chen Moran said this, smiled easily, picked up a piece of walnut and chewed it in his mouth. Xu Shichang was a little curious when he heard it. Did he feel alone? Who does he feel?

Put down the walnuts in your hand, take a sip of tea and rinse your throat. Chen Moran continued to speak.

"Zhang Ji knows that I feel alone, so I rely on Wuchang..."

"Wuchang!"

Xu Shichang was shocked when he heard this sentence, Wuchang! In an instant, he understood who was in Chen's heart.

"Xiang Shuai has dismissed his staff."

When Xu Shichang heard this sentence, he was surprised, but Chen Moran blinked his eyes strangely and said.

"Bu Wu, do you know where most of those staff are now?"

"Where are you?"

Xu Shichang asked eagerly, if even Governor Huguang... then Lord Yuan seems to be easy as soon as possible.

"Tell you, Lord Yuan, don't wait for him, and don't wait for him!"

Suddenly, Chen Moran said something coldly, then looked at Xu Shichang and added another sentence.

"He doesn't have much time now! Second Minister Xu!"

Xu Shichang was shocked by every word. He didn't expect that he would come to Jiangning this time... the second chief! Although he still doesn't know who the commander in front of him is the deputy commander of the department, he understands that the opportunity to work hard for a lifetime is right in front of him.

At this time, Xu Shichang felt that the blood on his body was rolling.

"Please rest assured, Shichang will definitely persuade Yuan Shikai to revolt before the battle!"

Stiling up, Chen Moran laughed loudly.

"To be honest, I want to thank Yuan Shikai. He sent you to Jiangning, but he gave you a temporary political axe. Bu Wu, you have a long relationship with Yuan Shikai. I will understand. You tell Yuan Shikai that he suffers from the foundation of his ministers. If so, I will give him an excuse."

After saying that, Chen Moran wrote two words on the paper.

There are already a group of Russians standing in the dark. Because there are no vehicles, they carry their luggage and are ready to walk dozens of kilometers to Lushun. All of them are the most ordinary residents, employees and workers. At this moment, they have to abandon their property, as if they came here at the beginning, like a poor man. Take Lushun to walk.

All trains that can be started have long been requisitioned by the military to withdraw tens of thousands of officers and soldiers in the defense of Darini, and the only few firepower are used to carry out the retreat of the 16 sniper infantry regiment that destroys all important facilities. The soldiers and officers who retreated to Lushun left Lushun. In order to be able to get to Lushun, Residents with nothing had to rush to petition the mayor.

As soon as the residents saw Mayor Sakharov, they cried loudly and asked him to find some carriages so that the women and children could take the bus to Lushun.

"Go and send some horses and carriages to Chinese businessmen and landlords!"

The petitioners asked the mayor.

"I have no right to confiscate the property of the residents of neutral countries!"

Sakharov replied helplessly, shrugging his shoulders.

"We can't carry our own things for dozens of miles!"

"Then leave your own things here, and leave all your real estate here like me. Now that there is a war, what can I do?"

Sakharov's face was not red and his heart was not beating, and he even replied with some sadness.

"Then, Mr. Mayor, please give up your carriage to the children!"

"I'm sorry, I can't do this. General Stessel asked me to get to Lushun before eight o'clock tomorrow morning!"

"What an asshole!"

Someone in the crowd began to curse the mayor.

But Sakharov looked like he didn't hear it. He sat in the carriage and ordered the driver to rush to Lushun immediately, even without looking back.

While these petitioned Russian refugees left the Sakharov Mansion, as the Russian troops of the brigade left Dari, a large group of security patrols in Russian [***] were sewn with a "yellow dragon flag" on their sleeves. They had appeared on the streets to carry out security patrol tasks, and there were also a number of The officers and soldiers in the same military uniform began to rush out of the city and took over a large number of intact defense lines left by the Russians.

In the commercial port of Dalian, Lieutenant Suholmning, who was directly responsible for the destruction task, was already drunk at this time. More than a dozen Russian soldiers beside him were also drunk. This was the wine sent to them by the mayor.

Drunken kung fu, a team of security patrols from the Wakou Public Council appeared outside the commercial port. Russian soldiers with wine bottles in their hands did not stop them. They had received double orders from the regimental commander and the mayor. After the Russian army withdrew, Dariny would be responsible for these China's temporary maintenance of public security.

"You're here early!"

Russian soldiers outside the port opened their mouths and said.

"It's a little early, but this is not..."

The captain of the team pointed to the basket carried by the brothers behind him and smiled with a sense of flattering.

"Brine meat, spirits, brothers, when they heard that the adults were going to withdraw, they brought some wine and food to entertain with you!"

A man dressed as a Chinese servant walked into the living room where Ji Fengtai was sitting. As soon as Ji Fengtai saw him coming in, he quickly got up and greeted him respectfully.

"Mr. Ji Fengtai, I need you to explain what's going on?"

"What?"

Ji Fengtai was stunned and looked at Ito Ryutaro in surprise. The task he entrusted has been completed by himself. Dalian has not been destroyed, and the commercial port is still intact. What else needs to be explained?

"Mr. Ito, please make it clear!"

Ito Ryutaro suppressed his anger and stood up and stared at Ji Fengtai in front of him. This damn Qing Dynasty slave actually played with him.

"Now the streets are full of Qing people from the Kuokou Ye'an team. Tell me, what's going on?"

"Mr. Ito, this..."

Ji Fengtai was shocked by Ito's words and quickly stood up.

"Mr. Ito, don't worry, I'm going to call Zhang Delu. He is the director of the Public Welfare Bureau, and the Ye'an team is under his control..."

Just as he picked up the phone, a servant came in, followed by several Chinese in Russian military uniforms, leading officers with short shaved hair and Russian military caps. Just as they came in, Ryotaro Ito, who was originally aggressive, suddenly had no waist bones. His waist, which was not tall, loosened and became humble and cowardly.

"Mr. Ji!"

Take a step forward, Lin Yuqing made a military salute to Ji Fengtai.

"Thank you for your cooperation!"

Just as he said this, Ryutaro I saw that more than a dozen soldiers behind him had picked up their long and short guns aimed at him.

"What...what?"

Ji Fengtai was stunned. He didn't know why the man thanked him. Looking at the visitor pointing the gun at Ito Liutaro, his heart suddenly rose ominous, and sweat immediately gushed out of his forehead. That... Zhang Delu wanted to kill himself!

Lin Yuqing smiled and looked at Ito Ryutaro, who had given up resistance in front of him.

"Captain Ryutaro Ito!"

Ito Ryutaro, who was pointed at the muzzle of a gun, glared at Ji Fengtai, and this damn Qing Dynasty slave actually betrayed himself. At this time, he lost his previous humbleness and obsceneness, but immediately stood up, put away the anger on his face, and politely bowed to the officer in front of him.

"I don't deny it, it's me."

"You can't deny it, can you?"

As he spoke, Lin Yuqing turned his eyes to Ji Fengtai again. From the time he decided to give up Ji Fengtai, the regimental commander had decided to kill the "three family slaves" who took advantage of the fire. Naturally, killing with a knife became the simplest way.

"You...you..."

Ji Fengtai, who was scared by this scene, looked at this scene and couldn't speak for a long time.

"Okay! Now you can send me to the Russian barracks for help!"

Ito Ryutaro smiled helplessly, and there was no fear on his face.

"Russians?"

Lin Yuqing asked rhetorical with a smile.

"No, I think Mr. Ito misunderstood that we are from the Qing Dynasty, and how can we hand you over to the Russians? However, according to the neutrality clause, it is not appropriate for Mr. Ito to appear under the jurisdiction of the Qing Dynasty. We will send you out of Dalian tomorrow!"

"What?" Ito Ryutaro stared at the person in front of him. What's going on?

"Oh! I forgot to tell Mr. Ito that according to the agreement signed by Mayor Sakharov and Liu, the magistrate of Dalian County, Dari has now been returned to Qing, and this is already a neutral area, so please ask Mr. Ito to stop the inappropriate behavior here!"

It was not only Ito, but also Ji Fengtai was so shocked by this man's words that he didn't even blink his eyes. When the group escorted Ito Ryotaro out of his mansion, Ji Fengtai saw the chill in Ito's eyes and his heart trembled. He knew that if he wanted to live, he would have to Leave here, otherwise I will definitely not let him go after spending 12 million rubles.

Ryutaro Ito, who was locked in the prisoner's carriage, walked towards the city center of the carriage. He was surprised to see the Qing people who seemed to be burying explosives everywhere on the street. They... What did they want to do?

(Perhaps you can't understand why you have to intervene in Dalian, which is to pull out the last skin of the Qing Dynasty, and also to pave the way for the future plot. I hope you can understand that as for plorification for soldiers and questioning the officer's order, this kind of military order is strict, one is to ensure the combat effectiveness of the army, and the other is to facilitate the cleaning. Now the restoration army is mixed with fish and dragons, and it is necessary to use an iron fist to eliminate the unfavorable factors in the army, and the party is one of them.

About the protagonist of this book, Sima and Chen Moran have something in common but different. Both of them are both civil servants, but their choices are different.

Sima - leaving the job - looking at the warehouse... Chen Moran - leaving the job - making counterfeit banknotes... From the choices of the two, we can see where their biggest difference is.)

(to be continued)