182 War and Peace

A black-and-white photo was placed in front of Li Xiang: On a hillside in front of Zhugu Temple, Liu Jing's hand was held together with Apei Awang Jinmei's hand. The broken wall of Zhugu Temple witnessed a battle of war and a historical moment that ended peacefully.

"The Battle of Changdu lasted for 19 days, and more than 5,700 people were annihilated," Li Xiping reported to Li Xiang: "More than 2,700 Tibetan soldiers laid down their weapons and received 3 to 5 silver dollars in travel expenses, which is equivalent to their original allowance income for several years. Special treatment is made for the injured and sick Tibetan army and issued to mules... ..."

Li Xiang sighed that he was still a person who knew current affairs and said, "As the last manager of Changdu, the final choice of Apei Awang Jinmei is undoubtedly obedient to public opinion. This is his right choice to save the local Tibetans from the pain of the war. It can be said that he is also a hero of the peaceful restoration of Tibet. To some extent, it is also the wish of Geda Living Buddha.

This photo of the surrender ceremony of Zhugu Temple was also handed over to the Beijing Army Department.

Feng Guozhang took a look and immediately gasped and said, "This madman Li is really a 250-year-old leader, a leader who causes trouble!" You are your local emperor in Ezhou. Yin Changheng has given up the Western Expedition and came to Beijing. What are you doing in the Western Expedition to Tibet? That place where birds don't shit, there is no interest, and it also makes foreigners unhappy!"

"I don't know." Duan Qirui glanced at Feng Guozhang. Somehow, he looked down on the Beiyang tiger, who held the power of the guard inside and outside the nine cities. "Anyway, it provoked a diplomatic dispute, a high top. Who do you think is the tallest in China? Of course, it's our president."

When Feng Guozhang heard the three words "President", the wave flashed imperceptiblely in his eyes. He got up and came over to hold the photo and the secret report in his hand and said, "This is important. It's not abbre about it. It's the original."

"I didn't say anything about the original fold." Duan Qirui smiled and said, "We also need to have an idea. The madman Li seems to be docile. He has a loyal and honest elder's tone all day long. He is always a bitter telegram, but he has always been obedient to the central government's orders, clearly disarmament, and secretly expanding the army. You know better than me how strong the Hubei army is. This stick sweeps over and can't knock down the madman Li. Can't the president's face come down? In addition, the governors of the southern provinces are not as obedient as Yin Changheng, especially the governors of the Kuomintang, such as Li Liejun and Hu Hanmin and Bai Wenwei, who have bad intentions. The news that we are going to deal with Li Madman will spread. Will the officialdom of the rest of the southern provinces cause shock? I don't think these things will be good. The president asked, can we still do it without our opinion?

"I'm taking care of you." Feng Guozhang sat down and took a sip of tea. "Mr. Duan's words are indeed Lao Cheng's opinion. However, different departments of the War Department have always been called the President's Advisory, and there is no example that we have decided on a joint report!"

These two people, one of whom is the chief Beiyang general, wants to lead the Beiyang Army. If you don't buy it, you should be responsible for the president.

Iron Lion Presidential Palace.

Yuan Shikai sat on the big kang cross-legged and was meeting General Zhang Shaozeng of Suiyuan.

Yuan Shikai saw Feng Guozhang and Duan Qirui salute as soon as they came in. He only nod his head and said, "Zhang Shao was playing the military in the north. You two heads of the military department also listen to it... Go on."

"Yes." Zhang Shao once sat on the carved porcelain pier and bowed slightly and said, "The situation in Outer Mongolia has reached that level. It can't be solved by writing and electricity alone, but today Beijing has established a "Hanmeng Federation" and issued a declaration."

Zhang Shao once took out a piece of paper from his arms and said, "Since the Yuan Dynasty, I, Han and Mongolia have been united. However, the literary language is different, and the politics and education are suspended. All the laws of the country and the habits of the people often abide by the old 'Mongoat is Meng, and the Han is the Han', and there is no need to communicate... Today, the five ethnic groups are united into one family, and there is no difference in history. Cai, I am inspired and happy. How can I do it? The closeness of the situation in the universe, the greatness of Muouhua, the Lisi meeting, hope to work together to enjoy the happiness of peace... If Han and Mongolia can be one, all the administrative leaders can seek happiness together and enter civilization together... In terms of industry, the wealth of gold mines is the best in the world, the wealth of coal, iron, lead and tin, and there are more salt and alkali. There are so many production, forests, and all kinds of industries can't be achieved by one person and one family... It must be combined with the help of the people, but it can be gradually observed... This meeting is used to gather people with knowledge from Han and Mongolia, public research, and the above major ends to support the new foundation for the establishment of the republic, and it is the overall situation of peace in East Asia, which is the beginning.

Zhang Shao once handed a piece of paper to Yuan Shikai: "The independence of Russia in Outer Mongolia has become a trend of riding tigers. We can't but strive for Inner Mongolia, so the president's decision not to fight for Inner Mongolia is to meet the will of God and the hearts of the people..."

Feng Guozhang, who just came in, saw Zhang Shaozeng for the first time. When the League was planning a mutiny in Luanzhou, Zhang Shao was also involved, and the mastermind Wu Luzhen was dead. Unexpectedly, after the Republic of China, Zhang Shao had left the Alliance and changed his identity and met here. Feng Guozhang sighed to himself and couldn't help looking at the heroic General Zhang carefully.

Zhang Shao once wore the general's uniform of Beiyang. Under the big brim hat, a pair of tiger eyes were bright on his face, and the two thick black lying silkworm eyebrows were slightly raised, with a rough wild spirit. The tower-like body sat firmly in front of Yuan Shikai, which was very clean and neat.

Yuan Shikai said, "As mentioned earlier, Inner Mongolia is divided into six alliances, that is, the East Four Leagues: Zhelim, Zhuo Sotu, Zhaowada, Xiling Guonuo, and the West Two Leagues: Ulanqab and Ikezhao. The West League has a total of 13 flags, but it has a wide territory, with Shanxi in the south, Shaanxi in the southwest, Xietu Sanyin Nuoyan in the north, Chahar in the southeast, more than 500 miles from north to south, and more than 1,300 miles from east to west. The flags of the two alliances of Ukraine and Iraq will be sent to Sui. I have made up my determination to win over Inner Mongolia. This matter must not be false at all. I want to know if you have any way to call the representatives of the Western League to discuss.

"In the words of the president," Zhang Shao Zeng bowed slightly and replied loudly, "The reason for calling the representatives of the Western League to discuss: (i) to seek the welfare of the flags of each alliance, (ii) to break the wings of Cullen, and (iii) to know the people to understand the true purpose of the Republic." With that, he took out another piece of paper. This is the note I'm writing."

Yuan Shikai took it and looked at it carefully: "The republic was established, and the name of the five clans has been removed from the former vassals. I was ordered to come to guard the land, and it is the top priority to benefit the alliance flag. However, in the past, how should all these hardships be released? How should all these obstacles be eliminated? The flags of each alliance are tied and observed in more detail. On the day of the article arrives, we must select the Mongolian members of the political system as the representatives of each alliance flag. It is limited to the 25th day of this year's old calendar to gather in Suiyuan, and the public will discuss all the ways to benefit the alliance. The flag, this general is not happy to be a facility.

Yuan Shikai put down this piece of paper and handed it to Duan Qirui and Feng Guozhang. The dark pupil stared at Zhang Shao and nodded and said, "I trust you. But these Mongolian men are difficult to control, so you can't underestimate the enemy!"

"Yes, the president's instruction, humble position should be carefully obeyed!"

"I want to send you more soldiers." Yuan Shikai sat cross-legged for about too long. He moved his body, kicked the green satin and cool soap socks, and walked with his hands behind his back. After a long time, he turned his face and said to Duan Qirui, "Your army department issued a letter, and all the soldiers and horses stationed in Suiyuan camp belong to Zhang Shaozeng."

Duan Qirui quickly bowed and replied, "Yes!"

"Also," Yuan Shikai bowed his head and thought about it, and said slowly, "There are 5,000 people under Major General Zhu Panzao in Shanxi. He asked him to bring his own military money to guard against Suiyuan. In order to appease the envoy, he heard Zhang Shao's dispatch and use it. In this way, Zhang Shao has more than 10,000 troops, which is almost enough.

Yuan Shikai said, Duan Qirui bowed and answered, and said, "The discipline of soldiers and horses in famous provinces has always had to be combined with the Ministry of War. When the state uses troops, the foreign generals should have the exclusive power. Will the Ministry of War order to suspend the mobilization of Suiyuan soldiers to avoid different military orders and mutual constraints?

"Well," Yuan Shikai nodded, "it's just according to your opinion. Zhang Shaozeng, there is nothing for you here. There is only one word that the madman Li frequently appears in safeguarding national sovereignty, which shows how incompetent our government is this time. The government really can't afford to win or lose. At least fight back this face for my great president!"

"Yes!"

Zhang Shaozeng got up from his seat, looked up and listened. He gave a powerful military salute cleanly and neatly, and answered loudly, "The humble position must be a meritorious service in Inner Mongolia to the president!"

"Go down. Ke Ding has set up water and wine in the house for you. He has also studied military in Germany and is well scient in military tactics. You can have a good talk and go!" Yuan Shikai said and waved his hand.

At this time, Feng Guozhang and Duan Qirui suddenly exchanged a tacit look. Yuan Shikai seemed to say a casual sentence, but they saw that Yuan Shikai was going to support the eldest son and enter the Beiyang army system. They suddenly had inexplicable threats and anger in their hearts, but their faces remained motionless.

When Zhang Shao Zeng bowed and withdrew, Yuan Shikaifang turned his face and smiled and said, "You have been standing for nothing for half a day. These things are not what you can take care of, but it's good for you to listen to... How about it? Is it appropriate to deal with it like this?"

Duan Qirui listened silently. He thought about it and wanted his student Xu Shuzheng to go back to bring this conscription. At this point, he dispelled his delusion, but he was unwilling and meditated for a long time. Fang smiled and said, "The president's holy heart is silent. However, according to the humble position, although Zhang is a capable member, he has insufficient expectations and used to be a revolutionary party. With the rise of the army, the grain and salary will come from the place. I'm afraid it will be difficult for Zhang Shao to command Ruyi. Whether to ask the president to order that Xu Shuzheng will raise salaries in Beijing, and Yuanyuan will not be cut off from the grain channel. During Zuo Zhongtang's western expedition, he said many times that the fight in the northwest is food and money. This is the most important thing. Please ask the president for a clear view!"

Yuan Shikai's heart was bright. He knew Duan Qirui's intention, but he thought it was very reasonable, so he laughed and said, "I've thought about this layer for a long time. You're right. The war is about money and food. Now Zhou Xuexi is the chief of finance, and he is responsible for restarting the loans of the four countries. He is still very good at borrowing money. When I get the money, the treasury is full. What else do I have? At that time, I think the southern governors can still be rampant?

Feng Guozhang and Duan Qirui couldn't help looking at each other. The two Beiyang generals looked at me, and I looked at you, but they didn't say anything.

"What's the matter?" Yuan Shikai put away his smile.

After a long time, Feng Guozhang whispered, "The President..."

Feng Guozhang suppressed his voice and tried to play the details of the war in Changdu in a calm and gentle tone. He knew that Yuan Shikai's usual solemnity and coldness were all his own patience. In fact, he is overjoyed and angry, and his love and hatred are revealed from time to time, which is his true nature. This matter is not only about his face, but also about the stability of the court. It is not as simple as Li Liejun's havoc in Jiangxi. In case the action is lost, it will cause the governors of other provinces to be shocked, and there may be a big mess between the parties in Beijing.

Duan Qirui's brain around Feng Guozhang's brain rotated rapidly. Feng Guozhang was afraid that the world would not be chaotic, but he was the commander-in-chief of the army. How should he deal with it? Therefore, after Feng Guozhang's speech, Duan Qirui added a sentence later: "President, the matter of borrowing is urgent. Although the matter in Tibet is big, I think I can deal with it calmly. I ask the president for a unique photo!"

"Well." Yuan Shikai looked confused, as if he didn't seem to pay attention after listening to it. He clenched his white teeth, stared at the front, and took the note with a little hesitation. Somehow, his hands trembled a little: "That's it? Is this madman Li taking the lead everywhere? What about the British? Aren't they arrogant? Why don't you force the madman Li?"

Feng Guozhang now can't wait for Yuan Shikai to be very angry, but after all, he is deeply in the city. He laughed because he doesn't show the mountains and rivers, "I think that Li madman uses troops against Tibet. No matter how big the battle he wins in the end, he can't escape the anger that angers the British. What's more worrying is that Zhou Xuexi, the chief financial director, is negotiating the issue of borrowing from the banks of the four countries. Borrowing is the top priority. Infuriating the British, I'm afraid this loan is even more unsustainable. Therefore, big things and emergencies seem to have nothing to do with them, but they are actually the same thing.

Duan Qirui listened to Feng Guozhang's words, and the whole article was full of strict Li Xiang, but he didn't even mention a word. He was really scheming and eloquence. Duan Qirui couldn't help looking at Feng Guozhang with admiration. Feng Guozhang's eyes also swept over, and his eyes flashed away.

"I think we should put emergencies first." Duan Qirui said, "Let's borrow the money first, otherwise nothing can be done, and even the grain and salary of the expedition can't be raised. What's the fight with the Kuomintang army in the south?"

Yuan Shikai listened to the discussion of the two Beiyang generals. His mind seemed to be a little settled. He turned back to take a sip of tea and sat back. Fang smiled and said, "In fact, the loan is only in Britain and Russia. You didn't say anything. I know in my heart what the conditions are. To borrow this money, you have to take the Outer Mongolia and the West. Hide and give way out. Li Laozhongtang, who was in the Sino-French war, let Vietnam go out, and the Sino-Japanese war was even more unbearable. The history is like iron, and he has been unable to turn over for the rest of his life. He suddenly closed his smiling face, and there was an iron-gray dark light in his eyes. "You can follow the opinions of Britain and Russia, or you have to make concessions in the Mongolian-Tibet negotiations. Is that so?"

"Yes!"

Yuan Shikai sneered, stared at the big glass window and said fiercely, "I don't care. As long as I can borrow money, I don't care about anything!" With that, he choked, coughed twice violently, and suddenly hit the case. His face turned red and said, "These bastards are making trouble for me. They are better than me. If you don't settle inside first, how can you go outside?"

It was not the first time that Feng Guozhang and Duan Qirui had seen Yuan Shikai's attack, but they didn't expect to see him so ferocious when they were so angry that they still couldn't help shivering. Almost reflexive robes knelt on the ground and kowtowed repeatedly, but they flirted and found that they were wearing a new army. If it's not the official uniform of the Qing Dynasty, you can't knock on it, just bow deeply.