305 influence under

305 Impact (Part 2)

Li Xiang had just returned to the Huguang Hall, and the American minister Rui Enshi sent an invitation to Minxiang in the eastern suburbs. Li wanted to return from the negotiations and was very tired, but he still attended the grand reception held by U.S. minister Rui Enshi.

After the boring banquet, Rui Enshi invited Marshal Li to his office. The next conversation is top secret.

As for the status of the representative of the United States of America in China, this office is a little simple: the bookshelf is full of official documents that no one seems to have read, and dark old furniture. Gong Rui Enshi leaned on his back in a swivel chair and put ten thick fingers on his stomach. He said, "I want to ask Marshal Li how to interpret the current situation in China?"

"I just want to emphasize two points. First, China, the world's most populous country, is under great pressure from Japan's expansion, and second, it is a good time for the United States to expand its trade to the Far East."

Li Dashuai's answer is full of wisdom.

Rui Enshi's first question is the question listed after careful consideration. He wants to ask the excellent Marshal Li to answer some tentative questions first. Judging from the answer, there is no doubt that this is General Li's own opinion.

Rui Enshi smiled, raised his short legs, and asked, "The Republic of China, as the youngest republic in the world, is in a historic crisis. Does it welcome the support of the United States, the longest-established republic?"

Li Xiang said with a smile on his face, "From the bottom of my heart, we regard your country's republican system as a model for us to follow. We are learning from your country's efficient management mechanism from all aspects. We recognize that only through the template you provide to us can we benefit from your efforts. We sincerely hope that the United States can give us more support. In that case, you can regard the young Republic of China as the object of protection, and the truth is the same. The opening-up policy of the United States is a kind of protection for China's interests, and it is also this policy, which makes us more convinced and expect that the United States can provide further protection for the Republic of China. At present, we need this protection more than ever before.

The eyes of the minister Rui Enshi turned to Li Xiang, and he held the short blonde hair in one hand.

......

Since Yuan Shikai knew that Li Xiang had been running diligently to the People's Lane in the eastern suburbs in recent days, his heart was like a cat scratching.

"In addition to meeting the envoy of the United States, which country has the madman of Li seen? Do you know what they all said? Yuan Shikai asked.

"I have seen German envoys, British envoys, French envoys, and even Japanese envoys. What did you say, I don't know. However," Yuan Keding replied, "The minister's attitude towards the madman Li is becoming more and more ambiguous, and he can't stay in Beijing anymore."

Yuan Shikai's face was blue and yellow, which was very ugly. He sneered and said, "It's easy to invite God, but it's hard to send God."

"Let me!" Yuan Keding gritted his teeth and said, "Let's make some concessions for peace negotiations. Send this god away first and then talk about other things."

......

In the early morning of the second day, Yuan Shikai and Li Xiang had one last long talk.

Yuan Shikai frowned and said, "I won't give in to the issue of Hubei."

Li Xiang also knew that this was Yuan Shikai's bottom line, because he said, "After I return to Wuhan, Li Yuanhong and Tang Hualong will stay in Beijing and continue to negotiate with your side to solve the problems that have not been solved by the North-South Peace Agreement."

Yuan Shikai didn't say anything. This matter came to an end here.

Yuan Shikai chatted with Li Xiang in a gossipy tone and asked, "Where should the most urgent thing start at present?"

Li Xiang did not hide it. He said frankly, "There are two urgent tasks, one is to relieve the finances, and the other is to beware of Japanese aggression."

Yuan Shikai breathed a sigh of relief and asked again, "Please tell me more."

"Well, let's start with finance," Li Xiang secretly made up his mind and asked, "What's the rest of the 25 million pounds borrowed last year?"

Yuan Shikai couldn't help but complain and was surprised. Finally, he said frankly, "Last year, I borrowed 25 million pounds, and there was little left. The finance has not been sorted out yet, and the treasury is extremely empty."

Li wanted to look out of the window calmly, with his small eyes shining and said, "After the outbreak of the European war, foreign debt can no longer be borrowed, so it is necessary to open up the way to finance first. Otherwise, where will the military and political expenses come out after February and March? Therefore, at present, we should take advantage of the European war, the rise and fall of the pound price, and the difficulty of exchange, suspend the payment of indemnity of various countries in advance, and all customs duties and salt taxes shall be deposited in the Bank of China. Since our country has declared neutrality and strictness, no country is as good as me. At the same time, domestic government bonds will be issued immediately. The two can go hand in hand, so there will be no shortage of money in a year or two.

Yuan Shikai's eyes jumped and only listened to Li want to continue to talk:

"As for beingware of Japan, it is our country's biggest concern. Recently, I have met with U.S. minister Rui Enshi, German minister Hahaosun, British envoy Zhu Erdian, Russian envoy Kuponsky, Japanese envoy Ri Zhiyi, and French envoy Kang Ti. Zhu Erdian once told that the British-Japanese alliance had succeeded. Japan will definitely help Britain attack Qingdao, which belongs to Germany. If China does not take this opportunity, someone will definitely seize it. What Zhu Erdian refers to is naturally Japan. It's better to take advantage of Japan's activating troops before we first secretly discuss with Britain that the British threaten to seize Qingdao. I negotiated with the German envoy and asked Germany to return Qingdao to our country. At the same time, we secretly sent troops to surround Qingdao. If the negotiation did not work, we will seize it by force and take it first, so that Japan was at a loss. If the island has been captured, Japan has no words to borrow. If you don't guard against Japan's aggression, you can also put an end to future troubles.

Yuan Shikai said with a smile, "Li Shuai, your opinion is very right. Regarding the financial plan, the suspension of compensation and the transfer of salt can be implemented immediately. As for domestic public debt, it has failed in the past. What do you think is a good policy to deal with the aftermath? As for taking back Qingdao first, it is appropriate in the situation. However, since China declared neutrality, it suddenly overturned the previous proposal and sent troops to deal with Germany. Although it is to take back Qingdao, it seems to be a little difficult to say in terms of neutrality. In doing so, I am afraid that there will be more difficulties and disputes in diplomacy, and I am afraid that there will be more and more with Japan. Sharp relationship, I think this is feasible and unfeasible.

Li wanted to know that Yuan Shikai could not see through the situation and did not dare to bet, because he said, "Germany and Austria are big with small enemies, and the result of the war will be difficult to win. It is better to find an appropriate time to declare war on Germany, so that we can gain a position in the peace in the future and stand in a favorable position."

Yuan Shikai smiled and said, "Let me think about this layer in detail."

......

At about 9:00 a.m., after Li Xiang shook hands and said goodbye with Yuan Shikai for the last time, he left Zhongnanhai and went to the airport by car. Yuan Keding went to the airport to see him off on behalf of Yuan Shikai. Li Dashuai shook hands with people from all walks of life and took photos with Yuan Keding, Liang Qichao and Cai E at the airport.

So far, the most advanced negotiations in Beijing have come to an end.

Author's note: I received a notice from the editor today that this book must be finished. It's very painful. I'm sorry, readers...