Chapter 191 Marshal's Mansion

The alley in Baoshunli, Hankou is not long. It is connected to the British Concession in the west and downtown in the east. Because of the good terrain, a small alley is very elegant. The paved road of Ma Shi is washed clean all year round, and the houses on both sides are mostly luxurious and tall, and there is often a little foreign flavor from behind the high-walled iron door: the sound of foreign songs, foreign perfume, and a few slippery foreign dogs. There are indeed many foreigners living here. Most of them are British, as well as French and Americans.

There are six houses in a row from No. 3 to No. 8, which is the property set up by several businessmen from Shanghai a few years ago. Two of these six houses have been occupied by foreigners, and four of them are still empty.

After dinner, Zhao Juexian and Li Tielan looked at the "Dahan Newspaper" that was being printed in the room, pulled out one of them, and looked at the report "Lake Governor's Order: Lake Province does not pay the guest army". This is a rumor!

In fact, in the past 20 days, the source of rumors all over Hubei has been here, but the rumors are justified and there are all kinds of supporting evidence.

To some extent, rumors have become a favorable weapon. After being created intentionally or unintentionally, stimulated by all kinds of true and false news, people are panicked all over the country. After obtaining the secret code of the Qingzheng axe in various places, they will generate electricity in the name of the local governor and governor, and the counterattack is very popular. In addition, it is also intentionally or unintentionally spread among the people that a certain province has fallen, a certain army and the same party, and other sayings have pushed the use of rumors to the top.

However, he has never been unable to understand the facts of the southern provinces and grasp the initiative of public opinion. In the face of these rumors, he is not only unable to deal with them, but even believes them.

"It's time to pay the military!"

After shaking the newspaper in his hand, Zhao Xianjue smiled.

"The sale in the market must be cash."

Li Tielan said with a smile that the effect of rumors made people panic. In the past 20 days, there has been silver tension on the market. Now nearly 100,000 troops are gathered in Hubei, and hundreds of thousands of taels of military pay in a month. This military pay... "Without of silver, I'm afraid..."

Thinking of Zhang Zhidong's approaching plight, Zhao Xianjue, who came from Lianghu Academy, inevitably worried about his mountain chief.

"At that time, you can lure the head of the mountain and make the head of the mountain lost!"

Compared with Zhao Xianjue's worries, Li Tielan felt that this was for the sake of the mountain.

"If the head of the mountain can get lost, won't he become the name in front of him and behind him!"

"I hope so!"

Zhao Xianjue said softly that although he had such hope in his heart, he understood that even if the world was restored, he would still be the loyal minister of the Qing Dynasty.

Sitting in the hall of the Huguang Governor's Mansion, Zhang Zhidong thought quietly. It is said that the three towns of Wuhan are one of the three major furnaces in the Yangtze River Basin, which really lives up to its reputation. It's just summer, and the weather is just summer, and the weather is very sultry.

Sweat was like a fountain pouring out of Zhang Zhidong. After the servant took a tray and sent a towel soaked in deep well water, he took it and wiped his hands and face. He suddenly felt much cooler and closed his eyes slightly and thought about it.

Since the expansion of Huguang, the first thing he did when he took office was to build an iron factory. Since Daoguang and Xianfeng, foreigners have repeatedly invaded and bullied China, relying on the strength of the ship. If China wants to avoid bullying, it needs to have advanced weapons, which requires the construction of iron factories. There are coal and iron ore in Hubei, which can realize this ideal. But this is a big project. Site selection, fundraising, recruitment, design, construction... made a painstaking plan, and finally... Sheng Xuanhuai, who wanted to bring Hanyang Iron Factory back to life, had to admit that Sheng Xuanhuai was more than him. However, as the founder of Hanyang Iron Works and Daye Iron Mine, thinking about the derogatory attitude of the world when the world mentions Hanyang Iron Works, Zhang Zhidong always feels a sense of grievance. This sense of grievance made him painful and frustrated.

But he had already thought about all this, and at this time, when he looked at the newspaper on the table, he frowned from time to time.

Marshal Chen advocated awarding a medal to Zhang Zhidong.

As soon as he saw this content, Zhang Zhidong hurriedly looked at the text:

Yesterday, Marshal Chen summoned the gentry of Liangjiang in the commander's mansion and laughed at the meeting: Zhang Zhidong, the governor of the lake, should be given a large medal of 100 tons of gold to reward him for his major contributions to the restoration: First, Zhang used official fees to send Huguang to live, most of which became the backbone of the restoration nation. Second, Zhang founded Hanyang Iron Factory and Hanyang Gun Factory, he said that it would be a well-equipped weapon for the Guangfu Army. He said that Hubei Guangfu would take over the Hanyang-style guns made by him to expel the tartars and restore China.

When he read this in the newspaper in the morning, Zhang Zhidong only felt that the sky was moving. How could he, who was familiar with the inside story of the officialdom, not know that Chen Moran laughed and made another killing move?

Thinking about it, Zhang Zhidong closed his eyes. At this time, he was still thinking about what he would face after Chen Moran's words.

In his heart, he did not hate Chen Moran, regardless of the past, and did this killing move. One official and one thief, he did not have their own killing moves.

"Your excellency, today's big man newspaper!"

The big root bowed and handed over a newspaper aside. He just took the newspaper and read it. Zhang Zhidong was dizzy and fell on the soft lounge chair. He was drowsy, and his mind was full of the words of the newspaper.

"Lake Governor's Order: Lake Province does not have the pay of the visiting army!"

Chen Moran! Chen squee! What a poisonous mind! Staring at the newspaper, he thought that he hated the humble smiling Chen squeak for the first time. Zhang Zhidong, who had just recovered after a while, suddenly said to Da Gen, who was waiting beside him, the servant who had been following him from Nanpi.

"Go and inform the curtain friend's room. In an hour, we will have a party in Hewuxuan and have something important to discuss."

The front and rear doors of the East Garden of the Governor's Office were guarded by guards, and no idle personnel were allowed to enter. Wuchang City at the end of May of the Western calendar was already full of heat, but the trees around Hewuxuan were lush and not too hot.

Liang Dingfen, Gu Hongming, Xu Jianyin, Chen Nian throw, Liang Dunyan, Chen Yan and others listened to Zhang Zhidong's words with solemn faces.

"Lake Governor's Order: Hu Province does not have the pay of the guest army. This is a rumor. As we all know, there are only more than 2 million taels of silver in the Hubei treasury, and 100,000 troops are gathered in Hubei. Only one piece of silver per month is as high as nearly 600,000 taels. In addition, the replenishment of weapons and the treatment of the wounded will be borne by a province of Hubei. Sichuan's relief has not arrived, although this month can The government will be emptied, but the treasury will be empty. He said that once the restoration of the army, the silver of the army can be used, and I am facing the difficult situation of advancing and retreating. What good strategies do you have to help me out of trouble?

Everyone looked at each other after listening to Zhang Zhidong's words, and their minds were nervously thinking about good strategies. This good strategy is really not easy to come up with.

Gu Hongming, who has always been unobstructed, spoke first.

"Your Excellency, I think the silver in this treasury should be sent out first, and even before the end of the month. Not only should the actual pay, but also the reward should be paid again to collect the army. In my opinion, Chen Lizi is now offering sacrifices to Hong Wuling, and he vows not to the Northern Expedition. In fact, he is now the strength of the army, but he is strong outside and strong in the middle, and there is absolutely no power of the Northern Expedition to the West. I fail someone who is in favor of the service to pay the heart of the army, so as not to know that the real soldier is used by the rebel army.

The governor understood that he could not pay. Gu Tangsheng wanted to sing the opposite tune. What did he want to do? All the friends stared at him in surprise. Zhang Zhidong's eyes were also with some doubts.

"Your excellency, don't pay, I'm just afraid that the rumors will come true. At that time, the visiting troops in all provinces will rebel, and I'm just afraid that the situation will collapse in an instant. Today, the treasury has calmed the army's heart. He said that once the provinces get their money, they can solve the difficulties of the lake province! Please give me a clear lesson!"

These words attracted amazement in Xuannei, and Gu Hongming was very proud. Half of the purpose of his words is to arouse the surprise of the listener; if the listener has no special reaction, he will feel disappointed and bored.

After a little meditation, Liang Dingfen said.

"What Tang Sheng said was surprised. What Xiang Shuai was worried about was that if the treasury of Hubei was cleared, he said that there would be no money in all provinces. At that time, it would be difficult to save the army with the ability of Xiang Shuai."

Liang Dingfen added another sentence.

"Today, it is reported that there is instability in all places. Sichuan and Shaanxi are no exception. If all provinces are in chaos, how can there be a way to pay! I'm afraid I still have to rely on myself at that time.

Liang Dunyan frowned and thought for a while.

"Zhe'an's worry is also reasonable, but if he doesn't pay, the rumors will be believed by the army. At that time, if the army's heart is in turmoil, it will be reversed!"

The various obsessions of the scenes have been seen, which only makes the sadness between Zhang Zhidong's eyebrows more intense. It's not the pay, and it's not the pay.

While everyone was talking, Chen Yan did not speak. Zhang Zhidong looked at him and said.

"Mr. Shi You, tell me what you think."

Looking at the adult, Chen Yan touched a few sparse beards on his chin and slowly said the official words of Fujian accent.

"Xiang Shuai, the same is true for the pay, and so is the deduction. It's all the chaos he said. Everyone only said that the pay was chaotic, and the deduction is now chaotic, but it is unknown that the world has long been in chaos! How can the military chaos be avoided!"

A word that he didn't wait to say was knocked on everyone's heart, only making everyone frown and think.

"In fact, the world has long been in chaos! How can the military chaos be avoided!"

Chen Yan's these two words attracted the attention of all the mu you present. They all said in their hearts: Why didn't they think of this?

The world is in chaos, that is, the pay is just a while.

"Xiang Shuai, we all say that "the benefits of the rumors of the rebels are far greater than arms", but we have not thought about how to make the rumors of the rebels be believed by the people!"

Zhang Zhidong looked at the thin and short Fujian man. He knew that as soon as Chen Yan opened his mouth, he would never stop without saying why.

"The government believes in the faith of the gentry, but now most of the merchants and gentry in various places have been disappointed with the imperial court, and then they are desperate. What's more, when Chen Moran knew the great righteousness of the nation, he promised to discuss state affairs with the sages. At the beginning, he decided Jiangning, that is, he invited the merchants and gentry and sages from all provinces to the business administration in Jiangning. Although it was a business administration, it made the merchants of the provinces. When the gentleman saw the opportunity to consult with him, such measures were within the reach of the court, not to mention..."

Chen Yan seemed to have a helpless smile.

"Although we are appointed officials, the palace is protected by Manchu and Han. This matter has long been the secret of the heart!"

When Zhang Zhidong wanted to scold Chen Yan, he said, "Your Excellency, Hankou emergency telegram."

At this time, Zhao Maochang hurriedly broke in and handed over an express telegram he had just received. Zhang Zhidong hurriedly opened it, and all the curtain friends in Hewuxuan also looked nervously at the governor's thin and grim long horse face.

The telegram suddenly slipped down from Zhang Zhidong's hand, and his eyes became empty, just staring at He Wuxuan.

Picking up the telegram from the ground, Chen Yan's face changed.

"Admiral Sa and Ye, the sailor, sent out a signal light, "I'm going! In the future, military, you and other ships will take care of themselves."

Although it was just a simple word, Chen Yan read some meanings from it. Whether it was Ye Zuui or Sa Zhenbing, he did not want to be a sinner of the Qing court, and he did not want to be a historical sinner who was scolded by later generations, so the two chose a middle road and chose to leave the sailor. The sailor was originally passive and tired of war and his heart was recovered. .

At this time, the two admirals of the navy hinted in the acquiescence of the uprising by leaving the ship to their subordinates, thus relieving the concerns of the officers and soldiers of the ships. It was only a matter of time before the navy rebelled.

For a moment, everyone looked at each other in front of each other.

After a while, Zhang Zhidong, who returned to God, sighed.

"The sailor misled me!"

Everyone was stunned, but they just bowed their heads and didn't say anything. At this time, everyone was worried that the sailor's rebellion was only two kung fus today and tomorrow, with the benefit of the sailor's naval gun... Zhang Zhidong, who came to his senses, looked around at the curtain friends in the crane dance, but said.

"I miss a friend most at this moment. I really want to see him, but I don't know where he is now. Can any of you guess who he is?

I don't know why he said this. Everyone can't guess who Zhang Zhidong misses him the most at this moment. Only Sang Zhiping knew it.

"Xiang Shuai, is it Wu Qiuyi?"

"Exactly."

Zhang Zhidong nodded and said with relief.

"It's still Nakako who knows my heart. The autumn clothes float all his life, and he is also free and easy all his life. He can live the way he wants, which is a hundred times better than me!"

"Friends of the curtain, sit down!"

Zhang Zhidong pointed to the seat in Xuan. There was no trace of expression in his empty eyes, and there was no smile on his pale face.

After the mu you sat down, Zhang Zhitong closed his eyes. After a while, he opened his eyes again and looked at these people in front of him. Thousands of words came to his mind, but he didn't know where to start. He can't say anything. Just a long sigh:

"The fate of the country is over."

After saying that, Zhang Zhidong closed his eyes again, with a withered and dark face. Everyone was stunned. It was really shocking to hear this sentence from Xiang Shuai's mouth.

"The fate of the country is over!"

Xiang Shuai's words only shocked Gu Hongming. The Xiang Shuai in front of him is indeed very different from Xiang Shuai a month ago. Is this Qing Dynasty really exhausted?

Zhang Renquan, who had been standing behind his father, saw his father's appearance, and a trace of fear gushed out of his heart. He comforted him with a strong spirit.

"Dad, now the hearts of the people in all provinces are just floating. In those years, the Changmao Rebellion forced the capital, but in the end, it was not suppressed. With the power of my father, you can suppress the trouble of thieves!"

The son's words made Zhang Zhidong shake his head. He opened his eyes and said to his son.

"Today is not as good as in the past. He said that the bandits destroyed the Confucius Temple and burned the sacred book. The Shang gentry was shameless and the cult. Gengzi disaster broke out, and the court trusted the cult. Later, it measured the national strength of China, and was destroyed by the letter of the court to the people's gentry. Chen Moran suddenly rose up, but it was a plan for a long time, ... it's a pity!"

Closed his eyes again, but there was some bitterness on the surface of Zhang Zhidong.

"The big river goes to the east, and the waves wash away all the romantic figures through the ages. Su Dongpo's sigh made all the heroes in the world disheartened. Chen Moran is only 30 years old. When he is in his prime, how can I resist it!"

Opening his eyes, Zhang Zhidong looked at Sang Zhiping.

"The national transportation will be exhausted."

Sang Zhiping sighed calmly and looked at Zhang Zhidong in front of him.

"I don't know what Xiang Shuai is going to do!"

Zhang Zhidong stared at Sang Zhiping, as if he were looking at a stranger, and looked at it carefully from top to bottom. Finally, he let out a long sigh, stood up, and then did a bow.

"All of you, the curtain friends, from the curtain is short for several years to decades. Although you are called the curtain of the cave, you are the best friends of the cave. It is a pity that you can get a background for you originally..."

"Xiang Shuai!"

Everyone listened to Zhang Zhidong's words and quickly got up and bowed. Although he entered the curtain system as an official, at this time... "Maybe... I was wrong all the way and missed all the good times of the curtain friends. Xiangtao was really ashamed!"

Looking at the friends in front of him, Zhang Zhidong's eyes were full of regrets. It took a long time to scold him.

"Xiangtao and Chen Ranzhi have a little bit of Sihui. If you are willing, Xiangtao will write to Chen Ranzhi and recommend you to the commander's mansion!"

When saying this, the despair in Zhang Zhidong's heart could not be expected by others. If the sailor follows the rebellion, Wuchang will not be defended. If Wuchang is lost, the land of Hubei will be reversed. These mates have been with him for decades, and it is time to find a future for them.

"Xiang Shuai!"

Everyone hurriedly knelt down, but no one said anything. They faintly heard that this might be Xiang Shuai's last words. For the Qing Dynasty, Zhang Zhidong was completely disappointed. He closed his eyes slightly and ignored his friends.

At this time, Xiang Shuai's words and expression only made Sang Zhiping's mood heavier and heavier. He raised his head and suddenly found the "Gubeikou Great Wall Map" hanging high on the wall behind Zhang Zhidong.

This famous painting, carefully conceived and painted by Sang Zhiping, has been following Zhang Zhidong from Taiyuan to Guangzhou and from Guangzhou to Wuchang since Guangxu came out of Gubeikou in seven years. Over the past 25 years, it has gone through the passage of time and the erosion of years, but it is still intact and the color is as new. The Great Wall on the screen is still so winding and straight, and the tower is still so towering.

However, the most lamentable thing is that the first-time Xinjiang official who made a grand oath to Gubeikou was so frustrated after 25 years of hard work for his life goals.

"Marshal,"

While Sang Zhiping was about to say something, Zhang Zhidong put it on display.

"My life's painstaking efforts have been in vain!"

After saying that, Zhang Zhidong tremblingly walked towards the inner hall, and the hearts of the staff of Hewuxuan were all like a heavy stone slab, which could not be distinguished for a moment. Is this the indignation of a person who was disappointed, or a wise old man's cold thinking about life in troubled times?

(to be continued)