Chapter 15 Fan Wencheng's Proposal for the Western Front

The congress was a great success, lasting 10 days, and the delegates, with the help of their secretaries, all wrote their own proposals, and many even wrote several proposals. For the first time, the delegates were overjoyed and proud to see what they had written printed in fine print.

In particular, the delegates were unanimously invited to give suggestions on how to raise people's incomes. This has never happened in previous dynasties, and no one has yet thought about how to increase people's income. The deputies put forward a lot of proposals in this regard. In fact, the impact of the incident itself is much greater than the deputies' proposals. Soon the whole world knew that the People's Congress had discussed how to raise the people's income. This incident made the people even more discussed.

Many proposals could not be discussed at the meeting, but the organizing committee told everyone that after the meeting, the proposals would be reviewed and implemented one by one.

After the meeting, it is necessary to arrange for the delegates to visit and inspect various places, which is something that the deputies have been looking forward to.

Before the end of the conference, Zhang Zhimu made a summary report. Zhang Zhimu fully affirmed the success of the conference, emphasizing several points:

First, it will conscientiously implement the proposals put forward by the deputies;

The second is to ask everyone to go back and do more propaganda about the content and ideas of the meeting. We should remind everyone that the establishment of the future republic will still require a long transition process, and in this process, it is necessary for everyone to propagate the idea of democracy to the people and raise their consciousness.

Third, we will not rely on military force for unlimited expansion, which is not in the interests of all countries in the world or our own. The scope of our development is where our Chinese culture can influence, and our country must have full cultural identity in order to be a stable country. We will not expand indefinitely by force, but we will leave an easily defensible border for future generations, as well as resources for sustainable development;

Fourth, what everyone is concerned about, after the establishment of a new country, what to do with the kiln gang head office, today to give you a promise, when the time comes, the assets related to national security will be handed over to the state.

Fifth, after the founding of the Republic, the armed forces were completely nationalized. The Kiln Gang people, like all people, do not master the army.

Sixth, we sincerely hope that all political parties and organizations will participate in the administration and discussion of state affairs. As long as it does not violate the law, affects the legitimate rights of others, does not oppose partisanship, and encourages competition. The criterion for judging good and bad is the likes and dislikes of the people. It may be the ballot in the future.

There are some things that everyone is thinking about, but no one dares to ask. Zhang Zhimu simply explained to everyone. In this way, many people breathed a sigh of relief, but the officials and officers of the kiln gang were not satisfied.

As soon as the tense meeting ended, the military delegates also had a day off and had to hold a meeting a day later. On this day, Ouyang He took the time to invite Fan Wencheng, who came to attend the meeting with Wei Xiang. Ouyang He also invited Zhang Zhimu, Chen Yufeng and Concubine Zhuang to come and accompany him.

The banquet was of course held at the Yaogang Hotel.

Fan Wencheng didn't expect that the kiln people would exalt him like this, and in the banquet hall, Fan Wencheng bowed to Zhang Zhimu and others one by one, and repeatedly thanked the kiln people for giving him face like this.

After everyone sat down politely, the waiter had just finished serving tea, and Fan Wencheng saw Concubine Zhuang walking into the banquet hall. Concubine Zhuang said: "Mr. Fan, don't do this! This is the kiln gang, we don't want this! ”

Fan Wencheng said movingly: "Thank you, Concubine Zhuang!" But he still didn't get up, and asked again, "Is the emperor okay?" ”

"Oops! Now there is only one Emperor Chongzhen, of course it's very good, didn't you see it at the conference? My son will be fine now, and he runs to school early every day. I would like to be with my teachers and classmates! Good couldn't be better! "Concubine Zhuang's words are not leaky. Everyone here admired.

Zhang Zhimu went over and said, "Mr. Fan, please get up, if you don't get up, Concubine Zhuang won't be able to sit down." I think we'll do as the locals do! ”

Fan Wencheng got up and said with a smile: "Oops! I'll do as the locals do! Concubine Zhuang sits first! ”

"Huh! Okay, I'll sit first! Concubine Zhuang smiled and sat down. In this way, Fan Wencheng dared to sit down. Even so, Fan Wencheng felt very uncomfortable sitting and didn't know what to do. He never expected to sit at the same table with Concubine Zhuang and drink, and he was very uncomfortable.

Everyone also saw Fan Wencheng's restraint, but they didn't mention it, and deliberately led the topic elsewhere.

Fan Wencheng could see that Concubine Zhuang and everyone in Yaogang were very familiar, and they talked and laughed very casually. I have to admire the people of Yaogang in my heart, I can let people like Concubine Zhuang contribute so much to Yaogang, and I admire Concubine Zhuang for being able to get ahead in such a place, and she can sit on the ** stage at the conference.

Ouyang He, as the host of the treat, said a lot of words of thanks to Fan Wencheng, thanking him for coming forward to persuade peace, so that Liaodong shed a lot of blood.

Saying this in front of Concubine Zhuang, Fan Wencheng didn't know how to answer. The smart Concubine Zhuang couldn't see this, and said to Fan Wencheng with a wine cup: "Mr. Fan, I want to thank you for persuading our mother and son to choose a correct path at a critical time. Without your words, there would be no mother and son today. To tell the truth, in the Shengjing Palace, looking at us are so noble, but only our sisters know how hard life is. After arriving at the kiln, I realized that people can still live like this. Let me tell you, Mr. Fan, I am not afraid of the emperors blaming me, now our mother and son are the best time to live, people can live like this once in a lifetime, not in vain! For this, I respect Mr. Fan! ”

Fan Wencheng, who was sincerely moved by Concubine Zhuang's words, stood up, picked up the wine glass and drank it all, "Thank you, Concubine Zhuang!" ”

Concubine Zhuang said again: "Mr. Fan, I know that you are a talented person, you can't just bury your talent!" The construction of Liaodong has just begun, you should come out and do your best! ”

Wei Xiang said: "We often ask Mr. Fan for advice if we have any troubles in Liaodong, which is also what Mr. Ouyang has repeatedly instructed!" This time, Mr. Fan, as an observer delegate, still wrote a proposal, and we brought it to the conference! ”

Fan Wencheng said: "Mr. Ouyang, who knows me! I can meet Mr. Ouyang in this life, I'm worth it! ”

Ouyang He said: "Mr. Fan is polite! I also respect Mr. Fan's talent. When you came to Yaogang once, you had already seen the final outcome of Liaodong. But you did your part for your master. In the case of the general situation, great efforts were made to reduce more bloodshed in Liaodong. We won't forget people like you! ”

"Hey! I, Fan, have become a traitor, so I can no longer bear the infamy of being a traitor and seeking glory! Therefore, if you attack Liaodong, I will definitely not help you. But the overall situation has been decided, I will do something to reduce the killing, and the Khan King will not blame me! As for my personal honor and disgrace, let it be said by posterity! Fan Wencheng lowered his head and said.

Ouyang He said: "This is a big husband!" Come and let's have a drink! ”

Fan Wencheng raised his glass and drank it with Ouyang He.

Concubine Zhuang said: "Now, I can understand Mr. Fan very well. At that time, it was not easy for a Han person in Liaodong to get ahead, and he had to endure a lot of humiliation. At that time, no one could have imagined that there would be a situation today. Both the Han and the Manchus, whether they are dissatisfied or not, have already regarded the Qing Dynasty as their own country, and what Mr. Fan did is not inappropriate in the eyes of the Liaodong people, let alone the traitor. Therefore, Mr. Fan does not have to worry about this all the time! The past is gone, and we are talking about everything moving forward! That's a great saying! ”

"That's right! To look forward, let's drink this cup together! Zhang Zhimu proposed.

Fan Wencheng drank a glass of wine and nodded in admiration.

Putting down the cup, Fan Wencheng said: "Mr. Zhang and all the leaders are here, so I will talk about the proposal I asked General Wei to submit for me." My proposal is to resolve the North Korean issue as soon as possible! After speaking, Fan Wencheng glanced at Zhang Zhimu, Chen Yufeng, Ouyang He and others.

Seeing that everyone was waiting for him to speak, Fan Wencheng said: "North Koreans have been remote for too long, and they have no credibility to speak of. Now that our military strength and economic strength are very good, we can easily take North Korea. In addition, the DPRK has always respected our Chinese culture, and we govern it with our hearts, and it will not take long for the Korean people to completely submit to us from the bottom of their hearts. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not to be missed. Otherwise, if we leave so much space and feed the army to watch them, it is better to completely solve them today to prevent future troubles! ”

Zhang Zhimu said: "We have seen this proposal. The reason why this proposal was not discussed in the General Assembly was that we did not want to discuss it openly. We will organize a meeting of the representatives of the army starting tomorrow to discuss this matter at the meeting. At that time, I did not expect that this proposal was submitted by Mr. Fan. If Mr. Fan has no other urgent matters tomorrow, why don't you join us for tomorrow's meeting? ”

"Oh? Military meeting, shall I attend? Fan Wencheng asked cautiously.

"Huh! Mr. Fan, we don't treat you as an outsider," Ouyang He said, "We still have a lot of military matters to discuss, and we want to invite Mr. Fan to listen to them together!" ”

"Good! Fan must be on time to participate! Fan Wencheng agreed, but his heart was like honey. A person like him has no interest in money and beauties, but he attaches great importance to face. Being able to participate in the military conference in Yaogang greatly satisfied Fan Wencheng's vanity.

The conference held separately by the representatives of the army, all the giants of the kiln gang attached great importance to it and participated in it. There isn't much retreat for this conference. The discussion is about things that are about to be implemented.

The first to study is the western front that Ningde, Jiang Zhuo and Li Kui are responsible for. This line gathers the main forces of Yaogang, and it is also the place with the longest border with other countries, and the situation is very complicated.

Ningde briefly introduced the process of their westward march to destroy Yuejibe (Uzbek), Yarkand and other countries, and fought a big war with the Persians. At the same time, the situation on their side was analyzed. Jiang also introduced the defeat of the Mongols from the northward advance, the final surrender of the Russians, and the demarcation of new borders with the Russians.

"We have built a lot of castles in the passes of the Ula Mountains, and they are all connected by roads. A large castle was built in the middle of the Ula Mountain Pass, called Chinatown. Now there are many shops in and out of the city, and all of our merchant groups have shops over there. Our telephone, telegram and ticket number business is very busy. Caravans from all over the world enter and leave the castle. On our side, the railway was built up to the Irtysh River, and the waterway basically connected the transport channel with the Ura Mountain area. Every day, convoys bring large quantities of goods in and out of Chinatown. There are no railways and roads like ours in Russia, and there are no cars with large volumes. But the carriage on their side is Jackie Chan's exchange. Even in the winter when the mountains are covered by heavy snow, there are also horses that climb the plow to transport. It can be said that business and trade are very prosperous. Our officers and men have also reclaimed a large amount of land on the southern side of the Ula Mountains, on both sides of the Ula River, and in the plains, and there have been many harvests last year. However, the population is still too small over there. Our infrastructure also needs to be strengthened. I propose to build a larger power plant, where there is no shortage of coal. If we had enough electricity, we could have shipped all the Russian wheat and processed it into flour like our kilns, and sold it to them at a high price, and we could also leave the wheat bran to make MSG and sell it to them. We must get a good grasp of border building. Don't look at the fact that the Russians have signed a border treaty with us, but they are a stopgap measure. Because the biggest threat they face is the Ottoman Empire, and when they finish the war with the Ottoman Empire, with their character, they will not suffer losses and not find them back. So we build the frontier before they have their hands free to deal with us! ”

Ouyang He took Jiang Pai and said: "We occupy a very powerful Ula Mountain area on the border with Russia. This is a natural barrier between us and the West. But then again, the demarcation of borders is never limited to any geographical boundary. It's all decided by military and economic power. The Russians can give us this area with the spirit of a strong man with a broken arm, and as General Jiang said, they will fight with us for this area when they are relieved. I agree with General Jiang's suggestion to intensify the construction of this part of the border area. This year or next year, we will build a railway along the Irtysh River to Chinatown. At the same time, the road along the Irtysh River will be built into asphalt roads to expand transport capacity. In this way, we will not only be able to increase the ties between our border areas and the hinterland, but will also be able to increase the speed and convenience of the army's material transportation in wartime, and will facilitate the transportation of goods to various businesses in peacetime. ”

Chen Yufeng added: "To the north of the Western Front, we can try to consolidate our borders. Ningde: Their southern front is not yet in a stable state. I agree to raise the level of the road from the Ura Mountains to the Caspian Sea as soon as possible. However, the construction along the Caspian Sea should not be carried out on a large scale. Because our goal is to have an outlet to the Black Sea. Then the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea will be dug up, and in that case, the level of the Caspian Sea will be raised by about 11 meters, the area of the Caspian Sea will be expanded by about 30 percent, and the entire lowlands around the Caspian Sea will be submerged in the Caspian Sea. So at the moment there can be no too much construction on the shores of the Caspian Sea. ”

Ningde continued: "We have just received news that the Ottoman army has begun to advance towards the Greater Caucasus Mountains, and the battle they should have fought last year will definitely be high and low this year. We estimate that the Russian Empire could not hold back the Ottoman offensive. Now the Russian Imperial Army has taken advantage of the last great victory and has advanced its army to the south of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, but they have made a mistake, that is, the large army is in the north of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, and only a small number of troops are in the south of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. We expect that in this war, the Ottoman Empire will be able to drive the Russian army across the Greater Caucasus Mountains in the first battle, and the Russian Imperial Army will retreat in great strides, but not as far as the last retreat. Because the Ottoman Empire would not be fooled and underestimated again, the Russians did not dare to put the Ottoman Empire into their country. If the Ottomans fought again, it would be difficult for the Russian Imperial Army to resist. At this time, the Russian Empire was in danger of annihilation. At this time, whether they ask us for help or not, we can send troops to persuade peace. We can ask the Russian Empire to give us all the lands along the Caspian coast all the way to the Black Sea coast as a price for persuasion. So that we could send troops at the invitation of the Russian Empire to take over the land. At that time, whether the Ottomans wanted it or not, we had to force them to withdraw their troops. If they use force against us, we will attack west on the southern shore of the Caspian Sea and fight all the way to the Black Sea coast. So that the whole Caspian Sea is our inland sea, and we will draw this land between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea into our borders. At this time, it is time for us to build the canal from the Caspian Sea to the Black Sea! ”

Ouyang He said again: "This year, let's not care about the war between the Ottoman Empire and the Russian Empire, let them fight!" However, our time is precious, and our own construction cannot be delayed. We already have an improvised road to the Caspian Sea. However, the access conditions are not very good. This year, the level of highways will be upgraded, and additional military stations will be built along the route to replenish supplies for passing troops and convoys. At the same time, we are preparing to dig a canal from Lake Balkhash to the Aral Sea. There are more than 1,000 kilometers from Lake Balkhash to the Aral Sea, and the water surface of Lake Balkhash is dozens of meters higher than the Aral Sea, and it is completely possible to flow to the Aral Sea through the canal. After this section, we will repair the Aral Sea to the Caspian Canal. From now on we will be able to take a boat from Lake Balkhash to the west into the Black Sea and into the Atlantic. However, we will also build a railway from Hami to Lake Balkhash this year. The company has decided to build a large copper smelter on the northern shore of Lake Balkhash. This investment is very large, it is equivalent to building a city. Having such a project will give us a great boost to the development of our west side. ”

Chen Yufeng explained: "The improvised road we have built now is the southern route. Our current canal is considered the northern route. The construction of the canal was accompanied by the construction of roads along the river. In the future, we will have two main routes to the west, north and south. ”

All the delegates in attendance were stunned by this majestic plan. Liu Zongmin couldn't help but say to Li Zicheng: "Master, let's not go to Australia to fight any savages." Let's go to the Western Front and compare ourselves with the Ottoman army. ”

Li Zicheng snorted and said, "Hmph! It's not our turn to do this good thing! ”

Li Zicheng's words made the originally quiet venue burst into laughter!