Yuan Shikai respects literati more, and since Feng Xu is a genius in Jiangnan, he naturally takes a look at it. The talks between the two sides were extremely open and frank. When all the problems are concentrated on one contradictory focus, there is no point in deceiving. Yuan Shikai believes that no matter what kind of result Feng Xu says about this meeting, he can accept it.

Faced with Yuan Shikai's question, "If Beiyang cooperates with the People's Party, after the diehards are eliminated, which direction will things develop." Feng Xu said that since both Beiyang and the People's Party will seek the dominance of China's political power, the contradictions between the two sides will always exist.

Wang Shizhen did not want the People's Party to reach an agreement with Beiyang at all, even though he knew that the contradictions between the "Manchu diehards" and Yuan Shikai were inevitable, Wang Shizhen still did not want Yuan Shikai to become a "rebel". In any case, betraying the old master is not a glorious thing. Feng Xu explained the contradiction between Beiyang and the People's Party so clearly that Wang Shizhen felt a kind of hope in his heart, and he hoped that Yuan Shikai would not stand with the great enemy of the People's Party.

While holding on to hope, Wang Shizhen looked at Yuan Shikai who heard this. Yuan Shikai had a smile on his face that could completely understand Wang Shizhen's statement. Not only smiling, Yuan Shikai was also nodding slightly in praise. This praise is naturally aimed at Feng Xu's frankness and correct judgment of the future situation.

Seeing this, Wang Shizhen suddenly interjected, "Mr. Feng, when the Queen Mother dies, can the People's Party celebrate?" ”

Feng Xu smiled when he heard this, "When the Queen Mother died, the People's Party was stepping up military training. Everyone is a person who does things, where is there so much leisure to take care of this. But Shen Zengzhi and I, Brother Shen put incense on the table to pay tribute to the emperor and the queen mother. ”

"Oh?" Wang Shizhen was half surprised, and half sarcastically responded.

It was rare for Wang Shizhen to give such an opportunity, and Feng Xu recounted the quarrel between Shen Zengzhi and Chen Ke afterwards, including Yang Guigui's last angry rebuke of Shen Zengzhi, Feng Xu also said it clearly.

Yuan Shikai listened carefully, he knew that Feng Xu was trying to persuade himself very skillfully. In this world, there are people who are loyal to Cixi, such as him Yuan Shikai. There are also people who are loyal to Guangxu, such as Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao. But in this whole world, there can be said that there is no one who is loyal to Xuantong and the regent Zaifeng from the heart. Shen Zengzhi is right in what he said, after losing morality, the current Manchu diehards only have the Manchu Qing Dynasty's "legal system", and the "legal system" is only useful after being recognized by others. The People's Party never agreed with the legal system of the Manchu Qing Dynasty, so the People's Party would never think that opposing the Qing Dynasty was a betrayal, but they felt that it was their supreme glory to oppose the Qing Dynasty.

Since he had this opportunity, Feng Xu continued to persuade. The People's Party distributed "The Life of Cixi" not only in Beijing, but also in many surrounding provinces. It can be said that after Cixi's decision before her death, the Manchu legal system encountered a major crisis. Now the Manchu diehards were eager to gain the open support of the governors in order to maintain their crumbling legal system and status. That's why the People's Party sent troops to attack Zhili fiercely, completely exposing the weakness of the Manchu Qing in front of the governors.

"Yuan Gong, you must know very well that the vast majority of the governors in the world are in favor of the Restoration. No matter who is working in the local area, they will open new schools, set up telegraphs, and run manufacturing bureaus. This is already the ethos. Needless to say, thirty years ago, when Lord Li Hongzhang was here, whoever did this was a Westernist who was suppressed. Now, those who opposed the Westernists in the past are only afraid that they will do things more Westernly than the Westernists at that time. To promote China's construction industry, Yuan Gong, you have made great efforts. Feng Xu talked about history.

When Yuan Shikai heard this, he couldn't help but wonder.

"The ruling Queen Mother at that time, no matter how she commented on the Westernization faction, no matter how she suppressed those who wanted to seize power through the Westernization Movement, the Queen Mother did not suppress the Westernization Movement itself." Feng Xu skillfully shifted the topic to the real point. In fact, this is also the content expounded in "This Life of Cixi". Feng Xu, who participated in the editing of the book, is extremely familiar with these contents and fully agrees with Chen Ke's views.

Seeing Yuan Shikai nodding slightly, Feng Xu continued: "Duke Yuan, now the Constitutional Movement has become a new Westernization movement, and it has received the support of many provinces. In this matter, the Queen Mother still did not suppress the constitutional movement. She was simply cracking down on those who tried to use the Constitutional Movement to gain power. A few months ago, the Empress Dowager also promulgated the "Outline of the King James Constitution," and even allowed Jiangsu to first set up a trial parliament in accordance with the outline of the King James Constitution. ”

Yuan Shikai was the "man who tried to gain power through constitutionalism" who was attacked by Cixi, and he could not have been unaware of these things. Yuan Shikai originally thought that he could deceive Cixi by borrowing the careful thinking of the constitutional movement, but when he saw the relevant content of "Cixi's Life" not long ago, Yuan Shikai really had a feeling of sudden enlightenment. Cixi has a clear grasp of the dynamics of all parties.

"Yuan Gong, you are engaged in constitutionalism, so you are naturally very clear. Constitutionalism means that the constitution is supreme and all power comes from the constitution. Parliament, on the other hand, is to get more people involved in politics. The constitution and the parliament were originally two different things, but now the world mistakenly thinks they are the same thing. The Qingliu may not necessarily support the constitution, but they absolutely support the establishment of a parliament. This is also the reason why Chairman Chen proposed to Yuan Gong to adopt inter-provincial autonomy......"

Feng Xu was about to give Yuan Shikai a detailed explanation of the characteristics of the autonomy of the provinces, but was interrupted by Yuan Shikai, "Then why didn't Chen Wenqing contact Qingliu and find me?" As the saying goes, if you have nothing to do, you are either a traitor or a thief. Chen Wenqing is very deep in the city, so he went to Beijing to pit me and cheated on a wife, but he slapped his ass and left. How do I know he's not repeating his old tricks this time? ”

"Because even if the People's Party breaks through the three towns of Beiyang where Yuan Gong is now gathered in Henan, the world will only fall into a situation of warlord scuffle. As a revolutionary party, the People's Party was originally a table-lifter. Even if the table is flipped up, it is impossible for the People's Party to unify China immediately. However, our China has suffered for too long, the First Sino-Japanese War, the Wuxu Reform, the Boxer Fist, and the Gengzi Incident. Natural and man-made disasters have continued in recent years. Yuan Gong, if this warlord fights again. How many sins have the people of this world suffered? ”

"Huh." Yuan Shikai sneered. Isn't the BJP one of the main culprits in stirring up the world?! But seeing that Feng Xu said sincerely, it was really like that. The BJP is actually afraid of warlord scuffle? The People's Party, a group of rebels who are not afraid of heaven and earth, also has something to fear? The uncontrollable funny feeling surged in Yuan Shikai's chest like a tidal wave. "Hehe, hehe, haha." Yuan Shikai couldn't help laughing.

Since the People's Party is determined to rebel, people like Yuan Shikai will naturally not be bored enough to attack the People's Party in person with "causing chaos in the world". The People's Party was originally intended to cause chaos in the world, so there is no point in saying that. Seeing that the People's Party was finally afraid of the warlord scuffle, Yuan Shikai suddenly felt that his chest was full of a sense of justice. These bastards finally know that the world is not what they imagined.

Feng Xu understood Yuan Shikai's thoughts, and he waited for Yuan Shikai's smile to calm down, and then continued: "Now that Japan is desperately engaged in industry, they are eyeing China. The foreign devils are waiting for China to be in chaos, and then to carve up China. But were the Manchu diehards capable of defending China's interests? They don't. Even if our two families were to die together, and the Manchu diehards had no enemies, they would still not be able to defend China. The reason why our People's Party must defeat the Manchu diehards is because we have seen the face of these people clearly. As long as they remain in power for a day, China has no hope for a day. As long as the diehards remain in power for one day, we will not hesitate to trigger a warlord scuffle. ”

This must be explained, Feng Xu knew that he was not here to surrender to Beiyang. Because the People's Party is not without the ability to eliminate Beiyang's forces in the three towns of Henan. This is also why, with Chen Ke's almost absolute power in the People's Party, it still took so much effort to reluctantly get the young comrades to accept the decision to try to negotiate with Yuan Shikai.

But this foundation is so fragile. The People's Party has never given the initiative to others, and even Chen Ke, who put forward the proposal for negotiations, is still in full swing preparing for an all-out war. Once Yuan Shikai does not choose to cooperate in the short term, the People's Party will mobilize troops to annihilate Yuan Shikai's troops in Henan.

Feng Xu really didn't want a full-scale civil war, at least he firmly agreed with Chen Ke's views. Now is not the best time for a full-scale civil war.

"Yuan Gong, we would like to ask you to preside over the situation in this world. You are a well-known hero in the world, and people all over the world have great expectations for you. At this time, as a hero of the world, you are obliged to stand up, and you must stand up. The People's Party is confident that it will win a complete victory over the Chinese revolution in the long term. But at this critical point in time, Yuan Gong, you have the ability to be the one who dominates the situation in China. What are the benefits of warlord melee for China? Once the People's Party and Beiyang reach a consensus, they will now build a new China. Everyone must develop production, economy, industry, and agriculture. When the world is peaceful, people's livelihoods will always improve. With so many machines and equipment we have bought, the Westernists have spent decades accumulating these family foundations, and they can always operate well. Even if it comes to the time when the two anti-anti forces meet, Beiyang wins, and China can still be easily unified. In the war, China will suffer a lot less losses and suffering. What's more, it may not be possible to solve the problem by fighting a war in the future. ”

Being pinned on such high hopes, Yuan Shikai was naturally very happy. But he was also facing a great problem, waving his hand to interrupt Feng Xu's words, Yuan Shikai asked: "Mr. Feng, you mean that I must betray the Manchus!" ”

Feng Xu shook his head heavily, "Gong Yuan, the Manqing Qi is exhausted." At this point, Yuan Gong, you don't have to whitewash the Manchu Qing. With the breadth of Manchu grievances, the people of the world were deeply offended. Once the parliament is opened, the parliament will definitely ask to come to Yuan Gong and ask the Manchu to abdicate the throne. It is not Yuan Gong who betrayed the Manchu Qing Dynasty, but Yuan Gong, who inherits the great hope of the world and realizes the voice of all the people in the world. Yao Shunyu is nothing more than that. ”

Wang Shizhen felt a bone-chilling chill coming up his spine, and he shivered greatly. Turned his head to look at Yuan Shikai. saw that Yuan Shikai had goosebumps on the skin exposed on the outside of his clothes. Although his expression remained stable, the excitement and shock in Yuan Shikai's heart could no longer be hidden.

After a pause, Yuan Shikai asked, "Then can the council abolish the Qing Emperor......

"Yuan Gong, that's why our People's Party wants to implement inter-provincial autonomy. This is a plan for ourselves, and it is also a plan for Yuan Gong. ”

Feng Xu no longer had any concealment, and explained to Yuan Shikai thoroughly the characteristics of the autonomy of the provinces and the business model contained in it. Since the central authorities have no authority to appoint and dismiss the governors of the provinces, the governors of the provinces are all made up by the provinces themselves according to the political model of their own provinces. To put it bluntly, whoever becomes president is who occupies more territory. Beiyang generally believes that the accumulation of numbers is the best way to accumulate power. The BJP, on the other hand, believes that tapping into internal potential is the source of strength. The People's Party will be content with a certain territory and will not interfere in the military and political actions of the Beiyang Army to seize other provinces. In return, Beiyang could not interfere when the People's Party seized the predetermined territory.

"Then how much land does Chen Wenqing want." Yuan Shikai asked in a somewhat mocking tone. The People's Party has conquered the city, and now it has intervened in Hubei, and there is no sign of satisfaction.

Feng Xu took out a map, and after unfolding it, Yuan Shikai's brows furrowed. This is a map of China, Anhui, Hubei, Jiangxi, and a peculiar "Huaihai Province", all with red as the background. In Lianyungang, which is near the sea in Jiangsu, it is highlighted. The People's Party must not only occupy the Yangtze River basin, but also gain access to the sea.

"This is the territory we want, and the rest of the regions are up to Yuan Gong." Feng Xu gave the answer. After finishing speaking, Feng Xu looked at Yuan Shikai quietly.

Even when he saw that Zhili Shandong was taken away by Chen Ke, Yuan Shikai was still not angry, let alone ridiculed that "Chen Ke has a great appetite". Yuan Shikai and Wang Shizhen looked at the map for a while, and then ordered someone to send Feng Xu back to his residence.

If there is a bargain, it also means that Yuan Shikai has put Chen Ke's proposal in his heart. Now in this situation of not talking, Feng Xu was extremely disappointed to think that this negotiation had no effect at all.

After sending Feng Xu away, Wang Shizhen looked at the map again. The red zone is entrenched in the heart of China, especially in the "Huaihai Province", and it has cut off the southern part of Shandong. No wonder Chen Ke is willing to cooperate with Beiyang, he has already obtained results at the negotiating table that are far from being obtained on the battlefield. At this moment, Wang Shizhen suddenly heard Yuan Shikai ask: "Pingqing, you tell the truth, can the 30,000 people of my Beiyang Army win over 50,000 Chen Ke?" ”

Wang Shizhen was stunned, he wanted to say that he could win. But I can't say anything. With the strength displayed by the People's Party last time, the 30,000 Beiyang Army would definitely not be able to defeat the 50,000 People's Party troops.

"Yuan Gong, do you believe the words of the People's Party?" Wang Shizhen asked anxiously.

"Pingqing, if the real warlords are fighting, are you afraid?" Yuan Shikai's answer made Wang Shizhen feel like falling into an ice cave. This is not just because Yuan Shikai's attitude has changed dramatically. Wang Shizhen knew that the information conveyed by Feng Xu was by no means alarmist by the People's Party.

"Even if the warlords are fighting, the BJP, as the main culprit, cannot escape the blame." Wang Shizhen resisted weakly.

Chen Ke is to blame, but he still knows that he is afraid of warlord scuffle. Wouldn't we be as good as Chen Ke's little rabbit cubs? Yuan Shikai's tone was very heavy.

Wang Shizhen felt that his chest was full of ice cubes, and his breathing was almost stagnant. Although Yuan Shikai rarely scolded Chen Ke, the meaning behind this could not be clearer. Yuan Shikai was moved by Feng Xu's words.

"Duke Yuan, no matter how perverse the court is, he is also the court." Wang Shizhen's voice trembled. This is extremely rare.

"Even you can say that the imperial court is perverse, so what's the use of us in Beiyang for nothing?" There was real sadness in Yuan Shikai's voice, "Chen Ke, like us in Beiyang, is a person who does things. If we don't make a decision, I dare say that he will transfer troops from Hubei soon. Now Zhili is in a mess, and the Jinghan Railway is by no means safe. When Chen Ke mobilized 50,000 troops, what was the best way to hire the secretary? Shall we fight Chen Ke to the death in Henan? ”

Wang Shizhen stopped talking, he couldn't say to Yuan Shikai, "Let's be loyal to the Qing Dynasty." Wang Shizhen's shame made him unwilling to betray the Qing Dynasty, but this shame also made Wang Shizhen unable to violate his conscience and say that today's Qing Dynasty is worthy of loyalty.

As if to prove what kind of Qing diehards in Beijing were. Outside the door, a soldier suddenly came in to report. After Yuan Shikai looked at the things sent in, his face turned pale. He handed the letter to Wang Shizhen. Wang Shizhen took it and looked at it, but it was Duan Qirui's letter. The imperial court gave Duan Qirui an order to bring the third town of the new army back to Beijing to receive a reward. And Zhejiang was handed over to Zhang Xun, the governor of Zhejiang.

This herd of pigs! Wang Shizhen scolded secretly in her heart. After Cixi's absence, the level of the Manchu diehards fell to this level. It's so childish and ridiculous to play with your wrist. If it was Cixi, I was afraid that Zhang Xun, the nominal governor of Zhejiang, would take office by mixing sand, and then arrange Duan Qirui to be an official under Zhang Xun. Let Zhang Xun fight Duan Qirui fiercely. How could it be possible to directly let Duan Qirui get out? Where is this where there is a king?

"Gong Yuan, Chen Ke will never really support you as Feng Xu said." Wang Shizhen has run out of other better words.

"Since they are all people who do things, who can deceive whom. Chen Ke thinks that the People's Party can win in the end, but I think we can dominate the world in Beiyang. Let's see. Yuan Shikai finally made up his mind.

The progress of things is exactly the same as Yuan Shikai expected, not that after the two Beiyang and the People's Party reach an agreement, the world will be owned by the two families. There is still a lot of work to be done to make an effective difference.

The first thing is that the two have established communication agencies. The People's Party had long planned to establish a telegraph system in the base areas. However, no telegraph line could be built in the base area. In other words, the high-quality electrolytic copper in the base area is not enough to make generators and motors, and the copper with insufficient quality is used in the manufacture of bullet shells. The base area is simple and wired, and the telegraph network uses iron wire, which can be produced in small quantities. Yuan Shikai immediately provided a batch of telegraph lines to the base area. In return, more than 200 Beiyang spies were released from the base area.

The news brought back by these captured personnel surprised the Beiyang Army, and the People's Party controlled it very strictly, and in the past, checkpoints were set up to check passers-by. However, people from all villages are not allowed to travel at will in the base area. There is no pass, so it will be seized first. So the Beiyang spies were like moths to a fire, and they threw themselves into the net one by one.

The People's Party's management of the base areas has reached such an extent that Yuan Shikai is very glad that he did not make a desperate attempt to attack the base areas. Wang Shizhen and Duan Qirui had suffered the loss of the People's Party's strong walls and clear fields, and after entering Huaiyuan County, their eyes immediately turned black. If the 30,000 troops of Beiyang enter the base area, they will only encounter greater difficulties than Wang Shizhen and them.

"Tell Chen Ke that I want to meet him." Yuan Shikai said.