"It's actually very conservative." Yang Shuoming smiled and said, "I have a better plan, but it is not appropriate to make it public yet." ”

Hearing Yang Shuoming say this, Tang Qianming and Xu Zhenpeng's faces once again showed a look of consternation.

"Do you two a favor." Yang Shuoming smiled secretly, came to Tang Qianming and Xu Zhenpeng, motioned for the two to come over, and whispered a few words to the two.

Listening to Yang Shuoming's words, the smiles on Tang and Xu's faces disappeared, and each showed a solemn look.

"Understood." Tang Qianming looked at the battleship design sketch that Yang Shuoming had just drawn in his hand, and nodded slowly.

"This matter should be reminded of Chief Liu and Commander Li immediately." Xu Zhenpeng said with a serious expression.

"Chief Liu, it's better for the two of you to come forward and talk about it." Yang Shuoming said, "I am a small town guard, and I am soft-spoken, and the words I say do not have the weight of the two. ”

Hanzhi laughed. With the wisdom of the president, he will not be wronged by a great talent like Hanzhi. Tang Qianming's face showed a disapproving smile again, "Not to mention anything else, just the great achievement of recovering Qingdao is enough for Li Chun to give you the position of General Jiangxi." ”

"Yes! In this battle against the Japanese invaders, you Yang Hanzhi and Cai Songpo have contributed the most," Xu Zhenpeng also said, "The president knows a lot about the battle situation on the front line, and he will definitely not bury the exploits of your brother Yang." ”

After listening to Tang Qianming and Xu Zhenpeng's words, Yang Shuoming just smiled slightly and didn't say anything.

"Although he Cai Songpo reluctantly defeated the Japanese invaders, but anyone with a discerning eye knows that Cai Songpo's military exploits cannot be compared with yours, he was stained with the light of his own plague epidemic to recover Fengtian, and you are incomparable with your bloody battle with the Japanese in Shandong." Tang Qianming continued, "Although the entire territory of Fengtian has been recovered, Lushunkou is still in the hands of Yue, and he Cai Songpo did not dare to touch the hard nail of Qingdao with a mere 20,000 soldiers and horses like your brother Yang. ”

"The president sent a letter asking for details about the liberation of Qingdao, but we didn't know how to reply." Xu Zhenpeng said with a smile, "I guess the president will let you lead the Jiangxi army north to fight Lushunkou." ”

"Qingdao was completely defeated by sneak attacks, and I said that I had suffered a loss once, and I had already learned to be obedient, and I would definitely not succeed in using the same method again." Yang Shuoming smiled bitterly and shook his head, "Lushunkou is not Qingdao, so it's not so easy to take down." ”

"The fact that the president agreed to an unconditional truce with him shows that he understands this." Tang Qianming saw that Yang Shuoming seemed to be a little worried that Yuan Shikai would really send him to fight Lushunkou, and said with a smile, "In terms of meritorious deeds, no matter what, there will always be one of Hanzhi's little overseers." ”

As Tang Qianming said, while they were talking about what kind of reward Yang Shuoming might get on the bridge of the "Haichen", Yuan Shikai and his advisers and staff were also worried about it in Yanjing Jurentang.

"In terms of military exploits alone, the battle against Japanese was won by Cai Songpo and Yang Hanzhi as the first contribution, and Feng Guozhang, Zhang Xun, and Cao Kun were all inferior to the generals," Liang Shiyi said. ”

"I didn't even know that there would be such a good general in Jiangxi." Yuan Shikai sighed, "Now it seems that in terms of military talent alone, this person is far above Cai Songpo. ”

"Zhang Xun's Wuwei front army was able to win successive battles, in fact, thanks to the help of the Jiangxi army." Chen Eun also said on the side, "Zhang Xun, Feng Guozhang, Cao Kun, Zhang Xiaozhun, and Fu Xiao'an's five generals are all above this person, but they obey his orders to plan and arrange, and they are the first to look forward. ”

Listening to Chen Eun's words, Yuan Shikai's brows furrowed somehow.

And hearing Chen Eun's evaluation, Yang Du, who had not spoken for a long time, couldn't help frowning, and he looked at Chen Eun's eyes casually, as if he wanted to figure out what he meant by what he just said.

"I heard that this man is not only good at fighting, but also a prodigy in the management of the army, his two brigades of Jiangxi officers and men are brave and capable of fighting, strict discipline, and well-equipped, the guns and artillery are excellent, there is no one in the country to be unsurpassed, it is said that the weapons equipped by the army are mostly produced in the factories built in Jiangxi, and only the heavy artillery is designed for itself and ordered in the United States. All military expenses and weapons were raised in western Jiangxi and other places, and with their soldiers and weapons, they won consecutive battles. Yang Du opened his mouth and said, "This person has only been guarding Jiangxi for more than a year, and he has governed the place to be rich and prosperous, and it is well organized, which shows that his strengths are not only military." ”

"Such a civil and military all-rounder, it is rare to ......" Yuan Shikai listened to Yang Du's words and nodded, "I'm afraid that he is a good talent who governs the world, and he is also a hero in troubled times......"

The latter sentence, because Yuan Shikai said it in his heart, whether it was Liang Shiyi, Yang Du or Chen Eun, they didn't hear it.

"In terms of rewards for meritorious deeds, you see, how can we arrange for the two of them?" Yuan Shikai coughed as if in disguise and asked.

"When the president transferred Songpo to Beijing, he wanted to entrust Songpo with the post of army chief, and in this war of resistance against Japanese people, Duan Zhiquan's behind-the-scenes planning is also indispensable, and it is not appropriate to replace Songpo with Songpo. It can imitate the Western [***] system, and set up a general staff department, and commission Songpo to the post of chief of staff. Liang Shiyi said, "Although Yang Han's military merits are obvious, it is not appropriate to be promoted excessively, and the general of a province can do it." ”

"Now that Shandong is experiencing wars, the people's livelihood is withering, all industries are waiting to be developed, Yang Hanzhi is quite rich in governing the world, and the people of the East look up, so it is better to let him supervise the military affairs of Shandong." Chen Yan further said.

"It's fine." Yuan Shikai pondered for a long time before he nodded.

Yang Du, who is well versed in the art of imperial power, of course knows why Yuan Shikai is so hesitant about Cai Yang and the two rewards, at this time, while secretly admiring Chen Eun's scheming, he also sighed in his heart.

Shandong, Qingdao, the former German Governor's Palace.

"I thought that his old Yuan could make you a general in Jiangxi."

After Yang Shuoming returned to Qingdao from Tianjin on a naval warship, the first news he received was about his new appointment.

Listening to Xu Yuanjin's words, Yang Shuoming just smiled slightly.

"You won't just seal me as an official, will you?" Yang Shuoming took the letter of appointment and looked at it, and asked, "I should be the only one who should be rewarded." ”

"Of course, Lao Yuan is not so stupid." Xu Yuanjin said, "Cai Songpo became the chief of the general staff, which was quite unexpected to me, I originally thought that he could be the chief of the army or return to Yunnan to be a general." ”

"After the battle, the post of chief of the general staff will be much more leisurely, and General Cai Songpo's health has not been good, so he can recuperate with peace of mind, this idle post can be said to be very suitable for him." Yang Shuoming seemed to have known that there would be such a result, and said very casually, "As for going back to Yunnan, there is no such possible surname at all." ”

"Do you know who succeeded you as the guard of Ganxi Town?" Xu Yuanjin smiled and asked.

"Don't tell me it's Zhang Jingyao." Yang Shuoming looked up at the map and said calmly.

"That's not it, Zhang Jingyao was transferred away by Lao Duan." Xu Yuanjin pointed to his nose and said with a smile, "The new Nanchang Town Guard is me." ”

"Congratulations." Yang Shuoming smiled and slapped his hands in celebration.

"The new envoy of Ganxi Town is Tang Jing." Xu Yuanjin said, "The Jiangxi general has also been replaced, Li Chun and Zhang Jingyao have been transferred to Beijing, and the Jiangxi general has been replaced by Chen Guangyuan." ”

"Oh." Yang Shuoming agreed casually, "What else?" ”

"Feng Huafu (Feng Guozhang) is still a general in Jiangsu, but with the title of 'General Xuanwu', Zhang Braided Shuai became a general in Anhui, Cao Zhongshan became a general in Zhili, Zhang Runnong (Zhang Xiaozhun) became a town guard in Nanjing, and Lao Fu became a town guard in Jinan." Xu Yuanjin briefly said to Yang Shuoming, "Feng's officials are basically not low. ”

"It seems that there are capable people around Lao Yuan." After listening to Xu Yuanjin's explanation, Yang Shuoming immediately figured out why Yuan Shikai arranged it like this, and couldn't help but sigh, "This fetters are set up at a high level. ”

"Don't you want to know how Tang Jing became the guard of Ganxi Town?" Xu Yuanjin knew that Yang Shuoming had understood the intention of what he said, so he smiled and turned the conversation to another matter.

"He should have found someone on his own." Yang Shuoming glanced at Xu Yuanjin and said casually, "It is estimated that there is no less money." ”

"I never thought that his wife would be such a powerful character." Xu Yuanjin said meaningfully, "She actually went to the presidential palace." ”

"Actually, it's okay, it's much better for him to do this position than Zhang Jingyao and his brothers." Yang Shuoming thought of Tang Jing's beautiful lady who was amazed by the beauty of the four countries, and nodded quietly, "I want to make Jiangxi a national industrial model province, there are still a lot of things to do, with the two of you, I am relieved." ”

"You are such a strange person, this little foundation that was laid so easily, and you casually threw it to others, and you don't feel distressed." Xu Yuanjin looked at Yang Shuoming's eyes, and said as if reminding him, "If it had been someone else, I would have died a long time ago." ”

"What's that?" Yang Shuoming smiled and replied, "My goal is not limited to Jiangxi Province. Now it's just right to do something in Shandong. ”

Listening to Yang Shuoming's words, Xu Yuanjin was stunned, and he looked at Yang Shuoming fixedly, as if he had just known him.

Yang Shuoming looked at Xu Yuanjin with some amusement, turned his head, and his eyes fell on the map on the wall.

"I don't know if Yunzhi and the children can get used to the northern climate." Yang Shuoming thought of his wife and children who were far away in Jiangxi, and said to himself.

Yanjing, Zhongnanhai, Jurentang.

"The U.S. Minister, Mr. Reinsch, has just informed the ministry that President Wilson is willing to intercede." Foreign Minister Lu Zhengxiang said to Yuan Shikai, "President Wilson suggested that we and Yue Ben immediately resume negotiations. ”

"Didn't you tell him that it was my own rudeness that caused the breakdown of the negotiations?" Yuan Shikai asked with some annoyance.

Although under pressure from Britain and the United States, China and the Chinese side began negotiations on the re-establishment of their respective positions and the reformulation of diplomatic relations between the two countries after the armistice, and the Chinese side intended to make concessions to the two countries on certain terms in exchange for time for peaceful development while recovering many rights and interests, the negotiations eventually broke down because the Chinese side still adhered to the "21 Articles."

After the negotiation broke down, the political axe began to mobilize troops in the country, and the Chinese political axe continued to strengthen combat readiness, Yuan Shikai began to actively negotiate with foreign bank groups about borrowing money, preparing to use it in the war against Yue. Under these circumstances, Britain and the United States stepped up their intervention to prevent the resumption of war between the two countries, which was of course undesirable for Yuan Shikai.

"Mr. Reinsch said President Wilson proposed to hold talks in Los Angeles, and he would be there in person." Lu Zhengxiang said.

"Oh?" Yuan Shikai was stunned for a moment, then smiled, looking very happy, "If this is the case, it will be of great benefit to us!" ”

"Since the beginning of our unreasonable persecution of our country, the United States has been helping us." Lu Zhengxiang, who has the backing of Britain and the United States, also seemed very happy, "President Wilson has always adhered to justice and justice, and it is a great blessing for our country to come forward to uphold justice this time." ”

After listening to Lu Zhengxiang's words, many military and political dignitaries present nodded their heads one after another.

"This time peace can definitely be reached." Liang Shiyi also happily agreed.

"I hope that the American political axe will uphold justice." Army Chief Duan Qirui seemed to be unimpressed by the elation of Lu Zhengxiang and others, and said coldly, "Don't be like the British, who want us to sacrifice our rights and interests to achieve the so-called peace." ”

"Mr. Duan was too worried. As a matter of fact, the US political axe has been helping us speak since the beginning of the peace talks. Lu Zhengxiang said with some disapproval, "What's more, Ben's invasion of China and its southward march to the Pacific Ocean have greatly infringed on the interests of the United States, and the United States will definitely stand on the side of China out of consideration for its own interests." ”

"I hope so." Duan Qirui took a breath and said.

"Immediately inform the U.S. minister that we accept President Wilson's proposal and go to Los Angeles to negotiate with him." Yuan Shikai said to Lu Zhengxiang, "This trip to Los Angeles, President Lu will work hard, let's go on a trip in person!" ”

"This is natural." Lu Zhengxiang said, "Please rest assured that the president. ”

"This time I went to the United States to negotiate, and Vice Minister Cao didn't go." Yuan Shikai looked at Cao Rulin, who was sitting there and had not spoken, and said.

"The outside world has always said that I personally said that it is good to avoid suspicion this time." Cao Rulin nodded calmly and agreed.

"Let Counselor Gu accompany Chief Lu." Yang Du suggested, "Counselor Gu and President Wilson are familiar with each other, as the saying goes, acquaintances are easy to do, and it is convenient to communicate at any time when negotiating." ”

"That's what I wanted, so let's do it!" Yuan Shikai nodded and said.

"Are we going to send a few generals as members of the delegation to the United States for negotiations?" Chen Yan said suddenly on the side.

After listening to Chen Eun's suggestion, Duan Qirui, Xu Shuzheng and other generals were stunned and focused their eyes on Chen Eun.

"What do you mean......" Yuan Shikai looked at Chen Eun with some strange eyes, waiting for his further explanation.

"I am used to being arrogant, so we have to send someone to restrain their arrogance." Chen Yan said concisely.

"Yes." Yuan Shikai understood what Chen Eun meant, nodded, and asked, "Who do you say is better?" ”

"Bei Cai Nan Yang, no matter who goes, can deter the people and make them dare not threaten us unscrupulously." Chen Yan said.

"That's a good idea." Liang Shiyi also echoed and said, "The general of the defeated army cannot be brave, and people must be depressed when they see it, and the negotiation can achieve miraculous results." ”

"Cai Songpo has always suffered from throat disease, and in this battle against the Japanese invaders, Cai Songpo commanded the battle with illness, and his chronic illness intensified, and it was inconvenient to talk about it, and I am afraid that he will not be able to travel far into the ocean." Yang Du said, "It's better to let Yang Hanzhi go." ”

Listening to Yang Du's words, Chen Eun seemed to glance at him inadvertently, and a hint of smugness flashed in his eyes.

Duan Qirui saw Chen Yan's small movements in his eyes, and couldn't help but sneer in his heart.

Duan Qirui knew that the reason why Yang Du proposed this was because he himself had a close personal relationship with Cai Yi, and he had been paying attention to Cai Yi's condition, so he proposed to let Yang Shuoming go. However, Chen Eun proposed to let one of the two "North Cai and Nanyang" go to Los Angeles, but the purpose was that he was afraid that Yang Du might not be pure.

"It's fine. Let Songpa raise more children! Yuan Shikai said, "Send a telegram to Qingdao and let Yang Hanzhi come to Beijing." ”

"Didn't you come to be the general of Shandong? Why are you suddenly going to Yanjing again? ”

Huang Yunzhi, who had just arrived in Qingdao, put down the telegram in her hand and looked at Yang Shuoming puzzled, and a trace of worry flashed in her eyes.

"That's right, the appointment of the Shandong general has come down." Yang Shuoming said, "There may be something else going to Yanjing. Seeing his beloved wife's worried gaze, he couldn't help but smile slightly, "Don't worry! I guess it's a good thing, not a bad thing. ”

"When I was at home, my father said that you were too sharp this time, and it was easy to cause trouble." Huang Yunzhi said, "Although you have made a great contribution to Qingdao, if you don't handle it properly, it is likely to be wasted." ”

"I understand what you mean, since ancient times, the most feared thing for a subordinate is to be a meritorious master," Yang Shuoming smiled and pulled his beloved wife to his side and let her sit in his arms, "But this time, it shouldn't be like this." ”

"Why do you say 'Your Majesty'? We are now the Republic of China, not the Qing Dynasty. Huang Yunzhi knew that her husband understood what she meant, her color stretched, and she asked jokingly, "Where is the emperor now?" To whom do you call your subordinates? ”

"There is no emperor now, but whether there will be another one in the future, it's hard to say." Yang Shuoming smiled and said.

"Either way, you have to be careful." Huang Yunzhi suddenly hugged Yang Shuoming and put her face on his chest, "I don't know what's wrong with me for a while, I'm always afraid that something will happen to you......"

"I heard that the family caught a spy over there?" Yang Shuoming hugged his wife's slender waist and held her in his arms, feeling the warmth of nephrite's warm embrace.

(To be continued)