On the dock, Chen Wenqiang, who was dressed casually, greeted Li Zhun in an official uniform, and greeted him indifferently, which made Li Zhun feel a little helpless. Pen, fun, pavilion www. biquge。 info

Chen Wenqiang is also an official and a businessman, not only an industrialist, but also an inventor who is well-known at home and abroad, not only surrounded by a halo, but also conforms to the trend. Regardless of its reputation, it is only said that it conforms to the trend, that is, constitutionalism and reform, which makes it like a fish in water, left and right.

At that time, in China, constitutionalism and reform had formed a trend, and even Cixi, who stifled the Wuxu reform, did not stubbornly obstruct the reform, and it can even be said that as long as she could save the imperial court, she absolutely supported the reform. The political and party disputes of the court officials revolved around who would lead the reform, as well as the struggle between the delay and the urgency of the constitution.

And party struggle is a matter for officials, and it can be said that "in the DPRK", "in the opposition" celebrities and rich gentry have to fight for help. For example, the old champion Zhang Jian, Yuan Shikai not only contacted him, but Cen Chunxuan also funded to help him set up a constitutional group. As for Chen Wenqiang, as a young force of the constitutionalists, he also has similar treatment. Cen Chunxuan wanted to use his achievements to improve his reputation in the business community, so as to suppress his political rival Yuan Shikai; Zhang Renjun, the successor governor of Liangguang, also wanted to marry Chen Wenqiang and cheer for his son and daughter-in-law Yuan Shikai.

"The weather is very hot, and Lord Li should also work hard!" Chen Wenqiang arched his hand, looking very casual.

"This official does things for the imperial court, it is difficult to be more relaxed than Lord Chen!" Li Zhun returned the salute and snorted.

Chen Wenqiang smiled faintly, made a gesture of please, and said: "Chen has already agreed to buy guns for the Guangdong Navy Division, and he will not break his promise. It's just that it will take some time, so Master Li must not be anxious. ”

Li Zhun and Chen Wenqiang walked side by side, shook their heads lightly and said, "I know that it can be done in a short time, and I didn't come here this time to urge." Well. Since Master Chen talked about it, the official asked one more question, so is the takeover of the Mawei Shipyard going well? ”

The Mawei Shipyard with a scale of 2,300,000 people rose in 1866 on the bank of the Ma River, covering an area of 600 acres, with complete equipment and a grand scale. At that time, it was second to none in the Far East. In the following 30 years, Mawei Shipyard built more than 40 ships for the Qing Dynasty, accounting for 70% of the total domestic volume at that time, formed the first naval fleet, the Fujian Navy, and equipped a large number of ships and generals for the two naval divisions of Beiyang and Nanyang.

However, with the two defeats of the Sino-French Majiang Naval Battle and the Sino-Japanese First Sino-Japanese Naval Battle, the Manchu Qing Dynasty was not only defeated by the French teacher who taught them to build a shipbuilding and building the army, but also lost to the Japanese Navy, which was also in its infancy, and the Mawei Shipyard also entered a stage of dismal operation. In the middle of this year, the Qing government ordered the Harbour Administration Bureau to stop shipbuilding. Since then, the Mawei shipyard has declined, and at its most dilapidated, it was "three or five craftsmen, unkempt, and desolate", and there was no revival.

"I'm not ready to take over the Mawei shipyard." Chen Wenqiang's answer was a little unexpected by Li Zhun, he stopped and looked at Chen Wenqiang in puzzlement.

The reason why the Mawei shipyard is hopeless in revival is because of the Taiwan issue in later generations. Because Fujian has become the first line against Taiwan. So it is not suitable for the construction of large military-industrial complexes. Chen Wenqiang's concerns are similar, Taiwan is now occupied by Japan. He took over the management of the Mawei shipyard, which was really not a long-term plan.

"What I need most is not the Mawei Shipyard, but the skilled technical workers of the Mawei Shipyard, as well as their accumulated shipbuilding drawings, experience, and experience." Chen Wenqiang explained very calmly, "I have reached a cooperation agreement with the German Volkeng shipyard and have submitted an official letter to the Governor-General. Invested in the acquisition and reconstruction of the former Huangpu Shipyard. If the Governor does not approve it, then it will cost more money and time, and I will choose a place to build a factory. ”

The Whampoa Shipyard on Choshu Island was founded by the Englishman John ? Kobai was first established and then gradually declined. In 1873, it closed down, and in 1876, its dock equipment was sold to the Guangdong government and renamed Huangpu Shipyard, becoming the second government-run professional shipyard after the Fujian Shipyard.

In 1893, it was abolished and restored in 1901.

Li Zhun is quite clear about the situation of the Huangpu Shipyard. After the opening of Shanghai, the historical position of Guangzhou as a foreign trade center was replaced by Shanghai, and the number of steamers coming to Guangzhou was greatly reduced; On the other hand, with the increase of ship size and tonnage, the Whampoa dock can no longer meet the needs. Hong Kong has developed into an international port, increasing the dockyard equipment, especially after the British occupied the Kowloon Peninsula, the construction of large docks in the Kowloon area and the supply of fresh water, Whampoa's shipbuilding industry, since then the depression.

"Your Excellency the Governor, the official can speak." Li Zhun said cautiously: "If you can get rid of a financial burden, the Governor should also approve it." It's just that the Guangzhou General Chengxun is there, I'm afraid there will be trouble. ”

"What's the trouble?" Chen Wenqiang frowned slightly.

"It's mainly the place of Cheung Chau, which is actually the second gateway in Humen, and it seems inappropriate to entrust outsiders." Li Zhun pondered the words and said slowly: "If you only use Chinese laborers, you don't have to worry about this. ”

Chen Wenqiang stared at Li Zhun for a long time, smiled, and said, "Will Chengxun's straw bag think of this?" Besides, isn't he about to be transferred, where will he still be in charge? Brother Li, if you are realistic, you don't have to make any twists and turns between you and me. ”

Li Zhun blinked, then turned it helplessly, and sneered: "Brother Chen is right, hehe." Lord Seongxun is a court official, and there may be some awareness of the stakes in this, or there may be omissions, and this official is just reminding him. ”

"The Whampoa Shipyard can get it, and if I can't get it, I'll start again, and the matter of adding ships to the Guangdong Navy can only be delayed." Chen Wenqiang looked indifferent, "The Germans are rigorous and serious, and they are the least threatening compared to Britain, France, Japan, and Russia, and my cooperation with them will not change." As for your difficulties in cruising the South China Sea, I will do my best to help. As mentioned earlier, there is no problem in transferring an ocean-going ship from a shipping company as a supply ship to join the patrol fleet. As for the funds—" he gestured to the beach house area in the distance, "I just sold two houses for a profit of more than 10,000 yuan, and I'll give it all to you." ”

"Brother Chen is really heroic and refreshing." Li Zhun stretched out his thumb with a smile and complimented: "It is rumored outside that Brother Chen can turn stones into gold, just by looking at the brochure, you will know that what he said is true." The house is built, the scenery is chosen, it is exciting! ”

The publicity, packaging, promotion and other means of later generations, Chen Wenqiang came at his fingertips, and it was effortless. Speaking of this Yazhou, it was originally a deserted place, after his construction, coupled with photo captions, it has become a scenic spot and the first choice for vacation, attracting many wealthy businessmen to come here.

"The most important thing is law and order." Chen Wenqiang emphasized: "If this is not guaranteed, who will come here? Overseas Chinese and the wealthy people of Guangzhou City, they choose here, in addition to the good environment, stability is also an important reason. ”

Li Zhun nodded lightly, hesitated for a while, and said: "When it comes to public security, I am afraid that relying on the merchant group alone is not enough, and it is not in line with the legal system of the imperial court. Qiongya Bingbeidao has submitted a letter to the governor, preparing to send patrol battalions to Yazhou and Wanning to maintain law and order. ”

Chen Wenqiang sneered slightly, this is to see that Yazhou has an eyebrow, and came to get a piece of the pie. Needless to say, at least the military salary of the patrol battalion will be paid by Yazhou.

Seeing Chen Wenqiang's displeasure, Li Zhun explained: "According to what Qiongya Bingbeidao said, the Wanning Hui Party is moving and there is a fear that there will be a riot, so it is necessary to transfer troops to Qiongnan to prevent trouble. In the long run, this will be beneficial to Brother Chen's business in Yazhou. ”

There's a fart bonus! Chen Wenqiang smiled, noncommittal, but scolded secretly in his heart. These guys from the three-point meeting, what are they tossing, they were discovered by the government before they got into trouble, and they really want to be dead people in the government?

"One more thing." Li Zhun smiled bitterly and said: "Brother Chen also knows that Guangdong's finances are tight, and the governor is forced to have no choice but to collect the taxes of the people who moved to Qiong in advance-" Seeing that Chen Wenqiang suddenly turned his head to stare at him, Li Zhun had no choice but to continue to explain: "The matter of reducing taxes for two years is not canceled, but it will be implemented after two years, so it will be the same." ”

Chen Wenqiang laughed angrily, waved his hand vigorously, and said loudly: "The governor has a big throat, and whatever he says is what he says. But I said that many immigrants came for two years of tax exemption, and it didn't matter if the government went back on its word, but I couldn't afford to provoke a popular uprising. Also, the ocean-going steamers cruising the South China Sea are gone, and the money is gone, not a penny, and I have to use the money to appease the immigrants and make them call me less liars. After speaking, he turned around and strode away, and his voice drifted into Li Zhun's ears, "Lord Li is at his own convenience, and the next official is leaving." ”

Alas, Li Zhun stretched out his hand and stopped in mid-air, dumbfounded, and then chased after him quickly, "Lord Chen, Brother Chen, Wen Qiang, you have something to say, why bother?" ”

……………

"Damn*, it's hard to do something in China!" Chen Wenqiang threw his Panamanian-style straw hat on the table and sat down in the rattan chair, his nose was not his nose, and his face was not a face.

Wan Fuhua raised his head from the bookcase, looked at Chen Wenqiang, lowered his head to deal with official business, and asked unhurriedly: "I heard that Li Zhun is here, and I am still going to receive it, but I was sent away by you?" ”

"Fuck off." Chen Wenqiang snorted, "I exchanged dozens of broken guns for more than 10,000 yuan, agreed to set up a Guangzhou business group, and also pulled a shipload of coal for nothing." ”

"It's not for nothing, it's to give you face." Wan Fuhua didn't raise his head, and continued to ask: "The government is so virtuous, the sheep have not been fattened, so they want to pluck their feathers and eat meat. Yazhou is getting better and better, and it's really strange if you don't stretch out your hand. ”

Chen Wenqiang grinned disdainfully and said: "Qiongya Bingbei Dao wants to send patrol battalions to Yazhou and Wanning, and Zhang Renjun wants to collect taxes on immigrants in advance, saying that it will postpone the two-year reduction and exemption to be implemented later." ”

Wan Fuhua raised his head and frowned, "This is all unplanned expenses. And the immigration work has just gained momentum, so wouldn't it-" (To be continued. )