1908 Far East Maniac Chapter 213 Kawachu Salt Capital

The archway made of bamboo stands tall on the pier. There are some flowers floating on it. In the center is a wooden gold plaque. There are eight big block letters written on it: Beginning with the people. Long live the Republic.

A few lion dancers under the archway are shaking their heads vigorously. Lion dancers walk to the beat of drums. Up and down. Left and right. All of them are jīng, and they are shaken. The wrestler belt tied around his waist hung down more than two feet long. Almost on the calf. Dangle with your steps. Particularly eye-catching.

Singing. Gongs and drums beat. There are also a few natives with thin waist drums hanging next to the scene. The small pier seems to have become a temple fair. Man to man. Shoulder to shoulder. They all craned their necks and looked out over the river. Unconsciously moving forward. If it weren't for the soldiers who maintained order, they would still be competent. I'm afraid quite a few people are already swimming in the river.

In the midst of the noisy drumming. A long fleet sailed over. At the head was a steamer emitting black smoke. Behind is a wooden boat with an antique sè. The small steamer dropped anchor not far from the dock. Sailors untie the cables. Dozens of strong men shouted trumpets to prop up long poles. Docked the wooden boat to the dock

The people who had been waiting at the dock for a long time poured forward like a flood. Hit the thin jǐng cord. A few soldiers were almost squeezed into the river. In a hurry, I don't wield the wooden stick butt in my hand. Greeting the people without a head. This stopped the impulsiveness of the people.

Can you not be impulsive? It wasn't any ordinary civilian ship. It was a serious official ship. It's called "Horse Gate Boat". Vermilion lacquered awning. The Chuanyang Bridge is inserted with a tall tablet. There is one above the canopy. There are big official titles of the old men who are fighting officials, and they hang above it. Usually hug before and after traveling. There are pickpocket boat escorts, and the style is extraordinary. Full of official authority. Before the Qing Dynasty. Although this kind of official ship is seen everywhere. But it is rare to see a Mamen boat like the governor of Sichuan. Especially in this southern Sichuan area, it is no wonder that the people have come to see the excitement.

However, the current official ship has no official authority to go to rì. Not only did there be no stilt on the ship. There is no official rank in the bucket. Only a red flag was hung at the top of the pole. There are four golden characters in the book: Iron and Blood Republic.

This and the military flag of the army. And the passengers in this wooden ship are also high-ranking officials of the Republican Army, and the soldiers in charge of order at the head are all soldiers of the Republican Army. Here Fushun County. Next to the Tuojiang River, known as "Zhongshui". Because of the abundance of well salt. The rich party. It has always been one of the most wealthy counties in southern Sichuan. In the past, there was a "Jin Wei." Yin Fushun". After the discovery of the salt cliff well in the second and fourth years of Guangxu. The "Jin Wei" method is outdated. "Yin Fushun" also became "Jin Fushun". Because the artesian well is under the jurisdiction of Fushun County. Salt profits are also shared with profits. Rong County in the west is not as rich as Fushun. But it is also the salt capital of Sichuan. The tribute salt there is also famous far and wide. Fushunrong County is also collectively known as "Furong Field". Salt merchants. The atmosphere of the silver trumpet is flashy, and the number is "Yangzhou in Sichuan".

The salt tax accounts for the bulk of the fiscal revenue. In Sichuan, it is even more so, such as the twenty-seventh year of Guangxu. Sichuan Province earns 17 million taels of silver a year, and the salt tax alone reaches 6 million taels. Of the six million taels of silver, the salt tax from Fushunrong County accounted for ninety percent. This shows the importance of the position of Fueichang. It is no wonder that the governor of Sichuan wants to put down heavy troops here. In order to control Sichuan's financial resources.

Since the communist army swore in the west. The area around Fushunrong County has become a large barracks. In order to raise military spending. Zhao Erxun, the governor of Sichuan, scraped wildly. It is called "Helping to Raise Kou". Not only did the salt tax increase. And they are peddling tops. Almost overnight, everyone in Fushun Salt Merchant put on their official hats. The lowest is also a four-grade Taoist. Give away the silver of the white flowers. The red top is back to the house. That's how the government slaughtered the grass people. It's not okay if you don't donate officials. That's called "rebellion." There is no ambiguity in killing the head and stealing the house. At this point. The government has always been very efficient.

The government's oppression is only one aspect. What's even more of a headache for businessmen is. The soldiers of the Qing Dynasty who were rampaging through the streets were not inferior to those officials and old men at all. They can't sell officials. But it is possible to "sell" foreign guns. Groups of three or five sat down in the salt shop. What "old sleeve", "thirteen pushes", "marley box", "single ringing hair". The guns slammed down on the counter. Just one sentence: "To buy or not to buy?" "You can scare the shopkeeper out of the air. It is not possible to buy. If you don't have an official license, you are secretly hiding weapons. Treated as bandits. If you don't buy it, you can't do it Everyone knows that being a soldier is a big fire. One accidentally misfired. The unlucky ones are the salt merchants. Thereupon. It can only be said and discussed. Each soldier was sent out for a few taels of silver. It can also be regarded as a little filial piety for the "brave soldiers".

Under double squeezing. The salt doesn't say anything. In his heart, he was all worried that the revolutionary army would kill quickly. Liberate the people from hanging upside down. Save the business from fire and water. The IRA is said to protect businessmen and support industry. If only let them preside over the situation. In any case, it is cheaper than calling a miscellaneous team to pick it up.

The salt merchants are looking forward to the stars. Finally, I am looking forward to the news of Chengdu's recovery. Immediately afterwards, the news came that Zhao Erxun was anyway. Even the governor of Sichuan surrendered to the revolutionary army. What confidence does Fushun's garrison have to resist to the end?

The salt merchants were on the move. The advance team of the army marched south to persuade him to surrender by letter. Coupled with the military pressure of the 1st Division of the Republican Army, which was concurrently heading south. So it only took a few days. Most of the Fushun Qing army cut their braids. It's a change of flag. He announced his entry into the revolutionary camp. Only a few reinforcements from Yunnan and Guizhou fought to the end. On the day of the braiding, there was a mutiny. Looting in the market and returning with a full load. Rolled up the dragon banner and retreated to the south. No, they can't run back. Guizhou is now the world of the Communist Advancement Association. These mutinous forces were either eliminated. Or fall into the grass.

Fushun changed the day of the banner. Rong County also changed flags. The county elects representatives. to contact the Republican Army Southern Expeditionary Team. After counting rì. The iron-blooded republican flag fluttered at the head of Fushun City. As the commander of the advance team. Bai Wenwei, commander of the First Division, completed the integration and reorganization of the Qing army's anyway troops with extremely high efficiency. When the situation is fully controlled. He unhurriedly sent a telegram to the commander-in-chief in Chengdu. It was announced that the south of Sichuan was decided.

The day the telegram was received. Zhao Bei decided to make the next trip in person. Regard Fushun. To appease the people, this trip to the south was born.

Zhao Bei led the special operations battalion and the jǐng guard battalion. Escorted by an infantry regiment, he sailed down the Min River. Directly to the Yangtze River and then down the river to the east. Over Yibin. Creek. in the state. After a short rest, the fleet sailed upstream along the Tuojiang River. The ship of the Sichuan Governor at the wharf of the Dafushun Official Transport Bureau was brought by Zhao Bei. But it wasn't his idea. It's the meaning of blue sky. I just want to use this ship to tell the Fushun gentry. The Qing Dynasty is finished. Everyone can be a good citizen of the republic with peace of mind.

Thanks to the efforts of the boatmen, the ship docked. The sound of firecrackers just "crackled". Under the guidance of Bai Wenwei. A group of gentry representatives stepped forward in full costume. Greet the one who is so famous

Cause. A group of coolies also carried the red carpet from the official transportation bureau to catch up with the blanket and lay it out carefully.

The springboard of the boat was erected. An officer on the dock who was in charge of maintaining order shouted: "Stand up! Salute! ”

"Wow! Wow! ”

The soldiers raised their guns in salute. Keep your eyes on the boat. Even the soldiers and servants who were still scolding the people turned their heads to look at the boat.

Several guards with short guns at their waists stepped onto the gangplank. A few steps ashore. It is lined up left and right on the side of the red carpet. Tiger eyes like torches. Facing the outer jǐng ring. Meanwhile. The ship's machine gun also moved slowly. Faintly pointing to the crowd where the sāo movement is occurring.

A moment later. A young officer of equal stature stepped onto the gangplank, smiling, and leading several staff officers to the dock. Behind him were a few people dressed in long shirts and hats.

The gentry hurriedly greeted them with their hats and bowed. One person whispered: "The people of Shunqi County meet the commander-in-chief." The commander-in-chief Wan Jin's body is tireless. went far to appease the Li people. He is indeed a role model for officials. Li Min Savior: "These words have been discussed by them a long time ago. Even this bow was practiced all night. Don't wait for him to finish. saw Wen Wei who was standing on the side coughing. Take a step forward. Salute to the young officer who had just walked the springboard: "Bai Wenwei." Met the Chief of Staff! ”

Staff officer? Not the Director-General? All the gentry present looked at each other. Cautiously look up. But he saw that the young officer was raising his hand and saluting.

Bai Wei put down his hand. "What about the commander-in-chief?" he asked. ”

The official glanced at everyone with a slight face. "The commander-in-chief will go ashore downstream," he said. Now I'm afraid I'm just wandering around Fushun City. ”

Everyone was stunned. I heard Bai Wenwei say again: "Everyone. This Chief of the General Staff of our Republican Army, Chief Lan. In order to recover China. Expelled the Tartars. He also worked hard. ”

The gentlemen hurriedly bowed. Lan Tianwei said, "Master Bai." The words "expelling the Tartars" will not be said in the future, and now it is a republic of five tribes. Your words are a bit outdated. It's not good for unity. Both Rì himself and the Russians want to make up their minds about this. We can't tell the truth. ”

There was a pause. Only then did he clasp his fists to the crowd: "Contemptible blue sky." Come with the Commander-in-Chief. Unfamiliar with life. I also hope that all the old gentlemen will brush it more. ”

"How dare you. How dare you. ”

Everyone hurriedly bowed. Since the Republican Army marched into Fushun. The resolute principle of doing things has convinced everyone. Such as Fushun. Not only are the stragglers no longer visible. Even the bandits in the vicinity did not dare to come and watch anymore. Several armed forces under the banner of the "People's Army" were also unceremoniously driven to Jiangdong. The chaotic scene after Gengzi has finally changed a little.

"This is Fu Hua Feng Fu Committee. Although now he is only a member of the Chamber of Commerce. However, I have done salt law before. If this were to be put in the past. I'm afraid that everyone should be greeted by this Master Fu. ”

Lan Tianwei teased. While introducing the attachés who followed to everyone.

"Chief of Staff. Next: It's ready. Do you want to go now? The supper has also been ordered. According to the meaning of the commander-in-chief. Hold a banquet at the official sports bureau. The commander-in-chief should also send someone to contact him quickly. Fushun has just recovered. There are still a few more hostile elements lurking. It should be prudent. Bai Wenwei said.

"Rest assured. Zhu Daniu's special operations battalion. There are also Tian Jinfu's jǐng guard camps, all of which are followed by masters. Ordinary bandits. The commander-in-chief really won't take it seriously. We won't go to this place for the time being. Go to Fushun County. The commander-in-chief made an appointment. If it's not far from him. Let's meet right there. ”

Lan Tianwei waved his hand. Pointing forward. said: "The revolutionary enthusiasm of the people here is very high. Many of them are salt workers? ”

"Chief Lan said yes. About forty percent of the people of Fushun work in the salt industry. If you count the ship's ship, the ship's man, the porter, the porter, and the scaleman of the salt ship. Seven chéngrén eats directly on salt. If you count those who eat indirectly on salt. Ninety percent of the people of Fushun are counting on the well salt to live. A salt merchant nodded and said

The "salt capital" in Sichuan "lives up to its name. "Lan Tianwei is very interested. Legs just go. "The commander-in-chief said. It is necessary to be sensitive to the feelings of the people. Walk. Let's go talk to the salt workers. ”

At the same time, Lan Tianwei was interested in the salt workers to inquire about the details of the salt industry and make a pro-people gesture. Republican Army Commander-in-Chief Zhao is doing the same thing. The difference. He wasn't sloppy with the salt merchants on the docks. It's a light car and simple to follow. With only a few dozen agile special operations battalion fighters and jǐng guards. Wearing a long cedar and a melon skin hat. Be a businessman dressed up. The face was still plastered with dog skin plaster.

The commander-in-chief paid a private visit. The crowd did not fail to fight the 120,000 points of the gods. Don't dare to be sloppy in the slightest. There were a total of two battalions that accompanied Zhao Bei to the shore. Most of them, though, stopped at the foot of the mountain. Only a few people changed into civilian clothes and followed Zhao Bei up the mountain. People don't have short waists. On top of the fire. The captain of the guard, Tian Jinfu, led a few people to open the way. Zhu Daniu, commander of the special operations battalion, followed Zhao Bei's action. Acts as a personal shield.

It is not far from Fushun County. Standing on the mountainside, you can see the city wall. There is a fire temple at the top of the mountain. Dedicated to the god of fire. The fire temple is not only the jīng god sustenance of the salt workers. It is also the place where the salt industry guild is located. Sichuan salt is boiled salt to make salt. When there are many fire wells. It is inexpensive to use fire wells to cook salt. Enough for a price war with sea salt. The so-called "fire well" is actually a natural gas well. This flammable and explosive gas was not only a means of survival for the salt workers of this era, but also a murder weapon to send people to the door of ghosts. A prudence is the tragedy of the destruction of the well and the death of people. So. The incense of this fire temple has always been prosperous. No one dared to slow down the ethereal fate.

Some time ago, the battle in central Sichuan was in full swing. The salt industry in the Fushun area has withered for a while. In addition, the Yangtze River waterway is almost cut off. Sichuan salt is not selling well. The salt in each salt field has been closed and extinguished. Salt workers are mostly unemployed at home. Things to do. The incense in this fire temple is even more vigorous. The salt workers came from here with the old and the young. From the foot of the mountain, I hold incense sticks. Almost one step at a time, it was moved to the top of the mountain. Religious, almost insane. Pheasant pig's head fine noodles white rice...... These good people who can't even give up eating are also moving to the temple in one go. Not for anything else. Just to pray for the peace of the world. Salt well harvest.

All the way from the foot of the mountain. The commander-in-chief and his entourage came up almost in the eyes of everyone. In the opinion of the salt workers. Those who go up the mountain don't kowtow. But he didn't even bring incense. Such people are not thrown down the mountain on the spot. It's already a noble hand―――――― of course. Zhao Bei thanked the group of guards around him. They don't have their fists, arms, and tall bodies. I'm afraid that one of his little clerks who crossed over would have been thrown down the mountain by this group of foolish men and women.