failed, what Yuan Shikai said was not military, but the general trend and people's hearts. Pen @ fun @ pavilion wWw. ｂｉｑUｇE。 ｉｎｆｏ

However, Chen Wenqiang was clever in his words, putting on the cloak of serving the country and the people for the military operations of the provisional government, and occupying the moral high ground.

Raising the border in the northwest and increasing troops in the northeast were originally two issues. Yuan Shikai just came up with a problem and threw the northwest to the provisional government to see how they dealt with it. Unexpectedly, Chen Wenqiang mixed the two together and launched an action in a grand manner in the name of protecting the country's territory and sovereignty, and under the pretext of preventing foreign enemies from taking advantage of the opportunity to interfere.

However, the Provisional Government shouted a high tune in the northwest of the frontier, which should have been the focus, but only sent a mixed association into Shaanxi, saying that it was the vanguard force, but in Yuan Shikai's view, it was taking the opportunity to expand its territory.

Blinded, or underestimated, or not at all. Yuan Shikai is reflecting, and his subordinates are also reflecting.

There must be many reasons for this! Yuan Shikai did not expect that the revolutionary army would develop so quickly, nor did he expect that the peace talks might just be a cover. Just after he was attracted by the president and overthrew the Qing court by raising thieves and forcing the palace by force, the revolutionary army had quietly expanded and expanded, stabilized most of the recovered provinces at an astonishing speed, and mobilized more manpower, financial and material resources than in the north.

In fact, this is Yuan Shikai's mistake. At first, the Provisional Government and Chen Wenqiang did not expect that the revolution would advance so quickly and smoothly. The North-South peace talks are an established plan, but as the situation changes, the strategy is being adjusted and the plan is also changing. Up to now, whether to let Yuan Shikai serve as president has been greatly shaken, which is mainly Chen Wenqiang's judgment and suggestion.

Although Yuan Shikai seems to have made a big concession, from his heart, he is not sincere. There will be repetitions in the future. What makes Chen Wenqiang the biggest unwilling is the difference between the economy of the north and the south, and it is really a headache to use the funds from the south to support the Yuan family's private army, and to have a war of words with Yuan for many expenses.

But does that mean a large-scale civil war? Chen Wenqiang doesn't think so. Suppressing people with power is his preferred means. Take control of the northeast and march to the northwest. The territory of Yuan Shikai in the north was compressed, making it financially embarrassed, difficult to support, and defeated without a fight. Such a goal is very promising, that is, the unification of the country by economic and political means.

If the Beiyang Army wants to fight, it will focus on defense, supplemented by counterattacks, which will not only consume its manpower and material resources, but also drag down its financial resources.

Historically, Yuan Shikai was supported by Britain and the United States and other powers. He is considered the most promising candidate to restore stability to China as soon as possible. But now, Chen Wenqiang's vertical and horizontal struggles, as well as his pro-American and pro-German tendencies, have broken this advantage of Yuan Shikai. At least in terms of the support of external forces, the provisional government was no weaker than Yuan.

Out of such comprehensive considerations, although the breakdown of the peace talks was not announced, Chen Wenqiang found an excuse to postpone the peace talks, and he set off by boat from Tianjin. Travel to Jinzhou Huludao.

"Mr. Xu, how did you talk to Lao Yuan?" Traveling with Chen Wenqiang was Xu Shichang. And Chen Wenqiang didn't ask, which really made Xu Shichang a little worried.

"As a friend, righteousness lies!" Xu Shichang first cleared it up, and then sighed: "With Wenqiang here, the provisional government is invincible." The Beiyang Army is already under strategic encirclement by your side, trapped in the land of Gyeonggi-"

"Mr. Xu. Why do you still talk about you? Chen Wenqiang smiled and interrupted: "We are now a family, and we are all officials appointed by the provisional government, and we are all responsible to the provisional government. Originally, the Provisional Government had decided to abolish the official post of Governor-General, but the situation in the north-east was exceptional. It is necessary to unify the arrangement and common development, and only then will Mr. be appointed to the important task of the governor. I am optimistic about Mr., please don't let Mr. go outside. ”

"Yes, yes, slip of the tongue, slip of the tongue." Xu Shichang hurriedly corrected and said: "Our strategic encirclement of the Beiyang Army has been formed, and according to the economic strength of the south, the development will definitely be faster than that of the north. With the navy in hand, the north may not be able to hold out for too long. Food alone is a big problem. ”

"I hope that Yuan can recognize the situation and correct his attitude. As long as he does not betray the country and does not stubbornly resist to the end, there is still a place for him in the provisional government. Chen Wenqiang's words have changed, and he will not mention the position of president.

"I also expressed this euphemistically to Yuan Xiangcheng." Xu Shichang was a little afraid of Chen Wenqiang, because some arrangements did not carry him behind his back, and he also believed in his own analysis and judgment, it was a certain thing that the provisional government would overwhelm the north, but it was only a matter of time.

"Full people can use it, let alone Yuan Xiangcheng!" Chen Wenqiang smiled and said: "Everyone has ambitions, this is not a bad thing, can you be self-motivated!" But ambition is not proportional to ability, or is beyond the acceptable range, and that is harmful to others and oneself. Yuan Xiangcheng overthrew the Qing court, but he still had merit; However, his thinking is outdated, and it is not suitable for the current international and social trends. The feudal system is outdated, and he should be soberly understood in this peace talks. ”

"Wen Qiang's methods, as well as this knife-like rhetoric, are indeed impressive." Xu Shichang said with emotion: "Xiang Cheng also has a lot of talents, but compared with Wen Qiang, he is far from being an opponent!" ”

"It can't be said that they are still immersed in the old era, and their ideas and methods are not adapted to the new political society." Chen Wenqiang paused and said: "In fact, among the entire Chinese population, there are still very few people who can understand that it is not the ordinary change of dynasty in history. The main thing is the lack of education, and it will take at least a decade, or even several generations, to reverse it. ”

"It is naturally important to open up the wisdom of the people." Xu Shichang groaned and said: "I thought of Mr. Zhuo Ru's "Juvenile China Says", ten years of work should make the current generation of teenagers enough to become talents, right? ”

"Youth is China's hope, but don't abandon others." Chen Wenqiang said while thinking: "The people of Pingtou do not have the desire to learn to read and write, but they are forced by life and have no energy and time. More consideration should be given to the Government, such as the organization of evening schools and literacy classes for women, so that those who wish to learn have the opportunity to be educated. I can learn a word in one day, and in five years, I will probably be able to read books and newspapers. In this way, the government's decrees and major national affairs can also be known to the ordinary people, and they can also understand the truth. Nations rise and fall. The husband is responsible. At this time of internal and external troubles, only by pooling wisdom and efforts can we rejuvenate the country. ”

"Wen Qiang's high opinion has benefited Xu a lot!" Xu Shichang complimented: "Running a school is expensive, and the coverage is only concentrated in the school-age group. If you follow Wen Qiang's method, the cost is less. It can be popularized again, which is really a unique way. ”

"I don't dare to be alone." Chen Wenqiang explained with a smile: "This is what I learned from the revolutionary army. When recruiting troops and expanding military strength in the southwest, it is natural that we cannot select and train new troops in the same way as the provinces can recruit educated recruits. Moreover, at that time, most of the people who joined the army were from poor families, so how many words could they read? In order to change the situation, the army, in addition to normal training, has an hour of cultural classes every evening, teaching them literacy and simple arithmetic. Half a year later. Add some knowledge of geography and history to broaden their horizons. Hehe, I'm just plagiarizing this too. ”

"I see." Xu Shichang is indeed the first time he has heard of it, and he has a feeling of sudden realization.

The rapid expansion of the revolutionary army naturally lowered the conditions for conscription on the surface, but they had a follow-up method of transformation. If we extend from the army, we can understand the eclectic strategy of the Provisional Government. The Manchus, the constitutionalists, the old Manchu bureaucrats, and so on, the provisional government may not be just a piece of paper to be used with confidence. There must be other measures, similar to raising the level of culture of soldiers. I am afraid that these officials will also need to be re-educated so that they will not be eliminated.

Thinking of this, Xu Shichang knew in his heart, and he also felt a little urgent. Whether it is the means of management or the implementation of decrees, I am afraid that he will also have to learn to adapt to the requirements of the provisional government. The old set. It must be out of place, and it will be disliked by the Provisional Government.

"The problem of funding is still tricky!" Chen Wenqiang smiled bitterly and said: "A hundred wastes are waiting to be revived, and money is used everywhere." If you want to resist foreign aggression, you must expand your armament; It is necessary to open up the wisdom of the people. education is to be established; To develop and build, it is necessary to invest a lot of money; There is also disaster relief, infrastructure construction, and so on. In addition to self-financing, borrowing is also unavoidable. ”

"Borrowing foreign debt is not an easy task." Xu Shichang shook his head lightly and said: "If the conditions are harsh, they will be scolded by the people, and the great powers are greedy, and it is difficult to fight for favorable conditions." ”

"This time, that time. The international situation is changing rapidly, and it is not necessarily impossible to obtain preferential loans through diplomacy and other means. Chen Wenqiang pondered for a moment and said, "I have been in contact with the great powers, and I have also figured out some methods. It is nothing more than pulling one side to reject the other, and taking advantage of the contradictions of the great powers to profit from it. ”

"It's easy to say, I'm afraid only you can do it!" Xu Shichang was very emotional, and humbly asked: "Regarding the Northeast and the Japanese, what is the strategy or general principle of the provisional government?" ”

Chen Wenqiang thought for a while and said: "The Japanese suffered great losses in the Russo-Japanese War and have not yet recovered. The main reason is financial difficulties, and it is difficult to make big moves. With Britain and the United States and other powers holding back, there is almost no possibility of acting alone. Therefore, if there is no mole response, the Japanese will not act rashly. Some people who are full of thieves who are not dead, such as the Zongshe Party, must be severely cracked down. The establishment of a new government is a change from the humiliating diplomacy of the Manchu Qing Dynasty. Although the strength is not enough, the momentum and spirit cannot be weakened. The rights and interests of the state must be vigorously fought for, and we must not be cowardly. Even if the power is not grasped and the rights and interests are lost, they will never form written materials so that they can be recovered when the power is strong in the future. ”

"I see." Xu Shichang nodded, this did not contradict what he did in the northeast, but the provisional government seemed to be tougher and more appreciative of the hardliners in the outside world.

……………

The landing of the revolutionary army in Jinxi at Huludao can be described as very smooth. Ma Longtan, the commander of the patrol battalion on the right side of the Xiliang secret faction, sent troops from Fengcheng to cooperate, and the revolutionary army landed ashore without a fight, drove into Jinzhou, and occupied this transportation hub.

At that time, Zhang Zuolin's Zhongqian Road Patrol Battalion and recruits were mixed into an association in Fengtian, and Feng Delin led the left road patrol battalion to get stuck in Shanhaiguan. The sudden action of the revolutionary army cut off Feng Delin's retreat at once, and with the cooperation of Xiliang and Ma Longtan, the situation in the northeast suddenly reversed.

In Mukden, in the name of deliberation, Xiliang summoned Lan Tianwei, Zhang Shaozeng and other officers of the Recruit Association to the Governor's Office to explain the situation and discuss whether to submit to the provisional government. The officers were for and against, and the quarrels were fierce, almost fist-to-fist. Xiliang watched coldly, noted down the opponents, and then suddenly called out the guards of the Supervision Office and arrested and imprisoned all the opponents. As a result, Lan Tianwei and others had the warrant of the governor Xiliang, and the middle and senior generals of the Beiyang system in the army were also taken into custody by Xiliang, and they were finally able to control the recruit association and compete with Zhang Zuolin.

Although Xiliang could not control the entire army, he had the name of the governor and was equivalent to the head of the administration of the three eastern provinces, and his orders still had a great effect. With the protection of the Recruit Association in Mukden, Xiliang immediately telegraphed the whole country, announced the liberation of the three northeastern provinces, and obeyed the orders of the provisional government.

After the revolutionary army occupied Jinzhou, it divided 2,000 troops to defend it, and the main force was under the leadership of Ma Longtan's department, using the collected carriage as the foot force, and rushed into Fengtian.

Zhang Zuolin received Xiliang's warrant, but he didn't want to obey it immediately, so he contacted Wu Junsheng, the commander of the Fengtianhou Road Patrol Battalion, and submitted a letter to Xiliang asking for a change in decision, while the whole army went out of Fengtian to meet the revolutionary army.

The enemy and our side launched a fierce battle in Liaozhong County, and Zhang Zuolin's patrol battalion, which was characterized by quick horses and quick guns, was bombarded by light and heavy machine guns and artillery of the revolutionary army, and the fierce general Tang Erhu was killed on the spot, and after the patrol battalion was defeated and retreated, it was pursued and killed by the cavalry of Ma Longtan's department, and suffered heavy losses. Seeing that the situation was not good, Wu Junsheng led his troops to retreat without a fight, returned to Fengtian, announced his obedience to Xiliang's order, and returned to Yizhi.

Fierce generals, elite, well-equipped, invincible. Ma Longtan, who witnessed the battle, was secretly glad that he had chosen the right camp and was envious of the combat power of the revolutionary army.

Different from the background of Feng Delin, Zhang Zuolin and others, and the academic cultivation of Wu Junsheng and others, Ma Longtan is known as a Confucian general. Although he was loyal to the Qing Dynasty, he also had a heart to save the country and love the people. The Qing Emperor abdicated, and Ma Longtan knew that the number of Qing Qi was exhausted, and he didn't want to be loyal to the end. In addition, due to the special history and geographical location of Fengcheng, where he was stationed, the situation was extremely complicated, and the situation was very unstable because of the running of revolutionaries and the movement of some stragglers in the name of revolution.

Ma Longtan also worried that Japan and Russia had always coveted the northeast, and if they took advantage of the gap to enter, the mountains and rivers of the motherland would be in danger of falling into the hands of foreign captives. Therefore, with the principle of protecting the whole country and taking pity on the country, he was on guard day and night, and worked hard to train the troops. At that time, many acquaintances were worried about his fate, but Ma Longtan completely ignored it, and wrote to his best friend, pouring out his heart: "Although there is wisdom, it is better to take advantage of the situation, although it is in the base, it is better to wait for the time." Although this is a principle through the ages, but I am a small person, it is difficult to determine the future and it is difficult to change the situation, but this heart has no second thought except to try its best to protect the people's safety. ”

............. (To be continued.) )