Chen Wenqiang shook his head, disagreed, and said: "Perhaps, but you should understand our national feelings, and leave a Manchu to continue to carry the crown, which is unacceptable to most people." Pen? Interesting? Pavilion wWw. ｂiquge。 Moreover, you talked about China's national conditions, and I must explain my views here. The so-called 'China's national conditions' is a strange circle, and the more we adapt to it, the more stubborn it will become, and it will be so stubborn that it will reject all changes, so being too rigid about reality is doomed to failure. ”

After a pause, Chen Wenqiang continued: "Therefore, instead of passively adapting to the national conditions, it is better to bravely and actively transform it and make it a suitable soil for the growth of a democratic republic." I do not want to deny that the democracy practiced by the Provisional Government is ridiculed as meritocracy, a game played by people with money and knowledge. But they should also be aware of the efforts being made by the Interim Government towards a truly democratic politics. For example, in England, when the Magna Carta was first enacted, wasn't it also aristocracy? In the United States, for example, the electorate has also been expanding over the years. There is a step-by-step process for everything, and the key is to move forward firmly and stubbornly. ”

"Interesting argument, isn't it?" With sincere appreciation on his face, Morrison said, "I can't wait now, what kind of surprise will Guangzhou bring me?" ”

"I can't guarantee that." Chen Wen emphatically said: "If you can see the pilot election of village chiefs that has begun in Guangdong, it will probably surprise you. ”

"The interim government has indeed made a number of surprising moves, especially the bold and ingenious diplomatic twists, which are very remarkable." Morrison praised from the bottom of his heart: "Although the price has been paid, it seems worth it for a weak country now." ”

"The helpless move of a weak country can only try not to damage the country's sovereignty and interests." Chen Wenqiang smiled bitterly and said, "Excuse me, if it is Yuan Shikai." Can he do better? ”

"I'm afraid not." Morrison replied very honestly: "His vision is not as big as yours, and he has spent a lot of money over the years, but it is only to bribe the relatives and nobles of the Manchurians, and give generous gifts to his old subordinates." Unlike you, the layout is far-reaching. However, in the end, the Beiyang Army is a strong army in China. If the provisional government can be brought back, wouldn't it also be very beneficial to strengthen the national strength? ”

"The Beiyang Army is actually just a private army, and it has no idea of fighting for the country and the people and the will to fight to the death. Its strength is only on the surface, and if it does not have sophisticated weapons and sufficient food, its troops will be chaotic without a war. From this point of view, they are fighting for someone, for money, and such an army is only slightly superior to bandits. Chen Wenqiang said a little lightly: "Of course, if they are willing to surrender anyway." Accept the transformation, and the Provisional Government is welcome. But if they want to rely on their own soldiers, I am afraid they have made a mistake. ”

"This may delay your control of the country, should you be more lenient and unify the country as soon as possible?" Morrison suggested.

"Perhaps, but it's a dialectical question." "Compromise and concession are necessary, but they are not unlimited and unprincipled, and we must try not to leave a dangerous powder keg in the future," Chen explained. So that the stability of the country can be long-lasting. It's a question that doesn't quite explain which one works better. And only time will tell. ”

"Can you tell me, what is the bottom line of the provisional government?" Morrison asked persistently: "In other words, what extent does the Beiyang Army need to be accepted in order to be accepted?" ”

"It's simple." Chen Wenqiang stretched out a finger and said, "Understand what are his obligations and responsibilities as a real national soldier?" The most basic. They should know what to fight for, whether it is for personal interests, for the interests of small groups, for money, or for the belief in defending their homeland and country. ”

"I see." Mo Lixun nodded, the Beiyang Army, as Yuan Shikai's private army, was a thing that the provisional government was quite afraid of.

Actually, this is also very understandable. The position of the president is vacant in the provisional government, but it is quite worried about whether Yuan Shikai will use force to carry out **** or strike at revolutionaries in the future. To this end, the provisional government must do a lot of work in advance, and Yuan Shikai must make great concessions.

"So, what does the Provisional Government think of the recent media attacks on Mr. Jurdian?" Morrison then added, "Many people believe that these statements were initiated by the Provisional Government, which is extremely dissatisfied with Mr. Jurdian. ”

"As Minister to China, Mr. Zhu Erdian's every move represents the policy and intentions of the British Empire, and because of this, he should be cautious about his actions." Chen Wenqiang said in a deep voice: "But since the revolution, the Revival Society and even the Provisional Government have not felt the slightest friendship expressed by Mr. Zhu Erdian, but only a cold chill. Here, I wish to convey to Mr. Zhu Erdian, through Mr. Morrison, that it is extremely wrong not to regard the Provisional Government in the same way as the Manchu Government. ”

Morrison's feelings towards China are very complicated: on the one hand, as a British imperialist colonizer, he instinctively thinks and acts from the standpoint of imperialism; On the other hand, as a journalist who has not lost his conscience, he also strives to help the Chinese government out of the political and economic crisis. Therefore, when he heard Chen Wenqiang's explanation, he hurriedly shook his head to defend Zhu Erdian: "I think there is a misunderstanding, Mr. Zhu Erdian has no such thoughts." ”

"It is a pity that Mr. Zhu Erdian's actions have given the Provisional Government such an extremely bad impression and judgment." Chen Wenqiang said solemnly: "The purpose and demand of our revolution are known to people all over the world, to overthrow the decadent, ****, brutal, and traitorous Manchu government and build an independent, peaceful, prosperous and strong country. As for Mr. Zhu Erdian, he ignored the pure wishes of all the Chinese people and still imposed on the provisional government the means used by the Manchu Qing government, which could not but arouse the anger of the revolutionaries throughout China. Will the new government that we have established at any cost, throwing away our heads, spilling our blood, and at any cost, be as weak and incompetent as the Manchu government, the same loss of power and humiliation of the country, and the same shamelessness of betrayal? In the end, Chen Wenqiang seemed to have escaped from anger.

Morrison was shocked and admired at the same time. Revolutionaries really have the spirit of treating death as if they were at home for the sake of their ideals and dying without mercy. Moreover, as the tide of revolution deepens, more and more people will have this spirit, and this tremendous power can be seen from the recent negotiations with the Netherlands.

It is not so much that the Netherlands made huge concessions because it wanted a piece of the oil field pie, but because of the fierce emotions of the Chinese people and the dilemma that Dutch companies in China are facing eviction and suspension of production. The Provisional Government has found a good soft plow. A very practical warning was given to other countries.

And the first-come, first-served, expired economic policy is hugely attractive to countries that are eager to export capital. However, this policy also cleverly makes Japan and Russia both financially difficult and unable to invest in China on a large scale. It is also the exclusion of China's most vicious enemies, which in disguise weakens their influence in China.

Of course, Morrison did not see it so deeply, but he was still amazed by the ingenuity of the Provisional Government's diplomatic breakthrough methods. In the face of the expanding influence of the United States and Germany in China, Britain and France will certainly be forced to make policy adjustments.

Japan will also realize that open military intervention in China will not only be limited by its own financial difficulties and other conditions, but will also be intolerable to other powers. In particular, the Second Anglo-Japanese Treaty of Alliance is about to expire, and Japan cannot but carefully consider Britain's attitude toward China. So. Now that China's enemy is only Russia, the only enemy to be considered, the pressure has been greatly reduced.

However, will economic means alone be enough for the powers to put away their dirty hands and switch to treating the Provisional Government equally? Morrison remained skeptical.

……………

Homer triumphantly pointed to the ironclad train parked on the railroad tracks and explained to Chen Wenqiang, a sickly flush appeared on his pale face.

The first ironclad train to appear in the history of military operations was indeed a rudimentary model of steam locomotive used to fight against cavalry during the American Civil War in 1861-1865. After years of development, that simplicity no longer exists, and the degree of solidity and firepower are not the same.

And the ironclad trains made by the revolutionary army are compared with those equipped with other powers. It's still a modified type, and it's a little rough. Steam locomotives and combat trains were reinforced by iron plate welding. Resisting bullets is no problem. The steam locomotive was located between the combat trains, the coal and water wagons were facing the enemy, and the locomotives were equipped with communication equipment and firing command equipment.

Each combat train was converted from a freight car and was armed with four to six machine guns, with a platoon of fighters, and the cars were rigidly connected. To facilitate the passage of light rail through the railway segment.

"It's a pity that the time is too short, and we have to use existing materials to retrofit." Homer lamented: "A normal ironclad car should have a rotating turret, and the carriage is specially built and unusually strong. ”

"It's already very good." Chen Wenqiang held Homer's hand and said gratefully: "You don't care about your physical pain. We will never forget our most sincere feelings for the Chinese revolution. ”

Homer smiled, pointed to the ironclad train and said: "Go to Beijing, plant the banner of victory in the Forbidden City, I have witnessed the birth of the republic, but I want to see you get the most complete victory." ”

"You'll see, but until then, you should follow the doctor's instructions." Chen Wenqiang said worriedly: "I know that the doctor warned you that you might die because of this long journey, but you did not listen. You should stay in Guangzhou to recuperate, your illness can only be cured by Chinese medicine, you must believe me. ”

"But—" Homer said with a bitter face, "the potion he made is really bitter, but I trust you and obey your arrangement, but please allow me to stay here to recuperate, and allow me to watch the battle from the front." My old friend, you won't refuse to accept this little request, will you? ”

Chen Wenqiang gently hugged this respectable little man, although Homer was physically deformed, he once said: All great careers are carved out of the sword, and my career is the same, I want to carve my career with the sword. For this guy who admires the English poet Byron and "regards China as his own Greece", it is not too much to meet his little request.

Boons watched all this with a smile on his face, and as the secret plenipotentiary of the American Bethlehem Steel Company, he couldn't help but be happy. The contract had been signed and he had gotten what he needed.

With the support of the U.S. military, Bethlehem will build a military port and shipyard for China in Sanya, Hainan, which is a big deal and exciting news for Bethlehem, which has too much excess capital.

At the same time, the Rockefeller Corporation, which is under antitrust investigation in the United States and faces a breakup, has also found overseas investment places for its own funds. Therefore, they will be pleased to provide a complete set of oil production and refining equipment for the construction of Shaanxi Yanchang Oilfield by China.

As for the deputy director of the Bethlehem Iron and Steel Company, he was still wandering around Fujian with great interest in accordance with the plan of the provisional government, pretending to negotiate with government officials, and Mobil was also loudly touting a joint venture plan with the Chinese side to carry out an oil well extension in Shaanxi.

All of these have attracted the attention of Japan. In the end, of course, Japan's constant protests and threats will have an effect, the non-existent plan to build the Mawei shipyard will be cancelled, and the Shaanxi extension will be built solely by China. This compromise by the Provisional Government will also force Japan to make certain concessions in other areas.

Through a bluff and with the cooperation of the United States, the Provisional Government put the Japanese dwarfs together.

What floats on the surface is often not the truth, or not the whole truth.

Germany is committed to comprehensive Sino-German cooperation with extraordinary enthusiasm. The patent of the diesel engine and the technology of the Krupp light artillery were transferred to the Chinese side free of charge, and the Sino-German joint venture Huafei-Benz Automobile Company was established in Shanghai. 100 75mm tube-repelled guns and 100,000 rounds of shells as gifts will be loaded and shipped soon.

The United States is not far behind, and the appointment of Reinsch as minister to China is widely regarded by the outside world as a sign of a change in US policy toward China. Subsequently, the establishment of a Sino-US joint venture overseas oil company was announced, and after the Chinese side ceded part of its shares, the United States provided 50,000 M1903 rifles at an extremely favorable price and presented the drawings. Subsequently, the Longteng-Ford Motor Company was established in Guangzhou, and the gasoline internal combustion engine tractor manufacturing company founded by Holt signed a cooperative agreement with the Chinese side to set up a factory, and the site of the factory was selected as Changsha.

"We are powerless to change these facts, and the Imperial Government is putting more and more pressure on me, and the tone of the instructions is getting more and more severe." Zhu Erdian said to Yuan Shikai helplessly: "Now, everyone can see very clearly that no one can stop the rise of the revolutionary party, and no one wants to offend a government that is about to take power." Unless——, of course, you know it's impossible. (To be continued.) )