When it comes to the late Qing Dynasty, especially in the last decade, most people's minds think of how corrupt and incompetent the Qing rulers were, and how the revolutionaries made people's blood boil. Pen & Fun & Pavilion www.biquge.info

Of course, many people have the impression that revolution is more difficult than reform, because revolution takes the risk of losing one's head. But in reality, reform is not necessarily easy. Radical reformers often accuse the authorities of perfunctory deception and lack of sincerity, while stubborn old-fashioned reformers scold reforms for being too rash and unorthodox.

When reformers are caught in the middle, what kind of art does it take to balance left and right and push for reform?

Revolutionary martyrs are certainly admirable, but reformers who have contributed to the country cannot be ignored. After all, from the perspective of the ultimate goal, they have the same goal, and they are all for the strength of the country and the rejuvenation of the nation.

It is precisely in line with this line of thought and principle that Chen Wenqiang was able to get along with many Qing court officials and contribute to the revolution.

When Chen Wenqiang rushed to Guangzhou and saw Zhang Renjun again, nominally, he was no longer the governor of Liangguang. The old man in his sixties looked a little gloomy, but in the face of Chen Wenqiang, he still pretended to laugh.

The Qing court's response was swift, which shows the shock and anger at another fiasco, and the new governor of Liangguang, Yuan Shuxun, was already on his way to his post, and the disposition of Zhang Renjun was to return to his hometown, and he was not handed over to the ministry, which was quite lenient.

"The old man's recommendation has been approved by the imperial court." Zhang Renjun first sold a good thing to Chen Wenqiang, and then smiled meaningfully: "Lord Zhang Zhidong also recommended to the imperial court, and asked the imperial court to reuse it for you, and Yuan Xiangcheng also seconded the old man's performance." Wen Qiang, it seems that your reputation and talent are still quite favored by many ministers. ”

"Thank you for your cultivation and recommendation." Chen Wenqiang arched his hand. After a pause, he said: "Wen Qiang knows what to do, but without the help of your lords, I think it will be nothing." ”

Zhang Renjun was silent for a moment, sighed helplessly, and said, "This is also something that can't be helped. The accumulation of disadvantages is too deep and too many, and it cannot be changed in the short term! Fortunately, you are skilled in foreign affairs, and the people you meet are not pedantic. And the old man recommended you, and the reason why it can go so well in the imperial court, I think you can guess it. ”

"The Southwest Revolutionary Party was in turmoil, and the imperial court was anxious to calm down, but the finances were in difficulty. It can only depend on the place. Chen Wenqiang pursed the corners of his mouth, a little sarcastic, "The adult recommended Wen Qiang, Wen Qiang is grateful." But here and now, it's like roasting on a fire. ”

"Success is also Xiao He, defeat is also Xiao He." Zhang Renjun said in a deep voice: "If you can do your best to run a good errand, your achievements can catch up with Zeng, Hu, Zuo and other predecessors." If you can't—"

"If I can't do it, I'll go back to Qiongzhou and Shanghai. What can the court do to me? Chen Wenqiang joked, and when he saw Zhang Renjun's eyes wide, he shook his head with a wry smile. He continued: "Don't worry, my temper and character is either not to take it, and if I do, I have to do a good job. As for the military aspect, he is not the director of the lower officials, and it is difficult to comment on what it will be like in the end. ”

"Wu Luzhen's talent is there." Zhang Renjun groaned. said: "And he has a good relationship with you, right?" Let him do it well, this high-ranking official is not worried. If the rebellious party can be pacified, it is common for the history to leave a name. The war in the southwest will depend on him as a land commander in the future. ”

Chen Wenqiang hesitated for a moment and asked, "What about Master Li Zhun Li?" ”

"He's the Admiral of the Marines. Go and take care of his sailors! Zhang Renjun waved his hand and sighed, "The court has not committed a serious crime, and it is already extraordinarily gracious." Being able to leave the land of right and wrong in the southwest is also what he wants. ”

Chen Wenqiang naturally knew what was going on, but the revolutionary army just sent someone to secretly send a photo of Li Zhun's son in the Americas, which made him confused. I didn't dare to fight to the death, and the court surrendered when I retreated, which was really a dilemma. Now, although he has lost his position as commander of the patrol battalion and has lost the military power of the army, he does not have to suffer anymore.

"Or if there is no turmoil in the southwest, Li Zhun should have been ordered to inspect the open sea at this time." Zhang Renjun shook his head with a little regret, "It's a pity that money and materials are all consumed in the southwest now, and I don't know when I can make the trip." ”

On the basis of the idea of loyalty to the monarch and the protection of the country, Zhang Renjun dared to be righteous and awe-inspiring, and fought unremittingly against foreign powers to safeguard national sovereignty. Because he inspected Nanhai Zhudao on a warship when he was the governor of Liangguang, one of the islands and reefs in Nanhai Zhudao was named "Renjun Beach" as a commemoration. Li Zhun, the commander of the Guangdong Navy Division, led ships to inspect the Xisha Islands, raised flags and fired cannons, and erected stone monuments, which was also on his orders.

The British envoy in Beijing repeatedly reprimanded the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the soldiers under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strictly arrested the criminals and gave preferential treatment to the British doctors. The issue of arresting the right was really a loss of power and humiliation of the country, and as soon as the ministry telegraphed to the Cantonese people, they were in an uproar and asked the people to fight for this right back. Ren Jun played the book to the department, "The outside is not allowed first, and the whole of Guangdong is excited. Externally, we have struggled many times to achieve the goal of recovery, and the human horse is really powerful."

To be sure, Qing court officials such as Zhang Renjun and Li Zhun, who were historically regarded as enemies of the revolution, made great contributions to the state. For example, the data and charts of Li Zhun's inspection of Nansha and Xisha are still strong evidence that the offshore islands are China's sacred territory after a hundred years. And how many revolutionaries who have been admired and praised by history books have truly contributed to the country?

"Xia Guan heard that the Japanese had secretly occupied Dongsha Island, built a light railway for more than ten miles, and built a number of machines and factory houses, and it seemed that there could be no delay in patrolling the open sea and negotiating with Japan." Chen Wenqiang pondered for a while, and said angrily: "The lower officials have exterminated the pirates of Nanao and Raoping, and seized cloth, silk, tea cakes and other stolen goods, which can be sold to raise funds, so that Master Li can make the trip as soon as possible." ”

For the inspection of Haijiang, Chen Wenqiang had promised to help Li Zhun before, but later failed to fulfill it due to various reasons. Now, Li Zhun could hardly pose a threat to the revolutionary army, and Chen Wenqiang wanted to kill two birds with one stone, so that he could not only patrol the open sea, but also enable the Guangdong naval division to stay away from the southwest battlefield.

"You can understand righteousness so well, and you are not greedy or stingy, the old man is really pleased." Zhang Renjun stroked his beard, nodded and praised: "Lord Yuan took over as the governor of Liangguang, although he is a heavy official, but he is not an honest official - you can do it yourself!" ”

Zhang Renjun wanted to speak and stopped. just vaguely reminded Chen Wenqiang that Yuan Shuxun was going to take care of it, but it was not like him.

"Xia Guan understands." Chen Wenqiang smiled faintly and said sincerely: "Qiongzhou, Shanghai, where do you want to go." Wen Qiang can be arranged. ”

Zhang Renjun smiled, pretending to be free and easy: "When you are old, the leaves fall back to your roots, let's go back to my hometown to recuperate!" If you want to come out and walk around in the future, it's not too late to trouble you. ”

"Your Excellency is serious." Chen Wenqiang smiled and promised: "As long as the adult sends a telegram, Wen Qiang will arrange it properly, so why bother?" ”

"Now that you have many positions, you will inevitably be slandered. This mission is one of the things that he does well, and the relationship with the adults of Zhang Zhidong must also be maintained. Zhang Renjun taught earnestly: "Look at the old man." It was a matter of time before Zhang Nanpi became the center. You and Yuan Xiangcheng have no stakes, and these two people speak for you in the court, and they will act naturally smoothly. ”

"Does the imperial court want to take over the power of the place?" Chen Wenqiang asked tentatively.

"Checks and balances, power collection, both!" Zhang Renjun and Yuan Shikai are sons and daughters, and they are also well-informed people, and they have not been punished by the court this time, and it is estimated that someone in the court excused him.

"Isn't that contrary to local autonomy?" Chen Wenqiang frowned slightly.

"The old man knows that you are the backbone of the constitutionalists. What are you worried about? Zhang Renjun thought for a while and said, "The constitution and the parliament and other systems are naturally good. But it takes a long time to prepare, and if you go too fast, there will definitely be problems. The Consultative Bureau, local autonomy, and the imperial court still have to see how the implementation is going, and then make the next consideration. ”

Words to Zhang Renjun. Chen Wenqiang thought so. For an old China that is transforming into a modern country, there are too many things to do and preparation, and the difficulty can be imagined.

If it is moved step by step, such as the establishment of the Advisory Council and the Information Council, and the establishment of local self-government at all levels. Surveying the population and household registration, amending the legal code, popularizing universal national education, carrying out local and state tax reforms, preparing state budgets and final accounts, handling patrol police, cleaning up finances, holding a civil service examination system, establishing an official system, changing the flag system, determining the royal family funds, holding a royal ceremony, promulgating the House of Representatives, promulgating the House of Representatives Law and the Election Law, conducting elections, proclaiming the Constitution, and so on, cannot be completed in a decade or even decades.

But now we are facing major changes unseen in thousands of years, and there is no time to do this without hurry. The Manchu Qing had too many historical debts, and the reform was too late, and Chen Wenqiang already knew that revolution was imperative. Even if there is some turmoil, but the Qing court is not overthrown, with those mediocre people who are on the ground for food, it will not be able to put the country on the fast track of development in the shortest possible time. It is even more difficult for a government that is frightened by the foreign powers to safeguard the sovereignty, dignity, and territorial integrity of the country.

Seeing that Chen Wenqiang's face was a little unhappy, and he pondered and did not speak, Zhang Renjun said bitterly: "The old man is not against the constitution, but he believes that the constitutional system can be successfully realized only through the long-term preparation of endogenous conditions. For example, a series of constitutional enlightenments were carried out, including the development of local self-government, the establishment of modern education, the development of industry, and so on. Premature implementation of constitutionalism and expansion of political participation will only make the political differences with sharp contradictions public, and not only will they fail to unite the people, but will lead to the disintegration of the country and the chaos between the government and the people. ”

Zhang Renjun's words are to the point, and Chen Wenqiang also thinks that it is very reasonable, and it is obviously not objective to denounce Zhang Zhijun and other slow-moving factions as stubbornly conservative and even reactionary.

"What the lord said is indeed reasonable, and the lower officials will think about it in detail." Chen Wenqiang didn't want to discuss and argue with Zhang Renjun on this matter, so he changed the topic and said: "In the past, the War Department repeatedly urged the formation and training of the new army, and if there is no war in the southwest, it may be completed. But judging from the current situation, it is difficult to achieve the goal of making up a town inside and outside the year! ”

"Inside and outside the year, it is naturally not limited to this year." Zhang Renjun smiled bitterly and said: "The imperial court only cares about the Beiyang New Army, and the finances are tight, so the formation and training of the new army still has to be settled in Guangdong. As for you, do your best, and you don't have to worry too much. ”

Chen Wenqiang nodded and said: "The patrol battalion is unbearable, and it will be gradually reduced, which can save some food and salary; The elimination of bandits in the countryside can make the trade routes unimpeded and the local area tranquil, and the tax revenue will also increase. Encourage the establishment of industries, attract investment, and increase local prosperity and income; The atmosphere of officialdom is extravagant and the excessive spending should also be done by laying off employees and reducing salaries, and restricting the salaries of those who are poor......"

Political corruption and bribery were stubborn diseases of the Qing Dynasty. There have been a series of reports on such evil practices in the officialdom, but there are no decisive measures taken by the imperial court. There are even local celebrities who have different errands in charge of the new policy, often with a monthly salary of two or three hundred gold, and they spend a lot of money. Since Chen Wenqiang wants to contribute funds, he has to open up sources and reduce expenditure.

Zhang Renjun sighed secretly, he knew something about Chen Wenqiang's temperament, since it was said that layoffs and salary cuts would definitely be implemented, and they would be resolute. However, if the chronic disease must be eliminated, it is inevitable that there will be many complaints in the officialdom and too many enemies.

"The accumulated evils in officialdom must be eliminated." Zhang Renjun tactfully persuaded: "Yuan Shuxun also implemented a similar policy in Shandong, but it was not implemented to the end, and the effect was not significant. There are even those who are laid off and can't support their families and commit suicide by giving opium to their whole family, which can be described as full of complaints. This should not be careless. ”

Chen Wenqiang was stunned for a moment, such a thing was really unknown to him. After thinking for a moment, he arched his hand to Zhang Renjun and said, "Thank you for reminding me, the lower officials will definitely be cautious and not let such things happen." ”

"The old man heard that the imperial history has repeatedly reported the embezzlement of Yuan Shuxun, and I heard that he set up a doorman, and he is a bureaucrat and a jin, and those who have not accepted the door bag have not been faced; He still appoints private individuals and falsely reports his performance. Zhang Renjun frowned, and said worriedly: "You must be patient and don't conflict with its top." ”

This is a word of concern, Chen Wenqiang hurriedly nodded in agreement, but he didn't think so. Although Yuan Shuxun is the governor of Liangguang, how many foundations does the new official have? He now has the help of Wu Luzhen, the land commander, and the police force in his hands, wearing many hats, and his foundation is solid, even if Yuan Shuxun is a strong dragon, it is difficult to suppress him.

"Yuan Shuxun is quite positive about the constitution, and the two of you may be able to live in harmony because of this." Zhang Renjun reminded Chen Wenqiang again, and also wanted to use this to reduce Chen Wenqiang's resistance, "I still support local autonomy in Shanghai, and I have been in contact with you, right?" ”

"I've had a side of it." Chen Wenqiang smiled slightly and said, "My lord, don't worry, the lower officials have their own measure, and the custody envoys do a good job, and they don't have enmity and grudges with the upper officials." ”

Zhang Renjun was suspicious, but there was no other way, so he had to explain again, accepted a bill of exchange from Chen Wenqiang, and ended this long conversation.

…………… (To be continued.) )