1908 Far East Maniac Chapter 175 to the Banquet

The afterglow of rì vanished into the sky. Darkness opens and shrouds the great. The noise was over, and Hankow finally quieted down. Rising with the starlight of the night sky. It's the street lamps on the streets of the concession. As an open port. Electric light has long been popularized in the Hankou Concession. The British, the French, and the Russian themselves set up electricity in the concession. Bringing this new energy source to China.

Compared to the light in the concession. Hankow Huajie is like another world, don't talk about street lights. Even there are few oil lamps. It's coming up in the morning. Most of the families have gone to bed. The few homes that have not turned off the lights can hear the "click" of the loom. However, the price of homespun cloth is very cheap now. There are not many people left who can continue to weave to make a living. Moreover, the cotton thread used is also foreign yarn purchased from the yarn factory. In total darkness. A group of heavily armed cavalry came from the pontoon bridge that connected Hankow to Hanyang. Everyone was armed with torches. Jǐngti's gaze swept around. The hooves "of" slowly move forward. A moment later. Another group of riders came from the pontoon. The first man was dressed in a military uniform. Pedal riding boots. He wears a plain hat with a large brim. On the belt of arms hung a silver shining saber. Not someone else. It was the commander-in-chief of the Republican Army, Zhao Bei, the governor of Hubei.

This time the night passed. Not to inspect the army. It's for the feast.

The dinner was organized by the Federation of Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs in Germany. In addition to German businessmen in China, the banquet was held. Some of the Chinese compradors who served the district foreign firm in Wuhan also came. Furthermore. There are also a lot of prominent figures in the Chinese business community in Wuhan. Of course. Among all the guests. Zhao Bei was the tallest among the Chinese - the guests were on time for the banquet. He rushed back to Wuhan from Huangzhou yesterday and was eight o'clock this evening. He left the headquarters at seven o'clock. Led the guards to Hankow.

Although it was to go to a banquet. It's to fight. But the general order is out on patrol. The people below did not dare to be careless, except for the guards battalion who followed the commander-in-chief this time. There is also a cavalry regiment under the Dúlì Cavalry Brigade. Before the commander-in-chief crossed the river. The cavalry regiment was already on guard in Hankow. The intersections were also guarded by Republican soldiers at gunpoint. In order to prevent an emergency, even the ranks of the people who had organized to besiege the concession were temporarily stopped.

Only a very small number of officers of the rank know. There are no military exercises in Hankow tonight. There was only one lavish banquet.

There's nothing wrong with being careful. After all, the division is the future of an army. Let alone. Judging from the information transmitted back by those few eyeliners in the Han jǐng world. Rì himself has been on a frenzied quest for information about the Commander-in-Chief lately. It must be raised.

For the safety of the commander-in-chief. Even the point of the dinner was set in the Chinese community. Rather than renting from Germany, this was certainly due to the fact that the Republican forces could not enter the concession. But it was also the initiative of the Germans, because the former Germans did not yet want to establish formal official ties with the Republican Army. Although Yuan Shikai is moving closer to the British. But it seems that there is still room for wooing. As for the side of the Republican Army. Liaison through the Chamber of Commerce seems to be a good option. Less can gag the mouth of the British.

It's called "two-headed betting" though the Germans carve. But not stupid. After all, Yuan Shikai represents the central authority of a country. And the IRA is just a powerful faction.

The dinner was held at the Liujia Garden outside the Xunli Gate of the Han Dynasty. Right next to the back lake. It is separated from the British Concession and the Russian Concession to the east by only one railway embankment. The location is a bit remote, but it is very quiet, without the hustle and bustle of the city.

Under the escort of guards and cavalry. Zhao Bei quickly crossed the roadbed and saw the brightly lit Liu Family Garden from afar. There have long been wires drawn from the French concession. And the architectural style is very Westernized. It is especially eye-catching at night.

"Stone Man. This roadbed is the unfinished roadbed of Han Road. When the situation stabilizes in the future. Let's finish this roadbed. Let the fire go straight to the border of Hankow. If you build it again, the railway bridge. This train can also go directly to Hanyang. ”

After crossing the roadbed. Zhao Bei grabbed the reins. Slow down. Pitch his road construction plan to Zhang Jiyang, who is following closely behind.

Zhang Jiyang also held the reins. In parallel with Zhao Bei. said: "It's not enough to have a railway. Our road repairs. Repair the electrical track. Let's turn these three towns of Wuhan into another Shanghai. Respond to those Manchu elders with practical actions! that they may know. We, the revolutionary soldiers, will not only destroy. Will also build! And. Better than their constitutionalists did. ”

The two of them are discussing in depth the issue of construction after their lives. A leading cavalryman galloped back from the front. Salute to the two. said: "Commander-in-chief. The owner of Liu's garden personally led people to greet him. "Finished. Present a name to the Commander-in-Chief.

Zhao Bei took over the name. Nagata hurriedly stepped forward with a horse lantern.

He glanced at the name on the lantern. Zhao Bei said: "This Liu Renxiang means it. I am a comprador of a foreign company. The name is Chinese. ”

Zhang Jiyang said: "This person is not simple. Yesterday I sent someone to check his details. This man came from a poor background. Both generations of my grandfather were Westerners. He himself was a Catholic. In his early years, he relied on the relationship of the church to work as a trainee in the British merchant Swire & Co., writing and running the street. Later, he relied on the introduction of the church to enter France and work as a comprador. After saving some money, he invested in the sesame business. made a fortune. After that, the speculation of the skin began. When Zhang Zhidong supervised Hubei, he was very diligent. Plus it's very discerning. Buying and selling is more prosperous. Now he is the king of Hankow. Even foreigners are ashamed of themselves. The concession also needs to ask him for help in repairing the road. The "Xinsheng Road" at the junction of the British Concession and China is named after this person. ”

"It's not easy. A Chinese citizen mixed up to this point. Not bad, either. ”

Zhao Bei sighed from the bottom of his heart. In these years, even buying has to rely on the help of foreigners. Not to mention dry leather, but then again. Taking advantage of the power of foreigners and selling oneself to foreigners are two different concepts. I hope that Liu Xinsheng can realize this

Zhao Bei and Zhang Jiyang walked side by side. Less than a mile ahead. And he saw a man approaching him. It's not a foreign lamp that's being carried. Rather, it is a traditional Chinese lantern. The lantern is very Chinese with the character "Liu" written on it. The crowd was followed by a four-wheeled Western carriage. Next to the carriage was a sedan chair carried by eight people. "The contemptible Liu Renxiang worships the Grand Governor. Some time ago I rented in Shanghai. Failed to meet the Metropolitan Governor in time. It's rude. "The man at the head was in his thirties. Come to the horse. Sang a promise. A pat on the sleeve. It's going to be big.

Zhao Bei hurriedly turned over and dismounted. Catch up with a few people with their arms and smile: "Mr. Liu doesn't have to be polite." Now the republic is made. The number of prostrations is not particular. Let's shake hands. ”

He took the man and shook his hand. Zhao Bei said again: "Mr. Lao Liu, big driver." Come so far to meet me. You are also a character who has seen the world, and you have been a comprador for foreigners for many years. I know more about the rules than I do. After a while, I had a dinner party with a foreigner. If there is any rudeness to the party. I hope Mr. Liu will remind him in time. ”

That's to put it mildly. Actually, it's coming. Zhao Bei specially found a few foreign missionaries to teach him banquet etiquette. The banquets of this era were not as casual as the buffets of later generations. This is especially the kind of banquet that is attended by business celebrities from all over the world. Much more disciplined. I am also particular about the invitation. After all, it was the first time to deal with foreign chambers of commerce, and Zhao Bei didn't dare to make a big deal.

Liu Renxiang smiled: "The governor is polite." The guest is as he pleases. Today, the banquet was held at the Mansion of the Contemptible People. Just do it according to the rules of our Chinese! If it's too troublesome for the foreigners of Du Dujue's set of red tape. Just give an order. Western meals can also be turned into Manchu and Han full banquets. ”

"Oh? Mr. Liu is thoughtful in saying this. Zhao Bei was surprised and glanced at the carriage and the sedan chair. I understand the other party's intentions

Liu Renxiang said: "The garden of the contemptible people was built to entertain Chinese and Western guests. There are two men's classes in the year. One class cooks Chinese food. One class specializes in Western food. Do as you go. There is no delay in work, and the tableware and the dress of the subordinates are also two sets, one Chinese and one foreign. ”

"It's still a foreign meal. I haven't eaten a foreign meal since I returned to China. Zhao Bei remembered his identity as a "returnee". And considering that there are few foreigners to deal with. Just take advantage of this opportunity to practice.

Liu Renxiang instructed the housekeeper to rush to the garden to prepare first. Zhao Bei also ordered Tian Jin to lead people to take the lead in arranging the jǐng ring.

"Is the governor in a carriage or a sedan chair?"

"This sedan chair is not suitable. This is a sign of the old times. Now it's a republic. It's time for this sedan chair to retire from history. Zhao Bei was not polite. and Zhang Jiyang got into the carriage. Liu Renxiang did not dare to cross. I was going to travel in a sedan car. But the commander-in-chief gave the order. He didn't get into the carriage either. Sit down opposite the commander-in-chief.

The carriage started slowly. Under the escort of the guards, he walked towards Liu's garden.

"Mr. Liu is doing it for the French now-"

See the Commander-in-Chief for a question. Liu Renxiang hesitated slightly. nodded and said, "Wearing the hat of a foreigner comprador." It's much easier to get things done. ”

"I heard that you are also the comprador of the Hankou branch of Crédit Agricole CIB? Also open a bank? Zhao Bei asked again. For this Liu Renxiang's situation. Not only Zhang Yang checked. He also sent someone to check secretly. Although I don't know it well. But at least it's not a blind eye.

"Yes." Liu Renxiang didn't know what the commander-in-chief meant. I had to talk as little as possible.

Zhao Bei's strong anti-British stance led to a lukewarm relationship with the British. Coupled with the Jinghan railway dispute. The Belgians and the French also did not like this Commander Zhao. He also warned his Chinese compradors not to allow them to establish private contacts with the republicans. As a comprador of a French foreign firm. Of course, Liu Renxiang also received a similar admonition. But in the end, he chose to move closer to the side of the Republican Army. On the one hand, this is based on speculation. After all, most of his industries are in the Chinese world. It is impossible not to establish good relations with the IRA side. On the other hand, the reason was the overtures of the Germans. Deutsch-Hua has already shown him good faith. Willing to hire him as a comprador for a German bank. Even if the French are not reliable. At least they can take refuge in Germany. But. Liu Renxiang is still cautious. It is not impossible to move closer to Germany. But at the same time, it continues to maintain contact with France. After all. Now the situation is unknown. No one knows whether the French or the Germans are holding on. In order to. Although this dinner was held in Liujia Garden. But the host of the dinner was a German. Liu's garden was rented by the German.

That German was called Hannagan. Served in Germany. He is the son-in-law of De Xuanlin, the former tax department of China Customs. Rely on this relationship. After retiring from the army, Hannagan was hired by the Qing court as minister in Berlin. Served as a military instructor in China. He once served as Li Hongzhang's military adviser. Responsible for supervising the construction of forts such as Lushun and Weihai. He also participated in the naval battles of the Sino-Japanese War as an army corps. Rank of Admiral. After the war, he proposed to the Qing court a proposal to train a new type of army. However, the cost required was too staggering for the Qing court to be accepted. He then stayed in China as a military instructor. Retired from the military in previous years. Devoted to industry. Today, he operates a coal mine in Shan. Because I have been in China for many years. Chinese officialdom knows it well. Therefore, he was elected by German businessmen as the president of the Federation of Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs in Germany. The invitation to Zhao Bei was sent in his name.