If we say which department was the busiest in the early days of the new government, it was the provisional Senate, and intensive laws and regulations were deliberated and promulgated, and each department had to have norms and guidelines for conduct, and the more perfect the laws and regulations were formulated, the better the work would be carried out. Pen @ fun @ pavilion wWw. ｂｉｑUｇE。 The second busiest is the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, as the society in the southern provinces becomes more and more stable, and under the attraction of new preferential policies, hundreds of factories and enterprises have been approved and issued in less than a month.

The image of the new and dynamic government has stunned the world, from the ministers to the clerks, everyone is busy in the back of their heads, but it also gives people a sense of passion and fulfillment, and a strong sense of self-confidence. With such an efficient government, such a complete development plan, such a strong financial strength, and such a crazy work spirit, if there is no future, it is really unreasonable.

Song Jiaoren is indeed a genius of democratic politics, who can speak and speak, write a thousand words, and rely on horses. He had a style that seemed to be magical, and he could bring the whole scene under his control as soon as he appeared on any mass occasion, and his energy, talent, and delightful richness were very much like that of the assassinated President of the United States, John F. Kennedy.

They are all political stars of the "comet" type, who shine in the sky, but they shine quickly and disappear quickly, and they are just a flash in the pan in the world. But history has changed too much, he has a strong group as support, an armed force to ensure that laws and regulations are enforced, and very strict security measures, will his performance on the stage of history still be short and flashing?

The focus of the provisional government is on construction and structure, while Chen Wenqiang's focus is on vertical and horizontal maneuvering, and the advantage lies in having a clearer and more accurate judgment in the face of complex domestic and international situations. Bumps and uncertainties still exist, and he doesn't dare to take it lightly.

"Mr. Ge Fu, I don't understand what your country means by proposing an armistice?" Chen Wenqiang pointed to the documents on the table with his fingers, and said with a smile: "May I ask what are the conditions for the surrender of the Qing army?" If their conditions are not excessive. I can answer on my behalf, and I can even make certain commitments. ”

"Mr. Chen, I think you have a misunderstanding." The British consul in Shanghai, Graham Ford, explained: "The armistice is not a surrender, it is a mediation of peace. ”

"Then I want to ask clearly, which force Mr. Ge Fu represents, it is the Manchu court. Or is it the Beiyang Army in front of us? Chen Wenqiang asked.

This question is very poignant, and it is not easy for Ge Fu to answer, in the history of peace between the north and the south, one side was the southern provisional government, and the other side was the provinces and regions under the rule of the Qing court represented by Yuan Shikai's cabinet. But now, Yuan Shikai did not have the qualifications to represent the Qing court, and could only exist as the commander of the Beiyang Army. And the Manchu court, the British are not stupid, and at this time it would be too stupid not to see that supporting the Manchus outweighed the losses.

"Yuan Shikai is about to be appointed as the main cabinet. As a powerful figure in the North, the Provisional Government in the South should have the need to negotiate peace with it. Moreover, the Government believes that the continuation of China's current struggle poses a serious threat not only to China itself but also to the material interests and security of foreigners. The Government has so far adopted a strictly neutral attitude, but considers it obliged to informally alert the warring parties to the need for expeditious reconciliation in order to bring an end to the current conflict. Ge Fu said solemnly.

"Allow me to correct the mistake of yours and your Government, which has so far not recognized the Revolutionary Army as a belligerent group. It is a procedural error to mediate the conflict now. Chen Wenqiang said unhurriedly: "In addition." Yuan Shikai is about to form a cabinet, which means that he has not yet been appointed by the Qing court, so he cannot negotiate peace with our side on behalf of the Qing court. Of course, if he entrusts your government to negotiate the terms of surrender on behalf of the Beiyang Army, we would welcome him. ”

"The warring groups are not recognized, but the war is mediated. There is a precedent for this internationally. Ge Fuqiang argued: "Of course, I can reflect your conditions to my own government, as for your doubts about whether Yuan Shikai can form a cabinet, I don't think it's necessary." Just look at the current north, who can replace him to stabilize the war? ”

"Nope. No, no! Chen Wenqiang shook his head vigorously and said with a sly smile: "It doesn't matter whether it is a belligerent group or not, the important thing is that your government can recognize the Republic of China." ”

Ge Fu's eyes widened, he shook his head faster than Chen Wenqiang, and said, "No, no, this prerequisite is too harsh, and my government will not agree to it." And other Governments won't agree that we have to be consistent in principle. ”

"Hey, your government's diplomacy is too inflexible." Chen Wenqiang waved his hand disdainfully and said seriously: "How can consistency help enhance the feelings of the Chinese towards Britain and highlight the British government's sympathy and support for the Chinese revolution?" ”

Ge Fu looked at Chen Wenqiang very curiously, when did the Chinese have feelings for Britain, and the British government has never sympathized with and supported the Chinese revolution? However, he soon realized that there was something in Chen Wenqiang's words, and he thought about sending a note to the ministers of the United States, France, Russia, Germany, Japan, Italy, Austria and other countries, asking whether they would jointly participate in the mediation of the war.

Chen Wenqiang sighed softly, and said regretfully: "Mr. Zhu Erdian, the minister of your country, has a very personal relationship with Yuan Shikai, but it is wrong because of his personal harm to the public. Looking at the current situation, it is not clear who is superior and who is inferior on both sides. Hearing that Yuan Shikai sent people to his hometown to recruit soldiers, those young people thought it was a revolutionary army and flocked to it, and when they saw the dragon flag, they dispersed in a hurry. People's hearts are back, and it is difficult to change. Look at what is written in this note? Yes! ”

With a bang, Chen Wenqiang slapped the table heavily, startling Ge Fu, only to see Chen Wenqiang stand up indignantly, walk around the house twice, unfold the note, stuff it in front of Ge Fu, and say loudly: "Look, what is written on this, it actually calls the revolutionary party a 'bandit party' and the revolutionary army a 'bandit army', this is a naked provocation and interference!" Since they are afraid that the material interests and safety of foreigners will be seriously threatened, why do they still use such words that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people? If I leak this note to the media, do you think it will be like the anti-American wave of 1905 that will set off another anti-British movement? ”

Ge Fu opened his mouth and was about to speak, but Chen Wenqiang waved his hand, slowed down his tone and said, "Of course, I am a civilized person with quality, so I won't care about it this time." Before he could express his magnanimity. Chen Wenqiang then asked: "However, I am puzzled that the American and German warships were very polite when they were saluted by the Chinese ships flying the flag of the Republic of China. Why is it that your ships, which have always claimed to be gentlemen, turn a blind eye and are so rude? ”

Finally mentioning the United States and Germany, Ge Fu asked tentatively: "I will remind the commander of my country's fleet in China about this problem." But it seems that other national fleets do not have similar actions either? ”

"We have an old Chinese saying: sending charcoal in the snow is better than icing on the cake. We are all clear about who is sincere to us, who supports us, and who is secretly doing evil. Take responsibility for what you do, and don't blame us for favoring one over the other. Chen Wenqiang sneered and said: "Instead of worrying that the current war will hinder the trade of various countries if it continues, your government should give up unrealistic illusions, so that the time of war will be greatly shortened." Countries need to know that the Chinese are fighting for freedom this time, and want a good government, and hope that the consuls and their governments of various countries. Be cautious in your comments. ”

"We hope that as a result of the revolution will be the establishment of a government in China, with sufficient strength to treat countries impartially, and to maintain domestic order and maintain favorable conditions for the development of trade." "Such a government would receive all the diplomatic support we could," Graham said, "and this armistice is based on this intention," Graham said, in his usual diplomatic terms. ”

"I am pleased to inform you that such a government has now been established and is moving in the direction you expected." Chen Wenqiang said with a smile: "Based on the different judgments of the situation, it is a pity that our side believes that the time for a truce has not yet come. ”

"I'm sorry too. It was to be hoped that the Government's mediation for peaceful purposes would not cause misunderstanding and that it was an informal note. I believe it will not be made public. It remains to be seen whether your government will live up to our hopes. Ge Fu is now full of thinking about what the United States and Germany are doing behind Britain's back, and how much benefit they have obtained, and this mediation is indeed reluctant, and Chen Wenqiang has behaved very toughly, and it is reasonable. So he got down the donkey and went down the stairs by himself.

Chen Wenqiang said affirmatively: "Of course, this incident should not have happened. By the way, is it necessary for our warships to salute when they encounter your ships again in the future? ”

Ge Fu smiled bitterly. "Of course, this is a common international custom, and our ships will soon be ordered to return the courtesy," he said. “

Chen Wenqiang nodded and said slowly: "The position stationed in China is the eyes and ears of the national government, and I hope to express my opinions in a fair and objective manner." Take a long-term view, and China's rise is not a bad thing for your government. ”

Stretching out his finger, Chen Wenqiang said in detail: "First, it can more effectively resist Russian expansion in the Far East; Second, when our people are rich, their purchasing power will also increase, which will be of great benefit to the sales of goods in your country; Third, maintain a balance of power in Asia, and if your country is unable to take care of its own affairs because of European affairs, there will be no situation in which one country dominates. I would also like to remind you that the Chinese are a people who know how to repay their kindness, and they are also a people who hold grudges, and they are now fighting for freedom and democracy with high emotions, and any action that provokes them may provoke unpredictable reactions and turmoil. It is hoped that all countries will be cautious in their words and deeds and impartial in their impartiality. ”

Based on the inherent hatred in his heart, Chen Wenqiang vaguely mentioned Japan, and no matter what the effect is, at least it is more refreshing to do so.

Ge Fu knew what Chen Wenqiang was referring to, and indeed the great powers were also afraid that the revolution would turn into a large-scale xenophobic "Boxer Rebellion" movement, and they were indeed unable to send an expeditionary force, so they mostly made false noises and threats. Moreover, the great powers have their own purposes, and they are not monolithic, so there is a phenomenon of restraining each other and guarding against each other.

At the end of the meeting, the two shook hands with a smile and said goodbye, polite and thoughtful, as if an old friend had just finished talking about the old days.

"Wow, what's the matter? Damn British! Chen Wenqiang turned around and came back, his face changed, and he scolded angrily.

The peace talks are certain, but Chen Wenqiang must suppress Yuan Shikai so that he will not be too arrogant and will not lose too many rights to his side. Germany had already secretly expressed its support for Chen Wenqiang, while the United States had sympathized with the revolution, which was a crucial attitude.

At the end of 1907, the "Great White Fleet" departed from the Hampton Naval Base in Virginia. Embarked on a journey around the globe to establish a position of maritime power through a show of martial arts.

Since the Panama Canal had not yet been opened at that time, the "Great White Fleet" set off in a mighty way, went south along the Atlantic Ocean, visited Brazil and Argentina, and then crossed the Strait of Magellan to the north, passing through Chile, Peru, Mexico, and finally to the city of San Francisco on the west coast of the United States.

After a two-month break in San Francisco, the "Great White Fleet" set off again, visiting New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines. At the end of 1908, the "Great White Fleet" finally arrived at the most important stop on its journey -- the port of Yokohama in Japan.

Japan has adopted an attitude of "quietly observing and drawing conclusions" with regard to the "Great White Fleet." As early as when the "Great White Fleet" docked at the US port of San Francisco, the Japanese Government mobilized thousands of Japanese students in San Francisco to welcome them and sing the US national anthem in English as a sign of friendship.

At the same time, Japanese officials stationed in the United States also invited the US fleet to visit Yokohama in order to further ascertain the details of the Americans. When the "Great White Fleet" arrived in Yokohama, a famous Japanese military port, almost all the Japanese were amazed by the large line-up of the US Navy.

Japan is finally starting to take this adversary seriously. American officers and soldiers "received the most friendly welcome not only by the emperor and his staff, but also by the entire country," and the celebration lasted for a whole week. In the midst of the carnival, Japan's Admiral Heihachiro Togo even allowed visiting American officers to throw him off the carpet into the air.

In fact, Japan did not really "welcome" its opponents in the Pacific Ocean as guests, but rather did not take a posture after feeling the pressure of the powerful US Navy.

Contrary to the unanimous "anti-American" public opinion in Japan before the future of the fleet, a Japanese diplomat said: "The long-distance voyage of the US fleet did not cause unhappiness and fear in Japan, and this is a guarantee of peace." The Japanese government has also changed its arrogant stance and agreed to maintain the status quo in the Pacific and respect the "open door" policy of the United States.

Although the "Great White Fleet" had already left China and headed for Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka) by the time the revolution broke out, it was not a question of people walking around, but a change in the policies of various countries and a change in strategy in the Pacific region. (To be continued.) )