As an intelligence officer who has been active in China for a long time, Daisaku Kawamoto saw these terrible war warriors for the first time, and he now knows that Japan's intelligence work in China is far from perfect, as the report says.

At this time, Daisaku Kawamoto looked at these rumbling steel monsters, and couldn't help but feel a deep sense of powerlessness in his heart.

The tanks that Daisaku Kawamoto saw were heavy tanks belonging to the ironclad convoy of the Imperial Chinese Army, and this multi-turret heavy tank named the "Land Cruiser" type was of course designed by Yang Shuoming.

The Land Patrol tank is 7.86 meters long and 3.12 meters high, weighs 35 tons, and has a crew of 8 people. The engine is a water-cooled gasoline engine specially built in the United States with a power of 320 hp and a top road speed of 32 kilometers per hour. The most distinctive feature of this heavy tank is the multi-turret design, which has five independently rotating turrets, a 57 mm gun and an American-made "Browning", the main turret of a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun is located in the center of the hull, and the main turret is surrounded by four auxiliary turrets (machine gun towers), each equipped with an American-made "Browning". The 12.7 mm heavy machine gun can be said to be very powerful. The tank has armor up to 30 mm thick, making it look extremely sturdy and stocky. Despite its heavy weight, it is still fast due to its horsepower and can easily navigate over trenches and obstacles.

Military observers around the world are amazed that China, which has always been known for its industrial backwardness, can possess such advanced and sophisticated new weapons in a very short period of time.

Of course, the most shocking thing is Japan, which has always been eyeing China.

Like many Japanese intelligence officers in China, Daisaku Kawamoto was unaware of the squadron's possession of tracked ironclad tanks, and it was only after the first appearance on the Shandong battlefield that the Japanese intelligence services began to realize the threat of this battle. Japanese spies collected a lot of intelligence and related information about Chinese tanks on the battlefield, and after this intelligence information was sent back to Japan, it attracted the attention of some high-level generals of the army, but the backward prejudice formed by the Japanese against the Chinese for a long time was deep-rooted, and until the end of the war, the Japanese military still did not have a clear understanding of Chinese tanks and did not design countermeasures.

Based on information gathered by Japanese spies, Daisaku Kawamoto learned that the ironclad war weapon made by the Chinese was very different from the rudimentary tanks used by the British in the Battle of the Somme. Compared to the British tank, which had two turrets, the Chinese tank had only one turret, and the turret had a twin gun and two heavy machine guns, but the turret could be rotated to fire at will. On the battlefield, these tanks often accompanied the infantry, inflicting great losses on the Japanese army.

After the end of the war, Daisaku Kawamoto learned about Chinese tanks through various means, and finally saw the true face of this new weapon, but at that time, all he saw were tanks with only one turret, and it was the first time he had seen such a powerful multi-turret tank as the one that appeared in front of him.

Like Daisaku Kawamoto, in fact, for many Chinese, it is the first time they have seen these "multi-turret shrines". Therefore, when the "Land Patrol 1" tank made its debut at the military parade for the establishment of the "Hongxian Empire", the Chinese people were no less surprised than the Japanese intelligence officers.

The debut of the "Land Patrol" tank at the military parade of the Chinese Empire proved to the world the amazing achievements of China's rapid industrial development (in fact, many of the main components of these tanks were ordered in the United States, built by American factories and shipped back to China for assembly), showing that the Chinese have the same ingenuity as the Westerners in creating new weapons.

Daisaku Kawamoto stared at the steel monster closely, carefully observing its detailed features, keeping this information firmly in mind, preparing to draw them out and study them carefully when he returned.

After these tanks rumbled past the Xinhua Gate, followed by them, was a phalanx of infantry troops, when the phalanx passed through the Xinhua Gate tower in a neat manner, accompanied by the commander's shouting orders, the soldiers who were read broke off in unison, shouted long live, and saluted the emperor Yuan Shikai on the city tower, and when they saw the weapons they held in their hands, the blood of Kawamoto Daisaku's whole body suddenly filled his eyes.

What these people were holding in their hands turned out to be a strange spear with a long magazine on the snow, a triangular steel thorn! ,

He could immediately conclude that the gun in his right hand was the kind of terrifying weapon that could be fired continuously.

Watching this army of about 2,000 people pass through the castle tower in high spirits, Kawamoto's face turned pale.

As long as anyone has a little military knowledge, they can see that this is a force with extremely strong fighting power.

Daisaku Kawamoto listened to the introduction of a Chinese official not far away, and he realized that what he had just seen was the Imperial Guard of the Chinese Imperial Guard (formerly known as the Special Guard of the Presidential Palace).

"This is one of the best troops in China." The American minister Miao Enshi said to the British minister Zhu Erdian with emotion, 1 It is a pity that not all local squadrons can meet such standards. ”

"The troops formed by His Majesty the Emperor of China to prepare for the war in Europe have been reorganized, and their combat capability is basically close to the level of the imperial army." Zhu Erdian nodded: "The imperial government expects the squadron to make its due contribution to the cause of the Entente. ”

After Zhu Erdian finished speaking, he seemed to inadvertently glance at the Japanese minister Kohata who was standing not far away, and Kohata watched the squadron passing by from the front with an expressionless face, and took out a handkerchief from time to time and wiped the corners of his mouth.

"China's sincerity in participating in the cause of the Entente is obvious, and I have heard that the supreme commander of the Chinese troops participating in the war is His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Chinese Empire himself." Miao Enshi glanced at Kohata and said, "On the contrary, until now, Japan has refused to send troops to Europe. ”

1 Japan is bent on reaping the benefits of this war, not at the expense," Jule laughed and said, "They will understand later what the cost of doing so will be." ”

Because the British were very dissatisfied with the various performances of the Japanese during the war, some people in the British government have already put forward the idea of "dissolving the relationship between Britain and Japan at an appropriate time." And the Japanese, of course, have heard about it.

1 With the entry of the United States and China, victory in the war is already guaranteed. "Japan will regret their stupidity in the future." ”

"Although the total number of squadrons is large, the number of troops that can be used in the war in Europe is still limited, and what the Imperial Government and the Government of the French Republic are most looking forward to is still the help of the American team." Zhu Erdian said to Miao Enshi.

What the 1 squadron lacked was not soldiers, but weapons. "The United States is producing weapons for China, and I believe that more squadrons will be put into the war cattle soon." ”

The eyes of the two returned to Yuan Shikai, who was standing in front of the rostrum and waving frequently to the troops under review, at this time, Yuan Shikai's chubby face was full of red light, full of smiles, and he looked complacent.

On June 14, 1917, the first American team arrived in France.

On June 15, 1917, the Chinese Imperial Expeditionary Army was renamed the Chinese Imperial Expeditionary Force, and Yuan Shikai appointed the crown prince Yuan Keding as the commander-in-chief of the expeditionary force, the army general Wang Shizhen as the deputy commander, and the army vice minister Chen Huan as the chief of staff. On 4 July, the 1st Challenge Squadron landed in France.

"Lao Yuan still sent his own son in the end, hehe."

Duan Qirui, who was lying on the chair, looked at the news of the Chinese Expeditionary Force's expedition to Europe published in the newspaper and the large-scale uniform photo of General Yuan Keding, commander-in-chief of the Expeditionary Force, with a smile on his face.

"This His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is not that material at all, I don't dare to imagine what it will be like for him to command." Xu Shuzheng, vice minister of the army, smiled and took a sip of the teacup, "The emperor is not afraid that he will lose his life in Europe." ”

"Aren't there Wang Chengqing and Chen Er'an?" Duan Qirui snorted and said sarcastically, "Wang Pingqing is the Yuansu of Beiyang, Chen Er'an is known as a capable general, the equipment of the participating army is the first in the country, and there are all kinds of aircraft, cannons, ironclad battles, if you can't win this battle, it will be unreasonable." ”

After listening to Duan Qirui's sarcasm, a mouthful of tea in Xu Shuzheng's mouth almost didn't squirt out, and Duan Hongye, who was standing beside Duan Qirui, couldn't help laughing.

"It's a blessing that we have a successor to the Chinese Empire." Duan Qirui continued to say the opposite, "We old people should have retired a long time ago. He looked at his son Duan Hongye, and instructed in a matter-of-fact manner, "You will draw up a resignation letter for me in a while and hand it over, and I will let Xian." ”

Listening to Duan Qirui's words, the smiles on Xu Shuzheng and Duan Hongye's faces froze.

"Chief, you're not joking, are you?" Xu Shuzheng asked cautiously.

"Of course not." Duan Qirui nodded and gave an affirmative expression, "I have made up my mind, you don't need to say more." ”,

Listening to Duan Qirui's words, Xu Shuzheng and Duan Hongye were silent.

"He Li Songqing can be willing to let the prince not do it, what else do I have to be reluctant to" Seeing the doubts in the eyes of Xu Shuzheng and his son, Duan Qirui smiled quietly, "This official of the Hongxian Dynasty is not so easy to be." ”

1If you leave, I'm afraid I won't be able to do it for long. Xu Shuzheng said a little uncomfortable.

"Don't learn from me, again." Duan Qirui said, "You are different from me, you must sit firmly in this faint position now, so that we can watch a good show." ”

Xu Shuzheng seemed to understand the meaning of Duan Qirui's words, and his face became relaxed.

1 Yes, let's all go, who will clean up this mess for Emperor Hongxian when the time comes" Xu Shuzheng said with a smile, "Cai Songpo didn't leave, maybe that's what it means."

"Cai Songpo is a deeply hidden person, and like that Yang Hanzhi, his actions are difficult to carve." Duan Qirui looked at a shotgun placed on the table in the room and said thoughtfully.

"Yesterday, the emperor has issued an edict to crown Yang Tempozi as the prime minister (prime minister) of the cabinet." Duan Hongye said, "I heard that the Minister of International Trade intends to let that Yang Hanzhi be appointed. ”

"Impossible." Duan Qirui smiled and shook his head. "You don't know Lao Yuan, he won't do such a thing."

Listening to Duan Qirui's words, Xu Shuzheng and Duan Hongye's faces once again showed surprise.

"How so?" Xu Shuzheng asked.

"His old Yuan is now raising the tiger of Yang Hanzhi: when he needs it, he will withdraw his hand and let it out" So Lao Yuan will not let him really become a civil servant. Duan Qirui said, "Such a young general, Lao Yuan will not let it go, even if it is to contain our old brother." In the future, Lao Yuan will still let him return to his military career. ”

"Yes, he appointed Cai Songpo at the beginning, and he wanted Huang Xing to be the chief of the army, just to contain these old brothers in Beiyang." Xu Shuzheng sighed.

"So this is also where he Yang Hanzhi and Cai Songpo are clever." Duan Qirui said,1 Both of them understood Lao Yuan's thoughts, so they were not in a hurry, and they were all waiting there. ”

"The two of them are not in a hurry, but there are still people who will be in a hurry." Duan Hongye said suddenly.

Listening to Duan Hongye's words, Xu Shuzheng couldn't help but be stunned for a moment.

"Oh? Tell me about it? Who is in a hurry? Duan Qirui seemed to have guessed his son's answer and asked with a smile.

"Former Justice Minister Liang Rengong." Duan Hongye said confidently, "Yang Xianzi became the prime minister, and it was not easy for him to make arrangements." ”

"The show has actually begun." Duan Qirui nodded and said with a smile.

Xinhua Palace, Beijing.

"It's rare that he Zhang Yuting has this filial piety."

Yuan Shikai stroked the jasper dragon bed in front of him, his face full of joy.

"This is a rare treasure, the bed that the Dragon King of the East China Sea sleeps in, I'm afraid it's just that." Yuan Shikai's favorite Hong Guifei said with a smile on the side.

The jasper dragon bed placed in front of Yuan Shikai is 305 cm long, 165 cm wide and 280 cm high, all made of jade jade of jade in turquoise, a total of more than 20 large jade carvings and hundreds of small pieces of jade pieces, its shape is a typical small door style bed for late Qing Dynasty furniture, and the dragon pattern on the golden throne of the Qing Palace is decorated, all the flower plates are carved into the dragon pattern of the palace board, and the carved patterns cover various traditional patterns such as dragon and phoenix Chengxiang, Fu (bat) Shou (Shou Tao) Shuangquan, etc., with the dragon as the main pattern. In front of the bed, ornaments such as palace lamps and cherry blossom roads are also carved from jasper. The jade bed components are connected by fine copper screws, which is very strong.

The whole jade bed is made of pure jade jade, and the net weight of the whole bed is 5 tons. The common materials are nearly tons of each other, not only the materials are exquisite, but also the related furnishings are magnificent, and the eaves of the hall are hung with white porcelain inlaid couplets. A pair of jade incense burners are placed in front of the jade bed, a pair of Western table clocks are set on both sides of the bed, a carved bookcase is placed on the right side of the hall, and a pair of palace-style dragon chairs are placed next to the hall pillars. The design of the whole rest is completely court style, and even the Qianlong Emperor, who called himself "Jade Idiot", did not have such a jade bed.

After Yuan Shikai became emperor, various local officials presented various treasures to the new emperor, among these treasures, several pieces of this jasper dragon bed sent by Frost was the most valuable.

Of course, Yuan Shikai also understood in his heart what Zhang Zuoshuang's intention was in giving him such a valuable gift. But now Yuan Shikai doesn't plan to let Zhang Zuoshuang fulfill his wish so quickly.

One of the most important contents of the emperor's residency technique is checks and balances, and for Yuan Shikai, who has just become the emperor, he can now be said to have played it perfectly. ,

"Your Majesty, Chief Duan has submitted his resignation." Liang Shizhao hurriedly walked in, bowed to Yuan Shikai, took out a document from his wallet, and handed it to Yuan Shikai.

Yuan Shikai took Duan Qirui's resignation and only glanced at it, then threw it on the table.

Seeing that Yuan Shikai's face changed, Yuan Shikai's concubines retired together.

"He's expressing his displeasure with me." Yuan Shikai sneered, "He thought that I wouldn't be able to play without them, and I really don't believe in this evil." ”

"Chief Duan has been sick at home for a while, so the emperor might as well visit him in person and make a decision." Liang Shihua suggested.

"I don't need it." Yuan Shikai sneered and waved his hand, "The last time I went, he gave me a bedridden." He also threw away all the things I sent, for fear that I would poison him inside, and he really lived the belly of a gentleman with the heart of a villain. He doesn't know how to lift, and I don't bother to bother with him, he Duan Zhiquan is not the chief of the army, and some people want to do it. ”

After listening to Yuan Shikai's words, Liang Shi was silent.

"Did you disclose the news that I plan to let Liang Zhuoru re-serve as the head of the Ministry of Justice?" Yuan Shikai asked.

"Back to the emperor, I have already told him." Liang Shihua replied.

"What's his reaction?"

1 He did not say anything, and I think he seems to be reluctant to become Minister of Justice. ”

"I know he wants to be prime minister." Yuan Shikai nodded, and sighed a little helplessly, "Zhuo Ru has followed me for many years, and his writing skills are very good, and he is still a little worse in politics than Yang Xianzi, if he is made the prime minister, I am afraid that there will be more people who are not convinced." ”

"Justice is not Liang Zhuoru's forte, so I think it would be better to hand over the post of Minister of Education to him." Liang Caishen came up with a big bad idea next to him.

"Okay, you go talk to him again." Yuan Shikai said, "I hope he can be satisfied."

"Okay, I'll go." Liang Shizhao replied.

After Liang Shizhao left: Yuan Shikai sat on the jade dragon bed and rested for a while, then got up and came to his office and began to review the day's documents.

Not long after, there was a faint thunder outside the window, Yuan Shikai raised his head a little strangely, and saw that the originally clear sky was suddenly overcast, and a round of red sun was quickly covered in a large area of rain clouds, indicating that a storm was coming.

Seeing that the rainstorm was coming, two palace maids (the eunuch system was abolished by Yuan Shikai, and the service staff of Xinhua Palace were all women) came in and began to close the windows in turn, and then bowed to Yuan Shikai and exited.

"It's getting fast enough." Yuan Shikai muttered in a low voice. Continue to review the documents at hand. (To be continued.)