Shanghai, China Merchants Steamship Terminal.

Generally, guests who go to and from the Yangtze River, or simply go to sea, are waiting to get on and off the boat in the China Merchants Inn. The bureau of the new-style Western-style yamen office, the way people get on and off the boat is also different, it is the buzzing of foreign electric bells. Every time there was a sound, the guests who were on this steamer for the first time could watch with a lot of curiosity. They all talked about this foreign thing being evil, and the electricity was passed, and this voice could be so strange and so loud.

But today, the electric bell for people to come on board has rang several times, and the gate to let people on board has not yet been opened. The passengers have long lost interest in watching the electric bell, huddled together, and talked a lot, not knowing why they didn't start the boat yet. However, in this year, there are no future generations of passengers who missed the plane and brazenly watched the actions of the airline staff. China Merchants is a yamen! The two red and black staggered water and fire sticks erected at the gate alone made most people dare not squeak.

After waiting for a long time, there will naturally be gossip circulating.

“…… The boat we're on today has a great character on board! Now the big guys are waiting for this master! ”

"Which master has such a big shelf? China Merchants is a red yamen, and when the Taoist master gets on the ship, he doesn't necessarily have a big dining room to serve, but this master is waiting for him on a steamer! ”

"It's enough to sell Guanzi, who is this master? Don't come to the matter, I said it refreshingly, four taels of rice wine and a plate of crabs, they are all brothers! ”

"Haidong Xu Shuai knows! This master was the military advisor invited by Haidong Xu Shuai before he went out of the mountain! The title of the book in the capital moves the world, the chief writer of the Qing Times, Tan Si and Master Tan! This time I re-entered the Beijing Gate, and I was going to go to prepare to show his class! ”

"Didn't Master Tan be kicked out of Beijing back then? Why are you begging to go back now? ”

"Brother, what was the situation at that time, and what is the year now? In this war with Oriental radish heads, what did Haidong Xu Shuai look like, and what did the imperial court look like? Now the imperial court is going to borrow talents...... Master Tan is so talented, the imperial court has already said that he wants to give at least one department, that is, the squire at least, and he has become a central member in vain, which is even more than Haidong Xu Shuai's two years and five Qin chagrins......"

"Back then, Haidong Xu Shuai, Master Tan, and the Jingmen hero Wang Wusan were righteous brothers, and one of them slammed his head on the ground. It's really the Taoyuan Three Knots of the Qing Dynasty, now Haidong Xu Shuai is already going to sit in the south, Master Tan is so useful, Wang Daxia is determined to clean up Dou Erdun in the grass, it is really to protect the Qing Dynasty! ”

"Supporting the Qing Dynasty? Huh-huh...... This time there are rumors that Master Tan and Haidong Xu Shuai are cutting their robes and breaking their righteousness, and from then on, the brothers are on their own side, you take Yangguan Road, and I take the single-plank bridge......"

"Cut off the robe? Can't! What the hell is going on? ”

"If you ask again, I won't say, I can't say, I dare not say. Anyway, let's see......"

There was a crowd of people outside, and in the public office of China Merchants Shanghai Wharf, there were also long-shirted scholars, all together. These people were huddled in the atrium, talking and laughing loudly. The teachers and students of Nanyang College, the Qingliu who lived in the concession, and the pens and sticks of the Shanghai tabloids, all stood here in well-dressed clothes. The workers of China Merchants Bureau were busy serving tea and pouring water, and they were already turning around, and these men in long shirts still thought that the tea was slow, and they scolded a few words loudly from time to time.

The content of everyone's conversation is always inseparable from Tan Sitong. However, when it comes to the identities of these people, it is impossible to go into the inner room and say goodbye to Tan Si with tea, but being able to stand here can be regarded as a bit of a clear stream. Suddenly, he was a sage in the opposition who could point out the country, and the longer he talked about it, the louder he became, and the more arrogant the workers who commanded China Merchants became. Angry, the workers spit into the tea one by one in a no-man's land.

"Fuck, I waited for a long time, I couldn't look at a little money, and I thought that all of them were ministers in the middle hall, these poor sour, they didn't give a good face when they entered the hall!"

In the midst of the discussion, I saw a scholar in a green shirt walking out, as if he wanted to greet someone. The big guy buzzed and surrounded him: "Lin Gong! What are you waiting for, including the resurrected brother? My generation is waiting for the resurrection brother to make a strong trip, and the class is here, why not ascend to the immortal? ”

The person who came out was Tan Sitongchu's chief writer of the Daqing Times, and he admired Lin Xu who followed him all the way. He is only twenty years old this year, and he is called Lin Gong by these guys, and goosebumps are rising for a while. As soon as the big guy got together, the smell of opium smoke in everyone's mouth was together, and it almost smoked people together. Lin Rui waved his hands and didn't know how to deal with these guys.

It's no wonder that these guys are enthusiastic, it's really too much of an anomaly given by the imperial court. A telegram came, Shanghai Road, Shanghai Customs Road, and the subordinates came to greet Tan Sitong with the courtesy of their superiors. Guangxu's telegram is full of thirst for talent. The rumors came immediately, and Tan Sitong, who was deported from Yanjing more than a year ago, was going to enter the military plane to learn to walk with the rank of squire of the Ministry of Rites. There are even rumors that Tan Sitong will preside over the Fu Bureau!

Xu Yifan's official son has already risen earth-shatteringly, but Tan Si is still exaggerated compared to him. Xu Yifan was promoted again, and he was also in the foreign office, and Tan Sitong jumped from a white body to the center of the Qing Empire!

Everyone is in Shanghai, there are items that have not been entered, why don't you hurry up to this upstart at this time? Tan Sitong was appreciated by the emperor, and he is the righteous brother of Haidong Xu Shuai who shocked Huaxia, what will happen in the future, who dares to limit it? If you don't stammer at this time, when will you stutter?

Looking at the shining eyes of the crowd around, Lin Xu smiled bitterly, and made a silent gesture, he was young after all, and he couldn't stand the left and right rubbing of this pile of masters, and finally spoke: "Brother Fusheng is writing a letter to Xu Shuai in Haidong, and he doesn't dare to snub you, as soon as the letter is written, Brother Fusheng will say, everyone come to send it, and I feel very gracious." ”

Hearing that Tan Si was writing a letter to Xu Yifan, he was still singing and praying for a good relationship between the two brothers. Those who knew a little bit about the current situation quickly got out of the way. Xu Yifan and the court are not the same way, this little brain understands that Tan Sitong is in this capacity, and the court will rise as soon as he is summoned, if he stays in Liangjiang, Xu Yifan can still treat him badly? This kind of mixed water, on one side is the mighty marshal, and on the other side is the imperial court. Sandwiched in the middle, one is not good, it is crushed. Many people with a bit of status still regret it slightly, they still have to beg for a life in Liangjiangzuo, so fanfare to send Tan Sitong, what if the two hundred and five marshals have a grudge?

After all, Tan Si went with him, and he slapped this handsome man in the face!

It's lively outside, but it's quiet inside.

Shanghai Road and Shanghai Customs Road are the landlords who saw them off, and they are all drinking tea with their heads bowed at this time, and they don't say a word. They are the ones who pass the word, and it is difficult to be caught in the middle of this. The big marshal pointed out that Gu Jian was about to open the two rivers of the mansion, and Shanghai was under his horse's feet, especially for the Shanghai Daotai, whose full official title was the sub-patrol of Su Song Changtai and other soldiers, Xu Yifan was his real boss. On this occasion, it's wrong to say anything, just be a wooden man.

There were seven or eight people sitting in the room, all of whom were Tan Sitong's close friends, and most of them were the talents he wanted to bring to Yanjing and introduce to Guangxu. Everyone sat quietly, exchanging glances from time to time. Tan Sitong was lying on the desk, dressed in a white robe, writing hard.

In the entire inner hall, only the low rustle of the tip of the pen was heard. I don't know how long it took, Tan Sitong finally finished writing, put down his pen with satisfaction, and clapped his hands: "Someone!" ”

The entourage who was waiting outside the door came over silently, and Tan Sitong handed him the letter: "I got it to the telegraph office and sent it to Jinzhou, southern Liaoning, Xu Yifan and Xu Dashuai personally dismantled it, go and go back quickly." ”

The entourage was about to go, and Yang Rui stood up in the seat, he was also Tan Sitong's best friend during this time in Shanghai. It seems that he is in his early forties, and he has mixed in the Zhangzhidong shogunate, and he has the deepest experience in officialdom among all the people here. He looked at Tan Sitong: "Brother Fusheng, why do you have to go for a letter?" If you don't make a sound, it's over. and Xu Shuai, it's not that there will be no contact in the future, why bother? ”

Tan Sitong smiled and didn't speak, and the person sitting in the corner had already sneered: "Those who do great things are called first." Gu friendship, not on this! Uncle Blunt, the Liangjiang Shogunate is also a promising place, and the elder brother can stay. ”

This person has a Cantonese accent, sharp and fast, looking at his person carefully, but his appearance is not good, his complexion is dark, and his face is full of stubbornness.

Yang Rui glanced at him and said angrily: "Kang Nanhai, I don't like you the most!" Just you are a saint and we are villains? Brother Fusheng and Brother Xu Shuai Yituo of Haidong are not enemies! Brother Fusheng goes north, I am the first to agree to follow, it is not your turn to speak! ”

The person who spoke was Kang Youwei, a native of Nanhai, Guangdong. When it comes to fame, he can be regarded as a blunt talent in the autumn breeze. Learning in the Guangdong area, but it has some reputation. It is better to have a big tone and dare to speak wildly. When Tan Sitong was expelled from Beijing, he had already sent a letter to him in Guangdong. Tan Sitong is the main writer in Shanghai, and he also brought students to follow. A heart is extremely eager. I also did a few articles in Shanghai, especially the new pseudo-jin exam, which was even more sensational, and everyone looked sideways. Yang Rui's evaluation of him is that he is a good talker, he must be enthusiastic, and there is no invincible. Tan Sitong smiled and did the solution between them, saying that state affairs are like this, and not being alarmist is not enough to break this boring situation, and Kang Nanhai is also concerned about state affairs.

Tan Sitong went north this time, and he was the hottest agitator. I also asked Tan Sitong to express his attitude, set up his own banner, and lead the trend of the moment. Xu Yifan is just a killing talent, and he still has to rely on them to read! If the name is not right, nothing will stand. If you don't show a position and attitude, others still think that you are the representative sent by Xu Yifan to the capital, how can you make the imperial court win the trust, how can you make the scholars return to their hearts, and how can you do a great career?

Seeing that Yang Rui was moved, Kang Youwei also raised his eyebrows to speak. Tan Sitong stopped between them with a smile: "They are all like-minded people, what is there to argue about?" ”

He clapped his hands and waved his hand to let the entourage take the letter out and send it: "Brother Chuanqing, it has nothing to do with me." After all, he is still the marshal of the imperial court, and everyone thinks about the good of this country. I sent a letter to Brother Qing, and this letter was just to tell him that I would go here, regardless of success or failure, and pour out all the knowledge in my chest. State affairs are like this, no matter how much anger can be made, even if the court is mean to Brother Qing, it is just that the ministers were in charge at the beginning, and now that the holy monarch is on the throne, what else can't be seen? I invite Brother Chuanqing to meet in Jingmen and let go of his arms, and the court will definitely not be jealous of him. If he doesn't go...... It's nothing, two brothers, go their separate ways. I believe that I am on the right path. Now the country, there is no longer chaos! ”

"Well said!" Kang Youwei stood up excitedly: "For the sake of the saints, for the sake of eternal peace, it is all on my generation!" Xu Yifan, an eagle with dog ears, how can he have this talent? Those who can use it will use it, and those who can't use it, Brother Fusheng should draw a clear line with him as soon as possible! When the time comes, it will be considered the righteousness of all brothers to ensure that he is rich! ”

Tan Sitong listened silently, and shook his sleeves: "Go and rest!" How difficult is it to go, and then read the book of the saints, what is the matter? This body is just a stinky skin, just throw it away! ”

Several scholars stood up together, their faces full of sadness, and strode out.

Walking in the forefront is Tan Sitong, who is dressed in white and snow.

Shanghai Dao and Shanghai Customs Dao also stood up and bowed respectfully, looking up at each other, but they were all smiling bitterly.

On October 22, the fourth year of A.D., Tan Sitong rose in response to the call and went north.

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The same said, Lushun.

On the Golden Mountain Fort where Zhou Zhanjie detonated the ammunition and died in the country, a well-dressed mound has been erected, although it is just a pile of earth and stones, but it has a solemn atmosphere. This mound is being sacrificed for the conjuring spirits. On the wooden throne, there are dense white wooden tablets. There are dozens of white flags, standing in the middle of the road. The sea breeze blows, and the flags are fluttering, which is even more sad.

Deng Shichang, Ding Ruchang, Liu Buchan, Lin Taizeng, Lin Yongsheng, Huang Jianxun, Lin Luzhong, Yang Yonglin, Zuo Guigui, Zhou Zhanjie...... Layer upon row, looking down at the black and surging waves of the Bohai Sea under your feet. Looking down at Jinzhou not far away, looking down at the thousands of remnants of the defeated army, looking down at the country they fought for and died for!

Hundreds of generals, whether they were the Praetorian Guards or the officers of the Yi Army, all stood at the foot of the mountain, looking at Xu Yifan's small figure, and slowly walked towards the mountain. Twenty-four guns, already loaded with shells without warheads, were quietly lined up, waiting to be fired.

China said that preparations have been made for peace talks, and the war has ended. The praise of the imperial court came quickly, and Xu Yifan's official position could not be promoted again, so he could only add the title of prince and Taibao, and reward the first-class Earl Weiyuan. Li Yunzong and Chu Wanli were both promoted to the top of the admiral's head, rewarded the cloud cavalry, and all the officials who contributed were rewarded.

And asked Xu Yifan to unload the defense of Lushun Jinzhou to Yiketanga as soon as possible, and hand over the prisoners of the Yuren, and go south to sit in Liangjiang as soon as possible. The disposition of the remaining officials and teams of the Korean Praetorian Guard will be left to be discussed.

Xu Yifan also had nothing to be attached to, so he quickly handled the transfer of defense matters, contacted the ship, and prepared to go south. Before leaving, the only thing he cared about was to set up a sacrifice for the souls of the martyrs of the First Sino-Japanese War.

"Why is it just Da Shuai who goes up alone?" A lieutenant general of the Yi Army secretly asked his colleagues around him.

The colleague obviously read a little bit of a book, and also lowered his voice and replied: "Feng Tian Zen Earth, when have you seen a large number of people behind you?" Do you want to keep up? ”

The deputy shook his head like a wavy drum: "What am I...... Our Yijun, after such a large number of deaths, we have to go back to Rehe. Iktang Adu is in charge of heaven...... Those who remember these brothers who died in battle are only the only ones who are handsome! Look, see what other jokes they can make! ”

The sea breeze was strong, blowing the hem of Xu Yifan's military uniform high, and his cheeks were already blown cold. Walking to the mountain, there are still traces of war everywhere, and there is a large charred black pit next to the mound of clothes, which is the place where Zhou Zhan's last explosion and jade are burned.

Have I really been here? Did I really win? Under the dancing white flags, Xu Yifan actually felt a little trance. The clouds above his head hung low, reaching the top of the mountain, and he seemed to be the only one in the world.

The tablets were lined up, like countless pairs of eyes, looking at him majestically. Look at the path he has walked, look at the path he will take.

Looking back, the mountains and the sea are in the middle of the look.

Xu Yifan walked to the front of the tablet, looked at them one by one, and finally stopped in front of Deng Shichang's tablet. If in his journey, who helped him the most, it was Deng Shichang alone. At the beginning in Nanyang, if Deng Shichang hadn't disregarded his future and opened fire resolutely, he would never be where he is today.

"Brother Zhengqing, I did it, I didn't let you die in vain."

A shallow smile appeared at the corner of Xu Yifan's mouth, and he whispered to the tablet.

"But this road is only half the way. The road below, but I don't know if it's something you're willing to see...... Anyway, I have a clear conscience. And you, I'll be honest. I'm going to replace this glorious Qing Dynasty! I want to tear off the rancid shroud that covers our country and this people! Such a great nation and such a glorious civilization should not bear the humiliation and torture of the next few decades! I have defeated our most ferocious national enemy in the coming decades, and I will go this way to the end! I know, you'...... And you, just watch from heaven! ”

"Maybe I'll lose a lot of things, lose a lot of friends, and do a lot of dirty things. I'm a fucking little white-collar worker, out of place, like beautiful women, like lazy, like to be bad. But you have died twice for this country and this nation in my time and space, in this time and space that I am experiencing now, how can I stop in front of you again? ”

"When I said goodbye this time, I don't know when it will be. When it's time for me to bow down and light the lamp and pull out the wax, we'll see you again. At that time, I will tell you what this history should have been like, and what has changed the sacrifices we have made! ”

"Zhengqing Zhengqing, the soul is back, look at such rivers and mountains, look at us to win this Jiawu!"

Xu Yifan stood solemnly and saluted, tears falling like rain.

At his feet are rivers and mountains that stretch for thousands of miles. Everyone's eyes looked up at his small figure. Twenty-four artillery pieces roared into people's hearts.

Above Xu Yifan's head, stratus clouds rolled, and there seemed to be countless heroic souls churning and roaring. The snow that had stopped was falling one after another, whistling and dancing under the wind of the sea.

"Five hundred years...... There will be a king. Song Qing, who had always maintained an upright posture, had white hair fluttering, and finally spit out a sentence with difficulty.

Xu Yifan's first day of the curtain call.

(To be continued)