"I have come here to work, and I am full of new momentum. Outside the wall, there is a barrier, and the water in front of the door is like a neighbor. The wind and smoke are boundless, and the waves are frequent. Message to the old couples of Chang'an, the plain-clothed flea emperor Jingchen. ”

This "Seven Laws" is a poem written by Yuan Shikai after he was driven back to his hometown by Zaifeng at the beginning of the year. Although he was resentful at that time, he was full of confidence and firmly believed that the Qing court would ask him to come out of the mountain one day. Therefore, this poem, which praises the picturesque scenery of his hometown and expresses deep satisfaction with returning home for leisure, and even advises "old friends in Beijing" to leave the officialdom as soon as possible and enjoy life, inevitably has some pretentious elements in it.

The poem was framed by a master craftsman and hung in Yuan Shikai's living room, but the mood of the master returning to his hometown again was very different from that at the beginning of the year.

"Take it down and burn it." Yuan Shikai pointed to the handwritten book on the wall.

"Master......" the butler asked cautiously. This poem is deeply loved by the master, not to say that the poem is well written, but to say that the wrist is strong that day, and the spirit of writing is written.

"Take it off, take it first." Yang Shiqi, who accompanied Yuan Shikai back to Huanshang Village, said to the housekeeper.

"Xingcheng, I'm tired, you should go and rest." Yuan Shikai saw that Yang Shiqi was going to talk to him about business again, and waved his hand at the loyal chief strategist

Yang Shiqi sighed, glanced at the eldest prince Yuan Keding, and the two of them got up.

The house where Yuan Shikai lives now is an out-and-out mansion. Three years ago, when the imperial court held the Zhangde Autumn Exercise, Yuan Shikai lived in Zhangde for six or seven days, and learned that there was a house of He Bingying, a big salt merchant in Tianjin, in Huanshang Village outside the north gate, to be sold, so he asked his eldest son Yuan Keding to buy it. It was a large mansion covering an area of 200 acres, which was expanded and renovated. Each wife and concubine had a separate courtyard with more than twenty rooms. On the west side is the family quarters, and on the east side is the garden. Strange flowers and plants in the park, streams flow for a long time, mountains and forests are steep and rocky, pavilions and water pavilions, and it is beautiful.

Yuan Shikai's residence is in the center of the house, called Yangshouyuan, and the hall name is given by the Empress Dowager Cixi.

Not far from Huanshang Village, there are famous scenic spots Baiquan and Sumen Mountain. Yuan Shikai, who was relegated to his hometown at the beginning of the year, called himself an old man and often wore a hat on his head. Dressed in a robe. Holding a fishing rod in hand, going back and forth between the green mountains and green waters, living a life of affection for the landscape. The photos of him fishing in the creek were also published in a magazine in Shanghai, showing the world his determination not to ask about political affairs from now on. Who knows, it's only half a year. The storm has changed dramatically. Yuan Shikai came out of the mountain angrily. led the Beiyang Army to fight a big battle, and then returned home again.

When he returned to his hometown this time, it is estimated that he will never be able to return to the core of politics and military affairs. This is this beautiful mansion. Whether it can become a place for oneself to retire in his own life is still two words.

All the wives and concubines, children, and subordinates were gloomy, and they did not dare to disturb their masters. At the beginning of the year, Lao Yuan returned to his hometown, the local officials and gentry, and the old department of the Beijing Division, came to the door in an endless stream, it was really busy, and it was very lively, but this time Lao Yuan returned to his hometown, but no one came to visit.

Yuan Keding, who was quite politically ambitious, went to Yang Shiqi's room after dinner, and saw his father, a strategist who had always been calm and scheming, sitting alone under the lamp reading a book.

Yuan Keding coughed lightly.

"Well, it's the eldest son." Yang Shiqi stood up.

"Now that the north and the south are separated, I don't know where Wang Pingqing has gone...... You say, what kind of attitude will Long Qian have towards his father? ”

Yang Shiqi didn't answer, just pointed to the chair.

The news of the Battle of Tingsi has been learned, and Wuchang is ready to fall, Yang Shiqi didn't think that the people's army would hold Wuchang at all, "At least, we are not as stupid as Sun Wen." The Shanghai electrification angered Long Qian, but we stopped in Hengshui and did not move, he saw it. Lu Shan's immobility is a signal that no matter how good it is. ”

When they left Hengshui, they had not yet heard the news that Wu Nianbu, who had entered Henan, had returned to the north.

"The eldest prince, people are swordsmen, and I am fish and meat. Long Qian killed the people's army, and he may not do the same to Beiyang. Looking at the person who entered Beijing, he should not be underestimated. In my opinion, the marshal has not taken a wrong step since he left Texas. For today's plan, it is better to be still than to be still. Perhaps the one from the south has already sent someone, but I don't know. ”

Yuan Keding and Yang Shiqi have talked privately more than many times. After deciding that armed resistance is a dead end, there is actually no better way to do it, but to wait.

"Sir has been tired all the way, let's rest early." Yuan Keding didn't have any new topics, bowed slightly, and left.

The next morning, there was a doorman who reported to Yuan Dagongzi, "There were a few guests, claiming to be from Shandong, and the leader said that his surname was Fang, and he wanted to visit the old man......" Yuan Shikai gave an order not to see the guests, and the doorman was not allowed to eat, so he went to ask the eldest prince first.

"Shandong? Surname Fang? Yuan Keding stood up with a sigh, "Hurry up, please, no!" I'll pick it up myself! Sue Mr. Yang and the master. Yuan Keding guessed who the visitor was.

Three and two steps, Yuan Keding trotted all the way to the door, "Contemptible Yuan Keding." May I ask if Mr. is ......" Yuan Keding looked at the person who came, and saw that he was of medium stature, wearing a light gray robe, and stood with his hands in his hands. A few men in civilian clothes in the back are restrained and restrained, and they look like soldiers.

"It turned out to be the eldest prince. Fortunately. In the name of contempt, I came to visit Mr. Yuan. ”

"Ah, it's really Mr. Fang. Long admiration, long admiration. Please, please enter. ”

Yuan Ke was in full bloom. Fang Shengyuan's name has long been like thunder, since Long Qian sent this person here, it is good news.

Yuan Keding led Fang Shengyuan directly to Yangshouyuan, and met Yuan Shikai and Yang Shiqi halfway through.

"Junior, Fang Shengyuan, meet Mr. Yuan." There was no need to be introduced, Fang Shengyuan recognized Yuan Shikai at a glance, stood still, and bowed to the end.

"Don't dare, don't dare. Mr. Fang is a distinguished guest, which makes my grass house shine. Yuan Shikai hurriedly returned the salute.

"If there is a grass house here, there will be no mansion in the world. Ha Lu Ha. Mr. Yuan has a good eye. Fang Shengyuan laughed.

Back at Yangshouyuan, the guests and hosts sat down, Fang Shengyuan first took out two letters, "These two letters were written by Mr. Lianfu from the hospital bed, one is for Mr. Yuan, and the other is for Mr. Xingcheng." Saying that, they were handed over to Yuan Shikai and Yang Shiqi respectively.

The two tore open the envelope and read the letter in front of Fang Shengyuan. Yang Shiqi asked hurriedly. "How's my brother doing?"

"Not so good. If Mr. Xingcheng rushes to Jinan now, he should be able to see Brother Ling. This is undoubtedly telling Yang Shiqi that you won't see him any later time.

"It's a pity that the Lotus Mansion is gone." Yuan Shikai read the letter and handed it to Yuan Keding.

"Mr. Minggao came to the contempt in person, I don't know what to say?" Yuan Shikai asked.

"First of all, I will report the recent situation to Mr. Yuan, Wuchang has been occupied by our army, and the 29th Mixed Association stationed in Xuzhou has officially announced that it will accept the reorganization of our army. With the exception of the southeast and northwest, the situation in the whole country has been decided. Fang originally led the Shandong Seventh Division south to Wuchang, but he received an order from my marshal on the way, ordering me to turn around and go north. Solve Henan first. Fang did not understand military matters. Fang's mission is to visit Mr. Yuan and listen to his views on the current situation. Hearing that Mr. had left Zhili and returned to Zhangde, Fang took the liberty to come and disturb the rudeness. I also hope that Mr. Haihan. ”

"Mr. Fang is polite." Yuan Shikai said in a deep voice. "Yuan has already resigned from all positions. Now it's just a cloth coat, and Mr. Delong values it, and he is very frightened. Yuan first wants to congratulate your army. It has only been two months since the army was raised, and it has already swept away the interior of the country and unified China. As for his views on the current situation, what does Yuan have to say? Your family is handsome and looks down on Yuan. ”

"Definitely." Fang Shengyuan smiled, "Although Mr. has left the center of power, the influence is still there, and Mr. does not need to deny it." I think that Mr. Yuan's half-life work is worthy of the four words "meritorious to the country". Although for a long time, Mr. and Mr. were friends and foes, but that was caused by history, and Mr. will not remember, and I hope that Mr. will forget those unpleasant old things. After the Battle of Texas, Mr. Yuan's attitude was also greatly appreciated. In a word, even if the previous thing is the Chinese New Year's Eve, the future thing is the new year, let's start again. ”

Yuan Keding and Yang Shiqi listened, looked at each other, and both felt very relaxed. Fang Shengyuan's statement can be regarded as putting aside the previous grievances.

"The old man thanked Mr. Long for the words 'meritorious service to the country'." Yuan Shikai said in a deep voice, "However, don't mention it in the new year, the old man is already a dying person, and since he has returned to his hometown, he will no longer ask about the world." I only hope that Mr. Fang can say a few kind words in front of Long Dashuai, so that the old man can spend the rest of his life in his hometown, and the rest of his wishes are enough. ”

Fang Shengyuan smiled slightly, "Mr. Yuan is a senior, he shouldn't be like this, but the order of the contempt is difficult to disobey, and he must say what he should say." I hope Mr. Yuan will forgive me. ”

"Please."

"The Qing court has abdicated, and the country is in a political vacuum, which is not in the interests of the country and the people. Sun Wen is acting in Shanghai, and he can't be counted. Therefore, I would like to ask Mr. Yuan to contribute to the birth of New China at this critical moment. ”

"What does Mr. Long want me to do?"

"Happy. First, I would like to ask Mr. Yuan to give an order to the Beiyang armies, stand by in place, and accept the reorganization of our army. Second, Mr. Yuan has been in power for many years, and the old ministry is all over the world, so I would like to ask Mr. Yuan to send a telegram to urge all the old ministers to stand up and end this chaotic situation as soon as possible. ”

"Wait, I'm ashamed, Yuan has never met your handsome man so far, it's a pity. Now that the Mengshan Army has won the world, I don't know what kind of country Mr. Long wants to establish? ”

"'Kandian' has made it clear that it is naturally a republic to build the country. This is also the general trend of the world. ”

"Well, there are still a few points that are unclear, Mr. Wangfang will solve the doubts. Beiyang armies, how are they going to deal with it? ”

"This, because the marshal did not elaborate on it in the telegram, Fang could only say a principle. Mr. Yuan also knew that since the commander of Bingwu led the army south, Fang had not seen the commander for three years. Regarding Beiyang, the marshal mentioned many times in his letters or telegrams to Fang that there were praises that "Beiyang is a model of China's new-style army", and there were also sighs that "Beiyang could not be incarnated into a national defense force". Therefore, Fang thought that for the Beiyang Army that Mr. Yuan had painstakingly established, after swearing allegiance to the new state power, he would be awarded the title and treated the same as all units of the Mengshan Army. The generals of Beiyang, whether it is Duan Qirui, Feng Guozhang, Cao Kun, or Li Chun, we will use the amount of talent, if they are willing to lead the army, under the premise of obeying the military regulations and discipline of our Mengshan army, try to make them command the old department. If you don't want to lead troops, you can also join politics. The generals have fought with the Mengshan Army in the past, and Mr. Yuan can tell them that the past grievances have been written off so far, and we will never pursue the old evil. This is guaranteed by Fang's personality. Fang Shengyuan paused, "As for Mr. Yuan, his status is precious, Fang Mou doesn't dare to comment, presumably the marshal has already made arrangements, right?" ”

Yuan Keding felt that the conditions offered by the other party were not harsh, and even tolerant and generous. Awarded the number, treat everyone equally, and the generals will take the old department regardless of their previous suspicions, and use the amount only ...... Isn't that enough? didn't say how to treat Yuan Shikai, but seemed honest and credible.

"Hmm," Yuan Shikai nodded, "The old man thanks you for your handsome bearing, and also thanks to Mr. Fang." The old man has not been ordered to serve the king, which can be regarded as an expression of attitude, but it is not that Yuan someone sees the wind and rudder, but he really does not want to see the spread of war, the destruction of lives, and the consumption of my country's vitality in vain. Mr. Fang, as for the handling of the Beiyang Army, I will do what you say. But I hope that your army will keep its promise. However, Yuan still has a question, Mr. Minggao should not be too long-winded with the old man. ”

"Don't dare, the younger generation knows everything."

"What will your marshal do with the royal family?"

"This, the marshal really didn't mention. Fang didn't dare to deceive his seniors. However, the marshal ordered the northern army to occupy the capital division to properly protect the palace and palace, and the autumn did not commit any crimes, let alone allow the northern army to enter Baoding, did he already show his attitude? If the seniors can't let go of the old master in their hearts, and they hear that the seniors have a radio station here, you can immediately call for instructions. ”

"That's fine. I heard that Xu Shichang and Duan Qirui had gone to Baoding on the orders of General Lushan, which was not something that Yuan should beak. That's it, that's it. The old man can send a telegram, Xingcheng, I still have you to work, you go and draw up a telegram, please Mr. Ming Gao review it and immediately send it in my personal name. ”

The main points of the negotiation were all in place, and Fang Sheng was overjoyed. stood up and gave a deep salute to Yuan Shikai, "The predecessors judged the situation and benefited everyone, Fang Mou is here to express his deep gratitude and admiration." ”

"That's it, that's it," Yuan Shikai got up and returned the salute, "Speaking of which, the old man admires your handsome man very much, whether it is governing the army or fighting a war or an economic place, the old man is beyond his reach." It was Mr. Minggao, and the old man was also very admirable in his heart. The first battle in Shandong let the old man know that there is a sky outside the sky, and General Lu Shan was not afraid of the Japanese army, and greatly displayed the ambition of our Chinese soldiers, which made the old man even more admired. There are talented people in the country, and they can't accept it. Ha Luha, Mr. Ming Gao is a guest from afar, Keding, you go and arrange it quickly, and I want to accompany Mr. Fang for a few drinks for my father. ”

Yuan Keding agreed and went out. Yang Shiqi also followed, he went to draft Yuan Shikai's telegram. Immediately, Fang Shengyuan drafted the results of the negotiations with Yuan Shikai, and sent them to Shandong with the radio station that Yuan Shikai brought to Huanshang, which forwarded them to the headquarters and copied them to Beijing.

At noon, Yuan Shikai set up a banquet to entertain Fang Shengyuan, the banquet had not yet ended, and the telegram signed by Long Qian had arrived, fully agreeing with the points agreed by Fang and Yuan, and wishing Yuan Shikai well. The Yuan Mansion likes it even more.

That's politics. Taking what you want and making concessions is the hallmark of a mature politician. Yuan Shikai believes that the general trend has gone, and safety itself has become the highest goal. He knew very well that Long Qian would never use himself when he was in power. But the preservation of the Beiyang Army built by himself is equivalent to giving himself the most reliable insurance. Immediately, Yuan Shikai instructed Yang Shiqi to send a telegram to Feng Guozhang of Hengshui, informing him of the results of the negotiation with Fang Shengyuan, and reassuring the army's heart, "Minggao, you can ask your marshal to take over Hengshui, Huafu and Zhiquan are still obedient to the old man's words, at least for now." ”

"There's no rush to this. From Fang's point of view, the goal of my family's handsome is the southeast. How good would it be if the southeast was as high-spirited as Mr. Yuan, so that the country could calm down the conflict as soon as possible? Fang Shengyuan shook his head again and again.

Yuan Shikai did not comment.

In the afternoon of the same day, Yuan Shikai sent a telegram in Huanshang Village, calling on all parties and factions throughout the country to have a clear understanding of the situation, obey the leadership of the Mengshan Army, put an end to the hostilities at an early date, and jointly build a new China.

The issuance of this telegram marked the withdrawal of Beiyang, as the most powerful Beiyang faction in the political and military arena of the late Qing Dynasty. It also marked the end of Yuan Shikai's personal political life. More importantly, it marked the formal surrender of the Mengshan Army to northern China. Sure enough, within three days of the telegram being sent, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Henan, and even Anhui provinces successively announced that they would accept the leadership of the Mengshan Army.

The only one that could compete with the Mengshan Army was the government of the Republic of China, which had its capital in Jiangning. (To be continued......)