Long Qian arrived in Beijing on the afternoon of October 6. Escorting him into Beijing was the special operations brigade that he trained and made great contributions in the Battle of Tingsi, but left his guards to Situ Jun.

The Qianmen Railway Station has been completely closed, and the 73rd Regiment of the 25th Brigade of the Northern Army is lined up in the square to accept the review of the Supreme Commander on behalf of the Northern Army. The generals of the Northern Army and the Shandong Army in Beijing, except for a few who were stationed on the outskirts of the city and could not leave, all gathered at Qianmen Station to welcome the arrival of the supreme commander.

A select number of journalists were allowed to enter the scene.

After Long Qian's special train stopped, the military band played a loud and passionate military song, and the generals of the Mengshan Army lined up neatly to greet their supreme commander.

Long Qian, who was standing at the door of the car, did not get out of the car immediately, but stood on the steps of the car and slowly scanned the queue, starting from Lu Shan at the beginning, Ning Shijun, Fang Shengyuan, Shi Dashou, Deng Qinghua, Fan Deping...... Everyone stared for a long time.

"It's all there, salute the commander!" Lu Shan shouted.

Long Qian returned the salute solemnly, then quickly got out of the car and walked to Lu Shan, and hugged Lu Shan, "Good brother, we finally met!" I heard that you were hit by a stray bullet, and I was so worried that I would die! Long Qian stared at the obvious scar on Lu Shan's cheek, "Remember when a few of us discussed and planned to go outside the gate?" You, Shi Jun, and Mingyuan are all vying to get out, and they are all good! But this idea, which even I don't have confidence in, has made you do it! Without your success outside the gates, there would be no meeting with us here. Well done! ”

"Commander, that's your command." Lu Shan said emotionally, "Commander." Everyone thinks about you very much outside the gate, and they are finally reunited. ”

"No, it is your loyalty, bravery, and wisdom that you have fought for the best! I thank you, my brothers in the Northern Army! Long Qian said loudly.

Letting go of Lushan, Long Qian came to Fang Shengyuan, Ning Shijun and Chen Chao, grabbed Fang Shengyuan with one hand, and stopped Ning Shijun's salute with the other, "Stay in Shandong, stabilize the rear, and defeat the main force of Beiyang." It's all thanks to the unity of the three of you. Let's be honest. Overthrew the Manchu Qing Dynasty and seized these thousands of miles of rivers and mountains, the battle of Shandong was crucial, and the days of the bloody battle in Texas. I'm not willing to eat. I don't have a good bed. ”

Fang Shengyuan just laughed. Shook Long Qian's hand vigorously. Ning Shijun said loudly, "We firmly believe that we can defeat Beiyang, and we never thought of losing Shandong." ”

"Good. It's just to have this kind of energy! But it's not easy, relying on the little old foundation left to you, you won the Shandong Battle beautifully, and you did a good job! After speaking, he turned his gaze to Chen Chao.

"Mr. Yuezhi, you are an elder but you came to pick me up, which makes me very uneasy." After speaking, Long Qian bowed to Chen Chao.

"Today, regardless of personal feelings, only public friendship." Chen Chao smiled.

After meeting Chen Chao, Long Qian came to Shi Dashou, and after saluting in return, "Dashou, a thousand miles of detours, the first battle of Jinzhou has established your prestige!" Long Qian hugged Shi Dashou.

"I entrusted Commander Hongfu." Shi Dashou grinned.

"No, it's you who fight! The Northern Army is all good! ”

Next, Long Qian hugged his old subordinates one by one, Deng Qinghua, Fan Deping, Shang Fengchun, Cheng Erhu, Xiong Xun, Jiang Cunxian, Xu Gongzhi, Huang Jinhui...... accurately said everyone's exploits outside the gate, which made the generals feel very excited. At the beginning, Long Qian gambled hard and sent most of the essence of his subordinates out of the Guanwai, and now he has reaped fruitful results, and these original battalion commanders and company commanders are now the generals of the main town.

"Brothers, can you seek Kanto if you know what Lu Dao is for? In addition to our strategic alignment, the key is that everyone is united as one and has a selfless momentum! At the beginning, there were only a few hundred people who were sent out, but what you brought into the pass was the tens of thousands of troops of Jin Ge Iron Horse! In terms of difficulty, the Shandong Army and even the Southern Army I personally led are much easier than yours! I'm well aware of this. Since the Northern Army entered the customs, especially since the occupation of Beijing, it has displayed the good style of the victorious division of the Mengshan Army and the mighty division, which is worth learning from you in the whole army! In a few days, I will personally award medals and awards to meritorious officers and soldiers! Let's see the heroic posture of our Kanto soldiers! By the way, I forgot to introduce you. This is Hong Yuecheng Hong Nanshao, our senior senator, planning Guangdong, Mr. Hong has made great contributions. ”

Hong Yuecheng, who was following Long Qian, tried to distinguish the generals of the Mengshan Army that he did not know, he had heard the names of these people, and today he finally saw the true god. Hearing Long Qian introduce himself, Hong Yuecheng, who was wearing civilian clothes, was inconvenient to meet with a military salute, so he clasped his fists and saluted the solemn generals, "I've seen all the generals." ”

"Hello Mr. Hong." The generals responded politely.

"Lu Shan, how do you arrange it today?" Long Qian smiled and asked Lu Shan, who was following him.

"Commander, reporters from several newspapers want to interview you, look ......," Fang Shengyuan interjected.

Fang Shengyuan believed that Long Qian's arrival in Beijing should be hyped up, and that Sun Wen had run back from Japan to Shanghai last month and held a press conference to vigorously build momentum, and in this case, Long Qian should not quietly enter Beijing.

"Oh, and you got a reporter?" Long Qian instantly understood Fang Shengyuan's intentions, "Okay, time relationship, I'll only answer three questions." ”

Fang Shengyuan brought the reporters over, "Dashuai Che Ma is tired, this time I only answer three questions, please forgive me." When conditions permit, a special press conference will be held to meet everyone's questions. Okay, who's going first? ”

Six or seven reporters rushed to ask questions, and suddenly there was a mess. Fang Shengyuan hurriedly stopped, "Everyone, let me name you." Today, I will only choose three newspapers, Shandong News, Ta Kung Pao and Beijing Daily, and the other newspapers will have to wait for the next time. Reporter Zhang, you come first. Fang Sheng nodded to Zhang Yuanzhe, a reporter from Shandong News.

"May I ask you, Marshal, are you going to Beijing from Wuchang this time to prepare for the establishment of a central government? Everyone is looking forward to the birth of a new country, may I ask the commander, what is the name of the new China? Is the capital Beijing? Everyone knows that a republic is a form of government, a presidential system or a cabinet accountability system? ”

Shandong News is a newspaper controlled by Mengshan Army, and Long Qian didn't know whether they had sent the newspaper to Beijing, so he smiled slightly. "Reporter Zhang, this is not a problem for you. Well, my visit to Beijing this time is indeed to prepare for the central government of New China. With the abdication of the Manchus and the public declaration of the Beiyang Bloc, the basic conditions for the establishment of an independent, democratic, and civilized new regime were met. Recently, the main generals of the Mengshan Army and prominent members of society have gathered in Beijing, and I hope that on the basis of full exchanges with you, I will study and determine the establishment of a transitional organization to realize the peaceful building of the country. After a bloody battle, the Mengshan Army finally overthrew the feudal autocracy. The future of the new China is everyone's. It belongs to all the people. As for the questions that everyone is concerned about, I suggest that the friends of the newspaper can conduct a questionnaire to at least see what the people in Beijing and Tianjin think. Do you like it? Next. ”

"Dear General Long, I am Jiang Feng, a reporter from Ta Kung Pao. My question is. How did Mengshanjun deal with the government of the Republic of China, which had already been established in Shanghai? As far as I know. The troops of the Southern Army of the Mengshan Army have already marched to Jiangsu and Zhejiang, must they solve the problem by force? As the general said, the Mengshan army overthrew the Manchu autocratic regime in order to establish a new regime representing 40,000,000 people. Why can't we negotiate peacefully with the government of the Republic of China to settle the dispute? ”

"It's a poignant question, and it's good. First of all, the government of the Republic of China cannot represent China. In today's China, no one can ignore the existence of the Mengshan Army! It is ridiculous and absurd for a certain political faction to set up a so-called central government without the Mengshan army. As for the local regime that already existed in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, a solution by force was not what I hoped to see, the Mengshan army did not want to fight, and my soldiers were not willing to make senseless sacrifices. However, the fighting that broke out in the Wuchang area was not provoked by the Mengshan army, but caused by the people's army blocking the advance of the Mengshan army. China should not be divided but must be reunified, and this is the common hope of the people of the whole country. If the local authorities in Jiangsu and Zhejiang can give up their use of force and sit down to have a good discussion with us, just like the civil and military princes of the Beiyang system, I personally welcome it. Let me repeat, New China is not the world of the Mengshan Army and his family, but the people of the whole country, including all parties and factions, including overseas gentlemen who are concerned about China's future and destiny. We should jointly determine the state and political system, jointly formulate the constitution, and jointly assume responsibility for the new China. However, if you want to resist the unification of the whole country by force, then there is no way. It can only be solved by force. ”

"Hello, General Long. I'm Mu Yunsong, a reporter from Beijing, and the question I want to ask is, how will the new regime treat the abdicated Manchu court? ”

Beijing Daily is a newspaper in Beijing, while Ta Kung Pao is headquartered in Tianjin, and the three newspapers selected by Fang Shengyuan are very representative.

"Mr. Mu, the question you asked should be of concern to many people. How to deal with the Manchu abdication, I alone say it doesn't count. This is a major event that will require the study and adoption of a resolution after the formation of a new central government. But here, I can say my personal opinion. First of all, I would like to express my appreciation to the Manchu authorities for recognizing the situation and abdicating to end the dispute, which is a wise and respectable decision. In ancient and modern times, in China and abroad, dynastic changes are generally accompanied by bloodshed, but I hope we can set a precedent. The Mengshan Army is a patriotic army, and the Mengshan Army is a civilized army, and the Mengshan Army's overthrow of the Manchu regime is not to massacre or expel the Manchu compatriots, I have always believed that the Manchus, like the Han people, are members of the big family of the Chinese nation, and there are countless Manchus living in Beijing, and the Mengshan Army occupied Beijing and did not carry out any form of persecution of the Manchu people. As long as the former rulers of the Manchu Qing Dynasty obeyed the laws of the new state and consciously fulfilled their civic duties, their personal safety was guaranteed. Okay, time relationship, I will talk about so much today, Mr. Fang Shengyuan has just said, in the future, we will have the opportunity to communicate together and fully communicate. ”

The reporters were a little disappointed, but they were helpless. The three questions that Long Qian talked about just now were the ones they were most concerned about, so when the reporters saw that Long Qian no longer answered the questions, they immediately ran away from the station and rushed back to send the scoop.

In the early morning of the next day, more than a dozen newspapers invariably came out to report the news of Long Qian's arrival in Beijing and answer reporters' questions.

"You guy, why do you call the shots for the commander?" Ning Shijun said to Fang Shengyuan.

"The commander spoke very well. I really should have answered a few more questions. Some words are much more effective when the newspaper says them. ”

"Commander, the officers and men of the Northern Army are lonely and have never seen the commander, and they are all looking forward to getting to know the commander. The space was limited, and only one regiment could be brought in, the 73rd Regiment, which was the main regiment of the Northern Army. It's already lined up outside the station, is the commander looking at everyone? Lu Shan interjected.

"Xiong Xun's troops? I know that this regiment is a heroic regiment that has made great contributions in the Jinzhou Campaign. Okay, let's see the soldiers go. Having said that, under the light of the flashing lights and the crowd of officers, he left the station, and saw a neat military formation in front of the small square. Farther away, the people watched.

Jiang Yun frowned, he was a little worried about Long Qian's safety. Lu Shan seemed to see his worries and patted Jiang Yun on the shoulder, "Don't worry, it's foolproof." ”

Brigadier Xiong Xun, who left the station ahead of schedule, ran to Long Qian and stood still. "Report to the commander. The 73rd Regiment of the 25th Brigade of the 9th Division has completed the parade, and the commander is invited to review it. ”

Long Qian enthusiastically inspected this heroic team, accompanied by the civil and military officers.

After the review, Long Qian decided to say a few words to the troops, "Brothers. You are soldiers of the Mengshan Army. But it's the first time I've seen the commander-in-chief! I haven't paid anyone either. I have been honored, and I can't help you. I know that the vast majority of you are children from outside the Guan. Growing between the white mountains and black waters, guarding the black ditch platform, attacking Shendan Fort, exterminating the bandits entrenched in the deep mountains and dense forests, until the march into the Guannei and the occupation of this Beijing city, you have made great contributions! Commander Lu and Chief of Staff Deng have reported to me about your military exploits, and I know them all. In a few days, we will hold a medal ceremony, and I will personally wear medals for the heroes who have made meritorious contributions to the war! Long Qian looked at the black oppressive troops, "Your stationing in Beijing shows that Commander Lu trusts you, and that you are a good army that is brave and invincible on the battlefield and strictly enforces military discipline in peacetime. However, there was no peace in the world, the troops of the Southern Army and the Shandong Army were still fighting, and the enemies inside and outside the Guanli were not all cleared. Don't have the idea of putting knives and guns into storage and putting horses in Nanshan. Just like what we sing in our military song, 'Run to the decisive battlefield, run to the frontier of the motherland!' Our Mengshan Army will soon be reorganized into a glorious national defense force, and the vast frontier of the motherland must be defended by you, and you must keep in mind your mission, keep in mind the honor of the Mengshan Army, and make new contributions to defend and build our new China! ”

After the Mengshan Army rose up against the Qing Dynasty, the military song was naturally changed, changing "Qing Dynasty" and "Imperial Court" to "Motherland" and "People".

"Please rest assured, where you point, the Northern Army will kill. I'm invincible! Lu Shan said loudly, "All the departments of the Northern Army want to march to the southeast." ”

"The southeast doesn't need you to go, but the north still needs you to defend it. Not only in the Northeast, but also on the Mongolian Plateau, which has not yet been occupied by us, we want to plant the bright red military flag of the Mengshan Army all over China! ”

"Please rest assured, the commander is here, and the north is as safe as a rock!" Lu Shan expressed his position firmly.

The welcome ceremony lasted about an hour and a half, and Long Qian returned to Xiyuan accompanied by Lu Shan, Ning Shijun and others. In the car, Long Qian asked Lu Shan, who was in the same car with him, "Why did you set up your headquarters in Xiyuan?" ”

"The place was chosen by Tsinghua University, and there are really many places that can be set as headquarters, and many palaces are empty. Tsinghua thinks that Xiyuan is in the best condition, the place is spacious, and there are tall walls for easy defense, which I think is also good. ”

"Have you ever thought about it, the army is a serious test when it enters a big city. Li Zicheng's million-strong army was corrupted after entering Beijing, and it quickly collapsed. Not defeated by the enemy, but defeated by oneself. It's okay to live in Xiyuan for the time being, but not in the future. ”

"Just wait for the commander to preside over the overall situation. I'm scratching and scratching in my heart these days, don't say, it's so nervous these days. Lu Shan said with a smile.

"It's right to be nervous. Don't let up. Long Qian said softly, "I will leave Situ in Wuchang to preside over the Jiangnan military. The main purpose of this visit to Beijing is to study the most important things in the founding of the country, such as the reorganization of the armed forces, the establishment of headquarters organs, and so on. ”

"Two brigades, Xiong Xun's 25th Brigade is stationed in Xicheng and Nancheng, and Erhu's 28th Brigade is stationed in Beicheng and Dongcheng. The rest of the troops were stationed outside the city. ”

"Hmm, how is the discipline of the troops?"

"It's fine. Xu Gong held it very tightly. ”

"Did you see that? None of the foreign envoys showed up...... We seized power in the whole country and were not happy for the majority of the powers. Our task is heavy, and you, as commanders of the front army, must be prepared for danger in times of peace! Moreover, we have not reached the time to celebrate victory. ”

"With the commander here, any trouble can be solved. When the commander came, I was relieved. "Lushan Road.

"I'm not at ease. By the way, did Jiang Yun tell you about the situation in Mongolia? Long Qian suddenly remembered the report of the Military Intelligence Bureau on the situation in Outer Mongolia.

"Got it." Lushan has already received a report from the Military Intelligence Agency on the changes in Mongolia.

"There must be a shadow of the Russians behind it. However, I will not tolerate independence! Not an inch of China's current territory is allowed to be cut out! We will take back the territory we lost before, piece by piece! The battle is not over, and the troops must not relax! Is there a problem with the rapid return of the Northern Army to the Northeast? Long Qian's sharp eyes stared at Lu Shan beside him.

"No problem, you can start at any time."

"That's good. Lu Shan, I am ready to rely on you for the affairs of the north, you have to know in your heart. ”

"Waiting for the commander's orders at any time." Lu Shan said firmly.

"That's good! I'm a little more relaxed when you say that. Oh, Wenxiu, how are they? It's all here, right? ”

"It's all here. They all live in the West Garden. ”

"The reorganization of the troops, you two commanders should have an opinion, in general, I have drafted a charter with Situ, and I will ask Ouyang to give you a copy of the information compiled by the General Staff Headquarters, and you will study it as soon as possible." By the way, what about Tang Shaoyi? He's okay? Have you come to Beijing? Previously, Long Qian had called Lu Shan and asked him to take Tang Shaoyi and Zhang Shaozeng to Beijing.

"It's coming. and Zhang Shaozeng lived together in Xianliang Temple. ”

"What about Duan Qirui?"

"He has a family in Beijing, so he lives at home."

"Well, if I can, I want to meet Tang Shaochuan today."

"Commander, forget it today. Reunited with my wife and children, I am going to give the commander a pick-up in the evening, everyone has not seen the commander for several years, we finally got out of this situation, we all want to have a glass of wine with you, you have to give me face, you can't spoil everyone's fun. ”

"That's as it should be. What about topaz? Picked up? Long Qian remembered Sheng Guang, who died in Jinzhou.

"No," Ning Shijun replied, "Huang Yu is reluctant to come. ”

"It's a pity, Sheng Guang." Long Qian sighed, "We must build a martyr's shrine so that future generations will always remember the martyrs who gave their lives for today's victory." Dinner in the evening. It is not easy for them to call their families, especially the families of the Northern Army, I want to toast them with a glass of wine, thank them. ”

While speaking, the convoy drove into the gate of Baoyue Tower at the south gate of Xiyuan, this royal courtyard is a mysterious place in another time and space, Long Qian looked at the rippling lake and the pavilions and pavilions hidden among the tall trees, his heart fluctuated, he didn't expect that he would settle in here as the master. (To be continued......)