Yang Shixiang walked in Yizhou and Yanzhou for a total of 11 days. He took a detailed look at the steel base of Huayuan Industry in Yizhou and the pharmaceutical and chemical plants (producing explosives) of Zhongxing Industry, which are mainly located in Yanzhou, and inspected the people's livelihood in Lunan Prefecture, and left a deep impression on the cityscape and urban infrastructure of Yizhou and Yanzhou. In particular, Yizhou City, which was once the headquarters of the Mengshan Army, was surrounded by Yimeng Mountain, which was clean and tidy, prosperous in commerce, and courteous in its residents, which left an excellent impression on him.

Yang Shixiang lived in the former guest house, and he spent three days looking at the Yizhou Iron and Steel Company, a subsidiary of Huayuan Industrial, including the rolling mill that was in the final stage of construction. He never imagined that Huayuan Industrial would build a giant steel plant with an annual output of 10 tons of steel and 150,000 tons of pig iron in less than three years. According to Yang Shixiang's knowledge, the output of the Yizhou Iron and Steel Company alone exceeds the total output of the whole country except for it.

Since Li Wenzhong, it is Zhang Xiangshuai who has resisted the banner of foreign affairs in the imperial court, but the Hanyang Steel Mill in Zhang Zhidong has been stopped, and there are constant problems, where can it be compared to Yizhou! He wore the sunglasses that Wu Yong gave him, witnessed the opening of a furnace of molten steel, and sighed in his heart. If the rolling mill is built, Yizhou will be able to produce profiles, which is really amazing.

The equipment and skills of Yizhou Iron and Steel Company are all from the United States, and at the scene, Yang Shixiang saw many blonde foreigners who were busy wearing steel company uniforms, "Yongchuan, how did you lead Americans to Yizhou?" "He saw Wu Yong's prefect for the first time, but he had heard of this Zeng Jize's son-in-law, and he also knew his history.

"That's not the credit of the Dragon Army Gate? In the past, Lord Long saved an American from the boxers. Relying on this good fate, there is such an achievement. ”

The relationship between David and Long Qian is well known to Lunan officials, but few people have made it clear how to attract investment and technology from the United States. The American, who had already married and served as the vice president of Huayuan and was in charge of Huayuan Yizhou Industry, and his American wife lived in Long Qian's former official residence. This time, Yang Shixiang came but didn't see him, because David was not in Yizhou at the moment, but went to Zhongxing on business.

"Yongchuan," Yang Shixiang thought of another question, "most of the enterprises of Huayuan Company have moved to Jinan, what about those workers?" Do you go with the company or stay? How to settle those who remain? ”

"About half of the people who went to Jinan with the company, most of them did not leave after getting married. Transferred to other enterprises. In particular, there is a huge shortage of people on the side of the steel company. In particular, there is a shortage of trained workers. Wu Yong replied.

"How much impact does Huayuan's move to Jinan have on Yizhou?"

"Of course there is an impact. At least there are fewer taxes. But it is no longer possible not to move. Yizhou is mountainous, and the expansion of enterprises has encountered great problems, and it is difficult to recruit people. Relocation is a must. The two states of Lunan have changed greatly. The lower officials are in the middle of it. Sometimes it's like a dream. It is because of Long Junmen's far-reaching thinking that there is today's atmosphere. ”

Yang Shixiang had already concluded from Wu Yong's attitude that he was Long Qian's hardcore. I don't know the old friends I used to know. What is the attitude of Zhang Lianfen, who is now in charge of Yanzhou?

Yang Shixiang went to Yanzhou along Yiyan Avenue. He never imagined that such a spacious and flat highway would be built in Yiyan and Yanzhou alone. Yang Shixiang took the car provided by Wu Yong to Yanzhou, which was really a speeding feeling. Yang Shixiang had seen this kind of magical and delicate thing in Beijing, and the British minister gave the Queen Mother and King Qing one each.

The car was provided by Huayuan Industry, and when the capital Jinan had not yet used this kind of foreign gadget, the mountain city of Yizhou actually used it. Not only that, but along the way, I didn't see trucks carrying heavy goods, according to Wu Yong, who accompanied him. The car was shipped to Lunan by Huamei Machinery Company, which has close business dealings with Huayuan and ZTE, and this thing is good for everything, that is, the road requirements are high, and the fuel is bought from overseas, so Huayuan only buys 15 trucks and two cars at present. ZTE's side is about the same number.

Wu Yong seemed to be particularly interested in the new gadget of the car, and chattered about countless benefits, "It's a pity that it's too troublesome, no one can drive it, drink oil, and it's not the oil we eat, what is it called oil, but unfortunately we don't have it in the Qing Dynasty, and we have to ship it from overseas." ”

Yang Shixiang read a lot of books, and immediately thought of a record in Shen Kuo's "Mengxi Writings", "Oil is not nothing, there is it in the area of Fushi (Yan'an)." ”

"Adults are really well-read and knowledgeable." Wu Yong complimented. In terms of learning, Wu Yong, who was born in the donation class, of course, cannot be compared with Yang Shixiang, who was born in Hanlin.

The scene in Yanzhou is similar to what was expected, Yang Shixiang was surprised by the operation of the Taizao Railway, originally thought that the self-built railway that Zhang Yuhui (Lianfen) got was just to transport coal, who knew that it actually opened a passenger car, two classes a day, the carriage is divided into one, two and two, and the second-class fare only needs eight copper plates, a distance of 100 miles, and it is convenient to come in an instant. Zhang Yuhui is very sorry for the cancellation of the railway plan from Yizhou to Haizhou, "Zaozhuang's media is mostly sold to Jiangsu and Zhejiang, and it is due to the lack of media in Jiangnan." The cost of sea freight is lower than that of river transportation and even lower than that of land transportation. If you go by land, it's not cost-effective. Sales determine production, and only when the market is opened can the output of Zhongxing Coal Mine be further increased. However, in two years at most, the output of Zhongxing Coal Mine can exceed one million tons, and the coking capacity can reach more than 100,000 tons. Jiangnan Manufacturing Bureau needs more coke, and the next step is to improve the capacity of coal washing and coking......"

Yang Shixiang was shocked by the size of the mine. He had been to the Kaiping Coal Mine, which fell into the hands of the British, and it seemed that it was not as good as here. More crucially, the Zhongxing mine was completely under the control of the imperial court.

"It is said that the profit of the coal mine is 400,000 taels. It seems more than once, right? Yang Shixiang squinted at the smoky mining area.

"My lord, if Zhongxing Coal Mine does not invest heavily in renovation, its profits will more than double. However, the lower officials had already agreed with the Admiral's opinion that it was necessary to improve the safety and living facilities of the workers. "There, a new village is being built to accommodate 2,500 miners." ”

"Did you build all the houses yourself?"

"Of course. ZTE has its own construction company. Zhang Lianfen was full of spirits, stroked her beard and said proudly. In another three years, Yanzhou will be the largest industrial base in Shandong, not second only to Jinan. ”

Yang Shixiang had mixed feelings. Inspecting Yanzhou and Yizhou, he thoroughly confirmed his judgment in Jinan, Shandong is no longer the Shandong of the past, and he will either "surrender" and join the Shandong system, or be ostracized by the Shandong government. This is not something that can be simply reversed by the governor's position.

However, he heard something in Yanzhou that made him change his itinerary. It was decided to inspect the garrison of the Fifth Town in Yanzhou.

This incident is the corruption case of the Tenth Association set off by Fang Shengyuan.

The clue was provided by Luo Xiaocai, who accompanied him. Yang Shixiang felt that there was a lot to be done here. So he was with Zhang Lianfen and Wu Yong. went to Zhou Yi's Tenth Co-Headquarters.

Although the Tenth Association is a unit directly under the central government, Yang Shixiang, as the governor of Shandong, has nothing to inspect the army, and Zhou Yi and Lan Xinzhi can only receive it. He accompanied the governor to inspect the two units that were being trained. I booked a banquet at the most upscale restaurant in Yanzhou. to the end of the host. During the banquet, Yang Shixiang did not mention the corruption case that caused a sensation in Yanzhou, but greatly praised the training of the 10th Association and praised Zhou Lan for his good training. He can be regarded as a pillar of the imperial court. It wasn't until the evening that Zhang Lianfen and Wu Yong both left, and Yang Shixiang sent Luo Xiaocai to take his name and ask Zhou Yi to talk about it at the post house.

The conditions of Yanzhou Post House are not as good as Yizhou State Guest House, but it is also good, there are electric lights, and there is running water. Yang Shixiang heard Luo Xiaocai report that Zhou Yi was coming, personally greeted him, retreated left and right, and talked with Zhou Yi alone for a long time, until the end of the day, Zhou Yi withdrew and rode home with the guards.

Zheng Chan has been waiting for her husband.

"Your second brother has a message for you. He is very good, and now he is working under Cao Kun, and he is very trustworthy. Zhou Yi put his feet into the hot tub and said to his wife.

"Did the Governor say that?" Zheng Chan was about to wait for her husband to wash his feet, but when she heard this, she stopped moving, "Is there any news from my eldest brother?" ”

"He didn't say."

It is said that she should not ask about her husband's official duties, but Zheng Chan felt a little uneasy, "Husband, the concubine has a few words, I don't know if I should talk about it or not......"

"Say it." The water was a little hot, Zhou Yi took a breath and rested his feet on the edge of the footbasin. picked up the herbal tea that his wife had made for him, and drank it all up.

"The concubine thinks that the husband wants to inform the commander about the summons of Lord Futai."

"Why?"

"The concubine thinks that the commander and Lord Yuan are not in harmony, and they know it as much as possible. I heard that Yang Futai was recommended by Lord Yuan to patrol Shandong, so don't cause the commander to ......" She wanted to say the word suspicion, but she felt that it was inappropriate, and she couldn't find the right word for a while.

"Cause what? Suspect? The commander reused Fang Shengyuan and made a big fuss. Cao Minzhong is even cooler! You're right, I've asked the commander to go to Jinan. ”

"Do you want to intercede for Xia Jiarong?"

"Military affairs, you are a woman and a woman. Got it? The news was told to you by Feng Lun's family? Feng Lun's home is in Yanzhou, but he himself is stationed in Caozhou, and the two families often come and go.

"Yes......" Zheng Chan hesitated and admitted. Feng Lun's wife did tell her about the Xia Jiarong case. said that Cao Minzhong intended to frame him through Xia Jiarong, Feng Lun was deeply angry and personally came to Yanzhou to meet Zhou Yi and ask him to uphold justice.

Xia Jiarong's case was mainly caused by the construction of the Caozhou military camp. Whether Feng Lun is involved, Zhou Yi does not dare to guarantee. But he is not greedy for a penny, and Zhou Yi is down-to-earth in his heart. However, Xia Jiarong always carries gifts for the New Year's holidays, and now it seems that this guy is indeed unclean.

"Husband...... The matter of the second brother can't be hidden from Jiang Yun, so it's better to talk to the commander as well......"

"To each his own. What's the big deal? Long Qian didn't know the way? Time has passed, and now they are all doing things for the imperial court, I promise you to bring a letter to Zheng Du, you might as well write a letter to Brother Ling, and ask Lord Yang to bring it over tomorrow. It's your eldest brother, he takes care of what he does, what does it have to do with you? What does it have to do with me? You don't have to be careful. Lord Yang, I know how to be measured. You can rest assured. ”

During the evening talk, Yang Shixiang learned in detail about Xia Jiarong's case. Zhou Yi reported according to the facts. Yang Shixiang did reveal the intention of solicitation, Zhou Yi thought that he had responded properly, there was no mistake, and his heart was very peaceful, "It has not been easy to come all the way to the present over the years." Chan'er, for her husband to know the stakes and disadvantages. I don't want you to be reminded. Rest assured. The commander is shrewd, open-minded, and will not be confused by the small. Over the years, Zhou Yi has read some books, and his speech has become more civil.

"Then what are you doing with the commander?"

"You don't have to ask about that. I'm tired, let's rest early. "Zhou Yi doesn't want to talk about it anymore." I'll go and see Lin'er and sleep. At the end of last year, Zheng Chan finally gave birth to a son for Zhou Yi, and Zhou Yulin's name was taken by Long Qian.

"Okay." Zheng Chan was still unsatisfied, "I won't write my second brother's letter." Zhilu said that he was doing well. ”

The next day, Zhou Yi settled down in military affairs, and in accordance with the regulations, temporarily handed over the command to Lan Xinzhi, the chief of staff, and did not wait for Jinan to reply, and did not borrow a car from ZTE. Instead, he brought a platoon of cavalry guards. It's time to go to Jinan.

Long Qian was trying to recruit Zhou Yi to talk about the handling of Xia Jiarong's case and the issue of troop establishment. I was very happy to see Zhou Yilai.

"Brother Zhou has worked hard all the way! I've written back to invite you to come, that's great. Long Qian smiled and shook Zhou Yi's hand. It's very affectionate. "Yulin, okay? Zheng Chan, okay? ”

"Thank you Commander for your concern for Uchiko and Inuko. All good. Uchiko also specially told me to greet the commander. At the beginning, we saw each other almost every day in Zhengjiazhuang. Now that the commander's foundation is bigger, it is difficult to meet him. Zhou Yi saw Long Qian's attitude, and his heart was even more steady. Commander, the Ten Associations have made a mess and have failed the commander's trust, and I feel very sad. ”

"You can't be blamed for it. There is responsibility at all levels. Long Qian thought for a while, "Brother Zhou, did you come to Jinan mainly to talk about Xia Jiarong?" ”

"Yes."

"What does Brother Zhou mean?"

"Xia Jiarong violated military law and embezzled a lot, so he really deserves to be killed. However, Xia Jiarong is an old man in Mengshan, and he remembers that when he was in Mengshan, the ordnance team built the first military bayonet, and he was the hero. Over the years, he has been busy in the logistics position, although it is not the work of charging into battle, but it is not without achievements. Can the commander be extrajudicially forged? Remove him from his post and let him go to the company to make meritorious service to his crimes? In addition, "Zhou Yi pondered the words, and he didn't know what to say for a while.

"Brother Zhou, you and I are brothers who were born and died, what can't you say?"

"Commander, then I'll be straight to the point. Cao Minzhong's intentions are not good, and Fang Shengyuan is even more ill-intentioned. Don't trust them, Commander. Xia Jiarong's corruption is true, but he is heartfelt to you, commander......" Zhou Yi remembered that when Xia Jiarong was first arrested, he insisted on going to the prison cell to see him despite Fang Shengyuan's objections, "Xia Jiarong regretted his mistakes very much, and cried bitterly, saying that he was sorry for the commander and sorry for our Mengshan army. I hope I can say a few words to the commander, spare him a dog's life, and give him a chance to make amends......"

"That's all?"

"Commander......

"Brother Zhou, Xia Jiarong has made meritorious contributions in the past, otherwise he would not have been promoted to the position of section chief. A salary of $100 a month is not low! But how much did he embezzle? Nearly 20,000 oceans! According to the military law of our Mengshan Army, it is enough to shoot him dozens of times! Isn't this drinking the blood of soldiers? As for Cao Minzhong and Mr. Fang, they just acted according to the rules, and the Military Judge Advocate Office had the duty of inspector. If it weren't for the Judge Advocate General's intervention, when would you, the co-ordinator, find out that you have a bunch of big rats? Cao Minzhong was wrong in extorting confessions by torture, but he did not wronged anyone. This time I'm going to deal with Cao Minzhong, and I can't open this opening. It doesn't matter if you don't have a confession, the facts can always be found out. Long Qian made an exception and lit a cigarette, "I am prepared for this matter, but I don't know who started this!" Now the spread is big, and the monthly military expenditure is hundreds of thousands, and people are dying for money. If we don't stop this wind, this force that we have worked so hard to build will disperse without anyone else to fight. Zhou Yi, let me ask you, what is the army's reaction to Xia Jiarong's case? Long Qian took a sip of water, "As for Mr. Fang and Min Zhong, it's not wrong that they are corrupt. What is taking the opportunity to make the whole person nonsense, you are the veteran of our Mengshan Army, and you are a senior officer with enough influence, when you hear these words, you have to scold back unceremoniously! ”

Zhou Yi knew that Xia Jiarong was finished! "Commander, the officers and soldiers below don't know what to do, and the military spirit is a little unstable, and they are worried that the Military Justice Department will take the opportunity to mess around......"

The tone had already been set, Zhou Yi was still saying this, Long Qian was a little displeased, "This is!" Who is unstable? You? Lan Xinzhi or Feng Lun? Long Qian sternly said, "Ordinary soldiers will not mess around, only being a thief will be weak-hearted!" I'm going to inform the whole army of this case! Xia Jiarong is here, he wants to see me, I don't see me, what face does he have to see me? Am I sorry for him? Is he short of money? The salary is not low, and he still occupies shares, why do you make so much money? Entering the casino? Drinking flower wine? Asking for a little wife? Shoot him lightly! I'm going to wait for the case to be over, and let a few of them go around the various marks and show up to say the truth! Let the troops know what to shoot them for! ”

"Commander!" Zhou Yi was anxious, "You can send another person to investigate thoroughly, if I embezzle a piece of silver, you will kill me together!" ”

"Brother Zhou! Cao Minzhong has already reported to me, and you are guilty of negligence in this matter. The matter is mainly due to the Caozhou barracks project, and Feng Lun is also to blame! What is he afraid of if he is not corrupt? Afraid that I won't give him a chance to speak? The people's hearts are endless, think about the predicament of our Mengshan defeat at the beginning, we can't even eat salt, where is there a penny of military salary. Why do you now have such a high military salary and receive dividends, but you don't care about your face to embezzle? Tomorrow I will have a meeting to discuss Xia Jiarong's case. Whoever is at fault will bear it, including me. It is not easy for the Mengshan army to get to this day, whoever dares to destroy this army, I will destroy him! Zhou Yi, what you said is somewhat correct, but my thoughts are still a little confused. The merits and demerits cannot be offset, and we cannot allow mistakes to be made because he has merits in the past, and then we are finished! You go down and think about it, and tomorrow you have to make a statement at the meeting. (To be continued......)