On February 21, Long Qian arrived in Wuchang on the Haixiong. Hu Zongyu, commander of the Southern Military Region, Li Yuanhong, commander of the 14th Division stationed in Wuchang, Tang Hualong, governor of Hubei Province, and other senior military and political officials greeted him at the wharf. A large number of reporters poured into the docks, hoping to get the opportunity to interview the president. If you can get a chance to get close to the president and ask questions, even if the president is just a few words, he will immediately be worth a hundred times more value.

In Nanjing and Suzhou, Long Qian's whereabouts have been completely exposed, the major newspapers in the southeast and the center have publicly disclosed the news of the president's tour of the Quartet, and the reporters in Wuhan have easily obtained the exact date of Long Qian's arrival in Hubei, and Jiang Yun, who is standing behind Long Qian, can't help frowning when he sees a large number of welcoming people.

Fortunately, a qiē is normal. Long Qian did not meet the reporters, but just waved to the reporters and the cheering people (presumably arranged by Tang Hualong) through the cordon, and then got into the car and returned to Tang Hualong's provincial capital compound (formerly Huguang Governor's Palace).

As soon as he sat down, Long Qian asked about flood control, which caught Tang Hualong and other civil officials off guard. It's still early spring, so why the floods? Last year, there was a flood in the Yangtze River, so Hu Zongyu transferred Li Yuanhong's 14th Division to Hubei as a whole, and even gathered 6,500 reserve officers and soldiers from Hubei, Henan, and Hunan provinces to fight the flood. Fortunately, the army contributed a lot and did not cause a catastrophe. The achievements of the National Defense Force in fighting the floods have won the heartfelt love of the people of Hubei, and the media have praised this for the first time in the world.

But isn't the president a little out of tune when he mentions flood control at this time?

"There are still floods this year, and we should not take it lightly. Especially Hunan! Long Qian said to Hu Zongyu and Li Yuanhong, "You did a good job last year. Glory to the army. Its significance is no less than the victory of the expeditionary force in the Tangnu-Ulianghai. However, a number of problems have been exposed, and I have read the report you have given to the Ministry of Defense, and it has summarized it very well. This year, it is necessary to prepare for a more severe situation than last year, reserve materials in advance, and prepare a plan to save the day. ”

"This ......" Hu Zongyu was a little puzzled.

"Don't ask. This is not alarmism. God's business, who can say for sure? Long Qian said coldly, "It is said that the lake is wide and ripe, and the world is full." Hubei had to transfer grain from Jiangsu and Zhejiang last year, how can this be done? I am very satisfied with Commander Li's actions last year. Now I leave the matter to you. Long Qian said to Li Yuanhong, who was as chubby as a Maitreya Buddha, "You sit in Changsha, personally understand the hydrological situation in Hunan, and take precautions in advance." I will send a command to Tan Yanmin. Let him be fully prepared for flood control. ”

"Yes. The Great President. Li Yuanhong straightened up.

"All the officers and soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the flood fight. All are treated as martyrs. Meritorious officers and soldiers. Commendations are given at the time of awarding titles, and military ranks are high. Long Qian added.

"This will greatly motivate the morale of the military." Hu Zongyu said.

"Where did the president get the news that the two lakes will suffer another natural disaster this year?" Tang Hualong asked cautiously.

"I'm not God's Chief of Staff! But Hubei's wolf bèi phase last year is not allowed to appear again this year! We can't take care of God's business, but we have to take care of our own business. Long Qian said sharply. No one is allowed to die, no city is allowed to be flooded! This is my death order for you! ”

In 1911, some of Long Qian's memories were "revived", and the bubonic plague that broke out in Harbin was the first "bomb" that woke Long Qian up. In the summer of 1911, tens of millions of people were displaced by flooding in the Two Lakes basin, followed by the Sichuan Road Protection Movement, which led to natural and man-made disasters that destroyed another Qing dynasty. Long Qian "invaded" this time and space, most of the time he didn't believe in his memory, thinking that it was just a dream, and basically acted according to his own judgment, especially in politics and military. But the outbreak of the plague in Harbin reminded him that history is repeating itself, and that some possible natural disasters would be much better if they were prevented in advance.

"Natural disasters are mostly man-made disasters," Long Qian changed his soothing tone and motioned for the civil and military officials to sit down, "Water conservancy is not repaired, and excessive deforestation is the culprit of causing the great flood." Let's not blame God, we have to find the reason from ourselves. Governor Tang, Hubei was one of the first provinces to set up a statistical bureau, do you have any figures on the population? ”

"There is ......" Tang Hualong began to search for dry intestines, looking for the memories of the population.

"I'm asking about the birth rate and the population growth rate. Have it? ”

"This ......" really doesn't have one.

"All the way from Shandong and Jiangsu, I have been paying attention to the issue of population growth, which is worth paying attention to. The rising birth rate and population growth are an affirmation of the government's work and are also regarded as one of the main indicators of prosperity. However, let me give you a question, if the population growth rate of Hubei exceeds 5 per 1,000, what will be the concept in 20 years? ”

This question has not been thought about by anyone present, and not even everyone understands what a five-thousandth growth rate means.

"Don't think about it, you will hand over this problem to your statistical bureau to calculate. Gentlemen, population is not only wealth, but also a burden. The problems of education, food, arable land, housing, transportation, medical care, are all demographic problems. When I was in Beijing, I had discussed this matter with Premier Fang and others, and this time I came out to learn about it on the spot, and it was even stricter than I expected. Governor Tong, what would happen if the population under your rule doubled? Think about it. ”

Tang Hualong was immediately dumbfounded. Don't think about this, just the problem of eating will give him a headache to death. But what's the solution? Can the government still control the people to have children?

"Okay, let's not talk about that. I didn't take much care of military affairs along the way, and the 14th Division made meritorious contributions to fighting floods, so I went to see the officers and soldiers. No, don't gather troops, I'll just go to the barracks and visit everyone. In addition, the factory in Hanyang is a must-visit. Regarding the implementation of the Land Law, I will randomly select one or two counties to investigate. In addition, if I have time, I would like to investigate the business situation in Wuhan. You don't want all of you to accompany me, I'll name whoever you need, and the rest of you will be busy with your own business. ”

Lu Bicheng was also taken aback when he heard Long Qian's discussion about the population just now. Indeed, the president has been learning about this situation along the way, consciously or unconsciously, and she thinks that the president is concerned about the people's livelihood. It is a traditional concept that a couple having seven or eight babies is considered a blessed person, but think about it. But it's chilling. She was eager to hear what the president's response was, but Long Qian stopped mentioning it.

Long Qian went to inspect the army, but Lu Bicheng did not follow. Anyway, there would be no military content in the article explained by Director Ouyang, so Lu Bicheng stayed in the provincial capital to sort out her records for several days and conceive the article that had to be completed.

Before she started to compose, a guest came to visit and asked if it was Tang Qunying, and Lu Bicheng had no choice but to receive it.

Tang Qunying is a good friend of Qiu Jin, a heroine of the Kuomintang family, and was praised by Sun Wen as an outstanding representative of 20,000 women because of her advocacy of women's rights. Lu Bicheng didn't know this person. But I have heard Qiu Jin talk about it many times. However, I didn't expect that Tang Qunying, a native of Hunan, is now a female reporter in Hubei's "Dajiang Daily".

After the establishment of the Republic, women's emancipation was not advocated with much fanfare. However, the relevant policies are enough to show the openness of the highest levels of the republic in the emancipation of women's rights, the appointment of women to senior ministerial officials in the republic, the implementation of compulsory education laws without distinction between men and women, and the nationwide ban on brothels and prostitution in particular has been applauded by feminists. The most striking evidence is the enactment of the Marriage Act. The public concubinage was put to an end. Actions speak louder than slogans. Instead, Qiu Jin, who was in charge of news and publicity, stopped organizing articles advocating women's rights.

After Tang Qunying introduced himself. Lu Bicheng said with a smile, "Although Beijing is the capital, there are no female journalists. What advice did Ms. Tang have for me? ”

"Women can be secretaries to the president. Not to mention the mere journalists? Tang Qunying did not cite Qiu Jin as an example, "I know that you are good friends with Qiu Jin." So I took the liberty to come here and want to do a special interview with the president, I wonder if I can arrange it for me? ”

"You're overestimating me. The president has always been unrestrained and alone, not to mention me, even Director Ouyang has no right to arrange the president's activities. Moreover, the president has not met with a single journalist since he left Beijing. I don't know what you're going to interview the president? ”

"I don't want to ask about national affairs. If you ask, you may not answer it. Tang Qunying pondered for a moment, "It's okay, it's best to see you." My intention is to write an article about the president personally......"

"Write about the president personally? What do you mean? ”

"Dajiang Daily's subscribers are quite diverse, mostly from the cultural and business circles. In a recent survey we asked readers what they were interested in today's figures, and the president topped the list with an absolute majority. Mr. Zhan Dabei believes that if "Dajiang Bao" publishes a special issue on the president's private affairs, it will certainly greatly enhance the reputation of our newspaper. ”

It seems that Qiu Jin's introduction is not true. Lu Bicheng has the impression that Tang Qunying is a bold heroine who is analogous to Qiu Jin, and caring about politics is the first priority. I didn't expect this person to be more like a literati immersed in the business world.

"It's not surprising that the president is naturally cared for by the population......"

"Since Miss Lu is the secretary of the president, she naturally knows the president very well, I have a few topics here, I would like to ask Miss Lu to talk about ......"

"Wait. We have discipline, and the president's unauthorized, unauthorized, must not be divulged. Lu Bicheng smiled, "Ms. Tang is going to smack my job." ”

"I solemnly promise that I will never disclose anything you have talked to me about the president without your permission, let alone in the newspapers. It's always okay, right? I can give you a written guarantee right now. ”

"Then how do you accomplish Mr. Zhan's mission?" Zhan Dabei has become a celebrity in the press circles of the Republic since the Hankou Incident, and Lu Bicheng knows about this person.

Zhan believes that the end of the feudal imperial system and the establishment of a brilliant republic are the first people to be the president in terms of merit. It surpasses Mr. Sun Wen many more. In the past year and a half since the founding of the People's Republic of China, the achievements in domestic and foreign affairs have been dizzying, and we have indeed seen the dawn of national rejuvenation. Naturally, the people are extremely concerned about the president's private affairs, but they rarely see reports about the president's personal affairs, which cannot but be said to be a pity......

"Mr. Zhan is very interesting. Ms. Tang, with all due respect, you are the heroine of the Kuomintang praised by Mr. Sun, and now that the Kuomintang has lost power, Mr. Sun is still in exile, Wang Zhaoming and Xu Chongzhi have been sentenced, and Ms. Tang's political attitude has changed. ”

"I don't advocate assassination." Tang Qunying said with a straight face, "Moreover, all kinds of things since the founding of the Republic cannot be slandered. Again, as the old saying goes, facts speak louder than words. I think Mr. Sun would have changed his attitude if he had recognized the reality. Isn't Mr. Sun's assertion of one qiē, especially the idea of equal land rights, now being realized? Still don't talk about politics, can Miss Lu meet my request? ”

"I wonder what Ms. Tang wants to ask?"

"About the president's private life. His family, his food, clothing, housing, and transportation, such as what does the president like to eat? What kind of entertainment do you like? What time does the president wake up? What time do you go to bed? Does the president have a day off? What books do you like to read? Do you like to listen to dramas? These things. but it was the concern of the people. This doesn't involve politics, right? ”

"It's not involved." Lu Bicheng muttered, "Actually, what you asked is also what I care about. You may not believe it, but although I work in the presidential office, first, the time is very short, only three months. Second, I don't have much contact with the president in normal times. Since you are a friend of Director Qiu, I can trust you, what I said. Without the permission of the president. You can't disclose it to others, let alone report it. May I? ”

"Absolutely. I've already made a promise to you. Tang Qunying took out a pen and paper.

"The president has a wife and two sons, and his wife lives at home and does not participate in any work. The president's two sons. The eldest son is already in school. It is said that he is gifted and intelligent. Went straight to the third grade, and the teacher thought that the child could go to middle school, but the president did not agree. I am currently in my third grade. I don't know what the president usually eats, but he always stays with guests, according to Secretary Wang, the president's diet is very simple, and the hospitality is only two meat, two vegetables and one soup, if there are no guests, one meat and one vegetarian. He does not smoke and generally does not drink alcohol, but he is said to drink a lot. This time I went on a tour with the president, and as far as I can see, the president hates luxury and practices simplicity. As for dressing, I think he is simpler, there are many military uniforms, and there are only two civilian clothes. I don't know what books he reads, but he asked me to look up some information, and I think the president has a wide range of topics, mostly history and economics. The president knows English, so he probably has a lot of books in foreign languages on hand. As for hobbies, I don't think the president has any hobbies, he runs and exercises in the morning, he never goes to the theater, and he doesn't have any days off. I don't work with him, I don't know what time he gets up and what time he goes to bed. ”

"Well, isn't it boring?"

"You're right. I found it boring. Every day, a large group of people come to him for discussions, endless meetings, and endless official documents. It's easier to go on patrol...... I didn't know it before, but now I know it, and the lives of the people are completely different from those of the big guys. ”

"What you say may be true. But I can't write it. No one reads it, no one is interested. The president doesn't have some interesting stories? ”

"I don't know what you're talking about funny. By the way, the president is very strict with himself, and most of his personal expenses are all from his salary, and even the tea he usually treats is bought by himself. Secretary Wang Zhao was in charge of chores, and I heard him say that he bought a new tea that had just been put on the market last year, and his wife was too expensive, so it was passed on as a joke in the office...... For example, when going to school, the president always had to donate a little money, 50 yuan, or at most 100 yuan. I feel shabby below, but I don't know that it is the president's own salary......"

"Won't it?" Tang Qunying absolutely didn't believe it.

"I didn't believe it at first. But it's true. Never before in history has there been such a supreme ruler of self-discipline. Last year, dozens of officials in Beijing were punished for spending public money on eating, watching plays, and giving gifts, and the atmosphere of officialdom was ......."

"This is the first time I've heard of it. However, I don't think it lasts. According to you, the president is not much fun to do. ”

"So the president said more than once how he stepped back and how ......"

"Ten years from now, who can say? The Constitution can also be amended. ”

"At least that's the case for the president. I firmly believe that with the example of the president, the bad habits of officialdom will always change a lot. Director Ouyang has been following the president for a long time, and according to him, the president is not an ascetic and has a lot of attainments in music, but since he is the president, he has to pay attention to the influence ......"

"The ancients said that you are easy to be a friend, and rich are easy to be a wife. The president is in his prime, so isn't he interested in women? ”

"You're insulting the president when you say that." Lu Bicheng said, "I have been working in Haiyantang for three months, and I have never seen the president act frivolously!" ”

"Miss Lu," Tang Qunying said with a smile, "Listening to Qiu Jin, you have a very high vision, don't you like the president?" ”

"Tang Qunying! You and I are just seeing each other for the first time, why are you so playing? If the president has the heart to take a concubine, how can he master the introduction of the "Marriage Law"? I have seen with my own eyes the president's concern for the old ministry, which shows that he is a person who misses the old department, how can he do anything to stop his wife and marry another? If we were to inquire about this frivolous matter, we would have nothing to talk about. Lu Bicheng was a little annoyed.

"Miss Lu, don't worry. It's just a joke. I know Miss Lu's great talent, and I admire you very much for the elegiac couplet you wrote for Cixi. I have a basic understanding of the president you introduced, and it is indeed remarkable...... Mr. Sun is someone I admire, if ...... I'm afraid it's not as good as President Long. Tang Qunying saw that Lu Bicheng's face had changed, and hurriedly recovered.

After Long Qian returned, Lu Bicheng reported to him about Tang Qunying's visit. Long Qian thought for a moment, "I've heard of this person. The press conference is ready to be held, and some things have to be publicized by the reporter's pen, and she can be invited to participate when the time comes. However, articles about me should never be published in the newspapers. Don't talk to anyone about my personal affairs in the future. Make a rule that you should never promote yourself, not just me, but other leaders. Unless it is General Lu Shan, who sacrificed for the country, that must be propagandized. The superior has the responsibility of the superior, and some things should have been done by the superior, but everyone thinks it is strange that the superior has done it. For thousands of years, standards have been distorted, and normal things have become abnormal, do you think about it? Tomorrow I'm going to Hanyang, you come with me. The Hanyang Steel Mill is doing well, and its output has surpassed that of Hachiman Steel, which is worth giving them a shout-out. You take a look at the site, then do the necessary research to sort out the relationship between Hanyang Steel Mill and Japan, and then organize an article to blow it up for them. ”

"Okay. I'm afraid I can't write this kind of article. ”

"The key is to go deeper. Yizhou Iron and Steel's talent and financial support is one thing, but the installation and commissioning time after the arrival of the equipment in the United States is much faster than expected, which is the most satisfying thing for me. Surely they put a lot of effort into it. Now we need this kind of drive, this spirit of seizing the day. You might as well start with this. When the article is written, it will be handed over to the Iron and Steel Bureau of the Ministry of Industry for a look, and then published in the "China Daily". Pay attention not to tile the facts, but to do the propaganda of typical deeds. ”

"Understood." Lu Bicheng saw that Long Qianqing was good, and probably inspected the army and found nothing unpleasant to him. (To be continued......)