After the Spring Festival, Wang Mingyuan handed over the errand of the commander of the Southeast Military Region and came to Beijing to prepare for the establishment of the Ministry of National Defense.

Wang Mingyuan's successor was Long Qian's brother-in-law Ye Yanbing, and the commander of the Central Military Region left by Ye Yanbing was handed over to Feng Guozhu, and the post of commander of the Northwest Military Region of Feng Guozhu was handed over to Wu Nian.

This is a major personnel adjustment by the military.

Whether Wu Nian is qualified for the post of commander of the Northwest Military Region has always been a difficult question for Long Qian to ponder, and he pondered for a long time.

Following the pacification of Shaanxi and Gansu, the 7th Division sent an incomplete brigade (21st Brigade) to Xining to complete the occupation of Qinghai. Ten years ago, Dong Fuxiang rebelled out of Beijing, led more than 10,000 people to return to Gansu, the imperial court whip was beyond the reach, acquiesced to Dong Fuxiang's military separation, Dong Fuxiang died of illness in 1908, the imperial court eliminated a hidden danger, the original military defense army was returned to the imperial court jurisdiction, and enhanced the military strength of the northwest of the Qing court. Shengyun, the governor of Shaanxi and Gansu, had a plan to rely on Dong Fuxiang's department to reorganize a new military town, and for this reason, Shengyun was stationed in Gansu for a long time to rectify this "warlordized" army, but he did not succeed, because of both financial troubles and the unruliness of the department.

When there are no forces around that can threaten them, it is much easier to become a warlord.

The 1st Division, the main force of the Northwest Military Region, marched into Gansu, and the rest of Dong Fuxiang, who was short of food and ammunition, surrendered after a little resistance. Shengyun absconded in disguise and was arrested, and Gansu was quickly pacified. Feng Guozhu did not embarrass Shengyun, he heard that Shengyun's official reputation was good, especially the handling of Shaanxi Yanchang Oilfield's Shengyun Table Xiàn, which safeguarded the national interests and was quite patriotic. But Feng Guozhu killed the rest of Dong Fuxiang. This time, the Dong Department miscalculated, but he didn't expect that the opponent was no longer the weak and powerless Qing court.

It's normal to make a salary, and since you have recruited us, you have to pay us, right? Under the pretext of convening a meeting, all the officers of the Dong Department were detained, and more than 140 Dong officers were executed at one time in the name of disobeying military discipline and harming the township, without mercy. Then the Dong Department was scattered and incorporated into the regiments of the 1st Division.

The murderous cruelty of the feudal pillar shocked the northwest, and all the soldiers and bandits were silent, and it is said that the people used the name of the feudal pillar to scare the children. After Feng Guozhu dealt with the Gansu incident, he sat in Lanzhou and sent Wu Nian, deputy commander of the Northwest Military Region, to lead the first division into Xinjiang. It unfolds in the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains. The military occupation of Xinjiang was completed.

This was the first large-scale use of troops by the state in Xinjiang after Zuo Zongtang pacified Xinjiang, and more than 30,000 elite soldiers were stationed in Xinjiang, quickly stabilizing the turbulent situation in Xinjiang. Strategically responded to the country's upcoming military operation in Outer Mongolia. Its logistical supply has greatly tested the transportation and coordination capability of the Northwest Military Region and even the whole army, with the vigorous assistance of the engineering units mobilized by the General Staff Headquarters. The Northwest Military Region and the Joint Logistics Headquarters have created a military miracle. For this. The Central Military Commission issued a general order to commend meritorious units. Liang Huada, who was temporarily transferred to the post of logistics commander of the Northwest Military Region, was given a major credit.

Back to the point. Wang Mingyuan is Long Qian's long-established candidate for defense minister, and there is no one who can replace him in terms of seniority, ability, and character, but the position of the Southeast Military Region is extremely important. It is not only the nest of the Kuomintang Party, but also the source of the country's finances, and it must be guarded by a heavy general. Feng Guozhu's fierce personality was inappropriate, so Long Qian transferred Ye Yanbing to the southeast, and transferred Feng Guozhu back to the mainland, taking over the post of commander of the Central Military Region left by Ye Yanbing.

The reason why Wu Nian, who was still young, was promoted to the commander of the region with important responsibilities before the war in Outer Mongolia was about to start was because Wu Nian was affirmed by Long Qian after he arrived in Xinjiang, especially Wu Nian retained promising officials of the Qing Dynasty such as Yuan Dahua, Chang Gung and Zhirui, and properly resolved the two forces of the Xinjiang Revolutionary Party and the Qing court.

Now that the siege of the city has become a secondary problem, the test of the army generals is a higher-level problem, that is, how to coordinate and solve the Qing court, the Sun Party, and the local separatist forces. Not all the officials of the Qing court were corrupt and corrupt people, and the revolutionary party also had many shrewd and capable people, who ruled such a vast territory in Xinjiang and lived in a mixture of ethnic groups, which was a great test of the generals' ability to govern and unify the army. The use of Wu Nian instead of leaving the feudal pillar is to see Wu Nian's ability to deal with complex political issues after entering Xinjiang, and also because the feudal pillar has a "bad reputation" in Gansu, he needs to move his seat.

Long Qian knew that without the killing of Feng Guozhu in Gansu, Wu Nian's entry into Xinjiang would not have been smooth.

On the eighteenth day of the first lunar month, just the day before Fang Shengyuan's wedding, Wang Mingyuan quietly entered Beijing by sea car.

didn't care about catching up with his wife who had been separated for several years, so he changed his military uniform and was led by his wife to Yanqing Zhai to say goodbye to Fang Sheng, and took a congratulatory gift that was too shabby in Bai Ling's opinion, and then Bai Ling pointed the way to Haiyan Hall to report to Long Qian.

"Husband, isn't there a little less etiquette?" Bai Ling knew about her husband's return date, so she waited for him to come back and do this again, but she didn't expect him to only give a thin gift of 20 silver oceans.

"Less? I think it's okay. Wang Mingyuan disagreed.

"I inquired about the congratulatory gifts of people of the same status as you, too few, the dignified Minister of Defense, attending the wedding of the Prime Minister, only gave a 20 yuan gift, and it will become a joke when it is spread." said that, Bai Ling was very happy, because of her husband's return, because she no longer had to endure the pain of separation.

"Why do you care about others? Is this it? Wang Mingyuan pointed to the building in the distance.

"Yes, I don't know if the president is at home......"

"Okay, I'll go to the commander on a salesman's errand, you go home first."

"Well, I'm going to come back for dinner, and my dad will come over."

"Definitely."

Long Qian was at home, talking to Zhou Xuexi, seeing that Wang Zhao led Wang Mingyuan in, left Zhou Xuexi, grabbed the old brother and asked the long and short questions, Zhou Xuexi looked red, and left after a little greeting with Wang Mingyuan, freeing up time for Long Qian's old subordinate.

"I've been looking forward to your return for a long time, how about it? Is it smooth all the way? ”

"Fortunately, from Shanghai to Tianjin, I took the British ship, and I slept well, and there are Jiangyun's people waiting in Tianjin, so I don't have to worry about anything."

"I heard you only brought two guards? Careless. ”

"Not many people know about my departure from Jiangning. Moreover, the fewer people, the safer. The people of Hongmen are not so capable. Wang Mingyuan knew that Long Qian would not be unaware of the Shanghai assassination case.

"What's the news on the road?" Long Qian watched Wang Zhao make tea for Wang Mingyuan and withdrew. "I'm kind of feeling lonely now, the news outside is all relayed, God knows how much they add fuel and vinegar."

Wang Mingyuan smiled, "A small half of the ship is foreigners, and they are all discussing the convening of the parliament and the establishment of the government. In addition, the story of Guozhu in Gansu was so evil that it was said that tens of thousands of people were killed, and the corpses were thrown in the Yellow River, and the river was blocked. Guozhu is back? ”

Long Qian smiled, "Not yet." Estimated soon. The news said that it had arrived in Taiyuan. It is estimated that in the past two days, it may not be in time for Mingao's wedding banquet. By the way, did Minggao go there? ”

"Just came from over there. There were too many guests, so I said a few words and came over with wine. ”

"Hello to the future Prime Minister. Understandable. During this time, Fang Minggao was so busy that he was stinking to death. It's a good time to take a break. See Bai Ling? ”

"Went with her. She went home. ”

"Well done southeast! I'm satisfied. Long Qian finally got to the point and affirmed Wang Mingyuan's merits.

"Commander, I'd better give a brief report on military affairs."

"Hmm."

"At present, the Southeast Military Region has three divisions. Chi Chunxian's 3rd Division, Ding Xiaofu's 15th Division, and the 6th Division of the Central Military Region. According to the plan approved by the General Staff Headquarters, the main force of the 3rd Division was stationed in Zhejiang and Fujian, and the 15th Division was stationed in Jiangsu and Jiangxi......

Long Qian waved his hand and interrupted Wang Mingyuan, his steady and reliable old brother was mature in politics, but he did lack spirituality in the military, "Mingyuan, you have to put troops on the coast, and it is not enough to give you five brigades!" Not to mention that there is no worry about foreign invasion at present, even if the military situation is urgent, it is also necessary to concentrate the main force on key points of transportation and adopt the method of luring the enemy into a deep war of annihilation! Now many people are shouting that the troops are insufficient, and the 20 or so divisions in the country are definitely not enough, but how can the current financial situation shì expand the troops? Is Ding Xiaofu's fifteenth division sufficient? ”

"It's enough. The Sixth Division handed over Zhang Xun's prisoners to Ding Xiaofu, and a group of officers were transferred from the Third and Sixth Divisions, and the soldiers were recruited from Jiangxi and Jiangsu. At present, the division headquarters and the 43rd Brigade are stationed in Ganzhou, and the 44th Brigade is stationed in Jiangning. Yan Bing was very generous, and the officer Su zhì who was transferred was very good. ”

"What is the situation of the Zhejiang army in the uprising?"

"After the Ninth Brigade of Hunan was transferred to the Southern Military Region as a whole, the Zhejiang Army was reorganized into the New Ninth Brigade, and it is currently stationed in the Ningbo area. At present, the brigade commander is Qu Zhiyong, the commander of the Sixth Division. ”

"This guy I know, played well in Texas. Shanghai Defense or the 6th Division? ”

"According to the instructions of the General Staff Headquarters, the Seventh Brigade has taken over the defense of Shanghai."

"Very good, the Sixth Division is going to return to Shandong, this division is my general reserve, and it must be ready to fight a big battle at any time. By the way, Xue Xiaocai's turn has turned? ”

"There is no problem in obeying orders. Thoughts haven't gotten through yet. ”

Last winter, the commander of the 48th Regiment stationed in Shanghai was stabbed to death, and one of the murderers was captured, found to be a disciple of Hongmen, and died of his wounds in prison. Ye Yanbing was furious, imposed a strict ban on Hongmen, and arrested a large number of people, but Long Qian's telegram indicated that it was not appropriate to expand, and all those who had nothing to do with the assassination case were released. Xue Xiaocai, the commander of the 16th Brigade, was very dissatisfied with this, and directly wrote to Long Qian, demanding that Hongmen be completely banned.

"Sun Wen is a Hong stick, oh, he is Marshal Hongmen. The seniority in the Hongmen is very high. This is the reason why Sun Wen relied on the Hui Party to oppose the Qing Dynasty in China. However, Sun Wen was poor and crazy, in order to raise funds, he made a wish to Hongmen, promising that after he founded the country, he would let everyone be promoted and make a fortune, and now that Sun Wen has completely collapsed, it is reasonable for Hongmen to be angry. Long Qian stared at Wang Mingyuan, "The reason why you are not allowed to use too strong means to deal with Hongmen is not because you are worried about the large number of disciples of Hongmen, but because the timing is not right. I can't say whether Hongmen has played a positive role in history, but the republic will never allow the existence and development of gangs in a mess! It must be eradicated as completely as opium! ”

"One of the killers has died in prison, along with seven other suspects. Five of them were disciples of the Hong Gang, and Yan Bing handed over all the suspects to the Shanghai station of the National Security Bureau. ”

"So, ah, the high-ranking officer's su zhì needs to be improved. If you don't understand politics, you won't be able to keep up with the shape if you don't strengthen your studies. Okay, Yan Bing took your errand, let him handle it. ”

"I have explained to Yan Bing. Yan Bing acted steadily. You can rest assured. Most of the people worth paying attention to are in Shanghai, and most of them are hiding in the concession, and we can't control it. Huang Xing is quiet, it is said that he is sick, and he rarely sees customers. ”

The hostile forces in the southeast were not the Manchu Qing Dynasty, but the Sun Party, and after Sun Wen fled to Japan, Huang Xing was the number one person to focus on.

"Well, I've heard that. You didn't go to see him, did you? ”

"I don't think it's necessary. He's not going to work with us. As long as he's honest. Ignore him. ”

"Yes. You're doing it right. Who are the more active people right now? ”

"Dai Jitao and Zhang Binglin. Dai Jitao was a little arrogant. Zhang Binglin is a literati and always writes some nasty articles, but he has little connection with the original Restoration Society. In addition, Zhang Jingjiang, Zhang Ji and a man named Huang Yin are also more active. There is also an annoying literati Liu Shipei who is also jumping up and down. Always write articles attacking us. Dai Jitao came to me twice. demanded the release of Wang Zhaoming, presumably entrusted by Sun Wen. It is said that Sun Wen valued Wang Zhaoming very much and regarded him as his mantle disciple. ”

"Hmm. Didn't Dai Jitao run away with Sun Wen? When did you come back? This news is the first time Long Qian has heard of it.

"A month ago. Probably see that the situation in Shanghai is stable. came back and was closely monitored by Jiang Yun's people. He is not worried, but the person who is worried is Zhang Jingjiang, this person has a relatively deep background in the rivers and lakes, and the people at Shanghai Station suspect that the mastermind of the assassination is Zhang Jingjiang. ”

"Possibly. These people have no other ability, only stealing chickens and dogs, and using the same method against the Manchus on us. That's why I said you were careless. The State Security Bureau has been established, and Wang Zhifeng wants to sit in Shanghai for a period of time, so these people will be handed over to Wang Zhifeng, and the army should not participate in local public security, which is a big rule. Military control cannot be carried out indefinitely, the National Assembly must be opened, and the country must return to normal. By the way, how is the election of parliamentarians in the southeastern provinces? Did Liang Qichao promise to return to China? ”

"Almost, the first list has been submitted to the Propaganda Bureau. The Propaganda Bureau was satisfied. Liang Qichao was still hesitating, according to the report of the person sent to Japan by Jiang Yun, Liang Qichao was willing to come back, but his teacher did not do it. ”

"Liang Qichao is okay, Kang Youwei is completely outdated, and he has no value. Mingyuan, you're back, go all out to grasp the formation of the Ministry of Defense. The two major commands of the armed forces are the Ministry of National Defense, which manages personnel, money, and assessment, and the General Staff Department, which manages warfare and training. That's what I envisioned. The General Staff is basically regular, but the Ministry of Defense is still a blank slate, so you should hurry up. ”

"What specific instructions does the Commander have?"

"All the functions of the General Political Department have been transferred to the Ministry of National Defense, which is the head organ of the military and political system, and you are the most suitable candidate. Don't worry, I won't take off your military uniform, Fang Shengyuan Hong Yuecheng told me, it's better to be a civilian to manage the army, and I vetoed it. The Americans' set is not suitable for us for the time being, and the civilian army is in charge? Can the literati manage the army at the moment? It's just bookish. There are several key points: First, salaries, rewards, and punishments, it is necessary to establish an auditing system and cultivate officers' sense of honor with meritorious service. The second is to manage senior officers well, and the appointment of brigade commanders and above is in the Ministry of Defense and not in the military region. The third is to prepare for the establishment of a military rank system, which can be referred to foreign countries, but cannot be copied. It's an errand that offends people, so do it. Generally speaking, the human rights of the military are yours, so take care of them for me. ”

"Yes."

"There's a lot I want to talk to you about, so forget it, I'll be here today. It's time for you to rest. Rest for a few days before taking office, don't rush. ”

Wang Mingyuan stood up and saluted Long Qian.

"I forgot to ask you, what do you think about the design of the polity? Mingyuan, I don't have much to discuss about this kind of thing, you can talk about it openly. I'll delay you for a few minutes. ”

Wang Mingyuan sat down again, "I met a few people in Shanghai, and there were different opinions, Zhang Binglin said, 'China's people's wisdom has not yet opened, and it is not suitable for democratic government, and Mingjun is in charge of government alone, there is nothing wrong with it.'" I think it makes a lot of sense. When I was in the southeast, I dealt with a few civil affairs and heard about some things, and I felt that it was not appropriate to practice democracy in view of our current situation. Last year, Prince Su Shanqi led the census, and the Jiangnan General Administration of Local Autonomy formulated special measures for the investigation, and issued a clear and understandable vernacular notice, one not to draw donations, and the other not to Latin, and clearly told the investigators that they had engaged in the act of asking for money, and that they would report it at any time and strictly deal with it. Before the investigation, I released a notice for seven days, and I think it was enough. However, rumors spread that it was going to build a railway, and tens of thousands of people were going to press the road, and the people of Wu County were so frightened that they recovered the household registration book and beat the investigator to death. The investigator was buried alive in Nanling, Anhui Province. In such a situation, how can democracy be practiced? So I wrote to Hong Yuecheng. Resolutely oppose the ...... of the cabinet system"

"Yes, yes," Long Qian rubbed his hands and walked around, "The people's low level is a dereliction of duty on the part of the government." The Manchu government has no credibility, and no one believes it. If the Manchu Qing Dynasty were not like this, would we be able to defeat this country by tens of thousands of people? However, you pinned all your hopes on me, it was a joke, a joke. Maybe I'm in a clear head now, but there's no guarantee that I'll always be sober. Democracy must be practiced. The case you are talking about is pathetic. But the people can't be blamed. Yes, democracy has to come step by step, but it must be done now. Mingyuan, you have to understand one thing. In the past we were rebels. Mistakes can be blamed on the court. Now we are in power, to whom? It's time to learn to see things like a ruler. Regard the people as our masters, our parents......"

Wang Mingyuan sneered.

Long Qian asked. "What are you laughing at?"

"There is an official in Jiangsu, who is very dissatisfied with the officials we advertise as public servants of the people, he said, servants do not have a good thing, they are either worried about stealing the master's concubine or stealing property, it is better to be a public servant than to be a parent, there is no parent in the world who does not love their children."

"Haha, this person is funny and a little crooked. However, parents may not be able to fulfill their responsibilities as parents, and servants may not all be as unbearable as he says. However, whether to be a public servant or a parent is a matter of the government's positioning, and there is nothing wrong with propaganda. Okay, I won't leave you to eat, otherwise Bai Ling will have an opinion, you go and rest. Rest for a few more days. ”

Wang Mingyuan returned to his residence in Xiyuan, and his family had already eaten, in addition to his father-in-law, wife and children, as well as his younger brother Wang Tongyuan, who had not seen him for more than three years. Bai Ling and Bai Ruiting were a little surprised, they thought that Long Qian would definitely stay for dinner, but they didn't expect him to come back.

"Isn't it weird? Shouldn't I come back? Now it was Wang Mingyuan's turn to be surprised.

"For important guests, the president generally has to keep dinner, but I didn't expect you to be unqualified." Bai Ling covered her mouth and laughed, and hurriedly got up to prepare utensils for her husband.

"Commander, I'm afraid you have an opinion. Oh, Tongyuan is here, when did it arrive? Wang Mingyuan's eyes fell on his younger brother, and after three years of not seeing him, Wang Tongyuan had a beard on his lips.

"I've been here for three days, and I've officially been transferred to Beijing."

"Tune to Beijing? Which organ to tune? ”

"General Staff Communications Bureau."

"Oh," Wang Mingyuan knew that his younger brother, who stayed in Shandong and did not go south with the main force, had changed from infantry to signal corps two years ago, thus avoiding the bloody battle in Texas. Now that he is being transferred to the Communications Bureau of the General Staff Headquarters, there is no doubt that someone is currying favor with him.

After the meal, Wang Mingyuan first chatted with his father-in-law for a while, briefly talked about the situation in the southeast, listened to his father-in-law talk about some of the recent personnel of the center and the preparations before the founding of the People's Republic of China, and then called Tongyuan to the study room that was obviously reserved for him.

"Daddy, okay? How are you at home? ”

"It's all good, I'm just looking forward to your return." Wang Tongyuan was very in awe of the eldest brother who brought himself into the Mengshan Army and is now in a powerful position.

"I'm afraid I won't be able to go back for the time being. The money I sent to my family has been received by my family, right? ”

"Received ......"

"Tongyuan, I don't know who transferred you to Beijing, but this is not appropriate. You better go back to Shandong, or go to a military academy to study. Your current level is definitely not enough for the standard of the General Staff, you know? ”

Bai Ling brought tea to her husband, and just heard that her husband was going to drive the little brother-in-law away, "Husband, why can't the second brother enter the General Staff?" The General Staff has expanded its staff, and a lot of people have been recruited. ”

"You don't care about foreign affairs. He is not qualified enough, and this is hurting him. Listen to me and go back. I'll say hello to Chief Situ. If you want to go to military school, I can help. ”

The husband refused to bring his in-laws to Beijing before, and now he is not even allowed to stay with his brother-in-law, which is also unkind, "Husband ......"

"Don't say it, you don't understand foreign affairs, listen to me." turned to his younger brother and said, "In this way, you go to study at the Shandong Military Academy, which is close to home." Remember, don't tell your classmates who you are, you know? ”

"Yes, I listen to you."

"Okay, that's fine." Wang Mingyuan waved his hand and drove his younger brother away.

"Husband!" Bai Ling is satisfied with everything from her husband, at most a week, there must be a letter to send, and there are no rumors of prostitutes and concubines, that is, the self-discipline is too strict, and Tong Yuan is just a staff officer in the General Staff, what's not to do?

"You don't care about foreign affairs! I'm doing this for his good, and for your own good, and you'll understand later. (To be continued......)