Ouyang Zhong quickly got a bunch of cooked food, as well as a jar of rice wine, Xu Si cleaned up Hong Yuecheng's messy table, used a few newspapers to pad, put away the cooked food that Ouyang bought, found two cups to wash, and poured clear rice wine for Long and Hong.

Hong Yuecheng must have seen that Xu Si, who was wearing men's clothes, was a woman, but he didn't say anything, but continued to talk to Long Qian.

"Mr. Hong, are we talking while drinking? I'm a little hungry. Long Qian said with a smile.

"Ha Luha, so am I. You're welcome. Hong Yuecheng reached out and tore a large piece from the roast goose, "Ah, it's delicious, it's delicious." Just to my liking. ”

"Mr. Jing, for our first acquaintance, for Mr. Huang's grand argument just now." Long Qian raised his glass.

"General Ryu Zhilu seems to have been influenced by the Japanese Restoration. Industry is the end, and I appreciate the general's rural autonomy more. Hong Yuecheng took a big sip from the cup, "Cantonese people drink far worse than Shandong, and I actually like northern spirits very much." ”

"Same. It turned out that Mr. had been to Shandong...... I have always believed that China's reform must be comprehensive, but the most important thing is the countryside. If the economic and cultural problems of extreme rural isolation cannot be truly resolved, the reform will not be considered a success. Rural autonomy is not worth mentioning, and it is still far from my goal. ”

"The general is too modest. What do I appreciate most? It is the popularization of rural education, and more than anything else, this is the supreme good governance that will benefit future generations. If Shandong's compulsory education system is more perfect, and it persists for another 20 years, it will surely achieve miraculous results. ”

"yes, yes. But education is not a quick fix. From this, it can be concluded that the process of modernization in our country will be much more difficult. ”

"I have a question, and I want to ask the general to explain my doubts." Hong Yuecheng is colorful.

"Please."

"The general thinks that how can we transcend the cyclical law of the cycle of chaos?" Hong Yuecheng said leisurely, "Throughout the history of our country, there has always been chaos and chaos. When will you be able to get out of this circle? ”

Long Qian was secretly taken aback, because the difficulty of this question was quite high. He can assure that today's top-notch politicians will not give the right answer.

"Before I answer your question, tell me a joke I heard in the United States." Long Qian is colorful. "Three people with different professions are arguing about whose profession is older. Doctors say that since there have been human beings, there has been medicine. But there was certainly no geography and politics then. Geographers say, no. Before the advent of humans. The land was in chaos. Geography was born. The last one is a politician. Yu Yu asked, do you know who caused that chaos? ”

Hong Yuecheng laughed. Accompanied by a violent cough.

"Our country has a long history that is proud of the world. The monarchs and ministers of all dynasties, whether virtuous or foolish, all thought about the reasons for the cycle of chaos and looked for a way to achieve long-term peace and stability. But I heard another joke that was drawn from Columbus's discovery of America, saying that Columbus had three problems, namely, 'I don't know where to go?' I don't know where the road is? When I came back, I don't know where I went. ’”

Hong Yuecheng burst into laughter again. This time, even Xu Si couldn't help it, and his face turned red.

The west wind is gradual, and the story of Columbus's discovery of the New World As a student of Shandong University, Xu Si certainly knows the story. But Ouyang Zhong didn't know why. Desperately holding back laughter, Xu Si explained to Ouyang Zhong in a low voice the story of Columbus's discovery of the New World, thinking of Hong Yuecheng's question just now, Ouyang Zhong felt that the answer of the commander, who had always been serious and rarely joked with his subordinates, was really interesting.

"This is probably the difficulty of exploring the cycle of chaos. As far as our country is concerned, because it has been an authentic agrarian society since the Xia Shang. In fact, the root of the chaos is not in the political clarity or not, but in the reproduction of the population. Productivity cannot be fundamentally improved, and the number of people supported by this land is actually limited. When the limits are exceeded, turmoil occurs. When turmoil, oh, generally dynastic wars, consume the surplus population, alleviate land annexation, chaos leads to rule. It's as simple as that. ”

Hong Yuecheng pondered that Long Qian's attribution of the root cause of the cycle of chaos was the expansion of the population, which put aside the old tune of political clarity and darkness, and was very novel, but it was difficult to evaluate whether it was correct or not.

"But there are exceptions in the world of the world, such as the United States, where you have stayed, it is said that the national strength has ranked first in the world. And the phenomenon of our country did not occur. Hong Yuecheng thought about it and said. In fact, he wanted to talk more about the United Kingdom, which was where he stayed for three and a half years, but considering Long Qian's experience, he took the United States for comparison.

"There is a premise I just said, an agrarian society. The situation has changed since the wave of the Industrial Revolution in Britain 300 years ago. Through the Industrial Revolution, a large number of surplus people were absorbed into the cities, relieving the pressure on agriculture. However, it brought another problem, that is, the huge demand for raw materials and markets, which led to the emergence of the colonial wave, and therefore the invasion of China since 1840, all because of trade. Returning to your topic, to get out of the cycle of chaos, we must overturn the original socio-economic structure and move from an agrarian society to an industrial society. This will inevitably lead to drastic changes in the political structure. Some people say that China is facing great changes that have not been seen in 3,000 years, and there is some truth, but they do not explain the reason thoroughly. Even if China gradually industrialized under certain conditions, it would have lost the conditions that Britain had originally made, and every step would be extremely difficult, and even war would have to be used to solve the problem. Because we are latecomers, we have to compete with those who come first for territory. Other people's territory has not yet been acquired, and one's own territory has been coveted by others. Therefore, in order to break out of the cycle of chaos, it is necessary to end the rule of the Manchus, to establish a new political regime with a vision of the world, to seize every opportunity in the changing situation in the world, and to properly respond to the challenges. Moreover, the central government of the new regime must be strong, because the rapid industrialization process of our country must concentrate resources, and the realization of the industrialization process is the only effective way to deal with the bullying of the great powers......"

"General Long, I must admit that this is the most weighty conclusion I have ever heard about the settlement of the Chinese problem. I have one more question......"

"Please."

"Maybe I'm a leopard in the tube, I always feel that the general governs Lu. It seems that he has taken a middle way, trying to coordinate the interests of all parties, and is unwilling to make fundamental changes to the social structure. It is foolish to think that the problems of our country have accumulated too much to return, and it is necessary to carry out a thorough reform. Therefore, Hong agreed with the views of Sun Wen's party for a certain time. Later, he felt that his party had a lot of empty words, its strength was very weak, and it was difficult for the revolution it advocated to succeed. Waiting for Hong to travel to Shandong, he saw the situation in Jinan, Lunan and other places. I think maybe Shandong can go to the whole country, but I don't know. Wait for the general to lead the army south. used thunderous means to quell the chaos, and then incorporated the military power of Guangdong, Hong Mou believed that the general had a heart of disobedience, so. before writing an article. For the general to rectify the patrol battalion and ......"

"I see what the gentleman means. There is a priority. Those who are in power must grasp the outline and set their sights. The most pressing issue today is the military issue. Since Long Qian occupied Shandong, it has attracted the attention of the imperial court. There is a threat to the army in the hands of Long. There is also the temptation of Shandong industry, especially the arms industry. The imperial court will not tolerate sitting down to the bottom, and it is not surprising that I am the same. Since the fifth town was transferred to Hunan and Jiangxi to quell the chaos, Long Mou is a big problem that the imperial court is trying to solve. Today's Manchu court is worried, there is Yuan Shikai in the north, and Long in the south. Because as far as the whole country is concerned, the Mengshan Army built by Long and the Beiyang Army of Yuan Shikai are the most threatening military groups. Without sufficient military strength, it is impossible to seize power in the whole country. If we do not seize the national power, it is impossible to talk about all measures for political affairs, just like Shandong's practice of rural autonomy, which is timid, and it will inevitably be ridiculed......"

"Understood. The general made up his mind to occupy the two Guangzhous, and then plotted against the two lakes. ”

"It's still a step at a time. I don't know if I have enough time. ”

"That's a good point, but you're playing with fire and gambling now, gambling so much that the court doesn't have time to take care of you now. Is that right? ”

"Oh, why do you say I'm gambling, and why can't the imperial court take care of Guangdong?"

Hong Yuecheng smiled, "General Long, I'm afraid that the imperial court won't let you go this time." Although Cixi is old, she is not confused. If she condones you again this time, I'd rather close this newspaper. ”

"Is this your gambling money?" Long Qian smiled and said, "Mr. Hong, let's talk about this, how do you think the imperial court will be caught off guard?" ”

"The only way to get you out of your army is to get you out."

"Oh, if so, what should I do?"

"The best policy is to stop the reform in Guangdong, make the imperial court take back its fate, and wait for the changes in the situation. The middle strategy is to have a showdown with the imperial court and compete with the Manchus in the Central Plains. The next step is to be transferred to Beijing and imprisoned from then on, but because the foundation of Shandong and the fifth town is still there, his life is worry-free for the time being. ”

"Ah, sir." Long Qian didn't expect the conversation to be so sharp, and couldn't help but be very interested, "I didn't understand what Mr. said about the change of the situation, can you elaborate on it?" ”

"It's just waiting for Cixi to breathe. As soon as Cixi died, the situation would definitely change greatly. Whether it is to return to Guangxu or set up a new army, the Manchu Qing are afraid that they will not be able to take care of Guangdong. ”

"Oh. So, what does Mr. think is the possibility that Guangxu will hold power? ”

"Less than 10%."

"Why?"

"Cixi's political enemy in life is Guangxu. According to Cixi's temperament, I am afraid that Guangxu will not be allowed to live after her. In fact, Guangxu's holding of power is actually beneficial to the general. ”

There are heroes in the market. Long Qian was greatly admired, "How sure is the best policy according to what Mr. said?" ”

"Seventy percent." Hong Yuecheng smiled, "It is said that you are one of the two major shareholders of Qing Kee Company, and this is one." Even Yuan someone, he doesn't want to see you fall and let the opponent free up all his strength to deal with him, right? ”

"Sir overestimated King Qing's ability. As for Yuan Shikai, he may wish I would fall. As far as I can see, the best policy of the gentleman is only 50% sure at most. ”

"Is the general ready to do that?"

"I'm actually waiting. I don't do the next policy, but it's better not to implement the middle policy. ”

"General Long, I have to say, you are a little idealistic. One of the three strategies must be one. ”

"Oh. We can talk about this slowly. It's a pity that Mr. is talented and succumbs to a newspaper hall. If you invite Mr. to our army and listen to the teachings day and night, is Mr. willing? ”

"You want me to be your Fang Shengyuan?"

"Oh, it turns out that Mr. knows Fang Minggao."

"No, I don't know him. But I know it. Because I lived in Shandong for more than half a year the year before last. ”

"Ah, I see. I don't know why my husband didn't want to see me at that time. ”

"Because I'm not sure of your ultimate goal. The court had no plan, and wanted to drive the tiger out of the mountain. Unexpectedly, the tiger occupied another mountain. Hong Yuecheng laughed loudly.

"Actually, the eighteenth town of Beiman was originally my army, from the commander to the various standard commanders and management bands, all from the Mengshan Military ......"

Hong Yuecheng was shocked, stood up sharply, and stared at Long Qian, "I really didn't expect it." There was such a shadow outside the gate! Hong once traveled to Jilin and saw the military appearance of the eighteenth town. Admire, admire! I thought it was since Li Hongzhang. Unai should be the Yuan family. I didn't expect that the strong have their own strong players, and everyone, including me, underestimated you. ”

"Passing the prize." Long Qian was actually very conceited about the decision to send troops outside the customs at the beginning. He firmly believes. Once the situation changes dramatically. The eighteen towns of Lushan will be decisively killed.

Hong still didn't believe it. Eighteen towns could not be built overnight, and during the Russo-Japanese War, when did the general lay out the Guanwai? ”

"Autumn 1903. I have sent six groups of personnel out of the customs. They pulled up the ranks before the Russo-Japanese War. helped the Russians fight a few good battles, and only then did the Russian army withdraw to North Manchuria, and finally the eighteenth town was established. ”

"It's incredible. Did the imperial court really not suspect the origin of the Eighteen Towns? ”

"Blind spots. People have blind spots. If you don't think about it, it doesn't exist. Mr. Yi's talent, isn't it also scared? ”

"Awesome, awesome." Hong Yuecheng shook his head, "I am now completely convinced that Yuan Shikai is not your opponent. ”

"Mr. has won the prize."

"From this point of view, the middle policy I am talking about is the best policy. I don't know much about military affairs, but I don't think I will lose easily. Why have you endured so far? ”

"I don't want a civil war. It is said that Lao Yuan had a theory that compared the Manchu Qing to a large tree with lush foliage and deep roots, and he was doing the hard work of shaking the trunk. As for me, almost, thinking about ripening the fruit and leaving a little more vitality for the country. It is a Beiyang powerhouse, why can't it become a national defense force for the country? ”

"Does the general really think so?"

"Of course. I admire Yuan very much, his subordinates Duan Qirui, Wang Shizhen, etc. are all handsome for a while. The Manchu Qing Dynasty is not a success, if the reform can be carried out smoothly, everyone works together to build a new country, how good would it be? ”

"Then, how does the general treat the revolutionary party of Sun Wen's line?"

"If you can tolerate Beiyang, you will naturally be able to accommodate the revolutionary party."

"It's easy to think. I'm afraid that after two incidents, the revolutionary party has lost a lot of generals, and now you are destroying Sun Wen's foundation in Liangyue, and they have long hated you to the bone. ”

Long Qian glanced at Ouyang Zhong, who interjected, "Mr. Hong doesn't know something, although Liu Daoyi's brother Liu Daoyi and Cai Shaonan of the Alliance have fallen into my hands, they are both alive and well. The killing of people in Ganxi is just a cover-up. As for Ms. Qiu Jin, who coaxed the world some time ago, she was also rescued by my general risking death, and now she is in Guangzhou. Mr. Hong, isn't this enough to show the sincerity of my general's treatment of Sun Wen's party? ”

"Huh? Qiu Jin was really saved by you? Hong Yuecheng stood up suddenly. For this reason, he published two articles in his newspaper, ridiculing the Qing court for not even daring to make it public about killing people.

"Naturally. If Mr. Hong wants to see the Autumn Woman, he can do so at any time as long as she wants. Long Qian smiled and nodded.

"That's easy. In fact, the strength of the alliance is not enough to worry about, but it is in public opinion and people's hearts. The general's foresight made Hong admire. Without mentioning this, can I hear what kind of country the general wants to build? ”

"Political order, economic prosperity, strong national defense, and social fairness."

"What a grand idea, such a lofty goal, how easy it is to say! Not to mention the last three, didn't the general think about becoming the emperor? Looking at the mentality of our people, it is best to adapt to the imperial system, or the enlightened autocracy that Liang Qichao said, and it is not impossible to follow Japan's example. If we follow the democratic republic advocated by Sun Wen, the country will go into turmoil. Has the general thought about this? ”

"As far as I can think now, the monarchy will never be allowed to regenerate. Do you know who I respect the most? Washington. But things often don't depend on human will. The essence of politics lies in compromise and in gradual progress. When the dawn of New China emerges, let's discuss these again, okay? ”

"It's fine. General Long, do you know that you are missing a big step now? ”

"Oh? Sir, do you mean that I only have an army and no civilian clique? ”

"Exactly. Only by combining civil and military forces can we succeed. However, because of the status of the general, it is difficult to create the recruitment of the civilian clique overnight. But there's a way to do it......"

"What's the solution?"

"The wisdom of the people is gradually opening, and you have seen the power of public opinion. So, the general had to set about building a political party. ”

This coincides with what Long Qian thinks. Therefore, I couldn't help but glance at Xu Si, but fortunately she recommended the person in front of her, "Fang Minggao had this idea four years ago. But political parties are often political groups that represent a certain class of economic status, and in your opinion, who should this political party represent? ”

"Business owners, businessmen." Hong Yuecheng has obviously thought about this problem, "The general governs Lu, putting industry first, and has actually taken a very good step. If we get the full support of this stratum and take the economies of Guangdong and Shandong as the support, it will be enough for the general to sweep away the interior of the country and show his ambitions. ”

"Okay, how about Mr. Long's official commission? Mr. is talented, and he first succumbed to the post of senior staff member of the fifth town, and I also asked for advice day and night. Long Qian stood up and bowed deeply for Hong Yuecheng.

Hong Yuecheng didn't avoid it, "Dashuai, Hong's temper is very stinky, I will say it in my head, if you disagree, Hong will also come to do your own newspaper, Dashuai don't make it difficult." ”

"Ha Luha, does Mr. Hong suspect that Long doesn't even have this bit of elegance?" Long Qian smiled happily. (To be continued......)