Cheng Dequan, the governor of Jiangsu Province, once acted as the general of Heilongjiang, and was the governor of Jiangsu when the Mengshan Army opposed the Qing Dynasty, and had a political voice. When the great changes occurred in 1909, Cheng Dequan was different from the ordinary officials who chose to take sides, he did not take sides, but aimed at maintaining local order, protecting the local economy and the stability of the people. Because of his attitude, in 1910, the Southeast Military Region did not elect him as the first member of the National Assembly, but he was a constitutionalist general, but he was favored by Long Qian and was finally appointed as the governor of Jiangsu.

After receiving the notice from the President's Office, Cheng Dequan was a little nervous. The president went south from Yizhou to inspect Jiangsu, and he had already gone to Lianghuai to inspect the salt industry, but he did not ask him to go to Lianghuai to meet him, so the 51-year-old governor Cheng was a little uneasy.

Even if Shandong's industry is developing by leaps and bounds, Jiangsu is still second to none in the country in terms of economic aggregate and heritage. In terms of heavy industry, except for steel and oil, which are not as good as Shandong, the rest such as machinery, shipbuilding and even chemical industry are stronger than Shandong, and light industry is even more incomparable. Even if Huayuan Group makes countless new products, it is still far from Jiangsu in terms of total tax revenue.

Although Cheng Dequan has not met the president so far, he has confirmed that the commander of the Mengshan Army, who is about to win the world, pays attention to the economy and understands the economy beyond his imagination. Although he did not agree with the "Land Law" introduced by the central government, he carefully studied the draft of the "Five-Year Plan for Industrial Construction" issued by the Ministry of Industry, which he admired, and before replying to Beijing, Governor Cheng convened three special study meetings to try to make the part of the plan for Jiangsu more reasonable.

The country is really about to change! Both domestic and foreign affairs, the Republic has shown signs of surpassing Cheng Dequan's best expectations. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States, Germany and Austria and China. Within four months, all the great powers, including Russia, which had had been extremely tense with China, had established diplomatic relations with China at the ambassadorial level. All doubts about the Mong Son junta vanished with the diplomatic victory. The new government resolutely sent troops to quell the rebellion in Outer Mongolia and sent troops to Tangnu Wulianghai, which made Cheng Dequan admire him very much. He was a staunch anti-Russian, shameless in the face of Russian greed, and Cheng Dequan, who served in Heilongjiang and almost died at the hands of the Russian army, had the most right to speak. Cheng Dequan was very excited by the center's tough attitude of not being afraid of violence, and for a while he thought that Outer Mongolia was over, and Cheng Dequan knew who was standing behind the Mongolian separatist forces. If Mongolia is lost, northern China's national defense will be even more unbearable. He doesn't have an offensive mindset. I don't think about the safety of Russian railway lines. But he knows some defenses. Unexpectedly, the center disregarded internal affairs and resolutely sent troops to quell the rebellion, and in one fell swoop, Outer Mongolia was placed under the direct jurisdiction of the central government! For this reason, Cheng De set up a wine meeting and got drunk. Subsequently. The results of Premier Fang's visit to the United States and Germany have given him hope for the future of the country! Just the United States. I got a $48 million loan! Although the loans are turned into patents, machines and other things. But the "Five-Year Plan" carefully formulated by the central government is not a dead letter, with 50 million US dollars as a foundation, how many factories will emerge in China? How many railway terminals are built? The dream of foreign affairs and the dream of reform over the years are really coming true!

According to the "Five-Year Plan" carried out by the Ministry of Industry, Jiangsu is one of the key provinces. It is highlighted in five aspects: shipbuilding, aviation, textile, food and electronics industries. Shanghai, Nanjing, and Suzhou are the three key cities. Except for Shanghai, which is listed as a municipality directly under the central government, the rest have a close relationship with him.

Zhou Xuexi, Minister of Industry, who accompanied the president on his tour, had already arrived in Nanjing and told him about the three main points of the president's inspection of Jiangsu, namely, industry, agriculture, and education. Cheng Dequan thought so, believing that they were all major matters that the supreme ruler should pay attention to.

Industry and education are not afraid of the president's inquiry, especially the implementation of five-year compulsory education, Cheng Dequan spared no effort. Thanks to Jiangsu's good educational foundation and a large number of private schools, it is much less difficult to implement compulsory education than in other provinces, and it has been supported by local governments. However, in agriculture, Cheng Dequan has not yet begun the implementation of the Land Law, nor has he begun to formulate the necessary pricing procedures. Zhou Xuexi listened to Cheng Dequan's introduction and said to him, brother, I'm afraid you're going to be criticized. The president is very concerned about the implementation of the "Land Law", and basically he is going to ask questions all the way, and you are going to hit the president's gun.

"Brother Zhizhi, I will report this matter to the president in person. The Land Law is not a good law, just like Wang Anshi's new law. The center's intentions may be good, but the following situation is very different, how can it be rushed up? Wouldn't it damage the president's reputation? ”

"How is it a rush to rise? Who do you think the president is? If you look at the national situation and the people's suffering, I haven't seen the whole country surpass the president. When the president was in Shandong, he paid special attention to agricultural affairs, and said on many occasions that agriculture is the foundation of the national economy and that there is no grain and instability. Now that the president has linked the industrialization of the country with the implementation of the new law, and has personally selected several provinces for pilots, it is a sign of trust in the old man, but I didn't expect you to resist it...... This Yu Youren did not know that he had reported the situation of Jiangsu in front of the president. ”

"I reported to Minister Yu. Brother Zhizhi, it's not that I can't do it, but Jiangsu is not suitable. I explained this to my face. On the other hand, I'm a little unsure whether I should report it to the president......"

"What?"

"Shanghai was originally under the jurisdiction of Jiangsu, but now it is a special city directly under the central government, and that's it. Shanghai's industry is indeed strong. General Fan, who is now the mayor of Shanghai, has many disagreements with me, and the two places are closely connected, and they cannot but deal with each other, which makes me embarrassed...... Although I have never met the president, I am very wise in his use of people. I thought that the president used Fan Deping to rule Shanghai, and he made a mistake. ”

"You'd better not mention it. General Fan Deping is one of the president's old team and was once General Lu Shan's deputy. Because he violated the president's diplomatic and military interests in relations with Russia, he was dismissed from his military post and transferred to Shanghai. If you have something, you might as well contact Commander Ye, and it's best not to have a direct conflict with someone Fan......"

Cheng Dequan sighed. The contradiction between him and the newly arrived Fan Deping stemmed from the industrial layout, and the No. 3 Aviation Plant (Engine Factory), which was originally planned to be purchased from the United States and distributed in Nanjing, was caught by Fan Deping in Shanghai! Cheng Dequan could not win this lawsuit, and under the intervention of Fang Shengyuan, the Ministry of Industry and the Aviation Bureau of the General Staff adjusted the plan.

It's a trifle. The cause is in the political district planning. Fifty years ago, Shanghai was just a small fishing village with no name, but now it has developed into a first-class big city in China. In particular, the major concessions that occupy the best locations are even more prosperous. The central government's designation of Shanghai as a municipality directly under the central government has undoubtedly damaged Jiangsu's overall strength, at least in terms of tax revenue.

"I have already arranged for the president's accommodation. Brother Zhi is the president's old department, and he is familiar with the president's diet and daily life, so he must help me find faults. ”

"It doesn't matter. The president is the son of heaven right away, the most unsophisticated, and it is not beautiful when it is complicated. Let's think about how to explain the agricultural problem. ”

Long Qian arrived in Nanjing on 14 February by steamer. Chen Shu and Xinghua stayed in Lunan and did not follow, originally they returned to their hometowns and provinces. However, they were accompanied by many giants such as Navy Commander Fang Shijun, Commander of the Southeast Military Region Ye Yanbing, Shanghai Mayor Fan Deping, and Director of the State Security Bureau Jiang Yun, who boarded Long Qian's ship in the canal. After entering the Yangtze River. Upstream and across the Zhenjiang River to Nanjing.

The cruiser USS Haixiong, purchased from the United States, slowly docked at the dock. Listening to the constant sound of firecrackers on the shore, Ye Yanbing said to Long Qian with a smile, "Today is the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, but it's not the people who welcome you." ”

Yu Youren, who was behind Long Qian, glanced at Commander Ye. I thought to myself that this is the real lineage. Be someone else. I don't dare to say such things.

Long Qian looked at the crowd on the dock. Most of them were soldiers, and they knew that they were the guards arranged by Ye Yanbing, "People are self-aware." It did not bring benefits to the people. Why did the people welcome me? In addition, even if I get rich, it is my business, and the people have a reason to enjoy a better and better life. Even if it is welcome, it is also an act of officialdom, and it is not worth my joy. ”

"The one wearing the sauce-colored robe is Cheng Dequan." After Ye Yanbing, who was in a straight military uniform, introduced Long Qian, he was the first to walk down the gangway.

Nanjing's climate this season is actually very cold, different from the north, it is a very uncomfortable cold. Cheng Dequan saw that the tall and burly president was not wearing an overcoat, but a lean dark gray casual dress, not even wearing a hat, and had rare short hair. Seeing Long Qian walking down the gangway, he quickly walked a few steps forward to meet him, "Subordinate Cheng Dequan has seen the president!" ”

"Brother Chunru, hello. We've finally met. Long Qian stretched out his hands and shook Cheng Dequan's cold hand.

"The winter in Nanjing is not good, and the president wears less."

"Really? How are they compared? Long Qian raised his hand and pointed to the west, outside the cordon, a group of ragged men were unloading a ship with a rice flag.

Cheng Dequan was embarrassed.

"Commander, are you going to stay first?" Jiang Yun leaned over and said.

"Haha, when I arrived at Governor Cheng's land, I listened to his arrangement. However, Nanjing is the ancient capital of the Six Dynasties, the place where the king's spirit gathers, and the car goes around, let me appreciate the cityscape of Nanjing. Brother Chunru, I'll take your car. ”

Several cars had already driven over, Cheng Dequan opened the door of an imported car, but Long Qian ignored it, but got into a Taishan car behind. Jiang Yun nudged Cheng Dequan. I got into the car that took the lead.

Cheng Dequan was a little nervous, he felt that this master was not so easy to serve, and his original confidence disappeared a lot.

"Brother Chunru, have you noticed the look of any citizens? However, the car drove slower. Entering the city gate, the stagnant water stirred up by the car splashed pedestrians, and Long Qian was a little unhappy.

"The demeanor of the citizens?" This Cheng Dequan really didn't pay attention. Outside the car window, citizens dodged the speeding motorcade.

"Numbness. It has been a year and a half since the founding of the People's Republic of China, and the unsettling numbness has not been eliminated. I thought Nanjing would be better off as the country's leading big city. Pure as a brother, the roads in the urban area of Nanjing should be renovated...... "The shock absorption of Taishan brand cars is very poor, Long Qian can't help but miss the enjoyment he once had, "Urban renovation is a big deal, and it involves urban protection, which needs to be properly raised." But at least clean and tidy. You might as well send someone to Jinan to learn from the experience...... "The speed of the car slowed down, and the leading car simply stopped and waited.

That's criticism. Cheng Dequan hurriedly said, "We must do what the president instructs." ”

"The environment changes people. Foreigners are always ridiculing us for being backward and ignorant, and it is more difficult to transform the habits of the people than to transform the city, so let's transform the city first. Let the garbage out of the city first, then renovate the sewers, then harden the pavement, add street lights, street signs and garbage bins, then introduce running water and electric lights, and then consider changing the heating habits of the residents. This year's plan for Beijing's urban transformation is very majestic, and Nanjing can't lag behind as a companion. Although you are not also the mayor of Nanjing, this is also something you should pay attention to. ”

"Yes, I will do as instructed by the President." Cheng Dequan thought to himself, according to what you said, money is not a decimal.

"Jinan's urban transformation has created some experience. For example, the construction of commercial streets, not only did not cost money, but also made a lot of money. Nanjing's economic heritage must surpass that of Jinan, and it is fully qualified to follow suit. The economic means are diverse, and it lies in the process of officials using their brains. ”

"That's amazing! The subordinates must go to Jinan in person to learn the scriptures......"

"It's not worth a penny, it's just revitalizing the money in the hands of the people. Is Brother Chunru working in the former Liangjiang Governor's Mansion? ”

"Yes."

"I heard that it was the former home of Cao Xueqin, the author of "The Story of Stones", is that so?"

"Yes. It was originally Jiangning Weaving House. Later, it was occupied by Long Hair and became the Pseudo-Heavenly King's Mansion......"

"And then it became the Liangjiang Governor's Palace, right? There are many historic sites in Nanjing, and attention should be paid to protecting them. The capital is already planning government office areas, and plans to vacate the West Garden and return it to the citizens within five years, and I think Nanjing should do the same. "The Story of the Stone" is a strange book in the world, and more and more people will be obsessed with this book, and for Cao Xueqin's face, they also want to see where she lived. Turning it into a heritage park and collecting admission fees not only protects cultural monuments, but also adds a place for leisure and entertainment for the public, killing two birds with one stone. Of course, the current financial constraints can be taken first, and it should be moved out in the future...... is like Hong Xiuquan's kind of method, and there is no reason to be immortal. By the way, clean up the city, and the army can contribute. I'll give an account to Commander Ye. Oh, this is the Qinhuai River, right? ”

"Yes. Over there is the Tribute Courtyard, the old ruins of Nanfu. The president should stay a few more days and look around. ”

"As president, you are not eligible to travel. Wait until I retire and become a commoner, and then enjoy it. Long Qian closed the curtains and stopped admiring the street scene.

"Retire and become a civilian?" Cheng Dequan didn't dare to answer this. The Constitution has been promulgated to provide for a six-year term of office for the President, who may be re-elected, but who may not serve more than two terms unless there are exceptional circumstances. This clause has caused great controversy, in China, except for the fall of a dynasty, who has ever seen the supreme ruler abdicate and become a commoner? (To be continued......)