Li Zhen issued the order, and Zuo Zongtang, Zeng Guofan, Zhao Liewen and others rushed to the presidential palace.
It didn't take long and everyone gathered in the conference room.
Li Zhen sat in the main seat, glanced at everyone present, and said unhurriedly: "Half an hour ago, the American envoy Ma Hui came to see me. When we chatted, Ma Hui said that China is already a country worthy of its name. Our country is so powerful that no one dares to invade it. Such a situation is the result of everyone's sincere cooperation. Only when you work hard for the country can the country develop steadily and stand on top of the world."
Li Zhen stood up and bowed.
Zeng Guofan, Zuo Zongtang and others also stood up and repeatedly expressed that this was not necessary.
After Li Zhen sat down, everyone sat down again.
With a smile on his face, Li Zhen continued: "I invited everyone here because Ma Hui came to see me. Ma Hui took out a letter written by Lincoln, who was about to become the new president of the United States. Lincoln invited me Visiting the United States."
As soon as these words came out, there was an uproar around him.
Li Zhen said: "I plan to personally visit the United States to see the situation in the United States, and then take some people out to see the outside world and feel the situation outside."
"I object."
Zeng Guofan was the first to raise his hand, with a look of disapproval.
He said solemnly: "As the president of a country, the president is concerned about the security of the country. For the president's safety, he cannot visit easily. Moreover, the United States is not a good thing and we cannot trust him."
Li Zhen asked: "Why."
Zeng Guofan said: "Just imagine, once anything goes wrong with the president, it will inevitably cause turmoil in the country. The good situation that has just been established may very well come to naught. I even have this idea that this may be a deliberate set up by the Americans. They want the president to leave China, and then ambush the president outside, taking the opportunity to cause chaos in China, so they can take advantage of it. As the saying goes, you can't have the intention of harming others, but you must have the intention of guarding against others. Please help. The president puts safety first."
Zeng Guofan was not at ease with foreigners.
Especially when Li Zhen went to the United States, Zeng Guofan was even more unhappy.
Going to the United States is too dangerous.
Li Zhen smiled slightly and said: "The problem that Brother Bohan is worried about does not exist. In my opinion, the United States actively invited me to go, but will do its best to protect me. How can I be threatened? The more powerful China is, the more powerful the United States will be. The more I fear China's retaliation against the United States, the safer I am. Once something goes wrong with me, the United States will face a counterattack from China, and the United States cannot afford such consequences."
Shi Dakai shook his head and objected, saying: "President, I object too."
Li Zhen frowned and said, "Why can't you figure it out? This is a very simple question."
Huang Shihai said: "It is a very serious problem related to the safety of the president."
Li Zhen scratched his head and said: "Well, in order to relieve your worries and for the good development of the country in the future, we should set a rule. Once the president unfortunately dies, the prime minister will temporarily serve as the interim president to handle national affairs. The court will take the lead and work with the Congress to re-select the president. In this way, even if there is a problem with the president, the country will not be in chaos. What do you think of this proposal? Such problems also exist. No one can avoid any emergencies. ."
Zuo Zongtang nodded and said: "I think it is feasible, and I also agree with the president going to the United States."
Compared with Zeng Guofan, Shi Dakai and others, Zuo Zongtang gradually retreated behind the scenes and rarely appeared. However, in the Congress managed by Zuo Zongtang, all the people involved were important officials from various provinces and important tasks of the army.
He is a man of real power, and his power is not weaker than that of Zeng Guofan, but he has fewer opportunities to show his face.
When he opened his mouth, it was so heavy that everyone around him was stunned.
Huang Shihai said in a deep voice: "Brother Ji Gao, the president is going to the United States alone. Don't you see the danger?"
Zuo Zongtang snorted and said seriously: "It is dangerous to stay in the country. If the country wants to develop, it must see the situation outside. As the saying goes, if you know yourself and the enemy, you will be victorious in any battle. Our current weapons are more powerful and our numbers are larger. Others
We all know it, but do we know what good things they have? In comparison, the overall quality of our country’s military soldiers, as well as the culture of the soldiers, etc., are still far behind. The president went to the United States, and I went with him.
Take a trip to see what’s going on in the United States.”
With a serious expression on his face, he continued: "During this period, on the one hand, I formed Congress, and on the other hand, I learned about the situation in various countries through various channels. The United States has the Federal Army Academy at West Point, France has Saint-Cyr Military Academy, and the United Kingdom has
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, regardless of whether the military academies established by Britain, France and the United States are effective and whether they really cultivate strong men, at least they have the consciousness to do this and want to cultivate good officers. China is
Shouldn't the most powerful country have one? If it is satisfied with the current status quo, it will definitely go downhill and one day it will be overtaken."
"well said."
Li Zhen's eyes were filled with brilliance and his face was full of joy.
Huang Shihai was stunned, and the others were frightened by Zuo Zongtang's words.
It seems that Zuo Zongtang is a little different.
Li Zhen continued: "Brother Ji Gao said it well, you should go out for a walk to know how big the world is. I agree with brother Ji Gao to follow me to the United States, and I also agree with brother Ji Gao to go to West Point Military Academy. Although West Point Military Academy
At present, no famous people have been trained, but in the near future, I believe there will be a country where a military school is established and students are selected among countless people. There will always be talents emerging, and there will always be gold that shines."
Zuo Zongtang said respectfully: "What the president said makes sense."
Zhao Liewen spread his hands and said helplessly: "Both the President and Brother Ji Gao said so, what else can I say? Besides, the President has even thought of emergency measures in case of emergencies, so I have no reason to object.
"
Zhao Liewen sighed lightly and said: "On the contrary, I also envy Brother Ji Gao that he can take a trip to the United States in his busy schedule. I want to go, but time is too tight and I can't go. Our country's system was born out of the United States. I can see it in person."
The situation in the United States is the best, but it’s a pity that there are too many things going on, and I have to build courts all over the country, so I don’t have time.”
Li Zhen waved his hands and said: "Don't worry, Dean Zhao, there will be many opportunities in the future. This time, Brother Ji Gao and I will select some good seedlings and come with me to take a look."
Zeng Guofan said solemnly: "Since we are going, the president's safety must be ensured."
Li Zhen smiled and said: "It is enough for the Jian Dao Battalion to be with me. Some of them were lost initially, but after these years of development, Huang Qiang has restored the combat effectiveness of the three hundred Jian Dao Battalion. When the time comes, they will follow me."
After a pause, Li Zhen continued: "I will pay attention to my safety. This is not the most important thing. The people who will accompany me to the United States are the most important. They will be the first group of people we go out, so we must consider it carefully.
