Originally, the people in China were very excited. I thought this confrontation would be very fierce. Who knew it would end like this? It was really unexpected. But no matter what, the British lost money, even if they were subdued, do you still want to
How is the British Empire? Therefore, the Chinese people are still very satisfied. The newspapers also praised it and then published another article.
However, the great powers of all countries know that Sichuan has been different from ordinary provinces in China since then. It has the bargaining chip that can leverage the situation in the Far East. In a sense, Sichuan can already be compared with Beiyang. Moreover, Sichuan is more flexible, united and has stronger combat effectiveness.
, the great powers have expanded economic and trade exchanges with Sichuan, striving to influence Sichuan's decision-making.
First, Sichuan negotiated an arms deal with Germany. Germany provided Sichuan with twelve 150mm heavy field howitzers, twelve 120mm cannons, and a batch of engines.
Germany's sale of this mass murder weapon to Sichuan was undoubtedly its own way of demonstrating to the British, and it was also rewarding Qiao Yu as an agent. Following closely, the Americans also sent an inspection team to Sichuan for inspection.
Natural gas project, while also cooperating with Sichuan to build a tractor factory and a fertilizer factory.
Compared with virtue, Japan attaches great importance to Sichuan. The Prime Minister personally sent a special envoy to Sichuan together with geological experts from the University of Tokyo to inspect Sichuan's oil situation. At the same time, he generously gave Sichuan one million yen.
interest-free loan.
This amount of money was not much, and Qiao Yu didn't notice it, but you must know that Japan gritted its teeth and took it out. They were under the pressure of huge debts. Japanese experts immediately launched an investigation after arriving in Sichuan.
, using historical documents as clues, we quickly found some suspected locations, and even saw oil spurting out in some areas. Experts from the University of Tokyo assured that it was very possible to find a large oil field. Only then did the Japanese envoy feel relieved.
The problems at the Hanyang Iron Works made the Japanese political circles resent Qiao Yu, thinking that this guy was extremely hostile to Japan and a nationalist. Therefore, when Qiao Yu proposed to jointly develop oil in Sichuan with Japan, the Japanese high-level officials also had doubts, but they
The desire for oil exceeds all else, so I agreed regardless of everything. Now that I see that there may be oil in Sichuan, I am very excited.
He immediately decided to invest five million to establish an oil company with the Sichuan government, and then began the great business of looking for oil everywhere.
"Commander, these Japanese are really efficient, but to be honest, I am not very optimistic about the prospects of Sichuan oil. Although it seems that there must be oil in Sichuan, I am always skeptical. It is just a feeling without any evidence.
"
Wu Hengchang said to Qiao Yu: "Commander, if the Japanese can't find oil, will they get angry at us?"
"Hmph! They asked for it. I'm not a fairy. I can guarantee that there will be oil. They are willing to invest themselves. Who can stop them? Wouldn't it be good to use Japanese money to help us train a group of oil workers?"
"Haha, actually I don't blame Japan. They are seriously short of resources. If you can see a little bit of the spearhead, it is worth investing money. If you can get oil in China, it will be much safer than importing it from the United States!"
"That's right! This is the mentality of the Japanese. However, one thing must be noted. These Japanese will not be able to live peacefully in Sichuan. They may be mixed with a lot of private goods. Take the opportunity to spy on the geography and humanities of Sichuan. You must pay strict attention to it.
, I leave this matter of Ark to you, watch the eyes of the Japanese!"
"I understand the humble position!"
After Qiao Yu finished explaining, he focused his energy on reorganizing the army. Now Sichuan needs to reorganize the army, and all aspects of the interests involved must be balanced. After careful consideration, Qiao Yu decided to transfer Han Yong back from Chongqing.
As the commander of the First Division of the Sichuan Army, Han Yong was one of the first people to follow Qiao Yu, and he was also one of his closest confidants. He had been responsible for guarding Chongqing and worked conscientiously. Although his abilities were limited, his qualifications were there. The First Division
The teacher must be him...
The commander of the second division was handed over to Zhu Qinglan. He was a veteran in the army and had a high prestige. Especially after joining Qiao Yu, he was loyal and worthy of entrustment. Qiao Yu's second brother Qiao Zhen no longer directly commanded the army, but also for
Avoid people thinking that Qiao Yu is nepotistic.
Of course, we cannot treat our second brother badly and let him serve as the garrison envoy to Sichuan. In addition, Liu Yunhong performed well in suppressing bandits and appointed him as the brigade commander of the cavalry brigade. Yang Sen became the deputy brigade commander and set up three reserve divisions.
The division commanders were Wang Huai, Shi Yi, and Li Tie, and Liu Xiang was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the troops stationed in Tibet.
The reorganization of the army is not a trivial matter. After all the main officials have been arranged, the rest of the things are even more complicated. Tens of thousands of troops have to adjust equipment and personnel, and part of the original regular army must be transferred to the reserve force. Sichuan is in a hurry.
At that time, a guest came to Sichuan. He was Song Jiaoren.
After Tao Chengzhang's death, Song Jiaoren integrated the forces of the original United Party, and then relied on his huge influence in the Tongmenghui to form the Kuomintang. At the beginning of the founding of the party, Song Jiaoren integrated Sun Wen, Huang Xing and others
Although they were excluded, they were given the title of consultants, but they could not interfere in party affairs at all. At the same time, Song Jiaoren began to visit various provinces along the Yangtze River, delivering speeches, expounding political opinions, attracting support from various provinces, and preparing to compete for the Congress in the near future.
election.
Song Jiaoren walked and talked all the way, and his views were highly praised by all parties. Song Jiaoren's confidence continued to expand. Although Tao Chengzhang had failed, Song Jiaoren firmly believed that the road to constitutionalism still existed.
He must persist.
After arriving in Sichuan, Song Jiaoren immediately felt a different atmosphere. There was a busy scene all over Sichuan. Everyone was in a hurry. Huge chimneys were constantly being erected, and the smoke was also dispersed in the air. But Song
Jiaoren didn't take it seriously at all, but regarded these as representatives of progress. Aren't all the great powers like this now?
The chimneys with black smoke and the rumbling factories are so beautiful. Before Song Jiaoren entered Sichuan, he heard many people say that Qiao Yu was very capable in governing the place. Now it turns out that it is true. After leaving Chongqing
, Song Jiaoren went straight to Chengdu. Along the way, a large number of workers were constructing the Chengdu-Chongqing Railway. The bustling work scene greatly touched Song Jiaoren.
"Inspector, being famous is not as good as meeting, and meeting is worse than being famous. Along the way, I saw that Sichuan is undergoing earth-shaking changes. I am really happy and happy. You run the army and the people, everything is yours!" As he spoke, Song Jiaoren extended his thumb.
"Mr. Duchu, thank you for the award. Sichuan's achievements are all the result of the people's efforts. I am just giving appropriate guidance and cannot take credit!"
The two of them came to the reception room like old friends. Qiao Yu poured a cup of tea for Song Jiaoren and asked with a smile: "Mr. Duchu, you are a very busy man now. What advice can you give me after arriving in Sichuan?"
"
"Don't take it seriously. I remember that when Tao Chengzhang was able to form the United Party, it was the result of Qiao Shuai's promotion. It can be seen that Qiao Shuai loves constitutionalism. Didn't I come here to seek support?"
Qiao Yu let out a long sigh: "Mr. Duchu, to be honest, I overestimated things at the beginning. I wonder if Tao Huanqing's spirit in heaven will blame me. Constitutional government is not that easy, and democracy is not that easy to achieve!"
"Qiao Shuai, I don't think so. We must persevere no matter how difficult it is. This is not an excuse for us to give up on democracy. On the contrary, we must develop democracy. This is the best medicine to heal Chinese society. Otherwise, China will only be able to completely
Sink!"
"Mr. Duchu, good democracy is good medicine, and bad democracy is just poison, which will cause even worse things!"