At the beginning of the lanterns, Duan Fang, accompanied by his entourage, arrived at the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce. Qiao Yu, Bai Kuan, Wang Dongcheng, Wang Gui, Xue Shan, Zhang Fuxiang, Xu Hua and other businessmen all arrived and welcomed Duan Fang into the main hall.
After sitting down, the fragrant tea was served. Duan Fang took a sip and said with a smile to everyone: "After I arrived in Chongqing, I found that industry and commerce were prosperous. There were more than a dozen factories. It's such a big factory area. It's really amazing.
, I am afraid that only Wuhan has a factory of this scale in the Qing Dynasty now! You are all leaders of Chongqing's industry and commerce, and it is all due to your hard work that we can achieve such great results. I would like to thank you all in advance!"
After saying that, Duan Fang stood up and gave a salute to everyone, "This is our duty!" Bai Kuan bowed his head and returned the gift to Duan Fang. After all, he was still the governor of Sichuan, but since everyone had separated from the Qing court, seeing Duan Fang at this time
Since Fang was so polite, I felt that he most likely had other plans. Listen carefully to him before saying anything!
When Duan Fang saw that everyone present was not as grateful and disappointed as expected, he stood up and continued: "There is a problem with the court now, because many people in Sichuan are involved in the road rights issue. In fact, this is a misunderstanding of the court.
Well, the Sichuan-Hankou Railway Company has been established for several years. Not even an inch of the railway has been built. Instead, it has suffered a huge deficit. The imperial government nationalized it in order to repair this railway. The road to Shu has been difficult to travel since ancient times. With the Sichuan-Hankou Railway
After that, Sichuan will be more closely connected with the outside world, which will be a great benefit to Sichuan's industry and commerce. I hope that all the sages here can support the imperial court and not collude with the chaotic parties and let down the imperial court's hopes!"
"The lesson learned by the Governor is that we are all aware of the difficulties faced by the imperial court. However, it is not as cold as a day. Now Sichuan is boiling like soup. I also ask the imperial court to take care of the interests of the people of Sichuan and restore order in Sichuan as soon as possible. Sichuan is in chaos.
All of us here will have to endure a day of trouble, so please ask the Governor to come up with the charter as soon as possible!" Bai Kuan returned Duan Fang's words without being humble or arrogant, you asked us to support the court, and we asked you to take care of the people.
There was a hint of opposition in it, and Duan Fang could certainly hear it, but no one could fault Bai Kuan's words. Qiao Yu secretly applauded in his heart. It seemed that his uncle was not simple either.
"What Chairman Bai said makes sense. The imperial court will not ignore the people. In addition, I have heard some people criticize the Chongqing Chamber of Commerce in the past few days, saying that some people are wanton and domineering and do not take the imperial court into consideration!"
"Sir Governor, since you have mentioned this matter, I, Old Wang, should also say a few words!" Wang Dongcheng took over the conversation, looked around at everyone present, and said slowly: "Sir, you praise our Chongqing for its great achievements in industry and commerce.
But you probably don’t know how much effort was put into it. From scratch, starting from a textile factory, to being able to produce flour, clothing, cement, matches, soap and other daily necessities, all of which are full of
For all the hard work of the Chongqing business community, the one who deserves the greatest credit is Qiao Yuqiao Xietong. Everyone knows who is calling us domineering. They are just some jealous businessmen and a group of incompetent officials. The complaints these officials filed against us are
On the contrary, I want to accuse them of incompetence and dereliction of duty. In the early stages of development, industry and commerce in various countries cannot do without the support of the imperial court. So what do our officials do? There are so many exorbitant taxes and excessive taxes all over the world.
When foreigners' goods are transported across the ocean to China, how much freight does it cost? But even so, their goods are still cheaper than ours. Why? Isn't the problem just a matter of cents? Foreigners have privileges, but we don't. With layers of barriers, the cost suddenly drops.
It has doubled several times. Shouldn’t the court be responsible for this? If we don’t take some actions, there will be no immediate results at all. As for those businessmen accusing us, it is nothing more than envy and jealousy. How many people are not willing to start industries?
Rather, we want to get some agency rights from foreigners and rely on this to make a fortune. To put it bluntly, they are working for foreigners to make our money. Such people have bad intentions and are not worth mentioning. This is just my humble opinion. Please enlighten me.
!”….
What Wang Dongcheng said was impassioned and full of sarcasm, but Duanfang actually listened to it. He was a rare reformist among Manchu officials. He was very aware of the backwardness of the Qing Dynasty, so he listened to Wang Dongcheng.
Saying this made him feel like a confidant, but his identity was not something he could express casually.
He just nodded and said: "What Mr. Wang said is indeed the truth. When I inspect Sichuan this time, firstly, I want to put down the rebellion, and secondly, I want to rectify the Lijin and protect the development of the industry. Don't worry, everyone!"
Duan Fang's statement made everyone feel a little better. Unexpectedly, he added: "I am marching into Xichuan this time. Chongqing is the key logistics supply place. Please try your best to cooperate with us in providing food, grass and ordnance. I will definitely do it when I arrive."
I will report it to the imperial court and reward everyone!"
After Duan Fang finished speaking, he stood up and left. The expressions of everyone in the chamber of commerce suddenly changed. Wang Gui had the most violent temper. He spat in the direction where Duan Fang was walking and said viciously: "Have you seen that the imperial court is here?"
He treats us as money bags again, and wants to use our money to beat the people of Sichuan. If we give the money, the people of Sichuan will not be able to point at our backs, and how can we have the dignity to show off to others!"
It turns out that the Qing government has formed a tradition of extorting wealthy businessmen, starting from the Kangxi Emperor and the old lady Cixi. The euphemistic name is "donation". On the surface, the businessmen are willing to donate, but in reality they are forcibly apportioned. By this way, they cannibalize the wealthy businessmen.
A way for the Manchu nobles to enjoy a luxurious life. Now that Duanfang offered this magic weapon, it immediately aroused public anger. Everyone thought that Duanfang looked kind and open-minded, but they didn't know that this harmonious man
There was no difference for other officials, and his promises suddenly lost any appeal.
"Everyone, please be patient. Duan Fang asked us to donate, but whether he donates or not is still up to us. We might as well send Duan Fang to Xichuan, a place of trouble and trouble, and then cut off his escape so that he can't advance or retreat, and just wait to die.
The land of Sichuan!”
Qiao Yu also spoke, and everyone present suddenly understood. Knowing Qiao Yu's plan, they all applauded. Qiao Yu said again: "Everyone must have seen Duan Fang enter Sichuan with only one Xie troops today. It looks like a lot of people.
, but there are hundreds of thousands of militiamen in various places. Even if Duanfang and Zhao Erfeng try their best, there is absolutely no hope of suppressing the militia. Moreover, Wuhan's military strength is also empty now. Hubei is no better than Sichuan, and the nine provinces have Tongya
If there is even the slightest movement in the land, the world will be in chaos, and we must take action. I suggest that after sending Duan Fang away, we should immediately set up an autonomous committee to form a local government. We should first take control of Dongchuan counties. As long as there is an opportunity
As soon as we arrive, we declare independence, march to Chengdu, and take Sichuan firmly into our hands!"
Qiao Yu took this opportunity to talk about his plan. When everyone heard that he was going to form an autonomous committee, everyone was not stupid. Looking at the current situation, if Qiao Yu wanted to do something, the Qing court would have absolutely no ability to stop it, and everyone was also very concerned about this court.
Completely disappointed, the Autonomous Committee got what they wanted, and everyone also realized that this was an opportunity to share the fruits of victory. This is to establish a new government. If you can get a good position, you are also a revolutionary hero! There are so many benefits.
, so I am extremely active.
Duan Fang stayed in Chongqing for three days and then continued to march westward, hoping to capture the important town of Zizhou. Just after he left Chongqing, the Sichuan Autonomous Committee was quietly established in Chongqing, and Qiao Yu naturally became the president.
, conveniently took the power of civil affairs, public security, taxation, commerce, etc. into his own hands.