Under the encouragement of people around him, Lao Yuan came up with the idea of becoming emperor, but Yuan Shikai did not dare to act rashly. He kept interviewing his generals to understand their thoughts. It turned out that only Duan Qirui clearly opposed it, and Lao Yuan
Wang Shizhen was moved out and Duan Qirui was replaced. Lao Yuan felt that there was no problem in Beijing.
Then attention was focused on the local powerful factions. It happened that Zhang Xiluan resigned at this time, leaving the governor of Fengtian vacant. Who should be in charge of Fengtian has become a worry for Lao Yuan.
Fengtian is the head of the three eastern provinces, and it is also the northern barrier of Beijing. Its strategic location is extremely important. But the Japanese have inserted their hands again, making the situation in Fengtian very complicated. Should they airborne a high-ranking official to take charge personally, or support Fengtian?
Local forces are in power, and Lao Yuan is also wavering.
Just yesterday, Lao Yuan knew about Zhang Zuolin as soon as he arrived in Beijing. He didn't send anyone to greet him. It was Lao Yuan's intention. Otherwise, how could there be no one in the presidential palace? Yuan Shikai wanted to test Zhang Zuolin's reaction, but Zhang Zuolin didn't.
He didn't get angry and seemed very submissive, which made Lao Yuan very satisfied.
But then Zhang Zuolin beat up the tax collector of Chongwenmen again, his attitude was very arrogant, and Lao Yuan couldn't help but think, is this Mr. Bearded a bad habit that is hard to change, or is he expressing dissatisfaction to himself?
Lao Yuan could not figure out what Zhang Zuolin was thinking for a while. In fact, the confrontation between the two people had already started from the moment they entered Beijing. Yuan Keding invited Zhang Zuolin to the dinner. In fact, Lao Yuan also meant that he wanted to get to know Zhang Zuolin before the official meeting.
thoughts.
As a result, after the dinner, Lao Yuan received two completely different reports. Yuan Keding and Yang Shiqi kept saying good things to Zhang Zuolin, while Liang Shiyi made great accusations and even asked Lao Yuan to investigate Zhang Zuolin's crimes.
The two sides started arguing in the middle of the night yesterday, which made Yuan Shikai very angry. He asked these people to help him observe Zhang Zuolin. As a result, these guys did not provide him with any valuable information, but started fighting among themselves, which made old Yuan Tu shout.
No way.
In fact, this was also a manifestation of Lao Yuan's intertwined factions and ineffective command. Lao Yuan had no choice but to cheer up and personally inspect Zhang Zuolin to see if this little warlord would obey his orders.
The meeting place was arranged at Huairen Hall. When Lao Zhang walked in, he found that Lao Yuan had not arrived. He sat there for a while and looked around at the furnishings of Huairen Hall. It had a bit of a combination of Chinese and Western style, with huge imported sofas,
There are Western clocks and a Chinese-style Duobao Pavilion, with many rusty bronze objects on them.
Lao Zhang knew nothing about these things. His eyes fell on a Western pocket watch. This pocket watch was shining with gold. It was made of pure gold. The outer shell was inlaid with diamonds, which was shining brightly. In the middle was a lifelike figure.
The watch chain is also made of gold, and the whole pocket watch is extremely luxurious.
While Lao Zhang was watching, there was a sudden cough: "Yuting, we met here three years ago. Time flies so fast!"
Zhang Zuolin turned around suddenly and saw the short and fat Yuan Shikai walking in wearing the uniform of the President. Lao Zhang hurriedly stood up and saluted a standard military salute: "Report to the President, Zhang Zuolin, Lieutenant General Commander of the 27th Army Division of the Army, is here.
Debriefing, please give me your instructions!"
Lao Yuan had a smile on his face: "Yuting, don't be so nervous, we are just chatting casually." He walked up to Duobaoge, picked up the pocket watch and put it into Zhang Zuolin's hand.
"Haha, let's keep all the gadgets as souvenirs!"
Zhang Zuolin took it in his hand, with a hint of joy on his face, and said quickly: "Thank you, President!"
Yuan Shikai motioned for Zhang Zuolin to sit down, and Lao Yuan asked again: "Yuting, how is the safety situation in Fengtian?"
"Report to the President that there are three major threats to Fengtian's security. One is the Mongolian bandits, the second is the clan, and the third is Japan. We have always adopted a resolute policy of eradicating the Mongolian bandits. Anyone who dares to invade the border will be completely eliminated to deter the rest.
, the banditry problem has been reduced a lot in recent years. The Zongshe Party is the product of the old thieves from the former Qing Dynasty. It attempts to split the country and cannot be punished. Not long ago, we uncovered the conspiracy case of Shanqi and Shengyun, and then carried out
A large-scale investigation was conducted to eliminate hidden dangers in the bud.”
Yuan Shikai listened attentively, instead of nodding, he said approvingly: "Well done, well done, but in the final analysis, the biggest threat is the Japanese. I wonder what Yuting has to say?"
"President, the Japanese are different from the first two. It is not suitable to use brute force to fight, but we must not sit back and watch the Japanese expand their power. You must know that they are ambitious and greedy. They should be restricted to the Manchuria Annex and be killed at the same time.
Cut off their ties with the merchants and people of Fengtian and cut off their minions. Without domestic forces to help them, even if the Japanese have great abilities, it will be of no use."
When Lao Yuan heard this, he showed a happy smile on his face. He couldn't help but clapped his hands: "Yuting, you can express this opinion, I feel relieved. Japan is strong and we are weak. We must not be like that gang."
As the literati said, just for the sake of temporary loyalty, you should attack the stone with an egg. But you must also be sufficiently vigilant against the ambitions of the Japanese to prevent them from getting involved outside the customs and ensure that the Jin Ou is completed."
"Don't worry, President, as long as Zuolin is alive, he will definitely protect the safety of Fengtian. No one, whether it's the red-haired Rakshasa or the King of Heaven, can get his hands on Fengtian."
Zhang Zuolin's statement was sonorous and powerful, but Lao Yuan also sensed the taste. Wasn't it also an insinuation of himself? However, Yuan Shikai could not find anything to refute.
He had no choice but to change the subject and said with a long sigh: "It is difficult for me to be a president. Every time I want to make a difference, I encounter all kinds of constraints. The Republic of China has been established for four years, but the country has not prospered. I feel ashamed when I think about it!"
"President, Zuolin is a soldier. He shouldn't discuss politics, but those literati can only talk rhetoric and write thousands of words without having any ideas. The president should be dictatorial with an iron fist and don't need to judge them at all. If these people don't know what to do, just
Put the muzzle of the gun to their heads and see what else they say."
Lao Yuan smiled bitterly and shook his head: "No, for many years, China has been paying attention to not being punished for words. Now it is the Republic of China, a republic, and it pays attention to freedom of speech. These literati have an outstanding reputation, and they cannot be beaten or scolded.
It’s so helpless.”
"President, we cannot let them go around shouting and disturbing people's hearts. Everyone knows that there are thousands of people in a family, but only one person is in charge. Now, as the head of state, the president should act arbitrarily."
"Well said, right!" Lao Yuan finally showed a smile on his face: "Yuting, what do you think of Junxian and Republic? Which one is better and worse?"
Zhang Zuolin said a little embarrassed: "President, Zuolin comes from a rough background and doesn't understand politics at all. I really don't know which one is better?"
"Don't be afraid, just say whatever you want, what you just talked about was very good."
Zhang Zuolin thought about it and then said: "Only your feet know whether the shoes fit well. Zuolin only knew that a few years after the founding of the Republic of China, the country was not prosperous and strong, but in chaos. The chaotic parties in the south frequently caused chaos and caused trouble to the country. If they really believed in the Republic
, they should not cause chaos. From this point of view, republicanism is just an excuse for them. If they want to revive the country, they must take strong measures and work together as one. Zuolin thinks that maybe a monarch constitution is better."
Lao Yuan was immediately elated. Zhang Zuolin's words spoke to his heart. Not only did he support Jun Xian, but he also scolded Sun Wen and his gang. He nodded frequently and said happily: "
Yuting is knowledgeable, that's great! Don't worry, as long as you obey orders and serve the country, I won't treat you badly."
"Thank you, President, for your cultivation!"
Lao Yuan was obviously in a good mood, and went on to ask some questions about Fengtian, and also asked about Zhang Zuolin's family situation, how his wife and children were doing.
After talking for a while, Lao Yuan suddenly changed the subject and asked with a smile: "Zuolin, I heard that you and Zhu Erdian concluded a big business deal at the villa in Keding yesterday. I don't know what happened.
?”
"President, we are planning to build several new factories in Fengtian. It just so happens that the Western powers are in the middle of a war and are in urgent need of supplies, so we have negotiated a cooperation agreement."
Zhang Zuolin obviously would not tell Yuan Shikai everything, so he just introduced it briefly.
"It's great to be able to open up the Western market and make money from foreigners. I heard that it was all done by a young man, which is even more amazing. Sir Juldian is a very cunning old fox. You have to rely on your real ability to convince him.
!”
Lao Yuan turned the conversation to Zhang Tinglan, and Zhang Zuolin also said with a smile: "That child is the son of my sworn brother Zhang Zuoxiang. He has a very flexible mind, reads a lot, and thinks a lot, so he can always find some unexpected solutions. But the child
He was still too young and didn’t know the seriousness of it, and it made Mr. Liang angry, so I taught him a lesson when I went back."
"No need, young man!" Lao Yuan said with a smile: "Everyone has a time when they are young and frivolous. This is not a problem. The key is to dare to think and do. Your nephew is really good. He is young and promising. Have you ever thought about it?
If we let him go to Beijing to gain some experience, see more of the world, and improve his knowledge, he will definitely become a pillar of the country in the future!"
When Lao Zhang heard that Yuan Shikai actually wanted to keep Zhang Tinglan in Beijing, Lao Zhang immediately became wary. Now Zhang Tinglan is the purse and gun of the 27th Division. Without him, how can he cooperate with Fred and how can he pass the Middle East Road?
Make money and buy arms!
Lao Zhang already regarded Zhang Tinglan as his right-hand man, how could he let Lao Yuan poach him away.
"President, it is Tinglan's blessing to be favored by you. However, the child is only seventeen years old this year, and he still needs to listen to his father's opinion. If Fuchen agrees, I will let him have a good experience in Beijing without any hesitation.
Also improve your abilities!”
Lao Yuan squinted his eyes, thought for a while, and said with a smile: "You really need to listen to your parents' opinions. If you have time these days, bring Tinglan over. I will also take a look at this young talent."
The time for the interview came soon. Lao Zhang left Huairen Hall and returned to the Liuguo Hotel. As soon as he entered his room, Lao Zhang casually threw the pocket watch given by Lao Yuan on the sofa. Both Zhang Tinglan and Zhang Xueliang
Waiting for Lao Zhang's return in his house, they all became worried when they saw that Lao Zhang didn't look well.
"Ting Lan, Lao Yuan has fallen in love with you and wants to poach you, tell me what to do!"