Chapter 36 3. Poems of Tang Feng and Song Bone Talk

Shortly after Zhang Zhidong made a 30% discount on the same day and expressed his views on the Vietnam War, the French government increased the salary and troops of the expeditionary force it sent to Vietnam. The army attacked the Qing army and the black flag army stationed in Shanxi, Vietnam.War officially broke out between China and France. From the beginning of the war, the situation was not good for China.Tang Jiong, the governor of Yunnan, retreated without authorization, leaving the Black Banner Army to fight alone.Liu Yongfu led his subordinates to fight hard for five days and five nights, and finally lost, and Shanxi fell into the hands of the French army.The French army then attacked Beining.Xu Yanxu, the commander-in-chief of the Chinese garrison in Beining and the governor of Guangxi, is currently on vacation in other places, and the frontline soldiers collapsed without a fight.Beining was again occupied by the French army.The French army took advantage of the victory to pursue, and the Qing army and the Black Banner army retreated to Lang Son and Zhennan Pass. The Red River Delta in northern Vietnam was completely controlled by the French army.

The failure of the Vietnam War caused huge repercussions in China, and as a result, it led to a major event in the political history of the late Qing Dynasty. After the fall of Beining in March of the 10th year of Guangxu, Sheng Yu, the Zuo concubine of the Zhan Shifu, published a book, pointing his finger at the Military Aircraft Department, saying, "The border affairs are corrupted, and the responsibility belongs to them. Order to commit crimes and make meritorious deeds, so as to strengthen discipline."The impeachment remark was fierce: "Prince Gong and other counselors and cardinals, my empress dowager and the emperor have given them the handle of employing people and administration, and obeyed what they say. It has been more than 20 years in the distance, and it has been more than ten years in recent years. Why is the source of salary dwindling? Why is the military strength so low and why is the talent so scarce? There is no such thing as Vietnam, and it should be dealt with seriously. The situation has been corrupted before, and it is even more blinded by the future? There are ministers like this, and the empress dowager and the emperor do not show their responsibilities. How can they treat their ancestors? , why answer the world?"

Within a few days of handing over this document, the cabinet issued an order to the Empress Dowager Cixi: Headed by Prince Gong, all the ministers of the Military Aircraft Department, including the great scholar Baowang, Li Hongzao, Shangshu Jinglian, and Weng Tonghe, were dismissed and replaced by Li Wang Shiduo , including Erlehebu, Yan Jingming, Zhang Zhiwan, Sun Yuwen, and Xu Gengshen.Yizhi also specially emphasized that in case of major events, Prince Chun must be consulted to handle them. The entire shift of the Military Aircraft Department was replaced, which was rare in the Qing Dynasty.The most recent major change of shift was the 11th year of Xianfeng's abolition of the Guming system and the implementation of the curtain system.It was a palace coup, very unusual.Therefore, the replacement of the entire class this time became an event that shook the government and the public and greatly affected the political situation.This year was in Jiashen, and historians call it Jiashen Yishu.In the Fengjia year of the late Qing Dynasty, many major events happened.The Jia year before this was Jiaxu, and the nineteen-year-old Tongzhi Emperor died.In the following Jiawu year, the naval battle with Japan broke out, and the entire Beiyang navy was wiped out.In another ten years, it will be Jiachen's turn. The imperial examinations, which have been regarded as a matter of course for more than a thousand years, have come to an end. When the Jiachen imperial examinations are over, China will abolish the imperial examinations forever.The last few Jia years of the Qing Dynasty were full of troubled times.Historians have many derogatory words about Jiashen Yishu this time, and some even compare it with the dismissal of Zhang Jiuling and the appointment of Li Linfu in the 24th year of Kaiyuan in Tang Dynasty.However, for Zhang Zhidong, Yi Shu this time was a blessing in his official career.

As early as the first month of the previous year, Zhang Zhiwan, who had just been expelled at the age of seventy-two, was ordered to go to Beijing to serve as Minister of the Ministry of War.After receiving the letter from his cousin, Zhang Zhidong knew that the prelude to the big event of the brothers' secret discussion in the Qingfeng Pavilion of Xianliang Temple had already begun.A year later, Zhang Zhiwan was changed to be Minister of the Ministry of Industry, and this time he entered the military aircraft as a worker.In the past three years since he came to Beijing, Yan Jingming's official career is also very proud.His Household Minister has done a great job. After his adjustment, the treasury has increased by eight million taels of silver in the past two years.Cixi was very satisfied.The Qingyi Garden project, which she had been pondering for many years, should start.This time, he marched into Jiji with Manshang Shu Erle and Bu, which was Cixi's special commendation to the Ministry of Households.Over the years, Yan Jingming has not forgotten Zhang Zhidong's many nominations before he left the mountain, and the special courtesy he received when he was in Shanxi, and he often has correspondence with Zhang Zhidong.The clearance of treasury funds in Shanxi was strongly supported by the Ministry of Household Affairs. After the clearance was completed, the Ministry of Accountancy recommended it to the provinces as a successful example, which extended Zhang Zhidong's reputation in the officialdom.

This group of military planes is nominally led by Prince Li Shiduo, but anyone with a discerning eye knows that the real leader is Prince Chun, not him.This descendant of Nurhaci's second son, Li Wang Daishan, has no other good qualities, but humility, which no one can match.Even when Li Lianying saluted him, he responded with equal courtesy.It has never been done before an eunuch with the dignity of a prince.After he became the foreman of the Military Aircraft Department, everyone realized that he won Cixi's favor by winning over Li Lianying, and it was also by humility that he won the trust of King Chun.

Anyone who knows a little bit about the background knows that Sun Yuwen, the left servant of the Ministry of Industry, used to be the teacher of Prince Chun's Mansion, and Xu Gengshen, the right servant of the Ministry of Punishment, was a frequent visitor on the chessboard of Prince Chun's Mansion.This military aircraft department, designated by Empress Dowager Cixi and King Jin's secret merchants, and nominally led by King Li, is actually the team of the Qiandi in Taiping Lake.In the late Qing Dynasty, the era of uncles and sisters-in-law joining forces to power has begun. When there was a lot of discussion about this big change of shift in the capital, and even the perpetrator Sheng Yu was deeply shocked and hurriedly went to the library to take back the original book, the owner of Taiyuan City was not very surprised by this, but he did not expect it. Wang's affairs went so smoothly and quickly.He even didn't expect that the No. 1 decision made by the New Military Aircraft Department was to dismiss Zhang Shusheng's Governor of Guangdong and Guangxi, and hand over the post of Governor of Guangdong that everyone is watching now!

When the list of the new military aircraft department was announced, Zhang Zhidong was so excited that he celebrated with his forehead.He is not only gratified that elder brother Ziqing's white hair is reused, but also happy to have his elder brother and close relatives in the center of the court.The scene of Qingyi Garden paying homage to King Chun that year came to mind again.Over the years, King Chun's kindness to himself has been profound.He clearly realized that a red sun was rising towards him, and his official career in front of him would be brighter because of this.However, the promotion came so quickly and the imperial court's entrustment was so heavy, but it was beyond his expectation.

There are only eight governorships, namely Governor of Zhili Province, Governor of Jiangsu, Anhui, and Jiangxi, Governor of Liangjiang, Governor of Guangdong and Guangxi, Governor of Huguang, Governor of Hubei and Hunan, and Governor of Hubei and Hunan. The governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, the governor of Sichuan over Sichuan, the governor of Shaanxi and Gansu, and the governor of Yunnan and Guizhou. Because the governor of Zhili is located in Gyeonggi and the situation is important, he has always been the head of the governor.The governor of Liangjiang has a vast area and rich products, and its status is second only to the direct governor.Shaanxi, Gansu and Yunnan are listed as the last among the governors because of their remoteness and barrenness.In the past, the status of the governors of Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, and Sichuan was roughly equal. In recent years, due to the relationship with foreigners, the status of the governors of Guangdong and Guangxi has obviously surpassed that of Huguang and Sichuan.Zhang Zhidong became governor of Guangdong in one leap from a Jinfu with little qualifications, and he knew very well the secret of this.He could not live up to the trust of the Queen Mother and King Chun, nor could he live up to the expectations of his cousin and Elder Dan.

However, this trip to the south of the Guangdong Sea was extraordinary.The front line lost troops and failed, and the flames of war intensified. Throughout the history of wars between China and foreigners, there has never been a record of victory.At this time, the governor of Guangdong is not a Taiping border official, but a general who supervises the army. The tactics used in the past are just talk on paper. , can a scholar who has never been in the army do it?Faced with this promotion, Zhang Zhidong couldn't help but feel a little bit of a sense of being overwhelmed.However, this timid state soon passed.

He has always been very confident and self-promising, daring to do things and not afraid of risks.It is difficult to be the governor of Guangdong at this time, but when the governor of Guangdong is done well at this time, its brilliance is not comparable to that of the predecessor. The promotion came too soon, he had to take care of Shanxi's affairs, and leave behind thoughts for the elders of the three Jin Dynasties. The first big thing right now is to implement the sea railway transportation that Timothy Lee took the initiative to undertake.Because of Timothy, Zhang Zhidong thought of the Shanxi teaching case again.Yes, it is necessary to set up a teaching plan bureau as soon as possible so that there are special personnel responsible for handling civil and religious disputes.In the future, whenever there is a conflict between the people and the religion, the church will be ordered to write to the Educational Planning Bureau, and the bureau will have full power to handle it.

There are also two major issues related to the long-term stability of Shanxi, which have been discussed for a long time, and regulations should be made before leaving Jin.The first is to implement the Baojia system. On the basis of the original village organization, this system is perfected to deal with robbers and bandits and assist the government to protect the environment and the people.The second is the restructuring of the seven halls in northern Shanxi.In the north of Shanxi, there have always been seven halls to manage the negotiation affairs between the Mongolians and the people. These seven halls belong to Yanping Road and Guisui Road respectively.The situation in this area is more complicated, and it has become more difficult to treat due to the intervention of foreigners in recent years.These seven halls were originally managed by Manchu and Mongolian officials, and all affairs were chaotic.Zhang Zhidong has suggested to the imperial court that the officials of the Seven Departments should be used in both Manchu and Han Dynasties, and plans to compile household registration, clear up land taxes, set up schools, change post roads, add public funds, recruit and train soldiers, so that they are no different from those in the inland states and counties. .This matter should be written again, requesting the court to make an explicit statement so that the successor can follow the order. Many things are in his consideration.Suddenly, he remembered a big thing.This matter must be done before leaving Shanxi. Not long after arriving in Taiyuan, Zhang Zhidong went to inspect Jinyang Academy, the largest academy in the three Jin Dynasties.He agreed with the scholars to come to the academy once every six months, or give lectures to the scholars to clarify their doubts, or discuss with the scholars to save their feelings.The year before last, he kept his promise and went once in each spring and autumn.Last year during Qingming, he also took the time to go there once.But it has been nearly a year since then, and I have not been there because I am busy with general affairs.He was about to leave Jinnan and went south. Zhang Zhidong, who was born in a school, was deeply disturbed by the fact that he had lost his promise to the scholars. He wanted to go to Jinyang Academy again to make up for his failure. The teachers and students of Jinyang Academy all know that Zhang Zhidong has been promoted to governor of Guangdong and Guangxi, and he will leave Shanxi in the near future. Shanchang Shi Liren and the new head teacher Xi Yang Shenxiu have already discussed with the leaders of the scholars that they should go to the governor's yamen for a visit. Master Futai sees you off.Mr. Shi Lao has been the head of the mountain in Jinyang Academy for more than 20 years, and has experienced seven or eight governors.The governors went to the academy to take a look around, mostly just for show. No governor had ever taught the scholars in a serious manner.The old head of the mountain who has been studying knowledge all his life also knows that it is quite difficult for a governor like Zeng Guoquan to teach him.He himself didn't even pass the exam, so how could he have the nerve to give lessons to most of these scholars who have already made a name for themselves?There are also several other governors who have Jinshi background, but they originally regarded the "Four Books" and "Five Classics" as a stepping stone. Once the door to fame and fame is opened, that brick will be discarded; , There is still a long way to go, and the winners on this road do not rely on knowledge, but on another effort.By the time he climbed to the high position of governor, he had almost forgotten the poems and clouds of the past, so how could he talk about learning in front of these well-educated scholars? Only Zhang Zhidong was different. Although he only gave three half-day lectures at the academy, he was admired by all the scholars who attended the lectures. Even the erudite and noble Shi Shanchang felt ashamed.For such a Futai, the respect of the old pedant who has passed the age and no longer desires comes from the heart. At that moment, Master Shi Shan and President Yang welcomed Zhang Zhidong and his party into the academy.After sitting down in Shan Chang's Xuesi Zhai, Zhang Zhidong didn't exchange many greetings, and said straight to the point: "This year, I have been busy with chores, and I have been coming to the academy. The promise I made to the scholars was not fulfilled, and I always feel uneasy. I will go to Guangdong in a few days, and I came to the academy today, first to see everyone, and second, to give a lecture to the scholars, which can be regarded as making up for what I owed last year." Master Shi Shan said excitedly: "Your Excellency is promoted. I should have led the academy professors and scholars to the yamen to congratulate you. I don't want you to come to the academy in person thinking about the academy and the class that was missed in the second half of last year when you are so busy. The old man and all the teachers and students of the academy are deeply grateful for your friendship." Zhang Zhidong said: "The old man, please send an order to tell all the scholars to come!" Master Shi Shan turned to Yang Shenxiu and said, "Yi Village, call everyone to Fengyuxuan, and say goodbye to Mr. Zhang!" Fengyuxuan is an open meeting place, where all the academy gathers when there is a big event.Hearing that Zhang Futai was going to give everyone the last lesson, all the people came, more than a hundred teachers and scholars gathered together. Zhang Zhidong sat on the teacher's chair where Shishan used to sit, and glanced at all the teachers and students, and saw that everyone was staring at him intently, waiting for him to speak.He cleared his throat and said: "I have been in Jin Province for nearly three years, and I have taught you three lessons: one on the cultivation of virtue, one on the accumulation of knowledge, and one on the writing of articles. No benefit. Recently, according to the decree, the governor of Guangdong and Guangxi will leave Jin Province in a few days. Today I specially come to the academy to visit you. I want to teach you another class. I want to hear your opinions on today’s class. I want to talk about it. What do you want, let's talk!" The scholars here look at me, I look at you, don't know what to say to Mr. Futai, some are discussing with each other in low voice, and the Fengyuxuan starts to be lively.Seeing this situation, Yang Shenxiu guessed that it was rare to have a unified opinion for a while, so he might as well make up his own mind.He has always liked poetry and has read many poems by Zhang Zhidong, so he said aside: "Most of the scholars in Jinyang Academy have read and liked your poems very much. I think I will ask you to give them to me today." Let's talk about poetry. How would you please?" Zhang Zhidong likes to write poetry, and he is also conceited in poetry.In the past, when I was an academician or an academic official, I had plenty of time to recite poems. In the past few years in Shanxi, the government affairs have been too complicated, which has diluted my enthusiasm for reciting poems.It is also a relaxed and interesting topic to talk about some poetry with the scholars today.His own poems have not been engraved and printed so far. In the past, among the Qingliu colleagues in the capital, everyone copied each other. There are also many people who can recite his poems, but he didn't expect that the scholars in Taiyuan were also reading his poems.Zhang Zhidong said to everyone with great interest: "Mr. Yang said just now that some people in Jinyang Academy have read my poems. Now I ask you, can anyone recite my poems in front of me?" All the scholars were very excited.Many people have read Futai's poems. Some people are afraid that they won't be able to recite them all, while others don't have the courage to recite them all.While encouraging each other, a scholar stood up bravely and said, "Master Zhang, I will recite one. Please forgive me if I make a mistake." Zhang Zhidong said with a smile: "Okay, you can recite it!" The scholar collected himself and recited loudly: "A ridge is like a dragon with nine twists and turns, and the overlord of the Jiangdong rises from a high platform. "I'm ashamed to get off my bicycle from Luo, and see Fanshan Guangyan open. "Water and land upstream are divided into separate regimes, and the monarch and his subjects cast less suspicion. "Zhang Zhao has no long-term strategy for begging, and porpoises and dogs are waiting for you. "This is the fourth song "Wuwangtai" among the nine poems about the ancient monuments in Hubei. I don't know if I have recited it wrong?" Zhang Zhidong thought he had written this poem well, and this scholar recited it so fluently, it can be seen that this poem was widely circulated in the academy, and it seems that Jinyang scholars have a good eye for poetry.He was very happy and said: "If you have recited well, whoever can recite another one, I will agree to Mr. Yang's request to talk about poetry today." Scholars read the "Four Books" and "Five Classics" every day, and stand at their desks every day to speak for the saints.Today Futai does not talk about those boring classics, but only talks about poems that can be served with wine, wouldn't it be so satisfying!The scholars soon introduced a person who had a strong recitation ability on a regular basis.He wiped the sweat from his forehead, and said a little timidly: "My lord, the late student will also recite one. If there is something wrong in the memorization, the lord can blame the late student. Don't let the late student recite the song." Recite mistakes without speaking poetry." Zhang Zhidong felt that this life was simple and interesting, so he said: "You memorize it, it doesn't matter if you recite it wrong, I will correct it for you." The scholar wiped his sweat again, rubbed his temples, and tried to calm himself down.There was no sound in the Wind and Rain Pavilion. After a while, everyone heard the sound of poetry: