Chapter 35 Section 12

The abdication proclamation was written by Wang Shitong, who first said that proclaiming himself emperor was not Yuan Shikai's original intention: "The Republic of China was founded, and there were many changes. The virtues are as thin as you are, and it is difficult. People who worry about the country are afraid that disaster will never come. Many masters restore the monarchy. Eliminate disputes and plan for long-term peace." He also understated the act of proclaiming the emperor: "...you should follow the people's will and go against it, and blame it for a long time, so that there is no excuse to avoid it. It started as a word of preparation, and it was not implemented because of the expectations of the public."

The entire proclamation is still condescending, indicating that although Yuan Shikai announced the abolition of the imperial system, he is still the president of the Republic of China. However, the southwest anti-Yuan forces will never let him go so lightly. In April 1916, the Southwest issued six requirements, which were extremely strict: 1. Yuan Shikai abdicated to save him from death, but he had to get out of the country; The enthronement ceremony and military expenses totaled 60 million yuan, and the private property of Yuan Shikai and the thirteen people would be used as compensation; 4. The three generations of Yuan’s descendants were deprived of their citizenship rights; 5. Li Yuanhong was elected as the president according to the Provisional Agreement; , Civil and military officials still maintain their old positions, but they must accept the instructions of the commander-in-chief of the guard for the military station.

Of course Yuan Shikai would not accept such a condition to negotiate a peace with the Southwest.But because he proclaimed himself emperor, his Beiyang faction almost fell apart from a monolithic one in a short period of time.Now Yuan Shikai can rely on Duan Qirui, but he is very worried about Duan Qirui who is already full-fledged.Duan Qirui knew Yuan Shikai's psychology well, and he couldn't refuse to come out unless he was fully trusted. Yuan Shikai had no choice but to agree to all his conditions, and Duan finally agreed to serve as Secretary of State.As soon as he came to power, Duan Qirui immediately changed the Political Affairs Hall back to the State Council, the Secretary of State back to the Prime Minister, and abolished the Command Office, the Presidential Secret Bureau, and the Military and Political Law Enforcement Office.This scene is almost exactly the same as when Yuan Shikai became the prime minister and all the power of the Qing Dynasty fell into his hands.

Recalling what he did in the past, Yuan Shikai at this time, while scolding Duan Qirui for "ulterior motives", is he also feeling unhappy about retribution? In the midst of betrayal and embarrassment on all sides, Yuan Shikai suffered another fatal blow. His generals, Sichuan General Chen Huan and Hunan General Tang Xiangming also declared independence to him! Yuan Shikai was completely knocked down and couldn't get sick; on June 6, 1916, he died of uremia.