Chapter 22 Section 22

Partly because Yuan Shikai felt that major incidents should be reduced to minor ones, and partly because Zhao Bingjun, Yang Yide and others discovered that the Revolutionary Party is not afraid of death, but will be retaliated against if forced to do so, so the case of bombing the five ministers and putting Zhang Rong in prison will be over. It's over. Investigating political matters naturally went on as usual, but Shaoying was so frightened that she asked for leave on the pretext of illness and refused to go abroad again, and Xu Shichang did the same.However, his method was ingenious. Taking advantage of the opportunity of setting up a patrol department, Yikuang protected him as a minister. After the edict was issued, Yikuang replied face-to-face: "The patrol department will be established, and the official system and regulations need to be finalized." , The imperial examination has been approved by Yuan Shikai, Zhang Zhidong and others. Since the Bingwu Division, it will be abolished forever. In the past, the tribute students had to plan their own way out.Furthermore, the Japan-Russia peace talks have been completed, and China and Japan need to meet to sign a treaty to accept the three eastern provinces. The Military Aircraft Department is busy, and Xu Shichang should not stay away.In this way, he was exempted from this mission to study abroad.

The Treaty of Portsmouth was established, and there was a great uproar in Japan. Riots broke out in Tokyo, and Komura Kotaro became the target of public criticism. Under strict protection, shortly after returning to China, he was sent to China to negotiate the handover of the three eastern provinces. There are two Japanese plenipotentiaries. In addition to Komura, the other is Uchida Yasuya, the Minister to China.The plenipotentiary representatives of China were Yikuang, Prince Qing, Qu Hongji, Minister of Military Aircraft, and Yuan Shikai, Minister of Beiyang. Tang Shaoyi was also appointed as a councilor, who could speak at the meeting.

At the first meeting, each other reviewed the credentials, and Xiaocun and Yuan Shikai made some opening remarks. Yikuang immediately stood up and said, "I am old and have many things to do. I can't attend Chang Chuan. Everything is left to Qu and Yuan." Deal with it." After saying that, he bowed his head, quit the meeting and formally started the discussion.Komura was the first to speak: "This time Japan and Russia are at war, and it is within Chinese territory. The Japanese government is deeply sorry. The Japan-Russia peace treaty has been concluded, and Russia has given Japan the right to lease Luda, as well as the Dongqing Railway from Changchun to Fengtian. , and is within Chinese territory, so I came here specifically to ask the Chinese government to recognize it. This is the only treaty that should be concluded. As for the booty Japan obtained from Russia, it does not need to be included in the treaty. Both parties have full authority to sign the meeting minutes, and A treaty has the same effect, or an exchange of letters is acceptable. Please choose a method."

According to the prior agreement, the Chinese side should have Yuan Shikai answer.Yikuang once said in person: "Negotiations with foreign countries have always been carried out by Beiyang ministers, and Yuan Shikai is very familiar with the military, political and local conditions of the three eastern provinces, as well as the political situation in Japan, so this meeting may as well be handled by Yuan Shikai. If there is a mistake in his speech, Qu Hongji can correct it in time as the "Minister of Military Affairs and Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs"." This statement is quite practical, but it does not derogate Qu Hongji's status, so the Empress Dowager Cixi agreed.This is the reason why Yikuang excused his illness as soon as he arrived at the meeting.But when Yuan Shikai was still considering how to answer, Qu Hongji violated this unwritten rule and gave a clear answer.

This is also because everyone's situation is different, so there are differences in ideas.Yuan Shikai had had close dealings with the Japanese since Qu Hongji was still serving as an examiner in the Imperial Academy, and he knew very well that Komura Jutaro was disgraced in Portsmouth this time.In this meeting, he had to think of various ways to take advantage of it, and he would only be able to explain when he returned to China, so he took every step of the way, and he had to appreciate the true meaning of his words before he could talk about how to deal with it. Qu Hongji is familiar with the rules and regulations of military affairs, and he knows that with the method of "exchanging documents", he must appeal to the superior, and the established discussion may be overturned.Even if the original intention remains unchanged, unnecessary scrutiny between words and sentences is inevitable and troublesome, so it is better to avoid it.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but nodded and replied: "Sign on the meeting minutes, save each other's trouble, just follow this method." This time, Yuan Shikai naturally had nothing to say.But regardless of whether his opinion was right or not, the agreement was violated, so he complained to Yikuang that night as a "protest". "Qu Jiugong is so brave to do things, I become superfluous. Moreover, he didn't think about what he said. If there is a promise to lose power and humiliate the country in the future, I can neither agree nor object. It is better to be punished with him in the end. Retire bravely in the rapids, protect yourself wisely, please ask the prince to face the above, and allow me to return to my post!"

"Don't bother me at this level! I have my own way to deal with it." Yi Kuang thought for a while and said, "I have two manuscripts. Take a look and see what you think?" He took out two drafts of the imperial edict, the first of which was related to constitutionalism, and it was written: "... Before that, Tejian Zaize and others went abroad to investigate the politics of various countries, and immediately sent Minister Wang of the Government Affairs Office to set up an investigation political center and recruit generalists. Carefully study, choose the political law of each country that is suitable for the Chinese system, consider the profit and loss, compile it into a book, submit it at any time, and wait for the order to be ruled. All matters related to the opening of the museum will be discussed and written by the king's ministers."

The second is also related to constitutionalism, which means that the purpose of constitutionalization is to appease the people.The upper edict said: "Since the founding of our country, our government has been lenient. The government and the people have been in harmony with each other for a long time. Recently, we have carried out a new policy and strive to become rich and strong. However, there are some people who do not succeed. .Checking his heart, it is actually a treasonous conspiracy under the guise of the party faction. If he does not make an explicit announcement and strictly enforce the ban, he may be in trouble for a long time, and the ignorant and ignorant people will be confused by him. It is detrimental to local law and order, and will greatly hinder the New Deal. The generals and governors will supervise the civil and military officials in the local area, make clear and strictly prohibit them. After this announcement, if there are any evil people who continue to be evil and make rumors to confuse the public Those who are rewarded will be heavily rewarded, closely interviewed at any time, interrogated in detail, except for ignorance and temptation, no treason in advance, the amount is allowed to be reduced at the end, and those who turn themselves in and can point out the leader will not only be exonerated, but will also be punished. In addition to discretionary rewards, the first subordinates and criminals should be punished according to the law of treason. If anyone wins the award of the chief contributor, he is allowed to choose the best award, but he must not implicate the innocent and cause nuisance. Scruples and ineffective arrests, the general governor will strictly participate in the investigation according to the facts, in order to prevent chaos and maintain the overall situation."

After Yuan Shikai finished reading and looked away from the paper, Yiqiang began to explain the reason: "There is a lot of trouble in the south now. They say they want to return the government to the people and send people to investigate, but there is a bomb for no reason. The superiors are very surprised. I don't know what the people want? Someone made a memorial, saying that the people are good, that they are nothing more than hopeful governance, and that the revolutionaries are messing around.So Qu Zijiu came up with such an idea, while appeasing the people, while affirming restraint.The edict was drafted up, and the above said that it would be shown to you, because you led the petition for the constitution. "

Hearing this, Yuan Shikai expressed joy on the one hand and fear on the other.The joy is that the Empress Dowager Cixi values ​​him, and the fear is that the phrase "Leadership and please make a constitution" vaguely regards him as the leader of the "New Party"! Another kind of limelight is easy to get out, this one can't get out of the limelight!Fortunately, there is no need to hesitate to speak in front of Yikuang, and he immediately defended: "My lord, Zhang Xiangtao is the most enthusiastic about constitutionalism. Other than Zhang Xiangtao, there is no such enthusiasm. Opening a library to compile books is all right, but I have a humble opinion, the promotion of this library must be carefully selected, and the Kang and Liang disciples should not be allowed to mix in and spread heresy."

"Yeah, yum!" Yikuang nodded deeply, "I understand, I understand. Your deeds will definitely be appreciated." "As long as the superiors can know the minds of the subordinates, there is nothing to say when they are exhausted. But..." Yuan Shikai hesitated for a while, and finally said: "Except for the prince, there are quite a few relatives who are not forgiving to me. This point, Bringing it up is discouraging." Yikuang kept his mouth shut and kept silent. After smoking the hookah for a long time, he said slowly, "It's not all relatives, and it's not all banner people. If you keep your eyes on you, there are plenty of people there!" Yuan Shikai listened to every word. "Not all relatives and nobles" means that there is still Tie Liang waiting for his life, "not all banner people" is more obvious, and there are many Han people who are jealous. "Binocular" naturally refers to Qu Hongji.Yuan Shikai thought to himself that having this person in power would be a major hidden danger to him. If he wanted to use Yikuang to attack Qu, he would first have to gnash his teeth on Qu.Here's a guy to take advantage of. So he said: "My lord's words are really penetrating. But I'm not afraid if someone outside makes things difficult for me. I'm afraid that someone inside is giving orders and colluding. If you get up and cover your head, you will be in great danger!" "Ah!" Yikuang opened his eyes wide and asked, "You mean that mad dog's biting was instigated by someone?" The "mad dog" in Yikuang's mouth refers to Cen Chunxuan, and the so-called "someone" can also be understood by each other.Yuan Shikai saw that the words had taken effect, but he refused to admit it clearly, and only said: "My lord, just be more careful!" Yikuang closed his mouth and thought for a while, then suddenly patted the coffee table, "Yes, no wonder! Let's just say that Zhou Rongyao's matter is over. The first day I saw the decree, the mad dog went to the discount that day, and it can't be so fast. Fa, it is obvious that the news was communicated first, and the draft was already drafted there!" It turned out that Zhou Rongyao was single-handedly supported by Yikuang, and he was appointed as the Minister of the Republic of Belgium as a substitute for the third-rank Jingtang.The Dan Zhao was issued in the morning, and the white slip arrived at the evening, saying that Zhou Rongyao was originally the book office of the Guangdong Customs Treasury, eroding public funds, accumulating millions of dollars, and dealing with officials and gentry in Guangdong, just like an adult.When Tan Zhonglin was in charge of Guangdong, he colluded with unscrupulous officials and benefited from his arrogance. Therefore, he bribed the Beijing Dynasty and showed a great air.Then enumerate Zhou Rongyao's crimes of being ill and blind in the country, and ask for dismissal and inspection. As soon as the electronic performance arrived, Qu Hongji insisted on strict enforcement, and Zhou Rongyao sought honor but turned humiliation. He served as a minister for a few days before going abroad, but ended up bankrupt.Qu Hongji's most insidious move was that Zhou Rongyao was sent as a minister by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As the minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he frankly admitted his negligence and asked for punishment.In fact, this is a decision made by Yikuang with the qualifications of the Prime Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. When Qu Hongji said this, it was tantamount to accusing Huai Sang.Although the "superior" didn't punish him, Yikuang's embarrassment caused him to suffer enough. "This mad dog, it turned out that someone let it out to bite." Yi Kuang was so angry that he blew his beard: "Let's wait and see!" "Don't be angry, my lord! If you get angry, it will be harmful and useless." Yuan Shikai asked suddenly: "I heard that the fare for suppressing bandits in Guangxi has already been sold?" "Yes! More than three million yuan will be reimbursed." "Supposedly, three years' work will not cost more than three million yuan. But the reimbursement is always reimbursed, and the reimbursement can only be reimbursed." There is a deep meaning in these words.Generally speaking, military expense reimbursement is a typical case. As long as the household and military departments are well managed, and a considerable amount of "ministry fee" is sent as usual, military expense reimbursement will be accepted without exception. The right to refute lies with the imperial court.Yikuang understood what Yuan Shikai meant, so he might as well make things difficult for Cen Chunxuan with the reimbursement of military expenses for suppressing bandits in Guangxi. "But," Yikuang asked, "he has Guangdong aid, can you not approve it? If you refute him, you can't ask an order to send a high-level official to investigate?" "There must be a way! The prince might as well find someone to ask." There was no need to find anyone to ask, Yikuang figured it out by himself.There are two steps to this, the first step is to drag.There are a lot of brochures for military reimbursement, and it takes a few months to find any doubts and ask for a reply. It takes several months to go back and forth like this. The second step is to find an opportunity to transfer Cen Chunxuan away, then turn over the military reimbursement case, send people to Guangdong to conduct a thorough investigation, and find out some evidence of embezzlement of military pay.At that time, Qu Hongji was powerless, and the Empress Dowager Cixi was inconvenient to openly protect him. Even if Cen Chunxuan could not be imprisoned and punished, at least he would have to be beaten until he couldn't get up. This method was conceived in the sedan chair.After getting off the sedan chair and not reaching the military plane, he first went to the court room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to find Na Tong, not to discuss with him, but because there was such a proud thing that he couldn't help but tell Na Tong. After listening to Yikuang's speech, Na Tong raised his thumb and said, "The prince's move is really high. At that time, give him a three-level call, and then send him for disobedience!" "Yes!" It turned out that the senior officials were not afraid of being dismissed, but were only afraid of being demoted.Because of the punishment of dismissal, as long as there is an opportunity, such as someone's bail, or a celebration of Qin En, he can be reinstated immediately. If he is demoted, he must climb up step by step.So Yikuang said very enthusiastically: "Yes! Downgrade to three ranks, and get an alternate from the current governor of the first rank to the third rank, that would be fun!" "It's not fun!" Na Tong said with a smile: "Take this alternate and send it to Ke Fengshi, the head of the Clay Paste Bureau. What do you think, my lord?" Yikuang laughed loudly, his tears flowed down his cheeks, his gray beard was covered, he stopped laughing and said: "Qin Xuan, you are really ruined." "Slow down!" Natong lowered his voice and said, "My lord, what you just said was just for fun, right?" "Why?" Yikuang smiled, "From that point, you can see that I'm joking?" "If the lord is not joking, you have to hurry up. The military reimbursement is still mainly based on the household department. Zhang Yeqiu listens to Qu Zijiu's words the most. What else is there to play!" "Yeah, yum! Not bad!" Yi Kuang suddenly said, "Qin Xuan, you have an idea, how to drag it down?" Natong pondered for a while and replied: "The only way to do it is with Tie Baochen. I have a whole set of methods, and I will go back to the prince to discuss it in detail."