Chapter 17 Section 17

The second major event is to discuss the railway. "This matter," Chun Wang leaned back, with a hint of staying out of the matter, "I have no prejudices, please discuss it publicly!" So Yikuang presided over the meeting and said: "Sheng Xingsun's remarks are not unreasonable. However, this is a big matter, and the attitude on the road of speech is very fierce. Before the railway is planned, we must first appease this generation. In my opinion, start with this Let’s talk about it! Laishan, this railway was built in your province, do you always have something to say?”

Not only did Sun Yuwen have something to say, but he also opposed the construction of the railway.Because this section of the railway starts from Dong'e and ends at Linqing, although it has nothing to do with the Feng Shui of his ancestors' graves in Jining, his hometown, he has been asked by his fellow villagers in Shandong to "preside over the truth". It's just that he didn't want to openly offend Li Hongzhang, so he came up with a tactful way, notified Zhang Jing of the military plane, checked out the old files, and made a copy of the document that opposed the railway on the road. It was at the turn of autumn and winter last year, and Li Zhongtang had a look at the speeches of the officials."

Li Hongzhang knew it was not a good word, so he refused to accept the copy. "Laishan," he said, "please read it aloud for everyone to listen to." So Sun Yuwen counted and said: "There are six excerpts in total. Xu Zhixiang, a cabinet bachelor, has accepted two. Let's read his first." Xu Zhixiang's first memorial was submitted on September 13 last year. At that time, there was already a proposal to use the railway to transport water; another said that the railway would be built from the capital to Qingjiangpu; Wanliang, build a railway from Xishan to Lugou Bridge.There are many legends and people are confused, so Xu Zhixiang's discussion is very passionate, thinking that there are "eight evils" in the construction of the railway plan.

"Nancao is transshipped by railway, and it will take two to three years to complete the project. Regardless of whether it is urgent or not, the merchant ships are out of business, the hunger and cold are oppressed, and the robbers are rampant. The harm is one. The flood of the Yellow River in Shandong has caused disasters year after year, and the people have been in constant hardship. If a railway is built today, more than tens of thousands of dollars will be invested, instead of controlling the river, it will be used for the barbarians, and complaints will be chilled. Qingjiangpu is the hub of water and land, the throat of the north and the south, and the non-commercial wharf.As soon as the railway was opened, the barbarian people would demand to build bungalows here, build more inspection houses, and build churches.Use the throat to rush to the important place, and share it with the barbarians, the harm is three.

The barbarians want to open a railway in China, and they have been thinking about it for more than ten years!Today China first creates its own, and it will follow suit.If Xu Zhi opens the door and bows to robbers, if he refuses, he will provoke and prosper, which will cause four harms. China can rely on the only land route, open railways widely, extend in all directions, and lose all its dangers. How can China stand on its own?Its harm five. If it is said that it is easy to recruit troops and adjust wages, it is not possible to control the land even though the railway is strong.If guarded by soldiers, how can Ande take precautions everywhere?

Its harm six. For example, it is said that it is convenient for documents and newspapers, and it is only 50 miles per hour to check the steamer, and the emergency post in China can cover 600 to 700 miles in a day and night, and there is no delay... " Just after reading this, Li Hongzhang laughed loudly on purpose, expressing his resentment and contempt, "I really admire these famous scholars who write big papers as economics!" The voice said, "Please think about it, Lie Gong. If you walk fifty miles in an hour, how much should you walk in twenty-four hours a day and night? Isn't it 1,200 miles? Compared with six or seven hundred miles, it is said that there is no delay? Isn't this staring at you?" Talking nonsense? Who does he want to deceive!"

Because Li Hongzhang grasped Xu Zhixiang's shortcoming of almost self-deception, he made his words so strong that the original "eight evils" could not be completed in his words, including the "four evils" of Shandong Road Supervisor Shi Wenhai, and Shaanxi Road Supervisor Wenhai's "four evils". Shi Zhang Tingliao's "six must not be opened" and other comments, such as "six must not be opened" and so on, can not be mentioned again. In fact, there is no need to repeat these arguments, Li Hongzhang has heard about them a long time ago.In his view, all the reasons for opposing the development of railways are ignorance of the vastness of the world, and the crowing of frogs peeking at the sky from the bottom of the well is not worth refuting.The only justification is that many graves have to be dug up, which will damage the family's Feng Shui. However, in order to make the country rich and the army strong, so many of them are ignored.

Of course, this can only be discussed in private, and it is inconvenient to announce it in such a meeting that attracts the attention of the ruling and opposition parties.Li Hongzhang was thinking that today's meeting is not about talking about the Tao, but about practical strategies for managing the world, so it is best to talk about the effectiveness of "teaching barbarians" in the mouth of the fortress. So when all the seats were looking at each other and hesitating in silence, Li Hongzhang spoke with a slightly excited expression: "In the fifth year of Tongzhi, Prince Gong and Wen Wenzhong founded the Tongwen Museum, using the right way to learn astronomy, calligraphy and calculation. Wow, there is also a seal in the Japanese language, please stop discussing it now. How does it look now? It’s ridiculous, isn’t it? This can’t be blamed on the Japanese language. At that time, we first talked about Westernization, but I don’t know how effective it is? I’m surprised that the difference between the past and the present Power, clearly mastering the strengths of teachers and barbarians, has already seen its benefits, why do you still have the set of opinions in Japanese? Take land wires as an example, thousands of miles of messages can be communicated in an instant, respond quickly when there is something to do, and facilitate merchants when there is nothing to do. Today, that Do you dare to say that the telegraph should not be established? However, some people insisted at that time that it was not possible, and the people of Fujian began to resist and steal it. Now I would like to ask everyone in the capital of Fujian, is it better to have a telegram or not? I remember that the Japanese Wenduan is an excerpt written by the Tongwen Museum, respectfully citing the imperial edict of Emperor Zuren: "Western countries, after thousands of years, China will suffer from it." Thinking that "the holy plan is far-reaching, although it is used in its own way, it is actually evil." His person', this is a Japanese text out of context! I dare say that if Emperor Ren is still alive today, even though he hates him, he must use his own law. The master of the barbarians is the place to control the barbarians! I remember Prince Gong’s refutation of the Japanese text. There is a saying, "Since the great scholar's actions are hindered, he must have a good plan. If there is a clever strategy to control foreign countries and not be controlled by foreign countries, the ministers should follow the great scholar and use up their ignorance." , Carefully do business." He also said, "If there is no other good strategy, I would like to use loyalty and trust as armor, etiquette and righteousness as dry oars and other words, saying that you can break the bottle and use it to control the enemy. The ministers really dare not believe it." Today's matter, I also have the same opinion. Please judge the king, and all the gentlemen agree!"

Speaking of this, Li Hongzhang was already out of breath, and his own servant beat his back, wiped his chest, wiped his sweat and served him a note, which made him look more loyal to the country.And the people present here, from King Chun down, are all intimidated by the momentum of Li Hongzhang's words. Even if they have reasons to refute, they have to think about it, is it appropriate to speak at this time? Others can be silent, but the King of Alcohol cannot keep silent.He was originally in favor of building a railway, but last year Shenjiying planned to borrow foreign debts to build a railway from Xishan to Lugouqiao, which was specially used for coal transportation, and he didn't want to attack the public opinion, so he was a little timid. Excited by Li Hongzhang's words, he couldn't help expressing his support.

However, it was just an expression of support. "The benefits of the railway cannot be seen by outsiders, and those discussions cannot be heard." Even so, he couldn't decide, "I think this matter must be called to the Holy Order." So, the next thing to discuss is the third one, which is also the last major event to be discussed this day, which is to set up a bank.Li Hongzhang gave an explanation for the post proposed by Kemilon: five million taels of silver will be allocated by the Ministry of Accounts as capital. If there is no such huge sum of money for a while, you may wish to borrow money from HSBC.Then he listed many benefits of the bank. Yan Jingming, who is good at financial management, leaned over to listen and was very interested.

"Foreign banks look no different from our Chinese banks and banks. They are, as the saying goes, 'tumbling in the eyes of copper coins'. In fact, they are very different. There are no rules for receipts and payments. So Whether the person in charge is successful or not depends on success or failure." Li Hongzhang paused for a moment when he said this, and then waved his hand to emphasize his tone: "If our bank does not operate, it is enough. If we want to operate, we must use foreigners. Kemi Long is the general manager of Shanghai HSBC Bank, and he has taken over since the 12th year of Tongzhi. HSBC Bank was originally losing money, but after this person tried his best to rectify it, the business is booming, and now it has become the leader of Shanghai Foreign Bank, and Kemilon's reputation has spread as far as the East and West.If we can get his help, I can guarantee that our bank will be prosperous. " After Li Hongzhang finished speaking, it was time for King Chun to express his opinion.He looked at Yan Jingming and asked, "Danchu, what do you think?" "I agree. However, first, the bank is called by foreigners. We don't have to force it to be the same. It is still appropriate to call it 'Official Bank'." "Obviously!" Li Hongzhang hurriedly said, "Since the Ministry of Households has an 'official money account', it might as well set up an 'official bank account'. This name is well changed, and it is in line with the system." "Second, if we want to do it, we can do it ourselves, why use foreigners?" "You don't need foreigners, but they don't trust your household department." This blurted answer is really the so-called "surprised by words".Yan Jingming's face suddenly changed, his big and small eyes blinked randomly, describing him as ugly.Li Hongzhang knew he had made a mistake, so he quickly explained again. "It's definitely not that people look down on our household department, because in business, the most important thing is the credit of the person in charge. Our official bank account has been set up to communicate with other countries. For example, now we have to pay one dollar in London. The money needs to be urgently needed. According to the rules of bank remittances in various countries, a telegram will be sent and the money will be paid in full. If the manager of our official bank is unknown to foreigners, how can they rest assured? Use Kemi Long just wanted to use his reputation and credibility." This explanation can finally be justified, Yan Jingming nodded slightly to express his understanding.King Chun was afraid that Yan and Li would disagree and overthrow this good thing, but seeing this situation now, he is relieved. "This is a big matter, and I can't discuss it in detail for a while. Since Dan Chu also agrees, then this matter will be handed over to the Ministry of Accounts for discussion. Look, everyone, is it impossible to do it this way?" "This is being done!" Shi Duo replied. "It's not too late." King Jin said to Yan Jingming: "Danchu, you have made an appointment with Shaoquan face to face at the meeting at the Ministry of Household Affairs. If there is a result, it is best to play it early. This matter, it is best to take advantage of Shaoquan in Beijing. Here, it will be a foregone conclusion.” "Yes!" Yan Jingming begged Li Hongzhang for a day: "Your Excellency, are you free that day?" "This is a big deal. Unless I'm summoned, I can spare time. Danchu, please discuss it with Chonggong and let me know anytime." Chonggong refers to Chengengong Chongqi.He has been unlucky for several years. It was Yan Jingming who respected his Neo Confucianism and tried his best to protect him in front of the Empress Dowager Cixi, so he became the Secretary of the Household Department in November last year. So in the twilight, they scattered back to the mansion.Li Hongzhang originally had seven dinners that day, but because he predicted that the meeting would be very long, he had already resigned from all of them.On the way back to Xianliang Temple, on a whim, he ordered the material officer in front of the sedan chair to invite Yan Jingming to come to the hotel for a drink with a name card, and specifically told him to explain when entertaining guests that no other guests were present. Not long after returning to Xianliang Temple, Yan Jingming came as promised.They are happy to meet each other, one of them certainly has something to say, and the other has something to ask, they can talk over cups, very harmonious. What we need to discuss and ask is the establishment of an official bank account.In front of Yan Jingming, Li Hongzhang did not dare to speak unsure layman's words, but said a lot of financial management experience that is not humane.Li Hongzhang believes that the issuance of banknotes can sweep away the long-standing disadvantages of over-inflows and outflows in terms of money, grain and taxation, and that the sick and the poor are enriching themselves. Especially when he mentioned the benefits of "reducing the balance", it is even more beneficial to use banknotes. Uniform leveling is proposed by Yan Jingming.In December of last year, the Ministry of Household Affairs received an order to pre-plan military pay, Yan Jingming presided over the meeting in person, thought hard, and drafted twelve strategies for increasing revenue and reducing expenditure.The first strategy for throttling expenditure must be uniform across provinces.During the Jiaqing period, due to the Chu religion rebellion in Pingchuan, the military expenditure was huge, and it was necessary to try to make up for the shortage of the Ministry of Finance, so Bi Yuan, the governor of Shaanxi, initiated the idea of ​​"reducing the level".Reducing the level is to reduce the fineness of silver. The amount of silver on the surface has not decreased, but the expenditure has been reduced secretly. It is estimated that the amount of silver saved by each province from the reduction is about 740,000 taels.However, after a long period of practice, the advantages have not been seen but the disadvantages have arisen, because the standards for reducing the level are different, and it is easy to get mixed up. "At present, the provinces pay soldiers, and they pay more according to the reduction. For every tael of silver, some deduct three cents and six cents, some deduct four cents and nine cents, and some deduct four cents. It was agreed with you last year. Four points will be deducted, uniformity is uniformity, Danchu, do you know if the provinces have the strength to implement it?" Li Hongzhang continued, "To tell you the truth, as far as my Zhili is concerned, there is no uniformity." "Your province is like this, and other provinces can be imagined. In fact, the theory of 'reducing flatness' is self-deceiving and meaningless, but it is hard to get back and it is hard to get rid of it." "Yes!" Li Hongzhang said, "Actually, Yingge's disadvantages are not only reduced. I remember there are two sentences in the Dashu: "He is like foreign silver in various provinces converted into silver, and the price of silver is converted into money. Orders will only make people full.' And those who have no rules are nothing more than the chaos of the currency system. There are silver and silver coins. Silver has various finenesses, and foreign money is not limited to Mexican eagles. Danchu, there is a fundamental and easy way to be uniform, which is to issue banknotes! After paying taxes, one tael will be one tael, and for public cashiers, one tael will be one tael. May I ask where to go for fooling around and where to get rich? " Yan Jingming heard this, and praised him. "Master Jue!" he said, "this matter must be done! This is a great cause for thousands of years. The 'drenching' and 'kicking' of grain harvesting cannot be eradicated for a while, and the 'fire loss', 'Pingyu' can be wiped out from now on. How quickly?" "Dan Chu!" Li Hongzhang said, "You have to keep this in your heart." "why?" "Creating evils will be tabooed by others." Li Hongzhang said, "Let's only talk about the benefits!" "Ah, ah! Your Excellency saw the truth!" Therefore, it was agreed that after a meeting in the household department the next day, they happily broke up.Yan Jingming was happy, and Li Hongzhang was even more happy. With King Chun's full support and Yan Jingming's full support for his success, this matter is not as extensive as building a railway. It seems that this proposal will be implemented.