Chapter 21 Section 21

"The way of speaking is arrogant again!" Shi Duo said to Sun Yuwen anxiously: "The head of the governor of Zhili is going to be killed, and the house of the minister of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is going to be raided. How can this go on?" "My lord, let's wait and see." Sun Yuwen said, "Laishan has a solution." From the moment Zhang Peilun's kindness was proved to be unfailing, he had already become wary.Arrogant speech, of course, must try to restrain it, and to capture the thief and the king, you have to use your brains on a group of Qingliu squads.The first is of course Zhang Peilun, and the second is Chen Baochen. As long as these two are subdued, the rest will be easy to deal with.

Since both Empress Dowager Cixi and King Chun admired Zhang Peilun's talent, Sun Yuwen decided to use his plan and came up with an excellent strategy.He said to King Chun that the French warships invaded between Xiamen and Keelung, and the defense of the Fujian Sea was tight, so Zhang Peilun had to be sent to prepare for matters in the Fujian sea area.Because first, Zhang Peilun is very careful; second, Li Hongzhang has always been in charge of Haiphong; Minhai defense cannot be discussed without the full support of Beiyang.In other words, sending Zhang Peilun to Fujian is tantamount to teaching Li Hongzhang the responsibility of guarding against Fujian.

In his thinking, if Zhang Peilun goes here, the scholar will be a soldier, and there will be no good results. Not only will the tiger leave the mountain, but he will also kill people with a knife. It would be great if the teacher made meritorious service. In any case, the Shuting dispatched them well. Compared with Prince Gong and Li Hongzao using Tang Jiong and Xu Yanxu, wouldn't it be much better. Of course, King Chun would not know what was going on in his stomach, he just felt that Zhang Peilun could be of great use, so he readily agreed. So Sun Yuwen put forward a further suggestion that Chen Baochen would handle Nanyang affairs and Wu Dacheng would handle Beiyang affairs.

This is a bit unbelievable, "Chen Boqian is a pure scholar, and he is good at poetry. I haven't heard that he understands military affairs." King Chun seemed to disapprove, "Besides, he has not yet completed his term as a scholar in Jiangxi." "It's not necessary for him to understand military affairs. Zeng Yuanfu is here. It doesn't matter if he doesn't understand." Sun Yuwen replied, "Zeng Yuanfu is also an advocate of peace. He doesn't care much about the defense of Liangjiang. There is Chen Boqian sitting there to remind him. Encourage yourself. My lord, this is the same as tying a monkey to a horse. As for Xuezheng, although the term is once every three years, there are many people who are transferred every two years. What's the harm in being transferred as soon as you arrive?"

Although the analogy of the monkey is frivolous, it is also appropriate. If you sit down for too long, your muscles and bones will be slack, and even the bones of a horse will become weak. Therefore, the way to raise a horse is to tie a monkey in the stable, use it to jump, stagger, and tease it all the time. Stopping to tease the horse, instead of the function of walking the horse.Although Chen Baochen is a scholar who doesn't know about military affairs, he is the main battler. If he knows how to handle Nanyang military affairs, Zeng Guoquan will naturally not allow Zeng Guoquan to take time off.Chun Wang felt that his words were not unreasonable.

However, "Although Wu Qingqing has led soldiers before, and his accuracy in shooting foreign guns is very good, compared with Li Shaoquan, he is far behind." King Chun asked, "Why should he go to Beiyang?" "This is similar to using Chen Boqian to manage Nanyang. Li Shaoquan has never advocated the use of troops to preserve the peace. Of course it is right. I am afraid that he is too eager to seek peace. If a war must be launched, he will secretly obstruct it. Wu Qingqing is there , at least it is also an eyes and ears." "That's true. I'm afraid Li Shaoquan will be unhappy."

"No problem." Sun Yuwen replied: "Li Shaoquan respects the lord the most, why not write a letter to him. Wu Qingqing's visit to Beiyang is definitely not to divide his power, but Wu Qingqing also trained two to three thousand soldiers for him to send That's all." Chun Wang has soft ears and is easy to be persuaded by others, so after Sun Yuwen's explanation, the initial disapproval disappeared.Of course, he would never have thought that Sun Yuwen was not only diverting the tiger away from the mountain, but also had the evil intention of killing people with a knife.Are Zeng Guoquan and Li Hongzhang easy to provoke?If Chen Baochen and Wu Dacheng were self-reliant, arrogant and rebellious, or eager to make achievements, and didn't know how to advance or retreat, arousing Zeng and Li's suspicion, they would go to court at any time. Put the clear stream into the turbid stream.

So the next day there was an edict: "Wu Dacheng, the general secretary, will deal with Beiyang affairs; Chen Baochen, a cabinet bachelor, will deal with Nanyang affairs; Zhang Peilun, a lecturer at the Imperial Academy, will deal with Fujian's coastal affairs. All of them are allowed to specialize in commemorating affairs." Everyone who saw Dichao, including Zhang Peilun himself, felt that it was a big surprise, especially that Chen Baochen would run Nanyang, which is something that people can't even dream of.Therefore, from princes and ministers to idlers, anyone who cares about the current situation takes this as a topic.

Prince Gong, who is ill, can't understand the reason behind it?It's just inconvenient to expose, but after all, he is a person who loves talents, so he can't help worrying for Chen Baochen. "The two rivers are so lively! Chen Boxian's Fujian Mandarin is hard to understand, and Zeng Yuanfu's Xiangxiang dialect is said to sound like a cow. How can the two of them get along?" He said to Sheng Yu who came to visit him.It seems humorous, but it has deep meaning, of course Sheng Yu understands. Next, Prince Gong talked about the other two "upstarts".He believed that Li Hongzhang had once protected Wu Dacheng, so he would not have any prejudice against the "wife" of the new school. If Wu Dacheng could get along well with the civil and military officials of the Beiyang Yamen, his situation would be much better than that of Chen Baochen.

As for Zhang Peilun's new appointment, it is undoubtedly the beginning of the road to Tengheyun. "Youqiao's identity is different from them. There were ministers in the North and South Oceans, and the governor of Fujian did not have the mandate to specialize in the sea. That's why Youqiao was named Huiban. , It's really an imperial envoy. Besides," Prince Gong said with a smile, "Youqiao's Austrian aid is very powerful, not just the power of the court." This refers to Li Hongzhang.The so-called "not only the power of the court" means that there is also the strength of the Beiyang Navy to support Zhang Peilun, so the Governor of Zhejiang and the Minister of Shipping have to hand over and ask him to take charge of the overall defense of the Fujian Sea.

"Speaking of this level," Sheng Yu couldn't help but said bluntly again, "I don't admire Youqiao the most. Li Xiang is indeed the pillar of the country, but there is nothing to discuss about ordinary things? Youqiao sees himself as a character, Responsibilities must be exacting, why can't you be as good as Li Xiang. And love the house and the black, even "Mr. Li Da" was spared. How can this convince people?" "Mr. Li Da" refers to Li Hanzhang, and his official fortune was indeed from "Mr. Li Er".Prince Gong smiled and replied: "I admire Shaoquan's method, and here it is. Being able to subdue Zhang Youqiao is really as difficult as coming to Buddha to subdue the Monkey King. Now that Youqiao can manage the sea, it is even more easy to send and receive." The last sentence is incomprehensible at first glance, but you have to appreciate it carefully to comprehend its deep meaning.Li Hongzhang naturally wanted to preserve the tie, but the argument for the main battle was on the rise, and the imperial court ordered the Beiyang Navy to enter the battlefield. Li Hongzhang could neither resist the order nor recover it, and he would encounter an extremely difficult situation.Now that Zhang Peilun has come forward to prepare for the defense of the Fujian Sea, everything is under control, and if there is peace or war, it is natural to send and receive at will. Knowing this, Sheng Yu couldn't help feeling embarrassed for Zhang Peilun, so he asked: "Youqiao is usually talkative, loyal and energetic, and the situation will change in the future. If there is a war, how will he protect Li? Prime Minister, preserve Beiyang's strength?" Prince Gong smiled, this smile made Sheng Yu feel slightly unhappy, because it meant that he was a scholar who didn't know anything. But after laughing, he still gave Sheng Yu a very clear answer, which of course had the taste of teaching the younger generation: "You have never been in that position, nor have you ever been an official who needs to accept people's wishes, so naturally you don't have experience in this area. Like this situation, Li Shaoquan is the best at dealing with it. As the saying goes: "The thunder is loud, and the rain drops." Another way is: "Just draw the bow, don't shoot the arrow." To fool the past, Xu Tu redeemed it, nine out of ten It can work. However, whether Youqiao is still a scholar, and whether he is willing to let Shaoquan completely at his mercy is a big question." Speaking of this, Prince Gong had a worried look on his face.This is puzzling, Sheng Yu asked bluntly: "Could it be that this is not good?" "Not good!" Prince Gong shook his head, "Li Shaoquan is very careful in the end, and he has a whole set of methods. If he is willing to listen to him, it will be effective. Sure enough, like Zuo Mule, ten thousand people don't admire him, and he uses tricks everywhere. It’s okay to make a show. I’m afraid that if you listen to him everything, you will have your own opinions when it comes to the joints, and that must be something.” This is naturally a very profound view, but it is impossible to imagine how it will happen.Sheng Yu was so enthusiastic that he really wanted to write a letter to remonstrate Zhang Peilun, but it was difficult to write, and it was a well-known fact that they had parted ways in Qingliu, so no one would think that his harsh words were out of goodwill .Thinking about it this way, one thing more is not as good as one thing less. In Zhang Peilun, he was very excited, carefully conceived, and wrote a thank-you form, which was drawn up by Fan Zhongyan and Lu Xun.Then he sent a secret message to Li Hongzhang, asking for advice on how to proceed, and did not hand over the thank you form until Li Hongzhang's reply arrived the next day. According to the rules, I will be summoned on the same day.This is Zhang Peilun's second "alone confrontation". Empress Dowager Cixi gave some words of encouragement, and then talked about the draw against France.Li Hongzhang and the representative of France, Fuluno, had agreed on five items of the Sino-French Concise Treaty, which had just been played by the Zongli Yamen the day before, and the Empress Dowager Cixi asked Zhang Peilun for his views on this. "The peace affairs should be preserved, and the empress dowager is asked to be decisive and stick to her opinion." Zhang Peilun's voice was clear and powerful.Next, he explained the reason why the peace must be preserved: "Vietnam's military affairs are irreparable at this point. Now France is mobilizing warships, planning to attack Keelung, Taiwan, to seize coal mines, and to seize our Fujian shipyard. If they succeed, there is no shortage of coal, and there are shipyards that can repair warships, so they can last forever. If they don’t claim a large amount of military expenses, they will be dissatisfied with their greed. Therefore, the best policy now is to settle the entanglement in Vietnam first, and make every effort to prevent Fujian. Hai. Otherwise, the war will become more and more difficult to deal with." "Ah!" The Empress Dowager Cixi sighed, "The situation in Vietnam has become like this, and it is really unsatisfactory to mention it. Tang Jiong and Xu Yanxu are too useless!" "Of course Tang Jiong and Xu Yanxu owed their favor, but their powers are not specific, and the governors can't work together, so they will inevitably fail." Zhang Peilun paused for a while and said, "Guangdong is actually the key city in the defense of the south. Guangdong's assistance can be continuously provided, so that the front can boldly march. I think that the failure of Vietnam's military affairs is not entirely the fault of Tang Jiong and Xu Yanxu." The implication of these words was to attack Zhang Shusheng. The Empress Dowager Cixi naturally understood, but she didn't want to take the topic too far at this time, so she didn't mention Guangdong again. "Zhang Peilun, you are usually very willing to pay attention to the current situation, but now you are assigned to deal with matters in the coastal area of ​​Fujian. It is necessary to plan for a long-term stability." These words met Zhang Peilun's "full of economics", so he answered loudly: "Yes!" Then he paused and talked about coastal defense: "China has a vast territory. The coast starts from Fengtian and Jinzhou in the east, and reaches Qiongzhou, Lianzhou, which stretches for thousands of miles, is already hard to defend against. In addition, Russia occupies Vladivostok and wants to attack me and mix with Jiang; Britain takes Hong Kong, France takes Vietnam, Portugal takes Macau, and advances to Guangdong in three ways; Japan attacks Ryukyu, aiming at Taiwan and Penghu. It is even more detrimental to me. Now Western countries have opened a canal in the Red Sea, opened up a shortcut, and installed submarine wires, the information is extremely fast, and if something happens, it is extremely convenient to call in warships. In foreign countries, it is beneficial to advance, and it is anchored in the sea when we retreat. Our army is overwhelmed by the ocean and cannot pursue them, so it is not harmful to them. The host and guest change positions, and work and rest are different. This is where we suffer the most." The Empress Dowager Cixi paid great attention to this eloquent, well-reasoned and well-known Chen Zou, "According to what you say, there is no way for us in China to guard against it?" She asked suspiciously, "It must not be so ?” "It depends on man's will." Zhang Peilun replied: "Navy divisions should be united rather than divided, and should be consolidated rather than scattered. During the Tongzhi period, Ding Richang asked to set up a Sanyo navy. The original plan was discussed by the governor and chief minister. If there is an alarm, the soldiers can gather to support them. If it is forced to be divided into three oceans, it is called each special responsibility, but it is actually irrelevant. Li Hongzhang also said: "There are many coastal ports and heavy troops are stationed everywhere. Not only is it costly, but also a lot of effort , advocating to do our best to guard the vital points'. These are all old-fashioned words, and they must be in the insight of the Holy Spirit." "Yes, I remember what they said at the beginning. The governor's habit is that everyone always cleans up the door by himself. Whether it is suppressing bandits or dealing with foreigners, as soon as they go out of their own borders, they just let go. Wenzong in Japan I hate the state of the provinces the most. Now it is the north and south oceans, fighting for weapons and salaries, and you can't help but care about yourself and ignore others. When you come to Fujian this time, you must work together with the governor, governor, and shipping minister. Do things for the court and do well Everyone deserves merit, and if one thing goes wrong, people who work together will say that this is guilty, but that is meritorious, it will never happen." "Yes!" Zhang Peilun replied emphatically, "I must obey your benevolent orders and work hard without complaint." "Shen Baozhen's founding of the ship administration is very effective. But now to control foreigners, there must be another way. The Prime Minister's Office has already discussed this matter with Beiyang, do you know?" "Yes! I know about this matter. Li Hongzhang and the Prime Minister's Yamen often communicate with messengers, and after repeated discussions, they have almost agreed." Zhang Peilun paused for a moment, and said in a strong voice: "If you want to control the enemy, you must It is impossible to set up a naval division of the Outer Sea Binglun, and if you want to reap the achievements of Henghai, you must set up a naval division." "You mean to set up a yamen to manage the navy?" "Yes! In the Western military system, all naval divisions have a navy department, which is extremely heavy." Zhang Peilun said: "Heard, the chief tax officer, talked about military and western affairs in the prime minister's office, and also advised me to set up a general coastal defense department in China. Since the navy is appropriate, should it be appropriate? It is appropriate to organize rather than disperse, so it is naturally appropriate to set up a special navy office for overall planning and dispatch." "It's nothing to set up a yamen, but to use a few more people. I'm afraid it's not something that can be done with one or two million silver to set up the Wai Hai Bing Lun Naval Division. Where does this funding come from? Have you ever thought about it?" "The officials and others have also discussed that there are seven provinces along the coast, and the sailors in the outer seas. Since one army should be defended by the seven provinces, it is not difficult for the seven provinces to work together to provide the salaries for the sailors and one army. The difficulty is that the seven The governors of the province hold their own opinions and are unwilling to cooperate with each other." "It doesn't matter. If anyone refuses to try his best, the imperial court has its own way to deal with it." The Empress Dowager Cixi thought for a while, and then ordered in a calm and forceful voice: "Please write a book carefully. One by one, the more detailed the better. " "yes!" "When you come to Fujian this time, although you know how to handle maritime affairs, you are an imperial envoy, and Fujian's shipping administration can also manage it." The Empress Dowager Cixi said: "Before you take office, you might as well go to Tianjin to talk to Li Hongzhang. Are you talking to Li Hongzhang? Are you familiar?" "Yes! I am a family friend with Li Hongzhang." "When you met Li Hongzhang, tell him: the court treats him with no ginseng, and I suppress him. He should also inspire his conscience and do his job well." The Empress Dowager Cixi said again: "Some people called him Qin Hui and Jia Sidao, Although these words are too much, Li Hongzhang can't help but be vigilant. Preserving the peace is not a matter of ambiguity!" "Yes!" Zhang Peilun said: "When I see Li Hongzhang, I will definitely tell him the painstaking efforts of the empress dowager." "There are many troubles in the country now, and if there are good talents, we must let him stand out. You have always been willing to pay attention to things, but do you know who can do it?" Zhang Peilun has heard that someone recommends Zhang Funian of Liang Road in Jiang'an, Jiangsu, Xue Fucheng of Ningshaotai Road in Zhejiang, and Zhang Yinhuan of Taiguang Road in Ningchi, Anhui.He didn't know Zhang Funian well, but Xue Fucheng and Zhang Yinhuan did.However, Xue Fucheng is the younger brother of Xue Fuchen, who has been transferred to Shuntian Mansion Governor of Zhenglong, and only mentions Zhang Yinhuan in case the Empress Dowager Cixi suspects that he intends to cater to him. "As far as I know, although Zhang Yinhuan, a Taoist priest from Anhui, did not come from the imperial examination, he has read a lot of books. He used to serve as an official in Shandong, and Yan Jingming and Ding Baozhen respected him very much. En promoted, I expect him to live up to his appointment." "Yes, yes! Some people say that about him." The Empress Dowager Cixi said, "In addition to those who are talented and willing to do things with sincerity, you should also pay attention to the court at any time." Play right here, come to an end.When Zhang Peilun left the palace, the first thing he did was to inform Li Hongzhang of the summons.