Chapter 8 Chapter VII Suppressing the Boxers Made Great Contributions

It was just when Duan Qirui was suffering from no battle and could not make meritorious deeds, God unexpectedly sent him a good opportunity—— After the Shandong Boxers were suppressed by Yuan Shikai, the Shandong people's anti-foreigners and anti-emperor movements continued to erupt without stopping even a day.In Wei County, farmer Zhao Luofeng and his son led thousands of people to kill foreigners and rob the government on one piece of land.For a while, the commotion was booming, and the government and foreigners were uneasy.Then, peasant Jing Tingbin led thousands of people to revolt.Therefore, Yuan Dahua of Qinghe Road, Pang Hongshu of Dashun Guangdao, Ni Sichong, a priest of the camp affairs office, and Wan Qigai, a priest of Zhao Zhuangyang, wrote to Yuan Shikai one after another, requesting to send troops to "suppress the bandits".Yuan Shikai had already entrusted Duan Qirui with military power, so the matter of "suppressing bandits" was naturally handed over to Duan Qirui.Duan Qirui led the team to go.

Don't look at Duan Qirui's dream of fighting, once a war is really going to happen, he will be a little scared.Before the expedition, he frowned and thought hard, so that his nose was extremely crooked. Here, we have to explain the physical characteristics of this Duan: Duan Qirui had a bullish temper when he was a child, and he admitted death.When others disagree with what he thinks, he will get sulky and be so angry that he won't eat or sleep.Once, when he was studying with his grandfather in Suqian, his grandfather asked him to memorize one of them, and he wanted to go out to play.As a result, he went to play secretly, and naturally he couldn't memorize the book.When his grandfather questioned him, he just stood there and didn't answer.The grandfather was very angry, so he slapped him, which happened to hit him on the nose.Not to mention the bleeding from the nostrils, but the nose was knocked crooked.Although after treatment, it came back to normal, but whenever bored or angry, the nose turned crooked again.Therefore, Duan Qirui has the nickname of "crooked nose".People who have been with him a lot or who are often around him, as long as they see his nose is crooked, they will know that he is encountering things that are not going well, or that he is furious.People are also accustomed to judging whether he is happy or angry by the crookedness of his nose; judging his anger by the degree of crookedness.

Duan Qirui didn't know the details of the "bandits", and was afraid that they would be too powerful to defeat them. "Sure enough, if this battle is defeated, maybe the future will be lost." This is the first time he has actually fought in his life. Don't look at his ability to speak clearly about the war in the classroom of the Armed Forces Academy. How? Duan Qirui is not sure.He wanted to find Xu Shuzheng, but Xu Shuzheng was also a student, not to mention that he didn't read military books at all.So he gave up and had no choice but to bite the bullet and set off.Duan Qirui led a team to Wei County, and was even more shocked when he heard that Jing Tingbin, Zhao Luofeng and others killed the foreign priest Luo Zepu.Although it was discovered that Zhao Luofeng and others were hiding in Zhao Village, he didn't dare to attack. He just set up a camp outside the village and sent people to the village to spread word, saying: "As long as you hand over the bandits, the villagers will not be hurt. "

At this time, someone from the village came out and said, "Jing Tingbin and Zhao Luofeng are really not in the village, and the villagers are willing to assist the officers and soldiers in their investigation and arrest." Duan Qirui hesitated: the bandits were not in the village, so there was no reason to attack; if they entered the village rashly, they were afraid of being ambushed.At this moment, Ma Bian came to report: "In Li Village in the east of the village, Jing Tingbin and others gathered a crowd to plunder their houses and houses, and took Nangong County official Zheng Jie and others into the village. He also threatened that Zheng Jie and others would only be released if the officers and soldiers retreated." people."

One wave is not flat, and another wave rises again.The bandits were not suppressed, and the officials were taken hostage.If the hostages were killed, wouldn't the situation be even worse? Duan Qirui thought over and over again and decided to temporarily withdraw his troops. The officers and soldiers withdrew, and the officials were released as expected.However, all the silver and articles escorted by the official sentry were intercepted by the "bandits". It was the early summer of Renyin, and the land in Wei County was still a bit cold.Duan Qirui has been out of the army for nearly a month, and he hasn't wiped out a single bandit yet, not to mention his military exploits, and he can't even justify himself when he goes back.If the bandits reappeared, wouldn't it be his great crime.Thinking left and right, it is difficult to calm down.In the end, he had to decide to put all his eggs in one basket and surround Li Village. Even if the bandits were not wiped out, and the money and property intercepted by Nangong County were recovered, it would be considered a victory.

Duan Qirui led the officers and soldiers who had withdrawn a few days ago, and suddenly surrounded Li Village in the dark night.Because he didn't know how many bandits were there, he didn't dare to attack directly, but launched a preaching offensive, calling for the handing over of the bandit leader, returning the government's silver and items, and disbanding the bandits, that is, they did not go into details.At the same time, the team was divided into four fields, and a small village was surrounded tightly, with several layers inside and outside.It was also this group of bandits who made a mistake. They not only resisted behind closed doors and turned a deaf ear, but also mobilized hundreds of Zhang Qing's accomplices from the north to line up and raise guns to copy Duan Qirui's army.

Duan Qirui saw that the situation was not good, so he divided the team into small groups to resist. After training at the small station, the new army under Duan Qirui still has a certain combat effectiveness, and the guns are also more advanced, which is much stronger than the people who make do.As soon as the war started, Duan's army was victorious. When the "bandits" saw that there were too many casualties and their combat power was weak, they quickly scattered and fled.It was later learned that Jing Tingbin was also beaten to death. Duan Qirui finally won the first battle.Pack up the spoils, reorganize the team, and prepare to return to defense.Unexpectedly, the scattered people moved in four townships, and they gathered another 5-6 thousand people shouting revenge for Jing Tingbin, and attacked the officers and soldiers from different directions.Duan Qirui, namely Chi Shu Dashun Guangdao Pang Hongshu, and Ni Sichong, a member of the camp affairs office, invited soldiers to help.Pang and Ni dispatched troops quickly, and they attacked several times.When the bandits retreated steadily and saw that they were defeated, it was reported that another 45 bandits gathered in the temple and church in Lincun to plot an attack.Duan Qirui immediately led his own soldiers to rescue.Although the bandits also have excellent guns, their shooting skills are too poor, and their momentum is roaring, but they cannot get accurate hits.After two hours of fierce fighting, only 4 officers and soldiers were injured.Duan Qirui used the cavalry to plagiarize and win consecutive victories.Seeing that the general situation was unfavorable, the thieves fled one after another.

After this battle, the uprising people in Wei County were basically wiped out, and the innocent Yuegan people were massacred.Duan Qirui captured 3 front-loading cannons, 81 cannons, and more than 230 muskets, flags, knives and spears.Afterwards, Duan Qirui discussed with local officials to formulate measures to eliminate future troubles, order localities to make registers village by village, make the bandits repent, try to arrest the bandits, and call on the people to abide by the law and not act rashly. Duan Qirui's class teacher has returned to Jinan, so he is showing off his might! Even Yuan Shikai came out of the city to meet him.When Yuan Shikai held Duan Qirui's hand, he said very happily: "Zhiquan, come back and let someone write a report on the situation of the bandit suppression. I will report it directly to the court."

——Yuan Shikai wanted to build up his military prestige since the beginning of his military training at the small station.However, Shandong did not "exterminate the boxers and the place is peaceful" as he reported to the court, but the rebel army was still everywhere, and foreigners and officials were not safe.He, Yuan Shikai, couldn't help but be alarmed! Sure enough, the news had reached the capital, and he had to bear the "crime of deceiving the emperor".With Duan Qirui's victory, Yuan Shikai fell to the ground like a stone.Asking for merit for Duan Qirui is actually announcing the good news to the imperial court for himself! Yuan Shikai not only thought of obtaining this military exploit, but also wanted to show the imperial court: "The new army I train is different from the old army. Victory!" In this way, the military power in his hands will be more secure.Duan Qirui is his subordinate, and he has invited military exploits for Duan Qirui. It is not only his concern for his subordinates, but also will pull them closer.Yuan Shikai will not let go of such a quick success.

Duan Qirui was naturally excited to ask for credit from the imperial court.Therefore, he talked about the battle of Wei County in a hype, and described himself as a general who commanded well and was brave and good at fighting.Yuan Shikai specially reported to the imperial court.The imperial court greatly appreciated the suppression of bandits in Wei County, and according to Yuan Shikai's guarantee, made the following criticisms for the promotion of Duan Qirui: The general office of the Wuwei Youjun General Office accompanied the school to be exempted from labor insurance, and the magistrate was allowed to stay in the original province for supplementary use, and a second-rank title was added.

Regarding Duan Qiruiwei County's experience in suppressing bandits, the imperial court specially made the following criticisms: the author is to supervise and enlighten the fools of the village, not to be incited, and to strictly instruct all local officials to diligently seek the people's attention, and follow them carefully. want! After a month, who knows who is working hard again? The imperial court once again issued a decree to reward Duan Qirui, who has made great achievements in suppressing the bandits in Pingwei County, with Dai Hualing, and awarded him the honorary title of "Fighting Batulu". He became famous in one fell swoop, and his reputation was greatly shocked! Duan Qirui did not forget Yuan Shikai's kindness in recommending him.So he led his new wife, Zhang Peiheng, into the governor's yamen in two ways, public and private, to "thank you" to Yuan Shikai. On that day, Yuan Shikai seemed to know that Duan Qirui would come. He ordered someone to make fragrant tea, cleaned the living room, and sat at the table of the Eight Immortals with a pipe in his mouth, seemingly inhaling but not inhaling. Yuan Shikai, 44 years old, has a smooth official career and a prominent status, which makes his temperament gradually lonely.In Shandong, he seldom went out to visit guests, not to mention the shining aura of the governor of Zhili and the minister of Beiyang.He asks for nothing, and everyone asks him for something.To Duan Qirui, he has a condescending attitude. When Duan Qirui came in, he didn't know whether he should treat Yuan Shikai with the courtesy he should treat the officer or the parents? Standing in the living room, he was a bit cautious. Yuan Shikai waved and said indifferently, "Sit down. Sit down and talk." Duan Qirui stood nervously for a long time before he said, "Wei county suppressed the bandits, so the victory was all thanks to the prestige in the army. Qirui can't..." Yuan Shikai waved his hands quickly. "Your command ability has been demonstrated. I know this well." "Thank you for your kindness, my lord." After speaking, Duan Qirui sat down. Yuan Shikai cleaned up his embered cigarette nest, put the cigarette pouch on the table of the Eight Immortals, then brought over the teacup, took a sip, and then said: "Zhiquan, this battle can be regarded as a demonstration of our military prestige. Already! The imperial court rewards and the common people welcome. Does it mean that the newly trained army is different!" "My lord is very good at running the army." "This is one of them..." "People feel at ease and hate bandits." "This is the second..." "There is also the great grace of the emperor." "This is the third..." Duan Qirui didn't know what to say? Yuan Shikai laughed.He felt that the time had come, and what had to be said had to be said.So, he smiled and asked Duan Qirui: "The battle of Zhiquan and Wei County, let alone in the imperial court, even in Shandong, it was just a trivial matter. Do you know why the imperial court gave you a seal and award? " Duan Qirui was puzzled by the question—he was startled, how can Lord Yuan say such a big victory is a trivial matter? Besides, it is normal to be awarded for meritorious service in battle.Otherwise, if the rewards and punishments are unclear, what prestige does the court have? However, Yuan Shikai asked in earnest, this is not a trivial matter.Why? Duan Qirui couldn't think of it for a moment. "My lord, please clarify." "You don't understand that." Yuan Shikai still smiled. "Zhiquan! It's no wonder you. Although you have been out for more than ten years, you have little contact with official affairs after all. The military training school is still a school, and the school is mainly based on books. Society and officialdom are different. They are richer than books. , is much more complicated.” After a pause, he asked again: “Have you read it?” Duan Qirui was even more surprised. "Again? What Mr. Shen said again and again..." He said, "I have read it. I read it in recent years." du8.com copyright "That's a bad book." Yuan Shikai said, "But it's also a must-read book." Duan Qirui didn't understand.Whether it is a good book or a bad book, he has not yet made his own opinion.All he remembered was the "official amulet".That was what Mr. Shen reminded him. "What's the relationship between the 'Guardian Talisman' and today's Wei County battle?" Duan Qirui couldn't get in touch. Yuan Shikai didn't read Duan Qirui's expression, he continued according to his own train of thought. "The 'official talisman' in the book refers to the essence. Officials should study it carefully. It is best to learn from it, or use it as a motto and remind yourself often. It is beneficial." "Qirui has learned." "One more point," Yuan Shikai said: "The key to the 'protector's talisman' is not in the 'talent', but in the 'protection'! Do you understand?" Duan Qirui was surprised again. "Let's just talk about the battle in Wei County," Yuan Shikai got to the point. "The battle is won, and the bandits are all wiped out. At best, it is still a small battle, and it cannot reach the court. But it is different. You report it yourself. It is a small battle, and it cannot reach the capital, and it will not surprise the court. In that case, you will be awarded a reward." Nothing will happen. I put this matter in my hands. I wrote a memorial and sent it directly to the court. The amount is different. Let’s put aside things and talk about people. A governor, a minister, or the real Shandong Governor, can I send the trivial matter to Yulan? So, everything has changed. In the end, it comes down to the word 'protect', I protect you..." Yuan Shikai made his words clear, and Duan Qirui of course understood.He is grateful to the boss and Taishan.So, he hurriedly stood up, stepped to the table of the Eight Immortals, and knelt down on the ground with a "plop". "Thank you for your cultivation, Qirui will always be loyal to you!" "This... this..." Yuan Shikai hurriedly stood up, stretched out his hands, and said, "Why is this so, why is this so! You and my dear relatives, if you understand what you have said, it is over. With this great gift, it will be seen. In the future, we will have to communicate with each other." Take care and protect each other." Duan Qirui returned to his residence, followed the same pattern, and also rewarded the junior officers and soldiers who followed him.When awarding awards, use different methods to instruct the officers and soldiers that the honor and benefits are given by someone else, "As long as you work hard with me, I will never treat you badly!" Except that the officers and soldiers did not bow down to him, they all expressed "always loyal to the Lord!" just like he did to Yuan Shikai. The victory in the First World War greatly shocked Duan Qirui's reputation, and Duan Qirui soon became known as "Tiger General". Due to Yuan Shikai's special care, Duan Qirui won an unexpected honor.While being grateful to Yuan Shikai, he treated Yuan Shikai's adopted daughter and his new wife differently. To be honest, when Zhang Peiheng entered Duan's house, Duan Qirui didn't give her much tenderness.One is that the sorrow of losing his wife has not disappeared, and the other is that the official duties are getting more and more busy; also, that Zhang Peiheng is seventeen or eight years younger than him, not much older than his eldest son Hongye, and he only treats her as a child .It is different now, Duan Qirui has experienced a life-and-death battle, and after the war, he has gained unexpected success and honor. He seems to have a new and strange understanding of life, and a strange and new understanding of family.And these new and strange understandings are all inextricably linked with the new wife Zhang Peiheng—Duan Qirui thought: "If there is no such connection with Peiheng, Yuan Shikai may not be so loving." Therefore, Duan Qirui thought Qi Rui suddenly had a new impulse towards his new wife.What's more, I added a new joy-- When Duan Qirui came back from Wei County, his new wife gave birth to a daughter for him, both mother and daughter were safe, he was very happy.He hurried into the living room. "Peiheng, Peiheng!" Duan Qirui walked to the bed and fell beside the new wife. Zhang Peiheng is closing her eyes exhaustedly to rest her mind—for the past two days, she has been in the joy of having a daughter and the sadness of not being with her husband. Her husband has gone to war, and her son is on the battlefield. She understands, and she also knows that this is her husband's display A majestic opportunity.However, giving birth to children is always a life-and-death hurdle for a woman. Whose woman does not expect her husband to be by her side during childbirth.However, Duan Qirui was on the battlefield of peak fire, she missed him, and she was even more worried about him. Duan Qirui came back, and immediately came to her side in a hurry, and said "Peiheng" affectionately twice - this was never before.In the past, he often had a serious face, although he was not furious, he could not see joy; and she would consciously turn her back or turn back to her room.There has been a gloomy mist between husband and wife.Now, the sound of "paying salary" is full of warmth and affection - she is numb all over.She stretched out her hand from the quilt and smiled at him sweetly and infinitely tenderly. "You are back, I heard that you won a big victory." "Don't talk, take care of yourself!" Duan Qirui leaned over and stretched out his hands to pull the quilt for her. du8.com copyright "Want to see your daughter?" Peiheng said, gently opening the quilt to reveal her newborn daughter. "Let's see." Duan Qirui put her face on the corner of the quilt and looked carefully, her daughter was still sleepily closing her eyes. "Like, very like!" "Like what?" Zhang Peiheng said. "Like you, like you!" Duan Qirui said, "Like me too." Zhang Peiheng has been with Duan Qirui for more than a year, and he has not yet received such tenderness from him.In the early days, Shang Ke felt that his official duties were too heavy, and she felt ashamed; after she became pregnant, she felt different, as if she had fallen out of favor, but it was inconvenient to express it.Now that her daughter is born, she can act like a baby.Then he said, "This daughter is just like me. I gave birth to her. Unlike you, you don't have her in your heart." "Why do you say that? Peiheng." Duan Qirui heard the truth in the new woman's words, and said, "Peiheng, I know I'm sorry for you. I didn't take care of you wholeheartedly after you came. You should know , I can’t tell where I’m from, I’m too busy. In fact, I’ve always liked you very much in my heart.” Saying this, she lowered her face—— Zhang Peiheng thought he was going to kiss his daughter, but he put his big mouth on her mouth warmly and kissed her vigorously.While kissing, he said moaningly: "I miss you very much, I like you very much, I...I..." After being married for more than a year, Zhang Peiheng hadn't enjoyed it so much, and when it happened suddenly, she was a little flustered.But in an instant, a sense of happiness flooded my whole body.She stretched out her hands, put her arms around his neck, pressed her mouth close to him, and stuck out her tongue to him... The two were intimate for a long time before Zhang Peiheng turned his face and said, "My daughter doesn't have a name yet, so you can choose one." Duan Qirui thought for a while, and said: "Children are all classed with the character 'Hong', so naturally they have to start from Honghan." "What's the word?" Zhang Peiheng said. Duan Qirui looked at his newborn daughter again, frowned slightly, and said to himself: "Quality is better than literature, and history is better than quality. Gentleness is gentle, and then gentleman. In my opinion, it is called 'bin'." "What do you mean by the word Bin? What book did it come from?" Zhang Peiheng asked. "It means that you have talent and appearance. It means 'both quality and appearance'." He blinked and said, "It probably came from the chapter "The Analects of Confucius·Yong Ye." "It's fine if you agree." Zhang Peiheng said, "Her elder sister's name is Hong Shu, and his name is Hong Bin." Duan Qirui saw that the new wife accepted her daughter's name with satisfaction, and then leaned down and kissed her for a while.