Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Peace is still the most important thing in the south and the north

Although Wuchang's world-shattering move shook the capital, it didn't seem to have much shock to the regent Prince Chun Zaifeng. He first frowned, then shook his head, then smiled lightly, and finally walked back to the city as if nothing had happened. go home.Everyone in Prince Jin's mansion panicked. Seeing that the head of the family was so calm, even Zaifeng's old lady didn't understand, and was about to question him, but Zaifeng said with a smile: "It will be fine from now on, and I can go home and hug her." baby." When the old lady heard this, she was very angry, and blurted out a sentence: "What a lack of ambition!" The scolding was scolding, but the heart of knowing the child is like a mother, so the old lady shook her head and gave up--so what if you don't give up, this son People who are not the kind of material that manages the country, who are easy-going and fearful since childhood, and who read "nothing little fairy" in the study, "follow the wealth and honor and rejoice, and you are an idiot if you don't smile", can go to Anbang to govern the country and the world what!

The situation in Wuchang is becoming increasingly tense, and all affairs between the DPRK and China are pushed to the old uncle, Prince Qing Yixu. In this way, Prince Qing's opinion can become a foregone conclusion.Therefore, Yuan Shikai's "waiting price" has achieved its goal in a practical way-the aristocratic cabinet has come to an end, and Yuan Shikai will succeed him as the prime minister of the cabinet.Yuan Shikai swaggered back to Beijing and sat in the cabinet. On the night of Yuan Shikai's arrival in Beijing, he condescended to come to Dongsi Wutiao Blacksmith Camp, a mansion donated to Xu Shichang by Tang Shaoyi, and sincerely thanked his childhood friend for his efforts to get out of the mountain. "Thanks to Brother Ju's great efforts, I finally got my wish. I hope Brother Ju can teach me how to do things in the future."

After delivering fragrant tea to Yuan Shikai, Xu Shichang smiled, "Wei Ting, my business is just to come back for you. If you come back, if you come back, my business will be done. The rest will be yours. I think you can do it well." After a moment's pause, he said, "If it's really difficult to do it, you don't do it; if you can't do it, it's not easy to return the power to the nobles!" Yuan Shikai smiled, "I'm not so incompetent." Yuan Shikai stood up and said with some "confidence": "Brother Ju, the matter of Wuchang is nothing to worry about. Let Zhiquan (Duan Qirui) , Hua Fu (Feng Guozhang) and the others have done it, and I want to make changes to the cabinet."

"How to change?" Obviously, Xu Shichang had never thought about this. "Natong is not one of us." Yuan Shikai said, "I think there will be no assistant ministers in the cabinet from now on." Hearing this at first, Xu Shichang was startled, thinking that his old friend kicked him as soon as he came on stage.After thinking about it for a while, I understood that Yuan Shikai wanted to exclude people he could not trust through the means of "cleaning the emperor's side".Obviously, Natong among the associate ministers was not in Yuan's circle, and Yuan Shikai didn't want to keep him "under the couch".Xu Shichang still smiled and said: "I agree with this opinion very much. Then, I can go back to my hometown and have a baby."

"You --!" Yuan Shikai shook his head fiercely: "You can't go back to your hometown, you're gone, who do I rely on?" "There are many people around you." "Each is useful." Yuan Shikai said: "Both the cabinet and the military must employ people; and, according to the new system, the prime minister of the cabinet has the power to command the armed forces, so he also has to employ people." "In the army, there are even more talented people." Xu Shichang was familiar with the military situation. From the headquarters to the towns, it was basically a small station training day. Yuan would not have any doubts about them.Therefore, he said: "It's just been discussed for a long time. It has not been decided to set up a staff department. If necessary, it will be organized."

It turned out that the military supreme command wanted to set up a staff department but did not, and the post of chief of staff was filled by military counselor Liang Bi.Liangbi is a man who doesn't care about military affairs, so it's vain.Now, Yuan Shikai is going to lead the army, and Liang Bi is not in the Yuan family circle. When it comes to military affairs today, the Yuan family naturally has its own plans. "There is no need to rush to the General Staff Department. The Minister of Military Advisory has changed a lot in recent years. Zai Tao and Yu Lang have served before, and now Liangbi is also in office. It's just that Liangbi doesn't ask questions, and I don't want to force him to do what he wants. So, the Minister of Military Advisory , it is none other than you."

"It's hard for me." "Do people make the best use of it!" "So, what about the cabinet?" "The top priority is the southern military." Yuan Shikai said: "Catch the army. When you go to the Military Advisory Office, the cabinet will not ask him. What I want to talk to you is how we can stabilize the current situation and reverse it. " The personnel and affairs have been delineated, and the situation will naturally be dominated by these people, and the specific matters can be discussed. In addition, Yuan Shi took office and the front army obeyed orders. Sigh.

"Brother Ju, I have lived in Zhangde for two years, but I have contemplated the world situation; after contemplating, I am amazed; after amazed, I am still contemplating..." Xu Shichang's heart sank: "Thinking in such a circular way, what do you see?" Yuan Shikai nodded, "Thinking deeply!" "Want to hear one or two." "Democracy and republic are the current trend." Yuan Shikai said: "It seems that the Qing Dynasty has lagged behind." "The Prince Regent also raised constitutional issues," Xu Shichang said. "That is to establish a constitution under the power of the monarch." Yuan Shikai said: "China cannot implement constitutionalism and constitutional government. According to this, we must think of a new way for the southern issue, and we cannot aim at eliminating it as the only goal."

When Yuan Shikai said these words, he had a far-reaching premeditation in his heart. He wanted to use the new trend of the democratic revolution to put pressure on the imperial court and seize greater power--he was confident.This time he came out of the mountains, not because of the court's grace, but completely forced by the revolutionary party. With the existence of the revolutionary party, Yuan Shikai would not be destroyed in a battle with him, so he could use it as a condition and then bargain with the court.To what extent? He hadn't figured it out yet. Although Xu Shichang didn't think about this matter, he had left a way out for himself. He received Li Shizeng in the Northeast and missed Li Shizeng from time to time, and said that he would not be an enemy of the Revolutionary Party.Now, Yuan Shikai, who is about to take office, suddenly proposed something, and Xu Shichang still felt that he made the right move in the Northeast.So, taking advantage of Yuan Shikai's topic, he said a little smartly: "Wei Ting, I have always admired your foresight! This meditation, you think very far-sighted. As the saying goes, those who know the current affairs are brilliant! What is current affairs? Current affairs --Trends! Yes, we are all important officials of the Qing Dynasty. It is only right and proper to eat the king's salary and repay the emperor's favor. However, we are all descendants of Yan and Huang after all. We must think about the motherland of China. The Qing Dynasty... ..The Qing Dynasty..." He originally wanted to talk about the corruption of the Qing Dynasty, but he still restrained himself.He just sighed softly: "Cough..."

Yuan Shikai fully understood Xu Shichang's feelings at this time. When he got up to say goodbye, he said to Xu Shichang earnestly: "Brother Ju, what we are talking about here must not be explained to outsiders!" "Chrysanthemum is willing to live and die with Wei Ting!" After Yuan Shikai came to power, the situation in Beijing and China changed greatly: the cabinet really canceled the assistant minister. In order to show his loyalty to Prince Qing, Yuan retained his confidant, the former cabinet minister Hua Shikui, in his original position, and promoted him to the second rank, becoming an assistant minister who was not an associate minister. Minister.Hua Shikui is Xu Shichang's fellow villager and friend. He has always respected Xu, and he still follows Xu's lead in everything, assisting the court, and he is the only one.Xu Shichang concurrently served as the Minister of Military Advisory and acted as the chief of staff of the military command. This opened up the military era of "no chief of staff" in the Qingqing Army.After all the adjustments were completed, the military and political power of the Qing Dynasty completely fell into the hands of Yuan Shikai.And Xu Shichang became the first person in power under Yuan.

After Yuan Shikai came back, the Beiyang army on the Beijing-Hanzhou line suddenly became brave, and Hankou returned to the Qing army in an instant. Strangely enough, after Hankou was recovered, Nanjing, the ancient capital of the Six Dynasties far down the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, was occupied by the revolutionary army! In fact, there is no need to be surprised. The changes that took place on the Yangtze River were completely carefully directed by Yuan Shikai.However, Yuan Shikai ordered the frontier to "suspend the attack", but he "negligently" did not send any troops to Nanjing except for Zhang Xun's small army, so that Nanjing was lost while regaining Hankou. The situation of "Yangtze River Crisis" was created, that is, Wuhan was tight and it was difficult to deal with it for a while, and Nanjing was pressing hard again.It seems that the National Revolutionary Army has become a prairie fire, unstoppable. Yuan Shikai sat firmly on the Diaoyutai, and Xu Shichang handed over this "dangerous situation" to the regent Zaifeng. That day, Zaifeng was sleeping in his small study.Suddenly, someone reported "Military Advisory Minister Xu Shichang asked to see".Zaifeng was startled: "What is he doing here now?" --Yuan Shikai's comeback, Zaifeng is really a last resort.Yuan Shikai asked for such a high price, and Zaifeng agreed, and it was even more necessary. He had already become more angry, hated and hated. "One day, I have to settle accounts with this Henan man!" Zaifeng hated Yuan Shikai, and Zaifeng didn't like Yuan Shikai's good friend Xu Shichang, but it was difficult to find someone better than Xu Shichang among the Han ministers, so Therefore, it is a last resort to value Xu Shichang. "For the sake of the foundation of the Qing Dynasty, and for the sake of the little emperor's son, if you can't bear it, you have to bear it." Forbearance is forbearance. The regent always has a grudge against people like Yuan Shikai and Xu Shichang, but he has to accept him.Zaifeng pondered for a moment before saying, "Please." Xu Shichang came, he greeted the regent, and then sat in the seat designated by the regent. When he came to see the regent this time, Xu Shichang felt that he was different from the past. He became more courageous, more energetic, and straightened his back. He swept away the low self-esteem of the courtiers who worshiped the emperor in the past, and he seemed to be here to report something to his subordinates. Undisputed things like that. Yes, Xu Shichang felt that the waist was hardened, and the nobles of the dynasty were withered. They had to rely on the Han people and "different people", and they relied on Yuan Shikai. He was representing Yuan Shikai to convey a major event, not to ask for permission What's up.However, Xu Shichang is still a courtier of the Qing Dynasty after all, he is clear about the position of the regent and the etiquette he should treat this person, and he dare not go beyond the rules. "My lord, there is an important matter that I must ask my lord to decide." Xu Shichang still said modestly, "So, I'm here to see my lord." Zaifeng, who was half the age of Xu Shichang, was very aware of the current situation of him and his dynasty. He withdrew all his authority and said in a calm tone: "Master Xu, please speak if you have something to say, please decide if you don't need to say anything, the cabinet has something to do." , you can do it well, I don't worry. What I am still concerned about is the situation in the south, and I would like to hear your opinion." "I'm here for this too." Xu Shichang said. "Okay, let's think about it together." Zaifeng said. "The war can't be fought anymore, it's amazing to keep fighting." Yes, the war can't be fought anymore. " Zaifeng repeated Xu Shichang's words, but he suddenly Then he thought, "Why not fight? Victory, or failure?" The regent blinked his eyes and thought again: "It can't be failure. After Yuan Shikai came back, he still contributed. I heard that the battle was very good. It can drive away the revolution. Of course it is a good thing." So he asked again: "What is the ending?" Xu Shichang smiled lightly and said: "Up to now, there is only one move, and that is to negotiate a peace." "Negotiate peace?" Zaifeng was very surprised! "The dignified ruling dynasty, go to negotiate peace with the rebellious officials and thieves!" He stared and asked, "How to negotiate peace? Isn't Han and Japan back? If you take advantage of the victory and advance, you can recover Wuchang. In that case, the situation It is very beneficial to me! How can we negotiate a peace? Why do we need to negotiate a peace?" Zaifeng thought of Yuan Shikai's Beiyang Army and the power of this army, and he couldn't bear the fact of negotiating a peace. Xu Shichang still smiled faintly. "Based on the situation in Wuhan alone, we should not negotiate peace with the south. However, the situation is far from being settled in Wuhan. Although Hankou has been recovered, Nanjing has fallen again. Nanjing is as important as Wuhan. The party members are powerful, and the Chinese people are affected by it. Bewitched, people's hearts are fluctuating, and the morale of the army is even more unstable. Negotiating peace is a temporary expedient measure. How can you forget your gratitude to the Qing Dynasty. After three years, you will definitely defeat the party members. "Xu Shichang spoke eloquently, Zaifeng heard it in a daze, but fortunately the power has been handed over to Yuan Shikai, and he is going home to have a baby, so let him go.After being silent for a long time, he said: "You can figure it out. As long as Yuan Weiting thinks that a peace should be negotiated, you can go to discuss it." After a pause, he said: "How will the state system be in the future? It is a matter of great importance and must be discussed carefully." Xu Shichang hurriedly said: "That is what you must listen to, Prince. How dare we make decisions, let alone destroy the house." The regent turned his back on his back and said nothing more. The 44-year-old Empress Dowager Longyu followed the example of her aunt Cixi and listened to Emperor Xuantong behind a curtain.However, she is not as romantic as her aunt, she is not allowed to ask about affairs in the world, and she can't get involved in court affairs. She just wants to guard this three-year-old little emperor, hoping that he will be successful in the future and can serve Aixinjueluo. Guangzong Yaozu revived the prestige of the Qing Dynasty, and her Yehenala family followed suit. Longyu is a person who likes to be quiet, and she doesn't want to deal with the affairs of the world. After the status is determined, besides the regent, she wants to choose a highly respected official as the emperor's Taibao to assist the little emperor in governing.The Taibao auxiliary government has been the same in all dynasties. It was set up in the Western Zhou Dynasty, abolished after the Spring and Autumn Period, and reinstalled in the Han Dynasty. It was used in subsequent dynasties. Three less. Who should be appointed as the Taibao? After thinking about it, Longyu felt that there was no one among the banner people who could take on the job. This phenomenon did not start today. , Relying on Lao Tzu, ignorant and incompetent; the old rely on the old to sell the old, only respect themselves, do not seek to make progress, and no one pretends to be the country or the people of the court in their minds.Empress Dowager Longyu suddenly thought of Xu Shichang. "This man is not bad!"--she knew something about him, which she knew when she took over the roster from her aunt: Jinshi was born, he has been in the Imperial Academy for many years, and the governor of the three eastern provinces.She had seen this man after listening to the government behind the curtain, the Minister of Posts and Communications, the Cabinet Assistant, steady and gentle, he was an important minister who governed the country and could be trusted.then. She ordered Xu Shichang to be found in the harem. That day, the sky was low and the clouds were dark, and the breeze was blowing. The wind from the north in the middle of winter made my face ache.Xu Shichang came to the gate of the palace in a palanquin wearing a court dress of the second grade, and then walked to see the Empress Dowager Longyu. Longyu's inner palace is extremely plainly decorated. Compared with her aunt Cixi's, it is like a gentleman's small living room in the countryside, but the atmosphere is very serious: Longyu is sitting on the right seat, with the little emperor beside him - a There is only a four-year-old child - Puyi, and the regent Zaifeng is sitting next to him.Xu Shichang bowed and knelt down, asked three more "auspicious", and then stood up, but with his head down. Longyu looked at Xu Shichang, and said two words softly: "Sit down." "Thank you Queen Mother!" Xu Shichang sat down under Zaifeng.Then he gave a "bow" to the regent. Zaifeng nodded back, and then said: "Master Xu, the Queen Mother invites you to come, and I want to entrust you with something, I think you will not refuse." Xu Shichang thought it was a matter of peace talks with the south, because he had talked about it with Zaifeng the day before yesterday, and maybe Zaifeng reported it to the queen mother, and the queen mother had objections, so she called him here to express a negative opinion.He hurriedly said: "The peace talks I discussed with the prince a few days ago were really forced by many circumstances. I also thought about it for the court and the people, and after thinking about it, I agreed with Lord Yuan's wish to go." Longyu shook his hand, and then said: "I'm not talking about the peace negotiation. As for the peace negotiation, after you have discussed the matter, you can do it. I just hope that the Qing Dynasty will not lose its face, and the war will be quelled, so that Yinye will have a peaceful life." Comfortable, and avoid outsiders' jokes." "I understand." Xu Shichang agreed. "Xu Shichang, I have something important to entrust to you." Long Yu said: "The emperor is too young to handle the funeral, but after all he has to manage the government. Now, he is in desperate need of a Taibao to help him. You are also considered today's Bachen. The imperial court trusts you very much, so I decided to grant you the title of Emperor Xuan, and you will assist the emperor with all your heart!" Although Xu Shichang knew that the appointment was a fake one, the emperor had his father Zaifeng to take care of him, and his teachers Lu Runxiang and Chen Baochen taught him, so he still used the Taibao.But he still said: "Observe the Holy Order, and do your best!" Taibao was originally a false name, but it just had a little sense of honor.After the name was determined, Xu Shichang didn't have "{Xiang Di" or anything.Emperor Lian himself had nothing to do, so what did he want from others? Therefore, Xu Shichang still "sucked" his old friend Yuan Shikai to carry out his plan step by step. After Yuan Shikai entered Beijing, Xu Shichang has been turning the rudder with his wind.Yuan Shikai's peace talks with the South originally planned to have Xu Shichang as the general representative, but Xu Shichang quit. He recommended Tang Shaoyi, a governor under him when he was the governor-general of the three eastern provinces, and a brother-in-law.Before Tang Shaoyi left Beijing, Yuan Shikai guarded Xu Shichang and confessed to him clearly: "We must let the revolutionary party know that it is not that we do not fight against them, nor that we are invincible to them, but for the sake of the country, the community, and the security of the people. This is the premise. The condition of our peace talks is: if a republic is implemented in accordance with the declaration of the revolutionary party, then the president must be appointed by Beijing. There must be a constitutional monarchy." Tang Shaoyi felt that the burden on her shoulders was "too heavy", but she had to carry it. "I will do my best!" Tang Shaoyi was from the same hometown as Sun Yat-sen, and when he was working in the Tianjin Customs Road, he devoted himself to climbing up. Whether he was the governor of Fengtian or the minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he would always look at his superiors.Yuan Shikai agreed with him to be the representative of the peace talks, and the purpose of the peace talks was to strive to become the president. Tang thought happily: "The peace talks are successful, and Yuan becomes the president. The prime minister must fall on me." So he decided to negotiate. success. It seems that the North-South peace talks advocated by Yuan Shikai and Tang Shaoyi must achieve their goals.Here, there is a twists and turns that cannot be ignored: Just when Yuan Shikai was determined to seize the big position through peaceful negotiations, something went wrong on the Nanjing front: Zhang Xun, the current admiral of Jiangsu, is a main combat faction. He supervised the resistance of the revolutionary army in Nanjing. As a result, Nanjing was defeated and he was forced to retreat Xuzhou, Yanzhou.Although the army was defeated, Zhang Xun was not reconciled. He demolished the railway in Xuzhou, occupied the station building by force, and forbade the trains to carry passengers and goods.This plan is of course contrary to Yuan Shikai's peace talks and seizure of power. Not only Yuan Shikai disagreed, but Tang Shaoyi also did not agree.As the general representative of the peace talks, Tang Shaoyi made a small report to Yuan Shikai, suggesting that Yuan Shikai "kill Zhang Xun, so as not to miss the big event." At the same time, Duan Qirui, who advocated the peace talks, also knew that Zhang Xun was going to fight, "undermining the peace talks." --Duan Ping usually has a very bad impression of Zhang Xun, saying that his army's military discipline is too bad, its personnel are complicated, and it does not match the new army's establishment, and he also wants to get rid of this army. Therefore, almost at the same time that Tang Shaoyi sent Yuan Mixin, Duan also sent a letter to Yuan, asking him to kill Zhang Xun. While Yuan Shikai was still undecided, his copywriter and secretary-general Ruan Zhongshu found out about this matter, and he was shocked.Ruan Zhongshu is Zhang Xun's brother-in-law, and he has a close relationship with him, and he intends to save him, but he is weak in thinking, so it may not be useful.He knew that Xu Shichang had accepted Zhang Xun as a student during the military training at Xiaozhan, so he rushed to find Xu Shichang, and after reporting the letter, he hoped that he could save Zhang. After hearing Ruan Zhongshu's information, Xu Shichang frowned: Yuan Shikai was eager to grab power, and Tang and Duan became Yuan's right-hand men. Once these two people moved, even if Yuan didn't want to kill Zhang, he would have to kill him.He said anxiously: "Boldly (Ruan Zhongshu's name is bold), the matter is so urgent, what do you think we should do?" "Quickly ask Yuan for Zhang's favor, and declare his loyalty for Zhang. There is no other way." "How to appeal?" "On behalf of Zhang, he is absolutely loyal to Yuan." "It's not too late, I'd like to go with Duke Dou." Xu and Ruan hurried to see Yuan Shikai.They are all confidants, and there is no need to turn around. Ruan Zhongshu is loyal and courageous, and said to Yuan: "Zhang Xun is a man, to be honest, he does not lie. Although he is reckless and reckless, he is a bloody man, just like Zhang Fei in the Three Kingdoms period. ) If you don’t want to achieve great things, you have to do it. If you want to achieve great things, you can’t do without this person, you have to use him.” Xu Shichang also said: "Zhang Xun is loyal to Weiting, I can persuade him to give up the decisive battle and just follow your orders." When Yuan Shikai was employing people, he didn't want to kill the big officials hastily.Suomei thought for a while, and said: "Shao Xuan (Zhang Xun's name Shao Xuan) is straightforward, but rude, and sometimes makes mistakes. Since Brother Ju intends to persuade, it is of course a good thing, so I will thank you. Please tell me Shaoxuan, I still trust him very much, I just ask him to take care of the overall situation." "I'm going south now, there will be good news!" Beijing has been in turmoil, and Xu Shichang's mood has also been in turmoil.The peace negotiation has long been the center of discussion between the government and the public. Nobles such as Prince Gong Puwei, Prince Su Shanqi, and some Han nobles who were loyal to the Qing Dynasty all strongly opposed the negotiation.Oppose peace talks, oppose Yuan Shikai, and at the same time oppose Yuan, naturally reprimand Xu Shichang.Some people said: "The Qing court has been worthy of Xu Shichang. He has been promoted and reused repeatedly, and he has been awarded the title of Taibao. He should be loyal to the Qing Dynasty. Why do he still advocate peace with the south?" Zhang Ruiyin, who followed Xu Shichang to the Northeast, has already returned to the original position of Yushi. He and his fellow villager Li Fuzeng wanted to start a group practice.Li and Xu Shichang are confidantes, so they asked Xu Xiang to negotiate with the Ministry of the Army and get some guns.Xu Zheng was eager to travel south, not only refused to help, but also persuaded Zhang: "Bewitched by the party members, people's hearts are fluctuating, and the guns are issued, and they may be used by the party members. The party members are a mob, and if they are in a hurry, they will work together to figure out me and slow down the situation. It means attacking each other. Negotiating peace is a temporary expediency. If you want to win a aunt. It is enough to harm the country by following the rules, but it is more enough to make troubles. You must remember that Pu Renshan (Fujian general, killed by the revolutionary army) was in Fujian because of He was not good at dealing with it, handled it improperly, was beaten to death by the revolutionary army, and died a miserable death, so we should learn from it." What Xu Shichang said made his friends feel cold, and some people felt that he was about to leave the court. Xu Shichang, who also served as the supervisory minister of Jinpu Railway, went south to Xuzhou in secret.As soon as he arrived in Xuzhou, he was taken into the secret room by Zhang Xun.When the teacher came, it was natural to treat him warmly -- but Zhang Xun still had an extra heart, he didn't say anything, but he was thinking in his heart: "Beijing is tight, why is Master Xu rushing to Xuzhou?" "The teacher didn't inform in advance when he came to Xuzhou, and the students didn't even greet him. It must be too urgent?" Zhang Xun said, circling around in front of him, showing great hospitality. "Shaoxuan," Xu Shichang called him by his nickname affectionately, and said, "I'm afraid of misreporting some things, so I have to come here for an interview. The current situation is very complicated! Your situation is also very difficult. In this regard, I It's clear..." Zhang Xun was not pessimistic, he said happily: "My situation is unfavorable. I was kicked out from Nanjing. It was not because the revolutionary army was too strong, but because I was not prepared and miscalculated them. I am not afraid. I will prepare in Xuzhou, and I will counterattack in a few days, and I will take back Nanjing." Xu Shichang smiled and shook his head, "Shaoxuan, you are loyal to the Qing Dynasty, and Gong Bao (Yuan Shikai) and I have the same heart, but at present, the party members are powerful, and people's hearts are bewitched by them, and their power is invincible. Gong Baotong Quan Dabian, making peace with the party members, given time, will definitely defeat the party members. If you use the anger of one day to create chaos and conspiracy, you will not be able to deal with Gongbao, and you will not be able to repay the house. The saying goes: A person who knows the current affairs is a hero, I My brother has a long way to go, and I would like to think twice before acting." After listening to Xu Shichang's words, Zhang Xun felt that it was too far away from what he thought, but he could still accept the words "if time is enough, the party members will be defeated", so he said: "The teacher came from afar to teach, and the disciple Xun Be sure to follow the teacher's words and help Kung Pao." Xu Shichang knew that the trip was a success, so he said with a smile: "Shao Xuan really knows the general idea! Do you want to call Beijing immediately to express your feelings?" Zhang Xun nodded in agreement, and immediately sent a telegram to Yuan Shikai, saying: "Support Gongbao's Republic of China." Xu Shichang didn't stay in Xuzhou for a long time. He was afraid that the night would be long and dreamy, and there would be changes in Beijing, so he hurried back to Beijing. Yuan Shikai was very satisfied with Xu Shichang's trip to Xuzhou. He thought that subduing a military general was more effective than subduing a group of literati, so he said to Xu: "Brother Laoju is here for the trip to Xuzhou. Brother, you can rest at home for a few days. I will invite you again some other day." You discuss." When Xu Shichang returned to his home in Dongsi Wutiao blacksmith camp, he really wanted to take a good rest for a few days.Since he went to Zhangde to mobilize Yuan Shikai to come back, for more than two months, he has almost never had a good rest.In the past two months, what happened in junior high school, Beijing middle school, and what happened around him was something he had never expected.Yuan Shikai came back when he said that he came back, not to restore his old position, but to monopolize the power of the country! "Isn't this a dream?" The court has reused him so much, it should be regarded as "the emperor's grace"! However, Yuan Shikai did not take advantage of the victory to advance, Instead of chasing down the "poor bandits", he took the opportunity to negotiate a peace... When he thought of negotiating a peace, Xu Shichang had doubts about what he often said. "Could Yuan Weiting really take time to defeat the party members? The party members don't need to take time, they can do it now, why wait?" Naturally, such a question does not need others to answer, Xu Shichang knew it clearly in his heart, Yuan Shikai did so, To be the president of the Republic of China. As soon as he thought that Yuan Shikai would be the president of the Republic of China, Xu Shichang suddenly felt a little flustered: "Sure enough, one day the country will implement a democratic republic and Yuan Shikai will become the president. What will the Qing Dynasty say, and what will the little emperor say? There can be no two masters in the country! Just as there cannot be two regimes of monarchy and democracy in a country at the same time, one must be deposed." Thinking of this, and thinking about Yuan Shikai, Xu Shichang was a little scared-- Xu Shichang and Yuan Shikai have been in contact for more than forty years, and they know each other very well.Through these years of official contacts, Xu Shichang has a better understanding of Yuan Shikai: he admires Yuan's heart, and knows that he is a person who handles big things, can afford it, and can let it go.However, Xu Shichang was also worried. He felt that Yuan Shikai put too much emphasis on warriors and despise poets, and there were too few resourceful people around him, so few people usually offered advice and good advice to him.But Yuan didn't notice it, but he still insisted, "It is better to use uneducated students than vain scholars." He was really afraid that one day the Yuan family would take power and act arbitrarily and become a loner. Xu Shichang's mind is heavy.After all, he was Yuan Shikai's good friend, and he didn't want his good friend to fall into the position of arbitrariness.One has some concerns: "Can Yuan Weiting put his mind on this aspect?" Xu Shichang didn't rest quietly at home, he wanted to help his friends, so he secretly called his subordinates to his home to help Yuan Make a good plan: Liang Shiyi came to Xu Zhai in the blacksmith camp; Ye Gongchuo came to Xu Zhai in the blacksmith camp; Long Jianzhang, Zhu Qiqian, Qian Nengxun, Wu Jisun, Zhou Shumo, etc. all came to Xu Zhai in the blacksmith camp.Xu Shichang prepared fragrant tea and good wine, and they talked about Yuan's "state affairs"...