There is a quiet courtyard deep in Anfu Hutong in the capital, with a cold fragrance. A few plum trees bloom in the snow. The red plums on the branches are like rouge. The red plums reflect the snow color, which makes people feel energetic. With the cold fragrance, they only make people feel excited. There are a few sparrows looking for food in the snow. The melodious sounds of silk and bamboo are heard in the small study, flowing clouds and flowing water, and the distant and gentle intertwined.

Here is Xu's house in the capital.

Xu Shuzheng, dismissed from the deputy chief of the Army and commander of the First Army of the Central Army, was wearing a long gown and gold-wire glasses in his hand, and a cup of hot tea was placed in front of him, half-closed his eyes and leaned on the rocking chair. As the chair body swayed forward and back, he listened to the concubine singing there.

For Xu Shuzheng, who has become the "No. 1 General", this time he returned to Beijing to report his job for only three days, but in the past three days, the Presidential Palace banquet, the Army department banquet, and the successive celebrations and banquets of military officers from various embassies in Beijing have already made Xu Shuzheng, who is by nature, unbearable. Now, he just turned down a business banquet with a ginger surface on his body, nestled in his study, and enjoyed a rare comfort.

However, this time Xu Shuzheng returned to Beijing to report his duties, not for leisure and leisure. He was a person who couldn't rest. He left the Army and took charge of the First Army, which once made him in extreme excitement. He enjoyed a life full of smoke and murderous intent. Even when Yuan Shikai tentatively asked the CEO of the Deputy Army and the Commander of the First Army that he was not in line with the right to be the Chief of the Army, he also resigned from the position of Deputy Army as the Chief of the Army.

Although there is the idea of ​​defending the boss's army, what is more important is that he enjoys a real military career, and that kind of life is beyond the reach of the Army, especially the achievements in it.

Deep in his heart, Xu Shuzheng has his own ambitions and dreams, especially after the Battle of Lanshan, his mind also changed subtly. At this time, he closed his eyes and relived the smoke of gunfire that came to his face during the Battle of Lanshan, the faint sound of gunfire in the air, and the air that was so nervous that it was suffocating. All of this is so obsessive.

More importantly, Xu Shuzheng truly felt the joy of "national victory" for the first time. When he closed his eyes, he saw the condolences from various places on the front line after the victory, as well as the spirit ceremony of the fallen officers and soldiers in Lanshan, which attended by more than 100,000 people. When he returned to Beijing to report his duties, the condolence groups along the way made his mind change subtly.

In short, in Xu Shuzheng's heart, a strong wind of war was blowing.

A few months ago, facing this strongest country in Asia, which is considered a strong man, China, which is regarded as a weak man, took the initiative to challenge it. In the eyes of the Chinese people, there was no chance of winning this time, but in Xu Shuzheng's view, there was no other way except to fight desperately, but after rushing over and fighting, he won repeatedly.

This not only made Xu Shuzheng taste the joy of victory, but also made the Chinese people experience the unprecedented excitement of national character for the first time. Why is this not the case?

The Chinese have never had the experience of "nationals" before **. There is no concept of a country in life. They are just villages or prefectures and at most residents of a certain province. If there is any achievement in the Revolution of 1911, it is through that revolution that makes the national consciousness form in people's hearts.

In the past decade, countless people of lofty ambition have taken great pains to instill the concept of the country and the people in the Chinese, and therefore want to cultivate the Chinese people. However, that kind of indoctrination has not achieved any results. Until after this "Jiaoao Incident", through the victory of the war and the excitement of the nationality who cheered for victory, the Chinese people showed the Chinese in the form of physical objects what the concept of the country and the people are.

The officers who committed suicide and the people who were self-harm were all awakening of the national consciousness, but they were not the only ones who awakened, and even Xu Shuzheng also had a awakening of consciousness, or victory led to the change of his mentality.

"Train a strong army and ensure the peace of China forever!"

Perhaps it was this kind of thought that made him no longer resist the European war in every way as he did at the beginning, and in his opinion, participating in the European war might be an opportunity, or an opportunity to train a strong army.

At this moment, Duan Qirui walked straight into Xu Shuzheng's study without any news. After seeing the gift, the concubine quickly retreated, while Xu Shuzheng looked at the boss in surprise.

"Boss, why are you here?"

"I heard that I'm not here if I'm in a ginger body!"

Duan Qirui walked into the study carelessly and said while sitting.

"Stop those unruly things, stolen, and spread rumors and make trouble!"

Duan Qirui's words meant something, referring to the relationship between Duan and Xu. The first army that created Xu Shuzheng was actually the backhand of old Duan. If it were someone else, it would be impossible to hide, but the victim was Duan Qirui. He didn't even give him a good look, let alone other people!

"The pure one will be defiled!"

While ordering the servant to make tea, Xu Shuzheng handed over a cigarette and said.

"I guess I will be back to the army in a few days!"

"It's good to go back. Things in the capital are too chaotic, especially this time!"

After a moment of stopping, Duan Qirui continued to say.

"Yuzheng, since you came back, we have not had a good chat with each other!"

Xu Shuzheng smiled faintly, then looked at Duan Qirui carefully. Seeing that he had a mustache like the Japanese, he had worn a long gown, a top hat, and a cloth-soled loafer made in his hometown. He actually held a copper-colored cane in his hand. His face seemed to be more plump than when he left Beijing, so he asked.

"Boss, are you in good health recently?"

But Duan Qirui said irresponsible.

"Yes, again! When you go, there are no one around me who has ideas, and it's so hard for me!"

Shaking his head, Xu Shuzheng said.

"Boss, if you have anything to do, just send a telegram!"

When Xu Shuzheng took office as commander of the First Army, he left a codebook for Duan Qirui. Although he was thousands of miles apart, there were constant telegrams between the two, ranging from several letters to more than ten letters a day.

"What are you thinking about that?"

Although Duan Qirui did not say it clearly, Xu Shuzheng also knew what he was referring to.

"Li Zhiyuan's entry into Beijing is afraid he can't stop him!"

If Xu Shichang had not been asked to resign voluntarily, Xu Shuzheng would have moved as planned, but his movement was not in Beijing, but in Lianyun, he used Longhai's support for Li Zhiyuan to stay in Longhai. But now, after the President's shock, things have become a foregone conclusion.

"Yes, the President's thoughts are really hard to guess!"

Before the President beat Xu Shichang, Duan Qirui never expected that Yuan Shikai would be so firm on this issue that even Old Feng expressed support for the President's arrangements. With Wang Shizhen's support, it can be said that there is no suspense about Li Zhiyuan's appointment as Prime Minister, and the rest is how the President lobbyed Li Zhiyuan.

"The President's mind is easy to guess. In China, Li Zhiyuan is second only to the President in terms of reputation or military strength. If he is kept in Longhai, it will undoubtedly be a thorn in his heart. In any case, the President will invite him to Beijing. He is different from Sun Yat-sen. Yu Sun Yat-sen set up a railway office, plus a few hundred thousand yuan a month, so he was dismissed. Cai Songpo is also different, Cai Songpo has no ambitions. The Economic Bureau can also be supervised, but Li Zhiyuan is different."

With a sigh, Xu Shuzheng picked up the tea and took a sip, then half closed his eyes, thinking about how to evaluate him, Li Zhiyuan.

"Now everyone in China knows that Li Zhiyuan's talent and ability are completed by the end of the year. The industrial output value along the route is several times higher than that of the country. Only Lianyun is the only one place. It can be said that there are even more large factories in the Far East, and the branches along the route are connected to each other. Even outsiders appreciate it. The ability of its industrial remediation can be said to be that no one in the country is above his own."

"Li Zhiyuan has a big article in his mind when he runs an industry!"

Duan Qirui nodded first. He deeply agreed with this point. The Chinese people have been calling for business for so many years, but only Li Zhiyuan did it silently.

"The success of Jiao'ao is the success of industry!"

Xu Shuzheng immediately spit out eight words.

"In this battle, whether it is the First Army or the Jiangsu Army, the supplements are all from Longhai. Although the outside world has accused Lianyun of making weapons, if the Longhai factory does not provide weapons, this battle will be difficult to succeed. With Longhai's financial resources as support, Jiaoao will be achieved..."

Duan Qirui nodded. The outside world was far less familiar with the situation on the battlefield than the general commander of the Army. Telegrams from the front line, coupled with the speeches of the "Staff Battlefield Travel" by the staff officers of the Army and the instructors of the Mainland University, clearly reflected the situation on the front line. "The achievements of the Jiangsu Army have no tactical achievements, only the use of firepower!" This is by no means a derogatory meaning, but a compliment. Without the industry in Longhai, how could the use of firepower of the Soviet Army?

"Boss, if Li Zhiyuan goes to Beijing to take office as Prime Minister, Yuan and Li Quan will not be terrible in the fight. What is terrible is Yuan and Li's union!"

After Xu Shuzheng expressed his concerns, he looked at Duan Qirui and continued.

"Whether it is a dispute between Yuan and Li Quan, it will only benefit us but not harm us. But if Yuan and Li merge, then..."

Before he finished speaking, Duan Qirui took out an envelope from the ** bag and handed it to Xu Shuzheng while saying.

"Shuzheng, there is a letter here, please take a look!"

"Whose?"

"You can tell at a glance!"

Xu Shuzheng opened the letter and first looked at the signature style. He saw that it was written by Feng Guozhang to the president. He just smiled quietly, then folded it back and said to Duan Qirui.

"Feng Huafu is not a decent person. Don't let his dirty words smear my eyes and don't look!"

"Don't look?"

Duan Qiqi threw the letter to Xu Shuzheng again and said in a reproachful tone: "Why not read it? It is a wonderful article to appreciate together, not to mention that this letter has a great relationship with you and me, and even Li Zhiyuan!"

"oh?"

A letter led to the three of them. What was Feng Huafu's idea? He was shocked and Xu Shuzheng picked up the letter again and looked serious.

He invited Gu Weijun to his home, put incense tea in Liang Shiyi in the small living room, and then drank it with Gu Weijun. Gu Weijun knew that Liang Shiyi's thoughts were approaching the end of the Sino-Japanese negotiations, and the resetting of the State Council had been put on the agenda. Although there was no definite news yet, Gu Weijun knew that resetting the State Council was to some extent paving the way for the strategic and enter Beijing.

Every time he thinks that the rank of Prime Minister may be the prime minister after entering Beijing, Gu Weijun is in a state of excitement. He knows clearly what this means. As a rank of the rank of Prime Minister, once he accepts this position, he will definitely make a big deal in this position and will never be mediocre and willing to be driven by others.

"The most urgent problem is that the finances and those who are empty in the treasury can run away the rats. Now after two years of sorting, the current treasury is more than 28 million taels left! Among them, the President's contribution is invaluable, and his hard work is great!"

When the two saw each other, Liang Shiyi first flattered the president. However, Liang Shiyi was telling the truth. Even in the late Qing Dynasty, the financial situation was not as good as that of today. Two years ago, if there was no national financial embarrassment, how could Lian Yun be successful today?

"The great president's achievements are well known to everyone!"

Gu Weijun nodded in agreement, but he knew that Liang Shiyi invited him here today, not to flatter Yuan Shikai. In Beijing, he had his own channels to get some news. In the matter of resetting the State Council, Liang Shiyi was the one who ran around and fully supported him.

The reason why Liang Shiyi worked hard is very simple. It is nothing more than fame and fortune. He wanted to take the opportunity to use the Presidential Palace Secretariat, but Yuan Shikai did not seem to object. In fact, Yuan Shikai also understood that resetting the Secretariat can ease the future political disputes between the government and the court. Secondly, Liang Shiyi can be used to suppress the State Council.

Yuan Shikai's abacus is very good, but it does not mean that others are fools. Gu Weijun knows that the power of the government will not be willing to be driven by the president. Similarly, Liang Shiyi may not be willing to be driven by the president.

"Brother Shaochuan, nowadays, newspapers say that if the President appoints Li Jingluo as Prime Minister, it will surely open up a new end to China. With Li Jingluo's talent for being a good master of the classics and the ability of the President to coordinate, China's prosperity and strength are just around the corner!"

Bringing the conversation to the point, Liang Shiyi looked at Gu Weijun and said.

"But some people are worried that if Li Jingluo was the prime minister, it might lead to disputes between the court, and Shi Yi was also worried..."

The words were a little deeper, Liang Shiyi looked at Gu Weijun with a smile, and fell silent for a moment. He took a sip of tea first and observed Gu Weijun's appearance that was not dismissive.

The reason why Gu Weijun did not make any statement was because he understood from the meaning revealed in Liang Shiyi's words that this meeting was probably "against the view of the master". It seemed that the strategic commander's analysis of Liang Shiyi was correct. After the secretary's abolition, Liang Shiyi was somewhat reserved for the President.

Power is like aphrodisiac, enough to make anyone lose their minds. This is exactly what Liang Shiyi at this time. He once lost himself as the "Second President", and now...

"However, despite the concern, Shi Yi kept pushing forward with all his strength, lobbying the President to put state affairs first, re-establish the State Council, and appointed Li Jingluo as Prime Minister..."

Listening to Liang Shiyi's show of kindness, Gu Weijun put down the teacup and said.

"Weijun will convey Secretary-General Liang's kindness to the Strategic Envoy in the future, and the Strategic Envoy will express his gratitude in person in the future!"

When he was the assistant to the President, Gu Weijun thought about it. His experience of serving as an advisor at the Presidential Office made him clearly know that after Yuan Shikai became president, the State Council was just a decoration in front of the Presidential Office. Although several prime ministers were unwilling to accept it, they could only accept it. In this process, Liang Shiyi made great contributions. Now Liang Shiyi meets him, what purpose is he keen to do?

If the General Manager wants to make a difference in the position of prime minister, the President will be the same, and Liang Shiyi will be the same. According to the General Manager's speculation, the idea of ​​"Wu Jin Gongzang" will allow Liang Shiyi to cooperate with him in some aspects, but where is Liang Shiyi's bottom line?

"Why do you need to thank the people for the country? Shi Yi firmly believes that although Li Jingluo envoy is young, he is the wise man of China in the world. Just like the Ganluo of Qin, Li Jingluo envoy will benefit China if he is the Prime Minister of China! He can be said to be the Prime Minister of the State, but Shi Yi is just following the flow. However, although the Prime Minister of the State was appointed as the Prime Minister and the people were expected, the people were worried...

At this moment, Liang Shiyi compared Li Zicheng to Gan Luo, and even held Li Zhiyuan lightly, but when he came to his mind, he changed the subject and said.

"The worries of the people are actually the worries of the government and the people are afraid that the country will be in a good situation today and will be disturbed by the disputes between the government and the government. At that time, how will this be a blessing for the country?"

With a question, Liang Shiyi looked at Gu Weijun who was only with his ears from beginning to end. He understood that Gu Shaochuan only had only one pair of ears at this moment. In fact, what he wanted to borrow was these ears. Through these ears, he passed his meaning to Lianyun and Li Zhiyuan. As long as Li Zhiyuan understood his meaning, the rest would be easier to do.

"The dispute between the government and the court is about power struggle, and the power struggle comes from unclear power. The Presidential Office and the State Council are unclear power struggle, which leads to the struggle between the two sides!"

Liang Shiyi made a prescription for a "prescription", which was exactly what he intended to let Gu Weijun bring to Li Zhiyuan.

"If we want to calm down the dispute and re-establish the State Council, the first priority will be to divide the powers and responsibilities of the State Council. The powers and responsibilities are unclear, and even if the Prime Minister is not done, there will be nothing to do!"

In a word, Liang Shiyi expressed his thoughts.

"The government does not want to be a rude person, and the court does not allow it. It is a dilemma. I wonder what Brother Shaochuan thinks about this."

This is the question Gu Weijun. It is clearly through Gu Weijun to ask Li Zhiyuan. How could Gu Weijun not know? He replied in an instant.

"Liang Governor is really a compliment to Wei Jun. Wei Jun is an amateur in political affairs, but his rights and responsibilities are clear, which is indeed a prerequisite for the stability of the country's political situation!"

Although Gu Weijun did not answer, the meaning of the words was to tell Liang Shiyi that he would bring this news to the military commander.

After receiving this answer, Liang Shiyi smiled with satisfaction, and then spoke again to remind Gu Weijun.

"Shaochuan, this Congress will send telegrams to members of the two houses of the country. After the New Year, the Congress will hold a meeting!"
Chapter completed!