Go back to the past and be a schoolboy

Chapter 197 The Final Preparations Before Entering Sichuan
"Son, tell me, am I a failure as a father?"

"At the beginning, I rushed back to Beijing, thinking that the old Congress lost its prestige, lost its spirit, restored false orders, and borrowed money. It would be better to directly reform the Congress, convene a provisional Senate, revise the Organization Law of the Congress, and create a new Congress. It not only achieves the goal of improving the Congress, but also complies with the spirit of the treaty."

"It was good intentions, but I didn't expect that someone would refuse to form it on the grounds of violating the Provisional Constitution, saying that the date of the establishment of the National Assembly is the dissolution of the Provisional Senate, which is unreasonable under the law. They scolded me for partial interests and feelings , disregarding the fundamental laws of the country.”

"But who is your father? I have rescued Emperor Guangxu, united with President Sun*, and worked with General Cai E. What kind of battles have I never seen? What kind of scenes have I never seen? How can I give in so easily? For these villains!"

"Sure enough, through the unremitting efforts of your father and me, and at the expense of openly opposing Sun *, we finally succeeded in reforming the Congress. Unfortunately, after all, we were fooled by that surname Duan because we knew people and didn't know what we knew. In the end, it was nothing. , What nation, what republic, it's all a cover, an excuse, a deceitful thing."

"Shuzi is in power, there are no heroes in the world, the Congress has no hope, and he has fallen into the position of chief financial officer. Since he took office, he has devoted himself to saving his life. It's useless for the livelihood of the country and the people, but instead was stolen by these warriors."

Speaking of this, Liang Qichao couldn't help crying, he raised his head and closed his eyes for a long time, turning the depression in his heart into a long sigh.

"Oh, forget it, forget it, I don't care what others say about me, but I have recently invented a kind of crime of my own. Where is the source of the crime? Because I have never been able to get rid of the old concept of 'sage politics', and I always want to Improve the country with an inherent old power."

"So I have had a few things with people who shouldn't work with or don't want to work with people. Although I am confident that I have done nothing wrong, it is inevitable that I will be used to do bad things. My conscience is infinitely painful, and I feel that it is my indirect crime. !"

"Your father and I, have you lived a failure in this life..."

Just at this moment, there was a creaking sound of the door opening outside the house, and the room immediately brightened up.

"Father, so you are in the house?!"

After Liang Sicheng saw the strange expression on his father's face, he immediately turned off the light again and wanted to leave the room quietly.

It turned out that Liang Qichao's call was all a personal monologue. He locked himself in the room and talked to himself in front of the dark mirror, as if the person in the mirror was his eldest son.

Speaking of which, when Liang Qichao took the post of Chief Financial Officer, he originally wanted to do a lot of work. He regarded financial issues as a key to leading the country to the road of construction. Council, research and formulate fiscal and financial policies.

A group of financial and administrative inspectors was also selected to go to the Ministry of Finance of Japan to inspect the financial administration, learn from foreign advanced experience, and cultivate domestic financial talents.

In addition, we will draw up financial budgets, live within our means, and try our best to reduce the fiscal deficit.

It can be said that he has been doing practical things and striving to improve the financial situation of the Republic of China.

It is a pity that these new financial policies cannot be implemented at all when the military is in power. Most of them are the result of anticlimax.

In the end, he had to end up hastily and resigned from the position of chief financial officer.

In such a relatively private space, Liang Qichao revealed all the words he had kept in his mind for a long time like shaking beans.

Unexpectedly, before the words were finished, the real eldest son came to the door.

With a snap, the light was turned on, the room was bright again, and Liang Qichao also returned to reality.

"It's okay, I was sleepy from reading in the afternoon, and I accidentally fell asleep, dreaming blindly in my mind." Liang Qichao waved his hand, pretending to be nonchalant, but he couldn't hide it from others, so he hesitated. He asked tentatively, "I didn't say anything just now, did I?"

Liang Sicheng stopped in his tracks and shook his head again and again: "I didn't say anything, the room was very quiet when I came in."

Unexpectedly, Liang Qichao was not only displeased when he heard this reply, but rather annoyed: "If you didn't hear me talking in the room, how would you know that there was someone in the room? At a young age, you will start telling lies to fool people. Go back and copy the Analects of Confucius." Copy it by hand three times and hand it to me."

Liang Sicheng's head sank, and he said dejectedly: "Okay, I'll go back and copy..."

"Wait." Seeing that the door was about to be closed, Liang Qichao stopped him suddenly: "Did you come to see me just now?"

Liang Sicheng slapped himself on the forehead fiercely, and said with some annoyance: "Professor Cheng Nuocheng from Peking University came over and said he came to see you for something important, and he has been waiting at the door for a long time."

Liang Qichao's face suddenly beamed with joy, but when he thought about his current predicament, he was advised to stay away from politics a lot at the beginning, but unfortunately he was wrongly paid for such good intentions, and a faint shame appeared on his face: "Did you tell me what's wrong with me?"

After thinking about it carefully, Liang Sicheng said with certainty: "I didn't say anything specifically, should I ask you first?"

Liang Qichao sighed, and said quietly: "Forget it, what is there to dare to face now, lead the way."

But before taking two steps, Liang Qichao suddenly persuaded his son again: "What I said just now was harsh. There are still heroes in this world, such as this Professor Cheng in front of you. You should learn from him in the future."

Although Liang Sicheng was a little ignorant of what his father said, he still nodded: "I will definitely learn more from Professor Cheng."

Liang Qichao rubbed his son's head: "But right now, you'd better go and copy "The Analects of Confucius" a few times first. There are some things that you know in advance are not good."

"Ah? Father, didn't you just say..." Liang Sicheng was a little confused and wanted to continue to argue.

"What are you talking about? What I said just now is for you to copy "The Analects of Confucius". Go quickly. When I come back, I must see your homework on the desk." Liang Qichao said sternly after the kindness on his face disappeared.

Helpless, Liang Sicheng had no choice but to copy "The Analects" honestly according to his father's wishes.

Liang Qichao gently closed the door, and after walking into the yard, he couldn't help but look at the study room. Through the shadow on the window, he saw his son hard copying the book, and felt a little distressed, but after thinking about his current predicament, The steps under his feet became extremely firm again.

Shaking his head, he strode towards the reception room.

On the other side, Cheng Nuo was teasing Liang Qichao's youngest daughter in the room.

He was quite friendly, and he kept making funny faces on his face, which made him giggle.

"Zhuangzhuang, let's discuss something, can you please don't call me uncle in the future, just call me brother, the louder and clearer you call, the more sugar I will give you, do you think it will work?"

Liang Sizhuang tilted his head, pointed his index finger at his lips, as if he wanted to eat but dared not eat: "But...but my daddy won't let me eat candy."

Cheng Nuodi took out a small package from his pocket, spread it in the palm of his hand, and peeled off the oiled paper layer by layer. Inside were a few rock candies, and said badly, "You don't tell me, I don't tell you, your daddy How would you know?"

Rao Liang Sizhuang has seen a lot of snacks compared to the children of ordinary families, but sugar is still a very precious thing in this era, and the ones brought out by Cheng Nuo are even rarer. , so after seeing these pieces of rock candy, there was light in his eyes.

Just when Cheng Nuo thought that the "coaxing" was successful, Liang Sizhuang suddenly thought of something, swallowed back his saliva, and said firmly with his little hands: "But Daddy also told me not to eat food from strangers."

Cheng Nuo knelt down and continued to seduce, "But brother is not a stranger. We met in Shanghai before, so we should be friends."

Liang Sizhuang shook his head resolutely: "Dad said before, except for family members, they are all strangers."

Cheng Nuo didn't want to give up, and wanted to struggle: "Does this include me, big brother?"

Liang Sizhuang said without hesitation: "Yes, including uncle."

Hearing this, Cheng Norton felt powerless. He didn't expect to go around, and was educated by a child in the end, and he couldn't even change his words. His face was really dull.

Just when Cheng Nuo felt frustrated, Liang Qichao walked over slowly.

Seeing Liang Sizhuang here, the lines on his face suddenly became more amiable, he squatted down and opened his arms: "I said where is my little Zhuangzhuang? It turned out that he was helping his daddy to entertain guests. Really Daddy's good daughter."

While speaking, she couldn't help but put her face on her daughter's cheek, and the pampering in it couldn't be concealed no matter what.

Cheng Nuo's teeth were sore from watching him, he stood up and put the rock candy on the table, and couldn't help but said, "It's better to have a daughter, I already want one."

There were still guests to entertain, Liang Qichao stood up slowly, held his daughter's little hand and said with a smile, "Zhiyuan, why did you think of me today? Is something wrong with my student Baili?"

Looking at the rock candy on the table, he asked curiously again, "Sugar? Could it be that your Zhonghua brand doesn't make soda ash, but instead made sugar?"

Cheng Nuo was a little embarrassed, and originally wanted to tell the truth, but when he met Liang Sizhuang over there making faces for him, he couldn't help but feel guilty and said, "Yes, it's just a test of the water. Just-in-time production."

Liang Qichao was very pleased with this answer: "Okay, right now our domestic white sugar market is full of foreign goods, and the trade deficit keeps widening. It's just waiting for you to turn the tide."

Cheng Nuo originally wanted to fool him, but seeing Liang Qichao's serious sincerity, it's hard to say that Zhitang still only exists in his mind, otherwise there will inevitably be a rift in the trust between the two parties, which will affect the effect of Cheng Nuo's visit this time.

Speaking of which, the reason why Cheng Nuo rushed to Liang Qichao's house before going to Sichuan was because the financial situation of the Academy of Sciences was getting bigger and bigger, and the financial situation was getting more and more complicated.

At first, Cheng Nuo did it by himself, but later he found that his energy was limited, so he handed over the power to Jiang Jiangzuo.

But now the industry of the Academy of Sciences is not small, it is difficult for Jiang Jiangzuo to take care of it, especially since he has to be busy with other things, he really can't take care of it, besides, he doesn't do this himself, and he was chased away by Cheng Nuo before Ducks are on shelves.

So taking advantage of entering Sichuan, Cheng Nuo was going to hand over the matter to a professional, that is, Liang Qichao, the former chief financial officer who had just stepped down.

Professionals do professional things, this is the principle of employment that Cheng Nuo has always believed in.

On the other hand, Liang Qichao, as the son-in-law of Guizhou, had constant ties with the Southwest. When he felled Yuan in his early years, he sent a telegram to Cai E falsely claiming that Feng Guozhang had launched an army against Yuan, urging Cai E and the Yunnan army and civilians to rise up as soon as possible. This destroyed the morale of Yunnan officers and soldiers and accelerated the outbreak of the War to Protect the Country.

In the middle, he has cooperated with Tang Jiyao and Cai E many times and has a close relationship.

After the success of overthrowing Yuan, Liang Qichao's reputation in the southwestern provinces reached its peak.

It is a pity that Cai E died young later, and Liang Qichao, who lacked the real power of the army, had to return to Beijing.

But even so, with these reputations as a foundation, if Cheng Nuo could take Liang Qichao with him this time, it would be easier than starting from scratch by himself anyway.

And following Liang Qichao's thinking, Sichuan is also one of the ideal places to make sugar in the future. After all, Sichuan was one of the three major sugar producing areas in my country at that time, and the national sucrose production basically remained at a relatively high level.

If the sugar production is successful, in addition to ensuring people's livelihood, it will also be a war preparation material, and it can also produce high explosives.

The so-called one sulfur, two nitrates and three charcoals, adding a little sugar to make Yiwan, is the reason.

Of course, this is only after the acid-base, and it is better to finish this matter now.

Thinking of this, Cheng Nuo became even more enthusiastic about inviting Liang Qichao to accompany him.

"I don't know what you have been doing recently after Mr. Ren resigned from office?"

"I am just a grassroots person with limited ability, so I just write idle articles, sort out my previous manuscripts, and see if I can send them out in the future. This is the only thing I have after my political failure. Life is worth it." Liang Qichao shook his head with a wry smile.

Perhaps it was because the words were too frustrating, the daughter on the side shook Liang Qichao's legs a little worriedly, obviously very worried.

"Oh, I almost forgot. I, as a father, have neglected my duties for such a long time. I also take advantage of this moment to rest and spend time with my children. Don't you think so, Zhuangzhuang?"

While talking, Liang Qichao couldn't help scratching his daughter's nose.

The little girl couldn't help but said, "Daddy~"

Cheng Nuo on the side was a little helpless: "Mr. Ren, you don't have to be like this. You are temporarily blocked in politics, but you can continue to display your talents in other places."

After hesitating for a while, Cheng Nuo continued, "We had an agreement back then, do you remember it?"

Liang Qichao's expression froze, and he sighed and said, "How can I forget this? Before, you urged me not to continue my career in politics, saying that the road is dangerous, so stay away as much as possible. It's a pity. It’s a good opportunity to change the country, but it’s a pity that it’s still being used by others.”

Cheng Nuoshi gave a sympathetic look, then sighed, and said with all his energy: "Then our future agreement is still a lot?"

Thinking of the current underestimation and turbulent political situation, the other party not only does not stay away from him to avoid disaster, but also invites him warmly. Liang Qichao was excited and wanted to refuse: "I accept Zhiyuan's favor, but right now I will directly show my face, which will bring great influence to the Academy of Sciences." Unnecessary attention is not a good thing!"

Cheng Nuo took out the letter of appointment that he had already prepared, and said in a firm tone: "We do our own thing and follow our ideal path. Why do we need to ask other people's opinions? What's more, Mr. Ren is just a temporary measure. Why don't you try another way?"

Pointing to the rock candy on the table, Cheng Nuo said seriously: "In order to let more people eat candy, I solemnly invite Mr. Ren Gong to be the president of the Academy of Social Sciences and the head of the Southwest Division. I'm not in Chuanguiyun anymore. All administrative and financial affairs, big or small, can be decided by Mr. Ren himself."

After all, Cheng Nuo explained the purpose of the trip.

Seeing that the expression on Cheng Nuo's face did not seem to be fake, and touching the letter of appointment on the table, Liang Qichao felt an unprecedented weight.

After a little hesitation, he picked up a pen and solemnly signed his name.

"Right now, I'm thinking hard about a good way to save the country. I hope this sugar cube of yours will have a miraculous effect. Sichuan, I'm going, it's very good!"

(End of this chapter)