Crimson Dawn

After Yuan Shikai read Zhang Zhenfang's telegram, he just snorted coldly and passed the telegram to Wang Shizhen next to him. omレ&spes;レWang Shizhen picked up the letter and read it carefully. It said that many people from the People's Party have recently left the party.

As Minister of the Ministry of War, Wang Shizhen is also in charge of intelligence work.After reading it, he frowned slightly. Recently, the People's Party had severely cracked down on Beiyang's intelligence network, and Wang Shizhen, who was in Beijing, didn't even receive the news.

"Pin Qing, what is the meaning of this telegram? If you want to say something, write a letter directly. What can't be explained clearly?" Yuan Shikai asked.Yuan Shikai was very surprised to receive such a telegram from Zhang Zhenfang without any beginning and end, and he hesitated to speak in it.

As usual, Wang Shizhen thought for a while in silence before slowly answering: "I think Zhang Zhenfang's errands in Henan are not doing well, and he dare not say some things."

With the telegraph and the Beijing-Hanzhou Railway, it only takes one day for news to arrive between Henan and Bejing.Yuan Shikai trusted Zhang Zhenfang, a cousin, and he had heard about the "infiltration" of the People's Party in Henan, but the People's Party had not taken the initiative to send troops so far, and Yuan Shikai was happy that Zhang Zhenfang maintained the situation in Henan.Hearing what Wang Shizhen said, Yuan Shikai felt that something was wrong.Yuan Shikai asked Wang Shizhen, "Why didn't Zhang Zhenfang speak up?"[

Wang Shizhen replied: "Dudu Zhang was ordered by the President to supervise Henan. He will try his best to run his errands well. He will not easily complain to the President when encountering some problems. I think the President may as well send a telegram to ask him. What exactly happened. If you want to come, Dudu Zhang will tell you the truth."

After listening to Wang Shizhen's suggestion, Yuan Shikai neither nodded in agreement nor shook his head in opposition.There was a look of hesitation on his face. After a pause, Yuan Shikai said: "Pin Qing, the current state affairs are difficult. Which province is not clamoring for money, food, and tax cuts and exemptions. Even if I send a telegram to ask , Zhang Zhenfang said nothing more than these things. Even if he said it, what can I do? Appointing him as the governor of Henan is to let him manage the affairs of Henan well, and complain to the central government when encountering any problems, just like the previous dynasty. Set a bad example."

In the last few years of the Qing Dynasty, the central government’s finances were exhausted, especially after the boxer indemnity, the central government let the provinces bear the indemnity.Even in the event of some floods and droughts, the central government always adopts the method of asking local governments to collect disaster relief materials.Since the local government cannot count on the central government, local officials are naturally at odds with the central government.The fall of the Qing Dynasty was like dust, because the gentry who paid the taxes and the officials responsible for collecting the taxes were alienated from the central government.

Yuan Shikai was naturally very aware of this change. Those bumpkin landlords who had never seen the world, as well as those revolutionary parties dominated by overseas students, could naturally think that the Manchu Qing was the culprit for everything.They either shouted "constitution" or simply shouted "revolution".It seems that after the Manchu Qing handed over power, the world will be able to rule.Of course, Yuan Shikai could not agree with this idea. When the little emperor Xuantong was in power, many problems faced by the country could not be solved simply because Xuantong got out of the dragon chair, or the Manchu group was wiped out. of.After Yuan Shikai came to power, not only were these problems not resolved immediately, but they were even more difficult to deal with than before because of regime change and social turmoil.The appointment of provincial governors is to let them solve problems for Yuan Shikai, not to let Yuan Shikai wipe their ass.

Wang Shizhen also understands this very well. From the very beginning, Wang Shizhen did not agree to turn over the Qing Dynasty.This is of course because Wang Shizhen believes that loyalty is a necessary morality, and partly because Wang Shizhen believes that "implementing a constitution to change the state system" is acceptable, but it is completely unrealistic to try to solve practical political problems through the model of changing dynasties.The result of doing so hastily can only be "suffering harm before benefiting".

Right now, the Beiyang government is barely holding on to the situation, that is, barely.At present, the three pillars of Beiyang are the Beiyang Army, the second is the "covenant that does not count as a covenant" with the People's Party, and the third is the support of foreign governments for the Beiyang government.

The latter two pillars are quite unstable. The People's Party has not yet joined the Congress. As far as Chen Ke's personality is concerned, it can be reversed if it is said to be reversed.On the surface, the secret agreement between Chen Ke and Yuan Shikai was of great help to Yuan Shikai. Even if it was leaked out, it would not have any impact on Chen Ke's reputation. On the contrary, it would make Yuan Shikai's image of a "seller seeking glory" deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.The Beiyang government has no means to suppress Chen Ke at all.

As for foreigners, in order to ensure the smooth implementation of the quota trade agreement, the British were very courteous to Yuan Shikai.This kind of coercion is just an expedient measure for the British. If there is a slight problem with the quota trade agreement, the coercion of the British can immediately turn into coercion.As for Japan, they are looking for the interests of the three northeastern provinces, hoping to expand investment in the three northeastern provinces.There is no heartfelt support for Yuan Shikai himself at all.

Yuan Shikai is nominally the president of the Republic of China and has the power to command the world.In fact, apart from Yuan Shikai being able to command the Beiyang Army, it would be nice if the governors of other provinces could not cause trouble for Yuan Shikai.In order to maintain the command and power over the Beiyang Army, no matter how much tax Yuan Shikai's government could receive, it had to spend several million taels of silver to the Beiyang Army every year.This financial burden is simply too heavy.

Both are politically savvy and have worked together for many years.You don't even need to mention a word, you can know the situation you are facing at the moment.Yuan Shikai didn't speak, neither did Wang Shizhen.After a while, Yuan Shikai said: "Prince, I have made up my mind. The immediate thing is to take advantage of the opportunity of the quota agreement to expand our Beiyang exports. The situation can be stabilized after the money is in hand. Chen Ke can make a fortune from exports, we are sure can also."

"Where is the governor?" Wang Shizhen asked.Since Zhang Zhenfang sent such a telegram, it would be ruthless if the central government ignored it completely.

Yuan Shikai calmly replied: "Tell him that no matter what happens in the People's Party, he must keep Henan safe. As long as he gets through this barrier, the People's Party's affairs will definitely be resolved."

Two days later, Chen Ke couldn't help laughing after reading the content of the telegram: "Oh? Have you passed this threshold? It seems that Yuan Shikai really doesn't want to take advantage of the fire."

Shang Yuan didn't intend to make fun of it, he asked seriously: "Can Henan survive?"

Hearing these murderous words, Wu Xingchen couldn't help laughing and said, "Zhang Zhenfang just has too many spies. Secretary Shang, you look more angry than the comrades of the People's Internal Affairs Committee."

Shang Yuan was amused, "I'm not angry with Zhang Zhenfang at all. Without him in Henan, we would not be able to gain a foothold in Henan so quickly. It's just that Chairman Chen has long noticed the local Bai Lang in Henan, and Wang Jingwei By Bai Lang's side, the Alliance is now eager to take down its own territory. How far does Commander Wu think they can take down?"

Wu Xingchen put away his smile, "There is not only one Bai Lang in Henan right now. No matter how Bai Lang can fight, he is still a simple peasant uprising. I'm afraid he won't be the opponent of the Beiyang Army. On the contrary, how should we treat the rebels like Bai Lang?"

Speaking of this, Wu Xingchen glanced at Chen Tianhua, "Director Chen, the peasant uprising is now spontaneous, far from conscious. They are just instinctively resisting the injustice they have encountered. I personally don't think they should be supported You have worked with Pang Zi twice, how can you still not know their virtues?"

Chen Tianhua didn't answer right away. Wu Xingchen's example was really good. After thinking for a moment, Chen Tianhua nodded and said, "If Bai Lang himself didn't really understand the essence of revolution, and he was just a local armed leader who rose up, I agree with you. Give him any support. However, we must send someone to seize the command of this armed force. We can ignore Bai Lang's life and death, but we cannot ignore the life and death of ordinary people." [

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"You mean..." Wu Xingchen was very interested in Chen Tianhua's words.

"Wang Jingwei is now in Bai Lang's team. What he wants is to influence this team. We can also send people to join Bai Lang's team. After the fall of the Manchu Qing Dynasty, I have been reflecting on it. Chairman Chen said that Manchuria The rulers of the Qing Dynasty did not even have special common interests with the banner people. Can the interests of the leaders in the White Wolf team be consistent with those of the ordinary participants in Bai Lang's team? Can Bai Lang's team and the interests of the people where they are located Is it consistent? As long as the comrades we send out can hide their identities and stand with the local people in Henan, I think it needs to be discussed whether Bai Lang's personal success."

Wu Xingchen and Chai Qingguo were both from peasant uprisings, and they understood Chen Tianhua's words very clearly.Break into the rebels and seize the real power of the rebel army by taking the people's revolutionary line.It would not be difficult for the BJP to directly seize ostensible control of Henan.The difficulty is that after the People's Party seized superficial control over Henan, it still dissociates from the people of Henan.By participating in the Bailang Uprising, the People's Party can actually start to take root in Henan.This is indeed a very effective strategy.

Chen Ke had passed the postgraduate entrance examination but failed.He was deeply impressed by the last political question that year, to the effect that there was a stage in the history of the party where party members were required to join various local forces and seize the dominance of these local forces.Chen Ke probably remembered that he explained this issue from a political perspective.He was quite proud when he answered this question.I feel that I have the opportunity to display my knowledge of history.

What exactly was written at that time, Chen Ke himself has long forgotten.But Chen Tianhua's suggestion reminded Chen Ke of that question.If the current revolutionary cause is an exam, Chen Tianhua can at least get full marks on this question.

Shang Yuan, Wu Xingchen, and Chai Qingguo didn't have any intention of objecting. They just thought that it was necessary to select outstanding comrades to implement the plan.Wu Xingchen emphasized an important point, "In terms of controlling power, the leader of the Peasant Uprising Army is probably more proficient than our comrades in the People's Party. Bai Lang can have considerable influence in the local area, so he is naturally not a capable person. The more he If he is shrewd, he cannot let him know the identity of our comrades."

The comrades talked for a while, and seeing that Chen Ke never participated, Chen Tianhua turned to Chen Ke, "Chairman Chen, what's your opinion on this approach?"

"I think this idea is good. Everyone can be responsible for this matter. If you have any suggestions on this matter, I will give you one. What we want is to take root in Henan, not follow Bai Lang. Be a local leader , instead of being Bai Lang's confidant."

The comrades nodded repeatedly. If they wanted to be Bai Lang's confidants, they would definitely be divorced from the masses.Wu Xingchen nodded again and again, "It is indeed necessary to do this."

Shang Yuan didn’t know much about the characteristics of the Peasant Uprising Army. He had been engaged in regular government work so far, so Shang Yuan directly asked what he was concerned about, “Chairman Chen, I support you, which means that Yuan Shikai may not be able to support you.” Have you passed this barrier?"

Seeing that someone noticed this, Chen Ke said with a smile: "Everyone thinks that Yuan Shikai can destroy Bai Lang. However, this war is unlikely to end in a short time. If it ends within a month or two, we naturally have nothing to say. If this The war lasted for a year, or even two years. We looked down on Yuan Shikai from beginning to end, but other provinces didn’t know Yuan Shikai’s reality, what would they think when they saw Yuan Shikai’s Beiyang government’s performance?”

The People's Party adheres to the materialist view of history, that is to say, everyone verbally says that it depends on the people, not on the gods and emperors, and will not pin their hopes on heroes who appear by chance.It's just that when facing Chen Ke, everyone felt that they had temporarily violated their own understanding.Chen Ke said that Bai Lang might be able to persist for a year or two, and the comrades couldn't help but think about it according to Chen Ke's idea. Even unconsciously, the comrades believed that Bai Lang could persist in facing Beiyang for a year or two. .

"If it takes a year or two to deal with Bai Lang, I can only say Yuan Shikai's ability." Wu Xingchen answered first.

Chen Ke nodded, "So, I'm dealing with this matter from the perspective of interests. We don't want any official intervention. Once there is obvious intervention, Beiyang feels that failure is nothing. Now Beiyang himself admits that he can't beat our people. Party. If Beiyang can’t wipe out Bailang despite all its efforts, their weakness will not only be exposed to the eyes of the world, but the Beiyang army itself will also feel greatly discouraged. At that time, we can talk about the central government The problem."

"A problem with the central government?" Some of them, including Shang Yuan, didn't fully understand.

Chen Tianhua was quite surprised and asked: "Chairman Chen wants to be the president?"

"What's so good about being a big president?" Chen Ke laughed, "Why do I call the current government the Beiyang government? Because all the departments in this government are controlled by the Beiyang faction. When we can, it is necessary for us to seize part of the power of the central government. Of course we have the final say in our base areas, and we also have the final say on a considerable part of the power in the central government.”

"Taking his life while he's sick is justified." Chai Qingguo immediately agreed.

"That's why the comrades suggested that we use the Bailang uprising to achieve our infiltration of Henan. I support it very much. However, if the weakness of Beiyang can be fully displayed openly, this is the direction we should take advantage of in this matter. Of course. , before that, we need to take advantage of this excellent opportunity to complete internal reorganization. Our goal is always to liberate the whole of China, and after all the reorganization is completed, we will begin to try to enter the central government.”

Everyone nodded repeatedly. This goal has not been clearly stated for a long time. Facing the complicated practical work, comrades have no time to determine this distant problem.

With everyone's support, Chen Ke began to assign specific tasks. "Now we need to form five sets of teams: party, government, army, people's congress, and CPPCC. Each set of teams must have its own clear division of labor. For example, the government team, we don't want to come up with so many ingenious things. The current point is One, agricultural production and industrial production must be socialized. The government is responsible for guiding and organizing labor. Why do I repeatedly emphasize the greatness of the Chinese people? Because ordinary Chinese people have a consensus. The Chinese people know that a day without labor and a day without food The government guides the production work. As long as science and mysteries are popularized at the grassroots level, work should not be a problem. Without a strong grain production capacity, there will be no future for China. The old Chinese saying is that food is the first thing for the people.” [

It is no longer necessary to deliberately convince comrades that the People’s Party has received great support in the countryside in recent years because the People’s Party has begun to effectively introduce administrative officials into agricultural production that was originally the responsibility of the broad working masses. up.Without all kinds of support provided by the government, it is impossible for the agricultural production efficiency in the base areas to increase so quickly.

"Of course, the five major groups are not independent, playing a game of chess across the country. In this regard, we must pay attention to cooperation. It cannot be said that when encountering problems, we will blame others, and when we encounter problems, we will not be willing to take credit. This is the issue of improving the organization in the future."

After Chen Ke finished speaking, Shang Yuan couldn't help but smile, and he said with a high-spirited attitude: "Is the workload not small?"

"Yes, the workload is not small." Chen Ke nodded in agreement, "Then in agricultural production, there needs to be a backbone, a main force, and a mainstay. I think the engineering corps and the railway corps are the mainstays in this kind of construction. Chai Qingguo Comrade, I would like to ask you whether you are willing to take on the work of the Huaihai Provincial Engineering Corps. This will be a arduous task related to the infrastructure construction of the entire Huaihai. I even want to establish an Engineering Corps Command Academy and a Railway Academy to train a large number of professional and technical personnel in this field. But this army must have reliable comrades in charge."

Chai Qingguo was not surprised by Chen Ke's words. It was rumored by many people outside that Chen Ke was going to hand over the formation of the engineering army to Gu Lu.Chai Qingguo wasn't even interested in dispelling rumors.If Chen Ke was going to let Gu Lu be in charge of this branch, why should he arrange Chai Qingguo as the project commander to be in charge of the Xuzhou Yunlong Lake project.The meaning of this can no longer be understood.

Chai Qingguo had already made up his mind about whether he would stay or not. Hearing Chen Ke's question, Chai Qingguo immediately stood up and saluted Chen Ke, "Resolutely obey the organization's arrangement."

Chen Ke also stood up and returned the gift earnestly, "With you in charge of this important work, I really feel relieved."

Chai Qingguo nodded, "Chairman Chen, if you want me to be the person in charge, I have to put forward a condition first, no matter whether Comrade Gu Lu is going to leave it to Chairman Chen for your own use or to leave it to the engineering army, I want this comrade Yes. You must promise me."

"Of course." Chen Ke nodded in agreement.

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