Years of the Republic of China 1913

Sa Dingming is Sa Zhenbing. Compared with Liu Guanxiong, Sa Zhenbing has more seniority and reputation in the navy.Sa Zhenbing was one of the first members of the Qing government to go to England to study the navy when the Qing government planned to build the Beiyang Navy. He was a classmate with Liu Buchan and Yan Fu. Liu Guanxiong is still studying at the Fujian Shipping Academy.

When Liu Guanxiong went to Europe as the third batch of naval students, Sa Zhenbing had been serving as the commander of the Weiyuan Navy for a year in the Beiyang Navy. Afterwards, all the surviving naval officers and soldiers were repatriated by the Qing government and returned to their hometowns. Sa Zhenbing also returned to Fuzhou and lived a difficult life in Fujian. He can't even support his children.

In 1898, the Qing government was preparing to rebuild the navy. After being recommended by his classmate and friend Ye Zugui, Sa Zhenbing served as the commander of the Beijing Navy and the leader of the Haiqi. In 1909, he was appointed by the Qing government as Minister of the Navy and Admiral of the Navy.After he took office, he merged the formerly divided northern and southern naval divisions, established a unified command system, and subdivided into cruisers and Yangtze River fleets. He also unified the official system, flag styles, military uniforms, and orders. This is the first time that the modern Chinese navy has implemented. scientific management.It can be said that Sa Zhenbing was the founder of the navy of the Republic of China. Without Sa Zhenbing's original contributions, there would be no navy today.

In terms of qualifications, character and professional ability, Sa Zhenbing is impeccable. Even Yuan Shikai, Sun Wen and others respected him very much.However, from the perspective of actually leading troops, Sa Zhenbing's slightly indecisive and hesitant character made him unsuitable as a commander in the battlefield, so Fang Zida did not choose this veteran general as a candidate when choosing the chief of the navy.

Liu Guanxiong suggested that Sa Zhenbing be in charge of the Naval Academy.This is a good choice.In fact, from an educational point of view, Yan Fu's experience may be richer, but Yan Fu's temperament has changed drastically after experiencing setbacks in life, and he has been decadent until now. He has also contracted serious drug addiction and is in poor health.Is no longer a suitable candidate.Then it is the best alternative to invite this veteran general Sa Zhenbing who has both professional experience and high morals to come out of the mountain.

"Old General Sa is really the right candidate, but...will he come out?"

Fang Zida was a little confused, not because he disagreed with Liu Guanxiong's proposal, but because Fang Zida rejected Sa Zhenbing's nomination when Liu Guanxiong was the chief of the navy.Although Sa Zhenbing is in a high position now, it is only a false title. In other words, Fang Zida has put him on high for the elderly.At this time, invite him out again, once the old general puts on airs.Fang Zida's face was a little ugly.

"It's okay." Of course Liu Guanxiong knew Fang Zida's concerns, and patted his chest to assure everyone: "Leave this matter to me, please Ding Ming to come out and wrap it on me!"

"Okay! Then I will trouble General Liu." Seeing that everyone had no objections, Fang Zida agreed with a smile, and handed over the matter to Liu Guanxiong.

Liu Guanxiong lived up to expectations. I don’t know what method he used. Within a few days, he rushed to tell Fangzi Dasa Zhenbing that he could consider taking up the job of preparing for the establishment of the Naval Academy and as the first principal of the Central Naval Academy.Got this great news.Fang Zida was very happy, so he asked Liu Guanxiong to speak.I would like to meet Sa Zhenbing in person to learn about his thoughts on the establishment of the Naval Academy and to confirm this matter.

A few days later, accompanied by Liu Guanxiong, Sa Zhenbing came to Beijing from Tianjin. Fang Zida warmly received the old general in the office of the State Council.

Although he is over 60 years old, Sa Zhenbing, who is short and tall with white hair, is dressed in a snow-white military uniform, and his waist is straight.He looked very heroic.

Inviting the guests to take a seat, Fang Zida made a pot of coffee by himself, and explained a few words to Sa Zhenbing about the Chief of the Navy with apology.But what Fang Zida didn't expect was that before Fang Zida finished speaking, Sa Zhenbing smiled and waved his hands: "What kind of official career and high position, these are all a passing memory for me. How about being the chief executive? So what if I don't? Isn’t Sa a certain person me? As long as I can do something for the country. If I try my best as an old bone, it’s okay to let me be a sailor. Prime Minister Fang’s concerns at the beginning were not unreasonable, and Ziying’s brother took the position of chief Far more suitable than me, no! Isn't he doing a good job."

"Old General Sa is really a gentleman! Thank you for your understanding." Fang Zida said with great admiration, and Liu Guanxiong who was beside him also hurriedly said a few words of humility, and the atmosphere in the room suddenly became harmonious.

With a few words of politeness, Sa Zhenbing took the initiative to ask about the support of the Central Naval Academy government.Hearing this question, Fang Zida was a little different. It stands to reason that Liu Guanxiong should have talked to Sa Zhenbing about this, but seeing Liu Guanxiong's wry smile, Fang Zida immediately understood that the old general wanted to make a promise for himself. .

Immediately, Fang Zida talked tirelessly about his vision for the navy and the purpose of organizing the Central Naval Academy.And for the upcoming German naval officers, ships, etc., specific information was also provided for Sa Zhenbing to take a closer look.Sa Zhenbing put on his presbyopic glasses, flipped through the materials, and listened to Fang Zida's explanation, frowning slightly, not knowing whether he agreed or opposed.

After a long time, Fang Zida finally finished speaking, while Sa Zhenbing, who was sitting upright, still looked at the materials in his hand, and read them very carefully. After reading everything, he looked at it from beginning to end again, and then closed.

"I can't think that I will see the feat of the Chinese navy again in my lifetime! Ziying, think of the majestic Beiyang, ride the wind and waves, travel eastward to Nagasaki with strong ships and guns, and frighten the Japanese invaders. How magnificent! It's a pity that the First Sino-Japanese War , decades of hard work wasted, how painful it is!"

Liu Guanxiong nodded silently, and the eyes of both of them were sparkling, which moved Fang Zida beside him.

Turning around to look at Fang Zida, Sa Zhenbing suddenly bowed deeply, Fang Zida was shocked and quickly reached out to help him, not daring to say anything.

"Prime Minister Fang, you deserve it. This is a tribute to the Beiyang officers and men of those years! Thank you Prime Minister Fang for letting me see the hope of the Navy today. Back in the Sino-Japanese War, to wash away the shame, not to mention a mere bow, even if I wanted the head of the old man, it would be no different."

"Old general, you are too serious, you are really too serious..."

Sa Zhenbing insisted on finishing the bow, but Fang Zida had no choice but to move aside.

When he stood up, Sa Zhenbing said categorically: "I have taken care of the matter of the Naval Academy. Please rest assured, Prime Minister Fang and Brother Ziying. As long as the Central Committee's determination remains unchanged, I promise to hand you a group of outstanding naval officers in three years' time." !” (To be continued..)

ps: I have a lot of work this weekend, I wish you all a happy weekend!