late Qing Dynasty arrest

Li Hongzhang flipped through the codebook written by Li Guolou and listened to Fan Lirun's narration. The expression on his face was uncertain. Li Guolou was like a cunning fox. If he wanted the fox to be used by me, he had to keep giving him benefits. This time, Li Guolou not only wanted the command power, but also set his sights on the throne of the chief student of Baoding Military Academy. Baoding Military Academy was the sphere of influence of the governor of Zhili. Li Hongzhang was quite dissatisfied with the greedy Li Guolou.

Fan Lirun saw Li Hongzhang's hesitation, changed his tone, and said: "Master Fu, since you want to use Li Guolou, you must treat it as your own. You must step down from the position of Governor of Zhili. Since Li Guolou If you like this throne, give it to him. It's the territory of the Manchus, Li Guolou can't command it, it's just a reputation, you don't have to worry about it."

"Fan Junshi, it's not that I'm stingy. Li Guolou is good at speeches. He can make a square one into a round one. He is good at maneuvering. He is no worse than Zhao Gao who treats a deer as a horse. I'm afraid that Li Guolou will climb to the sky in one step and climb on top of my head. How could I?" It’s not a chicken-and-egg fight, falling into the position of being an official.” Li Hongzhang expressed his dark thoughts, the more powerful a person is, the more afraid of losing power, he has already stood at the pinnacle of power, how can he give up the power in his hand, he still wants to let the three The son has become a pillar of the country, unwilling to go downhill.

Fan Lirun comforted: "Your Majesty Fu, you don't need to worry too much. You are the supreme commander in the war in Taiwan. Li Guolou is just a commander on the front line. There is an essential difference between charging into the battle and commanding in command. The one who believes is you, Mr. Fu Xiang. Li Guolou is a talent cultivated for the future. The officials think that Li Guolou's conditions are acceptable. This time he did not make harsh demands. I am very grateful to you for promoting him. It's time to buy people's hearts, let him integrate into the Huai Army's system as soon as possible, and plan ahead."

"Well! Send a telegram to Prince Gong again, withdrawing the request to be named General Li Guolou, and redesignating Li Guolou as the commander-in-chief of the two towns, saying that this is Li Guolou's wish." Li Hongzhang stroked his hands gracefully. Three strands of beard, although he has no intention of anti-Qing, but he wants to keep his prosperity and wealth, and he does not want military power to be left behind by the Manchu nobles, especially the Ronglu, this person is the object of Li Hongzhang's key precautions.

Although Li Hongzhang never said anything bad about Rong Lu, he disliked Rong Lu very much.Rong Lu got rich by relying on the Empress Dowager Cixi, but this person is too selfish. Rong Lu used the accumulated wealth for pleasure and family business. Rong Lu never thought of paying too much tax to the country. Instead, he evaded taxes. The super big family is not in the same breath as Li Guolou.

Li Guolou put in arduous efforts for his Beiyang Navy, and at least 300 million silver dollars in circulating funds that were not in the public account quietly fell into Li Hongzhang's pocket, which made him a capable minister with long sleeves and good dancing skills.Comparing the two sides, Li Hongzhang is still willing to let Li Guolou be his successor, let Li Guolou become bigger and stronger, so that the Qing Dynasty can be rich and the people strong.

Fan Lirun is Li Hongzhang's think tank. Li Hongzhang made national policies according to his strategy, which made him full of confidence and considered himself the number one scholar in the world.Fan Lirun was flipping through Li's secret code in the telegraph room. The secret code written by Li Guolou was highly confidential and could not be deciphered without a translation.He couldn't help admiring: "Li Guolou is both wise and brave. I have the secret code, so why worry about the uncertainty of the world. But there is still a fly in the ointment! I think it is up to me to upgrade this kind of code book." , Burning lights all night to fight at night, writing a code book for the first-level combat readiness of the Ministry of War.So far, Fan Lianrun compiled the first cipher book for the Ministry of War, and the cipher book privately kept by Li Guolou became a stepping stone for Fan's cipher book.All the telegram senders only knew of Fan Lirun's meritorious service. Fan Lirun became a hero in the intelligence industry of the Qing Dynasty, and later became the first supervisor of the Meteorological Bureau (that is, the Intelligence Bureau) and took the title of Minister.No one knew about Li Guolou's efforts. Fan Bianrun thought he fought for Li Guolou's rights and gave Li Guolou two soldiers and horses in two towns, which was the only one in the Qing Dynasty.Of course, the credit for the codebook belongs to him, as expected, Li Guolou never troubled him.

How could Li Guolou have the time to compete with Fan Bianrun for merit?He shuttled in the cabin every day, visited sick officers and soldiers, shared joys and sorrows with them, ate the same meals, and encouraged soldiers to fight for the country.There are also meetings with officers to discuss how to use troops at sea. Although the Xinwu Army is an army, learning new tactics, especially landing warfare, is a compulsory course for every officer. [

Li Guolou showed off his newly acquired knowledge, gesticulating on the tactical board: "The origin of the cruiser is the fast sailing ship in the sail age. As the companion of the battleship, it is responsible for patrolling, reconnaissance, security, escort, and pursuit for the entire fleet. At that time, there was no official name for the cruiser, and the types of warships were relatively simple, and they were distinguished according to the number of artillery. The British Royal Navy’s six-tier division law stipulated that a fast sailing ship should be equipped with 38 to 50 artillery pieces, with a displacement of about 17 tons. .From the 19th century to the 200th century, for about 19 years, there were few changes, or no significant changes. The cruiser appeared as an official ship type name after the mid-3000th century, after the Crimea War is the symbol. In this war, the demolition completely ruined the wooden sailing ship, and the world's navies began to focus on the armoring of battleships. The next series of evolutions, some new names appeared: fast cruiser, protected cruiser, armored cruiser, etc. The four cruisers of Japan are actually used by the United States to protect the harbor, so the tonnage is small, only more than [-] tons, and the power of the artillery is not enough. As long as we occupy the geographical advantage and rely on the advantage of the number of mosquito ships, we will first attack the wooden Japanese army. The warship, sinking the old-fashioned warship escorted by the Japanese army, focused on attacking the enemy's troop carrier, and then stormed the main cruiser of the Japanese army, and started a bayonet battle with the Japanese army at sea. I don't ask much, just give me one chance. Hehehe!"

Li Guolou looked up to the sky and laughed, with his hands on his hips, with an expression of victory. His first battle was to attack the Japanese army's waterway. He started a mountain battle with the Japanese army. He was not sure of victory. On the contrary, the Japanese army's strong navy had loopholes. There are [-] mosquito ships as a mobile force at sea, and they are confident in attacking the Japanese army's transportation lines at sea.Moreover, Li Guolou has already formulated a battle plan. He and Liu Mingchuan have already discussed it. Now Liu Mingchuan is training [-] indigenous warriors in Taiwan. The indigenous warriors are used first in mountain warfare. There are Taiwanese minorities who defend their homes and the country. Why worry about Taiwan's uncertainties? ?

The young Li Yunkai couldn't understand what Li Guolou was talking about?Scratching his head, he asked, "Li Zhentai, the tactics you mentioned have nothing to do with us. This is a naval battle. Then what are we doing?"

Li Guolou was furious and scolded angrily: "You bastard who is not good enough, I let you learn to fight, learn to use a ruler, and read the constellations in the sky. I want you to be promoted in the future. Don't just know how to fight and kill, but learn how to fight." Use your brain, don't sleep tonight, and remember the Big Dipper."

Li Yunkai grunted: "I just need to remember a martial arts star."

Li Guolou strengthened his tone: "You listen to me well, learn cultural knowledge well, and get promoted to a higher level."

"Yes!" All the officers and officers smiled, Li Guolou finally offered to promote them.

Li Yunkai said loudly: "According to my military achievements, I am fully qualified to be a major."

Li Guolou said contemptuously: "I am very ambitious at such a young age, please keep my own place and negotiate terms with me in three years' time."

Li Yunkai was dejected. Others had the right to be promoted, so he had no choice but to stand still. Li Guolou brought him out, and he was already burning incense, so how could he dare to think otherwise?

The battalion officer Li Yunchu, the battalion officer Su Yuanchun, the quartermaster officer Hongdu, and the counselor Zheng Hengdan were all colonel ranks, and if they were promoted to another level, they would be lieutenant colonel.The Xinwu Army has grown stronger, and they have risen with the tide, hoping to make new contributions in the Taiwan War.

Taiwan is the inherent territory of the Qing Dynasty. When fighting on its own territory, the officers and soldiers all have the determination to die for the country.Li Guolou tried every means to boost morale, and fighting in an unfamiliar environment was the biggest test for the Xinwu Army.Looking at the officers under him who are eager to try, he has to be responsible for these people. Only victory can make him feel at ease. He wants to make these young faces the pillars of the country.How to win the first battle in Taiwan is the biggest test for him. Is it possible to rely on Mr. White Snake to find a fighter?

Li Guolou looked at the starry night sky, where did he find the Japanese army's loopholes?For the first time in my life, I had the desire to communicate with the magic stick.It seems that the chance of victory depends on God's will?Li Guolou put his hope in his telegram team, and only by deciphering the Japanese army's telegrams can he seize the opportunity.

Li Guolou wore the stars and wore the moon and stayed up all night. He walked into the telegraph room. He had already grasped the rules of the Japanese army's telegrams, and the next step was God's will.As for the credit can be attributed to Lord White Snake, who is the patron saint of the Beiyang Navy, Li Guolou snickered secretly, thinking of Lord White Snake who pretended to be a ghost.

In late May, the fleet entered the mouth of the Minjiang River, and Mawei Port was within easy reach. Mawei Port is the lifeblood of Taiwan, and the army of the Qing Dynasty set off from here. [

Mawei Port is located on the north bank of the Minjiang River in the eastern suburbs of Fuzhou, deep inside the mouth of the Minjiang River. It is 66 miles long from Mawei to the mouth of the Minjiang River. Surrounded by mountains and mountains, the area is well sheltered from the wind. The port area is deep and wide, and it is supported by Fuzhou and the vast hinterland. It is a good deep-water port.The Luoxing Pagoda stands on the Luoxing Mountain. The Luoxing Mountain is lush and green, and the military camp is hidden in the deep mountain.

Facing the big river, Mawei Port has a wide field of vision and pleasant scenery. It is the sea gateway of Fujian, and the main force of the Nanyang Navy is stationed in Mawei Port.

Li Hongzhang led the fleet to Mawei Port, and the troops began to train.After seven days and seven nights at sea, many officers and soldiers fell ill.The Xinwu Army lost more than 400 non-combat personnel, and almost lost 400% of its strength, especially the recruits, who were tortured enough.This made Li Guolou want to cry. Fighting the Japanese army was a war of attrition. The loss of more than [-] soldiers had a qualitative impact on the combat effectiveness of the Xinwu Army. The image of a modern army established by Qing lost [-]% of its troops before reaching its destination.

Browning's two thousand victorious army had already arrived at Mawei Port, and this army was well organized, the morale of the two thousand bastards was high, and they were not troubled by injuries.This made Li Guolou so distressed that he hurriedly went to the military doctor of the Changsheng Army and asked the foreign military doctor to treat the soldiers of the Xinwu Army.

When soldiers of the Xinwu Army fell ill, the main symptom was general fatigue. In severe cases, they lost their ability to move, lying on a stretcher like a puddle of mud.Even the five Shaolin monks, who were alive and well, were also knocked down by injuries.Already two soldiers were on the verge of death on board, and they were almost dying.Looking at the soldiers who were tortured by injuries, Li Guolou was not in a hurry. There was still a long sea journey to go. If a soldier fell ill, wouldn't he defeat himself, and stop competing with the Japanese army.

The military doctors of the Changsheng Army are very responsible. They carefully examine every patient, especially the condition of the five Shaolin monks.Those were Li Guolou's steel warriors, one was worth ten, and when the bayonet saw red, five Shaolin monks were enough to equal the strength of a small team, and the loss of one Shaolin monk made Li Guolou's heart ache.

Li Guolou hurriedly asked British military doctor Fan Lipu for advice, and asked, "Doctor Fan, what is my soldier suffering from? Is it an infectious disease?"

The tall and thin British military doctor Van Lipu looked dignified, nodded and said: "Mike, to tell you the truth, this disease is a common disease in the navy. After the illness, another great enemy of the soldiers on board is also common on Western warships."

"Necrosis!" Li Guolou screamed, almost fainted from fright, isn't this killing him?

Van Lip smiled and said, "Mike, don't worry. Fortunately, you got off the boat and met me again. Although this kind of beriberi is an infectious disease, it can still be cured."

"Oh! That's good, Doctor Fan, you are the great savior of our Xinwu Army. As long as you can cure the soldiers' illnesses, I will give each of you a Jade Buddha."

Military doctor Fan Lipu waved his hands and said, "Mike, we are the people of God. If you don't believe in Buddha, you should reward us with gold coins."

"That's good, it's a deal." Li Guolou cordially held Fan Lipu's hand, which was the angel sent by God to save him.

It is ridiculous to say that beriberi occurs because the disease enters from the mouth, and the root cause is traced. The sick soldiers did not eat too badly, but because they ate too much white rice. The culprit was Li Guolou.

In order to enhance the physical fitness of the soldiers as soon as possible, Li Guolou, who is rich and powerful, let the Xinwu army eat refined white rice. However, this refined white rice lacks the nutrients that the human body must ingest. Most of the nutrients in this rice grain exist in wheat bran. , was discarded as garbage during the process of processing polished white rice, and there was a lack of vegetables on board.Therefore, after the officers and soldiers of the Xinwu Army suffered from this kind of beriberi, the officers and soldiers were given brown rice again, and with the careful care of the British military doctors, more than half of the soldiers were able to go out for exercises after three days.

This taught Li Guolou a lesson that increasing his physical fitness cannot rely on white rice, and returning to hardship and simplicity is the foundation for the long-term prosperity of the Xinwu Army.Therefore, after the Xinwu Army came to Mawei Port, the Military Supply Department no longer issued new military uniforms, and wearing patched clothes could liberate Taiwan.Li Guolou set an example, wearing a patched military uniform, haunting the barracks, and cut off a third of his braids, looking quite rough.

Soon, the Xinwu Army turned into an army with short braids.Su Yuanchun became bald again. Many officers and soldiers shaved their heads and practiced landing and mountain warfare at Luoxing Mountain. The Xinwu Army and the Changsheng Army jointly performed military exercises, waiting to march to Taiwan.