The Qing Dynasty

Chapter 510: Giving Teng Xingfu a helping hand

Zhang Zhidong's words made Gu Hongming stunned, but before he could speak, Zhang Zhidong continued.

"Moreover, Teng Xingfu said in his article that he would vigorously promote Westernization in Zhili after the war, and I also thought it was true."

Zhang Zhidong said seriously, "Given Teng Xingfu's familiarity with the Western powers, he must be aware of the importance of Westernization to our country. Its importance has reached a level that can affect the rise and fall of the country."

"One billion taels is indeed a huge number. Even if such a large amount of silver is not invested all at once, some of the cost can be recovered through output and then reinvested. However, at least half of the silver must be invested."

"But looking at the enterprises we have established, especially the Hanyang Iron Works, the investment figures are staggering, but the returns are extremely slow. It requires long-term investment, and it is impossible to do it without huge financial support."

"If Teng Xingfu could really take out such a large sum of money and invest it in the establishment of foreign affairs or even rebuilding the Beiyang Navy, I, Zhang Zhidong, would be happy to see it happen."

"As for this rumor, it is groundless. Who can do anything to Teng Xingfu? At most, his reputation will be damaged. But if Teng Xingfu is successful in Zhili, who else would bother about this matter except Yixin who has a grudge against Teng Xingfu?"

"What's more, now that Teng Xingfu has published this article, his reputation will soar."

"Moreover, I estimate that most of the foreigners will eventually agree to the peace terms proposed by Teng Xingfu."

"Xiang Shuai, do you think the foreigners will agree to such conditions?"

Zhang Zhidong's words surprised Gu Hongming.

"Ah."

Zhang Zhidong nodded and said, "Teng Xingfu's last letter has already described the situation between the powers very thoroughly. I agree with him. As long as we deal a heavy blow to the coalition forces this time, I guess the foreigners will definitely not fight again. He is forcing the powers to negotiate peace as soon as possible."

"This is also the reason why Teng Xingfu started a war with the coalition forces again before the severely damaged vanguard army had fully recovered."

"In order to make the coalition forces, which had not yet recovered, lose a lot of blood, Teng Xingfu even took the risk of using inferior forces to actively attack the strong cities and strongholds held by the coalition forces of the great powers."

"I am truly impressed by Teng Xingfu's heroic spirit and courage!"

Zhang Zhidong walked a few quick steps in the study, then suddenly stopped and spoke.

"Hongming, we can't just watch Teng Xingfu shoulder this burden alone. We have to do something."

Gu Hongming thought for a moment and said, "How about Xiang Shuai submit another memorial to the court to support Teng Xingfu?"

"Do not."

Zhang Zhidong shook his head. "The court has not responded to the last memorial we submitted. Let's not bother ourselves with that again."

Zhang Zhidong waved his hand decisively and said, "Why don't you write an article for me, in my own voice, praising Teng Xingfu's actions. I also strongly agree with Teng Xingfu's suggestions."

Zhang Zhidong's words made Gu Hongming a little worried. "Marshal Xiang, this is not right. The court is probably angry about this matter. If Marshal Xiang intervenes again, it will easily cause the court's jealousy."

"Besides, the foreigners in the Hankou Concession on the other side of the river will certainly be very dissatisfied with Marshal Xiang and will certainly protest to him. It is possible that their warships in the Yangtze River will come over to threaten him."

Zhang Zhidong said disdainfully, "No matter how dissatisfied the imperial court is, it will not do anything to me, Zhang Zhidong."

"Teng Xingfu is in need of help right now, so I am here to help him. Who knows, maybe in the future, Teng Xingfu will return the favor and help me out in times of trouble."

"As for the foreigners, don't pay any attention to them. Today is different from the past. We have a strong army in Huguang. If you piss me off, I can send the Seventh Regiment to Zhili to fight. I can even drive the foreigners in Hankou down the Yangtze River."

"Please take some time to finish the manuscript. Give it to Qian Fuzhi as soon as possible and ask him to publish it on the front page of Ta Kung Pao tomorrow."

"Also, tell the Hanyang Gun Factory to speed up the production of explosives and help the Vanguard Army make gun barrels, and the more Maxim bullets the better."

"If we can produce more this month, we will give them more silver. Ordinary technicians will get one tael each, and experienced backbone workers will get five taels each."

Now, in order to speed up the production of mortars and improve their accuracy, Teng Yuzhao has asked Zhang Zhidong to help him process the rifling on some of the purchased gun barrels. Of course, he dare not use the Hanyang factory to process the length, and it has to be shipped back to Luzhou Prefecture and then made by the camp office.

Seeing that he could not persuade Zhang Zhidong, Gu Hongming had to bring up the issue of Zhang Zhidong's plan to increase the pay of the workers at the Hanyang Gun Factory.

Gu Hongming smiled bitterly and said, "Xiang Marshal, in order to help the Vanguard Army produce bullets and explosives, and secretly purchase gun barrels at high prices, we have spent a lot of money on these. Xiang Marshal, you are unwilling to explain to Teng Xingfu and take out more money."

Thinking of his limited financial resources, Zhang Zhidong couldn't help but smile bitterly. After a little thought, he said to Gu Hongming.

"We don't need to take the money this time, nor do we need to tell Teng Xingfu. When the time comes, you can go directly to Ning Xingpu of the Aurora Trading Company and ask him for the money. He promises to give you every penny."

Two days later, in the warm room of the General's Mansion in Xi'an.

Although it is early spring, Cixi has been feeling unwell recently. The imperial physician said that it was due to excessive worry. Cixi has been worried that she has caught a cold recently. These days, although the trees outside have sprouted goose yellow buds, Cixi still likes to stay in this warm room every day, and she even lights a brazier in the corner of the room.

In the warm room, Cixi, sitting on the brocade couch, still held her demon-subduing pestle in her hand, and her bare hands kept stroking the shiny bronze treasure.

On the beautiful stool opposite, there were two officials with brilliant feathers on their crowns. One was Ronglu, and the other was a skinny old man dressed in princely attire, who was none other than Prince Qing Yikuang.

In the warm room with closed doors and windows and somewhat hot, Ronglu, who had always been in poor health, was fine, but Yixin was already feeling unbearable the heat. He even disregarded etiquette and had already taken off his hat, wiping the sweat from his forehead with a white silk scarf.

Although Yixin was only two years younger than Ronglu, he was much healthier than Ronglu. Historically, Ronglu would have died the following year, but Yixin lived fifteen years longer than Ronglu.

Although he was sweating profusely, Yixin was still talking wildly and slandering Teng Yuzao, whom he hated to the core.

". Queen Mother, Teng Xingfu wanted to gain a good reputation for himself, and he didn't care that the Queen Mother was exiled. He insisted on making harsh conditions for the foreigners. How could the foreigners negotiate peace with us?"

(End of this chapter)