The Qing Dynasty

Chapter 634: Somewhat Similar to Emperor Xian of Han
Zhao Bingjun glanced at the vertical mahogany clock in the corner of the flower hall and said, "This should have happened two hours ago."

The floor clock in Yuan Shikai's flower hall was produced by the Aurora Clock Factory in Tianjin.

Although the Aurora Watch Factory in Tianjin is still unable to produce high-end and accurate wristwatches, it can still produce larger-sized clocks such as vertical, wall-mounted, and desktop clocks, and even pocket watches.

The standing, wall-mounted and table-top clocks produced by the Aurora Factory were very popular in the country and were even used in the imperial palace.

It is said that Cixi's floor clock was custom-made at the Aurora Watch Factory.

Naturally, Cixi's things were not ordinary items. Not only were the hands of the floor clock made of gold inlaid with sparkling diamonds, but in order to make it easier for Cixi to compare Chinese and foreign time, the time markings on the floor clock included not only Western hours, but also the hours that Chinese people were accustomed to. Moreover, those markings were all inlaid with font shapes polished from gems.

In fact, not only was the outer shell of that floor clock made of rosewood, but it was also inlaid with a phoenix pattern using gold threads, which was extremely exquisite.

The most popular and best-selling item now, apart from pocket watches, is a palm-sized desktop alarm clock that can ring at set times. This small alarm clock is not expensive, and many people with better financial conditions can afford it. It can ring at set times to wake people up and remind them of the time.

Zhao Bingjun continued, "Regarding constitutionalism, Teng Xingfu said at the press conference that he strongly supports constitutionalism. He believes that the world trend is unstoppable and cannot be reversed. Only constitutionalism is the right way."

"Constitutionalism can not only adapt to the general trend of world development today, but also allow the Chinese people to let go of their hands and feet, liberate their minds, and give full play to their talents, so as to catch up with the great powers at the fastest speed and achieve the goal of enriching the country and strengthening the military as soon as possible. It will also allow the country to straighten its spine and no longer be bullied by the great powers, let alone the humiliating incident of invasion by the coalition forces of the great powers."

"Teng Xingfu also said that for the sake of the country and the people, he is willing to serve as the prime minister and take on the historical responsibility of enriching the country and strengthening the military."

"He also promised in front of those reporters that once he was elected, he would not only vigorously promote Westernization in the country, build a large number of factories and recruit millions of people to work in the factories, but he would also establish a minimum wage system for workers."

"It will also vigorously develop education. Within five years, in all provinces in the country except Mengjiang, Xinjiang, and Xinjiang, it will ensure that all prefectures and counties will have complete primary and secondary school systems, and each province will have at least one high-level school in the capital."

"Teng Xingfu also promised to significantly reduce industrial and commercial taxes, and even said he would drastically reduce agricultural taxes, including exempting self-employed farmers from land taxes."

"Also, he made a ridiculous claim that in order to become wealthy, we must first build railways and roads. He guaranteed that if he became prime minister, he would build railways in all provinces, except Mongolia, Tibet, and Xinjiang, which could not be done in a short time. He guaranteed that within five years, all the provincial capitals in other provinces in the country would have asphalt roads like Tianjin."

"Teng Xingfu also emphasized that the Qing Dynasty had lagged behind the Western powers for a hundred years and must seize every opportunity to catch up. Time is of the essence, so the implementation of constitutional government cannot be delayed, but the sooner the better. It must be implemented as soon as possible with vigorous and resolute means."

"Moreover, there is no need to completely follow the practices of the great powers and proceed step by step. The court can first establish a cabinet, and then establish relevant constitutional mechanisms under the leadership of the cabinet."

"Teng Xingfu even threatened that since the court had announced to the world that it would implement constitutional government, the sooner the better, otherwise it would easily lead to unrest."

"He even suggested that the prime minister should be determined by the end of the year, and no later than January 1 next year."

Zhao Bingjun said a lot of things, then took a deep breath and continued.

"Teng Xingfu also told reporters that he would immediately resign as president of the Zhili Army in order to support the court's implementation of constitutional government, and he would submit a resignation memorial after the meeting."

Zhao Bingjun looked at Yuan Shikai, whose face had changed color, and spoke carefully again.

"Teng Xingfu also mentioned the issue of haircuts for students at the Baoding Military Academy at the press conference."

"Teng Xingfu said that the students cut their braids only for the convenience of training, and it would definitely not have anything to do with the general manager and the assistant manager, let alone the GMD. He is willing to vouch for the students, Zhiquan, and Zhang Xiyuan."

"Moreover, he also said that in order to ensure the safety of dozens of German instructors in the military academy and avoid causing diplomatic disputes, he has ordered the Baoding Arsenal Guard to set up a cordon outside the military academy to prevent anyone from provoking trouble and endangering the safety of students and instructors in the military academy, especially to prevent anyone from endangering the safety of German instructors in the name of the court."

"When I came here, Prince Qing had already been hurriedly recruited into the palace by the Queen Mother."

Zhao Bingjun finished speaking in one breath and seemed to have no strength left. He sat down on the chair and looked at Yuan Shikai with a sad face.

If Wang Shizhen was somewhat indignant about the fact that the Ministry of the Army sent troops to the military academy to arrest people, then everyone was shocked by what Zhao Bingjun said about Teng Yuzao at the press conference.

Teng Yuzhao's remarks were a blatant challenge to the authority of the imperial court. It was no exaggeration to say that he was forcing abdicate.

For example, he openly demanded that the prime minister of the cabinet must be determined by January 1 next year at the latest, otherwise it would easily cause unrest. This was a blatant threat to the court.

After Zhao Bingjun finished speaking, Yuan Shikai was stunned for a long while. It took him a long time to realize that the other three people in the hall were staring at him blankly. Yuan Shikai suddenly burst into laughter.

Moreover, Yuan Shikai seemed to be laughing very happily, which made several people feel confused and completely puzzled.

How could Yuan Shikai still laugh at this time? Wang Shizhen was the first to become worried and shouted.

"Marshal! Are you okay?"

Yuan Shikai finally stopped laughing amid Wang Shizhen's somewhat anxious calls, but there was no trace of sadness on his face at all. Instead, he spoke with a smile that was difficult to conceal.

"Why are you all so worried? What Teng Xingfu did was not a good thing for the court, but for me, Yuan Shikai, it was definitely a great thing!"

After saying this, Yuan Shikai couldn't help laughing again.

But this time Yuan Shikai quickly stopped laughing, but still asked Zhao Bingjun with a smile on his face.

"Zhi'an, can you tell me about what we asked Prince Qing to do? It shouldn't have been going smoothly, right?"

Although it was unclear what Yuan Shikai wanted Zhao Bingjun to ask Yikuang to do, it seemed that Yuan Shikai had foreseen that it would not be to his liking, but he still did not look very upset, which made Wang Shizhen feel even more strange.

As expected, Zhao Bingjun smiled bitterly and said, "General, please understand. Prince Qing has only accomplished more than half of what he asked us to do."

"The Ministry of the Army wants to reorganize the new armies in Huguang and Guangdong. Prince Qing asked the Marshal to get it. However, there was a change in the Marshal's wish to take the three former Henan Army troops to Huguang and Guangdong. Prince Qing said that Tieliang used the reason that the Shuntian Army troops needed to gain experience. Among the three towns that the Marshal took, two were troops organized by Tieliang. The Marshal was only allowed to take one former Henan Army town, and Liangbi was required to accompany him."

"Ah."

Yuan Shikai nodded and said calmly, "Tieliang still wants to attack the Six Garrison New Army that I have worked so hard to train." "But the situation is stronger than people, I am afraid it is too late for him to stop it now."

Seeing Zhao Bingjun puzzled, Yuan Shikai sneered and said, "I guess I will be invited to the palace to make a statement soon. Then I will have a chance. This is all thanks to Teng Xingfu!"

"The more trouble Teng Xingfu makes, the less able Tie Liang will be to deal with me."

Wang Shizhen was surprised to hear that Yuan Shikai was leaving the capital.
Although he had already guessed that Yuan Shikai wanted to expand his power, he did not expect that Yuan Shikai would actually take the old troops from the three towns out. This already hinted at the intention of staying away for a long time, so he hurriedly asked.

"Marshal, you want to leave the capital!"

Yuan Shikai did not answer Wang Shizhen immediately. He just gestured for Wang Shizhen to sit down and then shouted to the outside.

"Someone is coming."

Following Yuan Shikai's shout, a middle-aged man who looked like a manager quickly walked in, lowered his head and waited for Yuan Shikai's instructions.

"Bring up the beer!"

After giving his orders, Yuan Shikai walked back to his seat and sat down.

Hearing Yuan Shikai's order, the manager responded but did not leave. He just turned around and waved his hand. Soon, several young and capable servants came in quickly with a tray carrying several opened bottles of beer and glasses. They placed the glasses for the three people on the coffee table and filled them with wine.

Yuan Shikai's copy was placed on the table in front of him, and then quickly removed under the leadership of the steward.

Wang Shizhen knew that these young men who looked like servants were guards brought to the capital by Yuan Shikai, but it was just inconvenient for them to wear military uniforms.

Yuan Shikai smiled and pointed at the amber beer and said, "Pinqing, you probably don't know this, but this is also produced by the factory under the name of Teng Xingfu in Tianjin. It's called beer."

"Although this beer was invented by foreigners and is not very to our taste, it is not strong and can cool you down and add to the fun. Let's drink and talk. There are some things I should let you know."

As he spoke, Yuan Shikai picked up the cup and said to Wang Shizhen with some apology.

"Pinqing, I probably won't be able to host a welcoming party for you this time when you come to the capital. I can't drink too much now, or I'll be late for the palace performance. I can only make up for this welcoming party another day!"

From what he said, Yuan Shikai seemed certain that Cixi would invite him into the palace.

"Come, I will drink this cup of wine with you."

After saying that, Yuan Shikai picked up the foamy beer cup, gestured to Wang Shizhen from a distance, and then took a big sip.

The efficiency of Aurora Brewery is the worst among all the factories in the Aurora system. It is not because the price of the beer is too high, but because it does not suit the taste of Chinese people. It only sells well in Tianjin, so the sales volume has not increased.

Fortunately, because foreigners liked it, the foreign embassies in Beijing would often go to Tianjin to buy it every now and then, so that some dignitaries in Beijing, especially the young men in their families, gradually started to drink it.

Liang Shiyi, a Cantonese, was not averse to beer. On the contrary, he seemed to like it very much and would often drink a few glasses. Therefore, Yuan Shikai prepared some beer in his mansion to entertain Liang Shiyi. Over time, Yuan Shikai would occasionally accompany Liang Shiyi to drink a few sips. Especially after tasting it in the summer, Yuan Shikai was no longer averse to beer and enjoyed drinking a few glasses.

Although Wang Shizhen had never drunk this so-called beer, since Yuan Shikai was drinking with him, he naturally had to drink it. He tried a sip first and found it a bit bitter but not impossible to swallow. It was refreshing and had a good color, so he drank it all in one gulp.

Then, Wang Shizhen simply poured himself another half cup.

Liang Shiyi and Zhao Bingjun were different. After taking a big gulp of a glass, they poured themselves more glasses and began to enjoy the cool beer while looking at Yuan Shikai, waiting for his next words.

Both of them were extremely grateful to Yuan Shikai for his kindness, and even admired Yuan Shikai's wisdom and decisiveness!
Both of them were very convinced of Yuan Shikai's judgment.

"Pin Qing."

Yuan Shikai continued, "You just asked me if I was going to leave the capital, so I'm taking this opportunity to speak to you from the bottom of my heart."

"I have always believed that ever since the foreign coalition invaded Zhili and occupied the capital, the Empress Dowager urgently telegraphed to urge all provinces to send troops to defend the emperor, but few responded. Even Li Zhongtang, Liu Kunyi, and Zhang Zhidong, who were famous officials in the court and the country, not only did no one respond, but they even initiated the Southeast Mutual Protection, disregarding the life and death of the court."

"What's worse, some people even instigated Li Zhongtang and Zhang Zhidong to break away from the imperial court and establish their own regime. This attempt never came to fruition, but from that time on, the imperial court's prestige was only in name only."

Yuan Shikai leaned back in his chair, stroking his mustache and spoke quietly.

"I've been thinking recently that the current imperial court is quite similar to the court during the Eastern Han Dynasty."

Yuan Shikai compared the current court with the late Eastern Han Dynasty, which shocked the three of them.

Yuan Shikai meant that the Qing Dynasty was on the verge of collapse!
Yuan Shikai ignored the slightly surprised expressions of the three people and continued speaking.

"The court today is pretty much the same as it was during the reign of Emperor Xian of Han."

"The decline of imperial power at the end of the Han Dynasty was caused by the Yellow Turban Rebellion. The decline of the imperial court today is caused by the invasion of foreigners. But in the end, the result is the same: the imperial court's control over the local areas is gradually weakened."

"In the future, the current situation of local separatism in various provinces in the country may not necessarily occur."

"It can even be said that separatism has already emerged, but many people just can't see the key to it."

Yuan Shikai's judgment on the imperial court shocked Wang Shizhen, but after thinking about it carefully, he found that what Yuan Shikai said was indeed true.

Wang Shizhen looked at Liang Shiyi and Zhao Bingjun. Liang Shiyi still looked calm and at ease. It was obvious that Liang Shiyi was roughly aware of Yuan Shikai's thoughts.

Zhao Bingjun was just as shocked as him, but he didn't care about his expression. Instead, he stared at Yuan Shikai, waiting for Yuan Shikai's next words.
(End of this chapter)