Republic of China: My great warlord, many children, many blessings.

The fiery third daughter, Yuan Shuzhen, said arrogantly, "Although you are older than me, I am Fuzhen's older sister, so you have to call me older sister too."

I'm your sister-in-law, where's my gift?

Shen Hao smiled and said, "Okay, Third Sister, this is your gift."

After saying that, Shen Hao handed Yuan Shuzhen a pearl bracelet; the pearls were round and lustrous, and very beautiful.

"Yes, I've accepted the gift. It's nice."

The sickly-looking fifth daughter, Yuan Jizhen, shook her head and said, "I...don't need the formalities..."

Before Yuan Jizhen could finish speaking, Shen Hao handed her a jade bracelet, saying, "Fifth Sister, this is for you. Wearing jade is good for your health."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Jizhen blushed. She was only 16 years old, and Shen Hao calling her "sister" made her feel embarrassed and somewhat at a loss.

Seeing that she didn't move, Shen Hao grabbed Yuan Jizhen's hand and put the hair on her head himself.

Yuan Jizhen's small hands were delicate but icy cold to the touch, like ice cubes, clearly indicating that his health was not normal.

"Thank you"

Yuan Jizhen almost tucked her head into her neck, but her small hands tightly gripped the jade bracelet. This was the first time a man had given her a gift, and she cherished it and was very happy.

The second daughter, Yuan Zhongzhen, accepted the gift, nodded, and said nothing.

The eldest sister, Yuan Bozhen, who had married out of the family, was very enthusiastic and said with a smile, "Ah Hao is truly a handsome man, and he and Seventh Sister Fuzhen are a perfect match, a match made in heaven."

Shen Hao presented her with a necklace, saying, "Thank you for your kind words, elder sister."

Shen Hao had given all the gifts to the other women, leaving only Yuan Fuzhen. He took out a ruby ​​ring and walked up to Yuan Fuzhen.

These rubies were seized when Huang Silang was defeated. There were two of them, and Shen Hao made them into rings.

Looking at Yuan Fuzhen's blushing face, he gently took her left hand and personally put the ring on her ring finger.

She said in a gentle tone, "In the West, rings are generally given only by couples."

It is used to witness love.

The ring on the left ring finger signifies engagement, and it can never be taken off. Are you willing?

Upon hearing this, Yuan Fuzhen mustered his courage, looked up at Shen Hao, and nodded with all his might.

Those shy, beautiful eyes were now filled with determination.

"willing"

The voice was barely audible, but fortunately Shen Hao had good hearing and could hear it clearly.

At this moment, Yuan Kewen took the lead in applauding.

"You're even better at picking up girls than I am, you've got a real knack for it."

The women also looked at Shen Hao with shining eyes.

"This is so romantic!"

"This is the man of my dreams, he's perfect!"

Wow! Sister Fuzhen is so lucky!

I want a ring like that too.

Shen Hao's sister-in-law and sister-in-law both looked at Yuan Fuzhen with envy;

At that moment, Yuan Fuzhen felt that even the air was sweet, and his heart was filled with a sweet warmth, as if he had eaten honey.

Is this what falling in love feels like in the book?

How could a young girl who had never been in a relationship withstand Shen Hao's bold and direct confession?

But this romantic feeling is something all women love.

That's right. Even the concubines looked at Yuan Fuzhen with envy. They didn't lack money or status, but they lacked love.

It's lacking both spiritually and physically.

In an instant, Shen Hao gained the approval of all the women.

At this moment, Fifth Concubine Yang and Yuan Datou walked in.

Seeing Yuan Fuzhen's flushed face, Madam Yang admired Shen Hao's flirting skills; he had won her over on their very first meeting.

That shy yet happy look is truly enviable.

Upon seeing Yuan Shikai arrive, Shen Hao hurriedly handed over the money, becoming quite serious.

Yuan Datou sat on the main sofa, glanced at Shen Hao, and said, "Since Fuzhen and her mother are very satisfied with you, then this matter is settled."

Shen Hao felt a huge weight lifted off his shoulders; it was done.

"If it's the president, what do I need to prepare?"

Shen Hao meant something like betrothal gifts.

Yuan Shikai waved his hand and said, "Now that you and Fuzhen have become husband and wife, don't call me President in private anymore. Call me Father-in-law or Uncle, it's up to you."

"It's Uncle Yuan."

Yuan Datou nodded and said again, "As for the bride price, forget about it. We don't need your money."

Furthermore, after your marriage, I will appoint you as the commander of the 18th Division, under the direct command of the Army, stationed in Guangdong Province.

Shen Hao's face lit up with joy, and he said, "Thank you, Uncle Yuan."

Yuan Datou said, "Don't thank me yet, I haven't finished."

However, I have something to say first. Army division commanders usually also serve as governors, but there are no vacancies for governors right now, and you have just become my son-in-law, so you are still young.

Being promoted too high at once can easily lead to self-destruction; being promoted too quickly is also not a good thing, as being lifted too high can result in a painful fall.

You'll be the garrison commander of Guangdong Province.

Shen Hao saluted and said, "Yes, Uncle Yuan."

He was appointed as the commander of the 18th Division of the Beiyang Army and concurrently served as the garrison commander, which marked his entry into the ranks of major warlords.

Using the current weighted average, the garrison commander is Tuo, the commander of the provincial military region.

Currently, Zhang Zuolin in Northeast China is also the commander of the 27th Division in Fengtian, which means that Shen Hao can now sit at the same table and eat with Zhang Zuolin.

115. The Sixth Concubine's Feet Under the Mahjong Table

Moreover, the garrison commander has an advantage over the local division commander: he can mobilize the security regiment.

In other words, the garrison commanders of all security regiments have the final say.

It's like the provincial military district overseeing the municipal military sub-district and the county's armed forces department.

It's a lucrative position, and Shen Hao will fill it when a new warlord position becomes available.

Shen Hao knew that in a few months, Yuan Shikai would send troops to kill Song Jiaoren.

At that time, the second revolution will begin.

The Tongmenghui will also be defeated, at which time many warlord positions will be vacant, which will also be an opportunity for Shen Hao.

Thinking of this, Shen Hao felt very satisfied.

Now that we've secured a division commander position, we can start recruiting soldiers and aim to gather 30,000 men for the major battle next year.

This is Shen Hao's goal.

Immediately, Yuan Datou had Shen Hao follow him to his study.

After entering the study, Yuan Datou lit a cigar and asked, "Would you like one?"

Shen Hao shook his head and said, "No, Uncle Yuan."

"Well, I haven't been in the presidency for long, and my power is not yet consolidated, so I can't hold a big celebration."

I mean, let's keep the wedding low-key, just the two families having a meal together. Do you have any objections?

This was exactly what Shen Hao wanted to do.

"Without an uncle, I'll listen to you in everything," Shen Hao said.

"Hmm, not bad, you're teachable. Since there are no objections, let's go ahead and make it a deal."

"When the time comes, my dowry won't be insufficient for you."

After finishing his personal matters, Yuan Datou changed the subject and stared at Shen Hao, asking, "What do you think of the Tongmenghui?"

Shen Hao hesitated for a moment before saying, "We have different paths, so we cannot work together. There will definitely be a battle between us."

Yuan Shikai nodded in satisfaction, pleased with Shen Hao's political acumen.

He's much better than his sons.

He understood that a battle between the two sides was inevitable sooner or later, but Yuan Shikai was still accumulating power and would only make a move when he was absolutely certain of victory.

"Do you know why I'm expanding the Central Division?" Yuan Shikai asked.

"Preparing for the impending war?" Shen Hao asked.

"Indeed, those in high positions must learn to plan ahead. Those who do not plan for the long term cannot plan for the short term; those who do not plan for the whole cannot plan for a part."