King of Beiyang

January 3, 1886 (the 15th year of the Guangxu Emperor's reign), Hamburg Port, dock.

A young man in a suit and top hat disembarked from a cruise ship.

If it weren't for the long braid trailing behind his head, people would have thought he was a nobleman or a member of royalty from some country.

"Big brother, over here!"

When Li Jingyuan saw the approaching person at the dock, he immediately shouted.

"Third brother!" The newcomer saw Li Jingyuan and responded immediately.

This young man is Li Jingyuan's elder brother, Li Jingfang, who is also Li Hongzhang's adopted son.

Originally, Li Hongzhang was over forty years old but still had no children, which greatly worried his brothers.

Given Li Hongzhang's power, if he has no children of his own, who will inherit his family business? This will inevitably have a significant impact on the entire Li family.

Therefore, after discussion, the brothers decided to adopt the eldest son of the sixth brother, Li Zhaoqing, to Li Hongzhang, so as to prevent Li Hongzhang's lineage from dying out.

Strangely enough, after Li Jingfang was adopted, Li Hongzhang's sons were born one after another.

Even so, Li Hongzhang did not forget his adopted son after having his own son. He treated Li Jingfang as his own son and raised him with great care.

Even though Li Jingfang was much older than Li Hongzhang's biological sons, their good upbringing fostered brotherly love and respect, and the brothers had a very good relationship.

Li Jingfang is a full fifteen years older than Li Jingyuan, and is now thirty-three years old.

"I never expected that my third brother would come to Europe too. It's really beyond my expectations!" Li Jingfang patted Li Jingyuan on the shoulder.

"What? Are you saying that only the eldest brother is allowed to see the dazzling world of foreigners, but the younger brother isn't allowed to?" Li Jingyuan laughed.

"You still have such a sharp tongue!" Li Jingfang shook his head repeatedly.

The two brothers then found a horse-drawn carriage and went to a nearby inn to settle down.

"Brother, how long will we be able to stay in the German Empire this time? How about we go to Berlin tomorrow?" Li Jingyuan asked.

  

Li Jingfang shook his head: "No, I have to leave tomorrow. I've already bought my boat ticket."

"So rushed?" Li Jingyuan was quite surprised.

"There's no other way! The imperial examination is just around the corner, and I've taken it so many times, only to fail each time. This time, I have to give it my all!" Li Jingfang said resolutely.

This was undoubtedly the reality of the imperial examinations in that era. Many people who passed the provincial examinations could not pass the metropolitan examination even after taking the exams their entire lives.

In fact, this is already considered good.

Most people work hard their whole lives but still can't even pass the imperial examination.

Li Jingfang had passed the provincial examination more than six years ago. However, he participated in the metropolitan examination every time afterward, but failed to pass it each time.

Li Jingyuan knew that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Li Jingfang would also fail the imperial examination this time.

"Brother, I wish you all the best in this imperial examination!" Li Jingyuan didn't want to dampen anyone's spirits at this point.

"Haha, good! Then I'll take my third brother's good wishes."

However, I am self-aware enough to know my own limitations.

Winning the championship in one fell swoop is impossible.

I would be content as long as I could pass the imperial examination and become a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations).

Even if it fails again this time, it would be perfectly normal.

Li Jingfang said with a smile, seemingly in a good mood.

This is understandable. As Li Hongzhang's eldest son, even if he is only an adopted son, he has already surpassed most people.

Even if they didn't pass the imperial examination, Li Hongzhang could still arrange a good future for them.

Unlike others, who would have no hope for the rest of their lives if they failed the exam.

Li Jingyuan nodded. It was undoubtedly the best that Li Jingfang thought that way.

Afterwards, the two brothers went out for a German-style dinner.

Germans certainly don't have much of a knack for culinary flavors.

The two of them only had a quick bite to eat.

Afterwards, the two brothers talked late into the night by candlelight, and Li Jingyuan described his studies in the German Empire. Of course, he didn't mention that he had completely given up, as that would be too embarrassing.

Li Jingfang also talked about his experience as a counselor at the Chinese embassy in the British Empire, expressing his admiration for the power of the British Empire.

"Brother, if we pass the imperial examination this time, our future will be bright. But at the same time, we must also be prepared for the possibility of failing," Li Jingyuan suddenly said.

Li Jingfang's expression also turned serious.

Although he was confident in himself, the imperial examination was a highly competitive process, with thousands of people vying for a single spot.

The imperial examinations, in particular, were more competitive and more difficult. The chances of failing were also higher.

"What suggestions does Third Brother have?" Li Jingfang asked.

"Brother, now that you've already qualified to serve as a counselor at the embassy in the United States, you could easily take on a ministerial post in another country with Father's help and connections," Li Jingyuan suggested.

Li Jingfang shook his head: "It's not that easy. To be appointed as a minister stationed in other countries, one must have extensive experience. I'm only thirty-three years old this year, and my experience is still too shallow. Even with Father's help, I'm still far from qualified."

"My elder brother's qualifications are certainly insufficient to serve as a minister in other major powers. However, he could seek a position as a minister in other smaller countries. He could use that position as a stepping stone for a while, and then seek a position as a minister in other major powers. Wouldn't that be easier?"

Li Jingfang's eyes lit up immediately; he realized this was a great path to advancement.

"Third brother, you have truly impressed me! Your words are more valuable than ten years of study; they have enlightened me greatly!" Li Jingfang said with a broad smile.

He had already planned what direction to take if he failed the imperial examination again.

"Brother, I suggest you consider becoming the minister stationed in the Eastern Empire."

Compared to other major powers, the Eastern Empire was merely a small country. However, it was very close to the mainland. The Beiyang Fleet was also under my father's control, so he could provide immediate assistance should anything happen.

Li Jingyuan made the suggestion.

Li Jingfang nodded repeatedly. The Eastern Empire was not far from the Qing Empire; they were practically neighbors.

The journey from the Eastern Empire back to the Qing Empire by ship took only a few days.

If he could be appointed as the Minister to the Eastern Empire, it would be a good position for Li Jingfang.

"I will talk to my father after I return to China and ask for his opinion." Although Li Jingfang was already tempted, he still needed Li Hongzhang's approval in the end.

"Brother, if you really become the Minister in the Eastern Empire, you must be very careful."

Although the Eastern Empire was just a tiny country with a population of only over forty million, its ambitions were quite large.

In recent years, the Eastern Empire has been completely Westernized and is now using the full strength of the nation to expand its military and prepare for war.

And the target is none other than ourselves.

Perhaps, after my younger brother returns from studying abroad and joins the Beiyang Fleet, a major battle will break out between him and the Japanese.

Once my elder brother goes to take up a post in the Eastern Empire, he can learn about the relevant situation in advance, allowing us to be well-informed about both ourselves and our enemy.

Li Jingyuan reminded him.