King of Beiyang

The cruise ship "Hanova" slowly sailed out of the port of Hamburg and into the North Sea.

On the cruise ship, Li Jingyuan stood on the top deck, watching the land recede into the distance, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

The years he spent in the German Empire were definitely a period of tremendous transformation for him.

This not only enabled him to build an extremely wealthy fortune, but also allowed him to begin implementing his plans.

Upon returning to China, he will focus his main efforts on industrial development and the construction of ground forces.

This time when he returned to China, Li Jingyuan booked first class for all his flights.

The conditions were much better than the second-class cabin I had traveled in during my last visit to the German Empire.

Moreover, Li Jingyuan not only booked first class for himself, but also for the elites of the military academy.

Everyone knows that Li Jingyuan is now a wealthy man, and no one will try to save money for him.

"Brother Jingyuan, what about your colleagues from the Naval Academy? Why didn't they return to China with you?" Wang Shizhen asked.

"They will stay in the German Empire for two more years for internships, to learn as much as possible from the German Navy," Li Jingyuan replied.

"Although the Imperial German Navy is far inferior to the Navy of the British Empire, the Kaiser has placed great emphasis on the navy in recent years. Presumably, the Imperial German Navy will achieve significant development in the future."

The Beiyang Fleet certainly had many aspects that it could learn from the German Imperial Navy.

Duan Qirui said.

The other elites from the military academy nodded in agreement.

After spending several years in the German Empire, everyone had gained a deep understanding of it.

At the same time, they have a more intuitive understanding of the international situation and are no longer as narrow-minded as before.

  

"I heard that the Beiyang Fleet has stopped ordering warships from abroad in the past two years."

While other countries were vigorously developing their navies, especially the Japanese who tightened their belts to purchase warships from Europe, the Beiyang Fleet remained stagnant and closed off. This was not a good thing!

Liang Huadian couldn't help but feel worried.

"Even His Excellency the Grand Secretary can't do anything about it! I heard that the Empress Dowager misappropriated the navy's funds for purchasing ships and used them to build the garden," Cao Kun muttered from the side.

The elites from the military academy immediately looked somewhat uneasy.

As people have more and more contact with foreign countries, their awe and loyalty to the Qing Dynasty have diminished.

Especially after recognizing the corruption of the Qing Dynasty, people completely lost faith in those rulers.

It can be said that the more one witnessed the power of the Western powers, the more one realized how backward the Qing Empire was and how corrupt the entire Qing Dynasty was.

Originally, the rebellious and disloyal thoughts that these Beiyang elites considered so blatantly disloyal did not seem so unacceptable.

If someone were to raise their voice and directly rebel against the Qing Dynasty, perhaps they would actually respond enthusiastically.

"Everyone, no matter what, there's always a way."

We learned a lot of real skills while studying in the German Empire.

After returning to China, everyone will have plenty of opportunities to put their skills to good use.

To tell you the truth, I purchased a considerable amount of weaponry and equipment from the German Empire during this trip back home. Once we return, I will request my father's permission to train a new army. That will be the time for everyone to put their skills to good use!

Li Jingyuan addressed the crowd.

This greatly excited the group of elites.

Although the Qing Empire had a large army, the total number of troops held by each province was over one million.

However, the problem of empty salaries was serious, and most of the troops were Manchu bannermen and Green Standard Army soldiers with little combat capability.

What use is such an army, except for bullying civilians?

If war breaks out, can these rabble defend the country, resist foreign enemies, and protect the people?

If a new army were established by imitating the West, things might be completely different.

Furthermore, only by controlling the military can one gain a higher status and greater influence.

While Li Jingyuan was still adrift at sea, Li Hongzhang was already considering how to arrange Li Jingyuan's position after returning to China.

"Father, judging by the time, our third son will be returning to China in less than a month," Li Jingshu said excitedly.

The two brothers hadn't seen each other for almost four years, so naturally they missed each other terribly.

Li Hongzhang nodded: "That little brat has given this old man a real problem!"

Li Jingshu was very puzzled and didn't understand why.

"That brat proposed to take the position of Vice Admiral of the Beiyang Fleet. Does he really think that I run the Ministry of Personnel of the Qing Empire and that I can decide all the official positions at my discretion?"

He doesn't even realize he's only twenty-two years old. Even with his overseas experience, he's still too young; he's barely grown up yet, and he already wants to be a vice admiral.

Besides, the Beiyang Fleet didn't even have a vice admiral position.

Li Hongzhang looked helpless.

"Father, my third brother's request is indeed quite demanding. But with your position and abilities in the court, it shouldn't be impossible for you to accomplish this, right?"

Besides, my third brother has built a foundation in the German Empire.

The Beiyang Fleet was originally under my father's command. Appointing my third brother as vice admiral was a piece of cake, wasn't it?

Li Jingshu said.

Li Jingshu's words pleased Li Hongzhang greatly.

As the Governor-General of Zhili and Minister of Beiyang, Li Hongzhang was now absolutely powerful.

Especially in the Beiyang Army and Huai Army systems, the generals were all his subordinates, and they all obeyed him without question.

Appointing Li Jingyuan as the Vice Admiral of the Beiyang Fleet was indeed too attention-grabbing.

But in Li Hongzhang's eyes, this was not impossible.

After making the decision, Li Hongzhang quickly got to work.

Sheng Xuanhuai, following orders, took a considerable amount of silver and went to Yanjing to make arrangements.

Prince Li Shiduo, the chief minister of the Grand Council; Elehebu, a Grand Councilor and Grand Secretary of the Wuying Hall; Zhang Zhiwan, a Grand Councilor and Grand Secretary of the Dongge Pavilion; Xu Gengshen, a Grand Councilor and Minister of War; Lin Shu, the Manchu Minister of Personnel; Xu Tong, the Han Minister of Personnel; Ulaxichong'a, the Manchu Minister of War; and many other important officials of the court were all bribed.

Given Li Hongzhang's current power and status, although the Qingliu faction has been constantly denouncing and attacking him, the other ministers are still willing to give him face.

Especially since the Beiyang Fleet was entirely under Li Hongzhang's command, his decision to appoint his son to a high-ranking position in the fleet was essentially a matter of succession, and it didn't seem like a big deal. No one would object to it, lest they offend Li Hongzhang.

Under these circumstances, Li Jingyuan had not yet returned to China, but his official position was almost secured.