Yamafu Military Affairs

Chapter 442: Yihe Lives Forever

"I have already discussed this figure with Zhongshan Qiao over the phone. Our opinion is that the total cost, after all the various expenses, is three million taels."

"not enough."

Empress Dowager Longyu shook her head and said in an unquestionable tone: "You don't know how expensive firewood and rice are until you manage a household. This account must be carefully calculated."

Seeing Yuan Xiangcheng also took out an abacus and started fiddling with it, she continued, "Just say that every year, I need 20,000 taels of silver to buy clothes."

"can."

Yuan Xiangcheng agreed very readily.

"Clothing, clothing, there can't be clothing without decorations. For example, the decorations on the clothes, they must cost twice as much, right?"

"I think that's too much."

"Back then, a golden hairpin from the old Buddha was worth ten thousand taels of silver. What is my request now worth?"

"Then I will obey you, Queen Mother."

"If you have clothes, you must have shoes and hats. How much do you think they should be?"

"I'm not sure about this."

Yuan Xiangcheng's eyes rolled around, and he was already thinking of an excuse to deny the debt later.

"Shoes and hats need to be replaced frequently. In a year, it will cost at least five thousand taels of silver."

"Whatever the Queen Mother says, that's it."

"There's still food to eat. You can't let me live a hard life, right?"

"He only has one stomach. How much can he eat?"

"And what about the eunuchs? There are more than 3,000 eunuchs. If each of them eats one mouthful a day, how much do you think that should be?"

"After this, without government affairs, so many eunuchs will be useless."

As soon as these words were spoken, the eunuch who was playing with the little emperor nearby suddenly tilted his body and knocked over the building blocks, which immediately led to a beating and scolding.

Looking at the little emperor who showed his cold nature at a young age, Yuan Xiangcheng narrowed his eyes slightly. Just as he was about to continue, he heard the Queen Mother pleading.

"Look at these losers. Where can they go? I still have to support them."

"Then please tell me the number, Your Majesty."

"One hundred thousand taels of silver is the minimum."

"Okay, then I'll eat 100,000 taels."

“And heating.”

"Hey, Queen Mother, how long will it take to calculate one by one like this? I will increase the number, what do you think, Queen Mother?"

Yuan Xiangcheng was annoyed, put down the abacus, looked up and asked.

“That depends on how much you add.”

"In addition to the original three million taels, add another five hundred thousand taels."

"One million taels."

"Six hundred thousand taels."

"One million taels!"

"Seven hundred thousand taels!"

"One million taels!"

Seeing that Empress Dowager Longyu was in a high voice and in a hurry, Yuan Xiangcheng had no choice but to clasp his hands and agree: "Okay, okay, I'll do as the Empress Dowager says. The total amount is four million taels."

"And the reparations paid to various countries."

"Your Majesty, don't worry. Everything will be handled by our Republic of China government."

"Besides that, this Forbidden City belongs to the Qing Dynasty. No one is allowed to enter without the imperial decree."

"Even the humble minister is not allowed to come in?"

Yuan Xiangcheng looked at Empress Dowager Longyu who was pacing in the palace with raised eyes, and said quietly.

"What are you doing here? Once the ancestor leaves, you will become the president. Come in, are you going to kowtow to me, or am I going to kowtow to you?"

Empress Dowager Longyu looked at the early spring snow outside the palace with no expression on her face.

"It is always me who kowtows to the Queen Mother."

"Oh? Why?"

"Yeah, I'm used to it. Besides, when people in the Republic of China meet, they just shake hands. Why would they kowtow?"

Listening to the rare truth from Yuan Xiangcheng, the old fox, Longyu waved her hand and said, "Then let's make a deal. The South Sea, the North Sea, and the Central South Sea belong to your Republic of China, and the Imperial Palace and the Summer Palace belong to my Qing Dynasty. From now on, we will not interfere with each other."

"The minister obeys the order."

"Yuan Xiangcheng, today is our ancestor's 300th birthday, and it is also his memorial day. This drama of entrusting an orphan to someone else and saving him has come to an end."

After he finished speaking, Yuan Xiangcheng ignored the empress dowager who seemed a little sad, slowly walked up to the little emperor, and picked him up with a smile.

"emperor."

"What for, old man?"

"I'll take you to the throne."

Afterwards, he carried the little emperor to the dragon throne, straightened his clothes, and slowly returned to the steps. At this time, the eunuchs in the memorial office were announcing the imperial decree to summon envoys from various countries and court ministers into the hall.

Yuan Xiangcheng quickly rolled up his sleeves and fell to his knees.

"I kowtow to Your Majesty for the last time."

After the ceremony, Yuan Xiangcheng stood up and walked silently out of the hall, passing by envoys from various countries and court ministers.

"I have received the order of Empress Dowager Longyu. Because the militia revolted and all provinces responded, the nine summers were boiling and the people suffered. I specially ordered Yuan Xiangcheng to send people to discuss the overall situation and the political system with the militia. For two months, there has been no definite solution. The north and the south are separated and the two are at loggerheads. Business is suspended on the road and scholars are exposed in the wild. As long as the national system is not decided, the people's livelihood will be uneasy. The people of the country are inclined to the republic. The provinces in the south have advocated it first, and the generals in the north have also advocated it. The will of the people is known by the will of heaven. How can I bear to go against the likes and dislikes of millions of people for the honor of one family? Therefore, I look at the general situation and examine the public opinion. I will make the ruling power public to the whole country and establish a republican constitutional system.

In the near future, it will comfort the hearts of the people who are tired of chaos and hope for order, and in the distant future, it will be in line with the ancient sages' principle of sharing the world with the public. Yuan Xiangcheng was previously elected as the Prime Minister by the Council of State. At this time of transition from the old to the new, it is appropriate to have a way to unify the north and the south. Yuan Xiangcheng will be fully empowered to organize a provisional republican government and negotiate with the militia on a unified approach, with the goal of ensuring the safety of the people and peace in the country. The five ethnic groups of Manchu, Han, Mongolian, Hui, and Tibetan will have complete territories and become a great Republic of China. The emperor and I will be able to retire and enjoy our years, receive the respect of the people for a long time, and personally witness the completion of a great governance. Isn't that wonderful? I decree this."
-
Tianjin, warm spring.

In the simple and elegant courtyard, the sky was getting light early. Feng Zhao, who was sleeping soundly, was suddenly awakened from his dream. All the energy in his body burst out subconsciously, but he just listened to the barking of dogs and the crowing of chickens outside, and smelled the delicious fish soup wafting in from the window, and he was stunned again.

He looked at his arms, which were covered with scabs and bandaged with wound medicine, as if he remembered something.

He got up from the kang and pushed the door open. Qin Huai was reading a pornographic book while keeping an eye on the fire in the pot. He didn't even raise his head, and he knew that Feng Zhao had woken up.

"Wanming, you must be hungry. The fish soup will be ready soon."

"How long did I sleep?" "Not much, only about six or seven hours. How was it, did you get a good rest?"

Qin Huai put the notebook filled with mysterious illustrations in his arms, scooped a spoonful of fish soup to taste the saltiness, and nodded: "Well, we have to wait a little longer."

"Almost. How about Senior Tongchen and the others?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Zhao found a low stool to sit down, looked at the rising and flickering fire, and replied.

"Master, his Qi and blood have been severely damaged, and he has suffered severe internal and external injuries. He risked his life to pass on his skills to me. I need to relax and recuperate before rebuilding my Qi. He is drinking tea with Master Su Tang and the others next door now, and will come over later."

Seeing the fish soup in the pot gradually boiling and turning into a milky white color, Feng Zhao took the small spoon handed over by Qin Huai, scooped up a small sip, tasted the flavor, and his eyes lit up: "Hey, Jingbo, your cooking skills are really good!"

"This fish soup is a secret tonic recipe from Ao Xiao's mother's family. Her family is best at cooking fish. I'll stew a few old hens for you tomorrow. Eat them for a few more days and I guarantee that you will make up for the losses from that battle."

"That's great, I'll have a treat during this period."

Feng Zhao put down the spoon and looked through the courtyard gate at the Haihe River not far away. The warm breeze blew on his face, and the green waves reflected the green willows and pink peach blossoms on both sides of the river.

In the battle of Longgang, most of the Shenzhou masters were injured but few died, so the sacrifice was not particularly tragic. However, some of the three martial saints died and some were disabled. The outcome was really beyond his expectations.

However, the days ahead are peaceful, and it is better to have fewer martial saints who can lead an army alone.

"My dear fellow minister, I heard that yesterday was the day when Yuan Gongbao took office as the provisional president. He invited you to attend the ceremony. Why didn't you go?"

Taking the bowl of soup handed over by Qin Huai, Feng Zhao blew on it and just took two sips when he suddenly saw four people flash into the yard, two tall and two short, all wearing bandages and splints.

"The wound hasn't healed yet, and I might as well stay at home and drink soup to get rid of the bad luck."

These four people were none other than Wudang Sword Master Song Weiyi, Natural Gate Master Xu Ai, Li Shuwen and Li Cunyi.

Feng Zhao hurriedly stood up and greeted: "Uncle Li, Uncle Xu, Uncle Li, Uncle Song!"

"Hey, Ah Huai, when are your two wives coming back? I went to Eighteenth Street yesterday and ordered a few trays of steamed dumplings made with oil and meat from Gouzi's house. If they miss the time because they were shopping at the gouache shop, I'll be in trouble today."

Li Shuwen picked up a stool and sat down, smacking his lips. He took the bowl and chopsticks handed to him by Qin Huai and started picking up the meat.

The other three were not left behind.

"Please don't worry about them. Hongying might be taking Ling'er to some theater to watch a play right now."

The big pot of fish soup was quickly divided up by the six people. After eating the medicinal food, everyone went into their rooms to pack their things.

After Qin Huai protected Li Shuwen and helped him circulate the new Qi for several cycles, he changed his clothes and went out with everyone to the Jinlou in Nanshi.

Perhaps due to the changing political situation, the prostitutes and gamblers who used to come and go suddenly became less common, and were replaced by some martial arts masters and people from the underworld.

Upstairs and downstairs, there were mostly young girls peeking around, as well as the accountant and the big and small teapots that kept an eye on the guests coming in and out.

Although this building on Huayuan Street in Nanshi was bustling in the past, you would never see such scenes. After all, those self-proclaimed first-class figures in Beijing and Tianjin would never hold big events in such a worldly place.

At dusk, outside the magnificent building, one could see horse-drawn carriages rushing in, lined up in a row, and parked for half the street, startling the passers-by and causing them to murmur in surprise. There were nearly a hundred coachmen alone, and many disciples from various sects had also come.

Apart from all this, one could still hear the sounds of gongs and drums and singing in the building, and as soon as the voice rose, one could tell that the person invited must be the most popular star in Peking Opera today, Lin Heier.

In the private room on the third floor, more than eighty armchairs were occupied.

The interweaving of light and dark lights all around cast light on faces of varying contours, all with solemn expressions.

Through the glass windows and doors, I could see that there were quite a lot of people crowded in the corridors.

The first person was wearing exquisite silk clothes and holding three large incense sticks. Under the curling smoke of the incense, one could see a large flag with a silver hook and iron painting hanging on the incense table in front of him, with the words "Yihe" embroidered on it.

Qin Huai straightened his waist, bent it, raised the incense stick and bowed three times in the air.

The Sea Wolf standing nearby opened his eyes wide and shouted in a long voice: "Shenzhou gathers together!"

Everyone in the room stood up, bowed, and said in unison: "May righteousness and peace live forever and be remembered forever!"

The music is soft and the lights are dim.

In full view of the crowd, Qin Huai had finished offering incense, turned around and clasped his fists in the dissipating mist.

"Hello, brothers!"

As that resolute face appeared under the light, those who were waving the flag also bowed in greeting.

"I've met the owner!"

"Please take a seat!"

Seeing Qin Huai sitting down with his clothes lifted up, all the Chinese heroes who had followed him from Nanjing to the north also sat down.

Listening to the little tune in the building, Qin Huai slowly raised his bright and restrained eyes and looked at the Yihe people in the room, all of whom were injured.

To this day, people from all walks of life, as well as officials, have all heard about what happened outside the Great Wall. Although they don't know whether Chuntai's death was a figment of their imagination or a true event, the abdication of the Qing court is real, and people from all walks of life are indeed willing to give him some face and establish a relationship with him.

"In life, there are life and death, and what we seek is nothing more than a beginning and an end. Ten years ago, our ancestors raised the banner of Yihe once, and although they failed, they still had honor. Now I, the latecomer, raise it again, not for anything else, but just to be united and seek a beginning and an end."

Qin Huai's eyes were dim, and he said in a deep voice: "Back then, the flag was raised in Tianjin. A total of 47 great boxers were welcomed. The 47 people fought against the foreign devils, but in the end they were stabbed in the back by the Qing government. Only a few have survived to this day."

He had just finished speaking when the people below started sobbing. By the time he had finished speaking, they were kneeling on the ground and wailing loudly, holding tablets in their arms, unable to control their grief. It was only a few prestigious veterans in the martial arts world who managed to persuade them to stop.

After the crying and consolation stopped, Qin Huai continued with a sigh: "Since there is a beginning and an end, we started it ten years ago, and we must finish it today."

"May I ask how Master Qin collects it?"

"Master Qin, please tell me quickly. We just killed that old dog of the Qing court outside the Great Wall a few days ago. It is a major event that will go down in history books. I wonder if there will be any other excitement that we can join in on?"

"That's right, Master Qin. From now on, we brothers will follow your lead."

"You might as well speak frankly!"

"Of course, we must remember how the foreigners ate and drank from us over the past hundred years. When our country becomes stronger, we will get it back with our own hands!"

When the discussion died down, Qin Huai stared at everyone, raised his voice slightly, and said slowly: "Now that the Qing Dynasty has abdicated, we have a very good relationship with the Republic of China government. We should take this opportunity to spread boxing. Becoming famous is secondary. Strengthening the country by strengthening the people is the top priority.

"Over the past hundred years, the Qing dynasty has been weak and lost its sovereignty. Now, the land of China is a fat piece of meat in the eyes of those foreign enemies. Although we now have great masters with amazing means, the European countries are also constantly developing more powerful ships and cannons. If we still stick to those bad rules in the martial arts school and only pick good materials and jade, how will our descendants turn defense into offense a hundred years later?"

"If you fall behind, you will be beaten!"

"The attack of us warriors lies in our fists and feet, but the attack of a country is to be strong. How can it be strong?"

“When the people are strong, the country is strong!”

These few words, though spoken lightly and slowly, are very thought-provoking. It is no exaggeration to say that every word is a gem.

"Some time ago, the Chinese Warriors Association was established in Tianjin. There is a clear way to promote martial arts and strengthen the country and the people. But how to implement it in practice is up to you!"

After his impassioned speech, Qin Huai bowed deeply and clasped his fists in respect.

Everyone in the room looked at each other, and stood up one after another. In the blink of an eye, they were all standing upright. With a solemn look, they bowed and returned the greeting, saying, "Shenzhou gathers together for justice, and justice and peace will last forever, and will be remembered forever!"

(End of this chapter)