Time Travel to 1859: The Iron-Blooded Soldier King

Liu Ye called Gao Qi, took a step forward, and said with a smile, "I am Liu Ye. I didn't expect you to praise me so highly. I am truly ashamed!"

Zhang Chunping was dumbfounded and asked blankly, "Are you really the flying general of today? How old are you this year?"

Liu Ye smiled and said, "It's the truth. I am Liu Ye, the former General of Baoding Town. Eight days ago, I arrived in Jinan to take over the post of Governor of Shandong, in charge of Shandong's military and political affairs. As for my age, haha, does it matter? I'm only twenty-two years old this year!"

Oh my god! Zhang Chunping took a deep breath. It was unbelievable. He was a governor and only 22 years old, but he had already lived like a dog!

Zhang Chunping turned his head with difficulty, looked at Li Junfeng, and asked, "Cousin, this..."

Li Junfeng smiled and nodded, then replied, "Brother, you're not dreaming. This is the genuine Governor of Shandong, the former General of Baoding Town, Liu Ye! This time, I'm here to meet you at the request of the Governor-General."

Zhang Chunping's face was as red as a winter date. He was so upset that he could never have imagined that a young man in his twenties could become a governor! Since the founding of the Qing Dynasty, a full two hundred and twenty years ago, there had never been such a young governor!

Zhang Chunping said respectfully, "Your humble servant Zhang Chunping pays respects to the Governor!"

Liu Ye laughed and said, "Okay, don't be so reserved. Didn't you just say that my lanugo hair hasn't completely fallen out? Haha, you really are just like what others say. I've seen it today. However, I like people with personality. How about you come out and help me? The Governor's Office is short of people, and those staff positions are almost all vacant. Just pick whoever you choose, and I'll give you that position!"

Zhang Chunping replied, "Your Excellency, I was truly reckless just now. It's okay to be a little arrogant in front of others, but I absolutely cannot be arrogant in front of you, Your Excellency. From two years ago until now, everything you have done has left me far behind. You are truly a great admiration for me. I have long wanted to serve you and serve you wholeheartedly. Unfortunately, I have never had the opportunity..."

Li Junfeng smiled and said, "Well, Chunping, this is your great fortune. Following the governor, you can definitely realize your ambitions to the fullest!"

Zhang Chunping said helplessly, "Cousin, how dare I be picky in front of the governor? As long as you need me, I will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

Liu Ye smiled and said, "In that case, I won't be polite. Brother Chunping, what is your current status?"

Zhang Chunping replied, "Your Excellency, although I have resigned, my position is a fifth-rank garrison commander, a position inherited from my father. Even though I have lost my post, I still retain my rank. It can only be removed with a written order from the Ministry of War."

Liu Ye nodded and was about to answer when he saw the book Zhang Chunping had placed on the table—The Wealth of Nations. Liu Ye was startled. The Wealth of Nations? Although Liu Ye was a layman in economic theory, being fluent in English, he knew this famous classic. It was the masterpiece by the great British economist Adams, representing the most advanced market economic concepts of this century!

Liu Ye pointed at The Wealth of Nations in front of him and exclaimed, "You even know foreign languages. Where did you get this copy?"

Zhang Chunping was shocked. He was so busy talking that he put the book on the table. Liu Ye saw it at a glance!

"The Wealth of Nations"?

Zhang Chunping was shocked. This book had not yet been translated into Chinese, but the governor actually called out its name, "The Wealth of Nations". This name was so appropriate, it seemed like it was tailor-made for him!

Zhang Chunping replied sheepishly, "Sir, I'm learning English, so I asked someone to find two foreign books for me to study. Do you know this book?"

Liu Ye blushed and coughed, "This book, well, I read it a few years ago. It's really a good work. I'm sure you've gained something from reading it, right?"

Zhang Chunping said helplessly, "After reading this book, I realized that I was only seeing the world from a narrow perspective. It turns out that the world outside of China is so wonderful. The way of life has such profound knowledge. Frankly speaking, the knowledge in this book has far surpassed all the books worth of our great China in the past 5,000 years. The backwardness of our country is a foregone conclusion. The ridiculous officials are still so arrogant, not knowing that while they were lying asleep, others were running at full speed. We lost the two Opium Wars, not only in military equipment, but also in national strength. Even if you are talented and make great achievements, you still can't save the situation. Isn't this the result?"

Liu Ye looked at Gao Qi beside him and said angrily, "Look, look, Gao Qi, this is the gap between you and others, do you see? I forced you to learn foreign languages, but you all made excuses and refused. Look at him, he didn't have a teacher to teach him, he learned on his own. This is the gap, the gap! You bunch of useless people!"

Gao Qi's face was as red as a monkey's butt. Today was really embarrassing. He was actually scolded by an adult. It was all his fault for not making him proud.

Zhang Chunping replied, "Your Excellency is too kind. I only have a love for reading. The man behind you is obviously a fierce general who has fought on the battlefield. He can't suppress his murderous aura. If I were on the battlefield, I wouldn't be able to do that..."

Gao Qi's expression brightened slightly, and he said proudly, "Of course, we were taught these skills by our Master. If we don't have this little bit of skill, we'll be embarrassing our Master. What about the British? Last time I fought them, I at least chopped off twenty of their heads!"

Liu Ye ignored him and said, "Chunping, for now, I will only assign you a position as military counselor. You will join my army and assist me in setting up the army training camp. The rest of the time, you will assist me in handling the government affairs of the province. You will be my first true advisor, so don't let me down!"

With just one word from Liu Ye, Zhang Chunping completely became Liu Ye's core aide, helping Liu Ye handle Shandong's military and political affairs. This was a great honor!

Zhang Chunping straightened his clothes, knelt on one knee, and said, "Yes! Your Excellency, I leave my position in your hands for the rest of my life. I only hope to follow you and one day avenge the shame of the Opium War. Even if I die, I will have no regrets!"