The Republic of China: A Letter of Appointment Creates the Most Powerful Warlord

Chapter 359 Meeting in Bincheng, Royal Gift

That afternoon, at Bincheng Port, when the fleet was gradually approaching the shore, Zhang Ye, who was standing on the deck, saw Zhang Zuolin's figure among the welcoming team through the telescope.

The old man was very considerate. Not only did he prepare a grand welcome ceremony, he even invited many reporters from newspapers to come, just to record the friendly scenes between the two sides at this critical moment.

When the escalator was set up, Zhang Ye did not hesitate. He changed into an independent army uniform and slowly walked down the escalator accompanied by a group of security personnel.

At the same time, the welcoming team that had been prepared for a long time suddenly sounded the deafening sound of gongs and drums, and the salute troops on the side opened fire in unison. The scene suddenly became noisy and lively.

Those who knew were welcoming the leader of the independence army, while those who didn’t thought Bincheng was welcoming the second wave of the New Year.

Under the protection of everyone, Zhang Ye met Zhang Zuolin smoothly. As soon as the two Marshal Zhangs met, they were very cordial, especially old Zhang, who had a smile on his face all the time and held Zhang Ye's hand and talked non-stop.

"Brother, welcome, welcome, warm welcome. I heard that you were leaving from Silla, so I started preparing here. How can I not stop by when you are at my doorstep?"

"Haha, brother, you're right. I didn't think this matter through. I should have come to you first to take a look!" After such a long period of tempering, Zhang Ye has become quite good at speaking the truth, and he is an expert at telling lies with his eyes open.

Anyway, they are just some polite words, just say whatever sounds nice. As for other things, we can only wait until there is no one around and then find a small room to talk quietly.

"No matter what you say, it's a good thing that we can meet each other. I haven't seen you for so long, and I missed you so much." Old Zhang was quite enthusiastic in front of the camera. He kept holding Zhang Ye's hand, his face full of emotion, and sighed, "Sometimes I dream about that time in Shanghai when we lived in the same house, talking and laughing every day. It was so happy!"

"Hey, this is not a simple matter. When you have time, let's go to Shanghai again, just for fun. It just so happens that I'm not busy recently!" Zhang Ye took advantage of the situation and chatted with him.

"Okay, then it's settled. When I have time, we'll meet in Shanghai and have a good time for a few days!" Old Zhang nodded with a smile, feeling very happy.

At this time, his secretary quietly came up and whispered, "Marshal, several well-known newspapers in Fengbei are here. How about everyone line up and take a photo so that they can publicize it."

“No, no!” Unexpectedly, Old Zhang’s face was full of resistance, and he waved his hand to refuse: “Silla’s mess has made me feel uncomfortable. It’s good to take pictures. You kid did it on purpose!”

"Hahahaha... Old brother, you really know how to joke. It's just taking a picture, it's no big deal. How can I be afraid of cameras for the rest of my life because of that little thing?" Zhang Ye laughed along, but he was wondering in his heart what the old guy was going to do.

"Let's not film it then. Let's hurry to the hotel. We've been on the boat for so long and must be hungry." Old Zhang nodded to the adjutant beside him and said, "Let's go. When we get to the hotel, make arrangements for the brothers of the Independence Army. This is like home. Eat, drink, and have fun. You can explore Bincheng and have fun!"

"Yes, Marshal, don't worry, I have arranged everything." The adjutant bent his body and nodded with a smile.

In order to welcome these people from the Independence Army, all the famous restaurants, brothels, and opium dens in Bincheng have stopped operating today. Once there is a demand, they will be transferred there to provide service immediately.

Isn't that what men do? Eat, drink, spend money and play with women. The independence soldiers are also human beings. It's impossible for them to have nothing and not think about anything.

……

An hour later, in Bincheng, in a restaurant not far from the coastline.

Zhang Zuolin directly booked all the restaurants in the area just to entertain the brothers of the Independence Army.

At this time, one delicious and exquisite dish after another was served on the table. Many of the seafood were aged and they refreshed people and whetted their appetites as soon as they were brought into the house.

At the main table, Zhang Zuolin instructed the waiter at the door, "Open my collection of fine wines. We must have a good drink today."

"I haven't had a drink in a long time, so I'm not sure I can keep up with you." Zhang Ye said with a smile while holding his chopsticks and eating slowly.

Since he became free, he rarely drinks. Firstly, he doesn't have so many social engagements and most of the work has been distributed among others.

Secondly, he is not addicted to alcohol. He can drink it, but he doesn't want to not drink it.

"Drink as much as you can. We're at home now, and I can get you drunk." Old Zhang personally carried the simple-looking bottle of wine and introduced it as he poured it. "This is a rare and precious treasure. It was the imperial wine awarded to me by Lord Yuan when I served the previous dynasty."

"It's been so many years, and I haven't been able to bear to drink it yet. Today, I'm taking advantage of you."

"This kind of wine in the palace is really rare." Zhang Ye looked at the bottle, taking in the exquisite patterns on it and the mellow aroma that surrounded his nose, and sighed softly, "The previous dynasty loved to invest in these useless things. The cost of a single bottle of wine could cover an ordinary person's food and drink for a year. Extravagance is not advisable."

"Hey, what you said is true. Every emperor wants the best. It's not surprising." Zhang Zuolin held a different view. He took a deep sniff of his wine glass and said, "How much does the emperor's harem cost for food and drink? The fall of the previous dynasty was the tide of the times. It had to fall."

As he spoke of this, Old Zhang recalled the last time he visited the capital and met the young emperor. A trace of sadness crossed his face. "The last time I visited the capital, I saw the young emperor. He was worse than a dog. Although he still had a few eunuchs waiting on him, his daily life, clothing, food, shelter, and transportation were completely devoid of the elegance of royalty."

"Didn't you just say that the tide of time is constantly changing? Compared to the previous dynasties, he's lucky to still be alive." Zhang Ye studied the amber wine in the glass and sneered softly, "Besides, he still has people to serve him. Those enslaved and oppressed people have served them for hundreds of years. It's only right that he should suffer for a few years now."

"Good deeds and evil deeds will eventually be rewarded. It's not that there is no reward but the time has come!"

"This is fate. For people like them, it's a great blessing to have a good ending."