Master Yuan, start!

"Oh? What's the call about?"

"The telegram said that Mr. Feng will be the Prime Minister in charge of Korean affairs, a position equivalent to that of a third-rank provincial judge!" Duan Qirui excitedly waved his arms, as if he had been promoted himself.

"Yes, sir, you have shown off a lot of power this time. He even said that he would reward you well when you return to Beijing." Ming Ye was not to be outdone and praised Yuan Xiangcheng.

After two years of planning, we have finally achieved some success.

Yuan Xiangcheng still felt a little dazed and unreal when holding the telegram in his hand.

Since traveling through time, the first thing Yuan Xiangcheng wanted was to have a strong army of his own, but to build a strong army requires investing a lot of money.

Yuan Shikai also opened a chamber of commerce as a reserve of funds, colluded with the Americans, and secretly trained troops in Incheon.

After multiple plannings, he was able to gain huge political and economic benefits for himself during the Seoul Rebellion.

This great achievement earned him a third-rank official hat and full authority over North Korea, which was somewhat empty.

If the Qing army had not suffered repeated defeats in the Sino-French battlefield in the south, Yuan Shikai would not have been treated so well by the court today.

He also had doubts in his heart. If he had quelled the rebellion in Seoul after the great victory at Zhennan Pass, would he still have received such a generous reward?

The last time the Qing court successfully quelled a rebellion was ten years ago, when Zuo Zongtang recovered Xinjiang.

Right now, I, Yuan Xiangcheng, am enjoying the blessing of the absence of tigers in the mountains, so the monkey becomes the king.

Just like spending a huge amount of money to buy a horse's bones, Yuan Xiangcheng already had a plan in mind.

In fact, Yuan Shikai had no need to worry so much. He was just a third-rank military officer. The Qing Dynasty also adhered to the principle of civil officials being superior to military officials.

The reason why the Qing Dynasty was not as prominent as the Song and Ming Dynasties was that in addition to the fact that civil officials were noble and military officials were lowly, there was another discrimination that ran throughout the Qing Dynasty, that is, Manchus were noble and Han people were lowly.

When a third-rank military officer meets a fifth-rank civil official, he should shake hands and kowtow, calling him "Sir".

But if this military officer is a bannerman or even a Manchu, how will you, a Han official and civil servant, respond?

Although Yuan Xiangcheng, a Han Chinese, was awarded the position of a third-rank military officer, he was also in charge of Korean affairs.

But in the eyes of the ministers in the court, there is no precedent. After all, as a military man, he can be promoted quickly and demoted quickly.

Yang Yuchun, a famous general of the Jiaqing Dynasty, successively quelled the White Lotus Rebellion in Sichuan and Hubei, the riot of tens of thousands of new soldiers in Ningshan,

He rose to the rank of provincial governor, but due to improper follow-up, he was demoted to the rank of general of a town, and even nearly had to eat sand in Xinjiang.

It was not until he led his army to suppress the Zhang Geer Rebellion that Emperor Jiaqing gave Yang Yuchun the position of Governor-General of Shaanxi and Gansu.

Yuan Xiangcheng's experience was similar to Yang Yuchun's in the eyes of the court officials. He was successful at a young age and was quickly promoted to a high position. If it weren't for the late Qing Dynasty's prohibition on raising the flag, perhaps Yuan Shikai could have also earned a living from the emperor.

No military commander's battles are smooth sailing. Can Yuan Xiangcheng guarantee victory in his lifetime? There will always be a time when he is defeated and has to retreat.

Both grace and power come from the top. Only through ups and downs can the authority of the central government be demonstrated and the hearts of all officials be won.

Therefore, there is no need to worry too much at the moment. If he loses the Sino-French War without being defeated, his victory in Korea will appear even more precious.

However, he knew that the troubles would get bigger and bigger in the future, so he said to the two people in front of him:

"Zhiquan Duan Qirui, also known as Mingye, although I have returned home this time, I must not let go of the matter of organizing and training the new army."

"Sir, now that Korea is at peace, isn't it a waste of money to train a new army?" Ming Ye had always been following Yuan Xiangcheng and didn't have much brains. Yuan Xiangcheng didn't put on airs on weekdays, so he said whatever he thought.

He knew how much money Yuan Shikai had made during the rebellion in Seoul, so he felt that it was not worth it to spend such a huge amount of money on the new army, which was very expensive.

"Ming Ye, why are you asking so many questions? Lord Yuan wants to train a new army, so you just need to do as he says." Duan Qirui had read a few books in the countryside since he was a child, so he was more familiar with human stories than Ming Ye. He stopped Ming Ye.

"Although Korea is now at peace, the Japanese are still restless. Weren't all the Japanese military and police officers arrested in the Seoul Royal Palace released? Although we got the heads of the two Xu brothers back in exchange, isn't it because China is weak that we have to let go of the Japanese who are entangled with us?"

"Mingye, after your family was destroyed by the Japanese, you also traveled to Northeast China to sell mountain products. Do you know what the Russians around the Hunhe River are like?"

"I know that although the Russians may occasionally lack cotton-padded clothes and hats, every one of them can use a Western rifle and is fearless. With only a dozen men, they dare to attack the Qing army on snowy nights and often return victorious. They are truly a first-class force."

"Then tell me, what if the Russians are not satisfied with the land north of the Hunhe River and want Northeast China or even North Korea? At that time, can my 2000 troops stop them?"

"I understand. If you don't think ahead, you'll have immediate worries. I'm still confined to the gains and losses of a single city and pond in Korea, but you, sir, have already envisioned both countries."

"Zhiquan, after I return, you and Mingye must work together. If there are any uncertainties in daily training, you can let Instructor Ma make the decision. I have already informed the trading company about the weapons and military equipment. If they are missing, you can go and get them. I will find a way to get the cannons after I return."

"Yes, sir!" they both answered in unison.

"I hope that when I return, the new army in Incheon will no longer be the current four battalions, but a whole town."

Chapter 21 Yuan Shen points the way

"beep!"

Amid the melodious sound of the whistle, Yuan Xiangcheng set off for his return voyage on the Weiyuan ship.

This ship was the 20th ship built by the Fujian Shipyard. It was China's first troop transport ship with a steel hull at that time and had a draft of 1250 tons.

Yuan Xiangcheng was indifferent to the Weiyuan ship, which had a speed of only 11 knots, and just hoped to return home as soon as possible.

However, he still drooled when looking at the Armstrong cannons on both sides of the ship. The eight frog cannons in the hands of his Incheon New Army were simply not from the same era as the cannon in front of him.

整艘威远号2也不过才195000两白银，自己8门小4陆炮san就花了8万两银子。

Yuan Xiangcheng felt that he had been cheated by the people of the Jiangnan Manufacturing General Bureau, but he couldn't go to Nanjing to confront them at the moment. He could only accept it and investigate it later. There were so many people in the late Qing court who were involved in this matter, and Yuan Xiangcheng was helpless.

At worst, I can buy guns from foreigners in the future. At least the kickbacks can be negotiated and the goods are guaranteed to be authentic.

Just as Yuan Xiangcheng was staring at the Armstrong cannon in a daze, a voice came from behind him.

"The last time I met Wei Ting was about two years ago. I never thought that two years later, after Wei Ting had made such a great contribution in Korea, he would still be able to return to China on the Weiyuan. What a fate."

Hearing the voice, he looked and saw that the man was Ding Ruchang, who had sent Wu Changqing, Yuan Xiangcheng and his party to the court to quell the rebellion two years ago.

Ding Ruchang was originally a member of the Taiping Army. Later, he defected to the Hunan Army and then switched to the Huai Army. After being noticed by Li Hongzhang, he was ordered to supervise the Beiyang coastal defense affairs.

"Weiting, do you know that the army is now saying that you single-handedly entered the Joseon palace and killed one man with one shot. The chaotic troops in the palace are trembling and dare not take a single move.

"You walked out of the palace with the King of Korea in full view of the public. Everyone calls you the bravest warrior in Haidong!" Ding Ruchang started to flatter Yuan Xiangcheng, making him feel ashamed.

"It's a rumor, it's a rumor. Others may not know me, but don't you, Ding Ruchang, know me? Did I, Yuan Xiangcheng, have three heads or six arms? How dare I face hundreds of guns alone? I am brave, but not stupid." Yuan Xiangcheng had to explain more.

"Haha, I know that, but the navy is not engaged in battle right now, and the soldiers are bored. Weiting, you are now a favorite in Lord Li's eyes. After returning to the capital, could you please say a few good words to Lord Li, so that we, the navy officers and soldiers, can also have the opportunity to make meritorious contributions."

Originally, they wanted me to say a few good words in front of Li Hongzhang, but now the Beiyang Fleet has not yet been formed, and there are only a few unprotected cruisers. How can I make any achievements?

Are you bombarding the scallops on Changzi Island?

Yuan Xiangcheng laughed it off and then focused on enjoying the scenery, no longer caring about the matter.

The waters of the Bohai Sea are not as deep and blue as those in the south, and the wind and waves are not strong. It is a large lake and is very suitable for naval training.

Looking at the thick smoke coming out of the chimney of the warship under his feet, Yuan Xiangcheng was particularly concerned about the current situation in Bohai.

In 1884, Bohai Sea was considered a public sea area where Westerners could come and go freely.

One reason is that in this era there is no 12 nautical miles of territorial waters and 200 nautical miles of exclusive economic zones stipulated by international public law.

Second, even if there are regulations now, what can they do to the foreigners? Truth has always been within the range of artillery. Now China's artillery cannot reach other countries' coastlines, but their artillery can land on your doorstep.

This is the ocean truth today.

Long before setting off, Yuan Shikai sent a telegram to Li Hongzhang, stating the purpose of France's invasion and the current situation in Europe.

It is frankly stated that Europe is currently planning to hold an international conference to divide Africa, and the focus is not on Asia, let alone China.

Moreover, although France and the Germans had a tacit understanding to divide up the African colonies, the two European powers would also face pressure from Britain while maintaining this tacit understanding.

Invading the Far East will inevitably irritate the British. For now, all we have to do is withstand the pressure from the French and refuse to seek peace.

There must be a chance to sign an agreement with the French without ceding territory or paying compensation.

However, Yuan Xiangcheng was also wondering whether Li Hongzhang, who always fell quickly, could withstand the pressure.

Although Li Hongzhang was kind to him, that was for his predecessor Yuan Shikai, not for himself Yuan Xiangcheng.

It’s not that Yuan Shikai looked at Li Hongzhang with tinted glasses, it’s just that some of the things he did made people too heartbroken.

Take the issue of signing unequal treaties as an example. It is reasonable to sign with Britain, France, Russia, Germany, Japan and the United States. After all, we cannot defeat them.

But after Li Hongzhang took office, even Peru and Brazil were able to come forward and take advantage of the two treaties, which were still unequal.

Consular jurisdiction seems to be wholesaled. As long as you sign a contract with the Qing Dynasty, you will be given consular jurisdiction. If you commit a crime in the Qing Dynasty in the future, you cannot be punished according to the laws of the Qing Dynasty.

This was China after 1870. It had been 30 years since the British attacked China, and more than ten years since the Westernization Movement. Li Hongzhang still had not yet recognized the world situation and only knew how to be patient and make concessions to foreign countries.

Thinking of this, Yuan Xiangcheng felt a little annoyed and breathless. Fortunately, Zhang Jian shouted to Yuan Xiangcheng at this time, which freed him from this thought.

"Weiting, let's eat. We're about to dock."

Yuan Shikai's destination was Tianjin. After docking in Tianjin, he would rush to Beijing on horseback. After Zhang Jian got off the ship in Tianjin, he would return to his hometown by land to take the exam.

Yuan Xiangcheng really wanted Zhang Jian to help him set up the Korean Chamber of Commerce, and even wanted to entrust all the business affairs under his control to him in the future.

However, Zhang Jian was determined to take the imperial examination, so Yuan Xiangcheng had to give up and look forward to meeting again.

Originally, as the Governor-General of Zhili, Li Hongzhang should have been stationed in Baoding, but because he also served as the Minister of Commerce of the Beiyang Government, he usually stayed in Tianjin. However, he would often be summoned to the capital in case of emergency military situation.

After running all the way, Yuan Xiangcheng arrived at the residence of the Governor-General of Zhili in the capital early in the morning and asked the doorman to go in to report.

However, the doorman said that Lord Li had already gone to Prince Chun's residence, and asked Yuan Xiangcheng to go directly to the palace if he arrived.

Yuan Xiangcheng had no choice but to jog all the way to Prince Chun's mansion in the west.

Why not ride a horse? No, he was too low-ranking and there was no urgent military information, so he couldn't ride a horse and whip it in the capital.

Inside the palace, Li Hongzhang was no longer happy about Yuan Shikai's quick response to the Korean rebellion, but was instead constantly worried about the military situation in Taiwan.

"Sir Li, the French have declared that tomorrow is the deadline for negotiations. If we fail to satisfy them, they will completely blockade Taiwan from the sea."

"If Taiwan, which our Emperor Shengzu fought so hard to recapture, is lost to us, we will be blamed for it no matter how much we die." Prince Qing Yilian, who was sitting next to him, also looked anxious.

"What can we do now? The French have launched an attack on Guangxi by both land and sea forces from Annan. They bombard any ships they encounter along my southeastern coast. I have sent someone to ask for help from Robert Hart, the General Manager of Customs. Now we can only delay and wait for changes." Li Hongzhang was also helpless. The Fujian Navy was almost completely destroyed in the surprise attack and could not be replenished in time. They could only watch the French warships roaming around.

"My two princes, how about making greater concessions and negotiating with the French?" Li Hongzhang wanted to muddle through the matter again. Seeing that the war was getting bigger and bigger, the idea of ​​negotiating for compensation arose in his mind again.

"Peace talks? But haven't we signed a treaty with the French? Does the Qing Dynasty have to cede land and pay compensation in order to negotiate with them? Didn't Yuan Shikai say that the French are now focused on Africa and have no time to care about the Qing Dynasty?" Prince Chun Yixun was puzzled.

"These French people are really untrustworthy. They have clearly signed a treaty with our Qing Dynasty, and our Qing Dynasty also transferred the sovereignty of Annan to the whole of France. But who would have thought that they would still be more aggressive and march their army into Guangxi!" Prince Qing Yilie suppressed Zhai Jiao and smashed the teacup in his hand into pieces.

The Sino-French War can actually be roughly divided into three stages. The Zhennan Pass Victory, which is well known to later generations, is actually a battle in the third stage.

In the first phase, France advanced on China, and the Qing Dynasty's garrison was defeated due to its incompetent and incompetent command. A simple treaty was signed, stipulating that the protectorate of Vietnam belonged to France.

At the same time, China had no right to interfere in all the treaties between Vietnam and France, both final and unfinished. China did not cede territory or pay compensation in this treaty, which was one of the few "normal" treaties in the late Qing Dynasty.

After Li Hongzhang signed this treaty with the French in Tianjin, Empress Dowager Cixi was busy trying to force Prince Gong to step down. Therefore, Li Hongzhang did not report it to the central government to let Cixi know, but only informed the two princes who later served in the Grand Council.

In the second stage, Li Hongzhang thought that the signing of the treaty would bring eternal peace, but the French became more and more demanding. After signing the treaty, the French forcibly marched into Lang Son and bombarded the Mawei Shipyard at sea.