Although Morrison finally enjoyed some preferential treatment, he felt a bit bitter in his heart. For many years in China, he could interview whoever he wanted. What about Yuan Shikai? What about Sun Wen? They were not always arranged to be interviewed at the first opportunity.

.Why is this happening? For no other reason, both of them attach great importance to the so-called international influence.

What about Fang Jianxiong? He doesn't seem to care much about these international influences. In fact, according to Mo Lixun's news, Fang Jianxiong attaches great importance to practical interests and doesn't care much about false reputations. Moreover, this person has a good reputation in the foreign business community, and he has a good reputation with foreign business circles.

Everyone he collaborated with made money, the most famous of whom was Victor from Lihe Matheson, and Li Deli from Shanghai.

As Yuan Shikai's political advisor, Morrison was not a man who only used words. Even if he used words, he had a huge impact on the world, especially the way European countries viewed China, which would be affected by his reports.

Hey! Now that I have to raise my hand with ordinary reporters, I feel a little helpless. Who makes me want to see what tricks this warlord wants to do? What I never imagined is that such a breaking news is waiting for me.

Raising one's hand to ask a question was a subconscious move, but after being called upon, Mo Lixun didn't know what to ask. Many previous questions were diluted by this news.

"Your Majesty General, first of all, what I want to ask is, what is the model of the new government in your mind? Secondly, the so-called joint autonomous region defense forces were created by you. After the new government is established, how will this army deal with the Beijing government?

relationship. Finally, I would like to ask: Since you have decided to withdraw from the military and political circles, why do you have to wait for a year?"

Morrison was also quick-witted. He spoke slowly and asked three questions that everyone was very concerned about.

"The new government in my mind was clearly seen by everyone during the tripartite talks. Isn't Beijing now operating in the model of parliamentary politics and democratic politics? As for the National Defense Force, as the name suggests, I advocate the nationalization of the military.

Private soldiers are very harmful and can easily form warlords. Here I would like to remind President Yuan Shikai in Beijing that military reform must begin as soon as possible. The General Staff and the General Logistics Department should be established to put an end to the phenomenon of private soldiers. Why is it only a year later?

quit

The reason is simple. Lack of trust. This crisis of trust is related to the consistent capriciousness of President Yuan Shikai in Beijing. Of course, it does not rule out that President Yuan Shikai currently lacks control over many armies across the country. In short, China's democratic process must first start with

The nationalization of the military has begun. I believe that everyone has not forgotten the recent mutinies that have occurred continuously, both in the north and in the south. The state violence machine switches back and forth between officers and soldiers and bandits. This is the evil of the old military system."

Fang Jianxiong answered these three seemingly troublesome questions with a serious look and a calm expression. He showed an image of caring about the country and the people. The reporters below were very excited when they heard it and kept recording.

"Your Excellency, General, you rejected the Beijing government's appointment as marshal and refused to go to Beijing to take office. Can it be understood that you are unwilling to accept President Yuan Shikai's goodwill?" The second reporter from Tianjin Ta Kung Pao asked a thirty-year-old man.

, with cunning eyes.

Obviously, this question was not a good one. Fang Jianxiong glanced at this guy subconsciously, thinking that this guy was just here to slap him in the face.

"Not to mention whether President Yuan Shikai is well-intentioned, the main reason is that I think I am not qualified enough. In fact, I have always been more enthusiastic about industry and the prosperity of a country. In the final analysis, it must be reflected in industry. Now that peaceful reunification has been achieved, I return to my favorite

Don’t you think this, the journalist, is understandable?"

After some answers, the reporter from Ta Kung Pao looked embarrassed and lowered his head angrily. The next question came from the reporter from Shanghai Declaration.

"Your Excellency, General, during your Eastern Expedition, the National Defense Forces did not violate the rules of trade in local areas. How did you do this? Furthermore, you have control over a series of manufacturing bureaus in Shanghai, Wuhu, Anqing, and Wuhan.

Quan, I would like to ask you how to deal with this enterprise once the new government is established."

"I think the first question is redundant. The army is used to protect the country. If an army cannot protect the local people, it is not worthy of being a national army. As for those companies, I am now transforming into a businessman.

I am very happy to get orders from the national army. Could it be said that all European and American military industrial enterprises belong to the state? Since the government model can learn from the West, why can't the military industrial enterprises follow suit?"

Another reporter was silenced by the rhetorical question. The third reporter who asked the question was actually a Japanese. After standing up, he bowed first and then asked: "Your Excellency, I am a reporter from the "Sunchon Times".

The battle is invincible. Please tell me, your Excellency, once the new government makes a decision to disarmament, will you agree and accept the government's conditions?"

"I have said that I am a supporter and executor of the nationalization of the military. However, this premise must first be carried out by the Beijing government to reform the military system, and the new system can meet the standards of nationalization of the military. As for whether the National Defense Force will stay or leave, at the moment

Representatives of the National Defense Forces have arrived in Beijing and are about to hold a multi-party discussion on military issues. In my opinion, the Chinese government needs at least a hundred infantry divisions, otherwise it will not be able to successfully complete the task of encircling this big country."

Wow..., everyone exclaimed, Marshal Fang's statement is really surprising. What is the concept of a hundred infantry divisions?

The Sunchon Times reporter's face changed drastically, and he was about to ask more questions when the next reporter had already stood up.

…………………………

Three days later, at the Beijing Railway Station, a group of soldiers got off the train. Their green military uniforms showed their special identities.

The National Defense Forces Military Delegation was headed by Xu Shaojie, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the National Defense Forces, and its members were mostly young staff officers. Xu Shaojie was ordered to come to Beijing, naturally to hold talks with Beiyang and Nanjing on military issues.

Before departure, the order Xu Shaojie received was actually one sentence: stick to the original agreement, eight infantry divisions is the bottom line.

"General Gu Qing! You've worked hard all the way!" A large crowd of people appeared at the train station to greet Xu Shaojie. The leader was the famous Beiyang general Wang Shizhen, followed by a group of Beiyang army bosses, Feng Guozhang, Cao Kun,

Chen Guangyuan and so on.

Compared with the fancy Beiyang military uniforms, the uniforms of the National Defense Forces look much simpler. Xu Shaojie's current military rank is lieutenant general, with two gold stars shining, a smile on his face, and he steadily stepped forward to salute.

In Yuan Shikai's mansion, Yang Du, who had gone to Qingdao in anger and returned to Beijing, and his chief secretary Zhang Yilu gathered his brothers Xu Shichang, Yang Shiqi, Liang Shiyi and others together. The powerful Fang Jianxiong bowed in front of the pressure of foreigners. For Beiyang,

It was considered a big victory. Otherwise, with Fang Jianxiong's army strength, the Beiyang Army would not even have a 50% chance of winning.

"Yifu, you made the first contribution when the contract for the large-scale loan for the aftermath was signed." Yuan Shikai named and praised Liang Shiyi, who is currently the Secretary-General of the Presidential Office, the Prime Minister of the Bank of Communications, and the Deputy Minister of Finance. He can be said to be his number one confidant. Historically

, Liang Shiyi's transportation department probably started at this time. He was also nicknamed the "Second President" in history. This shows his power in his heyday.

Some changes have taken place in the aftermath of the big loan in this time and space. The five countries in history have become four. Britain, France, Russia and Japan jointly loaned to the Beiyang government for a total of 25 million pounds, with an interest of 5% and a payment of 84%.

In fact, it is close to 6 cents. It is pledged by salt tax and customs duty.

This loan can be said to have put a heavy shackles on China. Unfortunately, the Beiyang government really has no money and needs money for the aftermath. This is a helpless choice.

After receiving the loan, Yuan Shikai's back was strengthened. In these days, wars were fought with money, and whoever had more money would be more powerful. Liang Shiyi did this job beautifully and was obedient and sensible. Unlike some people who were known as national scholars and didn't care about anyone.

Upper eyes.

"President, this is a matter of humble duty. The newspaper said that Fang Jianxiong will withdraw from the military and political circles in a year at the latest. This matter has gone viral. Fang Jianxiong is threatening to nationalize the military. The President should take countermeasures as soon as possible."

Liang Shiyi was very knowledgeable and well-spoken, unlike Yang Du who showed off his arrogance on the sidelines. He went to Hankou and came back suffocated after eating a lot.

"I have invited you all here today to talk about this matter. In one and a half months, the general election will begin. During this time, everyone must put in some effort to win the election." Yuan Shikai is in a good mood, and everything has been going well recently. Fang Jianxiong

Yuan Shikai didn't take the so-called withdrawal to heart. He didn't think that Fang Jianxiong was going to withdraw. Who wouldn't sing a high tone? The key is to look at the gun and the money bag. Without these two things, Fang Jianxiong is just a young man.

Duan Qirui hurried in, and Yuan Shikai waved to dismiss the meeting. After everyone left, he spoke: "Zhiquan, what's the matter?" Duan Qirui stepped forward and presented a report: "The three newly formed divisions

, the selection of division commanders was discussed with everyone, and Lu Zijia, Xu Youzheng, and Lu Jianzhang were selected as division commanders."

What is different from history is that because of the troublemaker Fang Jianxiong, Yuan Shikai felt that the army was insufficient and ordered Duan Qirui to quickly organize and train three infantry divisions. Duan Qirui naturally favored his own people in operating this matter.

Of the three candidates for division commanders, two are from the Anhui clique and one, Lu Jianzhang, is from the Zhili clique.

"Put the things down and let's discuss it later!" Yuan Shikai did not express his position immediately. Duan Qirui's face darkened, and he quickly returned to normal and said: "The representative of Fang Fuguo is here. How should we discuss it specifically?"

"What are we talking about? I am the president of the government. I have the final say on how many troops should be left. This Fang Fuguo is full of intrigues at a young age. You must not be fooled by him. Let's wait until the election is over and use it.

At this time, hurry up and organize and train the army." Yuan Shikai was very angry when he talked about Fang Jianxiong. (To be continued...)
Chapter completed!