The Qing Dynasty

Chapter 656 Starting anew
Teng Yuzao smiled disdainfully and said, "Since they are unwilling to follow the general trend, then we don't have to pay attention to them. I don't have to wait for their consent to return to the post of President of the Zhili Army, let alone their will. The same goes for the name of the National Defense Army."

Teng Yuzao said firmly, "These two things will take effect immediately after they are released."

Teng Yuzao's words finally made Yang Shixiang, Tang Shaoyi, Ye Zugui, Wei Jinghai and others look delighted. After looking at them, Teng Yuzao smiled slyly and continued.

"In order to promote the early implementation of the follow-up plan for constitutional reform, we will also initiate the establishment of an organization."

Teng Yuzao thought for a moment and said, "I think the name of this organization can be called the National Unity and Renaissance Front, or simply the National Unity and Renaissance Front. The purpose of the committee can be simply summarized as uniting all ethnic groups in the country, including the Manchus, to work hard to revive the glory of the Han and Tang dynasties and reproduce the prosperity of the Han and Tang dynasties!"

Change today's weak dynasty that is bullied by the great powers, and recreate the prosperous era like the Han and Tang dynasties that were famous throughout the world and received tributes from all nations!

This has always been the dream that all knowledgeable people in the country have been thinking about day and night. This purpose proposed by Teng Yuzhao made not only the literati who came from the Hanlin Academy like Yang Shixiang and Xu Shichang, but also the veterans who came from the military like Ye Zugui and the newcomers like Wei Jinghai and Tang Shaoyi, but even outsiders like Duan Qirui felt their blood boiling and their hearts surging after hearing it.

"Good! Good! Good!"

As soon as Teng Yuzhao finished speaking, Yang Shixiang had already cheered excitedly.

He had urged Teng Yuzao to take the position a long time ago, but Teng Yuzao's attitude had always been vague. Today he finally made his attitude clear. How could he not be excited!
"Someone, bring some wine!"

Yang Shixiang was so excited that he even lost his composure and forgot that he was in an airship belonging to the Zhi Army's General Staff Headquarters. He shouted without restraint.

Because it was not Teng Yuzhao and Wei Jinghai who called, a staff officer hesitated and pushed open the door and stuck his head in to check the situation. Wei Jinghai, who looked equally excited, spoke to the staff officer in time.

"Mr. Lianfu said it well! Today is indeed a day worth celebrating. We should make it clear and pour us some wine."

After getting Wei Jinghai's consent, the staff officer immediately came in, took out glasses, beer and red wine from the wine cabinet in the corner, placed them on the low table, and then filled everyone's glasses.

Teng Yuzao, Ye Zugui and Wei Jinghai always drank beer, while Tang Shaoyi and Yang Shixiang always liked to drink red wine at Teng Yuzao's place. As for Xu Shichang and Duan Qirui, the staff officer hesitated for a moment, poured red wine for the two of them and then left.

Finally being able to speak his mind, Teng Yuzhao was somewhat excited, and spoke as he picked up his wine glass.

"This is a good suggestion from the Lotus Mansion. Today is indeed a day worth celebrating. Come, let me drink this cup with you all today!"

At Teng Yuzao's suggestion, everyone including Duan Qirui drank it all in one gulp. Then, without waiting for Wei Jinghai to take action, Tang Shaoyi stood up and took the bottle and filled everyone's empty glasses again.

Although Xu Shichang was still a little worried about Teng Yuzao's words, he still drank the wine in the glass as Teng Yuzao raised his glass.

Teng Yuzao continued what he had just said, "The National Unity and Rejuvenation Front we established is not just an organization in Zhishan and the three northeastern provinces. This organization was not established to split the country, but for national rejuvenation."

“Therefore, we also call on people of insight from all provinces in the country to join us, including officials from all provinces, who are also very welcome.”

Teng Yuzao added with a smile that he was worried that some people would be dissatisfied with the absorption of old officials.

"Yuan Hong of the Jin Dynasty said it well: if the form does not exist, the space can contain the ocean. Our organization should have such a broad mind and bearing."

"Of course, the backbones of the Vanguard Army Support Association and the Strong Country Society in each province should naturally be absorbed into the FDC, and with them as the backbone, branches should be established in each province to actively develop FDC members and expand FDC's influence in the country."

Teng Yuzao's fast-moving thoughts made it difficult for everyone to keep up, and they all looked at him in surprise.

Tang Shaoyi had already figured out Teng Yuzhao's purpose in establishing the "National Unity and Renaissance Front" and said excitedly.

"The commander-in-chief is wise. With the FDC as an organization, our people will get strong support when electing members of parliament during the constitutional government period. A large number of our candidates will become members of parliament. Then we can influence the resolutions of parliament. Even if the prime minister is elected by the people in the future, we will have a sure chance of winning."

Tang Shaoyi's words made those who were running for congressman, prime minister, and president in Europe and America understand immediately. They all showed joy on their faces, and even Xu Shichang breathed a sigh of relief. But before they could speak, Teng Yuzao had already shaken his head and said to Tang Shaoyi.

"Shaochuan, you are only half right. The FDC is an organization that not only publicizes our ideas and promotes constitutional reform, but also helps our FDC members gain many parliamentary seats after entering constitutional government."

"You should still remember the three stages I mentioned: military rule, training rule, and constitutional rule."

Teng Yuzao only mentioned the "three stages" to people around him and did not make any public comments.

Seeing everyone nod, Teng Yuzao said.

"We are an ancient country with thousands of years of glorious history, which is completely different from those Western powers with only hundreds of years of history. Therefore, in terms of constitutional reform and political system, we cannot blindly copy the Western powers. We must forge our own path based on our own characteristics."

Teng Yuzao waved his hand with pride on his face and spoke with heroic spirit.

"Ancient China, with its glorious and splendid Chinese civilization, does not need an emperor, nor does it need the hypocritical democratic election system of the West."

Seeing that not only Xu Shichang was surprised, but also Yang Shixiang, Ye Zugui, and Tang Shaoyi were a little stunned, Teng Yuzhao thought about it and decided not to further elaborate on his idea, but spoke directly.

"The National Unity and Renaissance Front will shoulder the heavy responsibility of leading China towards a path of prosperity and strength. The world today is developing extremely rapidly. In terms of science and technology and social development, we have been left far behind by Western powers. Time is running out!"

“So we need to act now.”

Teng Yuzao looked at Xu Shichang, Yang Shixiang and others and said, "The establishment of an organization always requires a sponsor. I think the sponsor should be those of us present here today!"

"Brother Juren, you will lead the establishment of the National Unity and Renaissance Front, followed by Lianfu, Tonghou and me, and then Brother Zhiquan, Ningbo, and Shaochuan. You will be the first chairman of our National Unity and Renaissance Front. What do you think?"

Teng Yuzao's words surprised everyone.

Shouldn't Teng Yuzao be the first chairman of the National Unity and Renaissance Front?
For a moment, everyone in the cabin was puzzled and had no idea what Teng Yuzhao was up to!

Xu Shichang stood up in astonishment and said, "Marshal, this..."

Teng Yuzao naturally understood what Xu Shichang and everyone else were thinking, so he stepped forward and pushed Xu Shichang into his seat with a smile.

"Brother Juren, listen to me."

Teng Yuzhao was secretly proud of himself for successfully scaring everyone.

"I can be one of the founders of this organization, but I am not suitable to be the top leader of this organization."

Teng Yuzao's words shocked everyone again.

Seeing that Wei Jinghai, Yang Shixiang, Ye Zugui and others were about to speak again, Teng Yuzhao quickly waved his hand to stop them.

"If I take on the role of chairman, I will inevitably be criticized by those people in the court, and it may even become a handle for them to attack me, so I cannot be the chairman of this organization!"

Teng Yuzao stopped Tang Shaoyi from speaking again and continued, "Juren is upright yet flexible, and never fights for power. He has a good reputation among officials and even dignitaries. I propose that Juren be the first chairman of the Alliance."

(End of this chapter)