Republic of China: Guandong Ginseng King

Chapter 443 Linjiang County

Qu Shaoyang hasn't seen his two uncles for a long time, and a lot of things have happened during this period.

Now that the three of them have met, they will inevitably discuss matters concerning the defense of the Eastern Road.

Qu Shaoyang told the Chen brothers about his initiative to disband the Dingbian Army and his request to establish a county seat in Maoer Mountain.

Chen Yunzhe's intelligence and strategy are much better than Qu Shaoyang's. As soon as he heard Qu Shaoyang's words, he immediately understood what he meant.

"Well, you know what, this move of yours is quite clever, you retreat to advance and take the initiative.

It seems like you've suffered a loss, but in fact there's room for maneuver, which is good.

"I have served as an official for many years, and I have become a bit cunning and treacherous." Chen Yunzhe said half-jokingly.

"Brother, why do I feel like you are not praising me?" Qu Shaoyang smacked his lips, feeling that something was not right with what his brother-in-law said.

“Actually, this idea wasn’t really mine, my master.

After I came back from suppressing the bandits, my master reminded me to keep a low profile and not be too competitive. That’s why I submitted this memorial.”

Qu Shaoyang did not hide anything and told the truth.

Chen Yunzhe nodded, then sighed, "Uncle Liu is a talented person. He has both martial arts and wisdom.

It's a pity that he didn't catch up with the good times. If he was 20 years younger, he would definitely be your right-hand man. "

Chen Yunhan is a warrior with a simple mind, and he doesn't think too many twists and turns.

He could understand every word of the conversation between his eldest brother and his brother-in-law, but when they were put together, he was a little confused.

In his view, disbanding the Dingbian Army would mean that he would have less power.

The same goes for the establishment of a county seat. It would have been great if Qu Shaoyang had said so himself. Why did they have to have another county magistrate right under their noses to be an eyesore?

Even though he doesn't understand, the good thing about Chen Yunhan is that he is obedient.

He did whatever his elder brother and brother-in-law told him to do, and never objected. So Chen Yunhan didn't question them, he just listened.

After saying this, Qu Shaoyang mentioned the need to speed up the training of the militia, and for each village to find a way to set up a joint defense committee and build as many fences as possible.

You know, it is already the 22nd year of the Guangxu period, which is 1896, and there is not much time left before we run away from the Russians in the Boxer Reaper year.

Neither the Japanese nor the Russians were good people. They both brought great disasters to the people of Northeast China.

The Russians were even more hateful. In 1900, they mobilized hundreds of thousands of troops and invaded the Northeast in five directions under the pretext of protecting the railways, burning, killing, looting, and committing all kinds of atrocities.

Qu Shaoyang knew that historical events were inevitable and he could not stop them. For now, he could only try his best to strengthen the defense of the East Road, hoping to protect more people.

Lang, uncle and two others chatted in the study until quite late, then went back to rest.

When Qu Shaoyang returned to his residence, Chen Xiuyun had already fallen asleep.

Qu Shaoyang did not dare to wake up his wife. He quietly took off his shoes and clothes, got into bed, lay down next to his wife, and fell asleep soon after.

The next day, on the fourteenth day of the first lunar month, Qu Shaoyang had nothing to do, so he went to the city to visit Gao Taiyuan and others.

When the Japanese army captured Phoenix City, Gao Taiyuan and others were scattered everywhere.

Later, Qu Shaoyang led his troops to recapture Phoenix City, and the Qing and Japanese negotiated peace. The war stopped, and everyone returned to Phoenix City.

After Zhang Xiulan took office as the governor of the Eastern Circuit, except for a few of his own aides, the other six scripture secretaries remained the original team, so Gao Taiyuan is still the scripture secretary of the household department.

When Gao Taiyuan saw Qu Shaoyang, he was surprised and delighted. He entertained Qu Shaoyang very warmly and also called several other old friends over.

Everyone was laughing and chatting together, and when they mentioned the war, they were all sighing.

On the 15th day of the first lunar month, the Lantern Festival, there was a lantern festival in the city at night. Qu Shaoyang and his wife and children went out to see lanterns, guess lantern riddles, watch fireworks and acrobatic performances, etc.
The children had so much fun playing that they didn’t want to go home.

Early in the morning on the 16th day of the first lunar month, everyone in the Chen family started to get busy.

After breakfast, everyone got ready, the women dressed up, the children also dressed neatly, and then they got in a car together and headed to the Taotai Mansion.

Qu Shaoyang is Zhang Xiulan's adopted son, and the two families are in-laws.

Zhang Xiulan had said before that he would invite Qu Shaoyang's wife and children, as well as his father-in-law and mother-in-law's families to his house so that everyone could have fun together.

So, this was a family dinner and no outsiders were invited.

When Zhang Xiulan met the children of the Qu family, he liked them very much and prepared a gift for each of them.

I have to say, Zhenbang is a really good kid. He was not scared at all in such a big scene with so many people. He could answer whatever his grandfather asked fluently.

Zhang Xiulan loved the child so much that he kept saying that the child would have a bright future.

After seeing the child, Zhang Xiulan called the women in the mansion over and accompanied Chen Xiuyun and other women to the flower hall to watch a play.

Today the mansion invited a troupe of actors, and there were also juggling, magic and other performances, all of which were loved by women and children, and it was very lively.

After all the women had left, Zhang Xiulan waved his hand and called over a handsome man in his early thirties.

"Shaoyang, let me introduce you to someone. This is your sister Xiuying's husband, your brother-in-law.
He Houqi, whose courtesy name is Zizhang, is currently serving as probationary magistrate in Fengtian.

He came from Fengtian the day before yesterday and can stay in Phoenix City for a few days. You guys are of similar age, so you can have more contact with him."

"Zi Zhang, this is what I told you. My newly adopted son, Qu Shaoyang, who made great contributions in the fight against the Japanese invaders last year, is now the inspector of the Eastern Circuit.

This one is the Vice Magistrate of Phoenix Hall, Mr. Chen Yunzhe, and this one is the Garrison Commander of Kuandian, Mr. Chen Yunhan. Both of them are Shaoyang’s uncles.

You are of similar age, so you can learn from each other more often." Zhang Xiluan introduced the two parties with a smile.

Qu Shaoyang knew a little bit about Zhang Xiulan's family affairs.

Although Zhang Xiulan had many wives and concubines, he did not have many children. He only had one son, Zhang Shihuang, and several daughters.

Master Zhang Huang was not interested in the imperial examination and official career, nor did he have the ability like his father, he was just a rich young man.

This person only loves to collect antiques, calligraphy and paintings, and specializes in calligraphy and painting appreciation. He did not follow Zhang Xiulan to Phoenix City.

Zhang Xiuluan's daughter, Zhang Xiuying, married He Houqi.

The He family is a prominent family in Lingshi, Shanxi. In the imperial examinations in Shanxi, they are known for their reputation of "no examination will be held without the He family".

During the three hundred years of the He family, there were fifteen Jinshi, twenty-nine Juren, and twenty-two Gongsheng.

He Houqi's father, He Zengfu, was once an aide to the Fengtian General's Mansion. Although he did not hold an official position, he was acquainted with high-ranking officials from all over the Northeast and had frequent contacts with them.

Several of He Houqi's cousins ​​are working in various places in Northeast China.

He Houqi was not a member of the imperial examination system. In the 17th year of the Guangxu period, he applied to become a county magistrate as a student of the Imperial Academy. Last year, he was appointed as a probationary county magistrate.

In the first month of this year, He Houqi's probation period expired. To be the alternate county magistrate, he could take up the position wherever a vacancy in the county magistrate position occurred.

I guess he came to ask his father-in-law for help and to mediate so that he can be appointed as the county magistrate as soon as possible. "I have always heard my stepfather praise my brother-in-law, but I have never met him. Today I finally see my brother-in-law in person. It's a pleasure to meet him."

Since Zhang Xiulan said that this was his brother-in-law, Qu Shaoyang was naturally not shy and just called him that.

“I don’t deserve it, I don’t deserve it. I’ve heard that Lord Qu is young and capable. He led troops to fight against the Japanese invaders and captured several cities.

Seeing him today, he is indeed extraordinary and heroic. Father has a keen eye for heroes. " He Houqi hurriedly bowed and the two sides exchanged business compliments.

Immediately afterwards, Ho Hau-chi greeted each other with the brothers Chen Yun-zhe and Chen Yun-han. The four of them were of similar age and could talk to each other, and soon they became familiar with each other.

Zhang Xiulan probably intended to introduce his son-in-law to Qu Shaoyang and the other two, so he did not participate in their conversation. He just chatted with Doctor Chen for a while and then went to watch the show.

At noon, a sumptuous banquet was prepared in the mansion, and the male and female guests were divided into two groups.

When men get together, they naturally have to drink a few glasses. As they clink glasses and pass the cups, they become more familiar with each other and have more and more topics to talk about.

Zhang Xiulan's original wife was in his hometown, not in Phoenix City, so the one who was with him was his concubine, the third wife.

The third wife was very versatile and good at socializing. She entertained all the female relatives and took care of everything, even the children.

The atmosphere at the banquet was very harmonious and I felt like I was at home.

The banquet lasted until noon, and everyone was drunk, so they called it a day.

The children had been out for too long, so when it was time for Zhenjie and Jialing to take a nap, they couldn't help but make some noise.

When Qu Shaoyang saw that it was getting late, he said goodbye and left the Taotai Mansion with his wife, children and family.

Before leaving, Zhang Xiulan called Qu Shaoyang over alone and whispered a few words in his ear.

The implication was that he would try his best to promote the establishment of a county seat in Maoershan. At the same time, he also asked Qu Shaoyang to take better care of He Houqi in the future.

In fact, Qu Shaoyang had already figured out what was going on. Zhang Xiulan was paving the way for his son-in-law.

He Houqi is now the alternate magistrate and can only take office when a vacancy occurs. If Maoershan is established as a county seat, Zhang Xiulan can secure the position of magistrate for his brother-in-law.

That's why he said that he should let Qu Shaoyang take care of him more in the future.

"Don't worry, godfather. My brother-in-law and I hit it off right away. If we have the opportunity to work together in the future, I will do my best to help him." Qu Shaoyang immediately expressed his opinion.

This was exactly what Zhang Xiulan was waiting for. He nodded immediately and patted Qu Shaoyang on the shoulder.

"Well, my godfather was right about you.

It’s getting late, take my grandson home and have a good rest.

Don't be in a hurry to leave, stay here for a few more days, and when you have time, come and talk to me."

"Thank you for your hospitality, godfather. You should go to bed early. I will come over and chat with you when you are free."

In this way, Qu Shaoyang and his party left the Taotai Mansion and returned to the Chen family.

It was rare for Chen Xiuyun to go back to her parents' home to reunite with her family, so naturally she couldn't just stay for two or three days and leave.

Since there was nothing important to do after the New Year, Qu Shaoyang stayed in Phoenix City for a while longer. He found an opportunity to take Xiaozhi to visit Zhang Xiulan.

Xiaozhi is now a promising and handsome man. At the age of 18, he is in the prime of his life. Everyone who sees him is attracted to him, and Zhang Xiulan couldn't help but take a few more glances at him.

Upon learning that Xiaozhi was Qu Shaoyang's sworn brother and that he had studied in Fengtian for several years, Zhang Xiulan specially gave Xiaozhi questions to test his academic performance.

Xiao Zhi answered questions fluently, which made Zhang Xiulan look at him in a different light.

Qu Shaoyang took the opportunity to bring up the fact that Xiaozhi was interested in joining the military, and asked Zhang Xiulan if he could do him a favor and send Xiaozhi to the Beiyang Military Academy.

Considering Zhang Xiulan's network background, this was not a difficult thing to do. He just felt that it would be a pity for Xiaozhi, with his talent, not to take the imperial examination.

But Xiaozhi was determined and no matter how others tried to persuade him, it was useless.

So Zhang Xiulan wrote a letter in his own handwriting and gave Xiaozhi a business card, asking Xiaozhi to take it to Tianjin to meet the general manager of the Military Academy.

Zhang Xiulan had a good relationship with the general manager of the Beiyang Military Academy. With Zhang Xiulan's letter of recommendation and business card, it was easy for Xiao Zhi to enter the Military Academy.

Xiao Zhi was anxious, afraid that he would miss the classes at the Military Academy, so after leaving Zhang Xiulan, he discussed with Qu Shaoyang about going to Tianjin.

Qu Shaoyang couldn't stop him, so he arranged a few people to escort Xiao Zhi to Tianjin.

Qu Shaoyang has achieved his purpose of coming to Phoenix City. There are still many things to do in Maoer Mountain, so he can't delay any longer.

So on the 22nd day of the first lunar month, the couple said goodbye to the Chen family, took their children, and set off back to Maoer Mountain.

Unexpectedly, just as Qu Shaoyang and his party arrived at Maoer Mountain, the imperial edict arrived.

In view of the fact that the Maoershan area is close to the Yalu River and is an important border defense area, it is of vital importance. After the Fengtian General's Office and the Eastern Circuit reported to the court, it was decided to establish a county seat in the Maoershan area.

The alternate county magistrate He Houqi was specially appointed as the committee member for the establishment of the county government, and Qu Shaoyang as the assistant for the establishment of the county government, to jointly complete all matters related to the establishment of the county government in Maoershan.

"Mr. Qu has been in Maoer Mountain for many years. He is very familiar with the geography of the mountains and rivers and the folk customs. I hope Mr. Qu can help me a lot."

He Houqi arrived with the imperial edict. After the official reading the edict, He Houqi bowed to Qu Shaoyang.

"Master He, please rest assured. I am in Maoer Mountain. Establishing a county seat here will benefit the country and the people.

Qu will do his best to assist Lord He and complete this matter successfully, and also bring benefits to the local people of Maoer Mountain."

Qu Shaoyang was not too surprised that Ho Hau-kei was appointed as the administrative committee member, as he had guessed it long ago.

However, in front of outsiders, he couldn't call the other party brother-in-law, so he addressed him as "Sir".

As the host, Qu Shaoyang warmly entertained the imperial messenger and He Houqi and his entourage, and temporarily settled them in the inspection office.

After He Houqi and his party settled down and rested for two days, they followed Qu Shaoyang to survey the area around Maoer Mountain in order to demarcate the boundaries.

Qu Shaoyang has lived in Maoer Mountain for ten years and is very familiar with the surrounding terrain.

The crowd investigated everywhere, which took more than half a month, and they also sought out the magistrate of Tonghua and others to formally determine the boundaries of the land.

The county is bordered by the Yalu River to the east and south, and faces Goryeo across the river.

In the southwest, it is adjacent to Tonghua by Cuocaogou River, Laoliangzi Mountain and Laoling Ridge.

To the west, it is adjacent to Tonghua and Hailong via Laolingzi, Hongtuyahe, Xiaobanshigou and other places.

In the north, it starts from Sifendingzi, Jinlongdingzi, Toudaolaoyefu, Lamenzi, etc., and goes northeast along the ridge of Changbai Mountain to Donggang Mountain, and then to the right bank of the Yalu River, bordering Yitong Prefecture and Yanji Hall.

This range is indeed not small.

Because the county is close to the Yalu River, it is named Linjiang County.

(End of this chapter)