Republic of China: Guandong Ginseng King

Chapter 464: Commander Han of Jiapigou Gold Mine

The modern national industry in Northeast China is mainly the grain processing industry.

Soybeans, a specialty of Northeast China, are world-famous, so the oil pressing industry occupies the first place among the modern national industries in Northeast China.

Before there were railways in Northeast China, Yingkou was a port for foreign trade, and naturally became the birthplace of the machine oil pressing industry.

When Yingkou was first opened as a port, the British firm Jardine Matheson & Co. established a machine oil mill in Yingkou.

In the beginning, the Qu family made a lot of money by purchasing soybeans and transporting them to Yingkou for sale. Later, they opened an oil press in Yingkou.

As far as Qu Shaoyang knows, there are currently twelve oil mills established by domestic businessmen in Yingkou, four of which are machine oil mills.

However, there is currently no machine-operated oil press in Jilin City.

Flour processing began with the construction of the Middle East Railway by Tsarist Russia, and Harbin was the center of the flour industry in Northeast China.

But so far, no domestic capital has been involved in this area.

As for other industries, such as glass, bricks and tiles, cement, electricity, matches, etc., there is not even a trace of national enterprises.

Qu Shaoyang meant that if one wanted to revitalize the local economy, it would be useless to rely solely on agriculture, and that industry must be vigorously developed.

If we can attract some domestic capital to participate and occupy the market first, we can also avoid most of the market being controlled by imperialism in the future.

Of course, it is not easy to persuade these people to invest, and Qu Shaoyang can only try his best.

If it really doesn't work, the Qu family will have to take the lead.

After Qu Shaoyang finished saying this, the audience fell silent as expected.

The local gentry and wealthy businessmen present looked at each other, but no one dared to say a word.

The main reason is that in recent years, everyone has been scared by the imperial court.

Buying land and building a factory is no joke. You have to invest a lot of money. What if there is no return?
This is not something you can agree to on a whim.

Seeing this, Qu Shaoyang could only sigh, "I know that you all have concerns in your hearts, but never mind, it's New Year's Day, so let's not talk about these things, you can do whatever you want."

Qu Shaoyang waved his hand, and just then the gongs and drums sounded from the stage over there, a new act began, and everyone continued to watch the show.

After the banquet, the guests dispersed and Qu Shaoyang returned to Chen Xiuyun's residence in the backyard feeling quite depressed.

As the hostess of the general's mansion, Chen Xiuyun already knew what had happened at the previous banquet.

Seeing Qu Shaoyang coming back, she hurriedly brought him some sobering soup, then went forward to help Qu Shaoyang massage his head to relieve the discomfort.

"You are too impatient. How long have we been in Jilin City? We haven't established a firm foothold yet.

Those people don't understand your temper, and they are even more afraid that you will not be able to stay in this position, so how could they rashly agree to invest in building a factory?
These things need to be done slowly, don’t rush.” Chen Xiuyun comforted Qu Shaoyang in a gentle voice while massaging him.

"If you ask me, we should reopen the Machinery Bureau after the New Year and then build a pharmaceutical factory. If that doesn't work, we can move the steel factory on the other side of the river here.

There has to be someone taking the lead. Only when everyone sees that money is being made, will others follow suit and invest money, right?
By the way, there is a military factory over there, have you figured out what to do?"

After the Jilin Machinery Bureau was occupied by the Russian army in the Gengzi Year, a large number of machines and equipment were dismantled and transported away, and some were thrown into the Songhua River.

After signing the treaty last year, Tsarist Russia withdrew from the Machinery Bureau, leaving behind devastation.

Qu Shaoyang has already petitioned the imperial court to reorganize the Machinery Bureau, and it is estimated that there will be a reply after the new year.

"Well, the military factory on the other side of Linjiang is temporarily closed. As for the personnel, I plan to transfer them to Jilin City." Qu Shaoyang closed his eyes and nodded.

The Linjiang Military Factory was formerly a gunpowder workshop, which was approved by Zhang Xiulan and mainly researched and produced various types of explosives.

In the later stage, the construction was expanded and production lines were added to produce bullets and artillery shells to provide them to the border troops.

After the Dongbiandao Uprising, it was directly converted into a military factory and began to produce mortars and flying thunder cannons.

Later, when negotiating peace with the imperial court, Zhang Xiulan put forward a request that the military factory must be closed.

Are you kidding? These things must be controlled by the court, otherwise it would be too dangerous.

Originally, the imperial court also wanted the formula for explosives, as well as the design drawings of grenades, mortars, and flying thunder cannons.

This was rejected by Qu Shaoyang. He only agreed to shut down the military factory and stop production.

The military factory was closed down and Anders and others had nowhere to go. Qu Shaoyang meant to restore the Jilin Machinery Bureau as soon as possible and move all the researchers on the other side of Linjiang here to continue their research.

Moreover, he heard from Zhang Tianzhi that the Tianjin Machinery Bureau was destroyed by the Eight-Nation Alliance in the Boxer Rebellion, and the relevant technical personnel were scattered everywhere.

Qu Shaoyang entrusted Zhang Tianzhi to help find out the whereabouts of those people and find a way to invite them all to work in the Jilin Machinery Bureau.

With these talents, together with Anders and others, we might be able to develop more advanced weapons.

Even if we don't produce, accumulating technology first will definitely be useful in the future.

"Let's build a pharmaceutical factory first. You've always wanted to build a factory, but I tried to stop you.

Later, you arrange for someone to select a piece of land, and we will start building the factory in the spring."

The pharmaceutical industry is truly extremely profitable. If it weren't for the cooperation between the pharmacy and the foreigners in exchange for so many mechanical equipment, guns and ammunition, how could Qu Shaoyang have the confidence to lead his troops in an uprising?
In fact, a few years ago, Chen Xiuyun wanted to build a pharmaceutical factory in Fengtian or Yingkou, where transportation is more convenient.

Qu Shaoyang was always worried that the Russians would escape in the Gengzi Year and the pharmaceutical factory would be destroyed, so he did not agree.

Now that the war is over, Tsarist Russia is about to withdraw its troops in the second phase.

Although there may be another Russo-Japanese War, the main battlefields will be in southern Liaoning, and Jilin will not be greatly affected, so the construction of the pharmaceutical factory should not be delayed.

Build it early, and then find ways to research and produce more medicines, and maybe you can make a lot of money in the future.

"As for the steel mill, don't move it yet. Keep it to produce various farm tools. I plan to send people back to Shandong after the New Year to increase the efforts to recruit farmers."

The population of Northeast China is still too small, and a large amount of land is uncultivated. If we want to develop the economy, the most important thing is to increase the population.

In the past two years, life in Shandong, Zhili and other places has been difficult. Due to wars and famines, there are starving people everywhere, and a large number of refugees have fled to Guandong.

If Jilin Province can relax its policies and give refugees some preferential conditions, it should be able to attract many people to come and reclaim wasteland and work.

Qu Shaoyang was very tired that day and had drunk a lot of wine. The couple chatted on and on and soon fell asleep.

The government office only opens on the 16th day of the first lunar month. Generally, if there is no particularly urgent matter, there is no need to go to the government office to handle it.

Of course, Qu Shaoyang was not idle either. The generals of the Dingbian Army scattered in various counties and prefectures of Jilin Province also came to the provincial capital to pay a visit during the New Year.

These are all old subordinates and they have a deep relationship with each other, so Qu Shaoyang will definitely treat them well.

On the ninth day of the first lunar month, brothers Chen Yunzhe and Chen Yunhan, together with Zhao Zhengguo, Zhou Chuanyong, Wang Junshan, Zheng Tiezhu and other people who stayed in the eastern road, also agreed to come to the provincial capital together.

Everyone was happy to see each other.

Chen Xiuyun was extremely happy to see her two brothers and asked all kinds of questions about the family situation.

Doctor Chen and his wife are currently in Phoenix, living with Chen Yunzhe.

The old couple is in good health, and Doctor Chen's clinic in Phoenix City has reopened. Doctor Chen doesn't care about making money now, his main job is to train apprentices and research prescriptions.

This time, Chen Yunzhe also brought his sister some new prescriptions developed by Doctor Chen.

The Chen brothers now both hold fourth-rank official positions. They may be rare in the capital, but they are quite remarkable in the local area.

With such status, it was impossible for him to live with just his wife. In order to expand the Chen family, Li took charge and gave concubines to both of her sons.

Fortunately, Shen Lizhen and He Qingzhu were sensible and didn't make a fuss.

In addition, the girl chosen by Li was from an ordinary family, was of good character and honest, so he and his wives and concubines lived in harmony.

Now that the concubine is pregnant, the Chen family is going to have a new member, and Doctor Chen and Li are so happy that they can't stop smiling.

Upon learning that there were two new people in their brother-in-law's family, the two brothers had to find out if their sister was being bullied or something.

When they learned that it was Chen Xiuyun who took the initiative to bring up the matter of taking a concubine, and that Lin Yuhuan and Yang Chunhong had been very well behaved after entering the mansion, they were finally relieved.

Since everyone held an official position, they naturally could not stay for long. After a two-day gathering, when they had enough fun, they returned to their posts.

On the 16th day of the first lunar month, the general's office began to work and the imperial edict also came down.

Because distilleries in various parts of Jilin Province were repeatedly burned and looted by bandits, the imperial court issued an edict to exempt them from taxes.

The Jilin Machinery Bureau was destroyed by the Tsarist Russian army. The Ministry of Revenue allocated part of the funds, and Jilin Province raised part of the funds on its own, to rebuild it and resume production as soon as possible.

In the Jiapiqiao area, the anti-Russian armed group Liuhequan rebelled again. The imperial court ordered Qu Shaoyang to send troops to suppress it immediately.

After receiving the imperial order, Qu Shaoyang immediately sent someone to Linjiang to deliver a letter to Anders and others, informing them to pack their bags and come to Jilin City immediately.

To rebuild the Machinery Bureau, they, the technical backbone, are definitely indispensable.

At the same time, Qu Shaoyang sent people to Huapidianzi to invite Han Dengju, the head of the Han family, to come to Jilin City for discussions.

Huashudianzi is not very close to Jilin City. It takes five or six days to go back and forth.

On the 23rd day of the first lunar month, Han Dengju came to the Jilin General's Office and met Qu Shaoyang.

"Oh, Commander Han, I haven't seen you for many years. You are still as charming and elegant as ever." When Qu Shaoyang saw the person coming, he hurriedly stood up to greet him and said with a smile.

"It has been eight years since we last met in Haicheng, right? Is Commander Han doing well?"

Speaking of Han Dengju, Qu Shaoyang is no stranger to him.

During the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895, Han Dengju brought his own food and weapons, led 500 elite soldiers, and went to the Haicheng front line with Ronghe.

When clearing out the Japanese troops outside Haicheng, Han Dengju led his troops to charge forward and killed hundreds of enemies.

Han Dengju's troops were brave and good at fighting, and were regarded as a powerful force by Yiktang Azan. The Japanese army fled upon hearing the news.

Qu Shaoyang and Han Dengju had met several times in Haicheng, but they did not become close friends. Later, Qu Shaoyang led his troops back to Fenghuang City and they never met again.

It is said that Han Dengju performed outstandingly in the fight against the Japanese pirates, and was later awarded the rank of garrison officer and fourth-grade military merit by the Qing court, and was stationed in Fengtian.

In the 23rd year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu, the old head of the Han family, Han Xianzong, passed away. Han Dengju returned home to reorganize the family tradition and take charge of the family business.

"Greetings, sir." Han Dengju hurriedly saluted when he saw Qu Shaoyang like this.

"Huashudianzi is located in a remote area with little information. When we learned that you were going to take up your post, it was already the end of the year.

Due to the busy family affairs, I was unable to come to the provincial capital to meet the general. I hope the general will forgive me. "

Qu Shaoyang supported Han Dengju and said, "Brother Han, I feel uncomfortable when you say that.

I was busy with official duties and was unable to visit Brother Han and his family when I came to Jilin City. Brother Han, please don’t blame me.”

Han Dengju is one year older than Qu Shaoyang. Although the two are not very close, Qu Shaoyang still respects Han Dengju very much, so he is very polite to him.

After the two sides met and exchanged greetings, Han Dengju began to talk about the recent situation at home.

In the Gengzi Year, the Russian army invaded the border. Han Dengju reported to the general of Jilin, requesting to resist the enemy, but Changshun refused.

Han Dengju then led his troops back to the Jiapiqiao area and closed the border to defend it.

The Tsarist Russian army invaded Ant Ridge. Han Dengju led his troops in a fierce battle with the Russian army for several days but could not hold out. They lost Birch Forest, Diyunzi, Kuanjie and other places. Two of the Han family's houses were also burned down by the Russian army.

Faced with a powerful enemy, Han Dengju's militia had no choice but to split up into small units and deal with the Tsarist Russian army.

Last summer, Changshun ordered Han Dengju to go to the provincial capital to negotiate peace with Tsarist Russia, and Tsarist Russia compensated him for the loss of 10,000 taels of silver for the burned house.

Afterwards, Han Dengju stayed in the Nanshan area, renovated his house and reorganized his household affairs.

"Sir, I have something to ask of you. I beg you to help me."

Han Dengju returned from Fengtian to Nanshan, Jilin to take charge of the family business. Changshun appointed him as the commander of the Ji Army and stationed him in the Nanshan area of ​​Jilin. He was called Commander Han by the locals.

"Brother Han, if you have anything to say, just tell me. I will do whatever I can to help you."

Although there was government in the Nanshan area of ​​Jilin, its policies did not reach Jiangdong.

The power of the Han family cannot be underestimated. Since Qu Shaoyang has invited them to discuss matters related to joint security in the Jiapiqiao area, no matter what the other party requires, he will definitely do what he can.

Seeing that Qu Shaoyang was so sincere, Han Dengju did not hide anything and told Qu Shaoyang the current situation of the Han family and the Jiapigou gold mine.

Although the Jiapigou gold mine resumed operations thanks to Han Dengju's efforts, Changshun signed the "New Jilin Gold Mine Treaty" with Tsarist Russia.

Last year, before Qu Shaoyang arrived in Jilin, Tsarist Russian mining technicians such as Asert and Menshigov entered Jiapigou under the protection of the army, established a mining exploration office, and mined gold.

"Sir, the new machines used by the Russians to mine gold are very fast.

I am worried that if time goes on, all the Jiapigou gold mines will be mined away by them.

Please help me purchase some machinery and equipment."

When the old head of the Han family was alive, he always used traditional methods to mine gold.

In the second year after the old boss passed away, the gold mine was flooded due to an earthquake and the gold production decreased.

However, in addition to the gold field, the Han family also has a large number of fields, ginseng fields, deer farms, etc. In addition, businesses such as distilleries, pawnshops, oil mills, and grocery stores are spread all over the place, so the Han family is not short of money.

Han Dengju was not a pedantic person. He had already used explosives in the gold field. Now, in order to compete with the Tsarist Russians, he was thinking of purchasing a batch of gold mining machinery to speed up the gold mining process.

Since taking over the Jilin General's Office, Qu Shaoyang has discovered many contracts and treaties signed between Changshun and Tsarist Russia, but he has never discovered this gold mining treaty.

It is estimated that this was signed without the knowledge of the court.

"Brother Han, it's easy to buy machines. Just tell me what kind you want and I'll arrange for someone to buy it.

But this gold mining treaty is true, isn't it just Tsarist Russia fooling you?"

(End of this chapter)