Republic of China: Guandong Ginseng King

Chapter 479: Going Abroad
On the seventh day of September, the Ministry of Revenue approved the Governor-General of the Three Northeastern Provinces to first borrow 100,000 taels of foreign debt silver to implement the new policy in the three northeastern provinces.

At the same time, the imperial court also allocated 7,800 Charlemagne rifles and bullets seized by German merchants in Beiyang to the military camps in the three northeastern provinces for reserve.

Xu Shichang and Tang Shaoyi signed a loan memorandum with the American Consul in Fengtian, David Dade, intending to build the Xinfa (Xinmin to Fakumen) railway.

This incident was strongly protested by Japan.

On the tenth day of September, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Qing government refuted the Japanese envoy's reply, clarifying that the Xinfa Railway was for our domestic transportation and had nothing to do with the South Manchuria Railway.

On September 12, the Fengtian Carriage and Railway Co., Ltd., jointly established by Fengtian and Japan, was established.

Starting from the old Manchurian Railway Fengtian Station (Laodaokou), through Shijianfang to Xiaoxibianmen, four kilometers of railway tracks were laid to accommodate two-horse-drawn carriages.

By the twelfth month, the horse-drawn railway began operation, with a total of 27 carriages and 73 horses. It was the main means of transportation in Fengtian at that time.

The news of the establishment of the horse-drawn carriage and railway company in Fengtian spread to Jilin City, and many people in the city proposed to follow suit, but this proposal was rejected by Qu Shaoyang.

This thing has been eliminated in Japan. Japan's original intention was to bring their eliminated things to the Northeast for secondary use.

Besides, the situation in Jilin City is different from that in Fengtian. There is the Manchurian Railway territory there, so it is normal to cooperate with the Japanese.

What Qu Shaoyang has always been most wary of is getting too involved with the Japanese. He would never let that Ma Tie enter Jilin City.

The Ma Tie thing will have to be demolished in a few years. If we really have the money and the conditions are met, wouldn't it be better to directly introduce trams?
In September, Yang Kunwu, a graduate of the Normal School, and Lin Zuhan, a graduate of the Hunan School, reported to Jilin Governor Qu Shaoyang the charter and outline for the establishment of the General Institute for the Promotion of Education.

In their article, the two men clearly stated their purpose and put forward the idea of ​​learning from war.

"I believe that the competition among the great powers is pressing. Military wars, commercial wars, and industrial wars all have their roots in academic wars."

The strength of a country depends on the success or failure of its military training. Therefore, learning military training today is an urgent task that cannot be delayed.

Many of the two people's ideas coincided with Qu Shaoyang's.

Qu Shaoyang immediately appointed Yang Kunwu as the supervisor of the Jilin Province Education Promotion Institute and Propaganda Institute, and Lin Zuhan as the co-organizer, and ordered it to open on schedule and gradually promote and popularize education.

As soon as these two young men took office, they took immediate action and soon established primary schools, learning encouragement and lecture centers, normal training schools, etc. in various counties and prefectures.

They united a group of aspiring young people, traveled around towns and villages, and preached to the common people the importance of learning.

Persuade those families who can afford it to send their children to primary school.

In October, the government-run Panshi Shizuishan Copper Mine of Jilin Province was opened with an initial capital investment of 42,000 yuan.

At the same time, Jilin Province sent candidate county magistrate Wang Hongzao to prepare for the establishment of the Jilin Official Wheel Bureau.

One hundred thousand taels of silver were allocated to set up a headquarters in Harbin and a branch in Jilin City. An old Russian steamer was purchased and renamed Jiyuan, which operated shipping up and down the Songhua River.

Later, two more ships, Jiqing and Jiying, and tugboats such as Jisen were purchased.

In the winter month, Xu Shichang came to Jilin City to inspect the implementation of the new policy in Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces.

It happened that the prefect Ruan Yuchang, who was in charge of the mining affairs of Tonghua and Huairen, applied to jointly run the Tonghuai Mining Affairs with Wei Nitu, a foreign businessman of Quanli Company, and Zhang Shouting, a Chinese businessman.

It raised 500,000 taels of silver as capital for Huayang and undertook the management of 28 mining areas including Tonghua, Huairen, Linjiang, Ji'an, and Liuhe.

After consultation with Xu Shichang, Qu Shaoyang ordered the cancellation of the Tonghuai Mining Project and all contracts on the grounds that funds had not been secured and too many mining areas had been reported to avoid any disputes.

Immediately afterwards, the Governor of Jilin and the Governor-General of the Three Northeastern Provinces jointly issued a notice allowing private mining.

The notice expressed support and encouragement for private mining of various types of minerals, but at the same time made specific and clear regulations on related mining matters.

Strictly prevent private capital from cooperating with foreigners to illegally mine minerals.

Xu Shichang's inspection visit to Jilin was to examine the implementation of the new policy in Jilin Province and to deal with the follow-up issues of Jiandao.

Under the leadership of Qu Shaoyang, Jilin Province's new policy has been carried out very smoothly.

During the year, one million acres of wasteland were reclaimed, several large agricultural reclamation companies were established, and various factories sprang up like mushrooms after a rain.

Major cities such as Jilin, Changchun and Harbin have also seen significant improvements, with neat streets, good order and convenient transportation.

The current economic situation in Jilin Province is very good, far exceeding Xu Shichang's expectations.

As for the Yanbian defense issue, Jilin Local Self-Government Association Chairman Song Yu and Vice Chairman Qing Shan have collected a lot of evidence.

This can be proved by the boundary points and boundary markers drawn during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, the original map of the boundary markers in the 12th year of Emperor Guangxu, and books such as "Jilin General Records" and "Research on the Origin and Development of Manchuria".

The lands mentioned by the Japanese and Goryeo are owned by the Qing Dynasty without any doubt. There are historical records to prove this, which can be cited as ironclad evidence.

Of course, there is a more important piece of evidence, which is the "Dadongyu Map" that Jilin New Army Staff Officer Bai Wenwei risked his life to bring back from Seoul.

It was drawn by Kim Jeong-ho, a Goryeo geographer, and completed during the Xianfeng period.

This map not only proves that the Yanbian area has always belonged to the Qing Dynasty, but also proves that the Tianchi Lake in Changbai Mountain also belongs to the Qing Dynasty.

Xu Shichang was overjoyed when he saw this, and specially ordered Song Yu and others to compile various documents into a book and draw a map.

The "Great East Map" was also submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Jilin Governor as important evidence in negotiations with Japan.

"Mr. Qu is indeed a capable person. The new policy has been implemented for less than a year and has achieved such results. It's amazing."

Xu Shichang was very satisfied with this trip to Jilin City. At the farewell banquet before departure, he had a very pleasant conversation with Qu Shaoyang.

“No, no, it’s because of your good planning. I just acted according to your rules, which led to today’s results.

Your Excellency has devoted countless efforts to restore the livelihood and economy of the three northeastern provinces, and your hard work and contributions are great."

Qu Shaoyang did not dare to take credit for himself and was humble and polite.

"No, no, it is still Lord Qu who is capable. If it were someone else, no matter how much support I give, they would not be able to achieve such remarkable results.

I will report this matter to the court and ask for credit on behalf of Mr. Qu."

Xu Shichang admired Qu Shaoyang's abilities and means, and the two had a deeper discussion on issues related to the governance of the three northeastern provinces.

The more we talked, the more we felt we had a common understanding, and we seemed unable to stop.

"Unfortunately, my time here was too short and I was unable to have a long conversation with Master Qu. It is truly a pity.

Next time Lord Qu goes to Fengtian, you and I will have a candlelit night talk to discuss the livelihood of the three northeastern provinces."

As the banquet was about to end, Xu Shichang spoke with a lingering feeling.

"Thank you for your kindness, sir. I am truly ashamed.

If you have any errands, just tell me. Shaoyang will go through fire and water without hesitation."

Everyone carried the fancy sedan, and Xu Shichang praised it in front of so many officials. Qu Shaoyang must have expressed his loyalty on the spot.

After the banquet, Qu Shaoyang saw Xu Shichang and his party off from Jilin City. Afterwards, some affairs of the Provincial Administrative Office returned to normal.

In the twelfth lunar month, the imperial court issued an order to establish the Jilin West Military Preparation Circuit. The Circuit was stationed in Changchun City and was responsible for patrolling the southwest of Jilin Province, managing administration, and supervising Changchun's customs, commercial ports, and negotiation affairs.

At the same time, the post of Jilin Deputy Governor and Jilin Circuit Inspector were abolished.

In the blink of an eye, the 33rd year of the Guangxu period passed and the 34th year of the Guangxu period arrived.

On the 19th day of the first lunar month, the Ministry of Rites of the Qing court cast the luminous seal No. 142, "Jilin Province Seal", which was the first provincial seal in history engraved with the three words "Jilin Province".

Along with the provincial seal, there was also the court's commendation for Jilin provincial officials. It happened that the provincial government had just started operating, and the commendation was received at the beginning of the new year, so everyone was excited.

In February, the Jilin Provincial Mining Survey Bureau was established, and alternate governor Cao Tingjie was appointed as assistant director.

According to investigations and statistics, by the spring of the 24th year of the Guangxu period, there were 45 gold mines, five silver mines, five iron mines, two lead mines, one antimony mine, one bismuth mine, one crystal mine, and 54 coal mines in Jilin Province, most of which were mined in a joint venture between the government and businessmen.

Of course, many of these are supported by the Qu family behind the scenes.

The new policy in Jilin Province was being implemented relatively well, and since it was the beginning of the new year not long ago, there was not much going on in the provincial government, so Qu Shaoyang was able to go home earlier and spend time with his family.

That afternoon, Qu Shaoyang returned home early and happened to see Liu Dongshan and his wife, as well as Song Cheng, the boy from Xinyuan's family.

Liu Dongshan returns to Linjiang in spring, summer and autumn to look after his family business. In winter, when he has nothing to do, he comes to Jilin City to accompany his family and celebrate the New Year.

It was only February and it was not yet time to farm, so Liu Dongshan did not return to Linjiang for the time being.

Liu Songcheng's birthday is on the first day of the first lunar month, and he is now over one year old.

This kid is in good shape. He could walk when he was just one year old, and now he can run all over the place. He is busy all day long, and does something as soon as he wakes up.

"Hey, Master, Master's Wife, how come you have time to come to my place today?"

Qu Shaoyang walked in, changed out of his official uniform, then picked up Xiao Songcheng, teasing him while chatting with Liu Dongshan and his wife.

"Isn't this because he has nothing to do? The family has let the kid walk around everywhere, and he keeps whining about wanting to go out.

Your master's wife and I thought we hadn't seen you for a while, so we came to take a look." Liu Dongshan said with a smile.

In recent years, Liu Dongshan has gradually grown old, with gray hair and beard, and a face full of wrinkles. Fortunately, he is in good health and still quite strong.

In addition, he lives a comfortable life with no worries about food and clothing. Now he has grandchildren. He is happy all day long and in good spirits.

"I have to go back to Linjiang in two days, so I came to ask if you have anything to bring back?"

"It shouldn't be anything, right? Third brother and his friends came here before the New Year."

Qu Shaoyang glanced at Chen Xiuyun. He was busy with official business all day long, and all the matters in the mansion were left to Chen Xiuyun and others to take care of. He really didn't know what he wanted to bring back.

"Well, nothing. Zhenye, Zhenwu and others went back to visit our parents some time ago and brought all the things back." Chen Xiuyun nodded.

The children were all thinking about Linjiang, so Zhenye took his younger brothers and sisters back to Linjiang to play for some time during the school holiday during the Spring Festival. They did not return until the school was about to start.

"Um, Shaoyang, Master has something else he wants to discuss with you."

Liu Dongshan coughed, cleared his throat, and said with an embarrassed look.

"Master, if you have something to say, just say it directly. We don't need to be so polite."

Qu Shaoyang realized that his master and his mistress did not come to visit him for no apparent reason, so he said with a smile.

"It's like this, Song Cheng is already over one year old, and your sister-in-law can't always be separated from Xinyuan like this.

Your master's wife and I have been thinking about whether we can send your sister-in-law abroad to study something, so that they can be reunited."

Liu Xinyuan has been studying in Germany for more than a year and a half. He has sent back several letters, saying that the schoolwork there is quite tight and he has to learn a lot of things. He estimates that it will take him four years to graduate and return home.

Liu Dongshan and his wife were a little anxious. Their son had been away for several years and had not returned. There were so many temptations in the world outside. What if something unexpected happened?

So the couple thought about sending Zhao Yinglan abroad to reunite with Liu Xinyuan. It would be even better if she could learn something along the way.

"Oh, is that it? That's easy. It just so happens that the provincial government has a new batch of places for people to go abroad recently.

There are a few female doctors from our Provincial Hospital who are going to Germany for further studies, so let me and my sister-in-law go with them."

Qu Shaoyang thought it was some big deal, but it turned out to be this.

It is easy to go abroad. Every year, Jilin Province selects outstanding students from various states and sends them to study abroad.

"It's mainly because Zhenye wants to go to the United States, otherwise he would be allowed to accompany his younger brother and sister-in-law."

Zhenye, Zhenwen, Zhenquan and Zhenqing, these four are all eighteen or nineteen years old and will graduate from high school this year.

Qu Shaoyang had already said that he wanted to send Zhenye to the United States to study finance, economics, etc., so it was just right to send Zhenwen and Zhenquan as well.

The children are all grown up, it’s time to let them go out and explore the world, and not just limit themselves to Jilin Province or the country.

It is useful to go out and see the world, broaden your horizons, and learn some advanced cultural knowledge.

"Okay, okay, you decide on the arrangements. As long as they can be reunited, any arrangement is fine."

When Liu Dongshan and his wife heard this, they were very happy and nodded immediately.

Qu Shaoyang had to ask what Zhao Yinglan wanted to study abroad, and Liu Dongshan was also curious about Zhenye and the others' study in the United States.

As they were talking, Zhentang, Zhenzong, and Zhendong from Qujiang's family came home from school.

I don’t know what happened, but the three of them came in with sullen faces and looked angry.

"Hey, what happened to you three today? Did you have a fight? Why are you all covered in mud?
"Qu Zhentang, tell me, what's going on? Where did you go to be naughty?"

The first thing Chen Xiuyun noticed was that the three children's clothes were dirty, so she asked hurriedly.

"Dad, Mom, don't mention it. Brother Zhendong was bullied today. We couldn't stand it, so we fought with those people."

Zhentang threw his schoolbag to Linglong and other girls, then angrily complained to his parents.

"Ah? Someone dares to bully your brother Zhendong? What's going on?" Everyone was puzzled when they heard it. Who is so bold?

When Zhentang and others went to study, Qu Shaoyang and Chen Xiuyun did not allow them to go out and tell others whose children they were, and they were also required to dress like ordinary people.

Apart from secretly arranging people to escort them back and forth, there are no special arrangements.

Of course, this stuff can’t be kept secret. The school must know about it, and anyone who’s interested can find out. After all, there are several people with the last name Qu in the provincial capital.

Qu Zhendong came from Linjiang after the Chinese New Year this year. He is two years older than Zhentang and the others, and is about to go to middle school.

Mr. Qu thought that the middle school in the provincial capital was better, and besides, he could live with Zhenmin, Zhenjie and others, so he let Zhendong come to the provincial capital after the New Year.

Unexpectedly, Zhendong was bullied not long after school started.

(End of this chapter)