Republic of China: Guandong Ginseng King

Chapter 482 Changes in the current situation
The three-year-old emperor ascended the throne, and his father, Prince Chun Zaifeng, became regent and entered the Qianqing Palace to govern the country.

The Empress Dowager Cixi chose Puyi out of the desire to let her niece, Empress Longyu, take charge of government affairs.

Puyi was young and Zaifeng was timid, submissive and obedient by nature.

Zaifeng was in charge of general military and political affairs, and when there were major events, the imperial decree of Empress Dowager Longyu was required.

At this time, Empress Dowager Longyu was already forty years old, a dozen years older than the Empress Dowager Cixi when she was in power.

If Longyu had half of Cixi's means, she would have been able to do the same as Cixi did back then and let the highest power of the Qing Dynasty eventually fall into the hands of the Yehenara family.

Unfortunately, man proposes, God disposes. Cixi gave Longyu the opportunity to control the highest power, but she did not have the ability to do so.

This person has no opinions or decisions of her own and just listens to everyone.

The young Regent Zaifeng, at this time, had changed from the cowardly and obedient person he had been when Cixi was alive, and instead had great ambitions and planned to show his abilities.

Zaifeng had conflicts with Yuan Shikai before, and once pulled out a pistol and wanted to kill Yuan Shikai.

He has always had a prejudice against Yuan Shao, believing that Yuan Shao only cared about constitutional monarchy and that this was a major threat to imperial power.

Therefore, the first thing Zaifeng did after coming to power was to unite the royal family and get rid of Yuan Shikai, his biggest threat.

However, the support of the royal family alone was not enough, Zaifeng also needed the support of the Grand Councilor.

Zaifeng held secret discussions with Zhang Zhidong, who strongly opposed it.

Afterwards, Zaifeng sent a secret telegram to Wu Fengling, the commander of the Fourth Regiment in the North, and Zhao Guoxian, the commander of the Sixth Regiment, to seek their opinions.

Both of them believed that Yuan Shikai had already grown powerful and had trusted followers in all the towns. If they acted too hastily, they would end up with something more than they achieved.

It would be better to dismiss him from his post first to avoid a mutiny that would affect the safety of the court.

Seeing this, Zaifeng knew that he could not kill Yuan Shikai, so he issued an edict in the name of the young emperor.

On the pretext that Old Yuan suffered from a foot disease and had difficulty moving, he was allowed to return home to recuperate.

In fact, after Yuan Shikai learned that Empress Dowager Cixi had passed away and Zaifeng had become regent, he fled to Tianjin to hide.

After the imperial edict was issued, Old Yuan returned to Beijing to express his gratitude, then took a train and went back to his hometown in Henan to recuperate.

Of course, Zaifeng’s target is not just Yuan Shikai alone, but also the forces behind him. It just takes time to deal with them slowly.

"Big Brother, Second Brother, given the current situation in the court, I'm afraid there will be trouble again.

Old Yuan was dismissed from his post and returned to his hometown to recuperate. Next came his close friends and acquaintances. The Regent was determined to eliminate Old Yuan's followers.

I think it will be hard for Lord Xu to keep his position as the Governor of the Three Eastern Provinces, so we have to make plans in advance."

After Qu Shaoyang learned of the changes in the situation in the court, he went to Fengtian under the pretext of meeting the governor-general. On the way, he stayed in Andong for two days and met with the Chen Yunzhe brothers.

“Well, I also feel that the wind direction has changed recently.

However, we don't have a close relationship with Lord Yuan, so we shouldn't be involved, right?"

Chen Yunzhe nodded. With his political sensitivity, he could naturally sense that something was wrong.

However, he did not think that this turmoil would involve the Northeast or them.

"You and second brother should be fine. I have a good relationship with Lord Xu, and I am Lord Zhang's adopted son. Although there may be some involvement, the impact should not be great.

I mean, take this opportunity and ask the eldest and second brothers to move a little."

If a person does not work for himself, he will be punished by heaven and earth. In this chaotic world, one must have the ability to survive. They don't harm anyone, but they can't be easily controlled by others.

Others may not know, but is Qu Shaoyang not clear? The Qing Dynasty only has a few years left to live.

If they don't take advantage of this time to expand their strength, once the Republic of China is established, warlords from all over the country will swarm out and the fighting will continue. How will they brothers have a place to stand?
"how do you want to do it?"

Chen Yunzhe has been the governor of the Eastern Circuit for six or seven years. He should have been promoted long ago. It would be a lie to say that he is not in a hurry.

“This time I’m going to Fengtian, I plan to discuss with Xiao Zhi to see if I can follow Prince Qing’s path.

No matter how much money it costs, try your best to get your eldest brother a position as governor.

Heilongjiang Governor Cheng Dequan is absent due to illness, and Zhou Shumo is currently taking over the post. This can be tried.

If that doesn't work out, you can also go to the Seventh Department of the Fengtian Province Office and seek a lucrative job with real power."

Qu Shaoyang had already made plans when he was at home. He and his brothers would not go anywhere else. They just needed to defend the three northeastern provinces and develop in the Northeast with peace of mind.

The position of Fengtian Governor was rather awkward, because the Governor-General of the Three Northeastern Provinces basically also worked in Fengtian City, and it was actually a taboo in officialdom for the governor and the governor-general to be in the same city.

Previously, Fengtian Governor Tang Shaoyi was sent to the United States on official business, and the post of governor was temporarily taken over by Xu Shichang.

Although Tang Shaoyi has returned from the United States, looking at the current situation, he may have to be removed from his position as Fengtian Governor one day.

Qu Shaoyang did a very good job as the governor of Jilin. Based on his political achievements, he should have been promoted to the position of governor-general.

However, given the nature of the imperial court, it is obviously very difficult, so Qu Shaoyang does not seek promotion for now, but only wants to stay safely in Jilin.

Among the three provincial governors, only the governor of Heilongjiang is currently vacant.

Chen Yunzhe has done a good job in Dongbiandao in recent years, especially the opening of Andong port, which has developed very well.

With his political achievements, even if he could not be promoted to governor, he could still be promoted to the Fengtian Provincial Office, and become the Director of the Ministry of Revenue or the Director of the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

Besides, given the corruption of the Qing court, promotion was not a matter of ability but mainly of background and means.

Prince Qing could be said to be the most corrupt official in the late Qing Dynasty. Even he himself might not know how much wealth he had.

Prince Qing has large deposits in many foreign banks including HSBC. Even if he is not as wealthy as Heshen was back then, he can definitely be said to be as rich as a country.

Moreover, this guy was also the Minister of Military Affairs. When the Empress Dowager Cixi was alive, he and Yuan Shikai controlled the government and had great power.

I thought that after the new emperor ascended the throne, he would use this person as an example. If he was really dealt with, the court would probably have many years of comfort.

Just like when Jiaqing ascended the throne and dealt with Heshen.

Unexpectedly, the young regent turned the knife directly towards Old Yuan.

People say that the Qing Palace is known as the Qing Company. As long as you use this person's connections and pay the right amount of money, there is nothing you can't accomplish.

Since Prince Qing is still standing, we should just throw a huge sum of money into it. You can't catch a wolf without risking your lamb.

"As for my second brother, if there is a chance, you can move. If there is no suitable position for the time being, you can wait for a while."

Qu Shaoyang turned his head to look at Chen Yunhan and smiled.

"Okay, you decide on the arrangements. Anything is fine." The two brothers of the Chen family naturally had no objection, so they settled it.

Qu Shaoyang did not stay in Andong for long. After meeting the Chen brothers, he took his men to Fengtian by train.

When you arrive in Fengtian City, go to the Governor's Mansion first to meet Lord Xu.

At this time, Xu Shichang also learned that his old friend had been ordered to return to his hometown to recuperate. It was like a bolt from the blue and made him terrified.

Recalling how he and Yuan Shikai betrayed Emperor Guangxu, Xu Shichang felt uneasy, fearing that the court would punish him.

Since arriving in Northeast China, Xu Shichang has had close contacts with Qu Shaoyang, and he admires Qu Shaoyang's ability to get things done very much.

In particular, Qu Shaoyang strongly supported the New Deal in Northeast China and actively responded to various policies implemented by Xu Shichang.

The two had similar views on the political situation in the court, so Xu Shichang regarded them as close friends.

Xu Shichang was just feeling worried when he suddenly heard that the Jilin Governor Qu was coming to visit him. He immediately invited him into his house, and the two of them discussed for a long time in the study.

Qu Shaoyang gave Xu Shichang some advice, asking him to take the initiative to write a letter requesting to resign, in order to retreat in order to advance.

If he could find a way to mobilize his connections, perhaps things would not be so bad. After thinking it over, Xu Shichang finally accepted Qu Shaoyang's suggestion.

Afterwards, he indeed submitted a memorial to the court and requested to resign.

In fact, everyone in the court knew about the friendship between Xu Shichang and Yuan Shikai, but no one regarded him as the culprit who betrayed Guangxu.

Although Xu is Lao Yuan's confidant, he is a smooth and thoughtful person, known as a man with a crystal heart, and rarely makes enemies with others.

Therefore, the ministers in the court did not call for his death, and Zaifeng did not approve his resignation letter.

Xu Shichang was simply transferred from the position of Governor-General of the Three Northeastern Provinces and returned to Beijing to serve as Minister of Posts and Communications.

These are all things for later.

At this time, Xu Shichang chatted with Qu Shaoyang for a while and felt much more relaxed, so Xu Shichang ordered people to set up a banquet to entertain Qu Shaoyang.

During the meal, the two drank and chatted, ranging from national affairs to family matters such as their wives and children.

Xu Shichang was already over fifty years old at this time. Although he had married two wives, he also had several concubines.

However, his wives and concubines either had no children or their children died young, so he still has no biological son and can only adopt the eldest son of his younger brother Shiguang.

Xu Shichang's eldest daughter was born when he was 51 years old and is only four or five years old now.

Qu Shaoyang had known all this for a long time, so he never mentioned the matters of his children in front of Xu Shichang, for fear of upsetting his boss.

However, this time, Xu Shichang took the initiative to bring it up, so Qu Shaoyang had to tell the truth.

"To be honest with you, sir, I currently have nine sons and four daughters. My concubine is pregnant, but she hasn't given birth yet, so I don't know if it's a boy or a girl."

After Zhenwu, Zhenzong and Jiali, Meng Lanxin finally got pregnant again. According to Chen Xiuyun's calculations, she should give birth after the new year.

"Having many children brings happiness. Good, good. Shaoyang is a blessed man. It's really enviable."

In fact, Xu Shichang had known about the situation of the Qu family for a long time, and he did not bring it up unintentionally today.

"If that's the case, then your eldest son should be quite old, right? Where is he working now?"

"Well, my eldest son Zhenbang will be 21 years old after the Chinese New Year. He is currently studying in Germany. I heard that he is studying mechanics.

The second son, Zhenye, turned 19 after the Lunar New Year and is currently studying in the United States, majoring in finance and business administration.

The third child is almost seventeen. He is not good at studying and is a bit like me. He likes to wield swords and guns.

I plan to send him to the Lecture Hall to study after the New Year." Qu Shaoyang briefly talked about the major situations at home.

"Oh, that's amazing. Both of your children are studying abroad. They are both very talented. You are a great parent. That's amazing."

Xu Shichang couldn't help but give some compliments, and then asked, "The children are all grown up, have you talked about marriage?"

"Before the eldest son went abroad, he was already engaged. The one he got was the daughter of Mr. He, the envoy to Heilongjiang Province."

He Houqi served in Binjiang Province for many years and achieved remarkable political achievements. Last year, he was promoted to the position of Director of Negotiations of Heilongjiang Province.

"The second and third sons are not engaged yet."

Qu Shaoyang answered truthfully, but was a little puzzled as to why this person suddenly asked about the children's marriages.

Xu Shichang nodded and did not ask any more questions. Instead, he changed the subject and talked about something else.

Qu Shaoyang stayed in Xu's house until quite late, then came out and went straight to Zhang Tianzhi's house.

Zhang Tianzhi and his wife already knew that Qu Shaoyang was coming to Fengtian, so they hadn't slept the whole time and were waiting.

When relatives meet, they are naturally very happy and can't help but ask each other about their recent situation.

Zhang Tianzhi was appointed commander of the new army in Fengtian Province, responsible for training the new army and assisting in the defense of Fengtian and its surrounding areas.

Since coming to Fengtian City, Wanyu has been working in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Fengtian Public Hospital, so that there is someone to take care of her daughter Yueyue.

Wanyu got pregnant again some time ago and is now just four months pregnant.

The couple has a good relationship, and Tianzhi loves Wanyu and the children very much.

Wanyu is pregnant and tends to be sleepy and drowsy. That's why when she knew Qu Shaoyang was coming, she forced herself to stay awake and accompany him.

Qu Shaoyang saw through it, so he asked Wanyu to go back and rest while he chatted with Tianzhi for a while.

The two brothers chatted in the study until midnight. Qu Shaoyang mentioned to Tianzhi that he should take advantage of the New Year period to return to the capital.

Find ways to use your connections to lobby for the Chen brothers.

It would be best if Tianzhi himself could make some efforts and return to serve in one of the six Beiyang regiments.

After all, the Fengtian New Army has no better development prospects than the Beiyang Army.

As for the funds needed for the activity, Tianzhi doesn’t need to worry about it, Qu Shaoyang will take care of it.

Tianzhi also understood that his brother was doing this for everyone's good, so he readily agreed.

At night, the two brothers spent the night on the kang in the study.

Qu Shaoyang stayed in Fengtian for four or five days, visited many people, and after finishing his business, he bought some gifts for his family and then took the train back to Jilin City.

When he got home, it was already the twenty-sixth day of the twelfth lunar month.

Because it was still the 100-day national mourning period, the imperial court ordered that no celebrations were allowed among the people.

It would be fine for others, but as a court official, you must abide by the rules.

So this year, Qu Shaoyang specifically instructed the palace not to make a fuss about the celebration, but to keep it simple so as not to give room for people with ulterior motives to find fault with it.

Therefore, there were no decorations in the mansion, and no firecrackers or fireworks were set off on New Year's Eve.

Of course, those are all for outsiders to see. The New Year’s Eve reunion dinner is even more sumptuous than in previous years.

Chen Xiuyun also specifically ordered that everyone in the mansion receive double red envelopes.

Therefore, everyone in the mansion was very happy and celebrated the New Year joyfully.

After eating dumplings on New Year’s Eve, the new year has arrived.

Because the young emperor's reign title was Xuantong, the new year was officially changed to the first year of Xuantong.

The common people don’t care about Guangxu or Xuantong, everyone just wants to live a good life.

"Dad, Mom, and all the aunts, I wish you a happy new year and all the best."

Zhenbang and Zhenye were not there, so Zhenwu took the lead and led his younger brothers and sisters to kneel down and kowtow to their parents and several aunts to wish them a happy new year.

"Okay, okay, get up, everyone." Qu Shaoyang, Chen Xiuyun and others all smiled and quickly called on the children to get up.

Then, Chen Xiuyun asked the maid to bring a plate of red envelopes and distribute them to the children one by one.

"Everything is ready, just buy some delicious and fun things."

After Chen Xiuyun distributed the red envelopes, Meng Lanxin, Yang Chunhong, Lin Yuhuan and others also distributed some to the children.

This made the children jump for joy.

Looking at the children jumping and dancing happily in front of her, Chen Xiuyun couldn't help but sigh.

"I don't know what Zhenbang, Zhenye and the others are like out there."

(End of this chapter)