Republic of China: My great warlord, many children, many blessings.

111. Yuan Shikai summoned him.

These roses were, of course, delivered by someone arranged by Shen Hao.

Yuan Kewen was given ample face.

At that moment, a commotion arose backstage.

'We want to see that Kunqu Opera master we just met.'

'Let us take a look, just one look.'

'Let us in.'

Hearing the commotion outside, Yuan Kewen snapped out of his daze. Upon learning that the crowd consisted of his fans, he became incredibly excited and immediately roared, "You bunch of scoundrels! Who gave you the right to block my fans' way?"

Shen Hao hurriedly said, "If you meet them, your identity will be exposed, and you'll be in danger."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Kewen immediately shuddered.

"Brother Shen, you're right, I can't expose it."

So, let's slip away backstage as quickly as possible.

"Yes, yes, I'm leaving now," Yuan Kewen said, grabbing the flowers and about to slip away.

Shen Hao said, "I also prepared a small gift to take with me later."

Yuan Kewen asked, "Any more gifts?"

"Brother Yuan will see it as soon as he goes out," Shen Hao said with a smile;

Curious, Yuan Kewen went outside. When he saw a rickshaw pulling a suitcase, he suddenly sniffed the air and smelled a familiar scent.

Upon opening the box, my eyes widened in surprise.

The opium was top-quality Bengal opium paste, it was absolutely delicious!

Yuan Kewen really adores Shen Hao. Damn, what a great brother he is! He's so considerate.

Shen Hao's status in her heart skyrocketed.

Shen Hao smiled as he watched Yuan Kewen drive away.

If you put even a tenth of the effort you put into pursuing a woman into a man, he will be devoted to you.

The tips, roses, and theatergoers were all paid shills, and of course, arranged by Shen Hao.

One thing leads to another, isn't that confusing!

This was done entirely according to the standards of later internet celebrities, which certainly gave Yuan Kewen a lot of face.

I'm sending you a box of opium paste worth 15,000 silver dollars.

With both face and substance secured, who wouldn't be confused?

As for Yuan Fuzhen's matter, Shen Hao did not mention a word about it.

If you bring up certain things on your own initiative, it will create distance.

The next day, Cao Yuanzheng brought Shen Hao to Yuan Shikai's home, the Regent's Palace, also known as Zhongnanhai.

Cao Yuanzheng and Shen Hao handed over their service pistols and were led inside by the guards.

"Look at that small Western-style building, called Jurentang, which was the residence of President Yuan."

It was renovated after the Eight Kingdoms entered the capital.

The reason it is in a Western style is mainly because the old witch Empress Dowager Cixi was busy "using the resources of China to win the favor of foreign countries," so naturally, the buildings were built in a Western style.

Of course, it was previously called Haiyantang, which was the new bedroom that Empress Dowager Cixi prepared herself for receiving foreign female guests.

The name Jurentang was also changed by President Yuan himself.

Shen Hao nodded and smiled, "I didn't expect there to be such a saying."

Shen Hao of Jurentang could understand that the so-called "Juren" was a self-praise, meaning that he himself was a benevolent and righteous person.

"After President Yuan moved into Jurentang, he basically never stayed anywhere else."

Upon hearing this, Shen Hao nodded, also feeling a sense of sorrow for Yuan Shikai.

He dared not go out because he was afraid of being killed. He was as cautious as a turtle hiding in the ground, afraid of being assassinated. His life was not even as good as that of an ordinary commoner.

The guards did not take Shen Hao and Cao Yuanzheng to Jurentang, but instead took them directly to the reception room of Huairentang. The main purpose of this visit was to check the two men again for any weapons.

After the inspection, the guards took the two men to Jurentang.

Upon arriving at Jurentang, Shen Hao discovered that Jurentang was exactly the same as Haiyantang in the burned-down Yuanmingyuan, with the same design.

Those familiar with modern history know about the twelve bronze animal heads representing the Chinese zodiac.

The so-called bronze beast is actually the decorative water feature (fountain) at the entrance of Haiyantang.

144

04

850

57 (note to join the group)

The newly built Jurentang was originally the Haiyantang, which was modeled after by Empress Dowager Cixi.

The only difference is that Yuan Shikai changed his name, and there are twelve bronze animal heads as decorations in front of the gate, but instead of a bronze water feature (fountain), there are electric lights.

The twelve bronze animal heads from the Yuanmingyuan were decorations, but they were all looted by the Eight-Nation Alliance.

Looking at the stunning scenery around him, Shen Hao was momentarily dazed, never expecting to have another chance to enter the wilderness.

Led by the guards, Cao Yuanzheng and Shen Hao arrived at the front courtyard of Jurentang, at a house called "Dayuanjingzhong".

"Please wait a moment, I'll go report."

Cao Yuanzheng explained: "Since the last time the President was involved in the Dongxinglou explosion, he has been living in Jurentang."

The President's office was located in a large room on the east side of the ground floor of Jurentang.

The western part of the building downstairs was where the President received guests, held meetings, and dined. Also, the building we're now in, the one in the "large round mirror," was also where the President received guests.

There are specific rules to follow.

The president treats different guests according to their status and relationship with him, regardless of the location.

For example, new customers would meet in the "large round mirror," regular customers would meet in the western part of the Jurentang building, and the most familiar customers would meet in the office.

Since this is your first time here, and given your status, this is the only place we can meet you.

If the guest is of high status, the meeting place may also be changed.

Shen Hao nodded, understanding.

After a moment, the guard said, "Go in, the president is waiting for you."

···Requesting flowers···· ···

Cao Yuanzheng straightened his clothes and walked in with his head held high.

For some reason, Shen Hao felt a little nervous.

I took a deep breath, relaxed, and followed them inside.

Upon entering, they saw Yuan Shikai sitting on the sofa, smoking a cigar and waiting for the two of them.

At first glance, Yuan Shikai's silver dollar gave Shen Hao the impression of Wu Dalang (a character from Journey to the West who was short and weak).

Yuan Datou has a short and stocky build, less than 1.6 meters tall, with a bloated body, a fat head and big ears that almost hide his neck, and with his bulky military uniform, he really looks like Wu Dalang.

Yuan Datou also looked at Shen Hao. He was tall, imposing, handsome, and confident. Of course, Yuan Datou looked tall to everyone.

Especially that confidence, which is rare in this era.

Yuan Shikai was quite satisfied with the appearance; it was much more pleasing to the eye than Yin Tiege, the son of his military chief, Yin Chang.

Moreover, he's young and promising, speaks foreign languages, and is a skilled fighter.

.... ... 0

With just one glance, Yuan Shikai was very satisfied, but he remained expressionless.

Cao Yuanzheng hurriedly saluted and said, "Greetings, President."

Shen Hao also saluted and said, "Greetings, President."

Yuan Shikai waved his hand and said, "Yes, sit down and let's talk."

Immediately, the guard brought tea to the two men.

Yuan Datou said, "You are Shen Hao?"

Shen Hao stood up and said, "It's the President."

“Not bad, you’ve done a great job in Guangdong Province, making those Tongmenghui people look bad, which has boosted the prestige of our Beiyang Army,” Yuan Datou said.

"It's all thanks to the president's effective leadership."

"You lie without even thinking! When have I ever led you?"