Chapter 8

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"Father, how many troops do we have now?" After returning to the Wu residence, Wu Xingquan and Wu Haoxuan were both very excited. They had already sent a telegram nationwide and were now waiting for Yuan Shikai's reaction. It could be said that the plan had already succeeded halfway.

However, to push Wu Xingquan to the position of military and political governor of a province, they still needed to work hard. Most importantly, they needed to have enough troops, which was the capital for survival.

"I have about 10 battalions, totaling more than 5,000 people. Last night, we received some prisoners, about 6,000 in total!" Wu Xingquan said. His position was the Commander of the Rear Defense Camp in Fengtian, commanding about one-fifth of the entire Fengtian army. Since Fengtian was the largest and strongest province in the three northeastern provinces, it also had the most troops. Compared to Jilin and Heilongjiang, which each had only about 10,000 troops.

"It's still not enough! Old Yuan promised us the establishment of four new army divisions. According to the new army's establishment, we need more than 12,500 people. Besides, to compete for territory, we need at least 10,000 people as a minimum guarantee!" Wu Haoxuan frowned.

"Compete for territory? Where are we going to compete for territory?" Wu Xingquan was taken aback, seemingly never having thought about these issues.

"Father! You can't be thinking of staying in Fengtian, right? How is that possible?" Wu Haoxuan was completely speechless.

"What's wrong with staying in Fengtian?" As soon as Wu Xingquan said this, he suddenly realized something. There were only three provinces in Northeast China, plus Rehe. Fengtian was naturally the best, with the largest population and the strongest economic power. However, this also made Fengtian a target for everyone. Ma, Wu, Feng, and Zhang, all four, would probably want to stay in Fengtian. This would lead to conflicts. In the end, not only would brothers turn against each other, but there might even be bloodshed.

Wu Xingquan frowned; he did not want to see such a situation. However, he also knew that many things were beyond his control. All of them were ambitious figures, and none would be willing to give up the rich land of Fengtian. Especially Feng Lingge and Zhang Yuting, who were ruthless. They might even start a fight.

In such a situation, giving up Fengtian and seeking other territories was the best solution. After all, although the other provinces were not as good as Fengtian, they still had a considerable amount of territory. If the opportunity was good, they might even develop better.

"Haoxuan, what's your suggestion?" Wu Xingquan asked directly. His son, who had spent four years in America, had changed so much that Wu Xingquan hardly recognized him. However, this change was undoubtedly for the better, and it was what he wanted to see. Anyone would hope for their son to become successful, and Wu Xingquan was no exception.

"Father, Fengtian will be the first choice for many people, and there will be fierce competition. Therefore, we should directly give up Fengtian, quickly reorganize our troops, and then go to Jilin to seize this territory from Fushun!" Wu Haoxuan said directly.

"Jilin? It's not a bad territory!" Wu Xingquan nodded.

Among the three northeastern provinces, Jilin was second only to Fengtian. The current Jilin Province was not the Jilin Province of later times; the entire area east of the Nen River was under the jurisdiction of Jilin Province. This area was rich in resources and had a population of several million, sufficient to support initial development. If a basic industrial system was established and some refugees from the interior were gathered, Jilin could certainly be developed.

"Then, Father, the most pressing task for us now is to develop the army. There are many refugees in and around Shengjing, and we can recruit strong men from among them. Regardless, we should first reorganize a division according to the establishment of the Beiyang New Army. As for weapons and equipment, there's no need to worry. I brought back enough equipment for an entire infantry division, which can not only equip a division but also leave some for me to establish a new-style army. In one or two months, after the army is reorganized, we will advance to Jilin, seize this territory first, and then develop it gradually." Wu Haoxuan said, this was a plan he had prepared long ago.

He chose Jilin for two reasons: one, to avoid conflict with Zhang Yuting and others; and two, to utilize Jilin's rich mineral resources. Additionally, Fengtian was close to the interior, and if Yuan Shikai made any moves, Fengtian would be the first to suffer. Letting Zhang Yuting and others take the lead would be the most advantageous.

"Alright, I'll do as you say! Anyway, I'll leave the rest of my life to you!" Wu Xingquan laughed heartily. He was pleased to see his son's capabilities. He only had Wu Haoxuan as his only son, so he naturally indulged him.

"Haoxuan, I originally wanted you to join my army, but it seems you have your own plans!" Wu Xingquan sighed. He suddenly felt that his son had grown up completely.

"Father, I've spent a few years in the West, systematically studying Western military affairs, and I naturally want to train my own army according to what I've learned. Besides, the entire Chinese army, even Yuan Shikai's Beiyang New Army, still has a significant gap compared to the Western powers. Simply imitating the Beiyang New Army is not a solution. Once my army is trained, Father's army will also be reorganized according to the new system! At that time, no one in Northeast China will be our match." Wu Haoxuan said with great confidence.

This was a grand era. Although the country and the nation faced a once-in-a-thousand-years transformation, if one could seize the opportunity at this time, one could certainly achieve something. Wu Haoxuan not only hoped to succeed in this era but also to fundamentally change the fate of the country and the nation.

"Alright, I'll do as you say!" Wu Xingquan was very compliant with his son's requests. (Historically, Wu Xingquan was also such a person, extremely indulgent towards his son. However, he ultimately raised a spoiled son.)

The telegram from the Shengjing General's Office caused a huge stir domestically. Originally, various provincial governors were all opposing Yuan Shikai, and some radicals were even preparing to send troops to the capital to support the emperor. However, due to the strong power of Yuan Shikai's Beiyang New Army, they did not dare to act.

However, in a situation where everyone was against Yuan Shikai, the sudden appearance of a discordant voice naturally drew everyone's attention. Originally, Yuan Shikai had become a public enemy. Now, with someone supporting him, the national public opinion had undergone a significant reversal!

No. 19, Xilahutong, Wangfujing Street, Yancheng, the residence of Yuan Shikai, the Viceroy of Zhili and the Beiyang Minister.

The gloom that had enveloped the residence seemed to be instantly dispelled, and the long-lost laughter and joy could be heard inside.

Yuan Shikai looked very happy, his fat face beaming with smiles. The telegram from the Shengjing General's Office gave him supporters in the provinces, and the one-sided public opinion had changed. Some people who were originally fence-sitters gradually changed their attitudes.

Although the mainstream was still opposing Yuan Shikai, he believed that the situation would soon change. He controlled Yancheng, the central government, and the most powerful military force in the country. No one could match him, and as long as he gradually dismantled his opponents, he would soon succeed.

"Who would have thought that those bandit-born fellows could really capture Zhao Erlun. The telegram from the Shengjing General's Office has fundamentally changed the national situation. I congratulate you, Governor, you will soon get what you wish!" Xu Shichang, the Grand Secretary, smiled. He had always been Yuan Shikai's most steadfast ally. Yuan Shikai's reversal of the situation and impending victory also represented the victory of the entire Beiyang Group.

"Yes! I didn't expect it either. However, this has at least solved our immediate crisis. The true opposition, besides those few old fellows, is not many, and we can deal with them gradually! I believe that in half a month at the earliest, and a month at the latest, the situation will be stabilized!" Yuan Shikai was very confident.

"Sir, Sir Zhu Erdian has sent a message saying that he has convinced the diplomatic corps. As long as the Beiyang can guarantee the interests of the various countries, they are willing to support us!" Tang Shaoyi also said.

"Ha ha, another piece of good news! Great things can be accomplished!" Yuan Shikai laughed heartily. Now, with the support of the foreigners, supporters in the provinces, and control of the central government, who in the country could oppose him?

However, although Yuan Shikai was ambitious, he was also cautious. He knew that one must eat step by step. Trying to achieve everything at once was impossible and would lead to failure.

Yuan Shikai and his confidants began to plot. From now on, the Beiyang Group needed to gradually take over the entire country's government, and a series of plans were needed.

On August 1, 1905, Emperor Guangxu issued an edict, appointing Yuan Shikai as the Prime Minister, fully responsible for domestic affairs. The original Grand Council was dissolved, and the Grand Secretaries, except those who had joined Yuan Shikai, were either imprisoned or placed under surveillance.

Even Emperor Guangxu and Empress Dowager Cixi were placed under house arrest, and the Manchu princes and nobles naturally did not have a good end. Although Yuan Shikai did not dare to kill them, he could still restrict them.

Yuan Shikai's appointment as Prime Minister was also a suggestion from the diplomatic corps. They believed that China could become a constitutional monarchy, and Yuan Shikai, as Prime Minister, would be equivalent to the first Prime Minister.

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