Chapter 28

"Advanced industry and rapidly developing technology?" Yang Yuanzhao said leisurely.

"Industry and technology?" Feng Yuxiang, no matter how outstanding, had only learned through domestic education. He had never been abroad, and his knowledge was naturally limited, but that didn't mean he couldn't think.

Yang Yuanzhao, who loved this quality the most, continued to inspire him: "Exactly, industry and technology are the foundation of a country's strength. Take our Great Qing Dynasty, for example. In 1840, during the Opium War, we were defeated by the British, not because the Qing was not wealthy, but because of the comprehensive backwardness in technology and industry. Do you know that in 1840, our Gross National Product (GNP) almost accounted for half of the world's total!"

"What is Gross National Product?"

"In simple terms, it is the total wealth created by all the citizens of a country. It is the fundamental measure of a country's overall strength!"

"You mean that before 1840, the Qing's GNP accounted for half of the world's total?"

"Exactly. Even now, it is still a significant player in the world. However, this is merely the result of the hard work of hundreds of millions of people. It represents a country's wealth, not its strength or muscle!"

"Then why did we lose?" Wang Jinming asked.

"Technological disparity?"

"Exactly. A strong industry can manufacture warships that can sail the four seas. The major powers might not have as much wealth as us, but their ability to mobilize funds and industrial capacity far exceeds ours. We even need to import rifles. When a real war comes, no matter how much money you have, you can't buy the necessary equipment. What can you rely on? Even if we set aside the issue of weapons, which need to be updated every few years, how long can the accumulated equipment last?"

Yang Yuanzhao's words seemed to open a new world for Feng Yuxiang. He was a mid-level officer who had risen from the bottom, with outstanding talent. He quickly stood out in the Beiyang Army and became a young talent. However, his perspective and views were his weak points. Now, with Yang Yuanzhao, who came from the future and had a deep understanding of the international and domestic situation of this era, the fog was lifted, and he saw a new world.

"Brother Yang, everything you said is right. But I am a rough man and don't understand much about industry. I only know how to be a soldier. However, if there is anything I can help you with, just say it, and I will do my best." Feng Yuxiang said solemnly.

"Then it's settled. I hope that when I need your help in the future, you won't refuse me!"

"Of course not!"

Yang Yuanzhao looked deeply at Feng Yuxiang. Honestly, at this time, Feng Yuxiang was only in his twenties, in the prime of his life, and not yet the famous turncoat general of the future. As a young man, he had his passion and drive. At that moment, he hadn't considered much, which was why he had pushed for the uprising in Wuhan without hesitation, even facing defeat and capture. If it weren't for his superior's appreciation of his talent, he might have lost his head long ago.

"Therefore, my goal is different from yours, completely different. I do not advocate violent revolution. Of course, I am not supporting the Qing government. Establishing a republic and achieving democracy is inevitable. However, before that, I want to leave a foundation for our country, a foundation that can stand among the nations of the world. Only this can ensure the success of democracy and the republic. Otherwise, a chaotic government and warlord rule will bring not happiness or democracy, but true disaster to China!"

Few people in this era had such foresight to see beyond the revolution's victory. However, Yang Yuanzhao was an exception. The history of the future deeply proved this point. The North-South War, the Second Revolution, the Constitutional Protection Movement, the warlord割据, and the Northern Expedition—all these wars from 1912 onwards made it difficult for China to find a few peaceful years. Enormous wealth was evaporated in these wars. China missed the most critical and easiest development period of 20 years. By the time World War II came and Japan invaded, it was too late. In those 20 years, China's industry and technology did not improve much. It was still poor and backward, even needing to import bullets. Without the support of the world, especially the United States and the Soviet Union, the war would have been almost impossible to continue.

"The foundation to stand among the nations of the world, well said! Yuanzhao, I support you!" Yang Yue, who had woken up at some point, clapped and praised.

The American-educated students had witnessed the power of American industrialization and the results of standing among the nations of the world. Yang Yuanzhao had once mentioned his willingness to build an Eastern Ruhr in Baotou. However, he knew very well from his systematic understanding of Germany's development that the Ruhr was not easy to achieve. Even the Germans spent decades and the full strength of their nation to complete it. For a poor and backward China, the challenges of funding and industrial equipment were enormous. However, Yang Yuanzhao's determination was evident, and he was clearly willing to invest everything he could to achieve this goal.

Yang Yuanzhao's words made Feng Yuxiang's face change several times. The impact of his words was significant. Feng Yuxiang had joined the Tongmenghui because it gave him a clear goal: the Three Principles of the People and the establishment of a republic. He had devoted his entire being to the revolution. What was the revolution? It was to overthrow the Qing government with blood and fire, and then the country would be strong, the people free, and China would stand up.

However, Yang Yuanzhao pointed out the flaw in this: empty revolutionary slogans without the ability to govern the country. Anyone with passion and organization could push for a revolution, but what about after the revolution? After overthrowing the Qing government, what political system would be adopted, and how would this vast and complex country be governed? These were a series of difficult questions, and Sun Yat-sen had not addressed any of them. Perhaps he knew the future was too difficult, or perhaps he hadn't considered these issues. But this student who had returned from studying in Britain was ahead of others. He advocated industrial salvation, making China a match for the major powers in industrial achievements, building an Eastern Ruhr, catching up with Germany, and becoming a new industrial nation. This was the backbone of a strong country. After 1840, every invasion by the major powers and every humiliation was the result of industrial backwardness. The most advanced warships could never be bought, and even the Dingyuan and Zhenyuan, which were only possible because Germany used Chinese money for experiments, were not improved or advanced after acquisition. Thus, despite having the most powerful warships in Asia, China still lost in the Battle of the Yalu River, leading to a decline in national fortune and widespread chaos. The once-first Beiyang Fleet in Asia was now reduced to a few small ships, unable to compare with the emerging Japan, let alone the major powers of Europe and America. This was the tragedy of a great and strong country.

Feng Yuxiang, who had not studied abroad, knew a lot about Japan due to the presence of Japanese instructors in the Beiyang Army. Japan had started the Meiji Restoration almost simultaneously with China's Self-Strengthening Movement. By concentrating the nation's efforts on the economy and technology, Japan had slowly but surely industrialized. Now, Japan dominated East Asia, while the once-great Qing Empire had become a stumbling giant, surrounded by hungry wolves, facing imminent disaster, and possibly becoming a nation of slaves.

Feng Yuxiang fell silent, saying nothing. Shi Congyun and Wang Jinming, who were probably not as deeply reflective as Feng Yuxiang, were also deeply moved. The way they looked at Yang Yuanzhao was different. They no longer saw him as an ordinary person but with a sense of respect. He was not like those who returned from abroad, who were obsessed with foreign things. He was truly wise, with great goals and even the ability to execute them. Such a person, even Feng Yuxiang, the leader, admired, let alone them.