Chapter 61

Feng Yuxiang and Wang Jinming both stared at Shi Congyun. Shi Congyun smiled mysteriously and said, "You seem to have forgotten Mr. Zhang Jingjiang!"

"Mr. Zhang Jingjiang, isn't he in Singapore?"

"He is indeed in Singapore, but before we set out, I went to the Navy Office to handle some affairs and heard that Mr. Zhang Jingjiang had returned to China!"

"What?" Feng Yuxiang said, "Mr. Zhang Jingjiang has returned to China?"

The name Zhang Jingjiang, he had heard it many times. The big boss, an early diplomat, after understanding the revolution, began to support it voluntarily. The first time they met, he recognized Sun Yat-sen's revolutionary efforts to overthrow the Qing Dynasty. He once asked Sun Yat-sen, "Are you the revolutionary Sun Yat-sen? I have heard of you for a long time. I also deeply believe that only a revolution can save China. In recent years, I have been doing business in France and have earned several tens of thousands of dollars. I am very willing to help you. If you need anything, please send a telegram at any time, and I will do my best to respond."

He also made an agreement with Sun Yat-sen for the secret code for remittances: a, b, c, d, e, representing 10,000, 20,000, 30,000, 40,000, and 50,000 yuan, respectively. At the time, Sun Yat-sen, who had only met him by chance, did not believe his words. When they parted, Zhang Jingjiang left a letter for Sun Yat-sen, telling him to go to the Tongyun Company at 566 Fifth Street in New York after he arrived in the United States to collect 30,000 yuan for revolutionary activities. Sun Yat-sen was skeptical and handed the letter to Huang Xing to handle, to verify its authenticity. The money was indeed there, and it was collected in full. This act greatly surprised Sun Yat-sen, who believed he had encountered a "remarkable person" for the revolution. From then on, whenever the revolutionary funds were short, Sun Yat-sen would think of Zhang Jingjiang's remittance agreement, and Zhang would always send the money on time and in full.

Since then, Zhang Jingjiang's name has spread within the Tongmenghui. Most importantly, he not only supported Sun Yat-sen but also extended a helping hand to fellow members in need, no matter how much, always fulfilling their requests.

However, Zhang Jingjiang's reputation was too great, and his large-scale support for the revolution meant he rarely returned to China. Most of the time, he was in Singapore, and many members of the Tongmenghui only knew his name.

"But, I...!" The method proposed by Shi Congyun was a good one, and Feng Yuxiang thought it was a last resort. However, Feng Yuxiang was reluctant to ask for help, and going to his door felt like begging.

"Brother Feng, you're overthinking it. Mr. Zhang's enthusiasm for the revolution far exceeds ours. He has almost sacrificed his family for the revolution. Such a good opportunity, if we see it, how can he not see it?"

"Yes, Brother, what Congyun said is right. Weapons are crucial for the Tongmenghui. The reason why the uprisings in the south have not succeeded is due to the lack of weapons. Every uprising requires the participants to storm the armories. Only by capturing the armories can we expand our gains. However, the armories are always the most heavily guarded places by the provincial governors, and even the relatively rare Maxim guns are found there. Many comrades have fallen at the doors of the armories." Wang Jinming's eyes misted over as he spoke. One of his fellow townspeople, who was also one of the introducers to the Tongmenghui, was unfortunately killed in last year's uprising, right in front of the armory.

Feng Yuxiang sighed. As an officer, he knew the importance of good weapons and the benefits of initial military training. The pointed bullets used in the machine guns had amazed him and a few others. Pointed bullets were expensive, very expensive in China, but in countries that could produce them, they were only slightly more expensive than ordinary rifle bullets, due to the difference in molds and formulas. China was far behind the major powers, from a small screw to large machinery, weapons, and even warships, almost nothing could be produced domestically. China's backwardness was comprehensive, and it could not be solved by a few slogans or pretty words.

Let's not even talk about whether the Qing Dynasty can be overthrown. Even if it is overthrown, will democracy and prosperity really be achieved? Without sufficient strength, China might become a battlefield for the major powers, as Yang Yuanzhao said. The lives of the people would be even harder.

To become strong, one must first strengthen oneself. After meeting Yang Yuanzhao, Feng Yuxiang realized that the Tongmenghui might not be the path to China's prosperity. In his view, the possibility was very small. On the contrary, if Yang Yuanzhao could really build an industrial base, the hope would be greater. At the very least, the Chinese army's weapons and equipment would no longer depend on foreign countries.

"Brother, what are you thinking? Are we going or not?" Shi Congyun urged.

Feng Yuxiang finally made up his mind and nodded, saying, "Yes, we should go. Congyun, do you know where Mr. Zhang Jingjiang lives?"

"I know. Mr. Zhang Jingjiang lives in an apartment on Daxi Road!"

Feng Yuxiang glanced at Shi Congyun. Clearly, this clever subordinate had already made preparations, perhaps during their time in Zhengzhou. He did not point it out and said, "Let's go and see!"

As they were leaving, Habi saw Feng Yuxiang and the others and hurried over. Upon hearing they were going to Yanan Road, he proactively found a car. The trading company was making a fortune, and they had three new Fords and two cargo trucks. A Ford in the United States cost only $400, but in China, it was about 1,000 to 2,000 silver dollars, which Yang Yuanzhao did not care about.

The speed of the car was much faster than walking. It took only about ten minutes to reach the Zhang family's residence on Daxi Road.

The Zhang family was a wealthy family in Nanxun. Zhang Jingjiang's grandfather and maternal grandfather were both among the four major families in Nanxun. In the old days, a fortune of one million taels was called an "elephant," indicating great wealth. Zhang Jingjiang went abroad early and established the Tongyun Company, which grew rapidly and became a major business with significant influence in China during the Republic era.

The Zhang family's residence, though Zhang Jingjiang rarely returned, was still grand and magnificent. The exterior was richly decorated, and the scenery of the Jiangnan water towns could be seen everywhere, with a different view at every step.

Feng Yuxiang and his two companions, though unfamiliar, arrived by car, and the gatekeeper did not stop them much. After asking about their situation, he asked them to wait and immediately went to report.

Zhang Jingjiang was resting. Recently, the Tongmenghui's several uprisings had been suppressed by the Qing government, and a large number of core members had been suppressed, which had a significant impact on morale. The Qinzhou uprising, in particular, had been almost devastating. He had raised only a few hundred thousand yuan, and this return to China was partly to celebrate a friend's birthday and partly to raise funds.

"Master, three soldiers are looking for you," the butler said, appearing behind Zhang Jingjiang.

"Three soldiers? Let me see them!" Zhang Jingjiang's mood was not particularly high. Many members of the Tongmenghui came to him for help, which was a small amount of money to him, but seeing these members, who seemed to have no real talent, reduced to begging, how could they achieve anything? The Tongmenghui's reputation was growing, but there was little substantial progress. He had spent a fortune, almost sacrificing his family for the revolution, but now it had come to this. How could the Qing Dynasty be overthrown? Perhaps Yixian could provide an explanation.

In the reception room, Feng Yuxiang sat steadily. When Zhang Jingjiang entered, he was slightly surprised. Such a composed member, who even looked like a soldier, was rare in the Tongmenghui. Most people who met him, the "god of wealth," either bowed or were overly submissive. It was rare to see someone so confident and calm.

"Captain of the 74th Regiment, Third Battalion, Beiyang Army, reporting to Mr. Zhang Jingjiang." Feng Yuxiang stood up and saluted.