Chapter 65

Feng Yuxiang was puzzled but still said solemnly, "What is it, Brother Yuanzhao, just say it!"

"Give them a good scolding. I heard that soldiers' marksmanship is honed by bullets. I hope your men will all become sharpshooters."

Yang Yuanzhao's grand words left Feng Yuxiang speechless, but he was deeply grateful to this young brother. The young brother had allocated hundreds of thousands of weapons to him. Without mentioning anything else, 30 units of ammunition were enough for ten high-intensity battles, which was an irresistible temptation for the armies of this era.

At this moment, Shi Congyun also fell silent. He wanted to gain an advantage because only with a powerful force under his command could he gain more status and promote the revolution. However, with so many weapons piled up in one battalion, even civilian laborers would be stronger than ordinary Wuwei Army soldiers. A battalion could easily face a regiment head-on. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Brother Yuanzhao, with this organization and such intense training, this battalion will likely be the best in the world."

"What, Brother Huanzhang, are you afraid to take the best in the world?"

Feng Yuxiang's expression was a bit strange, but he didn't respond. He just clasped his hands and said, "Brother Yuanzhao, I won't thank you for such a great favor. I will use these weapons well!"

"No problem. How will these weapons be transported? Do you want to take them now, or give me an address and I'll deliver them directly?"

"This!" Feng Yuxiang thought for a moment and said, "It's better to deliver them directly. Preferably to the Northeast. Once these good things enter Beijing, it won't be easy to get them out."

Yang Yuanzhao chuckled and agreed. The Beiyang Army, with Yuan Shikai still in power, hadn't yet formed distinct factions, but the signs were already there. The major factions led by Duan Qirui, Xu Shichang, and others were already taking shape. Everyone knew what guns represented. Over a thousand good guns entering would likely not even cause a ripple, and might be swallowed by someone. The more polite ones would throw out the same number of old guns, while the less polite ones would take them all without a trace.

"Brother Yuanzhao, I wonder if I can buy a batch of guns!" Zhang Jingjiang suddenly said.

Yang Yuanzhao then realized he had overlooked Zhang Jingjiang. After some thought, he said, "Mr. Jingjiang, although we are meeting for the first time, I have long heard of you. Your spirit of breaking your home for the revolution is admirable. How about I give you the same as Brother Huanzhang?"

Zhang Jingjiang was stunned. He had only mentioned it casually, but he didn't expect Yang Yuanzhao to be so generous. This was over 1,500 guns and a large number of Maxim machine guns. With a little more, it would be enough for a regiment. Even in Shanghai, it would cost at least 200,000 to buy. Yang Yuanzhao gave them without hesitation. If added to the previous ones, it was a huge sum. Zhang Jingjiang, who had lived in luxury, had never seen such generosity, as if what was given was all waste paper.

"Brother Yuanzhao, you misunderstood. We are not in a position to take weapons now!" Zhang Jingjiang thought for a moment and ultimately refused. If Feng Yuxiang hadn't had this opportunity, he wouldn't have accepted it either. The Tongmenghui needed to be low-key.

After 1908, the Tongmenghui's revolution indeed entered a low point. Many key figures went abroad, and even armed uprisings were much fewer than in the previous two years. No wonder Zhang Jingjiang said it wasn't suitable.

Yang Yuanzhao, who came to 1908, had always kept a respectful distance from the Tongmenghui. Through his interactions with Feng Yuxiang and Zhang Jingjiang, he found that there were still people worth winning over within the Tongmenghui. Regardless, it was worth spending a little money to form a good connection. Zhang Jingjiang's business acumen had been proven by history. Even if he couldn't be used directly, cooperation would bring great benefits. A single flower does not make a spring; a hundred flowers in bloom does.

After some thought, Yang Yuanzhao said, "Mr. Jingjiang, let's discuss other issues. I think just raising funds this way isn't a solution. You need to do business!"

"Business? What kind of business?"

"For example, investing in industry and commerce!"

Zhang Jingjiang shook his head and said, "Abroad, it's still manageable, but domestically, it's not feasible!"

The Tongmenghui was being pursued by the Qing Dynasty, and most of its key figures were on wanted lists. They could enter China mainly due to the influence of the Zhang family. Even so, they couldn't stay for long, let alone do business. Zhang Jingjiang had been in Singapore, partly because the Zhang family had considerable influence in Southeast Asia, and partly because of business. The revolution wasn't a social gathering; it required a large number of progressive youth and a massive amount of funds to support it.

"Then!" Yang Yuanzhao said decisively, "There's an opportunity right in front of you. How about selling guns? It's simple and feasible!"

"Selling guns!" Zhang Jingjiang's eyes widened.

"Yes, if the Deutsch-Amerikanische Handelsgesellschaft (Deutsch-American Trading Company) can provide 1,000 rifles per month, can you sell them all?"

1,000 rifles, Zhang Jingjiang's mind suddenly clicked. What was most in demand and most lacking in China now was not something else, but foreign guns. A good foreign gun cost 70 in Shanghai, and even more inland, over 100. If the Deutsch-Amerikanische Handelsgesellschaft could provide 1,000 foreign guns per month, it seemed to be an opportunity, an opportunity to help raise funds for the Tongmenghui.

Zhang Jingjiang suppressed his excitement and asked, "What price?"

Yang Yuanzhao laughed and said, "Since it's business, let's talk from a business perspective. 50% off is not possible, starting at 70% off. If you can reach 5,000 per month, it's 65% off, and 10,000 is 60% off, which is the lowest!"

Zhang Jingjiang's eyes widened. He hadn't expected Yang Yuanzhao to be so generous. Starting at 70% off and going as low as 60% was a huge gesture. At 60% off, the price of these guns, originally 75, would be 45. They would have a profit of about 30, which would mean a monthly sales volume of 300,000. However, 10,000 was a bit too much for Zhang Jingjiang to handle now. But the Tongmenghui had many connections, many of which were still in the New Army. If they could use this method to supply these high-quality, low-cost weapons to the New Army, it would be a good idea. It would increase the Tongmenghui's strength and influence in the New Army and help raise funds.

Most importantly, in Yang Yuanzhao's words, the Deutsch-Amerikanische Handelsgesellschaft was very powerful, and providing 10,000 guns was no problem. Yang Yuanzhao's influence over the Deutsch-Amerikanische Handelsgesellschaft was also significant, as evidenced by Habi's attitude toward him.

Zhang Jingjiang knew that the revolution was in a low point, and most of the high-level members had gone to Japan, but that didn't mean they wouldn't return. Violent revolution was already a recognized path, and in the future, they would definitely send key personnel to contact the New Army in various regions. This batch of guns might play a significant role in the revolution. Even 1,000 or 500 guns would make the revolutionaries' tasks much easier.

After much thought, Zhang Jingjiang finally said, "Alright, I agree, but I need some time!"

"No problem. But Mr. Jingjiang, we have another matter, which is investing in factories. Shanghai's industry and construction are very developed, but there is no good cement factory or brick factory. Are you interested?"

"I don't have much expertise in this area!"

Zhang Jingjiang wasn't very interested in industry and quickly changed the subject. Yang Yuanzhao didn't push further. Baotou hadn't developed yet, and his position wasn't stable. Rushing into the Tongmenghui wasn't a good choice, as it might cause problems. Fortunately, there was still time, and the revolution was still three years away.

The 1,500 guns to support Feng Yuxiang and the few people Zhang Jingjiang sent to Feng Yuxiang, less than 30, would gradually arrive. Feng Yuxiang's trip to Shanghai was a great success.

Yang Yuanzhao wanted to entertain Feng Yuxiang, but Feng Yuxiang refused, saying he needed to book a ship ticket and leave as soon as possible. The situation in Zhengzhou wasn't smooth, and the detour to Shanghai had wasted a lot of time. Going to the Northeast wasn't something to be done lightly; preparations were needed.