Chapter Fourteen: The Governor's Invitation

  When he saw Yang Qiu, he was stunned and then suddenly clapped his thigh. Xiao Anguo's face turned even darker, and Ma Kui, who was beside him, hastily asked: "Brother Hu Zi, quickly say something, Big Brother Xiao is almost worried to death."

  Yang Qiu didn't know how to respond, the sudden realization made him no longer confident in his own intelligence. Compared to those old foxes recorded in history, he thought that trying to play tricks on them would be like not even knowing how to die.

  Li Yuanhong and Zhang Biao are both old, they know that the Democratic Party also looks down on the most useless logistics camp, borrowing this to promote Xiao Ankou, thinking that he can grasp a force completely loyal to himself. Although the logistics camp has poor combat effectiveness, it is after all a regiment, with hundreds of Han soldiers in uniform, and at critical moments, it will be a considerable force!

  With Xiao Anguo's Wan Chuwangtai being inserted, as Yang Qiu's big traitor and accomplice, the Democratic Party can't even try to win him over!

  Now we need to build a strong army, Chu Wangtai is the best, but is there enough time? In such a short period of time, wanting to train an army that can defeat Beiyang, isn't this just a fool's dream?!

  It's no longer the first time for Yang Qiu to travel through, after figuring out the Western calendar, he is very clear that in more than 50 days, Hankou will encounter an unprecedented disaster. Although it is not known whether the Sichuan Railway Protection Movement was destroyed by himself, one thing can be confirmed, Wuchang has become a tool used by some people, and the reason for this is because there is a branch of the Northern Navy's Hubei New Army in Nanyang that can rival the country's first army!

  In later generations, this army was not considered outstanding, but in the vast land of China at that time, such a new-style army was undoubtedly a big fat meat that tempted everyone to take a bite, so it led to an increasingly tense atmosphere here.

  Yang Qiu didn't care about revolution or not, the collapse of the Qing dynasty was a good thing, the people had been oppressed for too long. Even if there was no Wuchang, there would be Dongchang and Xichang, if there was no second choice, he would also try his best to join this era's trend. What he worried about was the arsenal and Hankou's three towns, what he worried about was that this China's best and most ideal industrial base in his heart would be destroyed.

  Later generations always mention that the modern industry of Late Qing Dynasty was Jiangnan, but in fact, Hanyang's technical capabilities and manufacturing level were generally higher than those of the whole country. The scale of Hanyang Arsenal was large, with a total number of workers exceeding 6,000, and if the ironworks were included, it exceeded 10,000! With a long time, skilled technicians, in the severely lacking heavy industry of China, what a great treasure this is!

  The Yangxia Battle in history set this place back by a decade, ten whole years! How much investment would it take to make up for that? Even Yuan Shikai and the later Northeastern Army were basically established by old men from Hanyang who moved there. This is a more precious treasure than many others! Thinking of this, Yang Qiu let out a sigh, glanced at Ma Kui and Xiao Anguo, suddenly went back into the house and brought out two Mauser pistols that had been captured in Guang'an, handing one to each of them before slowly saying: "Elder brother Xiao, Elder brother Ma, I have something on my mind that I want to say."

  Both of them recognized the new gun and knew that Yang Qiu had treasured it like his life since he captured it, but now he gave it to them. Seeing Yang Qiu's face suddenly turn serious, Ma Kui and Xiao Ankou felt a sudden chill in their hearts, and they hastily asked: "Brother, what's going on? Just say it straight."

  "Both of you brothers, it's all because of me that I've put you in harm's way, so this is a gift for your protection. This gun can hold 10 rounds at once, much better than the wheel guns you're using now."

  Before the two could express their gratitude, Yang Qiu made a stopping gesture and continued: "You don't have to thank me, I'm doing this just to tell you that perhaps very soon... a change is coming, and with it, you can also protect yourselves."

  A sudden change!

  Ma Kui and Xiao Anguo both forgot that they had just received new guns, they were not fools either. During this period of time, who didn't know about the stormy weather in the new army? All sorts of literary societies and benefit societies sprouted up like bamboo shoots after a spring rain, advocating for new learning and revolution, causing people in the military to be worried and frightened.

  No one likes the Qing dynasty, and no one likes to wear a big braid all day. To be honest, if the Qing army really came to kill them, they would all take up guns to resist, but this does not mean that everyone is willing to follow those people to make trouble, making the army chaotic. But as for saying that soldiers will be bought over, it's hard to believe, at most it's just sympathy.

  "Two big brothers, I know what you're thinking, but people's hearts are hard to measure. All I want to tell you is that Yang Qiu doesn't like them and doesn't want to be a running dog for the Qing court either. I just want to be a soldier! A soldier who protects his home and country!" Yang Qiu took a deep breath, slowly stood up from his chair, and his eyes suddenly became profound: "I don't care who's in power, but if anyone harms these three towns of Hanjiang or its people, I will not forgive him!"

  Yang Qiu's words were both true and false. True was that he indeed wanted to change, to take another path. False was that he himself was planning to take over the three towns.

  "Well said!"

  Ma Kui slammed his fist on the stool, as if he had been struck by something, and said with red eyes: "Everyone wants to make trouble, everyone wants to... but who cares about the lives and deaths of us ordinary people? Who cares about the lives and deaths of those they call 'mud legs'? The Manchu rulers are no good, they should be killed! But look at those revolutionaries who shout slogans every day - aren't they just rascals and hoodlums? Not one of them can wipe their own ass clean! From Guangzhou to Huanghuagang, to Sichuan, they've been making trouble everywhere, and the newspapers have been cheering them on every day... but has any of them ever cared about the lives and deaths of ordinary people? Look at those party members - isn't it true that not one of them has forgotten the humiliation of the First Sino-Japanese War and gone to lick the Japanese's ass? They should all be killed, they should all be killed!"

  "Two brothers said it well, although An Guo didn't have much ambition"

  But if one day brothers need it, brother will die together! The mud-legged Shao Anguo was most aware of the hardships of the lower class, so he was also excited by these few sentences.

  "Thank you, two brothers. As for future events, Yang Qiu doesn't know, but I do know one thing: to keep our troops safe and treat them well, don't let them be taken advantage of by those with ulterior motives. If something unexpected happens, the armory... is the key!" Yang Qiu looked at Xiao Anguo, speaking slowly and deliberately: "Brother Xiao, you must be extra cautious!"

  "I understand." Just as Xiao Anguo nodded and was about to speak, a sudden commotion broke out in the distance.

  "Is Yang Qiuke there?"

  "Is Yang Qiuke here? Quickly let him come out and see this official."

  Yang Qiu turned her head to look, and saw that outside the camp gate, several military officers were surrounding a flag officer with a "chicken feather" on his head, waving a whip with a proud and arrogant face. Looking at the respectful appearance of the military officers beside him, he should still have a pretty good status, but the way he looked at the logistics camp soldiers made people unbearable.

  Filled with disdain as if looking at a pile of trash.

  Don't mention that Yang Qiu is now a standard, proper five-product top hat, and was awarded the title of Zhongyong Batulu. Just this loud and clear tone made many soldiers at the gate angry and furious. Yang Qiu secretly sighed, no wonder the new army soldiers would have grievances against the high-level officials, leading to the Wuhan gunfire incident where everyone panicked. With such an official, it's strange if nothing happens.

  "It's Rui Fang, the supervisor of the Hanjiang Railway. There are rumors that he doesn't get along with Lord Rui Cheng, but others say he's Lord Rui Cheng's right-hand man. Their relationship is quite complicated." Ma Kui came back to his senses and saw Yang Qiu staring blankly at him, so he walked over to introduce them.

  Is he Rui Fang?

  It's indeed the face of a short-lived ghost. This kind of guy, even if he wasn't killed on his way to enter the river, would probably be beaten to death in the uprising.

  "What about Yang Qiu? Go and inform him to come quickly to see the official." Seeing that the soldier didn't react, Rui Fang was furious. He had been sent to this insignificant logistics camp with a second-rank hat, and it was already humiliating enough to send a message to a fifth-rank hat-wearing officer, but now he had waited for half a day without seeing anyone, his anger burning in his chest, he fiercely whipped the horse's reins.

  The whip lash swept across the soldier's body who was on duty, originally wearing a single layer of clothing in the hot weather, and instantly appeared a purple-red mark.

  "Stop."

  As the soldiers all gathered around to reason things out, Xiao Anguo feared that things would get out of hand and hurriedly ran over to mediate. Only Yang Qiu thought for a moment, then bit Ma Kui's ear and suddenly turned around and walked into the house.

  "Are you Xiao Ankou from the Logistics Department?"

  "General Hui, the current commander of the Imperial Guard has already been appointed, but he hasn't taken office yet. If you have any business, just speak freely." Xiao Anguo suppressed the anger in his heart and replied with a humble tone, but before he could even finish speaking, Rui Fang hastily shouted: "Quickly go and summon Yang Qiu to see me!"

  "Sir, Yang Biao has been flogged by the Commander-in-Chief and is currently bedridden in his tent, unable to get up to greet you. If you wish to see him, please dismount and step aside." Before Xiao Anguo could respond, Ma Kui suddenly ran over, while the surrounding soldiers looked at each other in confusion - wasn't he fine just a moment ago? How did he suddenly become bedridden?

  Rui's face turned green and red, Yang Qiu's flogging had long been spread throughout the new army and the three towns' official circles. Everyone knew what was going on with that flogging, but this guy now saw himself coming and actually used this matter to deceive himself. It was obvious that he wanted to find an excuse for these mud-legged soldiers, which was really unforgivable!

  Rui Fang really wanted to turn his face on the spot, but the governor's post still had to be delivered. If he delayed important matters, Rui Cheng, that old fox, would not let him off easily. So, gritting his teeth, he threw down the horse whip and dismounted, saying: "Lead the way ahead."

  Seeing Rui Fang, who was usually arrogant and overbearing, lose his whip, the soldiers beside him also understood that Yang Qiu was giving them a chance to regain their composure, and they secretly felt grateful.

  Soon, Rui Fang saw Yang Qiu lying on the bed with a pale complexion. When he came in, Yang Qiu hastily pretended to struggle to get up and said: "Yang Qiu has seen the lord, but cannot personally go to the camp gate to welcome the lord, please forgive me."

  Go ahead and pretend!

  Rui Fang clenched his teeth and didn't waste any words, directly pulling out the invitation card. He said coldly: "By order of Governor Rui of Hubei and Hunan, I invite Batu, the brave and loyal hero, Yang Qiu, the new commander of the 42nd battalion of the mixed brigade, and Xiao Anguo, the new commander of the Chu Wang Tai Ping Ku, to come to the mansion three days later for a gathering. The Governor will also invite all the officials and gentry from the three towns to celebrate their achievements and welcome them back."

  "This is an official letter, Lord Yang should take good care of it." Rui Fang glanced at Yang Qiu intentionally or unintentionally: "By the way, I don't know how serious General Yang's injury is? He won't be unable to come three days later, will he? That would make Governor-General very unhappy."

  "Governor?" Yang Qiu glanced at Xiao Anguo, whose face wasn't looking good either. It was common knowledge in the military that Zhang Biao and Rui Ceng didn't get along. If they attended the Governor's celebration banquet, wouldn't that be a clear slap in the face to the Admiral?

  But if he refused at this moment, it would be obvious that he was perfunctory, and offending the governor would not be pleasant either. After thinking for a moment, Yang Qiu spoke up: "Please rest assured, Your Excellency, three days later, I will definitely go to the mansion with Xiao Ren to receive your teachings."

  "That's good, I'll take my leave first, Lord Yang should take good care of his injuries these few days." Hearing that Yang agreed, Rui Fang looked very pleased with himself and walked away from the camp in official steps, leaving behind Xiao An Guo and Yang who were both holding the name card, feeling that this thin thing was really a thorn in their sides.

  "No, Xiao Da Ge, we must go see Governor immediately."