Chapter 59: A Minister Arrives from the Capital

  On February 5, 1895, Ronglu led more than 600 people, including infantry, cavalry and other attendants, from Beijing to Tianjin to inspect the new land army built by Ye Zhikui and investigate the matter of Ye Zhikui's corruption of military discipline. At that time, there was a Yang certain in Ronglu's staff who was highly valued by him and accompanied him on his journey. Coincidentally, Yang certain had a close private relationship with Yan Dunyuan, the chief clerk of the training department of Ye Zhikui's army. Before Ronglu left Beijing, Yan Dunyuan wrote to Yang certain to plead for Ye Zhikui.

  On the other hand, Ye Zhiwei also made various preparations to welcome Ronglu. Ye Zhiwei deeply knew that there were some people in this world who could not be bought off with just money, and Ronglu was one of them. You had to let him see not only your silver but also your ability, otherwise he would take your silver while betraying you.

  In February, Tianjin was cold and icy, with frozen rivers. When Ronglu passed by the Hai River in Tianjin, Ye Zhiqi had already been waiting for a long time with his officers of various ranks. As soon as he saw Ronglu's carriage, Ye Zhiqi quickly went forward to greet him.

  Rong Lu was over fifty years old, with a pair of eight-character whiskers. Perhaps due to his experience as a general, Xi'an General, and infantry commander, he lacked the pedantic air typical of Qing dynasty civil officials, instead possessing a bold and direct temperament unique to those from a military background.

  After finishing the courtesy, Ye Zhi Kui took a deep breath and opened his mouth to apologize: "Your Excellency, in such weather, you still let you come from the capital specially for the sake of this official's affairs. I am truly uneasy and feel deeply guilty." Ye Zhi Kui spoke with humility, trying to lower his posture as much as possible to avoid unnecessary trouble.

  Rong Lu didn't have a big reaction, and calmly returned the courtesy, saying: "General Ye doesn't need to be polite, I'm in a hurry to cross the Hai River and attend to urgent business at Lutai."

  Ye Zhi nodded in agreement and said: "The Minister is indeed a straightforward and decisive person, a role model for us military officers. However, the 600 cavalrymen under your command may have difficulty crossing the small bridge on the riverbank at this time. Fortunately, our engineering team has developed a new method of crossing rivers. If you're interested, why not give it a try?"

  Rong Lu's interest was piqued as soon as he heard this, and with a hint of a smile, he said, "In that case, I'll have to trouble Zuo Yun."

  Yeh Chi-kwei hesitated to speak, and with a wave of his hand, the commander of the engineering corps, Wang Shih-chen, stepped forward from behind him. Yeh introduced him to Jung-lu: "This is Wang Shih-chen, the commander of the engineering corps in my Wu Wei army."

  Wang Shizhen gave a military salute, and Ronglu nodded slightly, curiously looking at this pale and thin commander, wondering what ability he had that made Ye Zhiwei introduce him first.

  Ye Zhi Kui ordered Wang Shi Zhen: "Ping Qing, begin!"

  Wang Shizhen turned around expressionlessly and led the way, soon Ronglu saw the soldiers of the Wuwei Army quickly setting up a specially made canvas bridge on the ice surface of the Haihe River. The entire movement was smooth and efficient, with no signs of disorder or constraint among the soldiers. Wang Shizhen returned quickly to report, making a bowing gesture: "Lord Rong, General Ye, the floating bridge is ready, please proceed!"

  Rong Lu saw Ye Zhi Kui walking towards the river without hesitation, although he had some doubts in his heart, feeling that it was a bit too simple, but still took a step forward, leading Ye Zhi Kui to go ahead, believing that Ye Zhi Kui wouldn't be foolish enough to play with his own life.

  Ronglu walked onto the ice surface, feeling as if he was walking on flat ground, and then stamped his feet on the ice, without any signs of collapse, and put his mind at ease. He ordered his infantry and cavalry to cross over from the pontoon bridge.

  The soldiers under Ronglu were all nervous and cautious, afraid that they would accidentally fall into the river and become ice cubes. However, Ronglu was determined, and one by one, they had to move forward with a desperate expression. When the troops reached the middle of the river, they suddenly realized that they had been overly anxious, as there were no unusual conditions on the road surface. As a result, one by one, they transformed from being uncertain and suspicious to being bold and confident, striding across the riverbank.

  Ye Zhiwei watched as Rong Lu's men and horses all passed by before inviting him: "Lord Rong, please!"

  Rong Lu smiled slightly and said, "The engineering team of Wu Yi's army is quite interesting."

  Ronglu and Ye Ziku led the entourage to the other side, whereupon Wang Sizhen ordered the soldiers to take down the canvas bridge. Ronglu was amazed at how quickly and easily the large canvas bridge was dismantled and folded under Wang's command, making it easy to store and transport. He couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration and invited Wang to come forward to ask him questions. Wang still had his usual expressionless face, but he answered Ronglu's questions fluently and without hesitation, often providing answers that made Ronglu's eyes light up. Turning to Ye Ziku, Ronglu praised Wang, saying: "This man has the talent for governing the country, not just excelling in military matters."

  Ye Zhiwei smiled slightly and replied: "Everyone in our army knows about your talents, Ping."

  Wang Shizhen was simultaneously praised by two superiors, and even if he wasn't good at flattering, he had to squeeze out a few smiles on his stiff face and humbly replied: "Lord Rong and General Ye are really overpraising me, I'm ashamed and dare not accept it!"

  After the river crossing, Ronglu had a different view of Ye Zhikui's image. In their conversation, they no longer used cold and stiff language. Before long, Ye Zhikui sighed to Ronglu: "A talent like Pingqing who is familiar with both Chinese and Western military systems is unfortunately as rare as a phoenix or a unicorn in the army! The martial arts officials from the imperial court do not understand the Western-style military system very well. If the imperial court could find another way, referring to the military manufacturing of China and foreign countries, then why worry that our great Qing dynasty has no usable people?"

  Ye Zhiqi's words were finished, and Ronglu felt itchy in his heart. Ronglu had long had this intention, and he had even mentioned it in a memorial not long ago, but unfortunately the memorial was like a stone sinking into the sea, without getting any response from Guangxu. Unexpectedly, here he met someone who shared the same opinion as himself.

  It's like when you post a thread on a forum and it doesn't get the attention of the administrator, and it's about to sink to the bottom of the page. Suddenly, someone comes out and wildly tops your thread, praising it as a divine post. The person who posted will immediately think that their post isn't bad, but rather that you people don't know good stuff. Look, now someone who knows good stuff has finally appeared.

  Ye Zhi Kui took a stealthy glance at Rong Lu, and saw that his face revealed a hint of arrogance, but it was quickly covered up. If Ye Zhi Kui hadn't been paying attention to him all along, he really wouldn't have noticed.

  Rong Lu smiled faintly at Ye Zhi Kui and said, "I didn't expect that you would have such foresight from the beginning. In fact, I had already submitted a memorial to Your Majesty, requesting the establishment of a special martial arts department. According to the statistics of 200 martial arts students per county per year, each province would hire instructors who are familiar with Western methods and skilled in drilling to provide local training. Then, the governors and lieutenant governors of each province would conduct examinations, and those who passed with honors would be awarded the title of Wu Ju Ren, to supplement the army's officer corps above the rank of sentinel. This is to change the old habits of the military camps. However, I also considered that it would be difficult to suddenly change the old system, so the original martial arts examination would continue as usual, with only half the number of participants." When you meet someone who appreciates your goods, you naturally want to eagerly peddle your theories.

  After finishing, Ronglu stroked his beard with a pleased expression, as if to say, "You think you're clever, but I've already thought of it, and I have a comprehensive solution. What do you think? Come on, praise me!"

  Ye Zhi Kui would not disappoint him, with a look of astonishment and surprise, he gazed at Rong Lu in admiration and said: "Lord Rong is indeed the pillar of the old Buddha's court, the mainstay of our great Qing dynasty, the pillar that holds up the sky. Your insight into problems is so profound, thinking of things that others dare not think of, with talent that can change the course of heaven and earth. I am just a novice in front of you, wielding a big axe at the door of Luban, making a fool of myself. Shame! Shame on me, Lord Rong, how can I ever again dare to discuss military affairs in your presence?"

  Rong Lu smiled humbly and glanced at Ye Zhi Kui, praising: "From Yun, you can think of referring to the manufacture of foreign arms and talents, it's already extremely difficult. How many people can the Qing Dynasty find who can think of this step? Why do you have to belittle yourself?" Grass, Rong Lu is simply praising himself in a roundabout way.

  Wang Shizhen was originally following closely behind Ye Zhiwei, but after hearing the two of them flattering each other more and more, she felt increasingly disgusted and couldn't bear to listen anymore. She had no choice but to secretly fall back a bit, not listening with her ears or worrying in her heart.

  ……………

  First of all, thank "Feng Liu Niu Gong Zi" and "Hou Zhu" for their rewards, bowing to show gratitude! Next, celebrate "Feng Liu Niu Gong Zi" becoming the first captain of this book, applauding in celebration! Finally, I would like to thank all book friends for their long-term support. This book will be recommended at San Jiang Ge next week, and I hope brothers and sisters will go and cast a vote. The new book list is under the book, and brothers remember to collect recommendations! Don't let it become Rong Lu's post!