Chapter 43: I Became Brothers with Huifeng

  A new round of construction planning has brought a new wave of great development, and in Shanxi Province, from small kilns and handicraft workshops to farms, mines, and factories, all are thriving scenes. The most direct benefit that economic development brings to the local people is the improvement of living standards, and the improvement of people's living standards will make them more supportive of the current government's decisions, thus laying a good foundation for the subsequent implementation of the current agent's political, economic, financial, scientific, cultural, educational, and livelihood reforms and construction in the province. These reforms and constructions will first be carried out in Taiyuan Prefecture and Ningwu Prefecture, and then drive the entire Shanxi Province to achieve modern, suitable, stable, and comprehensive social changes. Such earth-shaking changes will bring about a longer-term and more thorough progress process. In this way, under strong social demand, development will also become an inevitable inertial action that cannot be stopped.

  In order to keep all aspects of society stable, smooth and sustainable development, there is no way without corresponding administrative intervention. Therefore, Kang Fan personally drafted the public voting election announcement for the people throughout the province, which was printed in large quantities and posted in various parts of the province, electing and establishing the first Shanxi Provincial Government Council. The members of the council were all composed of personnel elected by the people through open voting, including those who actively supported the development of Shanxi and were deeply loved by the people, such as Yu Hao, Duonowan, Hejia brothers, Zhong Hanqiang and Mei Xiang's classmates, etc., who jointly contributed to the development of Shanxi.

  After several discussions and planning in the conference hall inside the Provincial Governor's Mansion, Kang Fan, Zhong Hanqiang, Mei Xiang and Mei Xiang's classmates established a set of scientific and democratic provincial administrative systems with the purpose of serving the people and liberating productive forces. The system was adopted after referencing policies, laws, administrative systems, moral norms and other aspects of their time. Subsequently, Kang Fan disposed of unqualified government officials and administrative personnel in the province based on investigation materials provided by the Security Bureau, and recruited a batch of excellent talents from across the country to fill the vacancies.

  New administrative systems and institutions have been successively formulated and established, promulgated for trial implementation, and will be formally implemented after solving the problems found during the trial. Under the new administrative system, various administrative organs began to exercise their administrative functions within the province: the ministers of each department were all held by members of the council, and the units and personnel under each department were formed, recruited, audited, employed and filed by the provincial personnel department.

  After the reorganization, the administrative organs of various places in Shanxi worked efficiently and reasonably. The scientific and democratic system was implemented, which led to continuous deepening of social changes, a better social environment, and continuous development of various undertakings in society.

  Unlike other regions in contemporary China, Shanxi has opened its arms to people from any country or region who yearn for a better life, promoting a friendly, open, cooperative and civilized foreign policy, absorbing human and material resources from home and abroad, which has promoted the diversified exchange of local funds, technology, products, talents and culture.

  The various industrial and agricultural products produced in Shanxi have gradually formed an export-oriented industrial structure with a focus on metallurgical and chemical products, machinery and electrical products, textiles/apparel/footwear, daily necessities, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment/materials, while also having food and agricultural by-products trade. As the demand for products from both places increases dramatically at home and abroad, Shanxi's dependence on imported industrial raw materials has also increased rapidly. The Tianjin base, as the only external trade port and domestic transit trade port, bears the heavy task of import and export, and its position is becoming more and more important. If the situation in Tianjin is unstable, it will have a devastating impact on the development of industry and agriculture in both places. However, unfortunately, Tianjin has long been occupied by military forces from various world powers and is one of the most unstable regions in China, with too many uncertain factors. Therefore, defending Tianjin is equivalent to defending Shanxi, which is an unavoidable reality for Kang Fan and a must-do task at all costs.

  Before the Spring Festival, Kang Fan received a letter from Hui Feng through an intermediary. The letter stated that after receiving Kang Fan's letter about establishing a base in Heilongjiang Province, Hui Feng had explained his intention to return home and serve as a border guard to Emperor Guangxu. Considering Hui Feng's years of loyal service by his side, Emperor Guangxu agreed to his request and appointed him as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Huachuan, under the command of General Shoushan of Heilongjiang Province, stationed in the border city of Huachuan. With official business now settled, Hui Feng specially invited Kang Fan to come to Huachuan to discuss cooperation matters. Kang Fan was overjoyed after reading the letter.

  That's great! Kang Fan excitedly clenched his fists.

  Mei Xiang asked in surprise: Do you mean to go to distant Heilongjiang?

  Kang Fan nodded, yes. There are Duonuo Wan and Shui Kuan brother in Tianjin, I am very relieved, it's okay to go later. But Heilongjiang must be my personal visit.

  Mei Xiang didn't say anything, but Kang Fan could tell she was very unwilling.

  This time, the convoy to Heilongjiang was loaded with a large number of seeds for crops, medicines, daily necessities and industrial equipment, as well as engineering technical personnel. All the new-style transportation trucks in Shanxi Province that could be mobilized were mobilized, adding up to 30 vehicles of various types from Kangfan and the guard battalion, which is quite spectacular!

  Huifeng had requested the Guangxu Emperor to allow himself and Shoushan to go to Liaoning together during the First Sino-Japanese War. The emperor first agreed to Shoushan, and only a month later did he agree to Huifeng. When Huifeng arrived in Liaoning, he coincided with Shoushan's fierce battle with the Japanese army at Tanggangzi in southern Liaoning. He was seriously injured but refused to retreat, so he carried Shoushan out of the Japanese encirclement and returned to Beijing for treatment. From then on, the two men's feelings became even deeper. This time, they were stationed together in Heilongjiang, and the outcome can be said to be excellent.

  Huifeng introduced Kangfan to Shoushan and elaborated on Kangfan's idea of building an anti-Russian alliance with himself in Heilongjiang, which received strong support from Shoushan.

  Kang Xunfu's justice is as vast as the sky and his ambition is grand, we should be united with him in our efforts and work together to achieve great things. Hui Feng said.

  Shoushan nodded in agreement, The Russians occupy our land and rank first among all countries, this is a heinous crime! I thought Shoushan had exhausted his mind and devoted himself to solidifying the defense of the Northeast, but it's hard to hold on alone. Now there are such like-minded and harmonious scholars, what a blessing, what a blessing!

  When Kang Fan led a large team of cars suddenly descended from the sky, Hui Feng did not believe that he could come so quickly, and was shocked to be speechless!

  Brother Hui Feng, how have you been? Kang Fan opened the car window and asked with a loud voice.

  Huifeng was overjoyed, forgetting to return the courtesy, and ran straight to Kang Fan's carriage. He knelt down on one knee and said: "Lord Kang has traveled thousands of miles, enduring hunger, cold, and hardship for my sake. I am truly sorry! Please allow me to kneel on one knee in gratitude."

  Kang Fan, where are you going? Get off from the other side of the car and go around to the front to help up Hui Feng. Brother Hui Feng, please get up quickly!

  Shou Shan stood beside him with a pleased expression, nodding his head in admiration, his face showing a look of reverence.

  Three people walked hand in hand back to the Huifeng Mansion, after exchanging pleasantries, Kang Fan was the youngest, Huifeng was 3 years older, and Shoushan was exactly 40 years old, the oldest, of course, being the eldest brother. The servant brought up the wine and meat, carrying a sheep that had been roasted to half-cooked, continuing to roast it in the hall's fire pit. At this time, the three people cut the meat and drank the wine, feeling quite comfortable! Kang Fan couldn't hold his liquor, after traveling all day and adding the cold weather, he had two more cups, the alcohol rushed up, and before he knew it, he fell asleep.

  Waking up, I saw Hui Feng and Shou Shan sitting upright with their bodies slightly to the side, smiling at me with narrowed eyes. Feeling a bit embarrassed, I quickly got up and said, "The two gentlemen please follow me." After finishing speaking, I walked out of the hall.

  Outside, the guards who had eaten and drunk enough were lined up in the cold wind, with neat uniforms, high spirits, and majestic demeanor. Shoushan couldn't help but praise them.

  When the general is strong, the soldiers are strong. Lord Kan's bravery can be seen from this. Shoushan said.

  Huifeng laughed and said: "Kangdi once single-handedly infiltrated the Japanese army, plundered everything, and retreated unscathed. Recently, I also heard that he traveled to England, killed a Japanese embassy official with his bare hands, and looted all the goods they carried. He is indeed a godlike man!"

  Shoushan was shocked for a long time, and said: I have only heard that Lord Kang made a big noise in the capital, single-handedly saved the emperor, but never thought that there would be such an astonishing move! The young man is formidable, the young man is formidable!

  Kang Fan ordered the guards to disperse and be free. Then, he handed over the things he brought one by one and gave a brief explanation of his defense plan to Hui Feng and Shou Shan: The territory of Huaiyuan is vast and sparsely populated, with mountains, plains, forests, lakes, and rivers densely distributed, which requires high mobility for military operations but is not suitable for large-scale cavalry warfare. Therefore, it is necessary to establish an army composed of garrison troops and mobile combat troops that support each other and fight together. The garrison troops should be mainly infantry with auxiliary cavalry, while the mobile combat troops should be entirely composed of cavalry, carrying out active offensive and supporting missions in a vast area. Moreover, Huaiyuan City is 5,000 miles away from Taiyuan City, so if war breaks out, it will not be possible to provide timely support. Therefore, it is necessary to establish industrial facilities, transportation, power, communication, military camps, and defensive fortresses that can support independent operations in this region, effectively improving the combat environment. Taking advantage of the unique natural conditions, vigorously develop the planting industry and animal husbandry in Huaiyuan territory, providing sufficient material supplies and strategic reserves for the army. This plan should be implemented after the spring of this year. As for the huge funds required to complete the construction plan, Huaiyuan territory should provide its share as much as possible, and the rest will be paid by Shanxi officials.

  Shou Shan gazed intently at Kang Fan for a long time, then said: Lord Kang's words have truly made me feel astonished and admiring! However, I dare to ask: Can such a grand plan be approved by the Empress Dowager?

  Kang Fan shook his head, still unclear. Does Brother Shou Shan have some concerns?

  Huifeng said beside him: "Things that are beneficial to the country and the people will certainly be supported by the Empress Dowager. Brother Shoushan, don't worry too much."

  Shoushan said: I have no worries. If Lord Kang's actions are the orders of the Empress Dowager, it is not worth mentioning, just handling matters impartially; if it is a voluntary act, it can be truly called a righteous scholar! In that case, please accept my brotherly respect! After finishing speaking, he bowed his body to Kang Fan and paid his respects.

  Kang Fan's heart warmed up and he hastily reached out to support him. Shou Shan insisted on bowing, Kang Fan insisted on not accepting it, and they held each other for a long time.

  Hui Feng stepped forward and separated the two of them, laughing: Since it's like that, why bother with formalities between brothers!

  Three people clapped their hands in agreement. Afterwards, they returned to the hall again, and Kang Fan detailed his plan: The Heilongjiang region has been banned from reclamation and grazing by the imperial court for a long time, basically maintaining its original natural ecology, with most areas being desolate and uninhabited. We must relocate a large number of people from inland to provide sufficient labor force for industrial and agricultural production. The next step will be to dispatch various technical personnel from all over Shanxi Province, first in the Huachuan jurisdiction. The Huachuan jurisdiction is located on the northeastern border of China, facing Russia's Amur Oblast across the Heilongjiang River. The area under its jurisdiction is larger than Shanxi Province, with vast black land, original forests, natural grasslands, and two major river systems, the Heilongjiang and Nenjiang rivers. It has an extremely rich wild animal and plant resources, aquatic products, and mineral resources, providing excellent conditions for developing modern industry and agriculture. The machinery equipment needed for the plan has been transported this time, and as long as the weather permits, construction can begin immediately. As long as the development of industry and agriculture in Huachuan jurisdiction is on the right track, it will drive the development of the entire Heilongjiang region. At that time, not only can we meet the daily needs of the military and civilians in this area, but there will also be a large surplus of grain, meat, dairy products, eggs, fur, and other products to support Shanxi or sell externally to obtain development funds. The most important point is that it can provide sufficient high-quality war horses for the cavalry troops planned, and provide the necessary weapons, ammunition, and combat equipment for the military. By then, we will have the capital to counter Russia.

  Kang Di, how did you know this place so well? In comparison, I am truly ashamed! Hui Feng said beside him.

  Shoushan nodded in approval and implemented the plan according to his younger brother's proposal, giving his full support as an elder brother.

  At this moment, outside the government office, the cold wind is biting and the heavy snow is falling thick and fast.

  Kang Youwei said: The Russians have been coveting our Northeast for a long time, and the terrain is more treacherous than Tianjin. However, the high-ranking officials of the imperial court are ignorant and stupid, and their intention to avoid war is evident. The signing of the Sino-Russian Secret Treaty earlier was clear evidence. If we do not take action now, our vast Northeast will soon fall into Russian hands!

  Huì Fēng sighed and said: "Let's do our best."

  Can't just 'do one's best', must 'do it for sure'! Kang Fan clenched his fists in the wind and snow.

  Shou Shan's face turned solemn as he said: What a "must be"!

  Kang Fan then gathered everyone to determine the specific construction plan for Huihun's jurisdiction, with Hui Feng presiding over the work. The various sectors in Shanxi gave strong support. Shoushan allocated 200,000 people from the local garrison as the main force for construction and worked hard with Hui Feng on other tasks such as fundraising, logistics supply, administrative intervention, etc., creating a very favorable cooperative environment for the implementation of the plan.

  At this time, the Chinese Eastern Railway authorized by the Qing government to be built by Russia had been under construction for nearly two years. The Chinese Eastern Railway is a shortened term for the Chinese Eastern Railway, which was built by Russia to plunder and invade China and control the Far East. It is a section of the Siberian Railway from Chita, a city in Russia's Far East, through Northeast China to Vladivostok, a port on the Pacific coast of Russia. The railway within China is 1,500 kilometers long. The Qing government agreed to this request because after China lost the First Sino-Japanese War, Russia helped China successfully block Japan's attempt to occupy the Liaodong Peninsula, so it made this foolish friendly move. However, Russia did so out of strategic consideration for its own interests in monopolizing Northeast China and not wanting Japan to get involved. The Qing government did this without a doubt, laying down the roots for Russia's future annexation of Northeast China, driving away the wolf but inviting the tiger. Under such circumstances, the Hunchun region could only develop as an isolated area surrounded by Russia, truly in danger on all sides!

  Therefore, Kangfan put the construction of Huaiyuan District in the top priority, and all the work that intersects with the construction here must give way. After the completion of the wireless communication station for remote communication in Huaiyuan City, a communication company was dispatched from the Jin Army's regular army to garrison the Huaiyuan Communication Station, performing tasks and establishing unimpeded information contact between Huaiyuan and Taiyuan, which greatly facilitated the work between the two places. In the following year, a large-scale military-industrial joint enterprise located in Huaiyuan City was first started.