Chapter 54 Night Talk (Part 2)

  Li Mingfeng tried to explain the nature of his troops to Wei Zhijun, but didn't know how to start. In order for him to join, two points must be emphasized: first, orthodoxy, that is, it must be recognized and protected by the Qing court; second, high status, that is, the person and team who recruit Wei Zhijun must have a very high position in the imperial court.

  The reason for these two points is that in Wei Zhi-jun's heart, the only one that can be mentioned together with Tian Guo is the Qing court. Under the big tree, it's good to take advantage of the coolness, and only the Qing army can resist the Taiping Army. If the imperial court does not recognize or protect him, he has just torn his face with Hong Xiuquan, and I'm afraid that in a few days, this Chi Prefecture will be attacked by Yang Fuqing and Chen Yucheng.

  The requirement for a high level is because only enough quantity of people can provide him with safety guarantees, such as Zeng Guofan, who supervised the military affairs in Zhejiang, and officials like Wen. If he surrendered to a general of an insufficient level, once this side had surrendered, the Qing court would not agree, turn against them and deny recognition, wouldn't the Taiping Army that had already laid down its arms be sending sheep into the tiger's mouth?

  Li Mingfeng thought for a moment before explaining: "I'm sure all of you generals are aware that some days ago, foreign warships sailed into the Baihe River and bombarded Tianjin?"

  Seeing everyone nodding, Li Mingfeng continued: "Later, the imperial court and foreigners signed the Treaty of Tianjin, which was a reconciliation between the two sides. Shanghai had already opened up to trade, and foreigners had many interests in Jiangsu and Zhejiang. More than two months ago, Chen Yucheng and Li Xiucheng joined forces to break through the Jiangbei camp, causing shockwaves in Jiangsu and Zhejiang. In order to prevent the Taiping Army from growing stronger in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, the imperial court and foreigners jointly established a foreign rifle corps."

  Li Mingfeng's words were half true and half false. The basic situation he described was true, but he exaggerated the political status of the Foreign Arms Corps. Originally, it was just a maritime defense force under the Suzhou-Songjiang-Taiwan circuit intendant, but in his account, it became an imperial guard army protecting Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. Anyway, this matter is not easy to investigate, and once on the pirate ship, Wei Zhijun found it difficult to get off.

  Li Mingfeng continued: "This foreign gun team is in charge of foreigners who provide various military equipment and firearms, and teach Western advanced combat methods. Chinese people serve as the main force. Even in front of Governor He Guiqing, Mingfeng only listened to orders but not declarations. However, since it was a Sino-foreign joint management, Mingfeng still had no official rank in the imperial court."

  Wei Zhi-jun and others nodded secretly, thinking that it was originally newly formed. Otherwise, such a 'strong' team would not have appeared in their intelligence at all. Huayang Gongguan, not listening to either side, is indeed interesting.

  Li Mingfeng saw that everyone had shown interest, so he went ahead and said: "You generals, if you surrender to Zeng Guofan, what can he give you? Zeng Guofan himself is only a second-grade official in the Ministry of War. As for titles, General Wei, you will be at most a fourth-rank official, and the rest of you will be at most fifth-rank officials. Moreover, given the hatred between the Xiang Army and you, I'm afraid it's easy to imagine what kind of treatment you'll receive under Zeng Guofan's command in the future."

  Wei Zhi-jun said: "In the future, I don't ask to be an official, but only hope that I won't have to live in fear and anxiety like now."

  Li Mingfeng interjected, "General Wei doesn't seek fame or fortune, but can he not do some good for the soldiers under his command? Can General Wei consider letting me join the foreign rifle squad? Although I don't have any other skills, I absolutely won't let my own people down." Li Mingfeng finally revealed the fox's tail.

  Wei Zhi-jun had already sensed Li Ming-feng's intention to win him over from his words, but he didn't have any impression of the Foreign Gun Brigade at all. Even if it was "Chinese and foreign joint management", in order to recruit this brigade, he must see a power that he recognized.

  Wei Zhi-jun thought to himself: "Just relying on those few big and small cats outside the city thinking they can eat me, that's just too ridiculous."

  Li Mingfeng saw Wei Zhijun's expression and understood that he looked down on his humble abode. Li Mingfeng said directly: "I know General Wei thinks this temple is too small, but this small temple also has its own unique features."

  Seeing the crowd with a curious expression, Li Mingfeng smiled and said: "Whether it's the Xiang Army or the Green Camp or the Eight Banners, in the future you will definitely serve the imperial court. When the imperial court orders you to attack your former friend's camp one day, what should you do?"

  Seeing everyone's silence, Li Mingfeng continued: "My foreign gun team is jointly managed by China and foreigners, with the power to make emergency decisions, not subject to any general's command. If the enemy is your old friend, we can leave and not let you bear the name of injustice."

  "Gentlemen, if you seek official positions, I can request titles from the imperial court for all of you, and you will not be treated unfairly; if you are seeking a place to establish yourselves, this place is also the most suitable. Considering that my foreign rifle troops are in need of personnel, it's a good opportunity for all of you to showcase your talents here, which is far more liberating than serving under those officials in the Xiang Army and Green Camp." Li Mingfang laid out all the advantages, trying his best to entice the Taiping Army generals.

  Wei Zhi-jun pondered for a moment before saying, "Lord Li's words indeed make some sense, but we need to consider it further. As the sky is already late today, please go and rest first, I will give you an answer within two days."

  Within two days, Li Mingfeng agreed. Thereafter, the entire Yang Gun team, under Li Mingfeng's command, abandoned their weapons and entered Chizhou. To prevent leaks, Wei Zhi-jun, on the pretext of guarding against remaining Qing remnants, sealed off all four gates of Chizhou, and the Yang Gun team was also made to surrender and disarm.

  These two days, Li Mingfeng has been inquiring about the ordinary soldiers' sentiments in Chizhou. It turns out that most of the Taiping Army were also dragged into this by others and are not devout religious followers or revolutionary rebels. Seeing this situation, Li Mingfeng is relieved, it seems that most people are not die-hard loyalists to the Heavenly Kingdom, as long as they are treated well enough, he's not afraid they will have second thoughts.

  When the Ever Victorious Army left Shanghai, it was early November and the weather was still warm. By now, they had entered December and the weather was gradually getting colder. Chizhou was one of the two major bases of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom in Jiangnan, with countless supplies stored there. Wei Zhi-jun gave some of the stored cotton-padded clothes to the Ever Victorious Army to keep warm. Through this matter, the people of the Xiang Army also put down their worries, knowing that safety was guaranteed and there were no concerns about life or death.

  Two days later, Wei Zhi-jun and his subordinates came to the residence of the Foreign Arms Corps to see Li Ming-feng. As soon as Li Ming-feng learned that he had come to see him, he already understood that things had become more than half done, otherwise, with Wei Zhi-jun's status, how could he condescend to come forward.