Chapter 71: The Governor of Two Rivers

  A new year has arrived, and at the end of last year, the Qing dynasty was almost filled with explosive news, its shocking effect making the entire literary and military world extremely excited. The railway line from Fuzhou to Shanghai opened smoothly amidst great anticipation, and the key point is that this railway line opened a year ahead of schedule, which can be said to be a bonus for Li Hongzhang. The Wuhan Iron and Steel Plant led by Zhang Zhidong also cut the ribbon on its first steel furnace on New Year's Day, silently adding another thick stroke to Li Hongzhang's political achievements.

  After the New Year's bell rang, considering Li Hongzhang was rising in power, the imperial court, under the manipulation of Empress Dowager Cixi, unexpectedly set up the office of the Governor-General of the Two Rivers in Nanjing and appointed Zuo Zongtang as the new Governor-General. Everyone on the court knew the intention behind this move, and Zuo Zongtang and Li Hongzhang understood each other without needing to say a word. The choice of Nanjing for the office of the Governor-General of the Two Rivers was also clear in its intention, implying that Ding Richang, the Governor of Jiangsu Province, would be under Zuo Zongtang's jurisdiction.

  The railway line that was being laid out with great fanfare had already reached a consensus in the imperial court, and Cixi was powerless to stop it. However, she absolutely could not let Zuo Zongtang and Li Hongzhang join forces. By appointing Zuo Zongtang as the Governor-General of the Two Rivers, she aimed to suppress Li Hongzhang's powerful influence along the coast. After the New Year, Zuo Zongtang officially took office as the Governor-General of the Two Rivers. It was also after the New Year that the railway lines from Shanghai to Nanjing and from Nanjing to Xuzhou simultaneously began construction. Sheng Huaiyuan was already an expert in managing railways, but Hu Xueyan, who had taken over as the president of the Northwestern Railway Company, was a complete outsider. However, he was confident because Deng Zixian was backing him up.

  Last year, after the approval of the construction of the railway line from Nanjing to Xuzhou by the imperial court, Hu Xueyan quickly established the Northwestern Railway Construction Company in Nanjing according to Zuo Zongtang's instructions and hired foreigners to survey the route. By the end of the year, the survey of the Nanjing-Xuzhou route was completed, and the following year, Nanjing entered the construction stage first. After the completion of the survey of the Nanjing-Xuzhou railway line, Deng Zixuan reviewed the exploration results and felt that it was similar to the Nanjing-Xuzhou section of the Beijing-Shanghai Railway in later generations, so he informed Hu Xueyan that it was completely feasible. The Nanjing-Xuzhou section is almost all plain areas, so the survey difficulty is not great, and the progress is very fast.

  Nanjing's north and south banks, the road construction project unfolded simultaneously. On the dock of the construction site on the north bank, a fleet of ships carrying stone materials from upstream docked in an orderly manner. At this time, Hu Xueyan and Deng Zixuan stood on the dock to inspect, "Zixuan younger brother, Sheng Huaixuan can open flowers in the middle and advance with both heads, I absolutely cannot lose to him, I also want to adopt the method of opening flowers in the middle and advancing with both heads. At present, my silver is abundant, I want to try it out with Sheng Huaixuan."

  "Older brother, trying it out is not a bad idea, but don't be reckless. Right now, Sheng Hua Xuan has accumulated a lot of experience by laying the railway from Fuzhou to Shanghai, and compared to that, you are at a disadvantage. Since you want to save face, I can give you an idea that might speed up the construction period, but on one condition: your silver must meet the needs of the project."

  "At present, the foreigners' demand for salt produced in Yanhu is increasing daily, and I have expanded my merchant team to transport it with all their might. Moreover, my silver reserves are now very rich." Hu Xueyan said solemnly.

  Deng Zixuan smiled and said, "Since that's the case, let's just build the whole line at once. First, we'll complete the roadbed and bridges, and then we can deal with the stations along the way as needed. This will speed up the construction process. Currently, the Wuhan Iron and Steel Factory is starting to manufacture steel rails, and I heard that Zhang Zhidong also wants to set up a steam locomotive factory. Once your construction project is completed, it will coincide perfectly with the production of steel rails in Wuhan." "Haha! Younger brother Zixuan, I knew you had already thought this through. I want to know if Sheng Huaixuan has also come to ask for your advice?"

  "Look what you said, Sheng Huai Xuan can plan everything by himself, he's already past the growth period!" Deng Zi Xuan teased. "So now I'm in the infant stage and need your nursing?" Hu Xue Yang retorted. "It can be said that for now, you can't leave me. For example, dealing with foreigners, or how to improve construction efficiency, I'm an expert! Haha! If so, then I'll go back to being a baby and experience the feeling of being nursed!" Both sides couldn't help but burst out laughing.

  In the Jiangnan Governor's Office, Zuo Zongtang was in high spirits. Having just taken office as the Governor of Jiangsu and Jiangxi provinces, he didn't need to compare himself with other high-ranking officials; what mattered most was that the power in his hands was real. For years, he had been openly and secretly competing with Li Hongzhang, but now he finally had more confidence. As soon as Zuo took office, someone reported Ding Ruchang's illegal activities, but Zuo considered that they were currently building railways and that Li Hongzhang had supported him in the past, so he temporarily turned a blind eye to Ding's actions, waiting for an opportunity to take action later. Another consideration was to let Li Hongzhang feel uneasy, which would reduce trouble from other areas.

  On this day, Zuo Zongtang read the publication "Natural News" issued by Shanghai Tongren Book Academy. He was soon attracted to its content. At first, Zuo Zongtang read very intently, but before long his expression became somewhat excited, and finally he couldn't help but slap the table and stand up. This movement caused his waiting subordinates to rush in hastily. "Haha! It's really a great achievement of the Westernization Movement that such a publication has appeared within my Great Qing Empire. I ask you, who is the main sponsor of this 'Natural News'?"

  "Sir, I only know that it is a publication handled by the Shanghai Tongren Book Academy, published once every half month!" "Tongren Book Academy? Who founded the Tongren Book Academy?" The subordinate replied vaguely: "Sir, this publication contains some unbelievable rumors from various Western countries, belonging to the kind of thing that can't be put on the table." "Foolish, you are narrow-minded and don't know the mystery behind it. On the surface, this publication introduces interesting news from various Western countries, but in fact, it conveys a large amount of scientific knowledge from the West. Some things I have never heard of before, especially the content is easy to understand, entertaining and educational, very innovative, reading it is like a refreshing breeze, making people reluctant to put it down. You should know that this is something that opens up people's minds and promotes civilized customs, which also shows that the Westernization Movement is very popular among the people."

  Zuo Zongtang thought for a moment and said, "You immediately notify Hu Xueyan to come see me quickly." The cold wind was biting, at a construction site, the people who were building the road were working hard. At this time, Hu Xueyan and Deng Zixuan were watching, Hu Xueyan was enthusiastic, but Deng Zixuan furrowed his brow, because the people's work was a bit slow, seemingly lacking spirit. These recruited civilians were paid wages on one hand, but the key was that they lacked labor enthusiasm. In the eyes of the civilians, they were working for the government, why work hard if you're just going to get paid by the day? This might be a way of thinking formed over time.

  "Older brother, this won't do, the efficiency is too low!" Deng Zixuan muttered. "Younger brother Zixuan, the government recruits civilians to work, and being able to achieve this level is already not bad. I'm a merchant, how can I not know that advancing the construction period can save so much silver? But the railway line is a joint venture between officials and civilians, and I have no way to intervene." "Do you know the logic of working outside? You can make some changes, for example, providing a free meal at noon won't increase costs much, and this will mobilize the enthusiasm of the workers!"

  Hu Xueyan's eyes rolled around and he said, "That makes sense, it will definitely increase the construction speed! Come here!" A subordinate wearing official attire hurried over. Hu Xueyan whispered a few words in his ear, and the subordinate immediately ran to a high point and shouted loudly: "Everyone listen carefully, Lord Hu is showing consideration for you, from today on, one free lunch will be provided every day, everyone gets a share and it's guaranteed to be filling." As soon as he finished speaking, there was an immediate outburst of cheers from below, and the atmosphere became filled with enthusiasm.

  "Zi Xuan, my young brother, this is a stroke of genius! A divine inspiration!" Hu Xueyan was impressed. "Older brother, there's another way to speed up the construction period." "What's that?" "You can set a specific construction period, and if it's completed ahead of schedule, you can offer rewards. The silver coins for the reward can be calculated based on how many days ahead of schedule you pay the workers, so you don't need to increase your budget, and it will greatly speed up the construction period." Deng Zi Xuan continued to offer his strategies. "This is a great idea, I'll plan it out and put it into action immediately!" Hu Xueyan accepted without hesitation.

  "Mr. Hu, Governor Zuo wants you to return immediately, there is an important matter to discuss!" A government runner appeared in front of him. Hu Xueyan immediately boarded a boat with Deng Zi-xuan to cross the river, and after landing, the two parted ways, with Deng going to the Wan family's residence and Hu rushing to the Governor-General's yamen. In the reception hall, Hu Xueyan listened to Zuo Zongtang's inquiry and smiled: "It's a natural thing, Shanghai City Tongren Book Academy publishes this journal every half month. I'm not interested in such publications, but I heard they sell very well."

  "You only know how to make money, I asked you who is in charge of Tongren Academy?" "It's a rich man in Shanghai city, this person was a scholar in his early years, so he established Tongren Academy. This rich man is called Deng Zixuan, we have a good private relationship." Hu Xueyan said lightly. "An unremarkable businessman can actually be in charge of such a publication, it's extremely rare in the Qing dynasty, you can't find a second person like that." Zuo Zongtang said.

  "Sir, you are unaware that Deng Zixuan is a westernized person who has been studying Western languages since childhood and is familiar with various Western countries. This man is unyielding and contemptuous of officialdom, but he has extraordinary business acumen beyond ordinary people. At present, his assets are not inferior to mine."

  "Haha! Our great China is indeed hiding dragons and sleeping tigers. No wonder the Tongren Academy he founded is out of the ordinary." Hu Xueyan said with a smile: "Sir, you have been out of touch with news from the northwest in recent years. Deng Zixuan's Tongren School has already gained some reputation."

  "Has he made a name for himself?" Zuo Zongtang stroked his beard, puzzled. Hu Xueyan became more emotional: "Your Excellency, the Tongren Academy he managed has produced over a dozen juren in succession, and in the past two years, several have passed the imperial examination to become jinshi. To be honest, this time I established the railway company to build roads, the foreigners relied entirely on him, and he has never been at a disadvantage when dealing with foreigners." "I didn't expect that our great Qing dynasty had such a person, where is he now?" "He's in Nanjing." "You notify him immediately, I want to see him!"

  "Your Excellency, the intelligence network in several provinces of Jiangnan has begun to operate smoothly. Generally, important news will be transmitted here within 5 days. The intelligence network in Jiangbei is currently expanding, and a preliminary intelligence organization has been established in Beijing. The Shandong intelligence organization has also been set up, and I am currently preparing the intelligence network in Zhili and Henan." Wan Chuan reported. "Not bad! You've done an excellent job." "Your Excellency! Your subordinate dares to ask, when will we make our big move?" "Soon, as long as the timing is ripe, we will rise up immediately."

  "Great, I've been looking forward to this day for a long time." Wan Chuan was in a state of intoxication when his subordinate came in to report: "Boss, someone has come to visit!" After Hu Xueyan's subordinate left, Deng Zixuan muttered to himself: "No wonder Zuo Zongtang summoned Hu Xueyan, it turns out he wanted to see me!" "Master, I have arranged for two subordinates to sneak into the Governor's Mansion. Should I investigate the situation?" "It's too late, Left Honorable must have seen me because of the publication." "Are you talking about Natural Language?" "Yes, Zuo Zongtang is very sensitive to such things. He must have learned about the situation at Tongren Academy through Hu Xueyan's mouth, and that's why he wants to see me."

  "Your safety is crucial to our great cause, I have a responsibility to protect you!" said Wan Chuan Shen sternly. "There won't be any problem, Zuo Zongtang is after all from the洋务派 faction, I believe this kind of publication will suit his taste." Now in front of Deng Zixuan was the question of what to say when meeting Zuo Zongtang, trying to muddle through wouldn't work, Zuo Zongtang was a seasoned official who had gone through many trials and tribulations over the years, so every word he spoke had to be carefully considered, couldn't let the old man become suspicious.

  For many years, Deng Zixuan has been afraid to deal with them. What he is most worried about is dealing with Zuo Zongtang and Li Hongzhang. As for Zhang Zhidong and Shen Baozhen, Deng Zixuan thinks they are capable ministers but not political opponents, so he doesn't have any psychological burden when dealing with the two of them. But it's different with Zuo Zongtang and Li Hongzhang. The fact that these two can gain Zeng Guofan's appreciation is no accident, and gaining recognition from all the officials in the imperial court explains the problem even more.

  Zuo Zongtang's talent is a proven fact, he did not climb to such a high position through the imperial examination system, and his political talent has a direct relationship with it. His keen sense of smell and observation are exemplary, and his character is even more bold and decisive. As Lin Zexu evaluated him: "He is an extraordinary talent, a rare talent in the world." Li Hongzhang was different, born into a prestigious family, he was intelligent from a young age. His family was both a prominent official family and a scholarly family. His good birth and personal characteristics allowed him to rise smoothly through the ranks.

  Li Hongzhang rose to prominence in his unperplexed years, inseparable from his own talent. This gentleman excelled at planning before acting, and they all had the extraordinary ability to control people and situations. What Deng Zixuan was worried about was that if either of them became suspicious and investigated him, everything would come to light. This is the real reason why Deng Zixuan has been hiding in secret, since he is familiar with history, he must know how to make the best of it, but what can he do when facing them?