Chapter Fourteen: Gaining Fame

  Federer had heard from Friedrich about the governor's guard troops he described in Germany, and told him that this guard was trained by German officers. In a foreign land, especially during the Chinese New Year celebrations, Federer was delighted to meet his compatriots in China. From Friedrich, he learned about the combat effectiveness of the governor's guard troops they had visited. As a retired German officer, Friedrich had a very high evaluation of this small guard troop, whose combat effectiveness far exceeded his imagination. Of course, he also seriously praised Tang Shaoyi in front of Federer.

  After the brand-new Type 98 rifle was equipped, the Fujian-Zhejiang Governor's Office specially held a public performance in the drill ground. The neat and uniform guard team left a deep impression on the citizens of Fuzhou City. For the three Germans, the most surprising thing was the brilliant performance of this 120-man guard team in the shooting demonstration - almost all of them hit the red heart at 300 meters, and when they were placed at 600 meters, more than half of the soldiers could still accurately hit the red heart. It wasn't until it was placed at the effective range limit of 800 meters for the Type 98 rifle that the accuracy rate dropped to around 20%. Even so, this achievement is a very proud one in the world's military forces. In addition to the guard team's hard training, this achievement is also due to the superior performance of the Type 98 rifle, which far exceeds that of the 1888 rifle. However, the soldiers have just been equipped with the Type 98 and need some time to adapt. With time, even better results can be expected.

  Apart from the shooting performance, there were also hand-to-hand combat and armed combat performances arranged by Tan Yanqian. If the shooting performance was only a surprise for the gangs in Fuzhou who wanted to cause trouble for the Governor's Mansion, then the hand-to-hand combat and armed combat were truly intimidating to them. The main task of the Governor's Mansion Guard Corps was still to safeguard the safety of the Governor's Mansion, and the 98-style rifle equipped on them only served as a warning to outsiders, with little practical significance. However, each member of the guard corps had a box cannon and a short knife, and it was not just the powerful killing power of the box cannon in close combat that made those gang members tremble with fear, but also the use of short knives by the guards in hand-to-hand combat.

  Those gang members also thought they were living on the edge, their equipment was at most two or three bird guns, and the vast majority still used machetes. Some of the high-ranking fighters in these gangs were also some of the top martial artists in the Jianghu, and in their eyes, the martial arts skills of the Imperial Guard soldiers were passable, but they had no problem dealing with ordinary gang members. What intimidated these high-ranking gang fighters was the box-shaped cannon in the hands of the soldiers, which fired twenty rounds in a row. With the marksmanship of the Imperial Guard soldiers, as long as you ran slightly slower, it would be a dead end.

  Tan Zhonglin naturally understood the intention behind his son's arrangement of this small-scale "military parade", which was to showcase the combat power of the guard troops and intimidate those stubborn black societies in the city. Tan Zhonglin could imagine that if the gangs in the city dared to challenge the authority of the Governor's Mansion, it would be a bloody scene, and he had no doubt that his son would really take drastic measures against these gangs, who were nothing in the face of bullets and bayonets!

  The level of the Governor's Guard is still far from what Tang Yanqi had in mind, but Friedrich was just a retired German army captain with limited abilities. Now that he has shown his limitations, he himself has graciously indicated that he is not suitable to continue as an instructor for the Guard.

  However, Tang Shengzhi still kept Friedrich, and he had a good impression of this serious and honest German. Most importantly, the military quality on Friedrich's body was very much appreciated by him, and this retired German officer did not have the arrogance of most foreigners at that time. Apart from not being very talkative, he was a decent person. As far as Tang Shengzhi knew, there were also some foreign instructors in the Chinese army, but those foreign military instructors were not doing their job properly, purely coming to China to make money and serve as a tool for the emperor. Although Friedrich's ability was limited, his diligent work attitude was far superior to that of other foreign instructors, and Tang Shengzhi had further ideas about him, but they were not mature enough to be proposed.

  After several days of negotiations, Federle and Tang Yuelong finally agreed on the prices for the two firearms - Mauser pistols and Gewehr 98 rifles. The patent rights for these firearms outside China were granted to the German Mauser Weapons Factory. The one-time payment for the Mauser pistol patent was $20,000, while the patent fee for the Gewehr 98 rifle was 1 mark per unit produced, which would be paid to Tang Yuelong. Additionally, three sets of machinery that could produce Mauser pistols and Gewehr 98 rifles would be introduced at a price lower than the international market price. Two complete sets of smokeless powder production equipment would also be provided. The costs for these additional items would be covered by the patent fees for the Gewehr 98 rifle.

  Mauser's acceptance of such terms was unprecedented, but they acquired the patent for the Mauser pistol at a cost of $20,000, which was really too cheap. Although Tang Shaoyi had expressed that the Mauser pistol would not have much future in Europe, the Mauser company still held high expectations.

  "Then you can prepare to hit the wall!" Familiar with the fate of the box cannon in Europe, Tan Yanqin thought secretly that the Germans' rigor and seriousness were commendable, but unfortunately they were also very stubborn. The Mauser gun factory was destined to fall on its face with the Mauser pistol, and Tan Yanqin would not intervene. Fortunately, this pit was not big, and the Mauser company would not suffer any losses, it just wouldn't reach its expected goal.

  Incidentally, the Gewehr 98 rifle will have a new name - Gewehr 93 rifle. The Mauser weapon production plant will be recommended to the German Army this year and is expected to become the standard equipment of the German army without much difficulty. Fedler was able to agree to this transaction so "generously" also because of the pressure caused by the problems generated by the 1888 rifle in arming the German army, the German army was urgently seeking a weapon that could replace the 1888 rifle, and the Gewehr 93 was the best choice. This way, not only can the Mauser weapons manufacturing plant turn around its passive situation, but also gain considerable economic benefits.

  "...holds a fair and straightforward view, greatly benefiting academic pursuits and people's hearts..." Tan Zhonglin read out loud from the letter in his hand, his voice somewhat excited.

  "Zu An, do you know whose letter this is?!" Tan Zhonglin asked.

  Tan Yanqian shook his head, but judging from the old man's joyful expression, it can be inferred that the owner of this letter is not a small figure. Could it be Zhang Zhidong or Li Hongzhang? The possibility of Zhang Zhidong is the greatest. Although historically, Zhang Zhidong published "Exhortation to Study" several years later, these things were basically written in accordance with Zhang Zhidong's spirit and are most likely to resonate with him.

  "This is a letter written by the Empress Dowager herself! You should know that nowadays, the Empress Dowager basically doesn't write letters personally. It's said that she just conveys her intentions and naturally there will be eunuchs who take care of it for her. Now, to see the Empress Dowager's handwriting is very difficult indeed. The most fortunate thing is that your 'Exhortation to Study' has gained the Empress Dowager's praise, which is something that has never happened before!" Tan Zhonglin said with a smile.

  "If I keep it in my hands for several decades, when the grandchildren's generation takes it out and gives it to an auction house, it should be worth a lot of money!" Unlike Tan Zhonglin's thoughts, Tan Yanqin was thinking about how to preserve this handwritten letter from Empress Dowager Cixi. According to the old man's words, Empress Dowager Cixi's handwriting should be much rarer than Qianlong's calligraphy that is everywhere on the streets. Even after a hundred and eighty years, it would still be a priceless cultural relic! Of course, this idea only flashed in Tan Yanqin's mind for a moment, he absolutely dared not say it out loud in front of Tan Zhonglin, otherwise, despite being his son, he might suffer physical punishment.

  "This is still a good arrangement by Father! The Empress Dowager actually was the first to send a reply, after waiting for such a long time, I thought it was hopeless!" Tan Yanqing said with a smile.

  "Although it took two more months, it was worth it! The Empress Dowager said in her letter that she had already issued an imperial edict, ordering the governors, provincial military commanders and education officials of each province to promulgate it throughout the country, using the power of the imperial court to enforce it, so that it would spread rapidly throughout the land!" Tan Zhonglin exclaimed excitedly: "If this is really true, then think about you taking part in the provincial examination this June - getting a jinshi degree now seems like just a matter of raising your hand!"

  Tan Zhonglin had already made an appointment with Tan Yanqian to participate in the imperial examination this year, to see if he could obtain the title of Jinshi. If not, it would be a good opportunity to accumulate experience for future attempts. Most scholars usually try their luck at the imperial examination after becoming Xiucai. Some unlucky scholars may remain at the level of Xiucai all their lives, and there are many such people. Since the implementation of the imperial examination system, scholars have followed a rule: the younger they are, the greater their chances of passing the exam. The education authorities do not like old candidates, so it is best to try as much as possible while young. If one is lucky, they may pass. Passing the Xiucai exam at 18 or 19 years old is considered early. If one passes the Xiucai exam just before turning 30, they can basically give up on the imperial examination. Those who are lucky may become Juren, but wanting to progress further would be almost impossible. It's unimaginable for a person in their 40s or 50s to pass the imperial examination and become a Jinshi; even the imperial court would lose face.

  Tan Yanxin knew that Tan Zhonglin's words would not be wrong. In this era of China, what could be more authoritative than Empress Dowager Cixi? On the surface, the emperor had taken over the government, but he knew that a few years later, Empress Dowager Cixi proved in the 1898 coup that no one in China was more powerful than her - even the emperor could be imprisoned. In China, what couldn't she do?! Her classic saying "Whoever makes me unhappy for a moment, I will make him unhappy for his whole life!" thoroughly outlined Empress Dowager Cixi's immense power.

  Tan Yanqing was just an insignificant figure in the eyes of Empress Dowager Cixi, but for Tan Yanqing, with the recognition of Empress Dowager Cixi, who would dare to block his way on the road to imperial examination? Tan Yanqing was not enthusiastic about the imperial examination. To be honest, although his memory is no longer described as "outstanding", passing the imperial examination is not just a matter of memory. If one relies solely on luck to become a jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest level of the imperial examination), it would be even more difficult than getting into Peking University in modern China's college entrance exams. Thinking back to his previous life, he had miraculously passed the exam from a small village in Hunan and entered Beida (Peking University). However, passing the imperial examination is not just about having high scores; there are too many human factors involved. Empress Dowager Cixi's evaluation of him could reduce these human factors to the lowest level, and even if Tan Yanqing didn't pass, as long as the chief examiner was not a stubborn person, he would find a way to let him pass - this is equivalent to having an "immunity card" in the imperial examination hall. As long as one doesn't overdo it, there won't be any problems all the way through!

  However, it's not easy to get the favor of Empress Dowager Cixi. At least Tan Zhonglin didn't have that face yet. Although Empress Dowager Cixi liked to listen to flattering words, she had never publicly praised a minister's son like this before. Empress Dowager Cixi's vision was very high. She could review and revise memorials for Emperor Tongzhi decades ago and then dominated the court politics for over 30 years. Apart from her keen political sense and strong wrist, her own learning was not inferior to that of the ministers under her. Just looking at the nine "Fu" characters in the old house's Zhai Shu Tang, her calligraphy skills were already stronger than many people.

  Tan Sitong's "Exhortation to Study" is entirely his own work, combining the policy ills and social crises of this era with his own insights. Apart from centering on Zhang Zhidong's "Chinese learning for substance, Western learning for application", one important viewpoint is "arousing loyalty and love, discussing wealth and strength, respecting the imperial court, defending the country". He believes that Empress Dowager Cixi praised "Exhortation to Study" precisely because of this. In Tan Sitong's view, in order to live a comfortable life in this era, the means of doing things are not important, what is important is the result. Although he himself felt nauseous when reading "Exhortation to Study", the ruling class loves to hear such arguments, and it doesn't matter if they are just flattering them. What's important is that more people agree with him, and that the Western Affairs Group can work within this framework with fewer constraints.

  "Zu An, now you should get ready and set off for Hunan Changsha in a few days. On the one hand, you can arrive in Changsha early to prepare for the imperial examination; on the other hand, you can also return to Hunan to meet with local celebrities. In my opinion as your father, this imperial examination should be easily obtainable for you, but after all, you have only been in Hunan for about a year from birth until now, and that is where our Tan family's roots are. Spending more time socializing with local celebrities will also bring great benefits to your future career!" Tan Zhonglin said with a smile.

  Tan Yanqing said with some doubt: "Father, since the Empress Dowager has issued an edict to promote 'On Encouraging Learning', I think that if one performs normally in the imperial examination, it should be relatively easy to become a juren. However, apart from the Empress Dowager's letter, have there been no reactions from other high-ranking officials in the court? What do people like Weng Tonghe, Zhang Zhidong, Li Hongzhang and Liu Kunyi think about this?"

  Tan Zhonglin smiled slightly and said: "Weng Tonghe and Li Hongzhang are far away, so after you finish 'Quan Xue Pian', I will immediately send it to the capital for the Empress Dowager's review. As for Weng Tonghe and others, they will be two days late. However, considering the distance, Zhang Zhidong and Liu Kunyi's letters should have returned too. But these two men are always cautious in their actions, especially since you're still young, they wouldn't dare to comment on this. This is also a way of protecting you. Unless it's the Empress Dowager's public praise, each of them has two or three enemies, and there are complex grudges between them..."

  Tan Yanxin this time returned to Hunan Changsha to attend the June trial, Tan Zhonglin attached great importance to it. Unlike two years ago when his son came to Fuzhou, Tan Yanxin had caused too much disturbance in the past two years, especially with the detoxification pill that had aroused other people's hatred. If he were to let Tan Yanxin return to Changsha with just a few servants as before, Tan Zhonglin would not be at ease. Sixty men were specially assigned from the Imperial Guard, which had taken over the defense of the Governor-General's mansion, to escort Tan Yanxin back to Changsha. Only by having the Imperial Guard escort his son could Tan Zhonglin feel more at ease.

  To be honest, it was a bit of an overkill to have sixty well-trained guards escort Tan Yanqing, but Tan also took this opportunity to test the combat effectiveness of the guard - last time from Hunan to Fuzhou, he had heard that there were bandits gathering in the mountains along the way, and he had to take many detours. This time, he decided not to take a detour and go straight through; if those bandits dared to come after him, they should not blame Tan Yanqing for being ruthless.

  This time, Tan Yanxin and his entourage of over 60 people disguised themselves as a merchant group, filled with local specialties from Fujian, as well as several boxes of solid silver. The local specialties were purchased with the help of the Governor's Office, and this arrangement was also made to lure in the mountain bandits along the way. These items would also serve as gifts for Tan Yanxin when he arrived in Hunan. After arriving in Changsha, Hunan, he planned to visit some local celebrities, most importantly his teacher Wang Xianqian. Of course, after completing the examination, Tan Yanxin would also go to Hubei to visit Zhang Zhidong, the Governor of Huguang, and then head to Anqing, Anhui, where he would visit Liu Kunyi, the Governor of Jiangnan. With so many important figures to visit, these gifts were naturally indispensable, and Tan Zhonglin had specifically instructed on how to tailor them to each person's tastes.