Chapter Thirty-Five: Fat Sheep

  Ten thousand taels of silver is not a small amount in this era, but facing the Beiyang Navy, this huge entity, it's nothing. It's probably not even enough to make a splash if thrown into the water. Tang Shaoyi was well aware that the Beiyang system had its own set of problems, and he would be grateful if even five thousand taels could be put to good use. However, thinking about the Beiyang Navy, which has been a thorn in the side of the nation for over a hundred years, he couldn't help but invest.

  "This is really a big loss, if it's just to curry favor with Li Hongzhang, it wouldn't take so much. Those machines have already helped Li Hongzhang a lot." Tan Yanqian still felt some heartache for the 10,000 taels of silver, which was enough to send ten soldiers to study in Germany for two or three years, but he couldn't bear to give it to those corrupt officials.

  Tang Bowen smiled and said: "This is what Zu An deserves, no need to decline. If it weren't for Zu An's help, where would we find such cheap new equipment?"

  Tan Yanqing did not express his opinion, but solemnly said: "Brother Ji Meng, I have also heard about the Tianjin Machinery Bureau. There are some drawbacks in this machinery bureau... It may be a bit superficial to say this, but this matter of cannonballs is related to the safety of the country. If it fails due to fake work and leads to defeat in the naval battle, it would be extremely unfavorable to Lord Zhongtang. I am also talking too much, but please think deeply about it, Brother Ji Meng!"

  Tan Yanqing's memory of that tragedy, the Beiyang Fleet was almost completely destroyed, but surprisingly not a single Japanese warship was sunk. This is simply too unbelievable, even if the navy was severely corrupt it couldn't have been this bad. Moreover, the main officers of the Beiyang Fleet were all trained abroad and should have had good quality, they shouldn't have been so defeated. Of course, the problem with the cannonballs was only one of the reasons for the failure of the war. Tan Yanqing knew that saying this might bring discontent from Tang Bingwen, who was able to represent Li Hongzhang in coming here to see him, showing that he must be a capable person in the Tianjin Machinery Bureau. Who knows if the person who tampered with the cannonballs had anything to do with him?!

  However, Tang Jiyao still couldn't hold back his mouth. The issue of the shells was crucial to the outcome of the naval battle, and even if there was only a glimmer of hope that it could change the result, he had to go all out. Of course, he didn't expect the corrupt Beiyang Navy to defeat the Japanese Navy; in his heart, he really hoped for this outcome, but it was just a hope. The Beiyang Navy wasn't under his control, and being able to sink a few more Japanese warships was already the best result he could ask for.

  "If the Beiyang Fleet hadn't sunk a single Japanese ship in the Battle of the Yellow Sea, they wouldn't have dared to demand 200 million taels of silver and cede Taiwan, taking Korea's interests. As long as I pay a certain price, I can sink one of your ships to disgust you, and that price would be worth it!" Tan Yankai thought to himself.

  Tang Bohan fell silent for a moment before saying, "Many of you have spoken frankly about this matter, and I've heard it mentioned many times before. The Tianjin Machinery Bureau is specifically responsible for providing weapons and equipment to the Beiyang Navy and the fortresses in Dalian and Lushun. If there's a problem here, then Governor Zhang will inevitably be implicated... After I return, I will personally speak with Governor Zhang about this matter. If possible, I will personally go to the Machinery Bureau to oversee its management for a period of time!"

  "The Beiyang Fleet is the nation's Great Wall at sea, and it is where the honor and shame of Zhong Tang lie. As long as the fleet exists, Zhong Tang has nothing to worry about; if the fleet loses a battle, then Zhong Tang's lifelong reputation will be washed away like flowing water, allowing those petty people in the imperial court to gain an advantage, and the country will become even more corrupt.

  Brother Ji Meng should know that recently, 'Strong Learning Extracts' has been continuously introducing Japan, with unprecedentedly large articles. In my humble opinion, Japan will not be beneficial to China; looking at its military expansion, war between the two countries will erupt within three years at most, because Japan's national strength cannot support such an expansion. When it reaches its limit, there is only one way out - to launch a war to plunder other countries and fill in the gaps caused by this...

  I am just a minor figure with insignificant words; how many people among the high-ranking officials in the imperial court can see things clearly? Coincidentally, the Empress Dowager's 60th birthday is approaching, which makes the danger even greater..." Tan Yankai said somewhat gloomily.

  Tang Bohan listened and said, "Zu An, the harm in this is also very clear to Commander Zhong. I formally advised Commander Zhong after seeing the news on 'Strong Learning Digest', and he has become extremely vigilant towards Japan. Although the Tianjin Machinery Bureau's funds are still somewhat tight, everything necessary is available, especially the four sets of smokeless gunpowder equipment donated by Zu An, which have enabled the steel cannonball production equipment originally designed for brown gunpowder to resume operation. I believe that in the future it will move in the direction we hope for!"

  "I hope so!" Tan Yanqin secretly sighed in her heart.

  Tang Baowen did not rush to leave Guangzhou, but stayed here for five days and lived in the Governor's Mansion of Guangdong and Guangxi. After Tan Yankai finished his work in the mansion, he talked with Tang Baowen. The two men had very similar views on many issues, although they had only known each other for a short time, but they felt that their friendship was deepening. Until several days later, Tan Yankai received a telegram from Mauser about the final price of purchasing smokeless powder production equipment in the Governor's Mansion. Tang Baowen realized that he had stayed here for a long time, and the final price of the smokeless powder production equipment was 28,000 taels per set, which would arrive in Tianjin three months later. Tang Baowen believed that Li Hongzhang would be very satisfied with this price.

  "I've never heard of the name Tang Bowen in my past life? How can someone who was so trusted by Li Hongzhang be completely unknown in history?" Tan Yanqun thought to himself as he sent Tang Bowen off on a small steamboat at the Guangzhou dock. His knowledge of history from his past life was very limited, and if it weren't for extremely famous figures, he wouldn't know anything about them. Yet, after racking his brains, he still couldn't recall even half a memory of this young man he had spent several days with.

  From these days of getting along, Tan Yanqing understood Tang Baowen's background thoroughly. In his view, Li Hongzhang valued Tang Baowen so much that this person could not have left no trace in history. Similarly, as a contemporary and friend of Li Hongzhang, such as Yuan Shikai and Shen Xianghui, all left deep marks in history, but this capable and farsighted Tang Baowen had no impression at all, which really made Tan Yanqing feel very puzzled.

  "It's probably not that simple for someone to persuade Old Li to take the position of Director-General of the Tianjin Machine Bureau, even Yuan Shikai might not have had this kind of charm... Tan Yankei felt a bit tired and simply put this question aside, after all, there were many people in history who didn't leave their names behind, so it's no big deal to forget Tang Bowen."

  "Third Master, the day after tomorrow, Governor-General will arrive in Guangzhou. I have already informed the main officials of the two provinces of Guangdong and Guangxi to come to the dock to welcome the Governor-General. Due to the long distance from Guangxi, the governors of Guangxi will all come, as for other officials, it is not necessary for them to come..." A man in his thirties behind Tan Yanqing said respectfully.

  "Thanks a lot for your efforts, brother Zihan. You've had a tough time!" Tan Yanqin said with a slight smile as he turned to the man behind him.

  This man was Wang Cunshan, a Guangdong candidate for the position of Dao, who was recommended by Old Master Tan before he came to Guangzhou. Wang Cunshan's existence had been known to Tan Yanqing for a long time, and he was one of the main officials who followed Old Master Tan. In his early years, he followed Old Master Tan in the government office as a clerk, and they got along well. After being recommended by Old Master Tan, he became a candidate for the position of Dao in Guangdong and had been stationed in Guangzhou for eight years. During these eight years, Wang Cunshan did not forget his gratitude towards Old Master Tan and would send gifts during Chinese New Year, the birthday of Old Master Tan's wife, or when Tan's family had important events. Especially after Old Master Tan was transferred to be the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, Guangzhou and Fuzhou were not far apart, Wang Cunshan visited Old Master Tan in Fuzhou twice during his leisure time, and naturally got acquainted with Tan Yanqing who accompanied Old Master Tan.

  Tan Yanxin could see that Wang Cunshan was a smooth talker, and he treated Tan Zhonglin with the courtesy of a junior, so he acknowledged Tan Yanxin as his younger brother. Although Wang Cunshan's age was twice that of Tan Yanxin, Tan Yanxin still addressed him as "Zhang Zixiong". Tan Yanxin did not know that this middle-aged man in front of him was also an extraordinary figure in his past life - Wang Cunshan was a protégé of Tan Zhonglin and later became the general manager of the Commercial Bank founded by Sheng Xuanhuai. As a result, Tan Yanxin began to covet Zhang Zhidong's steel mill, which had been acquired by Sheng Xuanhuai, and Wang Cunshan was a director of the Han-Ye-Ping Steel Group and also the manager of the China Merchants Steam Navigation Company.

  Wang Cun was very clear in his mind that although the young man in front of him was Tan Zhonglin's third illegitimate son, he knew the old master's style of doing things after following him for many years. Whether it was an illegitimate or legitimate child, it didn't matter to the old master; whoever could keep the Tan family safe would be able to take over his position. This young man, who was not yet twenty years old, was the most promising among the old master's many sons and clearly the one he favored the most. As the old master's "good student", how could he go against the old master's wishes? Most importantly, although the third son was still young, he had already obtained a good understanding of the classics and had a bright future ahead of him; it was only a matter of time before he would achieve great success in his studies. With the foundation laid by the old master, this young man's path to becoming an official would be smooth sailing.

  Tan Yanqing knew why Wang Cunshan was so polite to him, and he treated him with equal courtesy. Of course, he also understood that this old man's "good student" was not a good bird - in Guangdong for eight years, he had mastered the art of corruption and had many properties that dazzled him. All these were told by Wang Zhichun, and it was precisely because of the old man's protection that Li Han Zhang did not make things difficult for Tan Yanqing. Wang Zhichun also deliberately reminded Tan Yanqing to avoid following in the footsteps of Zhang Zhidong, who had been secretly investigated by the imperial court due to his subordinate's misdeeds.

  "Let this fat sheep grow a bit longer, and after the old man arrives in Guangzhou, we'll discuss countermeasures and see how to deal with this little fat sheep!" Tan Yanqing thought to himself behind his smiling face. The Zhang Zhidong incident had already made Tan Yanqing extremely vigilant; in this chaotic officialdom of the time, if one wanted to last a bit longer, they had to be more cautious.

  "The Silver Bullet" doesn't always work, for example, the antagonistic relationship between Weng Tonghe and Zhang Zhidong cannot be eliminated just by Zhang giving Weng a few thousand taels of silver. Someone like Li Hanzhang can still be taken down through blackmail and bribery. If it were that notorious "Butcher Official" Cen Chunxuan, Wang Zhusun would probably have been dead for sure. Although the old man is known as "Crystal Ball" and never holds grudges with others, when you're in the arena, your life is not your own, some attacks are unreasonable, and now that he's old, he's still being implicated by this Wang Cunsun.

  These days, Tan Yanqing has also been secretly instructing Wang Zhichun to collect evidence of Wang Cunshan's illegal activities within Guangzhou City. This is not because Tan Yanqing has a noble character - once he has determined the path he wants to take, he will abandon his conscience entirely, and nothing is unsellable except for the nation and country. This is a world where the strong prey on the weak, and if you want to use thunderous methods to show compassion like Buddha, you must have absolute power; otherwise, you will become a scapegoat. For now, Wang Cunshan still has some use in this unfamiliar land, but when the time comes to truly grasp the situation, it will be his turn to be sacrificed.

  "There's nothing much, just that Master has come to the two Guangs and I'm his junior, how can I not make some preparations to welcome him?!" Wang Cunshan said with a smile.

  "Zi Zhan brother, you have followed Father for many years and also know that he is not a person who likes grandeur. Just having some high-ranking officials come to make an appearance will be enough. Father's age is advancing, and he really can't withstand this kind of fuss. Having some officials come to show their respects is sufficient, don't drag out the time too long. In the future, if there is time, we can have them come individually to pay their respects at the Guangdong Governor's residence, which will also be beneficial for Father's health..." Tan Yanqian said with a smile.

  "That's for sure! That's for sure! I'll definitely master this degree, and absolutely won't let Teacher En be tired..."

  "Oh, by the way, Brother Zihan, have you heard about the inside story of the recent impeachment case against Wang Zhichun, the Governor of Guangdong? My father is getting old and likes to keep a low profile, so it's better not to let him worry too much about some things..."

  Wang Cunshan felt a chill from the warm smile of his interlocutor, but for Xu Zhiyang's case, which was a relatively deep political secret, Wang Cunshan was not at a level to understand it clearly. He only knew that the former Governor-General of Liangguang, Li Han Zhang, had suddenly investigated the corruption of the provincial governor Wang Zhichun and the Governor-General of Huguang, Zhang Zhidong, a few months ago, but the matter had been settled in just a few days. It was not until later, when he read the official gazette, that he learned the general outline of events: Zhao Maochang, the secretary of Zhang Zhidong, had been dismissed and would never be reinstated. But why Wang Zhichun, the provincial governor, had emerged unscathed - this was beyond his comprehension.

  The old man, although very fond of this former staff member, was not someone who would discuss everything with Wang Cunshan. The leak in the Xu Zhiyang case came from him, and it's better for everyone if fewer people know about it, especially since his good friend Weng Tonghe was also involved. If word got out, it wouldn't just damage his own reputation but also create a powerful enemy. The old man wasn't necessarily afraid of this two-generation imperial teacher, but the fewer troubles the better. He wished that as the leader of the Imperial Party, Weng Tonghe would suddenly challenge the old lady's authority and get taught a lesson so he could go home and retire.

  Wang Cunshan followed the old man for over a decade, and their close relationship goes without saying. Otherwise, he wouldn't have recommended him to come to Guangzhou as a deputy official. However, precisely because of this distance, the old man didn't dare to manipulate Wang Cunshan, who was still loyal to him. Given the old man's temperament, it was still possible to use Wang Cunshan to run errands and provide some assistance. But if he wanted to return to the core of the group, it was almost impossible. Tan Yanqing had already received the old man's instructions on this matter long ago.

  "Zu An, you must have listened to those gossiping people's nonsense..."

  Tan Yanqi waved his hand and said: "Zi Zhang brother, you have followed my father for many years. By age, I should call you uncle... However, the recent Xu Zhiyang case has shown that the current situation is not very peaceful. You and I are both helping Father with his affairs, so we must not let him worry about some small things... Before he came, Father had entrusted me with important matters. You have been away from Father's side for many years, but you still respect him so much, which made the old man very happy. When he was about to come, he sent someone to move around in the capital and planned to let you take charge of the Guangdong Maritime Customs. As a result, they encountered Qingguo Wang who was arranging for his own servant Zhou Rongyang to take care of the Guangdong Maritime Customs, so they had no choice but to give up. However, Father has already made a promise that after he stabilizes the two provinces, he will definitely let you take over the Guangdong Maritime Customs when there is a vacancy. The prerequisite is that Brother Zi Zhang must make Father look good and not let some people talk behind his back..."

  Wang Cunshan's eyes turned red when he heard that Tan Zhonglin had actually gone to the capital in advance to secure a position for him at the Guangdong Customs - he was very clear about how much profit there was in this Guangdong Customs, it was a truly fat and lucrative post, unfortunately it was snatched away by Qingguo Wang, no wonder recently in the imperial edict issued by an unknown Zhou Rongyang acting as the administrator of Guangdong Customs, it turned out to be someone from Qingguo Wang's side!

  "Thank you for your teacher's cultivation! The real and unreal are temporarily put aside, the teacher's intention is understood..." Wang Cun said excitedly.

  "Although Qingguo Wang is still a prince, after the demotion of Gongwang, he took over as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and established the Naval Ministry with Xunwang. It can be seen that this person will have greater development in the future. Who knows, maybe next year when Empress Dowager's birthday comes around, this prince might even become a qinwang (first-rank prince). Now that Zhou Rongyao has been appointed as the acting governor of Guangdong Maritime Customs, you must not underestimate him when you meet him in the official circle, and do not make enemies with him. This is the way to longevity... Brother Zhan, please be at ease, with Father here in the two provinces (Guangdong and Guangxi), there will definitely be a position for you. Who else can Father trust if not you?" Tan Yankai said with a faint smile and a soft voice.

  There is an important task today, so I'll post this in advance...