Chapter 008, The Calm Before the Storm
After bidding farewell to his mother, Chen Jingyun directly returned to the Southern Parade Ground with his personal guards. As for the marriage proposal, it had long been cast aside by Chen Jingyun.
Seeing that Chen Jingyun's expression was not good, Lin Chengkun did not dare to say much and directly stated, "This morning, I followed your instructions and went to find that person with the surname Liu. However, that Liu is merely a lower-level figure within their revolutionary party. In the end, it was just a few sentences; he has no authority to make decisions regarding the Restoration Society. He said he would wait to report the situation to his superiors before providing any feedback. However, on my way back, I encountered a member of the Restoration Society!"
In fact, there is not much room for negotiation in this matter, as it is not a commercial collaboration but rather an uprising. The process of negotiation is merely a matter of testing each other, both parties wary of being betrayed at any moment. Once a foundation of trust is established, there is little left to discuss regarding cooperation; a plan for a joint uprising can be directly formulated. As for the idea of undermining allied forces and preserving strength, such considerations are unlikely to arise among revolutionaries in the short term. After all, although the current revolutionaries are divided into numerous factions with many differences, they remain united in their common goal of overthrowing the Qing dynasty.
With the understanding brought by Chen Jingyun, Lin Chengkun engaged in discussions with members of the Progressive Association and the Restoration Society over the next two days, meeting more core figures of the revolutionary party. Due to Chen Jingyun's increased proactivity compared to the previous days, these discussions proceeded exceptionally smoothly, and within a short span of three days, contact had already been established with the senior members of both the Progressive Association and the Restoration Society.
"Has there been any progress?" Chen Jingyun asked
To initiate an uprising, it is impossible for Chen Jingyun to do it alone. Chen Jingyun only has control over the Second Battalion, which consists of just over 600 men. While it may be feasible to spark an uprising with these 600 men, it is insufficient to take control of Fuzhou City. Once the uprising begins, it will be necessary to control the Engineering Battalion, the Supply Battalion, the Artillery Battalion, and additionally, the Third Battalion of the 38th Regiment and the Second Battalion of the 37th Regiment that are about to arrive in Fuzhou City. To gain control over these troops, reliance on the revolutionaries is essential. After all, Chen Jingyun's core strength can be said to be limited to the Second Battalion. Although the other two battalions of the 38th Regiment are also under his command, Chen Jingyun has not been in control of the 38th Regiment for more than a year and has not yet fully established authority over the other two battalions. When the situation becomes critical, depending on them would introduce too many uncertainties.
"In other respects, how should we put it? Also, how much power do these two factions hold?" Chen Jingyun found it difficult to untangle the complex internal relationships within the Tongmenghui, so he decided to disregard it for the time being. After all, they were all revolutionaries, and when the time came, they could collaborate together. Compared to the internal strife within the Tongmenghui, Chen Jingyun was more concerned about how much power they actually possessed.
Lin Chengkun replied, "It seems they really cannot make decisions regarding the money. However, from their words, they do not appear to be wealthy individuals, so I believe the prospects for recovery are quite bleak"
In the following days, the Qing army and the militia engaged in mutual offensives and defenses, repeatedly contesting the area from Shikou to Liujiamiao. On the 18th, the consulates of various countries in Hankou declared neutrality, stating that the Wuchang Uprising was a civil war within China, and that they would not interfere, pledging to "strictly maintain neutrality"
On the evening of the 18th, after inspecting the military camp, Chen Jingyun did not rest in his clothes as he usually did for the past few days. Instead, he changed into civilian attire and quietly left the camp with Lin Chengkun, without even bringing along his personal guards.
Upon entering the main hall, Chen Jingyun immediately noticed that there were quite a number of people present, approximately seven or eight in total. More importantly, among these seven or eight individuals, he actually recognized four of them. These four were Lin Wenying, the commander of the engineering battalion; Xiao Qibin, the commander of the artillery battalion; Lin Zhaomin, the commander of the 40th regiment; Huang Anyuan, the cavalry officer; and Yu Shaoying, the commander of the military police battalion
In just these three to four days, the situation in the world has been tumultuous. The Hubei militia first occupied Wuchang, followed by Hanyang and Hankou the next day. In less than thirty-six hours, the Hubei militia had already taken control of the three towns of Wuhan, while simultaneously conducting large-scale conscription, more than doubling their forces within a few days. The Qing court was not slow to respond either; on the second day of the Wuchang Uprising, which was October 12, it ordered Yin Chang to lead the army and Sa Zhenbing to command the navy to suppress the uprising in Hubei. Two days later, Yuan Shikai was appointed as the Governor-General of Huguang to oversee the suppression and pacification of the Hubei rebellion. However, Yuan Shikai declined the appointment, citing an unresolved foot ailment. On the same day, a portion of the Second and Fourth Divisions dispatched by the Ministry of War had already arrived by train north of Hankou, preparing to gather forces to capture Hankou.
Lin Chengkun shook his head and said, "No, it's just that someone else approached me this morning"
Well, that person is named Lin Hao, who is said to be a prominent figure in the Fuzhou branch of the Restoration Society. Speaking of Lin Hao, Chen Jingyun surprisingly recalled this person's memory. According to previous memories, Lin Hao had attempted to win over Chen Jingyun. When the uprising broke out in Guangzhou earlier this year, Lin Hao secretly approached Chen Jingyun, hoping to persuade him to lead the new army in support of the uprising in Guangzhou. However, at that time, Chen Jingyun completely ignored those revolutionaries. Although he did not arrest anyone, he did not treat Lin Hao kindly and directly drove him away.
Lin Chengkun was slightly taken aback after hearing this; he had no idea why Chen Jingyun was so urgent. He immediately said: "No money? And the person said you must meet with them in person!"
The internal strife among the revolutionaries was originally something Chen Jingyun did not intend to manage or interfere with. However, now that Chen Jingyun plans to unite the revolutionaries to launch an uprising, it is essential that the revolutionaries do not continue to act independently. If he can consolidate the forces of the Restoration Society, the Progress Society, and the Xingzhong Society, the chances of success for the uprising will significantly increase. Another crucial point is that once these groups are united, he can exploit the internal contradictions among the revolutionaries to obtain what he desires: the leadership of the uprising. If he can consolidate the forces of the Restoration Society, the Progress Society, and the Xingzhong Society, the chances of success for the uprising will significantly increase. Another crucial point is that once these groups are united, he can exploit the internal contradictions among the revolutionaries to obtain what he desires: the leadership of the uprising
Before Chen Jingyun could ask, Lin Chengkun began to explain: "The members of the Restoration Society, like those of the Progressive Society, want to recruit us to join the revolutionary party"
You should talk to them again, um, the Restoration Society. Discuss with the Progress Society as well, there is no need to be overly fixated on the Restoration Society. Try to arrange meetings with influential figures. " Chen Jingyun said while contemplating, "The current situation is tense, and this matter cannot be delayed for too long. We need to achieve tangible progress within a maximum of seven days and a minimum of three days.
The Restoration Society?" Chen Jingyun was slightly taken aback but soon recalled that the Restoration Society was indeed an organization within the Tongmenghui. The Tongmenghui is a loose political alliance, and their common goal is to overthrow the Qing Dynasty; however, there are significant disagreements regarding other political propositions. The major factions within the Tongmenghui include the Gongjin Society, the Restoration Society, and the Xingzhong Society.
Lin Chengkun stated: "They did not explicitly mention how many people they control, but from the implications of their words, it should be several hundred. Moreover, the person with the surname Liu mentioned that once we capture Fuzhou City, they will be able to mobilize several other troops to respond to the uprising. As for Lin Hao, he clearly stated that they can coordinate with the library to capture Fuzhou City on the day of the incident"
The two men traveled through the night and soon stopped in a narrow alley. After Chen Jingyun exchanged a glance with Lin Chengkun, Lin Chengkun slowly walked into the alley and knocked on the large door of a courtyard. Before long, the courtyard door was opened, and a man dressed in a suit stepped out.
Chen Jingyun stroked his chin and said, "By the way, how much of that restoration sound they mentioned earlier can be produced?"
Oh? Who is it? Stop stammering and speak up if you have something to say! Chen Jingyun does not like to be in a situation where he lacks control over the conversation.
Just returned to the barracks, before Chen Jingyun could sit down and enjoy a cup of tea, Lin Chengkun hurriedly found Chen Jingyun
While the situation in Hubei is chaotic, other provinces in China are also experiencing turbulence, with small-scale unrest breaking out in various regions. However, due to the unclear situation in Hubei, the influential figures in different areas remain in a wait-and-see mode, resulting in a temporary calm. At least the timing of the provinces' responses to the uprising is much later than Chen Jingyun had anticipated
Upon seeing Lin Chengkun and Chen Jingyun after coming out, the person displayed a look of joy and said: "Come in quickly"
In this day and age, waging war certainly requires financial resources. Officers may follow you in rebellion for the sake of their future or various illusory ideals, but the ordinary soldiers below do not possess such high awareness. Without the allure of shiny silver placed before them, do not expect them to carry guns into battle, let alone rebel. In the historical Xinhai Revolution, many of the supporting militia groups were primarily motivated by the prospect of rewards such as silver. After the establishment of the Provisional Government in Nanjing, it was overwhelmed by the chaos caused by various volunteer armies, and Chen Jingyun did not wish to follow in their footsteps.
At this time, the Qing army had completed its initial assembly on the outskirts of Hankou. From the fall of Wuchang on the 11th to the 15th, in just four days, the Qing court had mobilized nearly ten thousand troops from other provinces via railway. This level of responsiveness, given the transportation conditions of the time, was already considered very rapid.
Chen Jingyun nodded: "As for money, I want as much as possible; if they truly cannot provide it, it is of no consequence. Regarding the meeting, it is essential to meet in person!"
Therefore, the extent of power that the revolutionaries can control is a very important factor
Indeed, newspapers from various regions cannot seem to settle down, filled with all sorts of news. One moment they report a great defeat of the Qing army, and the next moment they announce a significant loss for the militia, with a chaotic array of information present.
On the 15th, revolutionary forces launched an uprising in Xinyang, attempting to respond to the revolution, but were successfully suppressed by the Qing army. On the same day, the Qing army unit led by Ma Jizeng arrived at the banks of Hankou.
Chen Jingyun tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table, while contemplating in his heart. It would be best if there were news of the restoration; if not, it would not matter. After all, when the uprising occurred, he could raid the treasury in Fuzhou and also plunder the homes of several high-ranking officials and noble families of the banner people. Not to mention a large sum, but several million should be attainable, and securing the military pay should not pose a significant problem
After the two entered, the man leaned his head out to glance at the alley outside. Upon discovering that there were no other people, he quickly closed the door and then led Chen Jingyun and Lin Chengkun into the main hall
In Fujian, as in other southern provinces, a general calm prevails, yet beneath the surface flows a turbulent undercurrent unknown to many. At the behest of Chen Jingyun, Lin Chengkun frequently engaged with the revolutionaries. After both sides reached a preliminary understanding, Chen Jingyun also met separately with Li Hao and Liu Tong, the liaisons of the revolutionary parties. Later, Chen Jingyun discovered that the Restoration Society and the Progress Society had, in fact, held discussions with him independently, without involving each other. After pondering for a long time, Chen Jingyun decided to meet simultaneously with the core members of both the Restoration Society and the Progress Society.