Chapter 8, Determination to Change the Destiny of China
To eliminate Empress Dowager Cixi, several conditions must be met. First, one must possess strength, meaning the ability to command troops; even if one is a bandit, one must at least be a small-time bandit. Second, there must be an opportunity to approach Cixi; it is absolutely impossible to get close to her while being near Yuan Shikai. When the Eight-Nation Alliance entered Beijing, Yuan Shikai remained inactive in Shandong, and any officer who mobilized troops would certainly be awarded a bullet. This means that seizing the opportunity to capture and kill Cixi under Yuan Shikai's command is utterly impossible. When the Eight-Nation Alliance entered Beijing, Yuan Shikai remained inactive in Shandong, and any officer who mobilized troops would certainly be awarded a bullet. This means that seizing the opportunity to capture and kill Cixi under Yuan Shikai's command is utterly impossible
"Brother Cao, it really is you," Du Lide said with a smile
Kang Sanshi nodded and said, "This is the first time I have heard of such a thing; it is indeed quite interesting. Did Erlang Shen teach you all these skills?"
This time he is here to enlist in the military
With the death of Empress Dowager Cixi, the Qing Empire was doomed, and the opportunity to take advantage of the chaos had arrived!
Cao Yue chuckled and said, "It was unclear before, but I didn't expect that after falling into the water, my mind became clear. This can be called a blessing in disguise."
Another personal attendant, Kang Cheng, also clapped and said: "Third Uncle, you are truly impressive." This Kang Cheng is the son of Kang San Shi, perhaps because Kang San Shi has committed too many sins through killing, none of his seven or eight wives and concubines could bear him a child. Therefore, he could only adopt a son from his second brother and also brought along Kang Cheng from his elder brother's family as a trusted aide. Kang Cheng is neither accomplished in literature nor in martial arts; despite Kang San Shi's repeated guidance, this young man, lacking both cunning and ability, could only serve as a personal attendant, too timid to be sent out on tasks. None of his seven or eight wives and concubines could bear him a child, so he could only adopt a son from his second brother and also brought along Kang Cheng from his elder brother's family as a trusted aide. Kang Cheng is neither accomplished in literature nor in martial arts; despite Kang San Shi's repeated guidance, this young man, lacking both cunning and ability, could only serve as a personal attendant, too timid to be sent out on tasks
In an instant, Cao Yue felt that he suddenly had a purpose in this world: to assassinate Empress Dowager Cixi and change the course of Chinese history
Kang Sanshi laughed heartily, then came forward and grabbed Cao Yueliang's hand, saying: "Good, good, what a fine Cao Erlang!" After sizing him up from head to toe, he finally said: "Cao Erlang, I have heard that you used to truly... have some issues with your mind?"
And the old man Cao couldn't help but laugh at the book titled "Changing the Great Qing Empire," saying, "What a dream! My child, as long as you can marry a wife, it doesn't matter how my grandson turns out; he will always be my treasure. My child, let's save some money. I plan to help you propose to the Zhao family from the neighboring village after the New Year. What do you think of their daughter Cuihua? I have heard that she is hardworking, has a round face and a sturdy figure, which is good for bearing children. She will definitely help our Zhang family flourish in the future... My child, let's save some money. I plan to help you propose to the Zhao family from the neighboring village after the New Year. What do you think of their daughter Cuihua? I have heard that she is hardworking, has a round face and a sturdy figure, which is good for bearing children. She will definitely help our Zhang family flourish in the future...
From a distance, the smoke rising from the village was visible, and Old Man Cao said, "We are home"
Kang Sanshi laughed heartily and said: "I have long been sworn enemies with Matcai. It is either his death or mine; what is there to fear? Do you think I am afraid of Matcai? Rest assured, as long as you are by my side, you have nothing to fear from Matcai."
At this moment, he suddenly thought of something that could allow him to rise rapidly, which was the event four years later when Empress Dowager Cixi brazenly declared war on eleven nations, leading to the invasion of Beijing by the Eight-Nation Alliance, and how Cixi, along with Emperor Guangxu, ultimately fled to Xi'an.
Cao Yue laughed heartily, grasped Old Man Cao's hand, and said: "Father, rest assured, I am not ill; I have merely come to understand a question that has troubled me for a long time"
"Having settled my elderly father, I have come to seek refuge with the general," said Cao Yue, cupping his hands in salute.
When passing through Anle Township, I saw the people of Anle Township busily loading their belongings onto vehicles, and some even noticed Cao Yue riding a horse, wanting to buy his horse for money. Cao Yue laughed heartily, placed his hands on his hips, and said: "I am Cao Erlang." Instantly, everyone stared in astonishment at this calamity-bringing star who had brought disaster upon them.
If one aspires to become a local magnate in the future, or even a warlord like Fan Ha'er with twenty or more wives and numerous children, one should choose to align with Yuan Shikai
Cao Yue, seeing their astonished expressions, laughed triumphantly and left with a flourish
He did not know whether his decision was correct, as such a significant matter that could impact the future was certainly enough to leave his mind in a state of confusion and disorientation
Upon arriving at Tongguan Xiaoguan, Cao Yue rode directly to the front camp and reported his name. Soon, someone came. As expected, it was Du Lide, indicating that this cavalryman was indeed trusted by Kang Sanshi
Cao Yue sought refuge with Kang Sanshi of Tongguan, knowing that Kang Sanshi appreciated him and valued his character. However, ultimately, he also learned that Kang Sanshi and Mat Tai Sui were sworn enemies, and now he himself was also an enemy of Mat Tai Sui. Therefore, from any perspective, it was reasonable for him to ally with Kang Sanshi. Moreover, Cao Yue intended to use Kang Sanshi to eliminate Mat Tai Sui; if Mat Tai Sui remained alive, both he and his father would be in grave danger.
Cao Yue smiled without answering. After returning home, he instructed his father to hide in the village where his aunt lived for a few days, and to come out when he came to fetch him. Subsequently, Cao Yue took some silver, tied a white headscarf on his head, and hurriedly made his way to Tongguan County.
Doolittle immediately gave a thumbs up and said: "Indeed, sir, you have an extraordinary ability to foresee matters. I truly admire you. If I could learn even half of your skills, I would benefit for a lifetime."
What is the problem
Old man Cao quickly felt Cao Yue's forehead and said, "No fever..."
What if Empress Dowager Cixi died
Cao Yue lied without batting an eye, saying: "No, this set of skills was learned from an old man who had worked as a knife fighter in Xinjiang and Gansu. When he passed through our village, he noticed that I was having some issues and taught me these skills for self-defense. Unfortunately, the old man passed away a few years ago, alas..." Speaking of the old man, he thought of the previous world filled with the chaos of war, those brothers, those friends, those damned white devils who caused my rebirth
Cao Yue feigned great surprise and said: "My lord, are you not concerned that by capturing the son of Mathews, I might offend Mathews and implicate you as well"
Since the decision has been made to change history, one must carefully consider how to stand out in Shaanxi and become a prominent figure. There is nothing wrong with the Green Battalion; at least in Shaanxi, the Green Battalion is not devoid of combat capability. The swordsmen, bandits, and highwaymen in Shaanxi, along with the Hui disturbances, compel the Green Battalion in Shaanxi to engage in continuous battles. Compared to Green Battalions in other regions, the combat capability of the Green Battalion in Shaanxi is relatively high
Kang Sanshi sighed and said: "This person is indeed a hidden master, but unfortunately he has already passed away. Otherwise, I would truly like to pay him a visit. How about this, Zhang Erlang, I see that your martial skills are exceptional; would you consider serving as my personal guard for the time being?"
If any unforeseen events occurred during their escape, would Chinese history be rewritten as a result
Ah? Old man Cao was taken aback and said, "You child, what nonsense are you talking? What is China?"
"To be, or not to be, that is the question," Cao Yue shouted loudly
At this thought, a relentless and malicious idea began to swirl in Cao Yue's mind, refusing to dissipate
"I will go speak with the gentleman right away; please wait a moment," said Dudley.
"Child, what is wrong with you?" Old Cao asked as he patted Cao Yue's shoulder
Apart from my ability to kill, what I possess in greater quantity than anyone else in this world is information about the future. When Empress Dowager Cixi fled westward in a state of disarray, the most tragic aspect was that nearly a thousand nobles, palace maids, and eunuchs did not bring a single raincoat to shield themselves from the rain during their escape. They even regarded a simple cornmeal bun as a delicacy. The story of how Cixi personally named corn "yu mi" (玉米) originates from this.
Cao Yue said: "If I marry a wife in the future and have a son, you will have a grandson. Would you prefer your grandson to be a person who is free from worries about food and clothing, or would you like him to be someone who changes China?"
Kang Sanshi, stroking his beard with great satisfaction, instructed Dulide to bring Cao Yue in. After Cao Yue entered, he clasped his hands and said: "My lord, after ensuring my father's well-being, I have specially come to enlist in the army. I sincerely hope that my lord will not look down upon me."
Cao Yue clasped his fists and said: "Your Excellency treats me as a national hero, and I shall certainly repay you with my life"
Therefore, the choice between the Green Camp and the Beiyang warlords is quite clear
Currently, aside from Duan Qirui, Feng Guozhang, and Wang Shizhen, who are all under the command of General Yuan Shikai at the training station, the rest will not emerge for at least another twenty years. These three have already reached prominent positions. It is difficult for someone without a foundation to make a name for themselves under Yuan Shikai. Consider the three tigers of Beiyang; their connections are deeply intertwined, and the various factions that eventually emerged were all linked by regional ties. As a boy from Shaanxi, I truly feel isolated and pitiful among the Beiyang warlords. Not to mention making a name for myself, I could easily fall victim to others' schemes.
If one wishes to change Chinese history and establish a new realm of China, it is necessary to embark on a completely unknown and highly challenging path, Green Camp
Cao Yueyi slapped his forehead and sighed, realizing that they were fundamentally incompatible. What kind of figure would one have with a big face and a thick waist? Like a sow. He looked up at the setting sun, as myriad rays of colorful clouds painted the entire sky, making the northwestern sky as beautiful as a young girl's blushing face.
What’s the matter? You say, although I, your father, have never achieved much in my life, I can still offer some advice to my son
If I came here just for the mundane, why would I come?" Cao Yue muttered to himself, as if he had come to a realization. His thoughts became increasingly clear, and he smiled as he said, "If the reborn me is still just living for the sake of living, then why am I still living a life devoid of interest?"
Despite many people criticizing Cixi for misgoverning the country and its people, asserting that "it is better to ally with foreign powers than to collude with domestic traitors," it is undeniable that Cixi made significant contributions to China's modernization and the establishment of the Republic. These contributions include the establishment and promotion of modern schools, the abolition of the imperial examination system, the creation of a modern police system, and the founding of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As a woman who had only received a few days of education in women's instruction, she surprisingly became the last pillar of the Qing Empire. It was only after Cixi's death that Yuan Shikai dared to threaten the Qing Empire and pursue his political ambitions.
Cao Yue exclaimed loudly: "Since I can live again, it is destined that I do not live solely for myself. I want to live for the rise of China, I want to live to change history, I want to live to create a new world"
Father, Cao Yue suddenly said, "I have a very difficult choice to make. What do you think I should choose?"
It is the Great Qing Empire
Upon thinking of this, Cao Yue burst into laughter, quickening his pace. Seeing him alternate between joy and contemplation, the old man Cao worried that he might have become foolish again, and fearing that speaking out might hurt his son's feelings, he could only remain silent and harbor his concerns.
Seize the opportunity to assassinate Empress Dowager Cixi, change history, and alter the future
When Doolittle reported the news of Cao Yue's defection, Kang Sanshi immediately burst into laughter, saying: "I told you so, just as I expected, this kid would definitely come back to seek my support, and it's only been three days, right?"
Old man Cao was so frightened that he exclaimed, "It's over, it's over, I have to invite the shaman again. Alas, the God of Wealth is coming, and I don't know if the shaman's family is going to Tongguan County. If they go to the county town, it will be difficult to find her..."