Chapter 007: Yuan Shikai

The spirit of Empress Dowager Cixi, who regained power, appeared to be exceptionally good, even her address to her ministers became much more affectionate: "Mingyi, you have made a great contribution in the execution of those treacherous ministers this time. You truly are a tiger of a military family. Li Zhongtang is indeed a pillar of our Great Qing, and even his grandson displays such loyalty and bravery."

Li Guoyong was so anxious that he was almost sweating profusely. This fellow was indeed somewhat hypocritical: "I do not dare to claim credit for the heavens; the reason for this success is entirely due to the great blessings of Your Majesty."

Yuan Shikai's expression darkened: "Mingyi, by saying this, you no longer regard me, Yuan Weiting, as a friend"

Thus, a notorious rogue from history and a petty rogue from over a century later became brothers

After some thought, Li Guoyong, wanting to probe Yuan Shikai's hidden cards, said: "In that case, I would be remiss not to accept, brother"

At this moment, Yuan Shikai smiled and said, "I have an idea in my heart, since we feel like old friends upon our first meeting, how about we swear an oath today to become sworn brothers of different surnames?"

As the one who personally captured the main leaders of the Reformist faction, Li Guoyong's contributions cannot be overlooked. Although he failed to apprehend the two prominent figures, Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao, the blame lies entirely with that damned Du Ziqi. Thus, this unfortunate official of the sixth rank was relegated to guard the city gate.

Li Guoyong is not someone to be underestimated. In his time, he had seen all kinds of people. You think you can take advantage of me? Think again in your next life! Having made up his mind, Li Guoyong sincerely said: "Since you, my elder brother, have said so, it would be pretentious of me to decline any further!"

At this point, Empress Dowager Cixi spoke up: "Li Guoyong."

Li Guoyong, along the way, could only manage a bitter smile. In the blink of an eye, he had transformed from a small rogue into the grandson of Li Hongzhang, into the executioner of the Hundred Days' Reform, into the Governor of Jiangsu, and just now, he had become sworn brothers with Yuan Shikai. What on earth is going on? Am I dreaming?

Seeing Li Guoyong's fluctuating expression, Yuan Shikai felt a bit concerned: "What is it? Is it possible that Master Li is unwilling?"

Li Guoyong awkwardly said: "No, no, it's just that the hierarchy seems a bit confused."

Yuan Shikai's "Little East" can be said to be quite luxurious. One can imagine, who is the Li Hongzhang family? "The Prime Minister of Hefei is renowned throughout the world," after all. How could they not spare no effort in hosting the young master of the Li family, who has been accustomed to rinsing his mouth with bird's nest since childhood? However, even if Yuan Shikai were to die, he would never have imagined that the "Li Guoyong" before him had never, since birth, even seen such exquisite food, let alone eaten it.

Li Guoyong had not yet come to terms with the situation, while the surrounding ministers were all astonished. A twenty-year-old novice had actually been appointed as the governor of a province, and it was Jiangsu, such an important province. This was unprecedented in the history of the Qing Dynasty. Fortunately, this appointment was made by the Empress Dowager herself, and with the financial backing from Li Zhongtang, no one dared to oppose it

After the morning meeting finally concluded, the elated Li Guoyong, having received one congratulation after another, was just about to head to Xianliang Temple to report this good news to Li Hongzhang when he heard a voice from behind saying, "Lord Li, please hold on."

After a long while, Li Guoyong finally grasped the situation. In today's Great Qing, only Yuan Shikai's new army is truly formidable. If this Yuan were to have ulterior motives, it would indeed pose a challenge for Empress Dowager Cixi. It seems that she intends to use herself to restrain Yuan Shikai. However, this is quite a significant favor; historically, provincial governors only managed local governance and the people's livelihood, but now it is clear that military authority in Jiangsu has also been entrusted to him. Excited, Li Guoyong immediately declared: "I, Li Guoyong, will not fail the trust placed in me by Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager!" However, this is quite a significant favor; historically, provincial governors only managed local governance and the people's livelihood, but now it is clear that military authority in Jiangsu has also been entrusted to him. Excited, Li Guoyong immediately declared: "I, Li Guoyong, will not fail the trust placed in me by Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager!"

Fortunately, Li Guoyong, who was left dumbfounded, managed to suppress his overwhelming thoughts and moved his chopsticks slightly, saying: "Lord Yuan, I fear that your invitation today is not merely for the purpose of drinking with me."

So it is, Yuan Shikai suddenly realized that as long as he could firmly bind the Li family together, he would be willing to be their grandson! Yuan Shikai put on a broad smile: "You and I are both people of character, so why bother with these empty formalities"

Li Guoyong muttered "old fox" under his breath. Such a simple joke would generally cause most people to let their guard down, so he smiled and said: "Lord Yuan, this is indeed teasing and making fun of Brother Tushu."

I am here

As for Empress Dowager Cixi bestowing even greater rewards upon Li Guoyong, there would undoubtedly be no objections from below. Firstly, he is the direct grandson of Li Hongzhang; secondly, the Empress Dowager seems to have a particular fondness for this young man; and thirdly, and most importantly, Li Hongzhang had already spent a considerable amount of silver, having given as much as two hundred thousand taels in banknotes to the prominent eunuch Li Lianying. With both prestige and wealth at stake, who would dare to oppose this? That would truly be detrimental to their own interests.

Empress Dowager Cixi, feeling pleased, paid no attention to the sound of a "hum" coming from the side, where Guangxu was, and said: "Well then, recently the Ministry of Personnel has reported that the position of the Governor of Jiangsu is currently vacant. Your grandfather, Li Zhongtang, also served as the Governor of Jiangsu in his early years. I think you should take this position."

Empress Cixi waved her hand and said, "Do not be in a hurry to express your gratitude; I have another task for you."

Yang Du

This is an unfair argument, one against more than a dozen.

That group of hostile individuals shouted angrily: "Yang Du, do not be arrogant. Although Mr. Tan is dead, the good sons of China will not perish. The political situation in China can only be salvaged by taking drastic measures; otherwise, the end of the nation is not far off! We all know that these words bring about the calamity of killing, yet we are all willing to follow in Mr. Tan's footsteps!"

The solitary figure was a young man of similar stature to Li Guoyong, who spoke with a stern tone: "In today's China, the problems stem from your group of reformists. The transformation of China requires a gradual approach, yet you are so eager for quick success and instant benefits!"

Yuan Shikai laughed and said: "I, Weiting, have been promoted by the esteemed Minister Zhong, which has led to my current position. Today, the Minister Zhong has also received the favor of the Emperor, how could Weiting not offer my congratulations?"

Li Guoyong suddenly jolted awake, completely sober from the alcohol

Just as he was thinking, he suddenly heard a series of arguments coming from a teahouse ahead. Curious, Li Guoyong could not help but enter the teahouse

Yuan Shikai, overwhelmed with joy, quickly instructed someone to set up the yellow altar with the incense paper that had been prepared in advance

These two like-minded allies indulged in a feast that lasted from noon until the late afternoon. Li Guoyong, already seven parts drunk, firmly declined Yuan Shikai's kind offer to escort him home, and staggered away to bid farewell to the Yuan residence

Here, Li Guoyong finally realized that Jiangsu, his hometown, is a land of fish and rice. Being the governor there is a world apart from being a mere guard. He quickly knelt down to express his gratitude: "I, Li Guoyong, thank the Empress Dowager for her grace."

In the Hall of Great Brightness, Guangxu sat like a puppet, while beside him sat the true power holder of the Qing Dynasty, the Empress Dowager Cixi! According to ancestral customs, the Empress Dowager would assist the Emperor in managing state affairs, which would require a curtain, known as "curtain governance." However, our Empress Dowager is not practicing curtain governance; instead, it is referred to as "instructional governance," so this curtain can be removed.

"Your Majesty, please feel free to give your orders; I shall not hesitate to face death in service."

Yuan Shikai chuckled: "Today, Lord Li has been promoted to the Governor of Jiangsu. How about we have Yuan Shikai take on a minor role as the Eastern official?"

Upon turning back, Li Guoyong immediately recognized the face he had seen countless times in history books: Yuan Shikai

Li Guoyong said with a smile: "Lord Yuan is joking. You and my father are of the same generation, how could Guoyong dare to consider himself a friend?"

Empress Dowager Cixi said leisurely: "I see that the new army trained by Lord Yuan Shikai is indeed quite good. I believe that when you arrive in Jiangsu, you can also train a new army like that, which in the future could help protect the great Qing dynasty for countless years."

Yuan Shikai smiled and said, "Lord Li, you seem to be in a hurry. Could it be that you have a beautiful woman hidden in your golden house, and you are rushing back?"

Li Guoyong, from the twenty-first century, is truly well-acquainted with such formalities. He clasped his fist and said: "I am merely a junior, how can I possibly deserve this."

So it is Lord Yuan

The Hundred Days' Reform was completely suppressed, and Guangxu was confined. Empress Dowager Cixi took control behind the curtain, and the conservative faction in the court was elated, celebrating their triumph. Everything returned to the old ways before the reform. Naturally, it was time to reward those who contributed to this outcome.

Yang Du

Yuan Shikai's words were not particularly surprising, but they nearly caused Li Guoyong to fall off his chair in shock. Goodness, I am to be sworn brothers with Yuan Shikai? Who is he? A usurper, the future president, an emperor! And who am I? A petty thug making a living through shady dealings!