Chapter 5: Enlistment

Qin Guangcheng listened for a moment, then shook his head with a bitter smile: "It's that shameless scholar again"

Suddenly hesitating, he said: "Brother Qin, it is indeed good, but how to get in is a big problem? I have also cut my braid, and I am suspected of being a revolutionary, so it might be quite difficult, right?"

Qin Guangcheng shook his head repeatedly: "Deguang, you at least have some accomplishments to your name, how can you be so shameless in your actions?"

Yu Lei, however, smiled cheerfully and said without a care: "Manager Qin, there is no other way; I am truly hungry. I haven't eaten for several days. Please have pity on me and throw me a couple of coins. From now on, I will not dare to disturb you again."

"Damn it!" Du Charlie, who has always maintained his dignity, could not help but explode in anger: "You deceive today, you deceive tomorrow; for a few coins, what shameless things won't you do? Who in the entire city doesn't know?"

As the two were sent outside, Qin Guangcheng grasped Wang Hengyue's hand and said softly, "Come, brother, let me give you something that will greatly benefit you in your military service."

As they spoke, they walked out with Wang Hengyue and saw Du Chali and Luo Fuzhi confronting a man in his thirties, who was both rushing and scolding, presumably this man was Yu Lei

Qin Guangcheng also said with a smile: "It is extremely difficult to get Du Chali to part with his money, but he is most willing to do such a small favor. When Du Chali brings the silver later, I will naturally speak with him."

"No problem, as long as my brother is willing, I naturally have a way!" Qin Guangcheng smiled and said: "Zhong Ying has a capable assistant, Ye Xuanbiao, who is a district leader. He handles all matters, big and small, within the new army. This person is usually most afraid of foreigners, yet he is also superstitious about foreign things. As long as there is even the slightest connection to foreigners, this Ye district leader considers it good. Just now, Du Charlie was particularly close to him, because Du Charlie runs a foreign business and often provides benefits and gifts, so Ye Xuanbiao listens to him without question. This person is usually most afraid of foreigners, yet he is also superstitious about foreign things. As long as there is even the slightest connection to foreigners, this Ye district leader considers it good. Just now, Du Charlie was particularly close to him, because Du Charlie runs a foreign business and often provides benefits and gifts, so Ye Xuanbiao listens to him without question. Whatever Du Charlie proposes, Ye will not refuse."

Wang Hengyue was first taken aback, then burst into hearty laughter

To join the military? Wang Hengyue was indeed very willing. In his own time, whenever he had free time, he would read historical military books, always imagining how it would be if he could one day join the army. However, he never expected that this wish could actually be realized in this era

Wang Hengyue listened attentively, understanding that Qin Guangcheng's intention was likely to have him enlist in the military

"Manager Qin, the scholar pays his respects to you." Upon seeing Qin Guangcheng come out, Yu Lei unexpectedly knelt down on the ground, kowtowed several times before standing up.

While chatting there, suddenly the angry shouts of Du Chali and Luo Fuzhi came from outside, followed by the pleading voice of another person

Yu Lei's expression changed suddenly, and the corner of his eye twitched a few times unbeknownst to others, followed by an outpouring of gratitude.

The disgraceful behavior of these Qing officials is truly evident in this leader of Ye.

Brother, there is no need to feel pity for such a person. In the beginning, I also felt sorry for him, but in the end, I do not know how many times I was deceived by him. Qin Guangcheng complained a few times and returned to the residence with several people.

Let us go, let us go, in this vast world, there is always a place for you to stand. Why endure the scorn and ridicule here? Return and take your sister with you, and live a good life.

Let us go, let us go, I will no longer pity you. He waved his hand at the book 'Qin Guangcheng'.

Qin Guangcheng sighed: "This person is named Yu Lei, courtesy name Deguang, and he is in his thirties this year. He holds the title of a scholar and hails from Guanghan. He has only one younger sister in his family. Usually, he spends his days idly, wandering the streets of Chengdu, flaunting himself and deceiving others, causing harm to those around him without a flicker of an eye. Eventually, he ended up with no friends left. Once, he happened to get acquainted with us, and from then on, he clung to us every day. Initially, we would lend him a few coins, but later, alas..."

Since Yuan Shikai established military training at Xiaozhan and Zhang Xiangshuai reformed military and political affairs, various regions have followed suit, and Sichuan is no exception. After the former governor Xiliang was reassigned to the governor of Yunnan-Guizhou, he brought with him the newly trained troops and 150,000 taels of silver to Yunnan. The acting governor Zhong Ying took over the command of the Sichuan army, organizing the 33rd Mixed Brigade. Zhou Daogang and Liu Hongkui, graduates of the Japanese Military Academy, were appointed to lead the 65th and 66th regiments, respectively. They have now trained four battalions of the army and two artillery teams.

As he noticed that more and more onlookers had gathered around, Wang Hengyue contemplated his military service and did not wish to entangle himself further in this matter. He asked Qin Guangcheng for a few coins, which he stuffed into Yu Lei's pocket

"The shameless scholar and the book? Who are they?" Wang Hengyue found it somewhat strange

Qin Guangcheng chuckled: "This Ye Duling has a story to tell, let me share it with you. It is said that one day, Ye Duling was in high spirits and decided to go on a secret visit in disguise with his personal guards. As they walked through the countryside, they suddenly heard from a distance, 'The foreigners are coming, the foreigners are coming.' Ye Duling was taken aback and hurriedly instructed his guards to stand respectfully by the roadside to welcome the foreigners. However, as they got closer, he nearly twisted his nose in disbelief. Can you guess what happened? It turned out that it was children shouting, 'The sheep are coming, the sheep are coming.' Ye Duling, hard of hearing, did not catch the words clearly and mistakenly thought it was 'the foreigners are coming,' not realizing he was actually welcoming a flock of sheep."

Upon arriving in the living room, after handing over the gold watch and silver note, Qin Guangcheng shared his thoughts with Du Charlie. Without much hesitation, Du Charlie patted his chest in agreement. However, he felt it was somewhat regrettable; it was rare to catch the son of a major overseas merchant, and there would be plenty of business opportunities in the future. Why did the other party have to enlist in the military? What is the point of joining the army?

Who would have thought that Yu Lei would stubbornly refuse to leave, bowing and pleading repeatedly

However, this scholar named Yu Lei, regardless of how he was beaten or scolded by others, stubbornly refused to leave and continued to plead for a few coins to buy food, maintaining a cheerful demeanor no matter how harsh the words directed at him were.

Qin Guangcheng took a sip of tea and said calmly

Once again, they engaged in idle chatter. Du Charlie and Luo Fuzhi stood up to take their leave, agreeing to return the next day to visit Ye Xuanbiao. Qin Guangcheng insisted on having them stay for a meal, but the two did not accept his invitation

Indeed, Qin Guangcheng then slowly said: "Recently, Zhong Ying is going to reorganize a regiment of the army again. My intention is to get you into the new army for the purpose of concealment. There are many sympathizers of the revolutionary party within the new army, and even if you occasionally overlook and expose your identity, there might still be a chance for rescue. I wonder what your thoughts are on this matter?"

Thank you very much, Brother Qin. Wang Hengyue said seriously, suppressing his smile

Oh? Are there really such people? Wang Hengyue was quite curious

Du Charlie had no idea that Wang Hengyue's family had absolutely no connection to overseas affairs for generations. The notion of a merchant family was merely a grandiose claim made by Qin Guangcheng.

Qin Guangcheng's mysterious demeanor piqued Wang Hengyue's curiosity, leaving him wondering what could be so worthy of secrecy. Unable to inquire further, he followed Qin Guangcheng into his bedroom.