Super Dictator

Guangxu's expression suddenly became serious, and he stared at Wei Jichen and said: "Kang Youwei, a famous scholar from Guangdong, wrote a letter proposing the strategy of 'enriching the country, gathering the people, priests, and training the army'. I deeply agree with it, and I think that training the army is the first of the four strategies. Aiqing was a famous general at that time, so he must have his own way of training the army? "

Wei Jichen knew that Guangxu was testing himself.

Immediately he said calmly: "Soldiers are a major issue for the country, the place of life and death, and the way of survival. Your Majesty wants to train a strong army with Western military methods and introduce new weapons. These are all far-sighted things. But other than that, I feel that military training is ultimately about the word "human". In the past, the Huai army in Zhongtang was also an elite force, but it became corrupted in just a few decades. This is not the fault of one person in Zhongtang. It is actually the result of unclear rewards and punishments, and promotions are based on seniority. "Sir, it's caused by laziness in training."

Guangxu listened with rapt attention, nodding slightly from time to time.

Wei Jichen continued: "To solve this problem, we must first solve the problem of generals. Most of the military talents in the old system do not know the new methods of war and are not familiar with new weapons. Generals who are promoted in the army rely solely on their personal bravery. Most of them are illiterate in literature and writing. Therefore, I feel that the establishment of a military academy is a very good thing and should be vigorously promoted throughout the country. It will not only allow military generals to study and learn new military techniques, but also continuously train subordinates. Officers. Rewards and punishments can also be compared with each other through military exercises. It is clear at a glance who is strong and who is weak, and the best can be promoted naturally. "

Guangxu was naturally a layman on military training. Wei Jichen described how to train sergeants and the practical training methods in Western countries. Guangxu listened with interest for a while.

Wei Jichen was not talking nonsense. If Guangxu listened, it would be a good thing. Just like Kang Youwei said, China is now at the point of life and death. It would also be a good thing if China could have more strong soldiers. However, Wei Jichen deliberately omitted it. One thing, that is thought control.

Looking at the officers and soldiers of the Qing Dynasty, we don't know why they fight. The soldiers are motivated by profit. This is the way to go.

Wei Jichen saw that Guangxu was listening attentively and suddenly realized from time to time. He didn't even say a word to interrupt. He had to brace himself and rack his brains to explain the army's organization again and propose the subdivision of arms. The question talked about some artillery and infantry coordinated operations.

Seeing that almost an hour had passed, Guangxu was still not tired of hearing it, so Wei Jichen had no choice but to conclude: "Your Majesty, these are some of my experiences, but they are somewhat inadequate. Fortunately, I learned that your Majesty wants to use Western-style military training. I have sent people to visit Western-style talents and pooled their efforts to compile a detailed diagram of training methods suitable for China to do my best."

Guangxu was a little unfinished, so he stood up with a smile and said: "Ai Qing is indeed a great talent. What you said made me suddenly enlightened. I not only want to train new soldiers, but also reform the administration and reform the law. What do you think, general?"

Wei Jichen hurriedly answered: "Your Majesty is so talented and strategic that he can do what all previous emperors have been unable to do. I really admire him in my heart. The rise of Japan also started with the Meiji Restoration, and the rise of Russia started with the reform of the Russian Emperor Peter the Great. If we can If you figure it out slowly, you will definitely achieve something great.”

Guangxu is now determined to prepare for reform, so Wei Jichen will naturally not touch his brow.

When Guangxu heard Wei Jichen's words, he sighed and said, "If all the ministers in the court thought like you, I wouldn't be so upset. It's a pity that some people in the court are specifically trying to oppose me and obstruct me." It's disturbing my reform, General, what do you say?"

It's up to you, the emperor, to think about what to do. It's useless to ask me.

Wei Jichen gathered his words and said, "Everyone must have something to ask for. If Your Majesty understands why they are opposed and can try to win over them, you won't have to worry about them not standing by Your Majesty's side."

Guangxu shook his head and said: "These people are stubborn and unreliable. Instead of relying on these people for my reform, it is better to seek advisors from the great powers."

Wei Jichen sighed secretly. It seemed that Guangxu was dissatisfied with the ministers in the court. He felt that they could not keep up with his pace. It was not wrong to think so. The key is that you now have no soldiers or generals. , just thinking about how to get rid of others without causing violent resistance from the courtiers, that would be strange.

Wei Jichen advised: "It is good to learn from the foreigners to gain skills to control them, and to use strong enemies as teachers. However, after all, these foreigners have evil intentions and put their own national interests first. If your Majesty wants to learn from the great powers, you can send your ministers to take postgraduate entrance examinations abroad. Wait for the ministers to After seeing the gap between China and other countries abroad, I will understand and the obstacles will not be so big."

What people fear most is the lack of self-awareness. Those stubborn and conservative ministers did not realize that the world is already changing with each passing day. If they can open their eyes, they may not be able to change their minds. Therefore, Wei Jichen suggested that Guangxu let them go on a trip at public expense. .

Guangxu thought thoughtfully and said with a smile: "Ai Qing's opinions are much milder than Kang Youwei's. Mr. Kang said that if one or two ministers who stubbornly obstruct the government are killed, reform will be possible."

Wei Jichen broke out in cold sweat. Kang Youwei was too arrogant. This would completely push Guangxu to the opposition of the ministers. Fortunately, Guangxu didn't look like a murderous person.

In fact, it is rare for a puppet emperor like Guangxu, a young man who is committed to reform and strengthening the country, to have such courage. Wei Jichen still admires him, but he admires him. After all, they are not on the same path. The interests of both the Han and Manchu peoples cannot be left to him. He will fail in the end.

Seeing that Wei Jichen did not reply, Guangxu continued: "I summoned you to the palace this time, firstly to reward you greatly, and secondly, I want to train troops, so I thought of you, a famous general of the time. After all, Song Qing, Nie Shicheng and others are already old, and Yuan Shikai does not have much experience. I value you the most."

"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. I will repay your grace with my heart and soul." Wei Jichen vowed.

"My dear, listen to the order. I want you to select 30 battalions of cavalry and infantry from the Huai Army stationed, organize them into the Dingliao Army, and train a team of elite troops for my Qing Dynasty according to the Western training method." Guangxu stood up and said solemnly.

The eunuch next to him immediately handed the imperial edict on the table to Wei Jichen.

Ding Liao Army? It seems that Guangxu still has a heart of revenge.

"I will definitely live up to the emperor's grace and take it as my responsibility to recover Liaodong. I will train day and night and train a strong army for your majesty as soon as possible to avenge the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895." Wei Jichen thanked him.

Guangxu was somewhat relieved and excited, and said: "You don't need to recover Liaodong. The Japanese have agreed to return the occupied territory under the pressure of the three countries, but they want the Qing Dynasty to pay 20 million taels of silver as ransom. The general's only job is to prevent the Japanese from invading Liaodong again." 20 million taels of silver, the Japanese are really taking advantage of others. Wei Jichen suggested: "Your Majesty, since the Japanese are under pressure from the three countries, they will definitely not dare not return the land of Liaodong. In this case, why should we pay the ransom? The Japanese have looted countless silver and wealth from Liaodong." Guangxu sighed and said helplessly: "The ministers of the central government are still discussing this matter. The Japanese have a tough attitude and the situation is stronger than people. It is difficult not to pay the ransom. Just see if we can reduce it by one or two." Wei Jichen no longer expressed his opinion on this matter. Anyway, it was temporarily entrusted to the hands of the Japanese. The big thing was settled, and he was relieved.