1905: Beer Hall Speaker

Page 28

Zhao Yan laughed and said, "This is a compromise. When I was born, my family was still the ruler of the Japanese shogunate. But why was I sent to China to do such a thing? This is the price that the Tokugawa family had to pay after the collapse of the shogunate. I can't go into details, but you can go back to Japan and ask them yourself!"

Nine-tenths of Meikawa Jiro's doubts dissipated, and he dared not ask any further questions. It involved matters between the Tokugawa Shogunate and the Imperial Family. How could a nobody like him dare to ask? If you called back to your home country to inquire today, you would be ordered to return to your country to report for duty tomorrow, and then fall into the sea and die on the way. Even a general would probably avoid such a thing!

Umekawa Jiro asked his last remaining question: "But why did you want to see me at this time, Tokugawa-kun? It's too dangerous!"

Zhao Yan suddenly said seriously, "I hate those idiots in the navy! That's why I came into contact with you, who comes from the army. Now I need your help with something!"

Suddenly everything became clear. Mei Chuan Jiro had no more doubts. So he just disliked the Navy idiots! They were definitely on his side!

Umekawa Jiro bowed and said, "Please give the order, Tokugawa-kun, and I, Umekawa Jiro, will do everything in my power! Even if it costs me my life, I will not hesitate!"

Zhao Yan waved his hand and said, "There's no need for that. The mission is simple: hold back the despicable Russians (Tsarist Russia). The Empire will not allow the Russians to reap the rewards at the last moment of this mission!"

"Please, Mr. Meichuan, do everything in your power to prevent the Russians from interfering with my plans in all future diplomatic affairs. After all, the greed of the Russians is well known, and Asia must belong to the Empire!"

Umekawa Jiro stood up: "Hai!"

"Tokugawa-kun, is there anything else I can help you with? Please do not hesitate to ask; it would be my pleasure!"

Zhao Yan thought to himself, "This is what you asked for yourself, ah, I didn't lie to you, don't blame me!"

Zhao Yan said, "If possible, please send me five thousand rifles and five hundred thousand rounds of ammunition. After all, I am not confident that I can defeat the Beiyang Army."

Without a second thought, Umekawa Jiro nodded immediately: "This is too little, Tokugawa-kun. I admire your character. If you feel it would put me in a difficult position, please do not do so!"

“You are a true warrior who works incognito for the empire; I have only done some insignificant things.”

Zhao Yan feigned a worried expression: "But I'm asking for too much. What will you do, Mei Chuan-kun? After all, this mission is the Empire's top secret. If those despicable naval idiots find a handle on you, you'll be in great danger. Moving too many resources without permission will harm you, Mei Chuan-kun!"

You're a friend I trust, I can't let you down!

Seeing the sincerity on Zhao Yan's face, the deep brotherhood and loyalty he felt completely moved Mei Chuan Jiro: "Tokugawa-kun, you are a warrior, and as a warrior's friend, I, Mei Chuan Jiro, can never be a coward!"

I currently have the equipment and funds I can muster, totaling 35,000 rifles and 12 million rounds of ammunition, plus 5 million yen in the bank. I will transfer all of this to you; please be sure to accept it!

"Please!" Mei Chuan Jiro knelt down heavily, his hands on the ground, his forehead pressed against the back of his hands, finally managing to kneel in the most standard posture.

Zhao Yan smiled with satisfaction, using all his strength to prevent himself from laughing out loud.

"Absolutely not, Mei Chuan-kun! A warrior like you shouldn't be framed by those naval idiots. After all, my mission is too special. If those naval idiots find out, they will definitely interfere, or even sabotage it!" Zhao Yan continued to reinforce the plan.

Upon hearing this, Mei Chuan Jiro gritted his teeth. Those navy people were more than capable of interfering and causing trouble; they were probably even shameless enough to steal credit.

Umekawa Jiro gritted his teeth and said, "These equipment and funds were originally intended for appeasement. My use of them was in accordance with procedure. If the higher-ups investigate further, I will commit seppuku to keep this a secret. Please rest assured, Tokugawa-kun!"

Wow, good heavens! They even went so far as to commit seppuku. Zhao Yan felt a little embarrassed after hearing this: "How about I write an IOU in the name of the Revolutionary Army?"

Umekawa Jiro shook his head vigorously: "No need, Tokugawa-kun, please don't take any risks!"

"We've been meeting for too long, and this puts you at risk. I must take my leave. The equipment and money will be sent to Wuhan soon. Please accept them!"

Zhao Yan's eyes filled with tears. This time it wasn't an act, but a genuine feeling. He had never encountered such an easy target before. No one was as close to Mei Chuan as his own parents!

"Umekawa-kun, take care!"

"Tokugawa-kun, you are one too!"

Chapter 50 The Virtue of Nonsense

"Hahaha"

After walking out the door and getting some distance away, Zhao Yan finally laughed. It was a hearty laugh that seemed to reach the sky. The guards behind him couldn't understand it. Had the head of state gone in alone to sleep with a Japanese girl? Why was he laughing so unrestrainedly after coming out?

"No, I need to stay calm and collected. It's just basic stuff! Don't be silly!"

Zhao Yan wiped his hand away, his expression returning to one of deep resentment, and continued toward his next target.

When Mr. Frank, the U.S. Far East Consul, met Zhao Yan, he was quite surprised because the man was very unkempt, with disheveled clothes and even some dirt on his face.

"Commander, what's wrong? Why did you come here so late at night?" Frank asked, full of questions.

After entering the room, Zhao Yan looked up and said indignantly, "Of course it's for freedom and human rights!"

Frank: "Huh????"

"Ah, sorry, I misspoke!" Zhao Yan almost forgot that this wasn't even after World War II. He quickly regained his composure and corrected himself, "It's for free trade and free markets!"

Frank: "Ugh!!!!"

Zhao Yan continued, "Those evil feudal dictatorships are really impossible to deal with. It's much better for our republics to have more in common."

"To be honest, I'm half American too! I was born in San Francisco, grew up in a capitalist society, and am a democratic fighter who grew up under the Stars and Stripes!"

"Those evil monarchical dictatorships are so discriminatory and oppressive towards us, these newly emerging democracies, that I feel like I can hardly breathe!"

"I miss the sweet air, the smell of democracy, and the breath of freedom in America every moment!"

Frank blushed. Was America really that great? Why didn't he know?

Frank reassured him, "Commander, I completely agree with you. Americans have always valued freedom and democracy, and we insist on equality."

Zhao Yan feigned surprise and said, "Does that mean the United States is willing to help us defeat the evil Qing Dynasty dictatorship? To be honest, the Qing Dynasty has weapons of mass destruction, which is too dangerous. The US military must send troops to help us!"

Frank was bewildered: "Sorry, I don't understand what you mean. Whether the Qing Empire's army had weapons of mass destruction or whether the US military participated in the Far East war is unrelated."

The Americans have no intention of participating in your war, but they appreciate your pursuit of freedom and democracy.

Undeterred, Zhao Yan continued, "What if China had oil? Would the US military be willing to send troops?"

Frank was a little confused: "Oil? The United States has it too, and plenty of it. It's not fetching a good price now. This resource is already in surplus. If you're willing to develop it, we can sell you the technology and equipment."

Zhao Yan felt a bit tricky. These Americans had no faith, only pursuing profits. It seemed he had no choice but to use his trump card: "What if it were a free market and free trade composed of 400 million Chinese people?"

Frank nodded emphatically: "This is negotiable, but the United States will not send troops, and you must explain the specific measures."

Zhao Yan continued, "If the United States is willing to support and help the Provisional Government of the Republic of China defeat the Qing Dynasty, after we take power in China, we will sign a bilateral most-favored-nation agreement with the United States and fully open our markets to each other."

Just think about it, 400 million people! Even if each person only buys one pair of shoes and one pair of socks, that's still 400 million pairs!

Frank nodded, then asked with some skepticism, "So what exactly does the United States need to give up?"

Zhao Yan nodded and said, "Giving up special interests in China and supporting us in expelling the foreign powers when necessary—these things don't need to be done immediately. After our country opens its market and you see the actual results, you can make your own choice!"

Frank pondered, “That’s a very good suggestion. In fact, the United States isn’t very interested in special interests or concessions in China. After all, the Philippine colony alone is enough of a headache for us.”

I personally agree with your proposal to open markets and grant each other most-favored-nation status. Washington has now proposed that your Boxer Indemnity be converted into a student scholarship fund, allowing you to send more students to the United States for study and exchange.

The subtle tactics have emerged: cultural export and Western-worshipping colonization! But Zhao Yan doesn't care. What's the point of all this?

Zhao Yan nodded emphatically: "No problem, I will send a professional team to the United States to conduct specific consultations and negotiations with you. But right now, can your country provide some kind of help during this blizzard?"

Frank considered for a moment, then said, "How about a special loan of five million dollars? But it must be deposited in Citibank, and it can only be used to purchase American goods!"

"You stingy bastard! Drinking cold water!" Zhao Yan muttered.

Frank said, "What did you say? I didn't hear you!"

Zhao Yan laughed and said, "I said no problem, thank you so much to my generous American friend!"

After China's reunification following the war, the need for industrialization was unavoidable, and the United States was an unavoidable factor. Market opening and most-favored-nation status would have a significant impact on China's agriculture and light industry. As for the impact on China's heavy industry, well, sorry, China has virtually no heavy industry now!

Between two evils, choose the lesser. Grab the benefits first, and worry about the side effects later. Survival is the priority. Only after you've survived can you consider the dangers of dumping after the market is opened.

It's hard to fool Americans, so Zhao Yan might as well resort to a quid pro quo arrangement, since these Americans only care about interests, especially trade interests.

Zhao Yan decided to stop pretending to be pitiful and adopted the demeanor and style of a head of state, seriously beginning to negotiate with Frank.

The two engaged in detailed discussions on various areas including markets, trade, industry, investment, and agriculture, noting that China has an enormous need for American goods, industrial products, equipment, and technology.

Zhao Yan simply unleashed his ultimate move: market in exchange for technology. China opened its vast market in exchange for American aid for industrial construction in postwar China.

After talking until the early hours of the morning, Zhao Yan and Frank reached a preliminary agreement on cooperation. The specific details of the cooperation still need to be discussed when both sides send formal delegations.

After leaving the Americans, Zhao Yan hurried to the Germans' lodging.

Before Zhao Yan could even unleash his power, the German representative, Schulz, poured him a cup of coffee: "Commander, please stop your performance. Germans are pragmatic and meticulous. We don't like to hear what you say; we want to see what you do."

Zhao Yan was stunned: "Where did you get this coffee?"

Schulz laughed and said, "The power of industry makes it easy for Germany to manufacture a sophisticated and portable coffee machine!"

Zhao Yan put away his miserable expression, picked up his coffee and smiled: "We need German industrial technology and equipment, everything you're willing to give us, we need it!"

After all, we've been old friends, and China recognizes and trusts the industrial strength of all countries.

Schulz said proudly, "Of course, German manufacturing is a symbol of quality, but what can you offer in return?"

Zhao Yan still couldn't bring out China's most valuable asset: a market, a sufficiently large market!

China is not yet the fragmented Republic of China, nor is it a poor and backward new China. At this stage, China can barely be considered the world's third-largest market in terms of GDP, with both consumption power and market quality.

The current situation facing the Germans is that there is not enough market to match their huge industrial capacity, because the world has already been divided up, and countries such as Britain and France occupy the world's major colonies, giving them enough markets to dump their domestic production capacity.

Germans can only look up at the blue sky, but there's no market there! Germany is like a starving strong man, while Britain and France are like obese millionaires.

Industrialization is a one-way street; you can only move forward and cannot stop. If you stop, you will exhaust yourself. If you continue, you must pick up a cleaver and cut into pieces to seize the market from others.

Did you really think that World War I was started by Kaiser Wilhelm II's stubbornness and willful arbitrariness? It was only because he was forced into a corner and had no other choice but to rush out and wait for his own death.

Wilhelm II's mistake was in diplomacy, but he was right to start World War I. This was because it was not just Wilhelm II's will, but the embodiment of the entire German industrial system's pursuit and desire for the market, which turned into war.

There was no World Trade Organization back then; everyone traded within their own circles. Britain and France had their own colonial trade networks, which the Americans were envious of.

The Germans had certainly coveted it for a long time, but faced with a colonial system that had been operating for a century and was as solid as an ironclad fortress, could you really just shout about fairness and freedom and expect others to let your goods in? It's obviously impossible!

The last remaining market in the world, which is also the largest and has the greatest potential, is China in the Far East. No one can monopolize it or completely conquer it.

The British can only dominate and get the biggest slice of the cake; if they try to eat it all by themselves, the others will flip the table and refuse to play.

Getting back to the main point, German representative Schulz was very interested in Zhao Yan's proposal of market access in exchange for aid, as well as technology and equipment. The Germans even prefer free trade to the Americans!

Because at least the United States has the Americas as its backyard, while Germany has nothing. As for its African colonies, forget about it. Expecting those black uncles there to absorb Germany's industrial capacity is something you might not be able to say for sure until the next century.

Zhao Yan also proposed additional military assistance, but not free weapons and equipment; rather, a training system. Zhao Yan invited the Germans to send an instructor team to China to establish a super-large, comprehensive military academy encompassing both land and sea.

Zhao Yan can accept foreign students in other fields, even those who are "bananas" (people with Western characteristics but Chinese ancestry), but in the military field, which involves weapons, he absolutely cannot accept "bananas" serving in the military.

China's industrial technology has little to reveal, but if there are leaks or betrayals in the military and defense fields, the losses would be unbearable.

The Germans agreed with Zhao Yan's view and reached a preliminary agreement. Further negotiations would have to wait until Zhao Yan defeated the Qing Dynasty. Only after Zhao Yan had seized power would he be qualified to negotiate with Germany. Otherwise, he would only be a local government and would not be qualified to engage in equal relations with Germany.

Chapter 51 Speeding Up the Progress

The next day, the revolutionary army generals were somewhat bewildered. Why had the delegations of the great powers suddenly become so agitated overnight?

Yesterday they were all united and determined to force the government to resign, but today, at daybreak, these representatives completely broke off relations and started fighting amongst themselves.

When the British and French representatives met, they would hold up crosses and spit at each other, each calling the other a heretic. The British mocked Napoleon and boasted about Waterloo, while the French cursed the British for being of bandit origin, impure blood, and not even Europeans.

The Japanese representative kept speculating that the Russians harbored ulterior motives and expressed their willingness to support the revolutionary army in restoring China and uniting East Asia to resist the evil Tsarist Russian Empire.

The United States and Germany, on the other hand, are simply watching from the sidelines, indicating that they will not participate in this matter, will remain neutral, and will not interfere.

The other small and medium-sized countries also joined the fight with the leader, and the revolutionary soldiers could only try to mediate.

When Zhao Yan passed by, the representatives from various countries stopped arguing. With just a glance from Zhao Yan, several representatives immediately showed knowing expressions. After Zhao Yan left, the arguing became even more intense.

Upon returning to headquarters, Zhao Yan's first order was to speed up the progress. They could no longer wait for the Beiyang Army to slowly advance south. The Northern Expeditionary Army had to accelerate its pace while ensuring the safety of its rear.

The generals were puzzled. Yesterday they were all seeking stability and employing "pig tactics," so why did they change their minds today?

But Zhao Yan didn't explain; he just told everyone to follow orders.

Only Zhao Yan himself knew that at most six months, or even as little as a month or two, his lie would be exposed.

What happened yesterday was just a simple tightrope dance, and a ballet at that. It might fool you for a while, but it's impossible to fool you forever.

This was only because of the urgency of the situation; in order to preserve the leader's prestige and the reputation of the Revival Party, Zhao Yan had no choice but to resort to this underhanded tactic. However, such underhanded tactics can only be used once and cannot last long.

The great powers weren't fools; they quickly realized what was happening. Their representatives might be easy to fool, but the national governments behind them were impossible to fool.

In just a month or two, the great powers will sense something is amiss and immediately understand the truth. They won't even need to investigate; they'll know just by looking at the results.

Zhao Yan, who has deceived several powerful nations at once, will soon face their wrath. This is not just a simple economic fraud, but a full-blown political and diplomatic deception!

Zhao Yan needs to take advantage of this honeymoon period to deal with the Beiyang Army quickly, otherwise the foreign powers will retaliate as soon as they realize what's going on. They certainly won't sue you for this kind of thing, and no one will talk to you about evidence. No matter how good you are at sophistry, the foreign powers won't listen to you. They will only take action against you!

On February 18, the revolutionary army approached Zhengzhou and began to engage in combat with Duan Qirui's Third Division of the Beiyang Army stationed there.

The revolutionary army, having fought its way from Changsha, finally encountered the enemy and began a real battle.

As the absolute ace vanguard, the First Division of the Revolutionary Army immediately unleashed its fierce and unstoppable momentum at the start of the battle, with the frontline officers and soldiers charging forward with their lives on the line.

The two sides engaged in a field battle outside Zhengzhou. At first, the Third Division of the Beiyang Army fought quite methodically and even surrounded the Second Brigade of the Revolutionary Army. However, after the First Division arrived, it immediately began to launch repeated mass attacks.

The Third Division of the Beiyang Army clearly still had spare strength, but it took the initiative to retreat, giving up Zhengzhou City and withdrawing directly north.

The first battle between the two sides ended rather abruptly, leaving Zhao Yan somewhat bewildered. However, the message relayed by Qiu Xingxun, the head of the intelligence department, made everything clear to him.