1850 American Gold Tycoon

The Liang family of today is no longer the same as the Liang family of the past.

Although Liang Yao's grandfather did not return to Beijing to serve as an official, anyone with a discerning eye knows that the Liang family's future is limitless.

There were two armies that the imperial court relied on most to exterminate Changmao, one was the Xiang Yong and the other was the Yue Yong.

The Liang family controls half of the Guangdong branch, or even more.

In the future, if the long-haired bandits can be pacified and rewarded based on their merits, the Liang family will definitely have a share.

Not only in Xiangshan, but also in Guangzhou, people mention this family with respect.

It has become a custom for the governors and admirals of Guangdong and Guangxi to visit Liang Mansion during the holidays. This time Liang Shaoqiong returned from the Jiangbei Camp in Yangzhou, and the governors and admirals of Guangdong and Guangxi also made a special trip to greet him.

"You kid, you stayed in that damn place called Borneo for more than half a year and didn't want to come back to see me, half of whom is about to be buried."

As soon as he saw Liang Yao, Liang Weiming stepped forward, took Liang Yao's hand and complained.

Although Liang Weiming spoke with a tone of blame, he still couldn't hide the relief and pride in his eyes.

Four or five years ago, Liang Weiming thought that the Liang family had hit rock bottom and had almost no hope of a comeback. Liang Weiming no longer had much hope for the younger generations of the Liang family.

Unexpectedly, the Liang family had such a figure as Liang Yao, which directly caused the Liang family to rebound. It was really the blessing of the ancestors.

"Bah, bah, bah, grandpa, don't talk nonsense. Grandpa's body is strong. We, the Liang family, still need you to support us." Liang Yao said, "When my grandson was in Borneo, he often looked north, but he was busy with military affairs. , I really can’t leave.”

Walking into the mansion, Liang Yao glanced at Yue Yong, who was standing guard at the door.

Although these Yue Yong were Liang Shaoqiong's personal soldiers, their clothing was very plain and simple, with a strong and clean cotton uniform, a turban wrapped around their heads, and an armed belt filled with bullets.

"Yue Yong's attire is a bit shabby."

Liang Yao walked into the house with his hands behind his back. There was only a four-cornered Eight Immortals table for four people.

Four positions, I think Liang Weiming came to discuss things with him.

After Liang Weiming sat down at the chairman's seat, Liang Yao asked Liang Shaoqiong to sit in the deputy chairman's seat opposite the old man.

Liang Shaoqiong very wisely gave up this position to Liang Yao.

Although Liang Shaoqiong has made some achievements recently and is senior to Liang Yao, in terms of contribution to the Liang family, Liang Shaoqiong still cannot compare to Liang Yao.

Liang Shaoqiong was convinced to give this position to Liang Yao without any complaints.

Furthermore, Liang Yao has made it clear that he will develop in California in the future and has no intention of returning to his hometown. Liang Shaoqiong has no need to be jealous of Liang Yao over this trivial matter.

"Guangdong Yong is not comparable to your Western Brigade. With a wealthy donor like you, how can I ask for money from the court if I dress too well?" Liang Shaoqiong said after sitting down.

After everyone was seated, Liang Weiming signaled the servants to serve the food.

"In the Qing Dynasty, which one of the financial backers behind Yue Yong was not wealthy?" Liang Yao said with a smile.

Although the military pay given by the Qing court was negligible, the main source of military pay for the Yue Yong was not the court, but the wealthy merchants and gentry of Guangzhou who were the core businessmen in Guangzhou.

There are currently five battalions of Yue Yong with more than 5,000 troops.

Unless an army of this size engages in high-intensity combat for a long period of time, with the financial resources of the wealthy merchants and gentry of Guangzhou, there is no problem in supporting an elite army of 5,000 people.

"I can't compare to you in California." Liang Weiming picked up Kuaizi, took a bite of the dish and put it in his mouth.

“Many things cannot be solved with money.”

"Guangdong Yongde's performance was so good that the court was afraid of him. Is the court starting to suppress Yue Yong?" Liang Yao said.

Liang Shaoqiong has not made any new moves in Yangzhou for more than half a year, and the number of arms purchased from him has also been decreasing recently. It is probably the rise of this Han armed force that has made the Manchu dignitaries begin to fear, fearing that the Yue Yong will not be able to lose its tail after becoming powerful.

"It's also my fault that I was eager to perform meritorious service and wanted to show off too much. I didn't listen to my father's teachings and my nephew's advice. You are right. We have to suppress this long-haired bandit, but we cannot suppress it too harshly." Liang Shaoqiong's face was filled with emotion. A look of regret.

"Since the imperial court assigned two men with yellow flags to our Yue Yong at the beginning of the year, the imperial court has not used Yue Yong very much. It only asked Yue Yong to guard the Jiangnan and Jiangbei camps to prevent Chang Mao from going north."

Speaking of the two Manchu generals who were placed among the Yue Yong, Liang Shaoqiong did not hide his dissatisfaction with the two Manchu generals.

After stabilizing the Jiangnan and Jiangbei camps and curbing the Taiping Army's northward movement, Liang Shaoqiong wanted to enter the Jiangxi battlefield to fight. However, Liang Shaoqiong's request was quickly rejected, which made Liang Shaoqiong feel very disappointed.

"The Hunan Army is also watching Taqibu." Liang Yao said.

It was also expected that the Qing government would place Eight Banners generals in Yueyong.

The Qing government was always on guard against Han armed forces.

"Taqibu has been defeated in many battles. He has been unable to win Jiujiang. I heard that he is very angry. Of course, this is just a rumor. I don't know if it is true or not. Maybe it is Changmao's trick." Liang Shaoqiong drank a small cup of rice wine, smacked her lips and said.

"The Hunan Army was held down and beaten by Chang Mao in Jiangxi. The Hunan Army was in such a state of embarrassment in Jiangxi that even Zeng Guofan almost drowned himself."

Speaking of this, Liang Shaoqiong showed a look of pity, feeling extremely sorry for Zeng Guofan's attempted suicide by drowning.

Liang Yao knew that it was true that Taqibu failed to attack Jiujiang in July and became depressed and died of illness. It was not the psychological warfare of the Taiping Army.

It's just that the current war is not good for the Hunan Army, morale is low, and news that is not good for morale such as the death of important generals must be blocked as much as possible.

From another level, Taqib's death may not be a bad thing for the Hunan Army, but it may be a good thing.

"The Hunan Army is not a weak force. It can defeat Zeng Guofan in such a miserable state. There are still some characters among the long hairs." Liang Yao said.

"There are indeed heroes among Changmao. The one who was responsible for the Western Expedition this time and fought against Zeng Guofan in Jiangxi was Changmao's pseudo-wing king Shi Dakai. At the beginning of the year, Shi Dakai was at Hukou and Jiujiang defeated the Hunan Army twice. I heard that Shi Dakai is now in Jiangxi. Xiang Pimo captured many prefectures and counties.

The only one who could put the Hunan Army into such a miserable state was this pseudo-wing king. Our Yue Yong also suffered losses at his hands. Liang Shaoqiong said.

Although they were opponents, Liang Shaoqiong still admired Shi Dakai, a young general of the Taiping Army.

"This time I asked Qiong'er to report illness and return home, which is to retreat in order to advance. At present, the Hunan Army is at a disadvantage in fighting in Jiangxi. When the court has no troops available, we will still have to rely on our Yue Yong." Liang Weiming said.

"The Hunan Army is an army mainly supported by the Hunan gentry. Zeng Disheng had a smooth career. Before taking charge of the Hunan Army, he had reached the rank of Zuo Shilang in the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

Although our Yue Yong also has the support of the gentry in Guangfu, we still rely on Cantonese businessmen to raise our main food and salaries. Naturally, the court was more willing to trust the gentry than the merchants. "

Sure enough, Jiang is still old and hot. Liang Shaoqiong may be better than the old man in leading troops, but his view of the situation in the temple is far less clear than the old man.

"Grandpa is right. Compared with the generals of the Hunan Army, our Yue Yong generals are not as upright as the generals of the Hunan Army. The imperial court has deep prejudices.

Although for the court, it would be a disaster for either the Hunan Army or the Yue Yong to be in power, but it was the lesser of two evils. There were far more people in the court who supported the Hunan Army than those who supported the Yue Yong. "Liang Yao nodded, deeply agreeing with Liang Weiming's opinion.

The main generals of the Hunan Army, such as Zeng Guofan and his brothers, Luo Bingzhang, Jiang Zhongyuan brothers, Hu Linyi, Zuo Zongtang, Peng Yulin, etc., were either orthodox landlords or officials with a formal imperial examination background.

Although Liang Shaoqiong, the general on Guangdong Yong's side, also came from a landowner-official family, Liang Shaoqiong's own meritorious service and the almost zero political experience of Guangdong Yong were obviously not enough in front of the elders of the Hunan Army. .

If Liang Shaoqiong defected to the Hunan Army, he might not be able to enter the core circle of the Hunan Army based on his resume.

As for Pan Shicheng of the Pan family, another important general of Yue Yong, he directly came from a merchant background in Guangzhou and made his fortune, although the Pan family tried their best to downplay his merchant background.

But without the efforts of two or three generations, it may be difficult for the Pan family to be truly accepted by the mainstream ruling class.

To put it bluntly, if it weren't for the fact that the imperial court had no soldiers available, a dead horse was used as a living horse doctor, and Pan Shicheng managed his relationship in the capital well, Prince Gong stood up for Guangdong Yong. Guangdong Yong didn’t even have a chance to form.

"Your nephew has a better understanding of the situation in the Qing Dynasty in California than you do. Learn from others."

Liang Weiming nodded approvingly to Liang Yao, wondering why he didn't realize there was such a piece of jade at home.

Liang Shaoqiong scratched the green stubble on his head very embarrassedly and said with a smile: "As long as I am half as capable as my third nephew, I won't be able to accomplish nothing in middle age.

Third nephew, I have one more thing to ask you. "

"They are all members of our own family. If we don't ask for anything, the fifth uncle will say it straight away. As long as it is within the nephew's ability, the nephew will definitely handle it for the fifth uncle." Liang Yao said.

"Last year, Xiangyong was able to conquer the two lakes, Jiangxi and a thousand miles away. In addition to the fact that Changmao's garrison forces in these places were insufficient and the foundation was still shallow, it all depended on the advantage of the navy.

At present, the Hunan Army is at a disadvantage in fighting in Jiangxi, and it is only a matter of time before the imperial court re-employs Yue Yong.

Once the imperial court re-employs Yue Yong, Yue Yong will have to enter Jiangxi to fight. The water network in northern Jiangxi is dense. If we don't have a satisfactory navy, we will suffer a lot in fighting Changmao. Liang Shaoqiong said.

Although the court is temporarily neglecting Yue Yong, Liang Shaoqiong has already thought about the combat issues after the court re-employs Yue Yong.

Liang Shaoqiong's own ship was a small steamer. He knew that this kind of Western steam ship was different from ordinary sailing ships. In order for sailors to be proficient in using this kind of steam warship, it would take a longer training period.

There is currently no war in Guangdong Province, and Liang Shaoqiong wants to take advantage of this period to train a navy.

Liang Shaoqiong knew that Yueyong was a completely firearms army and relied heavily on logistical ammunition supplies. If there is a strong navy to cooperate in the operation and use the water network for supply and support, it will get twice the result with half the effort and greatly improve the odds of Yue Yong's victory.

Liang Shaoqiong took a long-term view, and his performance was slightly higher than Liang Yao's expectations for him.

Liang Yao thought for a moment and then said: "There are no big ships, and I don't even have enough for myself, but there are as many loach ships as I need."

At present, Liang Yao's San Francisco Shipyard's annual output of warships over 1,000 tons, to put it bluntly, the Bold-class steam cruiser, is two and a half.

This little production capacity is not enough for him, so it is impossible to sell it to Guangdong Yong.

However, the loach boat is the maiden product of the San Francisco Shipyard. Its production technology is very mature and its production capacity is sufficient. Liang Yao can still give some to Yue Yong.

"The loach boat is enough." Liang Shaoqiong was very satisfied with Liang Yao's answer.

The loach boat was a small boat for the well-informed Liang Yao, but in the Qing Dynasty, especially in the Yangtze River Basin, it was a big boat.

Moreover, the loach boat is fast and flexible, and can move forward and retreat freely without relying on the wind, making it very suitable for inland river warfare.

"Fifth uncle, don't blame me for not reminding you. The navy master is no better than the land master. This thing is a gold-swallowing giant beast." Liang Yao reminded.

Liang Shaoqiong wants to train as a navy master, and Liang Yao is very supportive.

As long as Yueyong's navy can train well, it will be able to provide him with certain help in the Nanyang region in the future.

"I will coordinate this matter with the Cantonese businessmen." Liang Shaoqiong said excitedly, rubbing his hands.

"That's fine, but what are you going to say to the court?" Liang Yao continued to ask.

"Haha, the imperial court wants to invite me to join the army this time. If they don't provide three or five battalions, I will stay in Xiangshan." Liang Shaoqiong laughed.

"Qiong'er, be careful with your words. This is the same family here, so it's okay to be a little indulgent. If you say these things outside, won't you give others an excuse?" Liang Weiming said seriously, and then changed the subject.

"The official business is almost finished, it's time to talk about your personal affairs. I also want to hold my great-grandson as soon as possible."

"Private matter? My nephew is engaged?" Liang Shaoqiong's eyes lit up and he said to Liang Yao.

"You are twenty-five this year, and it is time to get married."

"Your grandpa knows nothing about the United States, and you happen to be here today. Tell me today what is going on with Mr. Fan, and is he a good match for us?" Liang Weiming asked very seriously.

Liang Yao knew that at his level, it was impossible to just have a particularly pure love without exchange of interests. A good match is indeed important to both parties.

"Mr. Fan is one of the richest men in the United States, and he must be the right match for his grandson." Liang Yao said, "Grandpa, I forgive my grandson for being unfilial and agreeing to this marriage without asking for your permission."

"You are eager to obey power. America and the Qing Dynasty are thousands of miles apart. Your grandfather and I are not pedantic people. You have your own reasons for agreeing to this marriage." Liang Weiming also expressed his understanding of Liang Yao's behavior.

Liang Yao wrote a letter immediately after confirming the engagement to tell him that he already valued him as his grandfather.

"Do you have any photos?" Liang Weiming asked.

"Ah? Do you still know about photos?" Liang Yao was a little surprised.

"My grandson has lived in a Western country for a long time. Is it surprising that I know some of the rare things of Westerners?" Liang Weiming stroked his beard and smiled, and then asked someone to bring in a few daguerreotypes.

These photos include photos of the old man himself, photos of his family, and photos of Liang Weiming and local squires and magistrates.

Liang Yao looked at these photos. In the photos, Liang Weiming was facing the end calmly and confidently, and his behavior revealed some dignity.

He didn't expect that the old man could accept new things from the outside world so calmly even at his old age.

"My grandpa must have been handsome and talented when he was young." Liang Yao admired as he looked at the photo.

"Nonsense. When I was young, your grandpa was a well-known handsome young man from all over the country. When grandpa was a scholar, everyone who proposed marriage would level the threshold of our Liang family." Liang Weiming couldn't help but puff up his chest, "Stop talking nonsense. Did you bring back a photo of my grandson-in-law?"

"Carnegie, get Miss Yin Lisabai's photo." Liang Yao said to Carnegie.

Carnegie opened the briefcase and took out two picture frames with daguerreotypes embedded in them.

One is a full-body photo of Lisa Bai Yin, and the other is a photo of the two of them at the Crystal Palace in New York.

Liang Yao has many photos of Yin Lisabei, but these two photos are the ones that Liang Yao is most satisfied with, so Liang Yao only carries these two photos with him.

After Carnegie placed the photo, Liang Yao took out his pocket watch from his coat pocket. He opened the pocket watch, revealing the portrait inside, and placed it gently on the table.