Respectfully

In the fourth year of the Republic of China, on July 1912, 7 in the Gregorian calendar, representatives of the northern and southern Chinese governments held peace talks in Beijing.The presidents of the two countries and the governors-general of the provinces attended the peace talks at the same time, and the ministers of Britain, France, Germany and other countries in China participated in the peace talks in the name of observing.

The Japanese envoy Yijuin also wanted to get involved, but was blocked by China and the envoys of other countries.The treaty proposed by Japan to the southern China government not only violated the interests of China, but also successfully aroused the dissatisfaction of Britain, France and other countries.China is a big cake, and currently the largest piece is occupied by the United Kingdom. Great Britain will not allow a second-rate country to challenge its authority.Even though Japan defeated the Qing Dynasty and Russia successively, in the eyes of the world's top powers, it is still no different from a monkey in human clothes.Now this monkey wants to dig a piece of cake from their hands?

Even Sir Zhu Erdian said: "The ambition of the Japanese has swelled enough to kill them."

Japan needs to learn a lesson, even if Japan is an ally of Britain.

Yijiyuan was blocked outside the council hall, he didn't leave immediately, but sat in the carriage and looked at the gate of the council hall with gloomy eyes.

At ten o'clock in the morning, representatives from the North and the South attended, and the negotiations officially began.The representatives of the two sides put forward their own views, mainly focusing on the name of the country, the state structure, the composition of the central and local governments, and the division of local regions.As for the presidential candidate after the establishment of the coalition government, it will be discussed after all these issues are confirmed and resolved.

From the very beginning, the two sides reached an agreement on the name and system of the country, the Republic of China, a democratic republic, and no one raised any objections.The emperor has been overthrown, and even if there are still old and young with braids hanging down their heads, no one will think about restoration except Shanqi and Tie Liang, who are hardcore Manchu Tatars.

The composition of the central and local governments, as well as government powers and other issues are the focus of the peace talks.Even the ministers of several countries paid extra attention to this. When it comes to national taxation, such as tariffs and other issues, they will "temporarily forget" that they are here to observe and insert a few words from time to time.

"Our country's affairs, but foreigners are required to get involved..."

Lou Shengfeng was wearing a handsome uniform, and his hat was placed on the long table in front of him. Next to him was Song Qining, the governor of Hubei, and on the other side was Tang Guangren from Guangxi.

"The country is poor and weak, so what?" Song Qining sighed, "Speaking of which, Changfeng has done a few incredible things in Shandong, do you know all of them?"

"Don't you know?" Lou Shengfeng cast a glance at Tang Guangren who was sitting beside him and kept looking at his luck, "Did you see? His eyes are almost popping out."

Song Qining laughed secretly, "It's not his fault to be angry. Changfeng swallowed the two divisions of the Gui Army and the Guangdong Army whole. No one can swallow this breath. Xue Dingzhou was ill and didn't come. If he came, I'm afraid I'd have to fight with you." guy."

"That's not true." Lou Shengfeng said, "Pang Tianyi and Tang Yuhuang brought their brothers and defected here. My son didn't do anything."

"You can't fool me with your words." Song Qining smiled and shook his head, "If my son is half as good as Changfeng, I will be content."

"You can pull it down." Lou Shengfeng gave Song Qining a white look, "Who doesn't know that your kid can write poetry at the age of three, and read the Art of War with his grandson at the age of ten? I heard that he will be sent to Germany at the end of the year?"

"Well, that's what I planned..."

Lou Shengfeng and Song Qining's voices were very low, but the two commanders gathered together and whispered together, which still attracted the attention of others.In fact, there are not a few people in the room who are the same as the two. Although the negotiators from the North and the South are fighting vigorously at the negotiating table, and their mouths are flying, and they almost roll up their arms and sleeves to perform a martial arts show, these commanders seem to stay out of it Same.

Those who lead soldiers all have a belief that it doesn't matter if they win or lose on the lips. As long as they have guns and soldiers in their hands, who else can take the territory they occupy?

Of course, Han Anshan in Shandong has guns and soldiers and lost his territory. It can only be regarded as his unlucky luck. Who told him to run to Qingdao without starting the fight?As for what he said about being robbed in sacks, everyone at the scene unanimously ignored it.Excluding those with the surname Han, they have an excuse to carve up Shandong. Otherwise, what's the matter if they didn't get any money after a fight?

The development of the matter was just as Mr. Sima had expected. Even though the local emperors had telegraphed in favor of forming a coalition government, they each had their own calculations and did not intend to take the central government seriously.

Even if the coalition government is established, I am afraid it is just a stamp and an eraser.

Sima Jun picked up the teacup and gestured to Song Zhou from across the table. Song Zhou smiled. The two of them didn't seem to notice the fierce quarrel between the negotiators and the contemptuous attitude of the governors of each province.

Song Zhou knew what Sima Jun was thinking, but he was not Zheng Huai'en who had been emptied out. Once the coalition government was established, what he wanted to fight for was the top position. No matter whether he had real power or not, he would always occupy the righteousness.

Why did Cao Cao blackmail the emperor to order the princes?Just because he holds the righteousness, he issued an edict against rebellion, so he can hit whoever he wants?

Dare to resist?Then you are a traitor!Even the uncle who weaves straw sandals is the same!

The first day of the peace talks meeting went on until the evening, and some "important issues" were not discussed at all. The governors and commanders of the provinces walked out of the council hall one after another, and did not leave immediately. They stood together in twos and threes and talked. At that time, it was clear at a glance who had a close relationship with whom, who did not deal with whom, who was in power, who was sitting on the fence, and who was playing soy sauce everywhere.Lou Shengfeng had the most people standing beside him, even British Minister Zhu Erdian and German Minister Hackshausen came to join in the fun.

Song Zhou and Sima Jun happened to see this scene, and their eyes were a little complicated.

Lou Shengfeng also saw Sima Jun and Song Zhou, and cupped his hands in the direction of the two of them, laughing, he always looked like a reckless man, and everyone present knew that if he was a reckless man, there might not be a smart person in the world up.

On July 7, the fourth year of the Republic of China, the second day of the North-South Peace Talks, a train from Shandong to Hebei stopped at Tianjin Station. Brother Bing got out of the car.

"Young commander, you've arrived in Tianjin."

Adjutant Ji opened the car door, and Marshal Lou appeared in front of the assembled soldiers.

The captain of the guard on the platform immediately stepped forward to salute, and Marshal Lou returned the salute.At this time, another train came into the station, and the people who got off were also wearing the military uniforms of the six northern provinces, but judging from their size and appearance, they were all southerners.

Tang Yuhuang and Pang Tianyi walked out of the carriage and saluted Young Marshal Lou respectively. The captain of the guard at the station didn't know the identities of the two of them. He only saw the one with the rank of lieutenant general and saluted a major general first, which felt strange.

The soldiers on the platform assembled one after another. After a short rest, they will transfer to the Beijing-Harbin line and enter the six northern provinces.

A few days ago, the governors-general of various provinces and negotiators from the north and the south arrived in the capital one after another. Many of them arrived in Tianjin by car and then transferred to the capital.But the ones I saw before were all in their 50s and [-]s. Today, a young one suddenly came, which is really eye-catching.

"Young Madam, let's go, Fifth Young Master is waiting in front."

Outside the crowd, a woman in her twenties who was wearing a western dress was stopping to watch. When she saw Marshal Lou, who was wearing a major general's uniform, her eyes were bright and her face was a little red.Her reaction was not abrupt. On the platform, when any young woman saw Marshal Lou in military uniform, she couldn't help but want to take a few more glances.Several young female students recognized Young Marshal Lou as the young general who had won the battle in Manchuria reported in the newspaper before, and chattered about it. Two handsome men boldly stepped forward and wanted to say a few words. But he was stopped by the station guard and Bingge at the same time.But they still didn't give up and were still talking about something.

Seeing the scene in front of her, the woman's face turned cold.After a while, seeing that those female students were still blocked, and Lou Xiao had gone far, she turned and left.

When Young Master Xing Wu saw Li Jinqin's master and servant following up with him, he sneered, "Why, Madam was stumped by something?"

The woman in the western dress was Li Jinqin who followed Li Jincheng to leave Li's house and returned to Xing's house not long ago.Hearing Fifth Young Master Xing's words full of sarcasm, Li Jinqin unexpectedly did not lose his temper, and a smile of unknown meaning appeared on his face, "Does Fifth Young Master think so?"

"Hmph!" Fifth Young Master Xing snorted coldly, and glanced at the girl who was following Li Jinqin, that girl immediately lowered her head, her hand supporting Li Jinqin was shaking unbearably.

Fifth Young Master Xing went to Tianjin to inspect his property this time, and Mrs. Xing's wife ordered him to bring Li Jinqin.After Li Jinqin returned to the Xing family, the Xing family treated her better than before as if they didn't know that she ran away from home before. The servants and maids she brought from home also sent back one after another. Zhang Ma has never heard from her. Li Jinqin asked twice and was vaguely brought. She vaguely guessed that Mama Zhang might not be here anymore.

Just like Lamei who left with them from the Li family, no, it should be called Meier, who disappeared without a trace within a few days after arriving in the capital.Li Jinqin didn't care whether she was dead or what, she just thought that she was not the only fool in this world.

When Young Master Xing Wu and Li Jinqin boarded the carriage, the siren sounded again in the station, Li Jinqin couldn't help but glance back in that direction, and bit his lip hard.

Northern Six Provinces, Guanbei City

Marshal Lou went to the capital, Mrs. Lou was not feeling well, all the affairs of the Lou family fell on Li Jinyan's shoulders.Busy on both sides of the house and outside, within a few days, Li Jinyan lost a lot of weight.Mrs. Lou saw her heartache, and sent someone to bring the second wife to the house. The two wives gathered together to discuss and gave Li Jinyan a tonic.What ginseng soup, chicken soup, Feilong soup, Li Jinyan was so angry that he couldn't sleep at night.He said several times that he was in good health and didn't need tonic, but Mrs. Lou and the second lady blocked him back. He poured a bowl of soup every day, and Li Sanshao had a psychological shadow on the girl holding the soup bowl.

"Master Yan, the second butler is asking to see you."

Li Jinyan was burying his head in looking at the account book. He raised his head when he heard the girl's voice, and his eyes slipped around in front of her. Don't get me wrong, Li Sanshao definitely didn't have any extravagant thoughts, he just reflexively went to see if the girl was there. Holding the soup bowl, he was already afraid of drinking the soup.

The girl obviously knew what Li Jinyan was looking at, so she chuckled lightly, "Don't worry, Young Master Yan, Madam didn't ask the kitchen to cook soup for you today."

"Oh, let me let it go... what are you talking about! Mother is kind, I would not be so generous." Li Jinyan said with a straight face on purpose, "Let the second housekeeper come in."

"Yes." Li Jinyan is not afraid of girls with a straight face. After serving Young Master Yan for so long, the girls have already figured out Young Master Yan's temperament. As long as you work hard, don't have any bad thoughts. Punish people with a good temper.

"Master Yan." Since Mrs. Lou warned her and Li Jinyan "cleaned up", the second housekeeper was completely honest, "This is the arrangement on your birthday, please read it over."

Since Mrs. Lou said she wanted to give Li Jinyan a good birthday, the people below must not be sloppy, and the second housekeeper wanted to take the opportunity to show off and put in a lot of effort to arrange it.Li Jinyan took the list from the second housekeeper, and couldn't help but click his tongue when he saw the various expenses on it. Corruption is really too corrupt.That's enough to last a family of five for several years.

Sure enough, it is not unreasonable for the warlord to be defeated?As a target to be knocked down by progressives, Li Sanshao expressed the pressure.

"Second steward, I think I can save some of these expenses." Although Li Jinyan can make money, he is unwilling to waste it in unnecessary places. It's just a birthday. Does it need such a fuss?

"Master Yan, this is impossible." The butler shook his head, "Is there anyone who doesn't invite a troupe for birthdays?"

"Please, please." Li Jinyan stared, "Mother can't hear the noise now, and I don't like it. I really want to listen to the play and go to the theater, isn't it the same? Besides, the commander-in-chief has gone to the capital, and the young commander-in-chief has not come back. Most of the people in the house are female relatives, and there are many people from home and abroad. If something goes wrong, who will be responsible? No please! There are also banquets in Huifeng Building, and dim sum in Hefeng Building. What do you spend that money on? Your own kitchen is used as decoration ?"

The second butler shrank his neck, and what Young Master Yan said was indeed reasonable, but didn't ordinary big families in Guanbei City celebrate their birthdays like this?

When Li Jinyan was looking through the guest list for the banquet, the girl suddenly ran in with a happy face and reported, "Master Yan, the young master is back!"

Li Jinyan stood up abruptly, "Who do you think is back?"

"Young commander!" the girl said: "The team just entered the city, and the common people in the city ran to the street to watch."

Li Jinyan stood there for a while without responding, the girl and the second housekeeper looked strange, why did Young Master Yan not say a word, he was so happy that he was speechless?

Mrs. Lou also got the news that Young Marshal Lou was back, she smiled and said to the second lady, "It's all right now, Xiao'er is back, Yan'er doesn't have to be so tired."

The second lady smiled and said, "This is Madam who loves him, what should he do?"

"That is to say, it is a child after all."

The two were talking, the girl came to report that the young marshal was almost at the door, Mrs. Lou wanted to get up to meet him, the second lady and the girl tried to persuade him a few times, but they didn't stop.

"I know my body, it's fine. Xiao'er has been gone for more than a month, and I'm worried about it."

The mother was worried about the son traveling thousands of miles, and besides going to war again, the second lady understood Mrs. Lou's mood, and asked the girl to help Mrs. Lou out of the room.

Li Jinyan had to go to the gate to pick up people no matter how tangled he was. After standing for a while, he suddenly remembered something. He turned to the girl and said, "Go and tell the kitchen, use chicken soup to make a pot of noodles, and put a few more poached eggs. Remember to use The cauldron should be enough for at least 20 people."

"Hey!"

The north is very particular about going out to eat dumplings, before these things were arranged by Mrs. Lou, but now Li Jinyan is in charge of the family affairs, almost forgotten by him.To make noodles for Young Marshal Lou, one bowl is definitely not enough, so it's all about the pot.In addition to the guards who came back with him, a cauldron must be used.

Mrs. Lou came out just at this moment, and immediately added after hearing Li Jinyan's words, "20 people is not enough, the boys who follow Xiao'er each have a big appetite, and two pots are enough for at least [-] people You have to eat it."

Li Jinyan: "..."

While the two were talking, Marshal Lou's cavalry had already arrived.Having not seen him for more than a month, Li Jinyan only felt that Lou Xiao's aura was more fierce. If the previous Young Marshal Lou was a sword drawn out of its sheath, now this sword has already been cut and stained with blood.

The cavalry approached, and after a dozen steps away, Young Marshal Lou jumped off his horse, and the soldiers behind him also dismounted one after another, among them were some unfamiliar faces. Before Li Jinyan could take a closer look, Master Lou Shuai had already strode up to him, first said hello to Mrs. Lou, then lifted his chin with one hand, stared at him for a while, and suddenly said, "I lost weight."

"what?"

Li Jinyan blinked, Young Marshal Lou had let go of his chin, grabbed his wrist, "Let's go."

Even through the gloves and sleeves, Li Jinyan could still feel the temperature in the palm of that big hand, which was a bit scalding.