Chen Tianhua expected that Li Cunzhi would definitely ask Li Xinghong for a private interview. In order to let Li Xinghong put aside his thoughts and not be taken advantage of, he took the initiative to agree.

"Actually, my uncle is a capable person in all aspects. It is right for him to step out on his own. In fact, I am worried about the Japanese people around him and his brothers. I hope Brother Xinghong will act appropriately.

When the time comes, remind him."

"Of course, I will do my best." Li Xinghong nodded in agreement.

Chen Tianhua's expression was very calm, and his deep inner thoughts could not be seen at all. Li Xinghong was really suspicious. Did he know about Xu Yunyuan's actions in Shanghai?

"Brother Xinghong, in a few days I will leave the autonomous region and go to Daye. The base camp here will be left to you. It's a waste of time for you."

"Major General, please rest assured, I will definitely protect this home." Li Xinghong said solemnly:

"But I would like to remind you, can you report this Daye plan to the commander-in-chief?"

This was actually a kind reminder, and the agreement also showed Mr. Li's concern.

Chen Tianhua was a man of two generations, and he knew very well what Li Cunzhi thought, what he was worried about, and what his plans were.

Of course, Chen Tianhua himself knew exactly what to do.

"Don't worry, regarding Daye's expansion plan, my post officer will have a meeting tomorrow morning.

Let's leave early and deliver it to the Marshal's Mansion." Chen Tianhua said with a smile.

…

In late March, just after the Grain Rain season, the earth is in full bloom with flowers.

Wuchang Mansion, Huguang Governor's Yamen.

The first thing Chen Tianhua did when he arrived in Wuchang was to go straight to the Huguang Governor's Office and meet with Zhang Zhidong's successor, Zhao Erxun.

Wearing a dark blue Spring and Autumn court dress, crane patchwork, jade belt around the waist, double-eyed flower feathers on the headband, deerskin court boots on the feet, thick eyebrows and tiger eyes, he is majestic.

"Your Majesty, Chen Tianhua, pays homage to the Governor!" Chen Tianhua clasped his hands and bowed respectfully.

"Master Chen, please take a seat without any courtesy!" Zhao Erxun's voice was loud and full of energy, which was incompatible with his white eyebrows and goatee.

"Thank you, Marshal!"

After Chen Tianhua finished the ceremony, he sat in the chief guest seat. Then he calmed down and took a close look at this historical figure, the famous General Shengjing, the initiator of the Sichuan Road Protection Movement and one of the sources of the New Army Uprising.

Before coming, he specially sent people to investigate and analyze Zhao Erxun. He was born in the Zhenglan Banner of the Han Army and was a member of Fengtian Tieling. He had serious thoughts of loyalty to the emperor and the country, and he was a true royalist.

He is sixty-four this year, but he is in good health, a decent man, and is willing to accept Western science and supports Westernization ideas. He advocates new education, building new factories, training a new army, and severely punishing corrupt officials and criminal dereliction of duty.

Chen Tianhua's best plan to reform, re-evaluate and invest in the Daye Mine this time, and to prevent Japanese forces such as Yawata Steel Works from buying ore plundering in Daye, is to get the support of the Governor's Yamen. In this case, he can

We can confront it legitimately and break through the Japanese side's obstruction by borrowing local yamen and Jianghu forces.

Zhao Erxun has served in many places, including as governor of Hunan, and was loved by the local people. This time he was transferred from the post of General Shengjing to governor of Huguang, succeeding Zhang Zhidong. He really wanted to make something in this prosperous land.

as.

"Master Chen, why did you come to see the governor this time?"

Zhao Erxun had already heard about the young talent in front of him. He was full of heaven, resolute and upright, and he admired him very much.

Although it has been a year since he took office, this is the first time that Zhao Erxun and the director of the Huguang Railway Administration and the commander of the Huguang Section Headquarters of the Guangdong-Hankong Railway have met alone.

This thing sounds very strange. A subordinate third-rank official has not seen the governor for a year. How is this unbecoming?!

The reality is this. Although the Huguang Railway General Administration and the Huguang Section Headquarters of the Guangdong-Hankou Railway are officially appointed by the court, they are different from the government-affiliated government offices. Their establishment and official salaries are not distributed by the court. To put it bluntly, they are

A characteristic product of the Qing Dynasty's "official supervision and commercial affairs".

In other words, even Chen Tianhua, although all officials have official titles, they do not have official salaries. To put it more simply, they are red-top businessmen.

"Replying to the commander-in-chief, I am here for matters such as the Guangdong-Hankou Railway and the Daye Iron Mine. I would like to ask the commander-in-chief to make a clear decision and support on some matters!"

"Oh, let's talk about it then!" Zhao Erxun stroked his big white goatee and said with a smile.

"In the two years since Zhang Xiangshuai left office, the road construction of the Guangdong-Hankou Railway in Hubei and Hunan has almost come to a standstill. The main factor is of course the funds required for the construction project. The original follow-up funds from shareholders have not been in place. In addition, last year

Floods caused by the Yangtze River and lakes caused roads to collapse, roadbeds to collapse in many places, and serious economic losses."

"What's even more serious now is that because the construction costs have greatly exceeded expectations, many investment shareholders, especially small and medium-sized fund-raising shareholders, have retreated. Those foreigners who have been watching for a long time have taken the opportunity to buy up shares through their agents. If this continues, I will be dismissed.

I am worried that the ownership and construction rights of this railway will eventually fall into the hands of foreigners."

Chen Tianhua truthfully reported on the current situation of the Guangdong-Hankou Railway. He did not name the foreign nationalities, but spoke in general terms.

"Whether this can be done or not, the imperial court has already issued decrees on railways and mines, and issued them in a legal way. Foreigners can be allowed to participate in the shares, but they must not lose control and construction rights. Insufficient funds would rather slow down the progress, but ownership cannot be left aside.

, and even future management rights, we should find ways to immediately ban it, and send military and police to arrest people if necessary."

Zhao Erxun was furious, and he intended to send military police to arrest the person. Chen Tianhua was secretly happy that his first step had been achieved.

"Your Excellency, not only are railways being built in Huguang, but mine ownership and mining rights are also being lost. Some unscrupulous foreigners have let their agents take cash and buy it on the spot, but these local officials have turned a blind eye.

, and even colluded with this lawless foreigner."

Chen Tianhua extended railway ownership to mineral rights.

"Mineral rights and railway ownership are collectively referred to as road and mineral rights by the imperial court. The imperial court has issued orders many times before. How can we allow foreigners to get involved!" Zhao Erxun roared loudly. He faced Chen Tianhua and said:

"Mr. Chen, if you have any good ideas, just tell them and listen to them. Don't worry about anything. I will support you to the end!"

"Thank you, Lord Governor. I have already drafted a document for the Marshal to review!" As he said this, he took out a stack of paper from his arms and bowed to present it.

The master had already taken the manuscript and placed it in front of Zhao Erxun's desk.

The theme of the manuscript is "Protecting National Road and Mineral Rights and Revitalizing the National Economy", and the subtitle is: An outline of the Guangdong-Hankou Railway and the clean-up and rectification of mines in the Huguang area.

Zhao Erxun simply flipped through a few pages, then raised his eyes and said to Chen Tianhua: "Mr. Chen, you can do it boldly, I will ask the staff room to sort out this manuscript, and then issue it to all the yamen according to the governor's instructions."

"Thank you, Commander, for your kindness. I will take my leave." Chen Tianhua stood up, bowed, and left.

"Please go slowly!" Zhao Erxun personally walked to the door of the hall, watched him leave, then returned to the case and handed the manuscript to the master next to him.
Chapter completed!