~《》~    Chapter 381 If Guo Jinzhang does not die, he will never offend Tangzhou!

After leaving the dock for a while, Guo Jinzhang's mind was still in an extremely chaotic state.

Mark Twain is here too?

Is this guy in touch with the Chinese?

What is he here to do?

What can he do?

...

"Who is this Mark Twain?"

Yuan Shikai sat next to Guo Jinzhang, listening to the sound of the wheels of the carriage, and then looking at Guo Jinzhang's face full of incredibleness, and finally couldn't help but the question in his heart. In his perception, even if the US president suddenly appeared, Guo Jinzhang would not be able to perform like this, but this Mark Twain actually did it. What is this guy's origin?

"A master of humor, novelist, writer, and famous orator." Guo Jinzhang replied casually.

"Um?"

"In other words, great writers!"

"Wenhao?" Yuan Shikai was stunned.

"I am almost one of the greatest writers in the history of the United States. Well, I am recommended as a 'American literary giant' and are good at writing ironic novels, so I am also called 'Lincoln' in the history of American literature. Do you know who Lincoln is?" Guo Jinzhang asked back.

"Ah, I know." Isn't it the one who liberated the black slaves? She was thin and dry, with a look of death. No wonder she was assassinated. Yuan Shikai thought unkindly.

"What are this guy doing?" Seeing that Yuan Shikai could understand his words, Guo Jinzhang nodded slightly, then turned his head to ponder.

"General, this horse... Wenhao, what are he doing? Those foreigners' knowledge is not popular in our Qing Dynasty." Yuan Shikai also covered his head and thought for a while, but he could not think of what could be used to inspire a literary master in the Qing Dynasty... Although there were a few people in the Qing Dynasty who could write poetry and articles these people were worthy of being called "Wenhao"? It is Yuan Mei of the Qianlong Dynasty, a talented man who was rumored to be evil like Ji Xiaolan, who was probably not at this level. Throughout history, people like Li, Du, and Su were probably qualified.

"Aren't I wondering?" Guo Jinzhang smiled bitterly when he heard this. He only knew that Mark Twain was the founder of American critical realist literature and a world-famous short story master. But in addition, his understanding of Mark Twain was only some humorous stories about this great writer. Before the founding of Tangzhou, he even forgot that there was such a master in the United States... It was not until Grant died that Mark Twain also attended the memorial ceremony that he remembered that there was such a person. Therefore, he naturally did not know that this master had experienced the development process of the United States from "free" capitalism to imperialism, and also in his thoughts and creations.

From brisk jokes to spicy satire to pessimistic and world-weary development stage. Mark Twain's early creations mocked the absurdity of the United States' "democratic elections" and the essence of the "democratic paradise" with humorous and witty brushstrokes. The mid-term works satirize and expose speculation, money-worshiping fanaticism, dark social reality and inhumane racial discrimination that prevailed in the United States like a plague. Among them, "The Adventures of Huckberry Fein" through the story of a white child Huck and a fugitive slave Jim wandering on the Mississippi River, not only criticizes the barbarity of feudal families in their fights, exposing the irrationality of lynching, but also satirizes the hypocrisy and ignorance of religion through the story of a white child Huck and a fugitive slave Jim.

, condemns the evils of slavery, praises the excellent qualities of black slaves, promotes the progressive proposition that everyone enjoys freedom and right regardless of racial status, and is regarded as a landmark realistic work in the history of American literature. But in the later period, Mark Twain's works gradually weakened in the sense of critical revelation, while despair and mysterious emotions stretched... However, what was unexpected was that at this time, Mark Twain set foot on the land of Tangzhou. There, he was surprised to discover the various social security systems implemented by Tangzhou. These systems made this critical realist writer who was used to sweatshops and various exploitation and oppression in the United States.

He even used his friendship with Nicholas Trass to find the Tang State Assembly (Mark Twain has many friends, Disney, Helen Keller, Tras, etc.). Unfortunately, after hearing his various questions, an old guy in the parliament said to him with a strange look, "Respect the old and the old, the young and the young..." and told him that this was all from the ancient Chinese sub-saints' work "Mencius"... and just so happened that Nicholas Tras was about to go out to hide from the limelight because of Xi Changshou's "force" and said that he was going to China. When Mark Twain heard it, he simply packed his luggage and came on a boat.

...

"Maybe I'm bored in the United States, and I want to come to China to see something new." After thinking about it, I couldn't find the reason why Mark Twain came to China, so Guo Jinzhang had to guess one casually.

"Maybe." Yuan Shikai also smiled and echoed.

"Forget it, no matter how many, I'll just send a few more people to follow anyway. Don't hinder others, just protect his safety and give him some convenience... Be respectful and polite. Apart from these, you don't have to give more. Take action with him." Guo Jinzhang said again.

"It seems that you attach great importance to this person." Yuan Shikai smiled.

"It's not about paying attention, it's about respect. This guy was born in poverty. I heard that he had thirteen children in his family, but only three survived. It's pitiful... But such a person eventually became the most amazing writer in the history of the United States. His works combine humor and satire, which is full of unique personal wit and witty words, and profound social insights and analysis. It is both a humorous and spicy novel masterpiece, a compassionate and seriousness, and very smart... Do you think such a person deserves respect?"

"That... I have always wanted to ask you, what is humor? It doesn't mean quiet and silent, right?" Yuan Shikai asked.

"...It's interesting." Guo Jinzhang was stunned for a moment. He didn't notice that the word "humor" has not yet been used these days. Of course, he didn't know that for the sake of the word "humor", master-level figures such as Wang Guowei, Lu Xun, and Lin Yutang also had their own understanding and explanations, and they had been struggling with it for a long time.

"interesting?"

“It’s both humorous and interesting.”

"oh……"

"Weiting, I have time to talk to this old guy more... This guy has a considerable reputation in the United States and even Europe. If he can make good use of it, let him say a few more good things to you in the article, which may play an unexpected role in the future." After thinking for a while, Guo Jinzhang said to Yuan Shikai again.

"Oh?" Yuan Shikai was a little disbelief. Literary? These days, literati are just talking nonsense. What can they do? Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao are all literati, but they ended up playing tricks from home to abroad. They dare not come back yet. And Tan Sitong, Liu Guangdi and others, even their lives were lost. "If you have the will to kill the thief, you are powerless to turn the world back"... Not to mention that they are willing to revive the country and unable to think of ways.

"Don't oh oh, what I said is true." Guo Jinzhang glanced at him, "You'd better send someone to take this old guy around and then to the inner palace to see what the difference is between your rule and the Qing court. At that time, with his popularity in Europe and the United States, just one publicity... you should understand!"

"I understand." Yuan Shikai nodded quickly. Guo Jinzhang had already said this. If he didn't understand, he would really understand nothing.

"By the way, have you prepared all the information on the terrain and hydrology of Songhua River that I asked you?" Guo Jinzhang asked again.

"It's a bit troublesome. But it's not too much...why are you going to do these things?" Yuan Shikai asked. Before the Tianjin negotiations began, he received a telegram from Guo Jinzhang, asking him to conduct a comprehensive survey of the Songhua River, especially in terms of terrain and hydrology. Although he did as he told, he was a little confused.

"Why do you think I specially invited Tras? It's just for this river." Guo Jinzhang said.

"For this river?"

"Not only. The Songhua River is just the beginning. In the future, the Liao River, Hun River, and even the Heilongjiang River, these rivers that are numerous in the northeast will probably have to erect hydropower stations." Guo Jinzhang said.

"Hydropower station?" Yuan Shikai was stunned again, "Are you talking about a power station? a power station that generates power?"

"Ah, what's wrong?" Guo Jinzhang was puzzled by Yuan Shikai's surprise.

"This, isn't this power station fired? Why is it using water again? Can this water generate electricity?" Yuan Shikaiqi said.

"So you don't learn. As a leader, you can't just understand the art of power balance. You also have to have a certain understanding of economic development, science and technology. Even if you really can't learn it, you have to find some experts who know how to be consultant," Guo Jinzhang looked at him with a little disappointed. "How does power generation come from power stations? It's just that the coil rotates in the magnetic field caused by magnets, and then converts its own kinetic energy into electricity... Of course, it may be a bit difficult for you to understand. But as long as you can make the coil rotate in the magnetic field, it can generate current... Thermal power generation is actually to use coal to heat water, burn it into water steam, and then use extremely compressed steam to perform spraying activities, thereby driving the coil to rotate. And the same is true for water and electricity, but it uses water flow, which saves the link of burning hot water..."

"oh……"

"Oh what? Do you understand what I said?"

"don't know."

"So we need to learn. This electromagnetic reaction is just the most fundamental physical reaction, but it is an extremely great discovery for the whole world. With it, we have theory and electricity from it... Our country is in these aspects." Guo Jinzhang sighed.

"Although I still don't understand what you said, China has only focused on civil and political governance for thousands of years, not on these things like investigating things, but rather regards them as strange tricks and tricks, which is indeed biased." Yuan Shikai nodded. A Nicholas Tras could make so much money and bring so much wealth to Tangzhou, and his contribution was almost comparable to that of scholars in China. As soon as he heard this news, he knew how outrageous the mistakes in China's dynasties were.

"Yes, just like the Song Dynasty, I knew that civil and military preparation was the most ideal state for a country, but because of all kinds of inexplicable concerns, I suppressed my own force and killed myself. How could a big country like us do not develop comprehensively? Just like the fertilizers that are currently selling well in Guanzhong, if they develop more comprehensively and use a wider range, how much will it play in our country's agriculture? But some people, even though they know that the country's land is not enough, they are unwilling to study more in increasing yields... It would be fine if they don't study agriculture, then you can find more land for the people to plant, and don't do it... They only know how to oppress their compatriots. What kind of bastards are they?"

"Yes, yes..." Yuan Shikai nodded repeatedly, as if he didn't know who Guo Jinzhang was scolding.

"Forget it, don't talk about this, the more you say it, the more angry you get." Guo Jinzhang sighed again, "Does Otaro Gentaro react?"

"Not yet." Yuan Shikai replied in a solemn voice.

"Are you still unwilling to be independent?" Guo Jinzhang frowned.

"No. But I can see that he is already moved," Yuan Shikai said: "After all, Japan's small country is narrow and it's a big loss this time. It would be fine if it could be supplemented from North Korea."

"I was too anxious before. I forgot that Japan had been preparing for many years to deal with the Qing Dynasty and owed tens of millions of pounds of treasury bonds in Britain. If we pay 100 million taels of 100 million taels, I'm afraid that if we make a deposit, we will go bankrupt... But since it's already like this, there is naturally no reason to change our words. Besides, Japan cannot afford to pay back the money."

"Japan still has money?"

"Of course there is money." Guo Jinzhang sneered, "They have built so many factories over the years, and they can still squeeze out even if they sell their products."

"I think they may not be willing to do this." Yuan Shikai said with a smile. Among these ministers of the Qing Dynasty, he was the one who supported the conditions proposed by Guo Jinzhang the most. In his opinion, he could not relax and be pitiful to Japan. Nowadays, are there few examples of being bitten by snakes without death?

"If the Yellow River is not dead, no one will be willing to do it." Guo Jinzhang smiled, "But as long as we insist on blockade, they will not be able to hold on sooner or later."

"Hehe, I really hope that one day Yama Prefecture Atsuto and Ito Hirofumi will come to Fengtian in person, and watch their officers and soldiers serve us but they can't do anything about it..." Yuan Shikai sneered.

"There will be a day. As long as their life cannot continue, they can only follow the path we arranged for them." Guo Jinzhang also snorted coldly: "They can withstand North Korea this time and don't want to sacrifice their soldiers' lives for a small North Korea. Then, I won't even give them to North Korea until the next time... I see if they can continue like this."

"I have never quite understood why we should give North Korea to them with our current advantages? Just to lure them to fight for us?" Yuan Shikai asked suddenly.

"You cannot be despised as a country in Japan. Even if one day you have already brought him back to the era of cold weapons, you cannot underestimate it. Therefore, I want to give North Korea to them in order to continuously consume their internal strength through North Korea." Guo Jinzhang said.

"I understand... But if even the Korean monarch and ministers were controlled by the Japanese, wouldn't the Japanese have justified their reputation in Korea? How can we consume them?"

"Just pretend for me!" Guo Jinzhang looked at Yuan Shikai unhappily: "Do you take those North Korean goods to heart? Is there anything they think? What can these people provide to China besides paying tribute to China? They are simply a group of useless goods. In order to raise such a group of goods, they have to ignore such a large piece of land... Do you think this is worthy of us?"

"Then you mean..."

"Do what you think you should do. Anyway, you can't let the Japanese stand up, nor can you let North Korea lose control..." Guo Jinzhang said.

"Aren't you planning to give North Korea to them next time?" Yuan Shikai said with a smile.

"Just just the means, you still don't understand?" Guo Jinzhang glared at him angrily again, "The principles of playing hard to get and playing hard to get are the same. You just need not forget that you are the last person in charge!"

"Well..." Yuan Shikai nodded slightly. He naturally understood Guo Jinzhang's thoughts. He asked just now, in fact, he just wanted to make sure he was determined. Guo Jinzhang's guard against Japan was more cautious than him. He had already made it difficult for Japan to turn over, but he was still unwilling to let go. But considering that if Japan was always blocked like this and suppressed Japan's local area would cause bad responses internationally, and it might also make Japan's whole country more united. Therefore, this prompted the Qing court and Li Hongzhang to throw North Korea out as a bone. North Korea has no abundant resources and a large population, but its territory is not small. Once it is handed over to the Japanese, Japan will definitely find it difficult to give up. This will restrain their considerable energy. And attack Japan

After that, he handed over such a large piece of land to him... This will definitely improve the image of the Qing Dynasty and Tangzhou in the hearts of the Japanese at some levels and reduce their hostility. But this is exactly the most poisonous place for Guo Jinzhang. He could already imagine that Japan was blocked from the coast and had to sign a treaty and use its soldiers to serve the Qing Dynasty in exchange for North Korea and a relatively relaxed external environment. However, after obtaining North Korea, Japan did not get much benefit, and it was also restrained by the resistance of the Koreans and consumed a lot of national strength that had been accumulated again. Not only that, even though he knew these difficulties, Japan would have to persist in this way because he couldn't bear to leave this land...

"If Guo Jinzhang doesn't die, he will never offend Tangzhou!" Thinking of the miserable situation that the Japanese might encounter in the future, Yuan Shikai couldn't help but feel a little chilled, and his slightly fat body couldn't help but move to the side. Just thinking about Guo Jinzhang's age this year, he was speechless again... Can he still get rid of this guy's "shadow" in his life?

~《》~
Chapter completed!