The rapid defeat of the Hubei Revolutionary Army quickly alarmed the whole country. Even through the Yangtze River, it could not stand for half an hour. Against the backdrop of the Hubei Revolutionary Army, the combat effectiveness of the Northeast Army was further demonstrated.

Of course, Li Yuanhong, the actual commander of the 21st Mixed Association and Hubei Revolutionary Army, turned against Li Yuanhong at the last moment, and the negative factors of the revolutionary army's civil war were also the main reasons for this quick defeat. After all, this is not between the revolutionary army and the Qing army.

In the battle, the Northeast Army rushed over to defend the fruits of victory, and there was no need for many officers and soldiers of the Hubei Revolutionary Army to fight to the death.

Two days later, under the persuasion of fellow villagers Liu Gengyun and others, Sun Wu and Zhang Boxiang, the head of the Communist Party of China, announced that they would accept the liberation revolutionary idea, withdrew from the Tongmenghui, and instead joined the liberation association. With Huang Xing and other backbone of the Tongmenghui, the Hubei Revolutionary Government also fled early.

He was taken over by the Empire's Provisional Cabinet Government and recognized the central rule of the Provisional Government of the Chinese Empire.

After such news came out, the balance that seemed to be in the south was suddenly broken. New troops in other provinces announced that they would accept the reorganization of the Chinese Revolutionary Army. The revolutionary governments of each province also recognized the rule of the central government, the Tongmenghui and local forces in each province

Ambiguous relationship was quickly torn apart.

By September 15, among the 20 towns and 16 new mixed associations formed by the Qing government, except for Zhao Erxun, Zhao Erfeng's seventeenth town, the 19th town, the 33rd mixed association, and Guizhou mixed association.

The Alliance Tongmenghui controls the 25th, 26th towns, Guangdong Mixed Association, Guangxi Mixed Association, and other local special forces to control the 39th Mixed Association, Gansu Mixed Association, Xinjiang Mixed Association, and Yili Mixed Association.

, the rest were successively reorganized and transferred to the Chinese Revolutionary Army camp.

A large number of new troops joined the camp of the Chinese Revolutionary Army, which only shows that Song Biao was about to become emperor and that there were not many troops willing to resist for this. The only provinces that the provisional cabinet government could truly govern were the three northeastern provinces, Zhili and Jin.

The only way for the emperors of Shandong, Henan, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Hui, Gan, Hunan, Hubei, Fujian, Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangdong, Guangxi, Sichuan, Gan, Ning, Xinjiang, Song Biao was to continue attacking until all were unified.

What is more beneficial to Song Biao is that the alliance and the remaining local forces do not have high control over the new army, revolutionary army, and autonomous army. The reason why these troops continue to fantasize about autonomy is simply because the distance is too far and they do not think that the Northeast is

The army can attack along the way.

It was under such circumstances that Song Jiaoren, another important member of the Tongmenghui, formally formed a group to visit Song Biao in Tongzhou through the introduction of his friend Wu Luzhen from his young age.

Through the letter passed by Wu Luzhen, the commander of the Fifth Cavalry Brigade, Song Jiaoren wrote a letter to Song Biao. He was willing to recognize the constitutional monarchy and fully support it, on the condition that Song Biao must implement the responsible cabinet system.

After reading this letter, Song Biao agreed to the meeting arrangement with Song Jiaoren.

Song Biao arranged the meeting time at 4 pm. Because Song Jiaoren's train arrived at about 2 pm, Song Biao asked Cai Yuanpei to be responsible for the reception, first negotiated with the temporary cabinet government for an hour, rested for a while, and then went to the Revolutionary Army General.

headquarters.

As soon as Wuchang retreated, he agreed to accept the imperial system and reorganization, and the new army in other provinces did not persist. In the past week, the situation of the Chinese Revolutionary Army and the Restoration Association was very good.

However, Song Biao did not take it lightly and continued to add a large number of new provincial parliamentarians in various provinces to prepare for the organization of the first national parliament. The first temporary constitution of the Empire is ready, as long as it can ensure that more than 2 members of parliament can be ensured.

3. If you are your own people, there will be no problem with passing this provisional constitution.

When Song Jiaoren had arrived in Tongzhou and visited the temporary cabinet government in front, Song Biao continued to check the list of members of the provincial parliament in his office. Tao Chengzhang was directly responsible for the matter among the six vice presidents. He used to be active in various provinces during his time of activities in various provinces.

He also holds a position similar to the Organization Minister, and at this time he is responsible for reporting the list of personnel to Song Biao.

The First Provisional Constitution of the Empire has not been formally formulated. At present, according to Song Biao's opinion, the term of office of the National Parliament and provincial parliament is five years, with the number of provincial parliament members ranging from 50 to 80, and the number of people in remote areas can be less than 50, but the principle is

There shall be no less than 30 people on the ranks. The MPs shall be calculated based on 3 people in each province. The military shall send 10 members of parliament to attend. Each party shall retain a total of 30 transfer places, with a total of no more than 150 people.

In the general list of new members submitted by provinces under the jurisdiction of the Provisional Government, half of the members of the Restoration Council were included, and the other half of the selected local gentry among the constitutionalists, the Reform Council, the gentry and the old counselors accounted for the other half. It is generally ensured that all governments have

Six to ten people, and these people elected three more people as representatives of the province to participate in the parliament.

The Liaison Department within the Restoration Association is responsible for this matter. Like the Secret Service and Intelligence Bureau, the Liaison Department is also a special intelligence agency, which is directly responsible for Tao Chengzhang, which is equivalent to a major merger between the Organization Department and the Liaison Office and the publicity carried out by Cai Yuanpei.

The Ministry and Zhang Binglin's Political Commentary Department jointly formed the three major centers of the Restoration Association.

The Liaison Department compiled the information of these members into a book, and Song Biao reviewed and approved one by one. In these booklets, those with red mimeograms are members of the Restoration Association, and the blue mimeograms are polarized restoration factions, such as constitutionalists and reformist reform.

Members of the association, as well as well-known local gentry, black mimeograms belong to the Tongmenghui and the Tongmenghui. Without mimeograms, they belong to local people who have not made any statements.

The latter two types of people are very few, but these are celebrities of extremely heavy rank in various provinces, so they cannot be directly disqualified from the membership.

The matters of Congress are extremely important, not a hypocritical strategy to cover up the ears and steal the bells, but whether the imperial government can truly obtain the source of political legitimacy, so it must be done well. The Military Intelligence Bureau and the Governor's Office are all actively busy with this matter.

For those members who want to exclude them, collect illegal evidence and attack evil in local newspapers. Sometimes they cannot be published in local newspapers, and the liberation association will print leaflets and spread them widely.

For the members of the provincial parliament selected by the Restoration Association, the Restoration Association also uniformly distributes administrative funds to support these members in engaging in some active political and public welfare activities. To this end, the Restoration Association uniformly issued the "Political Consultation Manual" within the Restoration Association to guide members in how to engage in political activities

.

Because of the huge advantage of capital, Song Biao knew very well that the later the first parliament of the empire was held, the more beneficial the situation would be to him.

He read the list of provincial legislators submitted by Tao Chengzhang. However, from the paper information, they are generally knowledgeable people, with good educational background and social influence, and their overall thoughts are also biased towards the country.

Unification and constitutional monarchy.

After carefully reading all the information lists on these lists, Song Biao and Tao Chengzhang, who were sitting beside him waiting for an answer, asked: "Have you basically met these people?"

Tao Chengzhang said: "I have roughly met the candidates from Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui and Hubei provinces, Wang Jiawei and Jiangxi and Hunan people. Gong Baoshuan and Henan, Shandong and Shanxi people,

Cai Yuanpei met with the candidates of Zhili, Tianjin and the capital. Now the heads of branches of various provinces are working hard to handle this matter, and selecting the most suitable candidates one by one. The contradiction now is that revolutionary people may not have reputation. Prestigious gentlemen

There may not be a revolution. There will be many objections to the constitutionalists and reform progress of our members of the Restoration Council on the list of members. I just don’t dare to say too much."

Song Biao thought for a while and said, "If you want them to say it out, just say privately, just communicate more privately. How hard you have to work during this period. Meeting and talking with Zhang Jian and Liang Qichao, communicate more and understand each other. Now it is very good.

At that time, the matters of the state are the priority. The first councillors made this arrangement for the time being. The second councillors continued to adopt local elections, so that colleagues from all provinces of the Restoration Association should be more cautious, cautious in their words and actions, and do more practical things.

We should also be good at promoting ourselves. After the constitution is formulated, as emperors, I should remain neutral outside the country and cannot ask you more about it, so as not to criticize you. You should cherish yourself, love yourself and be independent."

Tao Chengzhang said: "What the emperor said is that it is rare to have a good opportunity now. The country is prosperous and national rejuvenation is in this way. We should be more independent and cherish ourselves."

Song Biao nodded slightly.

The theoretical thinking of the Restoration Association is not at all unattractive. For example, in the theory of the Spring and Autumn Period, national rejuvenation, cultural improvement, benefiting the people and enriching the country and free economy, it is still very attractive, especially Zhang Binglin

This great national treasure is in hand. Through the Spring and Autumn Society established by Zhang Binglin, a large number of masters of Chinese studies have been recruited, actively engaged in the Spring and Autumn rejuvenation, national rejuvenation and cultural improvement. Through the revision theory, we promote the thoughts of various scholars and traditional culture to attract the active participation of traditional cultural celebrities.

.

Another major weapon of the Restoration Association was Xunzi, who took the idea of ​​"respecting wise men as kings, and respecting law and loving the people as hegemony" as the main body, vigorously promoted the new education and the rule of law and loving the people as the national politics. At the theoretical level, it was completely more than the Three Principles of the People advocated by Sun Yixian.

It is easier to be accepted by famous gentry in the country.

Song Biao, Cai Yuanpei and others have also talked about this matter. Generally speaking, as long as the provinces can fundamentally curb the special situation of blindly pursuing ** autonomy, they will not suffer any loss at all when they start a theoretical war or a propaganda war.

Previously, it was a loss in the so-called revolutionary groups in various provinces who tried to become independent and self-governance.

Now, the thorn of the New Army in the Eighth Town has been beaten to the point of being beaten, and the new army and the so-called revolutionary groups in other provinces dare not be arrogant anymore, and the advantages in the situation have completely turned to the Restoration Association in just one month.

At this time, Jiang Zhengyuan walked into the office and whispered a few words to Song Biao.

Cai Yuanpei has arrived at the living room.

Song Biao handed the list to Tao Chengzhang and said, "It doesn't matter if things are done slowly, anyway, the overall situation has been decided. Now everything is stable, and everyone has to be elected several times to ensure that they are not corrupt and abused.

Those who are truly talented and knowledgeable, and are truly willing to serve the country and the people."

Tao Chengzhang nodded silently.

Song Biao then said, "You go and do your business first. If you have any new news in the future, come and report to me!"

Tao Chengzhang then stood up and bowed to say goodbye.

As the founding emperor of the Chinese Empire, Song Biao's requirements for the etiquette of the monarch and ministers were relatively light and more humane. At least, everyone did not have to kneel down or bow down. Usually, bowing is the most common, and even kneeling is arranged.

In the most special occasions.

Now, a relatively large-scale debated cabinet prime minister is about to accept an appointment for the first time. Most people recommend kneeling rituals, and it is a specification of three kowtows. Song Biao has not spoken to this yet, and he has also

Still considering.

When Tao Chengzhang left, Jiang Zhengyuan asked Song Biao: "Your Majesty, do you want to summon Mr. Song Jiaoren now?"

Song Biao thought about it and felt very tired after sitting for half a morning. He stood up and stretched his arms and said, "Let's go, I'll go to the living room to see him in person!"

After saying this, Song Biao brought the ritual saber with him and solemnly went to the reception room to meet Song Jiaoren.

At this time, Song Jiaoren was sitting in the living room drinking tea. The person in charge of accompanying him was Cai Yuanpei. The two had close contacts while studying at the University of Law and Political Science in Japan. Since then, Cai Yuanpei became one of the important founders of the Restoration Association.

, while Song Jiaoren has always been one of the main founders and leaders of Tongmenghui in Japan, and has continued to study in Japan to study law.

The two had close personal relationships and were waiting for Song Biao's summons at this moment. They were approaching the rattan sofa and chatting, probably discussing what to call the emperor when they met, how to talk about the key points, and the emperor's daily reception of guests.

some rules.

While the two were talking, Song Biao had already walked out with Jiang Zhengyuan. Seeing him suddenly coming, Cai Yuanpei and Song Jiaoren were both surprised and stood up in a hurry. Cai Yuanpei immediately bowed, while Song Jiaoren hesitated for a moment.

Still walked up to shake hands with Song Biao.

Although it was the first time we met, Song Biao knew at least what Song Jiaoren looked like through photos and other information. He knew that the man in a black suit in front of him was Song Jiaoren, but the other person's figure was not as tall as he thought.

Song Jiaoren was 28 years old this year, roughly the same as Zhao Tingzhu. He was three years older than Song Biao.

This year is a great era for Chinese youth to produce all their talents, and it is these young people who are pushing the country forward.

Song Biao shook hands with Song Jiaoren and naturally invited him and Cai Yuanpei to sit down together, while he himself sat down in a single rattan chair sofa.

Song Jiaoren seemed very respectful. He sat down and replied to Song Biao: "Since all provinces across the country have generally recognized the current situation of the Chinese Empire and the emperor, I think, as a Chinese, I must temporarily recognize this, the new empire

His Majesty the Emperor.”

Song Biao did not make things difficult for him, and said politely: "If you feel embarrassed or difficult to talk about, then call me the general, or the commander-in-chief, Mr. Song."

Song Jiaoren hesitated and replied: "Facts are facts, and idealists cannot question them. You are the emperor of the new empire. Since most provinces in the country have already made this clear, you will soon officially stabilize the country.

I think no one can continue to question this point, allowing the people of the whole country to regain a peaceful and new hope after a brief armed revolution."

Song Biao also thought about Song Jiaoren's method of answering something a bit difficult and serious, and then replied: "Maybe."

After a moment of pause, Song Biao continued to say to Song Jiaoren: "In the Chinese Revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty, the Restoration Association and the Tongmeng Association both played a very important role. It can be said that it was the joint efforts of the two revolutionary organizations that have today.
To be continued...