: Deceit (please vote for me!)

"When you first see it, you will be overwhelmed by its beauty!"

"New York Times"

If there was any word that was popular among the upper classes in China in 1915, and even around the world, it would probably be "770". These three numbers may be just numbers, but for dignitaries all over the world, especially those who like Denbigh,

For the rich, "770" represents an era.

A brand new era, and this era is brought about by the "Changan 770" high-end luxury sedan. Different from the luxury cars that countries are accustomed to in this era, the "Changan 770" is more spacious, more powerful, and has a more luxurious interior.

, of course, this is not the most important thing. The most important point is that not everyone can buy it.

Because the automobile manufacturing company is still under construction, the "Chang'an 770", a high-end luxury sedan that contains as many as 138 latest patents, is manufactured by Lianyun Motorcycle Manufacturing Company. The limited production means that only a few people have obtained it.

When Chong appeared for the first time at the inauguration ceremony of the Prime Minister, he attracted countless people's limousines.

This perfect, classic car fascinates everyone, even though only a few people can afford it, perhaps because it is not available to everyone, and buyers have to rule out it for several months. Not only that, but also when they are specifically "hungry"

"Marketing", because "770" is not for sale to the outside world, it has naturally become a symbol of identity and even status. Rich people may not necessarily be able to buy a 770. It is precisely because of this that in just two months, "Changan" Automobile

Because "770" has become a "well-known luxury brand".

The beautiful curves of the body of a black "770" limousine reflected the sun. At this time, the limousine even had a slight smell of leather. Sitting in the spacious "770" limousine, Rui Enshi until now

, he still couldn't recover from the joy of getting the "Chang'an 770" sedan, the "thoroughbred horse among cars", even though in China, the car refueling service is still far from perfect, the gas stations are not complete enough, and the road conditions are poor.

But this beautiful Changan car still makes people fascinated.

“The whole United States is obsessed with the 770!”

Thinking of his friend's words in the letter and his request that he could "use the influence of the minister to China" to help him buy a "Chang'an 770" car, Rui Enshi's expression suddenly became helpless.

Minister Hua has too many friends, and not every friend's wishes can be met. It's okay to ask for something once, but asking for too many things is extremely inconsistent with the identity of the minister.

Therefore, in Rui Enshi's mind, he had naturally filtered out his old friend's request. Deep down in his heart, he did not want Li Zicheng to think that he had something to ask for because of the car.

At this time, the car was heading towards the official residence of the Prime Minister at an even speed. That small official residence may, to some extent, be the center of China's internal affairs. When the car arrived at the official residence, Rui Enshi, who was in the car, looked at it.

When they arrived, Li Zicheng was already waiting outside the door. Even among Westerners, Li Zicheng looked very tall. He was wearing a black and white suit. His smile looked very kind, but his eyes were very sharp.

.

After the simple courtesy, the two entered the room and sat down, Li Zicheng said with a smile:

"Your Excellency, Minister, I am very grateful to the United States for its support on some issues over the past many years. As we all know, China is a weak country, so we hope that the international family will uphold justice."

When Li Zicheng spoke, he always meant what he meant. Indeed, this is also true, whether it was the "Xin Chou Treaty" or the return of Geng money, or during the "Jiao'ao Incident" and the subsequent

During peace talks and rebellion, the United States always stood on China's side and supported China as much as possible.

"Your Excellency, Prime Minister, the side of justice will never lack partners. Since the founding of the United States, the United States has always been on the side of justice. There is no doubt about this..."

When Rui Enshi was talking, Li Zicheng had a smile on his face, but his heart was full of ridicule. Minister Rui Enshi obviously didn't know what he was going to say next. Now, he was just giving him

It's just another trick. Since he is so good, if he doesn't take the opportunity to take action, I'm afraid he will be really sorry for the people of the country. Of course, he will not say these words. Instead, he will give Ruisi some "justice"

After confessing, he said in a sincere tone:

"Although China is a country in the Far East, it trusts your country's friendship very much. This is not just the friendship brought by your country's justice, but more because of the values ​​​​of our two countries."

Just like some people in later documentaries, Li Zicheng slightly increased his tone at this time, and even his expression became a little excited, with a hint of admiration in his excitement.

"Four years ago, after the revolutionaries succeeded in destroying the old order and the old privileged groups through violent means in 1911, they failed to successfully establish a new order in accordance with their constitutional ideals. The collapse of the Qing government left a void in provincial power

Immediately taken over by New Army officers, alliance members, consultative bureau leaders and former Qing officials, each provincial government organized its own army and elected its own officials. How can order be reestablished in this broken society?"

Asking in return, Li Zicheng looked at Rui Enshi seriously.

"At that time, people unanimously turned their attention to the United States across the ocean. We took the American republican constitutional government as a model, and we wanted to imitate the American government to create our new government!"

Compared with Li Zicheng's excitement, Rui Enshi only had a slight smile on his face. The American people were very excited about China after the Wuchang Uprising, because what they saw was the victory of "American values", but for the US government,

However, what they saw was chaos. Compared to revolution, the United States was more inclined to reform. Of course, this was for the sake of American business interests in China. But now that it is all over, the most important thing for the United States is still

It's business interests.

"It is undeniable that until now, our imitation has failed. At the beginning of the revolution, some people focused on the constitutional system that was already running in the United States. What about other people? They paid more attention to the convention system during the American Revolutionary War.

, they all ignored the most critical link in the American Revolution, which was the link in which American constitutionalism was established: the successful formulation of the Federal Constitution in 1787. It was this Constitution that united the 13 independent states of the United States into one country and created the foundation for the United States.

A permanent constitutional foundation was laid, and the American Revolution ended successfully."

At this time, Li Zicheng's words contained some degree of sincerity, rather than just "diplomatic rhetoric."

"It must be admitted that the formulation of a good constitution requires a specific moment. At this moment, national affairs are presided over by a group of outstanding patriots who hold the same democratic republican political philosophy and gain the trust of the people across the country. For a country,

This moment is rare. It is precisely because of the unstable nature of the constitutional attempt that Madison, the "Father of the Constitution" of the United States, opposed the idea of ​​frequently formulating a new constitution. This lucky moment once occurred during the establishment of the United States Constitution. In 1787

, the founding fathers of the United States are still alive, and their reputation is at its peak. They are all undoubtedly patriotic leaders. At this time, they have not been divided by party disputes and have shown a high degree of unity on constitutional principles. Therefore, they are very important to the United States.

Said that this was a moment of special favor from God. Based on the political axioms it expressed and its own superiority, this constitution was ratified by 11 states in September 1788. According to regulations, it was ratified by 9 states.

The Constitution will take effect after that.”

When Li Zicheng mentioned this period about the early founding of the United States, Rui Enshi looked slightly surprised. Not to mention the Chinese in front of him, even he, an American, did not necessarily know much about it, but Li Zicheng in front of him did not

There, he was counting the roots of America's success like a historian. This could not help but make him feel surprised. At the same time, he also had a consciousness - Li Zicheng in front of him, and many Chinese who superficially learned from the United States.

The difference is that those people have no idea what makes the United States successful, but the person in front of them...

"Based on the recognition of the fundamental principles of the country, the United States has a national government. At the time, it seemed impossible to combine 13 small republics that had never had a history of unification and had serious conflicts of interest into one country.

.This moment also occurred in China when the Nanjing Provisional Government was established, although it was not as coincidental as the United States. Since the reform of Kangxi and Liang Wei, the idea of ​​constitutionalism has gradually become deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. By this time, both the revolutionaries and the previous constitutional monarchists

, all have a firm belief in constitutionalism. Although the revolutionary patriots do not yet have an undisputed leadership position in the country, it is completely achievable to launch a constitutional convention because it conforms to the will of the people. At this time, the battle for power has not yet begun.

, the constitution was formulated based on universal principles at this time. It is foreseeable that the constitution-making and subsequent approval procedures not only postponed the time for the struggle for supreme power, but also popularized constitutional thought throughout the country, which was conducive to strengthening the authority of the constitution, and for some

From a human perspective, challenging a constitution approved by the people across the country involves much greater risks and encountering much greater resistance than challenging a provisional law enacted by the Nanjing Provisional Senate, which lacks authority. More importantly, formulating a constitution

It will lead people to identify with the authority of the Constitution rather than the authority of Yuan Shikai.

However, the revolutionaries headed by Sun Yat-sen did not think of using the Constitution to solve the problem of unification at this time. The idea that occupied the minds of the revolutionaries was the idea of ​​unification by force. This cannot but be said to be the tragedy of China!"

At this point, Li Zicheng's expression always showed a hint of helplessness, but Rui Enshi, who heard the implications of his words, didn't say anything, but after Li Zicheng fell silent, he expressed his agreement.

said.

"Your Excellency, Prime Minister, for this reason, in the United States, many people who look forward to China's prosperity and strength hope that China can formulate a real constitution, a constitution that is recognized by the whole country, and use this as the beginning of government affairs!"

Rui Enshi put forward his suggestions in a timely manner. For the United States, he did not know whether China's formulation of a constitution would really play a role, but he clearly knew that for the United States government, it would influence the country through the formulation of a constitution.

, but it is something that the United States is happy to see.

After hearing his suggestion, Li Zicheng smiled and said:

"Thank you for your suggestion, Your Excellency, Minister. I can tell you one thing for sure now. I will spare no effort to help China establish a real constitution in the next year, and..."

He took out a report from the table. Although the conversation with Rui Enshi was in English, Li Zicheng knew that the person in front of him was a "Sinologist". He could even speak fluently about Beijing movies, so he could naturally watch them.

Must understand Chinese.

"Request the President to establish a constitution-making committee!"

Although he just glanced at it, Rui Enshi's brows still jumped slightly. This... this may be the most valuable piece of information he has learned recently, and it was proactively provided by the other party.

"Your Excellency, Prime Minister, do you mean that your country will establish a constitution? Is it by Congress?"

Rui Enshi's heart beat slightly. He realized that this was an opportunity for him personally. This was an opportunity to closely connect him personally with this country. Just like the "Huaihe River Control Project", I heard that the Chinese

He is also planning to erect a personal statue of himself at the outlet of the Huaihe River, but what about this opportunity? But it is possible...

"Of course, the Constitution can only become China's fundamental government after being reviewed and approved by the National Assembly and passed by all provinces across the country. However, in view of China's national conditions and the special relationship with your country, I still hope that your country can actively participate in our country's system.

Constitutional activities and give us full support. This is not only a request made by China, but also a request made by the first republic in Asia and the first republic in the world!"

Following Li Zicheng's words, even though he kept calming himself down, Rui Enshi found that he could not refuse this "temptation" - the temptation to separate himself from the same country!

"Please rest assured that as long as your country needs it, we are willing to provide any legal help we can, and..."

Rui Enshi raised his voice slightly and emphasized it again.

"If possible, I am personally very willing to help our government provide a loan to your country to promote China's constitution-making and the construction of a modern legal system!"

Rui Enshi's answer made Li Zicheng sneer in his heart. Sure enough, for the United States, a country that has just grown from a "boy" to a "youth" and is eager to show its influence on the world stage, it now has such a profound impact on a country.

They will not miss the country's opportunity.

"But, Your Excellency, Minister..."

Hesitating, Li Zicheng stared at Rui Enshi, and after thinking for a long time, he spoke.

"Although I personally hope that China will establish a constitution as soon as possible and formulate a relatively complete and modern legal system, considering my personal influence and China's practical problems, I need wider support, so I hope you will

I hope the country can support me on some issues to increase the influence of the State Council, so that I can successfully achieve this wish!"

Fooling!

It wasn't until Rui Enshi left his office that a smile slowly appeared on Li Zicheng's face. American diplomats in this era were different from American diplomats in later generations. They did not have the "big power atmosphere" of American diplomats in later generations.

In fact, Americans and even diplomats of this era can even be described as naive in the eyes of European powers. In the reflection of later generations, American diplomats and the US government of this era appear to be somewhat "idealistic", although not necessarily so.

But American diplomats are indeed different from traditional powers such as Britain, France and Germany. They are more or less idealistic.
To be continued...