Zhang Zhenxun nodded. He had a deep understanding of this. After the East China government sent troops to protect overseas Chinese in Java, Zhang Zhenxun supported 2 million taels of silver to the East China government to supplement military expenditures, but was politely refused by the East China government and eventually turned into a port investment in Yantai. The port has been completed and put into operation, with great profits. It is expected that all investment can be recovered in 4-5 years and then it will enter the profit stage. However, the East China government did not want Zhang Zhenxun’s 2 million taels of silver.

This incident also shocked Zhang Zhenxun. If it were replaced by the Qing court, the 2 million taels of silver would be too little. The East China government not only wanted it, but also made Zhang Zhenxun make money. This is something that Zhang Zhenxun had never seen in his life for more than 60 years. According to the East China government, this is called "double worms". The East China government used this money to build a port, which could promote Yantai's urban development. Zhang Zhenxun used an investment income to obtain needs and gain something. This is also the usual proposition of the East China government, and Zhang Zhenxun admired Zhang Zhenxun and followed the East China government. After all, he returned from Southeast Asia and was much more loyal to the Qing court than domestic businessmen. Moreover, he spent a lot of money on the basis of the situation for more than 10 years. However, the Qing court did not look down on him. It was indeed not as important as the East China government to him.

At this time, he heard Zhao Weizhong say that the East China government is the most notarized, and he also said with some emotion: "Yes, overseas Chinese are honest in their behavior, fair in their work, and extremely abiding by the rules. It is really valuable." He glanced at Sheng Xuanhuai and said, "It's much better than the court."

Sheng Xuanhuai looked normal and said, "What Brother Shi Bi said is very true. When Lord Zhongtang was alive, he said that if the imperial court could achieve half of the overseas Chinese, even if it was only 30%, the national power would not be so corrupt."

At this time, some people from the nearby table surrounded the lunar calendar and gathered more than a dozen people. After hearing the two of them, they also caused everyone to nod, with a lot of answers such as "Yes, Yes," and "That's exactly what it is."

The merchants were well aware of the disadvantages of the Qing Dynasty. In Shanghai, the atmosphere was invasive and the merchants often contacted foreigners, so they were not afraid of imperial power. This place was in the Shanghai New District and there was no scruples when speaking.

A businessman said: "It would be great if the court could allow overseas Chinese to take charge. There would be hope for revival, and there would be no fear of being angry with foreigners anymore."

Zheng Guanying sneered and said, "Can the court let overseas Chinese take charge? Don't dream. I heard from several friends in Beijing that the "overseas Chinese" in the court is still a taboo. Who dares to mention it? At the least, it will be abandoned or abandoned, and at worst, it will be the head of the people. The court is more careful about overseas Chinese than foreigners."

Zhao Weizhong said: "When I talked about the imperial court, when I set out from Tianjin, I heard that the Russian envoy had issued a letter to the Prime Minister's Office, wishing to return the land of Liaodong to the imperial court and ask the imperial court to send troops to accept it."

Zhang Jian sneered and said, "This is obviously a kind heart. He will not pay back sooner or later. He will pay back at this time. It is obvious that he wants to promote the imperial court and overseas Chinese."

Zhao Weizhong said: "But it is said that someone in the court has submitted a memorial, asking the court to agree to Russia's request and immediately send troops to take over the land of Liaodong. There are still several people who want to volunteer to lead troops into the pass."

Sheng Xuanhuai couldn't help but say, "It's so confusing. Isn't this messy water in Liaodong that the court can tread?"

Zhang Zhenxun said: "When overseas Chinese fought bloody battles in Liaodong, there was no verbal reward from the court. Now overseas Chinese have defeated the Japanese and Russian troops. The court wants to pick up ready-made fruits, isn't it heartbreaking?"

The businessman present was not a shrewd person, and he knew what was going on at first sight. Russia's proposal was simply uneasy and hoped to incite a fight between the Qing court and the East China government. If the Qing court really sent troops to Liaodong, the East China government would never surrender to the land of Liaodong. In this way, the Qing court would inevitably intensify conflicts with the East China government.

Although from a legal perspective, Liaodong is indeed the territory of the Qing court, almost everyone was on the side of the East China government at this time. After all, the actions of the Qing Dynasty were indeed too disappointing. If the Qing Dynasty could only remain neutral before the East China government sent troops and allowed Japan and Cheng to fight in the Liaodong region, it is understandable. After all, Japan and Russia are both powerful countries. Even if the Qing court wanted to stop it, it could not be stopped. However, after the East China government participated in the war and achieved brilliant results, the Qing court still ignored it, as if it was not related to itself. This was unacceptable. After all, almost all Chinese people have already recognized the time traveler. Now that the Qing court believed in Russia's instigation and wanted to fight for Liaodong, these merchants were naturally quite indignant. After hearing what Zhang Zhenxun said, they all agreed and sympathized with the East China government.

Zhao Weizhong rebelled and said with a smile: "The court does not have one or two things to do, and there is no more than one thing. However, the court has not yet made a conclusion on this matter, and not least there are great masters in the court who may not have no knowledge. They may strongly advise the court not to do this."

Zheng Guanying sighed softly and said, "The meat eaters are despicable. Now the officials in the court are all over the place. The empress dowager is unpredictable. Even if there are a few sober people, it is probably difficult to turn the tide. Sheng Gong said so much. How can the imperial court get through this messy water? If the imperial court is more stable, he can survive for a few more years. The empress dowager may have a good end. If he is still unrest, he will definitely have to make a move, but the good times will not last long."

Zhao Weizhong glanced at Zheng Guanying and said, "Duke Zheng, I'm angry with me to say something ruthless. If the court committed suicide by itself and letting overseas Chinese take over the world, it might not be a good thing. I'm afraid it will affect the war in Liaodong and give up the great land to outsiders. If you want to take it back in the future, it will cause a lot of trouble."

While everyone was talking, Li Songchen and several entourages also walked into the restaurant, and there was Yang Yuxin among them. Although Yang Yuxin was dismissed and banned from participating in public activities, he still made a deposit in the Shanghai New District. After all, he worked in Shanghai for a long time, had good personal relationships with most businessmen, and established extensive connections. At this time, the Shanghai New District also needed his help. Of course, Yang Yuxin was willing to help this, so Li Songchen applied to Qingdao and was soon approved.

Although Li Songchen has been in office for less than two months, he has held several exchanges and discussions with Shanghai businessmen, but the scale is not as large as today. Therefore, most people know him and say hello.

After a long journey, everyone also took their seats in their seats. Today, a total of 128 businessmen were invited, all of whom were well-known businessmen in Shanghai, with the least wealth of more than 100,000 taels of silver. It can be said that the combined influence of these people can cover the entire Jiangsu and Zhejiang region, and even northern Jiangsu, Huguang and Lingnan areas, which is almost half of China.

There were 16 seats in the restaurant, each with 8 businessmen and 2 travelers accompanied the seats. After the count, a total of 125 people came, and only 3 people had not arrived. The time for the opening was already here, so Li Songchen decided not to wait for them and start today's agenda.

Li Songchen came to the rostrum and said, "Everyone is very busy. I'm really sorry to have you all come here in this hot day and delay your time."

Sheng Xuanhuai said: "District Director Li is too guest, everyone is old friends, so there is no need to say these polite words."

Li Songchen smiled and said, "First of all, I would like to thank everyone for their support for us over the past period of time. The bonds we issued in Shanghai were sold smoothly, giving us enough funds to support the war in Liaodong. So you have made a lot of efforts and made contributions to the recovery of Liaodong. Our East China government remembers this kindness."

Zhang Zhenxun said: "Shame, ashamed, District Mayor Li is giving to our faces. Although we spent some money to buy bonds, we still have to pay back the money in the end. The government also has to pay interest to make money. What is this going to do?"

Li Songchen said: "You can't say that. You are investing in and building factories in Shanghai New District, and some are still operating in Qingdao and Jinan. Wherever you go, you not only pay taxes to us, but also increase local employment and promote local economic development. This is a huge contribution to the East China government. It is natural for you to make money from these businesses and operations. As the saying goes, "The emperor is not short of hungry soldiers." As long as you respect our laws and regulations, just make money with confidence and boldness, and the more you earn, the better you don't have to worry."

This speech also won applause. On the one hand, the merchants naturally like to listen to such words, and on the other hand, the East China government did do this, so many merchants also praised it in their hearts.

After waiting for the applause, Li Songchen said, "Okay, but I'll invite you all this time. I want to ask everyone for help."

Zhang Zhenxun said: "If there is anything, District Mayor Li will speak out. As long as we can do it, we will never postpone it."

Li Songchen nodded and said, "Now we are in Liaodong and Japan, Russia is in full swing. However, before the troops arrive, food and grass are coming first. Now the war requires more than food. Our government's funds are not bad, but the silver itself cannot be eaten or used, and it is not enough to be used in war. Only when it is replaced with food, medicinal materials, cloth, steel, etc. are useful. In this war, all kinds of materials are consumed hugely, and we need a lot of purchases. Thanks to everyone's help some time ago, the soldiers in front of us are not short of food and drink and devoted themselves to the battle. Therefore, we have achieved a great victory the previous time, and you have made great contributions."
Chapter completed!