1850 American Gold Baron
Chapter 425
The Liang family of today is no longer the same as the Liang family of the past.
Although Liang Yao's grandfather did not return to Beijing to serve as an official, anyone with a discerning eye knows that the Liang family's future is limitless.
There were two armies that the imperial court relied on most to exterminate Changmao, one was the Xiang Yong and the other was the Yue Yong.
The Liang family controls half of the branch, or even more Yueyong.
In the future, if the long-haired bandits can be pacified and rewarded based on their merits, the Liang family will definitely be indispensable.
Not only in Xiangshan, but also in Guangzhou, people mention this family with respect.
It has become a custom for the governors and admirals of Guangdong and Guangxi to visit the Liang Mansion during the holidays. This time Liang Shaoqiong returned from the Jiangbei Camp in Yangzhou, and the governors and admirals of Guangdong and Guangxi also made a special trip to pay their respects.
"You kid, you stayed in that damn place called Borneo for more than half a year and didn't want to come back to see me, half of whom is about to be buried."
As soon as he saw Liang Yao, Liang Weiming stepped forward, took Liang Yao's hand and complained.
Although Liang Weiming spoke with a tone of blame, he still couldn't hide the joy and pride in his eyes.
"Bah, bah, grandpa, don't talk nonsense. Grandpa's body is strong. Our Liang family still needs you to support us." Liang Yao said, "When my grandson was in Borneo, he often looked north, but he was busy with military affairs.
, I really can’t leave.”
Liang Shaoqiong scratched the green stubble on his head very embarrassedly and said with a smile: "As long as I am half as capable as my third nephew, I won't be able to accomplish nothing in middle age.
Liang Shaoqiong's own ship was a small steamer. He knew that this kind of Western steam ship was different from ordinary sailing ships. In order for sailors to be proficient in using this kind of steam warship, it would take a longer training period.
Although the court is temporarily neglecting Yue Yong, Liang Shaoqiong has already thought about the combat issues after the court re-employs Yue Yong.
Although Liang Shaoqiong, the general on Guangdong Yong's side, was also born into a landowner-official family, Liang Shaoqiong's own meritorious service and the almost zero political experience of Guangdong Yong were obviously not enough in front of the big bosses of the Hunan Army.
.
The loach boat was a small boat for the well-informed Liang Yao, but in the Qing Dynasty, especially in the Yangtze River Basin, it was a big boat.
After everyone was seated, Liang Weiming motioned to the servants to serve the dishes.
Although for the court, it would be a disaster for either the Hunan Army or the Yue Yong to take the majority, but it is the lesser of two evils. There are far more people in the court who support the Hunan Army than those who support the Yue Yong." Liang Yao nodded.
, I deeply agree with Liang Weiming’s views.
"Taqibu has been defeated in many battles. He has been unable to win Jiujiang. I heard that he is very angry. Of course, this is just a rumor. I don't know if it is true or not. Maybe it is Changmao's trick."
Liang Shaoqiong drank a small cup of rice wine, smacked her lips and said.
Speaking of the two Manchu generals who were placed among the Yue Yong, Liang Shaoqiong did not hide his dissatisfaction with the two Manchu generals.
To put it bluntly, if it weren't for the lack of soldiers in the imperial court, the dead horse being used as a living doctor, and Pan Shicheng's good relationship with the capital, and Prince Gong standing up for Yue Yong, Yue Yong would not even have a chance to form.
Four or five years ago, Liang Weiming believed that the Liang family had hit rock bottom, with almost no hope of a comeback. Liang Weiming no longer had much hope for the younger generations of the Liang family.
The Qing government was always on guard against Han armed forces.
"This time I asked Qiong'er to report illness and return home, which is to retreat in order to advance. At present, the Hunan Army is at a disadvantage in fighting in Jiangxi. When the court has no troops available, we will still have to rely on our Yue Yong." Liang Weiming said.
"Your nephew has a better understanding of the situation in the Qing Dynasty than you do in California. Learn from others."
He didn't expect that the old man could accept new things from the outside world so calmly even at his old age.
"Do you have any photos?" Liang Weiming asked.
If Liang Shaoqiong defected to the Hunan Army, he might not be able to enter the core circle of the Hunan Army based on his resume.
Sure enough, Jiang is still old and hot. Liang Shaoqiong may be better than the old man in leading troops, but his view of the situation in the temple is far less clear than the old man.
The main generals of the Hunan Army, such as Zeng Guofan and his brothers, Luo Bingzhang, Jiang Zhongyuan brothers, Hu Linyi, Zuo Zongtang, Peng Yulin, etc., were either orthodox landlords or officials with formal imperial examination backgrounds.
Liang Shaoqiong knew that Yue Yong was a completely weaponized army and relied heavily on logistical ammunition supplies. If there was a strong naval force to cooperate in the operation and use the water network for supply and support, it would get twice the result with half the effort and greatly increase Yue Yong's chances of winning.
"Guangdong Yong is not comparable to your Western Brigade. With a wealthy donor like you, how can I ask for money from the court if I dress too well?" Liang Shaoqiong said after sitting down.
"Yue Yong's attire is a bit shabby."
"Mr. Fan is one of the richest men in the United States, and he must be the right match for his grandson." Liang Yao said, "Grandpa, I forgive my grandson for being unfilial and agreeing to this marriage without asking for your permission."
"Last year, Xiangyong was able to conquer the two lakes, Jiangxi and a thousand miles away. In addition to the fact that Changmao's garrison forces in these places were insufficient and the foundation was still shallow, it all depended on the advantage of the navy.
"Guangdong Yongde's performance was so good that the imperial court was afraid, so the imperial court began to suppress Yue Yong?" Liang Yao said.
Liang Yao wrote a letter immediately after confirming the engagement to tell him that he already valued his grandfather.
From another perspective, Taqib's death may not be a bad thing for the Hunan Army, but it might even be a good thing.
"The Hunan Army is not a weak force. It can defeat Zeng Guofan in such a miserable state. There are still some characters among the long hair." Liang Yao said.
However, as the loach boat is the maiden product of the San Francisco Shipyard, its production technology is very mature and its production capacity is sufficient. Liang Yao can still give some to Yue Yong.
Four positions, I think Liang Weiming came to discuss matters with him.
Speaking of this, Liang Shaoqiong showed a pity expression, feeling extremely sorry for Zeng Guofan's attempted suicide by drowning.
Liang Yao knows that at his level, it is impossible to just want a particularly pure love without exchange of interests. A well-matched family is indeed important to both parties.
"The Hunan Army also has Taqibu watching over it," Liang Yao said.
It was also expected that the Qing government would send Eight Banners generals to Yueyong.
"There are indeed heroes among Changmao. The one who was responsible for the Western Expedition this time and fought against Zeng Guofan in Jiangxi was Changmao's pseudo-wing king Shi Dakai. At the beginning of the year, Shi Dakai was at Hukou and Jiujiang defeated the Hunan Army twice. I heard that Shi Dakai is now in Jiangxi.
Xiang Pimo captured many prefectures and counties.
"My grandson has lived in a Western country for a long time. Is it surprising that I know some of the rare things of Westerners?" Liang Weiming said with a smile, stroking his beard, and then asked someone to fetch a few daguerreotypes.
Although these Yue Yong were Liang Shaoqiong's personal soldiers, their clothing was very plain and simple, with a strong and clean cotton uniform, a turban wrapped around their heads, and an armed belt filled with bullets.
Liang Shaoqiong very wisely gave up this position to Liang Yao.
Furthermore, Liang Yao has made it clear that he will develop in California in the future and has no intention of returning to his hometown. Liang Shaoqiong has no need to be jealous of Liang Yao over this trivial matter.
"The Hunan Army was held down and beaten by Chang Mao in Jiangxi. The Hunan Army was in such a state of embarrassment in Jiangxi that even Zeng Guofan almost drowned himself."
"That's fine, but what are you going to say to the court?" Liang Yao continued to ask.
"Your grandfather knows nothing about the United States, and you happen to be here today. Tell me today what is going on with Mr. Fan, and is he a good match for us?" Liang Weiming asked very seriously.
At present, the Yue Yong has five battalions with a strength of more than 5,000.
Third nephew, I have one more thing to ask you."
But without the efforts of two or three generations, it would be difficult for the Pan family to be truly accepted by the mainstream ruling class.
"Haha, the imperial court wants to invite me to join the army this time. If they don't give me three or five battalions, I will stay in Xiangshan." Liang Shaoqiong laughed.
Although our Yue Yongs also have the support of the gentry in Guangfu, our main source of food and salary is still raised by Cantonese merchants. The imperial court is naturally more willing to trust the gentry than the merchants."
Liang Shaoqiong has not made any new moves in Yangzhou for more than half a year, and the number of arms purchased from him has also been decreasing recently. It is probably the rise of this Han armed force that has made the Manchu and Qing dignitaries begin to fear, fearing that the Guangdong Yong will not be able to lose its tail after becoming powerful.
This little production capacity is not enough for him, so it is impossible to sell it to Guangdong Yong.
"Ah? You still know about photos?" Liang Yao was a little surprised.
After Liang Weiming sat down at the chairman's seat, Liang Yao asked Liang Shaoqiong to sit in the deputy chairman's seat opposite the old man.
These photos include photos of the old man himself, family photos, and photos of Liang Weiming and local squires and magistrates.
"Since the imperial court assigned two men with yellow flags to our Yue Yong at the beginning of the year, the imperial court has not used Yue Yong very much. It only asked Yue Yong to guard the camp south of the Yangtze River and north of the Yangtze River to prevent Chang Mao from going north."
"I can't compare to you in California." Liang Weiming picked up the chopsticks, took a bite of food and put it in his mouth.
At present, Liang Yao's San Francisco Shipyard's annual output of warships over 1,000 tons, to put it bluntly, the Bold-class steam cruiser, is two and a half.
Although the military pay given by the Qing court was negligible, the main source of military pay for the Yue Yong was not the court, but the wealthy merchants and gentry of Guangzhou who were the core businessmen in Guangzhou.
Although they were opponents, Liang Shaoqiong still admired Shi Dakai, a young general of the Taiping Army.
"The Hunan Army is an army mainly supported by Hunan gentry. Zeng Disheng had a smooth career. Before taking charge of the Hunan Army, he had reached the rank of Zuo Shilang in the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
"Fifth uncle, don't blame me for not reminding you, the navy master is no better than the land master, this thing is a gold-eating giant beast." Liang Yao reminded.
Liang Yao knew that Taqibu failed to attack Jiujiang in the seventh month, became depressed and fell ill, and died of illness. It was true, and it was not the psychological warfare of the Taiping Army.
"I will coordinate with the Cantonese businessmen on this matter," Liang Shaoqiong said, rubbing his hands excitedly.
"They are all members of our own family. We don't have to ask for anything. The fifth uncle said it straight away. As long as it is within the nephew's ability, the nephew will definitely handle it for the fifth uncle." Liang Yao said.
Walking into the mansion, Liang Yao glanced at Yue Yong, who was standing guard at the door.
Liang Shaoqiong took a long-term view, and his performance was slightly higher than Liang Yao's expectations for him.
"My grandpa must have been handsome and talented when he was young." Liang Yao looked at the photo and admired.
At present, the Hunan Army is at a disadvantage in fighting in Jiangxi, and it is only a matter of time before the imperial court re-employs Yue Yong.
"In the Qing Dynasty, who was the financial backer behind Guangdong Yong who was not wealthy?" Liang Yao said with a smile.
"Private matter? My nephew is engaged?" Liang Shaoqiong's eyes lit up and he said to Liang Yao.
It's just that the current war is not good for the Hunan Army, morale is low, and news that is not good for morale such as the death of important generals must be blocked as much as possible.
"You are twenty-five this year, and it is time to get married."
Moreover, the loach boat is fast and flexible, and can move forward and retreat freely without relying on the wind, making it very suitable for inland river operations.
There is currently no war in Guangdong Province, and Liang Shaoqiong wants to take advantage of this period to train a navy.
"Many things cannot be solved with money."
Unless an army of this size engages in high-intensity operations for a long time, it will not be a problem to support an elite army of 5,000 people with the financial resources of the wealthy merchants and gentry of Guangfu.
As long as Yueyong's navy can train well, it will be able to provide him with certain help in the Nanyang region in the future.
"Qiong'er, be careful with your words. We are all from this family here, so it's okay to be a little indulgent. If you say these things outside, wouldn't you give others an excuse?" Liang Weiming said seriously, and then changed the subject.
Liang Yao looked at these photos. In the photos, Liang Weiming was facing the end calmly and confidently, and his behavior revealed a bit of majesty.
The only one who can put the Hunan Army into such a miserable state is this false wing king. Our Yue Yong also suffered losses at his hands," Liang Shaoqiong said.
Although Liang Shaoqiong has made some achievements recently and is senior to Liang Yao, in terms of contribution to the Liang family, Liang Shaoqiong still cannot compare to Liang Yao.
"The loach boat is enough." Liang Shaoqiong was very satisfied with Liang Yao's answer.
As for Pan Shicheng of the Pan family, another important general of Yue Yong, he directly came from a merchant background in Guangzhou and made his fortune, although the Pan family tried their best to downplay his merchant background.
After stabilizing the Jiangnan and Jiangbei camps and curbing the Taiping Army's northward movement, Liang Shaoqiong wanted to enter the Jiangxi battlefield to fight. However, Liang Shaoqiong's request was quickly rejected, which made Liang Shaoqiong feel very disappointed.
Liang Weiming nodded approvingly to Liang Yao, wondering why he didn't realize there was such a piece of jade at home.
Liang Yao walked into the house with his hands behind his back. There was only a four-cornered Eight Immortals table for four people.
"Nonsense. When I was young, your grandpa was a well-known scholar from all over the country. When grandpa was a scholar, all the people who proposed marriage would level the threshold of our Liang family." Liang Weiming couldn't help but puff up his chest, "Stop talking nonsense.
Did you bring back a photo of my granddaughter-in-law?"
"Grandpa is right. Compared with the generals of the Hunan Army, our Yue Yong generals are not as upright as the generals of the Hunan Army. The imperial court has deep prejudices.
"You are eager to obey power. America and the Qing Dynasty are thousands of miles apart. Your grandfather and I are not pedantic people. You have your own reasons for agreeing to this marriage." Liang Weiming also expressed his understanding of Liang Yao's behavior.
Liang Shaoqiong wanted to train as a naval engineer, and Liang Yao was very supportive.
"The official business has almost finished, and it's time to talk about your personal affairs. I also want to hold my great-grandson as soon as possible."
Once the imperial court re-employs Yue Yong, Yue Yong will have to enter Jiangxi to fight. The water network in northern Jiangxi is dense. If we don't have a satisfactory navy, we will suffer a lot in fighting Changmao." Liang Shaoqiong said.
Liang Yao thought for a moment and then said: "There are no big ships, and I can't even use them myself, but there are as many loach ships as I need."
Liang Shaoqiong was convinced to give this position to Liang Yao without any complaints.
Unexpectedly, the emergence of a person like Liang Yao in the Liang family directly caused the Liang family to rebound. It was truly the blessing of our ancestors.
"It's also my fault that I was eager to perform meritorious service and wanted to show off too much. I didn't listen to my father's teachings and my nephew's advice. You are right. We have to suppress this long-haired bandit, but we cannot suppress it too harshly." Liang Shaoqiong's face was filled with emotion.
The look of regret.
"Carnegie, get Miss Elizabeth's photo." Liang Yao said to Carnegie.
Carnegie opened the briefcase and took out two picture frames with daguerreotypes embedded in them.
One is a full-length photo of Elizabeth, and the other is a photo of the two of them at the Crystal Palace in New York.
Liang Yao had many photos of Elizabeth, but these two photos were the most satisfactory to Liang Yao, so Liang Yao only carried these two photos with him.
After Carnegie placed the photo, Liang Yao took out his pocket watch from his coat pocket. He opened the pocket watch, revealing the portrait inside, and placed it gently on the table.
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