RPAGF Chapter 133 Talent Attraction
Chapter 133 Talent Attraction
Wang Kaiyun and his beloved disciple exchanged a glance, both very satisfied with their first impression of Shen Lian.
With the keen eye of an eagle and the shrewdness of a wolf, an eagerness to seek out talented individuals, and a respectful attitude towards those of high caliber, coupled with all that Shen Lian has done, he is a truly exceptional ruler, one that appears only once every few centuries!
Wang Kaiyun was a man of many experience, a man of great influence. He was alright, just somewhat gratified. Yang Du, on the other hand, had never seen anything like it.
Shen Lian's high-level reception made Yang Du tremble with excitement, and he wished he could prostrate himself in worship.
"Please have a seat, gentlemen, and please have some tea!" After inviting the two men to sit down in the hall, Shen Lian picked up a cigarette and offered them some.
"Are you two gentlemen from your hometown? I haven't been back for many years, and I don't even know how my hometown is doing anymore?" Shen Lian didn't ask about their purpose for coming, but instead started chatting about everyday things.
Although he couldn't wait to bring the two of them under his command, he shouldn't appear too eager!
Now that he's quite famous and influential, he should still maintain a bit of restraint. Old Mr. Wang doesn't know much about Yang Du, but he's extremely well-known.
His talent and methods are first-rate. However, he also has a somewhat arrogant and eccentric temperament and likes to act on his own. I'll have to keep him in check.
"I wonder what brings you two gentlemen to the capital? Please don't hesitate to ask if there's anything I can do for you." After some small talk, Shen Lian finally asked.
"We, master and disciple, have come here for the sake of the Commander-in-Chief. May I ask what the Commander-in-Chief's ambitions are?" Wang Kaiyun gestured to his eager disciple to calm down before asking.
"We will resist foreign powers and improve people's livelihoods, so that China can stand tall among the nations of the world and never suffer humiliation again," Shen Lian said resolutely.
"Excellent! What a magnanimous spirit, Commander! If you do not despise me, I am willing to serve under your command and be at your beck and call!" Yang Du stood up immediately upon hearing this and shouted excitedly.
"Mr. Yang, you flatter me! I would be more than happy to have you join my Shandong headquarters! Haha!"
"The imperial court has already agreed to let the Grand Marshal take charge of Shandong?" Wang Kaiyun's eyes gleamed.
Shen Lian smiled and nodded.
"My apprentice and I were worried all the way here that the Commander-in-Chief was unaware of the danger and might be plotted against. We rushed here from our hometown. It seems we were too shallow and did not recognize the Commander-in-Chief's wisdom." Wang Kaiyun sighed deeply.
"I believe I possess some talent and am willing to contribute to the General's grand ambitions." Wang Kaiyun stood up and bowed respectfully.
"Hahaha! I am truly fortunate to have the help of these two gentlemen today. It's like Emperor Gaozu of Han meeting Zhang Liang, or a wise ruler embracing Liu Ji!" Shen Lian exclaimed happily, uttering a popular internet saying.
Wang and Yang exchanged a glance. "You, Shen Zhiyuan, still say you have no ambition?"
But I like this kind of powerful ruler! The two of them had already mastered the art of slaying dragons, and were just looking for an opportunity to put it to use!
"General, be careful what you say! It's best not to utter such words, lest the walls have ears," Wang Kaiyun immediately advised.
"Ahem! Sir is right. I was so excited to receive your help that I got a little carried away! Hehe!" Shen Lian blushed, a rare occurrence for him.
"Uncle Daowu, have them prepare a sumptuous feast. I want to have a good drink with these two gentlemen today!"
He was startled; indeed, a great talent had come to serve him! He had the civil officials, but as for military generals, he wasn't very interested in the current old warlords; the generals he favored were all too inexperienced. Now was not the time to summon them.
While waiting for the Emperor's return to the capital, Shen Lian took the time to attend the founding ceremony of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC). That's right, Shen Lian directly stole ICBC's account in advance.
The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China's IPO was completed three days ago, with all of the more than 100 million taels of silver raised in place. Of this, Shen Lian, representing the new army, invested 40 million taels, acquiring 51% of the shares.
The remaining shares were completely divided up by wealthy merchants and tycoons who came from all over the country.
Several major banks in Shanxi have been merged into the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, and the distribution of their branches is currently being rapidly adjusted.
Shen Lian was undoubtedly the chairman of the board, but he obviously didn't have time to go to work. So Nie Yuanshan took over the reins at the bank for him.
The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) has also obtained the right to mint coins and is now working overtime to customize minting machines and molds.
Half a month later, Empress Dowager Cixi finally returned to the capital with Emperor Guangxu and a large number of officials.
Shen Lian and a large number of officials followed Yi Kuang, heading out of the city for twenty miles to greet him.
Unlike her disheveled escape, Cixi's return to Beijing this time was grand and imposing, complete with all the necessary ceremonial entourage. Thousands of soldiers and hundreds of officials accompanied her.
It was truly a sight to behold, with colorful flags waving and crowds thronging the streets. The air was filled with the sounds of gongs and drums, and firecrackers crackling and popping!
Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu sat in a magnificent six-horse carriage, slowly making their way toward the city gate.
A group of officials from the capital hurriedly knelt down to greet him, while Shen Lian cursed inwardly, calling her an old hag. He had sworn he would never kneel before her again, but it seemed he would have to so soon.
"By imperial decree, the Governor of Zhili, Shen Lian, is to be summoned to the carriage to accompany the Empress!" Li Lianying, dressed in a brand-new python robe, walked over.
Amidst the envious gazes of the officials, Shen Lian followed Li Lianying as they boarded Empress Dowager Cixi's enormous carriage.
"Your humble servant Shen Lian pays his respects to the Empress Dowager!" Shen Lian knelt down again, unwillingly.
"Minister Shen, please rise and come closer so I can have a good look at our great hero," an aged voice said happily from behind the carriage curtain.
Shen Lian's heart skipped a beat. Holy crap! Could it be that Empress Dowager Cixi is plotting something against me?
You old hag in your sixties or seventies, the kind who cuts off the water and electricity. If you dare do anything to me, I'll fucking rebel right now!
"I didn't get a good look last time, but Minister Shen really does have the appearance of a great man. No wonder you've made such a great contribution. I don't even know how to reward you!"
"Please don't say the next sentence!" Shen Lian lowered his head and clenched his fists, more nervous than if he were going to the battlefield.
It wasn't that he was being paranoid; there were plenty of secrets, adult films, and erotic novels about Empress Dowager Cixi in later generations. Even Shen Lian had read them.
Besides, I heard she's been using human milk for skincare, but who knows if she still has that in mind now!
"I dare not claim credit for the victory. This victory was entirely due to the Empress Dowager's selection, the court's support, and the bravery of the soldiers. I merely played a small part in it."
"Minister Shen, there's no need to be so formal. I'm just having a casual chat with you!" Empress Dowager Cixi was very pleased to see Shen Lian's "apprehensive" demeanor.
"Thank you, Empress Dowager!" Shen Lian secretly wiped away his sweat.
"Who else is in Minister Shen's household?" Empress Dowager Cixi asked softly.
"Your Majesty, I still have my elderly father at home, who is currently a nominal general of the court, leading the Linqing guerrilla force. I also have a younger sister, a wife, and a concubine. My wife, Madam Shen, was already pregnant before I went to war, and she is now about four or five months pregnant!" Shen Lian answered honestly.
He knew that Empress Dowager Cixi must have known about his family situation long ago, and that asking about it now was just a way of showing her favor.