July 8, 1788, Hejian Prefecture, southern Zhili.
Li Hongzhang, leading over 30,000 Huai Army soldiers, had marched south to this point.
Further south would take them into the territory of Shandong Province.
“Sir, news has arrived from Jinan Prefecture. Zhang Yao has opened the city gates. Over 10,000 Songwu Army soldiers have surrendered to the Third Master. The whole of Shandong Province is practically ours!” Zhou Fu, his face beaming with excitement.
The Li family had now embarked on a path of rebellion, and their fates, those who were Li Hongzhang's confidants, were inextricably linked to the family.
If the Li family failed, they would face execution as well.
Thus, they naturally wished for the Li family's rebellion to succeed.
“Haha, good! I truly haven't misjudged Zhang Yao. Taking Shandong is a fine foundation. Our future dealings with the Qing court will have more room for maneuver!” Li Hongzhang was elated.
In this era, Shandong was an exceedingly prosperous province.
Moreover, Shandong had a total population of nearly 40 million.
Controlling Shandong meant the Li family could continuously recruit troops from there, allowing them to engage in long-term combat with the Qing court.
The final victor remained uncertain.
“Sir, I suggest we leave a portion of our troops in southern Zhili, establish a few bridgeheads, and make this our front line against the Qing court. Once the Third Master's main forces are ready, we can directly launch an offensive from southern Zhili towards Yanjing. This will also prevent the war from spreading through Shandong!” Zhou Fu suggested.
Li Hongzhang nodded repeatedly.
“Alright, Sheng Zi Jun will stay behind in southern Zhili, while the rest of the troops enter Shandong and station themselves north of the Yellow River. We must secure this area, at least. That way, we'll have better protection for our future advance into all of Zhili. Otherwise, if we lose the land north of the Yellow River, crossing back will be even more difficult!”
Li Hongzhang, after all, was the founder of the Huai Army and a seasoned military commander. He had strategic foresight.
“Yes, Sir!”
Zhou Fu replied.
“Zhou Fu, the defense of southern Zhili is yours. I'll be taking my family and making a quick trip to Jinan. I need to meet with the Third Master and finalize some matters.” Li Hongzhang said.
Zhou Fu nodded repeatedly in agreement.
Li Hongzhang's rebellion was actually forced upon him, a result of Li Jingyuan’s involvement.
After Li Jingyuan's plot to rebel was exposed, if he didn't rebel, he would be beheaded by the Qing court.
But Li Jingyuan was his son, so as a father, he had no choice but to support him unconditionally.
Soon, Li Hongzhang, accompanied by his second son Li Jing Shu, galloped towards Jinan to meet with Li Jingyuan.
Li Hongzhang had six sons in total. His eldest son, Li Jing Yu, died young. Li Jing Fang, his adopted son, was the son of his younger brother Li Zhao Qing and had been adopted by Li Hongzhang, currently serving as the counsellor at the Imperial Japanese Embassy. Li Jing Shu, his second son, held the titular position of a junior official in Siping but had no real authority and remained at Li Hongzhang's side.
Li Jingyuan was Li Hongzhang's third son.
In another timeline, he had already passed away. But in this timeline, he was possessed by the soul of Li Yuan.
Li Jing Mai, his fourth son, was only twelve years old. And Li Jing Jin, his fifth son, had also died young.
“Father, the Third Master’s rebellion was rash and reckless. He didn't even inform you beforehand, nearly putting the entire Li family in grave danger. Even though you reacted promptly and took measures, many family members were arrested in Yanjing. Who knows how many will perish because of this?”
Li Jing Shu's face was filled with frustration.
As a genuine scholar, he had been deeply influenced by the ideas of loyalty to the emperor and love for the country. He disliked his half-brother Li Jingyuan, who was always unconventional and independent.
“It's done now, there's no point in dwelling on it. Remember, no matter what, you and the Third Master are brothers!” Li Hongzhang urged.
“Yes, Father. I was simply concerned for the future of our family.” Li Jing Shu replied.
“The Qing court has long been decayed, like a house with holes everywhere. The Third Master’s rebellion has plunged our family into crisis. But isn't this also an opportunity? We may not lose!”
Li Hongzhang exuded confidence.
Upon hearing this, Li Jing Shu's mind began to race with possibilities.
If they, the Li family, truly succeeded in their rebellion and established a new empire, Li Hongzhang would undoubtedly be the rightful emperor.
With Li Hongzhang's eldest son deceased, he, the second son, would become the eldest.
Could he then become the crown prince, or even the future emperor of the empire?
The mere thought of this fueled his desire for the rebellion's success.
On July 10, Li Hongzhang, escorted by his guards, arrived at Jinan Prefecture with Li Jing Shu.
Li Jingyuan, who had appointed himself commander-in-chief of the Beiyang Army, along with other Beiyang Army commanders and Zhang Yao, the governor of Shandong, were all present to greet them at the city gates.
“Father, your journey was long and arduous!” Li Jingyuan showed great deference to Li Hongzhang, not letting the fact that his troops far outnumbered Li Hongzhang's go to his head.
Li Hongzhang nodded and patted Li Jingyuan on the shoulder. “Third Master, you've done well these past few years.”