Zhili, Baoding, Governor's Mansion.
Li Hongzhang, Governor of Zhili and concurrently Minister of Beiyang, was in his study, looking at a secret report, his face very grim.
Or rather, he was very conflicted.
He, Li Hongzhang, had risen to power during the Taiping Rebellion, formed the Huai Army, and had steadily climbed the ranks, now holding one of the highest positions in the court.
Even though he was not a member of the Grand Council, he held a powerful army, his Huai Army was strong and well-equipped.
With the Qing Dynasty's banner troops having become rotten and useless, the Huai Army was arguably the most powerful military force in the Qing Dynasty.
Li Hongzhang's many trusted lieutenants and generals practically controlled the Huai Army.
In addition, Li Hongzhang's numerous students and officials were spread throughout the court.
One could say that Li Hongzhang's power had reached the point where the entire Qing Dynasty was wary of him.
Fortunately, Li Hongzhang had no rebellious intentions and was wholeheartedly dedicated to serving the Qing Dynasty, putting the court at ease.
But in private, they still took precautions, which was inevitable.
“That rebellious son! What a rebellious son! Is he trying to plunge the entire Li family into the abyss?” Li Hongzhang was extremely angry.
Li Hongzhang was now sixty-five years old.
As he grew older, he became more concerned about the prosperity and legacy of his family.
But the things Li Jingyuan was doing in Laizhou Prefecture clearly pointed towards rebellion!
If he failed, the entire Li family would pay the price and be wiped out, their entire lineage exterminated!
Even if he succeeded, he would be a traitorous rebel!
At the very least, all the scholars in the land would view their Li family as rebels.
The Qing army had entered the Pass over two hundred years ago, and all the Han people had long since recognized the Qing Dynasty as the legitimate rulers, not to mention those scholars who were always without backbone.
Many scholars even considered it the highest honor to die for the Qing Dynasty.
Once the Li family rebelled, they would surely be condemned by everyone.
Li Hongzhang, however, was very concerned about his reputation.
“Master, our Third Master has been doing quite well these past two years in Laizhou Prefecture. He has not only actively pursued modernization, setting up various factories, but also, under the guise of militia training, has been training new troops. His new troops, using Western training methods and equipment, are incredibly powerful, comparable to the most elite units in the Huai Army.
Our Third Master has such abilities, Master should be happy!”
Li Hongzhang's steward, Zhang Qilin, tried to persuade him.
“I naturally acknowledge the Third’s abilities. Even at twelve years old, he was already working with the Germans, opening pharmaceutical factories, producing medicines that were sold to Europe and America, making a fortune. I heard they have already opened factories in Europe and are making even more money.
However, I yearn for him to be loyal and patriotic, and bring glory to our Li family!”
Li Hongzhang naturally held high hopes for Li Jingyuan.
He hoped that Li Jingyuan, once he grew up, would serve the court, be loyal and patriotic like him, and rise to a high position. Maybe he could even do better than him.
But Li Jingyuan had always disliked the Qing Dynasty, and if it wasn't for Li Hongzhang's insistence, he wouldn't even have kept his queue.
Expecting Li Jingyuan to serve the Qing Dynasty, to be loyal and patriotic, was simply impossible.
Especially now, after Li Jingyuan became the magistrate of Laizhou, he had become even more audacious, starting to build an army.
Wasn't this clearly a sign of rebellion?
Li Hongzhang used his connections and influence to suppress this news.
Even Zhang Yao, the Governor of Shandong Province, was a close friend of Li Hongzhang.
But there are no secrets that can be kept forever.
If the news were to leak out, it would be a disaster for the entire Li family!
“Master, our Third Master’s current actions are indeed treasonous. But you can’t report him to the court and have him arrested, can you?” Zhang Qilin asked.
“Sigh!”
Li Hongzhang sighed heavily.
As the saying goes, "Even a tiger does not eat its young," he wouldn't want to do that.
But at the same time, he didn't want the entire Li family to suffer.
“From now on, do your best to seal off news from Laizhou Prefecture, a day at a time. Also, disperse the family members in secret. Secretly transfer the family’s assets as well. Hopefully, when the news breaks, our Li family can minimize casualties!” Li Hongzhang closed his eyes, his face filled with pain.
In his mind, loyalty and patriotism, serving the Qing Dynasty, were his lifelong convictions.
But his son was now challenging these beliefs, which naturally caused him immense pain.
“Yes, Master!” Zhang Qilin nodded.
He wasn't as loyal to the Qing Dynasty as Li Hongzhang.
If Li Jingyuan could really succeed, it might not be a bad thing for the Li family.
Overthrowing the Qing Dynasty and restoring the Han Chinese throne, although rarely spoken of in recent years, wouldn't it be good for the ordinary Han Chinese people if they could finally be their own masters and no longer be slaves to the Tartars?
Of course, the Li family might pay a price during this process.
But as the saying goes, "the greater the risk, the greater the reward!"
Especially if Li Jingyuan were to rise up, if Li Hongzhang could stand up and give the call, who knows how many people in Beiyang would respond.
Their chances of success would naturally be much higher.