“Commander, according to the intelligence we have gathered, throughout Lu Province, in various prefectures, there are numerous officials, prominent families, large landowners, and even some military officers colluding with the Qing court.
In other words, they are preparing to respond to the Qing court's edict, coordinating internally and externally to crush our Beiyang Army.
Among them, the Kong family in Qufu is undoubtedly the most enthusiastic.
Many people in Qufu, Yanzhou Prefecture, and the surrounding areas have been linked together by them.
Under the pressure of our army, they may not dare to act rashly. However, if the situation on the front line turns unfavorable for us, they will likely launch an immediate attack, causing us significant losses.
I believe we must take action quickly to eliminate these potential enemies.
If we delay, the longer it drags on, the more disadvantageous it will be for us.”
Major General Li Qian of the Intelligence Bureau reported.
Li Jingyuan has always placed great importance on intelligence work, not only to prepare for war but also to ensure that even in peacetime, the intelligence department can play a significant role.
It is worth noting that the Easterners had been preparing for war against the Qing Dynasty long before they actually launched their attacks.
A large number of Eastern intelligence agents disguised themselves as merchants or travelers to gather intelligence on the Qing Dynasty, mapping out territories and so on.
From the First Sino-Japanese War onward, the Easterners have maintained a significant advantage in intelligence operations throughout a series of subsequent wars.
Li Jingyuan hopes to gradually eliminate the intelligence networks established by the Easterners, rooting out all their agents hidden within the country.
Thus, he places great emphasis on the intelligence department of the Beiyang Army, providing personnel and funding as needed.
The intelligence bureau not only has many elite soldiers but has also recruited some individuals from the underworld.
Even though the current capabilities of the intelligence bureau are still quite limited,
it is sufficient to monitor the situation across Lu Province.
Moreover, this time their target is merely those prominent families.
“I understand. You all continue to monitor closely. I will make a decision on what measures to take as soon as possible!” Li Jingyuan said.
“Yes, Commander!” Major General Li Qian nodded and then left.
Li Jingyuan did not make an immediate decision but instead informed Li Hongzhang of the news.
Li Jingyuan is well aware of the immense influence the Kong family holds in this era.
However, he holds no respect for the Kong family whatsoever.
This family, despite being descendants of Confucius, has long since cast aside principles of propriety, righteousness, integrity, and shame. Everything they do is solely for wealth and power.
When the Mongols invaded, they sided with the Mongols.
When the Tartars entered the pass, they eagerly allied with the Tartars.
Li Jingyuan even clearly remembers that in another timeline, when the Germans occupied Jiaozhou Bay, the Kong family shamelessly submitted a petition to ally with the Germans, claiming that the German Emperor Wilhelm II was the true ruler of the world.
And when the Easterners invaded, they similarly allied with them.
Such a deceitful and ungrateful family, why should they be respected?
Yet, scholars across the land still regard the Kong family as leaders, which shows how foolish the scholars of this era are. Or perhaps, they have been dulled by their studies of the Four Books and Five Classics.
“Father, this is the information collected by the intelligence bureau. The entire Lu Province is in turmoil. Many people are hoping for the Qing army to return and defeat us. When that happens, they will welcome the imperial troops with food and drink!” Li Jingyuan said with a mocking expression.
Li Hongzhang put down the documents in his hand, his expression grim.
Although the Beiyang Army has achieved military victories, withstanding the Qing army's attacks and inflicting significant losses on them,
if the entire Lu Province descends into chaos, it will undoubtedly cause them great trouble.
It could even affect the upcoming war with the Qing court.
However, deep down, Li Hongzhang still considers himself a scholar.
He has a natural fondness for the Kong family.
Li Hongzhang is also well aware of Li Jingyuan's extreme dissatisfaction with the Kong family and his desire to take action against them.
But doing so would undoubtedly have a significant impact, potentially causing a great uproar across the land.
For the Li family, whether in terms of public opinion or other aspects, it would be even more disadvantageous.
“Third son, I understand the situation with the Kong family. However, can we not choose another target? Doing so would undoubtedly intimidate the Kong family, and they would not dare to oppose us.
If we directly act against the Kong family, all the scholars in the world will likely turn against us and stand on the opposite side.
Even if we defeat the Manchus in the future, we will still need a large number of officials to govern the country.
If we harm the Kong family, it is likely that all the scholars will refuse to serve us.”
Li Hongzhang cautioned.
“Father, since the Kong family has decided to be our enemies, we absolutely cannot let them go. Only by doing so can we intimidate others. Rather than killing the chicken to scare the monkey, we might as well just kill the monkey directly!” Li Jingyuan's attitude was very resolute.