Chapter 202 Engagement Banquet

On May 8, newspapers of all sizes in Tianjin published two things. One was that China and Japan exchanged treaties in Yantai, declaring that the Treaty of Shimonoseki officially came into effect, and Taiwan, Liaodong Peninsula and other territories were separated from China from then on.

Another thing was that the famous anti-Japanese general Wei Jichen was refused entry to a British restaurant for dinner. These two things were published on the same page of some newspapers at the same time.

Countless people with lofty ideals were extremely sad and angry when they saw this news, lamenting the misfortune of the country, the weakness of the nation, and the difficult situation.

The relationship between China and Japan has undergone a fundamental change since history. Japan has dominated the East for the first time, and the Chinese have gradually become the sick man of Asia.

In the capital, Kang Youwei learned the news that the contract had been exchanged, and united many scholars to write to Guangxu, saying that China had reached a time of life and death, and it was time to change and strengthen. He also put forward his own ideas, criticized the old ways, and proposed to change the monarchy to a constitutional monarchy, learn from Japan, and carry out reforms from top to bottom.

Kang Youwei's several memorials moved Guangxu greatly, and the court's anti-treaty memorials were like snow mountains.

Guangxu promptly issued a self-criticism edict, claiming to train troops to strengthen the country. Since the beginning of the Sino-Japanese War, some forces in the court have concentrated around him because Guangxu advocated war. Guangxu has become more and more assertive, and inevitably a rift has arisen between him and Cixi, which has never happened before.

The entire court, due to the cession of land and compensation, was forced by public opinion. On the one hand, Li Hongzhang was promoted as a scapegoat, and on the other hand, some changes had to be made.

In this way, the training of a new army began to be implemented amid increasing calls.

Yuan Shikai's new army was only one of them, and this army was composed of newly recruited soldiers, and did not have much combat effectiveness.

In addition, the Military Affairs Office was determined to train three more new soldiers, stationed in Tianjin, Shanhaiguan, and Liaodong respectively.

At the court's suggestion, Li Hongzhang and Wang Wenshao submitted a petition requesting the disbanding of the more than 400 Hunan and Huai armies gathered inside and outside Shanhaiguan, and selecting the elite to train them into several Western-style armies.

The candidates for training were initially decided to be Nie Shicheng and Song Qing, and the last one had not been determined yet. In fact, Guangxu was very interested in Wei Jichen.

But when he went to the Summer Palace to pay his respects that day, he talked about this with Cixi. Cixi neither agreed nor opposed it, but asked Guangxu to order Wei Jichen to come to Beijing immediately for an audience, and then make a decision.

At this time, Wei Jichen was holding a banquet at home.

That day, guests gathered, the voices were bustling, and it was a lively scene.

The banquet was set up from the courtyard to the main road outside the door. There were about 40 or 50 tables, and all the villagers were invited.

After a burst of music and cannons, the banquet officially began.

Wei Jichen and Su Zhiniang stood in the center of the banquet. Su Zhiniang was so shy that she lowered her head and didn't speak. That was because Wei Jichen invited all the villagers to the banquet on the pretext of an engagement banquet.

The engagement banquet should have been very complicated, but because the parents of Wei Jichen and Su Zhiniang had passed away, the procedures became much simpler. It was hosted by a respected person in the village, and many villagers came to help. In addition, Wang Huaiqing and other personal soldiers assisted on the side, so that the whole scene was not chaotic.

Even so, Wei Jichen was busy half to death.

At this time, seeing that the banquet officially started and half of the things were over, Wei Jichen couldn't help but secretly relieved in his heart.

"All uncles and fellow villagers, I am very grateful that you have time to come to my engagement banquet today. I hope that all the villagers can come here and have fun." Wei Jichen bowed to the people around him with gratitude and said loudly.

"General, what are you talking about? It's our honor."

"That's right, that's right! Zhiniang finally made it. We are happy to see it."

…

Everyone is from the same village. In addition, Su Zhiniang is kind and easy to get along with. Everyone is happy for her and teases the two of them.

The old man also stood up and said with a smile: "It is said that a wife who has shared the hardships of life will not be divorced. Zijie, now you and Zhiniang are engaged. We all watched Zhiniang grow up together, but you are the daughter of our whole village. You must get married as soon as possible so that you can give birth to a big white and fat baby to continue the incense of your Wei family."

Someone next to him said: "What are you talking about, sir? You can get pregnant with a white and fat baby first, and get married later."

Su Zhiniang blushed when she heard this.

The old gentleman looked around, trying to find out who was making trouble, but his eyes were blurry and he couldn't find out. He could not help but scold: "That naughty boy said something that was not in accordance with etiquette. I will find him and scold him severely."

Turning to Wei Jichen, he said: "Zijie, don't believe their nonsense. There is no rush to have a child. You have to get things done first."

Wei Jichen saw the serious look of the old gentleman and was immediately amused and had to reply seriously: "Sir, you are right."

"Come on, let's toast to General Wei together." The head of the village took the lead and stood up, raised the wine glass in his hand, and shouted.

Everyone stood up immediately, raised the wine glass in their hands, and faced Wei Jichen.

Wei Jichen also took the big bowl of wine handed over by Wang Huaiqing, toasted to the people around him, and then drank it all. Wei Jichen was so generous that he immediately won the unanimous applause of everyone.

After drinking the opening wine, Wei Jichen toasted to each table one by one. Sitting in the chairman's seat was a respected elder in the village.

A soldier was personally waiting on the side. Wei Jichen and Su Zhiniang walked over together. Naturally, these old men would not embarrass Wei Jichen too much. After drinking a glass of wine and saying something promising, they let Wei Jichen go.

Wei Jichen knew that the ones who made the fuss should be at the seats of the younger generation. There is a saying that there is no big or small wedding within three days. Wei Jichen's engagement party was a bit big, just like a wedding banquet.

Wei Jichen winked slightly, and Wang Huaiqing secretly brought a jar of special 'water wine', which was wine mixed with a large amount of water, and then began to serve them table by table.

My dear, there will be more after this chapter^.^,

The martial arts style in Xiaohenan Village is quite popular, and the men in the village know a few martial arts, and they are a bit too generous. Even though Wei Jichen used fake wine to toast him all the way, he was still drunk for a long time.

Wei Jichen looked up and saw that he had only drank a third of the drink, and he couldn't help but scream for his life.

After visiting another table, Wei Jichen saw three men who looked similar to each other at the table. He couldn't help but look through the memory of the young scholar. However, the young scholar used to be a bachelor and a typical otaku, and he only had a vague impression of them.

They seem to be three brothers, named Huo Yuandong, Huo Yuanjia, and Huo Yuanqing.

Wait, who? Fearless.

Wei Jichen's slightly dizzy head suddenly became clear, "Huo Yuanjia, right?" Is it such a coincidence? Think about it, Huo Yuanjia, the hero of Jinmen, needless to say is from Tianjin. As for Tianjin, how can I remember it in such detail?

Could it be that Huo Yuanjia is really from the same hometown as him?

Wei Jichen secretly looked at him, and at first glance he knew it was a trainee. After a closer look, he saw that the other person was staring at his child bride Su Zhiniang intentionally or unintentionally.

Su Zhiniang next to her seemed to be aware of his gaze, holding the corners of her clothes with her little hands, feeling a little nervous.

This scene fell in Wei Jichen's eyes, and he couldn't help but feel suspicious. There was something wrong, something was not normal!

Huo Yuandong, who was beside Huo Yuanjia, kicked him hard and said in a low voice: "Second brother!"

Huo Yuanjia suddenly woke up and quickly lowered his head to cover up his gaffe.

"Fellow folks, Zijie is polite here. Thank you all folks for coming to the banquet. I would like to toast you all." Wei Jichen said with a smile and repeated the words dozens of times.

Everyone sitting at the table stood up, smiled and said some nice words in return. Wei Jichen secretly watched Huo Yuanjia and saw that the boy's expression was indescribably complicated.

After Wei Jichen paid his respects, he walked to the next table calmly. Su Zhiniang beside him suddenly whispered: "Ms. sir, there was a time when everyone thought you were killed in battle. Brother Huo came to ask for your hand in marriage."

"And why didn't I know about this?" Wei Jichen nodded slightly, feeling a little uncomfortable for some reason.

"Zhiniang just thinks that there is nothing to say about this matter. Zhiniang has long regarded herself as a member of the Wei family and has never thought otherwise. Therefore, Zhiniang doesn't think it is a big deal." Su Zhiniang was a little nervous. Looking at Wei Jichen, he was afraid that the man would be angry.

Seeing Su Zhiniang like this, Wei Jichen secretly blamed himself for being too stingy, and gently squeezed Su Zhiniang's tender little hand. Wei Jichen said softly: "This is not a big deal. Someone likes Zhiniang. It shows that our Zhiniang is very charming." ”

Being held by Wei Jichen's hand in front of everyone, Su Zhiniang couldn't help but feel ashamed and wanted to break away, but she never thought that Wei Jichen's grip was so tight, she could only blush and let him do whatever he wanted.

Wei Jichen loosened his belt and was about to continue when he saw a dozen carriages suddenly approaching on the road, obviously heading for him.

He couldn't help but stop, secretly guessing who it could be. You must know that Wei Jichen had never sent an invitation at all.

As expected, more than a dozen carriages stopped in front of Wei Jichen's house. The sudden movement made the villagers sitting at the banquet look over curiously.

Seeing this, Wei Jichen had no choice but to greet him personally.

After the carriage stopped, the curtains were respectfully opened, and an old man slowly walked out of the first carriage.

Wei Jichen took a closer look and saw that the old man holding a cane was Li Hongzhang and Li Zhongtang, wasn't he?

After Li Hongzhang got out of the car, he first paused with his cane, and then two servants stepped forward to help him.

"A distinguished guest has come to the door, and I am so happy. I didn't expect that you would come to Zhongtang. I hope Zhongtang will forgive me for being rude." Wei Jichen hurriedly walked forward with a happy face.

Li Hongzhang first looked around and saw the bustle here, and couldn't help stroking his beard and smiling.

"You're such a good guy, but you didn't send me an invitation when we got engaged. Could it be that you don't take me seriously?" Li Hongzhang joked as he walked.

Wei Jichen secretly wiped a handful of cold sweat, stepped forward to hold Li Hongzhang's hands, and begged for mercy: "Zhongtang's words make me panic. I don't dare to disturb you. It's just an engagement party. How dare I ask you to come to Zhongtang?" ”

Wei Jichen led Li Hongzhang into the room. Because the room was too small, there was no banquet, but it had been decorated long ago and was no longer as simple as before.

At least the chairs and tables are brand new.

Li Hongzhang calmly sat at the front seat, glanced at Su Zhiniang who was following suit next to him, and asked softly: "Is this your little wife?"

Wei Jichen originally thought that Su Zhiniang would be a little panicked and was about to reply on his behalf, but he never thought that Su Zhiniang would generously step forward and salute: "Little girl Zhiniang has met Li Zhongtang."

Her voice was clear and her movements were graceful, which amazed Wei Jichen for a moment. He never expected that Zhiniang, who looked shy in front of others, had such a side.