The anti-Qing movement began with the looting of the Eight-Nation Alliance.

Chapter 182 War Song

In order to urge Japan and Russia to "return" our territory, Shen Lian announced that he would request permission to personally go to Northeast China for "inspection".

When the news spread, a large number of officials and dignitaries visited the Marquis's residence to persuade Shen Lian not to put himself in danger!

Even several foreign ministers called to tell him not to go. The Japanese now have hundreds of thousands of troops stationed in Northeast China, and the world knows how dangerous the region is.

It was impossible for him not to go. Shen Lian had been preparing for four or five years to deal with the Japanese. Now that the time had finally come, how could he not go and see for himself?

The Qing court was naturally eager to comply with Shen Lian's request, as Shandong had been impenetrable to Shen Lian's influence over the years. Seeing Shen Lian's growing power step by step, Empress Dowager Cixi and a group of Manchu nobles had long felt a sense of unease.

Now that Shen Lian has taken the initiative to lead his troops to the Northeast, everyone is overjoyed. It would be best if a battle broke out; if the Japanese win, it will just be the same old story—ceding some territory and paying some reparations.

Anyway, the Northeast is a huge place! Giving a little to the Japanese is no big deal. Eliminating Shen Lian, this potential threat, is more important.

If Shen Lian wins, he will likely be severely weakened and will no longer have the strength to confront the imperial court. They can then take back Shandong's military, political, and financial resources.

Of course, in the minds of the Manchu nobles, Shen Lian was doomed. The Japanese were currently at the height of their military power, having even defeated hundreds of thousands of Russian troops. Shen Lian and his tens of thousands of men were simply going to their deaths!

Shandong's wealth is now common knowledge, and the Manchu nobles have long been envious. Previously, they were only deterred from taking any action due to Shen Lian's power.

Once Shen Lian is defeated, they will pounce on him and divide up all the spoils.

As soon as Shen Lian's telegram requesting permission arrived, the Manchu nobles began to coordinate. For a time, the various princely residences and beile residences were bustling with activity as people came and went.

"Your Highnesses, Ministers! What are your thoughts on this matter?" Empress Dowager Cixi leaned weakly against her throne. She had suffered greatly from the Boxer Rebellion, and the long journey had taken its toll. She fell ill after returning to Beijing, and her health had been poor for years due to her advancing age.

“Your Majesty, the situation in the Northeast is perilous and complex. The court should indeed send a high-ranking official to inspect it. Marquis Zhenyuan is courageous and responsible, making him the best candidate,” Prince Qing Yikuang replied as he stepped forward.

"Yes! Your Majesty, in the present world, whether in terms of military or strength, Marquis Weiyuan is the first choice. I second that!"

"We second that proposal!" a host of high-ranking officials echoed.

"Don't think I don't know what you're up to!" Empress Dowager Cixi glanced at the princes and ministers below with disgust.

"Don't forget, Shen Lian is serving the country! Before the situation in the Northeast is resolved, anyone who dares to cause trouble behind the scenes will be severely punished!" Empress Dowager Cixi roared.

While Shen Lian's strength made Empress Dowager Cixi feel uneasy, she was also somewhat grateful to him. During the Gengzi year, Shen Lian not only sent people to escort her and the emperor on their "inspection tour."

She even personally led troops in a bloody battle, defeating the Eight-Nation Alliance and saving face for the court. This allowed her to sit peacefully in the palace.

Although Shen Lian has acted somewhat domineeringly in recent years, he hasn't done anything too outrageous and has always been very respectful to her. Regardless of the season or her birthday, Shen Lian always sends her various rare gifts.

What a pity! But what can you do when he's Han Chinese?

Seeing that he himself didn't have many years left to live, who could suppress him after that? For the sake of the Qing Dynasty's empire, he had no choice but to sacrifice him.

I just hope he doesn't die in Northeast China! I'll just make sure his whole family survives from now on!

"Issue the imperial decree! Grant Shen Lian the title of Minister of War, appoint him Imperial Commissioner, and give him full authority over the military and political affairs of the four northeastern provinces. He will be fully responsible for negotiations with Japan and Russia, and will ensure the return of our occupied territories!"

"The Empress Dowager is wise!" All the princes and ministers knelt down and shouted.

"Kneel down and rest! I am tired!" Empress Dowager Cixi waved her hand.

"The Empress Dowager is truly brilliant. With this imperial edict, Shen Lian has no choice but to fight the Japanese!" Tie Liang said with a smile, stroking his beard as he walked out of the palace.

"Outrageous! Shen Lian is a high-ranking official of the country with outstanding achievements. This time he has taken the initiative to serve the country, and you are here gloating!" Yi Kuang shouted sternly.

"Your Highness is right! We know we were wrong." Tie Liang and the others quickly admitted their mistake.

"Hmph, I know Shen Lian has given you a lot of money over the years, and you two have a good relationship. But don't think that no one knows about the little tricks you've been up to!" Tie Liang said angrily as he watched Yi Kuang get into the sedan chair and leave.

"Exactly! He's the greediest of all, what's with all this pretending to be a good guy! Just you wait, guys! Once Shen Lian is defeated by the Japanese, he'll be the first one to jump out and attack Shandong!"

"That's right, that's right!" the Manchu nobles echoed.

"Say less, let's talk at my residence!" Tie Liang stopped the commotion of the powerful and influential people and led them away quickly.

. . . . . .

Upon receiving the imperial decree, Shen Lian immediately prepared to depart. He had been waiting for this day for several years and was eager to get started.

At the entrance of the Marquis's mansion, Nie Xiaoqian led her entire family to see Shen Lian off as he embarked on his campaign!

In the past few years, Nie Xiaoqian has given birth to two sons for Shen Lian, and Xiao Yue'er has given birth to a son and a daughter for Shen Lian. Now Ruyi is also heavily pregnant.

"Xiaoman! Be a good girl at home and listen to your mother!" Shen Lian picked up his daughter and wiped away the tears on her little face.

"Yes! I wish Father a swift success and a triumphant return!" Shen Xiaoman nodded obediently and said in a clear voice.

"Mmm! Little Man is such a good girl!" Shen Lian kissed his daughter's cheek and handed her back to Nie Xiaoqian.

Shen Lian patted his three sons, nodded, and turned to walk up to his father, Shen Hu.

Shen Hu's body had completely collapsed, and now he could only lie weakly in a chair, covered with a thick quilt.

"Dad, I'm leaving!" Shen Lian's eyes reddened without him realizing it. Over the years, he had developed a deep affection for his adoptive father. The doctor had already said the old man didn't have much time left; this farewell might be the last time he saw him!

"Lian'er! Do a good job, don't, don't tarnish the prestige of China!" Shen Hu managed to say, then immediately began to breathe heavily.

"Your son will remember your teachings! I will never bring shame to China!" Shen Lian stood at attention, saluted, and turned to get into the car.

With a few loud cannon shots, the army set off!

"Lord, the Lord is here!" The crowd gathered on both sides of the street at the city gate shouted as they saw Shen Lian's convoy arrive.

"My lord! Kill those Japanese!"

"My lord, we support you! You must kill those Japanese and Russians and reclaim the four northeastern provinces!"

"Lord Marquis! Lord Marquis..." the crowd on both sides shouted loudly.

Shen Lian stood up from the convertible and gave everyone a solemn military salute!

"Attention, all; the signal fire rises, prepare to sing!"

Smoke rises as the land stretches northward.

Dragon banners unfurled, horses neighed, swords flashed like frost.

My heart is like the vast water of the Yellow River

Who can rival us after twenty years of dominance?

Hate and lust, the long sword pointed towards

How many loyal brothers and sisters are buried in other places?

Why would you die to serve your family and country?

Sighing with regret, speechless, tears welling in my eyes.

Horses gallop south, people look north.

People look north, where the grass is green and yellow, and dust flies everywhere.

I am willing to defend the land and restore the borders

A mighty China must make all sides

Congratulations!