The Silent Reforms of Eldridge Chapter 104

For this drill, Governor Qing also specifically ordered that six hundred taels per month be paid to the Chinese army from the unlicensed tea tax as a reward. The eight battalions participating in the drill were all under the exclusive control of the governor. I heard that these people, relying on being the governor's personal soldiers, often caused troubles outside the governor's palace. They actually fought with bearers outside the governor's palace, killing and injuring each other. Governor Qing knew about it and didn't pursue it much. He just wrote a demerit to the commander of the battalion.

As a rule, the army does not accept doormen, but Zhang Qi, the doorman of Qingdu, is "dare to be the first". Except for Governor Ruiyao, there is no need to send red envelopes. Officials from the rank of Si Dao on down, who want to see the governor, must first honor Zhang Qi, the doorman. Seven adults and one red envelope. Mr. Zhang accepted the red envelope and opened it on the spot. If he thought the weight was not enough or the quality of the money was not enough, he immediately threw it out - if he wanted to go in, he would make up for it. What's even more interesting is that Governor Qing believes that the bigger the red envelope given to the concierge by his subordinates, the more he will look up to his master - what logic? It was precisely because of Governor Qing's strange logic that Zhang Qi dared to act unscrupulously. Among the military attachés, the commander-in-chief, the associate commander, the staff generals, and the guerrillas had to send gifts if they wanted to see the governor; and because the court always valued civility over military affairs, even the commander-in-chief and associate commanders had to ingratiate themselves with the servants of the governor-general, and even There are some who are sworn brothers, and there are also many who are godfathers and godmothers.

Before I came, Governor Qing once said to people: "How can Fujian tolerate such a wealthy vassal? How can he think highly of us governors? When he comes, I will have to see him first before letting him accept the seal." "Qingrui added: "If it's really difficult to get along with him, I'll tell him I'm sick and give him the position of governor." He also said, "When he comes, our governor will have nothing to do and let him make the decision alone." After we met, I realized that I was actually very approachable, and I gradually calmed down. I snickered secretly after hearing this. As a boss, if you have a strict temperament and know your business affairs well, and your subordinates are completely intimidated, why should you be so afraid of your subordinates? Besides, I'm not an unkind person, I just don't accept bribes or requests. Qingduan people are very kind and not harsh. It's just that because of the noble family background, they are unwilling to pay attention to official duties. They only listen to the words of their secret friends and are afraid of being despised by their subordinates, so they bluff and scare people---it's not enough, so Extravagantly outside. There are different opinions about his conduct, and I dare not make any random remarks based on some hearsay.

It took less than ten years for Governor Ruiyao to be promoted from Yandao to governor. He is mediocre, pays no attention to official matters, and is very deaf. When his subordinates report their work, he just obeys and makes people confused. Maybe not having any clues is his key point; his character is actually very gentle, because in the workplace Qing Duan's subordinates have been officials for many years and know Lord Qing's temper very well, so they never make the final decision in official affairs. He will do whatever Qing Duan says.

[1] Zhang Jixin, whose courtesy name is Jiaoyun, so Governor Qingduan here will call me "Jiaoweng".