Sa Dingming is Sa Zhenbing. Compared with Liu Guanxiong, Sa Zhenbing has a deeper qualification and more famous in the navy. Sa Zhenbing was one of the first members of the Qing government to study in the Navy in the UK. With Liu Buchan and Yan Fu were a classmate. After returning home, he served as an instructor at the Beiyang Naval Academy, the Minister of Beiyang Li Hongzhang. At this time, Liu Guanxiong was still studying at the Fujian Naval Academy.

When Liu Guanxiong was a student from the third phase of the naval, Sa Zhenbing had been in charge of the Weiyuan ship in the Beiyang Navy for a year. During the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895, most of the classmates of Sa Zhenbing were either killed in battle or committed suicide. After the war, all the remaining naval officers and soldiers were resigned by the Qing government and returned to their hometowns. Sa Zhenbing also returned to Fuzhou and lived a difficult life in Fujian. If Zhang Zhidong had not hired him as the chief fortress officer of Wusong again, he might not be able to support his children.

In 1898, the Qing government prepared to rebuild the navy. After the recommendation of his classmate and friend Ye Zugui, Sa Zhenbing served as the commander of the Bei*Beijing Navy and the Haiqi. He was then promoted step by step and commanded the reorganized Beiyang Navy. In 1909, he was appointed by the Qing government as the preparatory minister of the Navy and the navy admiral. After taking office, he merged the North and South Navy that had split in the past and established a unified command system, divided into cruisers and Yangtze River fleets, and unified the official system, flag style, military uniforms, and orders. This was the first scientific management implemented by the modern Chinese navy. It can be said that Sa Zhenbing was the founder of the Navy of the Republic of China. Without Sa Zhenbing's original contribution, there would not be the current navy.

In terms of qualifications, character and professional ability, Sa Zhenbing is impeccable. Even Yuan Shikai, Sun Wen and others respected him very much. However, from the perspective of actual leadership, Sa Zhenbing's slightly indecisive and hesitant personality made him not suitable as the commander of the battlefield, so when choosing the chief of the navy, Fang Zida did not use this veteran general as a candidate.

Liu Guanxiong suggested that Sa Zhenbing be responsible for the naval school. This is a good choice. In fact, from an educational perspective, Yan Fu's jingyàn may be richer, but Yan Fu's temperament changed drastically after experiencing setbacks in his life. He was still seriously addicted to drugs and had a bad physical condition. He is no longer the right candidate. Then, asking Sa Zhenbing, a senior general who is both professional and respected, is the best replacement.

"General Sa is really a suitable candidate, but... is he willing to come out?"

Fang Zida was a little confused. It was not that he did not agree with Liu Guanxiong's proposal, but because when Liu Guanxiong was the chief of the Navy, Fang Zida rejected Sa Zhenbing's nomination. Although Sa Zhenbing's position is high, it is just a false title. In other words, Fang Zida has been hanged up to retire. When he is invited to come out at this time, if the old general puts on airs, Fang Zida's face is a bit bad.

"It's okay." Liu Guanxiong certainly knew Fang Zida's concerns and patted his chest to assure everyone: "Leave this matter to me, please ask Ding Ming to come out and wrap it up with me!"

"Okay! Then it's a blessing for General Liu." Seeing that everyone had no objection, Fang Zida agreed with a smile and handed over the matter to Liu Guanxiong.

Liu Guanxiong did not disappoint everyone. He didn't know what method he used. In a few days, he came to tell Fang Zidasa Zhenbing that he could consider serving as the establishment of the Naval School and serve as the first principal of the Central Naval School. After getting this good news, Fang Zida was very happy and asked Liu Guanxiong to lead a message for this. He wanted to meet Sa Zhenbing in person to learn about his ideas on the establishment of the Naval School and to confirm the matter.

A few days later, Sa Zhenbing came to the capital from Tianjin with Liu Guanxiong, and Fang Zida warmly received the veteran general in the State Council Office.

Although he is over 60 years old, Sa Zhenbing, who is full of white hair and not tall, is wearing a snow-white military uniform, and his waist is straight, looking extremely heroic.

Inviting the guests to sit, Fang Zida made a pot of coffee and explained to Sa Zhenbing a few things about the Navy Chief with apologies. But what Fang Zida didn't expect was that before Fang Zida finished speaking, Sa Zhenbing smiled and waved his hand: "What kind of career, high position, these are all passing clouds for me. How about becoming the Chief? So what if I can't become the Chief? Isn't it myself? As long as I can do something for the country, I will do my best to do my best, even if I can be a sailor, it's okay to let me be a sailor. It's not unreasonable that Premier Fang's concerns were made at the beginning. Brother Ziying's position as a general is much more suitable than me, this is not! He did a good job."

"General Sa is so noble! Thank you for your understanding." Fang Zidape said in great conscience, and Liu Guanxiong, who was beside him, quickly said a few humble words, and the atmosphere in the room suddenly became harmonious.

After a few polite words, Sa Zhenbing took the initiative to ask about the support of the Central Naval School government. Hearing this question, Fang Zida had some differences. Logically speaking, Liu Guanxiong should have talked about these things with Sa Zhenbing, but seeing Liu Guanxiong smiling bitterly, Fang Zida immediately understood that the old general wanted to make a guarantee.

Immediately, Fang Zida talked tirelessly about his ideas for the navy and the purpose of organizing the Central Naval School. He also took out specific information for the upcoming German naval officers, ships, etc. to Sa Zhenbing. Sa Zhenbing put on reading glasses, flirted with the information in his hand, listened to Fang Zida's explanation in his ears, and didn't know whether it was agreed or opposed.

After a long time, Fang Zida finally finished speaking, while Sa Zhenbing, who was sitting upright, was still looking at the information in his hand, and read it very carefully. After reading it all, he took a look at it all over again and then closed it.

"I never thought that I would see the feat of our Chinese Navy's power again in my lifetime! Ziying, I remember the towering Beiyang, riding the wind and waves, strong ships and cannons, traveling eastward to Nagasaki, shocking the Japanese invaders, how powerful it is! Unfortunately, during the Sino-Japanese War of 1895, decades of hard work were gone, how painful it is!"

Liu Guanxiong nodded silently, and both of them had crystal clear flashes in their eyes, which made Fang Zida extremely moved.

Turning around and looking at Fang Zida, Sa Zhenbing suddenly bowed deeply. Fang Zida was shocked and hurriedly reached out to support her, saying that she didn't dare.

"Prime Minister Fang, you can afford it. This is a tribute to the Beiyang soldiers of that year! Thank you Premier Fang for letting me see the hope of the navy today. If I can witness the powerful Chinese navy in my life, I will revenge the revenge of the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895 to clean up the shame. Not to mention just bowing, even if I want my head on my neck, I will not say anything."

"Elder General, you are so serious, really…"

Sa Zhenbing was about to finish her bow, but Fang Zida could not only move sideways.

When I got back, Sa Zhenbing decided to stop the railway: "I have taken care of the matters about the naval school. Please rest assured that Prime Minister Fang and Ziying, as long as the central government's determination remains unchanged, I promise to hand over to you a group of outstanding naval officers in three years!" (To be continued...)
Chapter completed!