Li Yuanhong ordered the arrest of the eight top monarchists, he returned in 1918 and but never held any political positions.
He was a close supporter of Yuan Shikai, served as his finance minister, and supported Yuan during the National Protection War. After Yuan's death, President Li Yuanhong ordered the arrest of the eight top monarchists of Yuan's regime, this caused Liang to flee to Hong Kong. He returned in 1918 to run for the National Assembly of the Republic of China. His Communications Clique was a distant second compared to Duan Qirui's Anfu Club but nevertheless he became speaker of the Senate. 
