Tuqing: My first love was Cixi

Chapter 166: The monarch and his subjects are divided! War breaks out! Fall!

The British envoy left on the spot.

The civil and military officials of the Qing court were still slightly stunned, so they left just like that?

When I came here before, I had to talk a lot eloquently every time, and even made every request clearly.

Every time before, it was impassioned, full of threats and anger.

But this time, they just talked about amending the contract, but did not mention a word of the specific content of the contract. They just handed the credentials to the nearest official before leaving.

After the British envoy left, the Minister of Rites said: "Your Majesty, in the past, the British envoys were extremely rude and arrogant in the court, and they often threatened them with words. But now this envoy's attitude is embarrassing. It can be seen that Ye Mingchen has really hit them where it hurts." ”

"These foreign envoys were very difficult to deal with before, but now they have become more honest. Ye Mingchen did a good job indeed."

"I remember that there was a foreign envoy who was extremely arrogant and even proposed a duel in the court. Now this envoy is disgraced, and he doesn't dare to say even a single word of those intimidating and threatening words."

"The Monk King has trained him well. He will be locked up for half a month to temper his anger. Then he will be well-behaved when he comes to the court to see the emperor."

I have to say that this time the British envoy was indeed much calmer on the surface. He did not make any impassioned speeches, nor did he brag about how powerful the British Empire was, how powerful our army was, and he did not threaten to attack anywhere.

So in the eyes of court officials, these British envoys had been tamed.

I don’t dare to say any more arrogant words.

"We will do this from now on. If we encounter a foreign envoy coming to see the emperor, if he is hostile, he will be locked up for half a month to temper his temper."

Next, everyone put this matter aside.

He didn't take the British envoy too seriously and continued to discuss the following matters.

"Your Majesty, I am impeaching Jiangxi Governor Su Yi for not doing his job properly, not following the rules, and visiting Sichuan, Yunnan and other places. Please punish him."

"Your Majesty, in the year when I was impeached, Su Yi, the governor of Jiangxi, exceeded the limit by taking concubines and amassed money wantonly."

Several censors tried to impeach Su Yi, but they were indifferent and were shelved by the emperor.

The emperor sent his secret envoy Kuang Yuan to Jiangxi, and then waited for his reply.

Everything will wait for Su Yi's attitude before the emperor makes a decision.

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Kuang Yuan, this person has never had any dealings with Su Yi.

He has certain friendships with Sushun, Du Han and others, but in the final analysis he is an imperialist.

When he was an editor at the Hanlin Academy, he lectured on Yi Chi and was regarded as half of the emperor's teacher.

Now this person has not officially entered the military aircraft department, and is considered a military aircraft internship.

Before leaving Beijing, Du Han invited this person to meet him.

"Brother Benru, when you go to Jiangxi this time, do you focus on Nanchang or Jiujiang?" Du Han said.

Kuang Yuan said: "Of course it's Jiujiang."

Du Han said: "Not just Jiujiang, but also Nanchang."

Kuang Yuan said: "Brother Hongju, what do you mean?"

Du Han said: "This time the emperor asked you to go to Jiangxi to do two things. The first one is to see what Su Yi is doing and try to bring him back to the right path. The second one is what does Shen Baozhen mean."

"But these two things could be the same thing."

Kuang Yuan frowned and said, "Please speak clearly."

Du Han said: "The Hunan Army and Su Yi were not at odds before, but now they have such a tacit understanding. Is there any reason for this? And what role does Shen Baozhen play in it?"

Kuang Yuan understood immediately.

If this is the case, it would be a bit scary.

Did Su Yi's new army collude with the Hunan Army?

This can produce infinite extension.

Kuang Yuan said: "Brother Hongju, aren't Zeng Guofan and others one of your people?"

Du Han said: "That's because no one in the southern battlefield can support the overall situation, so Suzhongtang values ​​Zeng Guofan and others more highly and is more tolerant. If they are our people, it is out of the question."

Not to mention the Hunan Army, after the Han governors returned to the local areas, they would have great autonomy and become alienated from the central court.

Later, when Ruilin became the governor of Guangdong and Guangxi, he could not touch many powers at all, so he simply focused on the financial resources of Guangdong Customs and ignored the rest.

Du Han said: "Zeng Guofan's Hunan army was recruited by himself, and most of the military pay was raised by himself. As for Su Yi's new army? It was recruited by the emperor and trained with money allocated from the treasury. The emperor is the new army. Absolutely, coach, Su Yi said this personally."

Kuang Yuan fell into silence.

Du Han said: "The emperor sent Su Yi to Jiangxi to check and balance the Hunan army to a large extent. If these two families collude, do you know what will happen?"

Kuang Yuan said: "Raise the bandits to respect themselves."

Du Han said: "Yes, raise the bandits with self-respect. Otherwise, the Hunan Army and Su Yi are both strong and strong, and the rebels are still fighting among themselves. Why don't they expand their results? Why don't they attack Anqing? Why don't they attack Zhenjiang?"

According to the plan of the Military Aircraft Department, the Hunan Army went to attack Anqing, Su Yi united with the Jiangnan Camp to attack Zhenjiang, and the Jiangbei Camp Tuoming'a provided support in Jiangbei. The victory of Zhenjiang was almost certain.

After taking Anqing and Zhenjiang, Tianjing was completely blocked in the middle.

At this time, four months have passed since the recapture of Jiangxi.

Why is there no movement from both families?

Du Hanhan said: "Brother Benru, the first thing you should do in Jiangxi this time is to check whether Su Yi has colluded with the Hunan Army. The second thing is to ask Su Yi why he does not continue to attack and rebel, and when will he attack? ?”

"In the final analysis, you have to find out whether Su Yi has the heart of a warlord who respects his own troops."

Hearing this, Kuang Yuan's expression couldn't help but change slightly.

He originally thought that this errand to Jiangxi was very simple, but when Du Han ruined it, he suddenly realized that this errand was very important and very difficult.

Du Han said: "Brother Benru, this mission is extremely important and affects the entire southern war situation. Please be careful."

"Don't let a real living Cao Cao appear in the court."

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At this time, the negotiations between Su Yi and the British had come to an end.

The two sides talked for more than a month, and there were hundreds of details.

Most of the details were really cut down one by one by Su Yi.

In other words, it was the big bulls behind him who chewed them off one by one.

It can be said that both sides are exhausted.

"Marquis Su Yi, next is the final critical negotiation, but I suggest you take a day off."

"Yes, let's take a day off. We are really exhausted and we won't be able to bear it anymore."

"Marquis Su Yi, you are definitely an iron man. Crazy iron man. You tortured dozens of us to death by yourself."

"We are going to have a cocktail party tonight, will you come to it?"

Su Yi said: "Of course."

That night, dozens or hundreds of foreigners held a high-end cocktail party.

Originally there were only twelve consortium leaders, but as the negotiations progressed, more and more foreigners came to Jiujiang, including various professionals, engineers, and lawyers.

All kinds of supplies were also shipped in boat after boat.

Of course, there are women,

It is completely impossible to keep these foreigners safe for more than a month.

So tonight at the cocktail party, these women will appear.

The engineers also showed their talents, moving a small steam engine and connecting it to Su Yi's large hand-cranked engine. Finally, these strong men were no longer needed.

Even they are full of fantasy.

The first city to light up the night was not London, but Jiujiang.

Although, just lighting up a banquet hall.

However, there was a small accident about tonight's cocktail party.

Shen Baoer was in high spirits and had already customized a dress, planning to make a grand appearance.

As a result, Hong Renli appeared wearing a cheongsam.

Shen Baoer's face changed slightly, and then he said generously: "Mr. Hong, this dress of yours is really beautiful. Where was it custom-made?"

Hong Renli said: "Su Yi personally customized it for me."

Shen Baoer said: "Really? I didn't know that my husband was capable of this. I also asked my husband to customize one for me."

Hong Renli said: "Your body is too thin, I'm afraid you won't be able to hold it up."

These words were a bit lethal. Shen Baoer looked at himself and then at Hong Renli's almost exaggerated figure.

Then, not to be outdone, she said: "That's true. Mr. Hong's figure is not even comparable to that of these foreign women."

This is not a good thing, because these women recruited from Shanghai are all social butterflies.

Then, Shen Baoer said to Su Yi: "Husband, I will not attend the cocktail party tonight. I will entrust Sister Hong to take care of you. I also have a lot of documents to read and prepare for tomorrow's negotiations."

Then, she walked away coldly and arrogantly, making Hong Renli very angry.

The reception that night was very lively.

No one talks about work, no one talks about negotiations, only romance.

"By the way, the luxury liner Basiali has returned to London, right?" Su Yi asked.

"Of course, otherwise we would have gone bankrupt now." Ba Xiali danced with a woman in his arms.

However, this cocktail party soon became unbearable.

Because this group of foreigners quickly became unbridled.

So, Su Yi quickly took Hong Renli and left the scene, but she didn't retreat anywhere.

"Go to the conference room." Hong Renli dragged Su Yi into the conference room.

It took a full hour to leave.

By the time Su Yi returned to her room, her back was aching.

But Shen Baoer was humming again.

Another half hour later.

Shen Baoer then asked: "Husband, what is the name of Sister Hong's clothes?"

Su Yi said: "Cheongsam."

Shen Baoer lamented: "Doesn't it really look bad in those clothes? Is it really impossible to hold up?"

In fact, it looks good on her.

Because although she is not as tall as Hong Renli, she is tall enough.

The most important thing is that her figure is very graceful, especially her small waist.

Therefore, wearing a cheongsam will also look good.

"Okay, okay, I will also make you a cheongsam, tailor-made for you." Su Yi said.

Then after a while, he fell asleep.

It's just... so tiring.

Looking at the sleeping Su Yi, Shen Baoer's face turned red. She had read a lot of relevant knowledge in books and even related picture albums.

But these days after getting married, I really haven’t studied it, or even looked at it carefully.

Why not take this opportunity to take a closer look?

Study one or two.

Learn and practice it from time to time.

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The next day, the two sides once again conducted new negotiations.

This time it is time to stipulate various time limits in the secret agreement.

Su Yi asked the other party to send the relevant paper and printed patterns as quickly as possible to make cigarettes.

Before the machine arrived, Su Yi needed to organize a large amount of manpower to make cigarettes by hand.

There are no machines specifically manufacturing cigarettes in the UK.

But Su Yi provided complete drawings, and also asked the other party to provide relevant chemical raw materials for making fragrance.

Here again the two sides have differences.

The British felt that this kind of cigarettes could not compete with opium, so they should not have high expectations.

Therefore, there is no need to customize special production machines.

Because manufacturing a brand new machine requires huge costs.

However, Su Yi insisted.

Therefore, the British chose to compromise.

Then, Su Yi proposed that all the machines, instructing engineers, etc. for textile factories, rickshaw factories, light bulb factories, steel factories, etc. should be in place by a certain date.

Precisely to what day each machine must be in place.

If not, how many pounds will be required to pay compensation?

This is necessary. Construction of Su Yi's factory has already begun.

Be sure to race against time.

It must be put into production as soon as possible, otherwise each machine will be delayed for a month or two, and the actual production will be far away.

The series of conditions Su Yi put forward seemed very harsh.

Bai Feifei, Hu Xueyan, and Shen Baozhen all felt that the British would definitely not agree.

Because throughout the negotiation process, this group of British people also acted very difficult.

But he didn't expect that after a little struggle, the British all agreed.

Accept all requests made by Su Yi.

Each type of machine must be delivered within the time limit required by Su Yi and successfully put into production after being debugged by engineers, otherwise heavy penalties will be imposed.

Everyone is curious, how did the British become so talkative?

But soon, their ultimate goal was revealed.

They made one last demanding request.

"On January 1860, 1, the Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone will pay its first dividend, which shall not be less than three million taels. If it cannot be done, the patent rights for penicillin and the patent rights for light bulbs will all belong to us. All of them."

As soon as these words came out, the whole place fell silent.

Shen Baozhen, who had never expressed an opinion all this time, broke this convention and said: "Impossible, absolutely impossible."

Are you kidding me?

After such a long period of in-depth negotiations, he fully understood that in this economic experimental zone, the light bulbs were the most advanced and the most gimmicky, and the so-called patent rights were extremely valuable, possibly an astronomical figure.

But... there won't be huge profits in the short term.

Because large-scale power infrastructure is required, the demand for light bulbs will explode on a large scale.

Therefore, in Shen Baozhen's view, the most profitable thing is textiles.

He made calculations over and over again. If it was true as Su Yi said, then the cost of cotton and silk produced by their factory would be much lower than that of Jiangnan Consortium.

By then, it will be able to sweep almost the entire domestic market and bring huge profits.

Even steel, which foreigners disdain, will generate considerable profits.

Because of the advanced production technology, the steel produced by then will not only be of high quality, but also have extremely high output and a much lower cost.

Domestic demand for steel is also a rigid need.

Of course, the profit should be far less than that of textiles.

But whether it is a textile factory or a steel factory, the construction period is very long.

On January 1860, 1, the steel mills might not even be able to start production.

The textile factories, at most, have just started production.

One of the two largest factories has not yet started operation, and the other has just started making money, and they are demanding a dividend of three million taels.

In other words, the entire Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone will make a profit of 600 million taels before this.

How is this possible?

Sir Burke said: "This is what Su Yi promised. Within one year of the trial zone being put into operation, we will receive a dividend of three million taels."

Shen Baozhen said: "But production requires a ramp-up period. At the beginning of production, both output and quality will definitely be insufficient. It will take a certain period of time before it will enter a stable period. And within the time limit required by you, we The textile factory has just started production, and the quantity of our rickshaws produced is extremely rare, which cannot reach the profit of 6 million taels of silver."

Sir Burke said: "That is your problem. Anyway, Marquis Su Yi personally promised it."

Another person in charge of the consortium said: "Sir Su Yi, the negotiations are mutual. In order to put into production as soon as possible, you have put forward a series of demanding requirements, even down to the detail of a certain machine, which must be sent to Jiujiang and debugged before a certain period. , if we are even one day late, we will need to compensate a huge amount of money. If I counted correctly just now, you have made a total of eighty-nine related requests. We agreed to all of them, and in the end we We made a request and you didn’t agree? It seems like you don’t respect us at all. This is not an equal negotiation.”

"Sir Su Yi, you ask so much of us, but you show such indifference to our last request. This makes us very disappointed."

Sir Bao Ling said: "I have another plan. If Su Yi cannot pay us a dividend of three million taels before January 1860, 1, he will need to pay us 30% of the shares, turning our shareholding into 2 %, you hold 51% of the shares. Of course, Sir Su Yi is still the undisputed highest authority in the entire economic pilot zone."

Sir Burke said: "Speaking of which, we would rather have the patent rights for penicillin and light bulbs. But we can also accept Sir Pauling's proposal."

"In addition, these three million taels of dividends must be legitimate profits generated by these factories and cannot be money obtained in any other way. It cannot be Sir Su Yi who asked someone else to borrow three million taels of silver and gave it to us. This is useless. We have the most professional accountants who will be stationed in the Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone for a long time and will strictly review every income."

Everyone suddenly realized that the British were waiting here, and they had agreed to the conditions so happily.

Just to get Su Yi to agree to this last condition.

"Marquis Su Yi, this is our final bottom line and is non-negotiable! Of course, this is also your mantra. You have told us countless times, and now we are telling you the same."

"Two conditions, either 2% of the shares or penicillin and light bulb patents, you must agree to one."

"The next time is up to you, we are waiting for your notification!"

Next, dozens of people from the British side left the scene collectively.

Indicates that this last item is non-negotiable.

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Next, Su Yi held a closed-door meeting.

For many numbers, Shen Baozhen, Bai Yan, Bai Feifei, Hu Xueyan and others are all familiar with them.

When will the machines be shipped, when will the raw materials be shipped, and when will they be put into production?

What will be the approximate output?

What is the maximum profit.

Wait, wait, it can be settled completely.

They calculated over and over again and found that it was impossible to make a profit of 1860 million taels before January 1, 30.

Even if all the things produced are sold and all profits are made, the losses will be at a minimum.

Still can't make six million taels.

"I have calculated over and over again. Even if everything is in the smoothest and most perfect state, it is impossible to make a profit of 6 million taels. At most, it will only be around 1.3 million taels."

Bai Feifei has calculated this number many times, and Hu Xueyan has also calculated it many times.

Su Yi also calculated it many times and got similar results.

"We can figure it out, and so can the British." Shen Baozhen said: "So they were so ambitious that they were already waiting for us here when they agreed to our previous conditions."

"Either two percent of the stock or the patent rights to penicillin and light bulbs, they are determined to get it."

From Su Yi's point of view, this was not really any ambition, it was just normal business behavior.

In later generations, there were more outrageous and more intense gambling agreements.

Su Yi was silent for a while and said, "I will promise them."

As soon as these words came out, several people present were shocked. Why? Did you know it was a trap? Still want to jump?

Su Yi said: "I'm not surprised at all about their last trump card."

Bai Feifei said: "This requires normal profits and normal sharing. It is impossible to directly bring money from outside to make up for it. 40% of the management members in the entire experimental area are sent by them, so in terms of profits, we are I can’t move my arms and legs.”

"Of course we can't do anything, and we won't do anything." Su Yi said: "If you want long-term cooperation, systems, transparency, fairness and justice are very important."

"If it were a normal operation, there would definitely not be a profit of 6 million taels of silver, and it would not exceed 1.5 million taels until death. But...according to my business method, there will definitely be a profit of 6 million taels of silver by then. Six million taels, or even a lot more."

Everyone was surprised.

This is a normal commodity transaction. It is obvious that the profit is only 1.2 million taels, but why can’t it be reduced to 6 million taels?

Who among Su Yi can exceed six million taels?

How to do this?

However, the entire plan was led by Su Yi.

As long as he says it, it means he is confident.

Su Yi said: "Don't agree to them first, let them wait for a few days, and then we can conduct final negotiations and sign this gambling agreement, lest we agree too readily and make them suspicious."

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As a result, the negotiations between the two parties were once again put on hold.

Su Yi sent people to test the company and requested that the first dividend date be changed to September 1860, 9.

But the other party refused.

They also said that this was their last concession. If Su Ye did not agree, they would go back to Shanghai directly and wait until Su Ye showed sincerity before they could come back.

As a result, this long negotiation is stuck at this final hurdle.

At this time, the emperor's secret envoy, the Minister of Civil Affairs, and the Military Aircraft Department arrived in Jiujiang and met Su Yi secretly.

"There is an oracle!"

Su Yi saluted and said, "I respectfully send you your holy greetings."

"Holy Holy Gong."

Kuang Yuan said: "The emperor asked me to ask you, Su Yi, you have been governor of Jiangxi for a long time. If you don't stay in Nanchang to handle government affairs and train your troops, what are you doing here and there?"

Su Yi said: "In order to set up a factory, we need to purchase raw materials from our brother provinces."

Kuang Yuan couldn't help but be surprised, are you, Su Yi, such a bachelor? Not hiding it at all?

Kuang Yuan asked again: "You have stayed in Jiujiang for a long time and have not gone to the governor's office in Jiangxi. Then what do you want the governor of Jiangxi to do?"

Su Yi said: "I am dedicated to running a factory and serving the country and the people."

Kuang Yuan said: "Su Yi, if I heard you correctly, are you leaving all government and military affairs to Hu Linyi? Are you focusing on running a factory?"

Su Yi said: "Every ten days and a half, the Chief Envoy Hu Linyi will hand over relevant official affairs to me and let me make a decision, so I don't think I have given up completely."

Kuang Yuan said: "Su Yi, the emperor wants to ask you, is the army almost rested? Can we expand the results within the year? Jiangnan Camp and Chun Zhao asked the emperor to invite you to attack from the Yangtze River and help Jiangnan Camp attack Zhenjiang together. ."

Then, Kuang Yuan said seriously: "You just need to tell me, can you or can't you?"

At this time, Su Yi could definitely answer yes.

Because this year, the deadline is the end of the year.

And within the end of the year, the British will definitely have started a war, and the Qing court will not care about attacking Zhenjiang at all.

But Su Yi's position for herself is to do what she says, and she must honor whatever she says.

Rather than a treacherous minister who talks sweetly and has a sword.

After a long silence, Su Yi said: "No!"

Kuang Yuan said coldly: "Su Yi, do you know what the consequences of your answer will be? The Emperor treats you differently, but the Emperor's tolerance is also limited."

"Master Su Yi, you are extremely smart. Don't you know that setting up a factory will stir up people's hearts? Will it corrupt the rules?" Kuang Yuan said.

He was speaking very cryptically.

In this world, power has an exclusive effect.

In the eyes of the emperor and many courtiers, money was just an accessory to power.

Once factories were set up everywhere, wouldn't it cause turmoil to the imperial power?

Kuang Yuan said: "Don't you really understand all the thoughts of the emperor?"

Of course Su Yi understood and was absolutely prepared.

Therefore, every step he took before had to be done so tightly.

One step at a time, once a certain node is missed, his entire plan will not be successful.

He passed the civil and military exams, trained the new army, won a great victory in Yangzhou, negotiated with the British, conquered Jiangxi, and became the governor of Jiangxi.

Just to set up a factory in Jiujiang, just to save the country through industry.

And we have to get this big thing done completely while the British are launching the war.

It won't work if it's too early, or if it's too late.

When he decided to build a large factory, he had already decided that the honeymoon period between him and the emperor was over.

Kuang Yuan said: "Let's not talk about these heart-breaking words. The emperor only cares about one question. Can you use troops against the enemy within this year and can you expand the results of the war? If you answer yes, then you will pass this level. Yes. If you answer no, then you, Su Yi, will not be able to pass this test, and the emperor will be very unhappy, and the consequences will be serious."

"Sir Su Yi, it's not easy to make great achievements, and it's not easy for you to reach this day, so I will give you another chance to answer this question."

"Can, or can't?"

Su Yi said: "I can definitely answer yes, but actually it's no!"

Kuang Yuan said: "Give me a reason. Setting up a factory is definitely not a reason."

Su Yi said: "I wrote a note, please help me pass it to the emperor. This fully explains the reason why I cannot send troops to attack the rebels within the year."

After saying that, Su Yi presented the memorial with both hands.

Kuang Yuan said: "I can transfer it to the emperor, but can I ask why?"

Su Yi said: "Because Ye Mingchen's stubbornness has completely angered the British, the foreign barbarians are likely to launch troops against our Qing Dynasty and launch a war. This battle may be very dangerous. Just in case, my new army will be , we must find a way to protect the capital and fight against the foreign barbarians. At this critical moment, it is not good to start the war again."

"Hahaha..." Kuang Yuan sneered: "Su Yi, your reason is even more ridiculous than setting up a factory. Do you know that all the British troops in Guangzhou have withdrawn. Do you know that not long ago, the British envoy Just now he walked away in confusion in the court, not even daring to threaten me, and the arrogance he had before was completely gone."

Then, Kuang Yuan said: "Su Yi, I heard that you took Shen Baozhen's daughter as your concubine, and held a grand event, inviting thousands of guests, and officials from Hubei and Jiangxi were all present?"

Su Yi said: "My colleagues are so proud of me, and Su is ashamed."

Then, Su Yi said: "Please help me tell the emperor that I, Su Yi, am not against the rebellion, but because I want to guard against the British. My new army does not dare to move, and cannot move. It is my responsibility to defend the capital in the future." , heavier than Mount Tai.”

Kuang Yuan said: "Having said that, if Master Su Yi doesn't seize the opportunity, don't blame me."

Next, Kuang Yuan went to meet Shen Baozhen.

The words were even harsher.

He is very strict both in public and private affairs.

"Brother Youdan, do you really not want the reputation of being an official? You actually married your daughter to someone else as a concubine? When you were down and out, Master Lin Zexu still gave you a daughter to be your wife. And now you are Jiujiang. You are a magistrate, but you marry a girl as a concubine? You have lost all the face of Han scholars."

This Kuangyuan has conservative thoughts and a strong gentlemanly spirit.

I am extremely contemptuous of Shen Baozhen's flattering behavior.

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Kuang Yuan, the emperor's secret envoy, stayed in Jiujiang for three days and then went to Nanchang.

After staying in Nanchang for three days, I returned to Jiujiang and took a boat along the Yangtze River to Wuchang.

"The emperor asked you, can you use troops against the enemy within this year to expand the results of the war?" Kuang Yuan asked Zeng Guofan.

Zeng Guofan said: "It's difficult. In the battle in Jiangxi, we lost too many soldiers and generals. We need to recuperate."

Kuang Yuan said: "Now we are rebelling against each other and our vitality is severely damaged. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Why should we miss it in vain? You go to attack Anqing, and Su Yi unites with the Jiangnan camp to attack Zhenjiang. We can win it in one fell swoop, in the shortest time." Inside, completely wipe out the rebels and regain Nanjing? Why not do it?"

Zeng Guofan said: "What the angels don't know is that despite experiencing civil strife, Shi Dakai and Hong Xiuquan are now fighting for power. If we send troops, it will unite the two. If we sit back and watch, the two may split."

Kuang Yuan said: "Then you can give me an accurate period. When will we prepare to attack Anqing?"

Zeng Guofan thought for a while and said: "Within two years."

This answer made Kuang Yuan laugh angrily and said, "Master Zeng, you and Su Yi have a good understanding. I heard that you sold all the cotton in Hubei Province to Su Yi?"

When Zeng Guofan saw the other party's tone, he immediately said coldly: "What? Isn't it possible?"

Kuang Yuan had heard about Zeng Guofan's temper, and was choked for a moment.

Zeng Guofan said: "Excuse me, angel, is there a rule about who the cotton in Hubei cannot be sold to?"

Kuang Yuan said: "Is it completely normal for Su Yi to hand over all government and military affairs in Jiangxi to Hu Linyi?"

Zeng Guofan said angrily: "What do you mean by Mr. Kuang's words? Su Yi is the governor of Jiangxi, and Hu Linyi is the chief envoy of Jiangxi. Why should I know about Jiangxi's government affairs? Who am I qualified to dictate?"

For a moment, Kuang Yuan didn't know how to answer.

He directly cupped his hands and said, "Master Zeng, please take care of yourself."

Zeng Guofan said: "I would like to advise Mr. Kuang to take care of himself. Think about everything thoroughly and don't be loyal and do bad things."

Then, the two broke up unhappy.

Kuang Yuan left Wuchang angrily and returned directly to Beijing!

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Ten days later!

Kuang Yuan traveled all the way to Tongzhou by waterway, then returned to Jingmian Sheng.

Inside Sanxi Hall!

The emperor asked: "What did Su Yi say?"

Kuang Yuan said: "He said that he visited various provinces to set up factories and purchase raw materials."

The emperor said: "Who asked you this? I'm asking you. I asked him to send troops to attack rebellion and expand the results of the war within this year. What did he say?"

This is actually the emperor's ultimatum to Su Yi.

If Su Yi followed the order, the emperor would be able to tolerate his previous actions.

After all, for the emperor, being able to fight is the most important, and being able to eliminate rebellion is the most important.

Kuang Yuan said: "Su Yi said that we can't send troops to attack the rebels during the year."

The emperor's expression changed and he said, "He, he really said that?"

This, this is tantamount to openly resisting the decree?

Although the emperor only asked if you could do it, it was actually an order.

You, Su Yi, are extremely smart. Don’t you know that this is my last tolerance for you, my ultimatum?

Are you still stubborn?

The emperor said coldly: "Did he give any reason?"

Kuang Yuan said: "He said that Ye Mingchen and others have repeatedly angered the British and barbarians, so the British will raise troops in anger. Then the capital will be in danger. Su Yi's new army must protect the military divisions and the emperor, so they cannot start a war or attack the enemy." inverse!"

"This is Su Yi's memorial to the Emperor."

The emperor took it and glanced at it casually.

It's a cliché again, saying that He Guiqing and Ye Mingchen were too tough on the British, and they were afraid of triggering a war.

Moreover, the tone of this memorial was very harsh, implicitly accusing the court of unprofessional diplomacy.

Even the emperor felt that he had been accused by Su Yi.

"I don't need it..." the emperor said sharply.

Just throw Su Yi's memorial out.

"Tell him Su Yi, I don't need it!"

"What does he mean? Curse me and the court?"

"What do you mean? If the foreign barbarians come to attack the Qing Dynasty, will my capital be no longer safe? My throne will be no longer safe?"

"Do you still need him, Optimus Jade Pillar, to protect you?"

"He thinks too highly of himself."

"The British had already sent troops that day, but he persuaded them to retreat. I have already commended him for his contribution. Now Ye Mingchen and He Guiqing are tough on the British, forcing them to retreat the British army in Guangzhou, and outweighing his contribution. This is Not satisfied? Are you jealous? How narrow-minded?"

The emperor had hidden these words in his heart before. For the sake of Su Yi's dignity, even though he thought so, he never said it out loud.

But today, in anger, it all came out.

Su Yi's words about protecting the capital completely angered the emperor.

To the emperor, this was a curse.

The emperor's roar was heard by many people and soon spread throughout the court.

By then, everyone would know that the last dignity between the emperor and Su Yi was gone.

Then, the emperor asked: "What happened if Shen Baozhen married Su Yi as his concubine?"

Kuang Yuan said: "Su Yi ran out of money to run a factory, so most of the concubinage matters were dealt with specially. He entertained thousands of people and took the opportunity to make money."

"Hahahahaha..." The emperor laughed and said: "Okay, okay, Shen Baozhen is really loyal to Su Yi. In order to make money for him, shouldn't he lose his face and marry his daughter to Su Yi as a concubine? Su Yi Is it such a great future? For Shen Baozhen to follow him so desperately? He probably forgot that his future was given by me, not Su Yi. "

"Where is Zeng Guofan?" The emperor asked again: "I asked him to send troops to Anqing, what did he say?"

Kuang Yuan said: "Zeng Guofan said that in the battle in Jiangxi, too many soldiers and generals were lost, and they need to recuperate. After two years, they can attack Anqing."

The emperor was so angry that he was trembling all over and said: "Okay, okay, okay, they all fooled me and treated me like a three-year-old child."

"Hangzhou Weaving and Suzhou Weaving came to complain, saying that Zeng Guofan colluded with Su Yi and broke the convention by not selling cotton from Hubei to them but to Su Yi. Can Zeng Guofan have anything to say about this?" the emperor asked.

Kuang Yuan said: "Zeng Guofan directly said, can't we sell it to Su Yi? In addition, Su Yi handed over all government and military affairs to Hu Linyi, and I also asked Zeng Guofan. He said that he was the governor of Hubei and his hands could not reach that long. Jiangxi cannot be interfered with."

The emperor said: "Okay, this is blatant collusion. It's funny that when Su Yi left the capital, I repeatedly told him not to fight too ugly or lose his dignity. From this point of view, I was worried too much. Yes. This is playing a double act for me. The two sides have colluded together for a long time. No wonder the victory over Jiangxi was so smooth. No wonder the Hunan Army lost so many troops and generals. In the end, Su Yi was completely successful."

At this time, the emperor's mind was full of conspiracy theories.

"Okay, okay. If you are such an unfaithful and unfilial minister, then you can't blame me for being unjust."

............................................................

In Guangzhou city.

At this time, Ye Mingchen had fallen into absolute uneasiness.

In terms of foreign affairs, although he is stupid, he is still on the front line and has a keen sense of smell.

After Su Yi asked the British to withdraw their troops unconditionally, he was jealous and resentful. He felt that the British were really a paper tiger.

Next, he spent an unknown amount of money to retain his position as Acting Governor of Guangdong and Guangxi.

In order to maintain power, in order to get rid of the word agency.

He could only fight for his life. He must make meritorious deeds, and he must act tougher than Su Yi.

So after discovering that the Yarrow merchant ship and the personnel on board had expired, they were overjoyed and immediately seized the ship and detained the personnel.

The British came to negotiate and pointed at his nose and cursed him as a pig. At that time, Ye Mingchen was hesitant.

Should we arrest or detain?

But gritting his teeth and closing his eyes, he detained all the diplomats and military attachés of the other side, and forcefully proposed that the British must withdraw all the garrison in Guangzhou.

This toughness was entirely shown to the emperor, who himself did not dare to have hope.

Unexpectedly, the British actually evacuated the personnel of the Guangzhou Consulate and the relevant garrison troops.

At that time, Ye Mingchen was even more ecstatic and uneasy.

But it didn't delay him from reporting his victory to the court. He finally got rid of the word "agency" and got a title in exchange, with his eyes full of flowers.

He was surprised and even more uneasy.

As a result, a large number of spies were sent to Hong Kong, and the news they got became more and more terrifying.

I learned that the British side was constantly deploying troops from various colonies and even the mainland.

Therefore, Ye Mingchen also desperately increased his troops and dispatched troops from all over Guangdong and Guangxi to garrison Guangzhou.

Ye Mingchen actually knew about the risks of war, and even Zeng Guofan could smell it.

But the court didn't know.

Of course, Ye Mingchen did not dare to tell the court, so he could only continue to report victory.

In ten days and a half, he reported victory once, saying that he had won another diplomatic victory, and how the foreigners had given in.

He really had no choice, because the emperor asked questions every three days and every fifth day.

Ye Mingchen could only report victory. He was roasted on the fire and could not get down at all. There was no way to put out the fire with salary.

During this time, his spies came to report that the British army had gathered more and more troops.

Ye Mingchen was so frightened that he could only worship Buddha every day and ask the master whether it was bad or good.

I prayed in my heart that the British were just pretending and didn't really want to fight.

In addition, he continued to increase troops in Guangzhou.

This is different from history. At this time, there were already tens of thousands of defenders in Guangzhou City.

There are also more and more gunboats on the Pearl River.

While the imperial court was still celebrating the embarrassing retreat of the British and foreign envoys, Ye Mingchen was in trouble day and night.

at last……

October 15th!

The British fleet broke into the Pearl River with great momentum.

Without any warning, they opened fire directly on the Qing court's gunboats on the river.

In just a few moments, all the Qing warships on the Pearl River were wiped out.

Then, they drove straight in and bombarded Guangzhou directly.

"Mr. Governor, it's not good, it's not good..."

"The foreigners are coming, they are coming!"

Ye Mingchen said tremblingly: "I know, I know."

He is not deaf, he has already heard it.

Then, he immediately ran to the mountain to ask for blessings from gods and Buddhas.

After drawing a lottery, and considering the tens of thousands of defenders in Guangzhou City, I felt that this battle might not be impossible.

The foreign barbarians only have a few thousand troops at most, which is great.

Then, he, the governor, showed bravery and went to the top of the city to personally supervise the battle.

British warships and countless artillery bombarded the city walls of Guangzhou indiscriminately.

Under fire.

The British and French forces, more than 8,000 strong, landed in Guangzhou.

next day!

To be precise, just a few hours.

The city of Guangzhou was destroyed and the defenders suffered numerous casualties.

Eight thousand British and French troops entered Guangzhou and occupied Guangzhou.

Ye Mingchen failed to escape by putting on makeup and was captured by the British army.

The Second Opium War, also known as the Yarrow War among the British, officially broke out!

......................................................

Note: I sent you a large chapter of more than 10,000 words. I wrote it for nearly six hours. I was so hungry that my blood sugar was low, so I went to eat.

Dear benefactors, if you have monthly tickets, please remember to give them to me, okay? Help me hold on, thank you all.

(End of this chapter)