Tuqing: My first love was Cixi

Chapter 204 Bad news comes to the palace! The emperor is critically attacked! (Happy New Year’s Eve)

It was no use shouting anymore at this time. Hua Sha, the official minister, calmed down and watched all this quietly.

He couldn't even imagine how this happened.

This is an official from the seven provinces of Xinjiang.

How did Su Yi convince them? This is a huge responsibility.

He even didn't know how to report this matter to the court.

Everyone knows the emperor's temperament. He doesn't care whether the news you report is important or not, but as long as you report bad news, he will have a bad impression of you.

Witnessed by the royal envoy of the British Empire, the seven-province covenant was signed.

Seven servings in total.

One for each person.

Everyone signed their name and stamped their official seal.

At this time, Hua Sha Na clearly felt that the authority of the imperial court seemed to be shattered.

Then, Su Yi signed his name.

And stamped with his personal seal.

In this seven-province covenant, the royal envoys of the British Empire were just spectators.

Next, the Southern Economic Cooperation signed.

This is a very detailed contract, which stipulates that products from the Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone can be sold unimpeded in the seven southern provinces.

And when entering each province, you only pay the tax once, which is 5%.

Because the tax bureaus in various provinces are now very chaotic. After many things enter the market, you don’t know how many times you will be taxed. Even if you pass by, you will be taxed once.

The five percent tax rate is certainly low, but it is also intended to offset the impact of the Tianjin Treaty.

Because the Tianjin Treaty stipulates that after foreign goods enter the Chinese market, they do not need to pay any tax when they enter the provincial markets after paying taxes at various customs.

The tax system is too complicated, so the first contract of the Southern Economic Cooperation is tentatively scheduled for five years.

Su Yi will enter the central government in the future, and the commodity tax will definitely be increased and become one of the country's main fiscal revenues.

But take your time.

Moreover, these industries are now in the cultivation period and should be taxed as little as possible.

Of course, the same applies to goods from other provinces entering Jiangxi, and only a one-time tax of 5% is charged.

In addition, the cooperative stipulates that all Lijin Bureaus on the Yangtze River waterway be cancelled.

To collect taxes onshore, no one or any official organization is allowed to collect taxes on the Yangtze River waterway.

Of course, this kind of cooperation is too advantageous for the Jiujiang Economic Pilot Zone.

A cooperative that takes advantage unilaterally will not last long.

Therefore, it is stipulated in the cooperative.

Cigarettes and steel industries strictly adopt the provincial agency system.

In other words, Su Yi's Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone cannot directly sell in various provinces.

Instead, the sales rights should be handed over to agents in each province, which means that they should make a wave of profits.

However, Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone has the right to guide, replace, and set prices for agents in each province.

All in all, this is a very pragmatic contract.

The governors of the seven provinces signed it and stamped it with their official seals.

Su Yi signed and sealed.

Finally, the royal envoy of the British Empire also signed his name and stamped his seal.

Because 49% of the shares in Jiujiang Economic Pilot Zone belong to the British side.

Within two years, the entire Jiujiang Economic Pilot Zone’s products will probably only be supplied domestically, and will definitely be exported in the future.

Cigarettes, in particular, will surely sell well all over the world.

After signing.

Start taking pictures.

The picture is frozen.

This historical moment is frozen.

Perhaps no one here knows that China in this world is taking off from this moment.

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

Next, various reporters began interviews.

British, American, French, etc.

The Times reporter asked: "Dear Sir Su Yi, is your move against your country's court and your country's emperor?"

The translator next to him translated him into Chinese meticulously.

At this time, Su Yi no longer spoke English because he was Chinese.

"Of course not. Whether it is the Seven Provinces Covenant or the Southern Economic Cooperation, they are in line with the interests of China, the interests of the imperial court, and the interests of His Majesty the Emperor."

"We will always be loyal to the center of the imperial court, and we will always be loyal to His Majesty the Emperor."

The Times reporter asked: "Excuse me, did your establishment of the Seven Southern Provinces Covenant and the Southern Economic Cooperation have the permission of the Qing court and the emperor?"

Su Yi said: "The covenant between the seven southern provinces is mainly to protect the Yangtze River waterway and protect the people of the seven provinces from the harm of illegal missionaries. The massacre in Xiamen not long ago was shocking. I believe everyone has seen it, even in London. It also caused a huge response.”

"So the covenant between the seven southern provinces is only for self-protection and is not aimed at a third party at all, let alone the imperial court. Please do not read too much into it."

Paris News reporter: "Is the Southern Economic Cooperation established to combat dumping by other countries? Will it harm the interests of the United Kingdom, France, etc.?"

Su Yi said: "Under the principle of fairness and equality, we welcome trade with all countries around the world. This is a free and open market, and fair competition is the only law."

A New York Times reporter who had just changed his name asked: "The British envoy appeared at the signing ceremony and signed the relevant contract. Sir Su Yi, how many shares does British capital hold in your Jiujiang Economic Pilot Zone?"

Su Yi said: "This is a business secret, I'm sorry."

The New York Times reporter continued to ask: "Then, will your country's industries accept the entry of capital from other countries?"

Su Yi said: "In principle, this is true, but the British Empire has always been our highest priority strategic partner."

The Times reporter asked: "Sir Su Yi, is the main purpose of today's establishment of the seven-province alliance and the establishment of the Southern Economic Cooperation to counter the Tianjin Treaty?"

There is no room for redemption on this issue.

Su Yi thought for a while and said, "Yes!"

The Times reporter asked: "Does that mean that the Seven Provinces Covenant and the establishment of the Southern Economic Cooperation will greatly harm the interests of the British Empire?"

Su Yi said: "Of course not, just the opposite. A vibrant and economically prosperous country is more suitable for the interests of the British Empire. I am here to show the British people another possibility, not war and oppression, but Peaceful cooperation and win-win results.”

"Please witness, and please the people of the entire British Empire in the future, witness that the superiority of our line of cooperation is far greater than war and coercion."

"Our country also has the right to develop. Our country is equal to other countries in the world."

"Our country's development in the East is in line with the interests of the British Empire and the establishment of a stable world order."

Next, Su Yi smiled and said: "Next, welcome to my colleagues who are visiting me."

These reporters all received red envelopes.

Therefore, the governors of the next seven provinces will be asked questions one by one, rain and dew.

“My Lord Governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, regarding the Xiamen Mission Case, what do you have to say to the British Empire, and what do you have to say to your court?

Tian Yugong said: "When you look closer, you will find that the victims are just like you, they are also human beings! Especially those children are no different from the children in the families of nobles in your country and the children in the families of civilians in your country. They are the same Innocence and tenderness are equally precious.”

Having said this, Tian Yugong paused for a moment.

Because there is still half a question that needs to be addressed to the court.

Tian Yugong said: "If you fall behind, you will be beaten. You can only work hard to improve yourself! There is no use hiding and covering your eyes."

Hearing these words, Hua Sha's face twitched.

"Lord Zeng Guofan, why did you participate in this alliance? Aren't you afraid of offending the Emperor of your country?"

This question made Zeng Guofan's heart tremble.

"There is no wiser person than the Emperor. As long as it is in the interest of the Qing Dynasty, it is in the interest of the Emperor."

"Lord Xu Youren, will the Seven Provinces Covenant cause the split of the Qing Dynasty?"

Each of these questions is more intense than the last.

Xu Youren said: "Of course it's impossible. What we are resisting is an unequal treaty. We are trying to protect the people. I believe that the seven southern provinces are just taking the first step and setting an example for the whole country. I believe that the hearts of the people across the country are the same as ours. "

"Sir Wang Youling, I have studied your information carefully. All the adults here are winners of your country's imperial examination system. Only your official position was bought. You are the only one who failed to pass the imperial examination. May I ask where you are? , what do you think?"

Li Xubin next to him said: "You didn't study it clearly enough, and I didn't pass the imperial examination."

Wang Youling smiled and said: "This is exactly what I am proud of. I am not even a scholar, but I can be with all these outstanding people. I am very honored."

"Lord Luo Bingzhang, you are a Jinshi in your country. Lords Wang Youling and Li Xubin did not pass your country's imperial examination but are on an equal footing with you. Does this prove that your country's imperial examination system has fallen behind?"

This question made Luo Bingzhang sweat on his back.

Luo Bingzhang said: "This further proves that our country's imperial court is inclusive and open to all rivers, and only talents are promoted."

"Sir Li Xubin, you were born as a general, but you became the governor of Anhui. In the eyes of many people, the Hunan Army is a warlord and is not controlled by the court. What do you think?"

Li Xubin's scalp was numb.

In fact, these reporters didn’t know these officials that well at all.

But Baxiali understood it and prepared a thick stack of information for them.

All the questions seem sharp and ordinary, but in fact they all have serious political tendencies.

Li Xubin said: "Of course not, there is no such name as the Hunan Army. They are all troops of the imperial court. Like other green camps, we are all subordinate to the imperial court and completely obey the emperor's will."

Su Yi said: "Okay, there is one last question left."

The Times reporter asked: "Does the seven-province alliance have a military nature? That means that if one province is attacked by military, other provinces have the obligation to assist?"

This problem is even more acute.

After hearing this, Hua Sha Na immediately pricked up her ears.

Tian Yugong said: "There is no doubt that it is so."

Xu Youren said: "There is no doubt that it is."

Wang Youling and Shen Baozhen both gave the same answer.

Suddenly, the pressure came to the Hunan Army.

Zeng Guofan also felt his scalp numb and didn't know how to answer.

Because once it involves military affairs, it will undoubtedly bring tremendous pressure to the emperor.

After a long while, Zeng Guofan said: "Once our brother provinces are attacked by foreign enemies or rebels, of course we have the obligation to rescue them."

So far!

The whole ceremony was completely over.

The soldiers outside fired neatly into the sky!

Of course, they are all blank ammunition.

Immediately afterwards, Su Yi's fleet on the sea fired neatly towards the outer sea.

A whole nine rings!

Celebrating the signing of the Seven Provinces Covenant.

Celebrating the founding of the Southern Economic Cooperation.

The British fleet had already received the notice and just watched quietly.

At last!

Gorgeous fireworks bloomed in the sky over Yuyuan Garden.

As it happens, night falls at this time.

The entire fireworks lasted for a quarter of an hour.

Countless Shanghai people stuck their heads out to watch.

I don’t know what happy event happened.

But something big must have happened. There was such a big battle today.

Customs and Excise Department.

Witoma, Li Taitai, Sir Henry and others were holding wine glasses and looking at the fireworks in the sky.

He looked extremely serious.

"Gentlemen, according to Chinese parlance, things are going to be troubled next."

"Earl Elgin has returned to London. This is undoubtedly a setback for British Empire diplomacy."

"It won't be long before this wave of flames reaches London."

Sir Henry said: "But no matter what, this is Su Yi's backstab against the Chinese Emperor, right? Let's enjoy this drama before the trouble gets to us."

Witoma said: "Sir Henry, we were Su Yi's earliest friends. But now we have become his enemies."

Sir Henry said: "So what? He is just a small warlord in China now, what can he do to us? Even their court can do nothing to us."

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

Huasha racked his brains and didn't know how to write this memorial.

The prefect of Songjiang and the county magistrate of Shanghai also looked like the end was coming. But then.

Another news came.

The first thing after the establishment of the Seven Provinces Covenant was to conduct a military exercise on the Yangtze River.

Among the seven southern provinces, some sent war ships and some sent troops.

A total of 300 ships and 20,000 troops were dispatched.

A month-long military exercise.

The slogan is to protect the Yangtze River waterway.

The commander-in-chief of this military exercise was Su Yi, a training officer from the Jiangxi regiment.

After the governors of each province returned to their jurisdiction, they immediately sent troops and ships to participate.

Huasha was once again like a lightning strike.

Looking at the memorial I had written before, I completely crushed it.

Write another copy.

After several revisions of the manuscript, the memorial was finally written.

Then take the sea route and the land route respectively, and send them to the capital as quickly as possible.

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

The capital, the harem.

After confinement, Concubine Lian first went to the Queen to express her gratitude.

Then, she took the initiative to come to Concubine Yi.

Su Yi's side was in danger, and she had to struggle even more to survive, for herself and her children.

"Greetings to the noble concubine." Bingbing saluted respectfully.

Concubine Yi said: "But please don't. Soon you will also be a concubine, and we will be on the same level."

Bingbing said: "No, no, I will make it clear to the emperor that this noble concubine will never accept it. My sister will always be behind her. When you become the imperial concubine, it will not be too late for my sister to think about it."

After hearing this, Concubine Yi was still very satisfied.

Because the other party's words seemed to be giving in, and there was no scheming at all.

However, he was still wary of Concubine Lian giving birth to a prince, especially since the prince looked strong, lively, and handsome.

Concubine Yi said: "Sister, your son is born well. He is strong and handsome. The emperor can't put it down every time."

Bingbing said: "Yes, the emperor always said that after giving birth to a Batulu, he will definitely fight for the Qing Dynasty and be very brave. This makes me feel relieved. The emperor has high requirements for the eldest brother. , I just happened to be a little more relaxed with the second elder brother."

"My eldest brother, on the other hand, is becoming more and more like an emperor, like a little grown-up."

When Concubine Yi heard this, she was overjoyed and wary at the same time.

Because what the other party said made him so happy. When did Concubine Lian become so good at talking?

But her scheming wasn't that deep at the moment, she was just too sharp. After all, she was only a young woman in her early twenties.

Then, Concubine Lian said: "Good sister, I have something to ask of you."

Concubine Yi said: "What's the matter? What do you mean?"

Concubine Lian said: "My sister is still a child herself and is very ignorant. She is very fond of this child, but thinking about raising him and teaching him suddenly makes her head grow bigger. So when the child is older, this child will Keep her under your sister’s knees, okay?”

Concubine Yi was stunned, she really didn't expect that the other party would say that.

The harem system of the Qing court was also very harsh and cruel. Children born to concubines could only be raised by themselves for a period of time. When they grew a little older, they would be given to other concubines to raise.

Of course Concubine Lian wanted to give this child to the queen to raise, but he couldn't say that.

Concubine Yi said: "It doesn't matter what we say about this matter, it's what the emperor says."

Concubine Lian took the opportunity to hold the other person's hand and said: "Good sister, just promise me that you have read the most, and I haven't read much. I must be a bad teacher. I am moody like a child. If the child follows me , I’ll pamper you today, I’ll be beaten tomorrow, I don’t know how well I’ve learned. My sister is the most talented and majestic, so the child will definitely be well-behaved.”

Concubine Yi said: "Are you saying that I am too powerful?"

Concubine Lian said: "Good sister, I was not sensible enough to provoke you before, and I have been punished. Haven't you vented your anger yet? If you don't vent your anger, just pinch me twice to vent your anger."

Then, she glanced at it and suddenly said: "Good sister, your breasts are so big."

For a moment, Concubine Yi couldn't bear such direct words, so she turned down her face and ignored her.

Concubine Lian ignored her and said, "Sister, do you think Su Yi will be in trouble this time? This person is really too presumptuous."

As she spoke, that night came to mind again.

That burning phantom pain seemed to resurface again.

It really caused people to lose half their lives.

"Okay, you have your mouth uncovered. If you get slapped again, don't say such words again." Concubine Yi said, "I'm done here. You can go to the concubine's place to say hello. Don't let anyone wait."

Concubine Lian said: "Sister, I have discovered that the colder your face is, the more handsome it is."

After leaving Concubine Yi's palace, the smile on Concubine Lian's beautiful face instantly faded.

Su Yi, you damn ghost, can't you pass this level?

If you can't get through it, I'll be in trouble in the future.

The children were also miserable.

In order to protect the child, she even thought of giving the child to Yi Guifei to raise.

After Concubine Lian left, Concubine Yi couldn't help but go to the mirror, and she really discovered it.

His face is indeed cold and charming.

The colder it is, the more beautiful it is.

Ande Hai outside said: "Master, Concubine Lian doesn't hold back her words, but one thing she said is right. Master is cool and elegant, and is really stunning."

"Quack!" Concubine Yi said, "What's the news outside?"

Andehai said: "The foreigners are in bad luck. That Count Elgin has lost his official position and left. Next, the court will go all out to deal with Su Yi and solve it once and for all."

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

Beijing!

The emperor is summoning senior citizens.

The former Fuzhou general burst into tears.

He thought he was doomed this time, but he didn't expect that instead of being dismissed from office, he would become even more powerful.

"Your Majesty, don't worry. This time I go to Jiangxi, even if I am shattered to pieces, I will get rid of this poisonous Su Yi for you."

The emperor said: "What are you going to do?"

Senior said: "Blockade and isolate Jiujiang!"

"Send troops to take over the dock and take over the Gan Town Green Camp!"

"Don't hesitate to confront and conflict!"

"Forcing Su Yi to either compromise or rebel."

"Once he rebels, his reputation will be ruined."

This attitude satisfied the emperor very much. Because he found that it was completely useless to talk about political methods with Su Yi at this time. He just had to be straightforward.

The next step is to bring soldiers and horses southward.

"I want to bring three parts of the troops, one part from the Eight Banners Capital Camp, one part from Fuzhou, and one part from the Green Camp in Tianjin Town." Qiling said: "Part of the troops and horses in Fuzhou were brought out personally by the slaves, while the Eight Banners Capital Camp completely They are loyal to the emperor, and Tianjin Green Camp is also loyal to the emperor, and they also have a grudge against Su Yi, so the 20,000 troops gathered in this way can fight Su Yi to the end."

After hearing this, the emperor said: "Sure."

Qiling said: "In addition, I also want to bring enough officials so that at the critical moment, I can fully take over Jiangxi's government power."

The emperor said: "Sight."

At this time, the voice of eunuch Wang Deli came from outside.

"Your Majesty, the Russian Minister has come to see you again and wants to change the treaty."

The emperor suddenly frowned.

Heilongjiang General Yishan and the Governor-General of Tsarist Russia signed the "Aihui Treaty", agreeing to come to the capital to exchange the treaty a few months later, and then officially confirm that the treaty came into effect.

The not long ago Sino-Russian Tianjin Treaty also stipulated that the border between China and Russia should be re-explored. This is actually a disguised recognition of the Aihun Treaty.

The emperor was very angry about the content of the Aihun Treaty and the lost territories, but he didn't have much idea.

These bitter cold places have no value.

Of course, if the Qing government lost the outlet to the outer northeast, he would not care even more.

Of course the emperor knew the word sea power, but he didn't have a deep understanding of it.

In contrast, what he cares about most is foreigners entering Beijing.

This is absolutely impossible.

"No!" the emperor said directly.

After Count Elgin left, he felt a sense of relief.

This person is the toughest against the Qing Dynasty.

He even had a feeling that now that Elgin is gone, why are your other ministers still shaking?

In particular, the diplomatic victory of the Xiamen Mission Case made the emperor once again feel that foreigners were not so terrible.

He has sent Seng Gelinqin to Dagukou again to repair and upgrade the fort.

The emperor continued to explain to the elders.

"I deliberately let Guiliang serve as the governor of Liangjiang. Zeng Guofan is determined to get this position. If you want to get this position, you must take action." The emperor said: "I will issue an order to let his Hunan army cooperate with you."

"In addition, Wang Youling, the governor of Zhejiang, also knows the military. He is the governor who was beaten. He can really give him orders and cooperate with you at critical moments."

"Jiangnan Admiral Zhang Guoliang controls the troops and horses of southern Jiangsu. He is loyal to me. He also has 20,000 troops in his hands."

"Shengbao's army is in Yangzhou, and part of Ronglu's army is in Anhui."

"So, I have laid a dragnet. As long as Su Yi doesn't move, hundreds of thousands of troops will exterminate him from all directions."

"Besides, it's okay to let his troops go to fight Ni, but let them follow Su Yi to rebel? It's probably impossible."

"So, senior citizen, you are going to Jiangxi this time. You have to be bold and open up, just like you did in Fuzhou."

The governor of Jiangxi, the general of Nanchang, and the minister in charge of the military department, with the title of senior citizen, knelt down and kowtowed: "There is no wiser person than your majesty."

"I should be the emperor's sharp sword, cutting all enemies to pieces and sweeping away all demons and monsters."

For a moment, both the emperor and his ministers were full of ambition.

At this moment, there were waves of shouting coming from outside.

"Six hundred miles to expedite, six hundred miles to expedite!"

Eunuch Wang Delifei rushed over and said: "Your Majesty, direction to Shanghai, six hundred miles urgent."

The emperor was shocked?

Shanghai? what's going on?

Could it be that the foreigners are acting like monsters again?

Soon the messenger rushed in.

The deputy negotiator, Hua Shana, and the memorial from Songjiang Prefect were handed over.

Open it and take a look.

In an instant.

The emperor stood motionless.

Even, it is difficult to react at once.

Because, this is something new.

Su Yi presided over the establishment of the seven-province alliance.

The Southern Economic Cooperation was established.

Military drills were conducted in seven southern provinces, using 300 ships and 30,000 troops.

The coach of this military exercise is Jiangxi regiment training officer Su Yi.

The governors of Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Hunan, Hubei and Anhui provinces were all present to sign.

Read it over and over again.

Finally, the emperor staggered back and sat down on the ground.

Darkness in front of eyes and dizziness.

His limbs were cold, his lips were blue and purple, and his face was pale and colorless.

Wang Chenggui quickly stepped forward and shouted: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, what's wrong with you? What's wrong?"

He quickly patted the emperor's back and cheered him up.

"Hurry up and tell the doctor, tell the doctor!"

After a long while, the emperor finally raised his voice and shouted: "Rebellion, rebellion!"

"Someone is going to rebel!" After saying this, he rolled his eyes and fainted.

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

Note: Updates are coming! That pastry went to help cook the New Year’s Eve dinner!

I wish you all a happy Spring Festival and a happy family reunion! Congratulations on getting rich, get your monthly pass!

(End of this chapter)