Tuqing: My first love was Cixi

Chapter 212 A complete break! Armed confrontation! Shock
Changzhou battlefield.

After Tianjing's seven thousand reinforcements arrived in Danyang, Shi Dakai finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The battlefields of the three cities were once again in balance.

However, after Wang Youling led an army of 10,000 into the Danyang battlefield, this balance was broken again.

The balance of failure once again slid towards Shi Dakai.

What's even more frightening is that Su Yi and Tian Yugong's more than 8,000 coalition forces, four gunboats, and one injured warship (captured by the Qing court and snatched in the chaos) have already reached the mouth of the Yangtze River.

Once this powerful force reaches the Changzhou battlefield, then... the Taiping Army's war situation will immediately collapse.

However, at the mouth of the Yangtze River, Su Yi's fleet was intercepted by British warships.

In this battle, the coalition navy was really miserable. Of the 27 warships, no more than four were intact in the end, and all of them went to Hong Kong.

Therefore, at this time, the British naval power at the Yangtze River Estuary in Shanghai was directly weakened.

"What?" Witoma exclaimed. "Who is the murderer? At least who appears to be the murderer?"

The British Consuls in Shanghai, Mai Huatuo and Wytoma, came to Su Yi's warship.

Shanghai Consul Mai Huatuo and Weitoma looked at each other. This condition was not excessive at all, so they treated these warships as sunk.

Witoma said: "Oh my God!"

Shanghai Consul Mai Huatuo said: "Sir Basiali, this is definitely not the time to add insult to injury."

Ba Xiali was silent for a while and said: "Su Yi was assassinated."

Ba Xiali said: "If you want me not to criticize you in London, you still need to pay something."

Bashar said politely: "Prisoners of the French, why didn't Grotto come to talk, but you did the talking?"

The failure of this battle was destined to cause an uproar throughout Europe.

So there is no need to explain the following words in detail.

After hearing this, Witoma's expression changed slightly and he said, "What are you going to do? Return to London to promote your peaceful line? If you dare to promote your peaceful line in London at this time, you will anger everyone."

After Mai Huatuo read it, he handed it to Weituma.

At this time, the British Empire's navy was overwhelming, covering the sky and the sun. If you pick off a hair, it will be thicker than the Qing court's thigh.

Bashar said politely: "Does he want to return to Paris as quickly as possible to apologize to the Emperor of France?"

This defeat would cause an extremely violent shock to the British Empire and all of Europe.

Suddenly, Mai Huatuo and Weituma fell into silence.

"In exchange, we will not push for the liquidation of Count Elgin and many of your people."

"Please unconditionally return the three hundred French prisoners, four gunboats, and one warship." Mai Huatuo said directly.

The scale of this war was very small, and it was nothing compared to the Crimean War.

The French ministers Gros and Count Elgin were not even able to stay in China. Instead, they immediately returned to London and Paris, trying their best to keep their positions and inciting the government and opposition to prepare for a larger-scale war against the Qing court.

There is no doubt that this is possible.

Witoma was silent for a while and said: "Ba Xia Li, Su Yi participated in this war and opened fire on our British Empire. Wouldn't this anger the Congress? I would like to ask, next, what will the Empire do to the Qing court?" What role will he play in the devastating war he launches?"

What's more, Britain and France are the largest powers in the world today. If this war spreads to Europe, Prussia next door, and even the Tsarist Empire further away, won't they completely underestimate me?
Mai Huatuo said: "The people in the Qing court are pedantic and think that if they win this war, everything will be fine. But for Britain and France, they must prepare for a war of national annihilation in order to save their face. At this time, no one can stop them. Anyone who takes part in this military retaliation will be torn to pieces, Sir Basili, I think you must not try to drag Prince Albert into the water, let alone try to sell your peaceful route at this time."

Mai Huatuo said: "Minister Ge Luo, there are more important things."

Of course, this is only temporary.

Basharli said: "Your Excellency Consul, Mr. Witoma, I will return to London immediately."

"We can't prevent the next so-called war of destruction against the Qing court, but we can find a way to prevent Count Elgin from commanding the next war. We can even take the opportunity to liquidate him and liquidate many people, right?"

Bashar said politely: "I hope that you, as the consul in Shanghai, will write to Hong Rengan of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. I have prepared the specific content for you."

After such a huge defeat, as long as the royal family is willing to push for it, both Count Elgin and General He will step down.

But in the eyes of the European powers, how weak was the Qing court? How backward and decadent is it?
Losing to the Qing court was a complete shame and humiliation, which was simply unacceptable.

Is it this bad to kill someone with a borrowed knife?

There is no doubt that Su Yi will not meet with them, but will just let Basia Li talk to him.

Too vicious!

Mai Huatuo said: "Enough is enough, Sir Basharli."

Basia said politely: "A son of the Eight Banners Commander of the Qing Dynasty."

Basharli said: "Yes, no one can stop the coming war. But...do the losers need to be responsible? Are you even responsible?"

Mai Huatuo said: "But one thing is that you must not appear in front of the British Empire Navy with these warships."

Ba Xiali said directly: "The three hundred French prisoners can be returned to you. But the four gunboats and one large battleship will be ours. You can completely pretend that there is no such thing."

I am the dignified consul in Shanghai, am I killing a chicken with a bull's-eye?
Mai Huatuo said coldly: "Sir Basiali, what do you think I am? A tool for you to use?"

The letter highly praised Hong Rengan's enlightenment, criticized Hong Xiuquan's decadence and ridiculousness, and expressed that the British Empire was willing to support wise leaders like Hong Rengan. When necessary, the British Empire was willing to use military means to help the Taiping Rebellion create a new situation.

After saying that, Ba Xiali handed over the letter.

Ba Xiali said slowly: "I will go back to London soon."

You have already said this.

However, it is still very threatening.

This war has been defeated, and many people have to take responsibility. So who needs to take responsibility?

Prince Albert has great authority in the foreign affairs of the empire.

"Okay." Mai Huatuo said, "I will write this letter myself."

To him, the Shanghai consul, Hong Rengan of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom was nothing.

Witoma sneered: "Sir Basiali, I hope you remember that you are an official of the British Empire, not Su Yi's deployment."

Basharli said: "You should say this to Li Taitai and Hurd, not to me."

For Basia Li, the biggest task now is to support Su Yi to the center and take charge of the power of the court.

In this way, he will become the almost only channel between the two countries.

What huge benefits will this have in the future?
Whether it is political or economic, it is enough for him to change the fate of the entire family.

At this point, the negotiation ends.

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

The next day.

The British warships were released, and Su Yi's fleet entered the Yangtze River Estuary.

Basri returned to London by ship to fulfill his important diplomatic mission.

Su Yi will make final preparations to turn the tide and take charge of the center.

The coalition forces of Su Yi and Tian Yugong, with murderous intent, headed towards the Changzhou battlefield.

However, it is no longer needed.

After Wang Youling, the governor of Zhejiang, led an army of 10,000 and joined the Danyang battle, the situation reversed.

Shi Dakai's side is increasingly at a disadvantage.

However, this downturn is slow.

Shi Dakai was angry and scolded several generals with his staff.

And at the military meeting, he severely scolded these people, hoping that these people would realize their shame and be brave enough to save the situation in the next war.

The entire Changzhou war has lasted for more than twenty days.

The armies on both sides were exhausted to the extreme.

The coalition forces of the seven southern provinces are not bad. After all, they are backed by a fortified city and supported by a powerful fleet on the canal.

But for the Taiping Army, it was extremely uncomfortable.

Moreover, if Suzhou is attacked, the Taiping Army will be highly motivated, because it is very rich and can plunder.

But Changzhou, Danyang and Wuxi had been plundered long ago, and there was no property left inside.

Shi Dakai even regretted fighting this battle.

Before, he was trapped in Tianjing and felt useless. Once a war started, he would have military power and increase his reputation.

But somehow, why do these battles become so difficult to fight?

The Jiangnan Camp was so easy to fight before.

Since the establishment of the so-called Seven Southern Provinces Alliance, for some reason, even the armies of Zhejiang and Jiangsu have become stronger.

Now, Shi Dakai no longer dares to hope that he can win the battle of Danyang.

Just waiting for Li Xiucheng to win the battle of Wuxi and trigger the military collapse of the other side.

After punishing these important generals today, I hope that tomorrow's battle will be more up-to-date and better.

result……

The battle the next day was far beyond Shi Dakai's expectation.

It's a good thing that he didn't scold these generals with his rod, but he did. Before, it was only gradually falling into the disadvantage, but today it is falling into the disadvantage quickly.

But at this time, Su Yi's Yangtze River Fleet actually abandoned the most vulnerable battlefield of Wuxi and went directly to the most advantageous battlefield of Danyang.

All the naval guns bombarded Shi Dakai's army indiscriminately.

Suddenly... this became the last straw that broke Shi Dakai's army.

The battle situation collapsed immediately!

Shi Dakai began to flee.

Shi Dakai ordered the killing of several generals, but could not stop the retreat.

Finally, in the three battlefields.

On the battlefield of Danyang, the Taiping Army was defeated.

Then, Wang Youling led 10,000 people to guard Danyang City.

Wang Shiqing and Feng Zicai led more than 10,000 people and fought directly from Danyang City, heading towards Chen Yucheng's back.

Jiujiang's Yangtze River Fleet and Xu Youren's red single fleet also followed to Changzhou.

The originally balanced battle situation collapsed instantly.

A few hours later! The Changzhou Taiping Army collapsed, and Chen Yucheng ordered the entire army to retreat.

The Battle of Changzhou is over.

At this time, the original Jiangnan camp army led by Feng Zicai could no longer hold up, but Su Yi's new army led by Wang Shiqing still did not stop and continued to fight towards Wuxi. This shows how strong Su Yi's new army is in combat.

Su Yi's Yangtze River Fleet and Xu Youren's red fleet also followed and headed towards Wuxi again.

Li Xiucheng was almost going crazy.

Since Su Yi's fleet withdrew, Qing army guard Zhang Guoliang seemed to be unable to defend Wuxi.

Li Xiucheng felt that as long as he used more force, he might be able to break the city of Wuxi.

However, when he heard that Shi Dakai was defeated in the Danyang battlefield, Li Xiucheng knew that even if he captured Wuxi, it would be meaningless.

Although he was extremely unwilling, he made a decisive decision and led his army to retreat and return to Tianjing.

At this point, the Changzhou War ended.

The Taiping Army was defeated.

The previous war, which had lasted for nearly a month, collapsed in one day, with hundreds of thousands of Taiping troops disintegrating.

Although Su Yi did not direct this war, he felt deeply about this day.

Whether it is a war situation, a country, or a struggle.

Almost all collapses are not long-lasting but occur instantaneously.

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

When Su Yi was still more than 200 miles away from Zhenjiang, he encountered a coalition patrol ship.

The officers on the patrol boat were overjoyed and immediately reported to Su Yi.

"Is the commander-in-chief here? Is the commander-in-chief here?"

"The Battle of Changzhou is over!"

"The coalition forces of the seven southern provinces won a great victory!"

"General Wang Shiqing and our Yangtze River Fleet are heading towards Zhenjiang at full speed!"

Su Yi was overjoyed when he heard the news. He originally thought that his presence was needed to completely win the Changzhou war, but it turned out that he was not needed at all.

Wang Shiqing, Xu Youren, Wang Youling, Zuo Zongtang and others got it done directly.

Su Yi directly ordered his and Tian Yugong's coalition forces to advance at full speed and attack Zhenjiang!

Tianjing's response was already pretty quick.

As soon as he received the news of Changzhou's defeat, he immediately ordered troops to be sent to support Zhenjiang.

But...it's still too late.

First, Jiujiang's Yangtze River Fleet arrived, and Wang Shiqing's new army arrived and began to attack Zhenjiang.

Immediately afterwards, the coalition forces of Su Yi and Tian Yugong arrived.

Under the bombardment of these two armies and such a powerful fleet, Zhenjiang was completely unable to withstand it.

After resisting for eleven hours, the defenders fled.

Su Yi allied forces occupied Zhenjiang.

At this point, all the cities of the Taiping Army on the south bank of the Yangtze River were completely lost, except for Tianjing.

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

In Tianjing, Hong Xiuquan received defeat reports one after another.

Received an unprecedented blow.

The last defeat was reported, and Zhenjiang fell.

Almost made him faint.

Then, his look at Hong Rengan became extremely complicated.

Why bother? Why bother?
There was no need to fight this battle in the first place? Why do you want to provoke Su Yi?

At this moment, Hong Renda rushed over to complain.

"King of heaven, king of heaven!"

"Look, look!"

"This is a secret letter written by Mai Huatuo, the British-Yiyi Consul in Shanghai, to Hong Rengan, and it was intercepted by us."

"A few foreigners secretly went to visit the palace, but we discovered them."

Hong Xiuquan took it and took a look. Of course he couldn't understand the English on it.

However, there are still people who understand English in Tianjing, and there are even many foreigners.

What's even more outrageous is that there are quite a few foreign soldiers in the Taiping Army.

"Call Luo Xiaoquan!" Hong Xiuquan said.

Luo Xiaoquan, an American and missionary, has been with the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom for several years and was knighted.

"You translate this letter to me." Hong Xiuquan said.

Luo Xiaoquan trembled slightly as he wrote out the letter written by Shanghai Consul Mai Huatuo to Hong Rengan.

For a moment, Hong Xiuquan's face turned green.

Yeah!
I didn't believe it before. You, Hong Rengan, were really instigated by foreigners to rebel in Hong Kong. You really wanted to collude with foreigners to seize my country.

Has your conscience fed the dog? I value you so much, but you want to join forces with foreigners to harm me?
"Is this letter true?" Hong Xiuquan asked.

Luo Xiaoquan nodded bitterly. Mai Huatuo was in a high position and had little interaction with him, but they still exchanged letters occasionally.

Hong Xiuquan threw the letter directly at Hong Rengan's face and said, "Look, see for yourself."

Hong Rengan took the letter and read it several times with trembling.

He didn't know the British consul in Shanghai at all, so he had no idea why he would write such a letter.
As for someone borrowing a knife to kill someone? He would never dare to think about it.

In his opinion, the British consulate in Shanghai has such a high position, who else can take advantage of it?

Why do you need to use a knife to kill a chicken? !

After a long while, Hong Rengan knelt down and said: "King of Heaven, I am wronged. I don't know why this Mai Huatuo wrote this letter to me?"

Hong Xiuquan said angrily: "Remove Hong Rengan from the title of King Qian and remove him from all positions."

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

Lin Shaozhang negotiated with Hong Renli again.

They had to negotiate, otherwise the entire Yangtze River would be blocked by Su Yi.

Lin Shaozhang said: "Go and tell Mr. Su Yi to return Zhenjiang to us."

Hong Renli said: "Don't think about it."

Lin Shaozhang said: "We still have hundreds of thousands of troops. You can't defend Zhenjiang."

If we really want to fight, we really can't defend it.

Hong Renli said: "Don't you want Anqing? Don't your troops go to support Anqing?"

"Don't you want the right of passage to the Yangtze River waterway?"

"The foreigners lost this battle. We captured several warships. If Tianjing is blocked all day long, what will you do?"

"If you do something wrong, you must be punished."

Hong Renli said: "We are willing to open the Yangtze River navigation rights and lift the blockade. We are also willing to return the previously seized materials and food to you."

Lin Shaozhang was slightly surprised. Are you willing to return so many supplies?
"What about the conditions?" Lin Shaozhang asked.

Hong Renli said: "Hand over the war criminal, Hong Rengan."

Lin Shaozhang said: "Hand over King Qian, we will lose face."

Hong Renli said speechlessly: "Prime Minister Lin, Su Yi has shown all his benevolence and righteousness towards the Kingdom of Heaven. This condition is extremely broad."

Of course Lin Shaozhang knew, and after Hong Rengan was finished, he would be able to take charge of the government affairs of the Kingdom of Heaven again.

For Su Yi, the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom cannot be destroyed now, and there is no need to destroy it.

Who should receive the reward for this huge achievement of destroying the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom now?

Lin Shaozhang said: "I will report."

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

Tianjing, the Palace of the Heavenly King.

"Su Yi said that as long as Hong Rengan is handed over, they are willing to lift the blockade and open the Yangtze River waterway." Lin Shaozhang said.

Hong Xiuquan said angrily: "Where are the people we sent to buy warships? Don't we still have several shipyards?"

Lin Shaozhang said: "King of Heaven, the navy is not like others. Without one for a year or two, it will be difficult to recover."

Hong Xiuquan said: "If Hong Rengan openly surrenders to Su Yi, how will my face be saved?"

Lin Shaozhang said: "No."

Hong Xiuquan closed his eyes and said for a long moment: "It's important to save Anqing, so promise him."

At this point, Tianjing compromised and handed over Hong Rengan.

………………

A few days later!
Hong Rengan was escorted to Su Yi.

Su Yi said angrily: "Hong Rengan, why are you beating me? Why are you beating me?"

"Both sides have reached an agreement that there will be no war within two years and Wuxi will be the boundary. Why did you break the agreement?"

Hong Rengan said: "Sir Su Yi, you are just a member of the Jiangxi team. Changzhou is not yours, and Suzhou is not yours either."

Su Yi said: "I am the leader of the seven southern provinces. I personally promised to protect Changzhou. Moreover, Wuxi was the boundary at that time. It was negotiated between you and I. Governor Xu Youren obeyed my will."

"Why do you have such a result now?"

"There were hundreds of thousands of people on both sides, and the fighting lasted for more than a month. You suffered tens of thousands of casualties, and we also suffered more than 10,000 casualties."

Su Yi waved her hand.

Su Yi is cold and cunning when dealing with enemies.

But he did not regard the Taiping Army as his enemy. He could only be angry with Hong Rengan in front of him.

Can't you tell the difference between friend and foe? Don't you see how friendly I, Su Yi, am to you?
In the future, when the Kingdom of Heaven has no place in this world, only I can tolerate you and accept you.

If you hit me in turn, it would be easier for Zeng Guofan to fight Anqing. What do you think?
Hong Rengan suddenly said: "Su Yi, in my opinion, you are more dangerous than Zeng Guofan. Zeng Guofan's Hunan Army is the visible enemy, but you are the invisible enemy. You are secretly eroding us and annexing us."

"Su Yi, you want me to come over from the King of Heaven in a big way. I don't know what your intention is. But if you want me to surrender to you, if you want me to openly pledge my allegiance to you and undermine the prestige of the Kingdom of Heaven, you can't even think about it."

"I, Hong Rengan, will never surrender to you."

"Don't waste your efforts."

Su Yi suddenly lost his anger and sighed softly: "Hong Rengan, you really think too much."

"I have many brothers and sisters in the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. I brought you here just to give them an explanation!"

"The current magistrate of Dehua County, Li Mengshan, was once a member of your Taiping Army. I will hand you over to him for trial!"

Hong Rengan's expression changed, as if he had been extremely humiliated.

I am the mighty King of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, you...you hand me over to a county magistrate for trial?
I am a genius, but you didn't say a word to surrender?
..............................

Li Mengshan, one of the few in the Taiping Army, came from a landlord family. His father was a scholar and a private school teacher.

At that time, Lin Qirong left Jiujiang, and many young Taiping soldiers stayed, and Li Mengshan was one of them.

Later, his right leg was disabled due to the war and he was discharged from the army.

Afterwards, he continued to join the ranks of the New Army's education and training officers, excelled in his studies and examinations, and was named Dehua County Magistrate.

Moreover, this county magistrate really has the title of canonization from the imperial court.

At that time, the Taiping Army was about to capture Suzhou and was in danger. Su Yi needed to send troops to rescue him. Su Yi proposed that Shen Baozhen act as governor of Jiangxi and Li Si serve as prefect of Jiujiang. There were many official positions left, and the court agreed one by one.

next day!

Dehua County Magistrate Li Mengshan put Hong Rengan on trial publicly.

More than a few thousand people came to watch, all of whom were family members of former Taiping Army soldiers or sisters from the women's battalion.

Hong Rengan was shocked to find that instead of getting close to him, this group of people gritted their teeth.

After three days of trial.

The magistrate of Dehua County sentenced Hong Rengan to death by hanging and reported the case to the prosecutor's office and the governor's office.

Shen Baozhen, the acting governor of Jiangxi Province, made a decision.

Later, Hong Rengan was hanged in public.

This news reached Tianjing, causing a huge shock.

At this time, Chen Yucheng and Li Xiucheng were leading their troops north to support Anqing. Both of them received personal letters from Hong Renli.

There are only four simple words on it: Take care of yourself.

This is no longer a simple warning, but also a sincere admonition.

Su Ye loves talent, but his patience has its limits. You may not be talented enough to be indulged over and over again.

Don't really kill yourself, Hong Rengan is a role model.

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

The Taiping Heavenly Kingdom is just a subsidiary.

The struggle between the imperial court and Su Yi is the key.

Just as the court feared, the assassination of Su Yi instantly caused a huge storm of public opinion.

It detonated the entire capital.

There are no secrets in this world.

The whole capital was in an uproar. The murderer was De Xing'a's son.

Moreover, it was Boyan, the son of the monk king, who brought the new army into the army.

What's even more outrageous is that this man and Weng Tongshu's son had previously planned the murder of Su Yi's family.

"Commander Su Yi, Yue Fei is really unjust!"

"It's so despicable to send someone to assassinate someone just after they won the battle."

"They say that killing the donkey will kill the donkey. This is too hasty."

"Don't you know? This is all Su Yi's trick."

There are all kinds of public opinions and rumors.

Su Yi would engage in a public opinion war, and the imperial court also followed suit.

However, everyone pities the hero, and everyone believes in conspiracy theories even more.

The more shocking it is, the more willing you are to believe it.

Therefore, the people in the capital are now more willing to believe that Su Yi was really assassinated and that it was ordered by the imperial court.

The suspense now is, will the court punish the murderer Dexing'a's son?

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

Within the palace.

The emperor and his close ministers held discussions again and again.

Do you want to hand over the son of Dexing'a, the murderer of Su Yi?

"You can't hand it over, and you have to treat it as if it didn't happen at all."

"I just want to make it clear that Su Yi is using this as a bitter trick."

"Su Yi fights against public opinion, and we fight against public opinion too."

Duan Hua, Zai Yuan and others all said: "We are the imperial court, our voices are louder and we are stronger."

Du Han suddenly said: "Your Majesty, don't fight this public opinion war. If you fight this public opinion war, you will fall into Su Yi's trap."

"After all, he was assassinated. In this regard, we have always been passive. We cannot win against this public opinion."

"The most important thing is that what the emperor said in the court has been released."

"The Emperor is the Son of Heaven, and whatever he says is pure gold."

"Once you say it, you can't take it back. Then the person criticized by the emperor must also react."

"We have been trying our best to retain some dignity before and were unwilling to completely break up. Now that we are torn apart, then... there is no turning back when we draw our bows, so we can just fight Su Yi until the end."

"The battle between the imperial court and the foreigners has been won after all. We are now more proactive than ever."

Everyone immediately understood that Du Han was right.

There is no point in debating whether Su Yi was assassinated by the imperial court or not.

Throughout the ages, any minister who was reprimanded by the emperor would resign immediately to show his aloofness. Those who do not resign will be considered weak and useless.

Now the emperor not only reprimanded Su Yi, but directly positioned him as a rebellious minister and traitor who deserved to die.

Although this is a huge loss of points and will greatly tarnish the emperor's reputation.

But... now that this card has been played, it must be utilized to the extreme.

Facing the emperor's humiliating criticism, how do you, Su Yi, respond?
Du Han said: "So, simply spread what the emperor said in the court!"

"If you can't suppress it anyway, it will spread anyway, so just spread it out."

"Force Su Yi to a desperate situation."

Suddenly, several important ministers fell silent and looked at the emperor quietly.

This... could be fatal.

The emperor himself said that you, Su Yi, were a rebellious minister and a traitor, and you deserved to die.

That would force Su Yi to have only two options.

Or, like all loyal ministers, prove their innocence.

Or, fight back.

Kuang Yuan said: "Then, will Su Yi directly rebel?"

"This is almost like handing the name of rebellion into Su Yi's hands."

"Su Yi's rebellion at this time can win the sympathy of all the people, and even the sympathy of many officials in the seven southern provinces."

The coach who had just defeated the foreigners and made great achievements was assassinated.

Instead of handing over the murderer, the imperial court said that you were a thief. The emperor himself said that you were a traitor and a rebel.

Could it be that he could only die unjustly like Prince Yue did at that time?

Du Han said: "I bet Su Yi doesn't dare to rebel, he can't."

Sushun was silent for a while and said: "In the eyes of the world at this time, the imperial court is an unreasonable party, so... let's just do it to the end."

Several people looked at the emperor again, still asking him to make a decision.

What if Su Yi rebelled?

Du Han said: "We have won this battle, and then we can negate the Tianjin Treaty. Then the foreign properties in Jiujiang are illegal. In the past, the imperial court did not clean up the foreign properties in Jiujiang because it did not want to cause a war. But now it is If we win the battle, we can clean up the foreign property in Jiujiang and it’s a matter of course.”

The emperor was silent for a long time and said, "Just do it."

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

Next up!
An even more explosive news came out.

Everyone was silenced in an instant, and even Su Yi's murder was completely covered up.

At the court, the emperor himself said that Su Yi was a rebellious minister and a traitor, and he deserved his death.

Everyone's heart trembled, this... is this true?

Isn't Su Yi a hero?
Wasn't Su Yi once the emperor's most trusted favorite?

This...is this too unfair?
Is the imperial court so cold?
Suddenly, all eyes were fixed on Su Yi.

………………

This passage from north to south is like a storm, sweeping southward!
Finally, it reached Su Yi's ears.

It spread to the ears of several governors in the seven southern provinces.

In an instant!
Almost all the important ministers and governors were at a loss.

This... this is completely embarrassing.

Tian Yugong, the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, Wang Youling, the governor of Zhejiang, and Xu Youren, the governor of Jiangsu, had just returned to their administrative areas and rushed back to Jiujiang as quickly as possible to meet with Su Yi.

At this time, countless people in Jiujiang were completely angered.

"Reverse, reverse!"

"Commander, let's rebel against this court!"

Generals from the Taiping Army spoke out one after another.

Even officials who were originally from the New Army couldn't help shouting.

opposite? !

impossible. Why?
Xu Youren, the governor of Jiangsu, said: "I will report to the imperial court and write a letter in blood to force the emperor to retract his arrogance."

Wang Youling said: "Yes, a blood letter."

Tian Yugong, the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, said: "I am willing to go to Beijing and go on a hunger strike outside the palace to force the emperor to change his words."

"Isn't it chilling to treat a hero so coldly and so coldly?"

Wang Shiqing entered, knelt down and said: "Commander, Shiqing is willing to go to Beijing to face the Holy Emperor, and kill him in the hall, forcing the Emperor to speak."

This is the attitude of all senior officials.

They were extremely angry, and Wang Shiqing was even willing to risk his life to seek justice for Su Yi.

Tian Yugong was willing to go on a hunger strike, and other officials were also willing to resign from their posts and advance and retreat with Su Yi.

However, no one wanted to rebel.

As an important minister of the imperial court, as a governor of the world, as a so-called scholar-bureaucrat, the word "rebellion" is too heavy.

The imperial court's move, the Seven-Injury Fist, can injure the enemy eight hundred and damage one's own one thousand.

Xu Youren suddenly said: "This is useless. The imperial court is eager for us to resign. At this point, it is impossible to preserve the seven-province alliance without bloodshed."

Su Yi couldn't help but glance at him.

After a long while, Su Yi said to the governors: "Brothers, I implore you to be silent!"

"Continue to remain where you are and maintain absolute silence."

"The Alliance of Seven Southern Provinces must be preserved."

"I'm going to write a memorial!"

Then, Su Yi left quietly.

A few days later, Su Yi's memorial was sent to the capital at a 600-mile speed.

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

above the hall.

Li Qi entered the palace on behalf of Su Yi and presented a memorial to the emperor.

Su Yi resigned from his position as a team coach in Jiangxi.

Su Yi resigned from all his positions and took the imperial examination in Shuntianfu Township.

He resigned from the Shuntian Prefecture Martial Arts Examination and the Rural Examination Xie Yuan.

Su Yi handed over all the emperor's bestowal letters and all the imperial edicts given to him by the emperor in court.

Su Yi resigned from all titles.

He made no excuses, leaving only one sentence.

After this day, Su Yi will never serve again!

The civil and military officials of the court watched as Li Qi, on behalf of Su Yi, placed the documents of his career, fame, and family background one by one on the ground.

Place all the imperial edicts and written articles from the emperor to Su Yi on the ground one by one.

Then, Su Quan resigned from all his titles.

Su He resigned from all titles.

This means that from now on, Su Yi and the emperor will no longer have any friendship.

As long as the emperor is in power, he does not hold any official position.

If anything happens to the court in the future, don't blame him.

He neither pleads guilty nor defends himself.

Just a public, complete break.

"My lord is extremely benevolent and righteous to the court. If anything happens in the future, don't blame my lord again."

Then, Li Qi turned and left.

"Huh!" The emperor snorted coldly.

Li Qi said: "Your Majesty, will you not allow the common people to leave alive this time?"

The emperor did not speak, and Wang Chenggui said in a cold voice: "Come here, take this rude person out and throw him out."

Several guards came forward, took Li Qi and threw him out of the palace.

Su Yi's statement made the emperor very proud, so Li Qi was allowed to appear in the court.

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

Inside Sanxi Hall.

The emperor said coldly: "Su Yi's trick is really ridiculous. Who does he think he is? What's the use of selling his name?"

Du Han said: "It's just as we guessed. Su Yi doesn't dare to rebel, and he can't either."

Mian Yu said: "Next, I'm afraid countless people will cry out for injustice for Su Yi."

Du Han said coldly: "What's the use? If it was useful for all the people to complain, Yue Fei wouldn't have died a tragic death back then."

These words made everyone look at Du Han.

What do you mean? Are you comparing the emperor to Zhao Gou?

But the truth is this. At that time, countless people cried out for Yue Fei's injustice, but what was the use?
Yue Fei had not lived in the name of rebellion for twenty years. It was only when the Southern Song Dynasty court changed from peace to war that Song Xiaozong vindicated Yue Fei and restored all his reputation.

It's just that the emperor ruined his reputation and pulled Su Yi down, which was completely uneconomical for many ministers.

But who allowed the emperor to speak freely and not control his mouth?

Now that you have said it, and since you have paid the price, of course you must carry it out to the end.

Du Han said: "It's a pity that Tian Yugong, Wang Youling, and Xu Youren did not threaten the emperor with a memorial, nor did they resign to force him. Otherwise, we could have dismissed these people together."

Su Shun said: "Su Yi's move is also to keep these people's official positions."

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

Su Yi openly broke with the emperor.

He resigned from all his titles, including the Jiangxi League Training Team, and all his honors.

It still caused a huge shock in the world.

Countless people complained about him.

The court was too cold, and the emperor was too cold.

Treating a hero like this?
Not only civilians, but also many scholars and officials felt aggrieved.

but……

That's all.

Do you want these officials and scholars to speak up for Su Yi and lose their official titles and fame?

impossible.

But what I didn't expect was that some officials actually wrote a memorial to express their grievances for Su Yi.

It is not a wise act to accuse the court of treating a meritorious official like this.

In fact, these people are not Su Yi's comrades at all, they are really full of righteous indignation.

Afterwards, the imperial court directly dismissed these dozen daring officials and exiled Ning Guta.

Suddenly, the court became quiet.

The emperor no longer received memorials to vindicate Su Yi.

Next, the emperor sent Guiliang to Shanghai to negotiate and spy on the attitude of foreigners.

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

Shanghai Consul Mai Huatuo's attitude suddenly changed. When he was in the negotiation team before, he was very tough and arrogant.

At this time, his attitude towards Guiliang softened.

Guiliang said that the treaty negotiated before did not count and had to be re-negotiated.

Mai Huatuo said: "I'm afraid it doesn't count. London will send a new minister next, and then Mr. Gui will negotiate with the new minister."

Guiliang said: "Master Mai, I heard that your country is also divided into two factions. I heard that this time it launched a war against the Qing Dynasty, your parliament voted that the main warring side narrowly won?"

Mai Huatuo said in astonishment: "How does Mr. Gui know? The number of votes against the war is only about twenty votes less than that of the main war faction."

Guiliang said reservedly: "I naturally have my own channels."

Then, Guiliang said: "The emperor is benevolent and will never show mercy to others when he is in power. There are many things we can still discuss about the previous Tianjin Treaty."

Mai Huatuo was stunned, you have won the battle, are you still willing to give in?
So, he asked, "What can we talk about?"

Guiliang said: "Tianjin and Jiujiang must not be used as treaty ports. The envoys from several countries coming to Beijing and the Aihui Treaty must be overturned. The rest can be discussed."

Mai Huatuo was surprised that the Qing court had such a big compromise?
Even though they have won the battle, are they willing to compromise on the most important tariffs and the legalization of the opium trade?
Even a dozen treaty port cities are still willing to accept it?

This is Emperor Xianfeng, who must accept foreigners as soon as he sees them.

After winning the war, it is even more important to show the great ambition of the Celestial Empire and to value peace. After removing a few key articles, these treaties that are humiliating and humiliating the country can still be signed and recognized.

In short, we must avoid fighting.

Mai Huatuo said happily: "Your emperor is really wise and wise. I will immediately send a message to London and ask them to send a new envoy to negotiate."

Guiliang said: "We, the Qing Dynasty and your country, are willing to regard peace as the most precious thing."

Mai Huatuo, the consul in Shanghai, said: "Of course, harmony is the most important thing, harmony is the most important thing."

Guiliang was overjoyed and returned to Beijing to resume his duties.

After he left, Shanghai Consul Mai Huatuo's face suddenly turned cold.

Ridiculous Qing people, there will be no more negotiations.

You know nothing about the majesty of the British Empire. There were many MPs who opposed the war before, but now no one can oppose it.

For the glory of the British Empire, a devastating war is destined to be launched.

There is no use for any conditions, because it has nothing to do with interests, only the majesty of the empire.

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

After resigning all positions and titles.

Su Yi once again publicly announced that he officially resigned as leader of the Seven Southern Provinces Alliance.

Because this is not an official position, but a reputation.

The entire south was once again in an uproar.

Then, he came to Wuchang and met Zeng Guofan again.

"Sir Zeng, next I want to ask you to be the leader of the Seven Southern Provinces Alliance. How about that?"

Zeng Guofan fell into deep thought and began to weigh the pros and cons.

Because of Su Yi's existence, the Seven Southern Provinces Alliance has a high authority.

Being the leader of this alliance will certainly bring you great political reputation.

However, once you become the leader of this alliance, you also need to bear the thunder for the South.

When Su Yi was the leader of the alliance, he spread his wings and helped the governors of the seven southern provinces to fend off wave after wave of attacks.

Xu Youren, Tian Yugong, Wang Youling, Shen Baozhen and others were all saved by Su Yi.

If Su Yi hadn't helped block the court's attack, these people would have stepped down long ago.

If Zeng Guofan becomes the leader of this alliance, he will also bear the thunder for the governors of these brother provinces.

More importantly, the imperial court will obviously take action against the Jiujiang Economic Zone next, and may even engage in military conflict.

Once Zeng Guofan became the leader of the alliance, he had the responsibility to protect Jiujiang and block the imperial army.

Weigh the pros and cons again and again.

Zeng Guofan bowed and said: "I'm sorry, Mr. Su, Zeng is not very talented and has insufficient qualifications to hold the position of leader."

He refused.

He was unwilling to stand up to the thunder, and he was absolutely unwilling to go against the imperial court for Jiujiang.

Su Yi said: "I understand."

After all, we are not the same people.

Then Su Yi said: "If Mr. Zeng doesn't want it, of course Su can't force it on others, and I understand it very well. But Mr. Zeng should understand what I said before. No one is allowed to let the Seven Southern Provinces Alliance be dismantled. "

"Next, the imperial court may canonize Zeng Gong as the governor of Liangjiang. This is a good thing, and Su will never stand in the way."

"But Mr. Zeng, please remember one thing: don't dismantle the Seven Southern Provinces Alliance."

Then, Su Yi left!
..............................

A few days later, the imperial envoy, Prince Hui Mianyu, appeared in Wuchang.

"Di Sheng, Su Yi can no longer be the leader of the seven southern provinces alliance, so the position of leader belongs to you."

This was the imperial court testing Zeng Guofan to see if he would take over as leader of the alliance.

Once he accepts the position of alliance leader, it means that he will continue to fight against the imperial court on behalf of the seven southern provinces.

Zeng Guofan said: "Su Yi did come to me and asked me to assume the position of leader."

Mian Yu's expression changed slightly. Zeng Guofan had nearly 100,000 troops, which was much more than Su Yi.

Once he takes over as leader of the alliance, it will be difficult.

Mian Yu smiled and said, "Can you answer it?"

Zeng Guofan said: "Didn't answer."

He didn't say whether he would accept it in the future.

As far as the imperial court is concerned, as long as no one takes over the position of leader of the seven-province alliance, the seven-province alliance will exist in name only.

If there is no one to lead, it is useless to form an alliance.

Mianyu smiled and said: "The position of Governor of Liangjiang is very important, and it has been vacant for a long time. Zeng Disheng, you are highly respected and respected, and it must be you."

Zeng Guofan said: "My moral character is shallow and I would never dare to occupy such a high position. I recommend Xu Youren to be the governor of Liangjiang."

Prince Hui Mianyu's face became solemn, and he took out the imperial edict and said: "According to the imperial edict of Emperor Chengyun, Zeng Guofan, governor of Hubei, is appointed as Governor of Liangjiang and Minister of Commerce of the Five Countries, with the title of Minister of the Ministry of War. I hereby express my gratitude!"

The imperial court was very decisive this time and directly used the imperial edict to force Zeng Guofan to take sides.

Ordinarily, at this time, Zeng Guofan should give in three times.

However, he directly knelt down and kowtowed: "My lord, I accept the decree and thank you. Long live, long live, long live!"

Mian Yu asked: "Where is Peng Yulin?"

Zeng Guofan was shocked and happy.

Half an hour later, Peng Yulin arrived because he was in Wuchang.

"The Emperor has a decree, and Peng Yulin will take it!"

Peng Yulin knelt down.

"According to the emperor's edict, Peng Yulin is appointed governor of Hubei, with the title of minister of the Ministry of War. I admire this!"

Peng Yulin kowtowed: "I accept the decree and thank you for your kindness. Long live my emperor, long live, long live!"

At this point, the Hunan army was prosperous.

One governor of Liangjiang and three governors.

Moreover, Zeng Guofan obtained the position of Governor of Liangjiang by stepping on Su Yi's shoulders.

In order to prevent him from siding with Su Yi, the imperial court gave him the important position of Governor of Liangjiang.

That's why Su Yi kept saying before that you can take over this governor of Liangjiang, and I'm also willing to be an adult.

But if you dare to push for the dismantling of the Seven Provinces Covenant, then don't blame me for being ruthless.

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

Jiujiang!

"I will do it!" Xu Youren said: "I will do it as the new leader of the seven provinces!"

Wang Youling said: "I'm here. I haven't read a book. I'm not even a scholar. I'm a reckless man. I'll do it."

Tian Yugong, the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, said: "I'm here. I am the governor with a higher official position. I will take the position of leader of the alliance."

Whoever becomes the leader of this alliance will be thundered.

Next, anything that is inconvenient for Su Yi to do will be done by the new leader.

Even if it is a direct confrontation with the imperial court.

Maybe even a military encounter.

If Su Yi wants to take over the central government in the future, he must occupy the moral high ground.

Therefore, this matter of confronting the imperial court cannot be left to him.

Otherwise, you will truly become what the emperor calls a traitor and a traitor.

He retreated cleanly to make final preparations for taking over the center.

Xu Youren insisted again: "It's me, I must come. It turns out that Mr. Honda Yugong is the most suitable. You are the governor and we are the governors, but your Fujian is too far away from Jiujiang, and I, Jiangsu, are right in the middle of the Yangtze River."

"So stop fighting, I will be the leader."

"I will do all the bad guys!"

"I was going to die in Suzhou, and I earned it by living one more day."

Then, Jiangsu Governor Xu Youren said: "Master Su, just tell me how long I can hold on."

Su Yi said: "Three to four months."

"So short?" Xu Youren took a long breath and said, "I thought it would last a year or two."

"Okay, leave it to me!"

"I just treat myself as a dead person. I can do any extreme things."

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

In the study, Su Yi and Xu Youren had a secret conversation.

Xu Youren said: "How long can he live? How long can the court exist?"

Su Yi took out a piece of paper, wrote a few words on it, and handed it to Xu Youren.

After Xu Youren read it, he quickly burned the paper.

After a long while, Xu Youren said tremblingly: "Master Su Yi, my son is gone, and I have no hope in this life. The only thing I want to think about is my reputation after death."

"Su, if one day I openly defy the imperial court and my reputation is ruined, can you help me restore my reputation after my death?"

Su Yi was silent for a while and said, "Master Xu, you will not be ruined."

"In the near future, I hope you can enter the center, and together we can help the country and revitalize China."

Then, Su Yi bowed deeply to Xu Youren.

Xu Youren bowed back and said: "I, Xu Youren, may become a traitor in the eyes of the court, but I am worthy of the conscience of heaven and earth, and worthy of billions of people!"

"Leave the next thing to me!"

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

A few days later!

Shanghai, Yuyuan Garden, Sansui Hall.

Several governors and governors were in place.

And invited reporters from many newspapers from Western powers.

The British, American, French and other Western consuls in Shanghai were invited.

Songjiang prefect and other court officials were also invited.

Jiangsu Governor Xu Youren officially announced that from now on, he will serve as the leader of the Seven Southern Provinces Alliance.

He will do his best to protect the Yangtze River waterway and the people of the seven southern provinces.

It also sent diplomatic notes to the United States, Britain, Russia, France and other countries.

Next!

The new alliance leader Xu Youren announced that due to the increasingly rampant pirates, from now on, the fleets of the seven southern provinces alliance will completely block the entire Yangtze River waterway.

Any non-armed fleets from the seven southern provinces are not allowed to enter the Yangtze River waterway.

Anyone who disobeys will be sunk.

Xu Youren emphasized that any armed force is no exception.

The Qing court officials present were completely changed in color.

"Sir Xu Youren, what if the imperial court removes you from your post as governor of Jiangsu?" asked a foreign reporter invited.

Xu Youren said: "Whether I am the governor of Jiangsu or not, my position as the leader of the Seven Southern Provinces Alliance will not change."

"As long as I am in the position of leader, this decision will not change!"

As soon as this statement came out.

It was like a bolt from the blue.

Everyone was shocked, this... what does this mean?
Is this going to be an armed confrontation?

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

And at the same time!
News of the defeat at Dagukou spread to London and then to Paris.

First there was silence.

Then, the whole of Europe was in complete uproar!

The government and the opposition were completely shocked.

Countless people criticized the commander of the coalition forces with words and writings.

I don't know how many newspapers were publishing the news of the defeat.

Everyone couldn't believe that facing the decadent and backward Qing Dynasty, they suffered such a disastrous defeat.

Countless people shouted to beat and kill the generals who participated in the battle.

They believed that they had brought great shame to the British Empire and the French Empire.

But there is one voice, more unanimous than ever!
Revenge, revenge, revenge!

Summon more troops and fleets to launch a devastating war against the Qing court.

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

Note: I have sent you more than 13,000 words. If you have a monthly ticket, can you please continue to give it to me? The pastries are here for you!

(End of this chapter)