Tuqing: My first love was Cixi

Chapter 226 Su Yi captures the capital! Ultimatum!
In the Chengde Palace, Seng Gelinqin knelt in front of the Empress Dowager Cixi.

"The Queen Mother, my servant has failed to discipline me well. Please forgive me, Master."

Once he figured it out, Senggelinqin was still smart and never made any excuses, or even said that it was someone's attempt to alienate him.

Just admit your mistake.

What Cixi wanted was this attitude.

Cixi said: "King Monk, you are unjust. Someone is trying to alienate me. In fact, I am also a little scared. This alienation plan almost succeeded."

"At that time, I didn't want to see you. I kept you indifferent for a while, and I was really angry. Now it seems that I have completely fallen into the trap of a traitor."

"I also want to make amends to you here. You have also suffered an unreasonable disaster. I really can't vent my anger on you."

These words made Seng Gelinqin feel warm in his heart.

Immediately, he kept kowtowing and said: "Master, you never dare to say that. Every mistake is your slave's fault."

"As for this person, the Monk King has come to know him in the future. He is not only tolerant of those who are capable and loyal, but he even looks up to them."

Cixi said: "This is a great contribution to supporting the country, and it must be rewarded!"

Obviously, Cixi did not say such a thing.

"Now? So soon?" Prince Gong asked: "Aren't we going to eradicate Su Yi first? How come Su Shun is eradicated first?"

But Ronglu could clearly see that after the collapse of Sushun's party, many positions would be vacant, which must be filled by Prince Gong's party.

"They all say that Sushun wants to be Obai, but in my opinion, even Obai can't compare to Sushun. At least Obai has been well-behaved for several years."

Cixi said: "No, you deserve it! Seng Gelinqin, you also saw it a few days ago. Just a few days after Emperor Daxing left, Sushun openly waved his fist and roared at the court, scaring the emperor to tremble. This is a show-off. He clearly wants to bully us orphans and widowed mothers, but the late emperor's body is still cold, yet he dares to be so domineering, what will he do in the future?"

Seng Gelinqin said: "Queen Mother, I am willing to go with Ronglu to lobby Prince Gong!"

Seng Gelinqin, who was next to him, also bowed and said, "Only Mr. Liu is following his lead."

"This is the hegemony of power."

Ronglu said: "Queen Mother, the monk king is loyal and courageous, so the servant dares to put his life in his hands. Then the servant goes to lobby Prince Gong. He is the Prince Heshuo canonized by Lord Daoguang. He is noble regardless of his status and virtue. , I believe you must know how to choose.”

Cixi said: "Why don't others drive a wedge between others, but they drive a wedge between the two of us? One is because you, Seng Gelinqin, are my pillar of strength in the Qing Dynasty, and the other is because we are alienated and do not understand each other well."

Seng Gelinqin kowtowed and said, "I don't dare to praise the Queen Mother."

"Don't forget, this Sushun is also Aixinjueluo. I'm afraid he will do more than just Obei."

He fought for Seng Gelinqin to become the Iron Hat King, a family with two princes.

Seng Gelinqin said loudly: "This country and the country were left to the young master by Emperor Daxing. The slave is a loyal minister of the Qing Dynasty. Emperor Daoguang and Emperor Daxing are extremely kind to the slave. If it were not for Daoguang, the slave would not be able to return the favor." How could we be herding sheep in Mongolia today? Drink water and think about the source. This slave, two hundred kilograms, and tens of thousands of Horqin cavalry, are all going to die for the little master. Anyone who dares to have different intentions, I will kill!"

Seng Gelinqin cried: "This is a matter that belongs to slaves. You must never dare to do it. You must never dare to do it."

"So, if you want to eradicate Su Yi, you must first eradicate Sushun and let the two palaces handle politics behind the curtain."

"To be more precise, the Monk King doesn't know me well enough. I still know the Monk King well. He is loyal, courageous and proud."

Prince Gong was silent, feeling a little unhappy in his heart at this time.

Next, Ronglu and Seng Gelinqin came together to meet Prince Gong secretly.

Seng Gelinqin said: "I am ashamed. If Lord Ronglu hadn't scolded me and woke me up, I would have been kept in the dark by bad people, making me stupid."

At this time, Seng Gelinqin had great admiration in his heart. The organizer and planner of this matter from beginning to end was Ronglu.

Cixi said: "Okay, okay, let's stop talking about Che Zhuluan. I heard that Sushun promised to give an iron hat king, and a family with two princes?"

"Good, good, good." Cixi praised him enthusiastically: "What I want is the words of the Monk King."

Cixi said: "The Monk King is indeed a chivalrous and brave man. During the Yongzheng Dynasty, the Thirteenth Master was called the Chivalry King. I think there is also a Chivalry King in this dynasty."

Then, Ronglu bowed and said, "Only Prince Gong and I are looking forward to this important matter."

Seng Gelinqin continued to kneel down and kowtow with all his strength: "This slave is so confused by the phlegm that he has done nothing, and he almost did stupid things. What kind of iron hat king, even if he gives it to this slave, he will never dare to accept it, no If you dare to think, a slave is not worthy."

In his opinion, even if the Queen Mothers of the Two Palaces wanted to deal with the Sushun Party, they should look to themselves first. He was their greatest help.

Ronglu said: "The Empress Dowager said that in this major event, the Sixth Master is the most important, the one who determines the outcome. Once the Sushun party is eliminated, the government will all rely on the Sixth Master in the future. Originally, the servant said I was going south to invite Masters Wen Xiang, Bao Jun, and Shengbao, but the Queen Mother said, it is your turn to invite these three masters, Rong Zhonghua, because you have to recruit them from the Sixth Master."

"Suppressing a party, roaring at the court, disrespecting the great emperor, and intimidating the new emperor are like treason." Cixi said: "If this person is not removed, the country will not be peaceful and the court will not be upright."

Therefore, it is obviously a condition, but it sounds so appropriate.

Next, the three discussed forming an alliance.

"First eradicate the Sushun party, let the two palaces listen to politics behind the curtain, and take control of the power. In this way, the empress dowagers of the two palaces will not be able to tolerate other powerful people, and Su Yi will lose all the space."

Rong Lu said: "Sixth Master, you must first settle the internal affairs when fighting foreign affairs. Only by uniting the will of the imperial court can we deal with the foreign enemy Su Yi. Otherwise, if the Sushun party and the two empress dowagers continue to be in such opposition, I am afraid they will be destroyed." Su Yi took advantage of the loophole. If the empress dowagers of the two palaces feel the danger and directly introduce Su Yi into the center to deal with Su Shun, it will be too late!"

"The iron hat king Sushun promised, he can't give it to. But I can give it to you. I can also give it to your double prince, and only I can give it to you."

Set a time to launch a coup and overthrow the Sushun party.

He won the ruling prince for Prince Gong, and helped Prince Gong's direct lineage enter the ranks of ministers who care about life.

As a result, Ronglu and Seng Gelinqin were approached first.

"When the two palaces don't have the power, Su Yi looks like a strong support. But once the two palaces gain power, they instinctively feel that Su Ye is a threat."

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

But from beginning to end, he never sought any official position for himself.

In this way, why worry about failure?
Prince Gong narrowed his eyes, clenched his fists and said, "For the sake of the country and the country, let's do it!"

Suddenly, the Big Three completely set the tone.

A coup is imminent.

So at some point, the inertia of history is really powerful.

Even if the situation in this world has changed so much, Xinyou's coup will still happen.

And we really cannot underestimate these political figures in history.

Take Ronglu, for example, this time. He had nothing to do with him in history, but Emperor Xianfeng dragged him into the historical stage in advance, and he immediately moved the world and became the protagonist of this coup.

And he knew deep down that he was replacing Su Yi's role.

Originally, Su Yi was the most suitable person to launch this coup, but Ronglu made a quick decision, slashed out, and immediately snatched the role as quickly as possible.

Kill Sushun first, and then attack Su Yi.

Just looking at the strategy he set, you can see that this person's political fighting level is still very high.

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

However, Su Yi was not Emperor Xianfeng.

He is a completely different level of opponent.

When Emperor Xianfeng faced such a situation, he did not have the determination and courage to break through and establish. He would only try his best to plan a seemingly perfect layout.

But Su Yi was different, when he saw this trend taking shape.

Even if something doesn't really happen, it's just a trend, he will attack decisively. Even before Ronglukai started arranging a coup, he had already taken action.

Moreover, it was a direct thunder blow.

During this period, one of the controversial issues surrounding the two empress dowagers and Sushun's party was the return of the Holy Emperor to Beijing!

The empress dowagers of the two palaces proposed that they should return to Beijing as soon as possible.

Don't abandon the world's subjects for too long.

Chengde is the best. Although the capital is heavy, the new emperor must enter the center as soon as possible to calm people's hearts.

The corpse of the Daxing Emperor cannot be left in Chengde for a long time.

In short, it is truly justifiable to allow the new emperor to return to the palace.

After all, the new emperor has ascended the throne, but the enthronement ceremony has not yet been held.

How many officials are there in Chengde Palace?

Most of the courtiers are in the capital and have not yet met the new emperor.

If you don't enter the Forbidden City and don't worship your ancestors, you won't be able to become a true emperor.

In short, the two queen mothers raised the new emperor's return to Beijing to an unprecedented political height.

But the Sushun Party did not want to return to Beijing so early.

Because they felt that the empress dowagers of the two palaces felt that they were weak in Chengde and could not defeat them.

There are many officials in the capital, and ministers from Prince Gong's line are also in the capital.

Sushun felt that Chengde Palace was their home court.

And once she returns to Beijing, she may become the home court of the Queen Mother of the Two Palaces.

Therefore, the Sushun Party firmly believed that many struggles must be completed in Chengde, such as eradicating dissidents and seizing the initiative from the hands of the two queen mothers.

It is precisely because of this that the return of Shengjia to Beijing has been delayed again and again.

On this issue, the empress dowagers of the two palaces are indeed in control of justice. What is going on if the emperor does not return to Beijing, is not visited by courtiers, and is not visited by all the people?

What's the point of not holding a coronation ceremony and not offering sacrifices to heaven?

On the ninth day of September, he returned to Beijing, and on the fifteenth day of September, the ceremony of offering sacrifices to heaven was held.

It was the day that was decided during the fierce struggle between the two sides.

Although the Sushun Party has not yet completed its struggle to eradicate dissidents, all the officials in the capital have petitioned the new emperor to return to the capital to offer sacrifices and host the grand ceremony. This pressure is like overwhelming pressure. ,
The Sushun Party had no choice but to agree.

After it was settled, the two queen mothers immediately announced it to the world.

On the ninth day of September, the new emperor arrived in Beijing and accepted the obeisance of hundreds of officials and people.

September 15th, the ceremony to worship heaven.

These two days suddenly became extremely sacred.

However, this day is less than a month away.

The envoys of Britain, France, Russia and the United States officially entered Beijing.

Of course, this was nothing. It had been decided long ago, and when the ministers from the four countries arrived in Beijing, they could submit their credentials to the new emperor and formally pay their respects to the Qing Emperor.

but……

They led troops into Beijing.

Without any notice, ships from the four countries once again appeared off the coast of Tianjin.

Then, more than three thousand troops entered along the Baihe River, landed in Beitang, and first occupied Tanggu.

This time, there was no obstacle. The troops in Tianjin and Dagokou were already small, but they were completely panicked in an instant.

Immediately afterwards, the foreign army ignored Dagokou and headed directly towards the capital.

Suddenly, the capital was panicked.

Officials stationed at the imperial court immediately questioned the British and French diplomats. Why did they send a large number of troops into the capital when they had already withdrawn their troops?
The British Empire's new minister stationed in the Qing Dynasty, Sir Bruce, claimed that this was for the safety of the ministers from the four countries.

Because not long ago, a tragedy occurred in Calcutta, India, and the Governor-General of India was brutally murdered.

In order to avoid repeating the same mistakes, the four countries felt it was very necessary to send enough troops to the Qing capital to protect the safety of the envoys of the four countries.

Wenxiang had followed Prince Gong to negotiate with Britain and France before, so he went out again to question the British and French authorities. The "Beijing Treaty" stipulated that when the ministers of the four countries came to Beijing, most of the security was provided by the Qing army, and the ministers of the four countries were only allowed to retain a small part. military personnel to maintain order in the legation.

The total number of military personnel cannot exceed three hundred.

Why did three thousand people come all at once?
Wen Xiang and Bao Jun raised extremely strong protests on behalf of the Qing court.

However, their protests were dismissed as farts.

The envoys from the four countries were determined to lead 3,000 people to Beijing.

Suddenly, countless people in the entire capital fell into panic again.

God!

Are the British and French forces coming in again?
The tragedy of last year is still vivid in my mind.

I don’t know how many royal gardens were burned and robbed, and I don’t know how many people’s homes were robbed and killed.

I don’t know how many female relatives were humiliated.

If the British and French allied forces enter Beijing again this time, or even stay in the capital permanently, won't the capital become a hell?

The last time Su Yi led his army in a fierce battle, he saved the Old Summer Palace and the imperial palace.

Can you still keep it this time?
Minister of Military and Aircraft Wen Xiang said with great grief and anger: "Are you going to break the contract?"

Sir Bruce, the new British minister, said coldly: "This is entirely to protect the safety of the ministers from the four countries. If you want to stop it, you can use military language and use the army to intercept us."

Wen Xiang's body was covered with ice.

The most elite troops are now in Chengde. Where can there be troops to intercept you?
Even if there was, wasn't the last Battle of Bali Bridge tragic enough? Who has the courage to stop you?
Just when the capital was panicked, Zhili was panicked, and even countless people fled.

That hero stepped forward.

Su Yi leads his army northward!

He also sent special envoy Shen Baozhen to meet with the envoys of the four countries.

"Lord Su Yi said that the guarding military strength of the ministers of the four countries must not exceed 300 people."

"If we really want to lead three thousand troops to Beijing, it means war!"

A few days later!

Four thousand elite members of Su Yi's new army appeared outside the capital once again.

Time!
Everyone in the capital cheers!

Countless people took to the streets.

The great savior has come.

The capital can be saved.

All peoples are saved.

At this time, the attitude of the ministers from the four countries was extremely tough.

The battle between the two sides seemed to be on the verge of breaking out again.

The two most powerful military forces began to confront each other dozens of miles away from the capital!
........................

Suddenly, the entire Chengde Palace fell into a deathly silence.

Originally, at this time, Prince Gong, Ronglu, and Seng Gelinqin were about to launch a coup.

In fact, the signals for the coup have already been started.

The imperial censor Dong Yuanchun has already submitted a memorial, requesting the queen mothers of the two palaces to listen to the affairs behind the curtain.

This suggestion immediately aroused frantic suppression by the Sushun party.

Prince Gong, Seng Gelinqin, Ronglu and others also petitioned the empress dowagers of the two palaces to listen behind the curtain.

The Sushun party once again launched a strong counterattack.

Immediately afterwards, the armies of Seng Gelinqin and Ronglu began to mobilize.

The troops controlled by the Sushun Party also began to mobilize.

The struggle between the two sides will soon turn into daylight.

Moreover, even in Chengde, once it turned into an armed conflict, the queen mothers of the two palaces had the upper hand.

Because Seng Gelinqin and Ronglu both sided with the Queen Mother and controlled the strongest force here.

Just when the coup is about to decide the winner and the armed conflict is about to break out.

The news from the capital immediately suppressed the coup.

Count Elgin, the Governor-General of India, was assassinated in Calcutta. For their own safety, the envoys from the four countries wanted to lead their troops to Beijing.

Anyone who stands in the way will face war.

Wen Xiang's negotiations failed.

At this time, at the Chengde Palace, neither Sushun nor the Queen Mother of the two palaces had the courage to lead an army to stop the British and French forces, even if there were only 3,000 people.

But what if another war breaks out?
Ronglu, who had an extremely high level of political fighting and was decisive in killing, and Du Han, also temporarily lost their voices.

Lead the army south to stop the coalition forces?
proceed if you can!

In this way, all the struggles in Chengde Palace were frozen instantly, as if the pause button had been pressed.

Immediately afterwards, another shocking news came.

Su Yi once again led his army northward.

In an instant, Ronglu's face turned pale, as if he had been struck by lightning.

"Conspiracy, this is a huge conspiracy."

"Su Yi colluded with foreigners to create a cause for the army to enter Beijing."

"Otherwise, how could Su Yi's new army be so fast? In just a few days, it would appear outside the capital?"

"Even if we take the canal, it's too fast."

"What did Zeng Guofan, Li Hongzhang, the governor of Shandong, the governor of Henan, and others do for food? What did the Governor of Water Transport do for food, just let Su Yi's army swagger and enter Beijing again?"

Ronglu locked himself in the room for several hours.

Really breathtaking.

Su Yi's movements were too fast, too decisive, and too big.

He just sent someone to talk to the Queen Mother, and just after sensing the development trend in Chengde, he immediately and decisively attacked.

And once it's launched, it's such a big move.

How to do?How to do?
Go talk to the Queen Mother?
No, we can't talk to the Queen Mother. We have to talk to Sushun first.

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

Ronglu decisively came to see Sushun.

"Su Yi is the big tiger in Suzhongtang. He must not be allowed to lead his army into Beijing. He must be stopped." Rong Lu said.

Su Shun said in a cold voice: "What a joke. When you were about to take action against me, why didn't you think of Su Yi, a big tiger?"

How could I not have thought that because Su Yi is so powerful, I need to kill you Sushun first and then fight Su Yi.

Who would have thought that Su Yi would be so decisive in killing?
Rong Lu said: "Su Zhongtang, at this moment, do we still need to settle old scores? It's urgent. We all know that once Su Yi takes action, he will act resolutely and very quickly."

Du Han said from the side: "Yes, Ronglu is right. The fight between us is still a fight between brothers. But once Su Yi comes in, everyone will not have a good life."

Duan Hua said: "Now that people have great righteousness, in order to resist foreigners and protect the people of the capital who come to the capital, what should you do?"

Ronglu said: "Then take away his righteousness and let our main army rush to Beijing."

Sushun said: "Well, Seng Gelinqin's cavalry and your Tianjin New Army are the most powerful. You can lead your army south to Beijing."

Hey!
The fate is here.

You are trying to subdue one party, but some people also have some military power.

Duanhua, especially Jingshou, also had soldiers in his hands.

If Seng Gelinqin and I lead the army south to Beijing, wouldn't we be in trouble with you here in Chengde?

Ronglu said: "Su Zhongtang, at this critical moment, why are you still saying these angry words?"

"How about this? Each of us will send 10,000 troops, for a total of 20,000. We will immediately go south and enter the capital to prevent Su Yi from entering the capital."

Sushun said: "Are you sure that the foreigners are really colluding with Su Yi to act? If it is not an act, we drove away Su Yi's army and led the main force to Beijing, and the foreigners come back again, can we bear the consequences?"

Once that time comes.

How much will the loss of these 20,000 people be?
The key is that we cannot afford another war.

Ronglu said: "How about I guarantee it with my life? Suzhongtang, let's stop fighting for the time being!"

Du Han nodded and said: "Su Zhongtang, the top priority is to deal with Su Yi."

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

Court the next day.

Ronglu petitioned the queen mothers of the two palaces, saying that the foreigners had broken the treaty. For the sake of the dignity of the court and the people of the capital, it was necessary to send troops south to garrison the capital and prevent foreign troops from entering the capital.

In addition, Su Yi's troops went north to assist, and they were loyal and courageous, which deserves praise.

However, local troops are not allowed to enter Beijing. Su Yi's troops are asked to station outside the city and are not allowed to enter Beijing.

This time, the nine ministers who took care of life unified their will.

Ronglu's petition was approved. Soon, an imperial edict was formed, and the empress dowagers of the two palaces used their seals.

Here, Seng Gelinqin, Ronglu, and Sushun's party gathered 20,000 troops, with Boyanna Mohu as the commander. As soon as everything is in place, they will immediately go south.

And he used the fastest speed to convey the decree to the remaining ministers in the capital, and the remaining troops must, must not let Su Yi's troops enter the capital.

But... it's too late!
........................

"Boom boom boom boom..."

Outside the capital, an armed conflict broke out directly between Su Yi's army and the foreign army.

Su Yi firmly stated that the four countries should abide by the treaty and limit the number of military personnel entering Beijing to more than 300.

Otherwise, any means will be used to prevent anyone from the four countries from entering Beijing.

The ministers of the four countries were also very tough, saying that these three thousand people were not troops at all, but security guards.

It is not aimed at anyone at all, it is just to protect the safety of diplomats from the four countries.

Anyone who blocks it means war.

Both sides are very tough and unwilling to do anything to the other.

As a result, conflict broke out.

The people of the capital were once again in panic.

At this time, there were actually quite a few troops guarding the capital, all of whom were from the Eight Banners capital camp.

But... Needless to say, there is no need to mention the fighting power of this group of people.

"Swish, swish, swish..."

Many cannonballs landed directly outside the gates of the capital.

Above the city.

"Su Yi was defeated!"

"Su Yi lost!"

"The foreign army is about to enter the city."

Then, fierce artillery fire hit the city gate again.

Immediately, the Eight Banners soldiers guarding the city gate fled.

An hour later!

Su Yi's army enters Beijing!
Take over several city gates.

All the people cheer!

At this time, the people of the capital gained a great sense of security.

What's even weirder is that even the soldiers in the Eight Banners' capital camp feel a lot safer for some reason.

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

Wen Xiang and Bao Jun came to see Su Yi and angrily said, "Su Yi, are you going to rebel?"

"Without a decree, you just lead your troops into Beijing?"

Su Yi said calmly: "Master Wen, the last time the British and French allied forces wanted to burn the Old Summer Palace and the Imperial Palace, all the troops fled, and you also fled. At that time, I led the army to Beijing, but there was no order!"

"Do I want to watch the people of the capital being plundered by foreigners again? Do I want to watch the Old Summer Palace and even the imperial palace being burned down by foreigners?"

"Lord Wenxiang, look outside. Are there tens of thousands of people? Hundreds of thousands of people?"

Wen Xiang looked outside and saw that the people in the capital were densely packed.

They were welcoming Su Yi's new army into the city.

"This is the greatest righteousness." Su Yi said.

Wen Xiang roared angrily: "In short, if you don't have the will to lead the army into the city, you just can't do it!"

Then, Shengbao walked in angrily.

"Su Yi, you led your army into Beijing without any orders. Are you plotting rebellion?"

This time, Su Yi didn't explain anything and just sat here quietly.

Immediately afterwards, another minister rushed in.

Ministers rushed in one after another, accusing Su Yi of plotting rebellion?

Su Yi gave an order to take down all the ministers who rushed in to accuse!

Then, the news was released to the outside world.

In the last negotiation, someone accepted bribes from foreigners and instigated the signing of some treaties that were humiliating and humiliating to the country.

Not only that, the last time the British and French forces looted the capital, someone provided maps to the foreigners.

Moreover, in order to attack political opponents, some officials also specially informed foreigners about the treasures contained in which ministers.

Some officials, filled with resentment towards the imperial court, took the initiative to lead the way through the royal gardens and carry out targeted plunder.

At this moment, for the safety of the capital, one must be killed to serve as a warning to others.

Then, Su Yi's troops rushed into the homes of several officials like wolves and tigers, arrested them, and imprisoned them in prison.

Next, he will write a memorial and ask the empress dowagers and the emperor to deal with it.

Time!
Officials staying in Beijing were completely quiet.

He only dared to hide at home and curse, and he didn't dare to rush in front of Su Yi and accuse him of treason.

Next!

Wei Jun led 5,000 Jiangxi Green Camp troops to Beijing to support them.

A few more days passed.

Xu Youren led 5,000 people to Beijing to support and resist the foreign barbarians.

A few more days passed.

Zhang Guoliang and Feng Zicai led 5,000 Zhejiang Green Camp troops to land in Tongzhou.

A few more days passed!
Tian Yugong, the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, led an army of six thousand and went north to support and resist the foreign barbarians.

The people of Beijing are excited!

If so many troops had come to Beijing to serve the king last time, maybe there wouldn't have been the tragic events that followed.

So far!

The army of the Seven Southern Provinces Alliance in the capital reached 25,000 people.

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

Chengde Palace once again fell into silence.

Originally, Seng Gelinqin, Sushun, and Ronglu had assembled an army of 20,000 and headed south.

But...when I got to the halfway point, I stopped immediately.

I dare not go any further.

"Conspiracy, conspiracy, huge conspiracy."

"How long will it take to assemble the army? How long will it take for the army to move north, whether by sea or canal?"

"Can Xu Youren's army, Wang Youling's army, and Tian Yugong's army all fly?"

"In less than a month, they all marched to Beijing?"

"There must be collusion between Su Yi and the foreigners, there must be collusion."

"Otherwise, how could the foreign army come by such a coincidence?"

It's okay not to say anything, but it's even more frightening to say it.

In this case, will the 20,000 troops led by Boyan still go south?
Once he goes south, if it is true as Ronglu said, Su Yi has colluded with foreigners.

Then... what if the foreign troops turn their guns and attack the imperial army directly?
"Where are the foreign troops?" Sushun asked.

"Probably, we have returned to Tanggu."

Sushun said: "Where are the troops in Tianjin? Where are the defenders at Dagukou? Why do people just drive in like this?"

"The foreigners came along the Baihe River and into the Yongding River in the name of the mission. No one dared to stop the Dagukou garrison and the Tianjin garrison."

The Qing army was frightened by the war last year.

Moreover, a series of major events prevented the defenders in Dagukou, Tianjin, and even Tongzhou from fully recovering.

Without the decree of the imperial court, the foreign mission came so suddenly. Who dared to stop it?
..............................

at the same time!

Tanggu.

The Russian Minister, the American Minister, and the French Minister are having a secret meeting.

"Gentlemen, it seems that we have been taken advantage of and that we have been involved in a conspiracy."

"We originally wanted to take the opportunity to blackmail the Qing court and create an established fact so that our army could be permanently stationed in the Qing capital, not only to protect the safety of the legation, but also to maintain a military presence in the Qing capital."

"But, we seem to have given Su Yi a reason."

"All this is such a coincidence."

The American minister said: "Only one-third of our army is the British colonial army, and the rest are mercenaries, and they were hired by Minister Bruce."

The French minister said: "Sir Bruce is the younger brother of Earl Elgin. He is completely at odds with Su Yi. It is impossible for him to collude with Su Yi."

"It is very necessary for us to get in touch with the senior officials of the Qing court. Su Yi's ascension may be beneficial to the British Empire, but it will be very detrimental to us, the United States, Russia, and France."

After a secret discussion between the envoys of the three countries, they decided to send two people to the Chengde palace secretly.

And the other side.

Sir Bruce, the new minister of the British Empire, said slowly: "Bashari, I have fulfilled my promise."

Bashar said: "No, this is not enough. Sir, please don't forget that the scandal broke out in India about your brother Count Elgin. The Parthenon statue he sold to the British Empire Museum was fake. He He defrauded the state treasury of tens of thousands of pounds."

"You and Sir Wytoma were competing for the position of Minister to China before, and you were completely at a disadvantage. You competed for several months, and this position was still unresolved. In the end, it was Prince Albert who helped you obtain this position."

"But now, your brother Count Elgin's successive scandals will bring great passivity to your political status."

"You need us more than we need you."

Sir Bruce said: "But, I am now leading the army of the empire and cooperating with a warlord of the Qing Dynasty. Isn't this ridiculous? The Russian minister, the French minister, and the American minister will soon see through, and they will immediately attack me. I will report to London immediately, at which time I will face greater pressure."

Ba Xiali sneered: "Our envoy heard the news that Count Elgin was killed, so he felt fear and temporarily hired troops to protect himself. He also tried to create an established fact and let the empire station troops in the Qing capital in the future. Which one is not right? For the good of the empire."

Sir Bruce said: "But the key is that we cannot really complete the garrison fact. According to your requirements, we need to be forced to retreat."

Basia said: "At least we tried hard, right? Does London have any right to accuse us?"

Then, Baxali said to a colonel next to him: "Viscount Jurgen, what do you think?"

Jurgen, the former pirate leader, was promoted to colonel after being made a viscount, transforming himself into a senior military attache of the British Empire in the Far East.

Most of the mercenaries threatening the capital this time were his work.

Viscount Jurgen said: "I think what you said is very reasonable."

Then, he said to Minister Bruce: "Sir, supporting Sir Su Yi to ascend to power will be of great benefit to us all. Your brother, Count Elgin, was once our political enemy. But he is him, and you are you. , he is already dead. This big ship of ours carries a huge amount of benefits, and it is completely late for you to get on the ship at this time."

Sir Bruce said: "Sir Basile, the Wytoma side will definitely not let me go in this turmoil. They will try their best to criticize me in London. You are sure to be able to help me block this turmoil and protect me." Your position will not be taken away by him?"

Basharli said: "I'm sure, absolutely sure!"

Viscount Jurgen said: "I heard that Sir Baoling has been successfully promoted to Postmaster General, right?"

Sir Bruce said: "Yes, although it is a bit far from the position he wants."

Bashar saluted: "Cheers to Sir Baoling."

Viscount Jurgen said: "Sir Basari, not only have you been promoted to the title, but you have also become the consul of Tianjin, and you will even serve as the counselor of the legation. I also want to congratulate you."

Bashar saluted: "I also want to congratulate you, Viscount Jurgen, you are now a big shot in the Far East."

Viscount Jurgen said: "Then can I ask you to reimburse me for the expenses of these mercenaries?"

"Of course, after a very complicated procedure, the money will be returned to your account in London," Basharli said.

"Cheers to Master Su Yi!"

"I wish him to enter the center of the Qing Dynasty as soon as possible!"

Then, Ba Xiali said to Sir Bruce: "Your Excellency, no matter how the ministers from the other three countries express their opinions, your attitude towards the Qing court must be extremely strict, okay? Don't worry, in the eyes of the Qing court, the United States is The combined weight of Russia and France is not as large as half of the British Empire. They will feel your threat."

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

Next up!
The whole situation turned into a confrontation.

The three thousand foreign troops were entrenched in Tanggu and could not leave.

British Minister Bruce repeatedly told the Qing court that for the safety of the ministers from the four countries, he must lead the security team to Beijing.

The British Empire did this at any cost.

If necessary, additional troops can be added.

This threat was, of course, Bruce's personal.

At this time, London had no interest in using force against the Qing Dynasty.

But for the Qing court, this war threat was indeed real.

After all, in just the past four years, Britain had launched three wars against the Qing Dynasty. It seemed that increasing and sending out troops had become commonplace.

The 25,000-strong army of the Seven Southern Provinces Alliance was completely stationed in the name of protecting the capital.

The people of the capital are satisfied, countless middle- and low-level officials are satisfied, and even the officers and soldiers of the Eight Banners’ camp are even more satisfied. Finally, we no longer have to face the threat of foreign barbarians.

It would be great if someone helps us guard the capital.

then!

Tian Yugong, the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, petitioned the empress dowagers and emperors of the two palaces to return to Luan.

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

"We must not allow the Queen Mother and the Emperor to return!"

"Absolutely not!"

Sushun, Ronglu, Senggelinqin, Prince Gong and others seemed to have completely abandoned their past grievances at this time.

Su Yi's army has completely occupied the capital.

What a waste of time to come back to Luan at this time.

"Rong Lu, the Queen Mother of the Two Palaces and the Mother Queen Mother don't like to make decisions. The key is the Mother Queen Mother. You have to make her resist the pressure."

"At this time, it's up to you."

"If at this time, the Holy Mother Queen Mother decides to side with Su Yi and decides to take the emperor back to Luan, then we are all doomed."

"As long as the empress dowagers and the emperor are on our side, we have great justice. The foreign troops must either fight Su Yi or retreat. They cannot stay in Tanggu for a long time."

"Once the foreign troops are gone, Su Yi will lose his sense of occupying the capital."

"If he continues to occupy it, his rebellious intentions will become clear."

Seng Gelinqin slammed the table and said, "Otherwise, beat me!"

"Our army is twice as large as his. He only has 4,000 new troops. The rest of the army are just idiots. We don't have to worry about being defeated."

Ronglu said: "It's impossible to fight."

Du Han also sighed: "Yes, it's impossible to fight."

Ronglu said: "The key is the foreigners. Prince Gong, do you know anything about this new British Minister Sir Bruce?"

Yidao: "I don't understand it at all."

As for this new minister, since he has not yet submitted his credentials, the court does not know the relationship between him and Count Elgin.

Ronglu said: "Send someone to Shanghai to find out the truth first. At least the Shanghai consul Mai Huatuo and Sir Wetoma are Su Yi's political opponents. He will not have any reservations about us."

"The key problem lies with the foreigners. As long as the foreigners retreat, everything will be easy and Su Yi's army can be driven out of the capital."

"You must be quick, otherwise...I'm afraid!"

What are you afraid of? Of course, they were afraid that the empress dowagers of the two palaces were weak-willed and chose to abandon the Chengde group and take the emperor to Beijing.

At that time, Su Yi's side would become the center.

Prince Gong said: "Okay, I will immediately send someone to Shanghai to contact Mai Huatuo and Weituma."

Here, following Prince Gong's order, a team immediately rushed out of Chengde and headed south.

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

And this time!
An unexpected messenger came to Chengde Palace, and the eunuch who had not been seen for a long time increased his salary.

This man was once the emperor's most trusted eunuch and Su Yi's close friend.

But because he was too close to Su Yi, and every time there was bad news, others were unwilling to report it. He only wanted to share the sorrow with the emperor, so he was the one who reported it, and was rejected by the emperor.

When Su Yi broke with the emperor, the eunuch Zenglu was also relegated to the cold palace.

"My slaves and servants have increased their salary, and if they go to see the Queen Mother, she will be blessed with good fortune, longevity, and good fortune."

The eunuch increased his salary and kowtowed respectfully.

Empress Dowager Cixi looked at Zenglu with complicated eyes and said slowly: "Did Su Yi ask you to come?"

Eunuch Zenglu said: "Yes."

Then, Zenglu said: "Originally, it was not my turn to come. It was my slave who requested this errand."

Cixi said, "Just tell me."

Eunuch Zenglu said: "Empress Dowager, Gui'er came to see you last time. If you had told the truth frankly and then directly issued an order to summon Lord Su Yi to the center to help, nothing would have happened by now."

Cixi did not respond.

Eunuch Zenglu said: "The Queen Mother, it's not too late for all this."

Cixi said: "Is it still too late?"

Zenglu said: "Of course it's in time. As long as the two empress dowagers bring the emperor back to Beijing, there won't be any turmoil. You are still the supreme empress dowager, and Mr. Su Yi will also petition the court to ask the two empress dowagers to listen behind the curtain."

Cixi thought for a long time and said: "Zenglu, you are also an old man in the palace. You were once the emperor's most trusted confidant. You put aside Su Yi's position as an envoy. If the Ai family asks you a question, can you answer it honestly?" I."

Zenglu said: "Queen Mother, please tell me."

Cixi said: "Do you think Su Yi will rebel?"

Zenglu said: "Of course not. How could Mr. Su Yi rebel? The Queen Mother is too worried."

Then, he melancholy said: "However, Mr. Su Yi asked me to tell you something."

Cixi said: "You say it."

Zenglu said: "The imperial court announced to the world at that time that the new emperor would return to Beijing on September 9th, and the new emperor would hold a ceremony to worship heaven on September 15th. The people in the capital were looking forward to it, and the world was looking forward to it. If the emperor didn't arrive at this time, how could he Aren’t you offending your ancestors and offending God?”

"I promised to offer sacrifices to heaven, but didn't offer sacrifices to heaven. How can I get it!"

"The Queen Mother, time is getting tighter and tighter. If you want to catch up with the Heaven Sacrifice Ceremony, you must prepare to leave south."

Cixi said: "Zenglu, this...is actually Su Yi's ultimatum to us? We must return to Beijing before the ninth day of September, right?"

Zenglu was silent for a long time, because as a royal servant, he really didn't want to say anything strong, and he didn't dare to say anything.

However, the will conveyed at this time must be very firm.

So, he nodded and said: "Master Su Yi didn't say that, but I think it should be."

"This should be an ultimatum!"

Empress Dowager Cixi's cold face suddenly changed.

This word seems too harsh.

An ultimatum? !
Is Su Yi so tough?
..............................

Note: I finally finished writing it at 10:30. Dear benefactors, can you give me your guaranteed monthly pass? Try to come earlier tomorrow.

I'm a little anxious seeing my monthly ticket rankings slipping, so please give me a thumbs up!

(End of this chapter)