Tuqing: My first love was Cixi

Chapter 267 Su Yi’s big curtain! Iron-blooded methods!
Capital City, Prince Yijun's Mansion.

The entire conference room was filled with smoke.

The entire top management of the Western Expeditionary Army was there.

Su Yi and Zuo Zongtang were in another small study room. At this time, Mr. Jin Liang was really under great pressure.

He has always put his eyes above his head, and no one can look down on him. He feels that his ability is in the sky.

Now, Su Yi has given him the important task of pacifying the northwest, and handed him half of the country's elite troops.

Wang Shiqing was the first fierce general under Su Yi, and he was almost the sole commander, and he was also handed over to Zuo Zongtang.

He was really worried that he wouldn't be able to play well and would betray this huge trust.

"Your Majesty, there is one thing that I still need to ask Your Majesty to decide." Zuo Zongtang said: "We have decided that the policy of this Western Expedition is to suppress, not to pacify. So what if this group of people surrenders? Do they want to accept the surrender?"

Yes, do you want to surrender?

"General, please pay your respects to the prince."

If Su Yi wanted to completely destroy Manchuria and destroy the power of the Eight Banners, why did he tolerate, even protect and cultivate, the Eight Banners elites?

After a long while, Su Yi said: "Mr. Ji Gao, we would rather fight harder than to fight thoroughly. These rebel leaders and local wealthy people who want to surrender can move their families and come to the capital to serve as officials. The family property will be preserved, and they will be allowed to participate in the next major projects of the Westernization Movement, and they will be able to invest in key bank accounts, etc. However... they cannot retain the army or stay in their place of origin."

In the capital, the biggest tone was that Su Yi wanted to destroy the Eight Banners and dig up the foundation of the Eight Banners. It is the confrontation between Manchu and Han, and Su Yi represents the Han people.

If we do not surrender, it is easy for the enemy to fight more and more, and civilians and rebels will become increasingly blurred and difficult to distinguish.

This time when he goes to the northwest to quell the chaos, he will surely be able to break out of this confinement and truly understand what the revival of Su Yifei's family means.

In the discussions again and again, the policies for the Northwest Rebellion became more and more severe.

Therefore, elite talents like Du Xing'a can see clearly no matter what.

"It's easy to fall into a narrow-minded mood if you stay in one environment for a long time. Especially now, it's extremely easy to fall into a conflicting mood between Manchu and Chinese." Su Yi said slowly: "Just take this opportunity to jump out of the capital. Jump out of Zhili and see the enemies outside."

Zuo Zongtang said: "In this way, the subordinate officials will be counted. Kill as many as possible, suppress as many as possible, and clean as many as possible."

In fact, Dolona is also thinking.

Zuo Zongtang said: "The northwest is too big, but we also have powerful cavalry, and their combat effectiveness should be far greater than the opponent's. But they will move everywhere, so which direction should we let them move in?"

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

However, Du Xing'a already had a very different feeling at this time.

Next, Su Yi summoned the important senior officials of the Western Expedition Army one after another.

But this time, it will only be more ruthless and thorough. (This plot can only be touched upon briefly)

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Historically, Zuo Zongtang has been very ruthless in his actions.

Basically, it is impossible for the big families in these places to agree.

If the center under the leadership of Su Yi can be very powerful, then it will still have the ability and time to fully digest the surrender of the northwest rebels.

However, Su Yi was also taking action against the Hunan Army, the largest force of the Han people.

Of course, the reason why the Three Horsemen of the Northwest were able to cause trouble and rule in the Northwest for so long was ultimately because the central force was not strong enough.

But...should it be like this?
On the surface, Bai Yanhu from the Northwest Huilin Rebellion has a greater reputation and is more ferocious and sturdy.

What's even more ridiculous is that the prince of the Eight Banners actually joined forces with the Han forces to overthrow Su Yi.

Su Yi said: "Yes."

Su Yi patted Du Xing'a on the shoulder and said nothing more.

In a vast and boundless area, one is not afraid of a large number of rebels, but is afraid that the rebels will have no trace and be dragged to death thousands of miles away.

But this person's foundation is not deep, he is just a tiger pushed forward. The real source of trouble is these intertwined religious families in the northwest.

On the surface, this will cause more and more rebels in the territory to become more and more powerful.

Zuo Zongtang said: "Your Majesty is wise."

Su Yi said: "I didn't expect you to be so respectful to me last time in Nanjing."

The entire area has entered an all-or-nothing hostile state.

However, because he has been in the Eight Banners for too long and is too deep, it is still difficult to break out of this mental prison.

This is about digging the roots.

Su Yi thought for a while, basically they would move towards the territory.

Ethnic and religious conflicts there have become extremely intensified.

The Manchurian general Du Xing'a knelt in front of Su Yi.

And if they are surrendered, just like in history, the three northwest horses will occupy the entire northwest for nearly a hundred years.

Su Yi said: "Since the territory is already chaotic enough, it doesn't matter if it becomes more chaotic. Just let them run to the territory and let more and more rebels there."

Duolonga is so meticulous that he even thinks your joke is a bit cold, Prince.

The next person to come in was Dolona.

If he really wanted to destroy the Eight Banners and Manchuria, he should kill all the Eight Banners elites and lift up all the waste.

But this time, Su Yi asked Duolonga to lead an elite cavalry to the northwest to quell the rebellion. He was very grateful in his heart.

At least, as a fierce Manchu general, he could leave the capital and avoid this fierce struggle between the Eight Banners and Su Yi.

Isn't this a kind of protection?
The blood of relatives among the Eight Banners is intertwined.

If it really comes to a point where swordsmen meet, it will be difficult for Manchu generals like Dolonga and Duxinga to stay out of the matter. Even if you don't participate, won't your family and your relatives participate?
He was easily dragged into the water.

Next, Li Xiucheng and Li Shixian were summoned.

"Finally, I would like to thank you for your great kindness."

Li Xiucheng and Li Shixian actually couldn't believe that Su Yi allowed them to lead the army and make contributions in such a short period of time.

After all, they were rebels for a long time.

Moreover, before, the Taiping Army and the rebel army in the northwest had a distant relationship.

But Su Yi knew that both Li Xiucheng and Li Shixian were almost the most loyal.

Their loyalty is not only to Su Yi, but to their own future.

If possible, who doesn't want to make meritorious deeds and leave a name in history, and who wants to become a rebel.

Although in heaven, they are both loyal kings and servant kings, they know very well in their hearts that they, kings, are just playing house-like games.

What they are taking now is the real road.

They would be the beginning of a truly distinguished family.

Su Yi said: "A considerable part of the Western Expeditionary Army was the former Heavenly Kingdom Army, and there were even a small number of Nian Army. Therefore, the composition of these 60,000 troops is very complex. There are Han people, Manchus, and Heavenly Kingdom Army. , with the Nian Army, it is easiest to create friendships, smooth out the rifts, and complete the great integration of the entire army."

"But in battle, it is easier to have conflicting plans, making the existing cracks wider and wider."

"So, the two of you have very heavy responsibilities. Not only do you have military tasks, but you also have political tasks."

"During battles, all armies must form friendships and complete integration."

"Brother Xiucheng, I know that you have defeated the Hunan Army and the Qing Army many times. But this time the commander-in-chief of the Western Expeditionary Army is Zuo Zongtang. You must obey his orders completely."

Li Xiucheng said: "Your Highness, don't worry, Xiucheng won't worry. Not only the future and destiny of our brothers, but also the future and destiny of countless brothers in heaven depend on this battle. I have completely obeyed Commander Zuo's order, and I have been thinking about it with all my heart. I will die before I die." ”

Next, Zhang Zongyu was summoned.

"They say you, Zhang Zongyu, are born rebellious. I had people suppress you in the Army Academy and didn't want you to stand out, so you set every standard higher than others, but you still stood out." Su Yi said: "You can Blame me?"

"No wonder." Zhang Zongyu said: "Actually, Your Majesty, you have wronged me. I am not born rebellious."

"Oh, what are you?" Su Yi asked.

Zhang Zongyu said: "I'm just restless by nature and like to do big things."

Su Yi said: "Then the thing I have arranged for you this time is not big enough. How about compared with you leading tens of thousands of Nian troops to kill in Henan and Shandong?"

Zhang Zongyu said: "It's about the same size, it's about the same size."

Su Yi said: "Is it big enough for you to lead thousands of troops into Russia and the Central Asian countries in the future? Is it big enough for you to lead elite cavalry to fight against France's elite cavalry?"

Zhang Zongyu said: "Big enough, big enough."

Su Yi said: "I'm afraid you're not strong enough."

Then, Su Yi asked: "After studying at the Army Academy for a few months, do you have some ideas about national justice, world structure, and China's rejuvenation?"

Zhang Zongyu said: "A little, not too much."

Su Yi said: "Rotten wood cannot be carved."

Zhang Zongyu said: "If the general is really a rotten wood that cannot be carved, you will not let me out this time. You also said that I am born to be rebellious, and there are rebels all over the northwest. Letting me out is very risky. So. I know how much the prince values ​​me."

Su Yi smiled and said: "There are many people I respect, so don't feel too good about yourself."

Then, Su Yi waved her hand impatiently and said, "Let's go, let's go."

Zhang Zongyu said loudly: "My lord, at the end of this battle, you will be impressed."

Next is Feng Zicai.

During this expedition, he also wanted to take a brigade with him.

Only one of him and Zhang Guoliang can leave, and the remaining one must stay in Beijing to garrison.

The two men rushed to the west first.

Zhang Guoliang came to see Su Yi no less than seven or eight times, and Feng Zicai wrote a strategy for the Western Expedition every two or three days.

In the end, Su Yi let the two of them decide on their own.

Therefore, Feng Zicai finally convinced Zhang Guoliang, and he went to the northwest on behalf of the garrison division.

This man, a national hero, certainly has an aura to Su Yi.

It's just that until now, his record has not been very brilliant, but Su Yi is patient.

This time to pacify the northwest, the battle was huge, fierce and complicated. For Su Yi, he not only had to pacify the northwest, but also to defeat several famous generals.

"General, thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty." Feng Zicai didn't say much else, he just kowtowed respectfully.

The last person summoned was Wang Shiqing.

"Shiqing, you are the mainstay of the Western Expedition this time. You are the central army. Your biggest task is stability." Su Yi said: "The army you lead is our absolute main force and our absolute direct descendant."

"So, I have a few requests for you."

Wang Shiqing said: "Please give me your instructions."

Su Yi said: "First, when conflicts arise between other armies, you must do your best to assist Zuo Zongtang and calm down the conflicts."

"Second, the army you lead must set an absolute example and not take credit for success in peacetime. At critical moments, the most difficult battles to be fought and the hardest bones to be chewed must be brave enough to attack."

"Third, when our brother troops are in danger, we must do our best to save them, and we must not have any warlord mentality."

"This 60,000-strong Western Expeditionary Army has a complex composition, and everyone is watching you. If your second division performs well, the entire army will unite as one and complete the integration. If you do not perform well, the original cracks in the entire army will be It will be more obvious."

"So, you are the backbone, the sharp sword, and the role model."

Wang Shiliang knelt down and said, "Yes, I will definitely live up to the prince's expectations."

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

Suzhou!

Jiangsu Governor Ma Xinyi fell in a pool of blood.

Suddenly, the whole place was completely shocked.

The imperial guards next to him rushed forward immediately and used their bodies to help press on Ma Xinyi's body to block the bullets that the assassin might continue to shoot.

Another group of imperial guards used the fastest time to capture the assassin Zhang Wenxiang in front of them.

"Protect your lord, protect your lord!"

Use the fastest time to carry Jiangsu Governor Ma Xinyi into the sedan chair.

Another group of imperial guards were about to rush over and capture the gunman in the dark.

"Don't be obsessed with fighting, return to Shanghai, return to Shanghai!" The officer of the Imperial Guard gave the order.

A team of several hundred people formed a fighting formation, protecting Ma Xinyi's sedan, and quickly left Suzhou and retreated towards Shanghai.

Officials at all levels in Jiangsu were completely frightened by the scene before them.

Is this... is a civil war about to break out?

Is the Hunan Army crazy?
Actually took action?
And sent more than one wave of assassins?
........................

Inside the Humble Administrator's Garden.

The top brass of the Hunan Army looked livid and silent.

Zeng Guofan picked up the cup and wanted to drink tea, but there was an obvious knocking sound on the rim of the cup.

"Who is it? Who is it?"

"Who ordered the attack?" Zeng Guofan said tremblingly: "Huang Yisheng, is it you?"

Jiangnan Navy Admiral Huang Yisheng shook his head and said: "Commander, I, I really didn't give this order."

When Ma Xinyi was in Shanghai, he had already spread the news that someone was violating imperial laws and the tax system of the seven southern provinces set by Prince Yi, and using the navy to conduct illegal smuggling.

After he, the governor of Jiangsu, takes office, he must investigate and punish severely.

This shows that after Ma Xinyi became the governor of Jiangsu, he was the first to take action on Huang Yisheng, the admiral of the Jiangnan Navy.

Zeng Guofan said: "Then have you contacted this Zhang Wenxiang?"

Huang Yisheng said: "This man is a pirate and a bandit. Sometimes, it is inevitable to deal with him."

Zeng Guofan looked at Bao Chao again and said, "What about you?"

Bao Chao said: "Commander, I, I am indeed prepared, but I really didn't give the order."

Zeng Guofan looked at his younger brother Zeng Guoquan again.

Zeng Guoquan has always been the most hostile to Su Yi and has the most determined will to resist.

Zeng Guoquan said: "Brother, what's the point of pursuing this now? Maybe it's a trick on Su Yi's side? It's not like he hasn't done it before? After the second battle of Dagukou, he was killed by Dexing A His son was assassinated, which put the imperial court into a state of complete public opinion passivity."

Li Hongzhang said: "Teacher, I have another question, who sent that gunman?"

Yes.

This gunman hiding in the dark.

Zeng Guofan said: "What do you think?"

Li Hongzhang said: "The British, French, Americans, and even the princes of the Eight Banners are all interested, just to intensify the conflict between us and Su Yi."

Peng Yulin said: "The question now is what to do?"

"First, the murderer has been captured by the imperial guards and taken directly to Shanghai. Once interrogated, what will he confess?"

There is no doubt that Bao Chao, Huang Yisheng, and Zeng Guoquan will all be confessed.

"So, in order to avoid all this happening, should we forcibly intercept the imperial guard, capture the assassin Zhang Wenxiang, and control it in our own hands. The commander-in-chief is the governor of Liangjiang and can try the case before the court to prove that Zhang Wenxiang Wenxiang's assassination of Ma Xinyi was entirely due to personal grudges. "

"Second, should the investment promotion conference continue as scheduled?"

Putting aside the investment conference, should we abduct the imperial guards?
This is a huge problem.

No calamity?

After Zhang Wenxiang confessed, Su Yi's knife struck fiercely one after another. What should you do?
Tribulation?
Is this considered direct rebellion?

"Tribulation!" Zeng Guofan directly ordered: "This matter happened on the border of Liangjiang. As the governor of Liangjiang, I have sufficient authority to deal with it."

Following Zeng Guofan's order.

Li Hongzhang, the former governor of Jiangsu, led an army to set off quickly.

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

At the city gate.

Ma Xinyi's imperial guard was blocked.

The city gate was closed, and Li Hongzhang led his army from behind.

Wang Danian, the leader of the Imperial Guard, said coldly: "We want to return to Shanghai, who dares to stop us?"

Li Hongzhang said: "Excuse me, which one is it?"

Wang Danian said: "Commander of the security regiment, Wang Danian."

Li Hongzhang trembled slightly.

The guard regiment belongs to Su Yi and does not belong to any division. It is only responsible for protecting Su Yi.

It is the most direct force.

And this Wang Danian was also the first backbone of Su Yi's new army.

Born as a farmer, he is honest and accepts death.

Li Hongzhang stepped forward and said: "The top priority is to treat Mr. Ma Xinyi immediately. Human life is at stake. It is an urgent matter."

Wang Danian said: "We just want to bring Mr. Ma back to Shanghai for treatment."

Li Hongzhang said: "When we get to Shanghai, his injuries may worsen. In addition, this assassin is so audacious that he dared to assassinate a court official. He must be tried immediately to prevent his accomplices from fleeing or him from committing suicide halfway."

Wang Danian looked at the thousands of troops brought by Li Hongzhang, and then looked at the closed city gate in front.

He looked at Li Hongzhang for a long time and said: "I want to take Master Ma and the assassins back to Shanghai. Anyone who stands in the way will be killed without mercy."

"Sir Li Hongzhang, if you want to rob people, you can kill us all."

Then, Wang Danian said to a group of soldiers guarding the city gate: "Open the city gate immediately, otherwise we will kill without mercy."

"five four three two one……"

"Fire!"

Wang Danian gave the order directly.

The dozens of Hunan troops guarding the city gate were all killed before they even had time to react.

Li Hongzhang's expression suddenly changed drastically.

This Wang Danian is a famous one.

There was no room for maneuver and he opened fire directly. You... your little leader, can you bear this responsibility?

Wang Danian then ordered: "Go and open the city gate."

A dozen imperial guardsmen stepped forward and opened the city gate.

"Get out of the city!" Wang Danian ignored him and directly ordered the imperial guards to leave Suzhou City.

"Wait a minute!" Li Hongzhang shouted loudly: "Wang Junmen, leave Master Ma behind and leave behind the assassins."

Wang Danian turned around and said: "Either kill us all, or we go back to Shanghai." Then he waved his hand.

Hundreds of imperial guards raised their guns and aimed at all the troops in Li Hongzhang's department.

In an instant, Li Hongzhang's hair stood up.

In an instant, a huge burden fell directly on him.

Although he had thousands of troops with him at this time, there were tens of thousands of Hunan troops in the entire city of Suzhou.

In front of Wang Danian, there were only a few hundred security guards.

But... this is Su Yi's direct lineage.

The Wang Danian in front of him has shown an absolutely single-minded attitude.

If you, Li Hongzhang, dare to step forward and rob someone, whether it is Ma Xinyi or the assassin Zhang Wenxiang, I, Wang Danian, will definitely give the order to open fire.

You, Li Hongzhang, are afraid of taking responsibility and death.

I, Wang Danian, am not afraid at all.

Can Li Hongzhang make this determination?

Once fired, what are the consequences?
Wang Danian's guard group will definitely open fire and fight to the last soldier.

Then there is nothing to say.

You, the Hunan Army, dare to open fire to eliminate Su Yi's guard regiment, and dare to open fire on the Central Army's direct line troops.

That is rebellion.

Although Su Yi has now formed an unprecedented scale of the Western Expeditionary Army, the army is still being assembled.

If the Hunan Army opens fire directly, who can guarantee that more than half of the Western Expedition Army will directly turn around and go south to attack the Hunan Army?

Even if the Hunan Army wanted to start a war, it would at least have to wait until Su Yi's Western Expeditionary Army arrived in the northwest and would be trapped in the chaos of war and unable to escape.

Otherwise, the army currently in Su Yi's hands is still too strong.

At the end of the day, the Hunan army sacrificed itself to help the rebels in the northwest.

Li Hongzhang could not bear this responsibility and could not issue this order.

"Let's go!" Wang Danian gave the order and left with the guards.

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

A few days later.

"Eight hundred miles is urgent, eight hundred miles is urgent!"

"Ma Xinyi, the governor of Jiangsu, was stabbed and his life is in danger."

In an instant, the entire court almost exploded.

what?
Assassinated?

Is the Hunan Army crazy?
Is this a blatant attempt to rebel?
Then, the Queen Mother was furious and Su Yi was furious.

Empress Dowager Ci'an immediately issued an order: "Ask the Minister of Political Affairs Zhou Zupei and the Minister of Military Aircraft Tian Yugong to go to Shanghai to thoroughly investigate the assassination of Ma Xinyi."

"I ordered the Taiyuan Hospital to send key personnel to Shanghai and make every effort to treat Ma Xinyi."

On the court's side, things were done vigorously and resolutely.

Almost as soon as the decree was issued, Zhou Zupei and Tian Yugong immediately set off south.

But everyone was staring at Su Yi's other move. Will the gathering of the Western Expeditionary Army stop?

Will the plan be changed and part of the Western Expeditionary Army go south to defend the Hunan Army?
The result is no.

The Western Expeditionary Army is still gathering in full swing.

Although Ma Xinyi's assassination was earth-shattering, in Su Yi's eyes, pacifying the northwest still seemed to be the top priority.

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

Zeng Guofan and Li Hongzhang were angry with the American minister and the British Sir William Wade.

"Where are your merchants?"

"Where's your promise?"

For the Russian Minister, the American Minister, Wade and others, the Hunan Army Group's investment conference must be held.

They even did not hesitate to plunge the Qing court into civil war.

He wished that the Qing court would fall into civil war.

However, capital groups are risk-averse and war-averse.

When Su Yi's First Division entered Shanghai for military exercises with the British Marine Corps, many businessmen began to retreat.

And when Ma Xinyi was assassinated, the risks of the entire war greatly increased.

Who dares to invest money in a place where war may break out?

Witoma said slowly: "Governor Zeng, are you sure you still want to hold the investment conference?"

Suddenly, Zeng Guofan and Li Hongzhang fell into silence.

At that time, Li Hongzhang did not dare to break out the civil war directly, so Wang Danian returned to Shanghai with Zhang Wenxiang and Ma Xinyi.

In other words, the political initiative instantly fell into Su Yi's hands.

Next, the imperial envoys of the imperial court will go south to review the case.

What will be the specific outcome? Then it's entirely up to Su Yi.

If Zeng Guofan cancels the so-called investment conference, then this assassination case will have a satisfactory result to both parties.

If Zeng Guofan did not cancel the investment conference, there would be a very explosive result.

The Russian consul said: "Mr. Zeng, given the current situation, even if you cancel the investment conference, will Su Yi let you go? The assassin Zhang Wenxiang is in his hands, just like cutting flesh with a slow knife, cutting it off one by one. Will you resist, or will you? Not resisting?”

The American minister said: "Yes, our businessmen are all risk-averse. But as long as you make up your mind, the investment conference will still be held in Suzhou, the agreement can still be signed, the ministers of several countries can still participate, and it can still be known to the world."

Zeng Guofan said: "However, it is not certain whether the specific amount of investment is more than 30 million taels, right? Even if the agreement signed at the investment conference counts, it is not certain whether the money will actually be invested. Right?"

The American minister said: "At the very least, the convening of this investment conference has huge political significance."

Li Hongzhang said to the Russian consul: "Where is your promise?"

The Russian consul said: "Didn't you see that the minister is no longer in the south? He is in the capital. As long as you decide to continue the investment conference, he will represent Russia, enter the court and formally declare war on the Qing court."

Weitoma said: "The businessmen are all in Suzhou now. No matter whether the agreement they signed is really valid or not, as long as you are willing, they are willing to show up and sign this agreement."

"The key is whether you, Mr. Zeng, are ready for a full confrontation with Su Yi."

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

Zeng Guofan and other Hunan army giants were once again faced with a choice.

He can't even imagine now how Su Yi faced the huge pressure from the court and made key decisions again and again.

It was difficult for him to decide on this current choice.

Watching the struggle escalate step by step.

Deep in his heart, Zeng Guofan really had the slightest desire to compromise.

"There is no way out, brother!" Zeng Guoquan said.

Li Xubin, who had a broken leg, said: "There is really no way out, Marshal."

Finally, Zeng Guofan announced that the investment promotion conference in the southern provinces would continue.

at the same time.

The capital court.

The Russian minister appeared in the hall again.

"Dear Queen Mother, respected Prince Su Yi."

"Our country has been negotiating and consulting with the Prime Minister's Office of your country for nearly two years. We firmly demanded that you implement the relevant provisions of the "Aihun Treaty" and the Qing-Russia-Beijing Treaty, but they were all rejected."

"During the border conflict, your country hired pirates and carried out shameful killings of our civilians. We uphold the will of peace and asked you to pay nine million taels of silver in compensation, but you also refused."

"The majesty of our emperor has been tarnished."

"But even at this last moment, our country hopes to use peaceful means to resolve the conflicts between the two parties. Therefore, I hereby issue an ultimatum to your country, asking you to fulfill all the contents of the "Qing-Russia-Beijing Treaty", and because of the Vladivostok tragedy, Officially pay compensation of nine million taels of silver to our country and hand over the relevant criminals.”

"If this ultimatum is not met, our country will declare war on your country."

Before, Empress Dowager Ci'an would have been frightened.

Because the central government of the Qing court also knew that the Russian Empire was a greedy and terrifying behemoth.

Once a war breaks out, the consequences cannot be imagined.

But Su Yi repeatedly told Empress Dowager Ci'an that the Russian hinterland was very far away from Eastern Siberia, and the Russians had no material preparations for a war. This declaration of war was just to cooperate with the rebels in the northwest and to embolden the Hunan Army in the south.

Moreover, King Monk has led tens of thousands of troops to Heilongjiang to build a defense line.

And no matter how the Qing court compromises, Russia will definitely launch a war in the future, unless it cedes all Heilongjiang and Jilin, and also adds a Port Arthur.

After hearing what the Russian minister said, Empress Dowager Ci'an looked at Su Yi again.

Su Yi nodded.

The beautiful little queen mother's eyes were red and she said seriously and solemnly: "Your country's request is too rude. Please forgive us for not agreeing to it."

The Russian minister said: "In this case, on behalf of the Russian Emperor, I formally declare war on your country."

Then, he directly submitted a letter of challenge.

After submitting the declaration of war, the Russian minister walked away.

Although Su Yi repeatedly emphasized that the Russians' declaration of war was only a political means, they had not made large-scale military preparations.

But the entire Qing court center and the entire capital were still in panic.

I feel that the tens of thousands of Russian troops will immediately rush south to Heilongjiang and enter the capital.

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

Inside Zhongcui Palace.

The young Queen Mother cried again.

"Hurry up and get her back, get her back."

"She has given birth to her baby and her confinement period is over. What is she still doing in Jiujiang?"

Su Yi gently held her in her arms and said softly: "What will happen between us if she comes back?"

Empress Dowager Ci'an said: "I am worried every day now. What else can happen between us?"

"You use beauty tricks on me every day, just to use the love between a man and a woman to trick me into obeying you in everything and giving you central justice."

"Now, bannermen are being asked to resign every day, and the court hall is almost half empty. The Russians in the north have declared war, the Hunan Army in the south is about to cause chaos, and there is already chaos in the northwest."

"If I continue to be coaxed by you like this, the Qing Dynasty will really perish."

Su Yi said: "I'm not forcing you. There are many things that I'm not willing to force you to do."

That's true.

The Queen Mother could not make up her mind to exile the family members of more than a thousand old bannermen to Ning Guta, and Su Yi did not force them.

There were many clauses in the flag affairs reform, but the Queen Mother could not make up her mind, and Su Yi did not force her.

Empress Dowager Ci'an said: "Why don't you let her return to Beijing and let her give you an order."

Su Yi said: "First of all, she stayed in Jiujiang and did not return to Beijing. Even if the turmoil was too great, she wanted to stay out of it temporarily and did not dare to take risks. The last time she ordered me to withdraw my troops, I resisted, and she was dissatisfied. , so my relationship with her may not be pure anymore.”

Empress Dowager Ci'an said: "Then your relationship with me is pure? You are just using me."

Su Yi did not answer her words, but continued: "Of course, she is very smart. If I force her to return to Beijing and give me an imperial edict, including the exile of thousands of banner family members, she will still give me this edict. of."

Empress Dowager Ci'an said: "Then you let her give you a decree. You let her return to Beijing, and I will go to Tantuo Temple to worship Buddha. I don't want to care about anything anymore."

Su Yi said slowly: "Wan'er, you are from a powerful clan of the Eight Banners, and you are the Queen Mother, so I hope you will issue these decrees. I also hope you can see clearly the great cause of the country. I want to have a real relationship with you." future."

These words made Empress Dowager Ci'an silent for a long time.

After a long while, Empress Dowager Ci'an whispered: "Then, what do you think about the Hunan Army? Do you really want to completely force them to rebel?"

Su Yi asked: "Does the Queen Mother know how to cut sausages?"

"I don't know." Empress Dowager Ci'an said, "What you call cutting sausages means we can avoid fighting?"

Su Yi said: "Of course we must be prepared for battle, but it cannot be a full-scale civil war!"

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

October 15th!

Investment promotion conferences in several southern provinces are still held in Suzhou.

The American Minister, French Consul, Wytoma, Russian Consul and others participated.

More than six newspapers reported on the scene.

Prince Hui Mianyu participated on behalf of the so-called center of the imperial court.

Hundreds of British and American businessmen participated.

Zeng Guofan, the governor of Liangjiang, Peng Yulin, the governor of Hubei, Li Xubin, the governor of Anhui, Zeng Guoquan, the acting governor of Jiangxi, Li Hanzhang, the governor of Hunan, and Li Hongzhang, the former governor of Jiangsu, participated.

Sichuan Governor Luo Bingzhang did not attend the signing ceremony, but was also present.

No wonder the Hunan Army has such a strong desire to resist. There are actually six provincial governors in the entire south, all of whom are giants of the Hunan Army.

This is also the cauldron left by Emperor Xianfeng.

Of course, because of the risk of war.

Therefore, this investment conference is basically in name only.

What is signed is just an agreement. Whether it can be implemented, who knows. At least the hundreds of merchants present did not actually take out the money orders.

But in name, Zeng Guofan, the governor of Liangjiang, announced that the investment conference was a great success. Several southern provinces would launch comprehensive foreign affairs, and the contract amount reached 36 million taels of silver.

Related projects will soon be launched in Suzhou, Wuchang, Hankou, Yangzhou and other places.

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

Shanghai!

Imperial envoys Zhou Zupei and Tian Yugong formally tried Zhang Wenxiang's horse stabbing case.

Songjiang Mansion Yamen conducted a public trial.

More than a few hundred people watched.

The assassin Zhang Wenxiang began to confess continuously.

One piece of evidence after another was presented in court.

Three days later.

The first stage of the Zhang Wenxiang horse stabbing case is over.

Huang Yisheng, the admiral of the Jiangnan Navy, and Bao Chao, the admiral of the Jiangnan Navy, collaborated to use the Jiangnan Navy for smuggling and made millions in profits. He also pretended to be water bandits and hijacked merchant ships.

After Jiangsu Governor Ma Xinyi took office, he secretly dispatched troops to investigate the smuggling case.

Huang Yisheng and Bao Chao planned the assassination of Ma Xinyi because they were afraid of the incident.

Not only that, Zhang Wenxiang also vaguely confessed that there may be an instigator behind Huang Yisheng and Bao Chao, namely Ma Xinyi's former political enemy and Jiangxi acting governor Zeng Guoquan.

Then, in front of hundreds of onlookers.

The two imperial envoys decided the case directly.

"This case involves two high-ranking officials of the imperial court, which is really shocking."

"This matter involves two first-class generals of the imperial court. It is beyond my authority, so I can only petition the imperial court and ask the Queen Mother to make the decision."

Then, the two imperial ministers signed their names and stamped their seals on the file.

They said they were willing to use their official positions and lives to take responsibility for the truth of this case.

Direct decision.

However, they have no authority over how to dispose of it.

Under the witness of everyone, a team of messengers, carrying files and reports, flew towards the capital.

…………

A few days later!

above the hall.

"Six hundred miles urgent, imperial ministers Zhou Zupei and Tian Yugong jointly report."

The great eunuch Zenglu opened the envelopes of the two men's reports and handed them to the Empress Dowager Ci'an.

After the Queen Mother read it, she said, "Su Yi, take a look."

Su Yi took it over and read it carefully, even though the content inside was already very familiar.

In the horse stabbing case, the real culprits behind the scenes were Jiangnan Admiral Bao Chao and Jiangnan Navy Admiral Huang Yisheng.

Both are first-class generals of the Hunan Army.

Su Yi passed this report throughout the court for everyone to see clearly.

Then, Su Yi said loudly: "Queen Mother, this case is really appalling. A first-rate military general did not want to serve the country. Instead, he used his troops to smuggle for profit. He pretended to be water bandits and robbed merchant ships. In order to cover up the truth, he did not hesitate to hire a Jiangsu governor to assassinate and murder the imperial court? "

"Such actions are tantamount to conspiracy."

"Please issue an order from the Queen Mother to immediately capture the imperial convict Bao Chao and capture the imperial convict Huang Yisheng."

Empress Dowager Ci'an took a deep breath and looked at Su Yi again.

Come to coax me again, come to coax me again.

What should we do if we completely force the 200,000 Hunan Army to rebel?
After a long while, the Queen Mother said: "Draft a decree to remove Jiangnan Admiral Bao Chao and Jiangnan Navy Admiral Huang Yisheng from all their powers. I will appoint Zhou Zupei and Tian Yugong as imperial envoys to go to Jiangsu to capture Bao Chao and Huang Yisheng and bring them to justice."

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

The imperial decree was still delivered to Shanghai as quickly as possible.

November 6th.

Minister of State Council Zhou Zupei and Minister of Military Affairs Tian Yugong led several thousand imperial guards and left Shanghai in a mighty procession to Suzhou to arrest Bao Chao and Huang Yisheng.

Regardless of whether Zeng Guofan and others are willing or not, Su Yi's curtain is still ruthlessly unfolding.

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

Note: The 10,000-word update is here. Can you give me the monthly ticket in my benefactor’s hand? Tears of gratitude!

(End of this chapter)