Tuqing: My first love was Cixi

Chapter 268 The Hunan Army is scared! A sudden change in the palace!
"Reverse it, rebel it!" Zeng Guoquan roared.

"Rebellion, rebellion." Bao Chao, Huang Yisheng and others were roaring.

However, several Hunan Army giants still fell silent.

Imperial envoys Zhou Zupei and Tian Yugong have already led the first division towards Suzhou.

Moreover, the key point is that he only brought eight thousand troops.

The Hunan Army was near Suzhou at this time, but it had a total of 30,000 troops.

It just gives people an impulse and a feeling that as long as I work hard, I can win this battle. After all, I have four times the strength.

You can guess with your toes that Su Yi did it on purpose, no more and no less than 8,000 troops, just to make the Hunan army have the urge to take risks.

Zeng Guofan said: "If we fight, what will be the result? The worst result."

Li Hongzhang said: "Xu Youren's Yangtze River Fleet completely blocked the Yangtze River, but the Russian and American fleets can once again gather at the Yangtze River estuary to confront Su Yi's main force on the Yangtze River. In this way, we and Su Yi's Yangtze River Navy are equally powerful. "

Su Yi said: "You tell me."

Li Xubin said: "Zuo Zongtang's Western Expedition Army is still gathering at this time. Part of it has already set off, but most of it is still in Zhili. If the war situation is urgent, only 20,000 people may be sent to the Western Expedition, and 40,000 people may be sent to the West Expedition. Turn south and attack us."

Su Yi said: "Okay, tell me your reason for coming. Don't let your three days of vacation go to waste."

Li Xubin said: "And even if the war really starts, it is best not to choose Suzhou, or even Jiangsu. The terrain here is flat, easy to attack and difficult to defend, and Nanjing is Su Yi's absolute territory. In addition, many businessmen in Jiangsu are with Su Yi has interests."

Li Hongzhang said: "So, we still have the same strategy as before. We must wait until all the Western Expeditionary Army enters Shaanxi and Gansu and are entangled by the northwest rebels. The Northern Expeditionary Army goes north and is entangled by the Russians. Su Yi has no more troops to use. Then we will It is possible to take action. Otherwise, if our Hunan Army takes action first, it will probably become a wedding dress for the Russians and the northwest rebels."

Su Yi smiled and said, "I can't talk about reform, but you know that I like unity, so it's great to be able to clear up the past grudges."

Chen Yucheng said: "I was not allowed to go to the Western Expedition this time. Instead, Li Xiucheng and Li Shixian were asked to lead the troops. I can understand this. Because Lai Wenguang is too familiar with the rebels in the northwest, and I am arrogant and narrow-minded. I'm afraid that I can't lead the army to get along with the brother armies, and I am afraid that it will intensify the conflict and hinder the prince's military integration strategy. "

"The second line of defense is Hubei and Hunan. This is the territory where we have been operating for the longest time. We have enough people's foundation, business foundation, the right location and the right people."

Lai Wenguang, who was next to him, said: "Please use me, Marshal."

Lai Wenguang and Chen Yucheng were in conflict when they were in the Kingdom of Heaven. Now they came in together.

Zeng Guofan said: "If we don't take action, what will be the result?"

These words made Chen Yucheng very happy.

The highest level of the entire Hunan Army has a unified opinion.

"Yucheng, there is no need to belittle yourself like this. Your youthful spirit is as strong as a sharp sword." Su Yi said, "I have other great uses for you, and I have higher expectations."

However, with the current situation, it is difficult to survive until that time.

Su Yi said: "Chen Yucheng, have you completed your course? If you don't stay in Tianjin, what are you doing in Beijing?"

Peng Yulin said: "In addition, Su Yi formed the Northern Expeditionary Army, which also has 40,000 people. If the war situation in the south is urgent, only 20,000 people may go north to defend the Russians, and the remaining 20,000 people will go south to deal with us."

Chen Yucheng said: "Your Majesty, the general not only completed the homework for this stage ahead of schedule, but also led all the troops to complete the homework three days in advance, and won the first place in the stage competition, so we only have three days." It’s a holiday, so I can come to see the prince.”

Zeng Guofan said: "In the most extreme case, Su Yi might mobilize nearly 100,000 troops to attack us?"

Li Hongzhang said: "Su Yi cut it off one after another in the name of the center."

Being able to say these words proves that your studies in the past few months have not been in vain.

Can't do anything now.

Chen Yucheng and Lai Wenguang couldn't wait to come to Yijun Prince's Mansion.

"So, Yucheng is here to ask for a fight." Chen Yucheng said: "According to the commander-in-chief's strategy, before fully launching the Westernization Movement, the Hunan Army must be completely eliminated and the fact that the southern provinces can stand on their own must be completely solved. The west side is more complicated. But Yu Cheng is capable of dealing with the Hunan Army. Commander, please trust Yu Cheng and use me in the war against the Hunan Army."

We need to wait until the northern battlefield and the northwest battlefield have completely begun before we can take action.

Luo Bingzhang's face twitched slightly. Although he was the governor of Sichuan, the whole of Sichuan was not entirely the territory of the Hunan Army.

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

Li Hongzhang continued: "Because of the ban on opium, Sichuan and Yungui are also opposed to Su Yi and can become our allies."

Li Xubin said: "Yes."

Chen Yucheng said: "Your Majesty, the general has another idea."

The Imperial Army Academy's system is very strict, and it is absolutely impossible to miss classes.

Chen Yucheng said: "The general will know."

"The first line of defense is Anhui. We have been operating this place for a long time and it is full of fortresses."

Everyone on the battlefield was shocked. Your second line of defense has been moved to Hubei and Hunan. What about the third line of defense?
Li Hongzhang said: "The third line of defense is in Sichuan. This is our last line of defense. We rely on natural dangers to contain Su Yi's army."

Su Yi said: "That's good. Lin Li is a very strict person, and there is no room for sand in his eyes. By then you have violated discipline and been punished, and even I won't be able to intercede for you."

But Su Yi could laugh and scold Zhang Zongyu, a tough guy, but not Chen Yucheng, because he was very sensitive and had high self-esteem.

I heard the word Sichuan.

Beijing!

Lai Wenguang saw Su Yi's eyes and said, "Yucheng and I came here together to prove to the prince that after this period of study and transformation, Wenguang has become very different."

"In short, the battlefield must not be in Jiangsu. Su Yi has penetrated the place too much."

Li Hongzhang said: "Even if we want to fight, we should build the first line of defense, the second line of defense, and the third line of defense."

Chen Yucheng said: "Two-thirds of the Eighth Division and the Ninth Division are the old troops of the Kingdom of Heaven, and one-third are the good people of the north. They have been training for about half a year now. The intensity of military training is very high, but if the training continues like this, in fact, the two Even three years of training can't be completed. Especially our old army in Heaven has too many traces of previous battles, so I think it might be more effective to take them to the battlefield."

Su Yi said: "Yucheng is right and well said. On the surface, it seems that the army of the old Kingdom of Heaven has a foundation and combat experience, and its starting point is much higher. But those new recruits who are good people start from scratch, so they are far inferior to you. But because they are blank slates, they accept new things more quickly, so your army of the old Kingdom of Heaven needs to verify it in actual combat, and then abandon the old combat thinking bit by bit.”

"It seems that Yucheng is thinking deeply in the academy."

Su Yi's affirmative words made Chen Yucheng feel hot.

Does the prince know me like this?
He can understand all my thoughts and new insights.

He can see all my progress.

"But don't be impatient, Yucheng." Su Yi came to the map and said: "We and the Hunan Army will definitely have to fight. I have very, very high expectations for you. This army of yours who was born in the Kingdom of Heaven has an Characteristics: bravery and no fear of death. So fighting against the Hunan Army is just training for you. What is really important is to put you on the northern battlefield to fight against the Russians."

"The Russian army is different from the Hunan army. It is still much stronger."

Chen Yucheng said enthusiastically: "Your Majesty, even if you leave it to us, our heavenly brothers have nothing but passion and the ability to fight to the end. After we defeat the Russians, let me see who else in the world dares to look down on us? That's it. Let the world see that we brothers who are born in the Kingdom of Heaven are the mainstay.”

Su Yi said: "Yes, so you have to train with this mentality now, and train hard with your brothers. As for a battle with the Hunan Army, it won't happen yet."

Su Yi came to the map and said: "The Western Expeditionary Army has not yet entered Shaanxi and Gansu, and the Northern Expeditionary Army has not been fully established. There has been no actual war in the northwest battlefield or the northern battlefield. The Hunan Army is worried that if it starts a war, it will actually draw chestnuts from the fire for others. "

"And for the Hunan Army, Jiangsu is definitely not their home field, and they will not choose to fight us in Jiangsu."

"They will build the first line of defense in Anhui, the second line of defense in Hunan and Hubei, and then Sichuan will serve as the final line of defense. They want to take advantage of Sichuan's dangerous terrain to block our army."

"Yucheng, Wenguang, what do you think of this strategy?"

Chen Yucheng and Lai Wenguang came to the map and didn't know what to say for a while. "

After a long while, Chen Yucheng said: "General, I don't see much of a problem, and this strategy is very similar to Shi Dakai's."

Yes, Shi Dakai wanted to enter Sichuan all day long and use the terrain and natural dangers to segregate his empire.

Su Yi said: "This strategy has a core problem, the Hunan Army is not the center.

"We are the center. What they draw as the first line of defense, the second line of defense, and the third line of defense are all meaningless. Only we can decide where the decisive battle is."

"Now you return to Tianjin, continue to train well, and wait for orders!"

In this way, Chen Yucheng and Lai Wenguang, who came to ask for a fight, reluctantly left the capital and returned to Tianjin.

But his whole body seemed to be on fire.

Because the prince's intention is very clear, he will probably let Chen Yucheng take the lead in the next battle against the Hunan Army.

Great.

The hatred between us and the Hunan Army is as deep as the ocean, and we can just put an end to it.

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

Because there have been so many major events recently, there is one thing that no one has paid much attention to.

Su Yi petitioned Empress Dowager Ci'an to establish the Navy Department.

Su Yi and Xu Youren served as ministers of the Navy.

In addition, British Colonel Sir Jurgen was hired as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.

Ten years in the Navy is considered fast.

In a short period of time, Su Yi did not expect the navy to develop a large combat effectiveness. He only hoped that after 1870, the navy could reach a certain scale and be useful in attacking Japan.

It can even play a certain role in the future Sino-French war.

Su Yi discussed again and again how to build a navy.

The most common method is to select hundreds of elites from the Heavenly Navy and the Su Yi Yangtze Navy and directly send them to study in the UK.

A few years later, they returned from studying abroad and used them as the backbone to form a naval fleet.

This is the most traditional method, and it was also the method adopted by the Qing court in history.

But in the end, Su Yi refused.

He takes a more direct approach.

Just spend a lot of money to hire Viscount Jurgen's pirate fleet and directly become the empire's temporary navy.

Then, directly stuff the elite naval forces of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom under Zeng Tianyang and the elite naval forces of Xu Youren's Yangtze River Fleet into this mercenary fleet.

First hang out with the pirates, learn and fight.

After two or three years, a group of elites will be selected to study in the UK.

Using a step-by-step officer training method, a modern navy was gradually built up.

Sir Jurgen expressed his great agreement with Su Yi's plan.

"Your Highness, the most powerful navy in the world all originated from pirates." Viscount Jurgen said: "First, follow the pirates to cultivate banditry, killing, and cruelty, and build the basic attributes of the entire navy. Then go through a formal military academy. , build honor, nobility, and professionalism bit by bit. This is a very excellent path, although it has certain risks, but it is still excellent.”

Su Yi said: "Next, our country will hire all of your pirate fleets. But before that, I hope you will eliminate your pirate fleets first."

"I understand, Your Highness." Viscount Jurgen said: "Pirates and the formal navy are different after all. I will start to reshape this fleet according to your expectations."

"But one thing is, should we start planning our fleet and place an order with the British Empire Shipyard?"

"Are you going to buy second-hand warships that have been eliminated by the British Empire Navy, or place an order to build new warships?" Viscount Jurgen said: "We are facing a revolution in the navy, so there is good news and bad news."

"The emergence of steam ironclads changed the entire naval battle, making the previous sail warships and wooden warships enter the phase of elimination."

"The good news is that there are many sail warships in good condition, and wooden warships are being retired. The prices are very good, and you can buy them and use them."

"The bad news is that buying these warships means falling behind."

"The Battle of Crimea and the Civil War in the United States all proved the advancement of steam ironclads."

"Of course, you can rest assured that it will take a long time for steam ironclads to replace sail warships and wooden warships. After you buy these second-hand warships, you will still have no problem using them for more than ten years."

Of course, Su Yi wanted to directly purchase a batch of sail battleships and steam battleships with a stroke of his pen, and then place an order for a batch of advanced armored battleships at the shipyard.

But now he really has no money on hand.

He has been in charge of the Central Committee for almost two years now, and the entire country has never calmed down and has been in turmoil.

But the entire country's fiscal revenue has risen from 40 million taels to 58 million a year.

Moreover, with the dismantling of the Eight Banners Beijing Camp and the dismantling of the local Eight Banners, the burden of 20 million taels will be directly reduced in the future, and all of it will be used for the new army.

This year, the total cost of pacifying the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, pacifying the Nian Army, conquering the northwest, forming the Northern Expeditionary Army, building a new army, abolishing the local Eight Banners, Jiangnan Manufacturing Bureau and other projects totaled more than 80 million taels.

The deficit exceeds a terrifying 30 million taels.

Su Yi really used financial means to the extreme.

If it had been any other person, the national finances would have collapsed long ago.

Because now the largest bank in the country is no longer the Northwest Bank, but the Jiangnan Bank.

The ingredients of this Jiangnan Bank are extremely complex, including shares of foreigners, Shanxi businessmen, Mongolian businessmen, and Jiangnan businessmen.

But the real decision-maker of the entire bank is the Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone, that is, Su Yi himself.

Money is only money when it circulates.

Under Su Yi's control, the efficiency of money has reached the extreme level of this era.

"Next year, next year..." Su Yi said: "Next year, when the finances are a little better, I will definitely place an order to buy new warships. So as the commander of the navy, you should first aggrieve and command your original pirate fleet."

Next.

Witnessed by the British Minister, the Empress Dowager Ci'an, and the young emperor, a simple investiture ceremony was held.

Enter into a five-year naval employment contract.

Viscount Jurgen was canonized as Vice Admiral of the Chinese Navy, and Xu Youren was canonized as Vice Admiral of the Navy.

Due to the size of the fleet, the highest rank currently is Lieutenant General.

In addition, Viscount Jurgen was conferred as a first-class earl.

Su Yi, on behalf of the Admiralty, formally conferred the title on Count Jurgen.

Empress Dowager Ci'an issued a decree to confer a knighthood.

Count Jurgen said with tears in his eyes: "From now on, China will be my second motherland."

Next to him, Chief Tax Secretary Hurd, applauded vigorously, because he has now been canonized as the Chief Envoy.

Afterwards, Su Yi had a secret conversation with Count Jurgen.

"We are building a defense line in Heilongjiang in the north, and are constantly sending troops north to adapt to the climate in advance." Su Yi said: "And sporadic conflicts have already broken out. Russia has officially declared war on our country, so next I will declare war on the British Empire The promised large-scale war between China and Russia is about to break out, so the British Empire will definitely provide diplomatic and military assistance to our country. "

"Moreover, you are now also the vice-admiral of our country, and your fleet fully accepts our employment."

"Then, in the next situation, as long as it does not violate the interests of the British Empire, I hope your army can obey orders."

Su Yi did not want the situation of last year to repeat itself, although in the end Viscount Jurgen not only successfully carried out the Vladivostok Massacre, but also exceeded his quota to attack Hailanpao's Russian army.

But before that, because he could not get the acquiescence of the British, his fleet stayed in the outer sea and delayed sending troops, which made Su Yi very passive.

Now that Su Yi has spent huge sums of money to hire an entire fleet for a long time and become the country's temporary navy, he must hope that this force can be used at his fingertips.

Viscount Jurgen said: "My lord, first of all, I would like to express my apology and shame to you. When you asked us to go north to attack last year, I hesitated."

"Secondly, it is precisely because the war between you and the Russians is about to break out that our country has further adjusted its diplomatic strategy, which is why you hired our fleet to become a temporary navy."

"From now on, I will show you what it means to be professional."

Su Ye extended his hand to the other party and said, "It's a pleasure to work with you, Count Eugen."

Count Jurgen said: "At your service, Your Highness."

Su Yi said: "Greetings to you, my Vice Admiral."

Next, Zeng Tianyang and Xu Youren immediately joined Earl Jurgen's fleet with two thousand elite navy officers and soldiers.

Xu Youren came to have a brief meeting with Su Yi and then left again.

"Your Majesty, I have focused all my energy on the Navy and the Navy, and now I am also the Minister of the Navy, so should I let this Governor of Fujian and Zhejiang go?"

Next, Wang Youling must take over as the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, but in this case, the governor of Zhejiang will be vacant.

Su Yi said: "After Wang Youling takes over as the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, who should be given the governor of Zhejiang?"

Xu Youren said: "Li Si, the prefect of Jiujiang."

Li Si was once a subordinate of Tian Yugong and Li Qi's cousin.

Su Yi said: "His talents are not enough."

Xu Youren said: "His talents are not enough, but Hu Xueyan's talents are enough. After the Hunan Army is completely eliminated, the comprehensive Westernization Movement will be launched. Mr. Su Quan will be in charge of Jiangsu, Hu Xueyan will be in charge of Zhejiang, and Li Si, the governor of Zhejiang, will be the escort."

"Although this person is not very capable, his loyalty is not a problem. Moreover, he is also serving as the chief envoy of Jiangxi, so he deserves to be promoted."

Su Yi said: "Mr. Xu, next I want to remove Zeng Guoquan, the acting governor of Jiangxi. Who do you think should be given this position?"

Xu Youren thought for a while and said, "Su Dong."

Su Yi couldn't help but be shocked, this person?
Su Dong is Su He's brother and Su Yi's uncle.

For a very long time, Su Dong existed as a negative figure, full of envy, jealousy and hatred towards Su Yi.

But after Su Yi entered the center, his family, his natal family, all came over without any obstacles.

Su Dong had been living in the capital for many years. When he joined Su Yi, he was the minister of Guanglu Temple. After joining Su Yi, he became the general envoy, and his abilities were only average.

Xu Youren said: "Sir, whether it is Su Dong or Tong Jiewu, they are all your closest relatives. Even if you can't understand it, their position is on your side after all. And now the entire Jiangxi is almost completely In order to provide supporting industries for the Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone, the governor does not need to have much talent. "

Su Yi asked: "What about Ting'en, Tingren, and Waitabu?" These people are Su Yi's true direct descendants.

Xu Youren said: "Let them transition to the positions of prefect, chief envoy, etc."

As a lord, Su Yi can be regarded as doing good and following the flow most of the time.

"Okay, just follow what Mr. Xu said." Su Yi decisively changed the subject and said, "Master Ruilin, are you still claiming to be sick at home?"

Because he noticed that the circles under Xu Youren's eyes were slightly red. They had just talked about Waitabu and Ting'en. Tingren was the son of Lord Ruilin and Lord Chong'en. So Xu Youren couldn't help but think of his son who died in the battle in Suzhou. If he had not died in the battle, he would probably be as heroic as these young people and have a bright future.

Xu Youren also sensed that Su Yi changed the topic because he didn't want him to be sad, and he was even more moved.

For Xu Youren, Su Yi is truly a first-class master. He is domineering and wise, but also has such subtle empathy.

Xu Youren said: "Master Ruilin, he must have complicated emotions, guilt and uneasiness in his heart, etc., so he has been at home sick for a long time."

Su Yi said: "Before Mr. Xu leaves, please go and have a chat with Master Ruilin."

Xu Youren said, "Yes."

Then, he bowed and said: "When the time comes, I will go south directly and will not come to say goodbye to the prince again."

Su Yi nodded and said, "Yes."

Xu Youren instinctively wanted to say some words of concern, but in the end he couldn't, so he bowed and retreated again.

Su Yi, on the other hand, sent him directly out of the gate.

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

Once the decision was made, Su Yi was very decisive and immediately sent someone to summon Su Dong, the general envoy.

"Slave Su Dong, meet the prince!" Su Dong saluted meticulously.

This is my uncle, how can a slave shout this?

I don’t know how many times I have teased Su He and looked down on Su He’s family.

But now, in the face of drastic changes, Su Dong's family has no choice but to stand in Su Yi's position.

Of course, his wife and children also went to Jiujiang to work.

He was the only one who stayed in Beijing as an official.

Su Yi didn't let him bow down, but quickly helped him up and said, "Uncle, I want you to change his official position."

Su Dong trembled and said: "I sincerely comply with Prince Jun's decree."

Su Yi said: "Next, I will remove Zeng Guoquan, the acting governor of Jiangsu. And this governor of Jiangxi is in a key position. I want to ask my uncle if he can take up the role."

Su Dong said: "Prince Qi, with the talents of a slave, he is definitely not qualified to serve as the governor of Jiangxi. After all, I have never been a local official, but with the loyalty of a slave, I can give it a try."

Su Yi said: "Then please tell me, if you become the governor of Jiangxi, what will you do?"

Su Dong said: "The slave only has two things to do. The first thing is to completely crowd out all the forces in the Hunan Army and either be loyal or drive them away. The second thing is to fully cooperate with the Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone."

Su Yi nodded and said, "Uncle is still very knowledgeable."

Su Dong stood up immediately and said: "This slave's knowledge only gradually gained after following the prince."

After a few pleasantries, Su Dong immediately stood up and left.

Because at this time, Su Yi could no longer be described as taking care of everything.

Prince Gong Yi has given up his choice. Jiao Youying has no control over everything, and political affairs are entirely on Su Yi alone.

After seeing Su Dong off, Lin Shaozhang came to Su Yi and said, "My lord, this Su Dong is not as mediocre as the rumors say."

Su Yi said: "In this world, there are a few people who have reached this position and are really incompetent. It's just that they become what kind of ministers the Lord needs."

Lin Shaozhang said: "This couldn't be more true."

The former prime minister of the Kingdom of Heaven felt that he was in the most glorious moment of his life.

Being given a Jinshi background is nothing. The key is that he is now the chief staff member of the Su Yi shogunate.

As the prime minister of the Kingdom of Heaven before, the matters he dealt with did not exceed the scope of one province.

But now, as Su Yi's staff, all the things he has experienced are real national events, and even world events.

How enjoyable?

When you followed the Kingdom of Heaven to rebel, how could you have imagined that we would be here today?

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

Before Xu Youren left Beijing, he went to visit Ruilin, the former Minister of Military and Aircraft.

This person has been silent for several years.

When the late emperor suppressed Su Yi, he claimed that he was ill and at home.

During the past four or five years, he had mostly been in seclusion, claiming to be studying at home, but he didn't have much knowledge.

Now, the entire Eight Banners princes and Su Yi have completely broken up.

Every day, a large number of Ministers of the Eight Banners resigned and stayed home. Even the Minister of Military and Aircraft had a few vacancies, but there was no one to fill them.

Su Yi is in the center and is in urgent need of ministers with high qualifications. Those who are incompetent are not the most important.

Ruilin, on the other hand, has seniority and was already the Minister of Military and Aircraft nearly ten years ago.

But the relationship between the two is actually awkward.

At the most critical moment, of course, Ruilin never betrayed Su Ye, let alone attacked Su Yi, but he backed down and chose to stay home because of his illness, instead of fighting for Su Ye to the end like Chong En.

Moreover, his daughter is really a little princess. Because she has no connection with Su Ye, she is now twenty-five years old and has not yet gotten married. She has almost become a joke among the banner people.

At this time, Ruilin received Xu Youren's invitation, and after much hesitation, he still accepted him.

"Master Xu, please don't say anything else." Ruilin said: "When Su Yi entered the center that day, Su Dong and Tong Jiewu could pass by without any obstacles, but I couldn't. There was no past at that time, and it is even more important now. It’s shameless.”

Xu Youren said: "Who said I came to persuade Mr. Rui to come back?"

Ruilin said: "Isn't it?"

Xu Youren said: "Of course not."

Ruilin said: "Then why did Mr. Xu come?"

Xu Youren said: "I'm here to act as a matchmaker for Gege and introduce a good match."

Ruilin said: "Master Xu, don't make such a joke."

A true marriage would be a lifelong pain for Master Ruilin.

Xu Youren stood up and said: "I formally come here to accept the offer on behalf of King Yijun, and formally propose to marry Zhenzhen Gege as Xiang Fujin."

Ruilin said tremblingly: "Master Xu, this... this matter is not a joke."

Xu Youren said: "Master Ruilin, am I, Xu Youren, such an unserious person?"

Then, he took out the marriage certificate and said: "This marriage certificate, as well as the betrothal gift from outside. Whether you accept it or not, you still need a reply. The prince is still waiting."

Nine years ago, Chongen personally acted as a matchmaker and originally thought that the marriage was successful. However, the late emperor became angry with Su Yi and Ruilin backed down, ruining this good marriage.

Ruilin instinctively looked to the side, always feeling that his daughter was watching outside.

But without waiting for his wife to come forward, or for his daughter to really agree, Ruilin directly took the marriage letter and said: "Then...Rui will take the high stakes."

God is pitiful, he is really not doing it for his future, nor for glory and wealth, but for his precious daughter in the family.

Xu Youren said: "Congratulations to Mr. Rui. Unfortunately, I may not be able to catch up with the upcoming marriage. Because the situation in the south is complicated and unpredictable, I need to go south immediately."

Ruilin said: "Understand, understand."

Then, Ruilin couldn't help but said: "Rui will not dare to forget Duke Xu's kindness for the rest of his life."

Xu Youren waved his hand, and dozens of people entered the Ruilin Mansion carrying various betrothal gifts.

In this way, without Su Yi's knowledge, Xu Youren arranged a new marriage for Su Yi.

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

Suzhou!

Just as Su Yi expected, the Hunan Army chose to retreat.

Imperial envoys Zhou Zupei and Tian Yugong entered Suzhou City with eight thousand troops.

The imperial edict was read.

Bao Chao, the admiral of Jiangnan, was dismissed, and Huang Yisheng, the admiral of Jiangnan Navy.

Moreover, the two were arrested and brought to Beijing.

Zeng Guofan, the governor of Liangjiang, took over the order on his behalf.

Tian Yugong said: "Governor Zeng, where are the criminals Bao Chao and Huang Yisheng? Hand them over!"

This tone was very vicious, and almost gave him no dignity as the governor of Liangjiang.

Zeng Guofan said: "Maybe the capital leaked the news, so the two imperial prisoners, Bao Chao and Huang Yisheng, escaped in advance."

Tian Yugong said coldly: "As the governor of Liangjiang, do you allow two imperial prisoners to escape under your nose? How unbecoming is that?"

Zeng Guofan said: "Zeng is incompetent."

Tian Yugong said: "I will definitely file a memorial to you about this matter."

"Next, start issuing arrest documents. Even if we search mountains and seas, we must catch these two criminals."

Zeng Guofan, on the other hand, stared coldly at the two imperial ministers.

This time the Hunan Army was cowarded and did not prevent Su Yi's army from occupying Suzhou, but it was also to trade space for time.

The conflicts between the two sides have intensified rather than eased.

The pace of war is getting closer and closer.

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

At this time, the Hunan Army had begun a comprehensive strategic retreat.

Troops and supplies were withdrawn from Jiangsu to Anhui, and the first line of defense was built based on Anhui's original cities and fortresses.

Tens of thousands of troops retreated in an orderly manner.

Su Yi's army did not stop them at all and allowed them to build the so-called first and second lines of defense.

Within a certain merchant fleet.

A large amount of materials are transported here, most of which are grain and cloth.

Bao Chao and Huang Yisheng, who were ordered by Su Yi to search for documents, were on this big ship, dressed as ordinary businessmen.

The two people took the portrait on the search document and sneered: "The painter at Su Yi's dog thief's house is quite high, and the painting looks quite similar."

Bao Chao said: "I'm really unwilling. Why not just rebel in Jiangsu and kill all his thousands of troops?"

Huang Yisheng said: "Zuo Zongtang's Western Expeditionary Army has begun to fully enter the northwest, and will be entangled by the rebels next. On the Heilongjiang side, the Russians are still increasing their troops. As long as these two wars break out, Su Yi doesn't have an army to defeat us."

"Bear it a little longer, bear it a little longer."

"The Russian and American fleets will soon arrive at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Soon the entire Yangtze River will be our world."

"Didn't Su Yi say that we pretended to be water bandits and hijacked merchant ships? When the time comes, we will do whatever we can to hijack his merchant ship in Jiujiang to show him what real water bandits are."

"Be patient for a while longer, wait until our two lines of defense are built, and then do the damn thing."

Bao Chao said: "Yes, fuck him."

At this moment, sirens suddenly sounded outside.

Their merchant fleet was actually surrounded.

The shipowner walked out and angrily said: "We are a British merchant ship, don't you see? We have absolute right of navigation."

This fleet is indeed registered under the British consortium.

Outside, the voice of Li Liang, an officer from the Intelligence Department, immediately sounded.

"Bao Chao is captured, Huang Yisheng is captured, I know you are on the third ship."

"I will count down to five, and you will arrest me immediately, otherwise I will kill you without mercy."

For a moment, Bao Chao and Huang Yisheng were stunned.

This, how is this possible?
The two of them hid in the merchant fleet and returned to Wuchang. Not many people knew about it?
Zhao Liewen, who is suspected of being Su Yi's undercover agent, has long been under house arrest and has no access to core secrets.

But Su Yi's intelligence department still knew where the two were hiding.

This... this is too terrifying, completely pervasive.

"five four three two one!"

The countdown is over.

Su Yi's Yangtze River Fleet opened fire directly.

After more than half an hour, the battle ended.

All the supplies of the entire fleet, including countless pieces of cloth and grain, were seized.

Imperial prisoners Bao Chao and Huang Yisheng were arrested.

The dignified first-grade military general was kneeling in front of Li Liang, the Lieutenant Colonel of the Intelligence Department.

"You don't have to say anything. When we get to the prince, you will tell us what you should and shouldn't say." Li Liang waved his hand and said, "Escort him to the capital."

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

Beijing.

Xu Youren left Beijing, and before leaving, someone sent Su Yi a letter apologizing.

Your Majesty, I have arranged a marriage for you, please forgive me for making my own decision.

What a little princess!
Su Yi couldn't help but think of that elf-like girl. The blind date was already eight or nine years ago.

Ruilin has already received the marriage certificate and betrothal gift.

Xu Youren really had good intentions. At this critical moment, it was of great political significance for Su Yi to marry Zhenzhen as Xiang Fujin.

Su Yi took a long breath.

Then, walked towards the palace.

Since he wanted to marry her as Fu Jin, he had to be polite to the end and go to the palace to ask the Empress Dowager Ci'an for marriage.

In this way, it is justifiable.

When Su Yi arrived outside Zhongcui Palace, she saw a panic here.

Seeing Su Yi coming, the eunuch Zeng Lu said: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, you are here just in time. This servant is about to leave the palace in a hurry to find the Prince for advice."

At this time, Su Yi found that the entire Zhongcui Palace was sealed off.

No one is allowed to enter or exit.

This is the palace of Empress Dowager Ci'an. Who is so bold as to block Zhongcui Palace?

The great eunuch Zenglu said: "It is the Queen Mother's decree to formally seal Zhongcui Palace and no one can enter or leave."

Su Ye trembled: "What happened?"

The great eunuch Zenglu whispered: "Your Majesty, your Majesty is infected with smallpox."

"What?" Su Yi couldn't believe it.

At this time, the little emperor was infected with smallpox?
Historically, Emperor Tongzhi died of an infection from Hualiu, which was said to be smallpox, but that was only after he became an adult.

Now that the little emperor is only nine years old, he naturally cannot be Hualiu.

The imperial doctor determined that it was smallpox, so...it might really be smallpox.

The key is how you got it?

Moreover, contracting smallpox at the age of eight or nine is very dangerous.

At this time, the little emperor and the Empress Dowager Ci'an must not have anything happen to them.

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

Note: 10,000-word update is here. If my benefactor has a monthly ticket, can you give it to me? thank you all.

(End of this chapter)