Tuqing: My first love was Cixi

Chapter 279 Death of Zeng Guofan! Su Yi is a thousand years old!
Heilongjiang battlefield.

Both sides have fallen into a difficult phase.

First of all, after suffering several losses, the Russian army gradually began to face its opponents, no longer full of prejudice, and its attacks became cautious.

However, Su Yi's defense line was still too tight and too difficult to break through.

His head was bruised and bloody after being hit again and again.

There is also a more critical problem, that is, insufficient ammunition.

This war started earlier than imagined. Therefore, the Russian army's ammunition reserves are not very sufficient to begin with, and Su Yi's defense line requires a larger amount of ammunition to cover it.

Therefore, the supplies of the Russian army suddenly became tense.

Of course, this does not mean that it is not enough now, but it will definitely not be enough if it turns into a protracted war.

As a result, the top brass of the Tsarist Russian army held discussions and discussed several plans.

The first plan is to continue attacking the defense line in front of them and directly defeat Su Yi's Northern Expeditionary Army. After being completely defeated, they can then attack the capital.

The second plan is to directly bypass the defense line in front of you and attack the Northern Expeditionary Army from behind.

The third plan is to completely bypass the defense line, ignore the Northern Expeditionary Army, and go directly south to attack the Qing capital.

The fourth plan is to leave half of the army to continue attacking the Northern Expedition, and the remaining half to bypass the defense line and attack the Qing capital.

Then, the top leaders debated endlessly about these four options.

In fact, almost everyone prefers the last option.

But there is a problem before us, there is not enough ammunition.

If the troops are divided, the requirements for material supplies will be even higher. This place is thousands of miles away from the capital of the Qing Dynasty.

At that time, the British and French forces attacked the capital and first captured Dalian Bay and Yantai, hoarding sufficient supplies.

After that, Tianjin City was occupied and used as an offensive base.

If we divide 30,000 troops to attack the capital, it will be too difficult to supply supplies.

The key is that the Russian Navy does not control the sea.

"That navy is simply a disgrace to the great Russia. It cannot defeat China's ridiculously weak navy, even if this navy is actually a disguised pirate of the British Empire."

"We should let St. Petersburg go to London to protest strongly. Britain has completely broken the balance and turned its pirate army directly into China's navy."

The governor of Eastern Siberia sneered in his heart. When Su Yi dared to deny the Aihun Treaty and dared to directly use force against Tsarist Russia, China was already a qualified semi-ally in the eyes of the British Empire.

"Everyone, our diplomacy is at a very special moment. The UK has not yet shown a complete preference, and once we cannot win this war, it will be in trouble. By then, the UK's foreign policy in the Far East will Fundamental changes will really happen, they will really arm and support China completely, and even... it will directly break the strategic balance in Europe. "

The last Crimean War ended without embarrassment, and Europe reached a fragile balance.

That was also because the British, French and Tsarist Russians were exhausted from the fight.

If China wins a huge victory in the east, then Britain may be ready to make another move in Europe.

"Back to the subject, we need to make a decision as soon as possible. Should we divide our troops?" the Russian commander said: "Now the Qing capital is at its most vulnerable moment. According to intelligence, there are only about 40,000 troops, and most of them are second-line troops. The real main force is only one brigade, which is more than 6,000 people.”

"If we divide more than 30,000 troops to attack the capital of China, there is no doubt that we can win it as quickly as possible."

The Governor of Siberia asked: "How fast is the fastest?"

The commander-in-chief of the Russian army said: "Within two days."

The Governor of Siberia said: "Then there is another issue to consider. The main force of Su Yi's three divisions is currently fighting the Hunan Army in the south. Once we go south to attack the capital, will they immediately cease fighting and go north to support the capital? You know, in China has so-called righteousness.”

Because the distance was too far, the battle report from the south did not reach the Heilongjiang battlefield, and it would even take a long time for it to arrive.

According to paper data, Su Yinan's army was more than 40,000, while the Hunan army had 200,000 to 300,000. The conflict between the two sides was completely irreconcilable. According to past Chinese war examples, this battle would take at least several months.

"There is another question, do we have such urgency?" The Siberian Governor asked: "China's northwest rebellion is getting more and more intense. Zuo Zongtang's Western Expeditionary Army does not know how long it will continue to fight, at least about two or three years."

Regarding this point, Su Yi's staff also had certain calculations.

We even had many discussions in meetings.

According to history, Zuo Zongtang first suppressed the rebellion in Shaanxi and Gansu, and then he no longer had any remaining strength. Moreover, the warlords in the northwest chose to surrender and defended the northwest for the Qing court, blocking the rebels in the territory.

It took many years before Zuo Zongtang once again went to quell the rebellion.

But this time is different. Zuo Zongtang does not accept the warlord's integrity, so it basically means that he will not surrender.

Then it is not enough to pacify Shaanxi and Gansu, but also need to enter the territory and completely quell the rebellion there.

Once and for all.

So, two or three years is really needed.

Compared with history, Zuo Zongtang is really too happy. He has a much stronger army, three times the size of the Western Expeditionary Army, absolute central support, and ample military expenditures.

"As for Su Yi's southern expedition and the Hunan Army, both sides will suffer, so even if they win the southern war, Su Yi's army will not be able to go north to support the Heilongjiang battlefield, so there is no need to take risks or worry," said the Governor of Siberia. : "It is absolutely possible to fight a protracted war."

"A protracted war?" the Tsarist Russian commander said: "Our entire population in Siberia is only two to three million, and the food supply for the army is already very difficult. As for ammunition and other materials, they need to be transported from thousands of miles away. We have to fight hard." Start this war of attrition?”

The governor of Siberia said: "How can we not afford to fight? We are far away from the core area. Is the Chinese army close? Although the battlefield is within the Qing Dynasty, it is thousands of miles away from their capital. The Zhili Province of the Qing Dynasty is The north is also desolate and has no supplies. We still have a few million people in Siberia. How many people does the Qing Dynasty have in the whole country? "

Of course, a Russian would not know the population of the Qing Dynasty in the Northeast, which was about three million at this time. And a considerable part of the population is in the direction of Shengjing.

Heilongjiang General governs the area and Jilin General governs the area. The population is really small.

"Moreover, in terms of industrial capacity, we far surpass the Qing Dynasty, so if we fight for a war of attrition, we will far surpass the Qing Dynasty."

As a result, completely different opinions emerged at the highest levels.

The governor of Siberia felt that a protracted war should be fought. This is of course out of his own interests. The longer the war lasts, the more troops will come and the more supplies will be shipped, the greater his power as the governor of Eastern Siberia will be.

Moreover, if the troops are divided, he will definitely stay and lead another 30,000 people to attack the Heilongjiang defense line. It will be difficult to achieve a concrete breakthrough.

And if the commander of the expeditionary force went to capture the capital, his credit would be great.

One represents the native interests of Siberia, and the other represents the interests of St. Petersburg.

This high-level meeting broke up unhappy.

Next, the commander-in-chief from St. Petersburg had a secret conversation with the governor of Siberia.

"Mr. Governor, we cannot underestimate our enemies. You said that Su Yi's Southern Expeditionary Army and the Southern Rebels will perish together. Both sides will suffer losses, and then they will be unable to go north to support the Heilongjiang battlefield. This is really too optimistic." said the commander of the expeditionary force.

The Governor of Siberia said: "The pessimist is right, the optimist wins."

The commander of the expeditionary force said: "This just proves what I said, why are pessimists always right? Because they dare not make mistakes, attack, or take risks, so of course they will not make mistakes. But only by daring to take risks can they win. "

"It is correct to be pessimistic at the core and optimistic in behavior."

The Governor of Siberia said: "General, you have indeed stayed in Europe for a long time, so you are already half a philosopher."

The commander-in-chief of the expeditionary force said: "Don't make fun of me. Time is precious. How about we use a more direct communication method?"

The Governor said: "Of course."

The commander of the expeditionary force said: "Do you think that if we divide our forces and you lead 30,000 people, you can contain China's 50,000 Northern Expeditionary Army?"

The governor thought for a while and said, "Okay."

The commander of the expeditionary force said: "Then do you think that if I lead 30,000 people and take a long way to attack the capital of China, I can conquer the capital in the shortest time?"

The governor thought for a while and said, "That's okay."

The commander of the expeditionary force said: "Then why not?"

The governor said: "Have you ever thought that when that time comes, you may be trapped in the capital of China for a long time?"

The commander of the expeditionary force said: "We seize the Queen Mother and the Emperor of China and threaten them. We are not afraid of Su Yi's intransigence. We are not trying to occupy the capital of the Qing Dynasty. We just want to cede the land in the Far East and the port of Port Arthur."

The governor asked: "What if the Queen Mother escapes with the Emperor?"

The commander of the expeditionary force said: "Then we will threaten the Old Summer Palace and the Forbidden City. If Su Yi does not agree, we will burn the Old Summer Palace and the Forbidden City. If they don't compromise, we will start massacres in their capital, or support the puppet regime. "

"Mr. Governor, don't think too long-term, but avoid the worst results."

"The fastest result is that Su Yi quickly solves the problem in the south and leads his army north to support the Heilongjiang battlefield. Then we will be in real trouble."

"Or to take a step back, we can also occupy their Shengjing, occupy their Lushun, and forcibly carry out armed occupation of the entire important city outside the pass."

The governor said: "If that happens, it will completely anger the British. They may directly send troops to help the Qing Dynasty fight."

The commander of the expeditionary force said: "Is that an issue we should consider, Lord Governor? That is St. Petersburg's mission, not ours. Our mission is to win the battle in front of us."

"I promise you that after I led my army to capture the capital of the Qing Dynasty, I will at least give you no less than two million taels of silver from the Governor's Mansion. In addition, if I really cede the territory of the Qing Dynasty and establish the Far East Prefecture in the future, I will Support you in St. Petersburg as Governor of Eastern Siberia and the Far East.”

The Governor of Eastern Siberia said: "Give me some time, I need to think about it again."

The commander of the expeditionary force said: "What else are you considering?"

The Governor of Eastern Siberia said: "Don't worry, I am really not bargaining this time, but standing in the interests of the Russian emperor and thinking deeply about the correctness of this action. I will definitely give you an answer within two days. Because there is a The challenges are really huge, and just supplying them is very troublesome.”

The expedition commander said: "I'm waiting for your good news."

However, just one day later, the governor of Eastern Siberia sent a reply to the expeditionary force commander.

Willing to divide the troops!

Then, the Russian army began to actively prepare.

Enough carriages, enough supplies, and finding a way to allow the remaining Russian navy to support the southward division of troops at a certain distance on the sea.

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

Wuchang!

Zeng Guofan was absolutely unwilling to see Zhao Liewen.

He made a lot of drafts in his belly, what he wanted to say to Zhao Liewen.

He even wrote it down on paper.

Because Zhao Liewen will definitely be reused after returning to Su Yi, so this incense relationship is very important.

As a result, I wrote it over and over again, and finally it burned up.

"Go and release Zhao Liewen and send him back to Jiujiang." Zeng Guofan ordered.

His son was slightly startled, then bowed and said, "Yes."

Then, he was going out directly.

Zeng Guofan said again: "Zeng Jize, if you don't consider any other reasons, what kind of errand do you want to do?"

Zeng Jize said: "If you want to go abroad, go outside and have a look."

Zeng Guofan said: "That's it."

Then, he waved his hand and said, "Go ahead."

"By the way, when you release Zhao Liewen, don't say anything, let alone words of mercy. Don't let others look down upon you."

Zeng Jize said: "Yes!"

Zeng Jize took the token and handwriting to a secret prison.

"On the order of the commander-in-chief, Zhao Liewen is released."

The general who was guarding Zhao Liewen couldn't help but be stunned. Didn't the marshal say that Zhao Liewen would be beheaded before the battle and sacrificed to the flag?

However, he didn't say anything, but carefully checked Zeng Guofan's warrant and token.

Of course, the most important thing is that the man in front of him is the son of Zeng Guofan.

"Yes!"

Then, Zhao Liewen was secretly released and boarded a ship to Jiujiang at a small dock.

When parting, Zeng Jize did not say a word, and neither did Zhao Liewen.

In my heart, it is indeed a little complicated.

On the one hand, I feel that Zeng Guofan is really hypocritical.

Taking the initiative to release him, Zhao Liewen, would mean compromise, but not saying a soft word would also mean that he was putting on airs.

This person really didn’t fight thoroughly.

Compromise is not complete.

But!
If a person stays like this, he will die.

That...that's a little bit amazing.

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

Brothers Li Hongzhang and Li Hanzhang looked at each other quietly in the study.

Where to go next?
"Brother, do you know why I have always been opposed to surrendering to Su Yi?" Li Hongzhang said: "Although Su Yi wanted to let me join the Investment Promotion Bureau when he dismissed me as the governor of Jiangsu."

Li Hanzhang asked: "Why?"

Li Hongzhang said: "Su Yi doesn't like me. He even dislikes me. Although he didn't say it out loud, I can feel it. If he only comes to Beijing as the Prime Minister of the Cabinet, then it doesn't matter if he doesn't like me. But ... With this attitude, he is obviously more than just a cabinet minister. When he asked me to join the Investment Promotion Bureau, I could feel that he disliked me and was slightly convinced of my talent and wanted to use me to a certain extent. "

Li Hanzhang said: "Su Yi also hated Shen Baozhen at the beginning, but now he has become Su Yi's number one confidant."

"It's different." Li Hongzhang said: "I feel that Su Ye hates me more deeply, and I don't know the reason at all. Moreover, I can't be like Shen Baozhen."

Li Hanzhang said: "At that time, Shen Baozhen was facing a dead end, but we were not facing a dead end at that time. Su Yi was still weak at that time, and Shen Baozhen, as a provincial official, took refuge, which was a timely help. But now, we are not even the icing on the cake."

Then, he added: "Admiral Zeng summoned Peng Yulin to the Yellow Crane Tower for a talk, and then met with Li Xubin, Zeng Guoquan and others in private."

Li Hongzhang nodded and said: "Yes."

Li Hanzhang said: "You haven't talked to us. Do you want to take the initiative to see him and find out what's going on?"

Li Hongzhang thought for a while, shook his head and said, "It's better not to do it anymore. At this time, stay farther away and be more proactive."

"We two brothers are not really direct descendants of the Hunan Army. We are at most a half-way couple."

Li Hanzhang frowned in pain and let out a long sigh.

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

No matter how.

Su Yi's army headed for Wuchang in mighty force.

First, the naval battle broke out.

Because the remnants of the Hunan Army's navy were all concentrated in the Yangtze River area around Wuchang.

This is probably one of the most determined and loyal Hunan Army teams.

This battle was fought very resolutely.

Extremely tragic.

Of course, it was almost a one-sided tragedy.

Because the power gap is too great.

After a full day and night of fierce fighting, the Hunan Navy was completely destroyed.

Sixty percent of the navy died in the battle, and the rest fled or were captured.

Even Zeng Tianyang, who was born in the Taiping Army, felt extremely regretful. It was such a pity for these Hunan Navy officers and soldiers who died in the battle.

Being so brave is perfect for the navy.

And Earl Jurgen said: "There are too many battles like this. Don't pity the enemy, because such fierce battles and brave enemies can also train our navy."

"On the battlefield, no one is innocent."

Next, under the cover of the powerful navy, an army of 35,000 people began to land.

And under the nose of the Hunan Army, they began to build a defense line.

Despite the brilliant victory in Anqing, the senior military officers remained neither arrogant nor impetuous.

Instead of rushing for success, we took it a little more slowly.

After taking control of the entire Yangtze River waterway, countless supplies were continuously transported to the Wuchang battlefield.

Countless engineers quickly built defense lines and fortresses.

Although they had seen it before, many Hunan soldiers still felt a sense of despair when they saw this scene.

Su Yi's industrial strength is too strong.

These forts were handed over to the Hunan Army, and I don't know how many days it will take to complete them.

And Su Yi's engineers were extremely fast.

Cement and bricks make a strong fortress, and it doesn't even take a day.

In almost ten days, hundreds of fortresses appeared.

Then, there are the artillery positions.

In a short period of time, a simple and complete position was constructed.

Then, with an order.

Chen Yucheng, Wang Tianyang, and Lai Wenguang's troops launched an attack.

It was still a crazy bombardment.

Endless bombardment.

The entire tactics are generally similar to Anqing.

It's just that it's a little more difficult.

Because Anqing's defense line was built by the Taiping Army, they knew all the flaws in it.

The Wuchang Defense Line was built by the Hunan Army.

Moreover, the Hunan Army in Wuchang City was much more determined to resist than Anqing.

Even the temperament of not fearing death appeared again.

This is the most direct Hunan army. Zeng Guofan has led them for more than ten years.

Generals such as Zeng Guoquan and Li Xubin were also the most determined in their hostility to Su Yi.

But even so!
The battle situation is no different from the Anqing battlefield.

The Hunan Army's peripheral defense line was still cut into pieces, unable to support each other.

Then, Su Yi's army hit the superior force and chewed down the positions piece by piece.

These lines of defense can truly be called impregnable, and they are completely armed to the teeth.

But... they still fell into pieces.

It can't be stopped at all.

In this battle, Su Yi's generals were really merciful to the city.

Because along the river in the west, Su Yi's fleet can bombard the city indiscriminately. But this was not done, and shells were even prevented from falling into the city.

The Yellow Crane Tower is near Hanyang Gate, and it has been repeatedly emphasized that artillery fire should not fall next to the Yellow Crane Tower.

In fact, Su Yi is not that fond of the Yellow Crane Tower, because both the Yellow Crane Tower and Tengwang Pavilion have been rebuilt, but if possible, they should try not to damage them.

According to normal defense, the Hunan Army should send a large army to defend Hanyang. After all, it is across the river from Wuchang.

However, they gave up on Hanyang completely.

Li Xubin held the defense line outside Wusheng Gate in the north of the city, and Zeng Guoquan led the defense line guarding the Baoan Gate in the south.

Li Hongzhang led his army to defend Binyang Gate in the east and meet the defense line outside Xiang Gate.

The entire main force of the Hunan Army even deployed most of its troops on the defense line outside the city.

According to the analysis of the staff department, only Li Xubin's and Zeng Guoquan's troops in the north and south will be attacked, and Li Hongzhang's troops in the east will be left alone.

This was Zhao Liewen's suggestion. After returning to Jiujiang, he first went to Hei Gong to complete the formalities for returning to the team.

Then, Su Yi met him and transferred him out of the intelligence office, which meant that his undercover mission was completely over.

Then, he was transferred to the Army Staff Office, with the rank of lieutenant colonel, and entered the battlefield directly.

The reason why they did not attack Li Hongzhang's troops was not to tolerate him, but to see some alienation between the brothers Li Hongzhang and Li Hanzhang and the Hunan Army Group at the critical moment.

Sure enough, when Su Yi's army focused on attacking Li Xubin and Zeng Guoquan's troops, Li Hongzhang's troops did not go to assist, but still stood firm on their positions.

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

There is no magic, this is a fierce and routine battle.

It can’t even be described in many words.

Five days later!

Although Li Xubin's troops were very brave and had more than 40,000 people under his command, Wang Tianyang's attacking army only had 15,000 people. However, it only lasted five days.

Almost all of Li Xubin's northern defense line fell.

Sitting in a wheelchair, he holds on to the last bastion.

"Sir, we can't hold it anymore, go into the city, go into the city and defend it." The subordinates begged.

At this time, Wang Tianyang's army was only a few hundred meters away from him.

"Going into the city? What are you doing in the city?" Li Xubin said, "After I left the city, I never thought about going back into the city."

"My sons, follow me and fight to the end!"

"Let Su Yi see that none of us in the Hunan Army are cowards!"

"Fight, fight, fight!"

And what answered him was deafening artillery fire.

Countless shells fell.

"Boom boom boom boom..."

I don’t know how long it took, but this last fortress was directly blasted.

Then, there was another burst of gunfire.

The extremely dense bullets rained down like a heavy rain.

Then, the battle on the northern defense line ended.

Wang Tianyang ordered the army to clean up the battlefield, and finally found Li Xubin's body in some ruins.

He was not killed by a bomb, but by a huge boulder.

The vigorous sacrifice he imagined did not appear.

Death in battle is very random.

Li Xubin even thought about it for a long time and shouted before he died, Su Yi, I, Li Xubin, will never owe you.

But without this opportunity, he died without even a chance to show his bravery.

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

Zeng Guoquan at the southern border defense line of Wuchang City.

His current situation is not much better.

He also had 40,000 troops in his hands, and Chen Yucheng led 15,000 men to attack.

Progress is a little slower.

Because the first division led by Wang Tianyang was Su Yi's most elite unit, and its combat effectiveness was much higher than that of Chen Yucheng's ninth division.

Chen Yucheng was a little anxious, but he was not too upset. After all, losing to Wang Tianyang's first division was not that embarrassing.

Instead, Lai Wenguang teased from the side: "Four Eyes, King Ying, are you venting your anger in Jiujiang too hard? This anger is gone, and you are so far behind your brother's troops?"

"Although my siblings are beautiful, they still need to exercise restraint."

Chen Yucheng has two purple scars under his eyes, so it looks like he has four eyes. When he was in the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, he had a very high self-esteem, and no one dared to call him that to his face, let alone Lai Wenguang, who had some troubles.

But now, he just yelled back, "Your sister."

"There is no shame in being left behind by the First Division."

Lai Wenguang said: "Hey, where has the previously competitive King of England gone?"

Chen Yucheng said: "Lai Wenguang, do you know that your wife is embarrassed? This time the princess held a banquet for a British lady and prepared mouthwash, but your wife swallowed it in one breath and said that the water was very good. Drink, it’s just a bit spicy.”

Lai Wenguang's face suddenly became full of praise and he said: "You shameful bitch, divorce her sooner or later and marry a well-educated and sensible daughter."

Chen Yucheng said: "You must also have the courage. Now your daughter-in-law has a princess as her backer. If you dare to divorce her, the prince will not be able to spare you. Don't abandon your wretched wife."

Lai Wenguang said: "What about you? What about you? You married a delicate beauty, and now you are making fun of me."

Chen Yucheng said: "That woman in my family is no good, she doesn't live up to expectations. She was dumb at the banquet, not as good as your wife, she doesn't understand anything, she's not afraid of anything, she just gets in front of the princess, she's not afraid of making jokes at all, but the princess likes her very much. She. What kind of airs does my woman have? It doesn’t matter if she does it in front of me, she also does it in front of the princess.”

In fact, it wasn't Ms. Lu who was showing off, she was just out of fear of society.

Lai Wenguang said: "Princess, after all, she is a person of Aixinjueluo. I hope it will not be difficult for others in the future."

Chen Yucheng said coldly: "She is the wife of the prince first, and the daughter of Aixinjueluo second."

The two commanders-in-chief on the southern battlefield were talking about their wives, which showed that they did not take the enemy seriously at all.

Just waiting for the final attack.

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

Zeng Guoquan, the coach of the Chengnan Defense Line.

Eating meat and drinking wine in large quantities seems extremely heroic.

In the entire Hunan Army camp, even Li Xubin wanted to surrender to Su Yi for a moment.

Only Zeng Guoquan was hostile from beginning to end.

After several days of fierce fighting, of the 40,000 people in his hands, only more than 10,000 were left.

Before the war, you can't drink alcohol.

But now, he drank himself extremely drunk.

quickly!

A battle cry sounded outside.

"Sir, the enemy is attacking."

Zeng Guoquan said: "I understand."

After finishing the last bite of meat and drinking the last sip of wine, Zeng Guoquan put on his helmet and walked out.

The scorching sun that had just risen in the morning was so intense that it was almost impossible to open one's eyes.

The riverside is always foggy, but these days, there is no fog, and the battlefield is very clear.

"Boom, boom, boom, boom..."

Another heavy shelling.

Countless artillery shells fell on the final line of defense.

It was as if the entire position had been plowed.

In the past few days, Su Yi's army fired more artillery shells than the Hunan army fired in two years.

With the support of the United States and Russia, the Hunan Army is much richer than a few years ago, but compared with Su Yi, it is still far behind.

Zeng Guoquan knew that Su Yi's Jiangnan Manufacturing Bureau was already producing a steady stream of shells at this time.

"Perhaps this is just a matter of accumulation."

Su Yi had gone through the most difficult seven or eight years before, but now things were getting smoother and more intense.

Following this round of crazy bombardment.

I don’t know how many people will never get up again.

Immediately afterwards, the charge horn sounded.

Su Yi's army charged.

Zeng Guoquan shook violently, because he was almost buried in the dust, and he rushed out, almost becoming a native.

Su Yi's army rarely carried out such intensive charges.

But at this time, more than 10,000 people rushed over, like a stormy sea, coming in violent waves.

"Kill, kill, kill, kill..."

As for Zeng Guoquan's Hunan Army, their momentum was completely taken away and they were shocked by the formation in front of them.

Zeng Guoquan slapped an officer on the side hard and roared: "What are you doing here? Beat, beat, beat!"

What to fight?

Almost all of the Hunan Army's defense system was destroyed by artillery fire.

Su Yi's army was all equipped with repeating rifles.

Zeng Guoquan only saw Su Yi's troops being submerged one by one.

The last line of defense, falling into pieces.

The Hunan troops under his command knelt down and surrendered in droves.

It’s not that they are unfaithful or brave. It’s already good that they can persevere until now.

He was obviously drunk, but he was not excited at all. He was just cold and depressed. He didn't know if it was on his head. The blood on his head kept flowing down, and he was wearing a helmet, which was wet.

Blood stained the entire field of vision.

So at first glance, it was all blood red.

Moreover, the vision in front of me is getting redder and redder.

Zeng Guoquan couldn't help being filled with grief and anger, and roared: "Brothers, follow me, follow me."

"Kill, kill, kill!"

Then he waved his command knife and rushed forward desperately.

I don’t know if there is anyone following behind.

Even because his eyes were filled with blood, he could hardly see anything clearly.

Just push forward with all your strength, push forward.

suddenly……

"Da da da da da..." A burst of dense bullets.

In an instant, countless wounds were struck on his body.

This, this armor is not very useful.

However, he had a certain amount of defense, so he was lying on the ground, not dead yet.

I just feel that the blood keeps flowing, and keeps flowing.

However, I felt no pain, just getting colder and colder, and breathing became more and more difficult.

The sound of dense footsteps could be heard all around, and Su Yi's troops kept rushing past from both sides.

Then, a voice came to my ears, it should be a soldier from Su Yi's army.

"Who is this?"

"I do not know."

"Wearing armor, he should be an officer."

"Should we call the medic?"

"It shouldn't be necessary. He was shot more than a dozen times in the chest and his carotid artery was ruptured. He's hopeless."

"Send him on his way to spare him the pain."

Then, the New Army soldier came to Zeng Guoquan's ear and said: "Brothers of the Hunan Army, it's not that we are cruel, but it's you who are more painful, so I took action."

He took out his saber, pointed it at Zeng Guoquan's heart, and stabbed it hard.

In an instant, Zeng Guoquan's painful breathing stopped.

Completely dead.

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

In just half a day, the battle on the southern frontier was over.

When the battlefield was finally being cleaned, Zeng Guoquan's body was discovered.

Wash the bodies of Li Xubin and Zeng Guoquan and put them into decent clothes.

Su Yi was still not on the battlefield.

The highest official position on the battlefield now is Xu Youren, Governor of Fujian and Zhejiang and Minister of the Navy.

"Send these two corpses to Wuchang City and give them to Zeng Guofan."

"Yes!"

A moment later, an ox cart, dragging two corpses, arrived at the gate of Wuchang City.

After a long while, the Wuchang city gate opened and the two corpses were taken in.

In the former Yamen of the Governor's Mansion, Zeng Guofan looked at the two corpses in silence.

Even, not much sadness.

"Prepare tung oil and firewood." Zeng Guofan said.

Zeng Jize was slightly stunned. Shouldn't these two uncles be sent back to their hometown and buried in peace?

Zeng Guofan said: "Next, the dead adults will be treated like this. After burning, they will be scattered wherever they want."

Zeng Jize said: "Why? The fallen leaves should return to their roots. They should be sent back to their hometown in Hunan."

Zeng Guofan said: "They are all rebellious officials and traitors, and they are still returning to their roots. When their reputation is restored one day, we can pay homage to our ancestors."

Soon, firewood was prepared outside the Governor's Mansion, with two corpses lying on it and filled with tung oil.

Zeng Guofan threw a torch down.

Suddenly, it burst into flames.

Soon, the bodies of Zeng Guoquan and Li Xubin were reduced to ashes.

then!

Zeng Guofan once again boarded the Yellow Crane Tower and looked at the water of the Yangtze River.

All night long, he closed his eyes and listened.

But at this time, there was no emotion anymore, and there was even silence in my heart.

But, when daybreak comes.

Zeng Guofan couldn't help but ask: "Peng Yulin, is Su Yi here?"

Peng Yulin outside said: "I don't know, he probably didn't come. Wang Qi was not seen in the enemy's army."

A while passed.

Zeng Guofan asked again: "Is Su Yi here?"

"Not yet...not yet."

After a while, he asked again, but Su Yi's Wang Qi still didn't come.

"Commander, the other side plans to attack the city, and the army has been assembled."

"Our 70,000 defenders have also been assembled, and all of Li Hongzhang's troops have entered the city to defend it."

At this time, the entire Wuchang City.

The last 70,000 Hunan troops covered the entire city wall.

Wuchang City is still so majestic.

The city wall is still so tall, thick and wide.

Tens of thousands of Hunan troops were deployed on it, densely packed and stretching like nails.

Outside the city, more than 30,000 new troops from the north and south also completed their final assembly and prepared to attack the city.

Zeng Guofan stood at the top of the Yellow Crane Tower and had a panoramic view of everything.

Su Yi's royal flag has not appeared yet.

Zeng Guofan feels sad in his heart, do you still look down on me so much?

Are you stingy enough to come see me at the last moment?
Zeng Guofan walked down the Yellow Crane Tower and walked up to the security gate under the gaze of everyone.

At this time, he was not wearing any official uniform, nor was he wearing an official hat with flowery eyes. He was just dressed as a scholar.

Outside the city gate.

The artillery position of Su Yi's army has completed its final loading and is ready to fire at any time.

Chen Yucheng and Lai Wenguang took out their pocket watches.

In ten minutes, we will attack the city.

Chen Yucheng looked up at Zeng Guofan on the city gate. He knew what the other person was waiting for.

I'm sorry Zeng Guofan, I am willing to pity you, but if the prince doesn't come to see you, I can't postpone the siege for you.

It depends on whether the prince is willing to give you the last bit of dignity.

By this time, Chen Yucheng's hatred for Zeng Guofan had completely disappeared.

Five minutes to go.

Three minutes to go.

Chen Yucheng glanced at Lai Wenguang beside him and couldn't help but said: "We must have been at the end of the road like this before, but the prince showed mercy and gave us a chance."

Lai Wenguang said: "Probably, Zeng Guofan will not get the last dignity, and the prince will not come."

"Get ready to fire, get ready to bombard."

At this moment, there was a sound of horse hooves from behind.

Then, there was a burst of chanting.

"The prince is here!"

"The prince is here!"

The entire army shouted in unison.

Su Yi's royal flag appeared.

A gorgeous cavalry appeared on the battlefield guarding King Su Yi of Yijun.

Follow wherever his horse passes.

More than 10,000 troops saluted in unison.

As his figure passed by, the eyes of tens of thousands of people in the audience were fixed on his face.

fanaticism.

Worship!

"Your Majesty, a thousand years old!"

"Your Majesty, a thousand years old!"

Su Yi passed through the entire military formation, riding alone, and arrived six hundred meters in front of the security gate.

Zeng Guofan, who was standing on the city gate, could no longer hold back and burst into tears.

He bowed deeply to Su Yi and shouted loudly: "Zeng Guofan would like to thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness and granting Mr. Zeng his last dignity."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness."

"Zeng Guofan is willing to surrender!"

"Someone once wished that the prince would achieve immortal achievements."

"Your Majesty, Zeng is going!"

Then, Zeng Guofan pulled out his sword and killed himself with the sword in front of everyone.

Fulfill the final honor.

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

Note: Here comes the 10,000-word update. Dear benefactors, do you still have your monthly tickets? Thank you.

(End of this chapter)