Rebirth of the Northern Giants

Ye Zhikui frowned, and said: "In the future, the telegram from the capital should be handed over to me as soon as possible, otherwise outsiders will find out and think that Wu Yi's army is invincible."

There is a mystery to this statement, Ye Zhikui didn't say that he was unhappy, but said that other people knew what to do, which means that this Ye Shuai didn't take it seriously in his heart, he just wanted to show it to outsiders.

The sergeant was not afraid of being overjoyed when he heard this, and replied with a smile: "This subordinate understands."

Ye Zhikui took the telegram and looked at it. It turned out that on the one hand, the imperial court needed Ye Zhikui to return to Beijing to participate in the negotiations with the Minister of Peace and Germany. On the other hand, Ito Hirobumi would come to China soon. .

Regarding Li Hongzhang's thoughts, Ye Zhikui knew very well that he hoped that he could severely humiliate Ito Hirobumi, so that Ito would quickly go back to Japan to plant flowers and fish, and avoid getting involved in China's affairs.

It's just about Guangxu's thoughts. Guangxu intends to hire Ito Hirobumi as a consultant for the reform. Does Guangxu want to go back and have a drink with Ito?Ye Zhikui can't figure it out, the emperor's heart is unfathomable

Ye Zhikui has not arranged many things properly, no matter how reluctant he is, he has no choice but to prepare to return to Beijing by warship.

Ye Zhikui hastily handed over some information about withdrawing troops to his generals, and then packed up a few soldiers and headed towards the Qingdao bridge.

"Okay, uncle, colleagues, friends, sending you off for thousands of miles, there will be a farewell. I, Ye Zhikui, will bid farewell to everyone. I will see you in the capital someday." Ye Zhikui arched his hands and said. Sending the warship soon.

Nie Shicheng said before: "Congyun, the capital's Longtan and Tiger's Den, don't be impetuous and act rashly." Because there are many people with mixed opinions, Nie Shicheng is also pointing to the end.

Ye Zhikui understood what Nie Shicheng said in his heart, and replied: "My nephew respectfully obeys the instruction, and I hope that my uncle will not forget the promise made the day before yesterday. When my uncle comes to the capital, Congyun will definitely sweep the couch to welcome him."

Ye Zhikui looked at Feng Guozhang, Duan Qirui, Song Pinglan, Xing Changchun and other generals of the Wu Yi Army, and said, "I will leave matters to you about the Wu Yi Army. .”

The generals said they didn't dare, and said: "Ye Shuai, but don't worry, the subordinates will arrive soon."

Ye Zhikui finally turned his eyes to Bai Weiwei. This woman was looking at Ye Zhikui affectionately, not hiding her admiration at all.

When the other people saw this, they took a few steps back meaningfully, leaving them a space to say goodbye alone.

Bai Weiwei bit her lip and tremblingly said: "You have to go"

Ye Zhikui smiled lightly, and said: "Well, the emperor has an order, and he has to obey."

"Will we meet again in the future?" Bai Weiwei asked with anticipation.

Ye Zhikui thought for a while and said, "If there is fate, we will definitely meet again."

Bai Weiwei hesitated to speak, and suddenly blurted out: "I like the pen you gave me."

This strong woman added in her heart: "I like you too, General Ye."

Although Ye Zhikui also liked Bai Weiwei a little bit in his heart and understood her thoughts, but this time when he returned to Beijing, he would definitely be involved in the dispute between the two parties of the emperor and empress, and he still cared about the personal affairs of many children, so he just said: "Weiwei, you are a good girl." , for your own ideals, dare to break the tradition, go your own way, and let others say it.”

Although Deng Shichang didn't want to be a bad person, he had to bite the bullet and reminded: "Nephew, we don't have much time, let's go."

Bai Weiwei lightly shook her resting fingers, and said, "Brother Ye, see you in the future."

Ye Zhikui nodded slightly, turned and left, leaving everyone with endless freedom.

Seeing Bai Weiwei's miserable look, Nie Shicheng couldn't help but sighed softly, and tried to persuade him: "Niece Bai, there are already two beautiful wives waiting to get married in Congyun's family. I understand your father and will never let you marry someone else as a concubine." Yes, you should die as soon as possible."

"Uncle, I want to too, but I can't forget..." Bai Weiwei's tears flowed down involuntarily.

Chapter 96 The Noisy Morning Dynasty

Ye Zhikui took the Beiyang Fleet all the way north, and then separated from Deng Shichang when he was in the Weihaiwei waters. Deng Shichang led most of the Beiyang Fleet back to Weihaiwei Beiyang Naval Base, and Ye Zhikui continued the Beijing Division on the "Jiyuan" alone.

Ye Zhikui's reputation was at its peak at this time. If there was a reputation ranking list in Beiyang, he would definitely be able to secure the second place. The first place would naturally belong to Li Hongzhang.

But now Guangxu does not want to see Li Hongzhang very much. A few days ago, there was news from the capital that Li Hongzhang had reported the situation of the Sino-German decisive battle to Cixi that day. Unexpectedly, at this time, the Old Summer Palace had been being rebuilt and was listed as a restricted area. Li Hongzhang insisted on his identity and just looked at the ruins, so there was no big deal.

Unexpectedly, on the second day, Guangxu learned about this matter, so Li Hongzhang was fined for one year for trespassing on the forbidden area, and he was not allowed to offset it.Guangxu was very happy and angry, and he did not hide it. Just from the fact that he was full of civil and military affairs, it can be seen that he is not happy with Li Hongzhang, and that he is really not a good monarch.

The leader of the 'Jiyuan' was Fang Boqian. Ye Zhikui was very curious about this historically famous man who had mixed praise and criticism, and was eventually beheaded as a scapegoat for defeat. Qian Qian sighed and said: "Old Fang, bragging is not wrong, but if the bragging is torn, it is your fault." Ye Zhikui was talking about his wonderful performance after the Toshima naval battle.

Fang Boqian's face blushed involuntarily, and he had no choice but to reply: "I must keep General Ye's advice in mind." Of course, Ye Zhikui didn't expect Fang Boqian to be changed by a few words, but he still persuaded him in line with his duty as a person. Talent is rare.

Ye Zhikui landed at Dagukou in a few days. After getting along with Ye Zhikui these few days, Fang Boqian only felt that General Ye was a more eloquent talent than his old Fang. One mouth is powerful, the two heroes cherish the hero, and the two bid farewell to each other with tears in their eyes.

After Ye Zhikui'an, he acted in a low-key manner, did not enter Tianjin, and directly borrowed a few horses from the Dagu barracks, traveled day and night, and headed for the capital.

But he is so famous that no matter how low-key he is, he is like a firefly in the dark, unable to hide the eyes of those who care about him. Officials kept coming to see him along the way. I sent a few letters of apology. In the letter, it was not that my eyes were higher than the sky. In fact, it was called urgently by the current Saint Babaili, and I dare not stay.

The tone of the letter was so earnest that the officials, big and small, read it, and there was no grudge in their hearts. Instead, they felt that Ye Zhikui was not only a loyal and patriotic person, but also a person of high moral character.

When Ye Zhikui was still in a hurry and hadn't arrived at the capital, the morning court in the Forbidden City was staged a scene of tragedy and comedy.

In the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Guangxu sat majesticly on the golden throne, looking at the courtiers below with a calm face. Just now he announced a new government edict: delete and amend regulations, cancel overlapping idle institutions, reduce redundant staff; Man's parasitic privilege, allowing him to fend for himself.

All the ministers couldn't resist the explosion, they dived one after another, all the civil and military officials in the court looked at the ground, pretending that they didn't hear it, they neither agreed nor opposed, and no one spoke.

Seeing this indescribable disgust in his heart, Guangxu had no choice but to ask for his opinion by name. He first said to Li Hongzhang: "Li Aiqing, how about leaving it to you to deal with the reduction of redundant staff? Count the overlapping and idle institutions in various places, and report to me, and then proceed. Weed out."

The government agencies are cumbersome, there are many people who eat, but few people do things.This matter has not been settled even in later generations. There are many ways of relationship in it. It may offend a certain courtier. In addition, a few days ago when Guangxu took him under the knife, Li Hongzhang was upset and he was not stupid. How could he agree to kneel down immediately and reply: "Wei I have been organizing foreign affairs for many years, but I have never done similar things before, and I don’t have the slightest experience, so the emperor should hire someone else, I am afraid that I will not be able to afford it.”

After Li Hongzhang finished speaking, he bowed his head and remained silent. Guangxu was slightly angry, but he was helpless. Obviously, Guangxu was not qualified to fight against an old fox like Li Hongzhang.I think I don't have enough talent and knowledge to handle things well, what can you do?Guangxu turned his eyes to Sun Yuwen, Minister of the Ministry of Officials.

Before Guangxu could open his mouth, Sun Yuwen knelt down and said, "Emperor, what is an overlapping and idle organization? I have been in the center for many years, and I have never heard such words? I hope the emperor will explain it to the old minister." The old man began Playing crazy and acting stupid.

Guangxu suppressed his anger, and then looked at Prince Li Shiduo, the chief minister of military aircraft. Shiduo was the order of the clan mansion. Guangxu said, "Prince Li, I will leave it to you to cancel the privilege of the bannerman."

Shiduo knew that Guangxu was more annoyed now, but he still knelt and replied: "I think this matter should be discussed in the long term. Since the founding of the Qing Dynasty, the Eight Banners system has been established. Now that we want to change the law of our ancestors, we must think carefully before going over. carry out."

After Prince Li finished speaking, Cixi's hard-core confidant Minister of Military Aircraft resolutely knelt down on the ground and cried bitterly: "My ancestors and ancestors of the Qing Dynasty, now the emperor wants to cancel the privileges of our bannermen. Will there still be a Qing Dynasty? Will there still be a foothold for our Bannermen in the future? Ladies and gentlemen, what do you think of those Eight Banners who have made great contributions to the Qing Dynasty? Kill my bannermen."

With the resolute leader, some other bannermen also began to cry bitterly. Those who called their ancestors to call grandma all advised Guangxu to withdraw the edict as soon as possible, otherwise the Qing Dynasty would perish. Li Hongzhang and other Han officials watched with cold eyes. If you mess up, if you are not careful, you will be accused of treason.

Guangxu looked at those courtiers who looked like their fathers and mothers who had just died, and their faces were livid with anger. Huo suddenly stood up from the throne, snorted coldly, pointed his hands down, and said loudly: "You all think that I I don’t know what you are thinking in your heart. You are disregarding the interests of the Qing Dynasty one by one for your own interests. The reform is only for the sake of strength, for the Qing Dynasty to be able to catch up with the Western powers, but you are all shouting about the law of your ancestors all day long. It can’t be changed, or else it’s obedient and obedient, with a group of villains like you in the court, the Qing Dynasty is not far from death.”

Guangxu spoke indiscriminately, beat him to death, and scolded all the courtiers as villains. None of the civil and military officials in the court looked good. There was a quarrel just now, and those who cried bitterly forgot to perform. Looking at Guangxu who suddenly burst into flames.Unexpectedly, Guangxu, who has always been cowardly, will rise up.

Guangxu's chest heaved, his mood was agitated, and he continued to shout angrily: "It's really worthless to make a plan. I am in vain. There is no one in the civil and military courts of the Manchu Dynasty. Kang Youwei is knowledgeable and retreats from the court."

After Guangxu finished speaking, he threw away his clothes and left regardless of the reaction of the officials below. Guangxu only felt that he was in the company of these old-fashioned courtiers, and his mood became very anxious and bored. They are all stubborn and immortal guys. , Liang Qichao's excerpts to calm down, alas, why are these great talents not in the court?Guangxu thought to himself: It seems that it is really necessary to abolish the imperial examination.

Guangxu, who felt that he was incompatible with the civil and military forces of the Manchu Dynasty, made up his mind to take down a few courtiers and promote a few reformers, otherwise there would be no discerning figure in the civil and military affairs of the Manchu Dynasty.

After thinking about it, Guangxu's confidence began to rise again. It was Kang Youwei who could see it clearly. He was right. If he wanted to reform, he had to take down one or two first-rank officials from the court.

"My lord, Ye Zhikui, the admiral of Zhili, is already on his way to the capital. I believe he will be able to return to the capital tonight at the latest." An eunuch hurried over.

Guangxu was overjoyed when he heard this, and he was overjoyed. He shouted: Ye Zhikui, you are finally here. You have studied in Germany for many years, and you clearly understand the situation abroad. You will definitely agree with my reform ideas.

Guangxu thought about how to reuse this rare loyal minister as a precautionary measure. Being suspicious by nature, he had vaguely seen an undercurrent coming towards him, so he had to look for foreign aid everywhere. Ye Zhikui Wu Yijun was stationed in Tianjin, Not far from the capital, it should be the first choice.

Chapter 97 Ye Shuai Enters the Forbidden City for the First Time

On the afternoon of April 4th, several fast horses came straight to the Andingmen Gate in Beijing.