Eunuchs who traveled through the Qing Dynasty

Xiao Ran couldn't help being startled, and thought that he had something to do, why didn't he send a telegram, instead he sent a messenger all the way?Now go to see that man with Sheng Zuo.

When we met each other, the person who came was a strong man in his thirties, with a dusty appearance, obviously he had driven a lot of roads, but he was wearing a pair of half-new short-fronted short cloth shirts, with a bag on his shoulders. The appearance of the deputy old farmer.Xiao Ran was even more surprised, and said: "You are from Shanghai Semicolon? Is there anything urgent for me?"

The man sized Xiao Ran up and down, he was obviously a little surprised by his young and handsome appearance, and said, "You are the chief executive Xiao?"

When Xiao Ran heard that he did not call his boss but was an official, he immediately realized that this person must not be a fellow in Tongran hall, raised his eyebrows immediately, and said in a deep voice: "Who are you, who sent you here?"

Sheng Zuo, who was next to him, rushed forward, grabbed the man's arm and bent it behind his back, fell over and pressed firmly to the ground.The man hurriedly shouted: "Don't get me wrong, Mr. Xiao, I'm not a fellow of Tongran, but I really came to look for you from Shanghai. My master ordered me to send you a letter!"

Xiao Ran wondered: "A letter? What letter?" Chao Sheng left a wave of his hand and said, "Let him get up and talk."

Sheng Zuo let go of his hand, grabbed the man by the neck and lifted him up, shouting: "Be honest, don't play tricks!"

Seeing Sheng Zuo's vicious look, the man apologized and said with a smile: "Don't dare! Director Xiao, this letter is very important. My master said that it must be handed over to you in person. Look..." He glanced at it A glance to the left.

Xiao Ran understood what he meant, he didn't want to have

When people are present, you can trust me, I know where you come from, so you have to be on guard before saying: "Don't worry, this is not an outsider, just show it."

The man had no choice but to bend down and take off the cotton shoe on his right foot, took out a letter from it, and handed it to Xiao Ran.Seeing his cautious appearance, Xiao Ran became more and more curious, so he took the letter regardless of whether this guy had sweaty feet or beriberi.There was nothing written on the envelope, so he took out the letter paper, looked at the signature, and was stunned. It turned out to be the words "Shao Baishang". It turned out that the person who wrote this letter was Li Hongzhang, the governor of Jiangsu!

This time Xiao Ran was really surprised.This Young Master Li has never had any contact with him. Even when he opened the Tongran Tang branch in Shanghai, it was Zeng Guofan who brokered it. Later, it was Yulai who handled the shipping affairs and investment promotion in the name of Tongran Tang's shopkeeper. Those who contacted him wrote directly to himself, which was the first time in history.

In fact, Xiao Ran has long wanted to contact Li Hongzhang, but he has not been able to find a suitable opportunity.After all, he was single-handedly promoted by Zeng Guofan, and the friendship between teachers and students cannot but be scrupled.But this time Li Hongzhang took the initiative to write to him, which made Xiao Ran feel doubly surprised.At the same time, many questions popped up in my mind: Telegraph bureaus have been set up from Shanghai to the capital, why not send a telegram if there is anything to do, but instead send someone to send a letter from far away?He chose such a sensitive time, so does this letter have anything to do with the current situation? ...

After reading the contents of the letter, Xiao Ran's eyes suddenly brightened.The letter was very simple, with only a few words, to the effect that the current situation in the Jianghuai area was stable, and preparations for the construction of various factories were being stepped up, and Xiao Ran had rich experience in this area, and hoped to be able to come and guide Yunyun.Looking at the signing date again, it was April [-]th, which happened to be the third day of Shengjia's southern tour!

Li Hongzhang's meaning couldn't be more obvious.Talking about factories, guidance, etc. are all nonsense. The only hope is to let Xiao Ran go to Jianghuai.From the date of writing this letter, it can be clearly seen that Shengjia's southern tour, he had already received the news immediately, and guessed that it was Xiao Ran's tricks.With his superhuman wisdom, he naturally saw Xiao Ran's intention, which was clearly to touch the foundation of the Qing Dynasty!And through such a rather ambiguous letter, it is obvious that they are sending Xiao Ran a sneak peek, hoping that he can go to the south of the Yangtze River, and the two join forces to plan a big plan!

Xiao Ran suddenly realized.After calling the messenger and asking in detail, I found out that this person was Li Hongzhang's confidant. Fearing that the telegraph bureau's many eyes and ears would reveal the news, he specially ordered him to bring a letter written by himself.This fellow traveled for more than half a month before reaching the capital, and at that time Xiao Ran was fighting against the Allied Forces of the Three Kingdoms at Nianzi Mountain, until the capital was sealed off by Zeng Guofan, he heard that the Firearms Battalion had arrived in Tongzhou, and managed to get out of the city, so he rushed to deliver the letter.

From these twists and turns, it can be seen that Li Hongzhang is deliberately avoiding Zeng Guofan, eager to have direct contact with Xiao Ran.Regarding the relationship between Zeng and Li, Xiao Ran also knew a little bit from the "Biography of Zeng Guofan" and "Biography of Li Hongzhang" that he had read in later generations.Li Hongzhang went to Zeng Guofan back then and was treated kindly. Although Li Hongzhang was just an aide under Zeng Guofan's tent at that time, Zeng Guofan paid special attention to Li Hongzhang, and even cared about his temperament, habits, and even his diet and daily life.And Li Hongzhang has always been grateful to Zeng Guofan. He himself once said: "I have many teachers, but this old man is good at teaching. He gives instructions at any time, any place, and whatever happens. In the past, I served all the commanders. Guidance, so far it is like knowing a compass, which has benefited a lot.”

But Zeng and Li have completely different temperaments.Zeng Guofan was more than cautious but not courageous throughout his life, while Li Hongzhang has always had a bright style and decisiveness in dealing with things.Whenever Zeng Guofan hesitated again and again when he encountered a major event, it was often Li Hongzhang who helped him make up his mind with a few words.In the tenth year of Xianfeng, because of the transfer of the Jiangnan camp to Qimen and the impeachment of Li Yuandu, the defender of Huizhou, there were serious differences between the teacher and the student, which eventually led to Li Hongzhang leaving the camp angrily.A series of subsequent facts proved that from then on, Li Hongzhang's strategic vision and personnel vision were superior to Zeng Guofan's.

Li Hongzhang returned to the Hunan Army in the summer of the second year after Hu Linyi, Guo Songtao and others persuaded him to leave this time, and Zeng Guofan's repeated invitations.From then on, Li Hongzhang had been soberly aware that it was time for him to expand his wings and develop his power. He was ordered to form the Huai Army and cross the river to Shanghai.The biggest difference between Li Hongzhang and Zeng Guofan lies in his ambition.And Xiao Ran also happened to know a little-known thing: the historical Li Hongzhang almost became the first president of China!

Historically, more than 30 years later, in 1900 A.D., the empress dowagers of L'an and Cixi fled in a hurry and never heard from them again.At that time, there was no one in the southeast, and the local governor intended to follow the example of the United States, form a republic government of his own, and elected Li Hongzhang as president.Regarding this period of history, later generations also have different opinions, and there is no consensus, because after all, it is a rumor of unofficial history, and it is impossible to verify whether it is true or not.However, in that sensitive period, with such sensitive rumors, it is hard to believe that it was just speculation and groundless rumors.

Li's political ambitions at that time can also be glimpsed from other historical materials.When the Eight-Power Allied Forces entered Beijing, Li Hongzhang served as the governor of Guangdong, and his relationship with Sun Yat-sen, who was in Guangzhou at that time, was very ambiguous.Sun Yat-sen had always hoped to unite with Li Hongzhang to realize the independence of Guangdong and Guangxi, and he was recognized by the British Buli, who was the governor of Hong Kong at the time, and tried his best to mediate between Sun and Li, hoping to facilitate this matter.At this time, Li Hongzhang had returned from his visits to Western countries. His personal travels and experiences made him admire the Western social system from the bottom of his heart. During the Xuxu reform, he also regarded himself as a "comrade of the reform", fully expressing his favor for the Western system.And after the failure of the reform, facing Cixi's order to kill the remnants of the Kangliang Party, he even uttered such obvious words as "I will never be a swordsman".

Because of this series of events, both Sun Yat-sen and Bu Li placed high hopes on the "Sun-Li cooperation" to realize the "independence of Guangdong and Guangxi".However, Li Hongzhang, who has always acted decisively, was ambiguous this time, with an ambiguous attitude. It is hard to believe that he is loyal to the Qing Dynasty and Lafayette Cixi, and has never had the ambition to act on his behalf.And when the imperial court repeatedly urged Li Hongzhang to go to the capital to preside over the situation, negotiate peace with foreigners on behalf of the imperial court, and set a price for the reinstatement of Zhili governor and Beiyang minister (Li Hongzhang was the shogunate of the country in 1870, Controlled government affairs for 25 years, until the defeat of the Sino-Japanese War, he was dismissed from his official position and left idle), before leaving, Li Hongzhang once had a secret conversation with Hong Kong Governor Buli on the ship Ping An, which seemed to make him Certain rumors were further confirmed.

At that time, Li Hongzhang did not have any foreshadowing, and asked Buli straight to the point: If the Boxers attacked foreign consulates in Beijing, if the ministers of various countries were killed.The great powers can legally interfere in China's political situation. If so, who do the great powers want to be the emperor of China?After thinking about it, I added a sentence: Maybe a Han Chinese?

Li Hongzhang's directness was obviously unexpected to Bu Li, especially the last sentence, which made Bu Li feel a strong hint.After deliberating for a long time, he replied that the big powers "probably will consult the most powerful people in China they can find to see what is the best way to do it."But Li Hongzhang was speechless with a smile, and it took him a long time to say something in secret: "The Empress Dowager Cixi is the most powerful person in China."

Li Hongzhang is extremely cunning politically.Of course Xiao Ran couldn't understand his real inner world, but he firmly believed that, at least for a moment.The dream of an independent president of Guangdong and Guangxi, or the dream of being an emperor, once haunted Li Hongzhang's mind.For Xiao Ran, he was clearly aware of this.It is enough.Although Li Hongzhang failed to sit on the throne of president or emperor in the end, this may be because Li Hongzhang felt that the time had not come because of the reappearance of the two empress dowagers in Xi'an, or perhaps he was worried about the death of the centipede of the Qing Dynasty.But these are not important anymore.Because Xiao Ran is very clear about his position: as a catalyst for this period of late Qing history.He can completely expand Li Hongzhang's political ambitions infinitely.And this itself is an indispensable link in his liquidation plan!

Now that Li Hongzhang took the initiative to send out his glances, Xiao Ran couldn't help being pleasantly surprised.Li Hongzhang's political vision is outstanding.Obviously, he has already seen the coming storm in China, and has clearly realized the future direction of history, and has chosen which queue to stand in.This alone is incomparable to Zeng Guofan, who has made up for it after a dead sheep.

Facing the torrent of history is actually like facing the rape of fate. There are usually only two choices, either resist or enjoy.If Zeng Guofan was about to suffer more because of his resistance, then Li Hongzhang was undoubtedly smart, and he chose the latter.

According to what Xiao Ran thought at the beginning, joining Li Hongzhang was actually the most variable link in his entire plan, and it was also the most important move that could determine success or failure.This move does not move, the outcome is really unpredictable.And this letter from Li Hongzhang finally made Xiao Ran feel the heaviest stone in his heart.

|September crab fat, drink with you.

Xiao Ran's calligraphy is really not flattering, it looks like a circle, but the messenger obviously has very good concentration, so he didn't laugh out loud.Xiao Ran was overjoyed, and immediately rewarded him with a silver ticket of 100 taels, and ordered Sheng Zuo to personally select a capable brother and send him all the way to the state, and only after he was sure it was safe did he rush back to Shanghai to return to his command.

Shengjia arrived in Jiangning, which is exactly Li Hongzhang's territory. It seems that it is only a matter of time before the capital move is planned.Now there is only Zeng who has shaved his head in the capital, and Xiao Ran still doesn't know how to settle it.It should be said that Zeng Guofan's vision of seeing people is indeed very poisonous. He has only been in contact with Xiao Ran for a few times, and he has basically seen through his style and temperament.With one move, he took the bottom of the pot, and it just grabbed Xiao Ran's seven inches.To be fair, Xiao Ran is not a person who does big things at all, he lacks the kind of ruthless and decisive courage, on the contrary, he values ​​his family more than anything else.Whether or not he pushes it to the full is still the second thing. His wife and children, as well as the psychological stepmother and biological mother-in-law, these are the most important things to him.

In addition, even if he could disregard the life and death of his wife and children, he no longer has the conditions to fight Zeng Guofan. The reason is very simple. Zhili, Shanxi, Shandong, Henan, plus Mongolia, these forces are all under the control of Zeng Guofan.If you really want to use force, no matter what the result is, a war that will be more cruel than the long-haired war will destroy the stability and prosperity that have just been established in this vast land.

Such a result was obviously not what Xiao Ran wanted to see.Unless it is absolutely necessary, force must not be used.

what to do?Xiao Ran was still frowning.Of course, if Lan'er is really like what Lin Qing'er guessed, she is willing to turn her guns to help Xiao Ran, to appease Seng Gelinqin, Ruoanayan and other forces in the name of the queen mother, and to have Zeng Guofan behind her back, then all the problems It will all be solved.But would a woman like Lan'er really give up her desire for power and everything to help herself?

Laner, Laner... What kind of woman are you?Xiao Ran sighed lightly.Suddenly remembered what Lin Qing'er said: No matter how strong a woman is, she still needs a man to rely on. If you can't be cruel to Lan'er, then do you really think that Lan'er will be so unfeeling to you?

Did Lan Er really fall in love with herself?The reason why she refused to move out of the cold palace was because she had been waiting for him to pick her up personally?In this way, Laner really... fell in love with me?

Xiao Ran has always had a good impression of her until she has a good impression of him, but he is still not sure if this is an inseparable love.It's not that he is not confident enough about himself. In fact, whether it's his handsome appearance, gentle and considerate personality, or his unique gentleness and wit towards women in the feudal and conservative atmosphere at that time, which typical men of later generations will have, For the women of that era, they were undoubtedly fatal.It's just that the scheming and artifice of this woman, Lan'er, made Xiao Ran think twice.

When he was thinking hard about the countermeasures, Zeng Guofan unexpectedly sent someone directly.

To say it was an accident is actually reasonable.It was precisely because Zeng Guofan saw his weakness that he would openly blockade the capital. This time is also an excellent time to negotiate with him. How could he let it go so easily?Two confidantes were sent to deliver the letter, one was his bodyguard, and the other was his aide. They came to see Xiao Ran arrogantly, and immediately said: "Our lord has invited Mr. Xiao to catch up on the old days. My lord said Yes, I heard that Director Xiao likes the dishes of Chunqiu Restaurant in the capital city, and specially prepared a banquet for you. Wouldn’t Director Xiao show you some face? Hehe, let’s leave now!”

There is no half-respectful meaning to boss around.From Sheng Zuo down, they all gritted their teeth angrily, their faces turned livid, wishing they could slap them to death with one slap.Monk Hua stepped forward, stretched out his hands and grabbed the collar of one of them, and with all his might he lifted both of their feet off the ground, staring at his fiery eyes, and shouted angrily: "Damn it, you want to die!" Isn't it? Tell me again!"

Among the two, the personal guard also had good martial arts skills, but he didn't expect that Monk Hua would do it as soon as he said it, and he was caught by surprise. He couldn't believe that the other party was strong, so he was lifted in mid-air and couldn't use it. Half effort.The staff member was so frightened that his face turned pale and he trembled all over, and it seemed that he might be drawn at any time.Xiao Ran took a deep breath, and said slowly: "Monk, put them down. You two, my brother is a vulgar person, don't take offense, I'll just go with you."

However, when these words came out, Sheng Zuo and other brothers panicked when they heard it. On the other side of their hands and feet, Sheng Zuo said: "My lord, you can't go! This is clearly a trap set by Zeng Guofan, aren't you jumping into the fire pit?" As long as you are here, they will have scruples and dare not act rashly; if you fall into their hands again, won't we have no way out?"

Duan Xingnian shouted: "Yeah, I can't go! You're gone, what are you guys going to do? Damn it, my lord, just wait, I'll take the brothers to the capital right now, and kill Zeng Shaved first, and kill your family members." Get out and talk!"

"Nonsense!" Jing Shou grabbed Duan Xingnian, and said, "The capital city is now surrounded like Tietong, with strict security, even if you can get in, can you guarantee that you won't be discovered?"

"So what if you find out? At worst, you'll die, with a big scar on your head!" Duan Xingnian said, poking his neck.Ma Chao and the others all said, "Yes, go fuck the fuck! Our lives are already enough!"

Jing Shou said: "Then what about my brother's family? Don't you want to be implicated by you?"

Having said that, everyone fell silent.Jing Shou looked at Xiao Ran, and said: "Brother, the capital is too dangerous, Zeng Guofan is so cruel, it's clearly a Hongmen banquet! You must not go, our thousands of brothers cannot do without you. Brother, I will take a trip for you, I Let's see what kind of tricks Zeng Guofan is going to play!"

Xiao Ran hurriedly said: "How can it be done?..."

Jing Shou didn't wait for him to finish, his eyes glared, and he said, "Why can't it work? I'm a banner man, the son-in-law of the Qing Dynasty, and a minister in front of the imperial court and minister of the guards. I don't believe it. Zeng Guofan has grown a few heads. Dare to touch me! That's it. I'll go!"

After saying a few words, Xiao Ran's heart felt hot.He patted him on the shoulder gratefully, and said: "Brother, with your words, everything will be fine. But I still can't let you go. Zeng Guofan wants to see me. It won't help if you go. It's useless." Get one more person." After speaking, he glanced at everyone.Said: "Okay, it's settled like this, and no one needs to persuade. Don't worry, he shaved his head. He still dares not touch me now. Because I still have value for him. And this is a one-off for us. When Zeng Guofan catches me, he will relax his vigilance against the Firearms Battalion. The relaxation of the capital's defenses is an excellent opportunity for us to take action. Come on, brothers, let's do this..."

After a bit of calculation, everyone understood.The tightly knit brows were also relaxed, and they no longer looked so nervous and worried.The two sent by Zeng Guofan.Even looking at it from a distance, I felt curious, but Monk Hua stood in front of him eagerly, and didn't dare to go over to inquire.

Fortunately, Xiao Ran didn't talk for too long.After the confession, he took Nayan Ziqing, Monk Hua and Ma Chao, and followed them to the capital in a carriage.Here, Jing Shou and Sheng Zuo also followed Xiao Ran's arrangement to lead people separately and prepare to go, so let's not show it for the time being.

Just talking about Xiao Ran and his party, they rushed all night and arrived in the capital at noon the next day.At this time, the city of Beijing was indeed heavily guarded, with checkpoints layer by layer stretching several miles away, and a large group of Qing soldiers with live ammunition patrolling back and forth, with solemn and nervous expressions, as if they were facing an enemy, which cast a shadow over the capital city. A chilling atmosphere.

After repeated strict investigations, they finally arrived at the city gate.Those people waiting to enter and exit the city formed a long queue, and they had to search each one before they were allowed to enter and exit. It was really hard for flies to fly by.Xiao Ran was no exception. After being searched again, he directly changed into a carriage prepared at the door, and went straight to Chunqiu Building under the escort of a team of cavalry.

It was noon at this time, when business was booming, but there were no guests in the Spring and Autumn Building, and it was all guarded by Qing soldiers.Two generals from the Qing army came up and searched Xiao Ran from head to toe, and then led him up the Hu ladder to the private room upstairs.Nayan Ziqing and the other three wanted to follow up, but they were stopped downstairs by those Qing soldiers.

Opening the beaded curtain, I saw a hale and hearty old man coming forward with a big smile, grabbed Xiao Ran's hand, and said: "Brother, you are finally here, I've been waiting so long! This old man is about to have a drink with you Fan, let’s be free today, if you don’t get drunk, you won’t return!”

This old man was none other than Zeng Guofan, he was not wearing official uniform today, he was wearing an ordinary blue cloth robe, and he was smiling so enthusiastically that Xiao Ran even suspected that his words were indeed from the bottom of his heart.He also laughed at the moment, and said: "Zeng Shuai is kind, how dare you not follow? Drink and drink!"

The two walked around the screen and entered the table hand in hand.Today there was no one to accompany them, only two of them. Zeng Guofan raised his glass and said, "My brother's victory over the Allied Forces of the Three Kingdoms is attributable to Sheji. Today is considered a triumphant return. No way, I want to toast you first."

Xiao Ran smiled and said: "Shuai Zeng is making fun of me. This way to the capital, three steps, one post and five steps, one sentry, and searched the body ten times. Is there anyone who 'triumphs' like me through the ages? Seems like a mess."

Zeng Guofan didn't feel embarrassed either, he chuckled and said, "Don't be offended, brother, I did it as a last resort. Your firearms battalion is really too powerful. Conquering Russia in the north and Japan in the east, this will wipe out the Three Kingdoms on the road and sea." The coalition forces are invincible, and no one can stop them, so we really have to guard against them!"