Eunuchs who traveled through the Qing Dynasty

Xiao Ran curled his lips and said: "You are too polite! The Allied Forces of the Three Kingdoms are only a mere [-] people. My lord, your current troops in the capital include the Eight Banners of Zhili, the Green Camp, the Monk King's Cavalry, and the Eight Banners of Shanxi, Henan, and Shandong. Hundreds of thousands of people, right? There are only a few thousand people in my firearms battalion, no matter how strong they are, they won’t dare to pluck a tiger’s hair!”

Zeng Guofan said: "Ashamed! They are all soldiers and horses of the imperial court. Bohan is only a dead man, so he can't afford it! Come on, come on, it's a rare sentence, let alone these common affairs, drink, drink!" drink up.

Xiao Ran smiled and said: "Okay, if you don't want to talk about it, then don't talk about it." He drank a cup and ate with chopsticks.While eating, he said: "The duck tongue of Chunqiulou is authentic. Well, the golden chicken feet are also very good. Come on, sir, don't be too polite, eat more."

Judging by his posture, he seems to be the host.Zeng Guofan watched his mouth dripping with oil, his face remained calm, but he muttered in his heart: This guy can really hold his breath!After drinking three or five cups, he couldn't help but said: "I really don't want to ask, why did I invite you all the way here?"

"What's the matter? Didn't you say that you have free time today, just drink?" Xiao Ran spat out a chicken bone, and said with a smile: "Ceng Shuai, you are now commanding a hundred thousand soldiers, sitting firmly in the central army, and the entire imperial court is in your hands. Don't you want the wind to win the wind and the rain to rain? Is there still something I can use?"

Zeng Guofan smiled slightly and said: "Brother Xiao, you and I are sensible people, so there is no need to beat around the bush between us! I believe you can see clearly the current situation. Get restless, the foundation of the Qing Dynasty is not stable! What is the Qing Dynasty? It is the lifeblood of you and me. Without the royal power of the Qing Dynasty, do you think we can still eat and drink like we are today? Can we still be like today? Is the power in your hands and the spring breeze proud?"

After a pause, he continued: "Naturally, I, Zeng Guofan, don't need to talk about it. Pacifying the long hair will cause people to die, and all the Han people in the world will regard me as an executioner, a traitor, and an eagle dog of the Qing court.

Without the Qing regime, there would be no place for me to settle down.What about you bro?Although you have done so many things for the people of the world, you have done so many things for the people of the world, you have fought against foreign barbarians outside, supported foreign affairs internally, promoted industry, developed agriculture and business, and provided education, but don't forget that your identity is just a chief executive of the inner court!The reason why you can flex your muscles and do so many things depends on the power of the Qing Dynasty. It is nothing more than two people: one is the Empress Dowager Ci'an, and the other is the Sixth Prince. It's gone, and when the time comes, civil and military officials, who can convince you?Provincial officials, who can fear you?

You, as an eunuch, messed up the forbidden palace, like this is a big taboo, who among the millions of Manchus will let you go?The dragons have no leader but the hearts of the people are in danger, and the local forces are unable to protect themselves. There will be wars and disasters everywhere, the lives of the common people will be killed, and hundreds of millions of lives will be ruined.Brother, when that time really comes, you will be the chief culprit who brought disaster to the country and the people, it's too late to regret it! "

These words were spoken loudly and loudly.Xiao Ran couldn't help admiring, this Zeng Guofan was indeed insightful.If I really want to overthrow the Qing court and become emperor, I am afraid that the ending will be the same as that of Yuan Datou back then, and he will become the target of public criticism!

It's a pity that Zeng Guofan couldn't figure it out even after he died, because he didn't have the hobby of being an emperor at all.As for liquidation, this is indeed a dangerous path. The key is how to deal with the aftermath, what kind of people to choose, and what kind of method to smoothly transition the regime. Of course, these things are unimaginable with Zeng Guofan's thinking.Xiao Ran smiled lightly, and said: "The commander-in-chief is very thorough! It's a pity that I found the wrong audience. I, Xiao Ran, have always been loyal to the imperial court. Whether it's a disaster for the country or the people, or the culprit, it's none of my business?"

Zeng Guofan's complexion changed slightly, and then he sighed and said, "My brother and I have a heart-to-heart relationship, why do you bother to occupy me for thousands of miles? Of course, it is up to you whether you listen to this or not. To say something outrageous: The Qing Dynasty is a pig, you I am the hair on this pig. Although it looks very bright, how can the hair be attached if there is no skin? My brother is a smart man, so he can do it himself!" Coughing, he said again: "My brother, although you and I are of the same age, but The old man has grown up for dozens of years, and there is a saying that I still want to advise my brother: There is a saying that filial piety is the first thing to do, and when you are old, you have to work hard all your life, you can't teach her to worry about you!"

♂ Volume 8 in the harem ♀

→Chapter 172 - Flop (Part [-])←

From Zeng Guofan's point of view, after hearing these words, Xiao Ran's reactions were nothing more than a few, such as rushing to the top, hoarse, crying, begging for mercy, or laughing wildly to cover up the fear, panic, etc. in his heart.Because he knew that the biggest weakness of this fake eunuch was that his heart was not hard enough, and he took his relatives too seriously.But what surprised him was that Xiao Ran's face was as calm as an ancient well, not a single wave could be seen, the corners of his mouth were slightly raised, still carrying that faint smile that was neither humble nor overbearing.

"What time is it now?" Xiao Ran raised his chin at Zeng Guofan, and said in that neither salty nor weak tone.

"Ah?!" Zeng Guofan couldn't help being stunned.Xiao Ran smiled mockingly, and said, "My western watch was confiscated by your subordinates. May I ask what time is it?"

Zeng Guofan felt a little embarrassed, but still took out a brilliant golden pocket watch studded with diamonds from his purse, glanced at it, and said, "The moment is not yet here."

"Well, it's almost time."

Xiao Ran casually threw the ivory gold-inlaid chopsticks on the table, stood up, walked to the window, and pushed it open.A distant din came into the room, Xiao Ran looked out twice, smiled and waved to Zeng Guofan: "Come, come quickly! I'll show you something good!"

Zeng Guofan looked at his posture as if he was teasing a child with a bunch of candied haws, even his smile suddenly became lustful and evil, but he felt even more curious in his heart, so he hesitated and got up and walked to the window forward.The probe only took a look outside, then let out an ah, and took a few steps back.tripped over the chair leg.Almost fell.

Outside the window, many huge spheres floated in the far sky, making a low humming sound.Although balloons have been invented long ago, several test flights and training were conducted secretly in the mountains in the suburbs of Beijing, and this was the first time that people in the capital saw them.Naturally, they were extremely curious about such a huge and new thing that could fly, and they all ran out of the house to wait and see.Looking out of the window.Not only the streets, but even the roofs were covered with people. Anyway, it was broad daylight and there were so many garrisons in the capital.I'm not afraid either.They all stretched their necks and crossed their feet, pointing there.There are discussions, there are shouts and noises.Gathered together, it is as lively as boiling a pot.

Xiao Ran looked at Zeng Guofan with a smile, and said, "Hey, what's the matter, isn't this thing fun? I figured that the commander-in-chief is concerned about new types of ordnance. I should have seen the memorandum files and bottom books kept by the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Is it right? Then what is this thing. I don’t need to introduce it to you. What I want to tell you is that it is not in the archives of the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. It is considered top secret. For my drink's sake, I'll tell you for free."

Zeng Guofan seemed to have a premonition of something, his face obviously turned pale, but he forced himself to smile and said, "That's good, my brother is willing to teach you, and Bohan is all ears."

Xiao Ran cleared his throat, and said: "The last time the brother conquered the Japanese, the general should have heard about it. Let me tell you something you haven't heard before. One of the strongest feudal towns in the Japanese slave country, the chief Zhoufan, the main city was razed to the ground overnight by my troops, with a population of nearly [-], none of them escaped. Do you know how I did it?"

Of course Zeng Guofan knew that he only brought more than a thousand troops that expedition, and the artillery was only light short-barreled curved guns. It is indeed incredible to say that a city with a population of 10 was slaughtered overnight.Subconsciously said: "How did you do it?"

Xiao Ran paused and said: "It's because I have a secret weapon: mustard gas bomb!"

"Mustard gas...gas bomb?"

"That's right, it's this thing. Mustard gas is also known as the king of poisons. A mustard gas bomb exploded in the air will poison at least all humans and animals within a radius of one mile. Throat edema could not breathe, and finally died of organ failure. To deal with Changzhou Fan, I used balloons to throw poison gas bombs, and buried [-] Japanese slaves in one night. To be honest, this thing is a chemical factory under my Tongran Church It was developed, so neither the Ministry of Industry nor the Ministry of Internal Affairs has any archives. Let me tell you one more thing: when four British warships and more than [-] soldiers disappeared in Bohai Bay for no reason, it was not the Japanese pirates who did it, but me. Used mustard gas on them and buried these guys forever in the bottom of China!"

"Ah!" Zeng Guofan sat down slumped, his face as pale as paper, his hands on his chest, panting uncontrollably.As a military commander who has fought for decades, has rich experience, and strategized, he can certainly judge whether what Xiao Ran said is true or false, and whether there is something in it.

Alarmist talk scares people.At this moment, a confidant hurriedly ran, "My lord, my lord! It's not good, I don't know what is flying in the sky, floating around, please take a look!"

Xiao Ran frowned and shouted: "Why are you panicking, haven't they looked down on throwing things around? It's useless!"

Only then did the soldier see Zeng Guofan's distraught appearance, and he couldn't help being astonished.But Zeng Guofan listened to Li Ran's words of "throwing things around", he had no choice but to shudder, and waved his hand after a while: "Get out! No one is allowed to come in without my order!"

The soldier glanced at Xiao Ran, still puzzled, and went out resentfully.Zeng Guofan stroked his chest and took a few deep breaths before he forced a smile and said, "Brother, you and I have a very short relationship. Bohan asked himself, he always treats you as my brother, and today is nothing more than drinking and reminiscing about the old days. , what is the meaning of my brother's actions like this?"

"Brother?" Xiao Ran laughed and said, "That's that, whoever we are with whom. Don't think too much about Zeng Shuai, today's matter is not what I mean, it's all messed up by those incompetent people under his command , and will not really drop a few gas bombs, so there is no need to be afraid. But..." The voice paused, and his face immediately sank, and he said in a low and slow voice: "It is best for the commander-in-chief to get me Send it to the roof of the Spring and Autumn Building, let my brothers see me, and every three hours, they have to see me with their own eyes, otherwise, will they do something, hehe, brothers can’t be safe !"

Zeng Guofan's beard trembled with anger, but he was helpless, staring at Xiao Ran for a long time before saying: "Brother, don't forget that you and your family are also in this capital!"

Xiao Ran smiled coldly, and said: "The handsome's eyes are poisonous, you look good, I, Xiao Ran, really value my family more than my life. The more I do this, the more I think about it, if my family is gone, I still have What? Nothing! So, if something goes wrong with my family, I would rather turn the entire Beijing city into a ghost city, a tomb, and I will let all the people here, whether they are royal relatives or officials, gentlemen , Whether it's officers, soldiers or civilians, I will let them bury everything that can breathe for me and my family within a radius of [-] miles!!!"

The voice full of resentment, like a cold blade, dragged from Zeng Guofan's back to the top door, making the hairs all over his body stand on end.Looking into li xuan's eyes, for the first time, he felt the cold and threatening aura on this young man that did not match his age!

Just when he was hesitating, there was a sudden scream outside the window.Zeng Guofan was so frightened that he stumbled to the window and shouted at the Qing soldiers downstairs, "What's wrong? What happened?"

The soldiers of the Qing Dynasty shouted in one go: "That thing flying in the sky seems to be throwing something down!"

"Ah!!!" Zeng Guofan exclaimed angrily, "Where did you throw it? Did it explode?"

The Qing soldiers shook their heads, saying that they seemed to be thrown in the direction of Chongwenmen, but they didn't hear any major movement.Zeng Guofan suddenly turned his head and glared at Xiao Ran, but Xiao Ran did not avoid his gaze, and said with a smile: "Hurry up, Commander, I can't tell what you will leave next time!"

Zeng Guofan had no choice but to teach someone to send Xiao Ran to the roof.The Spring and Autumn Building is a small three-story attic, which was quite prominent in the capital at that time. Standing on the ridge, Xiao Ran took out a piece of red silk and waved it around.A balloon is slowly flying towards this direction. Since the full load is only more than 300 meters high, people can see it clearly with a telescope.After confirming that it was Xiao Ran himself, he fired three shots on the balloon bang bang bang bang, and those hydrogen balloons floating everywhere turned their rudders together and flew towards the southeast, leaving only two still hovering above their heads.

Get off the roof and go back to the room.Zeng Guofan was squatting by the window looking up at the sky, when he saw Xiao Ran coming in, he hurriedly said: "The remaining two balloons, why don't they fly away?"

Xiao Ran shrugged his shoulders, and said: "How do I know? It's probably because I'm very bored." He sat back in his seat with a smile, and said, "It's okay, Marshal Zeng, let's continue drinking to catch up on the old days?"

Zeng Guofan held it in for a long time before he let out a long breath and sat down again.Xiao Ran acted as if nothing had happened, he poured out the cup himself and tried to persuade him to drink, but how could he still drink it?After reluctantly taking a few sips, put down the glass, and said in the most soothing and gentle tone possible: "Brother, let's go straight, and don't go around the police. To be honest, I invite you here today to ask for something. "

Just like Zeng Guofan saw through Xiao Ran, Xiao Ran also judged Zeng Guofan correctly.He was cautious and hesitant by nature. He had dialogues with the big powers on behalf of the Qing government several times in history, and finally chose to compromise. The public opinion all pointed out that he was a soft bone and a traitor, and even his fellow villagers in Hunan smashed and burned the plaque boasting his fame in the Huguang Guild Hall.

But this time, Xiao Ran put on a stance that he was desperate to retreat, and wanted to die with the entire capital, which really shocked Zeng Guofan.One must know that with such a temper, he dared to risk the disapproval of the world and welcome Lan'er to the palace to take over the government. He had already bet on the wealth and glory of the rest of his life, and all his wealth, and he could never afford to lose.Forced by the situation, he had to bear the burden of humiliation and humbly ask each other with kind words.

Pian Xiao Ran didn't buy it, he pretended to be stupid and said sarcastically: "Ah? Didn't you just talk about the old days? The meal of love is not for nothing!"

Now Zeng Guofan wished he could swallow him alive, but he had to hold back his breath for the time being, and apologized with a smile: "Where did you come from! This matter is very important, and it really depends on you to come forward. Otherwise, I will I don’t want to bother your boss either!”

"That's it, let's talk about it." Xiao Ran said noncommittally.

"It's like this." Zeng Guofan cleared his throat and said, "Today is the sixth day of June. Three days later, it will be the birthday of Emperor Daxing, which coincides with our defeat of the Allied Forces of the Three Kingdoms and the meaning of Empress Dowager Cixi. Hope I can hold a ceremony. To comfort the late emperor, and to exempt Zhili from taxes for three years, to show the grace of heaven. Brother, you are the head of the inner court, and you are also an imperial envoy. Naturally, it is most suitable for you to attend such a ceremony. Brother, you how about?"

"That's it?" Xiao Ran was slightly taken aback, thinking that Zeng Guofan wanted to force him to send a telegram to Jiangnan.Forcing Shengjia to return to Luan, unexpectedly, he didn't mention this at all.But after thinking about it for a while, he wakes up.Lan'er moved to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to take charge of government affairs.This is an act of treason and usurpership.How many pairs of eyes are watched by the civil and military officials and the common people, and it is inevitable that it will cause controversy.Although the capital is now heavily guarded, everyone remains silent under high pressure.But this is not a long-term solution.And Xiao Ran is the most powerful confidant of the Empress Dowager Ci'an, which is well known by everyone. A ceremony like this where he attends Lan Er's success is actually equivalent to conveying such a message to the outside world: Empress Dowager Cixi is in power, To some extent, Empress Dowager Ci'an has accepted this fact.

Thus.The division of the North and the South by the empress dowagers of the two palaces has become a fait accompli, even if the Empress Dowager Ci'an refuses to return to Luan.So Beijing's political identity still exists to a certain extent, including the handling of government affairs and the issuance of edicts, which all seem logical.Xiao Ran cursed secretly in his heart: Old fox!After pondering for a moment, he said: "Serving the master, this is our duty as a slave. But I have a request, you must agree."

Zeng Guofan immediately became nervous, his heart beating secretly: Could this guy threaten me to release his family right away?If this is the case, then there is no need to discuss it, just throw gas bombs at you, and everyone will finish the game together.But obviously Xiao Ran was not that ignorant of current affairs, he just said lightly: "I have to see the Empress Dowager Cixi with my own eyes before I can agree to you. I have been away from the palace for so long, I know who will be Li Daitao stiff, civet cats for princes and so on. "

Zeng Guofan was taken aback for a moment, and said with a casual smile, "How come, who has the guts to do this kind of thing!"

Xiao Ran glanced at him, and said meaningfully: "That's not guaranteed. Are there still few courageous people these days? Just say it will happen!"

"It's not difficult, but..." Zeng Guofan said in his heart that this guy is full of bad things, who knows what kind of plans he will come up with?To be on the safe side, it's better not to let them meet.But he didn't dare to refuse directly, rolled his eyes, and smiled apologetically: "The government affairs are busy these days, and the Queen Mother is not feeling well. How about this, I will teach someone to take you into the palace in a while, and I promise to let you see the Queen Mother, but please be safe It's better not to distract her before the ceremony. What do you think?"

Xiao Ran agreed straight away: "No problem."

Zeng Guofan was overjoyed and said: "Then do this. I will send someone here when I am young. My brother, I have something to do. Let me go first. Please wait here for a while." He was about to leave in a hurry, and said in his heart: This guy has always been It's hard to deal with, if you stay a little longer, you might make some shameless request, before he said anything, I'd better go first.