Eunuchs who traveled through the Qing Dynasty

Xiao Ran said: "Hey, just leave like this? It seems that there are some words that have not been finished yet?"

Zeng Guofan was nervous again, "What are you talking about?"

Xiao Ran smiled, and said: "It's fine for me to help you with things, so what about after I'm done? Where will my family and I go? You can't let me be unclear

"This..." Zeng Guofan just stood up, thought for a while and sat back on his seat, and said, "brother, actually I invite you here today, I really want to talk to you from the bottom of my heart, but... if you want to hear I will tell you a few more words. If I say something wrong, I hope you will not be offended."

"You said."

"My brother and I have been in constant contact. Ever since I first met in Chengde, I knew that you are a rare genius. You act eclecticly, create new ideas every time, build a strategic plan, and have extraordinary courage. Your insight and brains are beyond the reach of Bohan. Yes. However, my brother can be called a great tool, but he can’t achieve great things. There is a saying that one general can achieve great things. Those who have achieved great things through the ages have been cruel and ruthless, turning their hands into clouds and raining their hands. Osmunda, brother to brother! As for you, brother, your biggest weakness is that you are not cruel enough, your methods are not vicious enough, and you have too many connections, so you can't let go of your hands and feet, and you are too persistent, which turns into resentment."

These words were short but powerful, Xiao Ran secretly admired in his heart, this one who had shaved his head, his eyes were indeed poisonous enough, the sentence "it can be called a great tool, but it can't make a big deal", it was almost clear to himself.He snorted softly and said, "Go on."

"The so-called one life, one autumn. The old man said the old saying, living to my age, many things can be ignored. In this life, as long as you can make yourself happy and happy. But radish and green vegetables have their own love. , Different people have different preferences. Scholars are officials, warriors are generals, corrupt scholars like learning, merchants like money and silk, all of which are different due to personal temperament. In a word, wear a pair of shoes that suit you, don't wear them Feet are good for walking, brother, don’t you think so?”

Having said that, Zeng Guofan paused for a moment, seeing that Xiao Ran didn't mean to be angry, he continued: "My brother has great ambitions in mind, but he is not in the position of official career and power, pointing out the country. If this is the case, why not retreat bravely at this time of right and wrong? Fame and wealth? My younger brother has an old mother, both children and children, guarding a group of beautiful wives and concubines, no BMW, fragrant cars, brocade clothes and fur, and a wife and children who are warm on the kang, endless gold and silver mountains, endless wear Silk and satin, far away from worldly worries, near no noise, I am afraid this kind of life is exactly what my brother wants, right?"

Xiao Ran raised his eyebrows, and said: "The commander-in-chief really has a bright eye. So, are you willing to let me go?"

Zeng Guofan laughed loudly, patted Xiao Ran on the shoulder, and said, "Brother, what you said is heresy, isn't it! I told you this because I sincerely recognize you as a brother." There was a pause at this point Suddenly, he stood up and walked to the window, and said in a deep voice: "In this life, there are not many people who really admire Bohan. My brother, you should be ranked first in my heart. Expeditions, if you think you can protect the country and the country, and assist the court, but in the end, the killing is too heavy, and the war is everywhere, but it can't make the people live and live, rich and healthy. Brother Xiao, although you are young, you promote industry and agriculture, promote commerce, and run education. The name Tongrantang, industry, mine, smelting, textile... The country can be strengthened at the top, and the people can be enriched at the bottom. Because of you, so many people can live a peaceful life. For this alone, I admire Zeng Guofan from the bottom of my heart. Even if I It is you, not me, who have fought for ten or 100 years to make the common people live a better life!"

Having said that, Zeng Guofan suddenly turned around and said, "Brother, can you promise me one thing?"

Xiao Ran said, "Say it."

"There is something wrong here, can you withdraw? Is it okay? The official career is dangerous, and behind the power, there is always intrigue and strife. Brother, you are not a person who eats this bowl of rice. As long as you agree, I, Zeng Guofan, can even swear to protect you." From now on, you will be free from worries all your life, and live your fairy-like life happily. If you believe in me, Bohan is willing to make eight obeisances to you, how about it?"

"what?!"

As soon as these words came out, Xiao Ran was stunned.What Zeng Guofan said was indeed beyond his surprise, but he could fully feel that these words were by no means perfunctory words. It seemed that this Shuai Zeng was really good enough for him, and he was willing to forgive him!

It was a rare time when Zeng shaved his head and felt soft-hearted, for a moment, Xiao Ran was more or less moved.After pondering for a long time, he said, "Okay. I will definitely think about what you said."

Zeng Guofan nodded, said nothing, and left.Nayan Ziqing, Ma Chao, and Monk Hua were just put upstairs, Ziqing grabbed Xiao Ran first, looked at it from head to toe, and said: "Did that old thing make things difficult for you?"

Xiao Ran chuckled and said, "Does it look like it? If I don't look for his bad luck, I will take advantage of him. By the way, I will go to the palace later, I guess Zeng Guofan will first look at the three of you, I didn't Don't act rashly until you come back."

♂ Volume 8 in the harem ♀

→Chapter 173 - Flop (Part [-])←

It was not time for tea, and two people came downstairs, both dressed as Ouchi guards.Xiao Ran has always had a superhuman memory, and he often walks around in the palace. Needless to say, he can recognize almost all the guards of the upper ranks, even the guards at the gates of the palaces and Lan Ling's guards are familiar.But these two people are absolutely new faces, and Xiao Ran is sure that he has never seen them before.Take it easy: This Zeng Guofan couldn't really do such a bad job, he changed the bodyguards in a big way, right?

Arriving at Shenwumen by carriage, two teams of Qing soldiers followed the carriage along the way.When he got out of the car at the place, Xiao Ran found that the gate guards were all unfamiliar faces, and looked around carefully, but he didn't see any of them.

But this time there was no body search, and the two guards still led them into the Shenwu Gate, and walked straight towards the Hall of Mental Cultivation.Although the Forbidden City has always been solemn and majestic, at least a few people can be seen, but looking at it now, it is empty everywhere, except for guards with swords, there is no shadow of a eunuch or court lady at all.

When they came to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the guards in front of the hall stopped the three of them.A guard stepped forward to explain a few words in a low voice, the guard in front of the hall turned his head and looked Xiao Ran up and down, and said: "The Empress Dowager is reviewing the memorial in the small study in the backyard of Xinuange." The two guards thanked, Pulling Xiao Ran into the Hall of Mental Cultivation, he said as he walked: "Eunuch Xiao is a man who understands, so we brothers will not talk too much about what to do. In short, don't make things difficult for us brothers."

Xiao Ran smiled and said: "Of course. I just looked at it from a distance, and nothing happened."

One of the guards snorted and said, "My lord just told me that you can only take one look, why are you changing two now? Has the price increased?"

Another guard said: "Don't be poor, just behave yourself. In short, Mr. Xiao, you respect me, I respect you, understand?"

Xiao Ran quickly responded: "I understand, I understand very well!"

Go through Xinuang Pavilion.Come to the small courtyard behind.In early summer, the flowers in the courtyard are in full bloom, purple and red, and fragrant.There are no guards guarding here, but there are also no eunuchs and maids in sight, and it looks extraordinarily quiet and deserted.

Walking along the gravel path to the back, a house with red eaves and golden tiles is a small study in the shade of green willows.The weather is already a little stuffy, so the window of the small study is open.There is only a faint layer of green veil covering it, and the inside of the room can basically be seen clearly.The two guards exchanged glances, pulled Xiao Ran to hide behind a bush of flowers, and pointed towards the window.Meaning, just watch it here.

Xiao Ran cursed secretly in his heart, but he didn't dare to speak out, he could only look through the flowers.Facing the window is a desk.A stunningly dressed woman was reviewing the memorial with a vermilion pen in her hand, raising her head from time to time to think for a while.Across the faint veil, Xiao Ran could see clearly that it was Yehena Lalan'er, and she saw neither anger nor joy on her face.His expression was extremely calm, neither the joy of moving out of the cold palace and returning to power, nor the worry and boredom of facing this complicated situation.

behind her.It is a screen.Standing sideways was a court lady.Most of the face is blocked by the screen, and only the flag head can be seen.Wei Wei stood with his head bowed.Looking at the half of her back, it should be Lin Qing'er vaguely, but because she couldn't see her face and changed her hairstyle, Xiao Ran was a little uncertain.Immediately, he became anxious, the two guards were watching like thieves, but he didn't dare to shout out, suddenly he had an idea, Xiao Ran pretended to trip over the flower shelf under his feet, and pushed it casually, the flower branches rustled There was a noise.

The two guards were startled, and quickly pinched Xiao Ran from left to right, and one of them covered his mouth with his hand.In fact, the trembling of the rustling branches is not loud, but for martial arts practitioners, their ears are much more sensitive than ordinary people.Xiao Ran stared at the room with his eyes wide open, and sure enough, he saw the maid slightly turned sideways and glanced out the window.At the moment when he turned his face, Xiao Ran almost jumped up with joy: This maid is none other than Lin Qing'er!

Lin Qing'er's appearance beside Lan Erdi can explain at least two things: first, Lan Er did not really stand by Zeng Guofan's side, but obviously wanted to help her; second, Lin Qing'er is still staying in the palace, which shows that Lan Er Er should be trying to deal with Zeng Guofan so that Lin Qinger can pass on the information!

Thinking of this, Xiao Ran's heart couldn't help beating wildly, he was both excited and nervous, and there was something he couldn't say.The most important thing now is to find a way to contact Lin Qing'er and tell her the next plan, but the two guards couldn't help dragging Xiao Ran away.After leaving the Moon Gate, he let go of his hand, and a guard said, "How about Mr. Xiao, should we go back?"

Xiao Ran was anxious, and suddenly came up with a ghost idea, clutching his stomach and said: "Oh no, my stomach hurts badly, it's probably because I ate something bad at noon, I want to show my respect!"

The guard looked at Xiao Ran, his grinning face did not seem to be lying, and he said depressedly: "Why don't you pull it sooner or later, so you catch up with it now? Endure it and let's talk after leaving the palace."

Xiao Ran jumped on tiptoe, said: "Where is the time to choose this matter? You two brothers are too much, right? Damn, I can't hold it anymore if I don't push it!"

Manager Xiao's name is well known to everyone, and the two guards are somewhat afraid of him.A guard said: "Then quickly find a latrine!" Another guard said: "This is the Forbidden City, where is there a latrine? Just find a place with flowers and grass to solve it."

Xiao Ran immediately said with embarrassment: "What kind of place is this? How dare you say such a thing? You will be responsible for the embarrassment of the Queen Mother?"

The two guards were always in awe of the Forbidden Palace and the majestic imperial city, and Xiao Ran was so frightened that he lost his mind, and said, "Then what do you think?"

Xiao Ran pointed to a side room next to him and said: "This is the utility room, I'll go in and take a shit. Do you two want to watch over here?"

The two guards subconsciously covered their noses, and said impatiently: "Go quickly! Don't take too long, and don't play tricks."

Xiao Ran was secretly pleased, thinking that even if Zeng Guofan could change the guards in the palace, he would never be able to change eunuchs and maids.I am fairly familiar with the eunuchs in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, God bless me to meet one!

Pushing open the door of the miscellaneous room, I saw a eunuch squatting there washing the pail, looking carefully, it turned out to be An Dehai!Xiao Ran hurriedly closed the door, and said in a low voice: "Damn, Xiao Anzi, why is it you! Are you here for a part-time job?"

When An Dehai saw Xiao Ran clearly, he was taken aback immediately, and said: "My ancestor, why are you here?! The palace is full of people who have shaved their heads, let them bump into you and it will be over!"

Xiao Ran said: "It's okay, don't worry about it, tell me how you got this job?"

An Dehai's nose was sour, and he said: "Don't mention it! You bastard who once shaved his head, replaced all the guards in the palace, and locked up many eunuchs and maids. If it wasn't for the Empress Dowager Cixi who kept me as her own Now, I can't decide which small dark room to lock up now. Alas, at the critical moment, Master Yi still misses me..."

When I said a word, I became teary.Xiao Ranxin said that Zeng Guofan was really cautious enough to do such a terrific thing.Patting An Dehai on the shoulder, said: "Don't cry, you will get better soon. By the way, you are with the Empress Dowager Cixi, do you know why she agreed to move out of the cold palace?"

An Dehai said: "Need to say? Think about it, Zeng shaved his head and his hands are so dark, if the master doesn't compromise with him, what will this palace, this capital city be like?"

Xiao Ran suddenly came to his senses, thinking about Zeng Guofan's ruthless behavior, he couldn't help but feel a chill down his spine.After pondering for a while, he said, "Xiao Anzi, do you know that there is someone with me beside the master?"

"Miss Lin? I know!" An Dehai nodded again and again, and said, "Didn't I meet her when I was in Chengde back then, and I knew it was yours."

"Okay, then you can find a way to inform Miss Lin for me and let her do this..."

To make a long story short, Xiao Ran just finished explaining to him, the guard outside shouted: "I said Mr. Xiao, are you alright?" Xiao Ran hurriedly agreed to go out.An Dehai grabbed his sleeve and said with a sad face: "Ancestor, you must come back soon, I don't have much white powder!"

Xiao Ran nodded at him, and said: "Don't worry, when did I fall down? It's easy to do things, and it will be to your advantage to turn around!"

After leaving the chore room, he followed the two guards and left the palace through Shenwumen, returning to Chunqiu Building.Zeng Guofan was already waiting there, and when they met, he said, "How about it, did you see it? Brother, don't forget your promise."

Xiao Ran smiled and said, "How come? It's all according to the commander in chief." Zeng Guofan was relieved when he saw that there was no abnormal expression on his face.

For the next two days, Xiao Ran and Lin Qing'er stayed in an inn next to the Spring and Autumn Building, guarded by Qing soldiers inside and out.There are still balloons flying around tirelessly in the sky, every three hours Xiao Ran runs to the top of the Spring and Autumn Building to send a signal.At first Zeng Guofan and the Qing soldiers were worried, afraid that something would be accidentally dropped on it, but after a long time, they got used to it and didn't care.

One of the things that Nayan Ziqing was most concerned about was that she wanted to sneak back to Xiao's mansion to take a look, but Xiao Ran was afraid of scaring the snake, so she didn't agree.On the third day, the ninth day of the sixth month of the lunar calendar, this day is the birthday of Emperor Xianfeng. In the past, this kind of ceremony was just a symbolic form, and the Ministry of Rites took care of it. But today's ceremony is obviously unusual. The location of the ceremony has changed from The usual Qianqing Palace was moved to the Hall of Supreme Harmony. According to the rules, this was the place where the emperor held enthronement ceremonies, celebrations and received congratulations from civil and military officials.