Usurping the Qing Dynasty: My first love was Cixi

Chapter 127 Done! A gorgeous ending!

When Su Yi appeared at the Governor's Mansion again, she received an unprecedented warm welcome.

However, this time it was no longer a serious meeting, but a grand cocktail party.

Many wealthy businessmen who have been in Hong Kong for a long time are also among them.

For example, the top five foreign banks, bankers, etc.

This time, Su Yi did not wear the official uniform of the Qing Dynasty, but a suit and tie.

As soon as he appeared, Ba Xiali enthusiastically hugged him.

"My friend, you are finally here."

Su Yi said: "Is this my imagination? I feel like you are a little darker?"

Basia said politely: "No, it's a little redder. The sea breeze is too sharp."

Then, Minister Bao Ling stepped forward and hugged Su Yi.

"My friend, your handsomeness makes people jealous. It's hard for me to imagine that an Oriental can look so good in a suit."

Su Yi said: "It would be better if this sentence came from a lady's mouth."

Then there was a shout from Rear Admiral Sima Miguli in military uniform. He did not hug, but stretched out his hands to hold each other.

"Sir Su Yi, I have long heard that Qi's marksmanship is accurate. I hope that one day we can go hunting together."

Next, Basia Li took Su Yi and shuttled among various wealthy businessmen.

It can be regarded as a warm-up for future career.

After the banquet entered the second half, the four people entered the next room.

"Sir Su Yi, from now on we are true friends. Only friends who make fortune together in this world are true friends." Basia said politely: "We have organized a professional team, and it won't take long. Mining gold."

Su Yi said: "Gentlemen, gold mines are just small money. Our next Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone is the real big money. If you invest, you will definitely get amazing wealth."

Then Su Yi said: "I'm curious, wasn't the World Expo held every two years before? Why was it interrupted this year?"

The first one was in London, the second one was in New York, and the third one was in Paris in 1855.

Ba Xiali said: "You know why? Why do you need this stage?"

Su Yi said: "Of course, because our products will be a blockbuster."

Minister Bao Ling said: "Sir Su Yi, Jiujiang is still in the hands of the Taiping Army, and your economic experimental zone has not even appeared on paper."

Ba Xiali said: "Sir Su Yi, I want to tell you that it is very difficult to make products that stand out at the expo. Do you still want to face the market around the world?"

Su Yi said: "Of course, when our products are launched, they will surely dazzle you. If there is an expo, they will also amaze everyone."

Minister Bao Ling said: "There may not be another World Expo in the past two years, but London is the center of the world. European Expo, Industrial Expo, etc., will happen every year. Of course, the premise is that your product is really amazing enough. Otherwise I would be embarrassed to move it up."

Next, Minister Bao Ling said: "Sir Su Yi, we agree in principle to sign a secret agreement with you, but I must also declare that this will not be achieved overnight. I also need to lobby Congress. Of course, this process will be very lengthy, and I don't Be patient and do these things.”

Basharli said: "So, while we are lobbying Congress, on the other hand, we will be more active in lobbying large business consortiums, such as Jardine Matheson and Co., and even the East India Company."

Minister Bao Ling said: "Sir Su Yi, could you give me a rough estimate of what the investment would be if we invest in technical personnel and machinery?"

Su Yi said: "It's about 1.8 million pounds, all transportation costs, machine costs, lobbying costs, and technician salary costs added together."

Minister Bao Ling said: "This is a huge amount."

Su Yi said: "Yes, it is a very huge number. But it is not a big problem for Jardine Matheson or the East India Company."

Minister Bao Ling said: "The key is to let them see the benefits."

Su Yi said: "Of course."

Basharli said: "This is just the beginning for us. Lobbying Congress, lobbying Jardine Matheson, the East India Company, and even the consortium behind Henry are all left to us. This will take time."

Minister Bao Ling said: "But we can already sign the first copy of our secret agreement."

Su Yi said: "I would like to hear the details."

Minister Bao Ling said: "Time is money, my friend. You have said before that my term is coming soon, with about two years left, so I want to hear your plan."

Su Yi said: "Before June 1857, I attacked Jiujiang, and then I needed your country's armed merchant ships to protect the Yangtze River waterway in the Jiujiang area."

Bao Ling said: "Of course."

In fact, they couldn't even ask for it.

Su Yi said: "Before July 1857, I hope that we will complete the signing of all secret contracts, have all your investors in place, and purchase the machines needed on my list. On my side, I will also recruit workers at the same time. Acquire raw materials, build cabins, and raise funds.”

Bao Ling said: "Your Excellency Su Yi, I would like to ask, when do you want to start producing the first product?"

Su Yi said: "Before next summer."

Bao Ling was surprised: "In such a hurry?"

Su Yi said: "Yes."

Minister Bao Ling said: "Sir Su Yi, there is one thing I need to state first. There are still policy risks between our two countries. Because your status is not high enough, you cannot decide your country's policy. And I am just a minister. Nor can I determine the policy of our British Empire."

Su Yi said: "Of course I understand, but one thing is that no matter what policy changes our two countries have, it will not affect our cooperation."

Minister Bao Ling said: "Of course, interests come first."

Su Yi said: "Profit comes first."

Minister Bao Ling said: "So, we can sign the first part of the secret agreement, which is that your army must capture Jiujiang."

Guangzhou Consul Basia said politely: "Sir Su Yi, we completely understand the reason why you chose Jiujiang. Because it is close to the Yangtze River and far away from the sea, it can be farther away from our powerful fleet, but we do not care about this."

Of course you won't care about it, because you are also coveting the Yangtze River waterway, especially the cities along the Yangtze River. We both get what we need.

Therefore, Su Yi's choice of Jiujiang is in line with the British interests. This is also the first time that their power has penetrated into an inland city.

Ba Xiali said: "You said June. Although we think it is a little late, we still agree, so we set it before June 30, 1857. How about it?"

Su Yi thought for a while and said, "Okay."

Basharli said: "Because we are going to lobby Congress immediately and lobby several major financial groups in the British Empire. These all have economic costs and political costs, so once you fail to capture Jiujiang before June 30, We must be compensated two million taels of silver."

Minister Bao Ling said: "Sir Su Yi, don't think this is very harsh, because according to your calculations, we need to raise an investment of nearly 1.8 million pounds, and we need to raise it before this date. You also know that, All money has a cost.”

Consul Basiali said: "Although the delay cost of these funds is not as much as two million taels of silver, it is very necessary as a punishment for not fulfilling the contract."

Su Yi said: "In other words, the first part of the secret agreement between us is that we must attack Jiujiang before June 30. And you must also secure all investors before June 30. All investment amounts will be implemented regardless of whether Congress passes it or not.”

"Whoever fails to do this must be fined two million taels of silver."

Minister Bao Ling frowned, because they had never signed such an equal contract with weak countries.

But as a result, both sides are under pressure.

He has to go to great lengths to lobby Congress and lobby big business groups.

So, he asked: "Sir Su Yi, we are friends now, so we have to be honest. According to your estimate, if Consul Basile and I, as well as Maj. Gen. Miguelli of West Malaysia, jointly invest about 8%, How much revenue will there be in total over the next ten years?”

Su Yi said: "A conservative estimate of 18 million taels of silver, a very, very conservative estimate."

Minister Bao Ling took a breath. This amount of money is not a small amount for a country.

For an individual, it is an astronomical figure, and it is definitely a wealth that would overwhelm the sky.

This is far inferior to the gold mine in Malay.

Sir Bao Ling said: "Okay, then the first part of our secret agreement has been finalized. Sir Ba Xiali, please go and draw it up yourself. Chinese, English, and three languages ​​​​are required for publication."

Ser Basari said: "I am more than happy to oblige."

Next, he went to draw up the first part of the secret agreement himself.

Minister Bao Ling said: "Sir Su Yi, you should know that what we invest in is not an economic pilot zone, we invest in you. Whether it is in my personal name or in the name of the British Empire."

Su Yi said: "I see your great courage."

Minister Bao Ling said: "So no matter whether I am in this position in the future, our friendship will remain the same, right?"

Su Yi said: "Of course! Or let me put it more directly, no matter who succeeds you, he and I will not have much intersection of interests. And if he is your political enemy, he is also my political enemy. "

Minister Bao Ling stretched out his hand towards Su Yi and said: "Then I also promise you that no matter what changes happen to our two countries in the future, and no matter where I am, whether in Hong Kong or London, I will work for your interests. ”

Su Yi said: "The same is true for me."

Then he smiled and said: "In the future, I very much hope that you can enter the cabinet or even enter Downing Street."

Sir Bao Ling said: "Thank you for your blessing. I am even more eager for you to control the power of the Qing Empire."

Su Yi said: "If that time really comes, then both of us can truly build that grand blueprint and build a real East Asian order."

Sir Bao Ling said: "To the future!"

Su Yi raised his glass and said, "Honey!"

Next to him, Rear Admiral Sima Migli said: "Here's to the potentially endless pounds in the future."

Three people clink glasses.

Bashar, who was making a secret appointment next door, said politely: "Gentlemen, I heard the clinking of your glasses. You are so unfriendly and have forgotten that I, the poor man, am serving you."

A whole few hours later.

Ba Xiali reappeared with four identical copies of the first part of the secret contract.

Chinese, English, three formats for posting.

"Gentlemen, please check it out. I hope there is nothing wrong, otherwise I will be busy for several hours." Basiali rubbed his wrist.

Su Yi carefully checked every secret agreement.

No problem, the other party is indeed the most professional diplomat.

This secret agreement is not lengthy, but it is also impeccable.

"If there are no problems after the inspection, then let's sign." Ba Xia said solemnly: "There are four copies in total, one for Sir Su Yi, one for the three of us, and one may be given to the consortium participating in the investment to keep. The last one is probably going to the British Empire Cabinet."

Next, Su Yi picked up the quill, signed her name, and stamped it.

Sir Bowring, Sir Basharley, and Rear Admiral Simmelikli also signed their names, poured wax on them, and stamped their seals.

Originally, Minister Bao could just sign it alone.

But this secret agreement may represent huge benefits, so the three people have to sign it together.

After everyone signed, Minister Bao Ling said: "Sir Su Yi, from now on, the four of us are a community of interests."

Su Yi said: "This is destined to be a great secret agreement."

Even in his mind, he felt that this would not only change the history of China, but even the history of the entire East Asia, and even more.

This is the real first step to rise.

Then, the four shook hands with each other and finally raised their glasses.

"Sir Su Yi, both of us will have to work hard next. Time is very tight." Basia said politely: "June 30th is like the sword of Damos hanging over both of our heads."

The first part of this secret agreement is to confirm the cooperation between the two parties and establish the Jiujiang Economic Pilot Zone.

The core content is that Su Yi must capture Jiujiang before June 30; and the three ministers Bao Ling must secure the British Empire's consortium investment, and it is best to successfully lobby Congress.

Su Yi said: "Three Sirs, can we talk about retreating now?"

Minister Bao Ling said: "Sir Su Yi, do you think this is a dinner or a snack?"

Su Yi said: "Of course it's an after-dinner snack."

"I agree." Minister Bao Ling said: "The characteristic of after-dinner snacks is that they look very beautiful and gorgeous, but the portions are very small."

Basia said politely: "Since Sir Su Yi is our community of interests and our true friend, it is very necessary for us to make everything more gorgeous."

Minister Bao Ling said: "Yes, it must be gorgeous. Let Sir Su Yi have great glory in front of the emperor, and let him triumph like a hero."

Basha said politely: "Then it is necessary to invite many officials from the Qing Dynasty to witness it. We will hold a very grand ceremony."

Next to him, Rear Admiral Sima Migelli said: "Do you need a gun firing ceremony? Do you need to fire artillery? If necessary, I can arrange it."

Next, the three people talked about how to make the signing ceremony three days later grander.

Let Su Yi grow a face.

This is a typical export-to-domestic sale, a performance signing.

………………………………………………………………

Officials such as Ye Mingchen, governor of Guangdong and Guangxi, Bai Gui, governor of Guangdong, and Ding Hao, prefect of Guangzhou, have been captives for a long time.

During this period, they lived a very bad life, even without dignity at all, and even suffered a considerable degree of abuse.

So this period of time was simply a hellish time for them.

But suddenly one day, they were released from the cell.

A dozen senior officials were all released.

"Hurry up and take a shower and change into official uniform."

Suddenly, the officials of Guangdong and Guangxi were stunned, this... what does this mean?

After changing into official uniform, could it be that he wanted to parade around the streets to humiliate them?

Or are they going to be executed?

Ye Mingchen, the governor of Guangdong and Guangxi, said: "My lords, please do not lose your dignity and integrity as a Qing official at any time."

This senior official is also a complex contradiction.

When suppressing the Tiandihui uprising, they were extremely brutal and massacred tens of thousands of civilians.

For the British, they are afraid and poor.

To the emperor, he kept deceiving and concealing things.

Historically, when there was a war, the first person to escape was to go to the mountains to worship Buddha. When encountering major events, he would first seek divination from the master.

Are you saying he has no backbone? After being captured by the British, he wanted to be Su Wu. In the end, when he was displayed like a monkey, he chose to go on a hunger strike and died.

Bai Gui, the governor of Guangdong, was very soft in history. He knelt down to the British and became a traitor, becoming a puppet of the British in ruling Guangzhou.

After they took a bath, they changed into official uniforms that they had not seen for a long time.

Then, under the guidance of the British, they came to the long-lost Yamen of the Governor's Mansion, which was only half burned.

"sit down!"

The British ordered!

Then, more than a dozen senior officials of the Qing court sat down neatly.

Immediately afterwards, hundreds of British soldiers began to enter the Governor's Palace and guard every place.

A dozen soldiers entered the lobby and began to line up.

These dozen Qing court officials were even more frightened. What... are they going to do?

Must he be shot in the hall?

Although Ye Mingchen, the governor of Guangdong and Guangxi, was afraid, he gritted his teeth and acted with determination.

After a moment, a dozen British officials entered.

Then, Rear Admiral Ma Migli and Guangzhou Consul Basia Li entered.

Finally, the British Minister and Su Yi entered.

Ye Mingchen and more than a dozen senior officials of the Qing Dynasty couldn't help but be stunned, who... is this person?

Wearing official uniforms of the Qing Dynasty? And it’s just a fourth-grade official?

So young? So handsome?

Su Yi stepped forward and said, "Is this Governor Ye Mingchen or Governor Baigui?"

Ye Mingchen said: "Yes, it's me. Who are you?"

Su Yi said: "I, Su Yi, act as the prefect of Guangzhou. According to the emperor's order, I have come to negotiate with the British."

Ye Mingchen said: "Is it you? The emperor actually sent you here?"

You are only a fourth-grade official. What qualifications do you have to negotiate with the British Minister? Not equal at all?

I have heard your name. You are very good at civil and military examinations, and you are also good at fighting.

But you don’t understand diplomacy!

I, Ye Mingchen, have been dealing with the British for more than ten years. I am the most professional. I know how difficult the British are.

Now that the situation has reached this point, they directly sent troops to occupy Guangzhou City, and the fleet went directly to the sea of ​​Tianjin.

The emperor actually sent a fourth-grade official to talk?

How could it be possible? I'm afraid you don't even know the basic etiquette.

This matter must be discussed at the level of Minister of Military and Aircraft. A first-class official is a must.

And even so, I don’t know what kind of humiliating and humiliating treaty we have to sign to get through this difficulty.

Suddenly Ye Mingchen put on airs and said: "Since the emperor asked you to negotiate, then you must have a good negotiation. Even if the negotiation fails, it should not harm the national dignity!"

Then, more than a dozen senior officials of the Qing court in Guangdong all sat up straight. On the one hand, it is to show off one's manners, on the other hand, it is also to laugh.

Both sides are fully seated.

The ceremony felt overwhelming, serious and formal.

………………………………………………………………

Ba Xiali stood up and said: "After the first six negotiations, we have reached a consensus, and we will start signing the contract!"

Ye Mingchen was stunned. We were actually talking about the sixth game?

What consensus was reached?

What did you, Su Yi, talk about? How many conditions were agreed to that would be humiliating and humiliating to the country.

There were more than a dozen people on both sides, sitting opposite each other.

Dozens of soldiers, loaded with guns and ammunition, stood upright.

Appearing serious and dignified.

Full of sense of ceremony.

Next, the two parties began to formally sign the contract.

Ye Mingchen and others were shocked, what was this signed?

Is it even more shameful than the Treaty of Nanjing?

The two parties signed the contract.

Su Yi said: "I will immediately hand over this treaty to His Majesty the Emperor of our country. Please strictly follow the agreement and formally withdraw the troops in ten days."

Minister Bao Ling said: "We are the country that pays the most attention to contracts. We will do what we say."

"Sir Su Yi, through these twenty days of negotiations, you have left an extremely deep impression on us. We never thought that your country has such an outstanding diplomat."

Guangzhou Consul Basia said politely: "Sir Su Yi, if it were any official of your government, we would never agree to withdraw our troops. But... you did conquer us, and you are the best diplomat. "

"I now believe that the legend about Su Qin and Zhang Yi in your history books is true."

Then, the British Minister Bao ordered: "Now we will begin to fulfill the first agreement, formally withdraw from the Governor's Palace, and return it to you."

"After ten days, we will withdraw as scheduled."

"I believe that the friendship between our two countries will last forever."

Then, Minister Bao Ling took Basia Li and all the officials out of the Yamen of the Governor's Mansion.

Immediately afterwards, all the soldiers withdrew.

Completely return the entire Governor's Office.

Ye Mingchen and others were completely shocked by this change.

This...what exactly happened?

How is this possible?

How did you talk about it?

Suddenly, Ye Mingchen said: "Su Yi, what conditions did you agree to to the British?"

In fact, he had already talked to the British more than once and agreed to many conditions that would humiliate the country, but the other side refused to retreat and would not relent.

As a result, Su Yi, a mere fourth-grade official, came and the deal was finally concluded.

This... what a shameful condition this must have been agreed to?

Su Yi said calmly: "This has nothing to do with Mr. Ye. I am only responsible and reporting to the emperor. My errands have been completed."

"My lords, take your leave. I want to leave Guangzhou immediately and return to Beijing to resume my duties!"

Then, Su Yi turned around and left!

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Note: This is the first update. In the last ten hours of this month, please do not overturn the monthly vote list, otherwise it will be too painful.

I really don’t want to keep my benefactor who has a monthly ticket, but can I give him some cakes? I bow to you!

In the last ten hours, do you still have your monthly pass? Give it to me, please? Don't be overturned!