Usurping the Qing Dynasty: My first love was Cixi

Chapter 128 Su Ye enters the palace and reports victory! The British army retreats!

Now the Qing court is in war everywhere, but there is still a paradise, Hangzhou is one of them.

It has not been affected by much war so far, and it looks like a paradise on earth.

Of course, if we follow the historical trajectory, this good life will not last long. About three years later, Hangzhou will be conquered by the Taiping Army.

Of course, Su Ye is here, and whether this result can be changed depends on time and fate.

In the Hangzhou prefectural government office, prefect Wang Youling listened to the songs and ate snacks, but he was a little upset.

In the past few years, he has been very proud and got close to the governor of Liangjiang, He Guiqing, and his career has been prosperous.

Now he is not only the prefect of Hangzhou, but also the salt transport envoy and the Zhejiang provincial governor.

However, some time ago, he was impeached by the judge Xu Zheng, and even implicated his benefactor He Guiqing.

The key is that the content of his impeachment is true, and even more serious. He Guiqing was recommending him to be the governor of Jiangsu Province, and he was about to be promoted, but he was stuck.

This is how the officialdom works. If they don't impeach you early or late, they will do it to you at the critical moment.

"Sir, someone is here to visit. This is the visiting card. The person is outside the door." The servant came in and handed over the visiting card.

Wang Youling couldn't help but frown, because people of his level must be very particular.

If you want to visit, you need to send the visiting card one day in advance, and give the host enough time to prepare. Whether you meet or not, there must be enough buffer. How can you just rush to the door?

As soon as he saw the visiting card.

Wang Youling was stunned. It turned out to be him?

Acting Guangzhou prefect Su Ye.

Wang Youling is now an inspector, so his rank is higher than Su Ye and his power is greater.

But the two are completely different. Su Ye is the emperor's favorite.

Suddenly, Wang Youling immediately put on his official hat and brought the core staff of the prefectural government to personally welcome him at the gate.

"Your subordinate Wang Youling, I greet Brother Su Ye." Wang Youling was about to salute. He was obviously of a higher rank, but he called himself a subordinate.

Su Ye quickly helped him up, then bowed and said, "Meet Lord Wang."

Wang Youling enthusiastically invited Su Ye to enter the prefectural yamen.

Then, the two of them exchanged pleasantries.

Su Ye said, "I heard that Brother Wang will be promoted to the governor of Jiangsu soon and officially be enfeoffed. Congratulations."

Wang Youling said, "This is still thanks to Brother Su Ye. If you hadn't won the battle in Jiangsu, there would be no such days."

Su Ye said, "Is the new commander of the Jiangnan Camp, Lord Hechun, familiar with Brother Wang?"

Wang Youling said, "It's not that I'm familiar with him. It's all because of Lord He Guiqing's face."

Then, Wang Youling sighed and said, "To be honest with Brother Su Ye, your subordinate is in trouble. Not only can I not be promoted, I may even The Lord He Guiqing, the master of the republic, is here. "

Su Ye said, "Oh? Why?"

Wang Youling said, "Someone is reporting me, and there is more than one person. The emperor has kept him here, and Lord He Guiqing is resigning."

Su Ye said, "Who is reporting you?"

Wang Youling said, "First, it was Tongpan Xu Zheng, and then there were many high-ranking officials in the capital, and many censors in the Censorate, who were also reporting me."

Su Ye said, "Oh, then I will go back to Beijing to inquire, and when necessary, I can say a few words in front of the emperor."

As soon as these words came out, Wang Youling was overjoyed.

Immediately got up from his seat and bowed, saying, "In this case, I thank you for your great kindness, brother."

To be honest, while Wang Youling was very surprised, he was a little confused about Su Ye.

Although he, Wang Youling, had a higher rank, everyone knew that Su Ye was different.

He was not only the commander-in-chief of the new army, the emperor's favorite, but also the future son-in-law.

So, he didn't need to sell Wang Youling's favor at all. Although Wang Youling has a high rank, once he arrives in the capital, he will have to hand in his visiting card and line up at Su Ye's door.

But he knows the reputation of Su Ye.

Once he says something, he will definitely do it to the nine points, even if it is only six points.

This is exactly the opposite of ordinary people.

Wang Youling has heard that Su Ye is very favored by the emperor. Many big problems for Wang Youling may really only need one sentence.

He certainly knows that Su Ye's mission in Guangzhou this time is to negotiate with the British.

This matter is extremely difficult, especially Su Ye said that he wanted the British to withdraw their troops unconditionally, which is even more impossible.

Entrusted by He Guiqing, Wang Youling often went to Shanghai to deal with the British. He deeply knew how strong Britain was and how difficult it was.

Therefore, Su Ye's mission was probably impossible to accomplish.

So Wang Youling didn't mention it at all.

And he felt that even if Su Ye failed to accomplish this mission, it would not affect his future.

"I wonder if there is anything I can do for you when Brother Su Ye comes to Hangzhou this time?" Wang Youling took the initiative to ask.

Su Ye said, "I heard that Hu Xueyan is Brother Wang's disciple?"

Wang Youling said, "Friend, friend, not really my disciple."

Su Ye said, "I want to meet this Hu Xueyan."

Wang Youling said, "Of course, this is a great blessing for him. I will send someone over immediately and ask him to come and pay his respects to Brother."

…………………………………………

Although Hu Xueyan is not as rich as he will be in a few years, he is now prosperous.

Wang Youling's money from the Salt Transport Division's Yamen, and even part of the salary for the Jiangnan Camp, and the salary for all the soldiers from the Zhejiang's Yamen were also in his Fukang Bank.

Before going to see Su Yi again, he first asked his patron and friend Wang Youling for advice.

Hu Xueyan was indeed not Wang Youling's disciple, but he was kind to Wang.

"Sir, I'm a little unclear on how Brother Su Yi wants to see me." Hu Xueyan was a little uneasy.

Although Su Yi did not hold a high official position and did not have much power, as a favored minister of the emperor, he was already considered a powerful one.

Wang Youling said: "It's probably to raise wages or buy weapons."

Hu Xueyan is rich, so many officials will come to fight against the autumn wind. Of course, with Su Yi's level, it's more than that.

But it was very possible to raise wages. Hu Xueyan opened a bank and had dealings with foreign consortiums. Many senior officials later approached him to raise wages. It's just that he doesn't have such a big influence yet, and his dealings with foreign consortia have only just begun.

"By the way, on his recent errand, the emperor sent him to Guangzhou to negotiate with foreigners. He publicly said that he would be Zhang Yi and Su Qin, and that he would use his sharp tongue to persuade the British to withdraw unconditionally. What do you think?" Wang Youling asked.

Hu Xueyan said: "There is absolutely no such possibility. The British adopted pragmatic diplomacy. This time the troops were sent out with great momentum. Without sufficient benefits, it is absolutely impossible to withdraw the troops. This brother Su Yi, although he won the first place in the civil and military examinations, But after all, he has a narrow vision and does not look at the world.”

Wang Youling said: "So when we meet, don't talk about this matter, and try not to offend him. He is the emperor's favorite. Even if this matter fails, he can only rest at home for a few months at most. The emperor treats him It’s very important.”

Hu Xueyan said: "Then I know it in my heart."

Wang Youling said: "If he wants money, as long as the amount is not too large, you can give it to him and I will find a way for you."

Hu Xueyan bowed and said, "Thank you, sir."

Then, Hu Xueyan took a deep breath and went to meet Su Yi.

When he saw Su Yi, he fully expected to have a large piece of flesh cut off.

In their opinion, Su Yi came here to ask for money, otherwise why would Shi En Wang be old for nothing?

…………………………………………

"Little Hu Xueyan, please give my regards to my elder brother." Hu Xueyan bowed firmly.

Su Yi said: "Get up, your business has not been bad recently."

Hu Xueyan said: "It was all thanks to Mr. Wang's support, and also thanks to Brother Su Yi that we won the great victory in Jiangsu."

Then, he waited for Su Yi to speak.

As long as it doesn't exceed 200,000 taels, he is willing to take it out.

The meaning was very clear. In exchange for 200,000 taels, Su Yi could speak good words for Wang Youling in front of the emperor, help him tide over the difficulties, and successfully be promoted to the chief envoy of Jiangsu.

Su Yi smiled and said: "I know what you are thinking. You think that I gave Wang Youling a favor for no reason and was willing to speak good words for him in front of the emperor just to ask for money from you. And you probably have a number in mind, as long as it does not exceed ten I’m willing to take out hundreds of thousands taels.”

Hu Xueyan was startled and immediately said: "I don't dare to speculate on my elder brother's thoughts."

Su Yi said: "On the contrary, the reason why I helped Wang Youling was because of you."

Hu Xueyan was even more surprised and said: "I don't know where I can relieve my brother's worries. Xueyan will do his best."

Su Yi said: "I know that you are loyal and cannot betray Mr. Wang Youling. I don't mean that. It's just that in half a year, you and I will have a business cooperation. It will be a purely equal business cooperation. You don't have to be afraid."

How could Hu Xueyan not be afraid?

In this era, businessmen are most afraid of officials.

Especially Su Yi, a favorite of the emperor.

Of course, if Su Yi really wanted to have any thoughts about Hu Xueyan, it would be difficult to do so. After all, behind him were Wang Youling and He Guiqing, the real local gangsters.

However, Su Yi really had no intention of touching the other party's property, she just took a fancy to his talent.

Su Yi said: "Guang Yong, have you ever thought about taking the semicolon to the capital?"

Of course I do, even in my dreams.

But it can't be done. Without a backer, who would dare to open a bank in the capital.

Su Yi said: "If you want, I'd be willing to help."

Hu Xueyan was even more afraid, Brother Su Yi, why do you always say things that are superficial and profound?

But this is Su Yi's style, which may make people uncomfortable at first, but after it becomes a signature, this method becomes especially useful.

Hu Xueyan didn't know what to answer for a moment.

Answering that you don't have this idea is lying and will leave the other party with a hypocritical impression.

If yes, what should I do if the other party directly says, "You drive it and I will help you?"

Hu Xueyan said: "It is being planned, and I will definitely have the audacity to worship the Bodhisattva, my brother."

Su Yi smiled and said no more.

He knew clearly that he still did not have enough weight in Hu Xueyan's eyes at this time.

Although he was a favored minister of the emperor, his power in his hands was not great enough. He was not as powerful as Wang Youling, let alone a high-ranking official like He Guiqing.

But I came here specifically to get to know each other.

After all, this is a talent, and it is a talent that has been verified by history.

Wang Youling was not enough as his backer, and neither was Zuo Zongtang.

After Zuo Zongtang died, Li Hongzhang and Sheng Xuanhuai joined forces with foreign businessmen to bankrupt Hu Xueyan in less than a month.

Su Yi said: "Goodbye then. I may ask you to meet again in half a year."

Hu Xueyan said: "Yes, Xueyan will definitely arrive by then even if he is thousands of miles away."

…………………………………………

Leaving Hangzhou, we took a boat out to sea along the Qiantang River and continued north.

At this time, Hei Gong and others did not follow them on the ship, but went to Tianjing of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom to perform another lurking mission.

The Tianjing Incident has not yet broken out.

On the contrary, Yang Xiuqing became more and more fierce in the power struggle, which was not good.

Su Yi must find a way to get history back on track, and it's best to stick to his timeline.

Along the way north along the coast, the sea is very sluggish.

The usually busy trading ships were very few at this time, because the entire eastern sea was covered with war clouds.

And business is most risk averse, especially the risk of war.

Originally, Su Yi was supposed to go to Shanghai again, visit Wade and Sir Henry, and invite them to join his Jiujiang Economic Pilot Zone plan.

But it can't be done now. This is within the scope of Minister Bao Ling's responsibility and he will not get involved.

This economic pilot zone is so important. It is not only the start of Su Yi's foundation, but also the start of the industrialization of China as a whole.

There can be absolutely no mistakes.

In this way, Su Yi landed directly on the sea in Tianjin.

"Boom boom boom boom..."

Far away, a rumbling explosion was heard.

This is the sound of naval gunfire.

When I looked closer, I found something even more incredible.

After leaving for a month, the size of this fleet has actually increased. It includes not only the British fleet, but also the French fleet and the American fleet.

Moreover, they not only opened fire on the sea, but also opened fire on Tianjin's coastline.

Even... some shells have already landed on the ground in Tianjin.

As soon as Su Yi's ship approached, it was immediately surrounded by warships, and British soldiers boarded the ship for inspection.

However, it was quickly released.

Because Su Yi not only had a letter from Sir Bao Ling, but also a letter from the rear admiral.

However, he did not say anything about withdrawing troops. This order was given by Bao Ling.

Because Bao Ling was not only the British Minister to China, but also the highest British commander in China.

…………………………………………

Su Yi got off the boat and went to the New Army barracks first.

In order to avoid the artillery fire of the British fleet, the new army had already gone to the new barracks and abandoned the original naval camp.

The second batch of new troops was originally planned to be 3,500 people, but it turned out to be only 1,500 people.

I have been training for more than three months now.

Su Yi is away and Wang Shiqing is on the front line, so the current top officials of the New Army are Ronglu and Zhaobu.

As the head coach of the new army, Su Yi observed the drills for several hours.

He couldn't help but frown.

The reason why the number of soldiers recruited has been halved is simple: there is no money.

Because the entire Eight Banners, as well as the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Household Affairs, are hostile to the new army.

Therefore, even under heavy pressure from the emperor, he only allocated less than one million taels.

Of course, to some extent, the Ministry of Revenue is really out of money.

And the emperor was unwilling to pay out of his own pocket.

These 1,500 recruits are not as good as the first batch of new troops in terms of performance and spirit.

However, this is also normal.

This first batch of new troops was trained by Su Yi personally. In just a few months, they experienced the baptism of spirit and blood, and even spontaneously organized a mutiny. Of course, it was completely different.

"Commander, my subordinates are incompetent. Please punish me, Commander-in-Chief." Zhaobu and others knelt down neatly in front of Su Yi.

Su Yi said: "Zhaobu, last year's new army had many opportunities that were hard to come by, so they won't be available again. Right now, this new army has only one path, be strict and ruthless. As for the rest, we'll talk about it later. "

Zhaobu kowtowed and said, "I obey!"

Su Yi also wanted to train this new army in person, but he had too many more important things to do.

And this second new army does make him very dissatisfied now, but when it is brought to the battlefield and surrounded by veterans, it will still transform.

Although there are already many veterans in this new army, and the officers are almost all sent by veterans.

But it's still not enough.

………………………………

After only more than two hours, Su Yi left the New Army barracks.

Continue to gallop into Beijing.

When I passed Tianjin, I found that it was already in chaos, and the rich and powerful businessmen inside had already escaped.

Moreover, sixty-seven out of ten people fled.

Tianjin Green Camp is defending the city, as if facing a powerful enemy, its face is earth-colored.

Although Su Yi's side has finished talking, on Tianjin's side, war is about to break out.

Unexpectedly, the situation turned out to be so critical at this time.

He couldn't waste any more time and continued to speed towards the capital.

…………………………………………

And this time!

Rumors have spread throughout the capital.

Su Yi has been away for more than a month, but there is no news.

It's not just negotiations that have failed.

Su Yi might have been arrested.

What's more, Su Yi's tough attitude completely angered the foreigners, which made the situation even more precarious.

Su Yi may have died in the hands of the British.

And so on.

Above the court, there were even more dark clouds.

For the emperor, this was another extremely painful month.

Su Yi went to negotiate for more than a month, but there was no news.

But the battle reports from Guangzhou came one after another.

Each time was a big defeat.

The militia around Guangzhou, the Green Camp kept going to rescue Guangzhou and wanted to recapture Guangzhou.

Two or three thousand people were sent one after another.

But all were defeated.

I heard that the British army in Guangzhou only had more than 4,000 people.

Tens of thousands of people could not beat 4,000 people.

The combat effectiveness of the British army was so strong.

And it was heard that Britain was still recruiting troops.

The scale of the war must be expanded immediately to occupy the entire Guangdong.

Guangdong is another source of income for the court besides Jiangsu and Zhejiang. If it is lost, it will be even worse.

Of course, the situation in Tianjin is even more terrible.

Everyone can see with their naked eyes that the British fleet is constantly increasing.

Compared with before, the size of the fleet has almost doubled.

Moreover, their actions have become more and more radical.

The day before yesterday, the shells even fell on the outskirts of Tianjin, and casualties have already occurred.

Tianjin City is within the range of the ship's guns. Once the fire is opened, the consequences will be disastrous.

It looks like a situation of heaven and earth collapsing.

Su Ye, how are the talks going over there?

You have to get some news, too.

And the bad news is not just about the foreigners, the war situation in the south is also worrying.

After breaking the Jiangnan camp, although the rebels did not pursue the victory, the rebel pseudo-king Shi Dakai's Western Expedition Army has entered Jiangxi, winning battles one after another, and has now captured most of the prefectures in Jiangxi.

It seems that the whole of Jiangxi is about to fall.

The emperor's mood is completely terrible.

"Your Majesty, we can't wait any longer. Su Ye's negotiations must have failed. We must start new preparations."

"Your Majesty, Su Ye is young and energetic. He must have angered the British, which is why the British retaliated so fiercely and continued to increase their troops."

"The most urgent task is to re-send experienced ministers as imperial envoys to renegotiate with the British."

"I recommend He Guiqing, the governor of Liangjiang."

"I recommend Qiying and Yili Bu. After all, these two have talked with the British and have experience."

"I ask you to recall Su Ye to prevent him from further exacerbating the situation."

"I ask your Majesty to order Su Ye to be reprimanded, give the British an explanation first, appease them, and prevent the situation from further deteriorating!"

And at this time.

The eunuch rushed to report: "Your Majesty, Su Ye returned to Beijing to report and asked for an audience outside the palace!"

Everyone was stunned. He suddenly came back?

Wasn't he detained by the British?

The emperor said: "Quick, send it quickly!"

A moment later, the dusty Su Ye entered the palace.

All eyes were on Su Ye for a moment.

The emperor stood up and asked urgently: "Su Ye, how did the negotiation go? How did the negotiation go?"

For the emperor, and even for the courtiers.

As long as the compensation is less than 8 million, it will be considered a success.

It is more important to get the British to withdraw their troops first.

Su Ye said: "Your Majesty, I have fulfilled my mission and the negotiation has been successful. The British are willing to withdraw their troops."

The emperor asked: "What conditions? What are the British conditions?"

All the courtiers pricked up their ears.

As long as the compensation is less than 8 million, they will not say anything now. As long as the British can withdraw their troops, 8 million is worth it.

Even if there is a settlement, it will be a matter for the future.

Su Ye said: "The British agreed to withdraw their troops unconditionally. This is the letter of credence submitted by the British Minister Bowring. This is the treaty signed between me and the other party. Please read it, Your Majesty!"

The emperor was shocked, and the whole court was shocked.

Unconditional withdrawal?

How is this possible?

With this situation, how can it be possible to withdraw unconditionally?

The emperor took the treaty signed by both parties. Of course, he couldn't understand the English, so he only read the Chinese part.

It was clearly written on it that the British were willing to withdraw unconditionally.

At this time, a faint voice came from below.

"Your Majesty, has Su Ye been fooled by the British? They are constantly increasing their troops. How can they withdraw? Is this their delaying tactic?"

If Su Ye said that the British were willing to withdraw unconditionally, and the British fleet on the sea of ​​Tianjin opened fire on Tianjin, it would be fun.

Then this Su Ye would probably be beaten to the end.

This is completely a crime of deceiving the emperor.

……………………………………

However, it was destined to make some people get what they wanted.

On the sea of ​​Tianjin, the joint fleet was continuing to threaten Tianjin City, and the artillery fire was getting closer and closer.

When the footsteps of war were getting closer and closer.

Suddenly, a British ship appeared on the horizon of the sea in the south.

On the ship was the commander of the British fleet in China, Rear Admiral Sima Smith.

His warship went directly into the interior of the joint fleet.

Give the order.

Fleet retreat!

Then, the warships waved flags.

The whole army retreats!

Then, the combined fleet turned around and headed eastwards in the opposite direction of Tianjin City.

In just over half an hour, the combined fleet retreated completely.

…………………………………………

Note: The second update is here. In the last two hours, defend the monthly ticket list!

Happy New Year, everyone. However, Gaodian has no holiday, so he continues to write.

Dear benefactors, can you continue to vote for me for the guaranteed monthly ticket in two hours? Thank you.

Happy New Year, thank you everyone!