Usurping the Qing Dynasty: My first love was Cixi

Chapter 144 Shen Baozhen surrenders to Su Ye! Zeng Guofan attacks!

Inside the room!

Shen Baozhen lies on the bed, pale and silent.

There is gauze wrapped around his chest, stained with blood. There is a bowl on the table with a deformed bullet in it.

Li Xubin said: "We will lead the army to leave tomorrow and return to Wuchang."

"Today's battle, we have contributed a lot and also returned Su Ye's favor."

"And I can see that Su Ye's new army is very powerful, but it's just that."

Shen Baozhen is silent.

Li Xubin said: "Youdan, today's battle has helped us open up the situation. Now the situation is very clear. The rebels still have more than 10,000 defenders in Nanchang, and Su Ye suffered heavy casualties in today's battle. Even if the Taiping Army that surrendered in Jiujiang is included, he only has more than 5,000 people. With these more than 5,000 people, he still has to defend Jiujiang, and it is impossible for him to capture Nanchang."

This situation is very clear.

Nanchang is a big city, bigger than Jiujiang.

In today's battle, Yang Fuqing suffered shocking casualties, at least more than half of them.

At this time, he had led the remaining troops back to Nanchang.

At this time, there were still several thousand people in Nanchang. When Yang Fuqing returned to Nanchang, there were at least 15,000 or 16,000 Nanchang defenders.

In today's battle, Su Ye suffered several thousand casualties.

The Hunan Army suffered 500 to 600 casualties.

The casualties of both sides added up to more than 2,000.

So, no matter how you look at it, Su Ye is powerless to attack Nanchang again.

Li Xubin said: "Su Ye is powerless to attack Nanchang, but we can. Originally, there were more than 40,000 rebels in Nanchang City, and now there may be only 15,000 or 16,000 left. We only need to mobilize 20,000 to 30,000 people to attack Nanchang."

Mobilize 20,000 to 30,000 people?

Then Wuchang will not be defended?

Hubei will not be defended?

Li Xubin said: "Originally, the rebels had 40,000 in Nanchang, and a strong attack would definitely not work, so your surrender was the best strategy. But now there are only 15,000 or 16,000 rebels left, so a strong attack is the best strategy. Su Ye does not have this force, but we do."

"Of course, this will put Hubei in some danger, but as long as we move fast, we will definitely make it in time. Besides, Shi Dakai and Hong Xiuquan are fighting each other happily and have no intention of attacking Hubei."

"So, I think this risk is worth taking."

"Although the cost is high, as long as we take Nanchang, we can still turn the game around, and we can still get the governor of Jiangxi. We can still win this game against Su Ye."

"Youdan, did you hear me?" Li Xubin said.

At this time, Shen Baozhen was staring at the roof in a daze.

"Youdan." Li Xubin shouted again.

Shen Baozhen seemed to wake up, then shook his head and said: "Ke Hui will lead the army back to Wuchang tomorrow?"

Li Xubin said: "Yes, although your injury is not light, it should not be a problem to take a boat all the way."

Shen Baozhen was silent for a while and said: "I am the prefect of Jiujiang and the Jiangxi Provincial Surveillance Commissioner. I have the responsibility to defend the land."

As soon as these words came out, Li Xubin was completely stunned.

You, what do you mean by Shen Baozhen?

You remember that you have the responsibility to defend the land at this time? You stayed in Hubei for a long time before, why don't you talk about the duty of defending the land?

You are the prefect of Jiujiang three years ago.

Li Xubin said: "Youdan, what do you mean? Are you saying that you want to stay in Jiujiang?"

Shen Baozhen said: "I am already disheartened after this series of defeats. I will apologize to the emperor and resign from all my official positions."

Li Xubin trembled and said: "Youdan, you, don't be confused. Although the bullet of this shot was fired by our rifle, it may not be ours. It is possible that Su Ye wanted to kill someone with a borrowed knife. He hates you the most."

Shen Baozhen said: "In this battle, I have been defeated repeatedly and lost 10,000 or 20,000 people. I have committed a great sin. I am ashamed to see Lord Di. I will apologize another day."

Li Xubin said in a hoarse voice: "If you lose, you lose. It won't do anything to you. If you really make the wrong choice, do you still want your reputation in the official circle? You will be ridiculed if you keep doing this."

Shen Baozhen closed his eyes and stopped talking.

He saw clearly that he had lost so badly this time and he had no chance to turn things around in the Hunan Army.

Many people in the Hunan Army were afraid that they wanted to tear him apart.

The key point was that he was too independent this time, and he monopolized power, especially the Nanchang flag change, which had subtly excluded Hu Linyi.

If he had won, it would have been fine, as he had earned the post of governor of Jiangxi for Hu Linyi, but he lost and lost so many soldiers.

So his future in the Hunan Army was over.

He thought about it and struggled again and again.

He found that there was only one road in front of him.

At first it was really hard to accept, but after a little thought, he found that this was a smooth road.

It was even easier than the Hunan Army.

Because Su Ye's side was too short of senior talents, or there were none at all.

Before, I was blinded by a single leaf and always thought that Su Ye was a lucky minister. Now that they have been fighting hand-to-hand for more than a month, I can see it clearly.

Su Ye is amazingly talented and has a bright future.

And Shen Baozhen may have some personal ethics.

But his talent is absolutely first-class.

Whether it is domestic affairs or foreign affairs, there are actually few people in the world who can compare with him.

He is not a leader, but he is an absolute capable person.

On the surface, he seems to be inferior to Li Hongzhang, but in terms of doing things, he has more advantages than Li Hongzhang.

Li Hongzhang is too smooth and too smart.

As for Shen Baozhen, his actions were more extreme than Li Hongzhang's.

Shen Baozhen's structure is not as good as Zuo Zongtang's, but he is more suitable than Zuo Zongtang for doing some things.

Zuo Zongtang needs to be driven by great righteousness.

As for Shen Baozhen, he must be driven by profit.

Li Xubin never expected that the other party would make such a choice.

"You Dan, this Su Yi is a bannerman. If you do this, your reputation will be ruined." Li Xubin almost roared: "If you do this, you will bring shame to Lord Lin Zexu underground."

Li Xubin directly revealed Shen Baozhen's inner plan and pierced the window paper, even though the other party didn't mention a word about it.

Shen Baozhen remained silent.

Extraordinary people do extraordinary things.

It's still too late now, but if it's later, it will really be too late.

By the time the second Han elite defected, Shen Baozhen would no longer be valuable.

How did Zhang Yuzhao die that day? He wants to take this as a warning.

Seeing Shen Baozhen close his eyes, Li Xubin said angrily: "I'm ashamed of you!"

Then, he directly pulled out the knife and cut off a corner of his clothes. This meant very clearly that he was cutting off his robes and breaking off the relationship.

Shen Baozhen still closed his eyes and allowed the other party to scold him, as if he was spitting on himself.

Can Han Xin endure the humiliation on his crotch? What's more?

……………………………………………………

The next day!

Li Xubin left Jiujiang angrily with hundreds of Hunan troops and returned to Wuchang by boat.

But Shen Baozhen stayed.

He even didn't wait until the injury healed, so he held on to his injury and went outside the prefect's Yamen to seek treatment.

Su Yi was looking at the casualty list and preparing to compensate him with money.

In yesterday's battle, the New Army and the newly returned Taiping Army together suffered more than 1,400 casualties.

It's extremely heartbreaking.

But the pension money must not be owed.

Pensions, disability benefits, etc. add up to two to three hundred thousand taels.

This money cannot be asked from the court. Because the court's pension standards were much lower, Su Yi had to pay out of his own pocket.

However, he really didn't have enough money.

To buy new guns and cannons from foreigners, the city would spend tens of thousands of people.

Moreover, food and pay for the new army are huge expenses.

The one million taels of private money given by Princess Shouan has almost been spent before starting the factory.

Money is the courage of heroes.

The Jiujiang Economic Pilot Zone must be established as soon as possible. It must have a base and money.

Otherwise, if you ask the emperor for it, the military expenditure you will receive every year will be too small and not enough.

But in the eyes of the emperor and the court, this was already a lot.

Li Qi came in and said, "Sir, Shen Baozhen would like to see you."

Su Yi said: "Invite him in."

A moment later, a pale Shen Baozhen walked in, bowed to Su Yi and said, "Your Majesty, I would like to pay my respects to Mr. Su Yi."

"Student, meet Mr. Su Yi."

Hearing these next words, Su Yi's heart almost trembled.

This attitude is too low.

At this time, nothing needs to be said.

Su Yi stepped forward and offered support: "Mr. Youdan, please get up. You must not dare."

"How is your injury? Is there a fever? Is it recurring?"

Shen Baozhen said: "Thank you for your concern, sir. Thanks to your magic medicine, I had a severe fever yesterday, but it subsided quickly."

Su Yi said: "That's good, that's good."

Shen Baozhen said: "Brother is frowning, but what's bothering you? I wonder if I can share your worries with you?"

Su Yi said: "It's not a big deal."

Shen Baozhen took the initiative to come to the table, saw the dense list of the dead and said: "In the battle last night, your new army was unstoppable and defeated several times the enemy army. The dead are heavier than Mount Tai and should be heavily compensated. The disabled should also be compensated. The generous reward makes his life worry-free. Are you worried about the money?"

Su Yi said: "Yes."

Shen Baozhen said: "Approximately how much silver is needed?"

Su Yi said: "Two hundred and sixty thousand taels."

Shen Baozhen said: "I am willing to donate my money to share your worries."

Su Yi was stunned and said, "Mr. Youdan, it doesn't have to be like this."

Shen Baozhen said: "These casualties and soldiers have been a life-saving grace for me, so I am willing to pay this money."

Su Yi hesitated for a while, then refused.

Next, Shen Baozhen said: "Sir, although we have defeated the Fa Ni army, there were only 156 of them who originally had more than 40,000 Fa Ni. But Nanchang is a big city. Although my brother's new army is elite, after all, The other half are the newly surrendered Taiping Army, which has not yet officially formed an army, and they have to divide their forces to defend Jiujiang. It is really difficult to capture Nanchang. "

"And be careful not to make a wedding dress for others. Regarding the capture of Nanchang, the lower official has a plan."

……………………………………………………

Li Xubin took a boat to go north and soon arrived in Wuchang.

As a result, Hu Linyi was not in Wuchang City, but in Changsha. Li Xubin was immediately anxious. He was the registered envoy of Hubei Province and ranked very high among the Hunan Army.

He immediately summoned the Hunan army generals in Wuchang City and reported what happened in Nanchang and Jiujiang, especially to his teacher Luo Zenan.

Suddenly, the generals of the Hunan Army were furious and cursed Shen Baozhen for being shameless.

"We can't just forget about this battle. It's okay if Shen Baozhen doesn't rebel. If he rebels, we should capture Nanchang and Jiangxi at all costs. This is related to the dignity of our Hunan Army."

"I will immediately gather an army here and be ready to go south at any time."

"Now that Nanchang City is officially at its weakest, we are fully capable of taking it down."

"Take the Yangtze River, enter Poyang Lake, and then land on the east side of Nanchang, which is faster."

"Let's gather the troops here, and you go to Changsha quickly, report to Marshal Zeng and Master Hu, and then rush back immediately."

In this world, it was much easier for the Hunan Army to recapture Wuchang for the second time, so Luo Zenan was not seriously injured and was still alive at this time.

At this time, he, like Li Xubin, was both a Taoist priest, and with the title of Inspector, he was considered to be on the same level.

But Li Xubin was his disciple, so he was still the leader.

After hearing Li Xubin's words, Luo Zenan immediately made up his mind and even blamed Hu Linyi in his heart. At this critical moment, what are you doing in Changsha? You should be in Wuchang to take charge of the overall situation. Isn't it a waste of time now?

Li Xubin did not stop, and immediately took a speedboat to the west of the Yangtze River. After arriving at Dongting Lake, he went south, and then along the Xiangjiang River to Changsha.

After getting off the boat, he still didn't make any stop and rushed directly to Zeng Guofan's hometown in Baiyangping.

As a result, Hu Linyi and Zeng Guofan were not at home, but at the Hunan Governor's Yamen in Changsha City.

Li Xubin galloped to the governor's Yamen again.

Then, he finally met Zeng Guofan and Hu Linyi.

Not only these two big guys, but also Luo Bingzhang.

Zuo Zongtang was not here, he had gone somewhere.

Seeing Li Xubin running in with a look of shock on his face, Hu Linyi trembled: "What's wrong? Could it be..."

Li Xubin said: "My three lords, Nanchang Yizhi has been defeated. Of the more than 10,000 troops we brought, there are less than 1,000 left."

As soon as these words came out, Zeng Guofan and others were struck by lightning.

Li Xubin said: "In Jiujiang, Shen Baozhen was attacked and killed from behind, and the bullets dug out were rifles from our Hunan Army. So... he rebelled and took refuge with Su Yi."

These words shocked Luo Bingzhang, Hu Linyi, and Zeng Guofan.

"Isn't he afraid of losing his reputation?"

"Isn't he afraid that he won't be able to behave as a human being among the officials?"

"He completely judged a gentleman with a villain's heart. Although he failed so miserably, he still had the courage to do things after all. Are we still going to punish him? Even if he is punished, it will be punished by the emperor."

Zeng Guofan, Hu Linyi, and Luo Bingzhang were furious.

Li Xubin said: "My three lords, now is not the time to pursue Shen Baozhen. The city of Nanchang is empty now, and Yang Fuqing has just suffered a big defeat, with only ten thousand people. Su Yi does not have the troops to take down Nanchang City, but we have this ability."

"It's just that because of Shen Baozhen, we lost 10,000 to 20,000 soldiers and horses, and our vitality was severely damaged. If we send another 20,000 to 30,000 troops to attack Nanchang, Hubei will be a little empty."

"Do you want to take the risk?"

The three giants Hu Linyi, Zeng Guofan, and Luo Bingzhang looked at each other.

Then, they nodded to each other.

In this situation, this risk must be taken.

Hu Linyi said: "I will return to Wuchang immediately, lead the army south, and attack Nanchang!"

Zeng Guofan said: "Since we want to fight, we should be more generous. Instead of having more than 20,000 people, we can directly lead an army of 30,000."

As a result, Hubei will really be empty.

Zeng Guofan said: "Now that the rebels and puppet Tianjing are still fighting, they are unable to attack us. Moreover, the main force of the Shida Kaishui Division has all returned to Tianjing. There will not be any harassment from the rebels along the way."

Luo Bingzhang said: "Yes, if you want to do it, then do it thoroughly!"

"Yes!" Hu Linyi cupped his hands and said, "Then I'll take my leave."

Then, without stopping at all, he immediately left the governor's office with Li Xubin, rode horseback to the dock, took a boat north along the Xiangjiang River, crossed Dongting Lake, entered the Yangtze River, and returned to Wuchang.

They are fast and very decisive.

Winning Nanchang was still a great victory for Hu Linyi.

……………………………………………………

When we returned to Wuchang, the army was still gathering.

The entire surface of the Yangtze River is densely packed, blocking out the sky and the sun.

Li Xubin suddenly said: "Master Hu, if we had directly sent 30,000 to 40,000 troops to attack Jiujiang, perhaps these things would not have happened."

Who knows?

At that time, the Hunan Army had clearly surrounded Jiujiang and planned to let Su Yi's three thousand new troops die, but they stood by and watched.

Unexpectedly, the Tianjing Incident happened, and Shen Baozhen hurriedly took 10,000 to 20,000 people to attack Jiujiang.

Actually tell the truth.

Shen Baozhen is still very powerful. If he hadn't met the foresight Su Yi, his plan to change the flag in Nanchang would have been successful.

Nanchang has been captured without any bloodshed.

The next day!

The Hunan Army's 30,000 troops were assembled and hundreds of large ships were installed.

Hu Linyi personally led the army and marched southward along the Yangtze River.

Soldiers are valuable and quick.

But this time, the Hunan Army showed unprecedented speed.

Now, it's their turn to race against time.

The original capture of Jiangxi was also for the strategic deployment of the Hunan Army.

But now it is not just about strategic deployment, but also about the dignity of the Hunan Army.

The army travels quickly by water. At this speed, it will not take a few days for these 30,000 troops to enter Poyang Lake along the Yangtze River, and then land in Jianchang County to the west of Poyang Lake.

Jianchang County is less than a hundred miles away from the provincial capital Nanchang.

In this way, at most four or five days, the army will be able to approach Nanchang City.

……………………………………………………

And here, Su Yi is also very quick.

He asked Wang Shiqing to defend the city, and he led only 3,000 people to quickly march south.

March south quickly!

But... 3,000 people wanted to attack Nanchang City, which was defended by 15,000 to 6,000 people.

It was almost impossible.

At this time, Su Ye was not only racing against time, but also racing against the Hunan Army.

He judged that the Hunan Army would definitely go all out and attack Nanchang this time.

Su Ye deduced again and again that this time the Hunan Army seemed to be taking a risky move and Hubei was empty, but in fact there was nothing wrong.

Now the highest level of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom is still fighting, Shi Dakai and Hong Xiuquan are also on the verge of a split, and they are absolutely unable to attack Hubei.

And according to Su Ye's deduction, the Hunan Army only needs about 23,000 to 4,000 people to capture Nanchang at this time.

Even 20,000 people will do.

Because at this time the Taiping Army in Nanchang was divided into two forces, and they were at odds with each other.

Su Ye even wanted to ask Shen Baozhen, you still have a chance to take Nanchang City at this time, why don't you follow Li Xubin back, but come to me?

However, he didn't ask this question,

Shen Baozhen is a celebrity after all, some words are too clear, but it will tear his face.

You have to keep some dignity.

But Shen Baozhen himself has a clear answer.

He has considered it repeatedly. At this time, the Hunan Army does have the best chance to take Nanchang, but what does that have to do with him, Shen Baozhen?

It was Hu Linyi who came out to turn the tide, and he, Shen Baozhen, would only be further reduced to dust.

Will the military power be handed over to him, Shen Baozhen, in this battle?

And the shot in his back, whether it was fired by the Hunan Army or not, this grudge could not be eliminated.

Heroes, if you want to make a decision, you have to be quick!

If you procrastinate, you will lose all opportunities.

So this person is really the same from beginning to end.

He rushed to attack Jiujiang that day, very decisive.

Next, he persuaded Wei Jun and Yang Fuqing to surrender, even more decisively and quickly.

Now he turned his head and was still extremely decisive.

A few dozen miles away from Nanchang City, Su Ye's 3,000 troops stopped.

Then, in the familiar old place!

In the familiar courtyard.

Su Ye and Shen Baozhen waited quietly.

Su Ye poured tea for Shen Baozhen and said, "Mr. Youdan, you are injured, so you don't have to follow me."

Shen Baozhen said, "I have no merit, how dare I waste my time."

Su Ye said, "According to Mr. Youdan's speculation, will he come?"

Shen Baozhen said, "He should come."

Then, the two played Go quietly.

Soon, Su Ye lost.

The difference in chess skills between the two sides was too great.

Shen Baozhen was surprised. In his opinion, Su Ye was so smart and his chess skills should be very high, so he played very hard.

Unexpectedly, Su Ye's chess skills were so... bad.

After a while, Li Qi reported: "Sir, he is here!"

This time, a group of soldiers came in to clear the area first, and guarded everywhere with Su Ye's army.

Finally, Wei Jun walked in with peace of mind.

It was still him, the head of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, the younger brother of Wei Changhui, and the former commander of the Taiping Army in Nanchang.

His injury was still not healed, and his entire neck was wrapped tightly.

When Wei Jun saw Su Ye and Shen Baozhen together, he was completely stunned.

What happened?

Why...why are these two people sitting together?

"You, what's going on?" Wei Jun trembled.

Shen Baozhen said: "I have been under the command of Brother Su Ye."

This was the first time he said this bluntly, and he had never said anything similar even in front of Su Ye.

But at this time, facing Wei Jun, a person from the opposite camp, he felt that he had to make it clear.

Moreover, this was also a deterrent to Wei Jun.

Even I, Shen Baozhen, was loyal to Su Ye, let alone you?

And it was more frank to say this in front of the opposing camp.

"I... I..." Wei Jun was speechless.

Su Ye said: "General Wei Jun, let's talk about your surrender and offering the city."

Wei Jun exclaimed: "You are crazy, you are crazy. Who dares to surrender in this situation? How can you offer the city?"

"You are simply crazy. You have failed before, and I was almost killed. Your Hunan Army was almost destroyed. Now you dare to come to me to persuade me to surrender."

"Who dares to surrender to the Taiping Army in Nanchang City will be torn to pieces immediately!"

Yes, when Shen Baozhen proposed the plan to take Nanchang, Su Ye was also very surprised.

Unexpectedly, after the failed persuasion, Shen Baozhen dared to propose a plan to persuade him to surrender.

The key is that Shen Baozhen and he thought very similarly. It's just that he didn't know everything, so the plan was not so clear.

Then, Su Ye told his plan.

Then Shen Baozhen was also stunned, amazed at Su Ye's wild and unrestrained plan.

Su Ye said: "If you do as I say, you won't be torn to pieces, and you will get wealth and honor."

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Note: The first update is here. If you have a monthly ticket, remember to vote for me.

I'm going to bed. See you tonight.