Usurping the Qing Dynasty: My first love was Cixi

Chapter 204: Bad news in the palace! The emperor is furious! (Happy New Year's Eve)

It was useless to yell at this time. The Minister of Personnel Hua Sha became quiet and watched all this quietly.

He couldn't even imagine how all this happened.

These were the governors of seven provinces.

How did Su Ye convince them? This was a huge responsibility.

He didn't even know how to report this to the court.

Everyone knew the emperor's temper. He didn't care whether the news you reported was important or not, but as long as you reported bad news, he would have a bad impression of you.

Witnessed by the British Empire's royal envoy, the signing of the Seven Provinces Covenant was completed.

Seven copies in total.

One copy for each person.

Everyone signed his name and stamped his official seal.

At this time, Hua Sha clearly felt that the court's authority seemed to be broken.

Then, Su Ye signed his name.

And stamped his personal seal.

The royal envoy of the British Empire was just a bystander in this seven-province covenant.

Next, the Southern Economic Cooperation Body signed the contract.

This is a very detailed contract, which stipulates that the goods in the Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone can be sold unimpeded in the seven southern provinces.

And when entering each province, only one tax is paid, which is stipulated to be 5%.

Because the Lijin Bureaus in various provinces are very chaotic now, many things will be taxed many times after entering the market, and even one tax will be collected once they pass through.

This 5% tax rate is of course low, but it is also to offset the impact of the Tianjin Treaty.

Because the Tianjin Treaty stipulates that after foreign goods enter the Chinese market, after paying taxes at various checkpoints, they do not need to pay any taxes when entering the markets of various provinces.

The tax system is too complicated, so the first contract of this Southern Economic Cooperation Body is tentatively set for five years.

Su Ye will enter the center in the future, and the commodity tax will definitely be increased later, becoming one of the main fiscal revenues of the country.

But take it slowly.

And now these industries are in the cultivation period, so try to tax as little as possible.

Of course, the same applies to goods from other provinces entering Jiangxi, which are also taxed only once, 5%.

In addition, the cooperative body stipulates that all lijin bureaus on the Yangtze River waterway will be abolished.

Taxes will be collected on the shore, and no one or any official organization may collect taxes on the Yangtze River waterway.

Of course, such cooperation is too advantageous for the Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone.

A cooperative that takes advantage unilaterally will not last long.

Therefore, it is stipulated in the cooperative body.

The two industries of cigarettes and steel strictly adopt the agency system of each province.

In other words, Su Ye's Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone cannot sell directly in various provinces.

Instead, the sales rights must be handed over to the agents of each province, that is, to let them make a wave of profits.

However, the Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone has the right to guide, replace, and set prices for the agents of each province.

In short, this is a very pragmatic contract.

The governors of the seven provinces signed and stamped the official seal.

Su Ye signed and stamped.

Finally, the British Empire's royal envoy also signed his name and stamped the seal.

Because 49% of the shares of Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone belong to the British side.

Within two years, the products of the entire Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone can probably only be supplied to the domestic market, and will definitely be exported in the future.

Especially cigarettes, which will definitely be sold all over the world.

After signing.

Start taking pictures.

The picture is frozen.

This historical moment is frozen.

Perhaps no one present knows that China in this world has taken off from this moment.

………………………………

Next, various reporters began to interview.

British, American, French, etc.

The Times reporter asked: "Dear Sir Su Ye, is your action against your court and your emperor?"

The translator next to him translated it into Chinese meticulously.

At this time, Su Ye was not speaking English, because he was Chinese.

"Of course not. Both the Seven Provinces Covenant and the Southern Economic Cooperation Body are in line with China's interests, the interests of the court, and the interests of His Majesty the Emperor."

"We are always loyal to the court center and His Majesty the Emperor."

The Times reporter asked: "Excuse me, has the establishment of your Southern Seven Provinces Covenant and Southern Economic Cooperation Body been approved by the Qing court and the emperor?"

Su Yi said: "The Southern Seven Provinces Covenant is mainly to protect the Yangtze River waterway and protect the people of the seven provinces from the harm of illegal missionaries. The Xiamen tragedy that happened not long ago was shocking. I believe everyone has seen it. Even in London, it caused a huge response."

"So the Southern Seven Provinces Covenant is just for self-protection. It is not aimed at any third party, let alone the court. Please don't make too much interpretation."

Reporter from Paris News: "Is the establishment of the Southern Economic Cooperation Body to fight against dumping by other countries? Will it hurt the interests of countries including Britain and France?"

Su Yi said: "Under the principle of fairness and equality, we welcome trade with countries all over the world. This is a free and open market, and fair competition is the only rule."

The New York Times reporter, who had just changed his name, asked: "The British envoy appeared at the signing ceremony and signed the relevant contracts. Sir Su Ye, how much of your Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone is owned by British capital?"

Su Ye said: "This is a commercial secret, sorry."

The New York Times reporter continued to ask: "Then will your country's industries accept the entry of capital from other countries in the future?"

Su Ye said: "In principle, this is the case, but the British Empire has always been our top priority strategic partner."

The Times reporter asked: "Sir Su Ye, the establishment of the Seven Provinces Covenant today and the establishment of the Southern Economic Cooperation Body, is the main purpose to counter the Tianjin Treaty?"

There is no room for redemption on this issue.

Su Ye thought for a while and said, "Yes!"

The Times reporter said, "Does that mean that the Seven Provinces Covenant and the establishment of the Southern Economic Cooperation Body will greatly harm the interests of the British Empire?"

Su Ye said, "Of course not, on the contrary. A vibrant and economically prosperous country is more in line with the interests of the British Empire. I am here to show the British people another possibility, not war and oppression, but peaceful cooperation and win-win."

"Please witness, and in the future, please witness the people of the entire British Empire that the superiority of our cooperation route is far greater than war and coercion."

"Our country also has the right to develop, and our country is equal to other countries in the world."

"Our country's development in the East is in the interests of the British Empire and in line with the construction of a stable world order."

Next, Su Ye smiled and said, "Next, welcome to visit my colleagues."

These reporters all received red envelopes.

So, the governors of the seven provinces will be asked questions one by one, and everyone will be equally affected.

"Mr. Governor-General of Fujian and Zhejiang, what do you have to say to the British Empire and your court about the Xiamen Incident?

Tian Yugong said: "When you look closer, you will find that the victims are just like you, they are also human beings! Especially those children, they are no different from the children of your nobles and the children of your commoners. They are just as innocent and naive, and just as precious."

At this point, Tian Yugong paused for a moment.

Because there is still half a question to be told to the court.

Tian Yugong said: "If you fall behind, you will be beaten. You can only work hard to become stronger! Hiding and covering your eyes is useless."

Hearing this, Huasha's face twitched.

"Mr. Zeng Guofan, why did you participate in this alliance? Aren't you afraid of offending your emperor?"

This question made Zeng Guofan's heart tremble.

"No one is more wise than the emperor. As long as it is in the interests of the Qing Dynasty, it is in the interests of the emperor."

"Mr. Xu Youren, may I ask if the Seven Provinces Alliance will cause the division of the Qing Dynasty? ”

These questions were more intense than the last.

Xu Youren said: "Of course it is impossible. We are resisting an unequal treaty and we are protecting the people. I believe that the seven southern provinces are just one step ahead and set an example for the whole country. I believe that the people of the whole country have the same heart as us."

"Lord Wang Youling, I have studied your information carefully. All the adults present are winners of your country's imperial examination system. Only your official position was bought, and only you did not pass the imperial examination. How do you feel sitting among them?"

Li Xubin next to him said: "You didn't study it clearly enough, and I didn't pass the imperial examination."

Wang Youling smiled and said: "This is exactly my pride. I am not even a scholar, but I can be with all of you. I am very honored."

"Lord Luo Bingzhang, you are a Jinshi of your country. Lord Wang Youling and Lord Li Xubin did not pass your imperial examination but are on an equal footing with you. Doesn't this prove that your country's imperial examination system has fallen behind? ”

This question made Luo Bingzhang sweat on his back.

Luo Bingzhang said: "This further proves that our court is inclusive and tolerant, and only promotes talents."

"Lord Li Xubin, you are a general, but you have become the governor of Anhui. In the eyes of many people, the Hunan Army is a warlord and is not controlled by the court. What do you think?"

Li Xubin's scalp tingled.

In fact, these reporters did not have such a deep understanding of these officials.

But Bashali knew and prepared a thick stack of information for them.

All the questions seemed sharp and ordinary, but in fact they had serious political tendencies.

Li Xubin said: "Of course not, there is no such name as the Hunan Army. They are all the army of the court. We, like other green camps, are all under the court and completely obey the emperor's will. "

Su Ye said: "Okay, there is only one question left."

The Times reporter said: "May I ask if the Seven Provinces Covenant is of a military nature? In other words, if one province is attacked militarily, other provinces have the obligation to provide assistance? "

This question was even more pointed.

Hua Shana pricked up her ears immediately after hearing it.

Tian Yugong said: "No doubt, it is so."

Xu Youren said: "No doubt, it is so."

Wang Youling and Shen Baozhen both gave the same answer.

Suddenly, the pressure came to the Hunan Army.

Zeng Guofan also felt his scalp tingling and didn't know how to answer at all.

Because once it involves military affairs, it will undoubtedly bring enormous pressure to the emperor.

After a long while, Zeng Guofan said: "Once our brother provinces are attacked by foreign enemies or rebels, of course we have the obligation to rescue them."

That’s it!

The whole ceremony was completely over.

The soldiers outside fired neatly into the sky!

Of course, they are all blank ammunition.

Immediately afterwards, Su Yi's fleet on the sea fired neatly towards the outer sea.

A whole nine rings!

Celebrating the signing of the Seven Provinces Covenant.

Celebrating the founding of the Southern Economic Cooperation.

The British fleet had already received the notice and just watched quietly.

at last!

Gorgeous fireworks bloomed in the sky over Yuyuan Garden.

As it happens, night falls at this time.

The entire fireworks lasted for a quarter of an hour.

Countless Shanghai people stuck their heads out to watch.

I don’t know what happy event happened.

But something big must have happened. There was such a big battle today.

Customs and Excise Department.

Witoma, Li Taitai, Sir Henry and others were holding wine glasses and looking at the fireworks in the sky.

He looked extremely serious.

"Gentlemen, according to Chinese parlance, things are going to be troubled next."

"Earl Elgin has returned to London. This is undoubtedly a setback for British Empire diplomacy."

"It won't be long before this wave of flames reaches London."

Sir Henry said: "But no matter what, this is Su Yi's backstab against the Chinese Emperor, right? Let's enjoy this drama before the trouble gets to us."

Witoma said: "Sir Henry, we were Su Yi's earliest friends. But now we have become his enemies."

Sir Henry said: "So what? He is just a small warlord in China now, what can he do to us? Even their court can do nothing to us."

……………………

Huasha racked his brains and didn't know how to write this memorial.

The prefect of Songjiang and the county magistrate of Shanghai also looked like the end was coming.

But then.

Another news came.

The first thing after the establishment of the Seven Provinces Covenant was to conduct a military exercise on the Yangtze River.

Among the seven southern provinces, some sent war ships and some sent troops.

A total of 300 ships and 20,000 troops were dispatched.

A month-long military exercise.

The slogan is to protect the Yangtze River waterway.

The commander-in-chief of this military exercise was Su Yi, a training officer from the Jiangxi regiment.

After the governors of each province returned to their jurisdiction, they immediately sent troops and ships to participate.

Huasha was once again like a lightning strike.

Looking at the memorial I had written before, I completely crushed it.

Write another copy.

After several revisions of the manuscript, the memorial was finally written.

Then take the sea route and the land route respectively, and send them to the capital as quickly as possible.

………………………………

The capital, the harem.

After confinement, Concubine Lian first went to the Queen to express her gratitude.

Then, she took the initiative to come to Concubine Yi.

Su Yi's side was in danger, and she had to struggle even more to survive, for herself and her children.

"Greetings to the noble concubine." Bingbing saluted respectfully.

Concubine Yi said: "But please don't. Soon you will also be a concubine, and we will be on the same level."

Bingbing said: "No, no, I will make it clear to the emperor that this noble concubine will never accept it. My sister will always be behind her. When you become the imperial concubine, it will not be too late for my sister to think about it."

After hearing this, Concubine Yi was very satisfied.

Because the other party's words seemed to be giving in, and there was no scheming at all.

However, he was still wary of Concubine Lian giving birth to a prince, especially since the prince looked strong, lively, and handsome.

Concubine Yi said: "Sister, your son is born well. He is strong and handsome. The emperor can't put it down every time."

Bingbing said: "Yes, the emperor always said that if he gave birth to a Baturu, he would definitely fight for the Qing Dynasty in the future and be very brave. This makes me feel relieved. The emperor has high requirements for the eldest brother. , I just happened to be a little more relaxed with my second elder brother.”

"My eldest brother, on the other hand, is becoming more and more like an emperor, like a little grown-up."

When Concubine Yi heard this, she was overjoyed and wary at the same time.

Because what the other party said made him so happy. When did Concubine Lian become so good at talking?

But her scheming wasn't that deep at the moment, she was just too sharp. After all, she was only a young woman in her early twenties.

Then, Concubine Lian said: "Good sister, I have something to ask of you."

Concubine Yi said: "What's the matter? What do you mean?"

Concubine Lian said: "My sister is still a child herself and is very ignorant. She is very fond of this child, but thinking about raising him and teaching him suddenly makes her head grow bigger. So when the child is older, this child will Keep her under your sister’s knees, okay?”

Concubine Yi was stunned, she really didn't expect that the other party would say that.

The Qing court's harem system was also very harsh and cruel. Children born to concubines could only be raised by themselves for a period of time. When they grew a little older, they would be given to other concubines to raise.

Of course Concubine Lian wanted to give this child to the queen to raise, but he couldn't say that.

Concubine Yi said: "It doesn't matter what we say about this matter, it's what the emperor says."

Empress Lian took the opportunity to hold the other's hand and said, "Sister, just promise me. You have read the most books, and I have not read much, so I will definitely not be able to teach well. I am like a child, moody. If the child follows me, he will be spoiled today and beaten tomorrow. Who knows what he will learn. Sister is the most talented and powerful, so the child will definitely be well-behaved."

Empress Yi said, "Are you saying that I am too powerful?"

Empress Lian said, "Sister, I was ignorant and provoked you before, and I have been punished. Are you still not satisfied? If you are not satisfied, just pinch me twice to vent your anger."

Then, she glanced and suddenly said, "Sister, you have big breasts."

Suddenly, Concubine Yi couldn't stand such direct words, and ignored her with a stern face.

Empress Lian also ignored her and said, "Sister, do you think Su Ye will be unlucky this time? This person is really too presumptuous."

As she spoke, that night appeared in her mind again.

The burning phantom pain seemed to appear again.

It really made people lose half their lives.

"Okay, you don't cover your mouth, be careful of getting slapped again, don't say such things again." Concubine Yi said: "I'm almost done here, you go to the Concubine Dowager to pay your respects, don't let people wait."

Concubine Lian said: "Sister, I have discovered that the colder your face is, the more handsome it is."

After leaving Concubine Yi's palace, the smile on Concubine Lian's beautiful face instantly withdrew.

Su Ye, you dead ghost, can you pass this level?

If you can't pass it, I will be miserable in the future.

The child will be miserable too.

In order to protect the child, she even thought of giving the child to Concubine Yi to raise.

After Concubine Lian left, Concubine Yi couldn't help but go to the mirror, and she really discovered it.

Her face is indeed cold and beautiful.

The colder, the more beautiful.

An Dehai outside said: "Master, Concubine Lian is outspoken, but she said one thing correctly. Master is cold and noble, and she is really dazzling."

"Quack!" Concubine Yi said: "What's the news outside?"

An Dehai said: "The foreigners are in trouble. Earl Elgin was dismissed from office. Next, the court will go all out to deal with Su Ye and solve the problem once and for all."

………………………………

Beijing!

The emperor is summoning Qi Ling.

The former Fuzhou general burst into tears.

He thought he would definitely be doomed this time, but he didn't expect that he would not be dismissed from office, but his power would be even greater.

"Your Majesty, rest assured. This time I will go to Jiangxi, even if I die, I will get rid of Su Ye, the poison for you."

The emperor said: "What do you plan to do?"

Qiling said: "Blockade and isolate Jiujiang!"

"Send troops to take over the docks and the Green Camp in Ganzhen!"

"No matter how much confrontation and conflict there is!"

"Force Su Ye to either compromise or rebel."

"Once he rebels, he will be ruined."

This attitude made the emperor very satisfied. Because he found that it was completely useless to talk about political means with Su Ye at this time, and he had to be straightforward.

The next step was to lead troops south.

"I want to bring three groups of troops, one from the Eight Banners Beijing Camp, one from Fuzhou, and one from the Tianjin Town Green Camp." Qi Ling said, "I personally brought some troops from Fuzhou, and the Eight Banners Beijing Camp is completely loyal to the emperor, and the Tianjin Green Camp is also loyal to the emperor, and they also have a grudge against Su Ye. Only by gathering 20,000 troops like this can we fight Su Ye to the end."

After listening to this, the emperor said, "Approved."

Qi Ling said, "In addition, I also want to bring enough officials to take over the political power of Jiangxi at a critical moment."

The emperor said, "Approved."

At this time, the voice of eunuch Wang Deli came from outside.

"Your Majesty, the Russian envoy came to see you again and asked to exchange the treaty."

The emperor frowned immediately.

Heilongjiang General Yishan and the Russian Governor signed the Treaty of Aihui, agreeing to come to the capital to exchange the treaty in a few months, and then officially confirm the entry into force of the treaty.

The Sino-Russian Tianjin Treaty not long ago also stipulated that China and Russia would re-explore the border, which was actually a disguised recognition of the Treaty of Aihui.

The emperor was very angry about the contents of the Treaty of Aihui and the lost territories, but he didn't have much idea.

These bitter and cold places were worthless.

Of course, he didn't care even more about the Qing court losing the seaport of Outer Northeast.

The emperor certainly knew the word sea power, but he didn't have a deep concept.

In contrast, what he cared most about was the entry of foreigners into Beijing.

This was absolutely unacceptable.

"No!" the emperor said directly.

After Earl Elgin left, he felt relieved.

This person was the toughest on the Qing Dynasty.

He even had a feeling that Elgin was gone, so why were the other ministers still shaking?

Especially the diplomatic victory of the Xiamen Incident, which made the emperor feel again that foreigners were not that scary.

He had once again sent Senggelinqin to Dagukou to repair and upgrade the artillery.

The emperor continued to instruct Qiling.

"I deliberately let Gui Liang concurrently serve as the Governor-General of Liangjiang, and Zeng Guofan is determined to get this position. If he wants to get this position, he must take action." The emperor said: "I will issue an order to let his Hunan Army cooperate with you."

"In addition, Zhejiang Governor Wang Youling is also knowledgeable about military affairs. He is a governor who won the battle. I will really issue an order to him to cooperate with you at the critical moment."

"Zhang Guoliang, the governor of Jiangnan, controls the troops in southern Jiangsu. He is loyal to me and has 20,000 troops under his command."

"Shengbao's troops are in Yangzhou, and part of Ronglu's troops are in Anhui."

"So, I have laid a net of heaven and earth. If Su Ye does not move, it will be fine. As long as he moves, hundreds of thousands of troops will wipe him out from all directions."

"Besides, his troops can be sent to fight against the rebellion, but it is probably impossible to let them follow Su Ye to rebel."

"So Qiling, you should be bold and do it this time in Jiangxi, just like you did in Fuzhou."

Qiling, the governor of Jiangxi, the general of Nanchang, and the minister of the Ministry of War, knelt down and kowtowed, saying: "Your Majesty is the wisest."

"I will be the emperor's sword, chopping off all enemies and clearing away all demons and monsters."

Suddenly, the monarch and his ministers were full of confidence.

And at this moment, there were bursts of shouts from outside.

"Six hundred miles, six hundred miles!"

Eunuch Wang Delifei came running and said, "Your Majesty, six hundred miles to Shanghai."

The emperor was stunned?

Shanghai? What happened?

Could it be that the foreigners are making trouble again?

Soon the messenger rushed in.

He handed over Hua Shana, the deputy envoy of the negotiation, and the memorial of the prefect of Songjiang.

He opened it and took a look.

In an instant.

The emperor stood there, motionless.

It was even difficult for him to react at once.

Because this was a new thing.

Su Ye presided over the establishment of the Seven Provinces Alliance.

The Southern Economic Cooperation Body was established.

The seven southern provinces conducted military exercises, using three hundred ships and 30,000 troops.

The commander of this military exercise was Su Ye, the militia officer of Jiangxi.

The governors of Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Hunan, Hubei, and Anhui all signed on the spot.

He read it over and over again.

Finally, the emperor staggered back and sat on the ground.

He felt dizzy and dizzy.

His limbs were cold, his lips were blue and purple, and his face was pale.

Wang Chenggui hurried forward and shouted, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, what's wrong with you? What's wrong?"

He quickly patted the emperor's back to calm him down.

"Quickly call the imperial physician, call the imperial physician!"

After a long while, the emperor finally made a sound and roared, "Rebellion, rebellion!"

"Someone is going to rebel!" After saying that, he rolled his eyes and fainted.

…………………………

Note: Update is here! That pastry went to help make the New Year's Eve dinner!

I wish you all a happy Spring Festival and a happy family reunion! Congratulations on getting rich, and give me your monthly tickets!