Usurping the Qing Dynasty: My first love was Cixi

Chapter 208 Zongheng! The war against the Qing broke out! The fall

At this time, there has been a certain deviation from history.

Historically, after Earl Elgin won the first Battle of Dagukou, he led his team to visit Japan, and then returned to London and was promoted to postmaster.

After the negotiation between Shanghai and Guiliang failed, the new British Minister Prussia and the American Minister John Howard led two fleets to Dagukou to threaten the Qing court with war. However, the Qing court did not compromise, so the British and French allied forces returned. Once they attacked Dagukou.

As for Count Elgin, he would not return to China until the Second Battle of Dagukou was over, expanding the war against the Qing court.

But this time, Count Elgin came back early.

……………………

At this time, Count Elgin and French Minister Groud were sailing on the ocean, on their way to China.

Su Yi rushed to Hangzhou and had a secret talk with Wang Youling, the governor of Zhejiang.

"The negotiation between Prussia and Guiliang failed. If nothing unexpected happens, Count Elgin should come back." Su Yi said: "Now I am not sure whether he will attack Dagokou directly or attack first." Other port cities.”

Wang Youling said: "You mean, he will attack Zhoushan first?"

Because of the First Opium War, the British army also attacked Zhoushan, Zhejiang.

However, according to the Seven Provinces Covenant, Su Yi must protect Zhoushan, otherwise the so-called Seven Provinces Alliance will disappear.

Su Yi's political credibility was also gone.

Su Yi said: "It's very possible."

According to the historical trajectory, after Count Elgin returned first, he first attacked Zhoushan, Yantai, and Dalian Bay, then completely blocked the Bohai Sea, and then attacked Dagukou.

Su Yi took the map and drew three points in Zhoushan, Yantai and Dalian.

Wang Youling said: "If he wants to attack Dagokou, there is actually no need to attack Zhoushan."

Su Yi said: "Yes."

Zhoushan is so far away from Bohai Bay and has no connection with Dagukou.

Su Yi said: "The key issue now is that we cannot let them attack Zhoushan or occupy Zhoushan."

Once Zhoushan fell, the court would have a hundred reasons to remove Wang Youling. Su Yi lost Zhejiang and the authority of the Seven Provinces Covenant.

Wang Youling said: "What do you mean, sir?"

Su Yi said: "Let Count Elgin retreat when he sees the difficulty."

Then, Su Yi said: "I plan to send seven thousand troops to station in Zhoushan."

Wang Youling said in shock: "Sir, this... this price is too high."

Su Yi had a total of ten thousand troops, and sent seven thousand people, almost in full force.

Su Yi said: "Only by being able to fight can the war be stopped. There is a 90% chance that he will give way."

Wang Youling said: "What if Count Elgin is determined to attack Zhoushan?"

Yes, what if the other party is determined to attack Zhoushan?

Will Su Yi's main force be finished in Zhoushan? In this way, it helped the court attract firepower.

Su Yi said: "I sent more than a hundred British people to Zhoushan and announced the reconstruction of Zhoushan port."

"I sent a fleet to Zhoushan Pier and hoisted the flag of the British royal family at the critical moment."

Suddenly, Wang Youling was stunned.

Of course he understood Su Yi's intention, which was to replicate Count Elgin's behavior the last time he encountered porcelain on the Yangtze River.

It's just that last time it was true, but this time it's an empty city.

Wang Youling said: "In this case, your army will not be able to come openly."

Su Yi said: "No, the empty city plan may not necessarily mean an empty city."

Wang Youling said: "I am also doing my best to gather most of the troops in the province to guard Zhoushan."

"Earl Elgin's goal is the imperial court. There is no need for him to fight with us."

Su Yi nodded.

This move can be described as a three-pronged approach, and there is basically a 90% certainty that it can prevent Count Elgin from attacking Zhoushan.

Wang Youling was extremely moved. There was really nothing to say about Master Su Yi's attitude towards her allies.

Urgent people are anxious.

Count Elgin hadn't even arrived yet, and he was already thinking about defending Zhoushan, and he was doing everything he could to protect his allies.

"Sir, will the outcome of the next Battle of Dagukou be as you expected?" Su Yi said: "It depends on the size of the British and French coalition forces, but in my opinion, the outcome of the Battle of Dagukou this time will still be Between five and five.”

Wang Youling said: "Once the result is as you expected, what will Zeng Guofan do? This person is not of the same mind as us."

The next situation will become very complicated.

Because in history, when the British and French forces attacked the Qing court, the Taiping Army did not rest. They took the opportunity to break through the Jiangnan camp and then marched towards southern Jiangsu. The Hunan Army divided into four armies and went to attack Anqing.

Because this is a whole set of flags, all moving.

Moreover, Hong Rengan, the Qian Wang who currently presides over the internal affairs of the Taiping Rebellion, has interactions with foreigners.

Of course, in this world, the Jiangnan camp has been destroyed, but the situation is even more dangerous, because the Taiping Army has occupied Danyang and Changzhou, and is more likely to attack Suzhou.

Wang Youling was right, Zeng Guofan and Su Yi were not of the same mind.

Therefore, Su Yi must influence the Taiping Army's decision-making and let them go north instead of south.

When necessary, the Taiping Army was even mobilized to directly attack Wuchang.

……………………

Next.

It was still some time before Count Elgin arrived in China, so Su Yi took the lead.

First, he declared the situation a crisis and once again expanded his army by three thousand.

Immediately afterwards, at the invitation of Zhejiang Governor Wang Youling, 7,000 troops and hundreds of ships were dispatched to Zhoushan to conduct military exercises with the Zhejiang Provincial Army.

Immediately afterwards, Jiangsu Governor Xu Youren announced that he would join the drill and send a thousand people.

Later, Tian Yugong, the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, sent three thousand troops to participate in this military exercise.

Regarding this military exercise, Su Yi also sent people to communicate with Zeng Guofan, but did not strongly ask him to participate.

However, after repeated hesitation, Zeng Guofan sent 500 people to participate in this military exercise.

In the name of external affairs, it is the second military exercise conducted by the Seven Southern Provinces Alliance.

The formation was so large that it soon alerted the Shanghai Concession.

The British came and asked, what was the meaning of this military operation in the seven southern provinces?

Although the British Empire is now leaderless in China, the Shanghai consul still keenly sensed that Su Yi's military operation was aimed at Britain.

Although there were no telegrams and no news from London, they could still smell the smell of war in the air.

Su Yi and the British Consul in Shanghai said that this military operation was completely a normal military exercise in the seven southern provinces. It was mainly aimed at the increasingly rampant pirates and not at all against third parties.

The next thing to be alarmed was the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom.

Tianjing immediately sent an envoy to ask, what is the purpose of Su Yi's military action?

However, Tianjing did not take it too seriously, because the military exercise was held in Zhoushan, which was too far away from Tianjing, so it should not be aimed at them.

Then, it was the court that was alarmed.

After receiving the news, the emperor immediately became alert and asked, "What do you mean? What do you mean?"

"Several southern provinces have assembled tens of thousands of troops and hundreds of ships in Zhoushan. What does this mean?"

It can't be that we want to attack Dagukou.

Of course, no matter how hostile the court was to Su Yi, they would still find this idea ridiculous.

Su Yi's performance in Shanghai last time further proved that at least Su Yi still maintained his dignity towards the court and did not completely break his skin.

But this kind of military move still made the emperor very uncomfortable.

How dare you take such a big military action without the will of the imperial court?

"Send an envoy to rebuke him!" the emperor said.

Then, the emperor sent an imperial envoy to severely reprimand him.

Accusing the Seven Southern Provinces Alliance of using weapons at will without the will of the imperial court?

Su Yi was speechless.

We are not targeting you at all this time. Count Elgin is about to call us, and you don’t know anything about it.

Why don't you quickly deploy a large army for defense at Dagukou? Are you still arguing with me here?

Such a big military operation on our side is entirely to deal with the British. You thought it was aimed at you.

However, the emperor still ordered the defense of Dagukou to be strengthened.

……………………

A few more days passed!

After more than a month of sailing, Earl Elgin, the supreme commander of the British Empire in the Far East, arrived at the outer sea of ​​China and entered Hong Kong.

When he saw the land of Hong Kong, he was filled with emotion.

He's finally back.

Although the time away was short, less than a year.

But he will never forget the shame of that time.

After landing in Hong Kong, he immediately ordered the assembly of fleets and troops.

He had already made military arrangements in his mind. He would first capture Zhoushan, then Yantai and Dalian, completely blockade the Bohai Bay, and finally attack Dagukou.

But before going to war, he will conduct a series of diplomatic activities.

Send an envoy to Hubei and go to Tianjing.

The purpose is twofold.

I hope the Hunan Army will remain neutral in this war.

It was hoped that the Taiping Army would take the opportunity to attack southern Jiangsu and contain the energy of the Qing Dynasty.

In this way, the British and French forces could focus more on the war against the Qing court.

The Guangzhou consul asked: "Your Majesty, don't you need to send an envoy to Jiujiang?"

Count Elgin said, "What do you mean?"

The Guangzhou consul said: "Not long ago, Su Yi formed tens of thousands of troops and conducted military exercises in Zhoushan. He claimed that he was not targeting any third party and was to destroy pirates."

Count Elgin said: "What? Zhoushan?"

The Guangzhou consul said: "Yes, Zhoushan! The military drill started almost a month ago."

Earl Elgin was extremely vigilant. Is Su Yi's sense of smell so keen?

How did he know that I was going to attack Zhoushan?

Deployed in advance?

He couldn't help but recall the admonishment given to him by Prince Albert when he left London.

Don't touch Jiujiang.

The person Count Elgin hated most in China was not the emperor, but Su Yi.

I won’t touch your Jiujiang, but you come to touch my Zhoushan?

If we attack Zhoushan, it will not be considered as violating Prince Albert's will.

……………………

Here, Count Elgin is making military deployments in full swing.

More and more warships are gathering off the coast of Hong Kong, and more and more marines are gathering.

The pace of war is getting closer and closer.

At this time, Basharli went to Hong Kong to visit Count Elgin.

Although very angry with Bashali, Count Elgin still received Bashali.

After the meeting, Basharli got straight to the point, took out a map and said, "Count Elgin, are you about to launch a war against the Qing Dynasty?"

Count Elgin did not comment.

Bashar said: "Your Majesty, Jiujiang is willing to remain neutral in this war. He is even willing to lead the seven southern provinces to remain neutral in this war."

Earl Elgin said coldly: "Whether or not your seven southern provinces are neutral will not change the outcome of this war."

Basia said politely: "My lord, your plan is to attack Zhoushan first, then Yantai and Dalian, completely block the Bohai Bay, and finally attack Dagukou and Tianjin, right?"

Count Elgin's face twitched slightly. How come everyone knew about the military deployment in his mind?

Ba Xiali said: "I advise you not to do this. You should directly assemble the fleet and attack Dagonkou directly with lightning speed. Although the Qing court is currently on guard, they have not thought that the war will come. They They even imagine that you are their comrade, helping the Qing government to deal with their comrades in the seven southern provinces, and you also want to use your fleet to destroy Su Yi’s Yangtze River Fleet and destroy the Jiujiang Industrial Zone.”

Count Elgin's expression turned strange.

There can't be such ridiculous things in this world, right?

Ba Xiali said: "Zhoushan is so far away from Dagukou. It is meaningless to attack Zhoushan. It is meaningless even to attack Yantai and Dalian. The Qing government does not have a decent navy, so it does not matter whether the Bohai Bay is blocked. You cannot Conventional naval battles to measure war against the Qing Dynasty.”

Earl Elgin sneered: "It's so ridiculous. Do you understand military affairs, or do I understand military affairs?"

Basharli wanted to persuade him again, but Count Elgin had no patience to listen and drove him away directly.

………………………………

at the same time!

The British envoy rushed to Wuchang to hold talks with Zeng Guofan.

"Master Zeng, the interests of both of us are consistent to a certain extent, right?" the British envoy said: "So in the next war, we hope that you and your army can remain neutral."

Zeng Guofan was horrified. Is the British Empire going to expand its war against the Qing Dynasty, as Su Yi expected? "

"From my perspective, I am extremely eager for you to resolve the dispute in a peaceful way." Zeng Guofan said: "In addition, I strongly request that the war not spread too far."

The British envoy sneered in his heart, you are obviously neutral and just watching with a cold eye, but you still say it so nicely.

Then, the British envoy said: "Not only for the war against the Qing court, we hope that you will remain neutral. Even for the war in Zhoushan, I hope that you will remain neutral."

"Zhoushan?" Zeng Guofan asked in shock.

What shocked him even more was that Su Yi had made arrangements one month in advance and conducted military exercises in Zhoushan in the name of the seven-province coalition.

Is this such a clever plan? Are the deployment of British military personnel also clear?

Zeng Guofan said: "We all belong to the seven-province alliance, so we have the obligation and responsibility to help our brother provinces in defense. Moreover, we have also sent 500 troops to garrison Zhoushan. We strongly protest against your possible military action against Zhoushan."

After that, Zeng Guofan walked away.

The negotiations between the two parties seemed to have broken down.

There seems to be no problem with Zeng Guofan's statement.

But...that night, the British envoy had a more secretive meeting with Zeng Guoquan.

Both parties agreed unanimously.

Once Britain launches an attack on Zhoushan, the Hunan Army has the obligation and responsibility to condemn the British.

Moreover, the five hundred soldiers of the Hunan Army in Zhoushan will definitely join the battle to help defend Zhoushan.

But other than that, there will be no further moves. In addition, they hope to purchase a new batch of arms from the British side.

In addition, there is a deeper secret agreement.

The British expressed their intention to create a golden opportunity for the Hunan Army.

Efforts were made to mobilize the Taiping Army to attack southern Jiangsu, so that the Taiping Army's power in northern Anhui would be reduced.

That means that the opportunity for the Hunan Army to attack Anqing has arrived.

For the Hunan Army, Luzhou is not the most important, Anqing is.

Because the real provincial capital of Anhui is Anqing, and this city is also the last barrier to Tianjing.

Once Anqing is captured, Tianjing is just around the corner.

Therefore, as long as Chen Yucheng and Li Xiucheng can lead the main force of the Taiping Army to attack southern Jiangsu again, the opportunity for the Hunan Army to attack Anqing will be completely mature.

This was supposed to happen next year, but now it may have been brought forward.

Once the main force of the Taiping Army officially attacks southern Jiangsu, namely Wuxi and Suzhou, Xu Youren will face the greatest pressure.

But the person whose interests were harmed the most was Su Yi.

Because Jiangsu and Zhejiang, which have experienced developed countries, are the largest markets of Suye Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone.

Once war breaks out, it will be a devastating blow to the economy.

But this is also one of Count Elgin's purposes. I can't attack Su Yi's Jiujiang fleet, nor can I directly attack the Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone, but I can attack your potential market.

In this way, Prince Albert will have nothing to say.

The British envoy said: "Master Zeng, your biggest obstacle in the future will not be the Taiping Army, but the rapid rise of Su Yi."

Zeng Guoquan said: "Of course I know."

He saw that Su Yi was unhappy for a long time. How old are you? What are your qualifications?

Why did five people and six people form an alliance of seven southern provinces, and then yell at our Hunan Army?

My brother Zeng Guofan wants to treat you with humiliation, and I can't stand it for a long time.

The British envoy said: "So, for the war that is about to break out in Zhoushan, I hope that after you have invested 500 people, you will not invest any more military forces. In addition, when the Taiping Army attacks Wuxi and Suzhou in the future, I hope that your Hunan Army will not provide any support to Suzhou."

Zeng Guoquan said: "I hope to get an 80% discount on the arms I purchased from you."

"80% is impossible, 9.5%!"

Then the two sides bargained and negotiated for 90%.

Wang Youling was right. The Hunan Army was not really in the same mind with the Seven Provinces Alliance.

But on the surface, Zeng Guofan's statement had no problem. He fully fulfilled the Seven Provinces Alliance. My Hunan Army also sent troops to Zhoushan.

Once the main force of the Taiping Army attacked southern Jiangsu, the Hunan Army immediately attacked Anqing.

It's not that I didn't save Suzhou, it was really beyond my ability. My army went to attack Anqing. This is Wei Wei to save Zhao.

Even if Su Ye asked the Hunan Army to send troops, Zeng Guofan would symbolically send thousands of troops to support Suzhou.

In short, on the moral level, Zeng Guofan would never violate the Seven Provinces Covenant.

However, he would find a way to become the biggest beneficiary of this huge struggle.

…………………………………………

Another group of British envoys went to Tianjing and had a secret talk with Hong Rengan, the King of Gan.

There was only one purpose, to let the Taiping Army take the opportunity to attack southern Jiangsu.

After attacking Wuxi, they would attack Suzhou.

However, they must not enter Shanghai.

Historically, the relationship between the British and the Taiping Army was very chaotic.

The Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and the British traded well, and the British also sold weapons to the Taiping Army vigorously, making the other side's equipment level better and better, even surpassing the Hunan Army.

Especially after Hong Rengan came to power, he was a typical so-called foreign-knowing and pro-foreign faction.

However, after the British and French forces entered the capital and signed the "Beijing Treaty", they helped the Qing court to suppress the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom.

In history, after the Taiping Army captured Suzhou, there was a strong conflict over whether to attack Shanghai.

Hong Rengan firmly believed that Shanghai should not be attacked, foreigners should not be offended, and foreigners should be made friends with instead.

Li Xiucheng's attitude towards foreigners was actually quite restrained, but in a series of conflicts, he eventually attacked Shanghai and completely fell out with foreigners.

In history, when foreigners attacked the Qing court, the Taiping Army took the opportunity to break through the Jiangnan camp, and then conquered the entire southern Jiangsu.

In this world, Earl Elgin had a strong strategic impulse and asked the Taiping Army to attack Suzhou again.

One was to deter the Qing court and make the emperor more panic.

The second was to strike at Su Ye's economic plan.

"Su Ye's main force of the army is completely in Zhoushan, and is no longer able to support Suzhou." The British envoy said: "So, this time you will attack Suzhou without any obstacles."

Hong Rengan said: "It is not very convenient for us to attack Suzhou again."

Because Lin Shaozhang and Hong Renli had already made a secret agreement, they were not allowed to attack Suzhou again in the next two years.

Moreover, the Taiping Army had to withdraw from Wuxi as a buffer, and the army stationed in Changzhou could not exceed 10,000.

The British envoy said: "Will you comply?"

"It is a coincidence that our army has just completed the refit and eliminated a batch of arms. I wonder if you are interested. If you are not interested, we are very willing to sell it to Zeng Guofan's Hunan Army."

This is a threat.

If you don't want to make friends with us, then we will arm your enemy, the Hunan Army.

"Mr. Hong, are you willing to gain the friendship of the British Empire?" said the British envoy.

Hong Rengan certainly wanted to, he was full of fear and flattery of Britain.

In addition, he was full of disgust for Su Ye, and he was not so awed. He had only heard about many things but had not experienced them.

"Please tell Earl Elgin that I will do my best to promote the war against Suzhou, but please show friendship first. We need your arms. Submit 40% to us first, and then deliver the remaining 60% after we send troops." Hong Rengan said.

Next, the two sides bargained again.

The British were willing to deliver 30% of their arms to the Taiping Army at a very low price in exchange for them to attack Suzhou with at least 80,000 troops.

…………………………………………

After Hong Rengan finished negotiating with the British, he immediately promoted the war against southern Jiangsu in Tianjing.

His proposal was supported to a considerable extent by Chen Yucheng and Li Xiucheng.

Because these two young men were now eager for war and merit.

Although they would be at odds with Hong Rengan in the future, they still showed a consistent attitude on this matter.

Because Suzhou had a developed economy, once it was conquered, they could make a fortune.

Moreover, after conquering Suzhou, they could march all the way into Zhejiang.

However, Lin Qirong, Zeng Tianyang, and Lin Shaozhang expressed their opposition.

Then Lin Qirong immediately sent someone to Jiujiang to inform Su Ye of this matter.

The secret envoy arrived in Jiujiang in less than two days along the Yangtze River.

Su Ye immediately held a secret meeting.

The war had not really started yet, and the situation suddenly became extremely complicated.

It's completely you in me, me in you.

The Taiping Army was a sharp sword in Su Ye's hand at some times, but at critical moments, it would also become a sword in someone else's hand.

"We have only two goals next, to stop Earl Elgin from attacking Zhoushan."

"Prevent the Taiping Army from going south, especially prevent the Taiping Army from attacking Suzhou!" Su Yi asked: "What method?"

Hong Renli said: "Assassinate Hong Rengan."

Su Yi thought for a while and said: "This is a solution, but treating the symptoms does not cure the root cause. Hong Xiuquan, Shi Dakai, Chen Yucheng, and Li Xiucheng have always been full of adventurous impulses towards Suzhou. Our main force is in Zhoushan. For them, it is thousands of years. Difficulty of opportunity.”

Shen Baozhen said: "Sir, we also need to pay attention to one person, Zeng Guofan."

Lin Li said: "Yes, Zeng Guofan's Hunan Army! He is not of the same mind as us at all. At the critical moment, he will definitely find a way to use us to gain huge benefits for them. And on the surface, we may not be able to find any fault with him. "

Bao Ling said: "Is there any way we can use the Seven Provinces Covenant to get Zeng Guofan to send troops to support Suzhou?"

Shen Baozhen said: "He will send troops, but only about one or two thousand people. In terms of political ethics, he will behave without any mistakes. But secretly, he will definitely find a way to push the Taiping Army to attack Suzhou, so that he can take advantage of the opportunity Send troops to Anqing."

Bao Ling said: "Can't we inform the Taiping Army of the Hunan Army's intentions?"

Shen Baozhen said: "Sir Bao Ling, the Taiping Army is a group of very reckless people. They lack very complete strategic thinking and are full of impulses all the time. The wealthy Suzhou and Zhejiang have a strong temptation for them. And they also have a He has extraordinary self-confidence and feels that Anqing can withstand the Hunan Army."

Su Yi was silent for a while and said: "Send someone to warn Tianjing, asking them to abide by the secret agreement, with Changzhou as the boundary, and the army to the east cannot exceed 10,000 people. Once we break the contract, we will annihilate any Taiping fleet on the Yangtze River. Completely cut off any supplies to Tianjing!"

Hong Renli said: "Is it really annihilated?"

Su Yi said: "Yes, completely annihilate!"

"Our warships are very weak compared to the British Navy, but they have absolute initiative on the Yangtze River waterway."

"Warn Tianjing first, and then don't hesitate at all. Once any Taiping Army warships are discovered, they will be sunk immediately. If any Taiping Army material transport ships are discovered, they will be seized immediately. Make sure to prevent any adventurous impulses from them."

"yes!"

Next, Shen Baozhen immediately went to Wuchang and asked Zeng Guofan to fulfill the seven-province covenant and send troops to support Suzhou.

Zeng Guofan was unhappy, but still sent 1,300 people to support Suzhou.

Xu Youren, the governor of Jiangsu, gathered all the troops he could muster to garrison Suzhou.

Hong Renli went to the outskirts of Tianjing and issued the most severe threats to Lin Shaozhang.

Although the main force of Jiujiang is in Zhoushan, Tianjing must not have any adventurous impulses and must not think of violating the secret agreement to attack Suzhou.

Otherwise, the Jiujiang Fleet will completely wipe out any Taiping Army ships in the Yangtze River. Once the Yangtze River waterway is lost, Tianjing will lose all supplies.

After hearing this, Lin Shaozhang was very angry and said: "Are you going to completely become our enemies? We also enjoy the right to the Yangtze River waterway."

Hong Renli said: "Prime Minister Lin, we are all old friends. Is it interesting to say such hypocritical words? If you break the contract, we will open fire."

"I assure you, we are very determined!"

"Don't say you didn't predict what you said!"

Lin Shaozhang said: "We really may not be able to stop it, because Hong Rengan, Shi Dakai, Chen Yucheng, and Li Xiucheng all support it."

Hong Renli said: "If you have this skill, why don't you attack Luzhou? Attack Wanbei?"

Lin Shaozhang said: "Because Suzhou is rich, if we capture Suzhou, we can directly enter Zhejiang."

Hong Renli said: "Then, just give it a try!"

After the threat was over, Hong Renli left.

After that, Su Yi's Yangtze River fleet patrolled the Yangtze River waterway around Tianjing day and night.

Moreover, Lin Qirong and Zeng Tianyang were always prepared. Once Tianjing made a final decision to attack Suzhou, they would immediately report to Su Yi and report immediately once troops were sent.

So, Sunan, who had been quiet for less than a year, once again made amends with Zhan Yun.

The entire Yangtze River waterway was shrouded in dark clouds.

Zeng Guofan, on the other hand, secretly prepared his troops. As long as the Taiping Army moved south to attack Suzhou on a large scale, the Hunan Army would immediately move eastward to attack Anqing.

On the Tianjing side, Hong Rengan still tried his best to promote the war against Suzhou and tried his best to persuade Hong Xiuquan.

Hong Renfa and Hong Renda, these two losers, have offended too many people in Tianjing and have now stepped aside.

Especially when Hong Rengan came, he took away a lot of power from these two good-for-nothing brothers.

Otherwise, these two wastes are easy to deal with.

On the contrary, Hong Rengan was unable to bribe, was full of inexplicable hostility towards Su Yi, and respected and admired foreigners.

………………………………

at the same time!

On the court side, after learning that Count Elgin had returned and was gathering fleets and troops in Hong Kong, one side was full of uneasiness and the other side was full of excitement.

Because Su Yi assembled an army in Zhoushan, everything seemed clear.

So that’s it.

No wonder Su Yi sent all his main forces to Zhoushan because he knew Count Elgin was coming back.

Is Count Elgin gathering warships and troops just to attack Zhoushan?

As a result, the Qing government immediately sent a secret envoy to Hong Kong to have secret talks with Count Elgin.

Please ask Count Elgin to continue to fulfill the secret agreement, destroy Su Yi's Yangtze River Fleet, and destroy Su Yi's Jiujiang industry.

Upon hearing the words of the Qing court's emissary, Count Elgin was stunned.

Looking at the meaning, the Qing court actually wanted to sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight.

Still want to play the game of snipe and clam fighting for the fisherman’s profit?

Don’t you know that my attack on Zhoushan, Yantai, and Dalian is entirely in preparation for the next attack on Dagukou, Tianjin, and the capital?

I have assembled an army to fight you.

Not preparing to fight Su Yi.

However, Su Yi's army is blocking me now.

Do you actually think that I want to help your Qing court destroy Su Yi?

So ridiculous?

…………………………

Basharli once again asked to see Count Elgin.

"We have absolutely no intention of having a military conflict with the Earl, but Zhoushan cannot be fought!"

"My lord, it is hard for me to even imagine why you want to attack Zhoushan? It is of no value to your strategic deployment."

Count Elgin said coldly: "Whether Zhoushan has strategic value to me is entirely up to me to judge."

"I have no change in my will and determination to capture Zhoushan!"

Ba Xiali said: "I am very sorry to tell you that our Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone has signed a contract with Zhoushan Port for twenty years, and has carried out construction of Zhoushan Port, so to a certain extent, Zhoushan Port has already It belongs to our industry, and the British Empire’s consortium holds 49 shares!”

Earl Elgin said coldly: "Before leaving London, I talked with Prince Albert. The bottom line is the Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone, Zhoushan is not included!"

Ba Xiali said: "Since you are determined to attack Zhoushan, there is nothing we can do. But we will never make any compromise. We have deployed more than 40,000 troops in Zhoushan. If you can afford the consequences, then please ! We are not afraid of war either!”

"But as a fellow subject of the British Empire, I advise you not to be too arrogant, give up your previous military deployment, do not attack Zhoushan, or even Yantai and Dalian, but directly attack Dagukou and Tianjin. This way you can catch yourself by surprise!”

Earl Elgin sneered: "I don't need your guidance yet."

The two sides broke up on bad terms again!

…………………………………………

A few days later!

June 8, 1859.

The fleets of the British and French forces were assembled and marched northward.

And half a month ago!

Another fleet from Su Yi's Jiujiang arrived in Zhoushan, Zhejiang.

One hundred and sixty British engineers landed in Zhoushan and began surveying Zhoushan Port with the intention of rebuilding it.

As expected, the fleet of the British and French coalition forces headed towards Zhoushan amid the uneasiness and great expectations of the Qing court.

at this time.

Su Yi's 7,000 new troops, Fujian's 3,000 troops, Hunan's 500 troops, Jiangsu's 1,000 troops, and Zhejiang's 30,000 troops.

All were deployed in Zhoushan.

A large fleet has always been docked at Zhoushan Port.

It's a fleet, not a fleet.

A few days later!

The British and French fleet arrived in the waters of Zhoushan.

The coalition forces of the seven provinces, standing on high ground, had already seen the British and French fleets.

The huge fleet has an astonishing momentum.

The giant beast of war is overwhelming.

Count Elgin on the flagship picked up his telescope and looked at Zhoushan.

The fortifications were densely packed with troops.

Countless artillery pieces.

More than a hundred British people were at Zhoushan Port.

Earl Elgin's heart was full of fighting spirit. The person he hated the most in China was Su Yi!

Moreover, in the original war deployment, Zhoushan was supposed to be captured.

In history, it was also taken down.

Now, Su Yi blocks his way.

"Keep moving towards Zhoushan!" Count Elgin ordered.

Suddenly, the huge combined fleet accelerated and rushed towards Zhoushan.

War is about to break out.

The fleet is getting closer and closer to Zhoushan Port.

All the artillery in the fortifications are ready to fire at any time.

at the same time!

On the fleet in Zhoushan Port, the familiar national anthem suddenly sounded.

Immediately afterwards, one of the ships hoisted the flag of the Royal Family of the British Empire.

Seeing this scene, Count Elgin shuddered again.

Recalling the scene on the Yangtze River, his fleet opened fire on the Su Yi fleet, and then the crown prince of the British Empire rushed out, dripping with blood.

It was a moment he would never forget.

Truly creepy, truly nightmarish.

He absolutely did not believe that another member of the British Empire's royal family would appear on this ship. He absolutely did not believe it.

China’s empty city strategy is completely useless to me!

Under his order, the British and French combined fleets continued to press towards Zhoushan Port with murderous intent.

Getting closer.

Soon, we will be within range.

At this time, as long as an artillery fires, the war will break out.

However……

Just when there are still a few hundred meters within the range!

Count Elgin gave the order and the fleet turned!

On the flagship, flags were waving.

The huge combined fleet directly turned its direction and headed north.

Count Elgin gave up the attack on Zhoushan.

Wang Shiqing, Basha Li, Wang Youling and others took a long breath and almost staggered to the ground.

Although Su Yi repeatedly stated that in the current situation, Count Elgin would definitely not attack Zhoushan, and would only engage in blackmail at most.

But the situation just now looked really scary.

If Elgin really attacked Zhoushan, the imperial court would laugh to death.

That is the real fisherman's profit.

But as long as he is not a fool, facing such a defensive Zhoushan, Earl Elgin will give up the attack.

Just as Bashali said, you can attack Yantai and Dalian and block the Bohai Bay.

Is it meaningful for you to attack Zhoushan to take Tianjin? Zhoushan is heavily guarded. Even if you, Elgin, win, you will lose soldiers and generals. It is a completely losing business.

And the court is still waiting.

Waiting for the outbreak of the war between Earl Elgin and Su Ye, as if Zhoushan is not the territory of the court.

Result!

The British and French fleets made a feint and passed Zhoushan.

A few days later!

The British and French fleets killed to the sea outside Yantai.

"Boom boom boom..."

There was no declaration of war, no messenger announced.

The powerful British and French fleets opened fire directly!

Suddenly, the whole ground was shaking.

Smoke billowed and flames soared into the sky!

A few hours later, the British and French coalition forces landed in Yantai.

The next day!

Yantai fell!

The expansion war between Britain and France against the Qing Dynasty officially broke out!

………………………………

At the same time!

In Tianjing, under the full promotion of Shi Dakai, Chen Yucheng, Li Xiucheng, and Hong Rengan.

Hong Xiuquan agreed to the plan to attack Suzhou again.

Lin Shaozhang, Lin Qirong, and Zeng Tianyang failed to stop it.

The Taiping Army began to gather troops and prepare for another eastward expedition.

Hong Renli, who received the report, sighed.

He immediately ordered the Yangtze River Fleet to prepare to open fire.

The plan to assassinate Hong Rengan is ready to start!

The plan to assassinate Hong Xiuquan is ready to start!

With an order.

Su Ye's Yangtze River Fleet opened fire fiercely and began to attack all the ships of the Taiping Army indiscriminately.

Whether it was a troop transport ship, a grain transport ship, or the Taiping Army Navy, all were attacked.

Zeng Tianyang, the leader of the Taiping Army Navy, also specially dispatched many ships to transport a large amount of supplies and appeared on the Yangtze River waterway.

Suddenly, dozens of Taiping Army's armed ships were sunk.

All kinds of materials on hundreds of ships were seized.

At the same time!

Su Ye's main force of 5,000 people in Zhoushan retreated to Jiangsu by boat at the fastest speed.

……………………

At the same time!

The governor of Shandong sent a messenger to Beijing at an expedited speed of 800 miles.

Report to the court.

The foreigners officially declared war on the Qing Dynasty, and Yantai fell!

……………………

Note: Ten thousand words are updated, and I ask for a few monthly tickets from the benefactors. I bow to you!