Usurping the Qing Dynasty: My first love was Cixi

Chapter 212 Complete break! Armed confrontation! Shocking

Changzhou battlefield.

After the 7,000 reinforcements from Tianjing arrived in Danyang, Shi Dakai finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The battlefields of the three cities were once again in balance.

However, after Wang Youling led an army of 10,000 to the Danyang battlefield, this balance was once again broken.

The balance of failure once again slid towards Shi Dakai.

What's more terrifying is that Su Ye and Tian Yugong's more than 8,000 coalition forces, four gunboats, and a damaged warship (captured by the Qing court, snatched during the chaos) have already reached the mouth of the Yangtze River.

Once this powerful force reaches the Changzhou battlefield, then... the Taiping Army's situation will collapse directly.

However, at the mouth of the Yangtze River, Su Ye's fleet was intercepted by British warships.

In this battle, the coalition navy was really miserable. Of the 27 warships, no more than four were intact in the end, and all went to Hong Kong.

Therefore, at this time, the British naval power at the mouth of the Yangtze River in Shanghai was also directly weakened.

Of course, this is only temporary.

At this time, the British Empire's navy was overwhelming, covering the sky and the sun. If you plucked a hair off, it would be thicker than the thigh of the Qing Dynasty.

British Consuls in Shanghai, MacHuat and Wade, came to Su Ye's warship.

There is no doubt that Su Ye would not meet with them, but just let Bashali talk to him.

"Please return 300 French prisoners unconditionally, return four gunboats and one warship." MacHuat said directly.

Bashali said: "Why didn't Gro come to talk about the French prisoners, but you did?"

MacHuat said: "Minister Gro, there is more important things."

Bashali said: "Will he return to Paris as quickly as possible to apologize to the Emperor of France?"

The failure of this battle is bound to cause an uproar throughout Europe.

French envoys Gros and Earl Elgin could not even stay in China, but had to return to London and Paris immediately, trying their best to keep their positions and incite the government and the public to prepare for a larger-scale war against the Qing Dynasty.

Bashali said: "Mr. Consul, Mr. Wade, I will return to London soon."

Hearing this, Wade's face changed slightly and said: "What are you going to do? Return to London to promote your peace line? If you dare to promote the peace line in London at this time, you will anger everyone."

Shanghai Consul MacHua Tuo said: "Sir Bashali, this is definitely not the time to add insult to injury."

For this defeat, the British Empire and the whole of Europe will cause an extremely violent shock.

The scale of this war is very small, and it is nothing compared to the Crimean War.

But in the eyes of all European powers, how weak is the Qing Dynasty? How backward and corrupt?

Losing to the Qing Dynasty is a complete shame and humiliation, which is simply unacceptable.

Moreover, Britain and France are the most powerful countries in the world today. If this war spreads to Europe, Prussia next door and even the Russian Empire further away will completely underestimate me.

Mai Huatuo said: "The people of the Qing court are pedantic and think that everything will be fine if they win this war. But for Britain and France, they must prepare for a war of annihilation in order to save face. At this time, anyone who prevents this military retaliation will be torn to pieces. Sir Bashali, I think you must not dream of dragging Prince Albert into the water, let alone trying to sell your peace route at this time."

Bashali said: "Yes, no one can stop the next war. But... do the losers need to be responsible? Do you even have to be responsible?"

"We can't stop the so-called war of destruction against the Qing court, but we can find a way to stop Earl Elgin from commanding the next war. We can even take the opportunity to settle accounts with him and many people, right?"

Suddenly, Mai Huatuo and Wade fell silent.

There is no doubt that this is possible.

After such a big defeat, as long as the royal family is willing to push, Earl Elgin and General Hope will all step down.

Bashali said directly: "The three hundred French prisoners can be returned to you. But the four gunboats and a large warship will belong to us. You can completely pretend that nothing happened."

"In exchange, we will not push for the liquidation of Earl Elgin and many of your people."

Shanghai Consul MacHuatuo and Wade looked at each other. This condition is not excessive at all. Just treat these warships as if they were sunk.

MacHua Tuo said: "But there is one thing, you must not appear these warships in front of the British Empire Navy."

Wade was silent for a while and said: "Bashali, Su Ye participated in this war and fired at my British Empire. Wouldn't this anger Congress? I would like to ask, what role will he play in the devastating war launched by the Empire against the Qing Dynasty?"

Bashali was silent for a while and said: "Su Ye was assassinated."

"What?" Wade exclaimed: "Who is the murderer? At least who is the murderer on the surface?"

Bashali said: "The son of an Eight Banners General of the Qing Dynasty."

So there are some things that need to be said next.

Wade said: "Oh my God!"

Bashali said: "If you want me not to attack you in London, you still need to pay one thing."

MacHua Tuo said: "Enough is enough, Sir Bashali."

Bashali said: "I hope you can write to Hong Rengan of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom as the Consul in Shanghai. I have prepared the specific content for you."

After that, Bashali handed over the letter.

The letter highly praised Hong Rengan's enlightenment, criticized Hong Xiuquan's corruption and ridiculousness, and expressed that the British Empire was willing to support wise leaders like Hong Rengan. When necessary, the British Empire was willing to use military means to help the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom create a new situation.

After reading it, MacHua Tuo handed it to Wade.

Too vicious!

Killing with a borrowed knife, has it reached this point?

I am the consul of Shanghai. Do I use a butcher knife to kill a chicken?

MacHua Tuo said coldly: "Sir Bashali, what do you think of me? A tool for you to use?"

Bashali said slowly: "I will be back to London soon."

You have already said this.

But it is still very threatening.

Many people have to take responsibility for the defeat of this battle, so who should be held responsible?

Prince Albert has great authority in the diplomatic affairs of the empire.

"Okay." Mai Huatuo said, "I will write this letter myself."

For him, the consul in Shanghai, Hong Rengan of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom is nothing.

Wade sneered, "Sir Bashali, I hope you remember that you are an official of the British Empire, not Su Ye's deployment."

Bashali said, "You should say this to Li Taiguo and Hurd, not to me."

For Bashali, the biggest task now is to support Su Ye to the center and take charge of the court power.

In this way, he will become almost the only channel between the two countries.

What a huge benefit in the future?

Whether politically or economically, it is enough for him to change the fate of the entire family.

So far, the negotiations ended.

…………………………………………

The next day.

The British warships were released, and Su Ye's fleet entered the mouth of the Yangtze River.

And Bashali returned to London by boat to fulfill his important diplomatic mission.

Make final preparations for Su Ye to turn the tide and take control of the center.

The coalition forces of Su Ye and Tian Yugong rushed towards the battlefield of Changzhou with murderous intent.

However, it was no longer necessary.

After Zhejiang Governor Wang Youling led an army of 10,000 and joined the battle in Danyang, the situation was reversed.

Shi Dakai's side was increasingly at a disadvantage.

However, this disadvantage was slow.

Shi Dakai was furious and punished several generals with a stick.

In the military meeting, he severely reprimanded these people, hoping that they would learn from their shame and then be brave, and save the situation in the next battle.

The entire Changzhou battle has lasted for more than 20 days.

Both armies have been exhausted to the extreme.

The coalition forces of the seven southern provinces are okay, after all, they have the support of a strong city, and there is a strong fleet support on the canal.

But for the Taiping Army, it is extremely uncomfortable.

Moreover, if they attack Suzhou, the Taiping Army will be very motivated, because it is very rich and can be plundered.

But Changzhou, Danyang and Wuxi, they have already plundered, and there is no property in them.

Even Shi Dakai himself regretted fighting this battle.

Before, he was trapped in Tianjing and felt useless. Once he fought, he would have military power and increase his reputation.

But for some reason, why did these battles become so difficult to fight?

Before, the Jiangnan camp was so easy to fight.

Since the so-called Southern Seven Provinces Alliance was established, for some reason, even the armies of Zhejiang and Jiangsu have become stronger.

Now, Shi Dakai dared not even hope to win the Battle of Danyang.

Just waiting for Li Xiucheng to win the Battle of Wuxi and trigger the military collapse of the other side.

After punishing these important generals today, I hope that tomorrow's battle will be more competitive and better.

As a result...

The battle the next day was far beyond Shi Dakai's expectations.

It would have been better if he hadn't punished these generals, but this punishment. Before, he was only gradually falling behind, but today he was falling behind quickly.

At this time, Su Ye's Yangtze River Fleet actually abandoned the most vulnerable Wuxi battlefield and went directly to the most advantageous Danyang battlefield.

All the naval guns bombarded Shi Dakai's army.

Suddenly... this became the last straw that broke the camel's back for Shi Dakai's army.

The battle situation collapsed directly!

Shi Dakai's troops began to flee.

Shi Dakai ordered to kill several generals, but he couldn't stop the retreat.

Finally, in three battlefields.

In the Danyang battlefield, the Taiping Army was defeated.

Then, Wang Youling led 10,000 people to defend Danyang City.

Wang Shiqing and Feng Zicai led more than 10,000 people and rushed out of Danyang City directly, heading towards Chen Yucheng's back.

Jiujiang's Yangtze River Fleet and Xu Youren's Red Single Fleet also followed to Changzhou.

The originally balanced battle situation collapsed in an instant.

A few hours later! The Taiping Army in Changzhou collapsed, and Chen Yucheng ordered the entire army to retreat.

The Battle of Changzhou ended.

At this time, the original Jiangnan Camp army led by Feng Zicai could no longer hold on, but Su Ye's new army led by Wang Shiqing did not stop and continued to attack Wuxi. This shows how strong the fighting resilience of Su Ye's new army is.

Su Ye's Yangtze River Fleet and Xu Youren's Red Single Fleet also followed and attacked Wuxi again.

Li Xiucheng was almost going crazy.

Since Su Ye's fleet withdrew, the Qing army defender Zhang Guoliang was about to lose Wuxi.

Li Xiucheng felt that as long as he exerted more strength, he might be able to break the city of Wuxi.

However, when he heard that Shi Dakai was defeated in the Danyang battlefield, Li Xiucheng knew that even if he captured Wuxi, it would be meaningless.

Although he was extremely unwilling, he made a prompt decision and led his army to retreat and return to Tianjing.

So far, the Battle of Changzhou ended.

The Taiping Army was defeated.

The battle that had been stalemated for nearly a month before collapsed in just one day, with hundreds of thousands of Taiping troops collapsed.

Although Su Ye did not command this war, he was deeply touched by this day.

Whether it was the war situation, the country, or the struggle.

Almost all collapses were not long-lasting, but happened instantly.

………………………………

When Su Ye was more than 200 miles away from Zhenjiang, he encountered the patrol ship of the coalition forces.

The officer on the patrol ship was overjoyed and immediately reported to Su Ye.

"Is the Marshal here? Is the Marshal here?"

"The Battle of Changzhou is over!"

"The coalition forces of the seven southern provinces have won a great victory!"

"General Wang Shiqing and our Yangtze River Fleet are heading towards Zhenjiang at full speed!"

Su Ye was overjoyed when he heard the news. He originally thought that he would need to be there to completely win the Battle of Changzhou, but it turned out that he was not needed at all.

Wang Shiqing, Xu Youren, Wang Youling, Zuo Zongtang and others were dealt with directly.

Su Ye directly ordered him and Tian Yugong's coalition forces to advance at full speed and attack Zhenjiang!

The reaction in Tianjing was already fast.

As soon as he received the news of the defeat in Changzhou, he immediately ordered to send troops to support Zhenjiang.

But...it was still too late.

First, the Yangtze River Fleet of Jiujiang arrived, and Wang Shiqing's new army arrived and began to attack Zhenjiang.

Immediately afterwards, the coalition forces of Su Ye and Tian Yugong arrived.

Zhenjiang could not bear the bombardment of these two armies and such a powerful fleet.

After resisting for eleven hours, the defenders fled.

Su Ye's coalition forces occupied Zhenjiang.

So far, all the cities on the south bank of the Yangtze River of the Taiping Army were completely lost, leaving only Tianjing.

…………………………

In Tianjing, Hong Xiuquan received one defeat after another.

It was an unprecedented blow.

The last defeat report, Zhenjiang fell.

It almost made him faint.

Then, his eyes looking at Hong Rengan became extremely complicated.

Why? Why?

There was no need to fight this battle? Why did you provoke Su Ye?

And at this time, Hong Renda ran over to complain.

"Heavenly King, Heavenly King!"

"Look, look!"

"This is a secret letter from the British Consul in Shanghai, Mai Huatuo, to Hong Rengan, which was intercepted by us."

"A few foreigners sneaked to the Ganwang Mansion and were discovered by us."

Hong Xiuquan took it and looked at it. Of course, he couldn't understand the English on it at all.

However, there were still people who knew English in Tianjing, and there were even many foreigners.

What's even more outrageous is that there are foreign soldiers in the Taiping Army, and there are quite a few of them.

"Call Luo Xiaoquan!" Hong Xiuquan said.

Luo Xiaoquan, an American missionary, has been in the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom for several years and has been conferred a title.

"Translate this letter for me," Hong Xiuquan said.

Luo Xiaoquan trembled slightly and read out the letter written by Shanghai Consul Mai Huatuo to Hong Rengan.

Suddenly, Hong Xiuquan's face turned green.

Good, good!

I didn't believe it before, but you, Hong Rengan, were really instigated by foreigners in Hong Kong, and you really wanted to collude with foreigners to seize my country.

Is your conscience fed to the dog? I value you so much, but you want to join forces with foreigners to harm me?

"Is this letter true?" Hong Xiuquan asked.

Luo Xiaoquan nodded bitterly. Mai Huatuo was in a high position and had little interaction with him, but they still exchanged letters occasionally.

Hong Xiuquan threw the letter directly on Hong Rengan's face and said, "Look, take a look yourself."

Hong Rengan took the letter and read it several times with trembling.

He didn't know the British Consul in Shanghai at all, and had no idea why the other party would write such a letter?

As for someone using a knife to kill someone? He never dared to think about it.

In his opinion, the British Consul in Shanghai was in such a high position, who else could use it?

Why do you need to use a butcher knife to kill a chicken? !

After a long while, Hong Rengan knelt down and said, "Heavenly King, I am wronged. I don't know why this Mai Huatuo wrote this letter to me?"

Hong Xiuquan said angrily: "Remove Hong Rengan from the title of King Gan and all his positions."

…………………………………………

Lin Shaozhang negotiated with Hong Renli again.

Negotiations had to be made, otherwise the entire Yangtze River would be blocked by Su Ye.

Lin Shaozhang said: "Go and tell Lord Su Ye to return Zhenjiang to us."

Hong Renli said: "Don't even think about it."

Lin Shaozhang said: "We still have hundreds of thousands of troops, you can't defend Zhenjiang."

If we really fight, we really can't defend it.

Hong Renli said: "Don't you want Anqing anymore? Won't your troops go to support Anqing?"

"Don't you want the right to pass the Yangtze River?"

"The foreigners lost this battle, and we seized several warships. What will you do if they blockade Tianjing all day long?"

"If you do something wrong, you must accept the punishment."

Hong Renli said: "We are willing to open the Yangtze River navigation rights and lift the blockade. And we are willing to return the previously seized materials and food to you."

Lin Shaozhang was slightly stunned. You are willing to return so many supplies?

"What are the conditions?" Lin Shaozhang asked.

Hong Renli said: "Hand over the war criminal, Hong Rengan."

Lin Shaozhang said: "Hand over the King of Gan, we will lose face."

Hong Renli said speechlessly: "Prime Minister Lin, Su Ye has done his best for the Heavenly Kingdom. This condition is already very generous."

Lin Shaozhang certainly knew, and after Hong Rengan was finished, he would be able to take charge of the Heavenly Kingdom's political power again.

For Su Ye, it is impossible to destroy the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom now, and there is no need to destroy it.

Now that the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom has been destroyed, this great merit, who should be rewarded?

Lin Shaozhang said: "I will report."

……………………………………

Tianjing, Heavenly King's Palace.

"Su Ye said that as long as Hong Rengan is handed over, they are willing to lift the blockade and open the Yangtze River waterway." Lin Shaozhang said.

Hong Xiuquan said angrily: "Where are the people we sent to buy warships? Don't we still have several shipyards?"

Lin Shaozhang said: "Heavenly King, the navy is not like other things. It will be difficult to recover without one or two years."

Hong Xiuquan said: "If Hong Rengan publicly surrenders to Su Ye, how can I save my face?"

Lin Shaozhang said: "No."

Hong Xiuquan closed his eyes and said for a long time: "Saving Anqing is important, agree to him."

At this point, Tianjing compromised and handed over Hong Rengan.

………………

A few days later!

Hong Rengan was escorted to Su Ye.

Su Ye said angrily: "Hong Rengan, why did you hit me? Why did you hit me?"

"Both sides have agreed not to fight within two years, with Wuxi as the boundary, why did you break the agreement?"

Hong Rengan said: "Lord Su Ye, you are only a militia in Jiangxi, Changzhou is not yours, and Suzhou is not yours either."

Su Ye said: "I am the leader of the seven southern provinces, and I personally promised to protect Changzhou. Moreover, Wuxi was the boundary that I negotiated with you at that time, and Governor Xu Youren obeyed my will."

"Why did you fight to such a result now?"

"There were more than 100,000 people on both sides, and they fought for more than a month. You suffered tens of thousands of casualties, and we also suffered more than 10,000 casualties."

Su Ye waved his hand.

Su Ye was cold and cunning in dealing with the enemy.

But he did not regard the Taiping Army as an enemy. For Hong Rengan in front of him, he could only be angry at his lack of struggle.

Can't you tell the enemy from the friend? Can't you see that I, Su Ye, am friendly to you?

When the Kingdom of Heaven has no place in this world, I am the only one who can tolerate and accept you.

You attack me in return, giving Zeng Guofan an advantage to attack Anqing. What are you thinking?

Hong Rengan suddenly said: "Su Ye, in my opinion, you are more dangerous than Zeng Guofan. Zeng Guofan's Hunan Army is a visible enemy, and you are an invisible enemy. You are eroding us and annexing us in secret."

"Su Ye, you have made a big fuss to ask me to come from the Heavenly King. I don't know what your intention is. But you want me to surrender to you, want me to publicly pledge allegiance to you, and undermine the prestige of the Heavenly Kingdom, but forget it."

"I, Hong Rengan, will never surrender to you."

"Don't waste your efforts."

Su Ye was no longer angry, and sighed softly: "Hong Rengan, you really think too much."

"The Taiping Heavenly Kingdom has many brothers and sisters on my side. I want you to come here just to give them an explanation!"

"The current Dehua County Magistrate Li Mengshan was once a member of your Taiping Army. I will hand you over to him for trial!"

Hong Rengan's face changed, as if he had suffered an extremely huge humiliation.

I am the King of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, and you...you hand me over to a county magistrate for trial?

I am a gifted man, and you didn't even say a word to persuade me to surrender?

…………………………

Li Mengshan was born in a landlord family, one of the few Taiping Army soldiers. His father was a scholar and a private school teacher.

When Lin Qirong left Jiujiang, many young Taiping Army soldiers stayed behind, and Li Mengshan was one of them.

Later, he retired from the army because of his right leg disability due to the war.

Then, he continued to join the ranks of the new army's education officers, stood out in study and examinations, and was appointed as the magistrate of Dehua County.

And this county magistrate was really appointed by the court.

At that time, the Taiping Army was about to capture Suzhou and was in danger. Su Ye was needed to send troops to rescue it. Su Ye proposed that Shen Baozhen act as the governor of Jiangxi and Li Si serve as the prefect of Jiujiang. There were many remaining official positions, and the court agreed one by one.

The next day!

Li Mengshan, the magistrate of Dehua County, publicly tried Hong Rengan.

More than a few thousand people came to watch, all of whom were family members of former Taiping Army soldiers, or sisters from the female camp.

Hong Rengan was surprised to find that this group of people not only did not get close to him, but also gnashed their teeth.

After three days of trial.

The magistrate of Dehua County sentenced Hong Rengan to death by hanging and reported it to the provincial governor and the governor's office.

Acting Jiangxi Governor Shen Baozhen conspired to make the decision.

Then, Hong Rengan was hanged in public.

The news spread to Tianjing, causing a huge shock.

At this time, Chen Yucheng and Li Xiucheng were leading their troops north to support Anqing, and both of them received a handwritten letter from Hong Renli.

There were only four simple words on it: Take care of yourself.

This is no longer a simple warning, but also a painstaking exhortation.

It is true that Su Ye loves talents, but his patience is limited. You may not be a natural talent that can be indulged again and again.

Don't really play yourself to death, Hong Rengan is a role model.

……………………………………

The Taiping Heavenly Kingdom is just an affiliate.

The struggle between the court and Su Ye is the key.

Just as the court worried, the assassination of Su Ye instantly caused a huge storm of public opinion.

It set off the entire capital.

There are no secrets in this world.

The entire capital is in an uproar. The murderer is the son of De Xing'a.

Moreover, it was brought into the new army by Boyan, the son of the monk king.

What's more outrageous is that this person and the son of Weng Tongshu had planned to murder Su Ye's family before.

"General Su Ye, it's really more wronged than Yue Fei!"

"Just after winning the battle, they sent someone to assassinate, which is too despicable."

"It's said that the donkey is killed after the mill is done, this is too hasty."

"You don't know, this is completely Su Ye's self-torture plan"

There are all kinds of public opinions and rumors.

Su Ye will conduct public opinion warfare, and the court will follow suit.

However, everyone sympathizes with heroes, and everyone believes in conspiracy theories more.

The more shocking, the more willing to believe.

Therefore, now the people of the capital are more willing to believe that Su Ye was really assassinated, and it was instructed by the court.

The suspense now is, will the court punish the murderer De Xing'a's son?

……………………

Inside the palace.

The emperor and his trusted ministers discussed again and again.

Should we hand over the murderer De Xing'a's son who murdered Su Ye.

"It can't be handed over, and it must be treated as if nothing happened."

"We must insist that Su Ye is using a self-torture strategy."

"Su Ye is fighting against public opinion, and we are also fighting against public opinion."

Duanhua, Zaiyuan and others said: "We are the court, we have a louder voice and more power."

Du Han suddenly said: "Your Majesty, don't fight this public opinion war. If you fight this public opinion war, you will fall into Su Ye's trap."

"After all, he was assassinated. In this regard, we are always passive. We can't win this public opinion."

"The most important thing is that the emperor What was said in the court has been released. "

"The emperor is the Son of Heaven, and any words he says are golden words."

"Once it is said, it cannot be undone. Then the person criticized by the emperor must also respond."

"We have been trying hard to keep a trace of dignity before, and we don't want to completely tear our faces apart. Now that it has been torn apart, then... there is no turning back, so we might as well fight Su Ye to the end."

"After all, the court won the battle with the foreigners, and we are now more proactive than ever before."

Everyone immediately understood that Du Han was right.

It is meaningless to argue about whether Su Ye was assassinated by the court.

Throughout the ages, any minister who was reprimanded by the emperor would resign immediately to show his integrity.

Those who did not resign would be considered spineless and useless.

Now the emperor is not just reprimanding Su Ye, but directly positioning him as a traitor and a traitor, and he deserves to die.

Although this is a great loss of points and will greatly tarnish the emperor's reputation.

But... since this card has been played, it must be used to the fullest.

How will you, Su Ye, respond to the emperor's humiliating criticism?

Du Han said: "So, just spread what the emperor said in the court!"

"It can't be suppressed anyway, it will spread anyway, so just spread it."

"Force Su Ye to a desperate situation."

Suddenly, several important officials quieted down and looked at the emperor quietly.

This... may be fatal.

The emperor said in person that you, Su Ye, are a traitor and a traitor, and you deserve to die.

That forces Su Ye to have only two ways to go.

Either prove your innocence like all loyal ministers.

Or, fight back.

Kuang Yuan said: "Then, will Su Ye rebel directly?"

"This is almost handing the name of rebellion to Su Ye."

"At this time, if Su Ye rebels, he can gain the sympathy of the people, and even the sympathy of many officials in the seven southern provinces."

He was assassinated after defeating the foreign commander and making great contributions.

The court not only refused to hand over the murderer, but also said that you were a self-torture scheme. The emperor himself said that you were a traitor and a traitor.

Is it possible that you can only be unjustly killed like Yue Wangye at that time?

Du Han said: "I bet Su Ye dare not rebel, and cannot rebel."

Su Shun was silent for a while and said: "At this time, in the eyes of the world, the court is the unreasonable party, so... just do it to the end."

Several people looked at the emperor again, still asking him to make a decision.

What if Su Ye rebelled?

Du Han said: "If we win this battle, we can then deny the Tianjin Treaty, and then the foreigners' industries in Jiujiang will be illegal. The court did not clean up the industries of foreigners in Jiujiang before because it did not want to cause a war. But now that we have won, cleaning up the industries of foreigners in Jiujiang is justified."

The emperor was silent for a long time and said: "Just, do it."

…………………………

Next!

An even more explosive news came out.

It instantly made everyone speechless, and even the murder of Su Ye was completely covered up.

In the court, the emperor said in person that Su Ye was a traitor and a traitor, and he deserved to die.

Everyone was trembling, is this... is this true?

Wasn't Su Ye a meritorious official?

Wasn't Su Ye the emperor's most trusted favorite?

This... is this too unfair?

Is the court so cold and indifferent?

Suddenly, all eyes were fixed on Su Ye.

………………

This passage from north to south is like a storm, sweeping southward!

Finally, it reached Su Yi's ears.

It spread to the ears of several governors in the seven southern provinces.

In an instant!

Almost all the important ministers and governors were at a loss.

This... this is completely embarrassing.

Tian Yugong, the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, Wang Youling, the governor of Zhejiang, and Xu Youren, the governor of Jiangsu, had just returned to their administrative areas and rushed back to Jiujiang as quickly as possible to meet with Su Yi.

At this time, countless people in Jiujiang were completely angered.

"Reverse, reverse!"

"Commander, let's rebel against this court!"

Generals from the Taiping Army spoke out one after another.

Even officials who were originally from the New Army couldn't help shouting.

opposite? !

Impossible. Why?

Xu Youren, the governor of Jiangsu, said: "I will report to the imperial court and write a letter in blood to force the emperor to retract his arrogance."

Wang Youling said: "Yes, a blood letter."

Tian Yugong, the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, said: "I am willing to go to Beijing and go on a hunger strike outside the palace to force the emperor to change his words."

"Isn't it chilling to treat a hero so coldly and so coldly?"

Wang Shiqing entered, knelt down and said: "Commander, Shiqing is willing to go to Beijing to face the Holy Emperor, and kill him in the hall, forcing the Emperor to speak."

This is the attitude of all senior officials.

They were extremely angry, and Wang Shiqing was even willing to risk his life to seek justice for Su Yi.

Tian Yugong was willing to go on a hunger strike, and other officials were also willing to resign from their posts and advance and retreat with Su Yi.

However, no one wanted to rebel.

As an important minister of the imperial court, as a governor of the world, as a so-called scholar-bureaucrat, the word "rebellion" is too heavy.

The imperial court's move, the Seven-Injury Fist, can injure the enemy eight hundred and damage one's own one thousand.

Xu Youren suddenly said: "This is useless. The imperial court is eager for us to resign. At this point, it is impossible to preserve the seven-province alliance without bloodshed."

Su Yi couldn't help but glance at him.

After a long while, Su Yi said to the governors: "Brothers, I implore you to be silent!"

"Continue to remain where you are and maintain absolute silence."

"The Alliance of Seven Southern Provinces must be preserved."

"I'm going to write a memorial!"

Then, Su Yi left quietly.

A few days later, Su Yi's memorial was sent to the capital at a 600-mile speed.

………………………………

Above the court.

Li Qi entered the palace on behalf of Su Yi and presented a memorial to the emperor.

Su Yi resigned from his position as a team coach in Jiangxi.

Su Yi resigned from all his positions and took the imperial examination in Shuntianfu Township.

He resigned from the Shuntian Prefecture Martial Arts Examination and the Rural Examination Xie Yuan.

Su Yi handed over all the emperor's bestowal letters and all the imperial edicts given to him by the emperor in court.

Su Yi resigned from all titles.

He made no excuses, leaving only one sentence.

After this day, Su Yi will never serve again!

The civil and military officials of the court watched as Li Qi, on behalf of Su Yi, placed the documents of his fame and family background on the ground one by one.

Place all the imperial edicts and written articles from the emperor to Su Yi on the ground one by one.

Then, Su Quan resigned from all his titles.

Su He resigned from all titles.

This means that from now on, Su Yi and the emperor will no longer have any friendship.

As long as the emperor is in power, he does not hold any official position.

If anything happens to the court in the future, don't blame him.

He neither pleads guilty nor defends himself.

Just a public, complete break.

"My lord is extremely benevolent and righteous to the court. If anything happens in the future, don't blame my lord again."

Then, Li Qi turned and left.

"Huh!" The emperor snorted coldly.

Li Qi said: "Your Majesty, will you not allow the common people to leave alive this time?"

The emperor did not speak, and Wang Chenggui said in a cold voice: "Come here, take this rude person out and throw him out."

Several guards came forward, held Li Qi up, and threw him out of the palace.

Su Yi's statement made the emperor very proud, so Li Qi was allowed to appear in the court.

……………………

Inside Sanxi Hall.

The emperor said coldly: "Su Yi's trick is really ridiculous. Who does he think he is? What's the use of selling his name?"

Du Han said: "It's just as we guessed. Su Yi doesn't dare to rebel, and he can't either."

Mian Yu said: "Next, I'm afraid countless people will cry out for injustice for Su Yi."

Du Han said coldly: "What's the use? If it was useful for all the people to complain, Yue Fei wouldn't have died a tragic death back then."

These words made everyone look at Du Han.

What do you mean? Are you comparing the emperor to Zhao Gou?

But the truth is this. At that time, countless people cried out for Yue Fei's injustice, but what was the use?

Yue Fei had not lived in the name of rebellion for twenty years. It was not until the Southern Song Dynasty court changed from peace to war that Song Xiaozong vindicated Yue Fei and restored all his reputation.

However, many ministers felt that it was not worthwhile for the emperor to ruin his reputation and bring down Su Yi.

But who allowed the emperor to speak freely and not control his mouth?

Now that you have said it, and since you have paid the price, of course you must carry it out to the end.

Du Han said: "It's a pity that Tian Yugong, Wang Youling, and Xu Youren did not threaten the emperor with a memorial, nor did they resign to force him. Otherwise, we could have dismissed these people together."

Sushun said: "Su Yi's move is also to keep these people's official positions."

……………………

Su Yi openly broke with the emperor.

He resigned from all his titles, including the Jiangxi League Training Team, and all his honors.

It still caused a huge shock in the world.

Countless people complained about him.

The court was too cold, and the emperor was too cold.

Treating a hero like this?

Not only civilians, but also many scholars and officials felt aggrieved.

but……

That's all.

Do you want these officials and scholars to speak out for Su Yi and lose their official title and reputation?

Impossible.

But what I didn't expect was that some officials actually wrote a memorial to express their grievances for Su Yi.

It is not the behavior of a wise king to accuse the court of treating a meritorious official like this.

In fact, these people are not Su Yi's comrades at all, they are really full of righteous indignation.

Afterwards, the imperial court directly dismissed these dozen daring officials and exiled Ning Guta.

Suddenly, the court became quiet.

The emperor no longer received memorials to vindicate Su Yi.

Next, the emperor sent Guiliang to Shanghai to negotiate and spy on the attitude of foreigners.

……………………

Shanghai Consul Mai Huatuo's attitude suddenly changed. When he was in the negotiation team before, he was very tough and arrogant.

At this time, his attitude towards Guiliang softened.

Guiliang said that the previously negotiated treaty did not count and had to be re-negotiated.

Mai Huatuo said: "I'm afraid it doesn't count. London will send a new minister next, and then Mr. Gui will negotiate with the new minister."

Guiliang said: "Master Mai, I heard that your country is also divided into two factions. I heard that this time it launched a war against the Qing Dynasty, your parliament voted that the main warring side narrowly won?"

Mai Huatuo said in shock: "How does Mr. Gui know? The number of votes against the war is only about 20 votes less than that of the main war faction."

Guiliang said reservedly: "I naturally have my own channels."

Then, Guiliang said: "The emperor is benevolent and will never show mercy to others when he is in power. There are many things we can still discuss about the previous Tianjin Treaty."

Mai Huatuo was stunned, you have won the battle, are you still willing to give in?

So, he asked, "What can we talk about?"

Guiliang said: "Tianjin and Jiujiang must not be used as treaty ports. The envoys from several countries coming to Beijing and the Aihui Treaty must be overturned. The rest can be discussed."

Mai Huatuo was surprised that the Qing court had such a big compromise?

Even though they have won the battle, are they willing to compromise on the most important tariffs and the legalization of the opium trade?

Even a dozen treaty port cities are still willing to accept it?

This is Emperor Xianfeng, who must accept foreigners as soon as they see favor.

After winning the war, it is even more important to show the great ambition of the Celestial Empire and to value peace. After removing a few key articles, these treaties that are humiliating and humiliating the country can still be signed and recognized.

In short, we must avoid fighting.

Mai Huatuo said happily: "Your emperor is really wise and wise. I will immediately send a message to London and ask them to send a new envoy to negotiate."

Guiliang said: "We, the Qing Dynasty and your country, are willing to regard peace as the most important thing."

Mai Huatuo, the consul in Shanghai, said: "Of course, harmony is the most important thing, harmony is the most important thing."

Guiliang was overjoyed and returned to Beijing to resume his duties.

After he left, Shanghai Consul Mai Huatuo's face suddenly turned cold.

Ridiculous Qing people, there will be no more negotiations.

You know nothing about the majesty of the British Empire. There were many MPs who opposed the war before, but now no one can oppose it.

For the glory of the British Empire, a devastating war is destined to be launched.

There is no use for any conditions, because it has nothing to do with interests, only the majesty of the empire.

…………………………………………

After resigning all positions and titles.

Su Yi once again publicly announced that he officially resigned as leader of the Seven Southern Provinces Alliance.

Because this is not an official position, but a reputation.

The entire south was once again in an uproar.

Then, he came to Wuchang and met Zeng Guofan again.

"Sir Zeng, next I would like to ask you to serve as the leader of the Seven Southern Provinces Alliance. How about that?"

Zeng Guofan fell into deep thought and began to weigh the pros and cons.

Because of Su Yi's existence, the Seven Southern Provinces Alliance has a high authority.

Being the leader of this alliance will certainly bring you great political reputation.

However, once you become the leader of this alliance, you also need to bear the thunder for the South.

When Su Yi was the leader of the alliance, he spread his wings and helped the governors of the seven southern provinces to fend off wave after wave of attacks.

Xu Youren, Tian Yugong, Wang Youling, Shen Baozhen and others were all saved by Su Yi.

If Su Yi hadn't helped block the court's attack, these people would have stepped down long ago.

If Zeng Guofan becomes the leader of this alliance, he will also bear the thunder for the governors of these brother provinces.

More importantly, the imperial court will obviously take action against the Jiujiang Economic Zone next, and may even engage in military conflict.

Once Zeng Guofan became the leader of the alliance, he had the responsibility to protect Jiujiang and block the imperial army.

Weigh the pros and cons again and again.

Zeng Guofan bowed and said: "I'm sorry, Mr. Su, Zeng is not very talented and has insufficient qualifications to hold the position of leader."

He refused.

He was unwilling to stand up to the thunder and would never go against the imperial court for Jiujiang.

Su Yi said: "I understand."

After all, we are not the same people.

Then Su Yi said: "If Mr. Zeng doesn't want it, of course Su can't force it on others, and I understand it very well. But Mr. Zeng should understand what I said before. No one is allowed to let the Seven Southern Provinces Alliance be dismantled. "

"Next, the court may canonize Zeng Gong as the governor of Liangjiang. This is a good thing, and Su will never stand in the way."

"But please remember one thing, Mr. Zeng. Don't dismantle the Southern Seven Provinces Alliance."

Then, Su Ye left!

…………………………

A few days later, the imperial envoy, Prince Hui Mian Yu, appeared in Wuchang.

"Disheng, Su Ye can't be the leader of the Southern Seven Provinces Alliance, so this position of leader must belong to you."

This is the imperial court testing Zeng Guofan whether he will take over as the leader.

Once he accepts the position of leader, it means that he will continue to fight against the imperial court on behalf of the Southern Seven Provinces.

Zeng Guofan said: "Su Ye did come to me and asked me to take the position of leader."

Mian Yu's face changed slightly. Zeng Guofan had nearly 100,000 troops, much more than Su Ye.

Once he took over as the leader, it would be difficult.

Mian Yu smiled and said, "Did you accept it?"

Zeng Guofan said, "No."

He didn't say whether he would accept it in the future.

For the court, as long as no one takes over the position of the leader of the seven provinces, the seven provinces alliance will exist in name only.

Without a leader, there is no point in forming an alliance.

Mian Yu smiled and said, "The position of the Governor-General of Liangjiang is very important, and it has been vacant for a long time. Zeng Disheng, you are highly respected, and it must be you."

Zeng Guofan said, "I am not virtuous, and I dare not take such a high position. I recommend Xu Youren as the Governor-General of Liangjiang."

Prince Hui Mian Yu's face was solemn, and he took out the imperial edict and said, "The Emperor of Heaven and Mandate of Heaven decrees that Zeng Guofan, the governor of Hubei, be appointed as the Governor-General of Liangjiang and the Minister of Commerce of the Five Ports, and the Minister of War, and this is the order!"

The court was very decisive this time, and directly used the imperial edict to force Zeng Guofan to take sides.

It is said that Zeng Guofan should have declined three times at this time.

However, he knelt down and kowtowed, saying, "Minister, I accept the order and thank you, long live the emperor!"

Mian Yu said, "Where is Peng Yulin?"

Zeng Guofan was stunned and happy.

Half an hour later, Peng Yulin arrived, because he was in Wuchang.

"The emperor has issued an order, Peng Yulin accepts it!"

Peng Yulin knelt down.

"By the order of the Emperor of Heaven and Mandate, Peng Yulin is appointed as the Governor of Hubei and the Minister of War, and I decree this!"

Peng Yulin kowtowed: "I accept the order and thank you. Long live the emperor, long live the emperor, long live the emperor!"

So far, the Hunan Army has flourished.

One Governor-General of Liangjiang, three Governors-General.

Moreover, Zeng Guofan got the position of Governor-General of Liangjiang by stepping on Su Ye's shoulders.

The court gave him the important position of Governor-General of Liangjiang in order to prevent him from standing on Su Ye's side.

So Su Ye said before that you can take the position of Governor-General of Liangjiang, and I am willing to help you.

But if you dare to give a push in the matter of dismantling the Seven Provinces Covenant, don't blame me for being ruthless.

…………………………

Jiujiang!

"Let me do it!" Xu Youren said, "I will be the new leader of the seven provinces!"

Wang Youling said, "I will do it. I have never read books. I am not even a scholar. I am a rough man. I will do it."

Tian Yugong, the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, said, "I will do it. I am the governor, and my official position is higher. I will be the leader."

Whoever becomes the leader will be in trouble.

Next, everything that Su Ye is not convenient to do will be done by the new leader.

Even if it is directly against the court.

It may even be a war.

If Su Ye wants to take over the central government in the future, he must occupy the moral high ground.

So, he cannot do this thing of opposing the court.

Otherwise, he will really be a traitor and a traitor in the mouth of the emperor.

He retreated cleanly, just to make the final preparation for taking over the central government.

Xu Youren insisted again: "I'll do it. I must do it. Originally, Lord Tian Yugong was the most suitable. You are the governor and we are the governors. But your Fujian is too far from Jiujiang, and my Jiangsu is right in the middle of the Yangtze River."

"So don't fight. I'll be the leader."

"All the bad guys, I'll do it!"

"I was going to die in Suzhou. Living one more day is a gain."

Then, Jiangsu Governor Xu Youren said: "Lord Su, just tell me how long it will last."

Su Ye said: "Three to four months."

"So short?" Xu Youren took a long breath and said: "I thought it would take one or two years."

"Okay, leave it to me!"

"I'll treat myself as a dead man. I can do anything extreme."

……………………

In the study, Su Ye and Xu Youren had a secret conversation.

Xu Youren said: "How long can he live? How long can the court exist?"

Su Ye took out a piece of paper, wrote a few words on it, and handed it to Xu Youren.

After reading it, Xu Youren quickly burned the paper.

After a long while, Xu Youren trembled and said, "Lord Su Ye, my son is gone, and I have no hope in this life. The only thing I want is my reputation after my death."

"Su, if one day I openly defy the court and become disgraced, can you help me redeem my reputation after my death?"

Su Ye was silent for a long time, and said, "Lord Xu, you will not be disgraced."

"In the near future, I hope you can enter the center, and we will work together to support the country and revive China."

Then, Su Ye bowed deeply to Xu Youren.

Xu Youren bowed back and said, "I, Xu Youren, may become a traitor in the eyes of the court, but I am worthy of the conscience of heaven and earth and the billions of people!"

"Leave the next thing to me!"

……………………

A few days later!

Shanghai, Yu Garden, Sansui Hall.

Several governors and governors took their positions.

And invited multiple newspaper reporters from Western powers.

Invited Western consuls in Shanghai from Britain, the United States, France and other countries.

Also invited Songjiang prefect and other court officials.

Jiangsu Governor Xu Youren officially announced that from now on, he would serve as the leader of the Southern Seven Provinces Alliance.

He would do his best to protect the Yangtze River waterway and the people of the Southern Seven Provinces.

And sent diplomatic notes to the United States, Britain, Russia, France and other countries.

Then!

The new leader Xu Youren announced that because pirates are becoming increasingly rampant, from now on, the Southern Seven Provinces Alliance Fleet will completely block the entire Yangtze River waterway.

Any non-Southern Seven Provinces armed fleet is not allowed to enter the Yangtze River waterway.

Those who disobey will be sunk.

Xu Youren emphasized that no armed force is an exception.

The Qing officials present were completely discolored.

"Mr. Xu Youren, what if the court dismisses you from the post of Jiangsu Governor?" asked a foreign reporter.

Xu Youren said: "Whether I am the governor of Jiangsu or not, my position as the leader of the Southern Seven Provinces Alliance will not change."

"As long as I am the leader, this resolution will not change!"

As soon as this statement came out.

It was like a bolt from the blue.

Everyone was shocked. What does this mean?

Is this an armed confrontation?

…………………………

At the same time!

The news of the defeat at Dagukou spread to London and Paris.

First there was silence.

Then, the whole of Europe was in an uproar!

The government and the opposition were completely shocked.

Countless people criticized the commander-in-chief of the coalition forces.

I don't know how many newspapers were publishing the news of the defeat.

Everyone couldn't believe that they had suffered such a tragic defeat in the face of the corrupt and backward Qing Dynasty.

Countless people shouted and killed the generals who participated in the war.

They believed that they had brought great shame to the British Empire and the French Empire.

But there was a voice that was unprecedentedly consistent!

Revenge, revenge, revenge!

Gather more troops, more fleets, and wage a devastating war against the Qing Dynasty.

…………………………

Note: More than 13,000 words are sent here. If you have monthly tickets, please continue to give them to me. Cake kowtows to you!