Usurping the Qing Dynasty: My first love was Cixi

Chapter 221 Southern Tour! The Emperor and Su Yi! The last moments

I don’t know how long it took, but the emperor woke up.

The whole person seemed particularly calm.

"Everyone else, please go out." The emperor said, "Envoy of the imperial hospital, please stay."

Sushun, Du Han and others were stunned and looked at the imperial emissary, who was frightened.

"Did you hear that?" the emperor asked.

Immediately, Sushun, Du Han, Duan Hua and others walked out, leaving only the Imperial Hospital envoy.

"Where's the mouthful of blood I vomited?" the emperor asked.

The imperial physician said: "This, this, I have put it away."

The emperor looked at the roof for a long time and asked: "What disease do I have?"

The envoy from the Taiyuan Hospital said: "The emperor is infected with lung disease, and he is overworked and has strong anger due to anger. As long as he takes a good rest for a few days, he will be fine."

The emperor said slowly: "In recent years, my lung disease has recurred more and more frequently. It used to occur frequently in winter, but now it recurs even if winter does not come."

The envoy from the Taiyuan Hospital said: "Your Majesty, lung disease is like this. I don't know how many people have it for decades. Some people are cured suddenly, some are not cured, and some people are delayed until they are sixty or seventy years old."

Of course, the envoy from the Taiyuan Hospital specializes in choosing nice things to say.

The emperor's illness was actually known to the highest level, but the only one who kept it secret was the emperor himself.

The emperor did not get angry, but did not speak for a while.

"I know it's difficult for you too. You always have to report good news but not bad news. And most people inevitably hide their illnesses and avoid medical treatment, so you don't dare to tell the truth." The emperor said: "It doesn't matter if you do this normally. It's not bad to be a fool. . But it’s different now. There is a big thing before me now, so I want to know the truth and how much time I have to whether I can do this big thing.”

"So, for the sake of the country and the country of our ancestors, you have to tell me the truth, okay?"

The imperial physician immediately knelt on the ground, trembling with fear.

Sushun, Du Han and others were not around, and he was alone. Although the emperor spoke calmly, the pressure brought by the imperial power was too terrible. For a moment, he didn't know whether to tell the truth or continue to lie.

The emperor said: "Your attitude speaks volumes."

"Say it, no matter what you said, I definitely don't blame you."

The imperial physician instinctively looked behind him, really hoping that Sushun and others could come forward and make a decision for him at this time.

After a long while, the imperial physician trembled and said: "I and a few others suspect... suspect that the emperor is suffering from consumption!"

tuberculosis? !

The emperor shook slightly.

Even if he doesn't know much about medicine, he still knows about this disease.

Basically, there is no rule of law.

He originally thought he had enough strength to bear the news, but he lay down still.

The whole person fell into deep despair.

After a while, the emperor asked: "How long do I have?"

The imperial physician said: "Your Majesty, there is no need to worry too much. As long as you take a good rest, you will be able to sustain yourself for several years."

The emperor said: "If it's tuberculosis, then...it won't last for several years."

"Tell me honestly, how long do I have?

The Imperial Hospital envoy kowtowed as hard as he could and said, "Your Majesty will be at his peak for a thousand years, and he must still have many more years left."

At this time, the imperial doctor refused to say anything no matter what.

The emperor suddenly said: "I know that most people infected with tuberculosis will not survive more than three to five years. Besides, I have been suffering from this disease for more than two or three years."

The doctor in the hospital was even more frightened and trembling.

"Okay, I said it, no matter what, you are not guilty."

Then, the emperor waved his hand, and the imperial hospital envoys retreated.

……………………

In the next few days, the emperor's body seemed to recover faster, and his cough gradually became less frequent.

The whole person seemed to become energetic and his face turned red.

But the whole person also seemed silent. I used to watch big dramas every day, but now I don’t watch them that much anymore.

I used to go to the palace every day with stunning private figures, but that stopped too.

Instead, he spent a lot of time studying with the eldest prince and the second prince.

He often takes the eldest prince with him everywhere, but he is more careful and does not get very close.

After arriving at the palace in Rehe, the emperor was either making bold moves, listening to the opera and enjoying himself, getting angry, or cursing, and seemed very restless.

But the current emperor is the most relaxed and normal.

But it was this normality that made Sushun, Du Han and others very scared.

Suddenly one night, the emperor said: "Find out all Su Yi's memorials. I want to see them."

Wang Chenggui was shocked, but still followed the order and found it.

The emperor read it carefully from beginning to end.

"Find out all the secret reports of stick sticks that occurred in the capital during this period, and I will look at them one by one."

How could Wang Chenggui dare? The emperor fell ill not long ago after reading the secret report from Sticking Branch in the capital.

"Your Majesty, please stop looking. Stop looking. Your health is in danger." Wang Chenggui kowtowed.

"Take..." the emperor said impatiently.

Soon, the pile of things was neatly placed in front of him.

The emperor took it seriously from beginning to end.

He felt that he was very calm and could face these reports calmly, but he still couldn't do it.

He was still trembling all over and his face turned blue and purple.

Wang Chenggui was panic-stricken and was ready to shout for the imperial doctor at any time.

However, the emperor calmed down.

"Call Sushun, Duanhua, and Zaiyuan," the emperor said.

Wang Chenggui was slightly startled, there was no one else? Like Duhan?

"Hey!" Wang Chenggui immediately went to call someone.

……………………

Half an hour later, there were only four people in the study, the emperor, Sushun, Duanhua and Zaiyuan.

No one is allowed to approach within ten meters outside the study room.

The emperor said: "Sushun, whatever you say next, don't take my emotions into consideration, just for the sake of the country, the country, and the country, okay?"

Sushun immediately knelt down and said, "I obey the order."

The emperor said: "This time Su Yi's new army and the foreigners went to war in the capital. What were the casualties?"

Sushun said: "Both sides suffered heavy casualties, but Su Yi's casualties were even greater, very large."

The emperor nodded and said, "How about the factories Su Yi runs in Jiujiang?"

Sushun said: "Very, very successful."

The emperor said: "In your personal opinion, do you agree with setting up a factory?"

Sushun thought for a while and said: "It is of course not good to set up factories and engage in foreign affairs. If a large number of people are concentrated, chaos will occur. Moreover, these factories are different from workshops. They involve gold and silver, and there is an endless supply of them. . Once there are so many people below, the strength of the center will be weak. Once there is more money, many people will listen to him. When there is enough money, these factories will become bigger and bigger, and the more things they produce. As the empire becomes more and more powerful and the property becomes more and more important, the money will become power. This is how the Yingyi king gradually loses his absolute power. "

The emperor said: "I also know these things, so I tried every means to prevent Su Yi from setting up a factory and engaging in foreign affairs. But now I ask you, do you agree with setting up a factory?"

Sushun fell into silence and said for a long time: "But if we don't do it, the foreigners will do it. If the court doesn't do it, the localities may have to do it. Today it is Su Yi, but tomorrow it may become Zeng Guofan. So instead of doing it, it will be done by Zeng Guofan. It’s better to leave it to them than to do it ourselves.”

The emperor said: "Sushun, you finally spoke your mind."

Sushun immediately kowtowed and said: "My slave deserves to die, my slave deserves to die!"

The emperor said: "You may be right, please continue."

Sushun said: "We are not allowed to set up factories. First, we are afraid that foreigners will infiltrate and subvert our Qing Dynasty. Second, we are afraid that people's hearts will be subverted. Third, we are afraid that the locals will have money and compete with the central government."

"But... now these three things have happened, and the worst situation has already appeared."

"Zeng Guofan, Luo Bingzhang, and even Xiang Rong and He Chun did not rely on the court's salary to train their troops. They all had their own financial and military power."

"Another example is Zeng Guofan. Did he really have no different intentions? He was just hiding behind Su Yi and letting him charge and confront the court, while Zeng Guofan and others took advantage from behind."

The emperor said: "Then you still supported Zeng Guofan before? The person who most values ​​the Han people is you."

Sushun kowtowed and said: "The slave is guilty, but...but in the face of rebellion, there is really no other way. Many times, the court does not just use whoever it wants, but depends on who is available on hand. There is no choice. It is like a person who is about to die of thirst, even if the water is poisonous, he still has to drink it. "

The emperor said: "These are your true words from the bottom of your heart."

"Su Yi told me that when we engage in Westernization and set up factories, we must do it from the top down, not from the bottom up, otherwise it will lead to local self-reliance."

Sushun said: "His Westernization has not been completely completed, and the southern provinces are already on their way to independence."

The emperor said: "For the next words, I also ask a few of you to speak to me from the bottom of your heart."

Sushun, Duanhua, and Zaiyuan immediately knelt down and said, "I will have no reservations."

The emperor said: "What if the imperial court really reconciles with Su Yi and gives him a lot of power and lets him be responsible for foreign affairs and running factories?"

As soon as these words came out, Sushun, Duanhua, and Zaiyuan trembled in disbelief.

Sushun was silent for a while and said: "There is no doubt about Su Yi's talent. If the power is really handed over to him, the Qing Dynasty will really be revived. This person's will, means, and wisdom are all out of the ordinary." one."

Having said this, Sushun paused for a moment.

The emperor said: "Keep talking."

Sushun said: "But at that time, it was not certain who belonged to the Qing Dynasty. I can see that this man is a man of great talent, but his talent is not that of fame and fortune, but that of a king."

"A person like Zeng Guofan is not afraid even if he has different intentions, because he cannot take that step."

"But Su Yi is an astonishing talent, and he is also the queen of the clan. Judging from what he is doing now, he is extremely domineering and never gives in, but he always pursues righteousness."

"Cao Cao is said to be a minister capable of governing the world and a hero in troubled times. Su Yi is talented in governing the world, and the lowest is Huo Guang and Yi Yin. But now we are in troubled times, a great change that has not happened in a thousand years."

The emperor was silent.

After a long while, he said: "Then do you think there is still room for reconciliation between me and Su Yi?"

Sushun said: "I dare not say anything."

The emperor said: "If you, Yi, and Su Yi are at the center of the imperial court in the future, can you and Yi suppress his ambitions with his ability?"

Sushun kowtowed and said, "My slave... I don't dare to say anything."

The emperor said: "I know, I know."

"But regarding the independence of the seven southern provinces, Su Yi's crisis cannot be left to my eldest brother. It must be resolved in my hands."

……………………

Capital City!

There was lightning and thunder again.

Su Yi went online.

"Congratulations to the group leader, you have completed the most glorious step." Negative Bamei.

Red flags were planted all over the Qing Dynasty: "The most difficult step, the most critical step. Although it was full of dangers, it was completed perfectly. The group leader is awesome. The next step is the last step, taking control of the center."

Negative Bamei said: "Next, we will wait for the emperor to die. According to history, the emperor will die in one year. But in this world, the emperor is under so much stimulation and pressure that he may not be able to survive for more than a year."

Red flags were planted all over the Qing Dynasty and he said: "Next, all we have to do is wait for the emperor's death and enthrone Sushun and other eight ministers who take care of his life. Then, Sushun and other ministers bullied the empress dowagers of the two palaces. Empress Dowager Cixi issued an order to ask Su Yi, an old lover, to march north. Kill the eight ministers Gu Ming. At that time, the empress dowagers of the two palaces will take charge of the affairs, and Su Yi will enter the center, take charge of the power, sleep on the dragon bed, and start the next stage of seeking power and usurping the throne. "

"Just thinking about this scene makes me feel happy."

"Congratulations to the group leader, congratulations to the group leader."

"Congratulations to Su Bacun, congratulations to Su Bacun." Negative Bamei said, "When the time comes, please tell us how deep Xingzhen is."

Red flags were planted all over Manqing and said: "There is still caliber, whether it is to support it, whether it is a tight fit, or whether there is room for it."

Suddenly, Ying Nian Bald said: "I think you are making a mistake."

Negative Bamei: "What's the mistake?"

Young Bald said: "Historical inertia is wrong."

Red flags were planted all over Manqing and said: "Isn't this what I said before?"

Ying Nian early bald said: "Most of the time, history will indeed maintain its original inertia. As long as the variables are not very huge, the emperor will probably still attack as fast as he did in history. But now, he is facing an unprecedented crisis. , especially the crisis of the possible self-reliance of the seven southern provinces.”

"Do the ministers know that the emperor has consumption?"

Negative Bamei said: "Historically? You should know about it. Sushun and Yi may both know about it."

Ying Nian Bald said: "Then we should be more cautious. I highly recommend that you must be very cautious next time. If the emperor doesn't know his condition, it may be fine. He may spend his whole life in a daze."

Negative Bamei said: "Emperor Xianfeng has character flaws and an above-average IQ. Faced with such a huge blow, he would probably choose to escape. Occasionally he wants to forge ahead, but most of the time he wants to lie down and enjoy. So in During his stay in the Chengde Palace, he spent most of his time enjoying himself and indulged in sexual activities. Occasionally he felt sad and angry, and wanted to return to Beijing to work hard and make progress, but in the end he chose to escape and enjoy himself to death. "

Young Bald said: "If he knew that he had tuberculosis and knew that his death was not far away, would he still continue to enjoy himself until he died?"

"Historically, after the British and French allied forces retreated, Emperor Xianfeng had no face to return to Beijing to face his ministers and the people. But in fact, the fatal threat was gone. The Qing court had even reached an agreement with the British and French allied forces to use the power of foreigners to suppress the Taiping Rebellion. , the Qing Dynasty will enter a period of calm, but it is different now, because of the existence of Su Yi, the power of the central government of the Qing Dynasty is facing huge uncertainty. "

Negative Bamei said: "You mean, the emperor knows that his death is not far away, so he might self-destruct?"

Red flags were planted all over Manqing and said: "He, a mediocre king, doesn't have such a will!"

Ying Nian early bald said: "I think it is better not to underestimate the enemy when it comes to the things that the senior officials of the Qing court should look down upon, and the things that should not be looked down upon."

"We are about to reap the fruits of victory, so don't be careless!"

Su Yi nodded and said: "Yes, you are right to be bald young!"

Negative Bamei said: "Okay, then let's start to deduce anything that may happen next, in any direction."

"By the way, I have read a theory that Emperor Xianfeng probably knew that his end was coming. The reason why he went ahead and had fun as much as he wanted was completely indifferent. Some people even said that he actively wanted to die."

"But no matter what, we are about to face victory, and we must take this step well."

…………………………

In mid-August, Su Yi suddenly led his army to leave the capital.

All the people send each other off and weep endlessly.

Prince Gong was shocked, Su Yi just left like this?

In his opinion, Su Yi had made such great achievements and had such great prestige among the people that he would definitely stay in the capital and not leave.

And there are absolutely enough reasons, such as protecting the people of the capital and protecting foreigners, killing them within one shot.

Or maybe the capital is empty and banditry is serious.

Moreover, the Rehe Palace did not have any wishes for Su Yi. From Prince Gong's point of view, he didn't know what to do with Su Yi.

The imperial court definitely wanted to issue a direct decree to expel Su Yi, but it was afraid that Su Yi would resist the decree and further intensify the conflict.

Moreover, Su Yi had just saved the capital, and instead of rewarding him for his merits, the court forcibly expelled him?

Where is the reputation of the imperial court?

Unexpectedly, Su Yi would just leave like this.

He immediately went to Chengde Palace in Rehe.

A few days later, Chengde visited the palace.

The emperor received a report from Prince Gong Yi, and Su Yi led his army to leave the capital.

Moreover, Yi once again respectfully invited the emperor to return.

After the emperor read it, he didn't say anything, but continued to study with the eldest prince and the second prince.

The eldest prince is barely four or five years old this year and can study reasonably well, while the second prince is less than two years old.

At this age, the so-called reading is just playing around.

The emperor was not annoyed, but changed a book and read it to the two princes.

When the time came, the two princes were carried away.

The eldest prince was sent to the queen, and the second prince was sent to Concubine Yi.

Concubine Lian finally raised her son under Concubine Yi's knees.

In this way, everything is really at peace.

The emperor was reluctant to leave and went to stay with the queen for a while.

He ate with the queen and the eldest prince, but did not eat at each other.

Then, he went to Concubine Yi to accompany the second prince to eat.

The second elder brother is very arrogant, very naughty, and very smart.

"I finally discovered that our second elder brother is much smarter than our eldest elder brother." Concubine Yi said: "Sometimes he is so naughty, and sometimes he acts like a little adult, which is so cute."

She kissed the second prince hard on his face.

The emperor said: "The second elder brother is also more courageous. The eldest elder brother seems to be bold, but in fact he is timid."

Concubine Yi said: "Really? I think the eldest brother is brave."

Then, Concubine Yi added: "And our second elder brother is so handsome, much more handsome than our eldest elder brother."

The emperor just smiled and said nothing.

In the eldest brother, he saw many shadows of himself, cautious, timid, and a little restless.

As for the second elder brother, he is really strong and domineering.

"Do you want to go back to Beijing?" the emperor suddenly asked.

Concubine Yi was stunned and said, "I don't know either."

……………………

The next day!

The emperor suddenly summoned his ministers to discuss the matter of the throne.

Is this the time to establish a crown prince?

The ministers were shocked and asked the emperor to discuss the matter further.

This is considered to please the emperor, because most of the time in the Qing Dynasty, the emperor would not establish a heir apparent when the emperor was in his prime.

"It is not too late to discuss the matter of establishing a crown prince in the emperor's prime years, ten or twenty years from now."

"The two brothers are still young. When they grow older, we will choose the talented ones to take over."

Faced with the opinions of the ministers, the emperor just smiled and ignored them.

That night, he suddenly asked Concubine Yi which prince she thought should be appointed as heir apparent.

Concubine Yi immediately knelt on the ground and remained silent.

No matter how Emperor Wulun asked, she always said that the harem was not allowed to interfere in politics.

The emperor asked the queen again, but the queen also refused to answer.

The emperor asked Concubine Lian again, but she said openly: "Of course it's the eldest brother."

The emperor was shocked: "Why?"

Concubine Lian said: "Because the emperor wants to establish a eldest brother."

The emperor said: "Why do I want to establish an elder brother?"

Concubine Lian said: "Because the eldest brother looks like an emperor."

The emperor said: "You have such a mouth."

………………

Two days later, the emperor suddenly issued an order to confer the eldest brother Zai Chun as the prince, and announced it to the world.

Suddenly, the civil and military officials at Chengde Palace were shocked.

After it reached the capital, the civil and military officials in the Manchu Dynasty were also surprised.

The establishment of a prince is barely normal, but it shouldn't be so sudden.

Under normal circumstances, the situation should be aired first, then laid and brewed, and finally announced to the world.

Many emperors even decide which prince will succeed them before they die.

For a time, there was a lot of discussion between the government and the public, and everything was said.

What happened? What made the emperor so impatiently confer the crown prince title?

Then, the emperor issued a decree to confer Concubine Yi as the imperial concubine.

This didn't cause any commotion. The prince's biological mother must be different.

However, Sushun came and met with the emperor secretly, and they talked for about half an hour.

Concubine Yi was in the same boat as Su Shun, so she immediately sent Ande Hai to find out what Su Shun had said to the emperor.

Andehai tried his best and even spent money, but he couldn't find out anything because Sushun was having a secret conversation with the emperor that day and there was no one around.

All civil and military officials in Chengde felt very uneasy and didn't know what the emperor was going to do next.

The emperor has changed too much.

Your Majesty, you should continue to listen to the show and play with women, so that we can feel at ease.

However, as if the emperor heard the voices of his ministers, he resumed his previous life trajectory.

In the palace, there was another big show all day long.

When he was in the capital, the emperor was very addicted to theater. Not only did he like to watch operas, he also wrote, choreographed and even sang his own operas.

But when he was in the capital, he kept the door behind closed doors and didn't let anyone see or hear him except a few eunuchs.

But this time, he seemed to relax and sang "Dingjun Mountain" in person in front of dozens of people.

Not only did he get addicted to acting, but he also started his previous career of picking flowers.

All kinds of women outside were once again sent into the palace.

Seeing the emperor who was enjoying himself again, all the ministers felt at ease and once again gave their usual advice.

The emperor should take care of his dragon body and be diligent in his duties.

……………………

A few days later, the emperor, who was in high spirits, summoned his ministers and said, "My lords, I would like to tour the south, what do you think?"

The officials were shocked.

Southern tour? !

Do you still dare to tour the south?

Only an emperor who is at the height of his power dares to tour the south.

Not to mention that only Emperors Shengzu and Gaozong made repeated southern tours, but what was the status and prestige of these two emperors?

Even so, the two emperors' southern tour was secretly ridiculed by the government and the public, saying that it was a waste of lives and money.

Your Majesty, we have just fought a huge defeat, and the entire capital has been invaded.

You...your reputation is not that good now.

Moreover, how much does it cost to tour the South?

So, the ministers opposed it. Some directly said that the southern tour was too expensive.

Others said that it was unsafe along the way and they were afraid of disturbing the emperor.

The last time they just went to the Eastern Tomb, which was no more than 200 miles away from Beijing, they had already encountered an assassination.

How many dangers would there be in the southern tour of thousands of miles?

Almost all the ministers came out to dissuade him.

The emperor just smiled and said nothing.

The next day, the emperor said again: "Send an order to Zeng Guofan, the governor-general of Liangjiang, Wang Youling, the governor of Zhejiang, and Li Hongzhang, the governor of Jiangsu, and tell them that I want to go to Hangzhou and Suzhou to take a look and ask them to prepare to receive the emperor."

The ministers once again strongly opposed it.

However, as long as the emperor made an absolute will, it would be useless for the ministers to stop him.

So, the ministers said that because the Yellow River changed its course, the canal had become more and more difficult to travel.

The emperor said, didn't the seven southern provinces repeatedly send people to dredge the canal? Didn't Su Ye's army go south last time?

The ministers said that the treasury was insufficient and could not afford the money for the emperor's southern tour.

The emperor said that the scale of the southern tour could be reduced, and the money could be drawn from the inner treasury instead of the treasury.

Throughout the whole process, the emperor was calm and composed, as if he had discussed it with the ministers.

But he acted vigorously. A few days later, Ronglu and Boyan Nemohu came to the Rehe Palace and knelt in front of the emperor.

"I want to tour the south and order you two to escort me!"

"No need to say more, no need to persuade, this is the imperial edict!"

"You must execute it whether you understand it or not."

Immediately, Ronglu and Boyan Nemohu knelt down and kowtowed, saying, "Your servants obey the order!"

………………………………

More than half a month later.

More than 10,000 elite troops escorted the emperor from the Rehe Palace to the south.

Prince Gong Yi led Wenxiang, Baojun and other ministers who stayed behind to kneel down to receive the emperor.

Because in everyone's opinion, the emperor must pass through the capital anyway, and he must return to the palace first.

But the emperor did not enter the capital at all. He bypassed the capital and went directly to Tongzhou, then boarded a ship from here and went south along the canal.

The emperor's southern tour caused an uproar.

Countless people in the court and the public cursed and opposed.

Not only the people, but even some middle and low-level officials cursed privately.

At this time, it is too late to work hard and be brave after knowing shame. You actually went on a southern tour? Aren't you afraid of leaving a bad reputation for thousands of years?

Accompanying the emperor's southward journey.

The entire southern officialdom was completely shaken.

Especially Zeng Guofan, the governor-general of Liangjiang, sent all the elite navy of the Hunan Army when the emperor was still far away from Yangzhou.

He was really afraid that something would happen to the emperor in the south.

Even British diplomats took the initiative to meet Prince Gong Yi, expressing their concern for the emperor's southern tour, and if possible, they were willing to lend warships to escort the emperor.

Prince Gong Yi sternly refused.

But at this time, the British were really sincere. This period of time was a critical period for fulfilling relevant treaties. They did not want any changes to happen, let alone the emperor.

Zeng Guofan not only sent all the navy ships, but also sent envoys to Tianjing and Jiujiang.

There was only one purpose, not to make trouble.

At this time, no matter what force, do not make trouble.

No one can afford the consequences of the emperor's accident.

Then, when there were still hundreds of miles away, Zeng Guofan, the governor of Liangjiang, Tuo Ming'a, the general of Jiangning, and the governor of the grain transport came across the province to greet him.

A few days later, the emperor finally arrived in Yangzhou without any danger.

Yangzhou was so close to Tianjing that almost everyone was terrified.

During this period, the entire Yangzhou garrison directly exceeded 70,000 people.

The emperor stayed in Yangzhou for three days, then boarded the big ship again, crossed the Yangtze River, continued south along the canal, and headed for Suzhou.

At this time, the fleet of the Southern Seven Provinces Alliance came to escort.

A few days later!

The emperor arrived in Suzhou.

Yangzhou had withered after several wars.

But Suzhou was saved by Su Ye at a critical moment, and it was still prosperous at this time.

This was the first time that the emperor had experienced Jiangnan, and he seemed very excited.

Not only did he visit several historical sites, but he also watched the life of the market under heavy protection.

On the busy streets, rickshaw drivers pulled passengers and ran wildly.

The emperor said: "This is the rickshaw produced in Jiujiang."

Li Hongzhang next to him said: "Yes, Your Majesty."

The emperor said: "I want to try it too."

Everyone was uneasy, how dangerous it was.

A few hours later, the emperor sat in the rickshaw, and the one pulling the rickshaw in front was Boyan Nemohu.

The emperor rode in the car with great interest and walked around for a long time.

After getting off the car, he seemed to be unsatisfied and said: "It's very stable and comfortable, much more comfortable than a carriage."

Next, the emperor summoned the driver and asked about the business and how much money he could make in a month.

Then, the emperor said to Zeng Guofan and Li Hongzhang beside him: "This rickshaw is good. It solves the livelihood problems of many people. Jiujiang has done a good job."

For a moment, Zeng Guofan and Li Hongzhang didn't know whether to nod or shake their heads.

Then, the emperor said: "Where is Xu Youren? I want to see him."

Li Hongzhang said: "Your Majesty, Xu Youren is not in Suzhou at this time."

The emperor said: "Oh, that's a pity."

He didn't ask where Xu Youren was at this time.

After staying in Suzhou for a few days, Zeng Guofan was worried that the emperor would say he was going to Shanghai.

That place is too complicated and difficult to deal with.

However, the emperor did not say he was going to Shanghai, but went directly to Hangzhou.

……………………………………

A few days later, the emperor came to Hangzhou.

Wang Youling, the governor of Zhejiang, came across the province to welcome him, and the emperor visited the West Lake with great interest.

From beginning to end, Wang Youling accompanied him all the time.

In the end, the emperor publicly praised Wang Youling, saying that he was brave and loyal, capable of doing things and fighting, and was a rare capable minister in the Qing Dynasty, and could be a role model for officials all over the world.

Then, the emperor issued an edict to reward Wang Youling with the title of assistant minister of the Ministry of Revenue.

Wang Youling accepted the edict and thanked him.

After playing in Hangzhou for a few days, everyone was thinking about where the emperor would go next?

Was it to Fuzhou? Or... somewhere else?

But no matter what, don't say you're going to Jiujiang, we can't handle it.

The emperor said: "I heard that the Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone is in full swing, and I want to go and see it. Send someone to ask Shen Baozhen and Li Si if it's convenient."

Everyone was stunned and speechless for a moment.

After a long while, Zeng Guofan said: "All under heaven is the king's land; all the people are his subjects. The nine provinces are all the emperor's territory. It is an honor for the emperor to visit any place he wants."

The emperor said: "I still have to ask, where I go, it will be a burden on the people's livelihood. Let's ask first whether it is convenient to receive."

Zeng Guofan next to him wanted to ask, if it is not convenient, will the emperor not go?

Then, the emperor really sent someone to Jiujiang to ask Shen Baozhen.

Soon, Jiujiang had a fierce debate.

Most people did not agree with the emperor's arrival.

It's a simple thing. What if the emperor comes to Jiujiang and is assassinated?

Even if it is an unsuccessful assassination? It will cause a storm.

What should Jiujiang do then?

At that time, Su Ye was assassinated on the battlefield of Dagukou, which put the court in an unjust situation.

But if you don't agree, will the emperor not come?

Finally, Shen Baozhen and Li Si made a memorial to welcome the emperor.

………………………………

More than half a month later, the emperor entered Jiujiang.

In Jiujiang, countless people were full of infinite vigilance.

The whole world almost held its breath and stared at Jiujiang.

Fearing that something earth-shattering would happen.

It can be said that the emperor used the southern tour, and no one in the seven southern provinces could have imagined it.

Moreover, if the emperor directly issued an order to dismiss Wang Youling, Shen Baozhen, Tian Yugong and others at this time, these frontier officials would not be able to stop it.

At this time, if Qiling, Luo Zundian, Zhao Dezhe and others took over the frontiers of these three provinces, they would not be able to stop it.

If the emperor personally performed these big moves, no one could stop it.

But now none of these things happened. The emperor went to Zhejiang, and Wang Youling was not dismissed, but was given the title of assistant minister.

However, Zhao Dezhe, Qiling and Luo Zundian were by his side.

Qi Ling was shot in the stomach. Although he survived, he was obviously hunched over.

So no one really knew what the emperor was up to.

Next, accompanied by Shen Baozhen, the emperor visited the entire Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone with great interest.

He looked very carefully, even more carefully than when he was in Hangzhou and Suzhou.

Especially the textile factory and the rickshaw factory.

He asked a lot of questions, such as production efficiency, wages, costs, etc.

Usually after getting an answer, he would fall into a long silence. Occasionally accompanied by a cough.

The visit to the Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone gave the emperor a huge shock.

He thought these factories might be very large, but he didn't expect them to be so large.

Especially the textile factory, you can't see the edge.

"Are all these machines bought from foreigners?" the emperor asked.

Shen Baozhen said, "Yes, Your Majesty."

The emperor said, "I have also heard a little bit. I heard that these things in Jiujiang have also been sold to foreigners. Are they sold much?"

Shen Baozhen said, "If converted into silver, it is about 30 million taels, but this is all the amount for the next two years."

The emperor said, "It's incredible, it's incredible."

Next, Shen Baozhen was very worried that the emperor would propose to review Su Ye's new army.

Because the army suffered too many casualties in the capital this time.

And he saw the plaque in Su Ye's house with his own eyes, so he was full of resentment towards the emperor.

As a result, the emperor never mentioned it from beginning to end, and did not even say that he would summon Wang Shiqing and Zhao Bu.

He did not say that he would summon Su Ye.

However, the emperor did make a request, wanting to see Su Ye's children.

At this time, Su Ye already had four children.

Two sons and two daughters.

Qingqing Da Gege brought Su Ye's eldest son to see the emperor, because the remaining three children were still in swaddling clothes.

"Don't get too close." The emperor covered his mouth with a golden scarf and said, "The child is still weak. I don't want to pass on the disease."

Su Ye's eldest son was almost four years old at this time.

"Su Ye's eldest son is less than one year younger than the eldest prince, right?" the emperor asked.

Qingqing said, "Your Majesty, he is eleven months younger than the prince."

The emperor said, "What a pity. If they were in the capital, the two of them could study together."

He was talking about studying together, not Hahazhuzi.

Qingqing said loudly: "It's not too late to study together in the future."

The emperor smiled and said: "Yes, not too late, not too late."

"By the way, where is Uncle Chong'en? He is probably still very angry with me and doesn't want to see me?"

Qingqing said loudly: "Ama is not in Jiujiang."

The emperor smiled and said nothing.

Next, the emperor left Jiujiang and headed for Nanchang.

Hu Linyi's heart was pounding. Not only was he afraid that something would happen to the emperor in Nanchang, but he was also afraid that the emperor would suddenly issue an order to remove Shen Baozhen's acting governor of Jiangxi and confer the title of senior governor of Jiangxi and general of Nanchang.

As a result, nothing happened.

The emperor just summoned officials at all levels in Jiangxi and gave them a few words of encouragement.

Then, the emperor took a boat to Wuchang.

Hubei Governor Peng Yulin traveled across provinces to welcome him.

……………………

The emperor stayed in Wuchang for a few days and climbed to the Yellow Crane Tower.

In the Yellow Crane Tower, there are poems by many famous people, among which Cui Hao and Li Bai are the most conspicuous.

The emperor said: "Zeng Guofan, you are a master of articles. Who do you think is the leader among the Yellow Crane Tower poems, Cui Hao or Li Bai?"

Zeng Guofan said: "It should be Cui Hao."

Then, Zeng Guofan said: "The emperor's poems and articles are famous all over the world. I wonder if the Yellow Crane Tower was lucky enough to let the emperor leave his calligraphy treasure?"

His ancestor, Emperor Qianlong, wrote wherever he went.

The emperor smiled and said: "The article is made by nature, and a good hand comes by chance. My mind is empty at this time, so naturally my hands are empty."

Then, the emperor said: "Su Yi's talent is amazing. Although there are few poems and articles, they are all good lines. Has he ever climbed to the Yellow Crane Tower and written any poems?"

Zeng Guofan pondered for a moment and said, "I did write one."

The emperor said with great interest: "Read it and listen."

Zeng Guofan said: "The vast nine sects flow through China, and a thin line passes through the north and south. The mist and rain are vast, and the turtles and snakes lock the river. Where does the yellow crane go? There are only tourists left. Drink wine and pour wine, and your heart is racing against the waves!"

The emperor applauded: "Good words, good words!"

"Who says that today's people are not as good as the ancients? I think Su Yi's poetic talent is no less than that of the ancients."

Then, the emperor asked: "Why isn't Su Yi's poem hanging in the Yellow Crane Tower?"

Zeng Guofan said: "I once asked Su Yi this question. He said that the article was just a short story. He didn't want to leave the poems in the Yellow Crane Tower. He didn't have the courage."

The emperor sighed and said: "He wants to say that the world is tired and chaotic, and articles are just splendid embellishments. If the world is unfair, articles will not be prosperous."

Zhao Dezhe, who was standing next to him, said: "Su Yi is over-concerned. Now that the world has nine states and thousands of directions, our territory in the Qing Dynasty exceeds that of the Tang and Song Dynasties. Besides, even Lu You left poems, let alone Su Yi?"

During Lu You's time in the Southern Song Dynasty, the country was even more fragmented. In the eyes of a few people, it was far inferior to the Qing Dynasty today.

The emperor said: "Su Yi means that during the Song Dynasty, the Jin Dynasty was also China. But now, the West is prosperous and the west wind overwhelms the east wind. He has no shame to leave any articles."

Suddenly, several people present were shocked.

The emperor could actually say such words.

The emperor said: "This is what Su Yi's memorial said, saying that this time is different from any previous great conflict. Before, China declined, but its civilization was strong. But this time, the West, regardless of national strength or civilization, is strong and suppresses Over my head."

Zhao Dezhe sneered and said: "It's ridiculous. Our country's moral articles have been passed down for more than a thousand years. How can they be compared with Western barbarians? Su Yi's remarks are not only belittling himself, but even worshiping foreigners."

The emperor waved his hand and said: "At this time, it is useless to argue about this."

After visiting Wuchang, everyone thought the emperor was going back to Beijing.

As a result, the emperor turned back along the Yangtze River and visited Jiujiang again.

This time, the emperor took the initiative to ask Su Yi.

The next day, the emperor summoned Su Yi.

……………………

This moment has finally arrived.

"Common people, long live your Majesty, long live, long live, long live!" Su Yi bowed and saluted.

For the emperor's move, no one really expected it.

Su Yi originally thought that she would never meet the emperor again in this life, but who would have thought that the emperor would come to Jiujiang on his own initiative.

And I didn’t meet him last time, but this time I came to see Su Yi after all.

The emperor coughed a few times and then covered his mouth with a kerchief.

"Before we met, I felt like I had a thousand words to say, but after meeting, I seemed relatively speechless." The emperor smiled and said: "Before I came to Jiujiang, I had thought about what the factories here would be like, and the result was more shocking than I imagined. ”

"Su Yi, the Western world relies on these things. Will the latecomers catch up and surpass me, the Qing Dynasty?"

Su Yi said: "Yes."

The emperor said: "The British monarch lost power because of these things, right?"

Su Yi said: "Yes."

The emperor said: "If I, the Qing Dynasty, do this, will I lose power?"

Su Yi said: "You will lose some, but it will be better than England and France."

The emperor said: "Why is that?"

Su Yi said: "This is the power of tradition."

The emperor asked: "Does the Russian emperor have power?"

Su Yi said: "He is powerful, and very powerful."

The emperor asked: "Don't they have these factories?"

Su Yi said: "Yes, but they are not completely industrialized. Of course, even if they are completely industrialized, Russia still has a tradition of centralization."

The emperor said: "Then our Qing Dynasty has this tradition."

Then, the emperor said: "Actually, both Sushun and Yi want to learn from the West and engage in Westernization. I am a conservative, and I tried every means to obstruct it, but in the end I couldn't."

“Obstruction came and went, and the result is what it is now.”

At this point, the emperor sighed.

"Su Yi, in fact, my obstruction is useless, right?" The emperor said: "A hundred years from now, the next generation of emperors will still be engaged in Westernization. Even if the court does not engage in it, the local government will do it, right?"

Su Yi said: "Yes, Your Majesty."

The emperor said: "You have repeatedly advised me before, saying that when setting up factories and engaging in foreign affairs, we must do it from the top down, from the center of the court, not from the local level. I didn't understand it before, but now I can see it clearly."

The emperor stood up, came to the window, and looked out at the Yangtze River.

"If the next emperor wants to engage in Westernization, there will definitely be another fight. There are many conservatives in the DPRK. They will definitely use my banner. After a fight, they will inevitably engage in Westernization." The emperor said: "Rather than this, It’s better that I spit on my face and do it myself.”

"The rolling Yangtze River flows eastward, and the waves carry away all the heroes. When I read this paragraph, I always felt that Yang Shen was not qualified to write such a poem, because he had not experienced such earth-shaking changes at the time." The emperor smiled and said: "Later, I heard that he originally wrote "The End of the Waves Are Heroes," but later he changed it to "The End of the Waves is a Hero."

"Whether it is true or not, he is not broad-minded enough after all. He has never seen a real hero, so he feels that all heroes will fade away with the wind and rain. If he saw a real hero, he probably wouldn't need to modify this A poem."

"However, it is only under such great changes that real heroes can be born."

"Su Yi, are you such a great hero?" the emperor suddenly asked.

Su Yi said: "I'm not."

The emperor said: "Then do you want to be such a great hero?"

Su Yi said: "I think so, that's true."

The emperor said: "Do you think Sushun or Yi can become a Westernization? As you said, do it from top to bottom?"

Su Yi shook his head and said, "It can't be done."

The emperor said: "Why, is it because they don't understand?"

Su Yi said: "It doesn't matter if you don't understand. You can learn. They are not so determined and courageous. When encountering problems or difficulties, they will compromise first, so they can't do it."

The emperor said: "Then can you do it?"

Su Yi said: "I probably can do it."

The emperor said: "How about this? I will establish a new yamen, appoint a Westernization Minister, march to the military headquarters, and receive the title of Minister. You, Su Yi, will be the new Westernization Minister of the Qing Dynasty, okay?"

Su Yi sneered in her heart, shook her head and said, "I don't want to answer."

……………………

Note: 12,000 yuan is given as a gift. Do you still have a monthly pass in your benefactor’s pocket? Can you give me some cakes?

thank you.