Usurping the Qing Dynasty: My first love was Cixi

Chapter 279 Zeng Guofan's Death Su Ye Lives Thousand Years Old

Chapter 279 The Death of Zeng Guofan! Long Live Su Ye!

Heilongjiang battlefield.

Both sides have fallen into a difficult stage.

First, after suffering several losses, the Russian army began to gradually face up to its opponents, no longer full of prejudice, and became cautious in attacking.

However, Su Ye's defense line was still too tight and too difficult to break through.

Broken head and blood again and again.

There is also a more critical problem, that is, insufficient ammunition.

This war came earlier than expected. Therefore, the Russian army's ammunition reserves were not very sufficient, and Su Ye's defense line required a larger amount of ammunition to cover.

So, the Russian army's supplies suddenly became tense.

Of course, it is not to say that it is not enough now, but if it turns into a protracted war, it will definitely not be enough.

So, the top leaders of the Tsarist Russian army discussed and discussed several plans.

The first plan is to continue to attack the defense line in front of them, directly defeat Su Ye's Northern Expedition Army, and then attack the capital after it is completely defeated.

The second option is to bypass the defense line in front of us and attack the Northern Expedition Army from behind.

The third option is to bypass the defense line completely, ignore the Northern Expedition Army, and go south to attack the capital of the Qing Dynasty.

The fourth option is to leave half of the army to continue to attack the Northern Expedition Army, and the remaining half of the army to bypass the defense line and attack the capital of the Qing Dynasty.

Then, the top leaders argued endlessly about these four options.

In fact, almost everyone tends to the last option.

But there is a problem in front of us, the amount of ammunition is not enough.

If the troops are divided, the requirements for material supply will be higher, and this place is thousands of miles away from the capital of the Qing Dynasty.

At that time, the British and French forces attacked the capital, and they also first captured Dalian Bay and Yantai and stockpiled enough supplies.

After that, they occupied Tianjin City as an offensive base.

If 30,000 troops are divided to attack the capital, it will be too difficult to supply materials.

The key is that the Russian Navy does not have control of the sea.

"That group of navy is simply a shame for the great Russia. They can't beat China's weak and ridiculous navy, even if this navy is actually a disguised pirate of the British Empire."

"We should let St. Petersburg strongly protest to London. Britain has completely broken the balance and turned its own pirate army directly into China's navy."

The Governor of East Siberia sneered in his heart. When Su Ye dared to deny the Treaty of Aihui and dared to directly attack Tsarist Russia, China was already a qualified semi-ally in the eyes of the British Empire.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our diplomacy is at a very special moment. Now Britain has not shown a complete inclination. Once we cannot win this war, it will be troublesome. At that time, Britain's foreign policy in the Far East will really change fundamentally. They will really arm and support China completely, and even... will directly break the strategic balance in Europe."

The last Crimean War ended awkwardly, and Europe reached a certain fragile balance.

That was also because the British and French sides and the Tsarist Russia were exhausted.

If China wins a great victory in the east, then Britain may be ready to move again in Europe.

"Let's get back to the point. We need to make a decision as soon as possible. Should we divide our troops?" The Russian commander said: "The capital of the Qing Dynasty is now at its most vulnerable moment. According to intelligence, there are only about 40,000 troops, and most of them are second-line troops. The real main force is only one brigade, which is more than 6,000 people."

"If we divide more than 30,000 troops to attack the capital of China, there is no doubt that we can take it at the fastest speed."

The Governor of Siberia said: "How fast is the fastest?"

The Russian commander said: "Within two days."

The Governor of Siberia said: "Then we have to consider another question. Now the main forces of Su Ye's three divisions are fighting the Hunan Army in the south. Once we go south to attack the capital, will they immediately stop fighting and go north to support the capital? You know, there is so-called righteousness in China."

Because the distance is so far, the battle report from the south has not been transmitted to the Heilongjiang battlefield, and it may even take a long time to be transmitted.

According to the data on paper, Su Ye's southern expeditionary army had more than 40,000 soldiers, while the Hunan Army had 200,000 or 300,000 soldiers. The contradictions between the two sides were completely irreconcilable. According to previous Chinese war examples, this war would take at least several months.

"There is another question, do we have such urgency?" The Governor-General of Siberia said: "The rebellion in China's northwest is getting more and more intense. I don't know how long Zuo Zongtang's western expeditionary army will fight, at least two or three years."

Regarding this point, Su Ye's staff also had certain calculations.

Even, it was discussed many times in meetings.

According to history, Zuo Zongtang first suppressed the rebellion in Shaanxi and Gansu, and then he had no more strength to spare, and the warlords in the northwest chose to surrender, and defended the northwest for the Qing court and blocked the rebels in the territory.

After many years, Zuo Zongtang went to suppress the rebellion in the territory again.

But this time was different. Zuo Zongtang did not accept the warlords to maintain integrity, so it basically meant not accepting surrender.

Then it was not enough to just quell Shaanxi and Gansu, and it was also necessary to enter the territory and completely quell the rebellion there.

Completely once and for all.

Therefore, two to three years is really necessary.

Compared with history, Zuo Zongtang was much happier, with a much stronger army, three times the number of troops for the Western Expedition, absolute central support, and ample military funds.

"As for Su Yi's southern expedition and the Hunan Army, both sides will suffer, so even if they win the southern war, Su Yi's army will not be able to go north to support the Heilongjiang battlefield, so there is no need to take risks or worry," said the Governor of Siberia. : "It is absolutely possible to fight a protracted war."

"A protracted war?" the Tsarist Russian commander said: "Our entire population in Siberia is only two to three million, and the food supplied to the army is already very scarce. As for ammunition and other materials, they need to be transported from thousands of miles away. We have to fight hard." Start this war of attrition?”

The governor of Siberia said: "How can we not afford to fight? We are far away from the core area. Is the Chinese army close? Although the battlefield is within the Qing Dynasty, it is thousands of miles away from their capital. The Zhili Province of the Qing Dynasty is The north is also uninhabited and has no supplies. We still have a few million people in Siberia. How many people does the Qing Dynasty have in the whole country? "

Of course, a Russian would not know the population of the Qing Dynasty in the Northeast, which was about three million at this time. And a considerable part of the population is in the direction of Shengjing.

The Heilongjiang generals govern the area, and the Jilin generals govern the areas. The population is really small.

"Moreover, in terms of industrial capacity, we far surpass the Qing Dynasty, so if we fight for a war of attrition, we will far surpass the Qing Dynasty."

As a result, completely different opinions emerged at the highest levels.

The governor of Siberia felt that a protracted war should be fought. This is of course out of his own interests. The longer the war lasts, the more troops will come and the more supplies will be shipped, the greater his power as the governor of Eastern Siberia will be.

Moreover, if the troops are divided, he will definitely stay and lead another 30,000 people to attack the Heilongjiang defense line. It will be difficult to achieve a concrete breakthrough.

And if the commander of the expeditionary force went to capture the capital, he would have done a great job.

One represents the native interests of Siberia, and the other represents the interests of St. Petersburg.

This high-level meeting broke up unhappy.

Next, the commander-in-chief from St. Petersburg had a secret conversation with the governor of Siberia.

"Mr. Governor, we cannot underestimate our enemies. You said that Su Yi's Southern Expeditionary Army and the Southern Rebels will perish together. Both sides will suffer losses, and then they will be unable to go north to support the Heilongjiang battlefield. This is really too optimistic." said the commander of the expeditionary force.

The Governor of Siberia said: "The pessimist is right, the optimist wins."

The commander of the expeditionary force said: "This just proves what I said, why are pessimists always right? Because they dare not make mistakes, attack, or take risks, so of course they will not make mistakes. But only by daring to take risks can they win. "

"It is correct to be pessimistic at the core and optimistic in behavior."

The Governor of Siberia said: "General, you have indeed stayed in Europe for a long time, so you are already half a philosopher."

The commander-in-chief of the expeditionary force said: "Don't make fun of me. Time is precious. How about we use a more direct communication method?"

The Governor said: "Of course."

The commander of the expeditionary force said: "Do you think that if we divide our forces and you lead 30,000 people, you can contain China's 50,000 Northern Expeditionary Army?"

The governor thought for a while and said, "Okay."

The commander of the expeditionary force said: "Then do you think that if I lead 30,000 people and take a long way to attack the capital of China, I can conquer the capital in the shortest time?"

The governor thought for a while and said, "That's okay."

The commander of the expeditionary force said: "Then why not?"

The governor said: "Have you ever thought that when that time comes, you may be trapped in the capital of China for a long time?"

The commander of the expeditionary force said: "We seize the Queen Mother and the Emperor of China and threaten them. We are not afraid of Su Yi's uncompromising behavior. We are not trying to occupy the capital of the Qing Dynasty. We just want to cede the land in the Far East and the port of Port Arthur."

The governor asked: "What if the Queen Mother escapes with the Emperor?"

The commander of the expeditionary force said: "Then we will threaten the Old Summer Palace and the Forbidden City. If Su Yi does not agree, we will burn the Old Summer Palace and the Forbidden City. If they don't compromise, we will start massacres in their capital, or support the puppet regime. ”

"Mr. Governor, don't think too long-term, but avoid the worst results."

"The fastest result is that Su Yi quickly solves the problem in the south and leads his army north to support the Heilongjiang battlefield. Then we will be in real trouble."

"Or to take a step back, we can also occupy their Shengjing, occupy their Lushun, and forcibly carry out armed occupation of the entire important city outside the pass."

The governor said: "If that happens, it will completely anger the British. They may directly send troops to help the Qing Dynasty fight."

The commander of the expeditionary force said: "Is that an issue we should consider, Lord Governor? That is St. Petersburg's mission, not ours. Our mission is to win the battle in front of us."

"I promise you that after I led my army to capture the capital of the Qing Dynasty, I will at least give you no less than two million taels of silver from the Governor's Mansion. In addition, if I really cede the territory of the Qing Dynasty and establish the Far East Prefecture in the future, I will Support you in St. Petersburg as Governor of Eastern Siberia and the Far East.”

The Governor of Eastern Siberia said: "Give me some time, I need to think about it again."

The commander of the expeditionary force said: "What else are you considering?"

The Governor of Eastern Siberia said: "Don't worry, I am really not bargaining this time, but standing in the interests of the Russian emperor and thinking deeply about the correctness of this action. I will definitely give you an answer within two days. Because there is a The challenges are really great, and just supplying them is very troublesome.”

The expedition commander said: "I am waiting for your good news."

However, just one day later, the Governor of Eastern Siberia sent a reply to the expeditionary force commander.

Willing to divide the troops!

Then, the Russian army began to actively prepare.

Enough carriages, enough supplies, and finding a way to allow the remaining Russian navy to support the southward division of troops at a certain distance on the sea.

……………………

Wuchang!

Zeng Guofan was absolutely unwilling to see Zhao Liewen.

He made a lot of drafts in his belly, what he wanted to say to Zhao Liewen.

He even wrote it down on paper.

Because Zhao Liewen will definitely be reused after returning to Su Yi, so this incense relationship is very important.

As a result, I wrote it over and over again, and finally it burned up.

"Go and release Zhao Liewen and send him back to Jiujiang." Zeng Guofan ordered.

His son was slightly startled, then bowed and said, "Yes."

Then, he was going out directly.

Zeng Guofan said again: "Zeng Jize, if you don't consider any other reasons, what kind of errand do you want to do?"

Zeng Jize said: "If you want to go abroad, go outside and have a look."

Zeng Guofan said: "That's it."

Then, he waved his hand and said, "Go ahead."

"By the way, when you release Zhao Liewen, don't say anything, let alone words of mercy. Don't let others look down upon you."

Zeng Jize said: "Yes!"

Zeng Jize took the token and handwriting to a secret prison.

"On the order of the commander-in-chief, Zhao Liewen is released."

The general who was guarding Zhao Liewen couldn't help but be shocked. Didn't the commander say that he would behead Zhao Liewen before the battle and sacrifice it to the flag?

However, he didn't say anything, but carefully checked Zeng Guofan's warrant and token.

Of course, the most important thing is that the man in front of him is the son of Zeng Guofan.

"yes!"

Then, Zhao Liewen was secretly released and boarded a ship to Jiujiang at a small dock.

When parting, Zeng Jize did not say a word, and neither did Zhao Liewen.

In my heart, it is indeed a little complicated.

On the one hand, I feel that Zeng Guofan is really hypocritical.

Taking the initiative to release him, Zhao Liewen, would mean compromise, but not saying a soft word would also mean that he was putting on airs.

This person really didn’t fight thoroughly.

Compromise is not complete.

But!

If a person stays like this, he will die.

That...that's a little bit remarkable.

……………………

Brothers Li Hongzhang and Li Hanzhang looked at each other quietly in the study.

Where to go next?

"Brother, do you know why I have always been opposed to surrendering to Su Yi?" Li Hongzhang said: "Although Su Yi wanted to let me join the Investment Promotion Bureau when he dismissed me as the governor of Jiangsu."

Li Hanzhang asked: "Why?"

Li Hongzhang said: "Su Yi doesn't like me. He even dislikes me. Although he didn't say it out loud, I can feel it. If he only comes to Beijing as the Prime Minister of the Cabinet, then it doesn't matter if he doesn't like me. But ... With this attitude, he is obviously more than just a cabinet minister. When he asked me to join the Investment Promotion Bureau, I could feel that he disliked me and was slightly convinced of my talent and wanted to use me to a certain extent. "

Li Hanzhang said: "Su Yi also hated Shen Baozhen at the beginning, but now he has become Su Yi's number one confidant."

"It's different." Li Hongzhang said: "I feel that Su Ye hates me more deeply, and I don't know the reason at all. Moreover, I can't be like Shen Baozhen."

Li Hanzhang said: "At that time, Shen Baozhen was facing a dead end, but we were not facing a dead end at that time. Su Yi was still weak at that time, and Shen Baozhen, as a provincial official, took refuge, which was a timely help. But now, we are not even the icing on the cake."

Then, he added: "Admiral Zeng summoned Peng Yulin to the Yellow Crane Tower for a talk, and then met in private with Li Xubin, Zeng Guoquan and others."

Li Hongzhang nodded and said: "Yes."

Li Hanzhang said: "You haven't talked to us. Do you want to take the initiative to see him and find out what's going on?"

Li Hongzhang thought for a moment, shook his head and said, "It's better not to do it anymore. At this time, stay farther away and be more proactive."

"We two brothers are not really direct descendants of the Hunan Army. We are at most a half-way couple."

Li Hanzhang frowned in pain and let out a long sigh.

……………………

No matter what.

Su Yi's army headed for Wuchang in mighty force.

First, the naval battle broke out.

Because the remnants of the Hunan Army's navy were all concentrated in the Yangtze River area around Wuchang.

This is probably one of the most determined and loyal Hunan Army teams.

This battle was fought very resolutely.

Extremely tragic.

Of course, it was almost a one-sided tragedy.

Because the power gap is too great.

After a full day and night of fierce fighting, the Hunan Navy was completely destroyed.

Sixty percent of the navy died in the battle, and the rest fled or were captured.

Even Zeng Tianyang, who was born in the Taiping Army, felt extremely regretful. It was such a pity for these Hunan Navy officers and soldiers who died in the battle.

Being so brave is perfect for the navy.

And Count Eugen said: "There are many such battles. Don't pity the enemy, because such fierce battles and such brave enemies can also train our navy."

"No one is innocent on the battlefield."

Next, under the cover of the powerful navy, the 35,000-man army began to land.

And under the eyes of the Hunan Army, they began to build a defense line.

Despite the glorious victory in Anqing, the senior officers were still neither arrogant nor impatient.

On the contrary, they were not in a hurry to succeed, but took steady steps.

After mastering the entire Yangtze River waterway, countless materials were continuously transported to the Wuchang battlefield.

Countless engineers quickly built defense lines and fortresses.

Although they had seen it before, many Hunan soldiers still felt a sense of despair when they saw this scene.

Su Ye's industrial strength is too strong.

It is unknown how many days it will take for these fortresses to be built by the Hunan Army.

And Su Ye's engineers are extremely fast.

Cement and bricks, a solid fortress, not even a day is needed.

In just ten days, hundreds of fortresses appeared.

Then, there were artillery positions.

In a very short time, simple and complete positions were built.

Then, with an order.

Chen Yucheng, Wang Tianyang, and Lai Wenguang's troops launched an attack.

Still crazy bombardment.

Endless bombardment.

The entire tactic is roughly similar to Anqing.

It's just a little more difficult.

Because the Anqing defense line was built by the Taiping Army, and the flaws inside were known clearly.

The Wuchang defense line was built by the Hunan Army.

Moreover, the Hunan Army in Wuchang City was much more determined than the Anqing resistance.

Even the temperament of fearlessness of death appeared again.

This is the most direct Hunan Army, Zeng Guofan has led them for more than ten years.

And generals such as Zeng Guoquan and Li Xubin are also the most determined to be hostile to Su Ye.

But even so!

There is no difference between the battle situation and the Anqing battlefield.

The outer defense line of the Hunan Army was still cut into pieces, unable to support each other.

Then, Su Ye's army hit the superior forces and gnawed down the positions piece by piece.

These defense lines can really be called impregnable, and they are fully armed to the teeth.

But... they still fell in pieces.

They can't be stopped at all.

In this battle, Su Ye's generals really showed mercy to this city.

Because the west side is along the river, Su Ye's fleet can bombard the city. But he didn't do so, and even avoided the shells from falling into the city.

The Yellow Crane Tower is near the Hanyang Gate, and he repeatedly emphasized that the artillery fire should not fall next to the Yellow Crane Tower.

In fact, Su Ye didn't think much of the Yellow Crane Tower, because both the Yellow Crane Tower and the Tengwang Pavilion had been rebuilt, but if they could not be damaged, they would try not to damage them.

According to normal defense, the Hunan Army should send a large army to defend Hanyang, after all, it is across the river from Wuchang.

However, they completely gave up Hanyang.

Li Xubin held the defensive line outside Wusheng Gate in the north of the city, and Zeng Guoquan led the troops to guard the defensive line outside Baoan Gate in the south.

Li Hongzhang led his troops to defend Binyang Gate in the east and Yingxiang Gate.

The main force of the entire Hunan Army even deployed most of its troops on the defensive line outside the city.

According to the analysis of the General Staff, only Li Xubin's troops in the north and south and Zeng Guoquan's troops were attacked, and Li Hongzhang's troops in the east were ignored.

This was Zhao Liewen's proposal. After returning to Jiujiang, he first went to Heigong to handle the procedures for returning to the team.

Then, Su Ye met with him and transferred him from the Intelligence Department, which meant that his undercover mission was completely over.

Then, he was transferred to the Army General Staff with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and went directly to the battlefield.

The reason for not attacking Li Hongzhang's troops was not tolerance for him, but seeing that at a critical moment, Li Hongzhang, Li Hanzhang brothers and the Hunan Army Group were somewhat alienated.

Sure enough, when Su Ye's army focused on attacking Li Xubin and Zeng Guoquan's troops, Li Hongzhang's troops did not go to help, but still held their positions.

…………………………

There was no trick, this was a fierce and conventional battle.

It can't even be described in words.

Five days later!

Although Li Xubin's troops were very brave and had more than 40,000 people under his command, Wang Tianyang's attacking army had only 15,000 people.

However, it only lasted for five days.

Li Xubin's northern defense line was almost completely lost.

He sat in a wheelchair and held on to the last fortress.

"Sir, we can't hold it anymore, go into the city, go into the city to defend it." The subordinates begged bitterly.

At this time, Wang Tianyang's army was only a few hundred meters away from him.

"Enter the city? What for?" Li Xubin said, "After I left the city, I didn't think about entering the city again."

"My men, follow me and fight to the end!"

"Let Su Ye see that our Hunan Army is not a coward!"

"Fight, fight, fight!"

And the answer to him was the deafening artillery.

Countless shells fell.

"Boom boom boom boom..."

After an unknown amount of time, this last fortress was directly blown up.

Then, there was another burst of artillery fire.

The extremely dense bullets fell like a rainstorm.

Then, the battle on the northern defense line ended.

Wang Tianyang ordered the army to clean up the battlefield, and finally found Li Xubin's body in a ruined wall.

He was not killed by a bomb, but by a boulder.

The vigorous sacrifice he imagined did not appear.

Death in battle is very random.

Li Xubin even thought about it for a long time and shouted before he died, Su Yi, I, Li Xubin, will never owe you.

But without this opportunity, he died without even a chance to show his bravery.

……………………

Zeng Guoquan at the southern border defense line of Wuchang City.

His current situation is not much better.

He also had 40,000 troops in his hands, and Chen Yucheng led 15,000 to attack.

Progress is a little slower.

Because the first division led by Wang Tianyang was Su Yi's most elite unit, and its combat effectiveness was much higher than that of Chen Yucheng's ninth division.

Chen Yucheng was a little anxious, but he was not too upset. After all, losing to Wang Tianyang's first division was not that embarrassing.

Instead, Lai Wenguang teased from the side: "Four Eyes, King Ying, are you venting your anger in Jiujiang too hard? This anger is gone, and you are so far behind your brother's troops?"

"Although my siblings are beautiful, they still need to exercise restraint."

Chen Yucheng has two purple scars under his eyes, so it looks like he has four eyes. When he was in the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, he had a very high self-esteem, and no one dared to call him that to his face, let alone Lai Wenguang, who had some troubles.

But now, he just yelled back, "Your sister."

"There is no shame in being left behind by the First Division."

Lai Wenguang said: "Hey, where has the previously competitive King of England gone?"

Chen Yucheng said: "Lai Wenguang, do you know that your wife is embarrassed? This time the princess held a banquet to entertain a British lady and prepared mouthwash, but your wife swallowed it in one breath and said that the water was very good. Drink, it’s just a bit spicy.”

Lai Wenguang's face suddenly became full of praise and he said: "You shameful bitch, divorce her sooner or later and marry a well-educated and sensible daughter."

Chen Yucheng said: "You must also have the courage. Now your daughter-in-law has the princess as her backer. If you dare to divorce her, the prince will not be able to spare you. Don't abandon your wretched wife."

Lai Wenguang said: "What about you? What about you? You married a delicate beauty, and now you are making fun of me."

Chen Yucheng said: "That woman in my family is no good, she doesn't live up to expectations. She was dumb at the banquet, not as good as your wife, she doesn't understand anything, she's not afraid of anything, she just gets in front of the princess, she's not afraid of making jokes at all, but the princess likes her very much. She. What kind of airs does my woman have? It doesn’t matter if she does it in front of me, she also does it in front of the princess.”

In fact, it wasn't Ms. Lu who was showing off, she was just out of fear of society.

Lai Wenguang said: "Princess, after all, she is a person of Aixinjueluo. I hope it will not be difficult for others in the future."

Chen Yucheng said coldly: "She is the wife of the prince first, and the daughter of Aixinjueluo second."

The two commanders-in-chief on the southern battlefield were talking about their wives, which showed that they did not take the enemy seriously at all.

Just waiting for the final attack.

……………………

Zeng Guoquan, the coach of the Chengnan Defense Line.

Eating meat and drinking wine in large quantities seems extremely heroic.

In the entire Hunan Army camp, even Li Xubin wanted to surrender to Su Yi for a moment.

Only Zeng Guoquan was hostile from beginning to end.

After several days of fierce fighting, of the 40,000 people in his hands, only more than 10,000 were left.

Before the war, you can't drink alcohol.

But now, he drank himself to the point of drunkenness.

soon!

A battle cry sounded outside.

"Sir, the enemy is attacking."

Zeng Guoquan said: "I understand."

After finishing the last bite of meat and drinking the last sip of wine, Zeng Guoquan put on his helmet and walked out.

The scorching sun that had just risen in the morning was so intense that it was almost impossible to open one's eyes.

The riverside is always foggy, but these days, there is no fog, and the battlefield is very clear.

"Boom boom boom boom boom..."

Another heavy shelling.

Countless artillery shells fell on the final line of defense.

It was as if the entire position had been plowed.

In the past few days, Su Yi's army fired more artillery shells than the Hunan army fired in two years.

With the support of the United States and Russia, the Hunan Army is much richer than a few years ago, but compared with Su Yi, it is still far behind.

Zeng Guoquan knew that Su Yi's Jiangnan Manufacturing Bureau was already producing a steady stream of shells at this time.

"Perhaps this is just a matter of accumulation."

Su Yi had gone through the most difficult seven or eight years before, but now things were getting smoother and more intense.

Following this round of crazy bombardment.

I don’t know how many people will never get up again.

Immediately afterwards, the charge horn sounded.

Su Yi's army charged.

Zeng Guoquan shook violently, because he was almost buried in the dust, and he rushed out, almost becoming a native.

Su Yi's army rarely carried out such intensive charges.

But at this time, more than 10,000 people rushed over, like a stormy sea, coming in turbulence.

"Kill, kill, kill, kill..."

As for Zeng Guoquan's Hunan Army, their momentum was completely taken away and they were shocked by the formation in front of them.

Zeng Guoquan slapped an officer on the side hard and roared: "What are you doing here? Beat, beat, beat!"

What to fight?

Almost all of the Hunan Army's defense system was destroyed by artillery fire.

Su Yi's army was all equipped with repeating rifles.

Zeng Guoquan only saw Su Yi's troops being submerged one by one.

The last line of defense, falling into pieces.

The Hunan troops under his command knelt down and surrendered in droves.

It’s not that they are unfaithful or brave. It’s already good that they can persevere until now.

He was obviously drunk, but he was not excited at all. He was just cold and depressed. He didn't know if it was on his head. The blood on his head kept flowing down, and he was wearing a helmet, which was wet.

Blood stained the entire field of vision.

So at first glance, it was all blood red.

Moreover, the vision in front of me is getting redder and redder.

Zeng Guoquan couldn't help being filled with grief and anger, and roared: "Brothers, follow me, follow me."

"Kill, kill, kill!"

Then, he waved his command knife and rushed forward desperately.

I don’t know if there is anyone following behind.

Even because his eyes were filled with blood, he could hardly see anything clearly.

Just push forward with all your strength, push forward.

suddenly……

"Da da da da da..." A burst of dense bullets.

In an instant, countless wounds were struck on his body.

This, this armor is not very useful.

However, he had a certain amount of defense, so he was lying on the ground, not dead yet.

I just feel that the blood keeps flowing, and keeps flowing.

However, I felt no pain, just getting colder and colder, and breathing became more and more difficult.

The sound of dense footsteps could be heard all around, and Su Yi's troops kept rushing past from both sides.

Then, a voice came to his ears, it should be a soldier from Su Yi's army.

"Who is this?"

"I don't know."

"Wearing armor, he should be an officer."

"Should we call the medic?"

"It shouldn't be necessary. He was shot more than a dozen times in the chest and his carotid artery was ruptured. He's hopeless."

"Send him on his way to spare him the pain."

Then, the New Army soldier came to Zeng Guoquan's ear and said: "Brothers of the Hunan Army, it's not that we are cruel, but it's you who are more painful, so I took action."

He took out his saber, pointed it at Zeng Guoquan's heart, and stabbed it hard.

In an instant, Zeng Guoquan's painful breathing stopped.

Completely dead.

……………………

In just half a day, the battle on the southern frontier was over.

When the battlefield was finally being cleaned, Zeng Guoquan's body was discovered.

Wash the bodies of Li Xubin and Zeng Guoquan and put them into decent clothes.

Su Yi was still not on the battlefield.

The highest official position on the battlefield now is Xu Youren, Governor of Fujian and Zhejiang and Minister of the Navy.

"Send these two corpses to Wuchang City and give them to Zeng Guofan."

"yes!"

A moment later, an ox cart, dragging two corpses, arrived at the gate of Wuchang City.

After a long while, the Wuchang city gate opened and the two corpses were taken in.

In the former Yamen of the Governor's Mansion, Zeng Guofan looked at the two corpses in silence.

Even, not much sadness.

"Prepare tung oil and firewood." Zeng Guofan said.

Zeng Jize was slightly stunned. Shouldn't these two uncles be sent back to their hometown and buried in peace?

Zeng Guofan said: "Next, the dead adults will be treated like this. After burning, they will be scattered wherever they want."

Zeng Jize said: "Why? The fallen leaves should return to their roots. They should be sent back to their hometown in Hunan."

Zeng Guofan said: "They are all rebellious officials and traitors, and they are still returning to their roots. When their reputation is restored one day, we can pay homage to our ancestors."

Soon, firewood was prepared outside the Governor's Mansion, with two corpses lying on it and filled with tung oil.

Zeng Guofan threw down a torch.

Suddenly, it burst into flames.

Soon, the bodies of Zeng Guoquan and Li Xubin were reduced to ashes.

then!

Zeng Guofan once again boarded the Yellow Crane Tower and looked at the water of the Yangtze River.

All night long, he closed his eyes and listened.

But at this time, there was no emotion anymore, and there was even silence in my heart.

But, when daybreak comes.

Zeng Guofan couldn't help but ask: "Peng Yulin, is Su Yi here?"

Peng Yulin outside said: "I don't know, he probably didn't come. Wang Qi was not seen in the enemy's army."

A while passed.

Zeng Guofan asked again: "Is Su Yi here?"

"Not yet...not yet."

After a while, he asked again, but Su Yi's Wang Qi still didn't come.

"Commander, the other party plans to attack the city, and the army has been assembled."

"Our 70,000 defenders have also been assembled, and all of Li Hongzhang's troops have entered the city to defend it."

At this time, the entire Wuchang City.

The last 70,000 Hunan troops covered the entire city wall.

Wuchang City is still so majestic.

The city wall is still so tall, thick and wide.

Tens of thousands of Hunan troops were deployed on it, densely packed and stretching like nails.

Outside the city, more than 30,000 new troops from the north and south have also completed their final assembly and are preparing to attack the city.

Zeng Guofan stood at the top of the Yellow Crane Tower and had a panoramic view of everything.

Su Yi's royal flag has not appeared yet.

Zeng Guofan felt sad in his heart, do you still look down on me so much?

Are you stingy enough to come see me at the last moment?

Zeng Guofan walked down the Yellow Crane Tower and walked up to the security gate under the gaze of everyone.

At this time, he was not wearing any official uniform, nor was he wearing an official hat with flowery eyes. He was just dressed as a scholar.

Outside the city gate.

The artillery position of Su Yi's army has completed its final loading and is ready to fire at any time.

Chen Yucheng, Lai Wenguang took out his pocket watch.

In ten minutes, we will attack the city.

Chen Yucheng looked up at Zeng Guofan on the city gate. He knew what the other party was waiting for.

I'm sorry, Zeng Guofan. I am willing to pity you, but if the prince doesn't come to see you, I can't postpone the attack time for you.

It depends on whether the prince is willing to give you the last respect.

At this time, Chen Yucheng's hatred for Zeng Guofan has disappeared.

There are five minutes left.

There are three minutes left.

Chen Yucheng glanced at Lai Wenguang on the side and couldn't help saying: "We used to be so desperate, but the prince had mercy on us and gave us a chance."

Lai Wenguang said: "Maybe Zeng Guofan won't get the last respect, the prince won't come."

"Prepare to fire, prepare for artillery fire."

At this time, a sound of horse hooves sounded from behind.

Then, a burst of shouting.

"The prince is here!"

The whole army shouted in unison.

Su Ye's royal flag appeared.

A magnificent cavalry, guarding Prince Yi Su Ye, appeared on the battlefield.

Wherever his horse passed.

More than 10,000 soldiers saluted in unison.

Wherever his figure passed, tens of thousands of people in the audience stared at his face.

Fanaticism.