Chapter 176: Conflict Intensifies, the Combined Fleet Opens Fire

Chapter 176 The conflict intensified! The combined fleet opened fire!

After Su Ye left, the emperor suddenly felt an inexplicable regret.

But he couldn't say it, it was just a king's intuition.

Maybe he shouldn't have let Su Ye go back to Jiangxi?

But if he didn't let him go, he couldn't bear the consequences.

So, he summoned Du Han and Kuang Yuan.

Yes, it was Du Han, not Su Shun.

Because he found that Su Shun was a little bit wrong recently, and he and the emperor were not on the same frequency in his attitude towards Su Ye.

After Du Han came, the emperor asked the doubts in his heart.

In the final analysis, there was only one question, whether to let Su Ye develop these factories.

Du Han also found it difficult to answer this question.

It was a bit crazy to say that Su Ye couldn't develop factories.

After hesitating for a moment, Du Han said, "It depends on whether these factories belong to the court or Su Ye."

"Your Majesty, Su Ye's new army is powerful, but now there are only more than 3,000 people, because he has no money to train soldiers." Du Han said, "If these factories are built, he will have a continuous source of funds. At that time, he can expand the army. He will have both financial power and military power, which will make the central government uneasy."

However, Zeng Guofan has both financial power and military power, and he is still a Han Chinese.

Su Ye is a bannerman after all, and a distant royal family.

Du Han was silent for a while and said, "To be honest, Zeng Guofan's rebellion would mean a change of dynasty. According to the current situation, he cannot succeed, and he will not rebel."

"But Su Ye is a member of the royal family, and he has both financial and military power, so we must be on guard."

The emperor said, "Su Ye said that these factories will make a profit of tens of millions in three years, and he will hand them all over to the court and to me at that time."

Du Han was silent for a while and said, "Your Majesty, I don't believe it."

Kuang Yuan said, "But he did hand over the new army. Now the new army has been out of Su Ye's control and transferred to Yangzhou."

Du Han said, "I have an idea."

The emperor said, "You say."

Du Han said, "It is to attack in the test and force Su Ye's true thoughts."

The emperor did not speak, and motioned Du Han to continue.

Du Han said, "Su Ye apparently handed over the military power of the new army, but Yangzhou is still too close to Jiujiang. We don't know whether this new army is really out of Su Ye's control."

It must be said that the person who knows you best in this world must be your enemy.

When the emperor heard this, his eyes narrowed.

Kuang Yuan said: "Lord Du's words are a bit sensational, right? I saw the whole process with my own eyes. I personally brought this group of new troops to Yangzhou. They cooperated very well without any noise."

Du Han said; "How cooperative were they? No one cried out for injustice? Wang Tianyang, Zhao Bu and others were all Su Ye's absolute confidants, and Lin Li directly planned the mutiny and drove Prince Boyan off the stage. Now that the emperor has taken away Su Ye's military power, they have not resisted at all. It's too smooth."

Kuang Yuan said: "Lin Li and others did not leave with the new army, but remained in Jiujiang. Huai Tabu and Ting Ren also left the new army and still followed Su Ye."

Du Han said: "Did these new troops not complain from beginning to end?"

Kuang Yuan said: "No."

Du Han said: "Then Su Ye is too unsuccessful in leading the troops. Do you think he will fail so badly?"

Kuang Yuan said: "At least Wang Shiqing is trustworthy."

Du Han also agreed with this point.

In everyone's opinion, Wang Shiqing is the absolute direct descendant of the emperor, and he is not the same kind of person as Su Ye.

The two had a struggle when they were taking the military examination. After Boyan left the new army, Wang Shiqing joined halfway, so no matter how you look at it, Wang Shiqing is the emperor's private person, and he is here to share power.

Du Han said: "Your Majesty, that's why I proposed a tentative attack."

"The first step is that we only heard Su Ye's factory talk about it. No one in the court knows what's going on, because he has his people everywhere. So if we want to see what's going on, we still have to send one of our own to Jiujiang as the prefect."

"So, I recommend Weng Tongshu."

Kuang Yuan said: "I'm afraid it will repeat the mistakes of the new army at that time, when Boyan returned in disgrace and Zhaolin died tragically."

Du Han said: "If such a thing really happened, then Su Ye would have ulterior motives. Besides, Weng Tongshu's appointment as the prefect of Jiujiang is not to take over these factories, but just to supervise and monitor them. Can't Su Ye even accept this? Is there something shameful about your factories? You can't even let people see it?"

To be honest, it really can't be seen.

It doesn't matter if you send spies here, because you can't understand it either.

But if it's really a high-level official like the prefect of Jiujiang, he will definitely see it.

The British actually hold shares in the Jiujiang factory?

And they hold 49% of the shares?

This, this is too much?

You, Su Ye, are selling out your country.

We signed these treaties, at least to open some trading ports and cede half of the island.

You, Su Ye, just handed over half of your property?

Du Han said: "The second step is to select Su Ye's direct line from the new army and replace them with our people. Hasn't Ronglu already trained another batch of new troops? Transfer some of the officers there to the new army in Yangzhou. Then order Wang Shiqing to bring the new army from Yangzhou to Tianjin."

"Didn't you, Su Yi, keep saying that the new army will defend the capital? Then the time has come for you to fulfill your promise."

"This is a two-pronged approach, let's see Su Yi's reaction."

"If Weng Tongshu successfully takes over as the prefect of Jiujiang and takes power successfully. If Wang Shiqing really brings the new army to Tianjin and completely escapes Su Yi's control, it will prove that Su Yi really has no evil intentions."

"In that case, the emperor will continue to send people to Jiujiang to fulfill Su Yi's promise. Gradually take over these factories and eventually take full control."

"If one of these two things cannot be achieved, it proves that Su Yi has different intentions, and this person should be taken down. No matter how much the price is, he must be taken down, and he cannot be allowed to continue to develop. "

Then, Sanxi Hall fell into silence.

Kuang Yuan, the Minister of Civil Affairs, suddenly thought of a problem. The emperor's tolerance for Han officials such as Zeng Guofan seemed to be much higher than that of Su Yi.

Zeng Guofan made trouble again and again, and even withheld the court's pay and money, but the emperor tolerated it.

Su Yi was from the clan, and before he really showed any dissent, the court was planning to take action directly.

But this is normal.

Many people are harsh on their own talents.

Be more tolerant towards outsiders.

The emperor had long been mentally prepared for Zeng Guofan's rebellion.

But in the eyes of the court, Su Yi was trained by the emperor, so there was no room for flaws.

And in the eyes of the court and the emperor, you must have all your claws and teeth pulled out, and you must be completely tamed into a dog, then you will be truly at ease.

Historically, the Qing court's methods against Zeng Guofan and others were no exception.

It is to attack in temptation and boil the frog in warm water.

You are forced little by little, so that you cannot directly resist, but as long as you give in, you will continue to give in. When you finally turn around, you have already compromised a lot.

Therefore, this group of people are still very powerful in their power skills in this area.

Of course, after Cixi died, this set of methods was completely ruined.

The emperor fell silent.

I can't make this decision yet.

Because he didn't know how Su Yi would react.

Du Han said: "Your Majesty, Su Yi has told the truth that no matter how talented he is, he is still the Emperor's minister and was promoted by the Emperor. Neither of the two steps we took is natural and justified."

"The post of Jiujiang magistrate is originally assigned by the central court. It is not left to the governor to pick and choose."

"This new army belongs to the emperor alone. Su Yi himself made it clear. Isn't it half wrong to transfer the new army from Yangzhou to Tianjin to defend the capital?"

"This time Su Yi came to Beijing and used his power to suppress others. He shouted that he would earn back money for the Qing Dynasty, maintain the silver standard, and maintain the balance of import and export trade, which is related to the lifeblood of the country. Therefore, the imperial court cannot really punish him. How can it be the imperial court's turn to use it? Isn’t it going to work?”

"Does the dignified central figure of the imperial court still have to compromise with him, a governor of Jiangxi? Is he so special?"

This sentence directly hit the emperor's heart.

Yes, I am just exercising my legitimate power.

I am a majestic emperor, should I still be afraid of you?

Then, the emperor said calmly: "That's it."

…………………………………………

Inside Sushun Mansion.

Duhan once again revealed his plan, a two-step tentative attack.

Duanhua and Zaiyuan still support him in his heart.

But he was also slightly worried that the political conflict with Su Yi would be further intensified.

And Sushun asked: "In other words, once Weng Tongshu successfully takes office as the prefect of Jiujiang and takes power, it will be regarded as Su Yi's compromise. You will take the second step and transfer Su Yi's new army to Tianjin ?”

Du Han said: "Yes, and then we will send people one after another to gradually take over these factories in Jiujiang."

Sushun was silent for a while and said: "If these factories were run by Zeng Guofan, would you still find a way to do this?"

Du Han couldn't help but fell into silence.

After a long while, Du Han said: "Su Yi personally promised that after three years, these factories will be handed over to the court and the emperor."

Sushun said: "This reminds me of a person with sophistication. If an outsider becomes prosperous, everyone will feel calmer and even come to congratulate him. But if a relative becomes prosperous, then the whole person will be scratching his head and heart. ”

Du Han said: "Su Zhongtang, this is ultimately a problem. Su Yi did what the emperor didn't want to do. It's that simple."

"If a person who has been carefully cultivated and has high hopes suddenly becomes disobedient and completely turns against you, even a saint will be angry."

Sushun smiled and said, "I just have a few complaints and have no intention of stopping you."

Then, Sushun said: "But I would like to ask, if something like Boyan or Zhaolin happened to Weng Tongshu after he went to Jiujiang, and he was kicked out by Su Yi, what are you going to do? That is the first step. If it fails, will you take the second step?"

Du Han said: "Then it proves that Su Yi has different intentions, and it proves that there are shady things in these factories in Jiujiang."

Sushun said: "Okay, then even if you prove that Su Yi has different intentions, what will you do?"

Du Han said: "Of course we must capture him!"

Sushun said: "What should we do with these factories? What should we do with the more than ten million taels of silver invested? What should we do if our debts explode?"

Du Han said: "Su Zhongtang, this won't turn the tables. Besides, the emperor doesn't like these factories, right? Isn't there a lack of such things in history?"

That's right, there shouldn't be too many such things in history.

What does it matter if a person loses some silver because of his downfall?

Then Du Han said: "As a minister, can't Su Ye not have a different heart? If he didn't have a different heart, wouldn't he be able to get by safely? His position as governor of Jiangxi and his factory would continue to operate as usual, wouldn't there be nothing wrong?"

"Who among us here has not suffered such grievances? Why can't Su Ye suffer the grievances we suffer?"

Everyone present was silent.

Su Ye really doesn't care about being wronged.

As long as he can get things done, being wronged is nothing.

The key is that if this continues, nothing can be done.

Time is so tight, there are only two years left before the bet agreement. If the bet loses by then, losing 2% of the equity, or the patents for light bulbs and penicillin, these are nothing, it doesn't matter.

The most important thing is that if the gambling agreement loses, it proves that this route is not successful enough.

There will not be enough interests to pry the decision-making level of the British Empire.

Then, the British Empire's war and suppression strategy against China will still dominate.

China will miss the last train to rise.

Then, Japan next door will catch this train and become the British Empire's ally in East Asia, and officially rise.

So, this is also the reason why Su Ye went to Beijing this time to show toughness and intimidation.

Because as long as you compromise a little bit, the other party will immediately take advantage of it and continue to invade. By then, Jiujiang will be in a mess. What else can you do?

All time will be wasted.

So, politics is indeed the art of compromise.

But when it comes to critical events, you can't compromise at all.

As long as the other party reaches out, just cut it off.

Zeng Guofan is a person who commands military affairs and political tactics.

But at that time, there were so many people organizing militias, why was he the only one who succeeded? It was because he was stubborn and would rather offend everyone, offend all interest chains, and stick to his own opinions.

That's why the Hunan Army was successful, so even if his military ability was not very good, he became the soul of the Hunan Army.

In order to accomplish great things and achieve merit, Zuo Zongtang was also uncompromising and would rather break than bend.

Li Hongzhang would compromise, and he was a master of compromise.

What was the result? A paperhanger? He made a fortune by using barbarians to control barbarians.

………………………………………………

The next day, the court!

The emperor said: "Wencai, how is your investigation in the Censorate?"

It's only been a few days?

A dignified Minister of the Ministry of Revenue would have to investigate for at least one or two months.

Zuodu Yushi Wencai said: "To reply to the emperor, no one is without faults. Weng Xin did fail to supervise during his tenure. But most of the things impeached by Su Quan, the doctor of the Ministry of Revenue, were false."

Sure enough, this was the result.

Because Weng Xincun did not close the case, Weng Tongshu's appointment as the prefect of Jiujiang could not be approved.

Then, another censor of the Censorate said: "Your Majesty, I impeach Su Quan, a doctor of the Ministry of Revenue. Because of personal grudges, he prevented the Ministry of Revenue from allocating funds, which led to the collapse of the imperial mausoleum, hundreds of innocent lives, and countless losses."

"I impeach Su Quan!"

Several officials from the Ministry of Works also stepped forward to impeach.

This case was dug up at the time and was ready to make a big move.

But with the news of Su Ye's victory in Nanchang, it completely disappeared.

Now it has been dug up again.

Su Quan, a doctor of the Ministry of Revenue, stepped out, took off his hat and said: "Your Majesty, I resign!"

The emperor said: "Don't resign at every turn. Be more careful and tolerant next time, that's it."

Su Quan stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, I resign."

The emperor frowned.

Don't you know how to advance or retreat?

Su Ye can't stand being wronged, can't you stand being wronged?

And even if you want to resign, you have to follow the process.

Coming in three times also makes the emperor and his subjects respectable.

But Su Quan can't tolerate any sand in his eyes, so how can he be willing to do it with you three times?

So, he stepped forward and said, "I resign!"

The emperor was completely annoyed. You are good, Su Quan. I wanted to give you respect. Since you don't want respect, it's up to you.

Then, the emperor said coldly, "I approve it!"

"I accept the order and thank you!" Su Quan put his official hat on the ground and turned away directly.

The reason why the official uniform was not taken off was that the official uniform was made with his own money, and only the patch was given by the court.

The court officials were silent.

Brother Su Ye, you are too tough.

The emperor said, "Weng Xincun?"

"I am here!" Weng Xincun stepped out.

The emperor said: "You will be fined for two years, dismissed from the position of assistant minister, and retained as the minister of the Ministry of Revenue. You must be careful in your work in the future."

Weng Xincun knelt down and kowtowed, saying: "I accept your order and thank you. Long live the emperor!"

Then the emperor said: "In addition, regarding the post of prefect of Jiujiang, please discuss it with all the ministers!"

Everyone was silent.

As always, people in the court like to push down when the wall falls.

But at this moment, many people feel sad for the death of the rabbit.

Minister of Personnel Kuang Yuan stepped out and said: "I recommend Weng Tongshu."

The emperor said: "Oh? What has Weng Tongshu been doing during this period? Summon Weng Tongshu to see the emperor."

A moment later, Weng Tongshu went to the court.

According to history, this person was about to take office as governor of Anhui.

But in this world, during the Battle of Yangzhou, he slandered Su Ye for falsely reporting his military achievements and was demoted to the lowest position.

"Your Majesty, I am compiling a book, looking for the remaining books and rare copies, copying and repairing them, and compiling them into a book, which I am about to present to Your Majesty." Weng Tongshu said.

Then, he presented a box full of lost rare copies.

The emperor picked up the books and said with great joy, "Very good, very good, you have a good heart."

Du Han stepped out and said, "Your Majesty, I recommend Weng Tongshu as the prefect of Jiujiang."

The emperor said, "Weng Tongshu, the post of prefect of Jiujiang is very important, are you willing to go?"

Weng Tongshu knelt down and said, "I am willing to go!"

Then the emperor said, "Draft an edict to confer Weng Tongshu as the prefect of Jiujiang, with the title of Censor, and concurrently the Zhanshi of the Zhanshi Mansion."

Weng Tongshu burst into tears and kowtowed, saying, "I thank the Lord for his grace!"

The emperor's appointment was quite important. Weng Tongshu, the prefect of Jiujiang, was a high-ranking one, the third rank, the same level as the prefect of Shuntian Prefecture.

The prefect of Jiujiang had never been so high before.

In this way, Weng Tongshu and Su Ye were only one level apart.

Then, the emperor said: "Relevant staff, you should be well prepared. After going to Jiujiang, you should start as soon as possible to help Su Ye share the burden."

………………………………………………

After the court was dismissed!

The emperor summoned Weng Tongshu in Sanxi Hall.

"Do you know what you should do as the prefect of Jiujiang?"

Weng Tongshu said: "I know, help the emperor keep an eye on Su Ye, supervise Su Ye, and report immediately if there is any misconduct?"

The emperor frowned slightly because the other party was too straightforward.

"After you go there, you should watch and listen more first, and don't do anything first." The emperor said: "Jiujiang's government affairs are all your authority, and you must take over all of them. Then observe Su Ye's factory carefully and report everything in detail. After observation, tentatively go into the factory business."

Weng Tongshu said: "I understand that I am the emperor's eyes, ears, and one of the emperor's hands. Grasp Jiujiang firmly and never let it fall into the hands of people with different intentions."

It was still too straightforward.

The emperor didn't like to say it so bluntly, it was not decent.

But it was much better than Shen Baozhen.

And at this time, there were not many people who could confront Su Ye, and Weng Tongshu was almost the only choice.

The emperor said: "You have made thorough preparations in the capital, especially the relevant staff. Find some of them yourself, and I will also prepare some. Make sure that after arriving in Jiujiang, you can get all the power of Jiujiang Prefecture."

Weng Tongshu said: "I obey your order, I will definitely find a group of people who are not afraid of death."

The emperor nodded.

And at this time, there was the sound of running footsteps outside.

The emperor frowned, angry in his heart.

He hated such unruly footsteps in the palace the most.

And every time there was such footsteps, there was no good.

"Your Majesty..." Zenglu whispered.

The emperor said: "What's the matter?"

Weng Tongshu said: "I'll take my leave."

The emperor said: "Well, when you leave Beijing, I will write an inscription for you."

Weng Tongshu retreated respectfully.

A moment later, Zenglu walked in and said, "Your Majesty, the foreign fleet is coming, densely packed, just outside Dagukou, the Governor of Zhili is asking for help."

The emperor's face suddenly turned pale.

This... is coming now?

During this period of time, the open and secret struggles with Su Ye, coupled with the anger in his heart, made him temporarily forget the foreigners, the biggest threat.

As a result, the foreign fleet came directly to kill.

I haven't sent anyone to Guangzhou to negotiate with you yet, why are you in such a hurry?

"Call the military office and the officials of the second rank and above in the capital to come to discuss matters!"

The court meeting had just ended, and everyone had not gone home yet, and they were immediately called back.

Even if they were officials of the second rank or above, there was no room for them in the Sanxi Hall, so they could only be in the Yangxin Palace.

At this time, the emperor couldn't help but remember Su Ye's words.

Anyone can go to talk.

According to the bottom line of the court, anyone who goes to talk can succeed.

The emperor said: "Now the foreign fleet has appeared outside Dagukou again, what should we do? What should we do?"

Tian Yugong couldn't help but said: "Your Majesty, should Weng Tongshu's appointment to Jiujiang be postponed?"

Du Han said coldly: "Sir Tian, ​​what does the attack of the foreign fleet have to do with Weng Tongshu's appointment as the prefect of Jiujiang?"

Damn, what is the connection here? Don't you know?

It's just that some things can't be said.

Woren stepped out and said: "Your Majesty, I don't agree with Su Ye's setting up factories and engaging in foreign affairs. But... now that the foreign barbarians are attacking, should Weng Tongshu's appointment as the prefect of Jiujiang be postponed?"

At this moment, we need to be united against the outside world.

There are too few people in the court who are proficient in diplomacy, and Su Ye is the most proficient.

If you anger him at this time and don't give him dignity, it will be difficult to let him do diplomatic work in the future.

Du Han sneered, "Master Japanese, you are too sentimental. Su Ye couldn't wait to leave Beijing just to avoid the foreign fleet. He knew that he couldn't do this job, so he hid in advance."

The emperor looked at Su Shun and said, "What do you think? Should we postpone it?"

The emperor's look was full of different meanings.

Because he found that Su Shun's position was a bit wrong recently, and he was actually biased towards Su Ye.

Su Shun's scalp suddenly numbed, and he stepped forward and said, "I think there is no need to postpone it. Weng Tongshu will take office as the prefect of Jiujiang as usual."

This is Su Shun.

He is extremely smart and can see through everything.

But he is not willing to disobey the Holy Will at all, and only wants to be loved by the Holy Family.

He clearly knew that letting Weng Tongshu serve as the prefect of Jiujiang was a tentative attack on Su Yi and might have consequences.

But...still didn't stop it.

The emperor said: "Well, then it will be as usual. Weng Tongshu will go to Jiujiang to take office as soon as possible."

"When the foreign fleet arrives in the waters of Tianjin, will it open fire?" Sushun asked.

The messenger said: "There was no firing, just a siege. No ships were allowed to enter or exit."

Sushun said: "Then we have to talk and wait for the imperial court to send people to negotiate."

The emperor said: "My ministers and ministers, what should we do?"

Seng Gelinqin said: "Your Majesty, fight! We have built the Dagukou fort, which is extremely powerful. It can be used for a battle to enhance the prestige of our Qing Dynasty."

Shengbao came out and said: "Your Majesty, I also feel like beating you!"

Wo Ren stepped out and said, "I suggest you fight!"

Less than half of the officials in the court suggested beating him!

Of course, this does not mean that there are really so many militants here and they are so brave.

Rather, this kind of political stance is needed.

It is impossible for the entire court to be all peace talkers and surrenderers.

Where is the majesty of the Qing Dynasty?

Only the main war faction dares to speak loudly.

It is not an easy task for the compromising faction at this time, because it is embarrassing to speak out.

The emperor looked at Sushun.

Sushun came out and said: "Your Majesty, if you can talk, let's talk. We, the Celestial Empire, come to the country and convince people with reason. The foreign barbarians have not been educated, so they are barbaric and rude. We should be polite before fighting. We should work hard to educate the foreign barbarians, maybe we can make them feel the power of the Celestial Empire. Literally, withdraw the troops and stop the war."

After Sushun came out, everyone also came out one after another, saying that they should be polite before fighting.

Foreigners are rude, but we, the Qing Dynasty, are a country of etiquette and education, and we cannot be as knowledgeable as foreigners.

So, let’s talk.

At this time, the emperor could not agree immediately, otherwise he would appear too weak.

The name Zhao Gou is not very pleasant.

He needs to let the court debate for two or three days, and finally the peace talks faction suppresses the war faction.

Then, the emperor followed suit and reluctantly agreed.

In this way, the emperor would not lose his majesty and dignity.

Therefore, the emperor said: "This matter will be discussed later!"

but……

Foreigners don't care whether you want to complete this process or not.

After the commander of the combined fleet surrounded Dagokou, he quietly waited for the Qing court's reaction.

result……

No response.

Neither fight nor fight.

Don't even talk about it.

That is, absolutely nothing happened.

This, what's going on?

The commanders of the combined fleet were confused.

It's not okay if you don't respond!

Therefore, the commander of the combined fleet issued a direct order.

"Fire!"

Suddenly, the combined fleet opened fire fiercely.

"Boom boom boom boom..."

Some of the warships that entered Baihe and approached the outskirts of Tianjin also opened fire violently, and the shells went directly to the head of Tianjin city.

At this time, the Dagukou Fortress.

Part of the Tianjin city wall.

Explodes violently.

………………………………

Note: This is the second update. I racked my brains and couldn’t think of anything to ask for monthly votes. I can only look at all my benefactors, please give it to me.