Chapter 166: The War Between the Monarch and His Subjects Breaks Out and the Fall

Chapter 166 The monarch and his ministers are divided! War breaks out! Fall!

The British envoy left on the spot.

The civil and military officials of the Qing court were still slightly stunned, so they left just like that?

When I came here before, I had to talk a lot eloquently every time, and even made every request clearly.

Every time before, it was impassioned, full of threats and anger.

But this time, they just talked about amending the contract, but did not mention a word of the specific content of the contract. They just handed the credentials to the nearest official before leaving.

After the British envoy left, the Minister of Rites said: "Your Majesty, in the past, the British envoys were extremely rude, arrogant, and threatening with words in the court, but now this envoy has an embarrassing attitude. It can be seen that Ye Mingchen has really hit them where it hurts." ”

"These foreign envoys were very difficult to deal with before, but now they have become more honest. Ye Mingchen did a good job indeed."

"I remember that there was a foreign envoy who was extremely arrogant and even proposed a duel in the court. Now this envoy is disgraced, and he doesn't dare to say even a single word of those intimidating and threatening words."

"The Monk King has trained him well. He will be locked up for half a month to temper his anger. Then he will be well-behaved when he comes to the court to see the emperor."

I have to say that the British envoy this time was indeed much calmer on the surface. He did not make any impassioned speeches, nor did he brag about how powerful the British Empire was, how powerful our army was, and he did not threaten to attack anywhere.

So in the eyes of court officials, these British envoys had been tamed.

I don’t dare to say any more arrogant words.

"We will do this from now on. If we encounter a foreign envoy coming to see the emperor, if he is hostile, he will be locked up for half a month to temper his temper."

Next, everyone put this matter aside.

He didn't take the British envoy too seriously and continued to discuss the following matters.

"Your Majesty, I am impeaching Jiangxi Governor Su Yi for not doing his job properly, not following the rules, and visiting Sichuan, Yunnan and other places. Please punish him."

"Your Majesty, in the year when I was impeached, Su Yi, the governor of Jiangxi, exceeded the limit by taking concubines and amassed money wantonly."

Several censors tried to impeach Su Yi, but they were indifferent and were shelved by the emperor.

The emperor sent his secret envoy Kuang Yuan to Jiangxi, and then waited for his reply.

Everything will wait for Su Yi's attitude before the emperor makes a decision.

……………………………………………………

Kuang Yuan, this person has never had any dealings with Su Yi.

He has certain friendships with Sushun, Du Han and others, but in the final analysis he is an imperialist.

When he was an editor at the Hanlin Academy, he lectured on Yi Chi and was regarded as half of the emperor's teacher.

Now this person has not officially entered the military aircraft department, and is considered a military aircraft internship.

Before leaving Beijing, Du Han invited this person to meet him.

"Brother Benru, when you go to Jiangxi this time, do you focus on Nanchang or Jiujiang?" Du Han said.

Kuang Yuan said: "Of course it's Jiujiang."

Du Han said: "Not just Jiujiang, but also Nanchang."

Kuang Yuan said: "Brother Hongju, what do you mean?"

Du Han said: "This time the emperor asked you to go to Jiangxi to do two things. The first one is to see what Su Yi is doing and try to bring him back to the right path. The second one is what does Shen Baozhen mean."

"But these two things could be the same thing."

Kuang Yuan frowned and said, "Please make it clear."

Du Han said: "The Hunan Army and Su Yi were not at odds before, but now they have such a tacit understanding. Is there any reason for this? And what role does Shen Baozhen play in it?"

Kuang Yuan understood immediately.

If this is the case, it would be a bit scary.

Did Su Yi's new army collude with the Hunan Army?

This can produce infinite extension.

Kuang Yuan said: "Brother Hongju, aren't Zeng Guofan and others one of your people?"

Du Han said: "That's because no one in the southern battlefield can support the overall situation, so Su Zhongtang values ​​Zeng Guofan and others more highly and is more tolerant. If they are our people, it is out of the question."

Not to mention the Hunan Army, after the Han governors returned to the local areas, they would have great autonomy and become alienated from the central court.

Later, when Ruilin became the governor of Guangdong and Guangxi, he could not touch many powers at all, so he simply focused on the financial resources of Guangdong Customs and ignored the rest.

Du Han said: "Zeng Guofan's Hunan army was recruited by himself, and most of the military pay was raised by himself. As for Su Yi's new army? It was recruited by the emperor and trained with money allocated from the treasury. The emperor is the new army. Absolutely, coach, Su Yi said this himself.”

Kuang Yuan fell into silence.

Du Han said: "The emperor sent Su Yi to Jiangxi to check and balance the Hunan army to a large extent. If these two families collude, do you know what will happen?"

Kuang Yuan said: "Raise the bandits to respect themselves."

Du Han said: "Yes, raise the bandits with self-respect. Otherwise, the Hunan Army and Su Yi are both strong and strong, and the rebels are still fighting among themselves. Why don't they expand their results? Why don't they attack Anqing? Why don't they attack Zhenjiang?"

According to the plan of the Military Aircraft Department, the Hunan Army went to attack Anqing, Su Yi united with the Jiangnan Camp to attack Zhenjiang, and the Jiangbei Camp Tuoming'a provided support in Jiangbei. The victory of Zhenjiang was almost certain.

After taking Anqing and Zhenjiang, Tianjing was completely blocked in the middle.

At this time, four months have passed since the recapture of Jiangxi.

Why is there no movement from both families?

Du Hanhan said: "Brother Benru, the first thing you should do in Jiangxi this time is to check whether Su Yi has colluded with the Hunan Army. The second thing is to ask Su Yi why he does not continue to attack and rebel, and when will he attack? ?”

"In the final analysis, you have to find out whether Su Yi has the heart of a warlord who respects his own troops."

Hearing this, Kuang Yuan's expression changed slightly.

He originally thought that this errand to Jiangxi was very simple, but when Du Han ruined it, he suddenly realized that this errand was very important and very difficult.

Du Han said: "Brother Benru, this mission is extremely important and affects the entire southern war situation. Please be careful."

"Don't let a real living Cao Cao appear in the court."

………………………………

At this time, the negotiations between Su Yi and the British had come to an end.

The two sides talked for more than a month, and there were hundreds of details.

Most of the details were really cut down one by one by Su Yi.

In other words, it was the big bulls behind him who chewed them off one by one.

It can be said that both sides are exhausted.

"Marquis Su Yi, next is the final critical negotiation, but I suggest you take a day off."

"Yes, let's take a day off. We are really exhausted and we won't be able to bear it anymore."

"Marquis Su Yi, you are definitely an iron man. Crazy iron man. You tortured dozens of us to the point of death by yourself."

"We are going to have a cocktail party tonight, will you come to it?"

Su Yi said: "Of course."

That night, dozens or hundreds of foreigners held a high-end cocktail party.

Originally there were only twelve consortium leaders, but as the negotiations progressed, more and more foreigners came to Jiujiang, including various professionals, engineers, and lawyers.

All kinds of supplies were also shipped in boat after boat.

Of course, there are women,

It is completely impossible to keep these foreigners safe for more than a month.

So tonight at the cocktail party, these women will appear.

The engineers also showed their talents, moving a small steam engine and connecting it to Su Yi's large hand-cranked engine. Finally, these strong men were no longer needed.

Even they are full of fantasy.

The first city to light up the night was not London, but Jiujiang.

Although, just lighting up a banquet hall.

However, there was a small accident about tonight's cocktail party.

Shen Baoer was in high spirits and had already customized a dress, planning to make a grand appearance.

As a result, Hong Renli appeared wearing a cheongsam.

Shen Baoer's face changed slightly, and then he said generously: "Mr. Hong, this dress of yours is really beautiful. Where was it custom-made?"

Hong Renli said: "Su Yi personally customized it for me."

Shen Baoer said: "Really? I didn't know that my husband was capable of this. I also asked my husband to customize one for me."

Hong Renli said: "Your body is too thin, I'm afraid you won't be able to hold it up."

These words were a bit lethal. Shen Baoer looked at himself and then at Hong Renli's almost exaggerated figure.

Then, not to be outdone, she said: "That's true. Mr. Hong's figure is not even comparable to that of these foreign women."

This is not a good thing, because these women recruited from Shanghai are all social butterflies.

Then, Shen Baoer said to Su Yi: "Husband, I will not attend the cocktail party tonight. I will entrust Sister Hong to take care of you. I also have a lot of documents to read and prepare for tomorrow's negotiations."

Then, she walked away coldly and arrogantly, making Hong Renli very angry.

The cocktail party that night was very lively.

No one talks about work, no one talks about negotiations, only romance.

"By the way, the luxury liner Basiali has returned to London, right?" Su Yi asked.

"Of course, otherwise we would have gone bankrupt now." Ba Xiali danced with a woman in his arms.

However, this cocktail party soon became unbearable.

Because this group of foreigners quickly became unbridled.

So, Su Yi quickly took Hong Renli and left the scene, but she didn't retreat anywhere.

"Go to the conference room." Hong Renli dragged Su Yi into the conference room.

It took a full hour to leave.

By the time Su Yi returned to her room, her back was sore.

But Shen Baoer was humming again.

Another half hour later.

Shen Baoer then asked: "Husband, what is the name of Sister Hong's clothes?"

Su Yi said: "Cheongsam."

Shen Baoer lamented: "Doesn't it really look bad in those clothes? Is it really impossible to hold it up?"

In fact, it looks good on her.

Because although she is not as tall as Hong Renli, she is tall enough.

The most important thing is that her figure is very graceful, especially her small waist.

Therefore, wearing a cheongsam will also look good.

"Okay, okay, I will also make you a cheongsam, tailor-made for you." Su Yi said.

Then after a while, he fell asleep.

It's just... so tiring.

Looking at the sleeping Su Yi, Shen Baoer's face turned red. She had read a lot of relevant knowledge in books and even related picture albums.

But these days after getting married, I really haven’t studied it, or even looked at it carefully.

Why not take this opportunity to take a closer look?

Study one or two.

Learn and practice it from time to time.

………………………………………………

The next day, the two sides held a new negotiation again.

This time, various deadlines were to be stipulated in the secret agreement.

Su Ye’s side asked the other side to deliver relevant paper and printed patterns as quickly as possible for making cigarettes.

Before the arrival of the machine, Su Ye needed to organize a large number of manpower to make cigarettes by hand.

The British side did not have a special machine for making cigarettes.

But Su Ye provided a complete drawing and also asked the other side to provide relevant chemical raw materials for making flavors.

Here the two sides had another disagreement.

The British side felt that this kind of cigarette could not compete with opium at all, so it was not appropriate to have too high expectations.

So there was no need to customize special production machines.

Because it would cost a lot to make a brand new machine.

However, Su Ye made a strong request.

So the British chose to compromise.

Then, Su Ye proposed that the machines, guiding engineers, etc. for textile factories, rickshaw factories, light bulb factories, steel factories, etc. should all be in place before a certain date.

It was accurate to the date that each machine must be in place before.

If it is not in place, how many pounds will be paid.

This is a must, Su Ye's factory has already started construction.

We must race against time.

It must be put into production as soon as possible, otherwise each machine will be delayed for one or two months, and the real production will be far away.

Su Ye proposed a series of conditions, which seemed very harsh.

Bai Feifei, Hu Xueyan, and Shen Baozhen all felt that the British would definitely not agree.

Because during the entire negotiation process, this group of British people also acted very difficult.

But I didn't expect that after a little struggle, the British actually agreed to all of them.

All the requirements put forward by Su Ye were accepted.

Each machine was delivered within the time limit required by Su Ye, and was successfully put into production after being debugged by engineers, otherwise it would be severely punished.

Everyone was curious, how did the British become so easy to talk to?

But soon, they revealed their ultimate goal.

They made the last harsh request.

"On January 30, 1860, the Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone will make its first dividend distribution, which must not be less than three million taels. If it fails to do so, the patent rights of penicillin and light bulbs will all belong to us."

As soon as these words came out, the whole audience fell silent.

Shen Baozhen, who had never expressed his opinions, broke this convention and said, "Impossible, absolutely impossible."

What a joke?

After such a long and in-depth negotiation, he also fully knew that the light bulbs in this economic experimental zone were the most advanced and the most gimmicky. The so-called patent rights were priceless and might be an astronomical figure.

But... in the short term, there will be no huge profits.

Because large-scale power infrastructure is needed, the demand for light bulbs will explode on a large scale.

So in Shen Baozhen's view, the most profitable thing is textiles.

He calculated over and over again. If it was really as Su Ye said, the cost of cotton cloth and silk produced by their factory would be much lower than that of the Jiangnan Consortium.

By then, it would almost sweep the entire domestic market and bring huge profits.

Even steel, which foreigners despise, will have considerable profits.

Because of the advanced production technology, the steel produced by then will not only be of high quality, but also have extremely high output and much lower cost.

The domestic demand for steel is also a rigid demand.

Of course, the profit should be far less than that of textiles.

But whether it is a textile factory or a steel factory, the construction period is very long.

On January 30, 1860, the steel factory may not even be able to start production.

And the textile factory, at most, has just been put into production.

The two largest factories, one has not yet started production, and the other has just started to make money, but they are asking for a dividend of 3 million taels.

In other words, the entire Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone must make a profit of 6 million taels before this.

How is this possible?

Sir Burke said, "This is what Su Ye promised. Within one year of the trial zone going into production, a dividend of three million taels will be distributed."

Shen Baozhen said, "But production needs a ramp-up period. At the beginning of production, both the output and the quality are definitely insufficient. It will take a certain period of time before it enters a stable period. During the period you requested, our textile factory has just started production, and the number of rickshaws we produce is also extremely small, which can't reach the profit of six million taels of silver at all."

Sir Burke said, "That's your problem. Anyway, Marquis Su Ye promised it himself."

Another consortium leader said, "Sir Su Ye, negotiations are mutual. In order to start production as soon as possible, you put forward a series of harsh requirements, even to the point that a certain machine must be delivered to Jiujiang before a certain period and debugged. If it is delayed by even one day, we will need to pay a huge amount of money. If I counted correctly just now, you put forward as many as eighty-nine related requirements. We agreed to all of them, but you disagree with our last request? It seems that you don't respect us at all. This is not an equal negotiation."

"Sir Su Yi, you ask so much of us, but you show such indifference to our last request. This makes us very disappointed."

Sir Bao Ling said: "I have another plan. If Su Yi cannot distribute 3 million taels of dividends to us before January 30, 1860, he will need to pay us 2% of the shares, turning our shareholding into 51%. %, you hold 49% of the shares. Of course, Sir Su Yi is still the undisputed most powerful person in the entire economic pilot zone.”

Sir Burke said: "Speaking of which, we would rather have the patent rights for penicillin and light bulbs. But we can also accept Sir Pauling's proposal."

"In addition, these three million taels of dividends must be legitimate profits generated by these factories and cannot be money obtained in any other way. It cannot be Sir Su Yi who asked someone else to borrow three million taels of silver and gave it to us. It’s useless. We have the most professional accountants who will be stationed in the Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone for a long time and will strictly review every income.”

Everyone suddenly realized that the British were waiting here, and they had agreed to the conditions so happily.

Just to get Su Yi to agree to this last condition.

"Marquis Su Yi, this is our final bottom line and is non-negotiable! Of course, this is also your mantra. You have told us countless times, and now we are telling you the same."

"Two conditions, either 2% of the shares or penicillin and light bulb patents, you must agree to one."

"The next time is up to you, we are waiting for your notification!"

Next, dozens of people from the British side left the scene collectively.

Indicates that this last item is non-negotiable.

…………………………………………

Next, Su Yi held a closed-door meeting.

For many numbers, Shen Baozhen, Bai Yan, Bai Feifei, Hu Xueyan and others are all familiar with them.

When will the machines be shipped, when will the raw materials be shipped, and when will they be put into production?

What will be the approximate output?

What is the maximum profit.

Wait, wait, it can be settled completely.

They calculated over and over again and found that it was impossible to make a profit of 6 million taels before January 30, 1860.

Even if all the things produced are sold and all profits are made, the losses will be at a minimum.

Still can't make six million taels.

"I have calculated over and over again. Even if everything is in the smoothest and most perfect state, it is impossible to make a profit of 6 million taels. At most, it will only be around 1.3 million taels."

Bai Feifei has calculated this number many times, and Hu Xueyan has also calculated it many times.

Su Yi also calculated it many times and got similar results.

"We can figure it out, and so can the British." Shen Baozhen said: "So they were so ambitious that they were already waiting for us here when they agreed to our previous conditions."

"Either two percent of the stock or the patent rights to penicillin and light bulbs, they are determined to get it."

From Su Yi's point of view, this was not really any ambition, it was just normal business behavior.

In later generations, there were more outrageous and more intense gambling agreements.

Su Yi was silent for a while and said, "I will promise them."

As soon as these words came out, several people present were shocked.

Why? Did you know it was a trap? Still want to jump?

Su Yi said: "I'm not surprised at all about their last trump card."

Bai Feifei said: "This requires normal profits and normal sharing. It is impossible to directly bring money from outside to make up for it. 40% of the management members in the entire experimental area are sent by them, so in terms of profits, we are I can’t move my arms and legs.”

"Of course we can't do anything, and we won't do anything." Su Yi said: "If you want long-term cooperation, systems, transparency, fairness and justice are very important."

"If it were a normal operation, there would definitely not be a profit of 6 million taels of silver, and it would not exceed 1.5 million taels until death. But...according to my business method, there will definitely be a profit of 6 million taels of silver by then. Six million taels, or even a lot more."

Everyone was surprised.

This is a normal commodity transaction. It is obvious that the profit is only 1.2 million taels, but why can’t it be reduced to 6 million taels?

Who among Su Yi can exceed six million taels?

How to do this?

However, the entire plan was led by Su Yi.

As long as he says it, it means he is confident.

Su Yi said: "Don't agree to them first, let them wait for a few days, and then we can conduct final negotiations and sign this gambling agreement, lest we agree too readily and make them suspicious."

…………………………………………

As a result, the negotiations between the two parties were once again put on hold.

Su Yi sent people to test the situation and requested that the first dividend date be revised to September 30, 1860.

But the other party refused.

They also said that this was their last concession. If Su Ye did not agree, they would return to Shanghai directly and wait until Su Ye showed sincerity before they came back.

As a result, this long negotiation is stuck at this final hurdle.

At this time, the emperor's secret envoy, the Minister of Civil Affairs, and the Military Aircraft Department arrived in Jiujiang and met Su Yi secretly.

"There is an oracle!"

Su Yi saluted and said, "I respectfully send you your holy greetings."

"Holy greetings."

Kuang Yuan said: "The emperor asked me to ask you, Su Ye, you have been the governor of Jiangxi for a long time. Why don't you stay in Nanchang to handle government affairs and train troops well? Why are you going around everywhere?"

Su Ye said: "In order to set up a factory, I purchased raw materials from brother provinces."

Kuang Yuan was stunned. Are you Su Ye so single? Don't you hide it at all?

Kuang Yuan asked again: "You stay in Jiujiang for a long time and don't go to the Jiangxi Governor's Office, so what do you need this Jiangxi Governor for?"

Su Ye said: "I am dedicated to running a factory for the country and the people."

Kuang Yuan said: "Su Ye, if I heard correctly, you have left all the political and military affairs to Hu Linyi? Are you devoted to running a factory?"

Su Ye said: "Every ten days or half a month, the governor Hu Linyi will hand over the relevant official business to me and let me make a decision, so I am not completely hands-off."

Kuang Yuan said: "Su Ye, the emperor asks you, has the army rested enough? Can the victory be expanded within the year? Jiangnan Camp and Chun petitioned the emperor to invite you to attack from the Yangtze River to help Jiangnan Camp attack Zhenjiang together."

Then, Kuang Yuan said seriously: "You just need to tell me, can or can't?"

At this time, Su Ye can completely answer that he can.

Because the final deadline for this year is the end of the year.

And by the end of the year, the British must have started the war, and the Qing court will not care about attacking Zhenjiang at all.

But Su Ye positioned himself as a man of his word, and he would fulfill any words he said.

Rather than a treacherous minister who was sweet-mouthed but treacherous.

After a long silence, Su Ye said, "No!"

Kuang Yuan said coldly, "Su Ye, do you know what the consequences will be if you give this answer? The emperor will treat you differently, but the emperor's tolerance is also limited."

"Lord Su Ye, you are extremely smart. Don't you know that the so-called factory will bring excitement to people? Will it corrupt the rules?" Kuang Yuan said.

He said it very obscurely.

In this world, power has an exclusive effect.

In the eyes of the emperor and many courtiers, money is just an accessory to power.

Once factories are built everywhere, won't it cause turmoil in the imperial power?

Kuang Yuan said, "Don't you really understand all the emperor's thoughts?"

Su Ye certainly understood, and he was absolutely prepared.

Therefore, every step he took before had to be so tight.

One step at a time, if he missed a certain node, his entire plan would not succeed.

He won both the civil and military examinations, trained a new army, won a great victory in Yangzhou, negotiated with the British, conquered Jiangxi, and became the governor of Jiangxi.

All for the purpose of setting up a factory in Jiujiang, and saving the country through industry.

And he had to get this major event done thoroughly during the British war.

It would not work if it was too early or too late.

When he decided to set up a large factory, he had already decided that the honeymoon period between him and the emperor was over.

Kuang Yuan said: "Let's not talk about these heart-piercing words. The emperor only cares about one question, can you use troops to fight against the rebels within the year, can you expand the results of the war? If you answer yes, then you have passed this level. If you answer no, then you, Su Ye, will not pass this level, the emperor will be very unhappy, and the consequences will be very serious."

"Lord Su Ye, it is not easy to make achievements, and it is not easy for you to get to this day, so I will give you another chance to answer this question."

"Yes, or no?"

Su Ye said: "I can definitely answer yes, but in fact I can't!"

Kuang Yuan said: "Give me a reason, and running a factory is definitely not a reason."

Su Ye said: "I wrote a memorial, please help me pass it to the emperor, which fully explains why I can't send troops to attack the rebels within the year."

After that, Su Ye presented the memorial with both hands.

Kuang Yuan said: "I can pass it on to the emperor, but can I ask why?"

Su Ye said: "Because Ye Mingchen is so tough, he has completely angered the British, so the foreigners are likely to mobilize troops against our Qing Dynasty and start a war. This war may be very dangerous. In order to be on the safe side, my new army will have to find a way to protect the capital and fight against the foreigners. At this critical moment, it is not good to start a war again."

"Hahaha..." Kuang Yuan sneered: "Su Ye, your reason is more ridiculous than running a factory. Do you know that the British troops in Guangzhou have all retreated. Do you know that not long ago, the British envoys just walked away in the court in a panic, and even the threats I dare not say a word, and my previous arrogance is completely gone. "

Then, Kuang Yuan said: "Su Ye, I heard that you took Shen Baozhen's daughter as a concubine, and held a grand ceremony, inviting thousands of guests, and officials from Hubei and Jiangxi all attended?"

Su Ye said: "My colleagues are showing me favor, Su is ashamed."

Then, Su Ye said: "Please tell the emperor for me that it is not that I, Su Ye, will not move troops against the rebellion, but I really want to guard against the British. My new army dare not move, and cannot move. The responsibility of defending the capital in the future is heavier than Mount Tai."

Kuang Yuan said: "That's all. If you don't seize the opportunity, don't blame me."

Next, Kuang Yuan went to meet Shen Baozhen.

The words became even harsher.

In public and private, they were very harsh.

"Brother Youdan, do you really not care about your reputation as a scholar? You actually married your daughter to someone else as a concubine? When you were down and out, Lord Lin Zexu still married his daughter to you. And now you are the prefect of Jiujiang, but you married your daughter to you as a concubine? You have completely disgraced the reputation of Han scholars."

This Kuangyuan has conservative thoughts and a strong gentlemanly spirit.

I am extremely contemptuous of Shen Baozhen's flattering behavior.

……………………………………………………

Kuang Yuan, the emperor's secret envoy, stayed in Jiujiang for three days and then went to Nanchang.

After staying in Nanchang for three days, I returned to Jiujiang and took a boat along the Yangtze River to Wuchang.

"The emperor asked you, can you use troops against the enemy within this year to expand the results of the war?" Kuang Yuan asked Zeng Guofan.

Zeng Guofan said: "It's difficult. In the battle in Jiangxi, we lost too many soldiers and generals. We need to recuperate."

Kuang Yuan said: "Now we are rebelling against each other and our vitality is severely damaged. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Why should we miss it in vain? You go to attack Anqing, and Su Yi unites with the Jiangnan camp to attack Zhenjiang. We can win it in one fell swoop, in the shortest time." Why don’t you do it, completely wipe out the rebels and recapture Nanjing?”

Zeng Guofan said: "What the angels don't know is that despite experiencing civil strife, Shi Dakai and Hong Xiuquan are now fighting for power. If we send troops, it will unite the two. If we sit back and watch, the two may split."

Kuang Yuan said: "Then you can give me an accurate period. When will we prepare to attack Anqing?"

Zeng Guofan thought for a while and said: "Within two years."

This answer made Kuang Yuan laugh angrily and said, "Mr. Zeng, you and Su Yi have a good understanding. I heard that you sold all the cotton in Hubei province to Su Yi?"

When Zeng Guofan saw the other party's tone, he immediately said coldly: "What? Isn't it possible?"

Kuang Yuan had heard about Zeng Guofan's temper, and was choked for a moment.

Zeng Guofan said: "Excuse me, angel, is there a rule about who the cotton in Hubei cannot be sold to?"

Kuang Yuan said: "Is it completely normal for Su Yi to hand over all government and military affairs in Jiangxi to Hu Linyi?"

Zeng Guofan said angrily: "What do you mean by Mr. Kuang's words? Su Yi is the governor of Jiangxi, and Hu Linyi is the chief envoy of Jiangxi. Why should I know about Jiangxi's government affairs? Who am I qualified to dictate?"

For a moment, Kuang Yuan didn't know how to answer.

He directly cupped his hands and said, "Master Zeng, please take care of yourself."

Zeng Guofan said: "I would like to advise Mr. Kuang to take care of himself. Think about everything thoroughly and don't be loyal and do bad things."

Then, the two broke up unhappy.

Kuang Yuan left Wuchang angrily and returned directly to Beijing!

………………………………………………………………

Ten days later!

Kuang Yuan traveled all the way to Tongzhou by waterway, then returned to Jingmian Sheng.

Inside Sanxi Hall!

The emperor asked: "What did Su Yi say?"

Kuang Yuan said: "He said that he visited various provinces to set up factories and purchase raw materials."

The emperor said: "Who asked you this? I'm asking you. I asked him to send troops to attack rebellion and expand the results of the war within this year. What did he say?"

This was actually the emperor's ultimatum to Su Yi.

If Su Yi followed the order, the emperor would be able to tolerate his previous actions.

After all, for the emperor, being able to fight is the most important, and being able to eliminate rebellion is the most important.

Kuang Yuan said: "Su Yi said that we can't send troops to attack the rebels during the year."

The emperor's expression changed and he said, "He, he really said that?"

This, this is tantamount to openly resisting the decree?

Although the emperor only asked if you could do it, it was actually an order.

You, Su Yi, are extremely smart. Don’t you know that this is my last tolerance for you, my ultimatum?

Are you still stubborn?

The emperor said coldly: "Did he give any reason?"

Kuang Yuan said: "He said that Ye Mingchen and others have repeatedly angered the British and barbarians, so the British will raise troops in anger. Then the capital will be in danger. Su Yi's new army must protect the military divisions and the emperor, so they cannot start a war or attack the enemy." inverse!"

"This is Su Yi's memorial to the Emperor."

The emperor took it and glanced at it casually.

It's a cliché again, saying that He Guiqing and Ye Mingchen were too tough on the British, and they were afraid of triggering a war.

Moreover, the tone of this memorial was very harsh, implicitly accusing the court of unprofessional diplomacy.

Even the emperor felt that he had been accused by Su Yi.

"I don't need it..." the emperor said sharply.

Just throw Su Yi's memorial out.

"Tell him Su Yi, I don't need it!"

"What does he mean by this? Curse me and the court?"

"What do you mean? If the foreign barbarians come to attack the Qing Dynasty, will my capital be no longer safe? My throne will be no longer safe?"

"Do you still need him, Optimus Jade Pillar, to protect you?"

"He thinks too highly of himself."

"The British had already sent troops that day, but he persuaded them to retreat. I have already commended him for his contribution. Now Ye Mingchen and He Guiqing are tough on the British, forcing them to retreat the British army in Guangzhou, and outweighing his contribution. This is Not satisfied? Are you jealous? "

The emperor had hidden these words in his heart before. For the sake of Su Yi's dignity, even though he thought so, he never said it out loud.

But today, in anger, it all came out.

Su Yi's words about protecting the capital completely angered the emperor.

To the emperor, this was a curse.

Many people heard the emperor's roar, and it would soon spread throughout the court.

By then, everyone would know that the last dignity between the emperor and Su Yi was gone.

Then, the emperor asked: "What happened if Shen Baozhen married Su Yi as his concubine?"

Kuang Yuan said: "Su Yi ran out of money to run a factory, so most of the concubinage matters were dealt with specially. He entertained thousands of people and took the opportunity to make money."

"Hahahahaha..." The emperor laughed and said: "Okay, okay, Shen Baozhen is really loyal to Su Yi. In order to make money for him, shouldn't he lose his face and marry his daughter to Su Yi as a concubine? Su Yi Is there such a great future? For Shen Baozhen to follow him so desperately? He probably forgot that his future was given by me, not Su Yi. "

"Where is Zeng Guofan?" The emperor asked again: "I asked him to send troops to Anqing, what did he say?"

Kuang Yuan said: "Zeng Guofan said that in the battle in Jiangxi, too many soldiers and generals were lost, and they need to recuperate. After two years, they can attack Anqing."

The emperor was so angry that he was trembling all over and said: "Okay, okay, okay, they all fooled me and treated me like a three-year-old child."

"Hangzhou Weaving and Suzhou Weaving came to complain, saying that Zeng Guofan colluded with Su Yi and broke the convention by not selling Hubei cotton to them but to Su Yi. Can Zeng Guofan have anything to say about this?" the emperor asked.

Kuang Yuan said: "Zeng Guofan directly said, can't we sell it to Su Yi? In addition, Su Yi handed over all government and military affairs to Hu Linyi, and I also asked Zeng Guofan. He said that he was the governor of Hubei and his hands could not reach that long. Can’t interfere with Jiangxi.”

The emperor said: "Okay, this is blatant collusion. It's funny that when Su Yi left the capital, I repeatedly told him not to fight too ugly and not to lose his dignity. From this point of view, I was worried too much. Yeah. This is playing a double act for me. The two sides have colluded together for a long time. No wonder the victory over Jiangxi went so smoothly. No wonder the Hunan Army lost so many troops, and Su Yi was completely successful in the end. "

At this time, the emperor's mind was full of conspiracy theories.

"Okay, okay. If you are such an unfaithful and unfilial minister, then you can't blame me for being unjust."

……………………………………………………

In Guangzhou city.

At this time, Ye Mingchen had fallen into absolute uneasiness.

In terms of foreign affairs, although he is stupid, he is still on the front line and has a keen sense of smell.

After Su Yi asked the British to withdraw their troops unconditionally, he was jealous and resentful. He felt that the British were really a paper tiger.

Next, he spent an unknown amount of money to retain his position as Acting Governor of Guangdong and Guangxi.

In order to maintain power, in order to get rid of the word agency.

He could only fight for his life. He must make meritorious deeds, and he must act tougher than Su Yi.

So after discovering that the Yarrow merchant ship and the personnel on board had expired, they were overjoyed and immediately seized the ship and detained the personnel.

The British came to negotiate and pointed at his nose and cursed him as a pig. At that time, Ye Mingchen was hesitant.

Should we arrest or detain?

But gritting his teeth and closing his eyes, he detained all the diplomats and military attachés of the other side, and forcefully proposed that the British must withdraw all the garrison in Guangzhou.

This toughness was entirely shown to the emperor, who himself did not dare to have hope.

Unexpectedly, the British actually evacuated the personnel of the Guangzhou Consulate and the relevant garrison troops.

At that time, Ye Mingchen was even more ecstatic and uneasy.

But it didn't delay him from reporting his victory to the court. He finally got rid of the word "agency" and got a title in exchange, with his eyes full of flowers.

He was surprised and even more uneasy.

As a result, a large number of spies were sent to Hong Kong, and the news they got became more and more terrifying.

I learned that the British side was constantly deploying troops from various colonies and even the mainland.

Therefore, Ye Mingchen also desperately increased his troops and dispatched troops from all over Guangdong and Guangxi to garrison Guangzhou.

Ye Mingchen actually knew about the risks of war, and even Zeng Guofan could smell it.

But the court didn't know.

Of course, Ye Mingchen did not dare to tell the court, so he could only continue to report victory.

In ten days and a half, he reported victory once, saying that he had won another diplomatic victory, and how the foreigners had given in.

He really had no choice, because the emperor asked questions every three days and every fifth day.

Ye Mingchen could only report victory. He was roasted on the fire and could not get down at all. There was no way to put out the fire with salary.

During this time, his spies came to report that the British army had gathered more and more troops.

Ye Mingchen was so frightened that he could only worship Buddha every day and ask the master whether it was bad or good.

I prayed in my heart that the British were just pretending and didn't really want to fight.

In addition, he continued to increase his troops in Guangzhou.

This is different from history. At this time, there were already tens of thousands of defenders in Guangzhou City.

There are also more and more gunboats on the Pearl River.

While the imperial court was still celebrating the embarrassing retreat of the British and foreign envoys, Ye Mingchen was in trouble day and night.

finally……

October 15th!

The British fleet broke into the Pearl River with great momentum.

Without any warning, they opened fire directly on the Qing court's gunboats on the river.

In just a few moments, all the Qing warships on the Pearl River were wiped out.

Then, they drove straight in and bombarded Guangzhou directly.

"Mr. Governor, it's not good, it's not good..."

"The foreigners are coming, they are coming!"

Ye Mingchen said tremblingly: "I know, I know."

He is not deaf, he has already heard it.

Then, he immediately ran to the mountain to ask for blessings from gods and Buddhas.

After drawing a lottery, and considering the tens of thousands of defenders in Guangzhou City, I felt that this battle might not be impossible.

The foreign barbarians only have a few thousand troops at most, which is great.

Then, he, the governor, showed bravery and went to the top of the city to personally supervise the battle.

British warships, countless artillery, bombarded the walls of Guangzhou.

Amid the artillery fire.

The British and French coalition forces, more than 8,000 people, landed in Guangzhou.

The next day!

To be precise, it took only a few hours.

The city of Guangzhou was broken, and the defenders suffered countless casualties.

The British and French coalition forces of 8,000 people entered Guangzhou and occupied Guangzhou.

Ye Mingchen failed to escape in disguise and was captured by the British.

The Second Opium War, also known as the Arrow War by the British, officially broke out!

……………………………………………………

Note: A chapter of more than 10,000 words is sent here. It took me nearly six hours to write. I am so hungry that my blood sugar is low. I am going to eat.

Benefactors, if you have monthly tickets, please remember to give them to me? Please help me hold on. Thank you all.