Chapter 200 Major Event: Elgin Bombards the Crown Prince

Chapter 200 Big event! Elgin bombards the crown prince!

Wuchang.

Zeng Guofan's anger at this time was beyond words.

In this chaotic war in the south, the Hunan Army contributed the most, especially in the battle of Luzhou. The Hunan Army dispatched 30,000 to 40,000 people, almost trying its best.

Why?

Isn't it just to get the upper hand?

As a result, Li Xubin's governor of Anhui was captured, but Zeng Guofan's governor of Liangjiang was still far away.

What's even more ridiculous is that even if you don't give it to me Zeng Guofan, it is reasonable to give it to Jiangsu Governor Xu Youren.

However, the emperor did not give it to Xu Youren, but to Guiliang.

Does Guiliang lack the governor of Liangjiang? He used to be the governor-general of Zhili, the first governor in the world, and now he is the bachelor of the cabinet.

Zuo Zongtang said from the side: "Di Sheng, haven't you seen it clearly? The emperor doesn't want to be promoted as long as he is involved with Su Yi. Xu Youren has no friendship with Su Yi, just because Su Yi helped him Even he, the governor of Liangjiang, cannot do this."

Then, he asked: "How do you think about that matter?"

It's the secret agreement between the seven provinces.

Zeng Guofan was very hesitant. It was said that the relationship between him and Su Yi had been very good in the past two years.

But establishing a new order and confronting the imperial court was too big a deal.

The last time he attacked Luzhou, Su Yi lent him two battalions of artillery. This was of course a great favor.

But at most it was Su Yi repaying the previous favor.

The bustle in the world is all for the benefit of coming; the hustle and bustle of the world is all for the benefit of the future.

It is not cost-effective to join such a large team without sufficient benefits.

Zeng Guofan said: "As soon as the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, Tian Yugong, is causing more and more trouble, he will most likely step down. So whether Su Yi can handle it and ask him to supervise him is not yet known, and there is little hope."

"Secondly, we need to purchase a large number of guns with the British, and Su Yi and Count Elgin are mortal enemies. If we sign a secret treaty, we will not only offend the emperor, but also Count Elgin, and the future arms trade may be Stuck."

"So, there's a trade-off."

In an instant, Zuo Zongtang couldn't help but feel disappointed.

He has said it over and over again many times. Su Yi's move is for the destiny of China.

But Zeng Guofan kept weighing the pros and cons.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with that.

But for Zuo Zongtang, this was very disappointing. Didn't he have any feelings for his family and country?

However, Zeng Guofan is such a person.

He has a strong will and a courageous character, but he is still extremely self-interested in nature.

From the Tianjin religious case, while he was trying to figure out the imperial court's thoughts, he was as fearful of foreigners as tigers, so he chose to strike hard at civilians and bowed to foreigners, which is obvious.

Zuo Zongtang said coldly: "Then you weigh it."

Then, he said goodbye and left. He immediately went to the dock and took a boat south to Jiujiang.

………………………………

After arriving in Jiujiang, Zuo Zongtang bowed directly to Su Yi.

"I'm sorry, Master Su Yi, I failed to convince Zeng Disheng."

Su Yi hurriedly helped Zuo Zongtang up and said, "What's wrong with this? In such a big matter, one has to weigh the pros and cons. Not everyone is like Mr. Ji Gao, who does it for the sake of righteousness and regardless of interests."

"Weigh the pros and cons, weigh the pros and cons." Zuo Zongtang said angrily: "How many things have been ruined just by weighing the pros and cons."

"Before, Zeng Disheng was willing to help you transfer 300,000 immigrants, and when the emperor wanted to depose you, give him a chance. He objected, and if you wanted to purchase cotton from Hubei, he would rather offend the Jiangnan Consortium than sell all the cotton to you. , I still think he has changed.”

"The result is still the same, it hasn't changed at all."

Su Yi paid for these things first. He handed over the political power of Jiangxi Province and the military power of Ganzhen in exchange for Zeng Guofan's support in immigration.

As for the emperor's request to depose Su Yi and seek advice from Zeng Guofan, but he refused, it was also due to the tacit understanding between the feudal officials and the integrity of the scholar-bureaucrats.

Therefore, this person has moral integrity, but he is far from noble.

Zuo Zongtang said: "I can be Luo Bingzhang's boss in other major matters. But I can't be his boss in this key position. Most of them still follow Zeng Guofan. As long as Zeng Guofan doesn't nod, Anhui and Hunan will not nod either. Will not join the secret agreement.”

"And your seven-province secret agreement cannot be without these three provinces anyway."

"What should I do? What should I do?"

This is the feeling of an idealist. He and Su Yi obviously have no personal relationship, they have not even met a few times, and they have not spoken a word, but for a great goal, he will go all out.

Su Yi said: "Mr. Ji Gao, please rest assured, Zeng Disheng will agree."

As long as he sees the general trend changing, Zeng Guofan will be very keen.

This kind of person has a very strong self-will, and the persuasion of others is useless.

But in Zuo Zongtang's opinion, Su Yi's situation at this time was very bad.

The war in the south was over, and the court no longer asked for Su Yi's place, and became aloof again.

The farce of the marriage that had just passed made the emperor even more furious, and he was about to be filmed by the thundering hand of the court.

It was precisely when Zeng Guofan saw this that he recurred, although he had not explicitly stated that he wanted to join the Seven Provinces Secret Agreement before.

Zuo Zongtang said: "I thought that the emperor's failure to give Zeng Disheng the governor of Liangjiang would make him rebel and join your seven-province secret treaty to put pressure on the court. But I didn't expect that the emperor's attitude actually made him timid, and even some Have other thoughts.”

This is very heartbreaking.

This means that Zeng Guofan may even use Su Yi's rebellion against the imperial court to become the governor of Liangjiang.

For example, once the emperor discovered that Su Yi and Xu Youren were really connected. Or perhaps it would be discovered that Su Yi actually enlisted the southern governor to fight against the imperial court, while Zeng Guofan stayed out of the matter, which would undoubtedly make the emperor very happy.

So in order to suppress Su Yi's forces, the emperor could only support Zeng Guofan, which was considered a rare commodity.

Then, Zuo Zongtang suddenly said: "Su Yi, I am leaving Luo Bingzhang's shogunate."

Su Yi couldn't help being surprised and said, "Are you going to the Hunan Army Shogunate?"

According to history, in early 1859, Zuo Zongtang left the Luo Bingzhang shogunate and followed Zeng Guofan to handle military affairs.

Zuo Zongtang shook his head and said: "Luo Bingzhang obeyed me before. Everyone said that I, Zuo Zongtang, was the real governor of Hunan. But now I find that he just obeyed me on most things. On key matters, I After all, it doesn’t matter what the staff says.”

"I'm going to take charge of my own business. Which position does Mr. Su Yi think I should seek?"

Su Yi thought for a while and said, "Prefect of Luzhou."

At this time, Zuo Zongtang was already famous all over the world. Hunan is indispensable in the world, and Hunan cannot be without Zuo Zongtang for a day. It has spread all over the world. The emperor has heard about it and is very concerned about him.

Zuo Zongtang said: "I thought you would recommend me to be the prefect of Nanchang."

Su Yi said: "Mr. Ji Gao wants to be on his own, but he probably doesn't want to work around me."

This man is as idealistic as Su Yi, but he has a stubborn temper and wants to make the final decision in everything. As the governor of Jiangxi, it is difficult for Su Yi to control him.

Whether it is Zhang Liangji or Luo Bingzhang, as long as Zuo Zongtang is used, he must obey him and make the decision in everything.

Therefore, it is difficult for him to obey orders like Shen Baozhen.

This time he failed to persuade Zeng Guofan and Luo Bingzhang, so he immediately decided to leave Luo Bingzhang, which is obvious.

Su Yi said: "Now the Taiping Army is the most powerful in Anhui. If you want to attack Tianjing, you must attack Anqing first. Li Xubin is a military general. As the governor of Anhui, he is afraid that he will be unable to do many things. Mr. Ji Gao went to Anhui and decided to Be able to stand out on your own.”

Of course, there is another saying, Zuo Zongtang’s foundation is in the Hunan Army after all, so it is best to break away from Luo Bingzhang, but not break away from the Hunan Army. Only by having political resources in hand can you get twice the result with half the effort.

Zuo Zongtang said: "Sir Su Yi, can the Seven Provinces Secret Agreement and the Southern Economic Cooperation really be realized?"

Su Yi said: "It can be done."

Zuo Zongtang said: "There are rumors that the imperial court and foreigners are joining forces to deal with you. In the face of such a precarious situation, can it be done? Is it really not necessary for me to force Zeng Guofan and Luo Bingzhang and tear open my old face to force them?"

Su Yi said: "Mr. Ji Gao, even if you go and seek your own future, I will definitely be able to succeed. Zeng Guofan will join in the general trend without even having to be persuaded."

Zuo Zongtang said: "Then I will take my leave."

Then, without stopping, he left Jiujiang and returned to Changsha, where he was about to resign to Luo Bingzhang.

…………………………………………

Fuzhou, Minjiang River.

Guiliang boarded the British warship and secretly met with Tian Yugong, the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang.

After treatment, Tian Yugong's body has recovered somewhat.

But he was still very thin, with only two eyes, which were bloodshot and blazing.

"Jingtang, you really set an example for our court. After the emperor heard about your deeds, his eyes were wet, and he immediately asked why there are not more Tian Yugong in the world? And he said in front of the civil and military officials of the court, this is a loyal minister, this is an example for the world."

After Guiliang saw Tian Yugong, he praised him without hesitation.

"Jingtang, the foreigners are planning to withdraw their troops. This is all due to you. It is indeed a rare victory for our Qing Dynasty's diplomacy."

Tian Yugong sneered in his heart.

It's really ridiculous. Foreigners burst into your house, killed your family members, slapped you hard several times, and then said that if you admit your mistake to me, I will stop beating you.

Is this considered a diplomatic victory?

If it were Tian Yugong from before, his posture would be soft.

However, after the hunger strike, under the admiration of everyone, he seemed to have found a new life.

He shines brightly, and his reputation has reached a certain high level.

He couldn't come down, and he didn't want to come down.

Before it was changed, he would definitely have to exchange words with Gui Liangxu.

But now, he sat cross-legged on the ground, silent.

Guiliang said: "Cousin, there is one more thing to do next. As long as you finish it, you will have done your best."

Tian Yugong asked: "What's the matter?"

Guiliang said: "You come forward and persuade the tens of thousands of people who surrounded the Fuzhou Consulate to leave. At this time, you have a very high reputation in Fujian, and you respond to every call. As long as you come forward, they will definitely retreat."

"Then, you write a simple letter to the Fuzhou consul, apologizing for the trouble and distress you have caused. In addition, find a few people from the Tiandihui or the White Lotus Sect and behead them directly as the murderers of the foreign missionaries. "

"In this way, the British will have an explanation and they will withdraw their troops."

"And you, Tian Jingtang, are also able to deal with the imperial court."

For a moment, Tian Yugong looked at Guiliang almost in disbelief?

Hissed: "This group of animal missionaries have done something outrageous and killed each other. The foreigners are unreasonable and unreasonable. Not only did they detain me, the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, but they also asked us to hand over the murderer? And they also made us confess to this murder. ?”

"Is there anything more ridiculous, more shameless, and more ridiculous than this in the world?"

Guiliang said sternly: "Tolerance serves the country, don't you understand?"

Of course, he couldn't tell Tian Yugong that this was a critical moment. If they couldn't deal with you, Count Elgin would not be willing to destroy Su Yi's Jiujiang fleet, nor would they land in Jiujiang to attack Su Yi's industry.

At this time, Elgin's fleet was in the East China Sea, only a few hundred miles away from Shanghai.

But just don’t enter the Yangtze River.

Obviously, the purpose was to force the Qing government to deal with Fuzhou and accept the humiliating consequences.

If you can't handle Mr. Tian Yu, you can't handle the tens of thousands of people outside the consulate. You can't use Elgin's army to kill people with a borrowed knife.

Tian Yugong said calmly: "If this is the case, you might as well kill me!"

If Tian Yugong really did that, then Tian Yugong's new reputation would be destroyed in an instant, his reputation would be ruined, and he would be reviled for a hundred years.

Guiliang said: "Tian Yugong, don't make a mistake!"

Tian Yugong said: "Is this your intention or the court's intention?"

He almost didn't ask if this was what the emperor meant.

Guiliang said: "This is my intention and the imperial court's intention."

For a moment, Tian Yugong was extremely disappointed.

In the eyes of the emperor and the court, I, Tian Yugong, am a complete victim.

As long as we can coax the foreigners away, it doesn't matter to me, Tian Yugong, that my reputation will be ruined and I will be infamy for a hundred years, right?

Tian Yugong said: "What if I don't agree?"

Guiliang said: "Then you don't want to be the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang. Let the court find someone else to do it."

Tian Yugong was filled with sorrow.

For the imperial court, the most troublesome thing in Fujian was actually over. After all, those missionaries were dead and they had an explanation for the country.

As long as the foreigners are given a step forward and they retreat, the matter will be over.

Tian Yugong said: "Then let's change to someone else."

……………………

Next, Guiliang came to talk to Tian Yugong several times.

Count Elgin pressed harder and harder on him, and the emperor pressed harder and harder on Guiliang.

Guiliang can only force Tian Yugong to compromise.

Just say it directly, for the sake of the court and the emperor, what does it mean if you lose your reputation?

But by the end, Tian Yugong had closed his eyes and ignored it.

Guiliang gave up his hope on Tian Yugong, took a ship to Tianjin, and returned to the capital.

Ask the emperor for an order to remove Tian Yugong.

After hearing this, the emperor frowned and said, "In Tian Yugong's heart, my holy will cannot compare to his reputation, right? Even the important affairs of the imperial court cannot compare to his reputation, right?"

"On the Elgin side, the fleet is still unwilling to enter the Yangtze River. Can we deal with the Su Yi fleet? Can we deal with the foreigners and industries in Jiujiang?"

Guiliang said: "Earl Elgin said that we must completely resolve the troubles in Fujian before the fleet is willing to enter the Yangtze River to attack Su Yi."

The emperor said coldly: "Since Mr. Tian Yu wants fame and does not want an official position, then I will help him. I will remove him from the post of governor of Fujian and Zhejiang and let him take the senior position!"

The name Qi Ling is very common among the Manchus. This is not the Qi Ling from the Guangxu period, but the Fuzhou general, Ergenjueluo Qi Ling.

"Tian Yugong has a good reputation now. Don't make this edict clear. He quietly went to Fuzhou. On the grounds of health, he was relieved of his post and returned to his hometown to retire. After he becomes the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, he will solve this problem immediately."

"In addition, you can go directly to Count Elgin with this imperial edict and tell him to send troops to the Yangtze River immediately. I can't wait any longer."

"Qiling is my Manchurian clan member and will definitely resolve it properly."

Guiliang said: "嗻!"

Then, with the emperor's decree, Guiliang once again hurried to Tianjin and headed south to Shanghai.

………………………………

In this way, in the past month, Count Elgin and Guiliang were dragged back and forth.

Then……

Ba Xia Li's fleet has returned to China.

Count Elgin's fleet was still gathering in the outer sea. They were obviously prepared for everything, but they did not enter the Yangtze River estuary.

Even Ba Xia Li saw this fleet.

There are nearly twenty warships and countless artillery pieces.

Prince Edward next to him said: "Is this the fleet we want to blackmail? Will this fleet be the one coming to bombard us from now on?"

Instead of fear, his words were full of excitement.

The life of this crown prince was a bizarre, rebellious, and absurd life.

Fuck women, get the wives of nobles.

He loved rowing, horse racing, anything dangerous.

So when I heard that I was going to be bombarded, all the nerves in my body became tense.

Prince George next to him is younger but appears calmer. He and his father, Prince George, both had military backgrounds, and his father had even been on the battlefield several times, so he was not too afraid of the upcoming bombardment.

"Cousin, since you are the crown prince, it is more appropriate for you to remain a spectator."

"If you want to drive Count Elgin out of power, just bombard me. You are the crown prince and cannot take risks."

"Even your identity must not be made public, because the British Crown Prince's visit to the Qing Dynasty is a big event and will cause an uproar."

Prince Edward rubbed the other person's head and laughed: "Even my father and mother can't control me. Little George, can you stop me?"

"Count Elgin and the others have embarrassed my father, and I will embarrass them even more!"

"I have come all the way to China, but you are not allowed to perform this scene? Then I will make it impossible for everyone to get off the stage."

Sir Basiali had no choice but to say to his side: "You immediately take the fast boat to Jiujiang and tell Sir Su Yi that we are here and the Crown Prince is also here. The stage has been set up and his big play can be staged. ”

"Hell, I hope Her Majesty won't kill me if she finds out."

A moment later, a ship entered the Yangtze River estuary and sailed towards Jiujiang.

…………………………

Shanghai!

Guiliang directly presented the imperial edict to Count Elgin.

"Did you see it? This is our determination. We will remove Tian Yugong and replace him with Qi Ling as the governor. He will fulfill our agreement, hand over the murderer, and pay compensation and apologize."

"Now, your fleet can set off, enter the Yangtze River, and destroy Su Yi's Yangtze River fleet."

Count Elgin said: "Don't be anxious, my friend. My spies are always monitoring the movements of Su Yi's fleet. He seems to have sensed the danger, so the mercenary fleet is all in the canal, not the Yangtze River. And Our warships are too big and can enter the Yangtze River, but they cannot enter the Yangzhou Canal.”

"As soon as his fleet leaves the canal and comes to the Yangtze River, our British Navy will immediately enter the Yangtze River and disarm him."

Guiliang said: "Also, land in Jiujiang and take away all the British and their industries."

Count Elgin said: "As you wish, you can go to Fuzhou now."

Guiliang pretended to leave Shanghai, but this time he behaved and stayed in Shanghai. He wanted to see Count Elgin's fleet enter the Yangtze Estuary before going to Fuzhou to depose Tian Yugong.

……………………

Jiujiang!

When Su Yi heard the news, she couldn't believe her ears.

Prince Edward is here?

This, this, this is a completely beautiful situation that is unimaginable.

A direct line of the British royal family is enough, whether it is to drive Earl Elgin out of power or to secure a secret treaty for the seven provinces, it is enough.

As a result, the crown prince came.

This big show will really be more exciting.

So Su Yi gave the order.

All the fleets came out in full force.

Head to the mouth of the Yangtze River to meet the royal envoys of the British Empire.

Following Su Yi's order.

His entire mercenary fleet left the canal and headed towards the mouth of the Yangtze River without hesitation.

at the same time!

The merchant ships from Ba Xia Li also immediately entered the Yangtze River.

According to the agreement, Su Yi's fleet and the fleet of the British Royal Envoy met two hours later.

Su Yi cordially met with the royal envoy Prince George.

According to Bashley's wishes, Prince Edward's identity was kept secret and he was only serving as an attaché.

Su Yi treated them to a sumptuous lunch on the boat.

He then had a nice chat with Prince George.

Su Ye was full of witty words and spoke very good English, but it was difficult for Prince George to have an in-depth conversation because he was very nervous.

The drama that followed inevitably distracted him.

However, Su Yi's fleet just stopped and went very slowly.

Because we have to wait for Count Elgin’s fleet to come.

……………………

A few hours ago!

Earl Elgin received the message: "Your Majesty, Su Yi's Yangtze River Fleet has appeared."

The earl was overjoyed.

At this time, he was eating beef, which was almost raw and his mouth was full of blood.

Su Yi, your fleet is finally willing to show up.

My guns and my ships are thirsty.

His fleet has been dormant in the outer sea for a long time, like a pack of hungry wolves, its eyes red.

Now, the prey finally appears.

Following Count Elgin's order, the powerful fleet entered the Yangtze River Estuary.

………………………………

The next day!

Count Elgin's naval fleet finally caught up with Su Yi's Yangtze River fleet.

And Su Yi chose this position very well.

Close to an inland river, his small ships can withdraw into the inland river at any time.

Moreover, the formation of his fleet is also very particular.

The protection of Crown Prince Edward and Prince George is very good.

Su Yi even decided to act out the whole show and even prepared explosives and cannonballs on the ship.

If Count Elgin's warship missed, Su Yi would detonate it himself, and then pretend that the royal envoy's ship was under attack.

Count Elgin was very arrogant.

After catching up, the British fleet immediately formed a battle formation and aimed its guns at Su Yi's Yangtze River Fleet.

Then, Rear Admiral Simakori took a small boat, approached the Su Yi fleet, and shouted: "Where is your commander, come out immediately!"

Su Yi appears.

Rear Admiral Sima Migelli said: "Sir Su Yi, your fleet belongs to the British Empire. You are illegally employed. Please hand it over immediately without any resistance. Otherwise, we will disarm."

Su Yi said: "General, we used to be friends. I don't want to harm you, so I invite Count Elgin to talk."

The arrogant Count Elgin did not bother to talk.

He came out of the command cabin, walked to the bow of the ship and said: "Tell him, there is a five-minute countdown. Either we will hand over the Yangtze River Fleet unconditionally, or we will open fire and disarm."

"Also tell him that the Tianjin Treaty has not yet come into effect, so any investment by the British Empire in Jiujiang is illegal. Our army will land in Jiujiang, withdraw all British citizens, and withdraw all investment industries."

He spoke in a low voice.

So, someone passed it on.

Rear Admiral Seymour Smith became the mouthpiece.

He repeated the words of Earl Elgin.

Then he added: "Sir Su Ye, your Yangtze River Fleet is like a child's toy in front of us, completely vulnerable. I advise you to hand over the fleet immediately, otherwise you will be killed without mercy."

Su Ye said: "Please tell Earl Elgin that there is a distinguished guest in my fleet. Once you open fire on us, you will commit an unforgivable sin."

Rear Admiral Seymour Smith relayed Su Ye's words to Earl Elgin.

The Earl was previously the Governor of North America and now the Supreme Commander of the Far East. He has always been the top leader and is used to being the only one in charge.

In the entire Far East, he is the king.

No one is taken seriously.

After hearing Su Ye's words, he sneered: "Bluffer!"

Then, he disdained to deal with Su Ye and directly ordered: "The countdown begins!"

Then, the fleet's flags began to wave.

The countdown began.

Time passed by minute by minute.

And Su Ye repeated it again and again.

There are VIPs on the ship, don't open fire, don't open fire.

Otherwise, you will bear the consequences.

You will bear the consequences.

However, in the eyes of Earl Elgin, this is just the wailing of the prey before death.

Ignore it at all.

Countdown, walk coldly.

Five, four, three, two, one!

The countdown begins!

"Fire!"

With Earl Elgin's order.

Three of the warships opened fire on Su Ye's small fleet.

"Boom boom boom..."

A violent explosion.

This... This is too fierce, right?

Our artillery fire is not so fierce.

We didn't fire at full power.

The places where you exploded were more than the shells we fired?

Then!

A flag of the British Empire was raised from the middle flagship.

There was also the flag of the British royal family.

Seeing this scene, Earl Elgin was stunned. What, what does this mean?

Then, a young nobleman suddenly rushed out and rushed to the bow.

His head and body were covered with blood, and he looked injured.

Su Ye was shocked. This, this is impossible.

The first heir to the British Empire, Prince Edward, stood on the bow and pointed at Earl Elgin and said, "James Bruce of Scotland, are you going to murder me?"

"I am thousands of miles away, but I was massacred by the army of my motherland?"

"God, do you no longer care for your loyal believers when you are away from your motherland?"

Seeing this scene, Earl Elgin was struck by lightning and his whole body was cold!

……………………………………

Note: I have finally finished writing it. If you have monthly tickets, can you please give me a few?