After discussing with Lin Wanxue for a morning, Gu Yongyuan was called to Nuanfeng Pavilion by Prince Yong. Obviously, the prince exaggerated Gu Yongyuan's knowledge of Western things in front of the emperor. He originally wanted to get a petty official for his son, but he didn't expect the emperor to take it seriously.

Prince Yong, worried that his son would hesitate in front of the emperor, gave him many instructions and suggestions. Even Fu Jin grabbed Gu Yongyuan's hand with tears in his eyes, for fear that his son would offend the royal family unknowingly. She didn't understand why her son would go to such a dangerous place to serve others when he could live a comfortable life as a rich and noble prince?

The situation became more and more intense, and the prince was furious, left angrily, and scolded: "Unreasonable! Gu Yongyuan could only comfort his mother and understand her worries. He wondered when he would be able to get rid of the label of a gentleman.

...

In his lifetime, Gu Yongyuan received three top titles from an early age, and at the age of sixteen, he received the highest title. However, he rarely wore court clothes. Today, he is dressed in a court dress with a five-clawed dragon and nine pheasant patterns, a court pearl, and a ruby hat, looking majestic.

In the south study of Ganqing Palace, Gu Yongyuan and Prince Yong bowed respectfully and kowtowed to Emperor Xianfeng. The air is filled with the smell of sandalwood, and the room is filled with a royal atmosphere, as if bathed in a golden halo.

"Prince Yong, please take a seat." The clear voice allowed Prince Yong to save some face, considering that he had assisted in important matters during the Daoguang period. According to court etiquette, Gu Yongyuan must remain in a kneeling position and respond accordingly, rather than the scene where officials are received by the emperor in film and television dramas.

Gu Yongyuan couldn't help but glance at the figure sitting on the soft couch. The boy looked elegant and handsome, but his face was pale with faint spots, which were traces of smallpox in his youth. This is Emperor Xianfeng, who succeeded to the throne after the death of Emperor Daoguang. He was known for his deep admiration and trust in the Six Princes.

"I said a few days ago, why can't there be a second Zhou Peigong among the descendants of the royal family? Why can't there be a prince who can both ride and write? The prince's face was red and white, and he didn't dare to interrupt the emperor's words.

Gu Yongyuan could only bow again and again, "The minister should die, he is unfilial, and ungrateful!" Failed to live up to His Majesty's favor, deserved it, and died a thousand times! He sighed inwardly; In this case, a demonstration of power is inevitable.

Emperor Xianfeng's tone softened a little, "There are a few words in your recital that are exactly what I want. The Qing Empire should not be afraid of a handful of uncivilized barbarians fighting each other. ”

Gu Yongyuan kowtowed again and replied: "Back to Your Majesty, the slave's teacher has lived on Hong Kong Island and is quite familiar with the situation there...... Gu Yongyuan carefully explained the current situation in Western countries, including the political system. , industrial and commercial buildings, a rapidly expanding spider-web-like network of railways, and a telegraph system that spanned the oceans. He briefly referred to the powerful artillery and firearms that the Chinese had seen with their own eyes.

However, given the current climate, even mentioning the purchase of guns is somewhat anachronistic. Since the beginning of Emperor Xianfeng's repression, many aristocratic ministers have taken a hard line against Western countries, not believing that they had lost the war ten years earlier. Learn from the barbarians? Just saying that could provoke their anger.

Despite this, Gu Yongyuan still spoke for half an hour, during which Emperor Xianfeng interjected a few ridiculous questions. Despite this, Gu Yongyuan did so, and Emperor Xianfeng also nodded in approval.

"I didn't expect it, I didn't expect it, the land of barbarians is also in turmoil, why haven't I heard any news of enlightened people before?" As Emperor Xianfeng spoke, he lifted the lid of the tea.

Gu Yongyuan hurriedly said: "Your Majesty's benevolent government, traveling all over the world, will eventually make the barbarians from all over the world submit, it is only a matter of time. If you say flattery, you have to talk sweetly, and the more flattery, the better.

Emperor Xianfeng took a sip of tea and said leisurely: "You are not young anymore, you can't hang out at home all the time, you say, what official do you want to be?" ”

Gu Yongyuan bowed down again and said with a grateful face: "Thank you for Your Majesty's favor, the slave will definitely follow Your Majesty's orders." If I had to express my wish, it would be to go to war, fight the rebels of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, and protect myself. "Your Majesty's eternal reign." Although Gu Yongyuan secretly wanted to go to the Northeast, lift the restrictions, and compete with the Russians, he had no foundation there, even if he went, what could he achieve? Will his zeal alone stop the Russians from advancing? Moreover, since the emperor asked him directly, he could not tell his true thoughts.

Unexpectedly, Gu Yongyuan did not expect Emperor Xianfeng's reaction. He was stunned, sighed lightly, and said, "You really make me admire, you understand the overall situation at a young age." I have always hoped that a Manchu prince could say what you just said, and we Manchus cannot always rely on it. "On outsiders."

Gu Yongyuan was still kneeling on the ground, quietly listening to Emperor Xianfeng's speech. In the future, the rise of Han officials was the result of not being able to find capable Manchu nobles. It turned out that the soldiers of the Eight Banners were useless against the Taiping rebel army and were already corrupt. Since the establishment of the Qing Dynasty, the real rulers of this land have been the Manchu royal family and aristocracy. In their eyes, Han officials are nothing more than lackeys.

"You know diplomacy and you shouldn't waste your talent. How's that? Go to Shanghai and inform the powers about tariffs. Emperor Xianfeng said lightly.

Although Emperor Xianfeng spoke casually, Gu Yongyuan was almost choked by his own anger. Go to Shanghai to inform the powers about tariffs? Did he want to kill him? Who among those powers would take the decree seriously? The Little Knife Society had just made trouble in Shanghai, and after capturing the county seat, Wu Jianzhang, the head of the customs, fled into the concession and set up a temporary customs. But foreign businessmen don't care about this temporary customs at all. Shanghai's tariff revenue was the main source of funding for the Jiangnan Army. No wonder Emperor Xianfeng was anxious and irritable.

In fact, Gu Yongyuan wanted to go to Shanghai to see the situation there, because the Western world is now in the early stage of modern civilization, which is relatively similar to his previous life. He believed that he would have more in common with these "barbarians" to communicate.

However, Gu Yongyuan did not want to go to Shanghai to serve as the minister of the Imperial Mission. In the Qing Dynasty, serving as a minister was the most difficult task. This position is well rewarded and the punishment is severe. Senior officials were disciplined several times during their tenure as ministers.

Although Gu Yongyuan was reluctant, he could only express his gratitude, kowtowed again, and said: "Your Majesty's upbringing is the greatest luck in the slave's life, and the slave will definitely live up to Your Majesty's expectations and will definitely complete the task excellently." ”

Emperor Xianfeng nodded slightly, "When you go out, don't let me down, I've put a lot of effort into this." ”