While waiting for the decision of the holy decree, Gu Yongyuan frantically purchased a large number of Western items and prepared to bring them back to the capital for his own use. Even the camera from Boulder's photography studio was purchased by Gu Yongyuan at a discounted price.

In Boulder's elegant living room, Koo Yongyuan sipped fragrant coffee and had a lively discussion with Boulder about the possibility of establishing a canned food factory.

After these days of interaction, Boulder has been deeply impressed by Gu Yongyuan's profound knowledge. For him, the envoy's expertise was almost supernatural. As a Chinese astronomy enthusiast, Boulder had discussed astronomy with Gu Yongyuan. Gu Yongyuan claims that the solar system is not the center of the Milky Way. He explained that this will prove true with the development of improved astronomical telescopes.

Boulder was surprised. The idea that the solar system is at the center of the Milky Way is the consensus of the Western astronomical community. Why did Koo have the confidence to overturn this widely accepted view?

After some argument, Gu Yongyuan smiled and said: "There is a saying in China that people are the smartest creatures. Similarly, in the West, there are similar beliefs. However, you must understand that the vast universe did not exist for the sake of creation. "Hundreds of years ago, both Eastern and Western civilizations believed that all celestial bodies revolved around the Earth. A century ago, they believed that the stars revolved around the sun. But today, we know that the Sun is just an ordinary star in the vast universe. …… So why insist that the solar system is at the center of the Milky Way? Do you agree with this reasoning, Mr. Boulder?

As soon as these words came out, Boulder nodded silently, feeling that Gu Yongyuan's statement made sense.

A few days ago, Gu Yongyuan presented a "business plan". It was a plan to build munitions factories in the Americas under the guise of industrial gunpowder factories. The proposal provides a detailed analysis of the acute conflict of interests between the North and the South factions of the United States and predicts the inevitability of war between the two sides. By setting up arms factories in the United States, it is possible to make a decent profit through the war. However, it depended on the success and establishment of the American gunpowder plant.

Gu Yongyuan wanted Boulder to seal the proposal and bring it back to England to negotiate with Gaspar.

Today, Koo is discussing the possibility of a canning factory, noting that food decay is caused by microorganisms, which can be killed at high temperatures. While canning in Europe primarily uses boiling water and sealing technology to extend the shelf life of food products, the rationale is not clear.

Boulder listened in amazement, thinking that he would have to consult the royal society's biologists when he returned to England.

Whether it was a business proposal or Koo's eloquence in front of Boulder, the purpose was the same: to make Gaspar aware of the bright prospects of cooperation. Without this reminder, businessmen may forget their promises when it comes to profits, especially if they are separated from Britain by ocean. Since the Suez Canal has not yet opened, it may take almost a year to make a round trip. If Gaspar had changed his mind during that time, he might have left Gu Yongyuan aside. The two so-called authorization documents he held in his hand were no different from waste paper.

But Gu Yongyuan knows very well that his current status may plagiarize some small technologies or small inventions. But if he does not introduce them to the European continent, he will never be able to get the maximum benefit and provide the greatest help for his future development. Giving the patent to Gaspar is indeed a bold gamble. If he wins, his path forward will be smooth sailing. Even if he loses, he is just copying someone else's technology. What's there to regret?

Gu Yongyuan realized that if he wanted to make huge gains, he had to take risks. If he does not see the reality in this regard, then his rebirth will be in vain.

However, when discussing the cannery, Gu Yongyuan really wanted to build one in Shanghai. With a little spare money in hand, he considered building a small factory, costing about 10,000 taels of silver.

Gu Yongyuan didn't actually expect the canning factory to make much money. While there can be some profit from supplying cargo to ships that frequent the port of Shanghai, it may be even more profitable to invest that ten thousand taels of silver in procurement and transportation between Shanghai and London. Who would invest in such a short-term, uncertain business?

Although Gu Yongyuan doesn't know much about military affairs, he also knows that canned food, as military food, is a milestone in military history. It is of great significance to reduce the logistical burden and supply needs of the army.

Gu Yongyuan ignored Boulder's advice, still smiling and insisting on his opinion. Boulder seemed to realize something, and smiled. Then he helped Gu Yongyuan analyze the feasibility of the cannery. Eventually, he reluctantly concluded that they also needed to build a small glass factory to produce containers for canned food.

Gu Yongyuan didn't care. He asked Boulder to write a letter or send someone back to England to buy equipment that was not available at home.

Boulder smiled faintly and said, "Don't worry, the equipment and machinery needed for the factory don't have to be purchased from the European continent, you can buy it from Garabang." ”

Gu Yongyuan nodded slightly. In fact, the first railway line in Mumbai, India, is already in operation. Twenty years later, however, the Qing Empire redeemed the first railroad built by British merchants on Chinese soil with glittering silver in Shanghai. After that, the railway was dismantled and the track bed was filled.

Can this land be changed by a Westernization campaign led by official actions alone?

...

In December of the eighth year of Xianfeng, that is, on January 12, 1858, several holy decrees finally arrived in Shanghai. Among them, the "Cabinet Letter" highly praised Feng Tianhan and other officials for successfully eradicating the remnants of the Wind Sword Society within a few months. He praised their efforts and said, "We are deeply gratified that you have worked hard day and night to capture and eliminate them all, and these achievements are the fruits of your efforts." He also said: "The thieves have been defeated repeatedly, and now they are isolated, and your strategy of suppression and pacification is effective, and now is a favorable time for a swift and thorough sweep, so plan and execute." ”

In the decree, various officials were rewarded and promoted. Feng Tianhan was promoted to the right attendant of the military department and granted further privileges. Lu Xing'an, Suzhou Prefecture, was promoted to Daoyuan, awarded the Flower Feather Medal, and served as the envoy of the Changzhen Tonghai Road Festival.

The decree also mentions negotiations with maritime customs. It praises the tranquility of the sea and the bowing of the people of all ethnic groups. Gu Yongyuan was praised for completing tasks diligently, strategizing and suppressing bandits, but showing mature wisdom at a young age, relieving the emperor's concerns. He was awarded the title of first-class general of Zhenguo and was recalled to the Jingshi for continued appointment.

Obviously, Koo Yongyuan's military achievements and contributions to handling foreign affairs earned him triple promotions. He reached the position of a general of the first rank, the title of the first rank. However, it wasn't much of a prestigious title for royalty. There have been many dukes, Baylors who have been titled since infancy. However, Prince Yong was still in his prime, and considering that Gu Yongyuan was likely to be entrusted with important tasks after returning to Beijing, his situation was different from those who lived solely on the title.

Naturally, Storm Jade Mountain has also benefited a lot. He became a Taoist priest of Sutai and concurrently served as the acting governor of Jiangsu, transforming from a Taoist official to a provincial official.

Recalling the scene after coming to Shanghai, Gu Yongyuan could only sigh that he had encountered a fortunate thing. He originally thought that this mission would be difficult, but he did not expect that through a series of coincidences, he gained an advantage. First of all, because of his relationship with Lin Wanxue, he established a connection with the Wind Sword Society. Then, using Lin Wanxue's influence, he persuaded the Wind Sword Society to abandon the defense of Shanghai County. This was a complete departure from historical events and led to the victory in the Battle of Niš. In addition, he skillfully incorporated Western thinking into his own strategy, thus gaining a foothold in negotiations with the likes of Allen. A series of contingencies, including an uproar caused by his soldiers in the foreign concession,

Gu Yongyuan smiled bitterly, he was so lucky. In fact, which step was not orchestrated by him? Perhaps only the incident of the soldiers in the concession can be regarded as an unexpected turn.

In addition to the holy decree, Gu Yongyuan also received two letters from his family. One was sent by the crown prince, and there was nothing important; He was just looking forward to the return of his beloved son.

And another letter surprised Gu Yongyuan. It was sent by his uncle Takahan, who had just been appointed as Tobe's left attendant. In this world, Gu Yongyuan's previous interactions with Gao Han were very few. Gao Han is shrewd and capable. Although his relationship with Prince Yong was not very good, his career has been smooth. Emperor Xianfeng reigned for just three years, and Gao Han gradually rose.

However, when it comes to titles, Gao Han can't be compared to his brother at all, and his brother is the heir to the throne. His title was only an auxiliary guard, but Gu Yongyuan was young and was promoted to a whole rank.

In terms of title, Gao Han is indeed inferior to his elder brother who is about to inherit the throne. His title was only an auxiliary guard, but Gu Yongyuan was young and was promoted to a whole rank.

In his letter to Gu Yongyuan, Gao Han mentioned the possibility of the imperial court opening up foreign trade. Gao Han served as the left squire of the Tobe, and it is likely that he was appointed for this purpose. If the emperor made a decision, Gao Han feared that he might have to oversee the migration.

Interestingly, the early opening of the northeastern border may have been due to Prince Yong's recital. Shortly after Gu Yongyuan left the capital, General Yuan of Jilin reported that there were signs of Russian activity near Haji Bay.

Historically, due to the Qing Dynasty's policy of using the Northeast as a "virtual frontier," contact with nearby regions in Siberia was limited. The Russians encroached on the territory of the Qing Dynasty near the Kuril Islands, but the Qing government did not know about this fact. Even when the Russian envoy, Lieutenant General Muravyov, negotiated with the Qing government to redraw the borders of the Far East, the Qing were completely unaware that their backyard had been occupied. They believe that the negotiations are centered around the unresolved issue of the border of the Ussuri River.

Now, with Gu Yongyuan's early warning and General Yuanxun's secret report, there will definitely be a fierce debate in the imperial court about opening the border in advance. Judging from Gao Han's letter, Emperor Xianfeng seems to support the idea of opening up to the outside world. However, how to open the borders, what lands to open, how to relocate Han Chinese immigrants, how to govern them, and the scale of the relocation may require heated debates among officials.

In the letter, Gao Han praised Gu Yongyuan from the bottom of his heart, and mentioned that when his nephew returned to Beijing, he, as an uncle, was determined to consult with him all night and night.

Gu Yongyuan knew that his uncle was indeed very talented, but he was too proud and lacked political cunning. He also won the hatred of Empress Dowager Dong and Prince Su because of this, which led to his tragic fate. Soon after Emperor Xianfeng's death, he was implicated in a coup d'état orchestrated by Empress Dowager Dong and Prince Su.

How will history unfold in this life?

Gu Yongyuan didn't know, and he couldn't guess. He can only take one step at a time.

...

Under the scorching sun, the golden signboard of Qunfang Tower shines. Gu Yongyuan drank tea, looked out through the beautifully carved mahogany window, and sighed softly. The streets are sparsely populated, and the nearby vegetable stalls are lined with tired, dejected-looking vendors. The appearance of the person now is very different from what he sees in movies and TV series.

This is a newly opened teahouse on the second floor, and in the private room, Gu Yongyuan and Lin Boss are sitting on a mahogany stool inlaid with jade. On the mahogany coffee table is a small lacquered tea tray with two dragons playing with pearls. The teacup is a delicate white jade-like official kiln porcelain, exuding a light fragrance of tea. The utensils used are of the highest quality, which explains why the price of tea can reach seven pieces of silver.

Boss Lin's face was covered with a thin layer of gauze, indicating that his wounds healed quickly.

This trip to Shanghai made Gu Yongyuan aware of the shortage of manpower. After returning to the capital, the Venerable Master will most likely stay in Shanghai for a while. Since Mr. Boulder was in charge of the canned food factory, responsible for recruiting management and technical personnel from continental Europe or India, the master had to focus on recruiting Chinese workers and apprentices. After all, a seemingly simple cannery would not be suitable to hire only foreign workers.

In addition, through this cannery, Gu Yongyuan hopes to successfully convey the idea to Chinese businessmen in Shanghai that Western technology is not as mysterious as they think, and even workers without theoretical knowledge can be easily trained.

Enlightening the public is not an overnight task. The emergence of skilled workers can be used as a form of enlightenment for the time being.

Gu Yongyuan also thought about starting a newspaper. But after checking the Chinese newspapers that Mr. Boulder brought from Hong Kong, they were all founded by foreign businessmen and were a tool for them to criticize the colonial government in Hong Kong. For example, British businessman Naruhito used the newspaper "Friends of China" to launch a lengthy attack on Sir Paul Lam, the Governor of Hong Kong, to express his dissatisfaction with the inadequate water supply facilities on Hong Kong Island.

If he weren't in Shanghai, it would have been a challenge to start an innovative newspaper that would foster the reading habits of Chinese businessmen. Gu Yongyuan could only consult with Mr. Boulder and ask him to help him find the right person to run the newspaper. Other matters could be discussed later.

Another task that the Venerable Master had to accomplish during his time in Shanghai was to establish the school with the help of Mr. Boulder. Educational institutions in both Hong Kong and Shanghai are essentially Enlightenment schools. Koo's goal was to establish two schools in Shanghai — one for boys and one for girls — to provide secondary education, with a primary focus on teaching basic science. Potential students are likely to come from merchant families with ties to various countries through treaty ports and Hong Kong Island. Otherwise, who would want to send their children to a private school taught by a foreigner? Of course, both schools are fee-based, designed to cover fees and give the impression of exclusivity.

As for the issue of teachers, Gu Yongyuan has already negotiated with the church. Teachers are provided by the church, but the school pays a certain salary. The school will also offer a class where the priest teaches Christian doctrine one class per week.

It seems that the Venerable Master will need to stay in Shanghai for a while. Gu Yongyuan had just received a gift of nearly 20,000 taels of silver, all of which had been handed over to the old ancestor. After these two things are settled, I'm afraid there won't be much left.

Thinking of these, Gu Yongyuan felt that his trip to Shanghai was quite smooth. He didn't spend much out of his own pocket, but he achieved a lot.

"Gu Gongzi, are you leaving Shanghai soon?" Boss Lin is now wearing a suit and a top hat. Now, even if he meets a fellow villager, no one recognizes him.

Gu Yongyuan nodded with a smile and said, "I will leave on the third day of the Lunar New Year, it is not auspicious to celebrate the New Year on the water, and it is not easy to hire a boat." ”

"Well, there's only a few days left." Boss Lin calculated the days, the day after tomorrow was Chinese New Year's Eve, and they were about to set off. He hesitated for a moment and asked, "So, what about Wanxue?" ”

Gu Yongyuan smiled bitterly: "It's time for Wanxue to go back to Yongxi." ”

A hint of loss flashed across Boss Lin's face, and he sighed lightly, "My sister...... I really hope that she can walk with you and live a peaceful and stable life from now on. Rebellion and disobedience to officials never ended well. Boss Lin regretted dragging his sister into the bloody world of rivers and lakes. However, when he met Gu Yongyuan, he sensed an opportunity. Although Gu Yongyuan looked very aggressive, Boss Lin had a feeling that if there was anyone in this world who could tame his unruly sister, it was the young master in front of him.

Regardless of Gu Yongyuan's true identity, Boss Lin hopes to have a happy ending. He hoped that his sister would be able to escape the bloodshed and turmoil and live a happy and peaceful life. "A hundred battles, one shot does not miss a thousand people", "galloping on horseback, countless fox squirrels, scattered and fleeing", what is the use? For a girl, it is really a blessing to have a husband who loves her. What's the point of being a heroine if it can only lead to an unfortunate ending in the end? Boss Lin didn't want his sister to die in a nameless grave, without a head and without a life. And when he faced his ancestors, how could he meet his mother?

Hearing that his sister was going to return to Yongxi eventually, Boss Lin's disappointment was beyond words. He finished his tea quietly.

Gu Yongyuan patted Boss Lin's hand and said, "Wanxue is not a caged bird, if she is forcibly made into a caged bird, she will wither and lose her original brilliance, so she will not be happy." When she is tired, she will naturally go home. ”

Boss Lin smiled bitterly and nodded, "It seems that you know Wanxue very well, maybe you don't even realize it yourself." ”

Gu Yongyuan smiled faintly, took out his pocket watch and looked at the time, and said, "I'll go downstairs and take a look, big brother, you can stay a little longer." ”

...

Descending the stairs, Gu Yongyuan saw Mo Ba, Qi Bu Songao, and An Ba Lingwu sitting at the table by the window. Seeing their master come down, all three of them got up to greet him.

The hall reverberated with the melancholy sound of erhu. It was the old man and the child he had seen before. It seems that they came here to perform and are inextricably linked with Gu Yongyuan.

"Lost!" Suddenly, a crisp voice rang out. A customer at the next table slapped the young performer seeking a tip, knocking him away. Another shouted angrily, "What is this sound? Spoil my mood! Get the hell out of here! ”

The owner of the teahouse allowed the elderly and children to perform inside because of their age, but seeing that they had angered the customers, he hurriedly stepped forward to calm the situation and urged the two to leave.

"Wait!" Gu Yongyuan raised his hand slightly, smiled and beckoned the old man and the child to come over. "Old man, come and sit down for a while."

A customer at that table was about to protest, and a strong man in silk was about to stand up. However, before he could speak, Mo Ba interjected even more categorically. Triangle eyes glared, and scolded at them: "You little rabbits, get out of here!" Dare to make trouble here? Let me see what you're up to! ”

Qi Bu Songao and Amba Lingwu also stood up suddenly. Their stature is burly, majestic, and intimidating. They stood there like two door gods, and just one glance was enough to make people's hearts flutter. Even more creepy was that both of them reached into the long bags on the coffee table and each pulled out a shiny dagger. Despite their casual attire, they still carried weapons.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen, please forgive my agency." The teahouse owner turned pale with fright. However, he can't ignore his own affairs either. Suppressing the fear in his heart, he stepped forward to mediate and continued to signal to the customers at the table, indicating that they were regulars.

"Shopkeeper Liu, give you face today!" One of the customers at the table said politely, and everyone reluctantly got up and left the table, throwing a few copper coins onto the table. The group left the teahouse one after another.

However, Gu Yongyuan didn't care about their quarrel. He greeted the old man with a smile, then handed him a silver ticket of ten taels, and said, "Old man, it's not okay to sing on the street, you better go back to your hometown and get serious." ”

A teahouse waiter who plucked up the courage to pour tea couldn't believe his eyes when he saw the silver ticket. His tongue was knotted. Wow, for this performance, I gave a tip of ten taels of silver. That's just too generous.

The old man was also stunned by the silver ticket. He quickly came back to his senses and hurriedly pulled the child to kneel down and kowtow to Gu Yongyuan. "Huazi, hurry up and thank the benefactor."

Gu Yongyuan picked up the child who was about to kowtow to him, and said, "Old man, sit down." He turned and motioned for the waiter to bring the tea.

The old man panicked even more. He had met many kind gentlemen to give him rewards, but none of them were so generous. As for being asked to sit at the same table and drink tea, this is something that has never been done before. Even the most benevolent gentleman will observe the distinction of rank. How can a person who sings for a living sit at the same table and talk?

The old man wanted to excuse himself, but Mo Ba glared at him fiercely and said, "If he asks you to sit down, sit down!" Stop saying these useless words! ”

The old man was taken aback, hesitated for a moment, and then sat down tremblingly. Gu Yongyuan glanced at the child with a dirty face, sighed, and said, "Old man, this child is still young, it's not okay to follow you around, let's go to school." ”

The old man was stunned for a moment, and said with a wry smile: "Sir, I don't want to delay her future, but she is actually a girl." ”

In fact, Gu Yongyuan had already noticed it. Although the young child's face was covered with mud, his facial features were very delicate, and there was a reddish beauty mole at the center of his eyebrows.

Gu Yongyuan smiled: "What's wrong with being a girl? Girls can also study and progress. If you can't get into a private school, you can go to a church school, which is free or you can study. "Western learning, I believe that girls should also strive for self-improvement!"

Listening to Gu Yongyuan's unusual words, the old man's beard was trembling and panting. He didn't dare to refute his benefactor's words, so he could only mumble in agreement.

The child blinked and looked at Gu Yongyuan curiously. She couldn't fully understand his words, but she secretly remembered them. This handsome little uncle seems to make more sense than her grandfather usually says.

Seeing the child looking at him, Gu Yongyuan smiled and patted her head gently, completely unaware that their connection was not over yet. In the years to come, there will be ups and downs, and their fates will change, and they will meet again under completely different circumstances.