However, given the current situation, the memo he submitted a few days ago was considered bold. Gu Yongyuan bowed again and again, "I don't know anything." I went to Shanghai, and my heart was always cranky, and if I buried my thoughts in my heart and didn't tell the emperor, I would feel uneasy. I was wrong and I am to blame! ”

A rare smile appeared at the corner of Emperor Xianfeng's mouth, "Now there are fewer and fewer people who dare to tell the truth, and your performance reflects filial piety, even if you are wrong, it doesn't matter." ”

"Yes, Your Majesty is magnanimous and has allowed me to tell the truth. Only if Your Majesty forgives, my folly will not be taken to heart. Gu Yongyuan bowed again.

"Ever since you came back from Shanghai, I've been thinking about assigning you a task, and you can't be idle in the palace. Coincidentally, the foreigners were making a fuss about renegotiating the treaty, and even wanted to bring their own demands to the capital. "Zhu Feiang is not a mediocre official, but dealing with foreign barbarians is not his strong point, I thought of you, someone needs to educate the wildness of these foreigners.

Gu Yongyuan listened carefully and did not speak. Since the object of discussion was Zhu Feiang, an important minister of the imperial court, it was not appropriate for Gu Yongyuan to express his opinion.

Emperor Xianfeng continued: "I will appoint you as a special envoy for negotiations with foreign powers, and you will go to Guangzhou to assist Zhu Feiang in handling foreign affairs, are you willing?" ”

Gu Yongyuan hurriedly bowed and saluted, "Your Majesty, the minister does not dare to say that he will share the burden with His Majesty, but I will do my best to do my duty and maintain the reputation of my ancestors." ”

Emperor Xianfeng's pale face returned to a faint smile, "Very good, do your best." Well said, you are young, in the eyes of outsiders, you are also bathed in the glory of your ancestors, and if you are promoted, there will inevitably be discussions outside. You'd better understand that. ”

"Yes, Your Majesty has been immeasurably gracious to me, and I will definitely show them what I am capable of!" Gu Yongyuan found that he was talking endlessly, as if he had a heart-to-heart with Emperor Xianfeng.

Emperor Xianfeng nodded slightly. He picked up the teacup on the table, took a sip, and continued: "I also heard something, last time you were on a business trip, you brought back some flintlock pistols?" ”

Gu Yongyuan was taken aback. It seems that the news of the use of firearms by the palace guards has reached the ears of Emperor Xianfeng. The circle of ghost shells, I'm afraid I can't escape. Gu Yongyuan's thoughts were racing, but he quickly lowered his head in panic, "I'm guilty, I'm guilty!" Seeing the sharpness of Western firearms, I couldn't help but have the idea of hunting, I deserved it, and I died a thousand times! ”

Emperor Xianfeng pondered for a while. At this moment, Gu Yongyuan couldn't deny the tension in his heart. Emperor Xianfeng's intentions are unfathomable, and who can really understand his thoughts?

In the end, Emperor Xianfeng said slowly: "The desire for knowledge is commendable, but it is not okay to cause a commotion in the capital, I must take action." Since you are protected by Duanhua, the responsibility falls on his shoulders. I'll let the court know. "The clan court will deduct half a year's salary from his allowance."

Although King Lei's punishment didn't care about Gu Yongyuan, he couldn't help but feel a little depressed. But his expression was still calm, and he saluted respectfully: "Your Majesty." ”

Emperor Xianfeng continued: "However, this incident reminds me, I appointed you as the deputy capital of Guangzhou, and after arriving, go to get some Western firearms, I am very curious, do Western firearms really surpass our emperor's archery skills?" "Qing cavalry."

Gu Yongyuan didn't expect Emperor Xianfeng to make this suggestion. It seems that the Yongwangfu firearms incident caused a stir in the capital, but it brought unintended consequences - the Beijing elites, who originally did not pay attention to Western firearms, had to pay attention to their power. That's why Emperor Xianfeng suddenly brought up this topic.

Emperor Xianfeng rewarded and punished both, indicating that he hoped that Gu Yongyuan would be able to complete this task well. He even had some expectations for Gu Yongyuan. If Gu Yongyuan really regarded himself as a Manchu nobleman, maybe he would obediently agree. However, at this moment, Gu Yongyuan only felt a wry smile in his heart. He was disgusted by Emperor Xianfeng's approach, especially now that he truly understood how much authority the emperor had. In a word, half a year's prince was taken away. Others may not mind, but Gu Yongyuan is annoyed. He suddenly felt that the seemingly prominent family was actually subject to the life and death decisions of others. How can a modern person like Gu Yongyuan be comfortable? How could he accept it?

Gu Yongyuan's face was expressionless, and he continued to salute respectfully. No one knew that deep in his heart, complex emotions were churning.

...

In the Xinuan Pavilion of Chu Feng Building, a pot of wine had already been boiled. Gu Yongyuan sat on the hot kang and poured himself wine to drink. He was thinking about a mission to Guangzhou. It is estimated that in two days, after the military department deliberates, the holy decree will arrive. Barring any major surprises, it was a foregone conclusion that he would be appointed deputy commander of Canton and be responsible for overseeing the trade of the five mouths.

The role of the deputy minister of trade is clear. Although Gu Xingqing has a peculiar temperament, Gu Yongyuan naturally has to obey his authority. Otherwise, it is easy to get into trouble when dealing with foreign affairs, and if something goes wrong, it will eventually fall on his shoulders.

As for the title of deputy commander of Guangzhou, it is indeed a proper second-class officer. It was under the jurisdiction of General Canton, essentially the highest-ranking military official in Guangdong Province. The Canton general held the power of the Eight Banners and controlled the Blue Banner troops throughout the province. Judging from the official ranks, the General of Guangzhou had the same status as the Governor of Liangguang. But in reality, their status was even higher than that of the governor.

If it is outside the Saiwai, such as General Heilongjiang and General Jilin, it is the supreme power of their respective military and political regions. Similarly, the deputy commanders of the cities are the highest military and administrative bodies in their respective regions. The lieutenant general in the Great Wall is equivalent to the left and right wings of the general. In addition to military affairs, it is also responsible for population registration, production, education, training and other matters for flag men and civilians under its jurisdiction.

In Guangzhou, there were 1,500 people in the Manchu Eight Banners and 1,500 in the Han people. They have a hereditary military system, and there are probably more than 10,000 of them, including their accompanying families. There are two deputy governors under the Guangzhou general, one is Manchu, called the left deputy governor, and the other is the Han banner, called the right deputy governor.

Gu Yongyuan speculated that he might be appointed deputy commander of the left, in charge of the Manchurian flag.

But when it came to equipping them with firearms, Gu Yongyuan couldn't help but shake his head. The Eight Banners are currently incapacitated. What's the point of buying them guns? These flag men have been living outside the country for more than two hundred years. If they still have the ability to fight, it would be remarkable. But that is no longer the case. The flag people have become accustomed to doing nothing and spending their time on activities such as bird walking, cricket fighting, and watching plays. It's all well and good, but they also develop a bad habit – smoking opium. The activities of the flag man generally do not include engaging in deceptive, fraudulent and illegal activities. However, they also did not participate in the archery on horseback that the emperor wanted them to excel at.

For example, a few years later, the Eight Banners troops in Guangzhou were supposed to set up a Western-style training class. However, the flag man just locked the foreign gun in the cabinet and didn't even look at it. When someone from above came to inspect it, they took out their rifles, stood next to them, and put on a show.

In Guangzhou, Qiren are very popular, mainly because they have a stable land income and can not worry about money. If they have money, they spend it and will not bargain. If they run out of money, they buy it on credit or don't buy it at all. They end up being easy targets to spend more money on things that others can buy for less. This is not just the case in Guangzhou. The flagmen of the whole country are almost the same, and it's hard not to like them.

Although Emperor Xianfeng did not explicitly mention military training, what else can he do with the purchase of firearms?

But what about training flag men? Gu Yongyuan couldn't help but smile bitterly and shook his head. These upper-class people are incorrigible. It's like trying to heal hopeless mud. How can they be trained?

"Huagui, you're from Cantonese, right?" Gu Yongyuan suddenly realized, and glanced at the charming maid beside him who was giving him food and drink.

Huagui was wearing a silver-edged light-colored cheongsam, which looked delicate and lovely. After Grace Rong and Miss returned to their parents' house, only the luxurious young master was left.

"Yes." Hua Gui responded, a little surprised that the young master actually knew her origin.

Gu Yongyuan nodded slightly and didn't say anything more.