At this time, there has been a certain deviation from history.

Historically, after winning the first Battle of Dagukou, Count Ergin led a team to visit Japan, and then returned to London to become Minister of Post.

After the new British minister Pruss and the American minister Warren failed in negotiations with Guiliang in Shanghai, they led two fleets to Dagukou to intimidate the Qing court, but the Qing court did not compromise, so the British and French forces attacked Dagukou again.

As for Count Ergin, he would not return to China until after the Second Battle of Dagukou, expanding the war against the Qing court.

And this time, Count Ergin came back in advance.

……………………

At this time, the Count of Ergin and the French Minister Gro were sailing across the ocean, on their way to China.

And Su Yu hurried to Hangzhou and had a secret conversation with Wang Youling, the governor of Zhejiang.

"The negotiation between Prus and Gui Liang failed, and if nothing else, Count Ergin should be killed." Su Yu said: "Now I'm not sure, whether he will directly attack Dagukou or other port cities first." ”

Wang Youling said: "You mean that he will attack Zhoushan first?" ”

Because of the First Opium War, the British army also attacked Zhoushan, Zhejiang.

However, according to the Seven Provinces Alliance, Su Yu must protect Zhoushan, otherwise the so-called Seven Provinces Alliance will be wiped out.

Su Yu's political credibility is also gone.

Su Yu said: "Very likely. ”

According to the trajectory of history, after Count Ergin came back first, he first attacked Zhoushan, Yantai, and Dalian Bay, and then completely blocked the Bohai Sea, and then attacked Dagukou.

Su Yu took the map and drew three points in Zhoushan, Yantai, and Dalian.

Wang Youling said: "If he wants to attack Dagukou, there is no need to attack Zhoushan. ”

Su Yu said: "Yes." ”

Zhoushan is so far away from Bohai Bay that it has little connection with Dagukou.

Su Yu said: "The key issue now is that we can't let them attack Zhoushan, and we can't let them occupy Zhoushan. ”

Once Zhoushan fell, the imperial court would have a hundred reasons to depose Wang Youling. And Su Yu lost Zhejiang and lost the authority of the Seven Provinces Alliance.

Wang Youling said: "What do you mean? ”

Su Yu said: "Let Count Ergin retreat." ”

Then, Su Yu said: "I plan to send 7,000 troops to Zhoushan. ”

Wang Youling was stunned and said, "My lord, this ...... It's too costly. ”

Su Yu had a total of 10,000 troops, and sent 7,000 people, almost pouring out.

Su Yu said: "Only if you can fight, can you stop the war." Ninety percent probability, he will avoid it. ”

Wang Youling said: "What if Count Erjin is determined to attack Zhoushan? ”

Yes, what if the other party insists on fighting Zhoushan?

Is Su Yao's main force all fought in Zhoushan? In this way, it helped the imperial court attract firepower.

Su Yu said: "I sent more than a hundred Britons to Zhoushan to announce the rebuilding of Zhoushan Port. ”

"I sent a fleet to Zhoushan Wharf to raise the flag of the British royal family at a critical moment."

Suddenly, Wang Youling was stunned.

Of course, he understood Su Yu's intention, which was to replicate the last time he met Count Ergin on the Yangtze River.

It's just that the last time it was true, and this time it's an empty city plan.

Wang Youling said: "In this way, your army will not be able to come openly. ”

Su Yu said: "No, the empty city plan may not really be an empty city. ”

Wang Youling said: "My side also did its best to gather most of the troops in the province to defend Zhoushan. ”

"Count Ergin's target is the imperial court, and there is no need for him to fight with us."

Su Yu nodded.

This move can be described as a three-pronged approach, and there is basically a ninety percent certainty that Count Ergin will not attack Zhoushan.

Wang Youling was extremely moved in his heart, Lord Su Yu's attitude towards his allies really didn't have to say.

Urgent.

Before Count Ergin even came, he was already thinking about defending Zhoushan, and he did everything he could for his allies.

"My lord, will the outcome of the next battle of Dagukou be as you expected?" Su Yu said: "At that time, it will depend on the size of the British and French forces, but in my opinion, the result of this battle of Dagukou is still between five and five." ”

Wang Youling said: "Once the result is as you expected, what will happen to Zeng Guofan's side?" This person is not of the same mind as us. ”

The rest of the situation will be very complicated.

Because in history, when the Anglo-French alliance attacked the Qing court, the Taiping army did not rest, and took the opportunity to break through the Jiangnan camp, and then marched towards southern Jiangsu. The Hunan army was divided into four armies and went to attack Anqing.

Because it's a whole set of flags, all in motion.

Moreover, now the cadre king Hong Renji, who is in charge of the internal affairs of the Taiping Heavenly Heavens, has exchanges with foreigners.

Of course, in this world, the Jiangnan camp has been broken, but the situation is more dangerous, because the Taiping army has occupied the area of Danyang and Changzhou, and it is more likely to attack Suzhou.

Wang Youling is right, Zeng Guofan and Su Yu are not of the same mind.

Therefore, Su Yu must influence the decision-making of the Taiping army and let them go north instead of south.

When necessary, he even instigated the Taiping army to directly attack Wuchang.

…………………………

Next.

There was still some time before Count Ergin arrived in China, and Su Yu took the lead.

First, he declared a crisis in the situation and once again expanded his army by three thousand.

Immediately afterwards, at the invitation of Wang Youling, the governor of Zhejiang, 7,000 troops, together with hundreds of ships, were dispatched to Zhoushan to conduct military exercises with the Zhejiang Provincial Army.

Immediately afterwards, Xu Youren, the governor of Jiangsu, announced that he would join the drill and send 1,000 people.

Then, Tian Yugong, the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, sent 3,000 troops to join this military exercise.

Regarding this military exercise, Su Yu also sent someone to talk to Zeng Guofan, but he was not strongly asked to participate.

However, after much hesitation, Zeng Guofan still sent 500 people to participate in this military exercise.

In the name of the outside world, it is the second military exercise conducted by the alliance of seven southern provinces.

The formation was so large that it soon alarmed the Shanghai Concession.

The British came and asked, what is the meaning of this military operation in the seven southern provinces?

Although the British Empire was now leaderless in China, the consul in Shanghai keenly smelled that Su Yu's military campaign was aimed at Britain.

Even though there was no telegraph and no news from London, they could still smell war in the air.

Su Yu and the British consul in Shanghai said that this military operation was completely a normal military exercise in the seven southern provinces, and it was mainly aimed at the increasingly rampant pirates, and it was not aimed at any third party at all.

The next thing that alarmed was the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom.

Tianjing's side immediately sent a messenger to ask, what is the meaning of Su Yu's military operation?

However, Tianjing didn't take it too seriously, because the location of the military exercise was Zhoushan, which was too far away from Tianjing, so it shouldn't be aimed at them.

Then, it was the imperial court that was alarmed.

When the emperor received the news, he immediately alerted: "What do you mean? What do you mean? ”

"The southern provinces have gathered tens of thousands of troops in Zhoushan, hundreds of ships, what does this mean?"

It can't be to attack Dagukou.

Of course, even if the imperial court was hostile to Su Yu, it felt that this idea was very ridiculous.

Su Yao's performance in Shanghai last time proved that at least Su Yao still maintained dignity for the imperial court and did not completely tear his face.

But this kind of military move still made the emperor very uncomfortable.

Such a big military operation, without the will of the imperial court, how dare you move?

"Send an envoy to rebuke him!" The Emperor said.

Then, the emperor sent a special envoy to reprimand him severely.

Accusing the alliance of the seven southern provinces, without the will of the imperial court, even casually used swords?

Su Yu was speechless.

We're not targeting you at all this time, Count Ergin's side is about to call, and you don't know anything about it.

Why don't you hurry up and arrange a large army defense at Dagukou? Still here to talk to me?

Such a big military operation on our side was entirely against the British, and you thought it was aimed at you.

However, the emperor still ordered to tighten the fortifications at Dagukou.

……………………

A few more days passed!

After more than a month of sailing, the British Empire's supreme commander in the Far East, Earl Ilgin, came to the open sea of China and entered Hong Kong.

When he saw the land of Hong Kong, he was filled with emotion.

He's finally back.

Although the time of departure was short, less than a year.

But the shame of that time, he will never forget.

Immediately after landing in Hong Kong, he ordered the start of the build-up of the fleet, the build-up of troops.

He already had a military deployment in mind, first capturing Zhoushan, then Yantai and Dalian, completely blockading the Bohai Bay, and finally attacking Dagukou.

However, before the war began, he would engage in a series of diplomatic activities.

Send an envoy to Hubei, to Tianjing.

The purpose is twofold.

It is hoped that the Hunan army will remain neutral in this war.

It was hoped that the Taiping army would take the opportunity to attack southern Jiangsu and contain the energy of the Qing Dynasty.

In this way, the Anglo-French forces were able to concentrate more on the war against the Qing court.

The consul in Guangzhou asked, "Your Excellency, don't you need to send an envoy to Jiujiang?" ”

Earl of Ergin; "What do you mean?"

The consul in Guangzhou said: "Not long ago, Su Yu formed tens of thousands of troops and conducted military exercises in Zhoushan, claiming that it was not aimed at any third party, but to exterminate pirates. ”

Count Ergin said, "What? Zhoushan? ”

The consul in Guangzhou said: "Yes, Zhoushan! Almost a month ago, military exercises began. ”

Count Ergin's heart was extremely vigilant, was Su Yu's sense of smell so keen?

How did he know that I was going to attack Zhoushan?

Deployed ahead of schedule?

He couldn't help but sound the admonition that Prince Albert had given him when he left London.

Don't touch Jiujiang.

The person most hated by Count Ergin in China was not the emperor, but Su Yu.

I won't touch your Jiujiang, but you come to touch my Zhoushan?

If Zhoushan is attacked, it will not be considered against Prince Albert's will.

…………………………

Here, Count Ergin is in full swing with military deployment.

More and more warships were massed off the coast of Hong Kong, and more and more marines were assembled.

The pace of war is getting closer and closer.

At this time, Bashali went to Hong Kong to visit Count Ergin.

Despite his anger at the Basha, the Count of Ergin received the Basha.

After the meeting, Ba Xia Li got straight to the point, took out the map and said: "Count Ergin, you are about to start a war against the Qing Dynasty, right?" ”

Count Ergin was noncommittal.

Ba Xia said: "Your Excellency, Jiujiang is willing to remain neutral in this war. Even, he is willing to lead the seven southern provinces to remain neutral in this war. ”

Count Ergin said coldly: "Whether your seven southern provinces are neutral or not cannot change the outcome of this war. ”

Ba Xia said: "Your Excellency, your plan is to attack Zhoushan first, then capture Yantai and Dalian, completely blockade Bohai Bay, and finally attack Dagukou and Tianjin, right?" ”

Count Ergin's face twitched slightly, how did everyone know the military deployment in his heart?

Ba Xia said: "I advise you not to do this, you should directly assemble the fleet and attack Dagu Pass directly with lightning speed. At present, although the Qing court is on guard, they did not expect the war to come at all, and they even fantasized that you are their comrade-in-arms, helping the Qing court deal with the comrades-in-arms of the seven southern provinces, and also want to use your fleet to eliminate the Yangtze River fleet of Su Yu and eliminate the Jiujiang Industrial Zone. ”

Count Elgin's face became strange.

There can't be such a ridiculous thing in this world, right?

Ba Xiali said: "Zhoushan is so far away from Dagukou that it is meaningless to attack Zhoushan. It doesn't even make sense to attack Yantai and Dalian, the Qing court did not have a decent navy, so it doesn't matter whether to blockade the Bohai Bay or not, you can't measure the war against the Qing court by a regular naval battle. ”

Count Ergin sneered: "It's ridiculous, do you understand the military, or do I understand the military?" ”

Bashali wanted to persuade again, but Count Ergin did not have the patience to listen and drove the other party away.

……………………………………

Meanwhile!

The British envoy rushed to Wuchang and came to talk with Zeng Guofan.

"Lord Zeng, the interests of both of us are aligned to some extent, right?" The British envoy said: "So in the next war, we hope that you and your army will be able to remain neutral." ”

Zeng Guofan was horrified in his heart, was it really as Su Yu expected, was the British Empire going to expand the war against the Qing Dynasty? ”

"From my point of view, I am extremely eager for you to settle the dispute in a peaceful way." Zeng Guofan said: "In addition, I strongly ask that the war not spread too far. ”

The British envoy sneered in his heart, you are obviously neutral, but you are a cold bystander, but you still have to say it so nicely.

Then, the British envoy said: "Not only for the war against the Qing court, we want you to remain neutral, and even for the war in Zhoushan, I want you to remain neutral." ”

"Zhoushan?" Zeng Guofan exclaimed.

What shocked him even more was that Su Yu had already made arrangements a month in advance and conducted a military exercise in Zhoushan in the name of the coalition forces of the seven provinces.

Is it so clever? Is even the deployment of the British military dependents clear?

Zeng Guofan said: "We both belong to the alliance of seven provinces, so we have the obligation and responsibility to help the brother provinces to assist in the defense, and we have also sent 500 troops to garrison Zhoushan, and we strongly protest against your possible military action against Zhoushan." ”

After that, Zeng Guofan walked away.

The negotiations between the two sides seem to have broken down.

Zeng Guofan's statement does not seem to have any problems.

But...... That evening, the British envoy had a more secretive meeting with Zeng Guoquan.

The parties agreed by consensus.

Once the British launched an attack on Zhoushan, then the Hunan army had the obligation and responsibility to condemn the British side.

Moreover, the 500 soldiers of the Hunan army in Zhoushan will definitely join the battle and help defend Zhoushan.

But beyond that, there will be no more moves, and there is another hope to buy a new batch of arms from the British.

In addition, there is a deeper secret covenant.

The British side said that it would create a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Hunan army.

Efforts were made to instigate the Taiping army to attack southern Jiangsu, so that the Taiping army's power in northern Anhui could be emptied.

That means that the opportunity for the Hunan army to attack Anqing has come.

For the Hunan army, Luzhou is not the most important, Anqing is.

Because the real provincial capital of Anhui is Anqing, and this city is also the last barrier of Tianjing.

Once Anqing is taken, Tianjing is just around the corner.

Therefore, as long as Chen Yucheng and Li Xiucheng can lead the main force of the Taiping Army to attack southern Jiangsu again, the opportunity for the Hunan army to attack Anqing will be completely ripe.

This was supposed to happen next year, but now it may have come sooner.

And once the main force of the Taiping Army officially attacked southern Jiangsu, that is, Wuxi and Suzhou, it would be Xu Youren who would face the greatest pressure.

But it was Su Yu who suffered the most damage.

Because Jiangsu and Zhejiang, which have experienced development, are the largest markets in the Sulu Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone.

If a war is provoked, it will be a devastating blow to the economy.

But this is also one of the purposes of Count Ergin, I can't attack Su Yu's Jiujiang fleet, and I can't directly attack the Jiujiang Economic Pilot Zone, but I can attack your potential market.

In this way, Prince Albert has nothing to say.

The British envoy said: "Lord Zeng, your biggest obstacle in the future is not the Taiping Army, but the rapidly rising Su Yu. ”

Zeng Guoquan said: "Of course I know. ”

He was already upset when he saw Su Yu, how old are you? What qualifications do you have?

Why did five people form an alliance of seven southern provinces in five people and six people, and still shout at our Hunan army?

My brother Zeng Guofan wants to be a false snake to you, and I can't get used to it.

The British envoy said: "Therefore, for the war that is about to break out in Zhoushan, I hope that after you have invested 500 men, you will not invest any more military force." In addition, when the Taiping army attacks Wuxi and Suzhou in the future, I hope that your Hunan army will not provide any support to Suzhou. ”

Zeng Guoquan said: "I hope that the batch of arms I purchased from you can have a preferential price of 80%. ”

"Eighty percent is impossible, nine-fifty percent!"

Then the two sides bargained, and the negotiation was ninety percent.

Wang Youling is right, the Hunan army has always been not really of one mind with the alliance of the seven provinces.

But on the surface, there was no problem with Zeng Guofan's statement, he fully fulfilled the covenant of the seven provinces, and our Hunan army on the Zhoushan side also sent troops.

Once the main force of the Taiping army went to attack southern Jiangsu, the Hunan army immediately attacked Anqing.

It's not that I don't save Suzhou, it's really beyond my power, my army has gone to attack Anqing, this is the siege of Wei to save Zhao.

Even if Su Yu asked the Hunan army to send troops, Zeng Guofan's side would symbolically send thousands of troops to support Suzhou.

In short, at the moral level, Zeng Guofan would never violate the Seven Provinces Covenant.

However, he will find a way to be the biggest beneficiary of this huge struggle.

…………………………………………

Another group of British envoys went to Tianjing and had a secret talk with the god king Hong Renji.

There is only one purpose, so that the Taiping army can take the opportunity to attack southern Jiangsu.

After attacking Wuxi, Suzhou was attacked.

However, it is absolutely impossible to enter Shanghai.

Historically, the relationship between the British and the Taiping Army was very chaotic.

The trade between the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and the British was booming, and the British also vigorously sold weapons to the Taiping army, so that the equipment level of the other side became better and better, even surpassing the Hunan army.

Especially after Hong Renji came to power, he was a typical so-called intellectual, pro-Western.

However, after the British and French forces invaded the capital and signed the Treaty of Beijing, they helped the Qing court to destroy the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom.

Historically, after the Taiping army captured Suzhou, there was a strong contradiction over whether to attack Shanghai.

Hong Renji resolutely believed that he could not attack Shanghai or offend foreigners, but should make good friends with foreigners.

Li Xiucheng's attitude towards foreigners was actually quite restrained, but in a series of conflicts, he finally attacked Shanghai and completely fell out with foreigners.

In history, when the foreigners attacked the Qing court, the Taiping army took the opportunity to break through the camp in the south of the Yangtze River, and then conquered the entire southern part of Jiangsu.

In this world, Count Ergin had a strong strategic impulse to let the Taiping army attack Suzhou again.

First, it was to deter the Qing court and make the emperor even more panicked.

The second is to crack down on Su Yu's economic plan.

"The main force of Su Yu's army is completely in Zhoushan, and it is no longer able to support Suzhou." The British envoy said: "Therefore, this time you will attack Suzhou, and there will be no obstacles." ”

Hong Renji said: "It's not very convenient for us to attack Suzhou again. ”

Because Lin Shaozhang and Hong Renli have already made a secret agreement, they will not attack Suzhou again in the next two years.

Moreover, the Taiping army had to withdraw from Wuxi as a buffer, and the troops stationed in Changzhou could not exceed 10,000.

The British envoy said, "Will you obey it?" ”

"It's a very coincidental thing that our army has just completed the refitting and eliminated a batch of munitions, I don't know if you are interested, if you are not interested, we are very willing to sell it to the Hunan army of Zeng Guofan."

That's a threat.

If you don't want to make friends with us, then we will go and arm your enemy, the Hunan army.

"Mr. Hong, would you like to gain the friendship of the British Empire?" The British envoy said.

Of course, Hong Renji was willing, and he was full of fear and fawning himself on the British.

In addition, he was full of disgust with Su Yu, and he was not so in awe, he had only heard about many things, but had not experienced them.

"Please tell Count Ergin, I will do my best to promote the war against Suzhou, but please express your friendship first, we need your arms, submit forty percent to us first, and wait until we send troops, and then deliver the remaining sixty percent." Hong Renji said.

Next, the two sides bargained again.

The British were willing to pay 30% of the arms to the Taiping army at a very low price, in exchange for them to attack Suzhou with at least 80,000 troops.

…………………………………………

After Hong Renji finished negotiating with the British, he immediately promoted the war against southern Jiangsu in Tianjing.

His proposal was supported by Chen Yucheng and Li Xiucheng to a considerable extent.

Because these two young people now yearn for war, for credit.

Although they and Hong Renji will be on the same page in the future, they still show a consistent attitude on this matter.

Because Suzhou has a developed economy, once it is attacked, it will be able to make a fortune.

Moreover, after defeating Suzhou, he was able to fight all the way into Zhejiang.

However, Lin Qirong, Zeng Tianyang, and Lin Shaozhang objected.

Then Lin Qirong immediately sent someone to Jiujiang to inform Su Yu of the matter.

The secret envoy followed the Yangtze River and arrived at Jiujiang in less than two days.

Su Yu immediately convened a secret meeting.

The war had not really begun, and the situation suddenly became extremely complicated.

It's all about you and me, and I'm about you.

The Taiping Army is a sword in Su Yu's hands some times, but at critical moments, it will also become a sword in the hands of others.

"Our next purpose is only two, to prevent Count Ergin from attacking Zhoushan."

"Stop the Taiping army from moving south, especially prevent the Taiping army from attacking Suzhou!" Su Yu said: "What way? ”

Hong Ren left and said: "Assassinate Hong Renji." ”

Su Yu thought for a while and said, "This is the solution, but it is a symptom but not a root cause." Hong Xiuquan, Shi Dakai, Chen Yucheng, and Li Xiucheng have always been full of adventurous impulses for Suzhou. Our main force is in Zhoushan, and for them, it is a once-in-a-lifetime difficult opportunity. ”

Shen Baozhen said: "My lord, we also have to pay attention to one person, Zeng Guofan. ”

Lin Li said: "Yes, Zeng Guofan's Hunan army! He and we are not of the same mind at all, and at the critical moment, he will definitely find a way to use us to seek huge benefits for them. And on the surface, we may not be able to find any fault with him. ”

Bao Ling said: "Is there a way for us to use the Seven Provinces Covenant to let Zeng Guofan send troops to support Suzhou?" ”

Shen Baozhen said: "He will send troops, but there are only about one or two thousand people." In terms of political morality, he will behave without fail. But in secret, he would definitely find a way to push the Taiping army to attack Suzhou, so that he could take the opportunity to send troops to Anqing. ”

Bao Lingdao: "Can't you inform the Taiping Army of the Hunan army's attempt?" ”

Shen Baozhen said: "Sir Bao Ling, the Taiping Army is a group of very reckless people, they lack very complete strategic thinking, and they are full of impulsiveness all the time. Wealthy Suzhou and Zhejiang have a strong temptation for them. And they also have an extraordinary self-confidence, feeling that Anqing can withstand the Hunan army. ”

Su Yu was silent for a while and said, "Send someone to warn the Tianjing side, asking them to abide by the secret agreement, with Changzhou as the boundary, and the army to the east cannot exceed 10,000 people." In the event of a default, we will annihilate any Taiping fleet on the Yangtze River and completely cut off any supplies to Tianjing! ”

Hong Ren departed: "Is it really annihilated? ”

Su Yu said: "Yes, complete annihilation!" ”

"Our warships are very weak to the British Navy, but they have the absolute initiative on the Yangtze River waterway."

"Warn Tianjing first, and then don't hesitate at all, once you find any warships of the Taiping Army, sink them immediately, and if you find any material transport ships of the Taiping Army, they will be seized immediately. Make sure to discourage any risk-taking impulses on them. ”

"Yes!"

Next, Shen Baozhen immediately went to Wuchang and asked Zeng Guofan to fulfill the covenant of the seven provinces and send troops to support Suzhou.

Zeng Guofan was not happy, but still sent 1,300 men to support Suzhou.

Xu Youren, the governor of Jiangsu, gathered all the troops that could be assembled and stationed in Suzhou.

Hong Renli went to the outskirts of Tianjing City and issued the most severe threat to Lin Shaozhang.

Although the main force of Jiujiang is in Zhoushan, please Tianjing must not have any impulse to take risks, and never think of violating the secret agreement to attack Suzhou.

Otherwise, the Jiujiang Fleet would have completely wiped out any Taiping ships on the Yangtze River, and once the Yangtze River channel was lost, Tianjing would lose all supplies.

When Lin Shaozhang heard this, he was very angry and said, "Are you going to be a complete enemy of us?" We also enjoy the right to the Yangtze River waterway. ”

Hong Ren said: "Prime Minister Lin, we are all old friends, is it interesting to say such hypocritical words?" If you break the covenant, we will open fire. ”

"I assure you, our will is very strong!"

"Don't be unpredictable!"

Lin Shaozhang said: "We may really not be able to stop it, because Hong Renji, Shi Dakai, Chen Yucheng, and Li Xiucheng support it." ”

Hong Ren left and said: "With this kung fu, why don't you attack Luzhou?" Attack northern Anhui? “

Lin Shaozhang said: "Because Suzhou is rich, if you conquer Suzhou, you can directly enter Zhejiang." ”

Hong Ren said: "Then, you can try it!" ”

After the threat was over, the Hung people departed.

After that, Su Wei's Yangtze River fleet patrolled the Yangtze River channel around Tianjing day and night.

Moreover, Lin Qirong and Zeng Tianyang are also always ready, once Tianjing completely decides to attack Suzhou, they will immediately want to report to Su Yu, and once they send troops, they will also report immediately.

As a result, southern Jiangsu, which had been calm for less than a year, once again made up for it.

The entire Yangtze River channel is shrouded in dark clouds.

As long as the Taiping army went south on a large scale to attack Suzhou, the Hunan army would immediately march east and attack Anqing.

On Tianjing's side, Hong Renji still made every effort to promote the war against Suzhou and persuaded Hong Xiuquan with all his might.

Hong Renfa and Hong Renda, the two wastes, have offended too many people in Tianjing, and they have stepped aside at this time.

Especially when Hong Renji came, he took away a lot of the power of these two waste brothers.

Otherwise, these two pieces of waste are well handled.

On the contrary, Hong Renji's side couldn't bribe, and he was full of inexplicable hostility towards Su Yao, and he was in awe and worship of foreigners.

……………………………………

Meanwhile!

On the side of the imperial court, after learning that Count Ergin had returned and was assembling a fleet and army on the Hong Kong side, he was full of uneasiness on one side and excitement on the other.

Because Su Yu gathered a large army in Zhoushan, it all seemed clear.

I see.

No wonder Su Yu sent the main force to Zhoushan, because he knew that Count Ergin was coming back.

Did Count Ergin gather warships and troops just to attack Zhoushan?

Therefore, the Qing court immediately sent a secret envoy to Hong Kong by boat to have secret talks with Count Ergin.

Please ask Count Ergin to continue to fulfill the secret agreement, destroy Su Yu's Yangtze River fleet, and eliminate Su Yu's Jiujiang industry.

Hearing the words of the secret envoy of the Qing court, Count Ergin was stunned.

Looking at the meaning, the Qing court even wanted to sit on the mountain and watch the tiger fight.

Still want to play with the snipe and clam to compete for the fisherman's profit?

Don't you know that I want to attack Zhoushan, Yantai, and Dalian in preparation for the next attack on Dagukou, Tianjin, and Beijing?

I have gathered my army to fight you.

Not ready to hit Su Troll.

It's just that Su Yu's army is now blocking in front of me.

Do you even think that I am going to help your Qing court destroy Su Yu?

Is it so ridiculous?

………………………………

Once again, Bashali asked to see Count Elgin.

"We have no intention of having a military conflict with Lord Earl at all, but Zhoushan can't fight!"

"Lord Earl, it's hard for me to even imagine why you want to attack Zhoushan? It's worthless to your strategic deployment. ”

Count Ergin said coldly: "Whether Zhoushan has strategic value for me or not is completely up to me to judge. ”

"My will and determination to capture Zhoushan have not changed!"

Ba Xiali said: "It is a great pity to tell you that our Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone has signed a contract with Zhoushan Port before, leased it for 20 years, and has built Zhoushan Port, so to a certain extent, Zhoushan Port is already our industry, and the consortium of the British Empire has 49 shares!" ”

Earl Ergin said coldly: "Before leaving London, I talked to Prince Albert, the bottom line is the Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone, and Zhoushan is not among them!" ”

Ba Xia said: "Since you are determined to attack Zhoushan, then there is nothing we can do. But we will not compromise anything, we have more than 40,000 troops deployed in Zhoushan, if you can afford to do so, then please! We are not afraid of war! ”

"But standing on the part of the same subjects of the British Empire, I advise you not to be too arrogant, give up your previous military deployment, do not attack Zhoushan, or even Yantai and Dalian, but directly attack Dagukou and Tianjin, so that you can be surprised!"

Count Ergin sneered, "I don't need your advice yet. ”

The two sides parted unhappily again!

…………………………………………

A few days later!

June 8, 1859.

The fleet of the Anglo-French forces was assembled and marched north.

And half a month ago!

Another fleet of Su Yu's Jiujiang arrived in Zhoushan, Zhejiang.

One hundred and sixty British engineers landed in Zhoushan and began surveying the port of Zhoushan with the intention of rebuilding.

And the fleet of the British and French forces, in the anxiety and great expectation of the Qing court, really killed Zhoushan.

At this time.

Su Yu's 7,000 new troops, Fujian's 3,000 troops, Hunan's 500 troops, Jiangsu's 1,000 troops, Zhejiang's 30,000 troops.

All are deployed in Zhoushan.

The fleet that has always been huge is docked at Zhoushan Port.

It's the fleet, not the fleet.

A few days later!

The Anglo-French fleet reached the waters of Zhoushan.

The coalition forces of the seven provinces, standing on a high place, had already seen the figure of the British and French fleets.

A huge fleet, with amazing momentum.

War Behemoth, Tarzan is at the top.

And Count Ergin, who was on the flagship, picked up the telescope and looked at Zhoushan.

On the fortifications, it is densely packed with troops.

Countless artillery.

On the port of Zhoushan, there were more than 100 Britons.

Count Ergin's heart was full of war, and the person he hated the most in China, Su Yu!

Moreover, in the original war deployment, Zhoushan was supposed to be taken.

In history, it was also taken down.

Now, Su Yu is blocking his way.

"Towards Zhoushan, keep going!" Count Ergin ordered.

Suddenly, the huge combined fleet accelerated and rushed towards Zhoushan.

War is on the verge of breaking out.

The fleet is getting closer and closer to the port of Zhoushan.

All the artillery of the fortifications, all ready, ready to fire.

Meanwhile!

On the fleet of Zhoushan Port, the familiar national anthem suddenly sounded.

Immediately afterwards, on one of the ships, the flag of the British Empire was raised.

Seeing this scene, Count Ergin shuddered again.

recalled the scene on the Tyangtze Triver, where his fleet opened fire on the Tsu Tt�

It was a moment he would never forget.

Truly creepy, real nightmares.

He absolutely did not believe that another British Empire royal family would appear on this ship, absolutely not believing.

China's empty city plan, for me, is completely useless!

Under his orders, the combined Anglo-French fleet was murderous and continued to press towards the port of Zhoushan.

Getting closer.

Soon, it's about to go into range.

At this time, as long as one artillery piece fires, the war will break out.

However......

Just when there are still a few hundred meters left in the firing range!

Count Ergin gave an order, and the fleet turned!

On the flagship, the flag is waved.

The huge combined fleet directly reversed direction and headed north.

Count Ergin, gave up attacking Zhoushan.

Wang Shiqing, Ba Xiali, Wang Youling and others exhaled a long breath and almost staggered and collapsed to the ground.

Although Su Yu repeatedly said that in the current situation, Count Ergin will definitely not attack Zhoushan, at most he will only carry out a blackmail.

But that situation just now looks really scary.

If Erjin really attacked Zhoushan, then the imperial court would die of laughter.

That's where the real fisherman profits.

But as long as he is not a fool, in the face of such a defensive Zhoushan, Count Ergin will give up the attack.

As Ba Ha Li said, if you attack Yantai and Dalian, you can also blockade the Bohai Bay.

If you attack Zhoushan, does it make sense to take Tianjin? Zhoushan is heavily guarded, even if you win the battle, you will lose your troops, and it is completely a loss-making business.

And the imperial court is still waiting.

Waiting for the war between Count Ergin and Su Yu to break out, it was as if Zhoushan was not the territory of the imperial court.

Outcome!

The British and French fleets shook a shot and swept over Zhoushan.

A few days later!

The British and French fleets reached the sea off Yantai.

"Boom Boom Boom Boom ......"

There was no declaration of war, no emissary declaration.

Powerful Anglo-French fleet, direct fire!

Suddenly, the whole ground trembled.

Smoke billowed and flames soared into the sky!

A few hours later, the British and French forces landed in Yantai.

Next!

Yantai has fallen!

The expansion war between Britain and France against the Qing Dynasty officially broke out!

………………………………

Meanwhile!

Tianjing's side, under the full promotion of Shi Dakai, Chen Yucheng, Li Xiucheng, and Hong Renji.

Hong Xiuquan agreed to the plan to attack Suzhou again.

Lin Shaozhang, Lin Qirong, and Zeng Tianyang's blocking failed.

The Taiping army began to gather troops in preparation for another crusade to the east.

Hong Renli, who got the report, sighed.

Immediately ordered, the Yangtze River fleet, ready to fire.

The assassination plan of Hong Renji is ready to start!

The assassination plan of Hong Xiuquan is ready to start!

With an order.

Su Wei's Yangtze River fleet opened heavy fire and began to attack all the ships of the Taiping army indiscriminately.

Whether it was a troop carrier, a grain ship, or a Taiping army sailor, all of them were attacked.

And Zeng Tianyang, the leader of the Taiping Army's naval division, also sent a lot of ships to transport a large amount of materials and appeared on the Yangtze River waterway.

Suddenly, dozens of armed ships of the Taiping Army were all sunk.

Hundreds of ships of all kinds of supplies were seized.

Meanwhile!

Su Yao's main army of 5,000 people in Zhoushan retreated to Jiangsu by boat as fast as possible.

……………………

Meanwhile!

The governor of Shandong sent a messenger to rush into Beijing with 800 li.

Report to the Imperial Court.

The foreigners officially started war against the Qing Dynasty, and Yantai fell!

……………………

Note: The 10,000-word update is sent, ask for a few monthly passes from the benevolent princes, and bow to you!

(End of chapter)