Xu Youren in the Yangtze River Fleet?

Even if you have a hundred guts, you don't dare to arrest someone.

However, these great eunuchs who have lived in the capital for a long time do not know much about the local situation, and in their hearts, the imperial power is still supreme, and the majestic posture must not fall, and they suddenly said coldly: "Then why don't you send someone to the Yangtze River to inform him?" Do you want to resist the decree? ”

Behind him, four palace guards, with dozens of soldiers, took a sharp step forward.

In particular, the four guards in yellow coats, holding the hilt of their swords, made a threatening gesture.

Mrs. Xu Youren said: "I'm very busy, I can't send anyone to inform me, otherwise you will arrest me, a woman, and report it to the court." ”

The eunuch said: "Don't think that our family doesn't dare, you may be committing a big crime that is full of people." ”

In his heart, as long as there is a holy will, who would dare to disobey?

As a result, he was repeatedly contradicted, and it was still a woman, and he was immediately annoyed and angry, so he had to directly order the woman in front of him to be taken down.

Result, the next second.

Dozens of figures, silently, appeared and raised the muzzle of the black hole hole towards them.

The eunuch suddenly shuddered and said, "Gentlemen, are you going to rebel?" Rebellion? ”

Rebel?!

What a big joke.

Now I don't know how complicated the composition of the Qing army is in the entire Jiangnan?

How many are from the Salt Gang, the Heaven and Earth Society, or even the White Lotus Sect?

The man at the head waved his hand violently.

"Bang ......"

Bursts of dense voices rang out.

Suddenly, the eunuch at the head of the eunuch wailed and hurriedly lay on the ground.

The people behind him also quickly lay on the ground, motionless.

It turned out that no one set off guns at all, and there was a burst of children's laughter outside, and they were setting off firecrackers just now.

Mrs. Xu Youren said slowly: "Let's go, let's go!" ”

The eunuch's face was blue and red, and he got up in embarrassment, and said inwardly: "It's the opposite, it's the opposite, I must report to the emperor and the court, and I will definitely not spare you." ”

Then, he led the team to leave in a hurry, and he was extremely embarrassed.

……………………

Xu Youren said when he was in Shanghai that even if he was dismissed from the post of governor of Jiangsu by the imperial court, it would not delay him at all to become the leader of the Seven Southern Provinces Alliance.

Therefore, the key to taking down Xu Youren is not the holy decree, but the military power of Jiangsu.

To be precise, Zhang Guoliang and Feng Zicai are two.

Therefore, it was a eunuch who went to proclaim the decree to Xu Youren, but the one who came to buy Zhang Guoliang and Feng Zicai was a real court official.

Zhao Dezhe, the former governor of Jiangsu, according to history, he was already the governor of Liangjiang at this time, but the world has changed, and he has entered Beijing at this time to become the Han Shangshu of the military department.

This is also thanks to Wang Youling, when Huai'an fell, Wang Youling, the political envoy of Jiangsu, took the initiative to send troops to rescue, while Zhao Dezhen was more negative, and the court was very dissatisfied, and his career was also frustrated. As a result, after Wang Youling joined the Southern Seven Provinces Alliance, this Zhao Dezhen was also promoted.

The reason why he was asked to lobby Zhang Guoliang and Feng Zicai was because he used to be the top boss of the two.

"Dianchen, you followed Xiang Rong at the beginning, and then followed He Chun, which is really a great achievement." Zhao Dezhen said: "The emperor has repeatedly talked about you and Nangan in the court, saying that you are both pillars of my court. It is even said that the Jiangnan camp can be without Xiang Rong or Hechun, but it can't be without the two of you. ”

Zhao Dezhen felt that there should be no problem with this errand.

Jiangnan Daying has always had nothing to do with Su Yu, and they all obey the imperial court.

"Xu Youren's side is making a lot of trouble, and the court is very angry." Zhao Dezhen said: "But the emperor knows that Xu Youren is Xu Youren, you are you, even if he messes around again, the two of you are still loyal ministers." ”

"When I came, the emperor said in person that as long as there are Zhang Guoliang and Feng Zicai in Jiangsu, there will be no chaos."

Hearing these words, Zhang Guoliang and Feng Zicai sat quietly and motionless, looking very respectful.

"Next, the imperial court wants to dismiss Xu Youren, maybe there will be a little chaos, at this time the two of you have to hold up the scene, you can make chaos, but you can't make a big mess, you must stabilize the situation and ensure a smooth transition after the new governor comes." Zhao Dezhen said: "By the way, in the last Changzhou battle, you fought very well. The court will discuss giving you a knighthood, and the courtiers are probably viscounts, and Nangan is a baron. ”

The two remained silent.

Zhao Dezhen said: "In my opinion, this is not enough. As long as you get through this situation smoothly, I think Zhang Dianchen should be crowned the crown prince and less protective. ”

At this time, Zhang Guoliang and Feng Zicai only felt sad in their hearts and felt that they were being despised.

Even if it was this time, the imperial court was unwilling to spend great efforts to buy the two.

What viscounts, what barons, what princes are young guards, all lip service does not come.

Zhang Guoliang and Feng Zicai are indeed inconspicuous in the eyes of the imperial court. And all along, whether he followed Xiang Rong or Hechun, he was very obedient, and he lost more than he won.

Zhao Dezhen said: "The imperial court sent an envoy to announce the decree to Xu Youren, but he was pointed at gunpoint, is this Xu Youren a big bold?" The emperor ordered Xu Youren to be escorted into Beijing, and he was on the Yangtze River at this time, so how about the two generals lead their troops to follow Ben Qin? ”

Zhang Guoliang said: "Lord Zhao, is this for us to lead troops to arrest Xu Youren?" ”

Zhao Dezhen said: "To arrest Xu Youren, three or two guards are enough." The key is that the court gives the two of you a chance, a chance to be loyal to the emperor. ”

Zhang Guoliang was silent for a while and said, "No! ”

As soon as these words came out, Zhao Dezhen was stunned for a moment.

Feng Zicai also said on the side: "No. ”

Zhao Dezhen couldn't believe his ears and said, "You, do you say it again?" ”

Zhang Guoliang repeated again: "No. ”

Zhao Dezhe's face changed and said, "Are you two going to rebel?" Are you trying to resist the decree? ”

Zhang Guoliang and Feng Zicai were silent because the battle of words was meaningless.

Moreover, these two people were born in rebellion, they were both once generals of the Heaven and Earth Society, and they both participated in the anti-Qing uprising vigorously, but they were recruited by the Qing court.

Zhao Dezhen said coldly: "Zhang Guoliang, Feng Zicai, the imperial court has a heavenly and generous kindness to you, right?" Where did you come from? ”

Zhang Guoliang said slowly: "Lord Zhao, most of the food and salary of the army led by the two of us were squeezed out by the people of Jiangsu who tightened their belts, not allocated by the imperial court. ”

Zhao Dezhen was suddenly dumbfounded.

Most of the grain and salary in Jiangbei rely on the salt merchants in Jiangbei.

The grain and salary of the Jiangnan camp are superficially dependent on Fujian, Zhejiang and Jiangsu, but in fact, the majority is from Suzhou and Shanghai.

Moreover, they often defaulted on food and salaries, and repeatedly mutinied.

Zhang Guoliang said slowly: "Lord Zhao, you were also the governor of Jiangsu, don't you know?" Whose food the army eats, will it listen to whom? ”

Zhao Dezhen said angrily: "Then I didn't eat Xu Youren's food." ”

Zhang Guoliang said: "You may not know that the Jiangnan battalion was defeated repeatedly before, and retreated all the way, and less than half of the army remained. Military pay was never paid in full, and it was several months in arrears. However, in the past year, the military salary has been paid in full, and the soldiers have been able to eat their stomachs. ”

Zhao Dezhen said coldly: "Could it be that Xu Youren fed you?" ”

Zhang Guoliang said: "It's the alliance of seven southern provinces!" ”

Because the alliance of the seven southern provinces is not only a military alliance, but also an economic alliance.

This alliance certainly cannot solve the problem of corruption on a large scale, but even if it solves part of it, it will be very powerful.

Before, there were tax cards everywhere, money bureaus, and commercial activities were suppressed.

Now that there are fewer bureaus and the tax system is relatively unified, the total amount of money received has actually decreased, but the cost of corruption has also been reduced a lot.

Su Yu, Tian Yugong, Wang Youling, and Xu Youren took the lead in not making money, and the money squeezed out was used on the blade.

Naturally, these people will not be in arrears of military salaries, and they will be able to feed the army and have enough training.

In this way, whether it is the Jiangnan battalion or the green battalion and regimental training army in Zhejiang, the military strength has been partially improved.

The most important thing is that almost every officer of the coalition army in the seven southern provinces is paid in the southern silver.

The major shareholder of Nanfang Silver is Jiujiang Economic Pilot Zone, the big shopkeeper is Hu Xueyan, and the minority shareholder is Rishengchang.

These tens of thousands of soldiers are paid by the Southern Silver, and the money is also saved in the Southern Silver.

It means that the net worth and life are in the hands of Su Yu and others, and your court wants these troops to follow your court?

What a big joke?

Sit back and watch the sky!

What does the army depend on, money and food.

These two things are in the hands of Su Yu and others, at the critical moment, do you want to turn the army with an edict?

What to daydream about?

Zhang Guoliang thought for a while and said: "At that time, there was a rebellion, and the imperial court couldn't come up with the money, and it didn't want to come up with the money, so let the people below raise their own military salaries, but they didn't expect that there would be today?" ”

Zhao Dezhen said angrily: "What about your official position?" It's always canonized by the imperial court, right? ”

Zhang Guoliang said: "If there are no soldiers, where are the officials?" ”

Zhao Dezhen trembled all over, and said in a cold voice: "Then do you want to completely fight the imperial court to the end?" ”

Zhang Guoliang was silent for a while and said, "You should be grateful to Lord Su Yu, Tian Yugong and Lord Xu Youren, they desperately wanted to maintain decency and suppressed a lot of voices. Otherwise, the brothers below, I'm afraid that it will be reversed earlier. ”

Feng Zicai said: "Lord Zhao, you go back and tell the princes of the court." Do you know how many of the people in the southern army are born in the Heaven and Earth Society, the Twist Army, or even the rebellion? How many ordinary good families will come to serve as soldiers? ”

"Be really careful, don't mess up."

"Su Yu, Xu Youren, Tian Yugong, and Wang Youling are all loyal ministers of the imperial court, and they will not oppose it. But you go to the army below and take a walk, how many people care about the imperial court? ”

"It's really one day, the people below force these adults to rebel, that is, the fire is burning the plain, and there will be something on the side of the Qing monarch, don't blame me for not reminding me."

Suddenly, Zhao Dezhen trembled with anger, and pointed to Zhang Guoliang and Feng Zicai: "Great rebellion, great rebellion." ”

……………………

Yangzhou.

After Zhao Dezhen touched the nail on Zhang Guoliang and Feng Zicai's side, he came to see the commander of the Jiangbei camp, Tuo Ming'a.

This person is still obedient to the emperor's will.

Slaves obey, hooray, hooray, hooray.

The emperor wants to remove Xu Youren, the governor of Jiangsu, and I will definitely support it.

However, do you want me to lead an army to arrest Xu Youren? You've exalted me too much.

Tuo Ming'a was silent for a long time, and said, "Lord Zhao, do you know how much the Jiangbei camp silver is now only as much as that of the Southern Seven Provinces Alliance?" Less than two-thirds of them. ”

"Now the entire Yangtze River waterway, even the canal channel, is in Su Yu's hands."

"The court asked me to support, I definitely supported it, I dare not disobey the emperor's will."

"But, you asked me to lead the army to help you capture Xu Youren? My army can't get into the Yangtze River at all. ”

"Even, the reason why you were able to freely shuttle between the Yangtze River and the canal was because they didn't really blockade it."

"Otherwise, you won't be able to reach Yangzhou at all, and you won't be able to cross the Yangtze River."

After a long while, Tuo Ming'a said: "Lord Zhao, can you please send a word to the imperial court to remove me from the post of General Jiangning?" You can transfer me back to the capital and take up an idle position. ”

Zhao Dezhen said: "Is there no one who can control Su in the entire south?" ”

Tuo Minga said: "Yes, the Hunan army Zeng Guofan, his power is greater, and he has more troops. ”

Zhao Dezhen was dumbfounded.

Zeng Guofan had already made a deal with the imperial court, he was given the governor of Liangjiang, and Peng Yulin was given the post of governor of Hubei in exchange for Zeng Guofan's neutrality.

But do you want him to confront Su Yu?

Now the Hunan army is fighting in Anqing and rebellion, and it can't be separated at all.

Even if you can be separated, will your court give you a bargaining chip?

Zhao Dezhen said: "Other than that, is there no way?" ”

Tomin said, "There's another way. ”

Zhao Dezhen said: "You say." ”

Tuo Ming'a said: "The imperial court prepared 20 million taels of silver to buy all the troops in Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Fujian provinces. ”

Are you kidding? Where did the court take out 20 million taels of silver at once?

Suddenly, Zhao Dezhen understood that the reason why he was able to reach Suzhou and Yangzhou smoothly was because Su Lu deliberately let them go, so that they could be unimpeded on the Yangtze River waterway and canal channel.

The purpose is to make the court retreat.

…………………………

A few days later!

Zhao Dezhen led the team and returned to the capital along the canal, and first reported some details to Sushun Duhan and others.

It's not that he was disloyal and didn't report to the emperor first, but the situation was too bad to tell the emperor directly.

After Su Shun, Duanhua, Zaiyuan, Du Han, Kuang Yuan and others heard this, they fell into a deep silence.

Du Han said: "In fact, the moment the alliance of the seven southern provinces and the Southern Economic Cooperation Association were established, we should do our best to dismantle them, and it was still too late at that time." ”

At that time, as long as the imperial court was willing to pay a huge price, there was still hope for dismantling.

But just after its establishment, the alliance of seven southern provinces directly bombarded the imperial court, exposed the Aihui Treaty, exposed the Xiamen teaching case, please kill Guiliang, please kill Yishan.

directly guided the rhythm to lose power and humiliate the country, and the court was forced to defend.

In order to regain the righteousness, the imperial court did not hesitate to be tough on the foreigners and overturned the Treaty of Tianjin, which directly led to the Second Battle of Dagukou.

I finally won the battle, and I looked back.

The alliance of the seven southern provinces has become a real community of interests.

The coalition forces of several provinces fought several major battles, and they all won, establishing a deep battlefield friendship.

Not to mention, the key is that the armies of these four provinces actually issued salaries and silver in the same silver number.

The silver root is in someone else's hands, and it has to be returned?

Unless the imperial court comes up with more silver, but is this possible?

Zhao Dezhen said: "Su Yu has already controlled the Yangtze River waterway, as well as some canal channels, and the reason why we can freely exercise the flow this time is completely the result of their permission." He just wants us to investigate clearly and retreat. ”

Du Han was silent for a long time and said: "In this way, even if Xu Youren is dismissed, it is useless, he can still command the army and charge for Su Yu with his identity as the leader of the alliance." ”

Kuang Yuan said: "At this time, unless Zeng Guofan comes forward to compete for the position of the leader of the alliance, it shows the outside world the internal strife of the alliance of the seven southern provinces. ”

That's a good idea, of course, but how is it possible?

Although Zeng Guofan and Su Yu shared the same bed and had different dreams, he was not a fool, and he was a pawn for the imperial court in vain.

What other chips can the imperial court give him? The governor of Liangjiang has reached the top.

Du Han said: "Now the core is back to Su Yu, it's useless to fight Xu Youren, you can only fight Su Yu and fight Jiujiang Economic Cooperation Zone." ”

"Defeat Su Yu, defeat Jiujiang Economic Cooperation Zone, everything will be solved."

Everyone knows this, but the purpose of deposing Xu Youren and dismantling the alliance of the seven southern provinces is to dismantle the Jiujiang Economic Pilot Zone and destroy Su Yu.

Now I can't even take the first step.

Du Han said: "You can't do it step by step, and if you take it step by step, it's going to be completely late." ”

"November 11, this is Su Yu's investment conference, which is very important for Su Yu."

"We have to think, why did Su Yu set the investment conference on this day?" Du Han said: "Because his silver root is about to be broken, and he probably has to explain to the foreign shareholders." Foreigners have paid such a big cost and invested for two or three years, and they will definitely see benefits. ”

"If Su Yu wants to make money, he can only count on November 11. As long as this investment conference is destroyed, Su Yu will be cut off, and he will not only be unable to explain to the foreigners, but even to his allies. ”

"As long as he is cut off from the silver roots, the Jiujiang Silver and Southern Silver that he leads will be completely finished."

"The salaries of tens of thousands of troops in the four provinces are stored in the Southern Silver Trumpet, and after the destruction of the investment promotion conference, we only need to spread rumors that Su Yu will use the silver deposit in the Southern Silver to fill the hole in the Jiujiang Economic Pilot Zone, and the tens of thousands of troops will go to the Silver Trumpet to run."

"And once Su Yu's silver is cut off and he can't redeem the silver, then he and tens of thousands of troops will turn against each other."

"At that time, the alliance of the seven southern provinces will collapse on its own."

"We were wrong to put the target on Xu Youren and Wang Youling before."

"The root of everything lies in silver, as long as Su Yu's silver root is destroyed, he will win without a fight."

Su Shun looked at Du Han again, amazed at his talent.

Awesome, Du Han is indeed awesome, worthy of a long-term operation in the Ministry of Industry, at this time the truth was revealed.

Albeit a little later.

But at this time, everyone felt suddenly enlightened, and they felt that they had finally seen Su Yu's layout clearly.

I always felt that the key was a few feudal officials, who were bribed and threatened.

Now I finally see the source clearly in the dense layout, the silver root.

Kuang Yuan said: "Lord Du Han is talented, let me open my mouth, and now the only way is to destroy the investment conference." But...... Back to the old place, Su Yu controls the army of several southern provinces and controls the Yangtze River waterway, we want to destroy the investment conference, it is difficult! ”

……………………

Inside the Sanxi Hall!

Du Han and Su Shun informed the emperor of their series of analyses completely.

"Thanks to the wisdom of the saint, he went to dismiss Xu Youren and lobbied Zhang Guoliang and Feng Zicai, which allowed us to discover the roots of the alliance of the seven southern provinces and let us open the tip of the iceberg." Duhan Road.

The emperor frowned, this was the courtiers praising him.

In fact, he used to so-called five steps in five steps, two steps in front, and all of them were smashed.

The only use is to find at least four southern provinces, almost monolithic.

The emperor said: "What do you mean, if you want to dismantle the alliance of the seven southern provinces, the key is to destroy the Southern Silver Horn, the Jiujiang Silver Horn, and cut off Su Yu's silver roots?" ”

Du Han said: "Yes, as long as the silver root is broken, the alliance of the seven southern provinces will not be broken." And Su Yu's silver root will not be able to support it immediately, the investment conference is the moment when he wants to earn a huge amount of gold and silver, as long as this investment conference is destroyed, the silver root will be broken. ”

The emperor said: "Your opinion! ”

Du Han said: "It's too late, we can't do it step by step, November 11 is too urgent." ”

"So, condemn first! Use the righteousness of the imperial court to convict the Jiujiang Economic Pilot Zone. ”

"Convict first, then collect evidence, then ban and expell!"

Prince Hui said: "Time is pressing, if you want to enter Jiujiang to collect evidence and convict and ban expulsion, you need to take the waterway and take the Yangtze River waterway." And the Yangtze River waterway is in the hands of Su Yu. ”

Du Han said: "No, Prince Hui, do you know what money is most afraid of?" ”

Prince Hui said: "I would like to hear about it." ”

Du Han said: "War, turmoil, risk. ”

"Most of the secret agents we sent to Jiujiang have all been arrested, but there is still a general news." Du Han continued: "Su Yao has invested in five factories this time, and the amount is very huge, involving hundreds of thousands of people, and countless silver coins have been used. I don't know how much foreigners have invested, but it's probably astronomical. ”

"But the construction period of these factories is very long, and most of the factories have not really been fully put into production."

"A lot of the information at the investment conference is public."

"This time, the main ones sold were cigarettes, rickshaws, gramophones, silk, and cotton."

"And it's all about the share of production that is sold next year, and even the year after. That is, not in kind at all. ”

"So in the final analysis, Su Yao's investment conference this time is selling confidence!"

"These businessmen, and even the henchmen of some powerful people in the north, rushed to Jiujiang one after another, just because they saw huge benefits."

Then Du Han glanced at everyone a little and said: "Everyone knows the power of Toyama Chunjutu cigarettes, and there are people who rob them at three times the price of the black market in the capital. The businessman himself was reluctant to smoke, and paid filial piety to high-ranking officials above the second grade. ”

"There is also the gramophone, which has now been widely spread, saying that there are only two people in the whole world now, one is the emperor of my Qing Dynasty, and the other is the queen of the British Empire."

"There is even a secret saying that gramophones are not high-ranking officials and cannot be purchased."

"As long as the expectations of these businessmen and magnates are broken, this investment conference can be ruined."

Duhan's passage can be summed up in modern language: capital is risk-averse.

"Therefore, we only need to create the risk of war in Jiujiang and create turmoil in Jiujiang!"

"As long as Jiujiang falls into war, all these factories in Suyu will stop production, and they will not be able to deliver the goods next year and the year after, then their money will be completely wasted."

"The risk of war in Jiujiang first comes from rebellion." Du Han said: "But it is impossible to attack Jiujiang now, and their main force is all contained in Anqing." ”

"The next risk of war in Jiujiang comes from Yangyi. But Count Ergin was defeated and had already left China. ”

"So, the only risk of war comes from ...... Court! ”

"We want to directly declare the Jiujiang Pilot Economic Zone illegal, and we want to expel foreigners by force."

As soon as these words came out, the emperor was a little creepy.

"Even slogans are useless, and it is necessary to really dispatch troops and put up positions, so as to create enough war risks." Duhan Road.

The audience was silent.

This...... It's about to use force.

After a long while, Prince Hui said: "What if our army really enters the Yangtze River, and the Su Trolling fleet comes forward to block it, and the two sides go to war?" ”

Oh, yes?! What to do then?

Su Shun said: "When that day comes, it will be a real confrontation between the north and the south, an armed conflict, and it will be regarded as a rebellion." ”

Once the two sides really had an armed conflict on the Yangtze River.

Then the situation has really deteriorated completely.

Du Han said: "Yes, at that time, the alliance of the seven southern provinces was a rebellion. Can Su Yu afford to be charged with rebellion? ”

Mianyu said: "But the person who gave the order is Xu Youren, and Su Yu has already resigned from all his positions, including the leader of the Southern Seven Provinces Alliance. ”

Du Han said: "Even if Su Yu resigns from all his positions, he can't get rid of the charge of rebellion. Our army is going to Jiujiang to expel the foreigners, and it is already in control of the righteousness. If the alliance of the seven southern provinces prevents it, it will be collusion with foreigners, against the imperial court, disobeying the ancestors, and will be spurned by all the people. ”

That said, of course.

But if an armed conflict really breaks out.

is really a rebellion, Xu Youren and others can't bear it, can the court bear it?

Everyone present couldn't bear it.

The solution is a good way, but the cost is too great.

Now it is a typical hemp pole to beat the wolf, and the two heads are afraid.

The seven southern provinces could not afford to rebel. On the imperial court's side, it can't afford to force the seven southern provinces to rebel.

Du Han thought for a while and said, "Then there is another way, hire a foreigner fleet to go to Jiujiang, and we will spend money to hire a foreigner fleet." The foreigners are also divided into two factions, one of which is Su Yu's allies, and the other is Su Yu's enemies. We looked for Su Yu's enemies, such as the Shanghai consul Mai Huatuo, Wei Tuma, and Li Taitai and others. ”

"Our imperial court sent an investigation team to Jiujiang with the fleet of foreigners, because the treaty of Tianjin has not yet come into effect, and foreigners are not allowed to do business in Jiujiang."

"We spent a sum of money to hire a fleet of foreigners to go to Jiujiang with us to enforce the law, and all the property confiscated belongs to them."

"In this way, once the alliance fleet of the seven southern provinces opens fire and obstructs it, it will also be a war with the foreign fleet, and we can stay out of it."

"If they don't open fire, then we will officially land in Jiujiang, declare Jiujiang industry illegal, and expel the foreigners there. If they fire, it is a huge risk of war. ”

"So whether it is fired or not, Su Yao's investment conference is doomed to be destroyed."

The emperor was amazed again, this Du Han's brain is so useful.

This killer move is really amazing.

Kuang Yuan said: "The last time Count Ergin led the fleet into the Yangtze River, he wanted to destroy Su Yu's Yangtze River fleet, but he gave up halfway, and even stepped down directly. ”

Everyone immediately looked towards Kuang Yuan, and you were an honest person in the audience.

It is enough to use the name of the foreigner fleet.

……………………

The next day, the court was surging.

Countless officials have impeached Shen Baozhen, the acting governor of Jiangxi, and impeached Jiujiang.

"Foreigners illegally buy industries in Jiujiang, bully the market, and oppress the people, causing the people of Jiujiang to live in misery, please ask the emperor to thoroughly investigate and severely punish them!"

"Impeach Shen Baozhen!"

"Please investigate thoroughly!"

The emperor was furious: "This battle has been won by the imperial court, and the Treaty of Aihui will be overthrown, and the Treaty of Tianjin will also be overthrown." Jiujiang is not a treaty port, so why do foreigners do business in Jiujiang? Is Shen Baozhen sleepwalking? Is Lee Si sleepwalking? ”

"Check, check to the end!"

"The foreigners won this battle, and there are even foreigners riding on the heads of my people to make a fortune."

"Gui Liang, you go to Shanghai to question the Yangyi officials, why they are doing business in Jiujiang illegally, let them take people to Jiujiang to investigate with the imperial court, if they find that there is really a foreigner industry, immediately confiscate it, and expel them all!"

Gui Liang came out and said, "Huh! ”

Then, the imperial court ordered that the yamen at all levels in the capital should send out elites to join the Qincha team and go to Jiujiang to investigate.

In short, it is to make a big move and blow the wind.

It's about making it known to everyone.

It is necessary to make it a big political action.

Create a feeling that the mountain rain is coming, and the wind and rain are shaky, so that businessmen and powerful people dare not spend a lot of money at the investment promotion.

In just a few moments, the entire capital knew about this big operation.

It is true that officials are drawn from all levels of the yamen, and the elderly are no longer qualified as ministers.

Guiliang, a member of the Cabinet University, served as the chief envoy of the Imperial Mission, and the military department squire Lang Qiling served as the deputy envoy of the Imperial Mission, and hundreds of elite officials joined the investigation team.

Moreover, the imperial court also assembled all the ships of the naval division of Zhili and assembled thousands of troops.

Incredibly huge lineup.

However, the most important thing is to borrow the name of foreigners.

………………………………

Gui Liang came to Shanghai to negotiate with Mai Huatuo, Wei Tuma, Li Taitai and others.

Hearing Gui Liang's request, several Britons were stunned.

Of course, it's also very exciting.

Two million taels of silver, hired the British fleet and the imperial court to go to Jiujiang to investigate. All the foreigners' property confiscated in Jiujiang belonged to Mai Huatuo and others.

And as long as it is agreed, on the treaty of Tianjin, the imperial court is willing to make further concessions.

The conditions are too lucrative.

McWartto and Wittoma and others can imagine if a cooperation is really reached.

That was a completely devastating blow to Su Yu's investment conference.

Because the foreigners have sent their fleets to attack the industries in Jiujiang, what safety is there at all.

Even a few people can figure out how much money they can make with this one.

But...... Who would dare to take it?

The Qing court doesn't know about the things in London, can't they smell it?

Moreover, the Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone is now Prince Albert's reverse scale, who dares to move?

The three British giants looked at each other and said, "The only person who can command the fleet now is the minister, but the minister is still vacant. ”

Gui Liang said: "Mr. Consul takes the lead, it is enough." ”

"No, I don't have the authority to command the fleet. ”

"I'm so sorry, there's nothing we can do about it!"

Then, the negotiations between the two sides ended.

………………………………

A few hours later!

Wittoma and Gui Liang have a secret conversation.

"Lord Guiliang, you just want to create a military conflict, plunge Jiujiang into turmoil, and ruin Su Yu's investment conference, right?"

Gui Liang said: "Yes! ”

"In this way, there is no need for our official fleet to be dispatched. Nowadays, there are many Western veterans in Hong Kong and Shanghai, from all countries, and we white people all look the same, and they can't tell whether they are British and French troops. ”

"You spend money to hire them, form a temporary mercenary army, and then hang the British and French flags, and kill Jiujiang with you."

Gui Liang said: "What about the battleship? ”

"Many Western merchants have armed warships, and as long as you are willing to spend money, you can hire them. Of course, you don't have to do all this yourself, there is someone who can do it for you, the great pirate Count Jurgen. ”

Gui Liang was stunned: "Earl? ”

"No, of course he is not a real earl, this is his self-proclaimed, his real identity should be the illegitimate son of a European nobleman, who once served in the Imperial Navy, but was expelled from the army on charges of smuggling, so he became a pirate leader, with two thousand men under his command, all kinds of people, and some warships." ”

Gui Liang said: "Where is he?" ”

"Hong Kong!" Wei Tuma wrote a line of address with his left hand and handed it to Gui Liang.

"Lord Guiliang, you have to be fast, because it is getting closer and closer to November 11."

……………………

A few days later!

On a large ship in the East China Sea, Gui Liang secretly met with the great pirate Count Jurgen.

The imaginary pirate is different, his teeth are clean and white, his hair is meticulously combed, he wears gorgeous clothes, and his demeanor is elegant, he really looks like a nobleman.

Even, it's a very handsome white man.

"Three thousand, all of them with white faces?" The great pirate Count Jurgen said: "You are too embarrassed for me, although there are more than three thousand people under my command, but there are only three or four hundred white faces, and the rest are either blacks, most of them are yellows. ”

Gui Liang said: "We need most white faces, we need to fly the flags of Britain and France, preferably with the flags of the United States and Russia." ”

The great pirate Jurgen said: "No problem, it doesn't matter how many flags are hung, even the warships in active service in the British Empire can have them." But if you want three thousand white faces, I need to recruit vagrants, mercenaries, and so on in Shanghai and Hong Kong at a high price. ”

Gui Liang said: "Then you go to recruit, be quick, I need to enter the Yangtze River estuary before November 6." ”

Count Jurgen said, "Three thousand, very expensive. ”

Gui Liang said: "You make a price." ”

Count Jurgen thought for a moment and said, "Two million taels of silver." ”

What are you kidding, the court only gave a total of two million taels, and there are many people who need to be dealt with.

Although Mai Huatuo, Wei Tuma and others did not dare to touch Jiujiang, as Su Yu's political enemies, they would turn a blind eye.

But if the court wants them to acquiesce, it also needs money.

It is also necessary to hire armed cargo ships from Western merchants.

Next, the two sides engaged in a fierce bargain.

Gui Liang faced the high-ranking officials of the foreigners and the state apparatus of the foreigners, he failed to negotiate and did not dare to bargain.

But in the face of pirates, he will have a sense of superiority within the system, and he will be open to negotiation.

In the end, the price of the two sides reached 1.2 million taels!

"Pay half of the deposit upfront." Earl Jurgen said.

Gui Liang waved his hand, and his henchman immediately handed over the draft from Liru Bank.

Count Jurgen took the bill of exchange and said with a smile: "Happy cooperation, I will show you what a real profession is." ”

Gui Liang said: "Then can you defeat Su Yu's Yangtze River fleet?" ”

Count Jurgen said, "Our conditions are just for war, aren't they?" Defeat that is another price. ”

"However, although my fleet is far from being the match of the Imperial Navy, the fleet of a small warlord of the Qing Kingdom is simply a pitiful prey to me."

"May God pray for that poor warlord!"

Gui Liang said: "Then we will finish the discussion, and on November 6, we will meet at the mouth of the Yangtze River." On behalf of Britain, France and other countries, you went with us to Jiujiang to investigate and enforce the law. ”

Count Jurgen sneered: "My credibility is famous throughout Asia. ”

Gui Liang has also inquired with many people about this.

The reputation of the great pirate Count Jurgen is indeed quite golden.

Many routes, as long as you pay him protection money, he will not attack. And if you're attacked by another pirate, he'll even help you recover the goods, and then only take 20% of all the goods.

Officially, this excellent credibility makes him quite a posture on the East Asian sea.

………………………………

This Count Jurgen is indeed trustworthy.

Immediately after receiving the deposit, the recruitment of mercenaries began.

And the requirements are still very strict, ordinary wanderers don't want it. Pirates want it, and the veterans of various countries want it.

Under the Money Offensive, a large number of mercenaries looking for jobs joined his ranks.

One of the names that many people are familiar with has also come into view.

Wall!

This person was originally a pirate, and later accepted the Qing Dynasty's employment to form a foreign gun team to help the Qing court fight the Taiping army.

I have to say, in order to deal with Su Yu.

These high-ranking officials of the Qing court are really powerful, and they have found the best way to do it. Even two years in advance, he began to use the strategy of foreign mercenaries.

Despite the connection and guidance of Wei Tuma, Gui Liang is definitely resolute this time.

If, it all really comes true.

Then the conspiracy of the Qing court may really succeed.

Because those merchants and magnates could not tell whether this was a foreign mercenary or a foreign navy.

Seeing so many white people, hanging the national flags of various countries, they would only think that the imperial court and foreigners would join forces to attack the Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone. Even at the expense of war to disintegrate Jiujiang.

In this way, who would dare to spend a lot of money at the investment conference, right?

Three thousand mercenaries, a whole pirate fleet, absolutely extravagant.

But......

At this time, investors in the Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone, as well as relevant workers, roamed in Shanghai and Hong Kong in large numbers, escorting the investment conference.

This is a great benefit, and no one can destroy it, and no one can prevent them from getting rich.

Count Jurgen's side had just begun to recruit mercenaries on a large scale, and he was immediately smelled.

…………………………

A few days later!

Sir Baring meets with Count Jurgen in a mansion.

"What do you want to do when you hire so many people and even start looking for decommissioned warships of the British Empire? What's the big move? Sir Bauling asked.

Count Jurgen said, "None of this has anything to do with you, Lord Bao Ling. You are no longer a minister, and even if you are, I am a pirate and do not obey the orders of the British Empire. ”

Sir Bao Ling said: "You must not be employed by the Qing court, right?" ”

Count Jurgen said, "I'm sorry, it's all confidential. ”

Sir Bao Ling said: "What is your goal? Disrupt the investment conference of Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone? ”

Count Jurgen, the great pirate, said, "Sorry, everything is kept secret. ”

Sir Bao Ling said: "Major Jurgen, you used to be the navy of the British Empire, and nothing you do can go against the interests of the Empire. ”

Earl Jurgen sneered: "Now that I remember that I was a naval lieutenant of the British Empire, why didn't you miss the old love when you expelled me from the country?" ”

Sir Bao Ling said: "You were smuggling at that time, violating military orders. ”

Earl Jurgen sneered: "What a big joke, which officer of the British Imperial Navy at that time did not smuggle?" It's just that my half-brother bribed Major General Robin and kicked me out in order to frame me. ”

Sir Bao Ling said: "How much did the Qing court spend to hire you?" ”

Count Jurgen said: "I'm sorry, I have no comment, and what Qing court hired me?" Where did you hear it, there is no such thing at all. ”

Sir Bao Ling said: "No matter how much money the Qing court spends, we will increase it by 500,000 taels. ”

Count Jurgen said, "I'm sorry, I have no comment. ”

Then, he sneered, "Sir Bao Ling, do you think I will sell my credibility for the sake of silver?" That father of mine doesn't talk about credibility, and the Imperial Navy doesn't talk about credibility, but I want to talk about credibility. I want to tell the world that although I am a pirate, I have the quality of true nobility in me, and those who sit in the position of nobility are real robbers. ”

"Alright, Sir Bao Ling, the conversation with you was very unpleasant, goodbye!"

Count Jurgen got up and left directly, he had a strong sense of self-esteem, and a certain sentence of Bao Ling directly angered him.

Then, the four mercenaries stepped forward and said to Bao Ling, "I'm sorry sir, you should leave." ”

Sir Bauling reluctantly left the mansion.

The great pirate Count Jurgen, continues to recruit troops, even faster.

His reputation is indeed good, and at his call, more and more mercenaries are joining his command.

At this rate, he will be able to recruit enough mercenaries in more than half a month, hang the flags of many countries, disguise himself as a foreign fleet and go to Jiujiang with the Qing court to jointly enforce the law.

And at this time!

After a long journey of more than a month, Bashali finally returned from London, first to Shanghai.

After hearing the wind, he immediately sailed south to Hong Kong.

And this time, there was still a royal guest who came with him to represent Prince Albert to participate in the investment promotion conference of the Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone, and it was still the young Prince George.

This time it is a public platform for the investment conference, representing the attention and support of Prince Albert.

After Bao Ling and Ba Xiali met, they immediately informed them of this 100,000 urgent matter.

At this time, it is only more than half a month before November 11.

Moreover, the great pirate Earl Jurgen has almost completed the recruitment of mercenaries, and even he has found three large warships of the British Imperial Navy that have just been decommissioned.

His pirate fleet has begun to assemble in the open sea.

Moreover, soon the flags of many countries will be hoisted, and all this must be stopped as soon as possible.

This time, Bashali intercepted Count Jurgen directly on the way.

"Sir Basha, it is a great pleasure to meet you, I was very happy with you last time, and you have been paid the balance in a timely manner." Count Jurgen laughed.

He was referring to the last time Bao Ling and Ba Xiali attacked Guangzhou without the permission of the National Assembly, and they did not have enough troops and found a large number of mercenaries, but the price was much cheaper.

"Major Jurgen, give me ten minutes." For the sake of past friendships, give me ten minutes. ”

Count Jurgen didn't like to deal with Bao Ling because he was too arrogant.

"Okay, just ten minutes!"

……………………

Inside the mansion, Count Jurgen took out an hourglass filled with golden sand.

Straight upside down and placed on the table, Sands began to stay.

"Ten minutes, the countdown begins, and when the golden sands are finished, our conversation is over."

Ba Xia Li said: "I don't know if you have cooperated with the Qing court, if so, please overturn this cooperation and cooperate with us instead." ”

Count Jurgen sneered, "Sir Basha, you are humiliating me. ”

Ba Xia said: "I will not add silver to you, any 300,000 taels, 500,000 taels, none of them." I know that your father betrayed you and that he did not do what he promised you. Your brother framed you and drove you out of the Imperial Navy. ”

"Although you are an illegitimate child, you are more personable than your brother and have the qualities of nobility."

"I promise you, I'll help you reclaim your title. But the count is difficult, I can only help you get the viscount, is that okay? ”

The big pirate Count Jugen's face changed slightly, and he said hoarsely: "Impossible, you can't do it, you can't do it." ”

Basha said: "Yes, I can't do it. But Prince Albert can do it easily. ”

Count Jurgen said: "You, you can't represent His Royal Highness. ”

"I can't represent it, but someone can." ”

Then, Bashali stood up directly and said, "Major Jurgen, please stand and greet Prince George." ”

You can get up.

A moment later, Prince George walked in, his young face glancing at Bashali, and then said to Jurgen, "As long as you can cooperate with us, I am willing to help you reclaim the title that belongs to you, this is my promise." ”

"Major Jurgen, are you willing to believe Prince George's promise?" He is the top five heirs to the British Empire. ”

Jurgen closed his eyes and struggled fiercely.

He told himself over and over again, what did he want?

Money? He's enough.

Forces? His pirate power is not small.

Isn't the goal he can't chase in this life just a knighthood?

As an illegitimate child, isn't his goal in life to become a nobleman?

After a few full minutes, he opened his eyes and said, "Excuse me, what should I do?" ”

"What was your original plan?" ”

Count Jurgen said: "Disguise yourself as a combined fleet of British, French and Americans, accept the protests of the Qing court, review the legality of the Treaty of Tianjin, go to Jiujiang to investigate, and expel the non-Qing people there, and confiscate the property there." ”

Ba Xia said: "Then what if it is blocked by the combined fleet of the seven southern provinces of the Qing State? ”

Count Jurgen said: "Go to war directly, create war and turmoil, and destroy your investment conference." ”

Ba Xiali was stunned, did he underestimate the Qing court too much? In such a short period of time, he came up with such a ruthless killing move.

Then, Ba Xia said: "In this way, you still hang the flags of Britain, France and the United States, go to the mouth of the Yangtze River to join the Qing court's Qincha fleet, and still enter the Yangtze River normally." ”

"After penetrating two hundred miles into the Yangtze River, you immediately change the flag and change back to the flag of the pirates. Remember, in the name of piracy, you must directly attack the Qing court's Qincha fleet and capture all the Qing court's Qincha missions. ”

"Then, Su Yu's Yangtze River fleet will appear, expel you from the Yangtze River, and save the Qing court's Qincha mission."

"At that time, the Qing court's envoys will become pitiful worms, and the alliance fleet of the seven southern provinces will become the savior."

After hearing this, Count Jurgen trembled and said, "My God? You are so vicious, I can't imagine how the Qing court's mission would react when that moment actually happened. When the emperor of the Qing Kingdom found out, would he be so angry that he vomited blood? ”

Ba Xia said: "Viscount Jurgen, have we made a deal?" ”

Jurgen stretched out his hand and said, "For the good of the Empire." ”

Basha said: "As a nobleman of the empire, of course, you are for the benefit of the empire. ”

Then he held out his hand and shook hands with Count Jurgen.

At this point, a terrible conspiracy has been brewed!

What's even more terrifying is that Su Yu did not participate in the whole conspiracy and poisonous scheme.

Driven by huge interests, countless elites have campaigned for it and exerted their powerful wisdom.

……………………………………

November 1st!

The Qing court's fleet headed south from the port of Tianjin to the mouth of the Yangtze River in Shanghai.

Cabinet University Scholar Guiliang is the head, the military department squire Lang Ling is the deputy, hundreds of officials, more than 3,000 officers and soldiers of the Navy Division.

At the same time, the fleet of the great pirate Count Jurgen was assembled in the open sea and sailed north.

And the ships of the British Empire in Shanghai were refurbished in the port in a very timely manner.

The two flotillas are getting closer.

On 5 November, the two fleets converged on the sea more than 100 miles from Shanghai.

On behalf of the Qing court, Gui Liang ascended to the flagship of Count Jurgen.

"Lord Guiliang, please inspect my fleet, can you still tell that this is a pirate fleet?" Count Jurgen laughed.

I really can't see it.

Two or three thousand mercenaries, all white, dressed in the uniforms of the armies of various countries.

Even this flagship is a large warship that has just been decommissioned by the British Imperial Navy.

Gui Liang said: "From now on, you are the commander of the British and French Combined Navy, Colonel Jurgen. We strongly protest against your illegal industrial investment before the Treaty of Tientsin came into force and before Jiujiang became a treaty port. ”

The great pirate Jurgen said: "I don't know about such a thing. ”

Gui Liang said: "The Qing Dynasty officially invites your commander to join our fleet to go to Jiujiang to investigate and collect evidence, and once it is verified, it will be immediately banned, confiscated, and expelled from your country's businessmen who are doing business illegally in Jiujiang." ”

Jurgen, the great pirate, said: "Of course! ”

The two sides shake hands.

Then, several people used a foreigner's camera to take a record of this scene.

The Qing court made rapid progress, and knew that taking pictures and keeping evidence was used as a political weapon.

Next, Gui Liang issued a declaration of joint investigation in public.

And Count Jurgen also disguised himself as the commander of the coalition army of foreigners, went to the big ship of the Qing court, and read out the instructions for the joint investigation.

Almost all the members of the Qing court's mission were also convinced.

I am full of absolute certainty about this errand.

After the ceremony, the two fleets gathered together and entered the mouth of the Yangtze River.

Kill directly towards Jiujiang!

…………………………

Note: Thirteen thousand five delivered, twenty minutes earlier than yesterday. Do you still have a commuter pass? Can you give me a few?

I'm trying to finish it earlier tomorrow.

(End of chapter)