After a year of rest, the southeast, southwest, and northwest regions have all implemented agrarian revolution. Through spinning, mining, steel, arms and other industries, Shi Dakai has accumulated a certain amount of wealth. The overall number of Taiping troops has increased to more than 2 million. This combat power is one of the best in the world.
In addition, the Taiping Army's shipyards in Guangzhou and Fujian also produced 50 warships, a new navy was successfully established, and a naval academy was established in Guangzhou.
With the current strength of the Taiping Army, the Qing Dynasty no longer has the ability to resist.
The number of troops in the entire northern Green Army is less than 300,000. With such a disparity in the level of advanced weapons, they are like a lamb facing a pack of wolves.
Blue Star In October 1860, the all-out war of unification began.
Shi Dakai arranged a total of four attacks, starting from Xi'an, passing through Taiyuan, Changshan, and then to Beijing. All the way starting from Nanjing, passing through Jinan, Tianjin, and then to Beijing. All the way starting from Wuhan, passing through Kaifeng, Changshan, and then to Beijing. The last navy attacked Yongping, occupied Shanhaiguan, and cut off the Qing army's way out of the customs.
Blue Star In November 1860, Taiyuan's 30,000 Qing Army surrendered and Taiyuan was recovered.
Blue Star In December 1861, the 50,000 Qing Army in Kaifeng was beaten by Maxim and field artillery, and only 10,000 were left, and they retreated to Changshan.
Blue Star In January 1861, 50,000 Qing troops in Jinan abandoned the city and returned to defend Beijing.
At this point, all areas south of the Yellow River were recovered by the Taiping Army.
The Mi Zi Kingdom and the Gaul Kingdom in Tianjin were trembling. Since they experienced the Nanchang Defense War, they now see that the Chinese army has turned around and left. Therefore, they have evacuated Tianjin and showed their goodwill to the Taiping Army.
Blue Star In February 1861, the navy won its first battle and successfully recaptured Yongping.
Blue Star In March 1861, Changshan experienced a month of siege, and the defenders surrendered one after another.
Now there are two options before Emperor Qing. One is to flee to Mongolia, and the other is to surrender and save his life.
Blue Star In April 1861, Taiping troops arrived at the gates of Beijing.
Beijing has a long history. A forceful attack will inevitably cause damage to a large number of cultural relics and ancient buildings. Therefore, the only option is to recover it peacefully.
Zhu Yidian went to negotiate peace as an ambassador.
At this time, there was a lot of discussion in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and the ministers basically tended to surrender.
Zaiyuan: "Your Majesty, the court is besieged on all sides, the people's sentiments have changed, and the situation is critical. If we continue to hold on, not only will we not be able to save the country, but we will also cause the people to suffer more suffering."
Qingdi: "I am the son of destiny, how can I betray the will of heaven and surrender?"
Sushun: "Your Majesty, we are not asking you to surrender, but we hope that you can assess the situation and think for you and the people. Now the forces of all parties are imminent, foreign enemies are pressing the border, and the country's strength is declining. If you do not make wise decisions, the consequences will be unimaginable. .”
Qingdi: "However, I cannot abandon the teachings of my ancestors and submit to others."
Zaiyuan: "Your Majesty, you are the supreme monarch. We are not asking you to surrender to others, but we hope that you will put the well-being of the country and people first and be benevolent. Let us work together to find a peaceful solution."
Sushun: "As the ancients said: "The safety of the country depends on the people. "Your Majesty, your choice will affect the fate of hundreds of millions of people. If we insist on fighting to the end, it will only bring more destruction and casualties, and in the end it will be difficult to save the country."
Qingdi: "Then how should I face surrender? What will the history books write in the future?"
Zaiyuan: "Your Majesty, choosing to surrender to the enemy is not a sign of weakness. It is more based on the actual situation and national interests. Through negotiation and compromise, we may be able to obtain better conditions and reduce the suffering of the people. , protect the foundation of the country.”
Qingdi's determination to stick to it has been shaken a bit.
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhu Yidian stepped into the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
"Our army is an army of benevolence and righteousness. As long as the Qing Dynasty withdraws from the stage of history and contributes to the national construction in the future, we can tell the world and promise not to harm anyone." Zhu Yidian said coldly.
"otherwise…"
"I do!"
Qingdi interrupted Zhu Yidian's words.
This sentence echoed in the Forbidden City.
At this moment, the feudal monarchy completely disappeared on the Chinese mainland.
