Zai Chun is now determined to be tied to the Prime Minister. Now the young emperor has a very clear view of the situation in the Qing Dynasty. Whoever has the gun and money is the real controller. In the past, the bad habit of seeking fame for nothing has long been Just throw it into Nanyang.
It is absolutely impossible to expect the Eight Banners nobles in Beijing to give up their power, which is equivalent to giving up their wealth. That means the conservatives represented by Prince Gong and Yi will definitely seize the new army. The control power also includes the key ministries of the imperial court.
Don't think that they will hand over power if Zai Chun is the emperor. They are used to the bloody chaos in the court and know that they will die after handing over power. How did the eight ministers Gu Ming die in the first place? That was when Xianfeng's coffins were on their way back to the capital, and they were deceived into Beijing.
At that time, Yi had already controlled all the garrison in the capital, and the troops under the orders of the eight ministers were behind to protect Xianfeng's coffin. It was too late to save his master.
Yi Cixi and the others were killed with great joy, and the group of ministers who had been left behind by Emperor Xianfeng were wiped out. This group of people relied on killing and fighting to reach the top of power, which was not the way of gentle gentlemen.
There are only two options for Zaichun to choose from the future. One is to honestly accept the control of these people and become a puppet emperor. This is certainly not what he wants.
The second way is to fight tit for tat. Power must be snatched. Peaceful handover is just a pipe dream!
The new Yulin Army in Fujian must be expanded, but expanding the scale requires money. In this Qing Dynasty, except for the master who can provide him with military funds, no one else can count on it.
Now, let alone flattering his master, Zai Chun is willing to even wash his feet!
Seeing through but not telling the truth, everyone is smart, including Xiang Ying, who only mocked a few words in his heart, but still looked inexplicably grateful on the outside. It is already a great kindness for the majestic emperor of the Qing Dynasty to put down his arrogance and offer incense to a bad old man from a Shanxi merchant family, and finally give him a blessing.
The whole worship ceremony was very brief, and the worship supplies were quickly taken away. Wang Huaiyuan looked at the telegram below and suddenly smiled, "It's really hard to solve this problem of the old shopkeeper. It seems that this matter must be entrusted to His Majesty in the end." Got it!"
After saying this, Wang Huaiyuan reached out and handed the telegram from Fan Jian to Zai Chun. When the little emperor saw Fan Ru's words of loyalty to the empire before his death, his heart trembled heavily.
It seems that the national destiny of the Qing Dynasty is still there, and it seems that the people have not given up on me. This Fan Ru is a relative of the master. As long as he is willing to come to Ryukyu, why not become a high-ranking official? However, he still chose to be loyal to the Qing Dynasty, and his nephews came to the court to serve as officials, loyal ministers! Loyal minister!
Zai Chun was a little excited and rubbed his hands and said, "It's a pity that I still haven't taken charge. If I take charge of these official positions without saying a word, please rest assured, master. Even if this matter can't be done now, I will do it in the future after I take charge. It is destined not to disappoint the old gentleman!"
Xiao Letian smiled faintly and said, "Let's talk about it later!"
Zai Chun looked at the direction of the Zhiyuan and suddenly asked in surprise, "Master, where are we going? Why are we heading north? Aren't we going back to Ryukyu?"
"No, of course we are not going back to Ryukyu. The Zhiyuan has to go all the way north. We are going to meet a guest!"
"Who?" Zai Chun asked doubtfully.
"That's Sir Alley, the British Minister on his way back to his country!"
Ai Liguo, a China expert who had experienced the entire process of the Second Opium War and had been stationed in Beijing, finally reached the age of retirement.
As early as last year, the British Prime Minister conveyed his gratitude for his perfect work and arranged a sinecure for Sir Ai Liguo in Parliament. These were normal procedures. Ai Liguo knew that this was a subtext for his retirement.
There is nothing to miss. Ai Liguo has long wanted to go home. His hair is white. He has dedicated all his efforts to the diplomatic cause of the Empire on which the sun never sets. Now is the time for him to go home and enjoy his happiness, not to mention what he brought out. His successor, Counselor Wade, is also a very good diplomat.
Three days ago, at Tanggu Port, the British merchant ship Thames was about to set sail. The steam hit the whistle and made a whining sound. The huge chimney emitted billowing smoke. The design style of the combination of paddle wheel and sail was exactly the steam of that era. Ship representation.
On the trestle, a group of foreigners with big noses gathered together. They were all friends who came to see Sir Ai Liguo off. The farewell scene was warm and touching.
Weituma hugged his senior and said, "May God bless you, my teacher. Thank you for teaching me these years!"
Ai Liguo patted his back and said, "For the benefit of the empire, move forward bravely! I will do my best to help you. The latest order has been issued. My first stop will be in Shanghai. My second stop will be in Shanghai." The station is stationed in Hong Kong, and I will personally coordinate with the local fleet commanders, hoping that they can understand the importance of this battle!"
"What we are waiting for now is domestic authorization. I am wondering why the prime minister still hasn't given us an order to fight?"
Witoma frowned and he was a little confused about what was happening in the country. It is said that this sneak attack plan will be of great benefit to the UK without any harm! Why hasn't there been a response for so long?
"Yes! Benjamin Xiang is obviously a very powerful person, and he has always had a bad impression of Xiao Letian. He can clearly see the threat posed by Xiao Letian after his rise, but why hasn't he given us authorization until now? make?"
Starting a war is not a trivial matter. Unless they are plenipotentiary envoys authorized by the Prime Minister or the Queen, other diplomats do not have the power to use military force, especially the Royal Navy, the pride of the Empire on which the sun never sets.
During the British Empire's overseas expansion, governors and ambassadors in various places did have the opportunity to mobilize troops to quell riots or attack enemies as appropriate. However, such privileges were mostly focused on the use of the army. Once the Royal Navy needed to be used, it was not so Simple.
The military plan to attack the Zhiyuan had already arrived in London, and they thought they would get the Prime Minister's authorization quickly. However, until now, they haven't seen even a trace of it, and a strange feeling came to the two of them.
"No matter what, as long as there is no clear opposition in the country, then I will risk my life to save my life, and I will forcefully order the navy to attack! I believe that in the face of great right and wrong, the navy will understand my difficulties!"
"For the benefit of the empire!" The two held their hands tightly.
The whistle once again urged the Ambassador to board the ship. The captain of the Thames stepped off the steps and said with a smile, "Mr. Minister, time is running out. Please board the ship. After all, you have to meet the guest on the sea!"
Ai Liguo nodded, "Yes, I am looking forward to this meeting more and more now! Okay, get on the ship! Goodbye friends, goodbye China!"
