A Romantic Detective in the Qing Dynasty [Complete] - 4

Chapter Twenty-Four: Borrowing a Head

Yan'er suddenly became furious: "What, you really want to punish her? She's my favorite general now! Let me tell you, if you want to kill someone, kill me first. Bai Xue won't let you touch a single hair!"

I said: "I won't touch a single hair of Bai Xue, but I will definitely use Bai Xue's head to educate all the soldiers! Let the soldiers know that iron discipline is the guarantee of victory, the necessity for fighting the foreign devils, and the necessity for defeating all enemies!"

Bai Xue stood up and said: "Principal Lin, please don't worry about it. I violated the discipline and made it impossible for you to manage the school anymore. I am willing to let you deal with me, behead me, shoot me, I have no complaints! I have already avenged my parents' great hatred, I will die without regrets!"

I said seriously: "Do you think your revenge was worthwhile?"

Bai Xue said proudly, "Of course it was! I killed my enemy, I killed the corrupt official, and I even brought back so much silver for our military academy. Isn't that great? Principal Long, you should be content with what you got. I'm not a useless piece of trash!"

I took out a piece of paper and threw it on the table, angrily saying, "You can read a few words, right? Look at what's written on it! How many did you kill in total?"

Bai Xue picked up the paper and said proudly, "I killed thirteen people from the bully's family, and twenty-one people in the main hall of Baodi. A total of thirty-three people! It was worth it. Even if I die, it's worth it!"

I said, "Don't say it was worth it yet. Take a look first!"

Bai Xue picked up the paper and slowly read it. I knew that she was a talented woman. She became a platoon leader at the military academy because of her combined literary and martial talents.

Bai Xue's face grew increasingly grim. After reading it, tears streamed down her face. She grabbed the gun and cried out excitedly, "Principal Long, give me some more bullets! I want to go kill those bastards again!"

I shook my head. "Even if I gave you a whole truckload of bullets, how many local tyrants and landlords could you kill by yourself? How many corrupt officials could you kill? For every one you kill, they'll kill ten, a hundred, even more ordinary people. In the blink of an eye, ten, a hundred, even a thousand, ten thousand more tyrants and corrupt officials will appear. Can you kill them all? There are so many corrupt officials and so many tyrants in all of China. Can you kill them all by yourself?" "Is it just a bunch of people? If that's the case, what's the point of running a military academy? You alone are enough!"

Bai Xue burst into tears. "Are we just going to let them arrest and kill people indiscriminately like this? You're the emperor!

Can't you do something about it?" I said with a wry smile, "Don't you know that my title of emperor is just a figurehead? Even if I were an emperor with real power, those who support me sitting on the throne are all tyrants and corrupt officials. Do you think they'd let me kill them so easily? How much power can one person have? If I kill one, a hundred, or ten thousand, what will happen to the corrupt officials and tyrants that hatch from them?" "Won't they still kill and arrest people? I'd probably be killed by them before I even get to kill them!"

Bai Xue said angrily. "So you're saying we should just let them continue like this?"

I said, "Of course not. That's why we established a military academy and formed our own new army. We rely on everyone's strength, on the collective strength, to overthrow this corrupt government and reactionary dynasty, and establish a people's republic where everyone has food to eat, clothes to wear, and jobs, where everyone is equal, respectful, and loving. We'll uproot the breeding ground for those bullies and corrupt officials, and eliminate the system that protects them!"

Bai Xue stared at me with her bright, seemingly understanding eyes and said, "I still don't quite understand, but I know that I can't kill them all by myself; we need everyone's strength! Right?"

I happily replied, "Yes, yes, that's exactly right!"

Bai Xue stepped closer, staring at me with her fiery eyes and said, "Principal Long, I'll listen to you. Tie me up and kill me however you want! But I have one request before I die, and I hope you can grant it! It's just a small request!" Her eyes were full of anticipation, but her face was flushed.

I said, "Go ahead and say it; I promise you!"

She took off her hat, pulled her long braid, tossed her hair, stretched out her hands, and said with love and longing in her eyes, "Principal Long, I want you to hug me and kiss me!"

I was stunned and didn't know what to do.

Tears streamed down her face. "I know you look down on me. I'm just a worthless poor girl, and you're the emperor! But I didn't want you to marry me. I just wanted you to hug me, kiss me, and let me experience being held and kissed by the man I love! I wanted to be a woman, a woman who is loved!"

Yan'er was already sobbing uncontrollably. She pushed me into Bai Xue's arms and said, "Hold me tight, kiss me, let's get passionate!"

Bai Xue was backing away, step by step—I looked at the tears on her pretty face, my heart clenched, and I didn't care about anything else. I rushed over and hugged her tightly, pressing my lips to her delicate lips—the girl suddenly wrapped her arms tightly around my waist, pressing me against her body, opening her small mouth, and taking my tongue into her mouth, clumsily sucking on it—one hand kneaded her small buttocks, while the other hand unconsciously reached for the girl's soft breasts.

When I touched that soft peak through her clothes, the girl froze instantly. I glanced around the room; Yan'er had already disappeared sometime earlier. I knew she was afraid of embarrassing me.

After a long pause, she suddenly unbuttoned her clothes, grabbed my hand, and pulled it inside, pressing it against her breast. Instantly, I was holding one small breast in my hand. The girl let out a soft moan, her lips brushing against mine, gently licking them. I was intoxicated, completely drunk. The hand that had been holding one breast moved to the other, kneading both like dough. The girl hummed intoxicatingly through her nose, her lips tightly pressing against my tongue. I don't know how much time passed before I suddenly sobered up: "What am I doing? Isn't this taking advantage of her? She's a helpless woman!"

I quickly pulled my hand away. I patted her shoulder: "Don't worry, everything will be alright!"

After saying that, I straightened her clothes and called out, "Li Xianglin!"

My new head guard, Li Xianglin, rushed in and saluted: "Principal, you called me?"

I shouted loudly, "Tie Baida up and take her to the execution ground for beheading!"

Li Xianglin was stunned for a moment, reluctantly looking at Baida and then at me. I pulled him aside and whispered a few instructions. He shouted, "Yes, take her to the execution ground for beheading!"

He immediately called in several guards, who tied the girl up tightly.

Bai Xue looked at me with a smile and said, "Long live the Emperor! Baida's life wasn't in vain. He's avenged himself, and his wish has been fulfilled. I'm done!"

Tears welled up in my eyes: "What a good girl! I really shouldn't have deceived her again!"

But I still hardened my heart and helped put a hood over her head, then had the guards drag her to the parade ground.

I convened a school-wide military assembly on the parade ground. I recounted Bai Da's violation of military discipline and then said, "I know that everyone here has a lot of grievances, some from family feuds, some from national hatred. But we should all see that there are too many injustices in this world. If we rely solely on our individual strength to act brute force, you might kill one tyrant Zhang today, and another tyrant Li will appear tomorrow; you might kill one corrupt official Wang today, and another corrupt official Liu will pop up the day after. Can you kill them all? These tyrants and corrupt officials exist because of this corrupt government and backward official system. Can you, one person, overthrow this corrupt government? Can you, this backward system, overthrow this backward system?" "Should we change the political system? No, this government and this system can only be overthrown and smashed by millions of us working together to build a new regime where the people are the masters. Only then can we truly solve the problem. I just received a secret report that because of Bai Da's revenge, the government has arrested more than 300 suspects and killed more than 50 people. He got his revenge, but he implicated many more people! Although Bai Da was a good cadet, a good soldier, and a good platoon leader, he committed such a serious mistake that we have no choice but to punish him according to military law! Therefore, I have decided to sentence Bai Da to death, to be carried out immediately!" As I said this, I shed a few tears.

Upon hearing my words, Zhang Zhidong hurriedly came over and said, "Principal, Bai Da shouldn't have died! Those bastards deserved to die long ago. He was a righteous man who punished evil and promoted good; we can't kill him!"

I said, "We are an iron-willed army, a military academy with iron discipline, not a disorganized mess. If we ignore Bai Da's violations of military discipline, others will follow suit! You have grudges, he has grudges, and everyone makes their own decisions. How can we fight? How can we kill the enemy? I don't want to kill such a good officer either, but discipline won't allow it!" I waved my hand, and Li Xianglin, along with several men, forced Bai Da onto a carriage and drove it out of the military academy gate.

More than ten thousand people were shocked. People shed tears, but no one said anything. Through Bai Da's head, I made them understand the seriousness of discipline!

Then I said, "I also bear some responsibility for this futile incident. I have decided to demote myself by one rank to vice principal, and I will be punished by participating in a month of training with the soldiers. After a month, all the trainees will evaluate whether I am qualified to be principal, and then decide whether to reinstate my principal status. I am the ruler of a country. Although I have not yet assumed full power, my every action and word may affect the happiness and well-being of hundreds of millions of people. I hereby swear to everyone that once I assume full power, I will implement a national policy of enriching the masses, being close to the people, strengthening the country, and resisting foreign enemies, creating a new era." "The way is to build a harmonious family of all people, to make the great China prosperous and strong, with a powerful army, and to thoroughly wipe away the shame of recent years. I must inherit the ambitions of Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han, to glorify China, and to reshape the soul of the Chinese nation. May our Chinese nation forever stand at the pinnacle of the world. If this ambition is not fulfilled,

may Heaven and Earth punish us!" Yan'er suddenly became furious: "What, you really want to punish her? She's my beloved general now! Let me tell you, if you want to kill you, kill me first. Bai Xue won't let you touch a single hair!"

I said: "I won't touch a single hair of Bai Xue, but I will definitely use Bai Xue's head." "Educate all soldiers! Let them know that iron discipline is the guarantee of victory, the necessity for fighting the foreign devils, and the necessity for defeating all enemies!"

Bai Xue stepped forward and said, "Principal Lin, please don't worry about it. I violated the discipline, making it impossible for you to oversee the school anymore. I'm willing to let you deal with me—behead me, shoot me—I have no complaints! I've already avenged my parents' great hatred; I'll die without regrets!"

I said seriously, "Do you think your revenge was good?"

Bai Xue proudly said, "Of course it was! The enemy is dead, the corrupt officials are dead, and they even brought back so much for our military academy! " "Silver, isn't that good enough? Principal Long, I'm content with what I got. I'm not a useless piece of trash!"

I threw a piece of paper on the table and said angrily, "You can read a few words, right? Look at what's written on this! How many did you kill in total?"

Bai Xue proudly said while picking up the paper, "I killed thirteen people from the bully's family, and twenty-one people in the main hall of Baodi. A total of thirty-three people! It was worth it. Even if I died, it was worth it!"

I said, "Don't say it was worth it yet. Take a look first!"

Bai Xue picked up the paper and slowly read it. I knew that she was a talented woman. She became a platoon leader in the military academy because of her combined literary and martial talents.

Bai Xue's face grew increasingly grim. After reading it, tears streamed down her face. She grabbed the gun and cried out excitedly, "Principal Long, give me some more bullets! I want to go kill those bastards again!"

I shook my head. "Even if I gave you a whole truckload of bullets, how many local tyrants and landlords could you kill by yourself? How many corrupt officials could you kill? For every one you kill, they'll kill ten, a hundred, even more ordinary people. In the blink of an eye, ten, a hundred, even a thousand, ten thousand more tyrants and corrupt officials will appear. Can you kill them all? There are so many corrupt officials and so many tyrants in all of China. Can you kill them all by yourself?" "Is it just a bunch of people? If that's the case, what's the point of running a military academy? You alone are enough!"

Bai Xue burst into tears. "Are we just going to let them arrest and kill people indiscriminately like this? You're the emperor!

Can't you do something about it?" I said with a wry smile, "Don't you know that my title of emperor is just a figurehead? Even if I were an emperor with real power, those who support me sitting on the throne are all tyrants and corrupt officials. Do you think they'd let me kill them so easily? How much power can one person have? If I kill one, a hundred, or ten thousand, what will happen to the corrupt officials and tyrants that hatch from them?" "Won't they still kill and arrest people? I'd probably be killed by them before I even get to kill them!"

Bai Xue said angrily. "So you're saying we should just let them continue like this?"

I said, "Of course not. That's why we established a military academy and formed our own new army. We rely on everyone's strength, on the collective strength, to overthrow this corrupt government and reactionary dynasty, and establish a people's republic where everyone has food to eat, clothes to wear, and jobs, where everyone is equal, respectful, and loving. We'll uproot the breeding ground for those bullies and corrupt officials, and eliminate the system that protects them!"

Bai Xue stared at me with her bright, seemingly understanding eyes and said, "I still don't quite understand, but I know that I can't kill them all by myself; we need everyone's strength! Right?"

I happily replied, "Yes, yes, that's exactly right!"

Bai Xue stepped closer, staring at me with her fiery eyes and said, "Principal Long, I'll listen to you. Tie me up and kill me however you want! But I have one request before I die, and I hope you can grant it! It's just a small request!" Her eyes were full of anticipation, but her face was flushed.

I said, "Go ahead and say it; I promise you!"

She took off her hat, pulled her long braid, tossed her hair, stretched out her hands, and said with love and longing in her eyes, "Principal Long, I want you to hug me and kiss me!"

I was stunned and didn't know what to do.

Tears streamed down her face. "I know you look down on me. I'm just a worthless poor girl, and you're the emperor! But I didn't want you to marry me. I just wanted you to hug me, kiss me, and let me experience being held and kissed by the man I love! I wanted to be a woman, a woman who is loved!"

Yan'er was already sobbing uncontrollably. She pushed me into Bai Xue's arms and said, "Hold me tight, kiss me, let's get passionate!"

Bai Xue was backing away, step by step—I looked at the tears on her pretty face, my heart clenched, and I didn't care about anything else. I rushed over and hugged her tightly, pressing my lips to her delicate lips—the girl suddenly wrapped her arms tightly around my waist, pressing me against her body, opening her small mouth, and taking my tongue into her mouth, clumsily sucking on it—one hand kneaded her small buttocks, while the other hand unconsciously reached for the girl's soft breasts.

When I touched that soft peak through her clothes, the girl froze. I looked around the room and saw that Yan'er had already disappeared. I knew she was afraid of embarrassing me.

The girl froze for a moment, then suddenly reached out and unbuttoned her clothes, grabbing my large hand and pulling it inside, pressing it against her breast. Instantly, my hand was squeezing one of her small breasts. The girl let out a soft moan, her small mouth bringing it close to mine, gently licking my lips—I was drunk, completely drunk. That hand that had been squeezing one breast moved to the other, kneading both like dough. The girl hummed intoxicating sounds through her nostrils, her lips tightly pressing against my tongue—I don't know how much time passed before I suddenly sobered up: "What am I doing? Isn't this taking advantage of her? She's a helpless woman!"

I quickly pulled my hand away. I patted her shoulder: "Don't worry, everything will be alright!"

After saying that, I straightened her clothes and called out, "Li Xianglin!"

My new head guard, Li Xianglin, rushed in and saluted: "Principal, you called me?"

I shouted loudly, "Tie Baida up and take her to the execution ground for beheading!"

Li Xianglin was stunned for a moment, reluctantly looking at Baida and then at me. I pulled him aside and whispered a few instructions. He shouted, "Yes, take her to the execution ground for beheading!"

He immediately called in several guards, who tied the girl up tightly.

Bai Xue looked at me with a smile and said, "Long live the Emperor! Baida's life wasn't in vain. He's avenged himself, and his wish has been fulfilled. I'm done!"

Tears welled up in my eyes: "What a good girl! I really shouldn't have deceived her again!"

But I still hardened my heart and helped put a hood over her head, then had the guards drag her to the parade ground.

I convened a school-wide military assembly on the parade ground. I recounted Bai Da's violation of military discipline and then said, "I know that everyone here has a lot of grievances, some from family feuds, some from national hatred. But we should all see that there are too many injustices in this world. If we rely solely on our individual strength to act brute force, you might kill one tyrant Zhang today, and another tyrant Li will appear tomorrow; you might kill one corrupt official Wang today, and another corrupt official Liu will pop up the day after. Can you kill them all? These tyrants and corrupt officials exist because of this corrupt government and backward official system. Can you, one person, overthrow this corrupt government? Can you, this backward system, overthrow this backward system?" "Should we change the political system? No, this government and this system can only be overthrown and smashed by millions of us working together to build a new regime where the people are the masters. Only then can we truly solve the problem. I just received a secret report that because of Bai Da's revenge, the government has arrested more than 300 suspects and killed more than 50 people. He got his revenge, but he implicated many more people! Although Bai Da was a good cadet, a good soldier, and a good platoon leader, he committed such a serious mistake that we have no choice but to punish him according to military law! Therefore, I have decided to sentence Bai Da to death, to be carried out immediately!" As I said this, I shed a few tears.

Upon hearing my words, Zhang Zhidong hurriedly came over and said, "Principal, Bai Da shouldn't have died! Those bastards deserved to die long ago. He was a righteous man who punished evil and promoted good; we can't kill him!"

I said, "We are an iron-willed army, a military academy with iron discipline, not a disorganized mess. If we ignore Bai Da's violations of military discipline, others will follow suit! You have grudges, he has grudges, and everyone makes their own decisions. How can we fight? How can we kill the enemy? I don't want to kill such a good officer either, but discipline won't allow it!" I waved my hand, and Li Xianglin, along with several men, forced Bai Da onto a carriage and drove it out of the military academy gate.

More than ten thousand people were shocked. People shed tears, but no one said anything. Through Bai Da's head, I made them understand the seriousness of discipline!

Then I said, "I also bear some responsibility for this futile incident. I have decided to demote myself by one rank to vice principal, and I will be punished by participating in a month of training with the soldiers. After a month, all the trainees will evaluate whether I am qualified to be principal, and then decide whether to reinstate my principal status. I am the ruler of a country. Although I have not yet assumed full power, my every action and word may affect the happiness and well-being of hundreds of millions of people. I hereby swear to everyone that once I assume full power, I will implement a national policy of enriching the masses, being close to the people, strengthening the country, and resisting foreign enemies. I will establish groundbreaking laws, build a harmonious family for all people, and make the great China prosperous, strong, and militarily powerful." "Completely wipe away the shame of recent years for China. I must inherit the ambitions of Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han, glorify China, and reshape the soul of the Chinese nation. May our Chinese nation forever stand at the pinnacle of the world. If this ambition is not fulfilled, may Heaven and Earth punish us!"

Chapter Twenty-Five: Zhen'er's Exploration.

As soon as I finished speaking, Weng Tonghe knelt on the ground: "Your subject is willing to remember the school rules, follow His Majesty one after another, and realize the dream of China's rise. If I am not true to my word, may Heaven and Earth punish me!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Zhidong, Fei'er (Yan'er had already followed the guards, weeping and taking Bai Da away), Long'an, Zuo Baogui, Wei Rugui, Sheng Yu, Xi Jun, Anping Jun, and more than ten thousand soldiers knelt down and, following Weng Tonghe's words, took an oath.

I taught everyone the song "The Three Main Rules of Discipline and the Eight Points for Attention," and made it the military academy's discipline, requiring everyone to follow it. While teaching, I explained the lyrics; the majestic song and popular content were quickly accepted by everyone. Then I taught everyone the military song of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, stipulating that this would be the military song of the Iron Army of China. Immediately, two songs filled the campus.

Haha, 20th-century military songs would be incredibly cool today!

Using Bai Du's head as bait, I reorganized the army and enforced strict discipline. The soldiers' training became even more rigorous. I kept my promise and trained alongside the soldiers, crawling, rolling, and fighting until dark before returning home, only to be pinned down on the bed by my two young wives who were giving me a good pinching! While pinching, they kept saying, "Serves you right for tricking us again!"

I knew they were upset because I had lied to them about Bai Xue's secret affair, but if I hadn't lied, would they have been so insistent on persuading me? Would they have been so anxious? Would they have been crying so bitterly? Without their cooperation in the charade, my whole scheme to reorganize the army using Bai Du's head would have been a complete disaster. Now I deliberately screamed like a banshee, "Help! The tigress is throwing a tantrum!"

I kept wailing, but suddenly I saw an extremely beautiful woman standing beside me, smiling at me. She wore a light pink gauze dress that accentuated her slender, curvaceous waist. Beneath her high-piled hair were delicate, arched eyebrows, large, sparkling eyes, a small, jade-like nose, and tightly pursed lips, all radiating sunshine.

Damn it, what's with this onlooker? I've really made a fool of myself! I quickly sat up straight and said seriously, "Alright, I have official business to attend to!" I turned to the beautiful woman and asked, "Which family's princess is she—"

Yan'er tugged my ear: "You've already forgotten? She's Bai Xue, the director of my Beijing Ordnance Depot! Did you just borrow her head for free? Hug her for free? How could you forget so quickly?"

Oh, Bai Xue? Wow, my fourth wife? Ha, she's so beautiful in women's clothing! I've really struck gold! I, Long Xiangyu, am truly blessed with incredible luck in love!

Suddenly, a chill ran through me. Looking at her attire, I hurriedly asked, "What? Does she have a husband?"

Fei'er immediately said, "How could such a beautiful girl not have a husband? But I've asked her for so long, and she still won't say which family. Honestly, she even keeps it a secret from her older sister!"

Yan'er glared at me fiercely, making my scalp tingle!

Oh my god, I played with a married man and accidentally became the other woman. My heart aches with bitterness!

Bai Xue just looked at me, her face still smiling, but her eyes seemed to be brimming with tears. I was shocked: "Could she be referring to me? She said back then that she wanted to experience being held and kissed by the man she loved! She also said that her wish had been fulfilled, and she definitely didn't have another man, but she was afraid of marrying above her station, so she would wait for me for the rest of her life. What should I do?" Looking at her like that, my heart was breaking! What should I do? Of course, I have to make her mine! I have to make her leap over the dragon gate! But judging from the way my two young wives are acting, I need to be careful. I don't want to end up picking one and losing the other two!

Seeing my expression, Fei'er asked curiously, "Honey, what's wrong?"

I quickly changed the subject, saying, "Where's Consort Zhen? Why didn't she come?"

Fei'er hurriedly ran out, and a moment later, Consort Zhen, her clothes disheveled but beaming with joy, came running back.

Upon seeing me, Consort Zhen was about to kneel again, but Fei'er grabbed her, saying, "Didn't you say, husband? It's just the few of us, no need for all that formality, it's troublesome and awkward! Come, tell your husband what you found!"

I smiled and asked, "Little Zhenzhen, did you find a gold ingot?"

Consort Zhen was taken aback, "Huh? How did you know?"

Her words surprised me, who had stumbled upon this, and she pulled me away. We arrived at Yanxi Hall, and upon entering, she locked the door and whispered, "Come, lift this bed!"

We lifted the bed away, and she squatted on the ground, feeling around for a while. Slowly, a small door appeared in the ground. Holding a candle, she said, "Come on, let's go in and take a look!"

I looked inside; the small door led to a large hole with steps leading down.

She took the candle and walked into the cave. We lit a few more candles and followed her. Finally, Bai Xue was left standing there, unsure what to do. I grabbed her hand and said, "Come on, don't act like an outsider!" I then took her hand and led her into the cave.

Bai Xue trembled slightly, but obediently followed behind me, sometimes pressing her body against mine. I knew I was right; she already considered me her lover!

We walked a short distance through the tunnel and turned into a small house. Zhen'er opened the door and said, "Come in. This is one of Andehai's secret warehouses. I don't know why he built it in the room where his concubines used to visit him."

We entered the room and were immediately stunned. There were several rows of jade shelves in front, filled with priceless jewels and jade artifacts.

Beneath the jewel shelves lay three large chests side by side. Consort Zhen opened them and found them overflowing with gold and silver. In a drawer on a table, she also discovered a large stack of silver notes. The total value of the gold, silver, and notes was a staggering twelve million taels of silver, not including the precious jewels and jade artifacts.

Looking at these things, I was filled with emotion: "The court's annual tax revenue is only sixty million taels, yet he embezzled so much, and this is only a portion of it! How can such a court not be destroyed? It's an injustice that the Qing Dynasty hasn't fallen!"

An Dehai, a native of Qing County, Hebei, was tempted by wealth and power, and castrated himself to become a eunuch. He was cunning, resourceful, and adept at political maneuvering. He gained favor with Empress Dowager Cixi by luring Emperor Xianfeng into her lap, and was sent by Cixi to the capital to cultivate relationships with officials outside the capital. At that time, Empress Dowager Cixi and Empress Dowager Ci'an were ruling from behind the curtain, engaged in open and covert power struggles. Cixi instructed An Dehai to leave quietly and return secretly.

However, An Dehai, accustomed to arrogance, ordered the dragon flag to be raised on the ship a few days after leaving the capital, making a grand display and causing officials along the way to rush to greet him and offer bribes, creating chaos wherever he went. When the ship entered Dezhou, Shandong, the prefect of Dezhou went to greet him and presented him with 200 taels of silver. An Dehai complained that it was too little and demanded 5,000 taels within three days.

The prefect of Dezhou was at a loss, but suddenly thought of his superior, the Shandong governor Ding Baozhen. This man was incorruptible and courageous. He immediately went to Jinan to plead his case with Governor Ding. Governor Ding asked the prefect if he had seen the imperial edict. The prefect said he hadn't. "Good!" Governor Ding clapped his hands and ordered the prefect of Dezhou to immediately return and arrest An Dehai and his entourage. The prefect was startled: "My lord, isn't this like provoking a powerful figure?" Ding Baozhen laughed heartily: "I will take full responsibility." The prefect of Dezhou obeyed.

It turns out that the Qing court had a long-standing rule: "Eunuchs are not allowed to leave the capital by more than forty li (approximately 20 kilometers) without permission; violators will be executed on the spot by local officials." Ding Baozhen seized upon this rule to punish the arrogant eunuch. He immediately dispatched a trusted confidant to the capital to deliver a memorial to the Empress Dowager Cixi. Soon after, the Empress Dowager's edict arrived: ordering Ding Baozhen to execute An Dehai on the spot. At that moment, a voice suddenly announced, "The Empress Dowager Cixi's edict has arrived!" An Dehai was overjoyed. He jumped up from the ground and said, "Ding, let's see how you get out of this!" Unexpectedly, Ding Baozhen loudly ordered, "Receive the edict at the front gate, behead him at the back gate!" Sure enough, the Empress Dowager Cixi ordered An Dehai to be escorted back to the capital immediately. However, by then, An Dehai had already been beheaded.

I already knew this story of Ding Baozhen's clever scheme to kill the corrupt eunuch, but I never expected that his sudden death would bring me a large sum of money!

Looking at the gold and silver, I asked Consort Zhen curiously, "How did you discover there's a warehouse here?"

"Ever since I moved in, I've smelled a strong odor of gold and silver here. It's been keeping me up at night, so I've been secretly searching for it. Who knew I'd finally found it today!" Consort Zhen said calmly, leaving us all speechless.

I smiled and said, "Alright, since you found it, you're in charge of this silver. Don't let anyone else know about this warehouse; consider it our secret storehouse!" As I spoke, I handed her the silver notes I'd received from Li Lianying last time: "Zhen'er, from now on you'll be my Grand Steward. We'll use this money to conquer the country and build an army!"

"Why would he build a warehouse here?" Yan'er asked.

I said, "This is his cunning place. Outsiders can't enter this room, and even the concubines only stay here for a short while when they visit. But he can come in anytime, so of course he thinks this is the safest place!"

After we came out, we moved the bed back to its original place. I said to Bai Xue, "You can stay in this room and keep an eye on this storeroom for me!" Bai Xue blushed, nodded, and stayed in the room.

Another night of passion ensued. The next morning, Xiao Fuzi rushed over, saying, "Empress Dowager Cixi wanted to increase the Imperial Household Department's budget by 1.8 million taels, but the Minister of Revenue, Yan Jingming, rejected it. The Empress Dowager wants him to retire with his original rank. Weng Tonghe sent someone to tell you that you must find a way to protect him!"

Chapter Twenty-Six: Palace Intrigue.

It turned out that Li Lianying was repairing his residence outside Huanghua Gate, modeled after a prince's mansion. Upon entering through the main gate, a path led directly to the main hall. The inner rooms were even more magnificent, with carved beams and painted rafters, resplendent in gold. The artificial hills, corridors, waterside pavilions, and flowerbeds in the courtyard were all innovative and unique. However, during the repairs, his treasury was robbed, leaving him short of funds. He wanted to withdraw some more silver from the Imperial Household Department. Unfortunately, the Imperial Household Department's silver was being spent like water, leaving little remaining. Besides, the money saved would be his own anyway, so there was no need to cut corners from his own pocket. He used the excuse of repairing the Beihai Garden to discuss with Empress Dowager Cixi instructing the Ministry of Revenue to increase the annual budget for the Imperial Palace by 1.8 million taels.

Empress Dowager Cixi then summoned Yan Jingming, the Minister of Revenue, and ordered him to increase the allocation for the Imperial Palace. Yan Jingming reported, "The Ministry of Revenue's treasury is running low lately. Moreover, the Empress Dowager has entrusted the Emperor with the management of the Navy, demanding its revitalization. It seems a large sum is necessary. Currently, the Ministry's annual surplus is less than ten million taels, barely enough to cover current expenses. Beihai Park is a place the Empress Dowager frequents, and annual repairs should be planned. However, I propose that we submit the funds only after a substantial sum has been raised!"

Yan Jingming, courtesy name Danchu, was a senior official, known for his integrity, but also for his stubbornness. When Cixi summoned him, she addressed him as "Old Dan," showing him exceptional courtesy. Unexpectedly, she was rebuffed this time and said unhappily, "I do not readily allocate funds, and I know it is difficult for you, my dear minister. However, you must consider this matter carefully. I will not say more!"

Yan Jingming returned to his office and immediately convened a meeting with the Manchu and Han officials.

Yan Jingming strongly advocated for rejection, but the others disagreed, arguing that if the Empress Dowager were angered, she would be reprimanded at best, and dismissed at worst, which was not worthwhile.

Yan Jingming said, "Even the biggest disaster is the individual's fault. If the national treasury is squandered like this, the collapse of the country will be the real disaster. I, as the brother in charge of finances, cannot remain silent on this matter. If you gentlemen are worried about any instability, I will submit a memorial on my own!"

Everyone remained silent after hearing Yan Jingming's words. As expected, Dan Weng submitted a memorial on his own, rejecting all requests from the Imperial Works Department.

Empress Dowager Cixi, finding herself in a difficult position, didn't say anything to my face. However, when I paid my respects, she threw Yan Jingming's memorial at me, saying, "Do you think the Emperor can say whatever he wants? Look at this Dan Weng, he's so stubborn. He insists on his word to the very end. How can we not let such a person retire?"

I took the memorial, glanced at it, and said with a smile, "Excellent! People say that wise rulers are strong-willed, and it's truly rare for the Empress Dowager to be so strong-willed! I think we shouldn't let him retire; instead, we should greatly commend his loyalty to the country! This would show the Empress Dowager's humility and love for talent! This is the behavior of a wise and virtuous ruler!"

Cixi shook her head and said, "Isn't it just 1.8 million taels? Even if the Ministry of Revenue of the Great Qing Dynasty is poor, it shouldn't be unable to come up with that much silver! I think he's deliberately trying to provoke me!"

I said, "It's certainly not difficult for the Ministry of Revenue of the Great Qing Dynasty to come up with that much silver, but the country is so big, and there are so many places to spend money. If you spend a little more here and a little more there, it adds up to quite a lot." "That's a huge amount!"

Empress Dowager Cixi said discontentedly, "But I gave the order!"

I laughed, "Your Majesty's word is law. Since you've spoken, of course we should obey! But what expenditures, big or small, in our dynasty aren't spent based on Your Majesty's word? This was approved by Your Majesty, that was approved by Your Majesty, how can you expect him to decide? He can only allocate funds for expenses that are absolutely necessary!"

That ignorant Li Lianying interjected from the side, "These past few days, I've heard a nursery rhyme that says if you want to eat, go to the Ministry of Personnel; if you want to wear clothes, go to the Ministry of Revenue; if you want to drink water, go to the Ministry of Works; if you can do evil, go to the Ministry of Justice; if you want to starve, choose the Ministry of Rites. It's clear that there's a lot of corruption in the Ministry of Revenue! Is it because they've embezzled all the money and can't get it out?"

I ignored him. He simply said to Empress Dowager Cixi, "In my opinion, Yan Jingming is a truly honest official. Your Majesty, his robes are all old and tattered; I think he has no income other than his official salary!"

Li Lianying immediately retorted, "In this servant's view, Yan Jingming is a minister who deceives the emperor. Your Majesty, think about it, no matter how poor the Ministry of Revenue is, it can't be unable to pay salaries, can it? Even if he, a minister, is poor, he can't be unable to afford a new robe, can he? If the Minister of Revenue is so poor that he can't afford a robe, then the Minister of Rites must be so poor that he'd hang himself!"

As soon as he finished speaking, I slammed my hand on the table and roared, "Li Lianying, you audacious servant! Do you, a eunuch, want to participate in politics? Are you tired of living? Guards, drag him out and beat him with sticks!" "Die!"

The guards I brought immediately rushed forward, dragged him away, and Li Lianying cried out in alarm, "Your Majesty, save this servant! This servant only spoke the truth!"

I scolded, "You worthless wretch, do you even have a place to speak here? Don't you know who you are? No wonder people outside call you 'Nine Thousand Years Old,' saying you sell official positions, collude with outside officials, form cliques, and raise assassins. So you really do want to seize power! What use is such a servant? Do you want to hand over the Qing Dynasty to him? Quick, take him away! What, even the Emperor's words don't work? Has no one wanted to depose me yet? Li Lianying has been spreading rumors that the Empress Dowager has already chosen a successor, the Empress Dowager and Ronglu..." "Is it true that the emperor's illegitimate son is going to succeed him? Bring that person out so everyone can see if he has the head to be emperor! I don't believe my Empress Dowager is a woman of loose morals in the palace!"

Cixi hurriedly said, "How can you believe such nonsense! Forget it, it's all my fault for spoiling him. I often ask him a few questions about big or small matters, and that's how he developed this bad habit. Get out of here now! From now on, when I'm talking to the emperor, don't interrupt!"

I wouldn't let him off the hook: "I can't let him off the hook. I've recently heard a folk song that says the emperor is poor and borrows money, the Grand Eunuch is rich and lends money, the Empress Dowager has no money to build a garden, and the Grand Eunuch is building houses everywhere! This is what it means..." "It's him! I heard he recently bought a house outside Huanghua Gate and is lavishly renovating it to meet the standards of a prince, spending all of it from the Imperial Household Department's silver. Is this 1.8 million taels for another house? Is he going to keep a mistress here? Are you still so wicked? Do you need a complete overhaul? He was the one who kidnapped my Consort Zhen! What use is such a servant? Am I to keep him around to disrupt my palace and ruin my empire? Now he wants to harm a pillar of the Qing Dynasty; tomorrow he'll be plotting to seize power! Keeping him around is a disaster! Drag him away and beat him to death! Confiscate his property and see if he's pocketed all the money from the Imperial Palace!"

My guards... The servant dragged Li Lianying away, who cried and screamed in terror, "Your Majesty, save me! I, Li Lianying, am utterly loyal!"

Cixi waved her hand, "Let him go. He meant well for me; don't make things difficult for him!" I reluctantly waved my hand and said, "Since Your Majesty is showing mercy, let this servant go this time. But the Grand Eunuch cannot be allowed to continue his illicit activities. The accounts he handles must be investigated by the Ministry of Revenue. We cannot let him ruin Your Majesty's empire! We cannot let him pocket Your Majesty's money! We cannot let him tarnish Your Majesty's reputation!" Then I shouted, "Qi Defu, immediately take the Grand Eunuch away and cooperate with Minister Yan of the Ministry of Revenue!" "Investigate all the accounts and items related to Li Lianying during his tenure!"

Xiao Fuzi hurriedly knelt down and said, "This servant accepts the decree!"

Cixi hurriedly said, "Wait, let the position of Grand Eunuch remain vacant for now. Xiao Fuzi should stay by your side; you can't do without him! As for Chief Eunuch Li, I think he has no regard for our Great Qing—"

I stood up and said, "Since Your Majesty is so kind and compassionate that you cannot bear to punish this servant, then I, your son, shall dare to disobey your order today and simply execute him to prevent future troubles!" As I spoke, I took a gun from a guard, pulled back the bolt, and Li Lianying hurriedly kowtowed, "Your Majesty, please dismiss this servant from his position as chief eunuch. This servant is willing to return home! This servant can no longer serve Your Majesty!" As he spoke, he even squeezed out a few drops of cat urine.

Empress Dowager Cixi: "Alright, alright, dismiss him as Grand Eunuch and let Xiao Fuzi fill the vacancy. He can take over tomorrow. I'll also send another Grand Eunuch for my son. We'll hand over the reins in a bit. Li Lianying can stay by my side!"

I still harbored resentment and said, "My son, watch out! If there's any change in Minister Yan of the Ministry of Revenue, it's definitely this servant's doing. I'll kill him immediately to prevent him from causing chaos in our Great Qing!"

Back home, Xiao Fuzi and I were laughing so hard we were doubled over. Just as we were laughing heartily, a message came from outside that Yan Jingming was waiting to see me.

I was shocked. Did he know I had protected him? His information network was too good. Even such an honest official was colluding with the Grand Eunuch; how could others be any better? No wonder people say that the officials of the Great Qing are all in cahoots; it's truly true!

I had someone lead him to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, and I straightened my clothes and went over.

Upon entering the Hall of Mental Cultivation, I saw an elderly minister with a white beard kneeling on the ground. I quickly went forward to help him up, saying, "Elder Dan, please get up. Elder Dan, what brings you here so late at night?"

I helped him sit in a chair, and he said, "Jingming has something to ask His Majesty. Recently, Weng Tonghe and Lord Weng came to see me, saying that all the fleets of the navy need to install new communication equipment, which will cost 1.2 million taels of silver. I wonder if this is feasible?"

I was so angry that I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I said, "It must be installed. After it is installed, communication, movement, and coordination between the ships will be much more convenient! Now we rely on hand flags for communication, which are not visible at a distance and are also easily exposed to the other side, making command inconvenient!"

"Then can we use the Navy's savings?" he continued to ramble.

I shook my head and said, "No, that money has already been allocated to purchase equipment and build warships. The Qing fleet is already quite outdated. If we don't strengthen it, we will become slaves of the Japanese!"

He also shook his head and said, "But I heard Lord Li Hongzhang say, 'Considering the overall naval preparedness, the gateway to the Bohai Sea is already firmly established.' This doesn't seem like what His Majesty said."

Chapter Twenty-Seven: An Undercover Visit to Tianjin

I immediately laughed and said, "Haven't you experienced Li Hongzhang's false reporting and misappropriation? How can you believe his words? Our ships are only 14.5 knots fast now, while the Japanese warships are already... " "At 24 and 26 knots, our warships' guns are all breech-loading, with a slow rate of fire. The Japanese warships have already converted their guns to rapid-fire guns. If a Japanese warship fires six shots, our warships can only return fire once. Do you think we still have an advantage? Moreover, the Japanese have recently launched a shipbuilding boom, building five or six new ironclad warships every year. Doesn't this give them an edge over us again? Where is his supposedly unshakeable advantage?"

He wiped the sweat from his face and said, "Your Majesty, I understand. I am fortunate to have come to Your Majesty today to inquire, lest I have jeopardized the important military and national affairs of our Great Qing!"

I was also taken aback: "Old Master Dan, didn't you come here for what I discussed with the Empress Dowager today?"

He was also taken aback: "What you said to the Empress Dowager? I don't understand, I don't want to hear, and I don't want to know His Majesty's whereabouts. I am in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, and I am only here to safeguard the Qing Dynasty's treasury! It has nothing to do with me!"

I secretly marveled: "What a fine example of safeguarding the Qing Dynasty's treasury! His loyalty is admirable, but it's a pity that he's working for a corrupt government! How pathetic!"

After seeing Yan Jingming off, I instructed Xiao Fuzi on the matters to be careful about during the handover, and asked Consort Zhen to oversee the matter at home. I, Yan'er, Fei'er, Bai Xue, and Li Xianglin disguised ourselves as servants and rode with Zhang Zhidong to Tianjin.

Zhang Zhidong was quite infuriating. When I asked him to act as my master, he initially refused outright. Only after I gave him a firm order did he reluctantly agree, but he remained very reserved, frequently uttering the term "your subject." I was so angry that I kicked him a few times, but surprisingly, these kicks cured him. He happily said, "Your Majesty hasn't treated me like an outsider, so how can I treat Your Majesty like an outsider?"

Tianjin, in ancient times, was an ocean. During the Warring States period, it was inhabited by scattered people. The Han and Sui dynasties dug canals here, gradually making it an important location. During the Song and Liao dynasties, it was the front line. The Jin and Yuan dynasties called it Zhigu. The Ming dynasty established Haijin Town, later renamed Tianjin to commemorate Emperor Yongle's seizure of power, and a city was built, establishing Tianjin Wei. During the Qing dynasty, it was the seat of a directly governed prefecture. Tianjin was an important gateway to Beijing, the capital, and a major garrison of the Beiyang Army.

Zhang Zhidong already knew that Yan'er and Fei'er were women, and that they were my beloved wives. Seeing Bai Xue accompanying them today, he also knew they were women, but he didn't understand their identities and hadn't initially recognized her as Bai Da. Only after Yan'er introduced her as Bai Xue did he suddenly realize, saying, "No wonder the principal spoke of killing right away! I was secretly blaming him for being too ruthless, but it turns out he's using a decoy! What is Bai Xue doing now? It's such a pity that such talent is being wasted!"

Fei'er said, "She's now both the Emperor's bodyguard and the director of Yan'er's armory; she can't stay idle!"

Our group of six each carried two guns, one short and one long. The long guns were packed in our luggage, and the short guns were tucked into our belts. Coupled with our six men's exceptional martial arts skills, we weren't afraid of most people.

The six of us chatted and laughed, and after most of the day, we arrived in Tianjin.

Led by Zhang Zhidong, we made our way through a maze of twists and turns to Qingchun Garden on the banks of the Haihe River. Zhang Zhidong said, "Let's stay here first, then we need to meet some people!"

We asked for two suites. Zhang Zhidong, as the host, naturally stayed in one suite, while Li Xianglin stayed in the outer room, essentially as his bodyguard. I shared a suite with three women. Bai Xue stayed in the outer room, while Yan'er, Fei'er, and I naturally stayed in the inner room. However, I always felt a bit guilty and affectionate towards Bai Xue. After

putting our things away, the six of us, carrying only pistols and dressed in civilian clothes, stepped onto the streets of Tianjin.

In recent years, due to foreign troops forcing open China's doors, Tianjin had become a commercial port. Merchants from various countries traveled here, and many foreign goods were transshipped from here to the interior, making it a relatively prosperous place. The streets were bustling with people, and the cries of vendors filled the air.

Upon arriving at the market street in Tianjin, Zhang Zhidong said, "There are four officers from the Governor-General's office waiting for us here. To avoid any unforeseen circumstances, should His Majesty excuse himself?"

"That's not good," Zhang Zhidong replied. "If you doubt someone, don't use them; if you use someone, don't doubt them. Come on, let's talk together. Of course, you are the host, I am the advisor, and they are the guards!"

With that, we entered a restaurant called Hexingyuan. As

soon as we entered, a waiter came over and asked, "Has Governor Zhang of Shanxi arrived?"

I stepped forward and said, "Indeed, have the four gentlemen arrived?"

The waiter said, "They have been waiting here for a long time, in the Chrysanthemum Appreciation Hall on the second floor, awaiting Governor Zhang's arrival!"

He then led us upstairs.

As soon as he reached the second floor, four men dressed as officials, around thirty-four or thirty-five years old, emerged from a private room. Upon seeing Zhang Zhidong, they all clasped their hands and said, "Lord Zhang, your presence in Tianjin is a great honor! We are extremely excited. Would you be so kind as to stay a few more days, allowing us to hear your insightful words?"

Zhang Zhidong replied, "As you may know, I am currently serving His Majesty and rarely have the opportunity to leave. I have met a few friends here, but I must return shortly, so I cannot stay for long!"

A man with a purplish-red face said, "What a pity! We are unfortunate to have such a distinguished scholar as you are here, yet we have no chance to speak freely with you. It is truly regrettable!"

Zhang Zhidong said, "You flatter me. I have not yet met His Majesty... " Before the age of 18, I dared to speak of courage, but after meeting His Majesty the present, I feel utterly ignorant and ill-informed. How dare I speak recklessly again!

Everyone was taken aback. A young man with a sallow face led them into the Chrysanthemum Appreciation Hall, saying, "A Manchu dares to speak of courage? Is Your Excellency perhaps afraid of His Majesty's imperial power?"

Zhang Zhidong said with trepidation, "Not at all. His Majesty the present is exceptionally talented. He is not only knowledgeable about the past and present, and understands the policies of the military and the nation, but also compassionate towards the people, cares about their suffering, loves the soldiers and ordinary people, has the determination to eliminate treacherous officials, and is determined to resist foreign invaders and humiliate China. He is truly a rare and wise ruler!"

After entering the room, everyone took their seats according to their rank and continued their conversation while drinking tea.

A pale-faced young man said, "Sir, are you really going to grovel and serve the Manchus?"

Zhang Zhidong replied, "That's a mistake. In ancient times, China only existed in what are now Henan and Shanxi. Everything else was considered foreign. Even Confucius from Shandong and Qu Yuan from Chu were considered foreigners. Later, as China expanded southward, the people of Sichuan and Guizhou became foreigners! Liaodong and Manchuria have long been our territory, so the Manchus are naturally Chinese. If we consider ancient times, aren't we also considered foreigners? A true man should have a broad mind. How can we treat our own compatriots as enemies, killing and fighting them, giving foreign barbarians an opportunity to take advantage? We must join hands to revitalize our..." "The support of China has deterred foreign devils from bullying us again. Although the current emperor is Manchu, he intends to take charge of the country and strengthen it from the mess left by the Empress Dowager Cixi, and wants to mobilize the people to resist foreign invaders. This is also for our country, and we should naturally do our best to help. After all, the nation comes before the people."

These words left the four men speechless. Just then, the waiter began serving the food and wine. A dark-faced man said, "Alright, since we're here to welcome Lord Zhang, and we're at the Chrysanthemum Appreciation Pavilion, let's compose poems about chrysanthemums!"

Only then did I notice that countless pots of chrysanthemums were arranged around the room. Although it wasn't September, the owner had deliberately changed the season for the flowers, which was quite ingenious! Looking at the chrysanthemums, they were blooming in profusion, each with its own unique beauty, a feast for the eyes. And their fragrance was intoxicating, refreshing and delightful!

Zhang Zhidong said, "Alright, let's use ancient poems about chrysanthemums as a drinking game. I'll start, and whoever recites a poem will get a drink from everyone. Whoever can't recite one will have to drink a large cup!"

Everyone exclaimed, "Good!"

Zhang Zhidong said, "I'll recite Yuan Zhen's 'Chrysanthemums': 'Autumn clusters surround the house like Tao Yuanming's, encircling the fence as the sun gradually sets. It's not that I particularly love chrysanthemums among flowers, but that after this flower blooms, there are no more flowers.'

Everyone said, 'Good! It perfectly captures the extraordinary nature of the chrysanthemum!' Everyone drank a cup.

When it was the purple-faced man's turn, he said, "I'll recite Tao Yuanming's 'Chrysanthemums': 'Fragrant chrysanthemums bloom in the forest, shining brightly; green pines stand tall on the rocks; cherishing this pure and beautiful form, they stand out as heroes under the frost.'

Everyone said again, 'Good! It captures the integrity of the chrysanthemum!' Everyone drank another cup."

The sallow-faced man said, "I recite Zheng Gu's 'Chrysanthemum': 'Don't compare it to weeds, prince; on the ninth day, its branches are almost like manes. Dew-drenched autumn fragrance fills the pond's banks; it has never envied the tall pine.'

Everyone said, 'Good! It captures the chrysanthemum's unique spirit!' They all drank another cup.

The pale-faced man said, 'I recite Fan Zengda's 'Three Poems on Chrysanthemums After the Double Ninth Festival,' 'Lonely by the eastern fence, wet with dew, its golden face still shines on the mud. Worldly men and women lack lofty sentiments; they only appreciate the flowers of the Double Ninth Festival.'

The dark-faced man said, 'I recite Fan Zengda's 'Three Poems on Chrysanthemums After the Double Ninth Festival,' 'After the climb to the heights, the chrysanthemums are still fresh; drinkers and poets have ceased to know of them. Just like a retired scholar after his carriage has been put down, worldly acquaintances no longer come to his door.'

The swallow said, 'I recite Liu Kezhuang's 'Chrysanthemum': 'Ashamed to be compared with the gaudy spring flowers, it diligently cultivates and awaits the west wind. No need to draw on Tao Yuanming's words; it will simply take a few clumps by the fence.'"

Fei'er said, "I recite Zheng Sixiao's 'Chrysanthemum in Winter,' 'The flower blooms not among a hundred flowers, but stands alone by the sparse fence, its charm profound. It would rather die fragrant on the branch than be blown down by the north wind!'

Bai Xue said, 'I recite Chen Pei's 'Slender Chrysanthemum for a Little Maid,' 'The slender chrysanthemum leans against the steps, the deep eaves make it difficult to receive dew. Do not say its roots are weak, for it can withstand the autumn chill.

' I said, 'I recite Huang Chao's 'Chrysanthemum,' 'When autumn comes on the ninth day of the ninth month, my flowers bloom, killing all other flowers. The fragrance pierces the sky and permeates Chang'an, the whole city is adorned with golden armor.'

The four men's faces changed drastically, and they became restless.

The purple-faced man said, 'Brother, this poem cannot be recited anymore, it is a rebellious poem!'

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Playing the Deity

I laughed and said, 'Do you all think that the current court should not be rebelled against?'

The four men looked at each other, not knowing how to answer!

I said, 'This court is corrupt and licentious, extravagant and wasteful, colluding with the eunuch faction, cruelly persecuting loyal officials, slaughtering the people, and flattering foreign barbarians.'" "The eunuch faction in the court wields power, sells official positions, excludes loyal officials, embezzles and perverts justice, and forms cliques for personal gain; the regional officials do not think of serving the country, but only of exploiting themselves, not of protecting the country, but only of amassing their own armies, causing foreign invaders to run rampant, the people to sell their children, the country to be weak and the people to suffer, the army to be like a pile of loose sand, and the soldiers to be like a band of bandits. How can they defend the country's borders, how can they protect the people and save them from suffering? Is such a court still worth protecting? You hot-blooded young people, do you really want to die for this utterly corrupt dynasty?"

The yellow-faced man said, "What you say is the truth, but now there is no leader, who will restore the country?" "Who will save the common people? We four are filled with patriotic fervor, but we know nothing of what to do. That's why we admire Lord Zhang's strategies for saving the country and have come to see you, seeking your guidance. But you've only uttered discouraging words, leaving us even more bewildered!"

Zhang Zhidong laughed: "My four brothers have misunderstood. What I just said wasn't that I'm confused, but rather that I'm very clear-headed. I realize that my past empty talk has misled the country. We should unite those with lofty ideals, train a skilled army, rally millions of people, accumulate our strength, and prepare to seize power from them, build a new government, let the people be masters of their own destiny, implement scientific strategies for national salvation, and follow the path of national prosperity and military strength. We must make the country strong, the people wealthy, drive out the foreign barbarians, and reclaim our national sovereignty!"

The purple-faced man jumped to his feet, grabbing Zhang Zhidong's arm: "Lord Zhang, tell us! We'll follow you and turn this damned court upside down!" The pale-faced man clasped his hands in a fist salute and said, “

Lord Zhang, to be honest, the four of us are members of the Buyi Society within the Beiyang Army. We’ve long wanted to rebel, but without a leader, we dared not act rashly. Sir, please lead us! We now have over ten thousand brothers in this army, and we basically control eleven of the eighteen battalions in the Sheng Army, six of the twelve battalions in the Ming Army, and four of the eight battalions in the Qing Army. Only the five battalions of the Ren Army under the Governor-General’s Office are still beyond our reach, but they only have two thousand five hundred men and are no threat!” He then pointed to the purple-faced man and said, “My elder brother, Li Bin, is the chief of the Buyi Society! He is currently the deputy commander of the infantry in the Sheng Army. I am Zhao Hu, the deputy commander of the infantry in the Ming Army!” He then pointed to the yellow-faced man and said, “His name is Nie Shicheng, the general of the Qing Army! He is my third brother.” He then pointed to the dark-faced man and said, "His name is Wu Biao, a military officer in the Beiyang Fleet, and Lord Ding's nephew! He's my fourth brother."

Zhang Zhidong looked at me, and I nodded. He immediately smiled and said, "Brothers, since we've come this far, I'll tell you the truth. Don't follow me, but follow this man—Long Xiangyu, the principal of our Dongdian Military Academy, who is also the Emperor!"

The four men were stunned. I said, "What, do you four ministers still not believe me?"

Li Bin, with his purple face, said doubtfully, "I heard that the Emperor is weak and frail, but he—"

I thought for a moment. People these days are superstitious. To get them to follow me obediently and quickly gain control of this considerable force, I had to use some superstition! I stood up and had Bai Xue and Li Xianglin stand guard outside before saying, "You're all right. I'm not actually that Zaitian. How should I put it? I'm a divine general sent by Heaven to save China. Even Minister Zhang doesn't know this. Today, I'll tell you the truth!" "As I spoke, I stepped back, standing right in front of Yan'er. Then, a dazzling white light appeared around me.

The others stared in disbelief. I continued, 'I am Long Xiangyu, a general before the Jade Emperor. The Jade Emperor said that the Manchus have ravaged the mighty China, and asked me to bring back that good-for-nothing Zaitian! So he sent me and my two concubines, Yan'er and Fei'er, to this world! On the day we arrived, Zaitian disappeared from this world. Do you know, Lord Zhang, that their skills are beyond the reach of ordinary mortals? The car and weapons I brought are beyond what this society possesses!' I then took out my phone and turned it on. Although it was useless in this world, it still had the flashing traffic lights and camera function: 'Look at this, this is my communication device with the Jade Emperor!'" "I took several photos of them and said, 'Your situation is now on record with the Jade Emperor. Look, these are your photos; they've been sent to him!' The men looked at their images on their phones.

I took off my cap, revealing short hair: 'Do you think I'm a Manchu with a long braid?' The dazzling light around me reappeared, and Zhang Zhidong and the four soldiers immediately knelt on the ground, kowtowing repeatedly. I pulled the five men up and said, 'This is still a huge secret. I'm telling you this because I believe you are my most trusted ministers. From now on, we must unite as one, prepare our strength, and seize power from the likes of Empress Dowager Cixi and Li Hongzhang, abolish the Qing Dynasty, and build a new China!'

The five men immediately said, 'We will obey the heavens!'

I said, 'This matter is only for the five of you to know. Now is not the time to reveal heavenly secrets!'" "

The five men nodded repeatedly in agreement. Actually, the white light was created by Yan'er pressing the camera flash; they obviously didn't understand, and my act of pretending to be a ghost had fooled them.

Based on the information gathered by Li Bin and the others, I reorganized their army into the Second Chinese Army, with Li Bin as commander and Zhao Hu and Nie Shicheng as deputy commanders. He was tasked with selecting division and regimental commanders and submitting them to me for approval; those below battalion commander were to be appointed by them. At the same time, I appointed Ding Ruchang as naval commander and Wu Biao as deputy commander, instructing Wu Biao to secretly accumulate power, control the Beiyang Fleet, and, if necessary, kidnap Ding Ruchang to force him onto the right path!" Then I... After analyzing the internal situation of the Beiyang Army, I said, "This is only the preparatory stage. Don't easily tell your subordinates about rebellion. Organize them well, unite them, and wait for the right opportunity! Wait for my orders!"

I had seen through Li Hongzhang long ago; he was a stubborn old scoundrel. So I said, "Be extra careful with Li Hongzhang. Don't expose yourselves, especially Li Bin. Quickly eliminate any dissidents around you and find a way to protect yourselves. I don't want any of you to have any accidents!"

The four men received their orders and left in a hurry. We started strolling around the streets.

After walking a few steps, Yan'er whispered to me that Guo Wencai, the owner of the Longxiang Bank in Tianjin, had sent word to invite us over.

I nodded and said, "Let's go see."

As soon as I finished speaking, Yan'er waved her hand, and three rickshaws came over from the side. We got on, and the rickshaws sped away.

The car stopped in front of a small building next to the Quanye Market. A man dressed in a long robe and mandarin jacket, wearing a gray felt hat, came out and bowed to me: "Boss, Guo Wencai greets you!"

I waved my hand, and he led us into a room on the third floor, where he knelt on the ground and kowtowed to me, saying: "I recently met a boxer named Cao Futian from Jinghai County. He has nearly a thousand boxers under his command and wants to join us. I wonder if the boss would agree?"

Cao Futian? Isn't he the leader of the Boxers in Jinghai County? The Boxers haven't risen up yet. Why don't I take control of him? Let him become a vital force in our fight against the Qing and foreigners.

Thinking of this, I said, "Don't let him into your organization. Your organization is underground, and they're too unpredictable to manage! Arrange a meeting with Cao Futian; I want to meet him and have him become another force for us!"

I checked their accounts and found that the bank's income was good, and they had close ties with some large foreign companies. I said, "What if we borrow from foreign companies? Do you think that's possible?"

He immediately said, "Absolutely! Several banks have already contacted us several times, asking us to help them secure loans, and the more the better!"

"Are there any Japanese companies?" I asked.

"Yes, Shibusawa Eiichi, the director of the Kanto Alliance Bank and chairman of the First Bank, Yamamoto Naonari, the general manager of the Fifteenth Bank, and Yasuda Zenjiro, the chairman of the Third Bank, have all contacted me, wanting to lend us money!"

I hurriedly said, "Don't ignore them; treat them well. We'll find a way to borrow as much money as possible from them!" This Shibusawa Eiichi was a key figure in the Japan-China Friendship Association, which raised funds for the Japanese government and the public before the First Sino-Japanese War; he was a typical anti-China vanguard. If I don't teach him a lesson, I'll be itching for a fight!

Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Night Before the Coup.

Guo Wencai looked at me with confusion. I said, "Do you understand the concept of 'cutting off the fuel supply'? We're spending their money! We'll make sure they can't afford to fight, and their money is just going to be wasted here!"

Guo Wencai nodded and said, "I understand. I'll go talk to them tomorrow. What project should we discuss?" I thought for a moment and said, "Build the railway from Beijing to Shanghai! Coastal defenses need to be strengthened, so building this railway is very necessary! We'll only borrow money from them; we won't let them build it. I can't let them roam around China surveying and mapping, doing research for the Japanese army! And I can't let their grandson earn the money. I'm spending their money, ready to beat their grandson!"

Guo Wencai: "How much?"

I said, "Thirty million taels of silver, at least twenty million taels!"

Not long after returning to Qingchun Garden, Cao Futian arrived. He was only in his thirties, handsome and imposing, speaking with a strong Tianjin accent. I talked with him for over an hour and found him to be a very insightful man, full of patriotic fervor. I gave him the address of the Beijing Military Academy, telling him to take his men there for training before deciding what to do next. I also gave him the few rifles I had brought and had Yan'er teach him how to disassemble and fire them. The boy was quick-witted and learned quickly. I left him all the bullets I had brought, telling him, "Use these rifles to clear out the side branches and twigs around you; you need a base to stand on!" Cao Futian

nodded and left happily with the rifles.

We then went to the Dagu Fort and visited Luo Rongguang, the Tianjin General and a disciple of Zhang Zhidong. I knew he was a patriotic anti-Japanese hero. In 1900, he righteously and firmly rejected the unreasonable demand of the Eight-Nation Alliance to "temporarily borrow" the forts. He led the soldiers guarding the forts in a heroic counterattack, sinking and damaging six enemy ships and killing or wounding over 130 enemy soldiers. Later, due to the ammunition depot being hit by the enemy, they ran out of ammunition and received no reinforcements, leading to the capture of all the forts and the fall of Dagu. He then committed suicide by poison.

We met at the fort. I saw that the cannons were German Krupp, which would be quite good by modern standards. But the key issue was that the court's constant appeasement and appeasement policy allowed the enemy to land around the forts, turning them into isolated islands. How could they not fall?

After reviewing his account, I gave him two suggestions: First, strengthen joint defense and control several key points to prevent the enemy from crossing the line! I surveyed the area and identified several points for him to garrison and repair. Second, focus on the construction of the ammunition depot. I selected a location for him and instructed him on how to build it.

Before leaving, he grabbed my hand and said, "Principal Long, I heard from Zuo Baogui that he's studying under you. Could I go and learn from him for a few days? I always feel that to fight those foreign devils, we need to understand their fighting methods. Knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory!"

I happily replied, "Go ahead, I guarantee I'll take you in!"

Back in Beijing, Xiao Fuzi brought a handsome young eunuch with delicate features and a fair complexion to my side and said, "Your Majesty, his name is Kou Liancai. He's the new chief eunuch appointed by the Empress Dowager."

I looked at him and said, "Alright, since he's here with me, he should know what to say and what not to say, what to do and what not to do!"

Kou Liancai quickly said, "I know, I'll obey Your Majesty's orders!"

I asked, "Is the handover complete?" Kou Liancai hurriedly said, "It's all done. Qi Defu has already finished handing over with Li Lianying, and the Ministry of Revenue is checking Li Lianying's accounts! However—" He stopped abruptly halfway through his sentence. "What's wrong with you all? Why are you always like this, leaving things unsaid? Who are you trying to torture?

" I glared at her. "What a terrible habit! Either don't say anything, or finish what you're saying. If you do this again, I'll slap you!"

Xiao Fuzi covered his mouth and laughed. He used to have this habit too, but I kicked him a few times before he changed.

"Yes!" he replied, then looked at Yan'er, Fei'er, and Bai Xue around him without saying anything.

I smiled. "Come, let me introduce you. This is my Eastern Palace Consort Yan'er, this is my Western Palace Consort Fei'er, and this is—" When I got to Bai Xue, I didn't know what to say. Looking at Bai Xue's blushing face, I steeled myself and said, "This is my concubine Xue'er!"

My words stunned all three women. Xue'er blushed to her neck, turned around, and hurriedly ran out. Yan'er and Fei'er glared at me and followed her out.

I finally got to say what I was going to say, having made a very difficult decision. I breathed a sigh of relief, but immediately said, "I didn't intend to tell the Empress Dowager about these three people. You know what to do. If the Empress Dowager finds out, I'll hold you accountable! Don't think I'm afraid of anyone. I can still deal with Li Lianying! Tell me what you were saying earlier!"

“But the accountants can’t find fault with Chief Eunuch Li. We have to check where each job was done and compare it with the records! The craftsmen who work for him are all under the Imperial Household’s accounts!”

I nodded and said, “Originally, the Empress and concubines only stayed here when she was favored by the Emperor. These three of us are keeping it a secret from the Empress Dowager, so they have to stay here with me day and night. What should we do? Ask Xiao Fuzi to arrange things for them and take good care of them. And that Consort Zhen, I also need to favor her every day, so she has to stay here too. You take good care of her as well!”

Kou Liancai quickly said, “This servant understands what to do!”

I know that the historical Kou Liancai was sent by Empress Dowager Cixi to monitor Emperor Guangxu, but he was also a man of great integrity who once tearfully remonstrated with Cixi to support Emperor Guangxu’s reforms. Kou Liancai's arrival today is undoubtedly also on a mission to monitor me, so I said again, "I don't care whose side you were before, but once you've entered my gates, you must be my man. If you're willing, you can stay; if you're not, you can leave and still have a chance to live. But if you neither want to be my man nor want to leave, then you will die a terrible death!"

Kou Liancai immediately knelt on the ground and kowtowed repeatedly, saying, "Your Majesty has indeed instructed this servant to report Your Majesty's whereabouts and words at all times, but this servant knows that the Emperor is concerned for the Qing Dynasty and for the people, so this servant would rather die than betray Your Majesty. Please rest assured, Your Majesty, once you've entered this gate, this servant is Your Majesty's man, and will protect Your Majesty through life and death!"

I nodded and said, "That's good. I will treat you the same way I treated Xiao Fuzi!" I stretched and said, "Alright, I'm tired today. You may leave now!" As

soon as the two left, Yan'er and Fei'er returned. Seeing that no one was around, they immediately pushed me onto the bed and grabbed my ears, refusing to let go. Yan'er said, "You're really outrageous! Look at her! It's been days, and Xue'er's breasts are still bruised and battered from your pinching. And you come back pretending nothing happened? Don't you feel ashamed?"

Fei'er said, "You really dare to cheat! You already have three at home, why are you still eyeing the ones outside? Are we ugly? Or are we not satisfying you?"

I muttered, "It's all Yan'er's fault. She pushed me into her arms, and I got so excited that I couldn't control myself and touched that place! I'll never do it again. I still have a lot of things to do, I don't have time to think about those things!"

Yan'er pulled my ear and said, "Come on, let's go to that room. We need to explain to Xue'er!"

Fei'er said, "Perfect, let's have another group practice the three cultivations. Let's improve your wives' skills!"

I hurriedly said, "How can we practice with so many people?"

Fei'er said, "You're so stupid. How about Yan'er and I do one round of the three cultivations, and then you, Zhen'er, and Xue'er do a second round!"

I was so happy I almost jumped up, but I still had to pretend to be innocent: "Who do you want to exhaust?"

Fei'er pinched my butt: "You asked for it. Who told you to be so lustful? You deserve it!"

The other two didn't know how to practice, so Yan'er and Fei'er went through it first. Zhen'er was already familiar with it and was carefully watching how to practice. Xue'er was inexperienced and blushed with embarrassment, and kept turning her head away.

After Yan'er finished her first round, she pinched me and Xue'er and we had sex.

Ha, I never expected Xue'er to be such a rare and extremely Yin Qiankun Pot. During intercourse, it felt like there were three rotating fleshy rings there, making me feel like I was dying and being reborn. Damn it, I almost missed such a good treasure!

Next, she taught me the three cultivation techniques. Bai Xue was no longer shy and carefully watched with Zhen'er how to circulate energy and how to have sex.

The two of them were naturally very intelligent, and with two instructors by their side, they began to absorb true energy and expand their meridians on their first time having sex, shouting and yelling with excitement.

The blissful time passed quickly, and before we knew it, it was January. Cao Futian had indeed brought eight hundred warriors. Luo Rongguang from Dagu also came to the military academy to study. He had taken a month's leave after his wife gave birth to their son. Li Bin even brought people twice and spent the Spring Festival at the military academy. He became a staunch friend of Zhang Zhidong and, according to the organization of Zhang Zhidong's First Army, all the members of his Cloth Society were incorporated into a formal military organization.

Guo Wencai had come twice. He said he had basically finalized the loan from the Japanese bank and that the funds would be in place by mid-February. I had the Ministry of Revenue as guarantor. Anyway, once the war started, I would seize on his little trick of raising funds for the Japanese invasion of China and never let him go, not repaying him a single penny!

Guo Wencai then said, "Long live the Emperor! Shibusawa Eiichi of the Kwantung Alliance Bank wants to provide half the funds first, and then allocate the other half when the project is halfway completed!"

Damn it, he won't act until he sees the profit? It seems I really need to prepare my forces and start construction immediately. I immediately thought of Zhan Tianyou. He graduated with honors from Yale University in 1881 and returned to China in the same year. He should be teaching at the Whampoa Naval Academy now. Yes, find him and put him in charge of building this railway!

Seeing that the preparations for seizing power were ripe, I decided to stage a coup tomorrow, February 2nd, the Dragon Head Raising Day, to seize the throne.

That night, my four wives pestered me for another round of recitation. Just as I finished, the young scholar (Kou Liancai, I called him that for convenience, and he seemed quite pleased) ran over, saying, "Your Majesty, Lord Weng is waiting for you in the Hall of Mental Cultivation!"

His arrival at this hour must be urgent. I quickly dressed and went out.

Sure enough, it was that damned Sun Yuwen again, proposing the construction of the Summer Palace. Apparently, he'd already had the blueprints drawn up and was going to present them to the court the next day. They still wanted to take money from the Navy Ministry! Although I had already allocated the funds, they could still use the pretext of raising funds for the Navy to ask for more.

I was furious. I'd make an example of him tomorrow!

Chapter Thirty: The Dragon Sun Coup . After

seeing Weng Tonghe off, I wrote in my room for a long time, then went out for a stroll before returning to Yanxi Hall. But as soon as I entered, Xue'er and Zhen'er grabbed me. These two concubines, having tasted the sweetness of the game, insisted I practice a third time. And once they started, the exhilarating pleasure made them scream and shout, so loudly that the two first wives ran back to the Ti Shun Tang, covering their ears but unable to sleep. Finally, they had to come and join the fray. On

the second day of the second lunar month, the dragon raises its head. Although the first month of the lunar calendar was over and the Spring Festival was finished, it was still a small festival. Early in the morning, I could hear the scattered sounds of firecrackers in the distance.

My four wives and I practiced the Xuanyuan Sword technique on the snow before I saw Xiao Fuzi and Xiao Caizi rushing over. I sheathed my sword and asked, "How's it going? Everything arranged?"

Xiao Fuzi replied, "The men have been brought into the palace and are in ambush! Three thousand men in total, all armed with double weapons!"

Xiao Caizi said, "There's been no movement over there. The Empress Dowager even asked what Your Majesty was busy with, and I told her I was always reading, saying that 'beauty is found in books!' The Empress Dowager laughed heartily, saying you've become a bookworm!"

I smiled, "Good, serve the meal immediately, I'm about to go to court!"

The morning court session began with Xiao Fuzi's shout, "If you have a memorial, present it; if not, dismiss the court!" As soon as Xiao Fuzi finished speaking, Sun Yuwen eagerly jumped out, "Your subject has a memorial!"

I secretly rejoiced; the one who jumped out to his death!

Empress Dowager Cixi, beaming, hurriedly said, "Xiao Fuzi, take the document, Minister Sun, please present it slowly!"

Before he could speak, I snatched the document from Xiao Fuzi's hand, stepped forward, kicked Sun Yuwen to the ground, and sternly asked, "Sun Yuwen, did you withhold an urgent memorial sent back by my envoy to Japan?"

Empress Dowager Cixi was startled and stood up from her seat: "My son, what are you doing?"

I sneered and then said, "Empress Dowager, you can ask him. He's done something terrible!"

Sun Yuwen was taken aback and stammered, "I kept a copy for myself, I didn't think it was a big deal—"

I said sternly, "What do you mean it's not a big deal? The Japanese Chief of Staff, Yamagata Aritomo, ordered his General Staff's Second Bureau... " Director Ogawa secretly conducted a military equipment survey during his second visit to the Qing Dynasty. Upon returning, he wrote "A Plan for the Conquest of the Qing Dynasty," in which he stated, "Although China has many soldiers, they are largely nominal. However, as a precautionary measure for the future, we should take advantage of their weakened strength, cripple them, and render them immobile. We should then divide China into several countries to ensure Japan's independence." Listen to this! The Japanese are already preparing to invade our country! Is this not a serious matter? Ogawa proposed using eight divisions to attack China, with five divisions landing between Shanhaiguan and the Luan River, heading directly for Beijing; and two more divisions attacking key points along the Yangtze River to prevent reinforcements from the south from advancing north. Simultaneously, to facilitate the conquest of the Yangtze River basin, 30 small warships were being hastily constructed. He planned to use trade as a cover to enter the Yangtze River region. He proposed incorporating the area west of Shanhaiguan, Zhili, Shanxi, Henan, Shandong, the Zhoushan Islands, the Penghu Islands, and the entire island of Taiwan into Japan. He also proposed establishing Manchukuo in the three northeastern provinces, as well as the area east of the Xing'an Mountains and north of the Great Wall; establishing a kingdom south of the Yangtze River with a descendant of the Ming Dynasty; and establishing the Dalai Lama as king in Tibet, Qinghai, and the southern route of the Tianshan Mountains. His letter was presented to the Japanese Emperor and received praise. Is this not a serious matter? Japan's intention to subjugate us is so obvious. Shouldn't we immediately concentrate all our national resources on preparing for war? Must we wait until the Japanese destroy our Qing Dynasty before it becomes a serious matter? Several people in our embassy were injured while trying to obtain this intelligence. "Brave warrior, one of you lost his life for this. We hoped the court would be immediately alerted upon receiving this urgent report and intensify preparations to defend our Great Qing. Who knew you would not only arbitrarily withhold this urgent report for months, misleading our Great Qing, but also repeatedly submit memorials urging His Majesty to divert funds from the Qing navy's armaments for extravagant spending, large-scale construction projects, and indulgence in pleasure? What are your true intentions? Have you been bribed by the Japanese? Are you carrying out some mission to lull His Majesty into complacency? Are you a Japanese spy? Did you present this map of the Summer Palace to deceive the Empress Dowager? Are you trying to use the pretext of building the Summer Palace to cripple our Beiyang Navy?"

My rapid-fire words left the court officials and Empress Dowager Cixi speechless. Accustomed to the subservient and sickly Guangxu Emperor, they were utterly bewildered by the spirited and righteous Guangxu they now saw!

Sun Yuwen was completely disoriented by my barrage of words, lying there speechless! He kept muttering, "No, no, I'm not a spy!"

I couldn't let my guard down for a second. I had to seize the opportunity and finish off this traitor, Sun Yuwen, with a vengeance.

I continued, "The Japanese devils have already begun conscription and are mobilizing the people to donate funds for shipbuilding. Their naval budget is increasing year by year, with total military expenditure accounting for 30% of the fiscal budget. Japan has launched a massive plan to build 54 warships and has issued naval bonds domestically. Emperor Meiji of Japan has allocated one-tenth of the imperial treasury for shipbuilding and is calling on the Japanese nobility and wealthy to generously contribute to building a powerful navy. Yet you propose to divert naval funds to repair the 'Three Seas' and the Summer Palace. What are your intentions? You are clearly helping Japan to dismantle our Qing Navy! What use is a traitor like you?" With that, I grabbed Sun Yuwen and slapped him repeatedly across the face, knocking him unconscious!

Still not satisfied, I stood before the hall and loudly asked, "I heard that some people were prepared. As soon as Sun Yuwen mentioned it, they immediately seconded it. Who wants to second it? Stand up now! Let me see who wants to betray our country, who wants to betray their ancestors, who wants to be a lapdog of the Japanese? Stand up! Why is no one standing up? Where has your heroism gone? Why are you all holding back now? I know you can't come up with anything good anyway. Are you planning to secretly trip me up? Ronglu, didn't you say you would kill anyone who opposed you? I opposed it today. Let's see what you, the Nine Gates Admiral, dare to do to me!" Ronglu

hurriedly knelt on the ground: "Your Majesty, I did not say such a thing!"

I said, "Get up, and say you didn't. " "I said I would investigate! Go back and make sure your security is top-notch, don't let Japanese spies take the intelligence from Sun Yuwen's house!"

Ronglu hurriedly said, "Yes, Your Majesty! I will arrange it immediately!"

Cixi rolled her eyes in anger, abandoning her usual slow and deliberate manner, and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance and cannot be handled rashly!"

I immediately said, "Yes, Your Majesty's decree, investigate thoroughly before discussing it! Men, immediately take men to Sun Yuwen's house to search for the urgent report he withheld!"

Ye Zibin, the deputy chief of the Imperial Guard recommended by Long'an, immediately came forward, knelt down to receive the decree, and said, "I will go immediately!" Before Cixi could react, he had already left with his men like a whirlwind.

Taking advantage of this time, twenty ministers, including Weng Tonghe, Zhang Zhidong, Yan Jingming, Lin Yan, Huang Fei, Sheng Yu, and Xi Jun, jointly requested Cixi to respect ancestral rules, immediately return power to the emperor, let the emperor personally make major decisions, and prepare to resist the Japanese.

This left Empress Dowager Cixi speechless. I immediately had Xiao Fuzi take the memorial and said, "I had no intention of interfering in politics, but today's events have terrified me. The Empress Dowager has been unwell lately and unable to attend to state affairs, giving treacherous officials an opportunity to exploit the situation, leaving our Great Qing Dynasty in grave danger. Now, I realize that as a descendant of the Aisin Gioro clan, I should shoulder this heavy responsibility for the livelihood of the four hundred million people of the Qing Dynasty and for the stability of the nation. Therefore, if my ministers sincerely wish for me to personally handle state affairs, I will not hesitate to do so." "You shall take on this responsibility!"

As soon as I finished speaking, several hereditary princes and the twenty-odd ministers who supported me immediately knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, we hope that Your Majesty will personally decide on this important matter!"

I stepped down from the throne and stared at the ministers still standing there. Those men immediately knelt down as well, saying, "Your Majesty, we hope that Your Majesty will personally decide on this important matter. "

Whoever I looked at knelt down; they were afraid of becoming like Sun Yuwen, a dead dog.

After a moment, only a dozen or so people remained standing in the court. I immediately said, "Since that's the case, I will not shirk my duty! Empress Dowager, according to the ancestral rules of the Qing Dynasty, please step aside from the dragon throne. Your son must take responsibility!" "

Empress Dowager Cixi suddenly jumped up: "No, my son Shangqie—"

Before she could finish speaking, eight hundred elite soldiers from my military academy, led by Long'an, rushed into the main hall in two columns, pushing aside the palace guards. The ministers, seeing the soldiers carrying finely crafted weapons, were terrified and knelt on the ground, trembling. Cixi also realized the situation was bad and immediately said: "The matter of my son personally making decisions on major policies will be discussed tomorrow. I have a headache now, I must adjourn the court!"

Just then, Ye Zibin returned with his men. He handed over the materials I had placed there yesterday, which he had found in the Kangxi Dictionary. Without even looking at them, I handed them to Cixi and said: "Empress Dowager, don't leave yet. See what kind of ministers you favor! Don't think it's my son being nosy!"

Cixi flipped through them, slammed the materials on the dragon table, and angrily cursed: "Sun Yuwen, you traitor, I will not forgive you! Guards, throw him into the death row!" "Alright, that's enough for today. We'll discuss my son's assumption of power again tomorrow!"

I immediately announced, "Very well, four days from now is an auspicious day. I will hold my assumption of power ceremony on that day. The Ministry of Rites will arrange this immediately! All officials, please perform your duties and help with the preparations! The Zongli Yamen (Foreign Ministry) will immediately issue a document, with Minister Huang Fei in charge of urgently notifying all the regional officials to return to the capital immediately to attend my assumption of power ceremony!"

The Prime Minister, Prince Chun Yixuan, immediately responded, "Your Majesty, I obey!"

The Minister of Rites also immediately said, "Your Majesty, I accept the decree!"

The ministers hurriedly knelt down and shouted, "Your Majesty, we

will do our utmost!" Empress Dowager Cixi was so angry that she rolled her eyes. She hurriedly reached for the seal in front of her, but I grabbed her hand and said, "These few have to carry out your decree on their missions. You go back first, let me use this for now!" "After saying that, I waved my hand, and several maids helped her away!

I then looked at Ronglu and said, "Lord Rong, I heard that you have been busy repairing your residence lately, and I'm afraid you're having trouble maintaining order. I understand you're overwhelmed, so I'm relieving you of your post as Commander of the Five Battalions of the Infantry and Police at the Nine Gates. Go back to repairing your residence! Sheng Yu, listen to my decree, I hereby appoint you as Commander of the Five Battalions of the Infantry and Police at the Nine Gates. Take office immediately and hand over the duties immediately! Weng Tonghe, take my one hundred elite guards to supervise the handover!" "

Xiao Fuzi immediately drafted the imperial edict, stamped it with the seal, and handed it to Sheng Yu.

Sheng Yu and Weng Tonghe, along with a hundred armed soldiers, escorted Ronglu to the handover.

I then said, 'At this time when the Japanese are trying to covet our land, our Great Cleansing should strengthen our military. Therefore, I have decided to emulate the Western barbarians, abolish the Ministry of War, and establish the Ministry of National Defense to command the entire nation's land and sea forces. I appoint Zhang Zhidong as a Grand Councilor and concurrently Minister of National Defense. I appoint Xi Jun as Commander of the Fengtai Camp, Zuo Baogui as Commander of the Malingyu Camp, and Wei Rugui as Commander of the Miyun Camp. The original commanders will be reassigned. I order Prince Chun Yixuan to lead my four hundred elite guards to supervise the handover of all defenses of the former Ministry of War and the Fengtai, Malingyu, and Miyun Camps. Immediately seal off all major roads leading out of the capital and control the movement of people until the end of my personal decree ceremony!'" "

Prince Chun Yixuan and Zhang Zhidong left with the former Minister of War and four hundred soldiers.

After court, I didn't go home. Instead, I took Yan'er and Fei'er to the military academy to make arrangements for taking over the Governor-General of Zhili and the Beiyang Army in Tianjin.

I knew that removing Li Hongzhang was the key to seizing power."

URL 1:http://localhost:909/htmlBlog/15014.html

URL 2:/Blog.aspx?id=15014&aspx=1

Previous Page : A Romantic Detective in the Qing Dynasty [Complete] - 2

Next Page : A Romantic Detective in the Qing Dynasty [Complete] - 3

增加

comment Open a new window to view comments

Contact Information

A Romantic Detective in the Qing Dynasty [Complete] - 4

comment Open a new window to view comments