In the military grain city, fifty miles away from the city of Tianjin, Lord Elgin, the British plenipotentiary, sat gloomily in the temporary headquarters with a pipe in his mouth, and the French envoy Baron Gro, who sat opposite him, looked out the window with a solemn expression.

Yuan Qi sent troops to reinforce Tianjin, and the strength of the army was as high as about 30,000, which was undoubtedly the worst situation for the entire coalition army, and both of them knew in their hearts that the plan of quickly capturing Tianjin, cutting off the Beijing-Hangzhou railway, and then attacking the Beijing division was no longer feasible, and it was impossible for Tianjin, which had gathered forty or fifty thousand yuan of Qi New Army and Eight Banners New Army, to break through in a short period of time.

After a long time, Erjin spoke: "Should we consider shifting our target and directly attacking Beijing, the capital of the Qing Kingdom!" ”

"A direct attack on Beijing?" Ge Luo subconsciously asked rhetorically, he was taken aback by Ergin's bold idea, "If you don't capture Tianjin and cut off the Beijing-Hangzhou Railway, can you take Beijing?" ”

"I think it should be possible." Erjin lightly knocked his pipe and slowly refilled the tobacco, "Tianjin has gathered forty or fifty thousand new troops, even if it can be defeated, it will inevitably be a heavy casualty and a long time, if we divide our troops to attack Beijing, what will happen?" ”

After a pause, he continued: "Beijing is the capital of the Qing State, once we divide our troops to attack, the Qing Emperor will inevitably draw troops from Tianjin to reinforce, I think, with the relationship between Yuan Qi and the Qing court, the Qing Emperor will definitely not allow the Yuan Qi New Army to enter Beijing, and it is impossible for Yuan Qi to provide a large number of guns and ammunition ...... to the Eight Banners New Army." ”

After hesitating, Ge Luo said: "Yuanqi's new army has been stationed in Tianjin, which shows that Yuanqi and the Qing Emperor have joined forces to ......." ”

"Even if they join forces, the Qing Emperor will definitely not allow Yuan Qi's troops to enter Beijing." Erjin said slowly: "Yuan Qi is a southeastern separatist force, the power is strong, it has surpassed the Qing court, in the face of external threats, the two can jointly fight, but the Qing emperor will definitely not ignore his own safety and the safety of Beijing."

When our army came to the city of Beijing, I think the first thing the Qing emperor thought of would not be to let Yuanqi's army reinforce him, but to conclude a treaty with him, because we would not overthrow the Qing court, but Yuanqi was possible!

Also, don't forget, there is a Russian mission in Beijing, and we can convey our wishes to the Qing Emperor through the Russians. ”

After pondering for a while, Gro said, "It seems that there is no better way now, but are you sure that we have the ability to attack Tianjin and Beijing at the same time?" ”

"Of course." Ergin said in an affirmative tone: "The warship can directly reach Tianjin, and we can draw 20,000 troops and marines from Tianjin to form a marine force of 40,000 or 50,000 to attack Beijing from the direction of Tongzhou." ”

Gro nodded slightly: "In the case that there is no way to capture Tianjin as soon as possible, this may be the best choice, but we must contact the Russians as soon as possible." ”

At the south wharf of Tianjin, Han Yinjie looked at the more than a dozen large sea ships flying the Tiancheng flag that were slowly heading downstream.

These dozen or so sea ships went downstream to prepare to scuttle and sink to block the foreign warships from going up the river to attack Tianjin, watching the fleet gradually move away, the reluctance and helplessness in Han Yinjie's eyes gradually faded, the Han family of the 'Tianjin Eight Families' Tiancheng ranked first, and the Han family's family business in Tianjin was far from being compared to these dozen or so sea ships.

A warship flying the Golden Dragon Flag of the Great Qing Dynasty slowly docked and arrived at the dock, Zai Zhao, dressed in military uniform, walked onto the deck and said to Han Yinjie and his party: "Please also ask Lord Han to come on board for a while." ”

Most of the wealthy people in the Qing Dynasty donated official bodies, and the Han family monopolized the entire shipping industry in Tianjin, and the four families of Gao, Yang, Huang, and Zhang, who made their fortunes by relying on salt affairs, and the Shi, Liu, and Mu families, who started from the grain industry, were all pressed below, ranking first among the eight major families in Tianjin, and the rich side had close contacts with Tianjin officialdom.

Isn't it enough to have a dozen sea ships? Do you want to donate military salaries? Han Yinjie's heart sank, he knew very well that such a big battle was also a good opportunity for local officials to make a fortune, and the Han family was famous, and this time I was afraid that it would hurt my muscles and bones.

Han Yinjie, who saw it, slowly got on the boat, Zaizhao took two steps forward and said with a smile: "The Han family's generous donation of more than a dozen big ships this time can be said to have solved the urgent need of Tianjin City. ”

The shopkeeper of Yida personally came to the door to thank him? Or in the post-war period? Han Yinjie couldn't help but be stunned, and then he was ecstatic, realizing that the Han family was really lucky this time, what is Yi Zhi's identity? That is the real king of Nanyang and the king of the southeast, and his personal visit is definitely a once-in-a-century opportunity for the Han family!

Coming back to his senses, Han Yinjie hurriedly arched his hand and said: "The invasion of foreign Yi, the country is in trouble, everyone is responsible, the Han family is a wealthy businessman in Tianjin, when Tianjin is in trouble, the shipwreck to intercept the Xiyi warship is not only for the country, but also for self-help, how dare you be the treasurer of Yida to come to the door in person to thank you." ”

Hearing this, Zaizhao sighed lightly, "The Qing Dynasty gentry and businessmen are all like the Han family, why are they afraid of foreign invasions..... ”

Han Yinjie understood this, and immediately said with a solemn face: "The Han family is also well-known in Tianjin, and they must actively organize the people of Tianjin to support the fight against foreign invaders!" ”

Haiphong Office, Headquarters.

Cao Gensheng reported loudly: "Ninghe called, a large number of enemy troops landed and assembled in Beitang and marched towards Tianjin. ”

Before the words fell, Yan Yangtian hurriedly came in and reported: "Principal, the old dragon head French army has set up camp and marched in the direction of Wuqing. ”

Monk Greenqin's heart sank, "Is this planning to attack Jingshi?" ”

"Immediately ask if there is any movement of the British army in the south of the city?" Yi Zhizhi said and added, "There is also the situation of the fleet. With that, he walked slowly out of the room and into the courtyard and lit a cigarette.

The coalition forces divided their forces to attack the Beijing Division? It is indeed possible that in the case of not being able to capture Tianjin, dividing troops to attack the Beijing division can not only mobilize the troops of Tianjin, but also make Xianfeng in the Beijing division panic, and more importantly, Xianfeng will never allow the Yuanqi New Army to enter the Beijing Division, and he also promised before that the Yuanqi New Army will not enter the Beijing Division.

What worries him even more is that once the Nanyang Navy blockades the Bohai Sea, will it stimulate the Four-Nation Alliance to shift its attack targets and make a desperate bet to attack the Beijing Division? If this happens, it's a problem!

The hot air balloon suspended above had an unobstructed view of the situation inside and outside Tianjin, and after a short time, Yan Yangtian hurried to report, "There is no movement of the British army in the south of the city, and the enemy fleet is still tracing the water, and it is not far from the sunken river." ”

Yi Zhishu nodded, sure enough, he divided his troops to attack the Jing Division, which can be regarded as catching their weakness!

Monk Greenqin was also anxious, followed up, and said, "Brother Guocheng, you must not let the coalition army fight the Beijing Division!" ”

After stopping and glancing at him, Yi Zhizhi said slowly: "Does the prince want to lead the troops to intercept?" ”

Leading the troops to intercept, Seng Lingqin does have an idea, but it is not he who leads the troops to intercept, but Yuan Qi who sends troops to intercept, he knows very well that Xianfeng will never allow him to lead the Eight Banners New Army alone to fight with the coalition army, and the imperial court is so little bit of money, and if it is tossed, it is equivalent to losing the ability to protect itself.

Seeing that he was silent, Yan Yangtian spoke: "20,000 French troops are marching towards Wuqing, and the emperor will inevitably transfer all the Eight Banners New Army in Tianjin back to Beijing, and the Yuanqi New Army currently staying in Tianjin has less than four brigades, if it is intercepted, Tianjin will be empty." ”

"Tianjin to Beijing, but three hours to arrive." Monk Greenqin said: "It will take at least six days for the French army to arrive in Beijing on foot, and the New Army of the Eight Banners can stay in Tianjin temporarily." ”

Yi Zhixiang said slowly: "The troops assembled in Beitang landing, the prince won't think that they came to attack Tianjin, right?" ”

The troops assembled in the Beitang landing were also going to attack the Beijing Division? Seng Lingqin's heart tightened, realizing that there was a big trouble, tens of thousands of troops were approaching the Beijing Division, and Xianfeng would send troops from Tianjin back to the Beijing Division anyway, and would not allow the Eight Banners New Army to intercept it halfway.

And it is impossible for Tianjin to abandon it, and besides, even if Yuanqi recruits want to reinforce the Beijing division, Xianfeng may not allow it.

After a slight groan, he said, "Could it be that you are watching the coalition forces swaggering to the Beijing Division?" ”

"There's no need to rush." Yi Zhishu said calmly: "Shanghai, Jiangning, Xuzhou and six brigades are rushing to Tianjin, what is needed is time, the prince also said, Tianjin to Beijing at least six days, time is completely enough, the prince led his troops back to the Beijing division, just stick to the Beijing division and Haidian." ”

"Haidian?" Monk Grinqin was a little surprised.

"Old Summer Palace!" Yi Zhizhi said: "There can't be any mistakes in the Old Summer Palace, the British and French four-nation alliance is a group of robbers, and there is no shortage of people in the suburbs of Beijing who are afraid that the world will not be chaotic or want to take advantage of the fire to rob and fish in troubled waters, and there can be no luck." ”

The Old Summer Palace is a royal garden, and it is also Xianfeng's favorite garden, most of the year to stay in the Old Summer Palace, Monk Greenqin hurriedly said: "Rest assured, the city will never let people touch the Old Summer Palace." ”

"One more point." Yi Zhishu continued: "When the reinforcements arrive, the new army of Yuanqi will definitely send troops to the outskirts of Beijing to encircle and suppress the coalition army, and nothing else is needed, but a group of war horses is missing..... 10,000 horses, is there a problem? Ship it as soon as possible. ”

10,000 war horses for the Beijing Division, there is no pressure at all, Seng Lingqin immediately agreed, as for the appearance of the Yuanqi New Army on the outskirts of Beijing, even if Xianfeng is afraid of it, he has to allow it, after all, it is impossible to let the Eight Banners New Army go out of the city to encircle and suppress.

The waiting monk Greenqin went to the telegraph room to send a report, Yi Zhizhi looked at Yan Yangtian and said: "The coalition army is attacking the Beijing Division, it is impossible to advance along the railway line, most of them will take the previous post road, that is, the line of Xianghe and Tongzhou, you and Feng Renxuan, Yizeng, and Zaizhao will make a good calculation and come up with a battle plan as soon as possible." ”

Yan Yangtian was overjoyed in his heart, and hurriedly said aloud: "The student obeys the order." ”

Liaodong Peninsula, a small mountain village about fifty miles north of Jinzhou, Xiao Mingliang sat on the kang with nothing to do and drank a plate of fried soybeans, although this place is not far from Jinzhou, but it is separated by a few hills, easy to defend and difficult to attack, the British army that occupies the port of Dalian seems to be quite content, and he did not send troops to harass him at all, and he is also happy and comfortable.

The days are comfortable, but Xiao Mingming's heart is like a cat scratching, because he knows that a big war is about to break out in Tianjin on the other side, and it is close at hand, but it is not his share, it is strange that he can be in a good mood, these few nights, he can't even sleep soundly.

Draining the wine in the cup in one gulp, he sniffed his nose and smelled a smell of meat, and then saw a soldier come in with a large basin, and the room was filled with a strong smell of meat, and then he saw the regiment commander Tong Yougui carrying two jars of wine to follow, "The wild boar that has just been beaten back is more than 200 catties ......." ”

Xiao Mingliang took a piece and said vaguely while chewing: "Fragrant——。 ”

Tong Yougui was not restrained, he sat down opposite him on the kang, patted open the sealing mud and filled his wine glass first, and then said: "The principal is also biased, we are in Dalian, but we insist on not going to the other side." ”

Xiao Mingliang glanced at the two jars of wine and said, "Leave one jar." ”

"Commander, even if you drink, wine, there are still a few jars in your subordinates."

Xiao Mingliang smiled when he heard this, his amount of wine was not small, and two catties of burning knives were not a problem, but he didn't dare to drink more, "Count the days, it should be in these two days, it's time for us to send troops, don't drink too much and make mistakes." ”

"It's going to be dark this day, what else can ......?" Before Tong Yougui's words fell, an officer walked in quickly and saluted, "Report——, Xiong Yuecheng called." ”

As soon as he heard Xiong Yuecheng's call, Xiao Mingliang hurriedly sat up straight, "Read——。 ”

"I hereby order Xiao Mingming's troops to send troops around noon tomorrow to recover Jinzhou, Dalian, and Lushun, and restore all the forts in Laotieshan, Shanqian Bay, and Menqian Bay as soon as possible! Easy to be content. ”

Xiao Mingming's spirits perked up, and after reading the telegram order, he ordered loudly, "Pass my order, all regiments are ready, and they are ready to set off at any time tomorrow, aiming at Jinzhou and Dalian." ”

The next morning, Xiao Mingliang deliberately postponed the breakfast time, and did not order the meal until nine o'clock, of course, the breakfast was very rich, and it was worth a bowl of rice, and a communication soldier hurried over and reported: "Report, the lookout post on the mountain found a large black spot on the surface of the Yellow Sea!" ”

Blockbuster black spots? Who else could there be but the South Sea Fleet? It seems that it is in advance, Xiao Mingliang is not surprised by this, the fleet is at sea, there are too many factors that affect the speed, he looked at his watch, and said in a deep voice: "Inform the departments, leave in half an hour!" ”

Xiao Mingming's lookout post discovered the fleet on the sea, and the allied lookout post in Dalian Bay also found it, and after determining that it was a large fleet, the lookout post did not hesitate to send out a signal to warn - enemy attack!

The coalition forces did not have many troops stationed in Dalian, only two battalions of troops, in addition to five warships and more than 20 supply merchant ships, hearing the enemy attack siren, the whole harbor immediately fell into a panic, no one expected that the Qing naval fleet, which they could not find traces, would suddenly appear in Dalian.