Forge an alliance against Yuanqi? When Prince Yi Zaiyuan and the Ministry of Rites Lang Baojun listened to a line, when he left Beijing to see His Majesty, Xianfeng repeatedly explained that he would maximize the benefits for the imperial court through peace talks, but he did not say that he had concluded an alliance with Britain and France.

Zaiyuan glanced at Bao Jun quietly, forming an alliance with Britain and France, this is a big thing, how can he be a prince who can call the shots? Don't talk about being in charge, he doesn't even dare to say a word, although Yuan Qi has a faint tendency to divide the southeast, but after all, he has not openly torn his face with the imperial court, if the imperial court is allied with Britain and France, it will inevitably force Yuan Qi to meet each other, which can be said to be related to the rise and fall of the Qing Dynasty.

Seeing that Zaiyuan was silent with a wooden face, Bao Jun didn't know how to speak for a while, seeing this situation, Pa Xia Li said slowly: "Yuanqi monopolizes finance, develops industry, and takes the opportunity of foreign expansion to expand the army on a large scale, with great wealth and strength, and a large number of generals, and its economic strength and military strength have far exceeded that of your imperial court.

To put it mildly, if Yuan Qi is allowed to develop like this, Yuan Qi will launch a military coup d'état, overthrow your court, and replace His Majesty the Emperor of your country, it will only be a matter of time, and this time will not be too long, at most three or five years. The only chance for your imperial court to save itself at present is to form an alliance with us and join forces to fight against Yuanqi or eliminate Yuanqi. ”

Seeing Zaiyuan, who was still silent, Bao Jun sighed secretly and said: "The Four-Nation Alliance is already difficult to protect itself, how can it resist Yuan Qi?" ”

"Yuan Qi has always hidden his strength, and we are just underestimating the enemy." Pashali showed a smile and said eloquently: "The Crimean War, your country's newspapers have been tracking and reporting, and your country should be very clear about the military strength of our British Empire and the French Empire.

As long as your imperial court can form an alliance with us and join forces against Yuan Qi, we guarantee that even larger reinforcements will arrive in Tianjin in the second half of the year. ”

Hearing this, Zaigaki was faintly moved, the four-nation alliance can now be said to be facing the danger of annihilation, Britain and France will definitely not sit idly by, and it is believed that additional reinforcements will be sent, and besides, the two sides will join forces to fight against Yuan Qi and persist for half a year, there should be no problem, however, for the sake of prudence, he is still silent.

After pondering for a while, Bao Jun slowly spoke: "The two sides form an alliance, what are your conditions?" ”

"All we need is an equal diplomatic status, preferential trade conditions, and the recovery of Luzon, Java, Malacca, Burma, Bangladesh and other places that were annexed and occupied by Yuanqi." Pa Xia Li said in a sincere tone: "In return, we will try our best to support your imperial court to open a military factory in Tianjin and establish a navy and army academy ....... ”

Bao Jun took out a copy of the pre-prepared conditions and handed it over, saying, "These are the most basic conditions in my country, Your Excellency take a look." ”

Pa Xiali looked at it slightly, and saw that he was supporting warships, firearms and ammunition, assisting in the establishment of military factories, and providing large low-interest loans, and his expression became relaxed, and he said with a smile: "These conditions are completely acceptable to our side, and the specific amount can also be negotiated, in order to protect our trade interests in your country, we will spare no effort to support your imperial court." ”

Jingshi, Qianqing Palace, Xinuan Pavilion.

After reading the excerpts and negotiation minutes sent by Zaiyuan and Baojun from Tongzhou Kuaima, Xianfeng's expression was a little uncertain, and the situation in Tianjin and Beijing could be said to have taken a sharp turn for the worse, and the originally menacing four-nation alliance was in a situation of annihilation in a blink of an eye, and he originally thought that Britain and France would only propose a truce in peace talks, but he didn't want to conclude an alliance to counter Yuanqi.

It has to be said that the conditions offered by Britain and France made him excited, giving 10,000 mini guns and 500,000 rounds of ammunition, and unlimited supply of muskets and artillery at the lowest market price, in addition to five third-class battleships and ten fourth-class battleships, assisting the imperial court in opening a large military factory in Tianjin to ensure that the imperial court made guns and ammunition on its own, and also providing a low-interest loan of 50 million taels of silver.

These conditions, for him, are simply dreamy! Can't say no at all! And the other party's request can also be said to be completely excessive, Luzon, Java, Malacca, Burma, Bangladesh and other places were originally in the hands of Yuan Qi, and the imperial court whip is beyond the reach of the whip, and the territory that originally did not belong to the Qing Dynasty is not returned, for the imperial court, it does not matter at all, equal diplomatic status, preferential trade conditions and other conditions are even more insignificant.

The only thing that made him hesitate was that the reinforcements of the Anglo-French alliance would not arrive until the end of the year, and the alliance with Britain and France would be able to hold out until the end of the year? If it is unable to resist the attack of the Yuanqi New Army, not only will the Four-Nation Alliance be wiped out, but the Qing Dynasty will also be subverted!

"Someone, Xuan Yizeng, Su Shun will see you!" Xianfeng stood up and gave a command, and then paced back and forth with his hands behind his back.

Although Yi Zhishu said that he did not call the king a rebellion, there was no substantial separation, but in fact he had already controlled the ten provinces of Nanyang, Southeast and Northwest, if you count the indirect control of the Wa State, Annam, its power has long far exceeded the imperial court, for the imperial court, Yuan Qi is a sharp sword hanging above the head, it may fall at any time, and it will definitely fall, this is a matter of time.

With the current situation of the imperial court, if you want to balance Yuanqi, you must join forces with Western powers such as Britain and France, and the imperial court alone cannot contain Yuanqi, and the gap with Yuanqi will only get bigger and bigger, which he sees very thoroughly.

This alliance with Britain and France is an extremely rare opportunity, and it is absolutely impossible to have such a good opportunity in the future! The problem is that although the opportunities are good, the risks are also great, so big that he can't afford them!

Yizeng has been ordered to enter Beijing a few days earlier, on duty in the palace, Xianfeng is ready to go to Rehe to escape the summer at any time, specially summoned Yizeng into Beijing, planning to lead a new army of eight banners to follow the driver, hearing the call, he hurriedly rushed to the Qianqing Palace, into the Xinuan Pavilion, at a glance Su Shun kneeling to look at the fold, he immediately realized that it may not be a matter of following the car, and hurriedly invited Sheng'an.

Xianfeng glanced at him and said lightly: "This is the minutes of Prince Yi's negotiations with Britain and France, you can also take a look." ”

After reading the minutes, Su Shun was shocked, he didn't expect the imperial court to negotiate with Britain and France in private, and Britain and France also proposed to form an alliance with the imperial court to counter Yuan Qi, he didn't rush to speak, and secretly pondered in his heart.

Xianfeng was also very patient, and when Yizeng raised his head, he said slowly: "You two are both nobles of the clan, and you are also familiar with Yuanqi, I want to know, is this matter feasible?" ”

Without waiting for Su Shun to speak, Yizeng said categorically: "Back to the emperor, this matter is definitely not feasible!" ”

Seeing that he objected, Su Shun secretly breathed a sigh of relief in his heart, and Xianfeng glanced at him quietly, "Go on." ”

"Your Majesty." Yi Zeng said calmly: "Britain and France have increased their troops on a large scale, at least until the autumn and winter season, even if the Eight Banners New Army, the Beiyang Naval Division and the Four Nations Alliance Alliance form an alliance, it is impossible to support it for so long, with Yuan Qi's current strength in Tianjin, three months is enough to sweep through Tianjin." ”

Xianfeng was a little incredulous, "Yuanqi's new army is so strong? More than 100,000 troops can't even support it for half a year? ”

"Even if the imperial court forms an alliance with Britain and France, the New Army of the Eight Banners that can directly participate in the war is only 30,000, and the top of the sky is only 50,000." Yi Zeng said without thinking: "The 50,000 Eight Banners New Army is put into the battlefield, at most, it is a surprise to beat Yuan Qi, and it cannot turn the tide of the battle.

In the simple view of the minions, the combat strength of the Yuanqi New Army is not at the same level as the Xiyi Coalition Army, if it were not for the Yuanqi New Army's fear of too many casualties, the coalition forces in Xianghe and Tianjin would have been annihilated. ”

After a pause, he continued: "The slave received a telegram yesterday that the new army of Yuanqi in Tianjin has been dispatched to prepare to attack the British army's position outside Tianjin, and the emperor may wish to wait and see the ....... first." ”

Xianfeng said softly: "The French envoy Gro has gone to Tianjin to negotiate with Yi Zhixiang. ”

"There can be no result from the Tianjin negotiations." Yi Zeng said in a firm tone: "With the temperament of being content, it is impossible to easily agree to a truce and peace talks, and the brazen invasion of the four-nation coalition is not only related to the safety of the Qing Dynasty, but also to the belonging of the two provinces of Nanyang, the Strait of Malacca, Burma, Bangladesh and other places.

In order to prepare for the battle of Jinjing, Yuan Qi can be said to have done his best, in the case of completely occupying the initiative and absolute advantage, without giving the coalition army a profound lesson, Yi Zhixiang will definitely not give up, for Yuan Qi's new army, this battle has just begun. ”

Xianfeng was speechless for a while, picked up the teacup and took a sip of tea, he finally understood now, the invasion of the Four-Nation Alliance, although this war broke out in the Qing Dynasty, but it involved the two provinces of Nanyang, the Strait of Malacca, Burma, Bangladesh and other places, the British will not stop easily, and neither will Yuanqi.

"Your Majesty." Su Shun slowly said at this time: "Declaring war on Britain and France is an oracle issued by the emperor, this is a national war!" The newspapers were full of unjust acts and banditry against the Xiyi countries, and if the imperial court formed an alliance with Britain and France at this time and turned to become an enemy of Yuanqi, it would inevitably lose the hearts of the people.

On the other hand, once the imperial court forms an alliance with Britain and France, Yuan Qi will have no scruples and raise troops in a grand manner, and the hearts of the people in the world will be all towards Yuan Qi! This is a must-do! ”

Xianfeng said in a sullen voice: "This battle is a great victory, Yuan Qi's prestige will inevitably be in the sky, is it difficult to sit back and watch Yuan Qi grow stronger day by day?" ”

"Your Majesty." Su Shun said softly: "If the imperial court wants to form an alliance with Britain and France, there is no need to rush for a while, Britain and France are defeated, and the missions visiting Western countries return, the imperial court can open Tianjin, follow the example of Yuanqi, and Britain and France will inevitably rush to it." ”

Xianfeng glanced at him, "Do you think Yuan Qi will give the imperial court enough time?" ”

"Yes!" Su Shun said firmly: "Yi Zhishu is not a person who is eager for quick success, and he has always said that now is a good time for the Qing Dynasty to catch up and catch up with Western powers, and we must try our best to avoid civil strife." ”

Can you believe this? Xianfeng glanced at the two of them, "This matter is very important, don't leak the slightest rumor, kneel down." ”

The two of them bowed and withdrew, Xianfeng couldn't help but sigh, the court occupies the name of righteousness, this kind of thing really can't be done, if you have full confidence to destroy Yuan Qi in one fell swoop, it doesn't matter, it is the so-called success and defeat of the king, to convict Yuan Qi, a hundred articles are not effortless.

Outside the south gate of Tongzhou, Wang Shuyuan.

At ten o'clock in the evening, Prince Yi Zaiyuan and the Ministry of Rites Lang Baojun received Xianfeng's secret decree - no alliance is allowed!

After a while, Bao Jun spoke: "All the British and French have made such attractive conditions, just to form an alliance with the imperial court to fight against Yuanqi, in order to wait for reinforcements to arrive, win this war, and not allow an alliance, how can we talk about this?" ”

Zaiyuan slowly shook the folding fan and said unhurriedly: "If you don't allow an alliance, then you can only consider a truce and peace talks." ”

Hearing this, Bao Jun said with a wry smile: "The prince is not unaware, the New Army of the Eight Banners is a dispensable role in this war, what the other party needs is an ally to jointly fight against Yuan Qi, the court agreed to negotiate a truce, and the other party is afraid that it will not be taken seriously." ”

Zaiyuan rolled his eyes, "It is the imperial court that declares war on the four countries of Britain and France, and the object of the war declared by the four countries of Britain and France is also my Great Qing Kingdom, if the emperor makes a clear decree, the truce and peace talks ........" ”

"If the imperial court declares a truce and peace talks without Yuan Qi's consent, will Yuan Qi sell the account?" Bao Jun said and shook his head, "The imperial court can't afford to lose this face!" ”

Zaiyuan paused, and then said: "Then go talk to Yuan Qi!" Try to get the benefits promised by Britain and France. ”

South of Tianjin, Majiakou Daying.

Wu Yundong and several brigade-level officers stood outside the camp gate and discussed softly, looking north from time to time, "I heard that the French envoy Gro came to Tianjin to negotiate and implore for a truce and peace talks. ”

"Our two brigades have won this task with great difficulty, so they won't be in vain, right?"

"Westerners are the most cunning, they will fight if they win, and they will negotiate if they can't win."

"It's really a bit uncertain this time, our navy has blocked the mouth of Bohai Sea, and this land battle can't turn the tide of the war or not, and it can't change the result, with the temperament of Westerners, it's really hard to say ......."

"Salty and don't worry about eating turnips." Wu Yundong said angrily: "Do you know the conditions negotiated by the big shopkeeper? First, all the allied forces in the Qing Dynasty and near the sea surrendered, second, 10 million taels of gold were compensated for the military expenses of the war, and third, a treaty was signed to formally cede Luzon, Java, Malacca, Bengal and other places. ”

Speaking of this, he paused, "Even if the French agree, the British can't agree!" The chief treasurer came to inspect at this time with only one purpose, to review the battle plan. ”

As soon as the words fell, I heard the sound of horses' hooves, a small group of cavalry galloped over, the leader was Yi Zhicontent, who was dressed in military uniform, the cavalry stopped outside the camp gate, Wu Yundong and his party hurriedly stepped forward to salute, "Subordinate Wu Yundong and others have seen the big shopkeeper." ”

Yi Zhicontent returned the military salute, then turned over and dismounted, glanced at a few people behind him, and said with a smile: "There are negotiations in the city, but this battle outside the city will be fought sooner or later, you must not slack off and lose morale." ”

Wu Yundong and several other officers were very happy in their hearts, and Wu Yundong hurriedly saluted: "Don't worry, the morale of the officers and soldiers is like a rainbow, so I'm worried that this battle will be lost!" ”

"I can't make soup." Yi Zhizhi said heartily: "I came here today to give you a reassuring pill." ”