Wa State, Kufang, Qing Army Forward Battalion.

Since the occurrence of the Japanese army's large-scale night attack on the forward camp, Seng Lingqin has been sitting in the Hirakata, and the various units of the Qing army are still in an orderly manner, not in a hurry, and slowly advance to Kyoto from several directions.

After the failure of the night attack and the loss of more than 7,000 troops, the Japanese army realized that it was no match for the Qing army at all, and did not dare to move easily, but retreated to Kyoto to actively deploy defenses. There was no war, and Seng Lingqin was not idle, urging all units of the forward battalion to sum up the experience of the night raids of the Japanese army to improve the combat effectiveness of the troops.

On the afternoon of this day, Monk Greenqin was looking at the topographic map of Kyoto in the big tent and pondering how to attack Kyoto, when the guards came in and reported: "Lord Wang, an adult who is responsible for escorting the military quartermaster asks to see him, saying that it is an old acquaintance of the prince. ”

Old acquaintances? Monk Greenqin raised his head, half a life of horses, turned to the north and south, he had more old acquaintances in the army, but he is now the prince of the iron hat, and he is in charge of an army, high and powerful, there are really few people who are qualified to make friends with him, he didn't think much about it, and ordered: "Please let him in." ”

Soon, an officer in his thirties strode into the tent and saluted with a happy face: "My subordinates have seen the prince." ”

"Buhe? How did you come here? "Monk Greenqin was surprised and delighted, this cloth and originally his subordinates, followed him to fight long hair, and moved all the way under his protection, and later entered the Beiyang Naval Division, the official residence of the three products, and was regarded as the middle and senior generals of the Beiyang Naval Division.

"In order to ensure that Kyoto can be captured in one fell swoop, Yuan Qi specially transferred a marine artillery battalion under the command of the prince." Buhe explained with a smile: "My subordinates came with the artillery battalion to escort artillery and ammunition. ”

"Sit, don't be formal." Monk Lingqin greeted warmly, and then ordered his own soldiers, "Serve tea." Then come to the whole table and prepare the good wine. Saying that, he smiled heartily: "In Tianjin, time is in a hurry, you are having a banquet, I can't go to the banquet, let's have a good drink today." ”

After serving tea, the soldiers withdrew, and Bu Hecai said softly: "My subordinates have come here to report something important. As he spoke, he took out a cowhide envelope from his bosom and handed it over.

Inside the envelope was an anonymous telegram, the content of which was simple, just six words - arrive in Osaka in the near future. Monk Lingqin looked a little confused, and said, "Who sent it?" ”

Buhe lowered his voice again, "King Gong." ”

King Gong coming to Osaka? Monk Lingqin looked at the telegram over and over again, and saw that the address was Shanghai, and said suspiciously: "King Gong is in Shanghai?" ”

"The monk king is in Osaka, so he may not know much about the situation in the country." Bu He said slowly: "It has been a .......few days since King Gong left Beijing for Shanghai. ”

In this way, Yi Xun came to Osaka, not by order, but by secret action, and his purpose was to usurp military power! This is not a trivial matter, he was silent when he landed, he is now a ****, the title can be said to have reached the top, and he is in charge of an army alone, with a high position, helping Yixin usurp military power, for him, it can be said that it will do more harm than good, and Yixin can no longer give him anything.

However, Yi Xun secretly came to Osaka to usurp military power, behind this matter to say that there is no consent and support of Yi Zhi, and he does not believe it, although he does not care about the court situation, but he also knows very well that the implementation of constitutionalism is the trend of the times, the reason is very simple, Yi Zhishu strongly advocates the implementation of constitutionalism, if the imperial court does not take the initiative to implement constitutionalism, Yuanqi will inevitably raise troops to fight, and for Yuanqi's strength, he knows best, but it is not the imperial court's Eight Banners New Army and Beiyang Naval Division can compete at all.

It can be said that Yixun's trip to Osaka is to force him to stand in line and choose a camp! Which side to choose, there is no need to consider it for him at all, but the risk of this matter is really too great, one is not good, he will be dismissed at the least, or he will have to be stabbed at the entrance of the vegetable market.

Seeing that he was silent for a long time, Bu He said slowly: "The prince should know that the implementation of constitutional government is the general trend, King Gong wants to control the military power, but also in order to smoothly implement the constitutional, the nine-year preparation for the constitution is approaching in a blink of an eye, and the emperor is about to pro-government, and the military power is in hand, and there may be another branch, if this is the case, it will inevitably meet with Yuan Qi'......s soldiers." ”

Glancing at him, Monk Lingqin said in a sullen voice: "Will King Gong's usurpation of military power cause infighting?" ”

Bu He sighed lightly, and then said: "King Gong fled from Beijing overnight and went to Shanghai for refuge, the Qingjun Society in the Eight Banners New Army, the prince should know, they listed King Gong as the number one assassination target ......." ”

The matter of the Qingjun Club was originally reminded by Seng Lingqin to King Gong, and when he heard this, he couldn't help but gasp, those Qingjun Club officers of the Qingjun Club were so bold? No wonder King Gong came to Osaka to usurp military power.

With a slight groan, he asked very abruptly, "Are you King Gong's person?" Or is it Yuanqi's people? ”

Hearing this, Bu He smiled, "The subordinate is the old subordinate of the prince, and the deputy commander of the Beiyang Naval Division, neither King Gong's person nor Yuanqi's person, if you insist on classifying, your subordinate should be a constitutionalist." ”

Regarding the situation of the Beiyang Naval Division, Monk Lingqin can be said to know everything about it, and when he heard this, he said: "You are the person who carries Zhao." ”

"Sort of." Bu He said with a smile: "My subordinates do have close contacts with Zai Junmen. ”

Monk Greenqin nodded slightly, secretly thinking in his heart, it seems that the relationship between King Gong and Zaizhao is also very close, otherwise it is impossible for such a confidential matter to pass through Zaizhao's hands, who is Zaizhao, easy to know the brother-in-law!

At this moment, the guards reported outside the tent: "Lord Wang, there is a guest to visit, saying that there is something urgent." ”

Someone visiting again? Could it be that it is also related to the matter of King Gong? Monk Greenqin's heart moved, and then he asked, "Who?" ”

The guards hurriedly entered the account and presented a post, and when they saw that the post was written Guo Zhongmu, Monk Greenqin hurriedly got up and walked out quickly, Guo Zhongmu is the chief of staff of the East China Sea Fleet, and also the chief of staff of the Yuanqi Warren Army, his status is second only to Xiao Mingming, he is really not good at slacking off, he is sure that Guo Zhongmu must come for King Gong's business.

However, when he walked to the door of the big tent, he stopped, Guo Zhongmu came to hand over the post, obviously hiding his identity, and it was obviously inappropriate for him to go out, so he ordered: "Take him in." ”

Seeing the monk Lingqin like this, Bu He guessed that the identity of the visitor was not low, and even said tentatively: "Do your subordinates avoid it?" ”

"No, it's Yuanqi's people." Monk Greenqin waved his hand.

Hearing this, Bu He couldn't help but be happy, Yi Guocheng had a very good personal relationship with the monk king, if Yuan Qi also sent someone to lobby, this matter would become seven or eight points.

Guo Zhongmu passed a soldier's uniform, entered the big tent, saw other people, and hurriedly saluted a military salute, Monk Greenqin smiled and waved his hand, stretched out his hand and said: "Chief of Staff Guo doesn't need to see the outside ......." As he spoke, he introduced Buhe to him, and added a sentence at the end, "It's Zaizhao's cronies." ”

Hearing that it was Zaizhao's cronies, Guo Zhongmu couldn't help but smile, "It seems that King Gong has already made arrangements." ”

Monk Greenqin took the opportunity to ask: "Chief of Staff Guo is also here for King Gong's business?" ”

Guo Zhongmu said: "Our prince specially called, and I made a trip to inform the monk that King Gong had come to the Wa Kingdom by boat and would definitely come to Osaka." ”

Although it was only a notice, it undoubtedly showed an attitude of contentment, and Monk Lingqin groaned slightly before sighing: "This is roasting me on the fire." ”

"The monk king doesn't need to be embarrassed." Guo Zhongmu said with a smile: "Our prince still has a message for the monk king, go and stay at will, safety first." ”

Hearing this, Bu He couldn't help but sigh secretly, saying that Yi Zhixin had a very personal relationship with the monk king, and the rumors were true, such a big event, Yi Zhizu actually told him to put safety first and stay at will. The feeling of care is on the paper.

Monk Lingqin tasted another meaning from this sentence, since Yi Zhixin let him stay at will, it is enough to show that without his assistance, King Gong can also usurp military power.

"Yi Guocheng still understands me, please don't be as good as a general." Saying that, he sighed lightly, "The matter of eating the king, the matter of loyalty to the king, not only eats the court, but also has the responsibility to think for the long-term of the court, how can you retreat in case of trouble." ”

Hearing this, Bu He couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, and arched his hand and said: "The monk king understands the righteousness, and his subordinates admire ....... very much. ”

Before he finished speaking, the guard said loudly outside the tent: "Lord Wang, Fukuoka emergency ——。 ”

Fukuoka JETEN? Monk Greenqin glanced at Guo Zhongmu and ordered, "Come in!" After taking the telegram, he couldn't help but be a little dumbfounded, the content of the telegram was meaningless, it was obviously a secret telegram, and as soon as he changed his mind, he handed the telegram to Guo Zhongmou.

Soon, Guo Zhongmu translated the secret telegram, and when he looked at the content of the telegram, the hearts of the three of them sank, and the content of the telegram was very short - King Gong came to the court, and the court had already noticed it and was not allowed to publicly support it.

This sentence is not allowed to be openly supported, obviously referring to the Yuanqi troops stationed in the Wa, Guo Zhongmu groaned, and said: "The imperial court is actually aware of it, even if it is only suspicious, it will definitely take precautions, if the expectation is good, there will soon be a telegram, or summon the monk king back to Beijing, or ...... House arrest on the spot. ”

Recall Jingshi, I'm afraid it won't be a good result to wait for him, unless Yixun gives up halfway, quietly turns back to Shanghai, things may still have the possibility of turning, but with his understanding of Yixun, this possibility is extremely small, besides, if he misses this opportunity, he may never have a chance again, let alone Yixun, if it is him, he will not stop easily.

Things have developed to this point, it is ironclad that Yixin and the Queen Mother will turn against each other, and it is uncertain whether the court and Yuan Qi will go to war against each other, but the relationship will definitely deteriorate, with his relationship with Yixin and Yi Zhi, once he returns to Beijing, the imperial court will definitely not let him go easily, and the lightest may be captivity.

With his mind in mind, he looked at Guo Zhongmu and said, "Is there a way to cut off the cable telegraph between the Osaka headquarters and the various departments?" ”

"It's not that hard." Guo Zhongmu said without thinking, after all, all the communication soldiers are Yuanqi, this matter is difficult for others, for Guo Zhongmu, it is a matter of order.

"Good!" Monk Greenqin stood up, walked quickly to the handsome case, and quickly wrote a telegram order, ordering the surrounding departments to quickly assemble to the side.

After handing over the telegram to his soldiers, he looked at Guo Zhongmu and Bu He and said, "They may intercept King Gong in Osaka, and they need to be escorted." ”

Bu He said without hesitation: "It's not easy for Yuanqi to come forward in this matter, let's arrange it." ”

Osaka Castle, the headquarters of the Qing army.

Yi Xun sent a telegram at the moment, gently rubbing his temples, how could his sixth brother sneak to Osaka in secret? Want to usurp military power from him? What happened to Kyoshi? Also, summoning the monk Greenqin back to Beijing to rectify military affairs, although he was a general of the conquest, but in fact it was the monk Greenqin who presided over the war, and the court did not know that Kyoto had not yet officially attacked and changed the commander, and the army's morale would inevitably be shaken.

In addition, Yi Zhixiang has a close relationship with Yixun, and Yixun sneaked to the Wa Kingdom, is it Yuan Qi's help? If Yuan Qi was also involved in this matter, he was a little afraid to imagine that if Yuan Qi assisted Yi Xun, they would not even have a chance to retreat!

Soon, he put aside these and these things for the time being, and instructed the outside world: "Come on, immediately send a telegram to Hirakata, and ask the monk to return to Osaka as soon as possible, and discuss important matters." ”

No matter what the situation is, first trick Monk Greenqin back to Osaka, as long as Monk Greenqin is controlled, even if Yixun sneaks into Osaka, he won't be able to turn the sky upside down! After a slight groan, he ordered one after another, "From now on, all ships will be suspended from entering the port." "Telegraph the various departments to quickly assemble in Osaka!"

After sending three orders in succession, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thought for a moment, and then drafted a telegram, so many things he didn't understand in his heart, he had to figure it out, he was sure that something big had happened in Jingshi, of course, Ci'an didn't say anything about this, and he didn't want to ask Ci'an directly, he planned to ask Jingshi's comrades!

After writing the telegram, a communications officer hurriedly came in and reported: "Report to the general, the cable telegraph has a serious malfunction and cannot send a telegram to the outside world. ”

What the? Yi Xun was stunned for a moment, and hurriedly said, "What's the matter?" ”

"The initial suspicion is that someone has cut off all the lines." The communications officer bowed his head and said, "Now only the cable telegraph with Fukuoka is still functional. ”

"How is it possible that all the lines are cut off?" Yi Xun looked at him suspiciously.

"Go back to the general." The communications officer said with some trepidation: "This kind of thing has happened to my subordinates for the first time, and it may be that the machine has malfunctioned ......." ”

"Whatever the case may be, restore communication as soon as possible!" Yi Xun said in a deep voice: "Carry out it separately, send someone to check the line while checking the machine, and troubleshoot as soon as possible!" ”

"Subordinates obey."

Why is there a problem with the cable telegraph at this juncture? Yi Xun's heart tightened, could it be that Yi Xun had already arrived at the side and joined forces with Yuan Qi to make the first move? If that is the case, his situation is in danger!

Thinking of this, he became a little nervous, strode to the door and shouted: "Hurry up and go to Hirakata, and ask the monk to go back to Osaka to discuss important matters!" ”

"Hurry up and give an order, gather all the surrounding departments to quickly assemble in Osaka Castle!"

"Order all the sea and land departments in Osaka Castle to enter the first-level alert, and the city will be under martial law all day!"