Tianjin, the old Longtou Railway Station.

A train from Beijing slowly drove into the station, as soon as the car stopped, Gui Liang, the governor of Zhili, led a group of officials in Tianjin to meet the forward, the carriage door opened, and Prince Yi Zaiyuan, who was dressed in pro-dynasty clothes, slowly stepped onto the platform, followed by Su Shun, Bai Ye, the minister of military aircraft.

"Slave Gui Liang respectfully leads the civil and military officials of Tianjin to respectfully invite St. An." Gui Liang and his entourage hurriedly and respectfully knelt down three times and knocked nine times to ask for Saint Ann.

"St. Bow." Zaiyuan calmly accepted the salute on behalf of the sky, and his face eased slightly, and when Gui Liang and his party got up, he didn't even say a word of politeness, and asked directly: "Is there any progress in the negotiations between Yuan Qi and the French envoy?" ”

"Back to the prince, there is not much progress ......." Gui Liang hurriedly replied that he had been involved in the whole process of the negotiations in the past two days, and he hurried to greet him when he heard the news that Zaiyuan and other three messengers were coming.

Su Shun said with a smile on his face: "Zhenhai Gong is in the Haiphong Office?" ”

"I heard that I went to Majiakou in the south of the city to inspect military affairs, but I don't know if I came back." Gui Liang said with a sneer, Yi Zhixiang didn't go out at all, but didn't come to greet Qin Cha, he couldn't say it clearly, after all, there were still so many Tianjin officials, and the face of the imperial court still had to be maintained.

"Woo——。" A long whistle sounded, and another train slowly drove into the station, looking like it was from the south, Gui Liang knew how busy the train station was, and knew that this was not a place to greet him, so he hurriedly stretched out his hand to give courtesy, "Xiaguan has prepared a banquet in the city to wash the ......dust for the prince and others." ”

Zaiyuan didn't have the heart to go to the banquet, and said straightly: "Go to the Haiphong Office." ”

Haiphong Office, Headquarters.

Lin Meilian walked quickly to the door and reported: "The big treasurer, Prince Yi Zaiyuan, the Minister of Military Aircraft Su Shun and Bai Ye, and the Governor of Zhili Gui Liang are asking to see you outside. ”

"Nope." Yi Zhi, who was looking at the map, didn't raise his head, and said very simply.

Missing? Lin Meilian was stunned, and she felt a little difficult in her heart, could it be difficult to reply to a few Qincha like this? immediately looked at Zhao Wenlie for help, and when she saw her, Zhao Wenlie smiled, "The big shopkeeper wants to dry them and take them to the wing room to wait, so he said that the big shopkeeper is busy with military affairs, so make time to see them again." ”

Lin Meilian pursed her lips and smiled, turned around and retreated, and when she arrived at the gate of the courtyard, she repeated the original words.

The military is busy, let them wait? The expressions on the faces of the four Zaiyuan are more wonderful than the other, the four of them, a prince, two ministers of military aircraft, a governor of Zhili, and the identity of the Qincha, Yi Zhizhi actually let them wait, this is not arrogant, this is the eyes of the king, is it possible that Yuan Qi really plans to rebel?

The expressions on the faces of the few people who saw it changed, but Su Shun swallowed a smile, "It seems that the matter of the imperial court's private negotiations with Britain and France has made the Duke of Zhenhai unhappy." ”

The imperial court negotiated privately with Britain and France? Gui Liang's heart was shocked, then it is no wonder that Yi Zhixiang was unhappy and shook his face, this matter was not done by the imperial court, Yuan Qi negotiated with the French envoy and specially invited him, the governor of Zhili, to participate, of course, he was not good at helping Yi Zhixiang speak, and hurriedly mediated: "The military affairs of Zhenhai Gong are indeed busy, and when discussing the military situation, it is also the most taboo to be disturbed, the prince might as well have a cup of tea first." ”

Zaiyuan was dissatisfied and didn't dare to say anything, he got off the donkey, this time, they asked for Yuan Qi, besides, now Yuan Qi faintly has the tendency to fight against the court, Yi Zhi's status is transcendent, he is a Qin cha, the identity of the prince is really not in the eyes of others.

After waiting for an hour, Lin Meilian came over and led the four people into the courtyard where the headquarters was located, and as soon as they entered the courtyard, even Yi Zhicontent, who was in military uniform, slowly greeted him, and said with a smile: "The military affairs are busy, and I have neglected all of you, and I hope that there will be a lot of Haihan." ”

Seeing this situation, Zaiyuan and the others secretly breathed a sigh of relief, they were all Qincha, and their identities were noble, and they were worried that Yi Zhishu would put on a shelf, so they really couldn't get off the stage, Zaiyuan even if he returned the salute, and said with a smile on his face: "The military situation is like fire, changing rapidly, hundreds of thousands of troops in Tianjin and Beijing are fighting, military affairs are the top priority, let's wait." ”

Yi Zhizhi smiled contentedly, and then greeted Su Shun, Bai Ye, and Gui Liang one by one, and welcomed the four of them into the hall to sit down, and he said directly: "Negotiating with the French envoy, Lord Gui participated in the whole process, it should be a report every day, you hurried to Tianjin, I don't know what happened?" ”

"I'm here to negotiate." Zaiyuan didn't go around in circles, and said thoughtfully: "Two days ago, the British and French sent envoys to infiltrate the Beijing division and submit a note, imploring a truce and peace talks, and the emperor specially sent this king to Tianjin to inquire about the meaning of Zhenhai Gong. ”

The British and French sent envoys to infiltrate the Beijing Division? Yi Zhizhi was secretly amused, he really thought that he didn't know about the Tongzhou negotiations? He was too lazy to expose this lie, and slowly lit a cigarette, and then slowly spoke, "I am not a belligerent person, and it is inevitable to want a truce and peace talks, but we must meet the conditions we put forward, otherwise we will not talk." ”

The conditions proposed by Yuan Qi were naturally clear to Zaiyuan, and he immediately smiled bitterly and said: "The conditions proposed by Yuan Qi are too harsh ....... ”

"Harsh?" Yi Zhishu glanced at him and said coldly: "If we are defeated, the conditions proposed by the four countries of Britain and France will be even harsher!" As he spoke, he looked at Su Shun, "What benefits did Britain and France give to the imperial court?" ”

Su Shun hurriedly said: "I didn't participate in the negotiations with Britain and France, so it's really not clear." ”

"The emperor is worried about the spread of war and the destruction of the capital of Gyeonggi." Zaiyuan hurriedly explained: "Besides, Britain and France are powerful countries in the world after all, and if the war continues, the outcome is unpredictable, so it is better to accept it when it is good." ”

This reason is high-sounding, Yi Zhixiang showed a sneering smile on the corner of his mouth, obviously not believing it, "This point, the imperial court does not need to worry, since Yuan Qi dares to fight, he has absolute certainty to win this war, and now that the Western countries are breaking out an unprecedented economic crisis, it is impossible to fight a protracted war with us." Besides, even if Britain and France dare to increase their troops, Yuan Qi has enough confidence to let them come and go!

As for the calamity in Gyeonggi, it is already a scourge now, and since it has already paid such a big price, how can it give up halfway? If you don't completely annihilate the Xiyi Four-Nation Alliance, you will be ashamed of the people of Gyeonggi who have suffered from the disaster of war. ”

This can't be talked about at all, Zaiyuan was speechless for a while, and saw a little cold, and said calmly: "The negotiations with the French envoy Gro are not over yet, can we participate in the negotiations?" ”

Is this an attempt to formally open negotiations with Britain and France? No wonder the lineup is huge, Yi Zhishu glanced at a few people, he had no reason to refuse this request, and after a slight groan, he said: "Of course you can, but in order to prevent the Xiyi coalition army from taking the opportunity to delay the negotiations, you can only give three days of negotiation time at most." ”

As he spoke, he stood up, "The military affairs are busy, so I won't keep you any longer, and tomorrow Lord Gui will arrange negotiations." ”

Unexpectedly, the eviction order was issued, Zaigaki Dengshi was a little crying and laughing, and waited for an hour, but only said a few words, thinking that the other party only gave three days to negotiate, and he didn't want to waste time here.

At dusk, Su Shun entered the Haiphong Office alone, and went straight to the courtyard where Yi Zhizhi lived. He really didn't expect that Su Shun would come to see him alone.

Entering the courtyard, Su Shun saw Yi Zhizhi standing with a smile on his face and looking at him with a smile on his face, and hurriedly stepped forward and smiled: "Brother Guocheng, but you are sure to come next?" ”

Yi Zhifen smiled and said, "Brother Yuting came here today, but he has a heart-to-heart? As he spoke, he stretched out his hand and said, "Let's go." ”

"I was really told by Brother Guocheng." Su Shun said and walked side by side with him, "This time Yuan Qi really insists on winning and losing?" ”

"A must." Yi Zhizhi said with his jaw full: "Since this battle has been fought, it must be fought to the end!" In the current situation, we not only have the initiative, but also have an absolute advantage, so how can we easily stop? In this battle, we must at least fight for decades of peace, a stable frontier, and the prestige of our Qing Dynasty! ”

After a slight sigh, Su Shuncai said in a muffled voice: "Brother Guocheng, have you ever considered it from the standpoint of the imperial court?" ”

Yi Zhizu glanced at him, "The imperial court is worried that Yuan Qi will attack the Jingshi after annihilating the Xiyi coalition army?" ”

"It's not that I don't have this worry." Su Shun said with a wry smile: "The total strength of the navy and army assembled by Yuan Qi in Tianjin and Beijing is nearly 100,000, and the Beijing division is full of civil and military forces, and there are really few people who are not worried, this is still a worry."

In addition, in the long run, whether it is economic strength or military strength, the imperial court will not be able to catch up with Yuan Qi, and the gap between the two sides will become bigger and bigger, not to mention, now all the military supplies needed by the new army of the imperial court are controlled by Yuan Qi, and the current situation of the imperial court can be said to be dangerous. ”

Yi Zhizu sneered: "So the imperial court wants to take this opportunity to collude with Britain and France to suppress Yuan Qi?" ”

Su Shun shook his head and said, "The only advantage of the imperial court now is the name of righteousness, how can it collude with Britain and France and give people a handle?" ”

Hearing this, Yi Zhizhi couldn't help but smile, "What righteousness is false, strength can determine everything, if the court colludes with Britain and France to sweep Yuanqi, the court will not hesitate." ”

Su Shun stopped, stared at him and said, "Yuan Qi has already had strength, isn't he waiting for a legitimate opportunity or excuse?" ”

"What other justifiable opportunities and excuses do you need for a rebellion?" Yi Zhixiang said disdainfully: "Which rebel in history still has to wait for the opportunity to be justified?" What's the excuse? If Yuan Qi wants to rebel, he can firmly occupy the righteousness by playing 'expel the Tartars and restore China'. ”

"Yuan Qi really doesn't plan to rebel?" Su Shun looked at him suspiciously, "Brother Guocheng, can you give the imperial court a reason to let Yuanqi develop?" ”

"The imperial court still has the ability to curb the development of Yuanqi?" Yi Zhisuff glanced at him, "Even if the imperial court colludes with Britain and France, it will not be able to contain Yuan Qi." ”

Su Shun smiled bitterly and said, "The imperial court can't sit still?" ”

"Didn't you send a mission to the West?" Yi Zhicontent said, took out the jade cigarette holder and lit a cigarette.

Su Shun's heart jumped, "Brother Guocheng means to let the imperial court change the law and innovate?" ”

Yi Zhishu strolled forward and said slowly: "Changing the law to save oneself and improve oneself is the only choice for the imperial court, don't be suspicious all day long, Yuanqi wants to rebel, he will not wait until today, let alone expand everywhere in the name of the imperial court." ”

Is this a promise to give the imperial court an opportunity to change the law and innovate to help itself and improve itself? Su Shun couldn't believe it for a while, but thinking that sending a large-scale mission to visit the West was indeed made by Yi Zhicontent, he already believed a little in his heart, besides, what the other party said was also the truth, with the strength of Yuanqi's new army, if he really wanted to rebel, why wait until today.

Seeing that he was silent, Yi Zhixiang asked casually: "What benefits did Britain and France promise the imperial court?" ”

"It's not ......." Su Shun hesitated, the matter of private discussions between the imperial court and Britain and France had already been discussed, so there was no need to hide it, besides, this matter would be impossible to hide sooner or later, "That is, to give away a batch of warships and firearms, allow the imperial court to purchase weapons and ammunition in unlimited quantities, help build a military factory, and provide a low-interest loan of 50 million taels of silver." After a pause, he continued: "The emperor is very tempted by this and wants to sign an armistice agreement with Britain and France in private. ”

The handwriting is really not small, don't blame Xianfeng for being tempted, Yi Zhishu nodded slightly, if Xianfeng issued an edict and announced a truce, this matter is indeed a little troublesome, after all, the Yuanqi New Army is still nominally the division of the Qing Dynasty, of course, thinking about it the other way, Xianfeng is afraid that after the Ming decree, Yuan Qi will not sell it, it is not only the prestige of the imperial court, but also the Qing emperor.

Su Shun said softly: "I didn't hide it at all, and poured beans into the bamboo tube - clean." ”

After pondering for a while, Yi Zhizhi said slowly: "Britain, France, the United States and other Western countries are breaking out an economic crisis of advanced scale, and economic crises of this scale will generally last for more than three years.

In addition, the rear-loading rifled gun newly equipped by Yuan Qi, you should have seen it, buy the eliminated Mini gun from Britain and France, and the imperial court has a lot of silver and has no place to spend it? As for giving away warships and firearms, the emperor wouldn't think that Yuan Qi would swallow all the loot alone, right?

Besides, preparing to build a military factory, the imperial court to change the law and innovate, develop industry, and open up the northern coastal ports, are you afraid that you will not be able to build a military factory? ”

After a slight sigh, Su Shuncai said: "The war military indemnity of 10 million taels of gold, it is impossible for Britain and France to agree, right?" ”

"Not to mention gold, silver is impossible." Yi Zhizhi said: "This war, Western countries are paying close attention, our Qing Dynasty won beautifully, we need a large amount of low-interest loans, as long as there is a mortgage, let out the rumors, the funds of various countries will flock in." ”

Hearing these words, Su Shun couldn't help but smile, "In this way, there is no need for the imperial court to ignore these conditions offered by Britain and France. ”

"I can lie to you!" Yi Zhizu sneered.

Su Shun was elated, and he didn't care about his sarcasm at all, "Can you take over the study of Brother Guocheng and play it on the next horse." ”

Borrowing his study, obviously wanting to sort out the conversation between the two of them, worried that there was something missing, Yi Zhixiang smiled and said, "I'm in a hurry, and I can't send it to the palace until tomorrow morning." ”