Yi Xun bowed and withdrew, Ci'an frowned and didn't move for a long time, she subconsciously felt that there was a problem with the preparation of the constitution, but where was the problem, she couldn't say, and in the current situation, the preparation of the constitution seemed to be the best choice and the only choice.

For the new call issued by Yuan Qi to implement constitutional government, if the court pretends to be stupid and does not make any response, Yuan Qi will definitely further carry out public opinion propaganda, and even the attitude will be worse, and the court will be much more passive at that time, and it will also be a great blow to the prestige of the court.

As for openly opposing the constitution, I am afraid that there are few ministers in the DPRK and the central government to support it, first of all, it is impossible for Yixun to support it, and Su Shun should not agree, what the court needs now is a smooth transition, she doesn't want to disturb the court because of this matter, besides, if she openly opposes it, will it cause Yuan Qi to take too hasty actions? If this is the case, she will become a sinner of the Qing Dynasty!

Thinking about it this way, this preparation for the constitution was actually the most appropriate, but she faintly felt a little uneasy, and after a long time, she said: "Xuansu Shun will see you." ”

After receiving a call from Yi Zhixiang, he realized that Yi Zhixiang was not in a hurry to establish a constitution, the so-called preparation of the constitution was only to speed up the pace of the implementation of constitutionalism, which made him breathe a sigh of relief, compared to the implementation of constitutionalism, the preparation of the constitution is easier for the court to accept, at least the current situation will not change.

After entering the East Warm Pavilion of the Yangxin Palace, after knocking on the courtesy, I listened to Ci'an's voice, "In recent days, the officials and gentlemen of the Beijing Division have been discussing the constitution, and the military aircraft department can have a countermeasure?" ”

"Back to the Queen Mother." Su Shun said slowly: "In the implementation of the new policy, there is an article advocating freedom of speech and encouraging officials and gentlemen to care about state affairs. ”

Ci'an was obviously a little dissatisfied with his recital, and said coldly: "For the article published by Yuan Qi in the newspaper, the Military Aircraft Department intends to turn a blind eye?" ”

"Back to the Queen Mother." Su Shun said calmly: "The author of the article "On the Absolute Monarchy of Imperial Power and Constitutional Monarchy" is not a Changle layman, which shows that Yuan Qi is intended to be a temptation, and since it is a temptation, the imperial court may wish to wait and see for the time being. ”

Ci'an continued: "If Yi Zhixiang openly publishes an article in the newspaper advocating the implementation of constitutional government by the imperial court, is the imperial court in favor? Or against? ”

"It's not right to be in favor, and it's not right to be against." Su Shun said without thinking: "Tianjin opened the port, the imperial court benefited from the help of Britain and France, is setting up factories, developing military industry, accumulating strength, the emperor is still in his prime, what the imperial court needs at present is stability, it is time!" The minion secretly thought that since Yuan Qi had not made up his mind, the most appropriate way was to delay ——。 ”

Drag ——? This idea coincides with Yixun, for now, the best way is indeed to delay, Ci'an pondered for a while, and then said: "How to delay?" ”

How to drag? Could it be that Yixin didn't come up with the idea of preparing for a constitution? Or is Ci'an resistant to preparing for a constitution? Su Shun quickly calculated in his heart, took off the crown on his head and put it on the gold brick with a wooden face, kowtowed: "The slave is incompetent, and there is no proper way to delay for the time being, so I plan to wait and see Yuan Qi's attitude and then think about countermeasures." ”

After a slight sigh, Ci'an said: "It is related to the stability of the DPRK situation, and the Military Aircraft Department must discuss countermeasures as soon as possible." ”

"The slave obeys the order." Su Shun hurriedly said.

"Kneel down." Ci'an's voice softened.

Xicheng District, Prince Gong's Mansion, Qianhai West Street.

When the sky was dark, a two-wheeled carriage common in Beijing turned around the street and slowly stopped, Zeng Guofan, who was dressed as a gentleman, got off the carriage with his robe, looked around and then hurried to Prince Gong's mansion, but he was a little apprehensive in his heart, Yi Xun took him to a meeting, and he guessed in his heart that it was mostly for the constitution.

These days, there are many discussions about the constitution in the officialdom of the Beijing Division, there are those who are in favor, there are those who oppose it, and there are those who wait and see, among which the most people who praise the establishment of the constitution are the most, and most of them are Han members, and the vast majority of the Han members in Beijing are in praise of the establishment of the constitution.

Of course, there will be no shortage of opponents, most of the noble princes and ministers of the Jingshi clan are against the constitution from the bottom of their hearts, this is beyond doubt, and the attitude of the emperor and queen is even more unfathomable, this pool is unfathomable, and he does not want to be involved in this whirlpool.

Prince Gong's Mansion, Le Dao Hall, Yi Xun had just returned from a walk in the garden, and when he heard the news that Zeng Guofan was coming, he immediately ordered, "Invite him to the study, and I will go over later." ”

After wiping his face and hands, he drank double tea again, and then went to the study, Zeng Guofan, who entered the door, got up to salute, and said with a spring breeze on his face: "Disheng does not need to be formal, sit." ”

After taking his seat, Yixun said with a smile: "I heard that the Han members of the Beijing Division are very enthusiastic about the constitution. ”

Seeing that he opened his mouth to establish a constitution, Zeng Guofan secretly complained in his heart, and immediately nodded: "Most of the Han members in Beijing have a supportive attitude towards constitutionalism. ”

Yixun nodded slightly, and said in a sincere tone: "In the two hundred years since the founding of this dynasty, although it has repeatedly advocated the integration of Manchu and Mongolia, and the unity of Manchu and Han, in fact, it has always been the first to worship Manchuria, and there are many acts of exclusion and suppression of Han people.

The king of Zhennan first advocated the idea of the 'Chinese nation', and then proposed the promotion of equality among all ethnic groups, and this king deeply believed this, but it was easier said than done, and in the current situation, if you want to implement this idea, there is great resistance, and the implementation of constitutionalism is the best opportunity.

However, at present, there is no basis and conditions for the implementation of constitutional government, therefore, the king of Zhennan proposed a ......... to prepare for the constitution. ”

Listening to these words, Zeng Guofan didn't say anything for a long time, he really didn't arrive, he made a fuss for a long time, and actually threw out a preparatory constitution, or Yi Zhishu put it forward, he really didn't understand, the court's top-down implementation of constitutionalism is currently a great opportunity, what foundation and conditions are not available, even if there is, Yuan Qi and King Gong join forces, it is enough to enforce it.

Let him go to the fold and ask for the constitution, this is not just wading into troubled waters, this is pushing him to the cusp of the storm! If this preparatory constitution is really proposed by Yi Zhicontent, with his understanding of Yi Zhicontent, this matter will definitely not be so simple, he really doesn't want to be a thorn in the side of the emperor and queen, he is just a squire, people only need to move their mouths to make him doomed.

Yixun seemed to be able to see through his thoughts, and when he saw that he was silent, he said, "Disheng has concerns? ”

How can such a big thing be done without concern? Zeng Guofan secretly slandered himself, and then said: "There are many people who support the constitution, why is the prince elected?" ”

Yi Xun smiled when he heard this, "Disheng and Yi Zhizhi have a relationship, who in the officialdom of the Beijing Division doesn't know about this?" In addition, Disheng has traveled to the West, and he is also quite prestigious among the Han soldiers in Beijing and the local area, and this excerpt will inevitably cause a good response. ”

"Lord Wang, the lower officials are not only the servants of the ministry, but also the supervising administrative office and the minister of state." Zeng Guofan looked at Yi Xun and said, "If it is a fold on the bottom, will you let the Queen Mother contact the prince?" ”

Commander-in-Chief Yixun supervised the administrative office, Zeng Guofan was his subordinate, this was not unreasonable, but Yixun listened to it with a smile, and said disapprerovitically: "This king entered the palace today and has proposed to the Queen Mother to prepare for the constitution. After a pause, he continued: "This matter is not without risks, the reason why I chose Disheng is because once something happens to Disheng, King Zhennan will not stand idly by. ”

This sentence completely touched Zeng Guofan, although he and Yi Zhicontentment did not have a deep friendship, but he believed that if he asked for the preparation of the constitution to be degraded, Yi Zhifen would definitely not ignore it, and besides, although this matter is risky, but after all, it is also beneficial, this fold will definitely make him famous in the world, make up his mind, he asked: "Is it to play the constitution?" Or do you want to prepare for a constitution? ”

"Petition for the constitution." Yi Xun said: "At that time, the king will retreat to the second, so that the queen mother can accept the preparation of the constitution." ”

The next day, Zeng Guofan made a fold, vigorously stated the benefits of the constitution, and asked the imperial court to establish a constitution as soon as possible to enrich the country and strengthen the army. As soon as this "Petition for the Constitution was published", it immediately aroused great repercussions, and many Han members in Beijing who strongly supported the constitution went to the fold to echo the fold to strengthen the momentum.

Seeing this situation, the princes of the clan were naturally not to be outdone, and hurriedly instructed the Manchurian and Mongolian ministers to refute it, and a constitutional dispute began.

Newspapers in the northern and southern provinces followed up in a timely manner, and the newspapers in the south published Zeng Guofan's "Petition for the Constitutionalism" on the front page, while the newspapers in many northern provinces published the anti-constitutionalism excerpts on the front page and published many articles against the constitution.

Nourishing Heart Palace, East Warm Pavilion.

Putting down the fold in her hand, Ci'an's face was a little ugly, she asked Yixun to make a statement, but she didn't expect that there would be ministers who would openly plead for the constitution, and there were so many ministers who echoed it, she couldn't judge for a while whether this was from Yixun's instruction or the spontaneous actions of those Han ministers.

At present, this matter is so big, it is obviously not possible for the court not to express its position, and it is impossible to stay in the middle of the country, it will only make things more and more out of control, at present, only by throwing out the preparatory constitution can we appease Yuanqi, calm public opinion, and stabilize the court!

She had a deep sense of powerlessness in her heart, although she had the right to supervise the country, but she still couldn't control the situation, Yuan Qi just published an article in the newspaper, which could cause such a big reaction, and she now understands Xianfeng's mood at that time.

"The Queen Mother, Yixun is handing over the sign outside to ask to see." The eunuch on duty came in and reported softly.

"Let him in." Ci'an said in a deep voice, sensing that her tone was a little harsh, she quickly adjusted her emotions, after all, this situation still has to be cleaned up by Yixun.

After Yixun cautiously came in and knocked on the peace, he bowed down and presented a fold, and said, "This is the preparatory constitution prepared by the minister." ”

He took the fold from the eunuch's hand and looked at it, Ci'an closed the fold and said, "This Zeng Guofan is the minister who supervises the administrative office?" ”

"Back to the Queen Mother." Yi Xun was a little more careful, "Zeng Guofan is indeed the Minister of State for the Supervision of the Administrative Office, but he is usually in the Ministry of Officials, and the minister heard that this person has a very close personal relationship with Yi Zhixiang....... Moreover, the implementation of constitutionalism by the imperial court was beneficial to the Han Chen. ”

Zeng Guofan and Yi Zhixiang have a very close personal relationship? Ci'an frowned, but didn't ask much, she knew that Yi Xun would not say anything about this matter, after all, it was something that could be known with a little inquiry, and it didn't matter if it had anything to do with Yi Xun now, the important thing was to calm down this matter as soon as possible, if the situation was allowed to develop, it would be more and more unfavorable to the imperial court.

However, she was still very cautious, because she vaguely felt that the matter of preparing for the constitution was not so simple, although there was no choice at the moment, throwing out the preparation of the constitution was the best way, but she didn't want to make a big mistake because of her own rashness, and she groaned a little before she spoke: "Uncle Huang will prepare the constitution and discuss it with all the military planes, and decide a proper method as soon as possible to settle this dispute." ”

"Obey." Yi Xun was secretly happy in his heart, the preparation of the constitution was originally proposed by Yi Zhi, and he would not oppose it, even if he was against it, he was not worried.

"Kneel down." Ci'an said softly, and when Yixun bowed and retreated, he ordered: "King Yifang of Xuanol County and Prince Rui Renshou will come to see you." ”

A group of princes and ministers in the Prince Rui Renshou is the most active opposition to the constitution, heard Ci'an's call, knowing that it must be for the constitution, immediately hurriedly entered the palace to meet, although the prince of the county did not have radical remarks about the constitution, but he won the respect of Ci'an, awarded the former minister, the minister of the guard.

The two of them entered the Dongnuan Pavilion, and after knocking on the peace, without waiting for Ci'an to speak, Renshou said directly: "The minister earnestly prays that the queen mother will strictly reprimand the request for constitutionalism, and the constitution will suppress the monarch's power to show the people's rights.

In addition, the origin of the Chinese and Western countries is different, and the Qing Dynasty is based on the traditional guidelines and rituals to establish the country, which is enough to prevent eternity, and should not ignore the traditional etiquette and law; To emulate the constitutionalism of foreign countries. ”

Hearing these words, Yi Yan also said in a deep voice: "The imperial power is falling, and the country is ruined, so much more!" The minister also implored the Empress Dowager to make a decision as soon as possible and use thunderous means to settle the constitutional dispute. ”

Ci'an frowned slightly, and said unhurriedly: "Use thunderous means to quell the constitutional dispute, if this is declared to the world, the imperial court resolutely opposes the constitution, have you ever thought about how Yuan Qi would react?" ”

"Back to the Queen Mother." Renshou said in a deep voice: "Sooner or later, there will be a war between the imperial court and Yuan Qi, and it is better to fight late than early, once the war starts, Britain and France and other countries will definitely support the imperial court." ”

Yi Fang was silent, he knew very well that the Eight Banners New Army of the imperial court could not be the opponent of the Yuanqi New Army at all, not to mention, the weapons and ammunition of the Eight Banners New Army were completely controlled by Yuanqi, and if there was really a war, the officers and soldiers of the Eight Banners would strongly oppose it, and it would definitely be the result of defeat before the battle.

As for the strong support of Britain and France, he could not believe this, the American Civil War directly affected the textile industry of Britain and France, Britain and France did not dare to rashly mix, but declared neutrality, if the Qing Dynasty broke out a civil war, how could Britain and France dare to rashly mix? What's more, Britain and France have suffered big losses under Yuan Qi.