Chapter 7 Chapter 7: Soldiers Approaching the City

It wasn't hot, but Lin Xuquqing's forehead was dripping with sweat. "Your Majesty, more than 2,000 members of Dong Fuxiang's Department of the Gansu Army entered the capital at the end of Mao and the beginning of the Chen Dynasty, taking over the infantry and guarding the four gates. If you act abruptly at this time, the consequences—" The sky is clear and the sun is scorching hot.Riding his horse under the scorching sun, Li Hongzhang was sweating through his clothes.He dismounted from the horse outside the gate of the East Palace and handed over the signboard to enter the Summer Palace. When he looked around, he saw that the garden was full of greenery, and he heard birds and insects chirping in the shade of the trees. His depressed and irritable mood calmed down a little.From the Beiyang Minister of Commerce and Governor of Zhili to the prime minister's office of national affairs, and now empty-handed, it is like a dream, a nightmare!When he woke up, he realized that if he had defended against the enemy with all his strength, and if the Beiyang Navy was still there, would he have ended up in such a miserable situation?

"Hey, isn't this Li Zhongtang?" Cui Yugui came out of Leshoumen with a pile of books in his arms, glanced at Li Hongzhang who was wandering around with his head down, and said with a smile on his face, "What's wrong with you? Don’t you feel comfortable in your body? In this hot day, why don’t you--" "Eunuch is joking. Shaoquan is just a grassroots man now." A wry smile flashed across Li Hongzhang’s face, and he looked in with gloomy eyes, Asked, "Lafayette doesn't know--" "Look at what you said, the saying goes well, a skinny camel is bigger than a horse. May I ask who would dare to treat you like a peasant?" Cui Yugui narrowed his eyes and said with a smile, "Your business, Lafayette I already know it, I always think that Lafayette will say something, but who knows—oh—”

"I'm so sorry for my father-in-law to report, and said that Shaoquan has something to see." Li Hongzhang groped in his arms with trembling hands, took out an ingot of silver and put it in Cui Yugui's hand, "I hope my father-in-law will accept this little thing. But someday, Father-in-law's kindness, Shaoquan decides—" "What did Zhongtang say? How dare our family refuse to do things for you?" Cui Yugui weighed the silver ingot in his hand and put it close to his bosom, but said in a tone of tone, "It's just that things have been going on for a while, and Lafayette is in an extremely bad mood. In addition, when I take a break here, we will go in. I'm afraid—— Zhongtang should go back first and come in after a few days. At that time, Lafayette will lose his anger." , our house is also good for blowing your hair, what do you think?"

Longyou was teased by shrimps in shallow water, and tigers were bullied by dogs in Pingyang!You bastard, don't you just want to squeeze more oil from the old man? !If the old man is still the same as before, how dare you do this? ! "Shaoquan came here in a hurry, and I hope my father-in-law will not be offended if he is not polite." Li Hongzhang's indignation turned into a strong desire in an instant: Power, I must regain power!With a smile all over his face, Qian'er pressed down deeply, and said, "I will definitely—" "What is Zhongtang talking about? Don't say that you have dealt with our family quite a lot, and you have worked hard for us in the Qing Dynasty for so many years. Can our family not report back? Really—" Cui Yugui looked bitter. At this time, the sound of footsteps came faintly from a distance. After hesitating, as if he had made a lot of determination, he sighed and said, "Okay, our family will take the risk for Zhongtang. You come in with our house, only Lafayette If we don’t summon them, there’s nothing our family can do.”

"That's that. The father-in-law's kindness, Shaoquan will always remember it in his heart. In the future, he will be rewarded with kindness." Step by step, he went in behind Cui Yugui, passed Qingxiu Stone, and saw a man kneeling upright under Dan Chi, Li Hongzhang's cheek muscles twitched involuntarily.When I looked closer, it was Yuan Shikai. Thinking of the many situations in the past, a smile could not help but flash across Li Hongzhang's wrinkled face.It was already past Shenshi, and the sky was so clear that there was not even a single cloud. The scorching sun ruthlessly shot down the scorching light, making the ground scorching hot.On Yuan Shikai Quqing's forehead, bean-sized beads of sweat dripped down like a rain column, but his head was straightened up, looking at the west wing room without moving.Following his gaze, he saw a figure shaking in front of the bright window, and Li Hongzhang hurriedly knelt down on the brick floor of Linqing.

"Lafayette, Li Hongzhang has something to see." "Call in. Ask the slave to come in too." "Hey!" Because sitting facing north, neither the sun nor the hot wind can get in, and there are several basins of ice cubes. When Li Hongzhang came in from the scorching sun, his sweat suddenly disappeared. He shook his horseshoe sleeves and knelt down On the ground, he said in a loud voice: "Slave Li Hongzhang pays respects to Lafayette." The Empress Dowager Cixi was dressed in a light blue silk fine flower robe, with big wings and emerald emerald hair, but the years are not forgiving. .She ignored him with a straight face, only glanced at Li Hongzhang, then turned her cold eyes to Yuan Shikai, and said from between her teeth: "An!"

"Lafayette, slave—" The Empress Dowager Cixi raised her hand, said with a sneering voice, "You just stay on the sidelines." After she finished speaking, she put her hands on the handle of the chair, stood up slowly, and walked leisurely in the hall After two laps, he turned around and said to Yuan Shikai, "How does it feel outside, huh? Doesn't it feel good?!" "Yes...it's uncomfortable." Yuan Shikai, whose front and back were soaked, was looking at her with wide open eyes, and his body trembled unexpectedly, and he hastily lowered his head and said timidly.

"It's not comfortable staying in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, is it?!" "No, no, Lafayette, the slave... the slave is guilty." Yuan Shikai's previous prestige was gone, and he kowtowed again and again, and said, "I beg the old Buddha to be merciful, forgive me this time, slave In the future...don't dare anymore...the Emperor has ordered that the servants enter the capital immediately to meet him in the palace..." "You make the imperial decree for the emperor's words, and you will—" "The Lafayette knows that, the servant would never dare to have such thoughts." Yuan Shikai was so anxious that tears almost flowed out. "Fart!" The Empress Dowager Cixi sneered, and said with a low voice, "Who are you trying to hide with your ghostly thoughts? Don't you just see that the emperor is in his prime, and my old lady has few days to live?!" Quiet, coughing and not hearing, the sound was like a heavy stone pressing on Yuan Shikai's heart, until he couldn't breathe, "Isn't the emperor just going to be your servant? Don't forget, I said this." , not to mention the servant, even the grassroots want you to do it!"

"Yes Yes……" "What did the emperor say to you?!" "The emperor summoned the slaves, first asked...about the disaster situation of the slaves, and then asked about the implementation of the New Deal, and asked the slaves to step up the implementation of the new policy, and not to be false." Yuan Shikai looked at his own face on the smooth brick floor of Linqing. Shadow said with trembling lips, "Afterwards, the military planes paid their respects, and the emperor ordered the servant to say... I am tired." "That's all? Huh?!" It's too easy." She took a step forward, "Say!"

Yuan Shikai's tense heart shrank again: "The emperor... also said that the current situation is unpredictable, and the slaves should really step up the training of the new army." After he finished speaking tremblingly, he nodded again and again. His voice was not loud, but Empress Dowager Cixi flinched from the chill.Her eyelids drooped, her eyes moved quietly, and she didn't say a word for a full pipe of cigarettes.The suffocating and dull atmosphere made Yuan Shikai raise his heart, looked at the Empress Dowager Cixi with eyes full of fear, and finally couldn't help but tremblingly said: "Lafayette, this is all from the emperor. Meaning, slave... the slave really didn't say a word... didn't say anything."

Venting the depression in his chest, he let out a long breath, and the Empress Dowager Cixi twitched her cheek muscles twice, and asked coldly, "That's all?!" "The slave really dare not lie to Lafayette, that's all." "Okay, you—" Before the words fell, Li Lianying came in with a bow and the Empress Dowager Cixi's already half-grey eyebrows trembled, and asked, "What's the matter?" "Go back to Lafayette," Li Lianying raised her sleeve and wiped Sweating all over his face, "Zhu Xiangye, Xu Zhongtang, and more than 30 officials from the six departments and nine ministers of each yamen have asked to see you, saying that Lafayette, if you—" "Tell Gangyi and the others to come in, and the others are obedient outside. Where's Yikuang, are you here?" "Prince Qing's body is not feeling well recently, and the sedan chair is moving slowly. I guess it's time to enter the garden now." "Tell him to come in with you!" The Empress Dowager Cixi bit her lower lip with fine white teeth, and looked out of the room with a gloomy gaze, "Yuan Shikai!" "The slave is here." "Get up." The Empress Dowager Cixi blinked her eyelashes, as if she was thinking about something, she said briefly, "I don't want to do anything to you. I just ask you, how do you plan to do things after this?!" Slave——" Yuan Shikai tried his best to suppress the ups and downs in his heart, swallowed a mouthful of sour and astringent saliva, and said with difficulty, "The master knows best what a slave thinks. It’s a place where I can live and work, and I dare not have two hearts.” "No one said you have two hearts. But who is the master in your heart?!" "Your servant understands the rules." Yuan Shikai's head was buzzing, his heart was beating fast, his eyes were squinting around, and he knelt down again, and said in a trembling voice, "This master is naturally... naturally, Lafayette you Yes." "You said what you said, don't forget it when you leave this garden!" A sneer flashed across the corner of the Empress Dowager Cixi's mouth, and she waved her hand to signal Gang Yi and the others to sit on the twig, and then said, "Just do what I say. Do it, not to mention the servant, I will reward you even if it is a military plan. However, you are duplicity, playing sloppy with me behind your back—” "Slaves dare not...slaves dare not..." "It's up to you whether you dare or not, it's up to me to reward or punish." The Empress Dowager Cixi snorted coldly, her tone was icy cold, and said, "Remember clearly, your new army didn't have my order, so it was just one soldier at a time. The pawns are not allowed to move at will!" "Slaves respectfully obey the teachings of kindness." "Go down." "Hey." Seeing Yuan Shikai's tall and fat body wandering out of the west wing and disappearing behind Qingxiu Stone, the clenched teeth of the Empress Dowager Cixi relaxed.Gangyi and Yulu exchanged glances, got up and threw the horseshoe sleeves and knelt on the ground: "I implore Lafayette to come forward and make decisions for us." "If you have anything to say, just say it!" The Empress Dowager Cixi took a sip of her milk. "The emperor insists on going his own way, allowing those youngsters to abuse the old officials wantonly and turn a deaf ear." Kowtowing his head resolutely, he gritted his white teeth and said angrily, "If you don't speak out, Lafayette, the slaves will only die. "As soon as the voice fell, Yu Lu immediately continued: "Those reformers were lawless and instigated the emperor to kill the veterans. They were still not satisfied with the abolition of a large number of government offices. Today they encouraged the emperor to dismiss all the officials of the Ministry of Rites—" "What?!" Empress Dowager Cixi slightly shook her hand holding the cup. "Wang Zhao, the head of the Ministry of Rites, has ulterior motives, and actually invited the holy driver to travel to a foreign country. Huaitabu and others are concerned about the safety of the emperor, so they did not hand in the paperwork—" "It was handed over later." Resolutely interrupted Yulu, "The emperor not only did not deal with Wang Zhao, but instead made an official appointment with him, and even dismissed everyone in Huaitab on the charge of obstructing the way of speech. Especially What's more, the emperor actually listened to the villain's slander, and ordered Yang Rui and Liu Guang, the fourth military commander, to go to Beijing, but these four people presided over the review of the New Deal memorials, and they also planned to submit the decree for approval and issuance." As he said, he thought to himself. Zhongtao Yujian handed it up. "Lafayette, this 'participating in the New Deal' is actually the 'participating in political affairs' in the Tang and Song Dynasties, which is the position of the prime minister." Seeing the bruises on the forehead of the Empress Dowager Cixi, she was obviously extremely annoyed, and a smug smile flashed across her resolute face , Adding fuel to the flames, "The emperor entrusts these villains with such important matters, isn't he going to hand over our Daqing society to the Han people?!" Participating in political affairs, the actual prime minister in the early Tang Dynasty occasionally used this name.In the Song Dynasty, Tongzhong Shumenxia Pingzhangshi was the prime minister, and Shen Zhizhengshi was the deputy prime minister.This official position was also set up in the early Qing Dynasty, but it was abolished during the Qianlong Dynasty.Although the Empress Dowager Cixi said that she had no ink, she only asked the Imperial Academy to read some rules and regulations from time to time for the needs of her rule, but she still understood it here. "Lafayette," seeing that the Empress Dowager Cixi remained silent for a while, Yu Lu simply knelt on the ground, sobbing with snot and tears, "If you don't come forward to make decisions for the slaves, the slaves will have no way to survive. .” "Yes, Lafayette, you have to decide with the slaves anyway. Otherwise, the emperor said, Waitabu will be the result of the slaves—" "He dares?!" The Empress Dowager Cixi tore the imperial paper in her hand to pieces, unable to hold back the rage that surged up in her chest, she paced back and forth briskly.The storm was coming, it was coming... Hearing the sound of crisp footsteps, everyone was drinking honey in their hearts, they looked at each other, and their eyes focused on the Empress Dowager Cixi. "Where's the Ministry of Rites? Who took Waitabu's mission?" Suddenly, the Empress Dowager Cixi stepped back and asked. "This—" She might as well ask this question, Yu Lu was stupefied for a while, and Fang whispered, "The emperor wants the slave to follow. Lafayette, this is all the emperor's deception. He—"" I know." It seemed that there was a sympathy with the hearts of the people in the room, and the wailing outside the room shook the sky during the conversation, as if the end of the Qing Dynasty had really come.Empress Dowager Cixi let out a long breath and said, "Get up, all of you." "Lafayette does not decide with the slaves, the slaves—" "Huh?!" She only hummed lightly, and the resolute people jumped up from the ground like arrows, "You all have contributed to our Qing Dynasty, can I just ignore it? I understand in my heart that you have been wronged, and I will let you go!" Go back to the city first." "Lafayette, forgive me for your boldness." The resolute pair of tadpole eyes stared blankly at the Empress Dowager Cixi, and gritted his teeth, "I think that the only way to save the crisis is to invite you to sit behind the curtain again, Lafayette. Please Lafayette plan for the community, don't hesitate." "Please Lafayette to hang the curtain again!" "Lafayette," Xu Tong's brows and white hair remained motionless, his unfathomable eyes like ancient wells were fixed in the sunlight, and he opened his mouth ponderingly, "I think it's time to draw the curtain again, Lafayette please think again." "Xu Zhongtang, you are—" "Wang Wenshao, Sun Jianai, what about you? How did you think that?" Empress Dowager Cixi raised her hand to stop her resoluteness, and said, looking at the silent Wang and Sun. "Back to Lafayette," Wang Wenshao pondered, and opened his mouth first, "Looking closely at what the emperor has done, I really feel that I am too impatient. I just... just want to listen to the government behind the curtain again, and the slave may make the court situation even more turbulent. According to the slave Meaning, you might as well call the emperor into the garden, and Lafayette will give you a few words of reprimand. The emperor is benevolent and filial, and Lafayette will not ignore your words." "It's really good." After a moment of displeasure, he turned his eyes to look at Sun Jianai, "What about you? Is that what you mean?" "Yes." Sun Jianai's voice was as soft as if he was afraid of waking up a sleeping baby, "The servants are all thinking of the country and society , I also ask Lafayette to learn from you." "Lafayette," the resolute face turned blue and purple, his eyes widened and glared at the two, bowed and said, "The emperor has ordered the instructors of all provinces, states and counties to preach the New Deal in detail, so that it is necessary for everyone to know. .But by then, the weather will be over, and you, Lafayette, are thinking—” "Slave Yikuang respectfully greets the Lafayette!" "Come in." Empress Dowager Cixi's face was wrinkled into a ball, and she glanced at everyone, "I know what you mean, go back to the city. For now, you must strictly follow the emperor's will, fulfill your duties, and don't neglect." "Lafayette—" "Go down. Tell waitabuna servant to come in." The Empress Dowager Cixi said, she relaxed her muscles and sat on the chair. Seeing Li Hongzhang looking at her with longing eyes on her bitter face, she nodded after pondering, "You stay here first. Down." "Hey." Yikuang agreed to come in through the curtain, he didn't seem to be in good health, his face was pale and flushed.After taking a closer look at the Empress Dowager Cixi, Yikuang knelt tremblingly and performed three kneelings and nine kowtows. "Get up and wait." Empress Dowager Cixi waved her hand and ordered, "Move a seat for Lord Qing and pour ice water—sit down." Yikuang slanted his body and half sat on the chair, took the ice water but didn't dare to eat it.Just as she was thinking about how to speak, the Empress Dowager Cixi coughed lightly and said, "Looking at your face, your body is not feeling well?" "Lafayette Lao reads it, and it makes sense." "What's the matter?" "Back to Lafayette—" Yikuang shook his body, bit his lips and hesitated, and said cautiously, "The envoys of Britain, France and the United States heard that the servant mentioned the abolition of the emperor, and rejected it on the spot—" "Russia What about it?" Empress Dowager Cixi asked with her eyebrows trembling. "Although the Russian envoy...although he did not refuse, he was hypocritical and refused to tell the truth, probably because he was afraid of the forces of Britain, France and the United States, and did not dare to take risks rashly." Yikuang raised his sleeves and wiped his sweat, the cup in his hand trembling uneasily , "I just saw Marquis Ito Hirobumi of Japan and envoy Hayashi Quansuke. Japan seems to agree with this matter, but the conditions they put forward are very...very harsh..." "What conditions?" Empress Dowager Cixi took a long breath from her heart. "British and French privileges in China, Japan demands to enjoy them together. In addition—" Yi Kuang's voice was too low, "They also asked Lafayette to allow them to send troops to the capital to protect the safety of Japanese expatriates. Slaves——" Dog, he can really have sweet dreams!" While pondering, the Empress Dowager Cixi stood up and took two steps, stopped her feet and looked at the algae well on the top of the hall, without saying a word. The setting sun is colorful, the colorful clouds are shining, and a sunset slantly shines into the hall through the big partition door.The Empress Dowager Cixi, Yikuang, and Li Hongzhang, the three ministers, stood on the pillars, silent for a long time, and heard the rustling sound of the bell ringing in their ears.Seeing that Huaitabu was sweating profusely in Danji, and his front was soaked, the Empress Dowager Cixi motioned to Li Lianying to come in, turned her eyes to Yikuang and said, "I can agree to the conditions proposed by Japan—" "Lafayette think twice." Yikuang shivered from the electric shock, took two steps back and knelt on the ground, "Other conditions are still acceptable, as long as he is allowed to send troops to the capital, it is absolutely impossible. In this way, other countries I will follow suit one after another, and I’m afraid that we will—” "Okay, I also have conditions. You go to see Ito—whatever, but he can persuade Britain, France and the United States, so I will agree to his conditions!" The Empress Dowager Cixi gritted her teeth. "Lafayette think twice." "Go down. Talk to me tomorrow morning." After that, the Empress Dowager Cixi waved her hand impatiently, and when Yikuang bowed and retreated, Fang glanced at Li Hongzhang and said, "Li Hongzhang, why are you in a daze?" "Ah! Ah——Lafayette." Li Hongzhang lowered his head and was thinking wildly. Hearing the sound, he hurriedly took his thoughts back from where he shouldn't be thinking, and bowed, "My slave is distracted. I see Lafayette is planning for the rainy day, thinking about our Qing Dynasty. There is hope again——" "Really?" A smile flashed across the corner of the Empress Dowager Cixi's mouth, and said lightly, "I don't think so?" "Slave...slave..." "Anyone who falls from a high place to the flat ground will not feel good." The Empress Dowager Cixi said slowly, "You are also an old minister, and you have made many achievements in Sheji. It is really shameful for the emperor to treat you like this. "" Lafayette, slave—" Li Hongzhang couldn't help but burst into tears, knelt down on the ground, knocked his head again and again, "I don't dare to dream, I just ask... I just ask Lafayette to be fair to this slave. Talk. The servant entered the General Administration, being cautious and cautious, and devoted all his attention to the affairs of the court. The emperor blamed the servant for his ineffectiveness. The servant's heart is really... a bit injustice." "It doesn't take much effort to say a fair word. Yes." The Empress Dowager Cixi sneered slightly, "However, the emperor is also responsible, you have indeed been ineffective in handling things these days—" "Slave—" "In addition, I also heard the discussion of the servants below. You secretly claim that you have taken the blame, but is there such a thing?!" "No, really not. Lafayette Mingjian, how dare I say such treasonous words. I belong to Lafayette. Lafayette wants me to go east. I dare not go west. Lafayette wants me to die today. Minions—” "Okay, okay." Seeing his sincerity and fear, wishing he could dig out his heart, the Empress Dowager Cixi couldn't help laughing, "You've been with me for a long time, and you know my temper. Think about it more, don't be dizzy. Lianying, did you just say yesterday that there is a vacancy for the governor of Yunnan and Guizhou?" "Going back to Lafayette, it's not Yungui, it's Guangdong and Guangxi." Li Lianying said hastily, chewing the root of her tongue while she was holding Tabu comfortably. "In the future, we must resolutely draw up an order, and Li Hongzhang will make up for the lack of Governor of Guangdong and Guangxi." "Hey." "Lafayette Ron, slave—" Empress Dowager Cixi raised her hand falsely: "Forget it, I still have something to say. You listened to Yikuang's words earlier. When dealing with foreigners, Yikuang's ability is far inferior to yours, and he handles things. In my heart Not very sure!" She paused, coughed lightly and continued, "Go with him to negotiate with those foreign men, and leave for the post after the matter has a result." Li Hongzhang came back from Maguan, almost Drowned by the saliva star, seeing another hot potato thrown over, I couldn't help shrinking, looked at the Empress Dowager Cixi, and said in a trembling voice: "Lafayette, this...it seems like a slave...it doesn't seem to be a big deal. Appropriate, this—” "Ok?!" "Your servant doesn't mean that. The servant is thinking that Prince Qing has already handled this matter. If this servant intervenes, Prince Qing will not be suspicious." "So what? Can he still jump out of my palm?!" The Empress Dowager Cixi snorted coldly, "I just want to remind him, but half-heartedness with me will never bring him good fruit!" , she turned suddenly to Waitabu, and said, "You are leaving Beijing now—" "Lafayette, slave... slave, this is... but it's all for you, for our Daqing society, you—" "Look at your bear, get out!" The Empress Dowager Cixi looked out from the window, waved away the eunuchs and maids who were waiting under the dripping eaves, turned around and said in a low voice, "You will leave Beijing for Tianjin now, and ask Ronglu Immediately transfer Dong Fuxiang's Gan army to Changxindian, forty miles south of the capital." She pondered for a while, "Let Dong Fuxiang send two thousand soldiers to Beijing immediately after arriving at Changxindian. Also, Yuan Shikai's every move must be strictly monitored, but If there is negligence, I will kill him all over the house!" "Lafayette is holy! There is hope for the slaves, and there is hope for us in the Qing Dynasty!" Waitabu said with a smile on his face, bowing his head and beckoning Qian'er hastily. "Remember, this matter must not be leaked, or you will end up like him!" "Your servant understands, Lafayette is at ease. This servant is rushing to Tianjin—" Before the words fell, the Empress Dowager Cixi interrupted: "I will leave the city at Yinshi tomorrow, so don't be ostentatious." "Hey!" Waitab and Li Hongzhang bowed and retreated, leaving only the Empress Dowager Cixi and Li Lianying in the big room.With half-grey eyebrows, she stared at the slowly sinking sunset on the western sky. She felt hot, cold, resentful, and joyful in her heart. It's not as cool as before, because I moved out of the house, I went down to Danchi and left Le Shoutang. "How about Zaiyi?" Leaning on the railing and looking at the Seventeen-Arch Bridge across Kunming Lake in the distance, Empress Dowager Cixi let out a long breath. "We've already made contact." Li Lianying followed behind him step by step, and bowed back, "According to reports, those gangsters are indeed no longer against our Qing Dynasty. The prince of the county said...the gangsters don't seem to be big Believe in the imperial court, lest you fall into a trap. Lafayette, my slave thinks... No matter what, those bandits are against the foreign men. It is better for the imperial court not to come forward. But let those foreign men know, this Maybe it will cause trouble." "You know what!" The Empress Dowager Cixi looked back and glanced at Li Lianying, "Do you think they are really invulnerable? They are like cannon fodder in front of foreign men, foreign guns and cannons. If the imperial court does not subsidize it, it will be successful. What's the matter? Besides, they are wary of the imperial court, so they can teach those foreigners with peace of mind?" "Lafayette is holy." Li Lianying swallowed her saliva and said again hesitantly, "I only think that if I annoy the foreigners, it's not easy to deal with. If they are like they were back then——" "Shut your crow mouth!" "The slave deserves to die. The slave speaks freely, please forgive me, Lafayette." "It's hard to deal with, it's true, just don't flirt with them, they are too arrogant!" The Empress Dowager Cixi raised a hand and pulled a willow branch and folded it vigorously in her hand, "I want them to know that the Qing Dynasty is still my old man. The Lord Buddha is in charge! Pass my orders back and stop killing the Boxers." A sneer appeared on her face, "Didn't they all say that I am afraid of foreigners, so they can stop their mouths." "Lafayette, this matter—" "Okay! Whoever makes me unhappy, I will let him have a bad life, no matter whether he is a foreigner or a subject of the Qing Dynasty!" The Empress Dowager Cixi gritted her white teeth and said coldly, "If he doesn't agree to me for a day, I will If you want him to be unwilling to eat, unable to sleep at night, and panic like a bereaved dog, he will eventually give them money and land, and he will not hesitate!" "Hey." Silent night, not a breath of wind.The silver light poured into Dongnuan Pavilion through the bright window, bathing Guangxu's body.Dreams and desires are now approaching him step by step, he is excited, his heart is boiling, he feels that he has endless energy! "Wang Fu." Folded and placed on the table, Guangxu rubbed his slightly numb wrist and stretched his body. He took a cup to drink, but saw that it was empty, so he said, "Bring a bowl of tea." There was no echo, only a faint, refreshing fragrance, and the strong tea was passed to the hand. "Very fragrant tea, this is—" Guangxu took a deep breath, and looked away from the memorial, only to see Concubine Zhen wearing a silver-red gauze gown, with her thick black hair neatly combed, standing Behind him, he pursed his lips and said with a smile, "I said, what kind of tea is so sweet, but you are here." "Your Majesty." A faint blush flashed across Concubine Zhen's face. "Did I say it wrong? I see that you are more beautiful than before when you changed into Hanfu." Seeing her dizzy cheeks and her protruding chest trembling slightly with her breathing, Guangxu couldn't help but feel agitated in his heart. He stood up and stretched out his hand. Holding her delicate chin, she kissed lightly, "Yeah, it's fragrant, it's really fragrant, I'm about to be drunk by you." Concubine Zhen gently pushed Guangxu: "This is such a scene, the emperor is not afraid of slaves." You can see." "They are old couples, so there is nothing to be shy about." Guangxu glanced at the golden bell in the corner of the room, looked at the memorials on the case, shrugged his shoulders with a smile, "So many The papers will be distributed tomorrow, so you should rest first. It’s cold at night, so be careful, don’t catch a cold.” "En." Concubine Zhen frowned slightly, and looked at Guangxu affectionately, "The emperor also remembers to rest early." After finishing speaking, she knelt down and said Wanfu, then turned and left the house. "You—" Feeling that Concubine Zhen's expression was strange, Guangxu strode out of the room, stared at Concubine Zhen by the moonlight on the altar, and said, "What's wrong with you?" "No...it's nothing, the concubine is just feeling panicked." Zhenfei had a faint smile on her lips, "Your majesty, let's go back to the house, it's cool outside." "You have something to hide from me." "Chenqie... Chenqie has a few words to say to the emperor." Concubine Zhen hesitated for a moment, glanced around with her bright eyes, and said, "Only... only the emperor can't get away, and this place- ——" Guangxu said lightly: "It won't be long before this palace will be clean. Let's go, go to the garden, I haven't been loose in a long time." After finishing speaking, he stretched his arms and stretched his waist, Holding Concubine Zhen's slender waist while walking, he ordered, "I take a few steps, don't want so many people to follow, just Wang Fu and Sange will do it." Wang Fu promised to wave away the crowd, Zihe Sange followed Guangxu Followed on the right, out of the vertical flower gate and headed north. It was already the hour of Xuzheng, and there was no one in the Yongxiang. Occasionally, a few unknown night birds circled and chirped overhead, adding a little vitality to the silent palace. "Long live, there is no one in the garden anymore." "Well." Guangxu stood on the clear grass, breathing the clear air comfortably, looking extraordinarily energetic, he waved his arms and told the two, "You are also gone, I will talk to your master and lady in the garden for a while Talk." Then he walked slowly inside. It's been a long time since the husband and wife took a walk like this. The pines and cypresses that cover the stars and the moon are green, as delicate as a waterfall.They walked on the fragrant grass, and no one spoke for a while, as if they were intoxicated by the beautiful scenery.After a long time, Concubine Zhen let out a long breath, looked at Guangxu and said, "Your Majesty, Master Weng has sent a message." "Hmm." Guangxu was stunned for a moment, and hurriedly asked, "Really? Tell me quickly, what did the master and I say? Is he in good health?" Concubine Zhen approached him lightly, and while removing a fallen leaf from his hair, she said: "Master Weng told the emperor to be careful in carrying out the new government affairs, and not to go too far, so as not to make too many enemies. Once they turn their faces and fight back, the emperor will be careful." ...It is irresistible. At that time, the reform will fail, and the vitality of the country will be severely damaged, and our Qing Dynasty will never recover." She took two steps, "but we can maintain the current situation, Master Weng means, That’s enough. As for the rest, it’s safe for the Japanese side to suspend.” "I thought he thought my pace was too slow." Guangxu smiled lightly, stretched out his hand and tore a leaf gently, "How is your life, master, can someone tell me?" "It's justified, but I don't worry about the emperor, and I'm always depressed every day." Concubine Zhen turned her face slightly, and glanced at Guangxu's profile under the moonlight: the newly shaved head, the thick and long braid hanging from the back of the head to the waist, His tall and slender body stood under the towering pine tree, and the slightly raised jaw could be seen clearly, giving people an indescribable bearing and charm.However, what makes her regret is that under the resolute appearance, there is a lack of calm temperament that an emperor should have. "Your Majesty, Master Weng is well aware of the current situation, and his words are not without reason. You should think twice." "It is true that I am well aware of the current situation, but I think the master is a little less courageous." Guangxu shook his head lightly. "It's no wonder, don't you think so? What's the current situation—" He paused, as if he was listening to something, and said in a short while, "Isn't he getting closer to what I want? As for bumps Collision, that is inevitable. No matter what you do, will it be smooth sailing? Originally, I also wanted to slow down, but now I think about it, I still have to go hard! I have to go all the way, and I don’t have the slightest chance of counterattack with Lafayette Otherwise, it would be a disaster!" Concubine Zhen seemed a little unable to bear his gaze, turned sideways to look at the crystal clear dew at her feet, and said in a low voice, "How about the implementation of the New Deal in the first place? There are also a few, blindly promulgating it suddenly, but the lower party ignores it, what is the use? It will only arouse resentment." "You...are you afraid? Are you timid?" Guangxu's unfathomable eyes looked at Concubine Zhen like ancient wells. "Chenqie——" Concubine Zhen trembled slightly, and slowly raised her head to look at Guangxu, tears welled up in her eyes, she could only hold back her tears.Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she said in a hoarse voice, "The concubine is a little scared... a little timid, but it's all...for your majesty. Your majesty, listen to my concubine's words, and don't provoke me again." Lafayette has them." "What kind of arguments have you heard?" Guangxu asked, his eyebrows trembling, and he stepped forward to gently support Zhenfei's fragrant cheeks. "The concubine heard that the day before yesterday, Resolute gathered dozens of people to go to the garden to file a complaint with Lafayette—" "That's it?" Guangxu smiled disdainfully, "I thought the sky was going to collapse. Yes, they went to the garden, but the result, isn't it still calm? Don't worry, people like Lafayette, in the On the cusp of this storm, she will definitely not be in danger." "Your Majesty—" "Long Live Lord, Yang Rui and Tan Sitong are going to see you on the military plane Zhang Jing." As soon as Concubine Zhen spoke, Wang Fu's voice came from afar.Guangxu pondered for a while, and said: "Okay, let's stop here. It's cold at night, you go back to the house and rest early. Don't worry, I will be fine." After finishing speaking, he ordered Wang Fu to serve Zhenfei and go back to Yikun Palace. With trembling footsteps, he went straight to the gate of the garden. "Slave Yang Rui and Tan Sitong pay respects to the emperor! Long live the emperor──" "Forget it, you'd better learn these vain etiquettes." Guang Xuxu raised his hand, and went straight to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, and asked, "What's the hurry to see me?" Yang Rui looked at Tan Sitong and bowed Said: "Back to the emperor, Rong Lu obstructed the new deal, and reprimanded the minions who had already drawn up the decree, but the prime minister refused to use the seal." "why?!" "The prime minister just said that this order is not urgent. Rongzhongtang's official affairs are complicated, and a little negligence is inevitable. How dare you resist the order and not obey it? It will not be too late to issue an order after he writes to ask the reason." Yang Rui Step by step, he followed behind Guangxu, bit his lip and replied thoughtfully. "Your Majesty, according to my slave's wishes, you might as well take it easy—" "An extremely stubborn person like Rong Lu, how can he severely reprimand his subordinates at an inappropriate time? How can he ensure that the New Deal can be carried out without hindrance?" Before his words fell to the ground, one side Tan Sitong interjected angrily, "Your Majesty, this slave thinks that this decree cannot be delayed. Just now, we should forgive a few words for favoritism and neglect of government." "Yeah." Guangxu responded lightly, seemingly pondering something and suddenly changed the subject and asked, "You guys have been staying in the military computer room for a while, how do you feel?" "The Minister of Military Aircraft has been polite to the slaves since Prime Minister, and it's not a problem." Yang Rui hurriedly cast a wink at Tan Sitong, and replied. "Tan Sitong, what about you?" "It's true to be polite, but it's all on the surface." Tan Sitong brushed Yang Rui's hand that was pulling his skirt, and said, "They are still making every effort to make things difficult for the new government's decree, and they refuse to act with sincerity."袭来，光绪下意识地抬手抚了下双肩，回眸扫眼杨锐，脚步橐橐道：“国步艰难，国耻深重，朕食不甘味、夜不安寝，想的只是早日能使新政得以广施，以为子孙万代立下不朽基业。尔等当仰体朕意，竭忠尽智，不懈不怠，以助朕完成此夙愿才是。” “奴才几番进京，为的便是报国雪耻，况蒙皇上隆恩，敢不尽心尽力。皇上但有驱使，奴才便粉身碎骨，亦不敢有丝毫怠慢之处。”谭嗣同朗声道。 “奴才谨遵圣谕。” “你与林旭办事，敢作敢为，朕心甚悦，只略少了些沉稳。杨锐和刘光第呢，沉稳有的，只却又少了些刚猛。”见杨锐嘴唇翕动着欲言语，光绪虚抬了下手，淡淡一笑接着道，“朕随口说说，对不对你们自己下去揣摩。朕只想说一句话：时不我待。”他长叹了口气，仰脸凝视着满天星斗，若有所思价喃喃自语道，“就像这满天星辰，缤纷耀眼，只不及时尽情欣赏，转瞬便会消逝的——” 君臣三人仰望着天穹，各自心潮起伏，久久没有言声。直不知哪间屋中自鸣钟的响声划破静寂的夜空传来，光绪方如梦境中惊醒似身子颤抖了下，失笑，举步前行道：“晌午康有为递折子进来请旨重开懋勤殿，你们意下如何？” “重开懋勤殿礼聘贤才，以备皇上咨询定策。奴才以为可行。”杨锐沉吟下，咽了口口水，回道。“依奴才意思，懋勤殿非只可重开，更可扩充权限。”谭嗣同脸上不无兴奋道，“前次奴才们曾请旨开制度局于宫中，以参酌新政，只顽固守旧势力唯恐损其权力而百般反对。如今先开懋勤殿，继而将新政一切事宜全归了过去……” “名不同而质同。你这奴才倒想得长远。”光绪不无赞许地望眼谭嗣同，点头道，“康有为荐了梁启超、麦孟华、康广仁、宋伯鲁几个充任懋勤殿顾问官，这几个人你们可晓得？” “奴才与他们极是熟络，皆学识渊博，足以当此重任。” “嗯——”光绪剑眉抖落了下，抬脚进了垂花门。“奴才给皇上请安。”冷不丁一声话语，直骇得光绪身子一抖，循声看时，却见刚毅躬身在垂花门一侧，冷冷哼了声也不言语径自回了殿中。 “皇上，奴才……奴才……” “有话便讲。”光绪褪鞋盘膝在炕上坐了，端杯啜了口茶瞟眼刚毅，冷冷道，“朕这事儿多着呢！”“是是。”刚毅眼角余光扫了眼杨锐、谭嗣同，干咳两声说道，“申斥荣禄的谕旨奴才……奴才已用印发了出去，特来回皇上一声。” “你不说缓一阵吗？怎的又改了心思？”光绪嘴角挂着一丝冷笑。 “奴才是想着荣禄身上事儿多，这一时顾不上也是有的，只又一想——” “你这想得倒挺多的！”光绪腮边肌肉抽搐了两下，“想没想着老佛爷那边也去去？！”“奴才不敢、奴才不敢。”刚毅满脸堆笑，点头哈腰忙不迭道，“自老佛爷训诫后，奴才不敢再越雷池一步的。请皇上明鉴。”“难得你能有这心思！”说着，光绪移眸望着谭嗣同，“重开懋勤殿一事，下去你要内奏事处奴才找出康、乾、咸三朝故事，参照成例撰拟谕旨，尔后便发了下去。刚毅。” “奴才在。”刚毅脑子“嗡”的一声涨得老大，低头一双蝌蚪眼闪着凶狠的光死盯着谭嗣同二人，闻声半晌方回过神来。 “这事你总不会又想着该缓一阵子吧？！”他的声音很轻，只却带着一股令人窒息的威压。刚毅臃肿的身子禁不住针刺价哆嗦了下：“奴才不……不敢，只奴才以为……”他犹豫着跪了地上，“只奴才以为重开懋勤殿乃祖宗朝旧事，谕旨该由……由奴才们草拟才是。” “重开懋勤殿乃属新政——” “如此说来，今日重开懋勤殿已非昔日讲经论义的故事了？！”不待谭嗣同话音落地，刚毅便仰脸反问道。 “时不同，势不同，其——” “重开懋勤殿，为着招贤纳士，以利朕咨询国策的。”光绪虚抬了下手，“怎的，你认为不可以吗？” “奴才不是这个意思——” “不是这个意思就不要再说了。旨意由谭嗣同草拟，你这上岁数的人了，身子骨紧要，悠着些才是的。道乏吧！” "Hey." 眼瞅着刚毅影子消逝在夜色中，光绪嘴角泛起一丝冷笑，冷哼一声移眸杨锐、谭嗣同二人：“这些折子朕方看过了，你们下去照上面意思拟旨速发了下去。”见寇连材在屋门处神情紧张、满是焦虑地望着自己，光绪遂收了口问道，“什么事这般慌张？” “回万岁爷……” 杨锐、谭嗣同互望眼凝神听着，却听不真切，只见得光绪剑眉紧锁，心皆不由得十五个吊桶打水价七上八下。“你们先下去吧。”光绪说着将腰间“如朕亲临”御牌解了递于寇连材。偌大个屋子霎时间岑寂了下来，便一根针落地都听得见，唯闻殿外滴水檐下铁马在夜风中不安地响着，更平添了几份凄凉。 天穹漆黑，光绪满是愤懑地望着窗外，眼前不时晃过之前向慈禧太后请安时，提及重开懋勤殿的事儿……这时，一阵橐橐脚步声响方自外间传了进来。 “奴才给万岁爷请安。”一个四十左右的太监神色匆匆地近前来，打千儿道。 “什么事？”光绪额头皱纹紧皱成“三”字，急急道，“可是园子那边——” “奴才探……探得消息，前日里老佛爷在园子里见过刚相爷众人后，便让怀塔布上天津去见荣禄，并急调董福祥部驻扎京畿长辛店，还要庆王爷和李鸿章与各国驻京公使交涉，打算要皇上逊……逊位……”那太监长长吁口气定了定心神，说道。 仿佛当头一记炸雷，光绪身子摇晃着，手撑桌案方稳住，脸上已是香灰般又青又黄：“这……这是真……真的……” "Ok." “这等大事为什么不早告诉朕？为什么？！”光绪脸色扭曲着，近乎吼道。昏黄的烛苗似乎亦为他的震怒而胆怯，悠悠摇晃了下。那太监不无惶恐地望着光绪，不自禁打个冷战“扑通”一声跪了地上，道：“万岁爷明鉴，此事……奴才也是后……后晌方知晓的……奴才急着过来告诉万岁爷，只园子、城里、宫中都戒备森严，这方拖到现……现在的。” 一股寒彻骨髓的凉意袭来，光绪的心结了冰价冷缩成了一团。一切都是那么的悄无声息，而一切又都是那么的骇人心魄。没有言语，便喘息声亦不闻，死一般的沉寂压得人便气也透不过来。金自鸣钟沙沙响着，给人一丝活的气息。然而，亦只徒扰心神罢了。光绪梦游人价神情恍惚，脸色亦如月光下的窗户纸一般煞白：“朕低估了形势……低估了她……” “万岁爷……万岁爷……” “嗯？嗯——”光绪阴郁的眸子扫了眼王福，脚步踯躅在炕前颓然坐了，目光幽幽地怅望着窗外，仿佛要看到很远的地方，一动不动，“你们……你们都下去吧。” 此时夜已深，此时风儿亦更疾！殿外盆中的海棠、牡丹、兰花在哨风中被吹得东摇西晃，墙头上、砖缝中不知名的草儿不安地瑟瑟抖动，仿佛无数鬼影在眼前晃动着。惶恐、悔恨、愤懑……塞得他五脏六腑满满的，没个排泄处。突然间，仿佛就在头顶，一声令人胆寒的沉沉的雷声响起，光绪浑身激灵一颤！ “连材！连材！” “奴才在！” “宣杨锐！” "Hey!" 杨锐来了，带着一颗忐忑不安的心来了。他不知道发生了什么，只从寇连材那满是紧张惶恐的神情、从光绪那满是阴郁的脸上，他觉得似乎要变天了！“奴才给皇上请安！”扫一眼在案前奋笔疾书的光绪，杨锐一个千儿深深打了下去。 “嗯。”光绪轻应了声，盏茶工夫，古井一样深不可测的眸子满是企盼地望着杨锐，说道，“你即刻出宫，将此密诏交与康有为。”说着，他边将案上御笺亲手递与杨锐，边道，“此事关系重大，一不得拖延，迟则生变；二要谨慎小心，切莫被他人晓得才是。”杨锐躬身答应一声双手接过： 朕惟时局艰难，非变法不足以救中国，非去守旧衰谬之大臣，而用通达英勇之士不能变法。而皇太后不以为然，朕屡次进谏，太后更怒。今朕位几不保，汝康有为、杨锐、谭嗣同、林旭、刘光第等妥速密筹，设法相救。朕十分焦灼，不胜期望之至。特谕。 “皇上——”杨锐双手抖着，“老佛爷她……她动手了……” “嗯！”光绪沉重地点了点头。“皇上，奴才以为此密诏还……还是暂不与康有为妥些。”杨锐细碎白牙咬着下嘴唇，沉吟半晌，忍不住开口道，“老佛爷现下即便有所举动，然终未公开反对新政、反对皇上，但皇上有所动作，奴才怕反会留下把柄与老佛爷，真要那样的话，怕——” “现下虽还未公开反对，只朕料要不了几日了。”光绪阴郁地怅望着天穹，长长透了一口气，“或许明日——朕总不成就这样坐着，等着老佛爷来逼朕逊位吧？” “此事——” “不要再说了。你速去速回，朕等你回话。” "Hey——" 东暖阁里只剩了光绪一人。见王福躬身进来，他虚抬了下手道：“这里不用你了，连外边奴才都退了配殿去。对了，把灯都熄了。”说罢，浑身乏力地半躺在大竹椅上。满殿里静寂空寥，只听殿外传进来簌簌风声，四面围屏都在瑟瑟抖动，凭空给殿中增加了几分惊悸恐怖的气氛。 四下似乎片刻之间亮了一下，接着便是轰隆一声震响。刷刷的雨声呼啸着渐渐近来，密密地砸在琉璃瓦上，一片声响。王福等人闻得雷雨声赶过来，见光绪隔窗望着外面的蒙蒙雨帘，置若罔闻价动也不动，犹豫着又远远退了回去。 光绪的脸色比四周的景色还要阴沉，细碎的牙齿紧紧咬着下嘴唇。难道只要她在一日，我便毫无指望？ !难道祖宗法典规章，在她面前都是废纸一堆，没有一章一字能挺起胸膛，为我说句公道话？ !难道我只有等着自然之律为我扫平道路？ !No!不……听着屋外沙沙雨声时紧时慢，光绪疲惫的双眼缓缓合了起来。 又一个黎明降临了。太阳像往日一样，懒洋洋地从远处地平线上爬了出来，隐在稀薄的云层里，将临清砖地上的积水照得闪着亮儿。王福隔亮窗望着沉沉睡着的光绪，喉头抽动了下，似要言语只却没有开口。 “王公公，咱家这还等着回话呢？！” “李总管，”王福眸子中不无企求神色，回首望了眼身后一脸冷笑的李莲英，强作笑色道，“万岁爷昨儿夜里四更天方歇息，您就——” “这老佛爷万一怪罪下来是你顶着还是咱家顶着？”李莲英睃了眼王福，“公公若觉不便，咱家自个进去便是。” “不不，总管稍候，咱家这就……这就进去通禀。”王福仰脸深深吸了口气，睁眼时眼睫毛已然润湿，轻手轻脚进去，躬身打千儿道，“万岁爷。” ... “万岁爷。”他略略抬高了声音。 “嗯？嗯——”光绪身子抖了下，睡眼惺忪间但觉光亮刺眼，这方察觉天已大亮，移眸望眼屋角金自鸣钟，却已辰时过了一刻光景，“怎的都这时候了也不晓得唤朕一声。杨锐呢？可回宫来了？” “杨大人还未回来呢。万岁爷——” “你叫连材在东华门候着，他一进来立刻带了见朕！” “嗻。”王福细碎白牙咬着下嘴唇，用低得不能再低的声音又道，“启奏万岁爷，李莲英殿外求见，说老佛爷有几句话儿要问……问您。”“什么？！”光绪身子电击价哆嗦了下，他深深地思索着，踱着方步，眼神暗得像深不见底的古井。良久，方缓缓点了点头。 “奴才给万岁爷请安。” 光绪似乎便一个字儿亦不愿多说，只从齿缝中蹦道：“说！”“老佛爷有几句话儿要奴才问万岁爷。”李莲英不无得意地嘴角掠过一丝笑色，待光绪面北跪了临清砖地上，干咳两声清了清嗓子，问道，“老佛爷要奴才问万岁爷：我将你辛辛苦苦拉扯大，你现在翅膀硬了，谁的话儿也听不进去了，裁掉那么多衙门不说，又为着一个小小主事将礼部六堂官悉数罢斥。只此还不罢休，又让那些康、梁党徒执掌朝柄，重开懋勤殿以代军机处，你究安的何心？！难道要将祖宗社稷断送了才肯甘心？！” “儿臣不敢。”光绪身子轻轻抖了下，“儿臣之所以如此，只为强国雪耻，复我大清尊严。” “康、梁之辈，皆迷信洋人、弃祖灭法的混账东西，你以为用了他们，就能强国？！” “康、梁皆满腹经纶，实国之栋梁。请亲爸爸明鉴，莫以小人谗言为是。” “呸！明鉴？他——” “你敢妄传老佛爷问话？！”光绪细碎白牙咬得咯咯作响。“奴才再胆大也没这个胆的，万岁爷若不信，尽可差人去老佛爷处问了。但奴才有一字多了少了，愿领万岁爷责罚。”李莲英满脸不屑地道了句，接着道，“他们什么人儿你以为我不晓得？！你看我这老婆子在京里碍事，索性将我送了承德，带发修行，岂不更称你心思？！” “儿臣没有这等心思，亦不敢有。” “不敢？你还有什么不敢的？！”李莲英背手橐橐来回踱着碎步，仿佛自己便是慈禧太后一般，“你办新政才几日，便搅得人心惶惶、朝局动荡。这局面还能长久下去吗？！先帝将这社稷托付与我，我便不能任着你胡来，你好生揣摩揣摩！到时候——”他冷冷哼了声，“可莫怪我无母子情分！” “但去旧布新，少不得有波折动荡——” “老佛爷问话只到这儿，万岁爷。”李莲英说着稍稍敛了先时气焰，努嘴示意门口捧盘子下等太监进来，说道，“这没多久就要交秋了，老佛爷特要奴才们给万岁爷做了件袍子。万岁爷瞧仔细了些，那扣儿可都是金子做的！” 光绪眉棱骨抖落了下，缓缓移眸过去，是的，是金子做的。黄灿灿，在阳光下闪着耀眼的光芒。他的心冷缩成了一团。金子做的，她要—— “万岁爷瞧真切了？奴才这还要回话的。”李莲英狞笑着道。 “你回老佛爷，朕谢她老人家挂念之情。至于纽扣，金的就金的，与朕有什么关系？！”光绪似乎下了很大的决心，一字一句道。 “万岁爷可想好了——” "roll!" “奴才滚，奴才这就滚。万岁爷您可千万要珍重才是呀。”说着，李莲英也不道安一溜小跑着出了屋。光绪的脸由铁青突然变得血红，细碎白牙紧紧咬着，双眸移动着似乎在寻找什么，少顷，发泄胸中郁闷般重重冷哼了声，疾步到御案前抄茶杯向窗外狠狠摔了出去：“终有一日，朕必将这狗东西碎尸万段！” “皇上……这……”珍妃早已到了屋外檐下，这方泪水走线儿般进来。 “她想要朕吞金自亡！”光绪额头青筋暴突，绕室来回踱着快步，忽地抄起案上袍子下死力扯着那金扣子，咬牙道，“她做梦！” “皇上，恕臣……臣妾斗胆。既然形势日迫，不……不如暂时偃旗息鼓……这样既保全了皇上，也保全了康、梁众维新志士，将来——” “你以为还会有将来？！” “皇上究竟是她一手带大的，至少——” “至少她能与朕条生路？皇位不保，朕心何逞？如此活着又有甚滋味？”光绪轻轻摇了摇头，“再说她便亲生儿子亦那般对待，与朕活路可能吗？现下只有一条路！”他顿了下，“不是她让步，就是朕亡！”说着，他又扫了眼自鸣钟，“王福，杨锐还没进来？！” "not yet." “今儿他们几个谁当值？” “是林旭林大人。” “叫他进来见朕！”他深情地凝视着珍妃，良晌，开口说道，“朕意废了你的妃位，派往皇庄——”珍妃怔了下，旋即便回过神来：“不要……皇上，你莫要赶……”“不走等什么？”光绪深深吸了口气，仿佛不忍看，闭目道，“留在宫里，怕难逃老佛爷毒手！老佛爷说你干政，朕便以这名儿废了你，日后便她仍欲报复——” “不，她便杀了臣妾，臣妾也不离开皇上。” "you--" “皇上要废臣妾，臣妾没有法子。只如此臣妾何颜苟活人世，唯有一死——”不容她说下去，光绪伸手紧紧地将她拥了怀中，嘴唇翕动着欲言语，只话到嘴边却又止住，轻轻叹息了声，尽情抚摸着她亮丽的乌发。多情自古空余恨。will i?no, I can not.今生今世，能有此佳人相伴，我知足了！听到殿外橐橐脚步声起，光绪方松了手：“你先下去吧。” “奴才杨锐、林旭——” “罢了。”光绪虚抬下手止住二人，急道，“怎生结果？”“回万岁爷，奴才们意思，现下还是偃旗息鼓，谋定而后动。”杨锐咬嘴唇沉吟着说道，“老佛爷现下尚不曾动手，奴才们想还是时机不到。皇上但顺势行事，不与其借口，料一时无虞的。” “便只如此？”光绪漆黑眉毛攒成一团。 “奴才们寻思，现下唯有此一途可走。”天不热，只林旭趣青额头上却是密密细汗直往下淌，“皇上，甘军董福祥部两千余众卯末辰初时分已然进入京城，接替步兵衙门驻守四门。设若此时唐突行事，后果——” “此……此事当真？”光绪身子电击似的颤抖了下。 "yes." “嗯——”