Chapter 13 Chapter Ten Concubine Zhen's Distress

The slap in the face will not be in vain.Li Lianying touched her right cheek, which was blushed by Emperor Guangxu, and cursed secretly, "Aifei, Aifei..." Concubine Zhen didn't agree, he hurriedly turned Concubine Zhen's head with both hands, only to see her pale face, eyes closed and breathless, Emperor Guangxu's heart sank... The palace, the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Emperor Guangxu said solemnly: "At present, the Sino-Japanese war is urgent, and my Qing soldiers on the front line have been retreating steadily. Now that Lushun has fallen, the whole country is shocked. The imperial court has always been determined to fight, but Li Hongzhang is deeply burdened and familiar with military strategy, but he is afraid." , he hesitated to move forward, which delayed the opportunity of the war. Now the water and the land are in danger, and the battle has been invincible. As the governor of the navy and the army, Li Hongzhang, the Minister of Beiyang, has an unshirkable responsibility, and non-punishment is not enough to anger the people."

"Li Hongzhang." "The minister is here." Li Hongzhang came out and knelt down. "Are you guilty?" Guangxu asked sharply. "Your Majesty, the old minister follows the laws and regulations of the Qing Dynasty, so what is the crime of the old minister?" "Hmph! Weng Zhongtang." "The minister is here." "An edict." "yes." Weng Tonghe unfolded the imperial edict and read: "...his dereliction of duty lies in dispatching the good side, and the rescue is not effective.... Now it is decided to dismiss him from his post and take off his top hat, so as to show that he will be punished and see the aftermath."

Emperor Guangxu ordered: "Take off the yellow satin mandarin jacket given by the emperor at the same time." "Thank you, Lord Long En." Li Hongzhang's gray beard was trembling, and tears were shining in his eyes. With trembling hands, he took off the three-eyed feathers on the hat, took off the yellow satin mandarin jacket bestowed by the emperor, and kowtowed to Emperor Guangxu a few times. Knock, get up and take three steps back out of the hall. After Guangxu sent Li Hongzhang away angrily, he said to his ministers: "In the face of a national crisis, in the future, anyone who supports his own self-respect, delays the opportunity for war, neglects war preparations, and causes us to lose the Qing Dynasty will be dealt with in the same way." After speaking, he got up angrily and announced: "Retire."

Li Hongzhang ordered his sedan chair to run to the Summer Palace as soon as he left the official gate. He thought bitterly, I, Li Hongzhang, have served the Qing court for decades, and I have never suffered such a great humiliation. What kind of prestige is your Guangxu? You are not a puppet yourself. To be honest, your real power is not as good as mine, Li Hongzhang. The illustrious Huai army, the Beiyang navy with new equipment, what do you have in Guangxu?I can support half of the Qing Dynasty, what can you support?Your throne is useless to put it bluntly, and the Queen Mother has the final say on everything.Even if your wings are hard now, you can't escape the palm of the Empress Dowager Tathagata Buddha. You issued an order today to take off my three-eyed flower feather. Just wait and see. In a few days, Lafayette will turn everything upside down with a backhand .

Li Hongzhang cursed bitterly, and after venting his anger, he muttered in his heart, I, Li Hongzhang, am not unpatriotic, but my strength is no match for Japan!I must know the best about our army's equipment. It's not like you, Emperor Guangxu, don't know why all the navy expenses have been removed. Both the Huai Army and the Beiyang Navy were cultivated by me alone. They have been integrated with my life's painstaking efforts. I can't drag all my subordinates to die.It is your credit for the victory, and I will be the scapegoat for the defeat.Besides, Emperor Guangxu and Empress Dowager Cixi ordered me to fight one overtly, and the other told me and the other secretly, who do I listen to?Listen to Emperor Guangxu, can I offend Lafayette?What is right and what is wrong with me? !Besides, the ambition of the Japanese is to take North Korea first and then invade China. If the comers are not kind, they will fight hard. With the strength of the imperial court, can they stop it?

When they arrived at the Summer Palace, the guards and eunuchs notified him to enter, and Li Hongzhang was quickly led into the main hall of Leshou Hall. "I respectfully invite the Empress Dowager to be safe, and the Empress Dowager is auspicious." Li Hongzhang knelt down and bowed to the Empress Dowager. "Aiqing is flat, free of courtesy." "Thank you Queen Mother." Li Hongzhang burst into tears and said: "The empress dowager is here, the old minister has something to say, the old minister was cultivated by the empress dowager, and he was able to do his duty for the Qing court. For decades, the humble ministers have done their best for the court. I think I, Li Hongzhang, have respected the Empress Dowager’s order since I fulfilled my duties. I didn’t expect that at such an advanced age, I would be humiliated by pulling out the three-eyed flower feather. I thought it would be better to resign and return to my hometown, and be a farmer instead. , why bother to be ridiculed here."

Of course the Empress Dowager Cixi knew the reason why Li Hongzhang asked for an audience, and thought, Emperor Guangxu, you are so bold, you dare to hit my arm, hum!Compete with me, you are still a little tender.So he got off the dragon chair, helped Li Hongzhang up personally, and comforted him: "Don't be sad, Aiqing, I will make your own decisions. The emperor is a little bit instigated by a group of people now, but I can establish him or depose him." He, he pulled out your three limited flower feathers today, and I will tell you to wear them again tomorrow, as long as you mediate well in the Sino-Japanese war, I will definitely not treat you badly."

Li Hongzhang laughed after hearing this, and then knelt down and said: "My humble minister thanked the Queen Mother for his kindness. This humble minister must be loyal to the Qing court and the Queen Mother in this lifetime, even if he is heartbroken." "Okay. Sit down, Aiqing, let's talk slowly." "Thank you, Queen Mother, for giving me a seat." Li Hongzhang waited for Empress Dowager Cixi to return to the Kowloon throne to take a seat before he slowly sat down on the chair carried by Li Lianying. The Empress Dowager Cixi looked at this old official who was easy to use, and said, "Do you think this battle can continue?"

"I report to the Empress Dowager, the disparity between the enemy and us is too great, besides, the national treasury is empty and the appropriation is limited..." Li Hongzhang stopped abruptly at this point, knowing that he was afraid of offending the Empress Dowager, so he looked up at the Empress Dowager, seeing that the Empress Dowager Cixi was not angry, Then he quickly changed his words and said: "In my humble opinion, only peace talks are the only surefire solution. Otherwise, the Beiyang Fleet that my court has painstakingly managed for so many years may be destroyed in one fell swoop."

"Aiqing is indeed a sensible person. I asked you to invite the Russians to mediate. How is the progress?" "Queen, the Russians are not easy to talk to, the old minister will do his best." "Very well, Aiqing is worthy of being a loyal minister of the imperial court, you can boldly mediate, as long as the war can be ceased." "My humble minister obeys the order. It's just that the emperor..." "According to Yi's order!" Empress Dowager Cixi said firmly. "The minister obeys the order." Li Hongzhang knew that there were at least two generations of emperors in the Qing Dynasty whose imperial edicts were no match for Yizhi. As long as they followed Yizhi closely, they would not be afraid of the three-eyed flower feather being removed.

"Lafayette, it's time to eat the medicinal diet." Li Lianying said. Li Hongzhang hurriedly stood up and knelt back. After Li Hongzhang withdrew, Cixi stared at his back and thought. This Li Hongzhang is very loyal to me, unlike those old Confucians who always circle around the emperor. Give me one or two. As soon as Emperor Guangxu came down to court, he heard Wang Shang say, "Your Majesty, Zhenzhu'er was slapped by the Queen Mother." "Ah! What's the matter?" "The slave doesn't know." "Where is she now?" "I just returned to Jingren Palace." "Go to Jingren Palace." "yes." Emperor Guangxu anxiously went straight to Jingren Palace where Concubine Zhen lived. Before Emperor Guangxu arrived at the palace, he heard the sound of the piano from the palace. He knew that it was Concubine Zhen playing "High Mountain" and "Flowing Water". With a wave of their hands, the eunuchs and maids quietly retreated. Guangxu hurried into the room, and saw Concubine Zhen playing the piano with her head bowed, so she went over and hugged Concubine Zhen, turned her head around, and gently stroked her slapped face, Concubine Zhen burst into tears like spring water when she was excited poured out... "My concubine, you have been wronged." Emperor Guangxu said affectionately. "Your Majesty, it's okay..." Concubine Zhen said in a low voice. "Don't hide it, I already know." Guangxu hugged her tightly. Concubine Zhen wiped away her tears with a towel, and said: "The emperor is busy with all kinds of affairs, and the dragon's body is tired. Zhen'er is deeply disturbed. How can I disturb the holy car for a little grievance." "My concubine, you are so considerate, I really like you so much. Tell me, why did the queen mother beat you?" "The empress dowager warned me that I was involved in politics, and I don't know who is going to harm me, that I am writing memorials on behalf of the emperor. Your majesty, do you think I dare?" After hearing this, Guangxu thought for a while and said, "See how I severely punish these pugs." "Aifei, let's go, let's go to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. I still have some memorials that I haven't reviewed yet." "Your Majesty, you are too tired. Be careful not to hurt the dragon's body." Concubine Zhen said with admiration and concern, and stroked Guangxu's forehead with her hand and said, "Your Majesty, you are tired and thin." "It's okay, let's go." Emperor Guangxu pulled Concubine Zhen up, and the two walked arm in arm to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, followed by the eunuchs as usual. When he arrived at the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Guangxu sat down and picked up a memorial and handed it to Concubine Zhen, saying: "The more they are afraid of you, the more I want to show you. Oh, I will tell you something, so that you can also vent your anger." "Oh? Your Majesty, tell me quickly." Concubine Zhen asked anxiously. Guangxu said word by word: "I took off Li Hongzhang's three-eyed flower feather." "Ah, it's very satisfying. Such a knee-jerk party should be punished." "My concubine, I am indeed too tired. I close my eyes to rest my mind. You can read to me." "Yes, Your Majesty." "Aren't you afraid of being beaten?" "Don't be afraid, as long as Zhen'er can help the emperor a little, it will be Zhen'er's honor." Emperor Guangxu kissed Concubine Zhen's forehead excitedly. In midsummer, the weather is sultry, and the cicadas' chirping is heard frequently outside the window, which makes people upset. After China and Japan declared war, Emperor Guangxu's Imperial Study Room became a wartime conference hall, where the emperor often summoned the main war faction with radical ideas to discuss the war.Most of their rhetoric is more intense. One said: "Your Majesty, why did you give back the three-eyed flower feather to Li Hongzhang?" Weng Tonghe said indignantly, "It's not the emperor's fault, the emperor doesn't know about it." Zhirui, the servant of the Ministry of War, was filled with anger when he heard this. He said excitedly: "The emperor is the lord of a country, but he is controlled by others. Now he can't even make decisions about the honor and disgrace of the court. It's really lamentable!" The emperor bowed his head and said nothing, in fact, everyone knew who issued the decree without authorization, and they were unwilling to reveal it. Zhi Rui said again: "The Queen Mother restores Li Hongzhang's three-eyed plume belt, and must appoint him to ask the Russians to mediate. China is so big that it can't even beat Japan. If this continues, how can I explain to the people of the country! " The more Zhirui talked, the more excited he became, and he simply stood up: "Instead of waiting to sign a surrender treaty that humiliates the country, it is better to fight the Japanese pirates to the end to boost my Chinese aspirations." Emperor Guangxu admired Zhirui's ambition very much. He felt that he needed fresh air because he had been in the palace for a long time, so he excitedly encouraged Zhirui: "Aiqing, keep talking." "Yes, Your Majesty." Zhirui gave a loud answer to the emperor's encouragement, and then continued: "Li Hongzhang played a pivotal role in the Sino-Japanese War. If he continues to follow his will, I am afraid that our Qing Dynasty will be buried in him." men." At this time Wang Shang came in and whispered something to Emperor Guangxu. Emperor Guangxu hurried out and saw Li Lianying eavesdropping under the window. Emperor Guangxu was so angry that he walked over and shouted: "Li The chief executive is hiding here, what's the use of it!" Li Lianying was startled, she retracted her tortoise head and was about to run away. Emperor Guangxu stepped over and slapped him heavily. Li Lianying covered her face and begged for mercy: "The emperor spares my life, my majesty spares my life." Then she stumbled and ran out. Emperor Guangxu was so angry that his face was livid, and he entered the hall and said: "In the future, all lovers should be more careful in what they say, the walls have ears..." Then he said: "Don't worry about these villains, let's continue talking." Wen Tingshi also said excitedly: "Zhirui is right. Next, we will look at the battle of Weihai. To be more specific, we will look at Li Hongzhang's attitude. If the Beiyang Navy can defend Weihai to the death, it may be possible to keep it. When Jiaozhou lands, the capital will be in a hurry." Weng Tonghe nodded and said: "That's right, we sent troops to aid the DPRK to protect the country from the Japanese invaders, and now the Japanese invaders are approaching me step by step, which proves that their ambition is not only for North Korea, but also for our Qing Empire, and it also proves that our main battle It is imperative, and of course." Emperor Guangxu nodded frequently when he heard this. He raised his eyebrows and said: "All the loves are very reasonable. There is no reason not to fight when the enemy is in front of us. Now that the battle is losing steadily, I am very worried. Li Hongzhang will let him fight." Take the crime and make meritorious service, if he loses power again, then I will never forgive him lightly." Wen Tingshi looked at the emperor and said, "I still have something to say, but I can't express it quickly." Emperor Guangxu smiled and said, "I love you, but it's okay to talk about it." Wen Tingshi was afraid that he would not attract the attention of the emperor, so he simply stood up and said: "Your Majesty, I think that Li Hongzhang has the power of military affairs and diplomacy in one hand, and it is really dangerous to leave the affairs of the world to one person. This kind of person Since he has neglected the fundamentals of governing and neglected his integrity, His Majesty must not take it lightly." In order to attract the emperor's attention, Wen Tingshi paused, and said word by word: "The emperor should control the allocation and direct command of the sea and land armies." "Yes, the emperor is the lord of a country, so he should have military power." Zhi Rui immediately responded loudly. After hearing this, Emperor Guangxu sighed and said, "It's difficult to take control of the military!" Weng Tonghe thought for a while and said: "The old minister thought that it would be very difficult to withdraw Li Hongzhang's military power. First of all, the queen mother would not be able to pass. It is better to transfer Li Bingheng to the governor of Shandong for his achievements in resisting the French invasion to contain Li Hongzhang." Almost everyone said in unison, "This method is very good." The Royal Study Room of the palace is brightly lit until late at night. How can the Empress Dowager Cixi be an idle person, a clumsy person with power above all else, she moved from the Summer Palace back to the Forbidden City as soon as her birthday was over, and lived in Chuxiu Palace. On the day she moved into Chu Xiuguan, she summoned several important ministers alone to discuss the war in secret.All this is behind the back of Emperor Guangxu. At the same time, Ministers of Military Affairs Prince Gong Yiqi, Prince Qing Wuzhu, Sun Yuwen, and Xu Tong also gathered in the Chu Xiuguan Dongnuan Pavilion. The Empress Dowager Cixi was sitting on the dragon chair, smoking a hookah, and an eunuch stood aside and graciously replaced the master. Load the tobacco and light the fire. The Empress Dowager Cixi regained her spirits after smoking enough cigarettes, looked around the four people, and weighed it in her heart. Although Yikuang was loyal to me, he was a fool. Because it is easy to handle, it is too troublesome to make a disobedient one.Sun Yuwen and Xu Tong are nothing more than people who listen to the wind, but it is good if they can circle around me.Prince Gong has been dismissed by me and returned home for many years. Although Emperor Guangxu asked him to come back this time, I agreed with him. As far as his sophistication and tact are concerned, he will never fall to Guangxu's side. In the end, he is still my man. She thought again, Li Hongzhang was the one I single-handedly picked up. If he was not loyal to me, who else would he be loyal to? 7. It was the old man Weng who was the most difficult to deal with.Just wait, old man Weng, the old man will definitely clear you from the emperor's side! The Empress Dowager Cixi waved her hand, indicating that she was addicted to cigarettes, and the eunuch carefully took the smoking bottle away.The queen mother said slowly: "You are all loyal ministers of the Ai family and my Qing court. Now the battle is not going well. If you have any ideas, just speak up!" Yikuang cleared his throat and said, "The Empress Dowager Wang urged Li Hongzhang to negotiate peace. The Japanese are so arrogant. In this situation, we can only ask the Russians to come out to mediate. Otherwise, if the Japanese swoop down again, the capital may be endangered." The Empress Dowager Cixi nodded and said, "Li Hongzhang has already been working hard to invite Russians to mediate. Foreigners are not easy to invite. If it weren't for Li Hongzhang's sake, they would not be willing to meddle in their own affairs." Sun Yuwen said: "Your Majesty is too disrespectful. He only listens to Weng Tonghe and some people like Wen Tingshi, and doesn't pay attention to Lafayette at all. Let's see how he ends if we continue this battle." "What I'm saying is that if the fight continues, I'm afraid I will be buried in the Beiyang Navy. This is cultivated by Lafayette." Xu Tong echoed with a drawn-out tone. The Empress Dowager Cixi said bitterly: "I think he has grown phosphorus in his wings." She turned her eyes to Prince Gong Yiqi, who was thinking aside, and asked, "Why doesn't the sixth uncle speak? I invite you to come back. You come to find a way to quell this war. How is the talk going with the Americans? You can’t be trustworthy!” The Empress Dowager Cixi stared at Yiqi, and said in her heart, how capable Emperor Guangxu can be, Didn't you see it? The power is still firmly in my hands, so what's the use of fighting, I don't want to fight, how can he be undefeated?Then said: "You are an elder and know what to do." Of course Prince Gong Yiqi knew that his comeback was strongly requested by Emperor Guangxu, and the Empress Dowager had no choice but to agree.How many years he has been the political enemy of the Empress Dowager, and how many years he has been dismissed from office, is it not caused by this woman's desire for power?How can the grievances and grievances of so many years be resolved with a comeback? However, although he could not understand the dictatorship of the Empress Dowager West and sympathized with Emperor Guangxu's restraint, he could not support Emperor Guangxu like Weng Tonghe. On the one hand, he does not have their teacher-student relationship, on the other hand, he also knows the strength of the Qing Dynasty, and knows that the Queen Mother wants to make peace, but Emperor Guangxu will not want to win, so it is better to follow the Queen Mother instead of losing the battle with Emperor Guangxu Sue and forget it. Besides, he fought with the Empress Dowager Xi for the rest of his life and was defeated by her. This young emperor is no match for her, so I'm afraid the only way is to make peace with Empress Dowager Cixi. Is the Empress Dowager easy to provoke?So he said: "Back to the Queen Mother, I have negotiated with the US Minister to China, Tian Bei, and have initially proposed North Korea's 'independence' and 'compensation for military expenses' as the conditions for an armistice. Minister Tian Bei has agreed to hand over the Qing government's note to the Japanese side. " "Okay." The Empress Dowager Cixi boasted: "Uncle Six is ​​capable in his work, and the truce depends entirely on you." Sun Yuwen exclaimed: "But the emperor still said that 'the Japanese are afraid of the cold in the winter and March, just when our soldiers can enter'. He also ordered to send troops!" "Humph, I think he has no self-knowledge." The Empress Dowager Cixi said sarcastically, "Who doesn't want to be patriotic? It seems that he is patriotic. If I don't love the country, why would I set up a navy? To be honest, our war is actually to save the country, otherwise we Why bow your head in front of foreigners." "Lafayette is holy." Yi Kuang, Sun Yuwen, and Xu Tong said flatteringly almost at the same time.They know that without Lafayette, they would not be where they are today, nor will they be tomorrow. "Okay, Prince Gong stays here, kneel down." "Yes, Lafayette." Yikuang, Sun Yuwen, and Xu Palm bowed to the Queen Mother and withdrew. Empress Dowager Cixi said to Prince Gong: "Uncle Six, is there any difficulty in the peace talks?" "My minister is about to ask the Queen Mother for instructions. The Japanese do not accept the conditions for North Korea to be 'independent' and to compensate military expenses, so the peace talks have been delayed." "You can figure it out." Empress Dowager Cixi picked up the teacup sent by the eunuch. Prince Gong looked distressed: "But, Your Majesty..." Empress Dowager Cixi put down the teacup: "Leave him alone." "Yes, Queen Mother." The Empress Dowager Cixi took another sip from the teacup and said, "Uncle Liu, you also know my difficulties. If the Qing Dynasty is buried under my hands, then you and I will have no face to face our ancestors. Daddy!" How many troops does the Qing have? How long can they last? You know, now it is up to you and Li Hongzhang to let the Japanese retreat.” "I understand." "Okay, I have a trust." As soon as Prince Gong finished speaking, Li Lianying covered her face with her hands and stumbled to the Empress Dowager Cixi, knelt down with a "plop", and said with a mournful face: "Please Lafayette to be the master of the slave, the slave can't live..." "What's the matter? What's the matter? What's making you so angry." "The emperor slapped the slave." "Why?" Empress Dowager Cixi asked in surprise. "Your Majesty is leaving." Prince Gong looked at Li Lianying in disgust and then retreated on his knees. "Slave go..." Li Lianying lowered her voice. "Go to the window of the imperial study..." "Understood, okay! It depends on the master to beat a dog, he is coming for me." The Empress Dowager Cixi helped Li Lianying up and comforted her, "Come, have a cup of tea to calm down." Li Lianying hurriedly knelt down again: "Thank you Lafayette for your kindness." "Get up, and tell me, what are they talking about?" "Zhirui, Zhenzhu'er's older brother, dared to say: 'The emperor is the ruler of a country, but...but...'" "Say it!" Empress Dowager Cixi said loudly. "The servant dare not say." "speak." "Yes...he said...he said that the emperor is at the mercy of Lafayette." The Empress Dowager Cixi snorted and asked, "What else are they conspiring with?" Li Lianying sneaked closer to the Empress Dowager Cixi and said, "Master Zhen's teacher Wen Tingshi also said that the emperor will be in charge of the sea and the army." When the Empress Dowager Cixi heard this, her complexion changed drastically, and then she returned to sit on the Kowloon throne, and said bitterly in her heart, "It's time for you to be on the side of the Qing emperor." Li Lianying is the best at observing facial expressions. Seeing Empress Dowager Cixi's pale face, he thought to himself, Emperor Guangxu and Concubine Zhen, now you are the ones who look good on you.The slap in the face will not be in vain.He touched his right cheek, which was red from the beating of Emperor Guangxu, with his hand, and cursed secretly through gritted teeth. Under the bedroom window of Jingren Palace, Concubine Zhen is sitting and watching.Suddenly the eunuch came to report: "Master Zhen, Lafayette has an invitation." Concubine Zhen was startled when she heard this, and then replied: "Master Bing Lafayette, I will go." After the eunuch left, Concubine Zhen thought to herself, today is not a festival, nor is it anyone's birthday, why is the Queen Mother calling me?Could it be that the queen hurt me again?Concubine Zhen hurriedly walked to Chu Xiuguan, where the Empress Dowager Cixi lived...Xiaomei followed closely behind and comforted: "Master Zhen, don't worry." Her heart was also beating wildly. When she arrived at Chuxiu Palace, Concubine Zhen saw Empress Dowager Cixi sitting upright, with a sad face, her left eye was hanging upwards, and the corner of her right mouth was curled downwards. Concubine Zhen's heart shrank. She knew that Empress Dowager Cixi would show this when she was unhappy face.Standing next to the queen mother were Empress Longyu, Concubine Jin, Princess Rongshou Gulun, Si Gege, and other concubines. Concubine Zhen quickly stepped forward to kneel down and said, "Auspicious, Father Huang." After a long time, Empress Dowager Cixi finally opened her mouth: "Concubine Zhen, are you guilty?" Concubine Zhen felt strange when she heard this, obeying the law every day, not daring to go beyond the slightest, what other crimes could she commit, so she replied: "Back to the emperor's father, I don't know what crime Zhen'er has committed, please give advice to the emperor's father. " "Hmph, you pretend you don't know! Let me ask you, do you know that the ancestor's family law concubine is not allowed to interfere in politics?" After hearing this, Concubine Zhen thought to herself, it turned out to be for this matter. In fact, she had already made mental preparations, and it would be a matter of time before she was punished by the Queen Mother.Then he said seriously: "Father Huihuang, Zhen'er is not guilty." "You are still stubborn. Your brother Zhirui spread letters through you to confuse the emperor. You haven't taken part in politics yet?" Empress Dowager Cixi said angrily. After hearing this, Concubine Zhen retorted: "Abba Binghuang, brother Zhen'er's contact with the emperor is a matter between the monarch and his ministers, so what does it have to do with me? As for me, if the country is in trouble, everyone is responsible!" "You...you dare to refute! Someone, give me the family method, twenty sticks." "yes." The Empress Dowager Cixi turned blue with anger, but she quickly calmed down and closed her eyes. "Father Emperor, Zhen'er is innocent." Concubine Zhen pleaded with tears in her eyes. Cixi ignored. Soon a few eunuchs came up, pushed Concubine Zhen down, and took off her clothes and rods. The two eunuchs opened their bows left and right, and took turns to lay down. Snapped!Snapped!Snapped! Concubine Zhen bit her lips tightly at first, and didn't say a word, but the pain became more and more severe, and she couldn't bear it anymore, so she hummed. Snapped!Snapped!Snapped! Blood oozed from Concubine Zhen's dress. Snapped!Snapped!Snapped! Concubine Zhen was powerless to shout, she closed her eyes, her face was pale... Standing next to the queen mother, Princess Rongshou Gulun couldn't stand it anymore, so she knelt down to plead with the queen mother: "Huang Ama, please forgive her, Zhen'er is about to die." "Let her be spared!" The other old concubines and princesses also knelt down. The Empress Dowager Cixi opened her eyes and saw that Concubine Zhen didn't even have a large body. She was afraid that she would be killed, so she said, "Well, for the sake of everyone pleading for you, I will forgive you today." Cixi said , stood up, walked to Concubine Zhen and said: "Zhen'er, it's not that the emperor's father is cruel. This ancestral system cannot be violated, and the emperor's father has no choice! As long as you are obedient in the future, the emperor's father will also Will love you like a queen. Well, send it back." "yes." The Empress Dowager Cixi turned her face to Concubine Jin who was standing behind her and said: "Concubine Jin, as the sister of Concubine Zhen, you let her indulge, and you have to blame yourself. Come here! The imperial staff will serve you twenty times." "yes." "Father Emperor, please forgive me." Seeing that she was being punished for no reason, Concubine Jin burst into tears, and she knelt down to Empress Dowager Cixi to save her. In this way, Concubine Jin was also beaten twenty boards while crying. In the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Emperor Guangxu was chatting with Weng Tonghe. "Your Majesty, Wen Ting's suggestion is indeed very important. Li Hongzhang has too much power." Emperor Guangxu looked at Weng Tonghe's broad forehead and those wise eyes, listened carefully and nodded. "This kind of situation where the world's defense is done by one person is really dangerous." "I also feel the same, but I can't think of a way. How does Master Weng think we can change this situation?" Weng Tonghe picked up the teacup, took a sip of tea, wiped his white beard with a towel, and continued: "Although the military power is now in the hands of Li Hongzhang, it is actually controlled by the Queen Mother, but now we have to transfer the military power from the Queen Mother at once. , It’s like pulling a tooth out of a tiger’s mouth, it’s better to find a way to contain Li first, so as to gradually strengthen the real power of the emperor.” Emperor Guangxu nodded frequently. "According to the old minister, Wen Tingshi's suggestion is quite right. Anhui governor Li Bingheng is transferred to Shandong governor, so that the emperor can use him to contain Li Hongzhang." Emperor Guangxu's eyes lit up: "Very good. Li Bingheng is a loyal minister of our court, an upright official in the north, and a general in the Sino-French war. It is most appropriate for him to supervise the coastal defense." Weng Tonghe said again: "Now he is the only one who may be able to restrain Li Hongzhang a little bit." "Okay, I will issue an order immediately." "Your Majesty, you are becoming more and more mature." Weng Tonghe said with relief that the painstaking efforts devoted to the Emperor for more than ten years have finally paid off. Weng Tonghe feels that it is a blessing for all the people in China to have such a hero. Weng Tonghe smiled kindly. Emperor Guangxu also laughed. He felt more and more that he couldn't leave Weng Tonghe even for a moment. He was not only the teacher he had educated since childhood, but also his political and military staff and right-hand man.It was the greatest honor of Emperor Guangxu's life to have such a teacher. When Guangxu and Weng Tonghe were discussing state affairs enthusiastically, the eunuch Wang Shang came to report in a panic: "Your Majesty, Master Zhen has been carried back to Jingren Palace by the imperial staff, and is now unconscious." "Ah!" Guangxu was like a bolt from the blue, and Weng Tonghe comforted the emperor with a few words before leaving quickly. Emperor Guangxu hurried to Jingrenguan, followed closely by Wang Shang and several eunuchs.Guangxu couldn't think about anything, he just called out in his heart: Aifei, you can't leave me, I can't live without you! Outside Jingren's official gate, there was a shout of "The emperor is here", and all the maids and eunuchs in the palace knelt outside the gate together, teary and sobbing. Emperor Guangxu became more anxious when he saw this, and stepped into the gate one step at a time. , I saw a forbidden sign hanging across the door of Concubine Zhen's bedroom, which read: On the first day of November in the 20th year of Guangxu, according to the decree of the empress: You are a precious person, a precious person, and Jia En allows him to serve as a servant in the upper palace, be cautious in words and deeds, and reform... Guangxu's heart sank, why, my concubine Zhen has been reduced to a noble person, Emperor Guangxu entered the room, and saw Concubine Zhen lying prone on the bed, Xiaomei knelt beside her and waited on her.He trotted over and saw, oh my god! Concubine Zhen's buttocks were beaten to the point that her hakama was covered in flesh and blood, and a large area of ​​blood had seeped into the bed. He hurriedly called, "Ai Fei, Ai Fei..." Concubine Zhen didn't agree, he hurriedly turned Concubine Zhen's head with both hands, only to see her pale face, eyes closed and breathless, Emperor Guangxu's heart sank, and he cried out: "Aifei, Aifei...... Hurry up and pass it on to the imperial doctor!" "yes." After a while, two imperial physicians hurried over, among them was Zhang Zhongyuan, an imperial physician with excellent medical skills.The two imperial physicians were busy for a long time before Concubine Zhen caught her breath. "Aifei, Aifei, wake up." Emperor Guangxu called to Concubine Zhen gently, and Concubine Zhen slowly opened her eyes. When she saw that it was Emperor Guangxu, she immediately burst into tears, and only said: "The emperor..." fainted again. The imperial physician was busy for a while before Concubine Zhen opened her eyes. Seeing Concubine Zhen woke up, Emperor Guangxu said, "My concubine, you have suffered." He cried and kissed her forehead, her tearful face, her lips... Concubine Zhen shed tears excitedly, and looked at Emperor Guangxu foolishly. At this moment, only the emperor's love was the only comfort for her. When the imperial doctor was applying medicine to Concubine Zhen, Emperor Guangxu personally helped Xiaomei wash the wound where the blood and skirts were stuck together on Concubine Zhen. When Concubine Zhen cried out in pain, Emperor Guangxu held her hand tightly again. After the imperial physician resigned, Emperor Guangxu stayed by Concubine Zhen's bed all the time. The maid brought medicine, and he took it and fed Concubine Zhen personally. Concubine Zhen raised her tearful eyes and looked at Emperor Guangxu gratefully. Looking at his beloved concubine, the four eyes met, and the unit was speechless for a moment. "Your majesty,...you don't have to guard me. When the country is in crisis, the emperor should be worried about the country first." Concubine Zhen said weakly. Emperor Guangxu was very moved when he heard this, and said affectionately: "My concubine, you were beaten like this because you shared my worries. You are almost lost, and you still know the general situation like this. How can you not let me be moved!" "Your Majesty, I'm feeling better now, so go get busy." "No, I want to guard you, guarding you all the time." Emperor Guangxu's voice choked up as he spoke. He was very sad that as the king of a country, he couldn't even protect his most beloved person. His heart was almost broken by the torment the concubine had suffered. Concubine Zhen drank the medicine and fell asleep in a daze. Emperor Guangxu sat on the bed and watched Concubine Zhen, still holding Concubine Zhen's hand. Emperor Guangxu thought bitterly, Father Emperor, although I am not your own flesh and blood, I have grown up under your care since I was four years old. You are respectful, so I respect you and obey you in everything, including the selection of a queen, which is related to the happiness of my life.What's wrong with her?She just has one heart with me. The queen and concubine Jin are your pug dogs. I hate them when I see them. Concubine Zhen is my favorite person. When I hit her, it hurts my heart.I know that you beat Concubine Zhen to death to show your supremacy, and to reiterate that nothing can be violated by you... However, Father Emperor, you can kill Concubine Zhen or me, but there is one thing. If I go to compromise and surrender to the invaders, I absolutely cannot obey. The Empress Dowager Cixi began her cleansing of the Qing emperor. She first gave Empress Longyu a ban card: Emphasizing that the empress has the responsibility to rule the six palaces. Loaning and throwing away clouds... Then came the Qing Dynasty Inner Palace, Tingzhang Zhen, and the second concubine Jin, who demoted them to two ranks in a row and became nobles. They also killed the eunuch Gao Naizhi under the pretext of concubine Zhen's betrayal, and disposed of them. A group of eunuchs such as Yonglu and Changtai, who were serving Concubine Zhen in Jingren Palace, were covered in dark clouds and murderous aura for a while, and everyone was cautious and fearful. After cleaning up the internal officials, the Empress Dowager Cixi began to clean up the outer court again. Inside the Hall of Yiluan, the Empress Dowager Cixi is holding a meeting of central ministers, and the meeting is mainly attended by important military ministers: Prince Gong Yiqi, Prince Qing Yikuang, Weng Tonghe, Sun Yuwen, Li Hongzao, Gang Yi, Xu Tong, etc. The Empress Dowager Cixi was sitting on the dragon chair, looking at them with a serious face, which made people shudder.Everyone has heard about her clean-up of the inner palace, and they all know that after the inner palace is cleaned up, the outer court must be next, and now that Empress Dowager Cixi looks like this, everyone stands silently and holds their breath, waiting for the queen mother alone speak. Empress Dowager Cixi thought to herself, Wen Tingshi, Zhirui, Weng Tonghe, and Li Hongzao are all loyal confidants of Emperor Guangxu, and they all have to be cut off, but in order of priority. The fish that slipped through the net, so he said: "All my loves, after the fall of Lushun, the Japanese are approaching me step by step. Now my navy has to retreat to Weihaiwei. The situation is critical. What's your best plan, all my loves?" Seeing that Emperor Guangxu was not present, Weng Tonghe thought to himself that the Empress Dowager Cixi had withdrawn the curtain nakedly. This woman's desire for power is really shocking.Call us here today to see what kind of tricks she is going to play. Seeing that the ministers were silent, the Empress Dowager Cixi picked up a memorial from several cases and said: "This memorial written by this Guangxi Taoist censor is simply lawless, and his so-called blunt words are purely alienating." The Empress Dowager Cixi picked up another memorial and scolded: "This Fujian Taoist censor, An Weijun, is even more audacious. He dared to scold Li Hongzhang for wronging and betraying the country in the memorial. Who is this for? Huh?" The Empress Dowager Cixi became more and more furious with her cursing, and only heard a "beep", she threw the memorial in her hand on the imperial case, and then said through gritted teeth, "I have to dismiss all these and investigate them!" I also want to announce: "The two concubines Zhen and Jin have been demoted to nobles for interfering in the government." Hearing that the empress dowager was demoting the emperor's beloved concubine, no one dared to say anything, only Weng Tonghe was really fighting against the injustice, so he boldly asked the empress dowager: "Queen dowager, does the emperor agree to demote concubine Zhen?" Seeing that it was this old Weng who dared to confront me again, the Queen Mother cursed in her heart: Wait, it's your turn soon.Then he replied coldly: "This is exactly the emperor's will." Weng Tonghe thought to himself, if the concubine Zhen is used for surgery, no one knows that it is to show Emperor Guangxu that he will kill chickens to make an example of monkeys. Alas, poor Emperor, suppressed Emperor!Although the veteran sympathizes with you and supports you in every possible way, he can't do anything to the empress dowager's despotic power! Li Hongzao and other courtiers who were close to Emperor Guangxu heard that the Queen Mother said it was Emperor Guangxu's will. Although they were suspicious, seeing Cixi's domineering appearance, no one said anything. Seeing that no one spoke, the Empress Dowager Cixi was secretly happy, seeing that you hardcore emperors dare not do anything to me. The hall was dead silent for a while, and the Empress Dowager Cixi glanced around, seeing that all the courtiers bowed their heads, and issued an order: So Li Lianying read: "...Zhirui's actions are absurd,...he was ordered to stop the recruitment team training, and reassigned Ulia Sutai as a counselor minister,...leaving Beijing to take up his post today..." 翁同龢明白令志锐停办招募团练，把他远调离京都是为了折断皇帝的臂膀，不让他增加兵权，这个女人的心实在是太歹毒了。 慈禧太后继续大发淫威，她扫了翁同龢、李鸿藻几人一眼，便一字一句地说：“从即日起，撤掉皇上的满汉书房。” "what!" 翁同龢、李鸿藻、文廷式等都同时在心里发出了惊呼。撤掉皇帝与主战派的议战处，实际是想彻底端了帝党的老窝，别说我等，就是皇上也是万万不会同意的。翁同龢急了，他向太后秉道：“启秉太后，此乃非常时期，皇帝需要经常和大臣们议事，恐怕不能撤，请太后明鉴。” 恭亲王也说：“那就缓一缓吧。” 慈禧太后不耐烦地说了声，“今天议事就到此吧。” 光绪帝知道了太后以他的名义远调志锐后十分生气，他当即做出针锋相对的反映：立即调李秉衡任山东巡抚去牵制李鸿章。 并说：“汝等给朕提醒的这张王牌真是太好了，朕要让李鸿章知道天下的事是魔高一尺、道高一丈。” 翁同龢点头称是，他又询问道：“皇上，太后要撤御书房之事……” “不行，这一点朕决不让步。” 翁同龢听了眼神一一亮，对光绪帝投去了赞赏的目光。翁同龢又问：“皇上，珍妃好点没有？” “现在神志清醒过来了，就是伤口还疼痛难忍。”光绪帝又愤愤地说：“我革了李鸿章的职，太后就拿我的珍妃开刀。” 翁同龢点头道：“珍主儿这是为国受刑啊！” 光绪帝痛苦地说：“我连自己最心爱的人都不能拯救，我还算什么一国之主啊……” 翁同龢听了心里一阵震撼，他眼里闪着泪花，凝望着光绪帝，一时竟无言以对。 光绪皇帝出了御书房后便匆匆向景仁宫走来。随着“皇上驾到”的呼声，光绪帝急步踏进屋内，连宫门口跪迎的太监宫女他都没有顾上摆一摆手。 “爱妃，今天怎样了？” “好点了，皇上。” 光绪在珍妃的床上坐下，握住了她的手，心疼地问着，关怀着，恨不得让自己来代替她的疼痛。 珍妃侧卧着，被打伤的臀部敷着药，用白锦布盖着，上面再盖了被子，光绪掀开被子看着白巾上还渗着血水，他用手轻轻地压了一下受伤处，问道：“爱妃，疼吗？” 珍妃紧蹙了一下眉头说：“疼。” “真是太狠心了。”光绪帝恨恨地说。 珍妃抬起泪眼说：“皇上，别为珍儿担心，珍儿会好的，珍儿好了一侍候皇上。” 光绪帝听了感动地俯下身子，轻轻地对她亲了又亲，吻了又吻…… 旁边的宫女、太监见状都退了下去。 珍妃微笑了。 有光绪帝的疼爱，再大的疼痛她也能忍受。 殄妃轻声说：“皇上，珍儿有一个请求，不知可否？” 光绪帝紧握着她的手说：“爱妃快讲，爱妃就是要天上的月亮，朕也给你摘来。” “皇上，珍儿想见哥哥一面。”说着泪水从她美丽的眼里涌了出来。 “你都知道啦！” "Ok." “好，朕答应你。” 因为外面男人不能进后宫，所以皇上便让太监把珍妃抬到养心殿，让她在床上侧卧着。光绪帝把志锐引进西暖阁寝宫，兄妹相对，珍妃泪如雨下。 “哥哥……”珍妃唤了一声哥哥，便泣不成声。 志锐见珍妃被打成这样也伤心极了。 “哥，我不后悔。皇上是对的，打死我也要跟皇上一条心。” 志锐感动地说：“好妹妹，你说得对，珍儿是皇上身边最贴心的人，就应以国事为重，多为皇上分忧愁。” 珍妃听了坚定地点了点头，说道：“哥哥，珍儿不是刻意要干预朝政，珍儿只是觉得国难当头，匹夫有责呀！” “好妹妹，你做得对，皇上有你这样的贴心人感到荣幸，我为有你这样的好妹妹感到骄傲。” 珍妃激动地听着，眼里闪着泪花。 “哥哥，他们为什么要把你远调新疆？难道就是为了拆散你和皇上他们吗？” “唉！”志锐叹了口气说：“看来这次是西太后对皇帝身边的人进行的一次由里至外的大清洗，受害人不会只是你我兄妹二人，恐怕还会有更多的人，尤其是翁同龢、文廷式，等着吧！太后是决不肯放权于皇上的。” 珍妃着急地点了点头。 “太后还停办了我在热河的募招团练，明摆着的是不让皇上增加兵权。” 他们说话声音都不大，因为害怕隔墙有耳，太监宫女都退在远处候着。 “哥哥，父母大人好吗？” “还好，他们都很惦记你呢。” “我被廷杖的事万万不要让父母知道，怕他们受不了。”珍妃含泪怏求道。 “好，我不告诉他们。” 志锐想，其实父母早已知道，母亲还大哭了一场。 “哥哥，瑾妃也被杖了。” “我知道，只是我不可能去看她，这一点药及补养品就请妹妹给她捎去，这些是给你的。” “谢谢哥哥，请哥哥转告父母，我很好。” 志锐向皇上跪拜告退，说：“皇上，臣告退了，臣走后，望皇上多依靠翁老师、李鸿藻他们，万万不能放松军权。” “爱卿且先去，朕一定要设法把你调回。” “臣感谢皇上隆恩。” “珍儿，好好养伤，哥哥走了。” “哥，恕珍儿不能起来送行，愿上天保佑哥哥一路平安、无灾无难。”珍妃哽咽着说。 光绪皇帝坐在珍妃的床榻上，一匙一匙地给珍妃喂燕窝鸡汁粥。 珍妃吃后觉得精神好了许多，光绪帝看了看她的伤口已经渐好，只是不能平卧，也不能坐，只能侧卧和趴着睡，光绪帝接过宫女递过来的手巾替地擦了擦嘴，然后伏下身去，搂着她的脖颈轻轻地吻了她刚进食后红红的像樱桃一样的嘴唇。 “珍儿，后悔吗？”光绪帝轻轻地问。 “皇上，珍儿不后悔，珍儿还要和皇上一起强国。” “啊，我的好爱妃。”光绪帝又伏身亲了她的聪慧的额头，迷人的眼睛和美丽的脸颊…… 光绪帝看见了她枕旁的书，便拿了起来，一本是《日本变政考》，一本是《俄皇大彼得变政记》，便说：“等伤好了再看，别弄坏身体。” “皇上，珍儿是想好好看看洋人是怎样强起来的，他们为什么会敢欺负我们？这是志锐哥哥拿给我的书。” “噢，等战争结束，朕也要好好看看，这叫做以其人之道，还治其人之身嘛！” “皇上，志锐哥哥和文廷式老师坚持主战是对的。” “当然对，朕一定要打下去，朕决不做亡国之君。” “好，皇上越来越有魄力了，这真是我大清的福气啊。” “爱妃，你可真是朕的心上人啊，朕…刻也离不开你了，朕一下朝就来看你了。” “皇上，珍儿伤好后，还要支持皇上。” “你不怕再挨打吗？”皇上握住她的手说。 “珍儿不怕，别说打我，就是杀了我，珍儿也要和皇上站在一起。” “啊，我的爱妃。”光绪帝忘情地一把抱住了珍妃。 “哎呀，疼！” “啊，珍儿，碰到伤口了吧！”光绪帝忙松了手。 “皇上，您诙回养心殿批阅奏折了。” “不，朕要守着你，朕太爱你了，一刻也不想离开你。王商，去把奏折送过来，朕要在景仁宫批阅。” "yes." “皇上……”珍妃感动得热泪盈眶。 “皇上，让我们永远在一起，生死不分离。” “对，让我们心心相印，生死相随。” 慈禧太后恐怕没有料到，她的残酷的杖刑和降级，非但没有使光绪帝和珍妃分开，反而更加促进了他们的爱情，使他们从夫妻情发展成了生死恋情。 景仁宫。 珍妃趴在床上，光绪帝亲自给她换药，王商及御医在外间侍候着，换好后，御医退下。 珍妃说：“皇上，珍儿有个要求，不知皇上肯不肯？” 光绪忙说：“爱妃快说。” “皇上，去看看瑾妃吧……” “不去。”光绪帝听了生气地站了起来。 “她伙同皇后加害于你，让你受了那么多委屈，朕不能原谅她。” “皇上……”珍妃哀求道：“皇上，不管怎么说，她是珍儿的亲姐姐，皇上就是看在珍儿的面上也应该去看看她。皇上，珍儿求您啦。”珍妃声泪俱下地说。 光绪又坐了下来，拉着珍儿的手说：“爱妃，你的心真是太善良了。好，朕答应你，朕去看瑾妃。”说罢即令王商。 “王商，备轿，到永和宫。” "yes." 永宫是瑾妃的寝宫。 瑾妃侧卧在床榻上正伤心的落着泪，自进宫来，从来没有得到皇上的青睐，太后对我不感兴趣，皇后又时冷时热，珍妃怨恨我……唉，难哪！ 在这深宫中，度日如煎熬一样，孤独苦闷没有任何快乐不说，还要无端受罚……我是对不起珍儿，可我也是出于无奈啊！唉，谁知道瑾儿的苦衷，虽贵为皇妃，却没有一点幸福……珍儿还有皇上疼她，而我，在这个深宫里谁心疼我？每天苦伴孤灯虚度青春……我真的好悔恨，为什么要到这讨厌的深官来！ 皇后虽然遭皇上冷落，但她毕竟是高贵的皇后，又有太后做她的靠山，我算什么？一个妃子，一个遭皇帝冷落的妃子，每日小心翼翼还无端受罚，说不定哪天还要被打入冷官……唉，瑾儿的命好苦啊！ 母亲啊母亲……瑾妃几乎喊出了声，为什么要送我到这度日如年的深宫，女儿多想你们啊！ 瑾妃痛哭了起来，侍女忙用手帕替她擦泪，不一会儿，枕头上就被泪水滴湿了一大片，侍女正想替她换一块，却听见：“皇上驾到！” 这如“冷宫”一样清冷的永和宫，忽然传来这让人振奋的声音，犹如晴天霹雳！不仅瑾妃，所有的宫女、太监都惊呆了，他们怔了半天才回过神来，赶快到宫门外跪倒迎驾。 皇上的突然驾到，使瑾妃惊喜万分，她要侍女扶她起来迎驾，怎奈伤口疼痛无法起来，正着急时，光绪帝已进到了她的寝室。她赶快让侍女扶着欠了欠身，说道：“臣妾瑾儿恭请皇上圣安，皇上吉祥。” “免礼平身。”光绪帝在太监抬来的龙椅上坐下。 “伤口好点了吗？”光绪帝关切地问道。 “谢皇上隆恩，伤口已好一些了。” 光绪帝一摆手，王商及一队随从太监便抬来了营养品、药品、水果及各种食物。 瑾妃见了，感动得热泪盈眶，说道：“臣妾谢皇上隆恩。” 瑾妃受宠若惊，含泪带羞地看了皇上一眼，光绪帝从她的眼神里看出了她的渴望。他看着瑾妃圆胖的脸，心想，你应该知足了，更多的想法是不可能的，朕只宠幸珍妃一人。再说，你能像珍妃一样跟朕一条心吗？你能支持朕的主战吗？你能和朕生死相随吗？……你少和皇后一起害珍妃就不错了，想到这里，光绪帝的脸一沉，站起来就要走。 “皇上……”瑾妃欲言又止。 “你好好养伤吧。朕很忙，王商，备轿。” "The emperor is driving." 看着皇上的背影，瑾妃汪在眼里的泪水夺眶而出…… 已是隆冬，北京降下了大雪，漫天的大雪使皇宫御花园披上了银装。大片大片的鹅毛大雪覆盖在松树上，树枝被压得弯了下来。 园中小径上，两个太监撑着杏黄色的御伞，光绪帝挽着珍妃的手在雪地漫步。 珍妃伤口刚愈，已经可以起来走动。在内室闷了一些日子，光绪帝扶她出来观赏雪景。 珍妃虽然已经可以走动了，但面色仍然很苍白，光绪帝用右手臂搂着她的脖颈，他们慢慢地走着。 “爱妃冷吗？” “不冷，有皇上的温暖，珍儿不冷。” 光绪帝听了，把她搂得更紧了。 他们看着大片大片的鹅毛大雪，飞飞扬扬地落了下来，光绪帝叹道：“瑞雪本应兆丰年，可今年的瑞雪逐不知道兆什么年呢！” 珍妃知道皇上在忧虑国事，也无心赏景了，便说：“皇上，威海卫防线现在如何了？” “唉！”光绪帝叹道：“李鸿章太可恶了，他总是对我阳奉阴违，我已给他下了几次电谕，要他趁敌军大量增人之隙，来他个海陆配合、主动出击，消灭来犯敌人，但他却一味龟缩，不敢出港。” 珍妃也气愤地说：“养兵千日，用兵一时嘛！李鸿章就只知道消极保船，这不成了瓮中之鳖了嘛。” “是啊，我已电谕李鸿章，威海一战关系甚大，北洋舰队铁甲坚利，士气高，与其坐守挨敌打，不如趁间出去，断贼归路。” 珍妃望着光绪点了点头，她非常钦佩光绪的兵略。 山东威海卫，北洋舰队提督衙门内。 丁汝昌坐在案桌旁，正看着光绪帝的谕旨出神，皇上要我主动出击，可是李鸿章又叫我缩在威海卫死守。李鸿章的权势当然不及皇帝，可是他有太后这座大靠山我怎么敢得罪？何况他是我多年的顶头上司，从感情上来说我也决不会和他对着干的。丁汝昌只感到从未有过的孤立无援，陆军援军实在是耍滑头，根本没有来支援，现在面临着的是敌舰的重重围困，出海阻截的战机已经贻误了。无奈何！大敌当前无奈何啊！ 左、右翼总兵林泰曾、刘步蟾都先后自杀了，面对这样的战局，丁汝昌欲哭无泪。 想我威风凛凛的北洋规队，如今竟成了敌人的瓮中之鳖，我身为提督，却不能率舰队出海迎战敌人，不能与敌舰共存亡，我……我愧对国民… “丁提督开门！” "Open the door!" "What are they going to do?" 立在一旁的总记兵李文宣说：“禀提督，他们要求降。” 这些无耻的洋人技师煽动着一些将士准备要挟丁汝昌向日舰投