Chapter 10 Prequel to Empress Dowager Cixi (5-1)

In the first round, Sushun won, and the two palaces were honored together, but it was not on the same day. After all, Concubine Yigui was conferred the title of Empress Dowager one day late.Because she lives in the Xinuang Pavilion of Yanbozhishuang Hall, she is naturally called "The Empress Dowager", sometimes simply referred to as "the west side", or "the west side".In this way, the other empress dowager should be the "East Empress Dowager", but the ministers talked about it behind their backs, but they rarely brought out the word "East". It was exactly what Sushun hoped for.

However, Sushun can only belittle the "Queen Dowager" in terms of her status, and cannot get cheap in actually handling government affairs. At first, as expected by the Empress Dowager West, when the two palaces proposed the method of using seals as evidence of the purpose of the decree, Sushun said that the two empress dowagers could only seal the decree, and could not change the content of the decree. The memorial is not presented first.If we want to do it like this, the two palaces are in charge of the government, but the Empress Dowager insists on it, so Sushun lost in the second round.

But Sushun never believed that the Empress Dowager Xi had any great talents to govern a great government, so even though she lost, she didn't take it seriously, just watch it if you want, change it if you want to, and see what tricks you can come up with!Of course, the Empress Dowager also has self-knowledge, she doesn't pretend to be smart, and she doesn't come up with ideas, so on the surface, not only is she peaceful, but she even agrees with each other quite harmoniously, so that even if she is on the side of Prince Gong, she is afraid that Su Shun will be domineering and disrupt the government. People who are still in the world have to say: "If things go on like this, it's not good at the beginning."

Sushun's position seems to be quite stable!Therefore, the attitudes of those who were waiting and watching began to change, and they gradually approached Sushun.Naturally, she was getting farther and farther away from Prince Gong. Only the Queen Mother knew that Sushun's position was not stable. On the first day of moving into Yanbo Zhishuang Hall, the Empress Dowager West suggested to the Empress Dowager East that the system should be officially changed to "drape curtain". Chongren was in power, the queen mother hung down the curtain, and the history was endless, but there was no such tradition in the Qing Dynasty. Therefore, the cautious queen mother opposed this proposal. Her reason was: "Someone outside said that the current system is a "curtain assistant". politics, and both’, isn’t it good?”

"It's just the beginning, Sushun doesn't dare to show his appearance too much, it's been a long time, sister, just watch!" From the day when Yukou proclaimed the empress dowager, the two palaces officially became sisters. The Empress Dowager Dong's eloquence is not as good as her "sister", so there is only one way: "Speak slowly!" Slowly, the Empress Dowager Xi discovered that many of the eunuchs in Yanbo Zhishuang Palace were Sushun's spies, so she had to be very careful when speaking, and Sushun must not let Sushun know about any secret discussions. The two palaces were prostrate in the backyard Fang Shi talked in a low voice when pretending to watch goldfish on the big green glazed vat.

I don't know how many times, the Empress Dowager West used dangerous words, and the Empress Dowager East finally said: "I think you have to ask Sixth Master about this matter!" The empress dowager's secret plan was to contact Prince Gong and take action both internally and externally so that Sushun could be defeated at once, so the empress dowager's words were exactly what she wanted.The Empress Dowager will start planning today, how to get in close contact with Prince Gong? After thinking over and over again, it is really not easy to find a secret channel to pass the news to Prince Gong!As usual, the Empress Dowager did not summon foreign ministers, but Chen Fuen, the Minister of the Ministry of Officials who rushed from the capital to Rehe, who was sent to attend the funeral ceremony, invited Sheng'an in person, but kowtowed far away outside Yanbo Zhishuang Hall.With Sushun and strict precautions, even the princes and relatives are considered among the foreign ministers. King Jin Fujin can often enter the palace, but the Queen Mother does not trust her brother-in-law and uncle, Prince Chun, to be able to do such a thing Don't dare to ask Chun Wang Fujin to send him a message for a big event.At the same time, the eunuchs on the left and right had Sushun's eyes and ears, and the Queen Mother had no chance to say these words.

He was already quite depressed and anxious, but Xiao Anzi was restless and had a big fight with Shuangxi over a trivial matter.Xiao Anzi's mouth was eloquent, but it was full of crooked reasoning. When he met Shuangxi, who had the clearest reasoning, he was no longer an opponent. He made a mistake in one sentence, and Shuangxi took advantage of his weakness. He was speechless when he asked, and Xiao Anzi became angry and cursed. Village dialect. Shuangxi's father was a "coated" assistant leader of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and he could be considered a "Miss from the official family". .The Empress Dowager loved this court lady the most, and felt very distressed, but since Xiao Anzi belonged to the Empress Dowager West, it was inconvenient for her to deal with it directly, so she asked Shuangxi to go to the Xinuang Pavilion to cry.

The Empress Dowager West was furious, and she brought Xiao Anzi to question, and it turned out that Shuangxi had been wronged. So he ordered the eunuch Chen Shengwen, the leader of the Chuanjing Office. Chen Wensheng already knew about this matter, but the two parties involved each had great backers, and he couldn't afford to offend that one, so he deliberately ignored it.At this time, seeing that he couldn't escape, he also had a calculation in his heart, what the queen mother said, what he should do, if he didn't make a claim, he would be unbiased, and no one would be offended.

"Little Anzi is so hateful!" The Queen Mother asked, "What do you think, according to the rules?" "Back to the Empress Dowager," Chen Shengwen replied calmly, "There is no way to punish eunuchs. In the past, Lords Kangxi and Jiaqing were lenient, while Lords Yongzheng and Qianlong were strict. Xiao Anzi worked in front of the Empress Dowager for many years. Ordinary eunuchs are different, this slave please ask Yizhi to handle it." "What have you been doing for so many years? You haven't made any progress at all!" The Empress Dowager Xi said with a sullen face, "I don't know how much he has offended me because of his cleverness and cleverness! Shuangxi is a girl. She lives in her own house, girl. Isn't the old lady serving as a 'gege'? Xiao Anzi what? How dare you bully her like this! Tell him to go back! Get out of the way, don't let me see you and get angry!"

Chen Shengwen knew in his heart that the Empress Dowager still protected Xiao Anzi.According to the mistakes he committed, he should be reprimanded and expelled from the palace. Now listen to what the Empress Dowager said, but "tell him to go back", then it will be easy to decide. "Slave, I ask for an order. The meaning of the slave is to send An Dehai back to the capital and send him to work in the 'cleaning office'." This is a hard job, but it is considered to be the lightest punishment, "It's too cheap for him!" The Queen Mother pondered for a while, and then said: "Pull down and slap him for me, and beat him twenty times for me. He sends it off."

Hearing that he was going to "slap the mouth" and "beat him hard", Xiao Anzi turned pale with fright.But I still have to meet my master to thank him, but the Empress Dowager Xi ignored me, stood up and left. This one was still lying on the ground and refused to leave, which meant that Chen Shengwen was getting impatient looking forward to being forgiven by "returning to life". "Let's go!" Chen Shengwen kicked him, "'You can't die if you get dizzy'! What are you still doing here?" "Uncle Chen!" Xiao Anzi begged with a mournful face, "Please beg for me, I will never dare again next time." "Hmph!" Chen Shengwen sneered, "A beg? Whom shall I beg? Let me tell you, the master's grace has already made you cheap!" As he spoke, he pouted, and immediately two eunuchs came up, one on each side, grabbed Xiao Anzi by the arm, and dragged him away.He was dragged out of Yanbo Zhishuang Hall, his hands were tied behind his back, and he was temporarily detained in an empty room and sent to guard him.Then the Respect Office issued an official document, detailing Xiao Anzi's faults and Yizhi's disposal method. That afternoon, they were transferred to the Department of Punishment of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Early in the morning, the Punishment Department dispatched a "pentieshi" to lead two military guards to escort Xiao Anzi back to Beijing. When you arrive in the capital, you will naturally report to the Ministry of Internal Affairs first.As usual, the name and year of registration were first asked, and then one of the principals who asked the question opened his voice and shouted: "Come on! Put this An Dehai under custody first!" After speaking, he immediately got up and left his seat. "Wait a minute, master in charge!" Xiao Anzi shouted loudly, "I have something to say." "Ah?" The chief sat down again, "What do you have to say?" "Of course I have something to say. But I can't tell you!" The chief was furious, and scolded at the desk: "You bastard! What do you mean?" "Master in charge, don't be angry!" Xiao Anzi said with a smile, "I'm neither crazy nor insane, I dare not make fun of you. But honestly, I can't tell the master what I say, and you can't do it anyway." The main thing in the hall can't laugh or cry.But the officials of the Ministry of Internal Affairs knew that the eunuchs had the most tricks, and Xiao Anzi was a celebrity in front of "Concubine Yi", so the Ministry of Internal Affairs had long been known.As soon as the master had an idea, he raised his face and ordered: "Everyone quit for me!" The "Bi Tie Shi" who was doing things around and the "Sura" who was running around as a waiter obeyed the order and quit, but Xiao Anzi shook his head again: "Just leave." Let them evade, I still can't say." "So, who are you going to tell?" "I want to see your hall official—Lord Bao." "Lord Bao" refers to Bao Jun, one of the Ministers of Internal Affairs staying in Beijing.At this moment, the chief officer knew that it was of great importance, and immediately replied: "Okay! I will find a place for you to rest first. I will greet you after I go back to Lord Bao." So Xiao Anzi was placed in a room where officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs were on duty. Although he was served with tea, he was actually under house arrest.About an hour later, the principal personally came to lead Xiao Anzi, boarded a mule cart that was extremely tightly covered, and left the palace through the gate. When they got off the car at the gate of a big mansion, Xiao Anzi was led to an extremely quiet courtyard. Bao Jun sat alone in the study and kowtowed when he met him. He asked straight to the point: "An Dehai, do you have something to say?" , you have to meet me to say, what are you talking about? Say it! " "There is a letter, please read it first, Master Bao." Xiao Anzi said as he took out a letter from a pocket sewn into the meat jacket, which was dirty due to sweat And dead, with smelly sweat, Bao Jun took it in his hand, frowning greatly. After pulling out the letter paper, Bao Jun read the first sentence, immediately changed his countenance, stood up, turned to face north, respectfully held the letter high in his hand, and finished reading in a low voice.This is not an ordinary letter, it is the empress dowager's autograph.It turned out to be a vermilion pen, but during the national mourning period, it was written with ink pen, just a few simple words: "The empress dowagers of the two palaces also gave an order to Prince Gong: think about it immediately, and hurry up to prepare for important matters. Keep it secret! Special order." The calligraphy is as clumsy as a Mongolian boy's graffiti, and the strokes of the character "Chi" are incomplete, and the character "Mi" is also written in white, becoming the character "Mi", but the wording and language are indeed in the tone of an imperial edict.In particular, there are two seals of "Yu Shang" and "Tongdaotang" with blue seals at the beginning and foot, and you can be sure that the decree came from your own decision. But, "Was that Queen Mother's handwriting?" Bao Jun sat down again and asked this question. "The two empress dowagers discussed it, and the empress dowager Ximian wrote it herself." Xiao Anzi answered while buttoning his clothes. "Oh!" Bao Jun sat down and raised his hand, "Get up and talk." "Yes!" Xiao Anzi stood up, stood beside Bao Jun with his hands down, and said, "The two empress dowagers ordered: after arriving in Beijing, it is best to meet the sixth prince and deliver the secret order face to face. If not, give it to Lord Bao or It's the same with Master Wen. Now that I see Master Bao, I'm on a mission!" "Okay, okay. I'll hand it over to the Sixth Prince in person later on, so don't worry." After a pause, Bao Jun said again, "I want to ask you another question, why did you send this secret decree to you?" This question just happened to ask Xiao Anzi's pride, "Master Bao's words," he said with a raised face, "this secret decree is of great importance, and the two empress dowagers must send a trusted person to deliver it, but To openly send such a person back to Beijing, Su Zhongtang would definitely become suspicious and miss a big deal. For this reason, the Empress Dowager in the west came up with such a bitter plan. Lord Bao, look," Xiao Anzi pointed at his gaping mouth, "the Department of Punishment gave me twenty slaps, I lost three teeth, and my mouth was covered with blood.Having said that, this is nothing!An Dehai is utterly loyal to protect the Qing Dynasty, and as long as a major event is accomplished, it is worth paying for his life.Master Bao, don't you think so? " This guy was so complacent that he sounded like a friend talking to him. Bao Yun felt a sense of irony, but at this time he had to use words.When Bao Jun was young, he was also a cockfighting dog and a betting tycoon under his banner. At this time, he simply showed a defiant attitude, stood up and patted Xiao Anzi on the back: "Good boy, I have you! I will remember your great contribution." One thing, when the two palaces return to Luan, a chief eunuch will not be able to escape you!" "It's up to Mr. Bao to cultivate!" Xiao Anzi greeted him with a smile. "But there is one thing," Bao Jun immediately lowered his face and said, "Don't tell anyone about your errand this trip!" "I dare not!" "Okay! You will go to the palace today to work as an errand, and you can do whatever you are assigned!" Bao Jun once again warned: "You should think that you have made meritorious service, and don't take others seriously. I can't save you!" After sending Xiao Anzi away, Bao Yun ordered a car to be set up and visited Wenxiang all the way. They met in a secret room and showed the Queen Mother's handwriting. Wenxiang was quite surprised. He is quite capable!" He nodded and said, "He is someone we can work with, and the booklet is on time." It turned out that Prince Gong had written a book requesting to pay a visit to Zigong. It was a decision after careful research based on Cao Yuying's report and suggestions. In Cao Yuying's "Tao Ge Mi Zha", he has stated the process of the Queen Mother's insistence on presenting the chapters and the use of the two imperial seals instead of the vermilion pen. The Empress Dowager's move should be impressive. Sushun was afraid that he would meet a difficult opponent.Therefore, he suggested to Prince Gong that he might as well invite you to pay a visit to the Zi Palace. Refundable is the only feasible way at present. After Wenxiang, Baojun and Zhu Xueqin's research on this suggestion, they found it to be beneficial but not harmful, so please pay attention to Zigong's booklet, and send it to Rehe by "four hundred li quickening" post three days ago.The original intention was just to wait and see, so I was not prepared, and there was no need to rush to leave, but now I have received a confidential order, the situation has changed drastically, and everything has to be re-evaluated and arranged. The think tanks around King Gong have a set of extremely efficient procedures, Bao Yun is resourceful, Wen Xiang is good at making decisions, the drafting of confidential documents and the work of coordinating and contacting are assigned to Zhu Xueqin, who sometimes helps out with ideas, and Prince Gong's old man People, Gui Liang, who has been in frontiers, is well-informed and is the best consultant when he is in trouble.At that time, Wen Xiang wrote a business card saying "If you are begging, let me talk to you", and sent someone to set up a car to invite Zhu Xueqin. Zhu's family said that the owner was not at home, so he tracked him down and finally found him in an antique shop in Liulichang outside Xuanwumen. Found Zhu Xueqin. When he arrived, Wen Xiang and Bao Jun had already studied the secret decree thoroughly.The Empress Dowager West wanted to seize power, but she was at odds with Sushun. The "major event" of summoning King Gong to "consult" was of course a secret plan to suspend it. The words "Tongyu" and the seal of "Imperial Reward" are also sealed, so this secret decree was naturally agreed by the Eastern Empress Dowager.But there are still doubts. Did the Eastern Empress Dowager agree wholeheartedly, or was it because of her honesty and peace, but because of the affection of the Western Empress Dowager, she even forced her to stamp the seal of "Imperial Reward"? It seems that the latter is still the majority, because in the few days when Emperor Daxing was just married, there were rumors that the two palaces were not in harmony because of the details of etiquette, and Sushun respected the Queen Mother very much. According to common sense, she It is impossible to help Xitai deal with Sushun later. "This level must be clarified." After Baojun briefly explained the whole process to Zhu Xueqin, Wen Xiang immediately proposed a method: "Uncle Xiu, what tight place did you find Xiao Anzi, and ask again carefully. Ask about the daily relationship between the two palaces. If the two palaces are concentric, everything will be easy to handle, but if it's just the "west side" that is hot, then you have to take every step and leave room for retreat. " Having said that, he turned to look at Bao Yun: "Pei Heng!What do you think of my words? " "Brilliant!" Bao Jun immediately said to Zhu Xueqin, "It's not too late! Xiao Anzi is probably still in the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the moment, I sent someone to accompany you." "Er Gong is very scheming, so he has wisdom in his hands. But I have an opinion. There seems to be no doubt that the two palaces are in the same heart." "Why?" Bao Yun asked with great attention. "I heard that the court lady Double Happiness is the Queen Mother's confidant?" "Ah!" Wen Xiang and Bao Jun whispered at the same time. They both understood that the supporting role in this "bitter trick" was Shuangxi. If the Queen Mother hadn't conspired, Shuangxi would not have been able to "play". "Uncle Xiu's mind is faster than yours and mine." Wen Xiang said to Bao Jun with satisfaction. Bao Yun had a straightforward and impatient temper, and immediately said: "The mystery is cleared, how should we deal with it, let Xiu Bo think of a way out, and I will talk to Liu Ye tonight." "It doesn't have to be like this!" Wen Xiang looked at Xiang Wan's sky and said, "It's a big deal, and you have to eat. Let's have a deep talk over a glass of wine, and think about it in the long run!" So he set up cups and plates in his study. Banner people pay attention to the use of drinking utensils. During the national mourning period, there is no banquet or celebration. Although it is only a homely drink, it is still exquisite and extraordinary.One host and two guests whispered lightly, and during this meeting, they talked about the big changes in the court situation and the big moves of the government, and they only had to wait for Prince Gong to come forward to implement them. What they were going to suggest to King Gong, first, was to set off for Rehe immediately, and to play the note of asking to visit the Zi Palace, which would definitely be approved, and there was no need to wait for the approval to come back before moving, so as not to delay time.Second, secretly summon Shengbao to Beijing for emergency.On these two points, the opinions of the three people are consistent, so there is no dispute. The most talked about and the deepest is the Queen Mother's intention.In fact, it was the Queen Mother's intention. Her original intention was not only to abolish or even eliminate Sushun, but also to replace her six-year-old son and take power.However, in the family law of the Qing Dynasty, there was only Gu Ming to assist the government, and there was no female lead. If this proposition was raised rashly, it might arouse opposition from the important ministers. Wouldn't it be self-defeating to add stability? If it's just an institutional conflict between the curtain and Gu Ming, or the conflict between the Queen Mother and Sushun for power, there is still a way to mediate and solve it. The trouble is that both Sushun and Sushun must be removed. It will be difficult for Prince Gong who is not in the list of Gu Ming to be in power.It is possible to depose Sushun, but if we pay attention to the ancestral system, the power will still fall in the hands of Minister Gu Ming. Expulsion of Sushun is nothing more than an opportunity for Zaiyuan, Duhan and others to expand their power. After talking about it layer by layer, a conclusion naturally emerged. There is only one way to make Prince Gong return to the key position, and that is to completely overthrow the court situation and completely overthrow the system of Minister Gu Ming! If the young master is in power, if he does not take care of his life to assist the government, the queen mother must hang the curtain. That is not Yang Jimo, it is inevitable.So, the topic will focus on how to do it. Wen Xiang insisted on being cautious, and he had a disturbed expression. I don't know if he thought of violating the ancestral system and felt ashamed, or because he felt that the presence of a female lead in court was not a blessing for the country?Bao Yun has always been aggressive in dealing with affairs, and he especially values ​​the interests of Prince Gong, so he advocates to do whatever it takes to do it.As a result, Zhu Xueqin, who had the lowest status, became the mediator between the two elders. He agrees with Wen Xiang's attitude, but his words are tactful and pertinent. He believes that the most important thing is to win the support of veterans and ministers. At this time, it is advisable to do the work of detection and guidance first. Then success will come when conditions are ripe, and we will get twice the result with half the effort.This is a very true statement, and Bao Yun deeply agrees. At this very moment when they were secretly discussing, Prince Gong's booklet had arrived.Before Zhang Zou decides on the solution, he will first present it for internal viewing, which has been won by the Queen Mother.So when Sushun saw that it was Prince Gong's memorial, he paid attention to it.After posting it for a look, he realized that it was Zou invited to pay a visit to the Zi Palace. He tried every means to prevent Prince Gong from coming to Rehe, but he did not expect that Prince Gong would invite him to be admitted!For a while, he had nothing to do, only holding the memorial in a daze. "Thought to dismiss it!" Duanhua said loudly. "I'm afraid it won't work!" Zai Yuan understood the truth, "There is no reason to refute him." This principle is very clear. Prince Gong and Emperor Daxing are brothers and sisters. When the elder brother was critically ill, he could not see him for the last time. Brothers were not allowed to cry before the funeral after death. This cannot be justified anywhere. thing.Sushun also figured it out, sooner or later he has to meet Prince Gong, anyway, he has already established his footing, so he doesn't need to be afraid of him anymore!So in a nonchalant tone, he said loudly: "If he wants to come, come!" Then he said: "Let's do things for the country, don't spend energy on these irrelevant things! Discuss and discuss the 'year number', That's right." "Isn't it already stipulated?" Duan Hua was stunned, "What else is there to discuss?" "The two of them," Sushun pointed at Mu Yin and Du Han, "still have objections." "Although there is an objection, it's not against Zhongtang." Du Han hurriedly declared, "I'm just afraid that someone in Beijing will gossip. Zhongtang doesn't know, but now there is a group of poor Beijing officials who have read a few books. They are known as celebrities and love to find fault. It is self-proclaimed. Before enthronement, change the Yuan first, and it is not a rule, but they will be wordy!" "Hum!" Sushun replied with a sneer, "I have seen celebrities before, and I admire those who have read through the book. Guo Songtao, Wang Kaiyun, Gao Xinkui, aren't they celebrities, aren't they full of knowledge? I dare say, they should know The reason why I have to determine the year name first, I will definitely agree, and I will definitely say that this is a way to save the world. I want to talk about those famous scholars who know how to play with antique calligraphy and paintings, or play autumn wind, They are despising me, Su Lao Liu, and I even despise their bastards!" Seeing Sushun's indignant and extreme expression, Du Han didn't dare to say anything, and Mu Yin also remained silent.In this way, there is no need to discuss the matter of the year. So the whole class went to see the Empress Dowager—the two palaces were seated side by side, one east and the other west, the emperor nestled in the arms of the East Empress Dowager, and after kowtowing, Zaiyuan spoke as listed, but he only stated some simple chapters. Sushun was asked to respond to important government affairs and military affairs, as well as the transfer of officials.And it is often the Empress Dowager who asks questions and makes decisions. The Empress Dowager Dong spends most of her time on the little emperor, and she keeps whispering: "Be quiet!" "Don't make trouble!" "Don't talk, listen to Sushun." !" Sushun said that the year name came up: "The emperor's year name, several slaves discussed together, and decided on the word 'Qixiang'." As he said, he wrote a note with the word "Qixiang" in block letters, Put it on the case. The Empress Dowager looked at it, and asked in surprise, "Is it so urgent? It's not too late to go back to the city!" "If you go back to the Queen Mother, there is a reason." Sushun replied calmly: "Nowadays, the official money ticket is worthless, the price of silver is soaring, and the rise of the common people is full of complaints. There is only one way for the servant to think about it. The official money ticket is not worthless." Is it? Let’s use cash instead of bills. Then, the price of silver will return to level immediately, and when the price of silver returns to level, the price of goods will definitely fall. Once the price of goods drops, people’s hearts will naturally be at ease.” "Hey!" The Empress Dowager Dong, who seldom spoke, couldn't help but praise: "That's a good statement!" The Empress Dowager Xi glanced at her, and said slowly: "That's a good word. But, even small coins like sand shells have to be made of copper! Where are they coming from?" "The slave is already prepared. Send people to Yunnan to purchase." "Why don't I know?" The Empress Dowager Xi's complexion was ugly. "This is the usual business of the Ministry of Household Affairs." Sushun's tone was also very firm: "There is no need to ask for an order." Seeing that she couldn't refute him, the Empress Dowager could only hold back her breath, and asked a question based on the facts: "Yunnan is so far away, and the road is not peaceful, how much copper can be brought in? I'm afraid it won't help!" "What the queen mother said is true." Sushun followed this very polite sentence, and then turned around: "But the queen mother only knows one thing, not the other. Now it's not that there are no copper coins in Beijing, it's just that rich people are hiding money. Willing to take it out! As soon as the new money comes out, their words of "rare goods can be lived" will no longer be mentioned. Naturally, there will be more copper coins on the market. This is a trick called "arranging jade bait to catch golden turtles" !"