Chapter 16 Prequel to Empress Dowager Cixi (7-3)

In July of the third year of Xianfeng, Huaiqing broke the siege, and Shengbao took advantage of the victory to pursue him. He entered Shanxi from Henan, conquered Hongdong and Pingyang, and was awarded the title of "Imperial Envoy". The "God Sparrow Saber" of the Kangxi Dynasty was equal to Shangfang's sword, and those below the second-rank lieutenant general, who would hinder the military situation, could be cut first and played later.At that time, Shengbao was only 30 years old. While he was full of ambition, he engraved two chapters in a hurry. In conjunction with his surname and nickname "Kezhai", he thought of a pun: "If I fight, I will conquer."

When it came to the internal crimes of the British and French allied forces, Seng Gelinqin and the governor of Shengbao tried their best to protect Gyeonggi. In the battle of Baliqiao, Shengbao was injured. It is not the same as the alliance under the city where the soldiers have no fighting spirit, so the "fuju" is not too difficult, and Shengbao's "prestige" has not lost much. During the period when the "Fuju" was being handled, Shengbao had a relationship with Prince Gong. Wen Xiang and Zhu Xueqin made a plan to find him from the front, and the purpose was to get him to demonstrate in Rehe.Sushun looked down on their own Manchurians the most, but he did not dare to underestimate Shengbao.Of course, compared with those bewildered nobles of the Eight Banners, Shengbao can be regarded as an all-rounder in civil and military affairs, so Sushun had to look at him differently.Another reason is that Shengbao pretended to be Nian Gengyao and was arrogant and domineering. He didn't pay attention to people like Zaiyuan, Duanhua, and Sushun at all. Embarrassing things can be done.

Therefore, as soon as Shengbao arrived in Rehe, he was even more grand than King Gong, and he brought five hundred soldiers with him, with layers of guards, which was equivalent to setting up a palace for imperial envoys at the feet of the emperor.The relatives and noble ministers are from Sushun's faction, so naturally they have to pretend that they are from Prince Gong's side, and they place great expectations on him, deliberately make love, and respect him very much. On the day of arrival, according to the rules, he did not enter the palace, went to the gate of the palace first, handed over the fold to say hello, and then led by the officials of the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, he went to the Danbo Jingcheng Hall to pay homage to the Zigong, and wept bitterly.After returning to the hotel, before I can change my clothes, there will be distinguished guests visiting, entertaining until late at night, and there is another most important visitor to be received.

This visitor is Cao Yuying.He knew Shengbao's temper, even though it was late at night, he paid homage to him in official uniform, and when they met, he performed the grand ceremony of attending the hall as a subordinate.In Shengbao's school year, Gengyao's demeanor was domineering to the military officer of Hongdingzi, and he was regarded as a servant, but he was very polite to the aides, so he avoided Cao Yuying's big gift, and Cao Yuying invited him a "double security" , he returned a bow.Then, the guests were invited to change into plain clothes, and extended into the small living room, where they had a private conversation with wine.

Of course, it started with the itinerary. Shengbao told Cao Yuying that when he left Beijing, Prince Gong hadn't returned to Beijing, but they met during the journey and had a long night's talk.He also said: "Prince Gong takes special care of you. When it comes to doing well, you might as well follow the advice of the old man. A martial artist has no other skills. He only read a few books and knows how to salute the soldiers of the world!" His pair of big sunglasses covered half of his face, and he was twitching a mustache, laughing loudly. Cao Yuying didn't dare to be contemptuous just because of his seemingly bold and unrestrained demeanor, but still replied with trepidation: "Master Sheng speaks seriously. If you ask me, you will know everything."

"To each other, to each other." Sheng Bao went on to say, "As soon as I arrived today, I saw the hair that scolded Dong Yuanchun. Su Liu went too far." "Yes." Cao Yuying agreed, while thinking about what to say next. Not allowing him to open his mouth, Shengbao changed his tone: "However, Dong Yuanchun really deserves to be reprimanded! Can such words be listened to by Datian?" Upon hearing this, Cao Yuying complimented casually: "Of course it can't be compared with Mr. Sheng's memorial." Shengbao's important memorials have always been done by himself. Cao Yuying's compliment was exactly what he wanted, so he was very happy. "It's not impossible to discuss with the curtain." How do you say that?"

Hearing his tone, it seemed that he was very eager to try, but he was afraid that he would be like Dong Yuanchun, ignoring the timing, and rushing to present Zou, which would bring a problem to the two empress dowagers, so Cao Yuying thought for a while, and answered like this He said: "This is the great plan of the country. It is not suitable for important ministers who are not attached to Chinese and foreign material expectations, and it is useless to speak, but it is my humble opinion that we have to wait until we return to the city before we can talk about this." "Well, well!" Shengbao nodded and said, "This is a matter that should be delayed rather than urgent. If you don't plan everything out, you should not act rashly."

"Yes! It shows that Mr. Sheng is so experienced in seeking the country, he really lives up to the knowledge of the late emperor Teda." Sheng Bao smiled slightly, expressing his gratitude, and then changed the subject, talking about all the deeds of the eight ministers of Gu Ming.Cao Yuying also talked a lot about what he had seen and heard in a calm tone, and Sheng kept his cup to listen, tapping the marble table lightly from time to time, appearing rather hesitant. After he finished speaking, Shengbao said: "Gu Ming was originally made by the ancestors, but the current situation is beyond the expectation of the late emperor. I insulted the late emperor to know, handed down the edict to reward him, and knew that I was 'dedicated to the country' Naturally, I can’t just sit and watch.” At this point, he stood up, took two steps, took out a green jade snuff bottle, picked up a pinch of snuff, and sucked it vigorously.

Cao Yuying didn't speak, but kept her gaze around him, waiting for him to make an important decision. "At this time, it is not yet possible to follow what Fenquan did. Because the rebellion of the eight ministers has not been revealed in the end. Zhuo Weng," Sheng Bao asked, "what do you think? " Fu Quan was a senior official of the Chu State in the Spring and Autumn Period. He used to give military advice. Shengbao used this allusion to express that he was still unwilling to use force to change the political situation. purpose, he fully agrees with. So, he calmly replied: "Master Sheng is very right. If there is any action at this time, I am afraid that the two palaces will be disturbed, and the day of returning to the city will change, which is not good. Besides, tigers and leopards are in the mountains, so we might as well make a plan for the future." move. Otherwise...."

Cao Yuying didn't say any more, and Shengbao didn't ask any more questions. They had already reached an impediment. At this moment, Sushun had great power and was in a hurry. He could eliminate Shengbao's military power. Wouldn't it be self-defeating? "Fortunately, the time to return to the city is coming soon, and they will not be blatant and plotting in front of them." Shengbao paused, took off the big pair of sunglasses, stared and said: "I am here, forgive me They don't dare to disagree!" Cao Yuying also felt that Shengbao's trip, although he did nothing, was enough to deter him, but after he returned to Beijing, he needed to give his full support, so he specifically said: "Master Sheng must wait for the two palaces to return to the city safely, before you can go back to the city." It’s good to leave Beijing and go back to the defense.”

"Naturally, naturally." This can be regarded as a conclusion invisibly, and Cao Yuying said goodbye happily.As soon as he got home, a servant came up to greet him and reported in a low voice, saying that King Chun had an invitation, and the person he sent was still waiting in the porter's room. Invited late at night, and not going to sit and wait, it is obvious that there must be an extremely important matter to discuss, so Cao Yuying did not go back in, and the original car turned to King Jin's mansion.As soon as they saw him get off the car, someone came up to say hello.Without saying anything, he turned on the light and led him into the back garden. King Chun was already waiting in the flower hall. "I heard that you are at Sheng Kezhai's place?" King Chun asked without caring about the pleasantries. "Yes, I just got back from him." "How did the talk go?" Chun Wang said again, "The higher-ups are very concerned about his visit. This man has a temper, and the higher-ups are a little worried. He won't act recklessly, will he?" Cao Yuying didn't answer his words first, but asked: "How does the Seventh Prince know that 'the superiors are not at ease'? But what did Qi Fujin bring back?" "That's right. My wife was summoned into the palace in the afternoon." King Chun waved his hand: "Come here!" As he said that, he lifted the curtain by himself and entered the back room, Cao Yuying naturally followed him in, looked up, and unexpectedly, Qifujin was inside, and wanted to leave in a panic, but King Chun stopped him. "It doesn't matter! My wife has two words, and I want to tell you personally." Then Qi Fujin asked with a smile: "This must be Mr. Cao?" Cao Yuying agreed, flicked her sleeves, reported her name respectfully, greeted her, stood up and said, "Qi Fujin has something to say, please tell me!" "It's not that I have something to say." "There are two sentences above, let her pass it on to you." Chun Wang intervened and said, "Stand and listen." "The two empress dowagers also know that Mr. Cao has been on duty for many years. He is very loyal and capable. When I enter the palace today, the two empress dowagers specially asked me to tell Mr. Cao face to face. The hard work, the higher-ups naturally know." Unexpectedly, it was the Empress Dowager of the Two Palaces who ordered Qi Fujin to deliver a decree to comfort her personally!Cao Yuying felt grateful and apprehensive at the same time, she didn't know what else to say besides answering "yes" repeatedly. "Master Qi, let's sit outside with Mr. Cao!" Hearing Qifujin's words, Cao Yuying just woke up, so she asked Ann again and said: "Please ask Qifu Jin to play back to the empress dowagers of the two palaces, Cao Yuying dare not be unsatisfied." "Okay, I will play back for you." Sure enough, Cao Yuying served her life sincerely.That night, he had a secret discussion with King Chun and tried his best.King Jin conveyed the secret orders brought back by Qi Fujin, saying that the two palaces are of one mind, and that the eight ministers of Gu Ming must never stay any longer.How to deal with it, and when to do it, the two empress dowagers have no prejudices. There is only one request, and this matter must be handled safely and carefully. Under this request, Cao Yuying opened up the general situation for King Chun, detailed the progress of the deployment in all aspects, and then proposed the steps in an orderly manner, and at the same time made a distribution of duties. "What about me?" Chun Wang asked, "What will I do then?" "I have a nice job for the Seventh Prince." After speaking, she leaned into his ear and whispered a few words. "Okay, okay! Sure enough, it's a beautiful errand!" King Chun smiled happily, stopped laughing and asked, "What about you? Of course it's up to you to pass the secret edict." "To tell you the truth, the Seventh Prince, that's a matter of course." "Since it's decided, you should do it earlier! It's easy to deal with the work after it's done." "Don't be busy!" Cao Yuying replied calmly: "First, I have to deliberate carefully; second, send it in early, if it leaks, the whole thing will be closed, which is not good." "That's true. Then when will it be sent in?" "Wait to send it in the day before the departure." At this time, King Jin was already very attracted to him and obeyed his words, so the more interesting he talked, the better, and before he knew it, the dawn was about to be revealed.Naturally, Cao Yuying didn't need to sleep anymore, so she had a sumptuous breakfast at Chun Wang's place, took a short rest, and drove to the palace gate to go to work. After picking up the discount and finishing the routine affairs of the day to an end, his spirit was a little bit overwhelmed.Usually his health is not very good, his diet is on the verge of respite, he should always be careful, but now he feels that the task is difficult and he must take care of himself, so he pulled Xu Geng aside, whispered the reason, and entrusted him to take care of the shift, but to others , I just excused my poor stomach, so I resigned first. As soon as I got home, I ordered the door to block any guests that day, and then undressed and went to bed.This sleep did not get up until noon, after lunch, drinking tea, recalling all the things Xiao Lai had talked with King Chun, and felt that Zhu Xueqin should be notified immediately, and passed on to King Gong.So I closed the door in my study and wrote a very long letter.This letter was of course important, but it was not too urgent, and there was no need to borrow the courier from the Ministry of Heavy Military, so he sealed it himself and sent a capable servant to deliver it to the capital. At that time, it was still early and the spirit was not bad, so I planned to draw up the edict that I would use as soon as I returned to Beijing.First, I took Jiao Youying's main manuscript to refute Dong Yuanchun's "Mingfa", and carefully considered it sentence by sentence, and felt that the four words "Sincerity and Heart" just happened to be "to use the spear of the son to attack the shield of the son." After this point, the general idea of ​​the whole article is immediately available.Zhang Jing of the military aircraft has always been writing rhetorical edicts, and it has become a habit. Even if he has time, he refuses to sit and think carefully, so he takes a piece of paper, picks up a pen and writes: "To the princes and officials: Last year, the sea and territory were not peaceful, and the capital was under martial law. It was caused by the planning of the king and ministers who were in charge. Zaiyuan and others couldn't do their best to negotiate. As a result, the countries have lost their trust, and the Dian Garden has been disturbed. My emperor inspected and visited Rehe, which is the last resort of the Sacred Heart. After the affairs of the various countries, the kings and ministers of the yamen have properly managed the affairs that should be handled by each country. " I wrote it here in one breath, and it became a long paragraph. After reading it myself, I feel that the wording is sparse and rough, which is in line with the tone of helplessness and delay in conveying the message.It is also appropriate to attribute "the peace and tranquility inside and outside the gate of the capital" to Prince Gong who is in charge of the "government of affairs of various countries".I was proud of my heart, and my writing was flowing, but just as I was writing again, the servant reported outside the door that a guest had arrived. Cao Yuying was very upset, and cursed in an official tone: "You bastard! Didn't I tell you a long time ago, didn't you all go ahead?" "It's Master Xu." It turned out to be Xu Geng.There is no reason to block the driver, and it is wrong to blame the servant.At that time, I ordered you to sit in the small living room, hesitated for a while, and finally burned the unfinished draft before coming out to meet the guests. After meeting for a while, Xu Geng took out an envelope from the boot leaf, handed it to him with both hands, and said with a smile, "I don't have to worry about the expenses under the festival!" Cao Yuying didn't answer, and asked, "What is it?" "Sheng Kezhai gave it to me, and I decided to accept it for you. Don't you think I'm presumptuous?" Take it over and take a look. It says "Jie Jing" on it, signed by Sheng Bao.Inside is a silver ticket from a Shanxi bank in the capital: "With the ticket, it will be exchanged for four hundred taels of flat foot pattern." Cao Yuying held the bank note, quite surprised.The officials in Beijing are so poor that they had to rely on the frontier officials to share their profits. There are many festivals and festivals. There are many names for "Ice Respect" in summer and "Charcoal Respect" in winter.When the governors and feudal officials come to Beijing, they all have to entertain. All expenses range from 20,000 to 30,000 to 100,000 to 80,000; It doesn't matter if you are safe and sound, and it doesn't matter if you spend a few more.But giving away four hundred taels is too big a deal, and most of these gifts are usually given by oneself or by relatives to private houses. It seems unreasonable to openly distribute them at military planes like Shengbao. When he was meditating like this, Xu Geng could already see his thoughts, and immediately explained: "Although Sheng Kezhai didn't care, I was a little embarrassed at the time. Thinking about it carefully, I have to accept it. There are two reasons." "Oh!" Hearing what he said, Cao Yuying felt a little more relaxed, "Please tell me the details." "First, everyone knows Sheng Kezhai's temper. If he doesn't accept it, he will lose face. He invites him here, but offends him. Why bother?" "Um, uh. Second?" "Secondly, everyone made the 'Palace Lantern' extremely harsh. If you don't accept one of them, everyone is embarrassed to accept it. This August and a half will be miserable." Cao Yuying didn't take this reason seriously, but it's inconvenient to say it now, so I just asked: "How much is each colleague?" "Two hundred taels." Xu Geng lowered his voice again and said, "Of course the other party will know, and I want to know what I mean, so show no ambition!" With these words, Cao Yuying was relieved, not only relieved, but also pleased: "Uncle Xing! Your thoughtfulness is beyond my reach." "Absurd award, absurd award!" Xu Geng arched his hands and said, "If there is nothing else, I will leave." "No, let me ask you something. How are you doing under the festival, can you still pay?" He said, and handed the bank note to him. "No need!" Xu Geng shrank his hands, "My uncle knew about my situation here, so he sent me five hundred taels of silver to supplement me. Let me tell you the truth, Sheng Kezhai's two hundred taels were only transferred to me once. Turn around and go out again immediately." "If that's the case, I won't be polite to you. But..." Cao Yuying handed over the bank note again, "I entrust you to arrange it. If the family is burdened and the situation is difficult, you will distribute it for me according to your ability." "Good! I'd be more than happy to oblige." "Please, please." Cao Yuying asked again, "In Uncle Ling's letter, did you mention those elders?" Asked about this, Xu Geng sat down and told his master that the Beijing Central Committee was also launching a discussion about the curtain, and the person in charge seemed to be Zhou Zupei, a university scholar, and his teacher was Li Ciming, a famous scholar who has risen in recent years.Zhou Zupei asked him to research the story of the queen mother's appellation system in the previous dynasty. Li Ciming wrote an article called "Preparation for the Imperial Dynasty", which listed Empress Xi Deng of the Han Dynasty, Empress Shunlie Liang, Empress Kangxian Chu of the Jin Dynasty, and Empress Kang Xianchu of the Song Dynasty. In the early Liao Dynasty, the wise Empress Xiao, Empress Yiren, Empress Zhangxian Liu of the Song Dynasty, Empress Dowager Guangxian Cao, and Empress Xuanrengao, a total of eight stories were used as the basis for the discussion. "This is very fun!" Cao Yuying laughed, "Even Empress Dowager Xiao from "The Order of Sitting in the Palace" has moved out!" After chatting and laughing like this for a while, Xu Geng left.After dinner, Cao Yuying lit two bright candles, took advantage of the cool autumn and quiet, and wrote down the secret decree "to the princes and officials" with great interest. In a small safe bought from a foreign company.Rubbing his eyes, blowing out the candle, looking at the clear moonlight, imagining the earth-shattering shock caused by the decree when it was announced to the ministers, I felt an indescribable dignity and satisfaction in my heart. The next day is Mid-Autumn Festival.In previous years, during this festive season, the palace was very lively, but when there was a national funeral, and the "hunting tour" was outside, all the red tape etiquette and ingenious entertainment were stopped.Only a few special dishes were added to the dinner. The empress dowagers of the two palaces had just finished eating with the little emperor and the eldest princess. Shi Jinzhong, the chief eunuch newly transferred from Beijing, came to report: "'Taiyin Gong' is placed in Ruyizhou, waiting for the moon Once you come out, please ask the emperor to burn incense and salute." The Empress Dowager West loves to talk recently, and because the dispute over state affairs with the eight ministers of Gu Ming has come to an end, she also likes to take care of trivial affairs in the palace. After listening to Shi Jinzhong's words, she frowned and said: "As the saying goes, 'men don't Worshiping the moon, women don’t offer sacrifices to the stove.’ I don’t know who made the rule in the palace, and the emperor must go to salute the ‘Taiyin offering’? No way!” The Eastern Empress Dowager thought otherwise, "Why put it in Ruyi Continent? It's far away." "Playing back with the empress dowager, this is an old rule handed down from Lord Kangxi." As soon as he said this, the little emperor coughed twice, so the Eastern Empress Dowager became more and more worried, and turned to the Western Empress Dowager and said, "I'm coughing, so I can't catch the cold. Ruyi Island is empty and windy, so it's better not to go!" "It doesn't matter if you don't go," the Empress Dowager said casually, "Let Shi Jinzhong go to salute on behalf of the emperor." In the past, only relatives and noble ministers were qualified to salute the emperor on behalf of the emperor. Now the empress dowager made a hasty decision, which became a great honor in Shi Jinzhong. Temple to go. "Hey, slow down, slow down!" The little emperor yelled loudly in the hall; when Shi Jinzhong turned around and approached, he ordered with a great air: "Bring me a plate of moon cakes, the one that wants a lot, and reward everyone." Princess!" "I want four colors." The eldest princess said again. Shi Jinzhong looked up at the Empress Dowagers of the Two Palaces, and said nothing, "Yes! Get it right away, 'I want the four-color one, the one with many', please order, where should I send it?" The little emperor now also knew a lot of expressions in the palace, understood that "asking for an order" meant asking him, and immediately replied: "Send it here, the princess will make offerings to the moon." The little emperor is tired of playing crickets, and recently he often plays with the eldest princess. The relationship between the siblings is very good.The eldest princess was the smartest. Hearing the words of the Queen Mother, "men don't worship the moon", she immediately thought that worshiping the moon is a girl's business, so she quietly discussed with her brother and asked for a plate of moon cakes. Reward, and specify a lot. There were thirteen of them, from big to small, stacked like a solid tower, and when they were carried into the palace, the eldest princess was very happy, and turned to her younger brother with a smile: "Thank you, the emperor, for the reward." The little emperor smiled and asked, "Where are you making offerings to the moon?" The Eldest Princess was very sensible, she didn't dare to come up with random ideas, she just looked at the face of the Empress Dowager West, she was talking with the Empress Dowager East, she didn't realize it at all.So Shuangxi made a proposal: "Go to the backyard to make a confession." The maids hurriedly set up a few cases in the empty courtyard behind the palace, set up worship mats, and offered mooncakes with melons and fruits, but they burned white candles. Another court lady found an incense stick from nowhere. Light it up, the cigarette is lingering, and the atmosphere is suddenly different. "This looks like August and a half," Shuangxi said with satisfaction, "It's only a rabbit!" This sentence caused trouble. "That's good!" the little emperor said loudly, "I want Master Rabbit. Get it quickly! I want the big one." When Shuangxi heard this, she shouted in her heart: It's broken! "My little Long Live Lord," she said, "where are you going to find Lord Rabbit right now?" "Why? Send more people to look for it." "No matter how many people there are. It has to be found in the capital, hundreds of miles away." "I don't care!" The little emperor stamped his feet and said loudly, "I want it! I have to!" No matter how Shuangxi coaxed her, even the eldest princess helped to persuade her, but the little emperor just refused.When the commotion was raging, the Empress Dowager Xi appeared, stood in the corridor and shouted, "What are you doing?" With this question, the court was silent, the little emperor didn't dare to make a fuss anymore, but he felt infinitely wronged, his mouth shrunk to the point of tears. Shuangxi was shocked, knowing that the Empress Dowager hated the little emperor's appearance the most, and tried to stop it, but it was too late, the little emperor couldn't help crying.In a hurry, Shuangxi reached out her hand to cover his mouth, pulled it away and left. For the festival's sake, the Empress Dowager Xi didn't say anything, she just went back to the Xinuang Pavilion, felt bored, closed the door early, sat by the window alone, looking at the moonlight bored. The moonlight is the same as what I saw in the Kara Hetun Palace last year. It is still so round, so big, and so bright. It seems that the toad shadow and osmanthus tree can be faintly seen.But at that time, she was not a widow after all. Even though Jun's kindness had declined and her bones were broken, there was hope after all.What about now?As the empress dowager, she actually has nothing. During the long night, besides listening carefully to the twelve tunes played by the eight-tone bell, I don't know how to spend it?And there is still a longer period of time ahead than the present, how can it be? Thinking of this, she couldn't help but feel palpitations, and she was eager to find something to do that would allow her to concentrate all her energy, so that she could forget about herself. So he shouted: "Come!" When the maid was summoned, he ordered: "Open a small study!" It was originally said that it was a day off during the Mid-Autumn Festival. I didn't look at official business, but I had to look at official business, but there was only one thing.As usual, unless the festivals are particularly important, there are always few drafts of memorials, and those documents that are taboo, such as the memorials to report the death of ministers, will not be brought up.This day may be a memorial sent by Minister Gu Ming in order to express his congratulations to the Empress Dowagers of the Two Palaces. The proposed emblems of the empress dowagers of the two palaces, the first character is "ci", the empress dowager is "ci'an", and the empress dowager is "cixi." "Cixi, Cixi!" The Western Empress Dowager recited it twice, quite satisfied, so she took the memorial to Dongnuan Pavilion to see "Empress Ci'an." In the East Nuan Pavilion, there were only two court ladies watching the room quietly. When they saw the Empress Dowager Xi, they greeted the Empress Dowager together, and the older one said, "Mother, the Empress Dowager is in the backyard." "Ugh! What's your master doing?" "I'm teasing the emperor and the eldest princess." The maid asked again: "Please Yizhi, but you want to invite the mother, the empress dowager?" "No need. I'll go myself!" So the Empress Dowager walked around the corridor by herself and walked to the back of the East Nuan Pavilion.The empty court is full of moons, full of laughter, the little emperor is sitting on a big rosewood chair, listening to the Queen Mother telling fairy stories, he is like the big princess leaning on the queen mother, it should be time to go to bed , but they all played happily. The Empress Dowager stopped her feet, she couldn't help being touched, and also a little jealous.Why are the children happy to get close to the Queen Mother?Are you being too strict?Thinking about it this way, I asked myself: Should I be strict?Girls might as well be more easy-going, she thought of an idiom: "If a jade is not polished, it will not be a weapon." You must be strict with your son! So she moved her steps again and walked into the place illuminated by the moonlight. The maid who was serving on the corridor greeted her and shouted loudly: "The Queen Mother is here!" This shout interrupted the Empress Dowager Dong. The first one was the little emperor, who quickly slipped down from the chair and stood at the side with his hands down, and then the eldest princess also stood upright.When she walked in front of her, the Empress Dowager Dong was afraid that she would say something that would disappoint her children, so she first pointed to the eldest princess beside her and said, "It's a festival today, and the moon is so beautiful, let them play for a while longer!" The Empress Dowager Xi nodded, sat down on the chair where the emperor used to sit, turned to her son and asked, "Didn't you go to school today?" "It's a holiday!" The little emperor replied eloquently, "Master told me to leave school." "What about tomorrow?" The little emperor stopped ringing, and an expression of infinite distress and grievance suddenly appeared on his face. The Empress Dowager Dong couldn't bear it, so she said: "I slept late today, and I'm afraid I won't be able to wake up tomorrow. Let's rest for another day." Hearing this, the little emperor cheered up again. The Empress Dowager Xi saw it, and said to the little emperor with a slight sneer: "The emperor's mother has promised you, and I will let you play for another day. Don't take it as a rule! " Hearing this, she felt that it was the Empress Dowager who was disappointing, but she didn't show it on the surface, "It's getting late," she said, "Go play for a while, and go to sleep!" Saying this, she turned to Shuangxi who was standing nearby. took a look. After Shuangxi led the young lady and brother to the other side to play, the Empress Dowager Xi raised the folder in her hand: "Look!" "What is it?" The Empress Dowager East asked while taking the notebook.The moonlight is very bright, and she can see clearly without taking out lamps and candles. She doesn't understand the words of praise. Well, it is difficult to write, not as convenient as my word 'An'." Hearing her two words, the Empress Dowager Xi felt unimaginable. If she behaved like this, let alone listening to the government behind a curtain, she would still be bullied by her courtiers just like Wu Zetian was a female emperor.But my heart is meager, and I don't say a word of ridicule, either because I dare not or because I don't want to let her know what she said, mother-in-law, I don't know how to be polite. "Let her go!" The Queen Mother said in her heart, "Let her be ignorant for the rest of her life." "We already have a name." The Queen Mother East said again, "Where is the Emperor Daxing's?" The Queen Mother knew that she was referring to the temple title and posthumous title of Emperor Daxing.A few days ago, the cabinet had drawn up six characters each. Please choose them for the memorial. The empress dowagers of the two palaces unanimously agreed to use the word "Wen" for the temple name and "Xian" for the posthumous posthumous title. It has not been issued yet, because when Zi Gong returns to the capital, all the etiquettes have yet to be drawn up, and it is more appropriate to issue an order together when everything is ready.This was also agreed by the Queen Mother. But the Eastern Empress Dowager didn't know, because she felt a little uncomfortable on the day of discussing this matter with the eight officials of Gu Ming. Hearing her mention it now, I felt a little uneasy, so I had to explain the process in an apologetic tone. The loyal Queen Mother nodded and said, "As long as you know!" Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager Xi felt that her uneasiness was superfluous.She warned herself, don't be too naive, even if you do something wrong in the future, look at her attitude first, don't rush to admit your mistake. "I have something else to discuss with you. Please see Su Shunzuo that day. I don't know what he means?" What do you mean, that Sushun intends to divide the concubine!When this matter was brought up, the Empress Dowager Xi wished she could arrest Sushun, kneel down in front of her, and ask the eunuch to slap his mouth hard! "Hmph!" She sneered, "Does it need to be said? Isn't it because you are honest and easy to talk, and you are planning to deceive yourself." "That's what I'm afraid of." The Queen Mother said, "Let's meet them together." The Queen Mother pondered for a while, and felt that this was a good opportunity to test Sushun's heart, so she replied: "No need to do that. If he wants to break up, let's break up and listen to what he has to say in front of you." "I will be obedient. I'm afraid they will ask me something." "That's easy. If you can tell them, tell them. If you can't, just say it. I'll think about it before I say it." "Hmm." The Queen Mother thought about it before and after, and still felt that something was wrong. "If it's something important, they want me to make up my mind right then. So what?" This is indeed a question, the Empress Dowager West was stunned, but it took only a moment, and she immediately thought of a solution. This method can not only solve the empress dowager East's problem, but also establish a prestige for herself. This is fine, if they really want to force you to agree, you must agree. But you must tell them: the two stamps of "Imperial Appreciation" and "Tongdaotang" are used instead of the vermilion pen. Another one. In this way, they have to tell me, if I can do it, I will naturally do it, if I can’t, I will reject it for them. Without two stamps, it is not considered Zhubi’s personal approval, and they dare not publish it. go down." "Are you stunned?" "That's false preaching of the imperial decree." The Empress Dowager said in a very forceful voice, "It's the crime of beheading." "Okay. I see." "Sister!" The Empress Dowager Xi approached her and said, "Anyway, as long as we are of the same mind, we won't be afraid of their mischief. You are a good person, and I am a bad person. I am responsible for everything!" "Okay!" The Empress Dowager Dong happily replied, "That's all." The Eastern Empress Dowager never imagined that she was playing with her "sister" in the palm of her hand. On the contrary, she felt that the Western Empress Dowager lived up to the sincerity of the "Tongdaotang" stamp bestowed by the late emperor, and she could indeed help each other. blessing. On the second day, the eight ministers of Gu Ming were summoned. First, they delivered the memorial of the Ministry of Rites face to face, and issued an order to the cabinet, which was issued to both China and foreign countries.But this is just the name behind the scenes, the emperor's decree, and the courtiers are still called the Queen Mother and the Queen Mother. From this day on, the empress dowagers of the two palaces became busy.Before the festival, everyone has private affairs to take care of, and those who can be suppressed by official affairs will be suppressed. Once the festival is over, and the day of returning to Luan is approaching, and the funeral ceremony for Zigong to return to Beijing is respectful, there are many clues. If that is the case, there will be endless troubles, all of which can only be properly dealt with by the empress dowagers of the two palaces.In addition, Jiangnan's military has made great progress.It is the details of recovering Anqing on the first day of August, which has been officially reported by Zeng Guofan. Rewards for meritorious deeds cannot be neglected, but to take advantage of victories to attack and teach strategies, we must seize the opportunity. Therefore, the two empress dowagers and Gu Mingba Minister, sometimes I have to meet two or three times a day, and the Empress Dowager Cixi often stays late at night to review chapters.In such a busy and busy life, she still had to spare time to meet Chun Wang Fujin, and even summoned Chun Wang when necessary, so as to discuss their plans and steps more clearly and properly. After ten days like this, suddenly the Internal Affairs Office came to report to Empress Dowager Ci'an, saying that Sushun wanted to see him alone as a minister of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.After discussing with Empress Dowager Cixi, she granted his request. After performing the ceremony, Sushun stood up, stood beside the imperial case, looked at the Empress Dowager Ci'an and said: "I will play alone, and there are many things that I should not let others know. Please let the servants avoid it." Empress Dowager Ci'an was surprised when she heard this, and summoned Minister Gu Ming. According to the rule of summoning Ministers of Military Aircraft, eunuchs are never allowed to be present, but why did Sushun say this?So he looked at both sides, only to find the shadow of a palace lady faintly outside the window, and said loudly: "Everyone avoids!" The slender shadows outside the window disappeared, Sushun took another step, and Su Rong said: "The slave didn't dare to upset the empress dowager, but I have to say that the Ministry of Household Affairs and the Ministry of Internal Affairs can't cope with it now!" Empress Dowager Ci'an was surprised: "What can't you handle?" Sushun circled his thumb and forefinger and said one word: "Money!" "Oh." The Empress Dowager Ci'an thought for a while and said, "I also know that you are in a dilemma. Of course a big funeral will cost money, and the military expenditure must not be spared." "Hey!" Sushun made a praising and gratified expression, "Shengming is no better than the empress dowager! If everyone is like the empress dowager, the servant will be able to handle things smoothly." There was something in the words, and of course the Empress Dowager Ci'an could hear this, so she asked calmly: "Is there anything that is not going well? Tell me, and we can discuss it." "The mission of the Empress Dowager, the slave can't handle it." "how?" "I want too many things." As he spoke, Sushun leaned over and took out one of the boot pages and read: "On the second day of August, I need eight porcelain tea bells. On the ninth day of August, I need silver horse scoops." Two handfuls, each weighing twelve taels. On August 12th, I will go... ". "Okay, okay!" The Empress Dowager Ci'an waved her hand and cut off his words, "It doesn't cost much, and it won't make the House of Internal Affairs poor." Obviously, Sushun's unexpected expression and answer were not just because she spoke for Empress Dowager Cixi, but also because she had never had such a concise and straightforward attitude. However, Sushun is also good at adapting to changes, so although the Empress Dowager Ci'an's words were powerful, he did not stump him. "Just the Empress Dowager Mother came to ask for it, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs can naturally pay for it," he said, "But Even if the Holy Mother and the Empress Dowager started, there was nothing to be done about it for other palaces. Besides, these days, when everyone is going to work hard together to hold the situation, the servants are trying to find a way to supply military expenses, and they have to tighten up in many ways. I don’t know how many scoldings I have received. If the Queen Mother is not considerate, there will be more people who scold the slaves, and the slaves will be even more difficult to do things.” This is somewhat reasonable, Empress Dowager Ci'an can't give him a soft nail like before, so she can only say: "Your difficulties are also known to you. However, her status is different, and others can't say anything about it. " As soon as he said this, unexpectedly, Sushun immediately said: "Just because other people are talking, the slave feels embarrassed." "Oh?" Empress Dowager Ci'an asked in surprise, "What do others say?" "It is said that the Queen Mother and the Queen Mother cannot be compared with the Queen Mother. One is the main palace, and the other is the mother who is more expensive than the son. 'There are no two days in the sky, and there are no two masters in the world'. There should be only one queen mother in the world. You have to listen to it. You have to listen to what your mother, the Empress Dowager, said." After a pause, Sushun continued, "This is all gossip from outside, and I dare not report it without telling the truth." The loyal Empress Dowager Ci'an knew that his words were provocative, but she refused to expose them. She was afraid that he would not be able to step down. After thinking about it for a long time, she came up with a sentence that she had to ask: "That's what people say, so what about you?" Sushun lowered his hands, and replied very respectfully and calmly: "The slave respects his mother, the empress dowager, and is no different from the emperor Daxing in Japan." The Emperor Daxing respected the Empress when he lived in Japan, so Sushun also took the will of the Emperor Daxing as his will, and had a very different attitude towards the Empress and Concubine Yi. Now that he expressed his allegiance again, Empress Dowager Ci'an felt even more It's embarrassing, "stretch your hand and don't hit the smiling face", you can't say a word to refute him. At this time, Sushun spoke again: "The slave was informed by Emperor Daxing Teda, and he entrusted him with his heart. The slave is grateful for the repayment. Often when he wakes up in the middle of the night, his first thought is how to share the worries of the Holy Lord? The slave only knows about the master and does not know anything else. In order to protect Zeng Guofan, Hu Linyi, and Zuo Zongtang for the sake of the slaves, some people are very jealous. Now the brothers of the Zeng family have finally brought down Anqing. Once Anqing is done, Jiangnan will be flattened sooner or later. The slaves are not boasting about their achievements. It can stand criticism forever. We live in the rear, but we also have to think about the suffering ahead. Like Hu Linyi, who sits in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, manages in the middle, and deals with all directions. ...." At this point, Empress Dowager Ci'an interrupted him again, and said in a very concerned voice: "Didn't you give me a two-month leave?" "That's right! It's a reward, but it's a last resort. We can't let him go. According to his illness, let alone two months, even two years, I'm afraid he won't be able to take care of him." "This is an important person!" The Empress Dowager Ci'an looked worried, "There must be no trouble." "I'm afraid it's unreliable." Sushun replied tragically, "Hu Linyi's health is not good, and he has exhausted his efforts in the past few years, and he has suffered a great loss. In July, he received the news of the death of Emperor Daxing. He was shocked and hurt. Spitting out crazy blood, making things worse, it's very difficult." Hearing that this is the reason for Hu Linyi's illness, the Empress Dowager Ci'an was greatly moved, thinking of the late Emperor, she couldn't help feeling sad, wiped her eyes with a handkerchief, and kept saying: "Loyal minister, loyal minister!" So Sushun took advantage of the topic again. He said that it is difficult to be a loyal minister. If the imperial court does not reject all opinions and strongly supports it, even if it has a dedicated heart, it will still be of no help to state affairs.Trust requires professionalism, and things can be done smoothly.Then it involved himself, citing many examples, all of which were thorny problems, but with the trust of Emperor Daxing, he was able to show courage and let go, and finally they all went very well. The Empress Dowager Ci'an was listening, but she was wondering what he meant by these words.It was only later that I realized that I still wanted to seize power.However, after the refutation of Dong Yuanchun's memorial, what Minister Gu Ming said was what he said, and he had all the power, so what would Sushun do? With this level of doubt, Empress Dowager Ci'an had no choice but to say: "The way things are handled now is similar to that of Emperor Daxing in Japan. Everything is discussed by you. What to do is up to you. As long as it is right, just let it go." do it." "This, the slave also knows. I'm afraid that if the two queen mothers listen to the outside, if they don't care about hardships and are irresponsible, it will not work if a few slaves do things!" "What's the matter? We sisters don't just listen to the outside world, and we can't hear it either." "This slave can't help but say it." Sushun looked very solemn, "The Holy Mother Empress Dowager summoned foreign ministers, which is not in line with the ancestor's family law, and it is very inappropriate." "You mean the Alcohol King?" "Yes." Sushun said again, "Although King Chun is close relatives and nobles, state affairs are different from family affairs. Even when Emperor Daxing is in Japan, he seldom summons him. Good friendship and friendship are only during festivals and festivals. It is not allowed to talk about current affairs. The days when the Empress Dowager entered the palace are short, and I am afraid that I still don’t understand these rules, so I ask the Empress Dowager to tell the Empress Dowager.” These words were like teaching a lesson, the Empress Dowager Ci'an was quite disgusted, but she really had no way to refute him, she just nodded slightly, with a hint of noncommittal. "Now some people outside are making sarcastic remarks." Sushun added angrily, "It is said that the slaves like to take care of things. The slaves are under the great care of the Emperor Daxing, so they have to be extra dedicated. I didn't expect that there would be no one left." ', but such a sentence fell, which is too sad!" The Empress Dowager Ci'an didn't know who he was talking about?But since there were complaints, it was convenient to comfort them, so they talked about their achievements, and the superiors knew that there was no need to listen to outside gossips, and they still did their best to do things "warmly."Sushun still felt resentful, but it had been a long time, and the Empress Dowager Ci'an was a little dizzy, unable to let him speak freely, so she motioned to kneel down, ending this "one-on-one confrontation". Back at the Yanbo Zhishuang Palace, she found the Empress Dowager Cixi, she avoided her eyes and ears, stood under the shade of a tree, and said Sushun's words in depth.The Empress Dowager Cixi was very calm, just listening quietly with a sneer on the corner of her mouth. The saddest thing in her heart was that Sushun wanted to force the division of concubine and concubine, and refused to admit that the two palaces should be respected equally, but she couldn't express her sadness in front of the Empress Dowager Ci'an, which made her feel even more embarrassed.From this moment on, she hated Sushun very much, and swore in her heart: It's fine if you don't hold power in this life, one day when you have power, you must kill this person! She hated it to the extreme, but turned calm, "Sushun's words are also good, and the military expenditure is the most important nowadays." She said, "I'll just let it go. In Rehe, I won't go to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to ask for things again." The Empress Dowager Ci'an didn't hear the murderous intent of going to Sushun in her words, she just felt that her attitude became so gentle, it was unexpected. "Sister," Empress Dowager Cixi suddenly asked again: "What do you think Sushun meant by saying these words?" "Is that what you said?" "No. Speaking his own words." "It's nothing more than someone outside criticizing them for taking power and complaining." "It's not all about complaining." Empress Dowager Cixi thought for a while and said, "It seems to be an ugly show of merit, which means that we want to give some kind of grace." "Well, I didn't hear it." The Empress Dowager Ci'an then nodded, "It's better not to hear it." Empress Dowager Cixi laughed, thinking that pretending to be deaf and dumb like her is also a kind of knowledge.But the Empress Dowager Ci'an said so, she didn't take what Cixi said in her heart, she thought that her personal feelings were correct, Sushun was just complaining, even though she meant to show her merits, she didn't have the heart to invite rewards. "Personal experience" is not correct. In fact, Cixi's view is correct. Sushun is using his complaints as a test, hoping to get a clear reward, so as to show the trust and support of the two palaces for him and Minister Gu Ming.Because since Dong Yuanchun's last edict was issued, there were naturally many criticisms and speculations, and even disgusted ones. Some people saw that the monarch and his ministers were not in harmony, and they couldn't help but wait and see, and Sushun was quite annoyed by this.If there are warm orders from the two palaces, all the rumors can be swept away, and his authority can be strengthened at the same time, and the command can be satisfactory. Unexpectedly, after waiting for a few days, the queen mothers of the two palaces did not express anything, but the official business became more and more onerous. , overwhelmed.The same is true for Zaiyuan and Duanhua, their talents are much worse than Sushun's, and they feel more and more unable to cope with it, suffering unspeakably.However, none of them intended to let go. They only hoped that the "superior" would know their suffering and give some comfort. Therefore, Sushun's temptation did not respond, and the three of them were greatly disappointed, but at the same time they did not give up. "'Dong Bian' is honest, I must not have heard the words of the sixth child." Duan Hua suggested to Zai Yuan, "How about we retreat to advance?" After discussing with Sushun, Zaiyuan and Sushun thought this method was worth a try, so they "meeted" the next day, and after reporting the preparations for the funeral ceremony in all aspects, they said: "The three ministers are too busy. I'm really too busy, and the secretary always has to wait for the light to be clear when he goes back and forth on business. If you want to invite Yizhi, should you reassign according to your discretion?" When encountering these Chen Zou, it was the Empress Dowager Cixi who spoke as usual, "I haven't sent you any more errands recently!" She said, "Why are you so busy before, why are you not so busy now?" "There is a reason for this. There are some errands, which usually seem to be idle errands, but now they are different." "Oh. Tell me about it!" So Zaiyuan explained the reason. Luan Yiwei originally followed the Ming Dynasty's Jinyiwei system, except that it was not like Jinyiwei, who was responsible for the task of investigating detectives. The taming of elephants is managed by Luan Yiwei.If the emperor lived in the deep palace, he would naturally be free and have nothing to do. Today, the little emperor Fengzi Palace and the two empress dowagers return to Beijing. Although there will be no full ceremonies during the funeral, they are still busy enough.As for the spare place in Shangyu, Zaiyuan will not mention it, because it is purely a kind of errand for the emperor to go hunting and accompany him to play around. They are the ones who catch fish and birds, so the spare place in Shangyu is commonly known as the "sticky pole place".During the reign of Emperor Daxing, Zaiyuan became a close playmate because of this errand, and often used the name of hunting and besieging to find ways for Emperor Daxing. carry. After listening to his Chen Zou, the Empress Dowager Cixi didn't say anything, but only asked Duanhua and Sushun, what's the difficulty?Since Duan Hua came to Chen, after he was ordered by Gu, he worked in the inner court every day, taking into account the task of commanding the infantry, which was very difficult.Sushun asked for an errand to the Lifan Yuanyuan and the guide office. This errand usually has nothing to do. Whenever there is something, it is an opportunity to make a fortune. The distance, the condition of bridges and roads, if you think it is inappropriate, you can immediately order the local officials to repair it.Obviously you can skip this bridge, but say it is the only way to pass, obviously the road is smooth and not hindering the ceremonial driving, but it is bumpy and uneven, which depends on the size of the red envelope.There are also ancestral tombs related to Fengshui of rich families, which can also be said to be passed by on the road, so they must be flattened, and the red envelope will be even bigger.Of course, Sushun would not ask for this kind of money. He meant to let the empress dowagers of the two palaces know that they should not only honor Zigong in the rear, but also serve as guides in the front. When the funeral is approaching, he has to be received by the Li Fan Court, which has to be taken care of by him, and the achievements can be imagined. However, they never thought that after the Empress Dowager Cixi listened to Chen Zou quietly, she said, "Okay!" In the absence of the commander of the Chinese infantry, Sushun's errands in the management of the feudal courtyard and the guide's office all went away.The eight of you should go outside to discuss who should be reassigned, and you will write a decree immediately. " This is an iron case!Sushun was very frustrated, and in his heart he scolded his brother Duanhua for his "bad idea", but it was self-defeating, and the matter came to this point, so he had to follow through.Gu Ming's eight ministers withdrew and had a meeting in the court room outside Yanbo Zhishuang Hall.Naturally, only the three of them spoke, and as a result of the discussion, it was decided not to fall to foreign parties, but these errands were "full of shortages", so Jing Shou was in charge of Luan Yiwei, Mu Yin of the Han Army was in charge of Fan Yuan, Shangyu In the spare part, the brother-in-law of the Daxing emperor, the "four forehead son-in-law" Demu Chukzabu, was drawn up in the spare part. In the guide part, Boyan Namohu, the son of the monk king, was only in command of the infantry. It was more negotiable. After studying it for a long time, I proposed a supplementary award from Shangshu Ruichang of the Ministry of Punishment who once served as the commander of the infantry, stayed in Beijing to handle it, and presided over the patrol. At that time, Cao Yuying wrote the manuscript, which was played repeatedly in the hall.The Empress Dowager Cixi saw that except for Jing Shou and Mu Yin, the other three were Mongolians. Hasten your own death!