Chapter 21 Four fell into the trap of foreigners

The news of Chen Yucheng's night attack on Huangzhou Mansion shook the Hubei-Anhui battlefield like a thunderstorm.Hubei Governor Hu Linyi was so angry that he vomited blood for three days.He knew that Chen Yucheng's next step was to attack Wuchang.There are less than 4,000 old, weak and disabled soldiers in Wuchang city, and there is no capable general. As a governor, what will it mean if he loses the provincial capital?Hu Linyi decided to return to Wuchang immediately.However, there were not many soldiers in Taihu Lake. On the Anhui battlefield, he could only mobilize troops from two places: one was the green battalion in Duolong'a, and the other was Zeng Guoquan's Jizi battalion.

At that time, Duolonga was transferred from Jiangning to Hubei, and he was nominally under the control of the governor of Hubei. Although Duolonga himself had been promoted to the deputy capital of Fuzhou, the governor of Hubei could still be dispatched depending on the military situation.When Zeng Guoquan came back in September of the seventh year of Xianfeng, he took orders from Hu Linyi, and later belonged to Zeng Guofan's unified command, but he still had the old relationship with Hu Linyi.But now that Duolonga and Zeng Guoquan have accepted the command of Zeng Guofan, if they want to transfer them back to aid Wuchang, they must obtain the consent of Zeng Guofan, and once they are transferred, it will directly affect the important strategic decision of besieging Anqing.It just so happened that Ouyang Zhaoxiong came to visit the Taihu military camp, so Hu Linyi asked Ouyang to go to Dongliu on his behalf.

Ouyang went eastward on a boat and was warmly received by Zeng Guofan.He stated his intention and handed over Hu Linyi's personal letter.Zeng Guofan knew about the disappearance of Huangzhou Mansion, and yesterday he received a letter from Zuo Zongtang from Fuliang.Zuo Zongtang reported to Zeng Guofan that Li Xiucheng's army was advancing westward, and reminded old friends that Li Xiucheng's harassment of northern Jiangxi was likely to be in Anqing.This point is completely consistent with Zeng Guofan's analysis. "Brother Xiaocen, in my opinion, the Four-Eyed Dog's goal is not to attack Wuchang. His goal is to relieve the siege of Anqing."

"You mean that Changmao envoy is planning to encircle Wei and save Zhao?" Ouyang Zhaoxiong didn't think of this. "That's exactly what Chang Mao used to do. In March and April this year, he used this trick to transfer Zhang Yuliang's elite soldiers to Hangzhou, and then took the opportunity to counterattack the Jiangnan camp. This is a proud stroke of Chang Mao. How can someone as smart as Runzhi not see the four-eyed dog's tricks!" Ouyang was quite surprised that Zeng Guofan treated such an earth-shattering event so indifferently. "I think Runzhi will also see Changmao's intentions, but as the governor of Hubei, he sees that the provincial capital is in danger, how can he not save it? The only way to save the provincial capital is to invite Yuan Fu and Duo Auditorium."

"Runzhi was smart all his life, and he was confused for a moment. As soon as Yuanfu and Duo Hall left, the four-eyed dog would immediately counterattack Anqing. The city siege that had been in operation for nearly a year would be wiped out in no time. Anqing is Jiangning's barrier. Anqing will not fall , the upper reaches of Jiangning are still strong, once Anqing is broken, the upper reaches of Jiangning will be killed; the upper reaches will lose power, and the arrogance of the thieves will decline. At that time, the southeast will send another strong force to recover, Chang, and the isolated city of Jiangning, just around the corner Excuse me. This is the winning strategy I decided on last year after discussing with Runzhi, why did he mess up again just before this matter?"

In such a chaotic situation, Zeng Guofan can have such a clear understanding of the current situation and future prospects. Ouyang Zhaoxiong, who has always been out of the war, admires this old friend of the literary acquaintance.He thought, this is probably why Zeng Guofan is better than Hu Linyi and all other people who shoulder important responsibilities. "Runzhi vomits blood very badly these days. If Wuchang falls into the hands of thieves, Runzhi may not live long. You have to find a way! Whether public or private, Wuchang can't be lost!" Ouyang Zhaoxiong is a very affectionate person.It is precisely because of too much emphasis on friendship that he insisted on not entering the officialdom. Although Zeng, Hu, and Zuo had invited him many times over the years, he declined them all.He stubbornly believes that once he enters the officialdom, he will not be able to help himself, and will be forced to do many unfeeling things that offend his friends.In the past few years, he often haunted Zeng, Hu, and Zuo places, but he always tried his best to do something for them as a commoner friend, without salary or sponsorship.For this reason, Zeng, Hu and Zuo all respected him very much.Zeng Guofan thought about Ouyang Zhaoxiong's words seriously, and suddenly remembered something.

A few days ago, the Military Aircraft Department handed over an imperial edict, mentioning that Russia was willing to send troops to help the imperial court fight the long hair, and was willing to handle the shipping of Nancao on behalf of him, so he asked Zeng Guofan for his opinion.Zeng Guofan repeated, euphemistically pointing out that since ancient times, foreign barbarians have helped China successfully. Every time there are many unexpected requests, in order to prevent future threats, the matter of borrowing foreign soldiers will be postponed, and it will be decided later depending on their sincerity; It seems to be allowed.At the end of the memorial, Zeng Guofan solemnly suggested to the imperial court: At present, temporarily fund the barbarians to help suppress water transportation, which can relieve temporary worries;This edict gave him an important revelation, can it be defended with the help of foreigners?Both Wuchang and Hankou have concessions from Britain, France and other countries. According to Peng Yulin's report a few days ago, British Fleet Commander Ho Bo and Counselor Bacharley are now in Hankou, expressing their willingness to help the Xiangyong Navy on many occasions.Let them help out this time.

Ouyang Zhaoxiong agreed with Zeng Guofan's idea. "Brother Xiaocen, you are going back to Taihu Lake tomorrow, and you want Runzhi to invite Guan Xiufeng to meet He Bo and Bachari. Foreigners value profits, and Guan Xiufeng has a lot of rare antiques. Give them a few, and I think Wuchang will be safe. " When Dongliu was discussing how to protect Wuchang, the officialdom in Wuchang was already in a mess.From the day when Deng Shaoliang entered Hankou with the remnants of the defeated general, the officials of the various yamen in the Wuchang provincial capital were as anxious as a swarm of wasps nesting on fire, and they were in constant panic.On the one hand, the official document hastily rushed to Hu Linyi, and on the other hand, he hastily deployed the defenders.He had no confidence in defending the city, so he packed up his belongings in private, ready to escape at any time.When the members of the Food and Arms Administration of Taiwan and Taiwan heard that the police had dispersed and Yan Jingming couldn't call out, he was so angry that he even prepared the rope for hanging himself.Ouyang Zhaoxiong, as Hu Linyi's special envoy, hurried to Huguang Governor's Yamen at this time and told them Zeng Guofan's idea.As if waking up from a nightmare, Guan Wen and the others regained their composure.On the second day, Guan Wen and Yan Jingming dressed neatly and carried heavy gifts, crossed the river and came to Jianghan Pass to call on Uncle He and Bachari.

He Bo, the commander of the British Navy invading China, was in his early fifties, with a fat head and big ears, with a shy belly and chest. When he was sitting still, he had the majesty of an admiral; Extremely.The lame leg on the left is a commemoration of when the British and French allied forces attacked the Dagu Fort the year before last.As a soldier, he felt this was a great shame.He has an instinctive arrogance and hatred for the Chinese court and people.His assistant, British Diplomatic Counselor Bacharley, had another look.Parker is only thirty-three or four-year-old, and he came to China twenty years ago.

This China Tong is slender and personable, not only has the air of a British gentleman, but also has been influenced by Chinese culture, making him appear gentle and elegant.In the sixth year of Xianfeng, when Pacharley was the acting consul in Guangzhou, he deliberately created the Yarrow incident and provoked the second Opium War. Last year, it participated in the signing of the Beijing Treaty.Bacharley was young, but he had a deep understanding of both the Taiping Army and the Qing court, so that Uncle He, who was older than him in status and age, obeyed him.Since the signing of the Treaty of Beijing, Britain has changed its neutral position in the past and turned to fully support the Qing court.Helping Guanwen prevent the Taiping Army from attacking Wuchang and Hankou is a good thing for the Qing court and the United Kingdom. He could have agreed immediately, but this cunning professional diplomat wanted to take advantage of the opportunity.While Uncle He was still thinking about it, Bacharley said, "Guanzhongtang, we are willing to serve your country, but equal interests are the principles we British pursue. What do you think?"

The diplomatic counselor gently shook Erlang's legs, and his maroon leather shoes shone brightly, eclipsing the brown official boots of Guan Wen and Yan Jingming. "Of course, of course." Guan Wen bowed his head humbly, turned his face and sternly shouted at the attendants behind him, "Hurry up and bring the gift here!" The servant took out a wooden box more than three feet long, and the official opened it himself. An antique sword was lying on the scarlet gold velvet cushion, with a few pearls gleaming on the green hilt.The official document proudly introduced: "This is the sword that was unearthed in the tomb of Chu in Jiangling three years ago." Bacharley moved his face happily and said, "Jiangling, I know that this is the capital of Chu State more than 2,000 years ago in your country." He then praised He Bo in English, "Commander, this is A rare treasure." He Bo quickly took it and looked at it greedily. "This sword is for Mr. He, and there is another thing for Mr. Ba." Guan Wen took a three-inch-square wooden box from another servant.Opening the wooden box, what comes into view is a rare pearl with a diameter of one inch.These are the beads that Guanwen bought for 30,000 taels of silver that Guan Wen flaunted to Zeng Guofan and Duolonga that year.The official leaned on Pashali's shoulder coquettishly, pointed to the pearl and said, "Master Ba, don't underestimate it, it is a night pearl. You can try it tonight. In the dark night, its light can be seen within a hundred steps." , within three steps, you can borrow light to read books." "Really?" Bacharley couldn't close his mouth in shock. "It's true, I have tested it myself." The official closed the wooden box, "This is a small gift for Mr. Ba." Parker took the wooden box, put it on the tea table, sat down again, still shaking his leg wearing the shiny maroon leather shoe rhythmically, and said to Guan Wen: "Guan Zhongtang, these two things are for me. Personally with the commander, our British Empire has not benefited from it!" The official document had been prepared long ago, and said without hesitation: "As long as the three towns in Wuhan are kept from thieves, we can talk about anything in the future. I told Master Ba that the concession is narrow, and now I will officially tell Commander He and Master Ba that we You can double the size of the concession area, from Qiaokou to Jianghanguan, and let your country build houses on the enclosure." "Okay, it's a deal!" Bacharley stood up and said excitedly. "It's a deal!" Guan Wen also stood up slowly, with hidden worries on his face. At noon the next day, Chen Yucheng, Kang Lu, Zhou Guoxian and others were discussing the crossing of the river in the former magistrate's yamen. The soldiers came in and reported: "A foreign ship is moored on the river, flying the British flag, and wants to call on His Royal Highness." Zhou Guoxian said: "I'm so busy at the moment, I don't have time to meet the foreign devils. I want him to meet in Wuchang later!" "Slow down." Chen Yucheng said, "Heavenly King said that foreigners believe in God, they are our foreign brothers, so why not meet them." Wearing a neat suit, Parker walked into the prefect's lobby with regular steps, and saw three young generals sitting in the lobby.Knowing that the person in the middle must be Chen Yucheng, he bowed respectfully to Chen Yucheng, and said in a word: "Pacharley, the diplomatic counselor of Her Majesty's government in the Qing Dynasty, is visiting His Royal Highness the King of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom." The pure Chinese spoken by Parker surprised and secretly admired the generals of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom present.Chen Yucheng gestured to the carved wooden chair beside Kang Lu and said, "Please sit down." "Thank you." Parker sat down politely. In front of the Chinese government and people, foreigners are always arrogant and arrogant. Bacharley was so courteous and courteous. Chen Yucheng was delighted and praised casually: "Master Counselor speaks Chinese very well!" "I came to China when I was 14 years old, and I have lived in China longer than in the UK. China is my second hometown. I admire its long history and splendid culture." Parkchari sincerely said This attitude moved Chen Yucheng and others. "You can be considered half Chinese!" Chen Yucheng blurted out. "His Royal Highness has granted me the title of half-Chinese, which makes me very honored." Bacharley replied hastily. "What is the purpose of the Counselor here?" Chen Yucheng asked pleasantly. "I came from Hankou and passed Huangzhou Mansion. Knowing that your army has conquered the city, I came to express my congratulations. Second, I heard that a friend is serving in your army. I also want to stop by to see him." Having been in a high position for a long time, Chen Yucheng has developed a dignified and reserved demeanor. Today, in front of foreign envoys, he pays special attention to his appearance and conversation. He quietly put down the sleeve rolled up in his left hand, corrected his sitting posture, and looked at Bacharley. Question: "What's the name of your counselor's friend?" "His name is Ling Li. Before I came to China, I studied with him in the same school. The summer before last, he came to China from Hong Kong. It is said that he served in your army." There were a few foreigners in the Taiping Army, but there were none in Chen Yucheng's army, and he didn't know Ling Li.Kang Lu met once.He answered, "Is Ling Li your friend?" "Have you seen him?" Bacharley showed a look of surprise.In fact, he never studied with Ling Li at all. He only knew that there was a young British naval officer named Ling Li who was in the Taiping Army. He was on the ship from Hankou to Huangzhou. A bridge for the Taiping Army to connect with each other. "I met him once. He is a very cute foreign brother. He is not here. He is teaching the soldiers how to shoot under King Zhong." Hearing that Ling Li was not here, Bacharley began to fabricate lies boldly: "It's a pity, it's a pity! Last year, Ling Li asked me to buy a warship and thirty cannons for your country on his behalf. I bought them last month. , now parked at the Shanghai pier, just waiting for Ling to pick it up." "Is there such a thing?" Chen Yucheng suddenly became emotional, and said gratefully, "Master Counselor, you have helped us a lot." "Where, where. There are two ancient poems in your country, the way is 'a confidant in the sea, but a neighbor in the world', not to mention that we are both God's people, and we are true brothers." Pacharley's answer was so elegant and decent that the distance between Chen Yucheng, Zhou Guoxian and Kang Lu was greatly shortened.Chen Yucheng ordered wine to be served.After a while, the magistrate's lobby became a banquet hall, and Chen Yucheng courteously persuaded the guests to drink.Taking advantage of the wine, Pacharley said carelessly: "Your army's land warfare skills are no match for the soldiers of the imperial court, but your navy is no match for the Xiangyong navy." Zhou Guoxian, who lost to Peng Yulin in Tianjia Town, felt the most about this, and quickly answered: "Mr. Counselor is right. The artillery on Zeng Yaotou's navy ship is all foreign guns, and the ship is also strong." "Your army's artillery is too primitive, all made of iron, heavy and stupid. The barrel of your heavy artillery is larger than that of our sixty-eight-pound cannon, but the muzzle is smaller than that of a six-pound cannon , how can we fight wars like this!" Bacharley spoke as if he were an artillery expert, and Chen Yucheng and others who were not very proficient in artillery nodded repeatedly. "Besides, your army's warships are even worse than civilian ships. They are only used to carry mud and dung in small ports and small rivers. How can they fight in big rivers?" The Taiping Army has always ignored the navy and valued the army. Bacharley said Not too much.Seeing that the generals of the Taiping Army listened attentively, Bacharley became even more fascinated, "His Royal Highness, the warship Queen I bought for Ling is the latest product of our country, and it is even better than the Jazz we parked in Hankou. Of the thirty guns, there are ten sixty-eight-pounders, ten thirty-two-pounders, and ten eighteen-pounders, all the best in the world. These thirty guns are placed on the Queen In the future, we can dominate the Yangtze River and beat the Xiangyong navy to pieces." Chen Yucheng thought of the tens of thousands of soldiers who were besieged in Anqing City due to the cut off of the waterway, and Zhou Guoxian thought of his second brother who died tragically under the knife of a white tiger, thinking in his heart: If this queen is bought, the siege of Anqing can be solved, and the enemy It can be reported, wouldn't it be great! Chen Yucheng still had another idea in his mind. His front army and Li Xiucheng's rear army were on par in land combat strength. If the Queen fell into Li Xiucheng's hands, then the navy of the rear army would definitely be stronger than the front army; on the contrary If it is in his hands, the strength of the front army will far exceed that of the rear army.We have to find a way to get the Queen from Parker! "Master Counselor, how much did you pay for the Queen?" Chen Yucheng asked. "Including the shipping fee, the total cost is 700,000 taels of silver." This is a huge amount, and Chen Yucheng is currently unable to pay it. "Did Ling Ling pay you?" Zhou Guoxian asked. "How can Lingling have so much money!" Pacharley smiled, "Besides, the Queen is still in my hands, and His Royal Highness Zhongwang will pay for it after Lingling receives it." The most affluent places in China, Suzhou and Changzhou, have become Li Xiucheng's territory in the past few months. This has aroused the dissatisfaction of many senior generals, and Chen Yucheng also has opinions on this.It was because of Su Fusheng that Li Xiucheng was able to take out 700,000 taels of silver at a time, but it was impossible for Chen Yucheng, and he was even more unhappy.There is also a lot of money in the three towns of Wuhan!Thinking of this, Chen Yucheng enthusiastically said to Bacharley: "Master Counselor, it's a great honor to meet you. Since Ling Li hasn't paid for it, sell the Queen to us! Seven hundred thousand taels of silver, I don't even pay for one tael." How about less?" Seeing that Chen Yucheng had taken the bait, Pashaley was secretly delighted, but said: "We British are the most trustworthy. The Queen was bought for the loyal king, and now it is transferred to His Royal Highness. I am afraid it is inappropriate!" "The King of Zhong and the King of Ying are both princes of heaven, and it is the same for the King of Zhong and the King of Ying." Zhou Guoxian said. "It's the same." Pacharley said after thinking for a while, "Well, I am also in urgent need of money to do things now, if His Royal Highness can come up with 700,000 taels of silver at a time, let's bring the Queen from Shanghai! " Seeing that Pashali was relieved, Chen Yucheng was happy, and said, "I can't afford seven hundred thousand taels of silver right now, but I can give it to you within half a month." "Excuse me, why did you get it after half a month?" "Our army is about to attack Wuchang and Hankou. After the three towns of Wuhan are recovered, 700,000 taels of silver should not be a problem." Chen Yucheng said in a tone full of victory. "What?" Bacharley pretended to be surprised, "Your army is going to attack Hankou and Wuchang?" "Yes, our army will go back to Jiangxi tomorrow, and Wuchang and Hankou are just around the corner." "Then my Queen cannot be given up to Your Highness." Bacharley categorically denied the promise just now. "Why?" Chen Yucheng couldn't understand Bacharley's sudden change. "Your Highness does not know that Hankou has the British Empire's concession, and there are hundreds of Queen's subjects. As the diplomatic counselor sent by Her Majesty's government, I am obliged to protect all the interests of the British Empire in China." Parker's tone seemed to be Negotiations at the diplomatic table. "Please rest assured, Counselor, we will not harm the concession and the people of your country." Chen Yucheng also declared solemnly as the plenipotentiary representative of the Kingdom of Heaven. "That's impossible." Bacharley's attitude became tough. "Our concession in Hankou has been closely linked with the entire three towns of Wuhan. Once the three towns of Wuhan are damaged, the interests of our concession will inevitably be damaged. .Therefore, the Queen cannot be transferred to Her Highness." Chen Yucheng was quite annoyed, he never expected that the military operations in his own country would be hindered by foreigners.Seeing that Chen Yucheng was hesitating, Bacharley made an inch of progress: "Your Highness, the Queen instructed us not to interfere in your internal affairs, but to protect our country's interests in China. The Jazz is now mooring on the shore of Parrot Island. If the concession and people of the British Empire Damaged, the Jazz will resolutely perform its sacred duty!" The face of a robber!Chen Yucheng shouted in his heart.According to his stubborn personality, he had to reprimand Pacharley, but he thought calmly: if he attacked Wuchang, the Queen would not get it, and he would be bombarded by the Jazz. It would be best to use diplomatic channels to make the British Do not interfere with this military activity.Seeing that Kang Lu was about to speak with anger on his face, he quickly stopped him with a wink, and said solemnly to Pachari, "Master Counselor, we worship God together, and we are all children of God and brothers. Our army attacked Wuchang, Hankou is to eliminate the demons of the Qing Dynasty and recover China for God. You obstructing our actions are tantamount to saving the demons of the Qing Dynasty!" Seeing Chen Yucheng's resolute attitude, Bacharley changed to a gentle tone and said: "Your Highness, although the Queen has instructed us to remain neutral in your cause, I personally fully support you. For our friendship and for the British Empire , I am now proposing a compromise, what do you think?" "Master Counselor, please tell me." Chen Yucheng hurriedly seized the opportunity. "Your army should not attack Wuhan for the time being. After I return to Hankou, I will discuss with our country's consul and make proper arrangements for the concession and the people. In order to thank your army for their kindness, I would like to transfer the Queen to Your Highness at half the price. Your Highness What do you think?" Bacharley turned his face to look at Chen Yucheng, eagerly waiting for his reply. Fighting Wuchang is a major decision made in front of the king of heaven. Can it be changed by the attitude of the United Kingdom?But the purpose of fighting Wuchang is to understand the siege of Anqing. If you get a Queen at this time with 350,000 taels of silver, and use the power of the Queen to break the siege of the Xiangyue Navy on the Anqing waterway, won't you also be able to solve the siege of Anqing? ?As long as the siege of Anqing can be solved, the methods can be flexible and varied.This point, presumably both the king of heaven and the king of Qian can understand.The king made up his mind. "Master Counselor, our army may not attack Wuchang for now, but the Queen must be delivered to our army next month, and the ship will cost 350,000 taels of silver." "Cheer up!" Parker successfully achieved his goal with a big lie.He got up excitedly to leave, and before leaving, he gave Chen Yucheng a false compliment and an empty promise: "The officials of the Qing court are all slippery and chubby, and dealing with them is a headache. His Royal Highness is so happy and straightforward, Sure enough, he is a real hero. It’s settled like this, three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver will be delivered at Tianjing Xiaguan Wharf on the 15th of next month!”