Eunuchs who traveled through the Qing Dynasty

Mei Liangfu said: "This man was spying outside the palace gate at the fourth watch this morning, and was discovered by the gate guards. The guards wanted to step up to check, but this guy ran away, but he was not familiar with the terrain. Into a dead-end alley, we were caught. Only the gate guards and I know about this matter, because last night was the first night of moving the capital, I deliberately replaced the guards on duty at all gates with reliable brothers , will not spread to other people's ears. Don't worry!"

Xiao Ran nodded and said, "That's good, take me to see that person!"

I just washed my face with the cold water in the big tank on the rain platform. The cold water in this autumn is so cold that it makes me feel refreshed immediately.Xiao Ran asked Mei Liangfu to lead the way, and they came to Beihuayuan together.This place is located in the northwest corner of the pseudo-imperial palace, relatively deserted, few people walk around, and came to a miscellaneous room.Several guards were on alert.

Pushing open the door and entering, I saw a man was tied tightly to a broken door with a rag stuffed in his mouth.Look at his clothes, a black coarse cloth robe.It looks like a businessman's attire.Mei Liangfu stepped forward, squatted beside the man, pulled out a dagger from his boot and pressed it on his neck, and said, "Ask you a question. You answer me honestly, if you dare to play tricks, I will kill you with one blow!"

The man glanced at Mei Liangfu, snorted, and lowered his eyelids.He looked very disdainful.Xiao Ran made a gesture to ask Mei Liangfu to remove the cloth from his mouth, and said, "Who are you? Shopkeeper Liu sent you here. What do you want to do with Xiao Dong's family?"

I deliberately mentioned shopkeeper Liu.The man still had his eyes closed and didn't speak a word.Mei Liangfu said: "Damn. Are you pretending to be dumb? Believe it or not, I'll kill you with one knife?"

The man said indifferently: "If you want to kill, then kill, what's the point?"

Mei Liangfu was furious and wanted to punch him, but Xiao Ran raised his hand to stop him, and said, "This old man's eyes are tight. I am the Xiao Dong's family you are looking for, but I don't seem to recognize you, do I?"

The man suddenly opened his eyes, looked Xiao Ran up and down several times, and said, "What evidence is there?"

At this time, Xiao Ran was still wearing the casual clothes that he saw Li Hongzhang last night. He pondered for a while, untied the belt badge of the eunuch in charge from his waist, and handed it to him to teach him to read both sides carefully.This imperial manager's waist card is made of pure gold, and the workmanship is extremely exquisite, and it is absolutely difficult for the folks to imitate. To tell you the truth, the young one was introduced by Tongran Tangfang's shopkeeper, and I have something important to tell you."

Xiao Ran said: "What's the matter?"

"This..." The man glanced at Mei Liangfu, then stopped talking.

Xiao Ran said: "It's not an outsider, but it's okay to say." He asked Mei Liangfu to untie the rope on him, and the man moved his hands and feet, turned over and bowed down, and said: "Young Zhang Dongyao is a man under the tent of Governor Zuo Gong of Zhejiang Province. My confidant Dian Xiao, knowing that Director Xiao has arrived in Nanjing, my lord has specially prepared a big gift, and hopes to present it to Director Xiao!"

"Zuo Zongtang? Oh, that's how it is..." Xiao Ran nodded thoughtfully.Mei Liangfu shouted: "Lie! Since Zuo Zongtang sent you here, what's the matter with this letter? Why are you spying outside the palace gate again? Our guards are routinely interrogating, why are you running? You clearly have a ghost in your heart!"

Zhang Dongyao smiled awkwardly, and said: "My lord has never had any contact with Mr. Xiao. First, he was afraid of being abrupt, and second, he was afraid that Mr. Xiao would be suspicious, so he hesitated. It just so happened that the shopkeeper of Tong Rantang came to Hangzhou a month ago, and he had a good deal with my lord. Said that he was relative to Xiao Dong’s family, so he helped to write a recommendation letter. As for the spying last night... This, to be honest, the villain works under Mr. Zuo’s account, but this is Master Li’s territory, the villain is I'm afraid that Master Li's eyeliner will find out and cause trouble, so... I hope Director Xiao will be considerate!"

Xiao

I fully understand why Yu Lai's letter was written so cryptically.In Jiang's land, Zuo Zongtang was worried that he would be caught because of his eyeliner all over the palace.Little did he know that the guards in the entire palace were all brought from the Forbidden City in Beijing.

After thinking about it again, I was still a little puzzled: it was just a gift, so why should I be so careful?Could it be this gift...

Xiao Ran raised his eyebrows, and said: "Grandpa Zuo's great love, Xiao Ran is really ashamed of receiving it. But I don't know what is the great gift of Grandpa Zuo?"

Zhang Dongyao smiled mysteriously, and said: "The villain has brought the gift to the city, but it's not on the villain's body. If Manager Xiao doesn't give it up, please go with the villain to get it, is it convenient?"

Mei Liangfu was afraid that he was playing tricks, so he immediately winked at Xiao Ran.Xiao Ran smiled heartily and said, "What's the inconvenience? Okay, I'll take it with you!"

A look of admiration flashed in Zhang Dongyao's eyes, and he said without thinking: "My lord is right, Mr. Xiao is really kind-hearted and tolerant!" He immediately led the way.Mei Liangfu was worried after all, so he chose a few brothers with good skills, changed into casual clothes, hid the guys, and protected them personally.

After leaving the palace, he hired a carriage and came to an inn in the east of the city.It was already daylight, Mei Liangfu got out of the car and looked around carefully, for fear of an ambush.Xiao Ran patted him on the shoulder, indicating that there is no need to be nervous. Although this is not the Forbidden City, the brothers in Daxing Mountain and Jingshou's firearm camp have already tied their feet inside and outside the city.Not to mention Zuo Zongtang, even Li Hongzhang himself would never dare to act rashly.

Following Zhang Dongyao, the group walked through the hall and came to the backyard.This inn is not big, but it is very quiet. When we arrived at a room in the east, Zhang Dongyao opened the door and said, "Director Xiao, please come inside!"

Mei Liangfu wanted to go in first to find out the truth, but Xiao Ran laughed and walked straight into the door.There are a table and a few tables in the room, and a screen covers most of the side.Xiao Ran smiled and said, "Brother Zhang, where is the gift?"

Hearing behind the screen, he suddenly thought of hearty laughter, Mei Liangfu and his fellows turned pale with fright, and immediately wanted to copy them.However, Xiao Ran waved his hands and said with a smile: "What a great gift! Zuo Gong sent himself to the door, so aren't you afraid that I, Xiao Ran, will use you to invite credit and receive the reward?"

Mr. Zuo?Everyone froze immediately.It is a felony of treason for a foreign minister to enter Beijing privately without obeying the edict!I saw a man slowly coming out from behind the screen. He was about fifty years old, with a broad face and a fat body, a short beard, and a green cloth gown with a collar. Mr. Xiao is an upright and aboveboard man, who doesn't know? Of course he is not afraid!"

Xiao Ran clasped his fists in both hands, and said: "Grand Zuo's false praise, I really dare not take it! Xiao Ran has admired Mr. Zuo for a long time, and it is a great honor to meet you today!"

Zuo Zongtang hastily stepped forward, held Xiao Ran's arm, looked him up and down, and said, "Sigh! You really are a young hero. I never thought that my brother is so young and handsome. When I heard about your heroic deeds, I also said what kind of villain with three heads and six arms, but I really didn't expect such a handsome young man! Alas, compared with you, I Zuo Jigao (Zuo Zongtang's word) is really old!"

The two looked at each other and laughed.Mei Liangfu and the others retreated to the door, and closed the door with their hands back. Zuo Zongtang pulled Xiao Ran to sit down, and said: "My brother is quick-witted, and he guessed it right."

Xiao Ran smiled and said, "You're not bad at all, didn't you also guess that I won't use you to solve the kung fu?"

Zuo Zongtang said sternly: "Of course not. It's nothing else. Although Zeng Guofan had been sacked in Beijing's changes, my brother didn't kill the grass and roots. For this, I admire him very much. Zeng Guofan held power proudly, besieged the capital, and coveted the imperial court. Quan, deserves to die; but brother Zeng is my good teacher and helpful friend, he has been kind to me, brother, you can spare his life, I Zuo Jigao thank you from the bottom of my heart!"

Just this one sentence made Xiao Ran feel good.This Zuo Zongtang's character is indeed the same as recorded in history, emphasizing love and righteousness.Logically speaking, Zeng Guofan was Li Hongzhang's teacher, and he spent more effort on him, but this time the teacher failed, Li Hongzhang didn't even dare to mention it, for fear of getting involved with himself.In other words, as the current leader of the Huai army, he wished that Zeng Guofan would fall from power early so that he could rise to the position earlier.Just for this matter, the superior character will be judged!

Zuo Zongtang said again: "I'm ashamed to say it! This old man hastily asked for an interview. I hope you won't be offended by my impoliteness. In this way, one is to thank my brother for moving the main hall of Tongran Church to Hangzhou; the other is to move the capital now." It's over, but the situation in the south of the Yangtze River is still precarious, and the future is uncertain! There are still many puzzles in the old man's heart, and I just want to ask you to give me some advice."

Fang Shengjing rebelled, and Luan Jia moved south. Even Wang Ci, who used to be majestic and powerful, was tied up all of a sudden.The centralization of the Qing government continued to weaken and disperse, making the Manchu Eight Banners unknowingly turned into tasteless.Accompanying it was the rise of local forces, especially the governors of Hanchen in Jiangnan, Li Hongzhang, governor of Jiangsu, Zuo Zongtang, governor of Zhejiang, Luo Bingzhang, governor of Sichuan, Lao Chongguang, governor of Guangdong and Guangxi, and Peng Yulin, governor of Anhui... None of these Hanchen bigwigs It's not that holding a heavy army and dominating a side of land and water, it seems like a feudal vassal and a warlord's separatist regime!

The Manchu Qing regime has already begun to waver unknowingly.But the Beijing Incident, the downfall of Zeng Guofan, who advocated Lan Er's administration, and the cavalry of Seng Gelinqin and Ruoanayan, as well as the bannerman Gongqing guarding the capital, finally failed to stop the pace of moving the capital. It conveys a message: a political storm is coming!

For people like Li Hongzhang and Zuo Zongtang, they saw the potential crisis more deeply than ordinary people.The rapid development of Jiangnan industry accelerated the disintegration of the natural economy of the feudal society. The original small commodity producers began to gradually turn into hired labor. At the same time, the huge amount of money and the continuous concentration of production materials were transformed into capital in the hands of a few people.Once the self-sufficient natural economy is destroyed, the commodity market will quickly take shape, and capitalism has sprouted irresistibly with the rise of national industry.The irreconcilable contradiction between the old feudal system of privilege, hierarchy, and personal attachment of labor force and capital operation gradually emerged, a capitalist revolution in China.It has already begun to show up!

No matter from the perspective of the court or the local government, this will be an unprecedented change.Anyway, Xiao Ran can be regarded as Ma Zhe who has studied for N years, and he is determined about the future.But who did Zuo Zongtang and others learn from?We can only cross the river by feeling the stones.But there is one thing he can be sure of, no matter what the final result of this reform is, the strength of the Qing Dynasty has come to an end.

Any Han official, even if he is a prime minister, a marquis, and an extremely human official.The blood of the Han people is always flowing in the bones, and it is always impossible to get rid of the fate of being ruled and enslaved by foreign races!However, all Han officials in the Qing Dynasty who have sufficient power and strength, including Zeng Guofan, always have deep ambitions in their hearts to restore the rivers and mountains of the Han people!It is part of the normal mood of a nation.It is the instinct that flows in the national blood that has been reproduced for generations.It's just that when this instinct can't resist the coercion of power or the temptation of greater interests, all national plots and ambitions can only be buried deeply in my heart!

Since the 30 Manchu Qing cavalry stepped into Guanzhong, they began to wreak havoc on the land of the Han people.It is inevitable that such a fact is doomed: the so-called Han people are honored and revered, when they shave their foreheads, leave their humiliating braids, and worship the Manchu emperor, the bright and beautiful two sides.One side says loyalty, and the other side says betrayal!

Zuo Zongtang is of course a sensible person.In fact, Xiao Ran had already guessed his intentions since he suddenly appeared in this inn in Jiang Ning in casual clothes.He smiled heartily at the moment.Said: "I don't dare to take the word dialing. Zuo Gong. I guess you want to ask me. Why did you persuade the Queen Mother to move the capital to Jiangning instead of Hangzhou, but set the head office of Tongran Hall in your jurisdiction. Is that right?"

Zuo Zongtang hurriedly clasped his fists together and said, "My brother's eyes are like a torch, and he has insight into every detail. I admire you! Yes, I was about to ask for advice, but I didn't mean any disrespect. Don't misunderstand me. Tongrantang is a famous brand, and the general manager The two industries of industry and commerce can be called the pillars of the Qing Dynasty. I feel that this burden is too heavy, and I am afraid that I will not be able to bear it, and I will fail the high expectations of the court."

Xiao Ran laughed loudly and said: "Why do you need to be too modest? I heard that under Mr. Zuo's tent, there is Hu Xueyan, who is very talented. He is responsible for the money and food of Zhejiang Province alone. He is really capable! With such a right hand, what else can't be done? " After a pause, he continued: "Actually, Mr. Zuo didn't mention it. I'm planning to discuss this matter with you. Should I suggest to the Empress Dowager of the Two Palaces that the general office of Tongran Hall should be formally changed into an industrial management bureau? The foreign affairs affairs of each province are planned and managed in a unified way. In addition, an overseas trade bureau is also planned to be established. I plan to let Tongrantang take the lead to vigorously develop maritime trade with the ocean. Zuo Gong, you are the parent official of Zhejiang. This matter still needs your full strength Only by helping each other."

In fact, what Zuo Zongtang really cared about was how to use Tongrantang to enhance his power status. After all, the business of Tianzizi was related to the economic lifeline of the whole country, and it was the most important bargaining chip.As for what Xiao Ran said, he could not help being both surprised and delighted. This not only corrected his name, but also invisibly increased the power in his hands by N times. No matter whether it is the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the Ministry of Internal Affairs, it is not a place where money is directly produced. Compared with the current Tongran Hall, it is exactly the place where the county

Tube difference!

The other most important point is that Tong Ran Tang was managed by Li Ran alone, which is obvious to all.To be able to hook up with Tong Rantang, to a certain extent, is also tied to Li Xiao Ran.It goes without saying that this red-capped eunuch, who fought both inside and outside the imperial city, was a celebrity in front of the empress dowagers of the two palaces, whether it was domestic or foreign affairs, his power and influence were great.For Li Hongzhang, being able to join forces with him is extremely uncomfortable!

If before coming to Jiangning, Zuo Zongtang was always worried about guessing Xiao Ran's attitude, then the answer Xiao Ran gave him now surprised him, but he couldn't help but be a little puzzled: It's not because of relatives, why does he value me so much? ?After pondering for a long time, I stood up and bowed, and said: "My brother trusts me and entrusts me with a heavy responsibility. I should be grateful. It's just a common saying: You don't get rewarded for nothing. How can Ji Gao and his virtue be so important? My heart is not at ease!"

This is a bit blunt, but Xiao Ran has always liked a straightforward character, so he helped him sit down with his own hands, and said: "What do you value, Mr. Zuo, don't be too humble. Whether you believe it or not, Xiao Ran really respects it Your character. Tongrantang is a heavy burden, and I don’t feel relieved to put it on other people’s shoulders.” Sighing lightly, he said: “Mr. Zuo is naturally aware of the current situation. With Li Hongzhang’s wings, if he moves the capital Whether it is Hangzhou or Chengdu, do you think Li Hongzhang will agree? If troubles arise from it, the long-haired disaster will be put to rest, and new disasters will arise again. I believe this situation, and you don’t want to see it. Therefore, the only way now is to Slowly follow the picture, does Mr. Zuo think so?"

Only then did Zuo Zongtang feel relieved, and said with great joy: "I didn't say anything. If my brother can confide in me, Zuo Jigao can only do his best!"

Xiao Ran said: "Your Excellency, please don't be polite, Xiao Ran still has something to ask."

Zuo Zongtang said: "My brother's business is my business, but it doesn't matter!"

Xiao Ran intentionally paused for a while, before he said: "Changmao's disaster has been calmed down, there is no banditry in the south of the Yangtze River, and the armaments of various places, including local regiment training, are still prepared in wartime. On the one hand, the imperial court has to pay a large amount of military pay, on the other hand, These armies have also caused the local governor's vigilance and restraint. The disarmament discussion had been debated as early as the beginning of the year, but the matter was put on hold due to the chaos in the north. Now that the capital has just been moved, if the imperial court came forward to issue this edict, it would be inevitable It will cause some rumors in the local area, so I want to ask Mr. Zuo to come forward to pick this head, and give a memorial to the court, requesting disarmament. What do you think?"

Zuo Zongtang's complexion suddenly became serious.Regarding disarmament, it is true that there has been a long-standing proposition. In fact, in order to maintain local stability, disarmament is also imperative.But as a local boss, who wouldn't want to be stronger and more stable?Zeng Guofan has always been cautious. When disbanding the Hunan Army, he had to push three times and four times. He didn't disband the army until he was transferred to Zhili, let alone Zuo Zongtang.After pondering for a while, he said: "It's not that Ji Gao refused to follow orders, but this matter is really very difficult.

There are more than [-] Chu troops under my command. It is debatable how much it is appropriate to abolish. You idle around and cause trouble, and you are shit when you are in war.If they really want to disarm, how do they count?This is the second; the third is that it is all right for me to take the lead in disarming the army. I am afraid that the imperial court will issue an edict, and the other governors will not be able to prohibit it, so what? "

Xiao Ran said very straightforwardly: "The number of disarmament needs to be decided by the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Households in conjunction with the Bujun Yamen. The Eight Banners Army and the Han Army will all be reduced regardless of the wartime establishment. As for the third one? Hehe, you think, if you take the lead in asking for disarmament, what will happen to Li Hongzhang's Huai army? If he refuses to disarm, then he will give the other governors an excuse, because everyone will be watching the move of the capital to Jiangning His eyes are blue. With Li Hongzhang's shrewdness, he will definitely ask for disarmament. If the Huai army and Chu army, which are the most powerful in the south of the Yangtze River, are all disarmed, who in your opinion would dare not obey orders in other provinces?"

Zuo Zongtang thought about these few words, gradually smiled, and said, "So that's it! Brother, this is a drunkard who doesn't care about drinking, clever! Thanks to my awakening, I will take care of this matter when I go back."

The two looked at each other and smiled.At the moment, I will talk about the current political affairs and the recent signing of contracts with Britain, France and the United States.The Chinese government finally felt proud after being ashamed, and the Western European powers are now in a turmoil. It is really a happy thing to say.What made Xiao Ran feel very gratified was that this Zuo Jigao was indeed as described in history, in terms of his diplomatic attitude, he could be called a hardliner, which coincided with him.

♂ Volume 8 in the harem ♀

→Chapter 181 - Disarmament←

Zuo Zongtang's conversation didn't end until noon.Zuo Zongtang's leadership was quite to Xiao Ran's appetite; and Xiao Ran's sensitivity to the political situation, foresight and insight, as well as his decisive and bright style, all made Zuo Zongtang very impressed, and he felt that he hated seeing each other later.Perhaps because of his age, Xiao Ran's words inevitably brought out some frankness, and his scheming and city management were far less oily and deep than that of a veteran in the officialdom, but he was extremely sophisticated in judging and controlling the overall situation, as if everything was in his expectation Among them, Zuo Zongtang answered many doubts about the current situation fluently and eloquently.These two contradictory sides are so ingeniously combined in him to form a unique style, which makes Zuo Zongtang admire him even more. In his opinion, even Zhuge and Gongjin were nothing more than that when they were young. Bar?