Eunuchs who traveled through the Qing Dynasty

The news of the victory was sent back to the capital, and the Han people cheered thunderously.Everyone understands what this result means, which marks the 220-year humiliating history of Han people being ruled and enslaved by foreign races (from 1644 when Emperor Shunzhi entered the pass and officially moved the capital. <Perfect full stop! Hundreds of millions of Han compatriots, here After World War I, it will once again stand tall in this fertile land of China!

It didn't arouse much excitement.In fact, this kind of victory was already expected. The defeat of the Mongolian Iron Cavalry was clearly meant for the banner people trapped in Jiangning City.At this time, Xiao Ran was discussing with Li Hongzhang, Zuo Zongtang, Luo Bingzhang, Lao Chongguang, a large group of governors and governors, as well as Han officials and dignitaries in the capital, how to establish a new political power.

The new ideas introduced by Western learning are still in fierce confrontation with the traditional concepts of Chinese people.Freedom and equality are indeed very desirable, but after all, after thousands of years of imperial rule, it is somewhat unrealistic to suddenly wake up from the habitual worship of the emperor.Especially these big governors, in their hearts, who dares to say that they have not thought about the ambition of facing south and turning north one day?However, following the two Opium Wars, the civil strife in the Taiping Rebellion, and the turbulent situation, the centralization of power in the late Qing Dynasty sank, weakened, and dispersed. While local forces continued to rise, a delicate balance was formed.

They are all armed with heavy troops, and no one dares to easily break such a situation of mutual dependence and mutual restraint.Under Xiao Ran's instruction, Zuo Zongtang drew up the charter for the formation of a republican government, formulated a constitution, and the local governor and ministers in Beijing elected an interim president as a transition of power.For Luo Bingzhang, Lao Chongguang and others, this proposal undoubtedly eliminated the concern that the power would only be in the hands of one person, and others would only be wedding dresses. This kind of republican rights is reflected in equal distribution, and of course there is no reason to oppose it.But likewise, as powerful ministers under the feudal kingship system, everyone inevitably has concerns about concepts such as freedom and democracy.What is the degree of freedom and democracy?If the common people are really free and democratic, how much power will we have left in our hands?

Crossing the river by feeling the stones, no one knows what to do.The meeting fell into awkward silence.

♂ Volume 8 in the harem ♀

→Chapter 185 - Democratic Republic←

I'm afraid it's not appropriate to do this! "In a dull atmosphere, Li Te's unique slow and steady voice said, "Snakes can't fly without a head, and birds can't fly without a head. This is a rule that has been set since ancient times.If there is no such rule, won't the whole place become a mess?Brother Ji Gao said that the so-called president's rights are not easy to regulate. As for the constitution, whether it is the parliament or the cabinet, such flashy things are at best just nonsense.When encountering major political issues, whoever listens to what you say?Isn't this going to be a mess?Everyone is making irresponsible remarks. I think we old guys might as well step down as soon as possible. "

The meaning of these words is obviously worried that this kind of republican system will eventually affect the stability of power in the hands of his group of big bosses.But Xiao Ran glanced at him playfully, but he knew clearly in his heart that Li Hongzhang wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to seize power, and he was still dreaming of the emperor's sweet dream.It was not until many years later that Li Hongzhang traveled around the Western countries, broadened his horizons, and began to accept and admire the Western capitalist system. At this time, he seemed to be far from understanding the situation.So he didn't say anything, just quietly waiting for his next words.

After a pause, Li Hongzhang glanced at each of the governors one by one, and said, "Isn't it trifling with state affairs? It's a constitution and a parliament. Although there are many tricks, it's too loose. Don't think, it's just as good as before. How can the emperor's rules be normal?" Light useless? So the most urgent thing is to elect a Youdao Mingjun that everyone can admire, which is the right thing to do."

Everyone immediately became nervous, looking at me and looking at you, the abacus in their hearts was pounding fast.Luo Bingzhang even leaned out of his seat, his eyes were wide open, and he said that if you, Li Hongzhang, dared to play, he would recommend himself.You have to measure your own size first, and see if we can agree!

Because the current capital of the Qing court is in Jiangning, on the site of Li Hongzhang, the most taboo person of all governors is Li Hongzhang.If it were replaced by the original time when Zeng Guofan was in the ground, he was the undisputed boss and the head of the horse, but now Li Hongzhang, who has just left Zeng Guofan's wings for a long time, obviously does not have such strength and prestige.In fact, this is also the most troublesome thing for Xiao Ran.Today's Jiangnan has both governors and governors, but there is only a lack of such a leader who can convince everyone.

Seeing that the atmosphere was not right, Xiao Ran laughed, stood up and said, "My lords, don't be in a hurry for a long-term plan. How about this, Mr. Zuo and Mr. Li, both of you have expressed your opinions. Please be careful first. Think it over and think it over carefully. Let's discuss it in the future, how about it?"

Lao Chongguang hurriedly said: "Very good, very good! It should be like this!"

Everyone agreed, and the meeting was adjourned immediately, and each went back to the posthouse or official residence.Li Hongzhang deliberately dragged it to the end, and after everyone had left, he said to Xiao Ran: "Brother Xiao, why is this so? I was about to recommend you just now. With your knowledge and vision, you are worthy of this great task! Don't worry, no matter what Whether others promise or not, I, Li Shao, will do my best to protect you and ascend to the position early! I am so concerned about this. Brother, don't let me down with my sincerity!"

Xiao Ran said in his heart, anyone can be fooled by what you said, but don't try to fool me.I know exactly what you are thinking, even what you have done in the rest of your life!You made it clear that you wanted to cheat me, first you put me in the position, diverted the attention of the other governors, and then used the name of the eunuch to provoke Qing Yi.At that time, I will step down, and the power will naturally be in your hands, ****, what is this?

You must know that in China, thousands of years of feudal thought has been deeply rooted in people's minds, and eunuchs are always looked down upon by people.Although Liu Bangting, the emperor of the Han Dynasty, and Zhu Yuanzhang, the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, were herding cattle with bare buttocks, they were all clothed and white, and they were not so lowly as to be despised by others!This is like the women of Le nationality in ancient times. They were not allowed to leave their nationality for life and even for their descendants, they could not take the imperial examination, and they were not allowed to change occupations.The same is true for eunuchs. One day as a eunuch, you will carry this name all your life. If you want to take off this hat, it will be too difficult!Of course, big shots like Li Hongzhang are all in command of the land and water. If you insist on rectifying his name, it is not impossible to spend a lot of effort. They are all thinking about robbing me, but will they really come to protect me, Xiao Ran?joke!

Now holding Li Hongzhang's hand, he said with a smile: "Li Gong's kindness, Xiao Ran understands, but unfortunately I'm not that kind of material at all. It's barely enough to fight a war or something. When it comes to politics, the way to govern the country and the country, I am If you don’t know anything, how can you become an emperor? I think Mr. Li has great foresight, especially what you said just now, I think it is very reasonable. When discussing politics tomorrow, whether it is the president or the emperor, I will recommend you.”

Li Hongzhang even said no

But there was a hint of excitement in his eyes.Originally, he said that he wanted to recommend the strategy of killing two birds with one stone. If Xiao Ran wanted to be the emperor, he would definitely fall into the middle of the discussion;Hearing what Xiao Ran said, it seems that he has already appreciated it, and the goal has almost been achieved.

After chatting for a few words, we broke up.Back in the Four Seasons Garden, Zuo Zongtang had already been waiting here.Xiao Ranping stepped back and said, "What, did you order everything we discussed the day before yesterday?"

Zuo Zongtang said: "Don't worry, everything has been properly arranged. In the Zhejiang area, I have ordered Hu Xueyan to contact most of the factories and companies. Moreover, all the previously abolished Han troops who stayed in the factories to work were secretly summoned to Hangzhou, Shaoxing, Ningbo and other places. It is estimated that at this time, they should have already started."

Xiao Ran nodded, and said: "Okay. If Zhejiang is in chaos, Jiangsu will be in chaos. These two provinces are the provinces with the most powerful gentry and aristocracy. If they are taken down, there will be hope for a republic. As for Li Hongzhang, he will be the emperor? Hehe, when the time comes I can't help you!"

Zuo Zongtang hesitated for a moment, but hesitated to speak.Xiao Ran said: "Grandpa Zuo, you and I treat each other with sincerity, if you have something to say, it's okay to say it."

Zuo Zongtang said: "Actually, today Li Hongzhang obviously wants to recommend you in public. Brother, have you ever thought that if you really face south and turn north one day, with your talents, you will definitely be able to show my power. As for the name , It’s not right or wrong, it’s not an absolute thing, the ancients said, princes and generals, would you rather have kindness? As long as the local governor supports it, what’s a good name?”

Xiao Ran smiled and said nothing.Zuo Zongtang continued: "If I'm not mistaken, many people have planned to help you to the top. Because of your special status, although you have your own power, you have never held real power in the local area. In other words, some of you have guns, but you don't have enough foundation. If such an identity is really in power, it will be a good thing for everyone, because the governors are still in an equal relationship and restrict each other, so there is no need to worry Who will dominate alone? The key point is that because your foundation is not solid enough, you must rely on the governors, and you can even form a cabinet council. From this point of view, it is tantamount to maximizing the expansion of the emperor while retaining the power Local power. Wouldn’t this be the best of both worlds?”

What Zuo Zongtang said is actually a constitutional monarchy.As a product of the compromise between capitalism and feudalism, this system minimized the struggle between classes, or war.If Xiao Ran wanted to be an emperor, he would definitely choose such a path, but as a transitional regime from feudal society to capitalist society, no matter whether it is a dual system or a parliamentary system, with the continuous development and progress of society, the so-called king can only do so in the end. Reduced to a tool of diplomacy and etiquette.Such a monarch looks more like a puppet. He has to follow the rules and be careful in every word and deed, even when eating and walking, and is exhausted to death.Just like the crown prince or princess of a certain country in the later generations, one day he would die dully, and there would be a bunch of paparazzi staring at him wherever he went, and if he didn't pay attention, there would be scandals.He doesn't want his children, the cute little Chopin and Xiao Shuang, to be puppets for the rest of their lives.

Xiao Ran pondered for a while, and said: "I know Zuo Gong's intentions, but Xiao Ran has no intention of politics. I should have done everything I can do for this country, and there will be more suitable people to create the rest of the destiny. Like you, Mr. Zuo."

"I?"

"Right is responsibility. Mr. Zuo, it's you!"

……

On the second day, Li Hongzhang was fully dressed and arrived at the conference site early.According to his thinking, today is the time for a final decision.After the meeting ended yesterday, he kept calling on Lao Chongguang, Peng Yulin, etc. who had a fairly good relationship with him, as well as several Han officials in court, and went to meet Xiao Ran at night, thinking that he should All the worshiped gods have been worshipped, and the big cakes that should be painted and the bait that should be thrown are all neat.This is called everything is ready, only the east wind is owed.

The so-called horseshoe disease in spring breeze, today's Li Hongzhang looks radiant and energetic, and his whole person looks a little different.Luo Bingzhang and the others muttered secretly in their hearts, but Zuo Zongtang was as calm as usual, without showing any signs of expression.Xiao Ran presided over the meeting as usual today. First, he gave a long speech. In the middle of the speech, Han Zhangjing from the Military Aircraft Department rushed in and handed a telegram to Xiao Ran.Xiao Ran took a look at the paper, and his face suddenly became solemn, and said: "My lords, the situation is not good! There is a call from Zhejiang, many factories and business houses are connected together, and they are collectively on strike, demanding the abolition of the imperial system, the abolition of the privileges of civil status, and democracy and equality!"

Under the careful planning of Xiao Ran and Zuo Zongtang, a bourgeois revolution that erupted simultaneously in Zhejiang Hangzhou, Ningbo, Shaoxing and other places kicked off vigorously.The Bannerman regime has collapsed, but the people are oppressed by the gentry and nobles, and this time the struggle is undoubtedly aimed at these people.

According to the rules handed down from the feudal dynasty for thousands of years, nobility or officials who have obtained fame and fame are included in the ranks of soldiers and enjoy various privileges. The four kinds of humble status are deprived of their own rights, they cannot change occupations, and three generations of descendants are not allowed to participate in scientific examinations, etc., and they are not even free to wear clothes and hats.Although after the Yongzheng Dynasty, they were once exonerated from their low status, but among the people, these people always had a low status and suffered from cold reception.In terms of taxes and corvee, this level of difference is even more significant. Scholars not only enjoy delicious food and drink for free, enjoy the support of the government, but are also exempted from all taxes and corvee; Paying for my own hard work, I have to double the burden of land taxes and balances, and I will be exploited layer by layer and even never turn over!

Why? !Why? !

When the torrent of the industrial revolution swept across the land, more and more people began to wake up from this endless squeeze.As the pillar group of the whole society, from capitalists to businessmen and workers, they are eager to get rid of this kind of exploitation and squeeze, and seek a fair and just social status.This is the inevitability of the development of the times and the general trend of history. No one can stop it, and it is inevitable!

Liberty, democracy, equality.Finally in the spring of 1864 AD.Awakened on the land of China, and broke out of the ground!

Tens of thousands of workers and businessmen gathered to form a massive parade.Along the road, the scientific examination venues and ancestral halls that symbolized the fame of the gentry were destroyed, all the way to the government office, and the plaque hanging high on the mirror was smashed to pieces.The gentry, officials and gentry organized militia groups in an attempt to resist, but a considerable part of the current workforce is the Han army that was disbanded earlier, and they are armed against these places.It was as easy as pie.

Under Zuo Zongtang's instruction, the Chu Army and the Green Battalion only properly maintained order and did not intervene too much in this conflict.This tacit attitude made the enthusiasm of the soldiers and civilians in Zhejiang unprecedentedly high, and it quickly spread to other identities starting from Zhejiang.Neighboring Jiangsu is a province with the most developed emerging industries.The proportion of the working class is also the largest among all provinces.The most annoying person, of course, is Li Hongzhang.

Ascension to the throne and proclaiming the emperor, continuing the feudal dictatorship and the same rule inevitably meant the existence of class differences and unequal privileges.Once the bourgeoisie has stood up and climbed to the top, and the privileged class has been beaten, how can there be an emperor's job?

In fact, with Li Hongzhang's mind, it's not that he can't see the current social situation clearly, but he didn't expect this storm to come so fast and so fast!The only thing we can do right now.

The only thing is to quickly gather troops and prepare to blockade several cities where industries are relatively concentrated.No matter how Zhejiang is, the bourgeoisie in Jiangsu must be revolutionized first.Killed in the cradle!

The capital Jiangning.The pro-army is heavily guarded, plus Xiao Ran's firearms battalion.Even Li Hongzhang was so courageous that he didn't dare to confront him head-on.So he didn't care about discussing the big plan, and rushed from Jiangning to Zhenjiang.Li Hongzhang's quasi-army has developed to the present, and the number has reached nearly 5. The previous disarmament eliminated more than [-] people, but of course he was not so stupid as to completely follow the imperial court's policy. More than [-] people who were abolished were resettled in Zhenjiang, Changzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai.At this time, it should be more than enough to pull up this group of people and control the situation in Jiangsu.

However, what he didn't expect was that just after he arrived in Zhenjiang, the whole city was surrounded by groups!The troops besieging Zhenjiang were none other than Xiao Ran's Firearms Battalion, plus Jing Shou's pro-army!

At that time, Li Hongzhang's troops in Zhenjiang were less than 1; while the pro-army besieging the city had at least 6000 people, and the firearms battalion had [-] to [-] people!This is just the army, mighty? ?The combined fleet of the Zhili Navy and the Lushunkou Navy, with more than a hundred warships, large and small, raised their black muzzles and stared at Zhenjiang City!

The telegraph lines had been cut off, and the whole of Zhenjiang became an isolated island overnight.It wasn't until this moment that Li Hongzhang finally understood who was taking advantage of whom!The feudal official trapped in the city is like a wild animal in a cage at this moment.The ambition buried deep in my heart for so many years is now only one step away from success, only one step away! ! !

"My lord, do it!"

A group of confidantes under his command have followed him for many years, conquering the battlefield without any disadvantage.In their eyes, there is no army that can stop the quasi-army, which is known for its bravery.However, in Li Zhenzhang's heart, he knew very clearly what kind of demon army he was facing!

Fight, or surrender?Desperate, or tied?

Li Hongzhang, who is known for his decisiveness and quickness, is facing the most difficult choice in his life this time.No one knows how that long night was spent, but at the dawn of the next day in the east, when Li Hongzhang, who had stood at the head of Zhenjiang city for a whole night, walked down sadly, his body in his prime in his 40s was obviously hunchbacked. When she pulled it down, the originally black braid that was dragging behind her head turned gray overnight!Overhead, amidst the sound of buzzing motors, more than a dozen huge hydrogen balloons happily flew into the gorgeous morning glow...

Li Hongzhang finally compromised!The biggest obstacle standing in front of the revolutionary tide suddenly collapsed at this moment. The voice of the democratic republic, like a flood that opened the floodgates, swept across the river north and south!China's destiny has also been completely reversed from this moment, entering a brand new orbit.When the great wheel of the times rumbles over the relics of history, and the rise of the Eastern Dragon, no one will be able to stop it!

On the third day of May, Shi Dakai led 0 elite soldiers into Jiangning.At the same time, he also brought a person named Shengjing General Nayan Xinduo.This ambitious old father-in-law was still dreaming of a great career. When Sheng Zuo led the Zhili troops to intercept Seng Gelinqin, Chengde took the opportunity to personally lead the army to go south and occupied Beijing in one fell swoop.It's a pity that he probably didn't expect that his son-in-law Chenglong Kuai could do even better than him. Shi Dakai and Sheng Zuo divided their forces to raid Beijing and captured this general Shengjing, who was still dreaming of an emperor, in one fell swoop. So far, I can't believe that Xiao Ran would kill himself, so when Nayan Ziqing, with his slightly protruding belly, threatened to keep Nayan's incense as a threat to let him be relieved of his military power and return to the field, Nayan Xin Duohuan wondered if his ears had misheard.

"No one can divide the land of China! If anyone refuses to obey, I will fight until he obeys!" Xiao Ran's words were resolute and resounding.Nayan Xinduo sat down slumped, he knew that the dream that had been lingering in his mind for a long time had been wiped out in an instant.

On the sixth day of May, Shengzuo in Beijing received a telegram from the south of the Yangtze River, and immediately sent his army northward to reorganize the former Nayan Xinduo Department in Shengjing.

On May 220th, Jiangning City Imperial Palace.The empress dowagers Ci'an and Cixi, together with the nine-year-old Tongzhi emperor, issued an edict announcing their abdication.On this day, people cut off the braid that symbolized humiliation and oppression; on this day, after [-] years of alien rule, the fertile soil of China finally returned to the feet of the Chinese nation!

On May 22, an election committee composed of representatives from all walks of life was formally established.On May [-], the first cabinet election meeting was held in Jiangning.

Zuo Zongtang was elected the first president of New China with absolute advantage, and Li Hongzhang became the vice president.

In [-] AD, on the first day of the sixth month of the Jiazi Year of the lunar calendar, Zuo Zongtang officially took the oath of office in the city of Nanjing.The salute exploded like spring thunder, bringing cheers like a tsunami, and everything it passed turned into a jubilant ocean!Chinese history has finally officially opened a new chapter!

♂ Volume 8 in the harem ♀