After the doctor's treatment, Boss Xu's life was saved, but the doctor said that he would lie in bed for a month before he could get better. Two days later, Liu Mingchuan and Nie Shicheng also came back. When Liu Mingchuan heard about this, he had to go to the Li family to fight hard. Fortunately, Yang Yi stopped him. Although the matter seemed to be over, Yang Yi knew that the fate between him and Li Hongzhang had ended before it even began. After this blocking incident, the Li family would not bite his hatred. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but feel a little regretful. Li Hongzhang seemed to be destined to become his future rival and be a loyal slave of the Qing Dynasty.

Fortunately, Liu Mingchuan and Nie Shicheng also brought good news. After they contacted each other, there were about 300 young men willing to go to Shanghai to join the army with them. This trip to Luzhou, Liu Mingchuan and Nie Shicheng was a great reward for Yang Yi. Yang Yi took out more than 10,000 taels of silver and asked Liu Mingchuan to share the settlement fee for the brothers. He also agreed to set off to go back to Shanghai after the first month. During this period, Yang Yi asked Liu Mingchuan and the others to continue to attract more people. The court did not allow public calls, so he came to the dark. However, Li Hongzhang was afraid that he would not be able to wait, and even if he waited, there was no hope. For Yang Yi, time was tight, and Jinling was about to be occupied by the Taiping Army. If he couldn't get through, he had to take a detour. But something that Yang Yi could not have thought of fell on him.

The spring of 1853 was particularly cold for Emperor Xianfeng. On the second day of the first lunar month, the Taiping Army set out from Wuhan, and tens of naval warships went east. The army blocked the navy on both sides of the straits and rushed directly to Nanjing. First, the Taiping Army conquered three towns in Wuhan, threatened Jiangsu and Anhui, shocked Henan and Shu. Xianfeng was frightened and dismissed the imperial envoy Xu Wenjin, the governor of Huguang, and asked Xiang Rong to urgently recruit him into Beijing, and ordered him to be the imperial envoy to handle military affairs in both lakes. He made an exception and added two imperial envoys: one was the governor of Henan Qishan, who led the

The army entered Xinyang and Xinye; one was the governor of Liangjiang Lu Jianying, and the army was the commander to guard Jiang and Wan. At that time, within the Taiping Army, three opinions were generated on future strategies, and the debate was very fierce: one was to enter Henan in the north and compete for the Central Plains; the other was to enter Bashu in the west and "improve the four disturbances"; the third was to go east and go east and occupy Nanjing. Finally, Yang Xiu, the Qing people wanted to "the heavenly father descended to earth and let him directly invade Jiangning", determined the strategic policy of moving forward to the east and taking Nanjing as the foundation, and Xu was to forge ahead. At that time, the Qing court's defense in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River was weak. The imperial envoy was large

The Taiping Army that was advancing eastward, only knew how to follow and dared not pursue. The Taiping Army fought in Chaohu, under the Chaohu Gorge of Wenji, and killed the general of Shouchun Town of Qing, and defeated about 3,000 Qing troops in its headquarters. The Governor of Liangjiang Lu Jianying fled back to Nanjing after hearing the news. The Taiping Army went to Jiujiang, Anqing, Wuhu, and on the 29th of the first lunar month, the army occupied Yuhuatai, and the navy camped outside the west gate of the water. The city of Nanjing was frightened, and the civil officials were "dazed and did not know how to defend", and the military generals "had not know what Wu was doing." The Qing soldiers guarding the city were five thousand, half of which were stationed

The Eight Banners were guarded, and there were more than 10,000 local brave men, "there were no slanders in the city", and the city had not been destroyed, and the Taiping Army was scattered and fled in all directions. The Taiping Army was at the city, and while actively preparing to attack the city, they promoted the revolutionary purpose and mobilized the masses to support it. With the support of the people, the Taiping Army used landmines to collapse the Yifeng Gate, the northern city of Nanjing with mines, broke through the outer city, and killed Lu Jianying. The next day, the next day, the entire Nanjing was occupied by the Taiping Army from Jubao Gate and Shuixi Gate, Hanxi Gate, entered the city, broke through the inner city, and killed Jiangning General Xianghou, the deputy commander Huo Longwu, etc.

The fall of Nanjing was like a bolt from the blue for Xianfeng. On February 20, the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom officially established its capital in Nanjing and renamed it "Tianjing". All of this marked the end of the Taiping Army's movement and the beginning of the situation of armed separatist Jiangnan and establishing the Central Committee. But this also gave the Qing government a chance to breathe. The loss of Nanjing affected Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Jiangnan east of Nanjing, and has always been the economic lifeline of the Qing government. Especially in Shanghai, the Shanghai Jianghu customs tariffs are the main source of military pay for the Jiangnan camp. For Xianfeng, this cannot be lost.

In Beijing, at night, Emperor Xianfeng sat silently in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Looking at the military newspaper in front of him, the news of the fall of Nanjing finally came. Xianfeng's brows were frighteningly frowning, and the eunuchs beside him held their breath, fearing that they would make noise to become Xianfeng's target of exhaling their anger.

There was a memorial on Xianfeng's desk, which was submitted by Xiang Rong after the Yong'an War last year. This memorial made Xiang Rong the main general of the two lakes fighting against the Taiping Army, and also reminded Xianfeng of the scene when Xiang Rong entered Beijing before the New Year.

"I wish you a blessing to the emperor, long live my emperor, long live my life." Xiang Rong prostrated himself and performed the great ceremony of three kowtows and nine kneelings.

"Get up, Xiang Rong, I really didn't realize that you have such a vision." Xianfeng leaned on the dragon throne and waved the memorial that Xiang Rong had delivered when he was in Yong'an.

"The emperor is too rewarded, this is just a little bit of a simple opinion." Xiang Rong stood up, feeling proud, but still had a look of fear and fear on his face.

"Simple views? My officials of the Qing Dynasty must have such simple views. I don't know how much worry I can save. Why is Jiangnan so decayed today? Tell me, who gave you the idea? Don't fool me. How much weight are you Xiang Rong? I know very well." Xianfeng had a stern face. Xianfeng knew very well about the abilities of the Eight Banners children. Xiang Rong could be considered a martial artist at most. Where did these accurate judgments and predictions of the situation? Others think that the emperor is easy to fool, but in fact they don't think about what the palace is.

It is the most dirty and dirty place in the world, the most fierce battle for power, the most intense intrigue, and the most dense flattery. The nobles of these imperial families are fuel-efficient lamps, and the ones who have been driven out of the environment from childhood to adulthood are not shrewd. Perhaps the governance of the world may not be a good player, but in terms of being scheming, they are all good at playing tricks. Besides, the position of Emperor Xianfeng is strange, and he himself is always guarding against others' ideas to attack him at any time. It is impossible to tolerate deception from his subordinates.

When Xiang Rong heard what Xianfeng said, he immediately broke out in a cold sweat. What did the emperor hate the most? That was the deception of his subordinates on himself. The Qing Dynasty's laws stipulated that deceiving the emperor would be beheaded.

"Slaves deserve to die, slaves deserve to die, the emperor understands thousands of miles and understands the secrets of heaven. This is indeed not all the idea of ​​a slave. Slaves have indeed received guidance from an expert. Slaves are deceived by a criminal, and slaves die." Xiang Rong knelt down as soon as his legs were weak, and he kowtowed violently while begging for mercy.

Xianfeng looked very satisfied with Xiang Rong's performance, and was also very proud of his "clear learning from Wanli" Wanli, and his face gradually improved.

"Dog slave, say, who taught you well?" His tone became much more kind.

Xiang Rong secretly glanced at Xianfeng's expression, and when he saw that Xianfeng had no intention of offending him, he felt relieved.

"I deserve to die, my idea comes from a master." Xiang Rong then told Yang Yi about it, but it was also processed. He talked about how brave he was in the battle of Yong'an. He was surrounded on the battlefield and insisted on fighting to cover the breakout of friendly troops. At the moment of crisis, Yang Yi came to save himself from the siege. He also said that with his advice, Yang Yicai made a rough prediction of the situation and proposed corresponding solutions.

Xiang Rong is also a master of storytelling. He describes the sword light and sabers as a battlefield, and the plot is ups and downs, which is heart-wrenching. When talking about Yang Yi, Yang Yi is compared to Zhang Liang's rebirth and Zhuge is reborn.

"Oh, it's really as powerful as you said?" Xianfeng became interested in Yang Yisheng.

"I am afraid that I cannot describe Mr. Yang's talent. Moreover, this person is loyal to the court. At the time in Yong'an, I tried my best to keep him, but he refused. I once thought Mr. Yang was used to being idle and unwilling to get involved in the officialdom. Later I realized that Mr. Yang had a deeper meaning, which made me even more admired by my servants."

"Oh, let's talk about it." Xianfeng sat up.

"Please forgive me for the death penalty for my humble minister." Xiang Rong knelt down again.

"Give up you innocent, get up and talk." Xianfeng laughed.

"Before I came to Beijing, I found out that Mr. Yang was in Shanghai, so I went to visit him and asked about the important matters today." Xiang Rong kowtowed again, and then he dared to stand up and speak.

"Stop talking nonsense, what did he say? Tell me quickly." Xianfeng was anxious.

"Mr. I think that if the Taiping Army occupied Nanjing and established a puppet regime, it would bring convenience to the encirclement and suppression of the court, which would be a good thing." Xiang Rong replied.

"What does this mean?" Xianfeng was puzzled.

"I was also wondering at that time that Nanjing City has high walls and thick walls, which is an important town in Jiangnan. How could it be occupied? "Xiang Rong kept it a secret and continued, "Later, I heard from the gentleman's explanation, and I understood."

"Damn slave, please tell me quickly, what are you trying to keep me?" Xianfeng said angrily:

"Yes, the slave should die. The gentleman said that although Nanjing is large and the city walls are solid, the way out is narrow. Once the waterway is blocked, our army can trap the thief to death as long as it blocks the west. Moreover, most of the thiefs were born in a lowly way. The thiefs were born in Qinhuai, which was the tomb that consumed their fighting spirit. The thiefs tasted the sweetness of pleasure, and naturally refused to let go of Nanjing and would definitely defend themselves. At that time, the thiefs mobilized a large army to establish two camps in Jiangnan and Jiangbei to attack Nanjing. At that time, the thiefs could not take into account both the head and tail. The main force would be firmly trapped by an isolated city in Nanjing and could no longer concentrate their powerful forces to go north. Furthermore, the thiefs were united in times of crisis, but after wealth and prosperity, they would fight for life. When an internal struggle broke out, the strength would be greatly weakened. The court could rectify the army and horses and slowly plan to attack them. In addition, the thiefs would not be difficult to wipe out.

After hearing Xiang Rong's words, Xianfeng felt that a big stone finally fell to the ground, and the coloring was much more relaxed, and his frowns loosened. He asked Xiang Rong in a light tone: "Did this gentleman tell me some specific methods of encirclement and suppression?"

Xiang Rong and others asked this question and said confidently: "Sir, first, the court should vigorously rectify the current army and strengthen military preparations. Second, local gentry hatred for thieves, and the people's hearts can be used. The court should encourage local gentry to set up groups and train at their own expense to help the court kill thieves. The court will reward the court in the future for merits. First, it can ensure local peace and second, it can help the court save a lot of military expenses."

Xianfeng finally let out a long sigh, "Okay, okay, okay." Three good words in a row expressed Xianfeng's mood at this time.

"What a pity, such an expert cannot be used by the Qing Dynasty. Alas!!" Xianfeng sighed as he said that.

"Your Majesty, don't worry, Mr. Yang didn't stay there at the beginning, that is to better contribute to the court now." Xiang Rong said quickly:

"Oh, what does it mean? Let's explain it quickly." Xianfeng was a little excited.

"Mr. I didn't keep it at the beginning, but it was actually to make money. In Shanghai, Mr. Shanghai said that this way of fighting is not enough, so he has to make money first. A year later, Mr. Shanghai has done a great job in Shanghai. Now he has a lot of wealth. The last time he entrusted a slave to ask him for a military position. He wanted to set up a group training at his own expense to help the court quell the rebellion and to resist foreign humiliation."

"What a pity, this person is not a child of my Manchus." Xianfeng said hesitantly:

"The emperor, the slave thinks that this person's loyalty to the Qing Dynasty can be seen, and the slave is willing to guarantee his life and life."

"Stop talking, let me think about it, let's stop here today and leave." Xianfeng interrupted Xiang Rong's words.

"Emperor" Xiang Rong wanted to say something, Xianfeng waved his hand and signaled Xiang Rong to retreat. Xiang Rong had to bow and retreat.

"Your Majesty, it's late at night, it's time to rest. The heroines are waiting to turn the signs." The eunuch on the side reminded carefully, pulling Xianfeng back from his thoughts.

Xianfeng, who had been thinking for a long time, finally made up his mind and said, "Come here, Xuan Sushun, Jingtai went to the palace to discuss matters."
Chapter completed!