I want to ruin the country

Yining nodded.

"I don't want to do that either. I can only live after I've put myself in a desperate situation!"

Prince Gong nodded solemnly.

Yining said again,

“When you go, you don’t need to bring too much money.

When you leave South Korea, they will definitely give you several million taels, which should not be used for travel expenses or the deposit for buying warships!

After you leave, I will prepare a larger fleet for you at home, filled with tea, porcelain, and silk, and have them wait for you in Fujian before setting off!

"What are you doing packing tea leaves or something like that? Are you going to give it as a gift?"

Yining Road,

"Brother, you're stupid! Foreigners love these things the most. If you go there and sell them, wouldn't you earn back the money for the entire ship? You might not even need it to buy a warship!"

"Your Majesty, are we going to buy warships or to do business?"

Yining laughed and said,

"Buy warships and do business at the same time, without any delay!"

Prince Gong nodded.

"There's a huge discrepancy here!"

Yining looked at him.

"That's why I asked you to go. I can't do anything about it since everyone else is putting the money in their own pockets!"

Prince Gong smiled.

"I heard there were pirates, I wonder if they'll be intercepted along the way!"

Yining smiled and said,

"Don't worry, I will send our most capable ships and soldiers to protect you. It will be even more grand than the eunuch Sanbao's voyage to the West!

If you don't provoke them, these pirates should be thankful. Do they dare to rob you?"

After the two brothers had talked for a long time, Prince Gong relaxed and became bolder. He smiled and said,

"Your Majesty, the plan is so thorough. You have been plotting against me for more than a day or two, right?"

Yining sighed.

"Sixth brother, do you think there are any useful people in our court?

I sent those old antiques to buy warships, but it’s not certain whether they can reach the West!

Even if they get there, it's still unknown whether the money I give them can be used to buy warships!

Even if they don't buy the warship, they will definitely become rich!"

Prince Gong asked,

"Your Majesty, are you not afraid that your minister will also enrich himself?"

He asked the question that he wanted to ask most!

Yining Road,

"We bought warships to protect the Qing Empire. You also have a share in this kingdom. If you can do it, go ahead and be greedy!"

Prince Gong said hurriedly,

"I will never betray the emperor's trust!"

Yining said earnestly,

"We are brothers. If I don't trust you anymore, who do you want Fourth Brother to trust?

Besides, the money goes into your pocket, so it's better than if someone else took it!"

Prince Gong said,

"Your humble servant will not be corrupt!"

Yining stood up, walked back and forth and said,

"I am the elder brother, you are the younger brother, what's mine is yours. If you are short of money, just say a word and you can have as much as you want!

As your brother, I can't make things difficult for you, so why do I have to do things that are not open to the public!"

Prince Gong's heart was in turmoil again. Although he knew that what the emperor said might not be what he really thought, he was still moved by what he heard!

He said hurriedly,

"Your Majesty trusts me so much, I would never dare to do anything that would betray our ancestors!"

Yining patted his shoulder and said,

"So, you don't use your own brothers, but use outsiders. Am I stupid, brother?"

Today's conversation with the Emperor had a profound impact on Prince Gong, and he agreed with what his fourth brother said from the bottom of his heart!

"Your Majesty is an eternally wise ruler!"

Yining said again,

"We brothers don't need flattery! Just spend the money. As long as you can buy the most advanced warship, you will have done a great deed and there will be a position for you in the Military Affairs Council!"

When Prince Gong heard this, he was really shocked.

"Your Majesty, it's our ancestral precept that princes cannot interfere in government affairs!"

Yining Road,

"Sixth brother, if the country is gone, will the ancestral teachings still be of any use?

The most important thing for us two brothers is to take good care of this beautiful land. Everything else must give way to this goal!

So, in an emergency, I have no other choice!"

Prince Gong knew that what his fourth brother said made sense, so he could only nod his head.

"Your Majesty is right!"

Yining continued,

"I will do many more extraordinary things in the future, and you must support Fourth Brother when the time comes!"

Prince Gong was a little confused, and he still wanted to do something extraordinary. What you have done these days has made those ministers outside glare at you and want to find fault with you!

"Your Majesty, is there anything more outrageous?"

Yining Road,

"The world is changing, and we have to change with it. Otherwise, if we stick to the old ways, we'll be abandoned by society! When you get out and come back, you'll realize the gap between us and others. Even if I don't tell you, you might have to do something about it!"

Prince Gong could only express his determination.

"Your Majesty, please rest assured. I will learn and observe as much as I can in the West, and I will definitely buy the ironclad ship back safely!"

Yining Road,

"You've never been far away, and I'm worried about you going out alone!

In the next two days, quickly find a few interpreters who are familiar with Western affairs, and a few capable people from the West to help you. You can pick anyone from the six ministries and lead whoever you want!"

Prince Gong said,

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Yining Road,

"I'll find you another helper!"

"helper?"

Yining Road,

"There was an editor in the Hanlin Academy named Li Hongzhang, young but intelligent and talented.

He also has some understanding of Western affairs. If he follows you, he should be able to help you!"

Prince Gong thought to himself, it’s because he is worried about me that he has placed an eye next to me watching me!

But he still said,

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Yining saw that his face was changing from gloomy to bright, and he really couldn't guess what he was thinking, so he said,

"Next, select a few doctors from the Imperial Hospital who can ride on a boat.

When traveling from Korea to England, passing through the southeast coast, find a few experienced boatmen and local doctors. Sometimes they are more effective than the imperial physician!

Prince Gong was moved again. He realized that his fourth brother was so considerate. He quickly knelt down and kowtowed.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"Hurry up and get up, why are you two brothers acting like praying mantises?"

Prince Gong stood up, and Yining said again,

"I'll give you a few more people to protect you!"

He waved his hand.

"Yi Gaihe, Yi Fengshou, Yi Pingou, and Yi Pingmei, come and meet Prince Gong!"

Four people ran over, knelt down and kowtowed to Prince Gong.

Yining said,

“These four people are quite skilled, and each has his own strengths.

Yi Gaige has deep internal strength. In terms of powerful Eagle Claw skills, he is second only to that old fellow Yi Guofang, and he has rich experience in the martial arts world.

Yi Fengshou is as strong as an ox and has saved my life several times. However, he has a big appetite, so I must make sure he is well fed!

Yipingou, nicknamed the Water King, is very capable when he is in the water.

This one is called Yi Pingmei. He has the fastest hands. Although he's a little bit underwhelming, he can be useful at critical moments!"

Then he said to the four men,

"When the time comes, you will accompany the prince abroad to provide protection. You must obey his orders and not interfere in other matters!

If he gets hurt, don't come back, you hear me?"

"Whoo!"