I want to ruin the country

Zeng Zhenfan thought about it. He had been an official for many years and had only met the emperor a few times. This was the first time he was summoned alone.

No matter what purpose the emperor summoned me for, this opportunity is rare and will never come back. If I handle it properly, I may be able to turn the tables!

"A man who wants to be independent must be stubborn!"

So, he made up his mind not to miss this opportunity.

Having made up his mind, Zeng Zhenfan no longer hesitated and said firmly,

"Your Majesty, I believe this should be strictly prohibited, otherwise there will be trouble!"

Yining refused to give in.

"No matter how strict the prohibition is, what will happen if these believers don't obey?"

“Uh, this…!”

Zeng Zhenfan kept his head down when he spoke. He did not see the emperor's expression when he spoke, and the emperor's tone was as calm as water, which made it impossible for him to guess.

It is a blessing, not a disaster. If it is a disaster, you cannot avoid it. It was you who asked me to say it. If what I said is not in line with the emperor's wishes, the worst that can happen is that I will be dismissed from my post and kicked out, but I may not lose my life!

Even if you lose your life, it doesn’t matter. Fortune and wealth are achieved through risk. If you have talent, you must show it!

This opportunity to speak to the emperor alone might only come once in his lifetime, so he decided to burn his boats and go all out!

"Your Majesty, I believe the current Taiping Heavenly Kingdom has already shown signs of rebellion. The imperial court should declare it a cult!"

Yining said again,

“Will simply declaring it a cult be effective?”

"Pray to the people who have been deceived and coerced, and arrest the main leaders and diehards!

If anyone continues to cause trouble, we must send troops to suppress them, and show no mercy!"

Yining nodded, and was very satisfied with Zeng Zhenfan's answer. This future "Zeng the Barber" was still responsible.

"My dear, sit down and talk!"

When he heard that he was asked to sit down, Zeng Zhenfan's heart, which had been in his throat, fell back. It seemed that the emperor was touched by the words!

He felt his back was wet. The emperor was really not that easy to see!

When he heard that he was asked to sit down, Zeng Zhenfan's heart, which had risen to his throat, fell back. This was a good sign. It seemed that the emperor's heart was touched. However, he still felt a dampness on his back. The emperor was really not that easy to meet!

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Half-sitting on the chair, she looked up at the emperor. He looked gentle and handsome, but the sense of oppression was so strong.

Yining said again,

"According to reports, the number of followers of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom is very large, probably hundreds of thousands. What if we can't eradicate it?"

Zeng Zhenfan thought for a moment, and felt that he had figured out the emperor's intention, and said frankly,

"Your Majesty, since ancient times, all religious sects, both Chinese and foreign, have always taken kindness as their fundamental principle, which is why they have flourished.

I won’t say much about our Confucianism, which has produced countless loyal ministers and filial sons. The same is true for Taoism and Buddhism from the Western Regions.

No matter what method is used, as long as it teaches people to be kind, loyal to the emperor and patriotic, respect the elderly and love the young, and has a positive impact on society, it will be fine.

Although I personally do not believe in any religion, I do not object to others believing in religion. I believe that as long as the religion can educate people's hearts, does not violate public order and good customs, and has no impact on others, it can be allowed to develop.

The Taiping Heavenly Kingdom has obviously gone beyond this. They are inciting the people to overthrow the imperial court in the name of the sect. This is something I cannot tolerate. I have also heard that other Taiping Heavenly Kingdoms overseas do not recognize them either.

Since the Emperor has asked me to speak, I will speak out boldly. The Taiping Heavenly Kingdom has become a scourge, and the imperial court should stamp it out with an iron fist to prevent it from spreading like wildfire and bringing disaster to the entire nation!

Yining nodded slightly. He was indeed a man of extraordinary mind. Most court officials now did not take the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom seriously, but he had realized that it was a disaster. He had to be praised!

After getting the answer he wanted, Yining stopped asking Zeng Zhenfan and turned to look at Li Hongzhang who was still standing with his head bowed.

"Li Aiqing, do you understand what your teacher just said?"

Li Hongzhang shuddered in his heart. Why are you asking me? Is this something I can't get involved in? I might lose my head if I'm not careful!

He bowed hastily,

"I dare not make any rash comments!"

"hehe!"

Yining's face darkened.

"I asked you to speak, what is there to be afraid of?"

Li Hongzhang wiped the cold sweat from his head and thought to himself, the teacher said to suppress, I must not say to appease, no matter whether I am right or wrong, I must be tied to the same chariot with the teacher.

Li Hongzhang said,

"Your Majesty, my mentor has repeatedly taught me to always prioritize the greater good of the world and not to dwell too much on personal honor or disgrace!

My Master has spoken to me many times about the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. I agree with him. We must take precautions and stamp it out as soon as possible, allowing the people to resume farming and sericulture, lest it become too powerful to be eradicated and become a disaster for the imperial court.

Yining looked at him.

"Is this your own idea or is it to echo what your teacher said?"

Li Hongzhang broke out in a cold sweat. What's wrong with the emperor? Why is he always picking on me? I haven't offended you!

However, since the emperor asked, how could he not answer? Since he had already chosen his position, Li Hongzhang took the risk and said boldly,

"Your Majesty, although I agree with my mentor, I also understand the interests involved.

It doesn’t matter what religion the people believe in, but there is only one imperial court, and there can be no two suns under the sky. These people want to overthrow the imperial court, which I absolutely cannot accept.

The people have been bewitched by them and their hearts are restless, and they do not work in the fields. If this continues, it will damage the foundation of the country.

Now his wolfish ambitions are clearly revealed. I support the teacher's point of view. He should be eliminated as soon as possible. We cannot let him become a threat!"

The answer was quite standard, Yining said,

"Do you know anything about Western countries?"

Li Hongzhang's heart tightened again. How could he talk about the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and then run to the West? The emperor's thoughts were really hard to guess!

I had no choice but to bite the bullet and say,

"I don't know much about Western countries, but I pay more attention to Japan!"

Yining nodded.

"Oh, let's talk about Japan!"

Li Hongzhang said,

"This country's people are very arrogant, thinking that they, the Yamato people, are the greatest nation. They believe that they should not be content with being confined to a corner, but should be at the center of the world!

They value the use of force, they focus on small details and ignore the greater good, and they do whatever it takes to get what they want. Their desire to covet China has never died. Our Emperor should be more wary of them!

The sentence "being too particular about trivial matters and neglecting the greater good" immediately made Yining look at Li Hongzhang with new respect. At this time, such an insight was considered very unique. Yining nodded.

"You are right about the matter of Japan. I share the same feeling, but not directly.

The Holy Ancestor has instructed that Britain, France, the United States, and Russia will be hostile to us in the coming years. When you return, find more information about England and Europe and study it carefully. After a while, I may send you on a business trip to the West!

Li Hongzhang was surprised. He was being sent to the West on business. What kind of business?

If the emperor didn't say anything, he wouldn't dare to ask. But no matter what, he had caught the emperor's eye, which was very rare!