Time Travel to 1859: The Iron-Blooded Soldier King

Not long after, Du Han, Mu Meng, Kuang Yuan and Jiao Youying arrived.

Seeing Su Shun's face changing from gloomy to bright, the four people knew that something had changed. Du Han asked, "Su Zhongtang, what's going on? Has something new happened?"

Su Shun nodded and said in a deep voice, "Wang Huanzhang reported to me that the confidants he left behind sent me news that the kings in the capital have joined forces with Gong Laoliu and are preparing to attack us. Moreover, Liu Ye has also clearly supported Gong Laoliu's seizure of power. His Baoding Zhenxiong troops have already entered Shanhaiguan!"

Everyone was shocked when they heard this. Everything else was fine, as they would fight against the enemy with their own strength and block the water with their own strength. But this Liu Ye was really puzzling. This guy was too good at fighting. He had fought against almost all four countries, Britain, France, the United States and Russia, and he was invincible!

Such a person led the Baoding Town army under his command, staring at everyone with fear! You know, Baoding Town defeated the Russian bandits. Not to mention the current Eight Banners and Green Camp, even at the beginning of the founding of the country, when the Eight Banners were at their most ferocious, it was difficult to challenge the existence of Baoding Town!

He solemnly looked at everyone whose expressions changed, and said with a faint smile: "What are you afraid of? If an enemy comes, we will fight him; if a flood comes, we will block it with earth. Can't you just sit still for such a small matter?"

Mu Meng replied, "Mr. Su, everything else is secondary. The princes in the capital are all good-for-nothings. Apart from Old Six Gong, few are capable. But this Liu Ye is different. We originally thought that Senggelinqin and Shengbao were far away in Shandong. Now that the situation is settled, Liu Ye has reappeared and pulled Baoding Town out. The elite troops of Baoding Town defeated the Russians and recovered thousands of miles of Jiangdong in less than a month. I'm afraid our Beijing camp..."

Mu Meng was the former Minister of War. Although his military talent was average, he was familiar with military affairs and was really scared of Baoding Town!

"Humph!"

Su Shun snorted coldly and replied, "I already have a plan to deal with Liu Ye. As long as it is successfully implemented, there will be no problem!"

Mu Meng hurriedly asked, "Mr. Su, what's the plan?"

Sushun laughed heartily and said, "This idea wasn't mine, it was Wang Huanzhang's. It's a strategy of cutting off the firewood from under the cauldron!"

"We are in charge of the military affairs. As long as we submit a memorial, acknowledging Liu Ye's hard work and contributions and promoting him to the rank of Governor of Shandong, we can seize his military power in Baoding. Without Liu Ye's control, wouldn't the entire Baoding town's army be ours? Even if Liu Ye is more capable and Gong Laoliu is more shrewd, they will be helpless. Now the power of the court is in our hands!"

Everyone was pleasantly surprised, except Du Han, who was a little worried. He asked, "Su Zhongtang, is this Wang Huanzhang reliable?"

Sushun replied, "I wasn't entirely confident in him at first, but after spending some time with him, I can see that he's being forced into a corner. His former colleagues in Baoding Town and the Firearms Battalion are already disdainful of him and have fallen out with him. Liu Ye can't possibly offend everyone just for him. Furthermore, he wasn't Liu Ye's confidant. Didn't he leave him alone when he was transferred to Baoding? Now he's spilling the beans on Liu Ye and Gong Laoliu's secrets. What's left to doubt? He's just trying to win credit!"

Du Han was relieved after hearing this and continued, "This plan is indeed a good one, but the East Palace is easy to fool, but the West Palace is not an easy one to deal with. Will she be fooled?"

Su Shun sneered, "Whether they are fooled or not is no longer up to them. We must take down Liu Ye. This is the top priority. This man is by Prince Gong's side, which is really worrying. We must cut off Gong Laoliu's right-hand man!"

"Correct!"

Mu Meng shouted, "Su Zhongtang is right. This Liu Ye is too much of a hindrance. We must take him down first. Besides, we're not removing his position, but promoting him. From general to admiral, this is a solid step forward. He has the military power of an entire province. What else is there to be dissatisfied with?"

Su Shun said, "Okay, this matter is settled. Lord Mu Meng will write the memorial. After all, you were the Minister of War in the past. It's normal for you to submit a memorial on military affairs! We will submit the memorial tomorrow!"

"Okay, leave this matter to me!"

Mu Meng agreed.

After the business was done, several people discussed other matters.

Everyone retreated, except Jiao Youying who stayed.

Sushun was stunned and asked, "Master Jiao, is there anything else?"

Jiao Youying whispered, "Master Zhongtang, I feel that the current situation is getting worse for us, especially since Gong Laoliu has once again requested to pay homage to the Emperor's spirit. We can't always keep people at a distance. This is against the rules and may lead to public criticism. Moreover, the kings in the capital have not yet joined forces with the two palaces. If they really join forces, we will be in a very passive position. I think we must make a second-hand preparation!"

Sushun was stunned when he heard this. A second-hand preparation? What does this mean?

Jiao Youying continued, "Master Zhongtang, you single-handedly helped me get to where I am today. We truly share the same fate, unlike others. Even if you fall, does that mean Duanhua will no longer be able to succeed as prince? How could that be? They all inherited the throne, so naturally they don't have to worry about what happens after they die. But we can't. We don't have any amulets, so we absolutely cannot make the slightest mistake..."

Sushun said in a deep voice, "Then what exactly is your second plan?"

Jiao Youying said nothing. He walked to the door, opened it, and looked around to see if there was anyone around. Then he turned back and whispered, "Master Zhongtang, I think we must seize the absolute initiative! I think that if we can protect this little emperor, then we should protect him. If we can't, we should get rid of him as soon as possible. We support you to ascend the throne. No matter what, you are also a member of the Aisin-Gioro clan, a descendant of Emperor Taizu. There is nothing wrong with you occupying the throne. Moreover, Zeng, Zuo, Li and others in the south were all promoted by you. Whether in the court or in the local areas, we have all the advantages and can definitely establish our own power!"

Sushun was shocked. He slowly looked at Jiao Youying and said in a deep voice, "Jiao Youying, do you know that this is treason? It's a serious crime of treason!"

Jiao Youying sneered, "Master Zhongtang, history books are written by the victors. You must understand that since ancient times, victors have been kings and losers have been bandits. This is an iron rule. Wasn't the Xuanwu Gate Incident of Emperor Taizong of Tang a treason? But so what? Wasn't he still an emperor of all times? If the princes and the two palaces join forces, we will be truly attacked from all sides. If we are not careful, we will die without a burial place!"