Time Travel to 1859: The Iron-Blooded Soldier King

Cixi whispered, "Sixth Master, what do you think we should do about this matter?"

Prince Gong said helplessly, "Empress Dowager, we can't rush this matter. First, Li Taiguo said in his proposal that a British person must be appointed as the fleet commander. This is not acceptable. How can we let someone else take over the country's most powerful weapon? Especially a foreigner? Second, they only allow retired British soldiers to operate the ships. If there is a conflict between the two sides, these people will operate the fleet and leave. Then our efforts will be in vain. Who can we cry to? Third, it costs five million taels of silver to purchase a fleet. Who knows if there is any trickery? It also requires one and a half million taels of funding a year, which is also a considerable amount. But a fleet is only staffed with six or seven hundred people. Can we really afford to spend that much?"

Cixi and Ci'an looked at each other. How could they understand something that even Prince Gong couldn't figure out?

Cixi asked, "Sixth Master, what should we do next? The Taiping banditry in the south is causing great trouble. Zeng Guofan has been using the military repeatedly before seeing results. The south is the most prosperous area of ​​the imperial court. If there is no peace, we will not be able to collect taxes, and the national treasury will be in great trouble..."

Prince Gong said in a hoarse voice, "That's exactly why this matter cannot be delayed any longer. But, who can the court rely on now?"

Gui Liang, who was standing by, said, "Prince Gong, do you think we can summon the Inspector General of Taxation, Robert Hart, to come and ask him?"

Prince Gong said angrily, "Hard? Hart, isn't he also British? Would he side with us instead of the British?"

Gui Liang's face was embarrassed. This was true. These foreigners were most accustomed to colluding with each other. No one could guarantee that Hed would interfere and make things worse in the end.

Ci'an frowned and said, "Sixth Master, is there no other way? Can we only seek advice from Zeng Guofan or Li Hongzhang and others?"

Prince Gong smiled bitterly and said, "Empress Dowager, this matter is difficult to say. Let's not talk about Zeng Guofan and his men far away in Jiangsu and Zhejiang. A round trip would take half a month. Even if we consult them, they might not understand. We still need someone more proficient in this Western weaponry. After all, millions, or even tens of millions, of taels of silver are involved. We can't take it lightly. You know, the court's annual tax revenue is only 30 to 40 million taels of silver. Moreover, a matter like this requires several rounds of negotiations. Zeng, Zuo, Li and his men are 2,000 miles away. How can they make it in time in such an emergency?"

But, there must be a way after all. What should I do?

Prince Gong gritted his teeth and said, "Empress Dowager, we can only put it aside for a few days. First, gain Zeng Guofan's trust and ask for their opinions. In a few days, I will go to Liu Ye in person. Only Liu Ye knows this matter best. After all, he is proficient in foreign languages ​​and can understand foreigners' writing directly. Most importantly, he is proficient in Western weapons. Wasn't it very cost-effective to buy American weapons last time? If we hadn't bought them too late and hadn't had time to train the army, we might not have lost in the war with Britain and France!"

At this time, Cixi also remembered that Liu Ye was the most suitable candidate. This guy was not only proficient in foreign affairs, but most importantly, he knew how to bargain with foreigners and could lower their prices to the lowest!

But now, Liu Ye has resigned from his post and even threw away his official hat, which is still lying on the ground. What should we do? Invite Liu Ye back?

Cixi smiled bitterly and said, "Never mind. Liu Ye can't be blamed for this. He's just full of anger and has nowhere to vent, so it's normal for him to act out. Sixth Master, I'll have to trouble you with this matter. After all, you've been very kind to him, and you're the only one who can persuade him!"

Yi Xin was very reluctant, but there was nothing he could do now. It was his brothers who caused the trouble. If he didn't clean up their messes, how could he expect others to do it for him?

Yi Xin said helplessly: "Queen Dowager, Liu Ye is very stubborn. If the Monk King were here, we could persuade him together and have a chance. But now I am the only one trying to persuade him, and I am not sure..."

But, regardless of whether or not he was sure, he had to give it a try. Trading millions of taels of silver was no joke. The Qing treasury couldn't even take out hundreds of thousands of taels of silver. The original 1 million taels of silver had all been robbed by foreigners! Even if he wanted to show off, he had no money.

Yi Xin came out of the palace, called Wen Xiang, and walked towards Liu's mansion.

When he arrived at the door, the family guards were still busy cleaning up. The whole courtyard was smashed to pieces by the group of princes. Seeing this scene, Yi Xin was filled with anger. These useless brothers, if one of them had half the ability of Liu Ye, why would he have to go to their door and ask for help?

Now that things have come to a head, I have no choice but to show up.

"Wang Haonan!"

Yi Xin saw Wang Haonan working hard from afar and shouted.

Wang Haonan looked up and saw that it was Prince Gong. He hurried over and said with a forced smile, "Oh, Your Highness is here. I pay my respects to you. Your Highness, are you not satisfied with the smashing of the other princes? Are you going to smash it again?"

"Get the hell out of here!"

Prince Gong had never expected to be teased by a small-time captain today, and he was so angry that he cursed loudly. Fortunately, he also knew that this guy was Liu Ye's close friend and confidant, and regarded him as a brother, so he didn't take it too seriously. "Where is your master? I want to see him! Go and inform me!"

Wang Haonan's face turned bitter, and he said bitterly, "Your Majesty, please don't make things difficult for me. When our master came back, he was furious, and all the brothers were whipped by him. He has already said that he won't see anyone these days. Even if the sky falls, don't look for him..."

"What? You don't even want to see the king? And you're rebelling against him!"

Wang Haonan laughed quickly and said, "My Lord, this matter has really pissed you off. He's already drunk a whole jar of wine since he came back. Even if you go in, you'll just see a drunkard and there's nothing you can do..."

Prince Gong was stunned. Could it be that Liu Ye was hit so hard?

Wang Haonan chuckled wickedly and said, "You don't know, our master came back today, but he was scolded and severely punished by that Miss E'er. That was his sweetheart, and she was almost forced to be a concubine. No one can stand it..."

amount……

Prince Gong's forehead was full of black lines. Damn, there is actually jealousy involved!