Time Travel to 1859: The Iron-Blooded Soldier King

Cixi and Ci'an looked at Prince Gong and Liu Ye arguing with each other, their faces flushed, and were a little at a loss, looking at each other.

After all, both of them had just taken charge of government affairs and were still unfamiliar with political affairs, especially those involving Westernization. Even if Cixi was smart and capable, it would take some time for her to mature. Now they were faced with the dispute between the two people, but they were helpless. The two people insisted on their own opinions and refused to give in to each other. What should they do?

Cixi rubbed her temples and said, "Okay, you two, stop arguing. There are only four of us here. Prince Gong, do you think we can discuss this in the Grand Council?"

Prince Gong was startled and said quickly, "Empress Dowager, I think it's inappropriate. Liu Ye's proposal is certainly inappropriate, but it is a matter of national importance after all. Once it is brought to the military affairs or to the court, the nature of the matter will change completely. I'm afraid those stubborn leaders will drown Liu Ye with their spit..."

Liu Ye felt a little touched. No matter what, there was no doubt that Prince Gong was protecting him.

Liu Ye said in a deep voice: "Empress Dowager, I think it is not appropriate to do so, but I still insist on my suggestion. It's just an arsenal. Even if the Americans are allowed to run it, what's the problem? Just now, the prince said that he was afraid of being used by the Americans? How can they use it? Even if the Americans sent a lot of people, there were only a few hundred people. This is already the limit. A few hundred people. The British and French forces invaded, but they mobilized tens of thousands of people and succeeded after many difficulties. Hundreds of Americans, even if each of them mastered a foreign gun, would definitely not be able to achieve anything. We can destroy them at any time! With me in charge of Shandong, I am still confident of this. The most important thing for us now is to cultivate a large number of talents. This is the top priority. If we don't want to be suppressed by the West, we must learn what they are good at and give them what they are good at! This is the only way for us to resist aggression and strengthen ourselves!"

Prince Gong said angrily, "You sound good, but what about the criticism from the court? Who can withstand the overwhelming criticism?"

Liu Ye replied, "Your Highness, Lin Wenzhong once said, 'If it is beneficial to the country, we should live and die for it, and not avoid it because of misfortune or fortune!' We cannot let criticism and attacks stop us from doing what we should do. People must always have responsibilities, not only for the country, but also for the 300 million people under our rule. We have a responsibility to protect them from foreign enemies! As long as it is beneficial to the country, even if it means slander, Liu Ye will definitely not retreat!"

Prince Gong was immediately stifled by Liu Ye's harsh words. What else could he say? This guy was a stickler for punishment. Once he set his mind to something, he would do it with all his might! He even threw out such words, "For the benefit of the country, life and death are at stake." What else could he do? As for the Americans' tricks, even Prince Gong himself believed that no matter how hard they tried, they couldn't escape Liu Ye's control. This kid was very shrewd!

Ci'an, standing by, nodded approvingly, "Alright, Sixth Master, I think we can't let Liu Ye's sincerity get the better of him. For the sake of the country, he's willing to bear the infamy and slander. If the officials in the court had his virtue and integrity, why would we worry about the country's revival?"

Cixi, who was standing by, looked at Ci'an in surprise. She had never expected that this usually silent lady of the East Palace could actually say such words.

Prince Gong said in a hoarse voice, "Empress Dowager, I admire his actions, but the criticism within the court is so overwhelming that once it gets out of hand, it will be very difficult to control. If we are not careful, we will end up in disgrace..."

Liu Ye said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, this is why I want to go to Shandong, to the provinces. Once I'm in the provinces, I'll be the governor and have the final say over the entire province. Far away from the capital, even if they continue to criticize me, as long as the two Empress Dowagers and you don't speak, they won't be able to do anything to me. Give me three years, and by then the entire Shandong province will have changed. The province will be prosperous and the people will be well off. How can they find another excuse to criticize me? Facts speak louder than words!"

Cixi asked, "Liu Ye, this is no joke. Are you really sure?"

Liu Ye smiled and said, "Don't worry, Queen Mother. I am absolutely sure. As long as you have three years of patience, I will have the right to act according to my discretion!"

Cixi and Ci'an looked at each other and said, "Sixth Master, look..."

The two palaces were already quite tempted by this idea. After all, Liu Ye's ability was obvious. If he could really make Shandong surpass Jiangsu and Zhejiang, the national strength of the Qing Dynasty would undoubtedly be elevated to a higher level!

Prince Gong said angrily, "Liu Ye, since you insist on doing this, then tell me how you need me and the Queen Mother to support you. I'm afraid it's more than just the right to act at your convenience, right?"

Liu Ye replied: "I want a new governor, a new provincial judge, and a new governor! Uh, forget it. For the sake of convenience, I am willing to serve as the governor of Shandong..."

I rub!

Prince Gong almost fainted. Two second-rank civil officials and a first-rank military officer, this guy really is asking for too much!

Liu Ye continued, "I have recommended myself for the position of Governor of Shandong. After I arrive in Shandong, I can also begin to train another elite force. After all, the elite troops of Baoding Town alone are still too few for the entire Qing Dynasty. We simply cannot resist the invasion of foreigners. Only by training another powerful army can we do so. As for the position of Governor, I recommend my good friend Guo Songtao, the Imperial Academy Editor. Guo Songtao is a man of great talent and wisdom, but he has been hiding in the Imperial Academy, unable to display his talents. I believe that if he is in charge of the provincial government, he will definitely become my most capable assistant."

"Guo Songtao?"

Prince Gong was stunned and asked, "Is that the Hanlin editor who was beaten by Lao Ba and his men?"

Liu Ye nodded and replied, "That's right. Guo Songtao has been in my house these past few days, discussing state affairs with me. He's quite insightful. Moreover, this time, they were beaten innocently. We can't punish those princes severely. No matter how much we take, we should at least give them some compensation..."

Prince Gong nodded. This was indeed the case. He couldn't let him get beaten in vain. He should be promoted, but his mouth should also be shut.

Liu Ye continued, "And this Censor..."

Prince Gong angrily shouted, "Dream on! Giving you a governor and a provincial governor is already good enough, and you still want a provincial judge? Do you want to turn Shandong into an iron barrel that is impervious to wind and water? I'm afraid that your iron barrel will be torn apart by the censors before you even finish building it!"

Liu Ye's face darkened. Damn, I forgot about this. The imperial court is best at maintaining balance and checking each other. If you give all the key positions to me, I'm afraid the imperial court will have trouble sleeping!