On the top of Snake Mountain, under the Yellow Crane Tower, a quiet path.

On the path full of fallen leaves, Zuo Zongtang and the other two walked around, but no one spoke. For Zuo Zongtang, the northwest was an opportunity to rise to the top and an extremely difficult choice. He understood very well what Yi Zhizu said about military and civil positions represents? It was precisely because of his understanding that he hesitated.

The three of them came to a pavilion like a gourd. Zeng Guofan took out his pocket watch and looked at it, and said, "It's almost two quarters of an hour, let's sit down."

Walking into the pavilion, the three of them sat down casually. Zuo Zongtang lifted his robe and raised his legs and said, "I heard that Yiguocheng has a long-term vision and has experienced people. When I saw it today, it was indeed extraordinary. His view of the current situation is so high-level..."

Jiang Zhongyuan glanced at him and said, "Don't go around in circles."

"I didn't go around in circles." Zuo Zongtang said subconsciously and glanced around, then said slowly: "Yiguocheng gives people the feeling of being condescending and controlling the overall situation, and his attitude towards Yuan Qi is well known..." As he said that, he sighed, "I'm afraid I can't take it back if I take this step."

"How many people want to take this step, but they don't have a chance." Jiang Zhongyuan sneered: "There is no need to hide it. Ji Gao was worried that Yiguocheng would be unjust, and he was worried that he would get on the pirate ship!"

"What are the insights of Min Qiao?"

"Yuan Qi is the world's wealth, the navy has unparalleled combat power, is not small in scale, and has the ability to expand its army quickly." Jiang Zhongyuan glanced at the two of them and said in a deep voice: "Now Changmao is in chaos and stirring the world. For Yiguocheng, the situation is extremely beneficial. If he is unjust, he will lead his troops to Chu? Even if he is to protect the two rivers from being disturbed by Changmao, then is it necessary to rush to rescue the monk king at night?"

Zuo Zongtang said in a voice: "Now the officialdom says that Yiguocheng is the perfect king of Nanyang, and Nanyang officials are all Yixuan officials."

After hearing this, Jiang Zhongyuan shook his head distractedly, "There is indeed such a rumor, but let's think about it the other way around. If Yiguocheng wants to separatist Nanyang, it should be easy. With the current relationship between the court and Yuan Qi, Yiguocheng only needs to shelve the Nanyang to form a de facto separatist. The court has no time to inquire, nor dares to inquire!"

After a pause, he continued: "The northwest is not Nanyang, and Ji Gao is not a Yuanqi person. Why should we look forward to the front and back? If Ji Gao can enter the northwest to take charge of a brigade of recruits, the court will definitely be highly valued."

Zeng Guofan echoed slightly: "It is indeed a bit far-fetched to say that Yiguocheng has a disobedient heart. If he really had this heart, he would not assist the court in forming the Eight Banners New Army and provide guns and ammunition for it, nor would he divide his troops into the northwest, nor would he be willing to be an outsider in Ji Gao to go to the northwest to take charge."

After pondering for a moment, Zuo Zongtang said: "Even if Yiguocheng does not have the intention of being a despicable person at present, it cannot be guaranteed that there will be no future. The strength of the Nanyang Navy will grow year by year, and Luzon Java will gradually form de facto division. Yuanqi's wealth will be even bigger and bigger like a snowball. Moreover, Yuanqi is still determined to vigorously develop military industry...

The relationship between the court and Yuan Qi is also worrying. One is the young emperor and the other is the dominant southeast, with unparalleled financial resources and awesome in the world. It is probably difficult to reconcile."

"Why should Ji Gao consider this long-term?" Zeng Guofan said slowly: "If you don't go with me at the right time, just retreat and keep yourself alone. When Ji Gao enters the northwest, he will definitely be able to get along with others and move forward and retreat freely, without looking forward and backward."

These words made Zuo Zongtang feel moved. If he could get along well, he could move forward and retreat freely. He immediately smiled and said, "Can you go?"

"Go." Zeng Guofan and Jiang Zhongyuan said in unison.

Zuo Zongtang smiled and said, "Since that's the case, it's hard to do it."

Reluctantly? Jiang Zhongyuan shook his head speechlessly, murmured inwardly, and then said, "Military position? Civil position?"

"Since you want to take charge, it is naturally a military position." Zuo Zongtang said and looked at Zeng Guofan, "Do you agree?"

Zeng Guofan didn't know what he was thinking, and immediately smiled and said, "Ji Gao will rest assured. In the court, Min Qiao and I will definitely make suggestions."

When the three of them returned to Huanghe Tower, Zuo Zongtang walked straight to Yi Zhizu's heel, bowed and said, "Zuo Zongtang of Xiangyin, I have met the big shopkeeper."

This is a tribute as a subordinate. Yi Zhizu was happy and stretched out his hand to lift it. "Ji Gao doesn't need to be too polite." As he said that, he reached out to greet the three of them in the table and smiled and said, "The banquet was over."

Everyone sat down with a lecture, Yi Qunzu said with a smile: "Hunan and Hubei have many talents. Now there are very few officials in Java in Southeast Asia, the Nanyang Zongli Yamen, and the Navy Admiral Office are also eager to seek talents. If you have young heroes, I hope you will recommend them."

Jiang Zhongyuan glanced at him and smiled and said, "The Marquis is still dissatisfied with Ji Gao, and he wants to catch all the heroes and talents in Huguang in one place."

Zeng Guofan tentatively said: "I heard that many candidates wanted to go to Nanyang, but they were hard to see the Marquis' eyes."

"Assistant officials, I really dare not use them randomly." Yi Zhizu said in a relaxed tone: "Those are all masters who are three feet tall in the sky. They are newly attached to Nanyang, but they can't withstand their troubles. This marquis hopes to select a group of young, promising, honest and upright officials for Nanyang. The Nanyang Archipelago is not only a sea barrier for the Qing Dynasty, but also a gateway for the Qing Dynasty to the West. It may also become a major financial place for the Qing Dynasty in the future. Since it has been included in the territory of the Qing Dynasty, it will not be allowed to be divided. This marquis does not want to be free from being devastated by those alternate officials."

Hearing him say this, Zeng Guofan smiled and said, "The Marquis is really far-sighted and has good intentions."

Yi Zhizu looked at him seriously and said, "Brother Disheng is interested in governor Nanyang?"

The Governor of Nanyang? Zeng Guofan's heart was shocked. This was simply a hot potato. He waved his hand and said, "The Marquis is spared. He is not good at water. He is scared when he sees the sea. As the Governor of Nanyang, the Marquis is still looking for someone else."

Seeing that he was not interested, Yi Zhizu did not force him, he smiled and gave up. As he spoke, the wine and food were delivered continuously like a flowing water. Yi Zhizu stopped talking and personally held a pot to pour a glass of wine for Bao Shichen. He then specially changed a plate of Wuchang fish to him. Then he filled the wine for Zeng Guofan and the other two. Then he raised his glass and said, "This is the first glass of wine, we wish Brother Ji Gao to go to the northwest to show his grand ambition."

Jingzhou Prefecture.

Yang Xiuqing stood in front of the large Huguang map and pondered silently. He captured Jingzhou. The Taiping Army seemed to be at a crossroads and did not know where to go. Now Senggelinqin, Xiang Rong and Chun joined forces to defend Xiangyang, which was equivalent to blocking the Taiping Army's way northward. The easy-to-be navy stationed in Wuchang. The fleet cruised the Yangtze River and blocked the way eastward. For the Taiping Army, there were only two roads left to go south to Hunan and westward to Sichuan.

"Report to Your Highness, Your Highness, Your Highness, Your Highness, and Your Highness, are here to visit."

Yang Xiuqing slowly turned around and said, "Please come in."

Feng Yunshan and Shi Dakai walked in slowly. Seeing Yang Xiuqing standing in front of the large map with his back to them, he couldn't help but look at each other. After bowing to him, Feng Yunshan said, "Has the Eastern King made a decision?"

Yang Xiuqing turned around and looked at Feng Yunshan and said, "Is the Heavenly King determined?"

Feng Yunshan said slowly: "Now Hunan has empty troops. Return to Hunan, conquer Changsha, and build a small paradise."

Yang Xiuqing glanced at him and turned to Shi Dakai, "What does the Wing King think?"

"If you want to occupy and consolidate Hunan, you cannot give up Jingzhou." Shi Dakai said slowly: "In addition, it is best to send a side army into Sichuan."

"Jingzhou has been a place that military strategists must fight for since ancient times. If it occupied Jingzhou, it will face endless attacks from the Qing demons." Feng Yunshan said: "Apart from that, Yuan Qi will not allow us to occupy Hubei."

"Jingzhou cannot give up." Yang Xiuqing said in a deep voice: "The Qing demon will not be destroyed, and we and the Qing demon will continue to conquer endlessly. Whether to give up Jingzhou is the same. As for Yuan Qi, it is unnecessary to pay attention to it. Yuan Qi cares about Liangjiang, for fear that we will occupy Hubei and threaten Liangjiang. Yuan Qi will not care about Jingzhou."

Speaking of this, he paused and said, "A partial teacher enters Sichuan? Take the water route?"

"Yes, go up against the current, take Yichang, and enter Sichuan from the water route!" Shi Dakai nodded and said, "If we can occupy Sichuan, we can be invincible, at least, there will be more retreat."

Feng Yunshan said slowly: "It's not easy to enter the river by water."

"I agree with the faction of the branch troops entering Sichuan and exploring the way." Yang Xiuqing said: "Sichuan is a country of Tianfu, and it is vast enough, and it is easy to defend but difficult to attack."

Hong Xiuquan did not agree with entering Sichuan, and Feng Yunshan did not agree with it. Both of them were scholars and were very clear about the history of Sichuan. Although Sichuan was known as the country of Tianfu, and its terrain was dangerous and easy to defend and difficult to attack, the regimes established in Sichuan have always been short-lived. Seeing Yang Xiuqing and Shi Dakai both agreed with entering Sichuan. Feng Yunshan pondered for a while before saying: "Since ancient times, there have been no more than two generations of people established in Sichuan. Sichuan is easy to defend and difficult to attack, but it is also easy to enter and difficult to exit. It is better not to enter Sichuan unless it is absolutely necessary."

"The partial teacher enters Sichuan, and it will not hinder the overall situation." Yang Xiuqing pondered for a moment before saying, "What is the intention of the King of Heaven?"

"The king of heaven means to occupy Hunan for the time being, to accumulate energy, and then move north or eastward." Feng Yunshan said slowly: "The current military expansion is too fast, and it must be rectified and trained. The new army of the 20,000 Banners will inevitably come to attack Jingzhou. Even if we want to defend, we cannot defend it. There is no need for us to defend one city and one land to repeat the mistakes of Yong'an and Changsha."

"The King of Heaven is wise." Shi Dakai said slowly: "The New Eight Banners Army Muskets are powerful. We really don't need to defend one city and one land. However, Jingzhou is in the river, our water camp can completely control the surface of Jingzhou and can evacuate at any time. There is no need to rush to give up Jingzhou." As he said that, he looked at Yang Xiuqing, "Soldiers are more important. The main force will return to Hunan first and attack Changsha, leaving 20,000 troops to station in Jingzhou."

After pondering for a moment, Yang Xiuqing said: "There is less than 20,000 troops. There is no need to defend Jingzhou to the death. If the Qing Yao crosses the river and captures Jingzhou again, it will be cut off its retreat. Let's close the door and fight the dog. If the Qing Yao is just a river, it will be confronted across the river. It is also good to be able to restrain the main force of the Qing Yao in Jingzhou."

After a pause, he continued: "Before the Qing Yao arrives, it is best to clean up the nearby prefectures and counties. First, to strengthen their strength, second, to practice actual combat, and third, to be strong... The walls and clear the world, and you will get three goals at one time. I will leave you 10,000 elite troops."

Capital, Forbidden City, Military Machinery Payment Room.

Seeing Senggelinqin's memorial, Mu Zhanga had a gloomy face and said nothing for a long time. In just a few days of recovering Wuchang, the situation in Hubei was so decayed! More than half of the 10,000 New Army of Eight Banners were lost, and the elite of the Taiping Army reached 200,000, and most of Hubei was looted by the Taiping Army. What's even hateful is that even Jingzhou was lost!

After drinking a sip of tea, he specially tied two soft cotton pads on his legs, then got up and entered the palace, entered the western warm pavilion of the Ganqing Palace. After paying a greeting, he presented the note to Xianfeng, and then lowered his head and quietly waited for the arrival of the storm.

"Pa" Xianfeng threw the clone on the table. Mu Zhang'a was shocked and hurriedly leaned down. Xianfeng did not immediately attack, but looked out the window blankly. The situation in Hubei was so decayed and the Taiping Army's troops expanded so quickly, which was really beyond his expectations. What made him even more heartbreaking was that the eight banners suffered more than 10,000 casualties in the two battles of Jingshan and Jingzhou.

After a long time, Xianfeng asked in a plain tone: "Can the bandits still be wiped out?"

Mu Zhang was so lazy that he kowtowed heavily and said, "Emperor, in the battle of Jingshan, although the Eight Banners New Army suffered more than half of the loss, it also annihilated 30,000 Fiber Bandits. This is a great victory. It shows how powerful the new army's combat power is. When the 20,000 new army arrives in Hubei, it must be able to gradually eliminate the Fiber Bandits."

After pondering for a moment, Xianfeng said: "Jingshan was surrounded, Jingzhou was lost, Senggelinqin asked for dismissal and investigated. What do you think?"

Mu Zhanga had long considered this and immediately said slowly: "Emperor, Jingshan is surrounded, and the monk king cannot refuse to blame. However, he can move the camp in time, stand firm and wait for assistance, and severely damage the bandits. He is a must-have. As for the loss of Jingzhou, the crime is not on the monk king. The slaves secretly think that it is absolutely impossible to dismiss the position. It is a taboo for military strategists to change commanders in front of the formation."

Xianfeng glanced at him and said, "Where is Yi Quest?"

In the memorial, Senggelinqin described the achievements of the naval fleet and the Marine Corps in detail, and bluntly asked the court to reward Yi Zhizun and the meritorious officers and soldiers of the Marine Corps.

Mu Zhang'a was not sure about how to reward Yixie, and the Navy assisted in regaining Wuchang. Xianfeng did not mention that he had no words. Although he had made great achievements in regaining Senggelinqin, he did not fire a single shot. In terms of his achievements, he was not as good as helping to recover Wuchang. Moreover, the title and official positions of Yixie were already very high. How to reward him?

He was unsure of it, but the emperor had to answer the question. Mu Zhang'a didn't dare to hesitate and hurriedly said: "Yi Zhizu led the navy into Chu, which has indeed made achievements. However, the situation in Hubei is so deteriorating, so it is not appropriate to give it a large reward..."

If you don’t reward merits, it is difficult to inspire the morale and boost morale. How could Xianfeng not understand this truth? He also knew that the situation in Hubei was so decaying that it had no direct relationship with the easy-to-be-content navy. Whether it was assisting in the recovery of Wuchang or rushing to rescue the Senggelinqin tribe at night to avoid the annihilation of the new Eight Banners Army, the easy-to-be-content navy had a great achievement, but he was also embarrassed if he rewarded it heavily.

After thinking about it, he picked up Senggelinqin's note and looked carefully, then said in a whisper: "Does the supply of ammunition for the Eight Banners New Army depend on Yuanqi?"
Chapter completed!