After Yi Zeng's coffin arrived, white banners were raised in the Navy camp, and all the officers and soldiers were all white. The entire camp was immersed in sorrow. Many officials, gentry and merchants from Tianjin and surrounding prefectures rushed to pay their respects, and the condolences from all over the country were even more like snowflakes.

In Xingang, a steam gunboat slowly approached the dock. On the deck of the bow, an officer in his early thirties with a mustache and a very strong figure, staring at the naval camp full of white banners with melancholy. This person was Ronglu, who had been newly appointed as the admiral of the Beiyang Navy.

The Beiyang Navy Admiral was highly powerful and attracted much attention from all parties. He was far from being the general of the left wing of the Shenji Camp. Ronglu never dreamed that such good things would fall on him. However, looking at the Navy Camp that was close to him, he was a little hesitant. At this time, he was obviously not suitable to enter the camp.

Yi Zeng was shot and killed by his former boss, Prince Chun Yi, and Yi was only demoted. It is estimated that everyone in the navy was full of anger. He was still light when he entered the camp at this time and was not favorable. It may cause a mutiny, but this matter is a bit undesirable and cannot be delayed. He must enter the camp as soon as possible to stabilize the morale of the army. In this situation, if someone instigates it, it is extremely easy to cause chaos!

Just when he was in a dilemma, an officer quickly stepped onto the boat and walked up to him with a smile on his face, "But the Gate of the Gate of the Gate of the Gate of the Gate of the Gate of the Gate of the Gate of the Gate of the Gate of the Gate of the Gate of the Gate of the Gate of the Gate of the Gate of the Gate of the Gate of the Gate of the Gate of the Gate of the Gate of the Gate of the

Ronglu glanced at the other party's shoulder with a golden star on the yellow eaves. The Beiyang Navy, the Nanyang Navy, the Yuanqi New Army and the Eight Banners New Army were the same. The difference was the eaves. The Beiyang Navy and the Eight Banners New Army had no eaves.

He knew that the color and how many stars on the epaulette represent the height of the military rank. A Venus star is a major general. This is already a senior officer in Yuanqi's army. It is obvious that the other party's identity is not questioned. After all, there seems to be only one senior officer in Yuanqi who appeared in Tianjin at this time.

"I'm in the morning of Ronglu." He smiled and stretched out his hand, "Chief Staff Guo?"

Guo Zhongmu smiled and shook hands with the others, saying, "It seems that the Rongjun Gate has done a lot of homework along the way..." After a smile, he said, "I wonder if Rongjun Gate is interested in visiting my flagship?"

"Of course, honor is of honor." Rong Lu smiled. He naturally knew the relationship between the Beiyang Navy and the East China Sea Fleet and Yuan Qi. Moreover, he was worried about how to enter the Navy camp and how could he shirk responsibility.

After boarding the small official cabin of the "Qingdao" and sitting down, Guo Zhongmu asked directly: "Does the Gate of the Reign of Army of the Army know the reason for his promotion to the Admiral of the Beiyang Navy?"

Ronglu was stunned when he heard this. He really didn't know the whole story. This happened too suddenly. After receiving the imperial edict, he rushed to Tianjin immediately. He still had an unreal feeling. However, he knew that the court and Yuan Qi recommended Chang Bao and Zai Zhao to take over the Beiyang Navy. He was quick-minded and immediately tentatively said: "Is it because of Yuan Qi?"

"Yes, the court asked King Zhennan to recommend the candidate for the Beiyang Navy Admiral." Guo Zhongmu looked at him and said, "The King Zhennan has recommended you."

Yi Zhizu recommended him? Ronglu was a little suspicious that he had heard it wrong. He had nothing to do with Yi Zhizu and Yuan Qi, and he was also the left-wing general of Shenji Camp, so how could Yi Zhizu recommend him?

Seeing his unbelievable expression, Guo Zhongmu smiled and said, "This matter is not a secret. There should be many ministers from the Military Affairs Office and Zhang Jing know about it."

Once you check this kind of thing, you will know that the other party cannot lie to him! Rong Lu pondered for a while and said, "I just don't understand..."

"All those who can enter the eyes of King Zhennan are heroes of the times." Guo Zhongmou said slowly: "The most important thing for the Army of the Resident Army to take over the Beiyang Navy is to stabilize the morale of the army, and then strictly maintain neutrality and not get involved in the disputes between the court!"

What Yuan Qi needed was that the Beiyang Navy was strictly neutral, but Empress Dowager Ci'an hoped to control the Beiyang Navy through him. He had long expected that the Beiyang Navy admiral was not easy to be, but he did not expect that before he officially took over, both sides began to force him to express his opinion.

Seeing him pondering, Guo Zhongmu continued: "The Gate of Revenge should be clear. If the Beiyang Navy cannot strictly adhere to neutrality, what consequences will it cause? I can tell you clearly that Yuan Qi will never allow the Beiyang Navy to become a tool for the royalists to oppose constitutionalism. Once the Beiyang Navy cannot strictly adhere to neutrality, it will trigger a war!

Whether it is for the future of the Rongjun Sect, the officers and soldiers of the Beiyang Navy, the court, and the foundation of the Qing Dynasty, the Beiyang Navy must strictly adhere to neutrality!"

After a while of silence, Ronglu spoke, "My family is in the capital!"

"There is no need to worry about the Invincible Army." Guo Zhongmu glanced at him and said, "The Beiyang Navy strictly adhered to neutrality, and the court would definitely not make things difficult for your family, nor would it dare!"

"Okay!" Ronglu said simply: "I promise that the Beiyang Navy is strictly neutral!"

Guo Zhongmu nodded, stood up and opened the cabin door and ordered, "Please come here with Mr. Zhao and General E." Turning around, he said, "If the Rong Army Gate wants to control the Beiyang Navy, I will ask Que Zaizhao and Chang Bao to reinstate E Antai."

Rong Lu smiled and said in a relaxed tone: "I, the Beiyang Navy Admiral, will I be a puppet?"

"Don't be too careful in the army of Geng. I'm just helping you integrate into the Beiyang Navy as soon as possible." Guo Zhongmou smiled and said, "With E Antai's assistance, you can control the Beiyang Navy as soon as possible."

"I know E Antai." Ronglu said as he bowed slightly and said, "Please convey my gratitude to the King of Zhennan!"

The capital, the Forbidden City, the Hall of Peace and the East Warm Pavilion.

"I respectfully ask the Empress Dowager Sheng'an." After Bao greeted him, he walked to the pearl curtain as usual and knelt down, but he was thinking about the reason why Ci'an summoned him alone.

Ci'an pondered for a while before saying, "Stand flat, give him a seat."

The situation in Tianjin has finally calmed down so far, but she didn't feel any relaxation in her heart, but she felt a sense of urgency. She knew very well that it was not ordinary to completely control the Beiyang Navy under this situation. Yuan Qi would never allow it. In fact, Yuan Qi's purpose is very obvious. Not only to prevent her from consolidating military power, but also to gradually divide the military power in her hands! Gong Wang Yi and Senggelinqin's separation of 20,000 Eight Banners New Army was just the beginning!

The most urgent thing at present is not only to consolidate the military power in her hands, but also to quickly improve the combat power of the Eight Banners New Army controlled by her. Simply put, it is to replace weapons and equipment for them. Although Yi controlled a few troops, only 20,000, he was supported by Yuan Qi, and was equipped with the latest rifles! It is enough to restrain the Eight Banners New Army in the capital and poses a great threat to the capital! This is something she cannot tolerate!

After a while, she spoke: "When will the batch of arms purchased from England be arrived?"

"Go back to the Queen Mother." Bao quickly replied: "British Minister Waltson made it clear that it will be at least until the end of the year or the beginning of next year."

From England to Tianjin, it was a distance of tens of thousands of miles. Ci'an sighed inwardly. At present, he had to try his best to stabilize the situation. Fortunately, Yuan Qi's focus was on conquering Japan and was also trying his best to maintain the stability of the North Korean situation. This was not a difficult task. After a pause, she continued to ask: "Does Tianjin want to retain a unit of troops?"

"Tianjin is the gateway of the capital, an industrial center and a military center, so there is no need to be missed." Bao said in a deep voice: "I personally think that the firearm battalion can be stationed in Tianjin for a long time and expand its troops on the spot in Tianjin by 5,000 to 10,000."

Expanding the army? Ci'an didn't want to. Yi was divided into 20,000 troops, and she also wanted to make up for it, but expanding the army required silver! Expanding the army 10,000 means spending millions of taels of silver. She hasn't even collected all the money to buy arms from England, so how dare she think about expanding the army!

Bao naturally knew what she was worried about and whispered: "Can the 20,000 new troops controlled by King Gong be disbanded?"

Dismissal? Ci'an felt a little moved, and this trick was not lost! She had thought that she had forcibly deprived Yi of the military power, but Yuan Qi was not worried. What she was worried about was that even if the 20,000 troops were taken back, they would be a disinterested person, and it might be a big hidden danger when the situation was met.

She also considered cutting off the supply of food and salary for Yi's 20,000 troops, but she felt it was inappropriate. After all, she was a military commander of the court. Not only did she easily suffer criticism, but she also easily led to unstable morale among the military and the people. The new Eight Banners Army was basically the Eight Banners children, and their families were basically in the capital and capital.

But thinking about having the court pay for the 20,000 troops, she felt angry. Bao's idea was really worth a try. After pondering for a while, she said: "Don't Yuanqi have a military service system, called demobilization..."

After hearing this, Bao hesitated for a while and said: "Return to the Empress Dowager, Yuan Qi's military service system, the demobilization of officers and soldiers is paid for demobilization, and the officers are doing their best to arrange their errands..."

"We don't have the demobilization fee, but we can arrange errands!" Ci'an said slowly: "The Military Affairs Office will discuss this matter and submit a memorandum as soon as possible."

"I obey the order." Bao hurriedly said.

"And," Ci'an said slowly: "You have formally taken charge of the responsibilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the decree will be issued afterwards."

Is this to deprive Yi of his authority? Bao was secretly happy and bowed to him and said, "I thank you for your kindness!"

Shanghai, Zhennan Wangfu, Changle Bookstore.

Yi Zhizu forwarded the telegram to Zhao Liewen and lit a cigarette casually. Ci'an would actually think of a way to deprive Yi of his military power by severance. This was a bit beyond his expectations, but thinking about it, this was reasonable. Ci'an ordered a huge amount of arms from England. The funds were already tight, so how could he pay for the 20,000 troops against her!

After putting down the telegram, Zhao Liewen chuckled and said, "The King Gong has a headache now, and I guess he will come to Shanghai soon."

"This is not a matter of money." Yi Zhizu said slowly: "The court has been accelerating its organization and dismissing its army. If King Gong continues to maintain it, it is to maintain a private army!"

After hearing this, Zhao Liewen was slightly stunned and said, "What the big shopkeeper means, let the ten thousand troops be disbanded?"

"There is no good way!" Yi Zhizu said softly: "This is an open conspiracy! The reason must be high-sounding. The Qing Dynasty now has no external troubles or internal troubles. Disarmament can reduce the financial burden of the court. Who can say what?"

"I've been busy for a long time, and I've been working in vain?" Zhao Liewen said: "King Gong will definitely not be willing!"

Yi Zhizu smoked and refused to answer these words. Wang Yi, who was not as handsome as a man, refused to listen to the greetings and made his own suggestions. He almost ruined his major affairs. He felt very disliked. If Ci'an didn't take action to rectify it, he would take action. But he didn't expect Ci'an to be so cruel, and he would take action from the bottom of the pot.

Yi Zhizu was dissatisfied with King Gong, and Zhao Liewen naturally knew that to be honest, he was also very dissatisfied with King Gong. However, King Gong was a banner of constitutionalism after all, and he could not watch the empress dowager pull it out? After a moment of pondering, he thought about it: "Even if King Gong is not, he is also a leader in the constitutionalist faction. The 20,000 army is also used to restrain and balance the emperor and the empress..."

"Ten thousand!" Yi Zhizu said: "The court will not lay off the ten thousand in Japan for the time being. After all, the war in Japan has not yet ended completely. In this situation, it is not advisable to let them return to China."

"Even if it is ten thousand, it will be a heavy blow to King Gong." Zhao Liewen said: "One rises and the other falls, and the power of the royal guards will inevitably be more arrogant, which undoubtedly increases the difficulty of promoting constitutionalism."

After knocking the ashes, Yi Zhizu said, "Did Huifu think that he wanted King Gong to set up a new stove?"

"The great shopkeeper Mingjian." Zhao Liewen smiled and said, "Now King Gong and the Empress Dowager can be said to be as powerful as water and fire. It is not impossible to set up a stove."

Yi Zhizu turned his eyes and said, "If King Gong set up a different stove, it will inevitably lead to war!"

"There is no need to rush to set up a stove for a while. You can wait for the war in Japan to end." Zhao Liewen explained: "The shopkeeper will take the troops to Japan on the guise of recruiting reinforcements on the grounds that the war in Japan is tight and the troops are insufficient."

Yi Zhizu said: "What was the reaction of Ci'an?"

"I dare not speak out if I dare to be angry!" Zhao Liewen said slowly: "In the hands of King Gong and King of Monk, the imperial court issued an order to dismiss the army, and the shopkeeper recruited reinforcements to Japan. This is also a conspiracy!"

"Online Conspiracy vs. Online Conspiracy!" Yi Zhizu nodded slightly and said, "I have to hit Prince Gong this time."

Capital, Tongzhou, Forward Camp.

A cavalry galloped into the camp until the rider outside the central army tent turned over and jumped off the horse, whispering loudly: "Report, the capital is urgently reporting!"

After seeing the news that the capital was urgently delivered, Yi said for a long time. Senggelinqin was anxious to pull the letter from him. After a few glances, he whispered: "This move is so vicious!"

"Take off the firewood from the cauldron!" Yi said in a deep voice: "This is forcing us to raise troops to support the king!"

"Sixth Master, no!" Senggelinqin was shocked and said quickly: "Only the small amount of troops in our hands can't act recklessly. Besides, if we really want to raise our troops to help the king, half of our troops will be dispersed first!"

Yi knew what he said was the truth, and sighed, "What should I do? Go and ask Yiguocheng? He is afraid he hasn't calmed down yet."

Senggelinqin said: "The Sixth Master is too underestimated by Yiguocheng. He is not a person who ignores the overall situation. He quickly sent a telegram and then rushed to Shanghai!"

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