As Emperor Guangxu thought, Rufery's cabinet fell. However, Rufery's fall was not because of the failure of the French army in Zhennan Pass - which one has no victory or defeat in the war? If a battle fails and another government is replaced, then how many politicians in France can withstand the tossing.

The real reason why the people could no longer accept Ferry was actually because of the Black Flag Army's military operations in southern Vietnam. As for the military defeats in Beining and Zhennan Pass, it only increased the weight of Ferry's resignation.

"In 1882, the "Catholic" bank of Bontu collapsed, and the stock market fell in a comprehensive price decline. Faced with such panic, the big landlords hurriedly sold real estate, and the speculation of exchanges became popular. Most bank customers sold stocks in order to buy gold or national securities. Small and medium-sized entrepreneurs were unable to make loans, and the unemployment army surged, and our economy was in crisis. However, there were almost no economic talents in our government and could not improve the domestic economic environment. This is why Mr. Ferry hoped to pass on the domestic economic crisis through colonial activities."

The same European-style architecture and the same French palace style furnishings are the difference that this house is located in Paris, France, rather than Saigon, Vietnam. At this time, four or five people in the house were listening to a young man talking.

The young man is named Joseph Kayo, and he is explaining to several Republican tycoons present the difficulties facing Ferry's cabinet. Of course, Mr. Ferry, as the Prime Minister of the cabinet, is naturally present.

"Indeed, other industrial powers have adopted colonial policies, and they are eager and passionately building their own markets in the world. However, our colonial measures have not been smooth in the implementation of this process, especially in the recent Annan and Tokyo. Military disadvantages have allowed already dissatisfied political enemies to have sufficient excuses to attack us."

Joseph knew that these words would definitely make Ferry unhappy, but for the sake of the whole party, he had to throw out the problem.

"The reason for this is that we ignored the harm caused by the war between us and Prussia before the war. Although the war between us has been over ten years, our army has never been able to recover. And relying solely on the navy, from the current situation, it is obvious that a great power like the Qing Empire could not easily surrender."

He paused and continued: "So our political enemies believe that spending billions of money and destroying the lives of thousands of French people, going to the other end of the world to fight wars actually adds a huge burden to France."

Speaking of this, he glanced at Ferry, "The Chinese market is indeed very large and very fat, but the risks we are taking now exceed the benefits we may get. So, I think we should end the war as soon as possible and seek some benefits at the negotiating table before the situation collapses completely."

After he finished speaking, Frasine, another big boss of the Republican, stood up and said: "I agree with Joseph. France is indeed not suitable for launching a large-scale foreign war. The current losses in Southeast Asia have exceeded our expectations. Judging from the Parliament's vote today, the Parliament has shown distrust of the cabinet and has not passed a proposal to continue to add military expenditures and supplement the army. Courbet's fleet cannot solve the problem in Tonkin. If we do not want to be forced by the radicals of Climonsoon, we must make policy adjustments immediately."

Just as several people were discussing how to adjust the next policy, a secretary rushed in and handed a telegram to Drake, the Minister of the Navy and Colonial Department.

"I'm sorry, gentlemen!" After looking at the telegram in his hand, Drake couldn't sit still. "I'm sorry to inform everyone that I have some bad news here."

Frasine said in annoyance: "Oh, what we have heard these days is bad news, bad news, and what news can be worse than the situation in Tokyo? Could it be that Mile surrendered?"

"Sorry, it's worse than this. It's Lu Mei and He Luomang who surrendered!"

"What?!"

"How is that possible!"

"This must be fake!"

Everyone here questioned it!

Drake helplessly raised the telegram in Yang's hand and said, "The telegram was sent by Ho Luomang and Lu Mei. My people have checked the channels of call, and it was indeed sent from the Governor General of Jiaozhichina. The telegram said that the Chinese suddenly appeared in Saigon, defeated the empty defenders and captured the unprepared Governor General of Lu Mei, and took down the Ho Luomang who was in Saigon. Now, they should be detained in the basement of the Governor General. The telegram said that the Chinese people proposed that if the defenders in Tokyo surrender and we agree to peace talks, they are willing to let our people leave with decent."

After saying that, Drake added: "In addition, in order to ensure the safety of the lives of French expatriates in Saigon - of course, this also includes their own lives - Drake has signed a surrender agreement with the commanders of the Qing army."

"Oh! My God! How could they do this!"

Drake handed the telegram to Ru Feili with a expressionless face and said coldly: "I'm sorry, they have done this. Moreover, the agreement to surrender was also passed to Mile in Tokyo. I estimate that under the current situation, Mile will likely follow Lu Mei and He Luomang's footsteps and surrender to the Qing Dynasty."

“fumier!”

Even if they are reluctant, everyone has to accept this fact. The next thing is how to deal with the aftermath.

At this time, Ferry slowly stood up and spoke, "At present, no matter what, we cannot cleanse our shame. Only by resigning can I gain a glimmer of hope for our future policies. Gentlemen, thank you for your support and contribution during this period. I'm sorry, I've disappointed you!"

After saying that, Ferry bowed to everyone and left the conference room alone.

On the 17th day of the Qing Dynasty, Li Hongzhang left BJ and rushed back to TJ's Beiyang Minister's residence with wind and snow.

Several core aides and officials had been waiting outside the mansion for a long time. After Li Hongzhang arrived, he did not greet everyone, but just waved his hand and said, "Let's talk inside." Then he entered the door.

In the living room, Li Hongzhang, who had changed his clothes and washed the dust, dragged his tired body to meet with a few confidants. Although everyone knows the hard work of the Lord Zhongtang, everyone is familiar with the internal situation of China and France, China and Japan. Li Hongzhang just returned from BJ. Everyone is anxious to know what the court's attitude is.

"Everyone knows the latest battle report?"

Zhou Fu replied: "Yes! I received a telegram from Nan'er a few days ago. Now Feng Zicai brought the Guangdong Army, the Gui Army, the Hunan Army and Liu Yongfu's Black Flag Army, and Cen Yubao's Yunnan Army to join forces in Hanoi. The French side also reported that their government had already ordered Courbet to give up Taiwan and lead the fleet south. Now it is estimated that it has arrived outside Saigon."

Li Hongzhang asked again: "Is there any new news about Liu Yongfu?"

"Liu Mingchuan still called for reinforcements, and there was no other progress yet. Oh, the telegram from Liu Ming said that he had blown up the Keelung coal mine before leaving Keelung."

Li Hongzhang nodded: "Well. It's a bit beneficial to us if we cut off the French supplies. It's just a pity that the imperial court has invested over the years, more than two million taels of silver."

He turned his head and asked again: "Is there any new news about North Korea and RB?"

"Sir, no. North Korea should be relatively stable now. As long as the RB people do not send troops, there should be no chaos. The RB people are also watching now, wanting to see how the battle with the French is. Now that the French are blocked in Vietnam, the RB people will be more careful, but students are worried that the RB people will join forces with the French, and it may be difficult to deal with it at that time. So, should you remind Xu Chengzu privately?"

Li Hongzhang waved his hand: "No. This time the emperor summoned him, and he was already dissatisfied with our previous private actions. Although he only left room for me in front of Prince Chun, if we do some small moves, it would be a big disaster."

Zhou Fu and others were shocked and asked quickly: "Is it for contact with the French? How did the emperor know?"

Li Hongzhang said: "It's not only this, but also private support for Zhang Peilun and Liu Mingchuan. The emperor means that you should put official business on the table and not use it for private purposes. If it is not convenient to put it on the table, then don't do it!"

The following people looked at each other, and Zhou Fu continued: "So, the emperor does not object to what we did before, but is just worried about our public use of the private goods and our gangs?"

Li Hongzhang nodded: "Yes, not. Thunder and rain are Jun's kindness. Our private funding is indeed inappropriate, but this is only one aspect. The focus is on Japan's policy towards France, and the emperor is not very satisfied with it!"

Zhou Fu immediately asked: "So, is the emperor the main battle? Our current strength against France is definitely a situation where there are fewer wins and more losses, not to mention that there is an RB who is eyeing him. If he continues to fight, the situation will be unimaginable, sir."

Li Hongzhang looked at him, sneered, and said, "You underestimate the Emperor too much. Even I can't see many things clearly, but the Emperor knows it well. The Emperor has already compared us with France's strength. Do you know anything other than knowing that the French fleet is much stronger than us?"

"This, Li Fengbao has sent some information back, but it is not sure. It is all rough situations. I only know that France was greatly affected by the failure of the Franco-Prussian War."

Li Hongzhang glanced at everyone and said, "Although France is affected by the French-Prussian War, its comprehensive national strength can still rank third in the world. I will say one data. This year, France's steel production reached 500,000 tons and coal production reached 20 million tons. How much steel production is? It is only a few hundred tons? I'm afraid the quality is not as good as others. This is the reason why our fleet is far inferior to France. Without advanced steel mills, we cannot make high-quality steel. Without steel, what can we use to build ships, guns, and ammunition? Without steel, we cannot build railways. Without railways, how can we transport soldiers and military supplies to the front line? Not to mention the gaps in other aspects such as machinery, communications, and soldier training."

After Li Hongzhang finished speaking, the following people hurriedly said: "Adults are knowledgeable, and students are impressed!"

Li Hongzhang smiled bitterly: "Where do you think I got these from? Tell you, these are all told by the Emperor! And the Emperor also said that although the French army has temporarily lost in Vietnam, its fleet has occupied Penghu and Penghu islands, covering the entire Taiwan outside, and securing gold and Xiamen inside. It has always been regarded as a dangerous place. When the French army gets it, it will be a zone where the navy stops ships by blocking the road to aid Taiwan. Even if the French army now leaves Taiwan, Penghu will be lost, and Taiwan will not be guaranteed. Even if we drag the French in Vietnam, it will still be an unbeaten situation. Do you think, the emperor can see so clearly, what decision will he make?"

The people who had never considered the little Buddha in BJ City suddenly came to the news that Li Hongzhang had conveyed, and they were speechless for a moment.

"Zhongtang, what the emperor said? But the emperor has lived in the deep palace for a long time, and..."

"And you are only fifteen years old, right? You are trying to say that even if the Emperor of the Holy Ming Shenwu is like the Saint Ancestor, he was only sixteen years after he was in power. He is one year younger than the Saint Ancestor. How could he have such ability?"

The few people were indeed thinking this way. When they heard Li Hongzhang say it, they all bowed their heads and made a collective decision.

"Oh, I don't blame you. You have never seen the emperor and have never communicated with him. Naturally, I don't know how powerful it is today. Not to mention now, even five years ago, I didn't dare to underestimate the Emperor."
Chapter completed!