Chapter 183 The Time Has Come
After the signing of the letters of credence establishing diplomatic relations, overseas envoys went to the Immigration Bureau under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to apply for immigration visas.
Immigrant visas are divided into short-term and long-term, with the shortest being one month and the longest being twenty years.
Two days were not enough for the envoys from various countries to gain an in-depth understanding of this beautiful land located on the west coast of the ocean. They decided to stay in Daxia for a month to appreciate the natural scenery, cultural customs and delicious food here.
Of course, the most important thing is that, just as Fu Ci's first thing every time he arrives in a country is to understand the country's comprehensive national strength, envoys from various countries also have this plan.
In their view, cement, trains and firearms are just the tip of the iceberg of Daxia's national strength.
In the next month, they will record everything they see and hear in a book, and hand it over to the supreme ruler after returning home, which will determine the degree of closeness and depth of cooperation with Daxia in the years to come.
After getting his immigration visa, Chang Xia didn't leave immediately. Instead, he found Fu Ci and asked, "Master Fu, the merchants who came with us to Daxia want to do business in Xiajing. Do they also need to buy shops like the merchants here?"
Fu Ci was stunned when he heard this, and slapped his head in annoyance. "Look at my memory. I only mentioned tariffs a few days ago, but forgot to explain it in detail."
Although the diplomatic documents establishing diplomatic relations specified the rates of various tariffs, they did not specify how and where the imported goods were to be sold.
The overseas businessmen had just arrived, and as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, she was supposed to make all the arrangements.
However, the Foreign Ministry officials didn't mention it during the negotiations, and the representatives from other countries didn't ask, so Fu Ci forgot about it.
"Merchants from your country can rent or purchase shops and sell their goods themselves, or they can sell them in the imported goods shops opened by our dynasty."
"Both are subject to customs duties and commercial taxes, but if you choose the latter, our government will also charge a 1% agency fee."
The imported goods shops were opened by the imperial court and were official stores.
Emperor Qingyuan planned to form a fleet to transport various imported goods from overseas and sell them in official shops to increase revenue for the national treasury.
Chang Xia didn't understand and asked, "One percent?"
Fu Ci gave an example: "A commodity from your country is sold for one hundred taels in an imported goods store, and the agency fee is one tael."
However, Fu Ci felt that it was unlikely that overseas merchants would sell their products in imported goods shops.
It only costs a few taels of silver per month to rent a shop, and only a few hundred taels to buy a shop.
In the long run, it is more cost-effective to sell it yourself.
On the contrary, if overseas businessmen only stay in Daxia for a period of time and have no plans for long-term development, it is more cost-effective to sell on behalf of others.
However, even if overseas merchants sold imported goods on their own, the commercial taxes and customs duties they paid would still be a considerable income, and the imperial court would not lose money.
Fu Ci's thoughts turned, and he said gently, "You go back and think about it carefully. No matter which one you choose, our dynasty respects the decision of your country's merchants."
Chang Xia smiled and nodded: "Thank you for telling me, Master Fu. I will go back and convey your message to them."
She paused, then added, "I'll also promote your business at the post station so you don't have to waste time explaining it to merchants from other countries."
"Then I'll have to trouble Changxia." Fu Ci bowed and thanked him, and then said with emotion, "Changxia's Daxia official language is getting better and better."
Chang Xia's eyes lit up, and he touched the corner of his mouth. "I learned from you on the ship for a few months before, and these past few days I've been wandering around Xiajing. Wherever I go, I can hear the people of Daxia speaking Mandarin. The more I hear it, the more fluent I become."
Fu Ci gently stroked the document under his palm: "You have a visa for a month, so you can study slowly."
Chang Xia shook his head: "Although Da Xia has many restrictions on women, I still like Da Xia very much. Unfortunately, I will inherit the throne when I return this time, and I am afraid I will never have the chance to come again."
"So, I have to take advantage of this time to explore Daxia and try not to leave any regrets."
Fu Ci sighed in his heart. It seemed that overseas countries had deep opinions about the idea of male superiority and female inferiority in Daxia, and they often talked about it.
But this is still an opportunity.
An opportunity to make officials compromise and thus improve the status of women.
Fu Ci planned to go back and talk to Du Qingtang about it, and asked the clerk to escort Chang Xia out of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Chang Xia knew that Lord Fu was very busy, so he stood up with the small cloth bag containing the visa and said, "Oh, I forgot to congratulate Lord Fu on becoming the Earl of Haining in Daxia."
"I hope that Master Fu will be promoted to a higher position soon. If you have the opportunity to visit Nanzhao Kingdom again in the future, as your host, I will definitely take you on a tour of the capital of Nanzhao."
Chang Xia brushed the hair by her ear and said with a rising tone, "Perhaps there will be many women traveling with Master Fu by then."
In the past few days, Changxia has specifically learned about the situation of women in Daxia and found it incredible.
While feeling heartbroken, she sincerely hoped that Daxia, as a friendly country of Nanzhao, would abandon those absurd ideas, allow women to fully demonstrate their abilities, and let the world know how excellent they are.
The baby-faced young girl winked playfully and left with the small cloth bag.
Fu Ci's brows softened for a moment, and he continued to handle official business at his desk.
She also hopes that this day will come soon.
......
On the other side, Du Qingtang finished his official business and went to the research institute.
It was the beginning of the year, and a lot of trivial official duties had accumulated before the New Year. Overseas envoys were visiting, and Du Qingtang was too busy to get away. He had not paid attention to the progress of the research institute for several days, and did not know how the tungsten filament was going.
When leaving the city, Du Qingtang happened to meet a group of overseas envoys.
They were strolling around accompanied by an interpreter, waving to the people passing by from time to time and greeting them in their poor Daxia Mandarin.
"good afternoon."
"Have you eaten yet?"
"Where are you going?"
Du Qingtang: “…”
This saying really embodies the saying "When in Rome, do as the Romans do".
After a few days of secret observation, the people were sure that these foreigners were very friendly and responded to them one after another.
"Hello to you too."
"have eaten."
"Go do some T work."
When the overseas envoys received the response, their smiles widened, like children who had received their favorite toy.
Du Qingtang saw this and was happy to see it happen.
Daxia has entered the sight of overseas countries, and more foreign visitors will come to Daxia in the future.
If the people of Daxia can live in harmony with them, it will also be beneficial to the long-term development between countries.
At this time, the overseas envoys spotted Du Qingtang on horseback and waved enthusiastically: "Duke Wen!"
Du Qingtang tightened the reins and stopped, exchanging a few pleasantries with them, asking about their recent food, clothing, housing and transportation. Finally, he said, "You are all honored guests of our dynasty. If you need anything, please feel free to ask the officials at the post station. There is no need to be formal."
"Informal! Informal!"
"We live very comfortably in the inn, just like we are at home."
Du Qingtang smiled, nodded, shook the reins, and rode away.
When he arrived at the research institute, Du Qingtang went straight to find the researcher in charge of making tungsten filaments.
The researcher was rolling iron sheets for the train floor. When he saw Du Qingtang, he quickly put down his work and stepped forward to salute: "Your humble servant greets you, sir."
Before Du Qingtang could speak, the researcher continued, "Sir, I have already made the tungsten filament you requested."
As he spoke, he went into the house, fetched a wooden box, placed it in front of Du Qingtang, and opened it: "We forged it according to your instructions and then processed it. Unfortunately, my ability is limited. The current fineness is the limit and it can't be finer."
Du Qingtang picked up the tungsten wire with a silvery-white luster. It felt smooth and had a hard texture. Its diameter was slightly thicker than that of modern tungsten wire.
Seeing that the head of the academy was silent, the two of them were unsure and clutched the corners of their clothes nervously: "May I ask, sir, but it does not meet the requirements? How about I try again..."
"No need." Du Qingtang interrupted, "I'll go try it first, and we'll talk later if it doesn't work."
The quantity of tungsten filament is limited, and if it breaks, it has to be remade, which is very troublesome and a waste of time.
Du Qingtang sent the wooden box to the laboratory and then went to the Liulichang next door.
When the manager of Liulichang heard that Duke Wen wanted to make paper glass products, he ordered someone to free up a kiln and assigned two craftsmen to help her.
Du Qingtang was not polite and with the help of the craftsmen, he spent two hours to burn five glass bubbles.
By then, it was already evening.
Du Qingtang hesitated for a moment and decided to work overtime to make the light bulb.
The tungsten filament and glass bulb have been made, and only the metal frame and connection points remain.
Aluminum alloy is the best material for the metal frame, but the research institute didn't have it, so Du Qingtang had to settle for copper.
The connection points are also made of copper, which has good conductivity.
There are many inconveniences in working alone. Du Qingtang stumbled throughout the process, scrapped three glass bulbs, and accidentally cut his hand with iron sheets. It was almost midnight before he made a complete light bulb.
Du Qingtang put down the light bulb and untied the blood-stained handkerchief. The wound was so deep that the bone was visible. The pain made her brows twitch, and she once again missed the convenience of having a little assistant.
There was a small water tank in the laboratory. Du Qingtang scooped some water with a gourd ladle and used it to rinse the wound.
In order to speed up the process, I just wiped it casually and wrapped it with a handkerchief.
The iron piece was not clean after all. Du Qingtang was worried that the wound would get infected and cause unnecessary trouble. After finishing his work here, he started to treat the wound.
There are several bottles of commonly used medicines in the laboratory, which Du Qingju specially prepared for her in case of emergency.
Du Qingtang opened the cabinet, pulled out the cork with one hand, and poured the light yellow powder on the wound.
The wound felt a burning pain. Du Qingtang took a deep breath, took out a spare handkerchief, re-bandaged the wound, then returned to the long table and installed the light bulb on the lamp holder.
Du Qingtang walked to the generator, loaded the coal into the coal bin, took a deep breath, prepared himself mentally, and turned on the switch.
With a slight "hum", the generator started running.
It only takes a cup of tea to go from burning coal to generating electricity.
Du Qingtang turned around and stared at the light bulb without blinking.
Amidst the buzzing noise, a faint light came out from the bulb.
The light flickered and seemed to be extinguished.
Du Qingtang frowned and held his breath.
Fortunately, the light did not dissipate, but became brighter and brighter.
The warm yellow light is like a bright full moon, dispelling the dim candlelight and illuminating every corner of the laboratory.
Du Qingtang stood in front of the long desk, raised his hand and waved it twice above the light bulb. The huge shadow of his hand was reflected on the roof, like a strange-shaped giant beast crawling.
Although the lights are not as bright as modern ones, it is still a bit unbearable to stare at them for a long time.
Du Qingtang looked away for a moment, then calmed down and looked back again.
She stared at the light bulb, placed her hand lightly on the glass bulb, felt the slight warmth, and slowly smiled.
......
Du Qingtang cleaned up the waste, put it into a cloth bag, locked the door of the laboratory, and dumped the waste into the garbage station when passing by.
A "rustling" sound broke the silence of the night. Du Qingtang opened the door of the research institute with his good eyesight and the bright moonlight above his head.
The guard guarding the institute was awakened by the sound of the door opening. He rubbed his eyes, bowed, and glanced at the sky. His tone was full of surprise: "It's already the dead of night, and you're just going back?"
Du Qingtang closed the door and said slowly, "I'm almost done with my research. I'm in a good mood today, so I wanted to finish it in one go, so I've been busy until this hour."
The guard stood in awe and said, "It's late at night and the dew is heavy. Please be careful on the road, sir."
Du Qingtang responded and walked towards Zhuifeng who had been waiting for five or six hours.
When Zhuifeng saw his master, he snorted irritably and kicked his front hooves with a clattering sound.
"I'm here." Du Qingtang untied the rope from the hitching post, ruffled Zhuifeng's mane, and curled his lips slightly, "Sorry for the long wait, let's go home."
Zhuifeng sensed his master's good mood and stopped spoiling the fun, rubbing his master's palm in return.
“Wheeze~”
Du Qingtang jumped on his horse and galloped back to the city against the cold wind.
"Stop! Who is it?"
The soldiers guarding the city raised their spears and asked sternly.
Du Qingtang paused and said in a clear and cold voice, "I am Du Qingtang, Grand Secretary of Wuying Palace. I was busy in the research institute just now and accidentally forgot the time. I hope you can be flexible and let me into the city, otherwise I will have nowhere to go tonight."
——The villa is too far from the research institute, and she has to go to court at dawn tomorrow, so she is too lazy to go.
Seeing Du Qingtang in a purple robe, the soldiers guarding the city immediately believed him. After a moment's hesitation, they put away their spears and saluted, "So you are Duke Wen. I was blind and didn't recognize you, so I blocked your way. Please be magnanimous and don't take it personally."
After saying that, he opened the city gate and let Du Qingtang into the city.
At midnight, the streets were empty. Du Qingtang kicked his horse's saddle and galloped away at full speed. In just half an incense stick of time, he arrived at Duke Wen's Mansion.
"master."
As Du Qingtang got off the horse, Meng Fang came up to him.
By the light of the lantern, Du Qingtang could clearly see Meng Fang's face, which had turned slightly pale from the cold. He threw the reins to the doorman and said, "It's cold at night. There's no need for you to wait here."
Meng Fang put his hands in his pockets, smiling respectfully and gently, "There are many servants in the mansion, and I only need to speak every day. If I can't welcome you back to the mansion as soon as possible, I will be of no use to you in the end. I really feel ashamed of the kindness you have shown me."
Du Qingtang glanced at him and strode towards the main courtyard.
Meng Fang sent a message to the kitchen, then walked in front of Du Qingtang with a lantern, "The ladies and Lord Haining saw that you hadn't returned yet, so they waited in the dining room for quite a while, but couldn't stand it any longer and went back."
Du Qingtang gathered his sleeves lightly: "Next time, let them not have to wait for me."
Meng Fang responded respectfully.
Du Qingtang walked into the main courtyard and found that the light in the side room was still on.
The sound of footsteps penetrated the long and silent night and was clearly audible.
Du Qingtang was about to lighten his steps when the door to the side room opened and Fu Ci poked his head out: "Xianyu, you're finally back."
Du Qingtang paused: "Have you been waiting for me?"
Fu Ci yawned and half-closed his eyes. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was established in a hurry, and many regulations are not perfect. I am drafting the documents related to tariffs and will wait for you to come back."
At this point, Fu Ci muttered half-complainingly, "There are so many different types of tariffs, and they're so messy and complicated. It took me two hours to sort through only half of them. It hurts my eyes. It's really killing me."
"I'll be fine once I'm done with this busy period and have settled down," Du Qingtang reassured him, explaining, "I've been spending some time finishing up the research project I'm working on, and it's been delayed until now."
Just at this moment, the maid brought food.
Fu Ci walked out of the side room and stretched. "I'll take a break and continue later. I'll have dinner with you first."
Du Qingtang did not refuse and washed his hands before entering the house.
Fu Ci saw her fingers wrapped with a handkerchief, and his brows furrowed, and most of his sleepiness disappeared: "How did you get hurt?"
Du Qingtang told the truth.
Fu Ci quickly stepped forward and pulled Du Qingtang away from the copper basin, with a look of disapproval on his face: "Don't let the wound touch water. Eat first. I'll wrap it up with gauze later, and then you can go wash up."
Du Qingtang retorted: "It won't hurt to just raise your index finger."
However, she still obeyed Fu Ci and switched to using her left hand to hold the chopsticks to fill her stomach that had been protesting for a long time.
Fu Ci had been working at his desk for a long time and felt a little hungry, so he accompanied Du Qingtang to eat something.
When Fu Ci untied the handkerchief and saw the wound clearly, he immediately gasped and frowned: "You are too careless. Such a deep cut will take at least ten days to half a month to heal."
Du Qingtang propped up her chin, her expression calm, as if the wound wasn't hers. She let Fu Ci wrap gauze around her finger and said, "Zizhan, I created something really amazing tonight."
It has been seven months since last June.
During this period, she experienced countless failures and took many detours, but she finally made a generator and an electric light. Needless to say, she was excited and happy.
Fu Ci lowered his head to wrap the gauze, his eyes focused, and his tone was like coaxing a child: "Oh? Tell me quickly, what is this incredible thing? Is it a firearm? Or a car faster than a train?"
"It's an electric light." After wrapping the gauze, Du Qingtang retracted his hand, with his index finger raised straight up. "With this, we won't have to light candles anymore."
Fu Ci raised his eyebrows: "According to you, it is used for lighting?"
Du Qingtang nodded and continued, "Do you know why the lights can be turned on? It's because of the generator."
"In addition to generating electricity for lighting, generators can also be used in agriculture, transportation, and the military."
"With it, manpower can be liberated to a certain extent."
"I plan to popularize electric lighting first, and then slowly study its applications in other fields."
Fu Ci threw the bloodstained handkerchief into the trash can and planned to deal with it tomorrow. He then looked at Du Qingtang with a smile, "Now that you mention it, I'm even more curious about what the electric light you're talking about looks like."
Du Qingtang hummed softly: "If nothing unexpected happens, it will be available next month."
"We have to focus on the Imperial Palace first, then the princes and officials. The national treasury will make a lot of money from this."
Du Qingtang's calculations were clacking, and his eyes and brows were full of joy.
Seeing her like this, Fu Ci also felt happy. Turning his head to see that it was already late at night, he gently pushed Du Qingtang and said, "Hurry up and wash up, otherwise you won't be able to get up early tomorrow morning."
Du Qingtang was in high spirits, but his body felt heavy from overwork. Upon hearing this, he said nothing and ordered people to prepare water.
After washing her hair while taking a shower, Du Qingtang wrapped her wet hair with a towel and came out from behind the screen. She saw Fu Ci was still there, with a porcelain bottle and light yellow gauze on the table.
Fu Ci put down the book in his hand and waved to Du Qingtang: "Come here quickly, I'll apply medicine to you."
Du Qingtang pulled off the gauze and let Fu Ci clean the wound.
"Oh right, Xianyu." Fu Ci pinched the handkerchief and pressed it twice around the wound to absorb the moisture. "I found that overseas envoys have a lot of criticism about the status of women in Daxia. This may be an opportunity. We can take the opportunity to submit a memorial to His Majesty..."
Du Qingtang pinched her mouth with his intact hand: "No hurry, the time is not right yet."
Fu Ci blinked: "Hmm?"
Du Qingtang withdrew his hand: "This is not the best opportunity."
Fu Ci sprinkled the powder evenly on the wound. Du Qingtang hissed softly, "If it's not now, then when?"
Du Qingtang tapped the table with his fingers, staring out the window at the dark night: "It's almost done."
-
On the tenth day of the first lunar month, there is a holiday.
Du Qingtang took Fu Ci on a tour around Xiajing City and did not return to Duke Wen's Mansion until the sun was setting.
Although Fu Ci already had a title and Emperor Qingyuan had granted her a mansion, she still lived in Duke Wen's mansion.
In response, Fu Ci said confidently: "The Haining Marquis's Mansion is so big, but I live alone in an empty house. How terrible it is. I think the Wenguo Mansion is better. It's more lively."
Du Qingtang didn't care. She was very happy to work on the same shift with Fu Ci.
On the twelfth day of the first lunar month, a twenty-day-long ship carrying imported goods arrived at the dock outside Beijing.
Fu Ci borrowed people from the government, and hundreds of yamen runners took three or four hours to move all the imported goods on the ship onto the carts.
Crops such as tomatoes, corn, and golden melons were sent to the imperial farm for trial planting, while other items were sent to the Ministry of Revenue.
The shop selling imported goods had been packed up and the goods were delivered. On the morning of the 14th day of the first lunar month, the official store named "Bolaifang" was officially opened.
Out of curiosity about what was happening overseas, the people in the city, regardless of their wealth, rushed in just to find out what was going on.
"Oh my goodness! There are bowls and plates made of pure gold, and a whole set costs only one ounce of silver!"
"It is said that this country is full of gold mines. Anyone with a little status has their houses, tables, chairs, and tea sets made of pure gold."
"Even if I have to sell everything I have, I'll buy two more sets to take back as betrothal gifts, dowry, or as heirlooms!"
"This chime clock is amazing! Every time it hits the hour, a bird pops out of the box and chirps non-stop."
"This black thing is called chocolate. It doesn't smell good and tastes bitter. I don't like it."
"My wife loves all kinds of spices, so I bought some for her."
"There's also silk. Although it's a bit more expensive, its texture is in no way inferior to brocade. It feels smooth to the touch and must be very comfortable to wear."
“…”
Just as the Imported House opened grandly, was crowded with guests and made a fortune, many imported goods shops also opened in Xiajing City.
Although it is not as grand as the Foreign Market, its business is also very good.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set currency exchange rates for overseas countries, and the money earned can be exchanged for the currency of the home country at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Merchants from all over the world made a fortune. Looking at the endless stream of customers coming to their shops, they secretly decided to apply for visas in a month and go back after selling all the things they had.
If Daxia had not been so harsh on women, they really wanted to move their family and settle down in Daxia.
......
On the 16th day of the first lunar month, at the grand court meeting, Emperor Qingyuan once again mentioned the issue of establishing a navy.
The military officers were about to recommend themselves or their friends in the army, but unexpectedly, Emperor Qingyuan already had a candidate for the naval commander.
"I've heard that General Wan Guiyu of Shaoqing Prefecture is an excellent water expert and has made outstanding contributions in the 20-year defense of the city. I'm promoting him to the rank of naval commander, to train the navy, guard the coast, and defend against foreign enemies."
Wan Gui Jade?
Who is he?
Everyone was confused and had no idea what was going on.
Until someone suddenly said, "Shaoqing Prefecture...could it be related to Duke Wen?"
Hundreds of gazes came from all directions and fell on the young woman in purple robes at the front row of civil officials.
Du Qingtang held a tablet in his hand, stood respectfully with his hands hanging down, and looked nonchalant, as if nothing had happened to him.
But no one was fooled by her appearance.
"That day, when Marquis Haining came to the palace to report on his work, Duke Wen stayed behind alone, most likely to recommend this person to Your Majesty."
"Duke Wen is a high-ranking official himself, and his longtime friend, Marquis Haining, is in charge of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Now, he's recommending a former colleague for the position of naval commander. He's being rather greedy."
"Everyone, don't forget that Duke Wen has a long history with Commander Yang of the Huben Battalion. Many years ago, he was in charge of the Firearms Battalion. Combined with his recent actions, it's hard not to think of him as the Cao thief."
What happened to Cao thief back then?
He promoted his cronies and usurped power in an attempt to steal the country.
Everyone's faces suddenly changed, and they were about to protest, but Emperor Qingyuan spoke before them: "In addition, customs offices will be established at the five ports along the southeast coast to supervise inbound and outbound goods and collect tariffs, etc."
"Customs is under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is fully responsible for its management. The term of office is one year..."
Emperor Qingyuan was speaking eloquently at the top of the table, while some officials were running around anxiously below.
Emperor Qingyuan finally finished speaking and was about to protest again when Grand Secretary Qi stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, some of the crops brought back from overseas have already been planted on trial at the imperial farm."
Some officials: “…”
For the next half hour, they tried to protest several times, but were interrupted several times.
In this way, the grand court meeting that lasted for an hour came to an end.
Emperor Qingyuan left in a dragon carriage, and officials also filed out of the Golden Palace.
Some officials: “…”
"I'm so angry!"
"Who among you will go and scold her? It would be best to give her a stern warning so that she will behave herself and stop trying to usurp the throne."
The crowd suddenly fell silent.
"Ouch, my stomach hurts, I need to leave first!"
"Xu suddenly remembered that the accounts at the Ministry of Revenue have not been settled yet. I have to go there quickly while there are fewer people in the morning. Goodbye!"
"I...I..." The old man with white hair and beard swallowed his saliva and gritted his teeth, "I'm leaving!"
But in a moment, the crowd dispersed, leaving only the official who made the original proposal.
The official: “…”
......
On that day, Emperor Qingyuan drafted an edict to announce the conscription to the world.
When the news spread, people all over the world took action.
"Recruit men over 18 years old who are good at swimming to form a navy?"
"My boy is exactly eighteen years old. I'll have him register with the government tomorrow!"
"You idiot, people will die in war, aren't you afraid..."
"Ah, bah, bah! What nonsense are you talking about, you crow-mouthed bastard? If you dare to say that again, I'll tear your mouth apart!"
"If you don't go and I don't go, who will defend our country? If the day comes and the enemy invades, even more people will die."
"Your Majesty has ensured that we have enough food and clothing, and our lives are getting better and better. We should also actively respond to the call and sign up to join the army."
"That's right! Let's go now!"
“Go, go, go!”
The conscription period lasts for three months and ends when the recruitment is full.
Emperor Qingyuan and all the officials in the court were very pleased that the men of Daxia took the initiative to join the army.
But within half a month, bad news came from Hunan Province -
Prince Ping killed the Governor of Hunan and started a rebellion!
Prince Ping was the son of the late emperor's favorite concubine and was the most likely to ascend the throne after the crown prince's death.
However, Cao Yuan interfered and poisoned the previous emperor, and promoted Emperor Qingyuan to the throne.
After Emperor Qingyuan ascended the throne, Prince Ping went to his fiefdom and did not return to the capital for twenty-three years.
No one expected that King Ping, who had been silent for many years, would suddenly rebel.
"Prince Ping only had a few hundred soldiers, yet he was able to capture the entire Hunan Province. He must have been secretly raising his own private army."
"It's because Your Majesty has no children, and I can't help myself."
"Your Majesty, I beg to fight!"
"Prince Ping is ambitious and wicked. I am willing to lead my troops to Hunan to suppress the rebellion and bring Prince Ping back to the capital to be dealt with by Your Majesty!"
In the Golden Palace, civil and military officials were filled with righteous indignation. The civil officials scolded, while the military officials requested a battle, and the argument became intense.
Emperor Qingyuan's expression was hidden behind his pearl tassels, and it was difficult to discern his emotions. "I wish to dispatch the Tiger Guards and the Firearms Army to Hunan to suppress the rebellion. Do you have any objections, my dear ministers?"
All the officials exchanged glances, and after a moment, they all said in unison, "We have no objection. Your Majesty is wise!"
On that day, 30,000 Tiger Guards and 5,000 Firearms Troops were assembled and took a train to Hunan Province to suppress the rebellion.
Although the princes and officials were certain that King Ping would lose, they were still worried in the face of the rebellion.
Unexpectedly, within two days, good news came from Hunan Province.
"There's a Li Family Village in Hunan Province. Under the guidance of military advisor Zhao Muqing, the village chief, Li Jin, led two thousand bandits in a night raid on the rebels. Ultimately, they triumphed over the larger force and captured Prince Ping alive."
As soon as these words were spoken, all the officials applauded.
"Great! We've captured Prince Ping without a single soldier. The rebellion has been quelled, and the people of Hunan will no longer have to suffer the hardships of war!"
"Li Jin? Zhao Muqing? Judging from their names, they seem to be two women?"
There was a sudden silence in the Golden Palace.
Du Qingtang raised his eyes and met Emperor Qingyuan's gaze through the tassel beads.
As they looked at each other, the king and his ministers reached a tacit understanding.
The best opportunity has come.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
