The Qing Dynasty

Chapter 326 The Queen Mother is a Phoenix
The Qing court's decision to move its capital was not a sudden idea of ​​Wang Wenshao's, but had been in the works for a long time.

As early as the time of Emperor Xianfeng, in order to avoid the British and French allied forces, Emperor Xianfeng had no choice but to flee to Chengde. At that time, there was a suggestion to move the capital.

Zhang Xirong, the provincial education commissioner of Yunnan, and Prince Gong Yixin suggested moving the capital to Guanzhong, and to Luoyang.

After that, the then Governor of Huguang also suggested moving the capital, and even Emperor Xianfeng was tempted at one point and issued two edicts to make arrangements.

However, at this time, Xianfeng’s ideal new capital was not Luoyang, but Xi’an.

In the end, due to his early death and the strong opposition from the royal family and nobles to move the capital, the court had to give up.

Thirty-five years later, in the year of Jiawu, the Beiyang government suffered a crushing defeat. When the candidates from various provinces who were taking part in the imperial examination in Beijing heard that they had to pay not only 200 million taels of silver as a compensation, but also cede Taiwan and Liaodong, they were outraged and wrote a letter to Emperor Guangxu, which is the famous "Petition to the Emperor".

Kang Youwei clearly put forward four proposals in his memorial: refusing peace, moving the capital, training troops, and reforming the political system. The idea of ​​moving the capital was formally raised again.

This time, it also encountered strong opposition and ultimately failed. However, this also made Cixi start to consider moving the capital.

There is also a lot of controversy about where to move the capital.

Some people advocated Xi'an, some advocated Taiyuan, and some advocated Luoyang. Only Kang Youwei advocated moving the capital to Shanghai.

However, Cixi was more favoring of Luoyang. In fact, in the 25th year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu, which was last year, Cixi issued an imperial decree to the Governor of Henan, Jingxing, asking Jingxing to arrange for the prefect of Henan, Wenti, to survey the terrain and build a temporary palace in Luoyang in preparation for her visit.

In her imperial edict to Jingxing, Cixi said, "Recently, all countries have joined forces to plot against China, and there will come a time when it will be difficult to tolerate it."

"The capital is close to the seaport, and the armies dare not talk about war lightly. Peter took advantage of the situation to threaten us, and there are many obstacles. Recently, someone reported that the situation in Luoyang is very strong, and they want you to build a temporary palace in the name of building a palace for the emperor to visit, etc."

Wen Ti was an official who was dismissed from office by Emperor Guangxu in 1898 for opposing the New Deal. He was reinstated after Empress Dowager Cixi came to power again. How could he not devote himself wholeheartedly to Cixi's edict?

After an intense investigation, Wen Ti presented to Cixi his findings, which included "six drawings of the dangerous situation in the prefecture and a written explanation of the drawings."

This report was actually a "feasibility report" on moving the capital to Luoyang, but for some reason, it was ultimately shelved.

Cixi nodded and said, "You are all right. Originally, I just felt that Shanxi was poor and could not afford military supplies and the expenses for the western hunting expedition. Secondly, Shanxi was too close to the capital. Once Teng Xingfu withdrew from the capital, the foreigners might arrive at any time."

"If the foreigners chase us all the way, and Song Zhusan and others can't defend Niangzi Pass, it will be difficult for us to escape then."

"I just thought that we should go to Xi'an, where it will be safer and more secure."

"However, since you mentioned moving the capital again, I have something to tell you so that you can think about it."

Having dealt with the most difficult and most difficult things, Cixi's mood was not only calm, but even a little happy.

Cixi tidied up the hair that had fallen from her temples and said calmly, "Zhang Xiangtao submitted a secret memorial to me. He told me that the foreigners wanted him to pass on a message to me, saying that the foreigners wanted my imperial carriage to return to Beijing as soon as possible. It seemed that the foreigners wanted to negotiate peace, but they wanted to negotiate in the capital."

"Zhang Xiangtao thought that we must not return to Beijing at this time, as that would inevitably lead to a surrender. It would be better to move the capital. Zhang Xiangtao also said that Jingmen, Hubei is suitable for building a capital. If the court agrees, he will fully assist. He also said that the court will no longer be threatened by the military forces of the great powers, and this is the overall situation for the long term."

Although Zhang Zhidong suggested building the capital in Jingmen instead of Luoyang, which made Wang Wenshao a little surprised, Wang Wenshao still said it.

"Empress Dowager, Zhang Xiangtao is thoughtful. He said Jingmen is suitable, so it must be good. I think it is feasible."

"Although warships can sail on the Yangtze River, if the foreigners want to go up the river to threaten the imperial court, they will not only have to go deep into the hinterland, but there are also many dangerous waterways along the Yangtze River. In addition, the river has different depths, so small ships can pass, but large ships cannot. I think that this is indeed a good place to build a capital."

Zai Yi also interrupted Wang Wenshao impatiently and continued to persuade him, "Queen Dowager, I still say the same thing. No matter where it is, we must not move the capital at this time!"

Cixi looked at Ronglu, who said thoughtfully, "Empress Dowager, I also oppose moving the capital at this time."

It was rare for Ronglu to stand on the same front as Zai Yi, which made Cixi have to be cautious.

Cixi was silent for a while and said, "Since you don't agree to move the capital, let's put it on hold. Let's talk about where to stay." Seeing that Cixi no longer mentioned the issue of moving the capital, Zai Yi finally put his heart at ease and said hurriedly, "Empress Dowager, I think it would be better to stay in Taiyuan."

"Shanxi is surrounded by mountains and rivers. There are mountains in the east, north and south, and only a river separates it from Shaanxi in the west. The terrain is dangerous and easy to move forward and backward. Lord Rong and I share the same opinion. I also believe that Teng Xingfu will be able to stop the foreigners in these mountains and will never let them enter Shanxi to wreak havoc."

"As for food, military supplies, and the expenses for the Western Hunt, that's easy to handle. Didn't Zhang Xiangtao say that he would still pay the autumn tax to the court? Just have him send it to Shanxi."

Wang Wenshao looked disappointed and rolled his eyes at Zai Yi, saying, "It is not appropriate to stay in Taiyuan."

"Although Niangzi Pass is dangerous, it still needs a strong army to defend it. The Wuwei Army is already in ruins. Although there are still thousands of troops from all directions, they have been defeated repeatedly. If Teng Xingfu hadn't sent people to rescue him during the Western Hunt, the consequences would have been disastrous."

"Once Niangzi Pass is breached, the foreigners can reach Taiyuan in no time, so Shanxi is definitely not a place for them to stay."

"Besides, Zhang Xiangtao wants to transport the autumn tribute to Shanxi. The road is dangerous and it is not easy to deliver it in time. I think Xi'an is the best place."

Zai Yi had already realized that as long as he agreed with something, the old man Wang Wenshao would definitely oppose it. Although he hated it to the core, there was nothing he could do.

Zai Yi looked at Gangyi, and seeing that he looked absent-minded, he couldn't help but sigh again.

Without his courage to charge into battle, he would be alone in front of Cixi.

Thinking about today's meeting, Cixi called Wang Wenshao, who had always been at odds with her and was a staunch advocate of peace. She knew her intention and couldn't help feeling discouraged.

Seeing that the two were arguing, Cixi looked at Ronglu again. Ronglu had always advocated going to Xi'an. As long as Ronglu spoke, Cixi would make a decision immediately. Even if Zai Yi objected at that time, it would be useless.

In short, no matter where you go, as long as you stay away from foreigners, the scene on the way to the western hunt has completely frightened Cixi.

Ronglu bowed to Cixi and said, "Empress Dowager, I didn't know at first that Teng Xingfu intended to move his troops to Taihang Mountain, so I suggested that you stay in Xi'an. Now that Teng Xingfu's army is about to arrive, I also think that the Empress Dowager should stay in Shanxi."

Zai Yi did not expect Ronglu's attitude to change, and he could not help but show his joy. Just as he was about to speak, Ronglu said again.

"If the Queen Mother thinks Taiyuan is not appropriate, I think it would be a good idea for her to stay in Taiyuan for a while before continuing south to Pingyang Prefecture."

"Not only is there the vanguard army of Shangdang to the east to block the foreigners, but there is also Zhongtiao Mountain behind, and it is also close to Fenglingdu. If anything unexpected happens, the Queen Mother can immediately rush to Fenglingdu to cross the Yellow River and turn to Xi'an."

"Moreover, I'm afraid that Zhang Xiangtao's Autumn Collection will not arrive in the short term. It is said that the British barbarian Seymour is currently in Hankou, intending to prevent Zhang Xiangtao from delivering the Autumn Collection to the court."

"And the Queen Mother will pass through Pingyao and Jiexiu along the way. There are many Shanxi merchants there, so it will be convenient to raise money."

Zai Yi alone could not stop Cixi from leaving Shanxi, but with the addition of Ronglu, whom she trusted the most, the situation was completely different. What's more, Ronglu's compromise seemed very safe.

"inappropriate."

Unexpectedly, Wang Wenshao not only confronted Zai Yi, but this time he even didn't let Ronglu go, which surprised both Zai Yi and Ronglu.

Wang Wenshao bowed to Ronglu and said, "Sir Rong, I think the Queen Mother should not go to Pingyang. Pingyang is an unlucky name. Has Sir Rong forgotten the saying 'A tiger in Pingyang is bullied by a dog'?"

Wang Wenshao's words made Zai Yi so angry that he started laughing. When Ronglu was looking at Wang Wenshao with his mouth open and unable to speak, Zai Yi said with a chuckle.

"Don't forget, Lord Wang, the Queen Mother is a phoenix, not a tiger!"

Zai Yi's words not only left Wang Wenshao speechless, but even made Cixi smile.

感谢：20180927104339797、20230415804、20230412948-ac、我吃土豆片、望书思烛、20170202172749389、拉伊库兹布祖维奇、土鳖192、云海100、-天-、湿妹好银荡、爱看小说的瘦医、深蓝等书友的月票、推荐票支持！



(End of this chapter)