The Qing Dynasty

Chapter 516: Teng Yuzao is asked to take out some money
Although the looting of foreign banks and firms in the concession was blamed on the Boxers, Ronglu still took the initiative to mention it, just to help Teng Yuzhao's financial situation and find more credible reasons.

Ronglu's move was not only intended to exonerate Teng Yuzao, but also because he was worried that Cixi would hold Teng Yuzao accountable.

Given the current situation, the imperial court can no longer withstand any more turmoil.

Seeing that Cixi had no reaction, Ronglu continued to talk to himself, "Teng Xingfu's bank is now extremely prosperous. Not only is it making a lot of money by lending money to several factories opened by Teng Xingfu himself, it is also lending a lot of money to domestic industry and commerce."

"Especially the donations from various places to the Vanguard Army all pass through its hands, which makes it extremely well-funded."

"Also, this Aurora Bank is now imitating foreign banks and attracting deposits with interest."

"It is said that many of the deposits in money houses and bill exchange houses across the country were withdrawn by depositors or transferred to this bank. Many money houses and bill exchange houses even went bankrupt due to bank runs."

Although Ronglu explained for a while, Cixi was still shocked and confused, so Ronglu had to continue.

"Empress Dowager, Teng Xingfu wants to vigorously promote Westernization in Zhili. He will definitely borrow money from banks and domestic money houses and bill shops. But it's hard to say how much he can raise."

"As for collateral, he did have it. For example, his factories in Shanghai were said to be making a fortune, and foreigners were scrambling to buy their products. Moreover, Teng Xingfu could also use the taxes or coal mines in Zhili as collateral to raise some money."

"Also, Teng Xingfu didn't need to raise 1 billion taels of silver all at once. He said he would need 10 years."

"As long as he can be more cautious and not be too eager for success and rush into things, and start a few foreign affairs projects and achieve good results, it will be much easier for him to raise money from banks and money houses."

It was not until then that Cixi finally understood something and nodded.

"According to what you said, although Teng Xingfu doesn't have 1 billion taels of silver, he is still very rich! Who knows, the court may even need to borrow money from him in the future!"

Hearing the dissatisfaction with Teng Yuzhao in Cixi's tone, Ronglu hurriedly spoke again.

"Empress Dowager, there is a popular saying among the people that war is worse than riots. Those who have led troops abroad have always..."

"So, regarding the source of Teng Xingfu's money, it is best for the court to turn a blind eye and not comment on this matter."

Cixi nodded and continued after careful consideration.

"Zhonghua, back then, Li Shaoquan and Zhang Xiangtao pushed hard to build the Lu-Han Railway. In order to build this railway, we initially set aside two million taels of silver every year for the construction of the railway."

"Later, the Luján Railway was handed over to the Belgians for supervision and construction. We borrowed 4.5 million pounds from them, and they provided everything we needed. We promised the Belgians that we would give them the right to operate it for 30 years to repay the loan. You know all this."

"There are many criticisms in China about letting foreigners build this railway. Some people say that the imperial court is selling out sovereignty and road rights. But how can they understand the imperial court's difficulties? We don't have money. If we had money, who would be willing to let foreigners build it? I'm afraid Zhang Xiangtao would be the first one to refuse."

"What I mean is, Zhonghua, you should communicate with Teng Xingfu privately in your own name."

"Now that the railway construction has stopped, if Teng Xingfu is willing, we can just let Zhili take over. The court can also give Zhili 30 years of operating rights to allow him to recover the costs. This will not only silence the people, but also reduce some of the burden on the court."

"You have to be more tactful, but you have to make Teng Xingfu understand that this matter is tied to the customs matter."

Cixi's words made Ronglu speechless. He knew that Cixi still cared about his customs and wanted Teng Yuzao to give more money. If Teng Yuzao took over, the court would no longer care about the Belgian loans. Teng Yuzao should be responsible for the money that had already been invested.

As for the contract with the Belgians, you can completely ignore it now, Belgians.

Although Belgium did not send troops to join the invasion of the Allied Forces in China, the names of Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands were mentioned in the Qing court's declaration of war, so now Belgium is also a belligerent party.

If Teng Yuzao continues the current state of war between the two sides, tears up the contract, and compensates the Belgians for the funds they have already invested, the Belgians will be helpless.

"besides."

Cixi picked up the teacup, took a sip of tea, and spoke slowly and meaningfully.

"Zhonghua, you have been the governor-general of Zhili, and you organized the Wuwei Army, so you are well-known in Tianjin."

"Now the city of Tianjin is completely destroyed, and the people have no place to live because of the war. It's really pitiful."

"Also, I heard that the wealthy merchants in Tianjin City also suffered heavy losses. Most of the large amounts of silver they couldn't take away were taken away by others."

When Ronglu heard Cixi mention the losses of the wealthy merchants in Tianjin again, he couldn't help but groan inwardly and said hurriedly.

"Empress Dowager, not only the wealthy merchants, but also the deposits of various government offices in Tianjin City were taken away by foreigners. Teng Xingfu has already made a rough list of these for the foreigners."

Ronglu’s meaning was very clear, this matter could not be mentioned again.

However, Cixi ignored Ronglu's persuasion and continued talking to herself.

"No matter what, these people are also the people of our Qing Dynasty. If they feel wronged, they should be given a place to speak out. Isn't it said that it is more difficult to guard against the people's mouths than to guard against the river?"

"If they have something to say and it is inconvenient to submit it to the government office in Zhili, they can submit it to the imperial court."

Cixi looked at Ronglu and smiled, "Don't worry. If this matter has nothing to do with the Vanguard Army, we can clear Teng Xingfu. Even if we find out that he has something to do with Teng Xingfu's men, we won't blame him too much. We will just tell Teng Xingfu to control his subordinates."

Cixi's words frightened Ronglu again. Could it be that all he had said had no effect? ​​Should he still hold Teng Yuzao accountable?
Although Cixi said that she would not blame Teng Yuzhao, she still sowed unhappiness in Teng Yuzhao's heart.

Fortunately, Cixi's next words made Ronglu feel relieved.

"Also, since the foreigners want to negotiate peace, the court should soon return to the capital. It is said that the East City of the outer city was also completely blown up by Teng Xingfu. The capital is the face of the court, and it must be repaired. But how can the court come up with the money now?"

Cixi's words made Ronglu sigh bitterly.

Although he was very willing to let Teng Yuzao take out some silver to help the court in an emergency, now was really not the right time. If things went wrong, Teng Yuzao and the court would become alienated.

However, now Ronglu has completely understood Cixi's thoughts.

Cixi not only tried to guard against Teng Yuzao in every possible way and tried to undermine his reputation, but also wanted to squeeze as much money as possible from Teng Yuzao.
(End of this chapter)