Chinese martial arts! Grandmaster

Chapter 211: Declaring War! We Have to Fight Even If We Don't Want to
"Ximentang Righteous Group, Commander-in-Chief Chen Jie!"

"The person my father wants me to marry is him?
Ling Yue fell silent when she heard this.

She was the leader of the Daqian Dynasty's 'Hidden Guards', so she naturally knew Ximen Hall, and even more so, the head of Ximen Hall, Chen Jie.

Ximen Street Volunteer Heroes Competition.

Chen Jie, the leader of Ximen Hall, emerged as a rising star and defeated the two leaders of the Axe Gang, becoming the leader of the righteous group in Xicheng District of Beijing.

Then,

Ximentang raided the Austro-Hungarian concession and burned and killed all the Austro-Hungarian soldiers.

The Xiongwu Army at Dagukou Fortress was defeated by the Western Allied Forces.

When the Tanggu Port was about to be lost, Ximen Tang suddenly sent troops to defeat the Hunter coalition forces and forced them to flee.

Next, Ximen Tang was stationed at Tanggu Port.

Hunter's coalition forces assembled 50,000 troops in the Bian Du Concession and made a comeback.

In the second fierce battle, Ximen Tang defeated Hunter's coalition forces again with 2,000 men and raided the Bian Du Concession.

After returning to Dagukou Fortress, Ximen Tang instigated the Tianwu Army to rebel, successfully replaced Ye Zhicheng, and garrisoned in Dagukou Fortress.

in addition,

According to the investigation of the Imperial Guards, the branch of the Oriental Black Dragon Society in Tianjin was also defeated and razed by Ximen Tang!
Princess Lingyue has a heroic and masculine personality.

but,

It doesn't mean that she is a careless person.

On the contrary, she has a very delicate mind and strong insight.

now,

After hearing her father's words, she naturally understood that her father wanted to marry her to Chen Jie, the head of Ximen Hall.

Being young, handsome, talented, etc. are not the main reasons.

In royal marriages, no attention is paid to the other party's appearance.

Just like in the past, the royal family formed marriage alliances with them in order to contain the forces in the Western Regions, Tubo and other places.

The other party's appearance, abilities, etc. are not even considered in a marriage.

The royal family was more concerned about the fact that Ximen Tang had already taken control of the Dagukou Fortress and had 20,000 elite troops at his disposal.

People like Ximen Tang Chen Jie, who has no background and no family connections, yet controls a militia organization that can compete with the Western coalition forces.

His every move can affect the overall situation of the Daqian Dynasty.

The most important point is that Ximen Tang razed Piaoxiang Tower in Tianjin, and completely broke off relations with the aristocratic family and Taipinghao behind the Ninth Prince.

Ximen Hall has become powerful!
Even the Ministry of War could no longer suppress it.

Therefore,
The best way to bind Ximen Hall to the interests of the royal family is through marriage.

Such is the fate of the dynasty princesses.

No matter whether you are a martial arts expert or not, or whether you become the leader of the secret guards, you cannot escape the fate of marriage in the end.

As children of the royal family, everything must be done for the benefit of the royal family.

Although Ling Yue has understood this truth since childhood.

but,

When she really reached the age of marriage, she felt confused, hesitant and uneasy inside -!
If it were someone else, Princess Lingyue might have refused loudly.

But Chen Jie, the head of Ximen Hall, made her curious.

She investigated Ximen Tang and Chen Jie.

Therefore,
She knew the speed of Ximen Hall's development even better than her father.

"Father—I think—!"

Ling Yue hesitated for a moment, not knowing what to say next.

Li Zheng was afraid that Princess Lingyue would get angry, so he said seriously:

"Lingyue, don't think about anything else. Father has already made the decision on this matter!"

"I have already informed Chen Jie of Ximen Hall. Once the situation stabilizes, I will announce the marriage to the world!"

Ling Yue's face suddenly turned red, and she even showed a hint of a daughter's attitude.

Huh?
Emperor Li Zheng was shocked.

What he didn't expect was that Ling Yue didn't refuse sternly!
"Everything will be arranged by the emperor, but before the marriage is granted, I need to leave the palace and meet him in advance, is that okay?"

Ling Yue actually showed a shy expression.

Li Zheng shook his head and smiled, saying:

"You want to leave the palace to meet Ximen Tang Chen Jie, I have no objection, but you'd better ask your master for permission!"

"By the way, Ximen Hall's Chen Jie has a good relationship with Eunuch Cao from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You can go to Eunuch Cao to get to know him first."

He knew his precious daughter very well.

If she is not allowed to leave the palace to get to know Chen Jie of Ximen Hall up close, there is no telling what she will do.

Since my daughter has no objection, it means she is not opposed to this marriage.

At this time, Li Zheng naturally would not stop his daughter from leaving the palace—!
-

The fifteenth day of the twelfth month in the Daqian calendar.

Chen Jie ordered the Ximentang baggage transport unit to transport the military supplies that had just been produced by the arsenal to the Dagukou Fortress.

Also sent along were 450 tons of food.

He left fifty tons of food in the main hall of Simon Church.

Not only the elite troops stationed there need food, but the arsenal also needs it.

He stayed in the General's Mansion in Dagukou Fortress for three days and wanted to return to the capital.

He wanted to find Eunuch Cao and ask for advice on his "Heng Lian of the Thirteen Guardians".

but,

As soon as I arrived at Ximen Street, I was stopped by someone.

Chen Jie took a look and saw that it was Tie Niu from the Military Affairs Office.

Ever since the last incident at Piaoxianglou, he and Tie Niu from the Military Affairs Office have been getting along pretty well.

Mr. Tie has been promoted!

He became the Vice Minister of the Grand Council, a position similar to that of Xu Shichang more than two months ago.

of course,

Xu Shichang was promoted even faster, rising three levels in a row. Now he is the Minister of War of the imperial court, a third-rank official!

After defeating Hunter's coalition forces, Ximen Tang made the "war faction" in the court gain great momentum.

As a backbone of the "war faction", Xu Shichang was naturally given an important position.

When Chen Jie saw Tie Niu, he bowed and said with a smile:
"Master Tie, do you want to talk to me about something—?"

Tie Niu laughed and said:

"What can I do? It was Lord Xu who was looking for you. He was originally going to Tianjin Dagukou Fortress to find you. But when I heard that you had returned to the capital, I could only wait here."

Chen Jie was surprised and asked, "Master Xu, what's the matter with you?"

Tie Niu leaned close to Chen Jie's ear and whispered:

"I don't know the specific situation, but I heard from Lord Xu that it is related to the British Empire!"

"Let's go, let's go to the Military Department's other courtyard, Lord Xu has been waiting for a long time!"

Chen Jie, along with Tang Feng and other personal guards, followed Tie Niu all the way to the military department's annex and entered the meeting hall.

Chen Jie and Xu Shichang greeted each other.

We were all old acquaintances, so there wasn't too much politeness.

After Xu Shichang had his servant make tea for Chen Jie, he handed him a document and said:

"Mr. Chen, take a look!"

Chen Jie frowned and opened it to take a look.

English version of the document!

This is a declaration of war submitted by the British Empire to the Daqian Dynasty.

The content of the declaration of war was very simple, demanding that the Daqian Dynasty apologize in writing and take responsibility for the previous battle at Dagukou Fortress.

and,

The Daqian Dynasty was required to open docks, demarcate concessions, and cede territory in South China and Hong Kong Island along the southern coastal areas. At the same time, it was required to compensate the British Empire for its losses, totaling 50 million taels of silver, and abolish the Daqian Dynasty's Westernization Movement.

The letter of challenge listed many clauses.

Finally, he even issued a threat if the Daqian Dynasty did not set up concessions and cede territory.

Then,

The British Empire will officially surrender to the Daqian Dynasty!

——Declare war!
Chen Jie finished reading the letter of challenge without any emotion on his face.

He said calmly:
"The commander of the Western coalition forces, Seymour, has now been appointed as the special envoy of the Western eleven-nation coalition forces."

"The declaration of war they submitted appears to be a declaration of war from the British Empire, but in fact, it is backed by a coalition of eleven nations!"

"These include the Orientals and Northern Russians. If nothing unexpected happens, Seymour has reached an agreement on the division of interests with the Orientals, Northern Russians, the United States and other countries!"

finished,

He closed the [Declaration of War] and let out a long breath.

Xu Shichang had also studied abroad, so he could naturally understand the meaning of the declaration of war.

After listening to Chen Jie's words, he asked worriedly:

"Mr. Chen, what do you think of this declaration of war from the Westerners?"

Chen Jie said calmly:
"What can I think? Their second batch of warships docked at Tianjin Port and transported a large amount of military equipment to the Bian Du Concession."

"Immediately afterwards, the Western coalition forces launched an undeclared war and directly attacked the Tanggu Port."

"Now that they have lost the fight, they submit another 'Declaration of War'!"

"It seems that they have been salivating over the fat piece of meat of Daqian and have torn off all their previous disguises and want to grab it!"

The atmosphere fell silent.

After a while,
Xu Shichang said slowly: "Mr. Chen, how do you think we should deal with this?"

Chen Jie smiled, turned to look at Xu Shichang, and asked:

"You want to hear the truth?"

Hearing Chen Jie's doubts, Xu Shichang smiled bitterly and said:

"We have known each other for a long time. You should know me, Xu Shichang, very well!"

"If you want to hear lies, why would I ask you to come over?"

Chen Jie stood up and said calmly:
"Fight! I have only one opinion - fight!"

"The British Empire wants to make Daqian their colony. They want us to cede land, set aside concessions, and pay compensation!"

"The Daqian Dynasty has been established for thousands of years, and has never suffered such humiliation!"

"Besides, the Western coalition forces are not invincible. They have muskets and heavy machine guns, and we are more powerful than them!"

"They have artillery, and our artillery can directly destroy them."

"Westerners are born as bandits. In their bones, there is only plunder. If you don't cripple them, they will always want to bite you."

"but--!"

Having said this, Chen Jie suddenly stopped.

Xu Shichang quickly asked:
"But what—?"

"Don't worry, Mr. Chen. No one else will know what we discussed today."

Chen Jie smiled and said that he could hear what Xu Shichang was thinking.

He knew very well that Xu Shichang was looking for him because of the palace's intention.

then,

He said in a deep voice: "The Western eleven-nation coalition is ready for a full-scale war!"

"The Japanese plan to increase their troops by 300,000 in the Northeast. Seymour has already asked Western countries for troops and plans to increase them by 200,000!"

"In addition, Northern Russia has 300,000 troops stationed on the border, and is planning to send troops from Tibet and the Northeast at any time."

"Is the Daqian Dynasty ready for an all-out war?"

"I'm not talking about the capital, but Tibet, Northeast China, South China, Shandong, and East Zhejiang!"

Xu Shichang was suddenly startled, took a deep breath and said, "Mr. Chen, what do you mean?"

Chen Jie narrowed his eyes and said:

"What I'm worried about is that even the 'war faction' within the Daqian Dynasty is not ready for an all-out war!"

"this--!"

After hearing what Chen Jie said, Xu Shichang fell silent.

yes--!
The factional struggle within the court has now reached a fever pitch.

Not to mention the "cession of territory and peace faction" and the "surrender faction", even the "war faction" was not prepared for an all-out war.

The surroundings became quiet, and Xu Shichang sighed and said:

"Master Chen, you are right. The imperial treasury is empty and we owe a huge debt to the West!"

"If a full-scale war really breaks out, I'm afraid——!"

Chen Jie sneered and said in a deep voice:
"Since the court is in disarray and has so many concerns, then let's not fight!"

"You are afraid of wolves in front and tigers behind. Others have already come to your door, but you still fantasize that you are a chess player and want to negotiate with Western countries and make conditions!"

"In fact, in their eyes, the Daqian Dynasty is just a plate of fat meat. They are thinking about how to eat it to make it more delicious!"

"If we cede all of the coastal areas of South China, East China, Northeast China, Shandong, etc., we should be able to let the Daqian Dynasty enjoy five years of good life in a dream!"

After listening to this, Xu Shichang frowned slightly.

He said in surprise: "Master Chen, do you mean that in five years, the Westerners will continue to attack the capital?"

Chen Jie sneered and said:

"Maybe it won't take five years, maybe just three. After they digest the cuts, they'll be hungry again soon!"

"I just told you that all Western countries are originally bandits. Do you think they will be satisfied?"

"The weaker the Daqian Dynasty is, the more they will be greedy!"

"With no way to retreat, the final battle is unavoidable!"

"If you don't cripple them, hurt them, and make them kneel down and beg for mercy, they will never give up this land in the East."

"Sir Xu, you are now the new Minister of War. Do you want to fight or not? You must have a clear direction in your mind!"

"We, Ximen Hall, are just a chivalrous organization. Why do you keep asking for my opinion?"

"Many people in the court were frightened when they saw the "Declaration of War" submitted by the British Empire. If you don't block all the ways out, they will always hold on to the hope of getting away with it."

"You should understand what I mean, right?"

finished,

Chen Jie said nothing more and said goodbye to Xu Shichang.

Xu Shichang looked at Chen Jie's leaving back and murmured to himself:
"It seems like this battle has to be fought!"

"Broken off the retreat route - destroyed the lucky mentality of everyone in the court?!"

-

December 16th of the Daqian New Calendar!

The Ministry of War in the Bohai Bay suddenly bombarded Western merchant ships with Weiyuan cannons!

The relationship has fallen out!

This time, the army under the Ministry of War took the initiative to attack and actually started bombarding merchant ships first.

Three Western merchant ships were sunk by artillery fire, one of which was carrying the "opium" that the British Empire had just shipped to Daqian!
at the same time,

The Ministry of War completely burned down a British opium warehouse in Hebei.

And they uprooted the local forces responsible for selling "opium", beheaded hundreds of them, and paraded them through the streets!
have to say,

Xu Shichang is very decisive when doing things!
His actions were clearly intended to put an end to the lucky mentality of some people in the court.

It directly intensified the conflict and made the attitude of the "war faction" clear.

His series of actions caught both Sixth Prince Li Lie and Emperor Li Zheng off guard.

Early the next morning,

When Chen Jie heard the news, a smile appeared on his face.

The Ministry of War used artillery to sink merchant ships of the British Empire. This was a response to Seymour's army's declaration of war using artillery!
The attitude is very clear!
——Come if you want to fight!
After Xu Shichang's attack, there was no room for reconciliation between the British Empire and the Daqian Dynasty.

There is no way out for both sides!
(End of this chapter)