You can't only love the Qing Dynasty when you're eating the fruits of others' labor.

Chapter 179 Just settle for the next best thing
The next morning.

Jiang Qingyun made a special trip to see Zhou Shao, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and the two had a private conversation for half an hour.

Then, Zhou Shao immediately began a series of visits.

He visited the residences of all the important officials in the capital, offering generous gifts and acting as an intermediary to secure a substitute official position for his third brother that was very close to that of "General Dingyuan".

At the same time, the Ministry of War kept receiving urgent reports of the fall of various parts of the south.

Guangxi is completely lost!

Hunan lost 80%!

Jiangxi lost 60%!

Hubei lost 30%!

Guangdong lost 20%!

Under Li Dingguo's pursuit, Tunqi led his remaining troops north to Jingzhou, where they barely managed to stabilize the situation by relying on the natural barrier of the Jingjiang River and the city's strong defenses.

Rumors spread like wildfire in Huguang, causing panic among the troops and eroding the courage of the Eight Banners soldiers to launch an attack.

The people of the capital were filled with anxiety.

In front of the governor's office, the alley was crowded with people anxiously inquiring about the whereabouts of their husbands, sons, and fathers.

Bad news: 10,000 casualties.

Good news: There is no specific list, so there is no need to hang white banners for the time being.

Additional news: Temples throughout the capital were suddenly overflowing with worshippers, and money poured in as people made sincere wishes, much to the delight of the chubby monks.

……

Two days later, the morning court session began.

Fan Wencheng, a Grand Secretary of the Secretariat, was the first to step forward and suggested that the court appoint Jiang Qingyun as the Southwest Pacification Commissioner to handle the situation in the Southwest with full authority, prioritizing pacification while simultaneously suppressing and pacifying the enemy.

Ning Wanwo and Zhu Guozhi expressed their agreement.

Sony expressed its support.

Minister of Personnel Feng Shuan and Minister of Works Jiang Hede also expressed their support.

Because the councilors were all confined to their residences, for a time, no one in the Hall of Supreme Harmony stood up to oppose the proposal.

Emperor Shunzhi hesitated.

"This is a matter of great importance. I have listened to the opinions of my ministers and will now consider them."

"Court adjourned."

……

After leaving the court.

Jiang Qingyun arranged to meet Aobai, a second-class bodyguard, at a teahouse outside Zhengyang Gate.

To maintain secrecy, Jiang Qingyun temporarily took on the role of tea master, skillfully pouring tea from a long teapot with a copper spout.

“Brother Ao, let’s not beat around the bush. I unequivocally support you in becoming the General of Dingyuan.”

"No, no, I'm not capable enough."

Ao Bai could no longer suppress his smile; the corners of his mouth turned up.

“Brother Ao, given our friendship, you don’t need to hide anything. I reiterate, I wholeheartedly support you in becoming the General of Dingyuan.”

Ao Bai suppressed his smile and stared at himself.

"Brother Qingyun, I've heard that you also want to become the General of Dingyuan?"

"Me? Do you believe me?"

By the window, Jiang Qingyun stood with his hands behind his back. His handsome appearance and tall stature made him look like a refined scholar, with nothing to do with a military general.

"To be honest, I think you're good enough to be the Left Censor-in-Chief, the Minister, or the Vice Minister, but you're really not good enough to be the General of Dingyuan. You haven't seen a battlefield where hundreds of thousands of people are fighting to the death, so I can't describe it. In short, the battlefield and the court are two different things."

“Brother Ao is absolutely right, I have indeed never been on the battlefield.”

……

"However, Brother Ao, I have a bold idea."

"speak!"

"You will be the General Who Pacifies the Distant Lands, in charge of military affairs. I will be the Commissioner for Pacification and Suppression in the Southwest, in charge of politics. You will be the leader, and I will assist you. Together, we will turn the tide."

"Okay."

Ao Bai was excited and slammed his hand on the table. The seemingly sturdy rosewood table was smashed apart by his blow, and tea spilled all over the floor.

half an hour.

After calming down, he asked a crucial question.

"Brother Qingyun, how are you planning to get involved in politics?"

"Come here."

The two whispered among themselves, and Ao Bai nodded repeatedly, his eyes shining.

"Can you really do that?"

"Yes!" "Alright, I'll go back to the palace right now and recommend myself to the Emperor!" Ao Bai thumped his chest loudly.

"There are too many people and too many eyes in the south of the city, so I won't come downstairs to see you off."

"No need to send it, no need to send it."

Ao Bai scurried down the stairs.

After he left, Jiang Qingyun picked out an identical rosewood table, held his breath, clenched his fist, and slammed it down.

bang~
The table remained completely still.

bang bang bang~
The table showed no signs of falling apart.

Jiang Qingyun's palms were red and painful, so he decisively gave up trying. He stared at the rosewood table that Ao Bai had smashed to pieces and fell into deep thought.

Ao Bai, what a beast!
……

Qianqing Palace

"Ao Bai, you said you want to be the General of Dingyuan?"

"Yes. The Eight Banners soldiers are trapped in Hubei. This servant is burning with anxiety and wants to lead troops south to put out the fire as soon as possible."

"To be honest, I have been unable to eat or sleep these past few days. But I am still undecided about whether to make peace or suppress them. As you know, the Manchu bannermen can no longer withstand any further losses."

Emperor Shunzhi's face was filled with sorrow.

Ao Bai cupped his hands in greeting:

"Your Majesty, if we can appease them, we will; if we can suppress them, we will. This servant swears on the entire Guarjia clan that we will never waste the precious lives of our bannermen. By the way, if Your Majesty allows, this servant would also like to have a deputy."

"Who?"

"Jiang Qingyun".

Shunzhi seemed to be deep in thought. He gestured for Aobai to leave first, and then he rode in a soft carriage to Cining Palace.

Facts have proved that ginger is still spicy.

The Empress Dowager's perspective on issues was insightful and incisive.

"Fulin, you really don't have a choice. Besides Ao Bai and Jiang Qingyun, do you have any other candidates in your pocket right now?"

"Sony?"

"He has too many problems. He's bedridden all the time. He's either a sickly person or a cunning old fox."

"Does Mother suspect Sony of disloyalty?"

"No. Being a cunning old fox doesn't necessarily mean disloyalty; it just means having too many thoughts. To give you an analogy, it's like in a battle: the commander-in-chief orders the drums to beat, and the whole army charges into the enemy lines. Ao Bai and Jiang Qingyun would immediately draw their swords and charge upon hearing the drums. Sony, on the other hand, would probably hesitate for a couple of breaths before charging. So, it's not that he's unusable, but you can't expect him to be at the forefront."

Shunzhi remained silent.

Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang said slowly, "Let's go with the two of them. Give them 500 Manchu bannermen."

"500?"

"Yes, our Great Qing can no longer afford to lose any more bannermen. If we don't have enough troops, let the two of them find a way to make up the difference themselves."

"Then they'll have no choice but to use Green Standard Army soldiers."

"Don't worry about that. Just give them enough pay and enough power, and let them do their job."

"Does the Empress Dowager have confidence in them?"

"Perhaps it is the will of Heaven, Master, come out."

A tall monk emerged from behind.

"Amitabha."

"Master Tianji just drew a fortune stick before the Buddha. I personally watched the stick fall to the ground, and when I picked it up, it turned out to be a very auspicious one, signifying smooth sailing."

The pressure on Shunzhi's mind eased slightly.

It's a good omen; you have to believe it.

"Venerable Master, you have worked hard. Unfortunately, I have been busy with official duties lately and have not had time to ask you about the Dharma. Please do not take offense."

He Shen smiled, displaying the air of a superior person.

Without anger, without joy, without sorrow, without fear, and without taking it to heart.

He put his hands together in prayer position:
“Amitabha Buddha, from the day the army leaves the capital, this humble monk will meditate and chant sutras for 10 hours every day in the small Buddhist hall of the Forbidden City to pray for the soldiers until the good news arrives.”

Ten hours!

We really need to put the ascetic practices into practice.

Emperor Shunzhi and his mother stood up in solemn respect, bowed their heads, and clasped their hands together to show their reverence.

……

The military situation is extremely urgent.

South City.

After receiving the imperial decree, Jiang Qingyun immediately began preparations.

The first thing: Buy a coffin.

(End of this chapter)