The Empire will continue to win

The atmosphere inside Yanxi Hall was somewhat ambiguous.

Empress Dowager Xi picked up the teacup, attempting to mask her embarrassment by drinking tea. Although she was somewhat restless, she chickened out when she thought of the distinction between ruler and subject, and between men and women.

He's a typical case of having the desire to steal but not the courage.

She was far inferior to Empress Wu Zetian.

Since the Empress Dowager dares not be presumptuous, and Shen Moqing dares not act rashly, this matter cannot be rushed, nor is there any need to rush. We can make progress step by step each day, and there is still a long way to go.

One sat upright and serious, the other stared boldly.

One is in the prime of youth, the other is barely an adult.

One is outlined in a cheongsam, the other in a crisp military uniform.

The emperor and his ministers remained silent, and it took the Empress Dowager, who was in a state of great confusion, a long time to remember the purpose of summoning this young man today.

First, there is questioning.

Second, seek advice.

First, question them to make them feel apprehensive and fearful, then ask for their advice to ensure that they will be grateful to you after offering their suggestions.

Political creatures are all like this.

.........

First, ask questions.

"Shen Qing, many people have been complaining about you lately."

"Your Majesty, I have been living and working at the factory these past few days, doing only two things: manufacturing guns and training soldiers," Shen Moqing replied, seemingly ignoring the question.

"What kind of soldiers are you training?"

"militia."

"What do you need the militia for as a supervisor of a military factory?" Empress Dowager Cixi's expression changed instantly, but reason prevailed again.

Shen Moqing saw this and understood the situation. He then calmly replied, "Your Majesty, I have borrowed several officers from Commander Li of the First Garrison to give those spoiled brats in the factory a thorough training. Those who are unwilling to endure hardship can resign voluntarily."

"You're quite shrewd."

Empress Dowager Cixi smiled knowingly. She understood the implication: dismissing those young imperial servants was impossible, but voluntary resignation was acceptable.

"I have no choice. I have to share the Empress Dowager's burdens and also take care of the reputation of the officials in the capital. It's too difficult for me!" With that, Shen Moqing sighed, his eyes dimmed, and his back hunched over.

tired!

A man's exhaustion!

Isn't it all for you, a widow and her orphans?

Sure enough, showing weakness in a measured way yielded excellent results.

The Empress Dowager was subtly moved, and her tone revealed even more concern:

"I understand your feelings. Nowadays, there are very few ministers willing to care so much about the affairs of the country. It's a pity that you have no official rank or title."

Without official rank and title, one cannot pursue a career as a civil official.

Ancestral rules cannot be violated.

Even the Empress Dowager was helpless.

"Shen Qing, how is the new rifle project progressing?"

"Thanks to the Empress Dowager's care and the Emperor's attention, our factory's new rifle project has achieved a major breakthrough."

"Really?"

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I am not like Woren. The sample rifle has already rolled off the production line. I can guarantee with my life that the new rifle can withstand the test of the court, the test of war, and even more so the test of our army brothers."

As they were talking.

Suddenly, Emperor Xuanwu's voice came from outside.

"An Dehai, what are you doing squatting by the wall?"

"Your Majesty, this servant greets you. My legs just went numb."

.........

The next second, the impatient young emperor had already stepped across the threshold.

"Mother, I greet you."

"Didn't you come to pay your respects this morning?"

"I couldn't wait any longer, so I came to inquire about the situation. Shen Moqing, is there any progress on the new rifle?"

"Your Majesty, I led 1500 colleagues in the factory to work for seven days and nights and finally developed a prototype rifle. It can hold ten bullets at a time and fire them all in 20 seconds. Its firepower is rapid and unparalleled in the world."

"Quickly, bring it here for me to try."

"This humble servant dares to request that tomorrow morning the two empress dowagers, the emperor, and all the ministers of the military come to the Xishan Martial Arts Ground to inspect the guns on the spot."

"well!"

Emperor Xuanwu paced back and forth in the room excitedly twice, then suddenly turned around and stared at Shen Moqing.

"If what you say is true, I will reward you handsomely."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Empress Dowager Cixi felt a pang of jealousy, as if someone had been blatantly undermining her son's position. What was even more infuriating was that her son had arrived at the worst possible time; the questioning had just ended, and she hadn't even had a chance to ask for his advice.

three days ago.

The Jinling Daily quoted a report published by Reuters' Nanyang Bureau titled "A War Ignored by the World".

The report detailed the siege of Fengtian.

The news caused a sensation throughout the city.

Newspapers were even being sold for as much as two silver dollars a copy, with countless people seeking the truth within them.

To be honest, after learning the news, Empress Dowager Cixi regretted it. She hesitated and did not listen to Shen Moqing's advice to start a public opinion campaign earlier, always thinking of delaying it.

As a result, the central government lost control of public opinion.

How can this be remedied?

You should ask Shen Moqing.

No, I have to find a way to get the prince away!

.........

Empress Dowager Cixi's expression was solemn:

"Your Highness is right. The front lines urgently need new rifles. If the test is successful tomorrow, the court should reward Shen Moqing accordingly."

"The Celestial Empire originally did not want to bother with that tiny country, but it has become increasingly arrogant and provoked us repeatedly. Since that's the case, let's fight. Currently, the naval strategy is still uncertain, but the deployment of the army is a done deal. My son, why don't you go to the Wenhua Hall and hear about the military's plan?"

"Yes."

Emperor Xuanwu didn't think much of it and left in high spirits.

Inside Yanxi Hall, only three people remained once again: the Empress Dowager Cixi, Shen Moqing, and An Dehai.

"Xiao Anzi, get out."

"Yes, sir."

An Dehai was so heartbroken he could hardly breathe. He left Yanxi Hall, turning back every few steps, a rare occurrence that even the emperor and his minister noticed.

Only the emperor and his minister remained in the room, but the Empress Dowager remained silent for a long time.

"The Empress Dowager?"

"An Dehai!!"

"Your servant is here."

Looking at Xiao Anzi who suddenly rolled in from outside, Empress Dowager Xi coldly turned her waist and walked over to slap him across the face.

"You dog of a lackey, how dare you eavesdrop?"

"Your Majesty, I was wrong. I will never dare to do it again."

An Dehai knelt down and slapped himself repeatedly, one on the left and one on the right, showing a positive attitude in admitting his mistake, but he didn't slap himself very hard.

"What evil intentions could this servant possibly have? This servant is just worried that if the Empress Dowager summons me, I will be too far away to respond in time. Empress Dowager, please don't send this servant away. If I leave the Empress Dowager, this servant will have no choice but to jump into the Yongding River."

Alright~

What is there to criticize about a servant?

"Fine, I'll let you off this time, but don't let it happen again."

An Dehai immediately stopped crying and smiled, and hurriedly stepped forward to support that familiar arm: "Master, next time, this servant promises to stand two zhang away." Taking advantage of his unpreparedness, he cast a sinister glance at Shen Moqing.

Shen Moqing inwardly groaned.

Damn it, I already have enough enemies, how come there's another one??

You all want to force me to become a cruel official, don't you?

I am a professor of political science at Dan University. I am extremely learned and proficient in thirty-six kinds of labels, seventy-two kinds of guilt by association, and one hundred and eight kinds of purges.

I just have high moral standards, but don't push me too far!!

Sudden.

Hurried footsteps sounded again outside the door.

This time, it was actually the Empress Dowager and Prince Gong who came together, both of them looking very aggressive, as if they had come to catch their lover cheating.

"Why is my sister here?"

"These past few days, foreign envoys from the Legation Quarter have been requesting an audience, and I can't sit still in Jingren Palace. Oh, what's he doing here?" Empress Dowager An pointed at Shen Moqing, feigning surprise.

"This humble servant greets the Empress Dowager and Your Highness."

Empress Dowager An, holding Empress Dowager Xi's hand, said meaningfully:

"Sister, I'm speaking frankly, and it might not be pleasant to hear, but please don't take it to heart. The inner palace is not the same as the front palace. How could you summon male officials from outside the palace in your bedchamber? If word gets out, it might damage your reputation."