Chapter 877 Soldiers approaching the Forbidden City
When the war in Vladivostok came to an end, the battle in Beijing had already begun. Zuo Zongtang led an army of soldiers and marched straight in, from Nanjing all the way up, through Shandong, into Zhili, captured Tianjin, and finally reached Beijing. Zuo Zongtang If he didn't take action, he would be fine. Once he took action, he would surround the city of Beijing and cut off Yi's retreat, leaving Yi with no way to escape.
In this way, Yi was trapped in Beijing.
Outside Beijing, the Second Army Corps barracks.
In the Chinese army's tent, Zuo Zongtang was considering the arrangements after taking over Beijing.
"call,."
The curtain of the camp tent was rolled up, and Liu Jintang, the number one general under Zuo Zongtang, walked in.
Liu Jintang was about sixteen or seventeen years old, with a majestic appearance and a proud look on his face. However, when he saw Zuo Zongtang, he was extremely respectful. Liu Jintang raised his hand to perform a military salute and said respectfully: "Commander Zuo, we are already here. We have been waiting outside Beijing for three days, why haven't we sent out troops to attack? I think it's time to send out troops."
Soldiers in the army usually address Zuo Zongtang as 'Commander', but Liu Jintang calls him 'Commander Zuo'.
Zuo Zongtang said: "If you catch a turtle in an urn, can you escape? Don't worry."
Liu Jintang chuckled and said, "Commander Zuo is wise."
Zuo Zongtang glanced at Liu Jintang again, then put down the brush in his hand and said: "You are not a good boy. I don't know about your colorful intestines. Tell me, what's the matter?"
Liu Jintang looked serious. After sitting down, he said: "Commander Zuo, taking Beijing is just around the corner. But, what are your plans after taking the city?"
When Zuo Zongtang heard this, he felt that there was something in Liu Jintang's words, but he did not say it thoroughly.
Who is Zuo Zongtang? He has been in the officialdom for decades. He is experienced and experienced. He has long been able to express his emotions and anger. With a slight smile on his lips, he said: "Jintang, I really don't have it." I plan to wait for the prince to go south after taking Beijing, or lead troops to join the prince in Vladivostok in the north. Why, you have other ideas."
A flash of anxiety flashed in Liu Jintang's eyes and he said: "Zuo Shuai, I said I had other ideas."
"What do you think?" Zuo Zongtang asked.
Zuo Zongtang already understood in his heart, but he still didn't point it out.
Liu Jintang scratched his head and saw that Zuo Zongtang still looked confused. He gritted his teeth and said in a low voice: "Commander Zuo, what I'm talking about is that you are self-reliant with your troops. You led an army of soldiers from Nanjing to Beijing and conquered half of the country. , now we are trapping Yi in Beijing City. After we capture Yi, you will be able to dominate the world. What a majestic power. With your ability, you will definitely be able to secure your position..."
When Liu Jintang spoke, Zuo Zongtang's expression became darker.
The atmosphere in the camp was extremely depressing.
"Asshole,."
Zuo Zongtang slammed the table and shouted: "Don't kneel down yet."
"thump,."
Liu Jintang immediately knelt down and said, "Commander Zuo, I am speaking from my heart. Please think about it."
When Zuo Zongtang heard that this kid continued to talk nonsense, he stood up angrily, walked to Liu Jintang, and kicked him out.
"Snapped,,."
He kicked Liu Jintang's body with great force, knocking Liu Jintang to the ground.
He raised his head and looked at Zuo Zongtang in confusion, not daring to resist.
Zuo Zongtang's eyes were as sharp as a knife, his expression was stern, and he said in a deep voice: "You bitch, after eating your ambition, your leopard will be so courageous. We fought with the army under Yi's command. How many battles did you win? I think I'm the best in the world, I'm awesome, I feel like my wings are stiff and I want to fly, OK, OK, you go and fly, don't stay here with me."
Liu Jintang said: "Shuai Zuo, I..."
Zuo Zongtang interrupted directly: "You think you have won the battle, but unfortunately you have forgotten one thing. The people you encountered are all soldiers and generals, and they are all people with no ability. If you have the ability, go attack the foreigners and go to the north to help. The prince is attacking the Russian army. The prince is fighting in the north. There are only a few hundred soldiers around him, but he has defeated tens of thousands of Russian troops without any effort. Can you do it? You self-righteous bitch, kneel down and reflect on it. .”
Liu Jintang knelt on the ground again, not daring to move.
Normally, Liu Jintang and Zuo Zongtang were laughing and joking, but once Zuo Zongtang got angry, Liu Jintang did not dare to speak again.
Zuo Zongtang was still not relieved and continued: "Not to mention how we won the battle, just that the prince promoted me and directly let me serve as the commander of the second army and preside over an army. This is already a great deal. Trust, as the saying goes, a Taoist priest dies for a confidant. The prince regards me as a confidant. Can I rebel against him? I will repay him as a national scholar. I don’t know how you came up with such an idea, but I can tell you for sure that this idea must be eradicated. , I will also immediately cut off all contact with the person who persuaded you to find me. If you continue, I will kill you first."
Liu Jintang shook his head repeatedly, saying that he did not dare to talk nonsense anymore.
Zuo Zongtang looked at Liu Jintang's frightened expression before returning to his seat and sitting down.
This kneeling lasted for half an hour.
Zuo Zongtang then waved his hand and said, "Get up."
Liu Jintang stood up and was extremely humble.
Zuo Zongtang sighed lightly and continued: "Jintang, this matter is over here. I don't want it to spread in any way. I hope you can take care of yourself. I don't want to kill you with tears. What can I say? There are only so many, you should think clearly about the rest. In my whole life, the prince will never let me down, and I will never let him down. I hope you understand."
"yes."
Liu Jintang responded respectfully, then turned and left.
…
Beijing, Forbidden City.
In Qianqing Palace, Yi had been exhausted and extremely haggard during this period. His face was slightly pale, his eyes were bloodshot, his lips were chapped, and he was in very poor condition. Ever since Zuo Zongtang sent his army to surround Beijing, Yi had never slept a single night. I had a good sleep, but it was difficult to fall asleep every day. Every day, my energy was very poor, and my health was getting worse.
"Your Majesty, the ministers of the court would like to see you." The eunuch came in and said respectfully.
Yi scratched his head and said, "Who are the main people?"
The eunuch immediately replied: "There are Prince Zheng Duanhua, Prince Yi Zaiyuan, and Minister of Military Aircraft Du Han."
"Xuan." Yi waved his hand and said.
The eunuch walked to the door of the hall and shouted: "Prince Xuan Zheng, Prince Yi and Minister of Military Aircraft Du Han are here to see you." After the words fell, the orders were immediately passed out one by one. It didn't take long for Duan Hua, Zai Yuan and Du Han to come to the hall. , the three people walked in and saw Yi, and immediately kowtowed and saluted.
Yi asked the three of them to stand up and asked, "What important business do you have for your three beloved ministers?"
Duan Hua replied: "The three slaves came here to ask the emperor to lead an army to break through and leave Beijing. Zuo Zongtang is currently besieging the city. The people in the city are panic-stricken. Even if we continue to suppress it, we cannot suppress it for a long time. One day we will out of control."