Chapter 11 Chapter Eleven Uncertain Changes

In the spring of 1898, Kang Youwei sent his letter "Responsive Call to Overall Planning" to Emperor Guangxu, which opened the curtain of the famous Reform Movement of 1898 and also wrote about the bloody storm that followed in the Qing Dynasty.A bitter and tragic page. After dinner, Guangxu took advantage of the time before and after dark to sit in front of the Dongnuange book table, while roasting a charcoal brazier with a gilded copper cover, while deliberating Kang Youwei's Shangdi's book word by word.He has read this book no less than ten times, and he is still very excited every time he reads it. The more he reads it, the more excited he becomes, and the more he reads it, the more reasonable he feels.

A few days ago, against the obstruction of King Rui and others, together with his teacher Weng Tonghe and others, he personally summoned the vigorous and powerful 40-year-old head of the Ministry of Industry in the Prime Minister's National Affairs Yamen.Strictly speaking, this overall planning book was written by Kang Youwei under his instruction. It not only expressed his vision for the imperial court over the years, but also turned his vision into a specific policy program.He picked up the ink pen and kept drawing circles on this overall planning book, marking what he thought was important and the words he particularly admired.

Chashuizhang walked in quietly, saw that Guangxu was reviewing the memorial, and gently put the freshly brewed tea in the tray on the desk.He is the palace supervisor here, the chief eunuch of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, dozens of eunuchs on duty have to be dispatched by him, and it stands to reason that tea should not be brought by him.Because he had been in the tea room for a long time, he specially waited on Empress Dowager Cixi for tea, so not only was he used to delivering tea, but he even looked down on others for making tea, and he was relieved to do it himself every time. come yet?Guangxu asked without raising his head.Guangxu told him many times that the leader and eunuch made tea for him personally, but he never changed, he was used to it, so he had to let him go.

Not yet.Cha Shui Zhang knew that the emperor was referring to Concubine Zhen. Guangxu was in a very good mood. He mentioned the overall plan on the case and said that the memorial was very well written. He also said that Kang Youwei had also written to the court before, and that this was the third time he had written to the emperor. strip.But the previous few memorials were all stopped by several senior scholars, monks, and servants from the Ministry of Rites and the Military Aircraft Department, and they drowned the memorials in a daze.If it weren't for Weng Tonghe, he wouldn't have seen these notes a long time ago, and there would be no overall planning book this time.

Your majesty, this servant invites you to tea.Guangxu spoke very excitedly, but Chashuizhang looked indifferent, just serving him to drink tea. Didn't hear me, I was talking to you.Guangxu was obviously a little unhappy. emperor!Cha Shui Zhang hurriedly laughed with him, the slave couldn't understand what was going on outside.The servant knows how to serve you. Everyone is responsible for the rise and fall of the country, aren't you a citizen of the Qing Dynasty?Guangxu was still immersed in his excitement, and he actually talked about the truth. The slaves just remember that the internal eunuchs are not allowed to interfere in the government affairs.

I didn't let you interfere either.Go! Go! Go! twitter.Cha Shui Zhang agreed while exiting the hall sideways. etc.Guangxu called Chashuizhang to stop, and looked at the old man who had served him many years ago, feeling faintly disappointed in his heart. He took him away from Cixi and promoted him to three levels, mainly for his next reform plan.Wang Shang is old, and his energy is not as good as before, so he was replaced. He had an instinctive defense against Li Lianying, fearing that he, as the head of the inner court, would send him an eyeliner or something in the name of Cixi, which would be troublesome. That's why I asked for the tea badge first.Not only is he young and energetic, but he also served as a servant by his side when he entered the palace. At least he is absolutely loyal to himself.I didn't expect him to be a lukewarm person who is neither hot nor cold, dedicated to his work but cautious, rarely speaks, and never makes a mistake in every sentence, but there are not many words that make people feel caring.

The slaves serve the emperor.Cha Shui Zhang stopped respectfully. Forget it, let's go.Guangxu waved his hand irritably.He wanted to stop him and ask him why he has changed all these years. When he was a cooking eunuch, Guangxu was only in his teens. At that time, his personality was much more lively than now, he spoke humorously, and reacted quickly. But now it's like cutting a wooden stake, you ask him ten sentences, and it takes a long time to answer you. Chashuizhang lit the gauze lantern in the greenhouse for Guangxu, and then left there, shouting all the way out of the hall.It's spring now, and it's getting dark late. It's already the You hour, and it's not dark yet.He stood by the door to look at the sky, but thought in his heart that Master Zhen would be here in a while.Outside the hall, the two eunuchs on duty at night saw him, and hurriedly greeted him and saluted him, Zhang Gonggong is auspicious.

Don't go into the palace. Today it's our turn to sit down for the Lord Long Live. I sat for the two of you.You go back and rest.When Cha Shui Zhang said this, the two of them were naturally eager to say thank you and left.Because Cha Shuizhang said that he was old, less sleepy, and often replaced them, so the little eunuchs were not surprised. After the little eunuch left, Cha Shuizhang stood on the white marble alcove, looked at the gradually darkening sky around him, and glanced at the light on the window couch in Dongnuange, he couldn't help but sighed deeply, he knew that Guangxu didn't treat him very well Satisfied, I feel that he is not caring enough, so I dare not speak my heart to him, unlike Li Lianying and Cixi who have everything to say when they are together.Especially when the emperor was upset, he always wanted to say something to him, but he didn't dare to answer.In fact, why didn't he want to talk to the emperor.It's not that he doesn't want to, it's that he can't and dare not.He was afraid that the emperor would say something secret, and Li Lianying would force him to reveal it; if he said it, he would be sorry for the emperor, he simply didn't know anything, and the other party would have nothing to do with him.

He is an old man next to the Long Live Lord. Except for the former eunuch Wang Shang, no one here has worked longer in the palace than him, and no one knows Guangxu better than him.It can be said that he watched Guangxu grow up, and when he thought of this, he couldn't express his emotion in his heart.Time flies, and many years have passed in a flash. Thirteen years ago, he was only fourteen years old when he left Guangxu's side, and now he has already become a big man. Guangxu had a good understanding and a kind heart since he was a child, but he was introverted and indecisive in situations.He was admitted to the palace at the age of four, and grew up beside Cixi, who was naturally strong, for a long time, so he got used to obeying the words of the emperor's father in everything.It is precisely because of this that he likes Concubine Zhen very much, who is strong in nature, lively and outgoing, and very assertive in situations.Especially recently, under the influence of Weng Tonghe and others, he is determined to implement a new policy in the court, and Concubine Zhen does her best to support him, so the relationship between the two is getting deeper and deeper.Under the influence of Master Zhen, Guangxu became more confident and assertive than before, and always had a smile on his face that was rarely seen in the past.

Concubine Zhen's influence on Guangxu is growing, which instinctively arouses Cixi's vigilance. In ordinary families, it is difficult for mother-in-law and daughter-in-law to get along with each other, let alone the emperor's family at the peak of power. Here, ordinary interpersonal relationships and power are closely linked, and suddenly become extremely complicated and delicate.Cixi didn't like Concubine Zhen, who had a temper similar to hers, and Guangxu neglected other concubines for Concubine Zhen, even her niece, Empress Longyu, so she blamed Concubine Zhen for not being a concubine. A fuel-efficient lamp.The relationship between her and Guangxu's wife is alienated from each other, and even surrounding the contradictions of the New Deal, she believes that she is inseparable from Concubine Zhen, so the more Guangxu and Master Zhen love each other to death, the more vigilant Cixi is. Don't worry about Guangxu, let alone Concubine Zhen.

He has been here as an errand in the Hall of Mental Cultivation for three months, and he has been taking care of him carefully, so it is still reasonable.The most embarrassing thing for him was that Concubine Zhen often came to the emperor secretly at night.Ordinarily this is nothing, but because Lafayette hates Master Zhen and always wants to find fault with her, he is very nervous about this.Li Lianying often asked him about this kind of thing, and if he said it was bad, it was even worse.Every time he was asked about this kind of thing, he said he didn't know.But there are many people in the palace, and sooner or later others will know, and the news will be disclosed to Cixi.The people over there think that he intentionally did not report, and the emperor here thinks that he is the one who tipped off the news. In the end, he has done little to both sides. Maybe he caused trouble on Master Zhen, so it would be difficult to handle. For this, he felt sorry for him. Concubine Zhen was worried, and wanted to remind the emperor several times, but she dared not tell him when the words came to her lips.Guangxu always felt that he was not caring. In fact, he was not caring, but he was afraid to be caring. He was afraid that if he knew too much, it would be bad for Long Live Lord.Just like the case of Master Zhen, he really wanted to remind the emperor that he didn't know who would make trouble when he was angry, and it would be too late.Therefore, every time he knew in advance that Master Zhen was coming, he tried every means to send other people away, and stayed here alone, so that the job of night duty would naturally fall to him. It was cold in the spring, and the evening wind blowing against his face tightened and loosened, and he stood by the white jade railing for a while, then shivered slightly from the cold.He glanced at the dark sky, guessing that Master Zhen should be here, so he walked gently to the door of the hall, concealed the door, and then hid in the guard room on the right side of the hall.Sure enough, after a while, a black shadow walked up the steps lightly, and entered the East Nuan Pavilion in a flash.He recognized that it was Concubine Zhen.After she entered the door, he quietly walked out of the guard room and followed her far behind.After entering the main hall, he turned around and locked the door, then walked into the Xinuang Pavilion opposite the emperor's residence, sat down on a chair by the door, and stared at the dim oil lamp in a daze while smoking a cigarette. The rules in the palace are very strict. Whoever the emperor wants to call to sleep with him at night must be registered by the inner court Qin Tianjian in advance, and then eunuchs will be sent to send the summoned concubine to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. I have slept with Lord Long Live a few times, and I remember it clearly in the book.Long Live God wants to drive to the residence of the concubine at night, and he also needs to register.Guangxu couldn't do without Concubine Zhen every day, except for calling her into the palace eight or nine times a month, the rest had to find another way.That is, Long Live Lord said that he was busy with official duties, so he stayed in the palace alone, and asked Concubine Zhen to sneak here disguised as a eunuch in the palace, so as not to let other people gossip. Concubine Zhen wore a long robe worn by a eunuch and a mandarin jacket over it. She gently raised the thick curtain to keep out the cold, and slipped into the East Nuan Pavilion like a fish. Jane!Guangxu was full of worries and had nothing to say. When he saw her walk in, he waved to her excitedly. Kang Youwei's overall planning book came out. It was well written, very well written.Concubine Zhen went to the desk, picked up Kang Youwei's letter, and read it carefully.In fact, this emperor's letter has been revised several times, and she has carefully read it each time. This is a revised draft, not only clear and fluent, but also easy to read.Before she finished reading, Guangxu held her shoulder and urged her repeatedly, how is it going?How about it?what do you think? It is indeed as the emperor said, it is well written, and it is exciting to read.Concubine Zhen nodded again and again, and the emperor's red pen circle is good. If you really follow what the above said, the Qing Dynasty will definitely become stronger in a few years. At that time, it will be difficult for foreigners to bully us. Yes, such a good memorial, anyone who reads it will be excited.However, there are some people who say that this is not in line with the ancestral system or that it is not in line with the national conditions, and they deliberately gathered a group of sour scholars to write a lot of shit, and refuted Kang Youwei's overall plan item by item.In the final analysis, there is only one meaning, and one of the ancestors' codes cannot be changed.When Guangxu mentioned King Rui, Prince Gong and Woren, he became angry and pushed a thick stack of memorials against the New Deal on the table. snort!They didn't even think about it. Most of the provisions of their ancestors were established two or three hundred years ago. At that time, they had never even seen matchsticks and foreign oil, let alone foreign guns and cannons.Now that the foreigners have already entered the house, and they are still clinging to the frame left by their ancestors, then the only thing to do is to hand over the Qing Dynasty to the foreigners.Tell me, who is not in line with the national conditions?Concubine Zhen blushed agitatedly, and seemed more angry than Guangxu. They kept scolding Kang Youwei for being uneasy and kind, and in my opinion, they were uneasy and kind. Yep!Jane was absolutely right.How could Guangxu not like Concubine Zhen, he was so bored in his heart that no one said anything, she hit the point in a few words, and said every sentence to his heart.Then he told her that under the influence of Kang Youwei's letter, many officials, including the governor of the two lakes Zhang Zhidong and other officials of the frontier, wrote letters to the imperial court one after another. He did not expect that the ministers in charge of the imperial court would dare to suppress these memorials If we don't report it, if Weng Tonghe and Yang Shenxiu and others hadn't reported it immediately, Guangxu would never have seen these opinions supporting reform. This is outrageous!The emperor speaks widely, but they are fine, they can't get through!If all the ministries and provinces follow suit, you won't be able to hear anything.Concubine Zhen was more anxious than Guangxu when she heard about this matter, the emperor must not be soft on such matters! That's true, it's just involving the six officials, the law does not blame everyone. The emperor hasn't figured it out yet?People are trying to challenge you. You mean they're in collusion? The concubine heard from Mr. Weng that those princes and old ministers have been active recently, running towards the queen mother all day long, wanting to beat the emperor down.Concubine Zhen almost instinctively thought that this matter had something to do with Cixi.In this regard, she is the same as Cixi, once there is any big movement from the other party, she always thinks of Cixi, just as Cixi hears anything that goes wrong on Guangxu's side, and also believes that it is Zhenfei's bad idea.In a sense, they are all strong women, so they are born to restrain each other.Guangxu thought about almost all the problems with her, but when it came to his imperial father, he always felt that Concubine Zhen was too biased. Was it because he grew up beside Cixi and had too much affection for him, or was it because he instinctively Afraid of the other party, whenever something related to Cixi is encountered, he will go around.Maybe both. Does the emperor not believe what I say?Concubine Zhen stopped talking when she saw that she mentioned Cixi Guangxu, and she was anxious for him. She firmly believed that if Guangxu could not be cruel to Cixi.With too many extravagant ideas about her, it is impossible for him to become a veritable emperor, let alone implement the New Deal in the court.This is not only because the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law like Cixi has not been very good, or because their similar personalities prevent them from getting together, there is also a kind of female intuition. No one can stop the New Deal, no matter who it is, whoever stands up to it will go home and pick up the children!Guangxu was stunned for a while, and finally said through gritted teeth. If the emperor really wants to think this way, then he can't take into account the law and not blame the public. Concubine Zhen is pressing her every step of the way. This Guangxu stroked the short stubble on his chin, and walked up and down the room hesitantly, apparently unable to make up his mind. Your Majesty, as the majestic king of a country, you have to be ruthless and make an example to others! Could it be that all six hall officials of the Ministry of Rites will be vacant? In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with it!Concubine Zhen felt that if he couldn't take this step, he would spend all day talking on paper, and then he would be unable to accomplish anything in the next step: Aren't these people calling the ancestors Dafa all the time?The emperor removed these people first on the grounds of blocking the way of speech and violating the precepts of the ancestors. This not only showed the emperor's determination to reform to the world, but also encouraged others to work for the new deal wholeheartedly. good!Just do as you say.Guangxu, who was walking back and forth in the room with his hands behind his back, suddenly stopped in front of Concubine Zhen and stared at her. He had to admire her daring demeanor, and at the same time saw something similar to Cixi in her.He couldn't help remembering that Cixi said that Concubine Zhen likes to seize power, and hinted that he should be careful.Perhaps people at the pinnacle of power, once they encounter the word "quan", even the closest people around them, will instinctively be wary.Thinking of this, he blurted out, with a trace of temptation implied in the compliment: Zhen'er!If you are a man, I will definitely let you take charge of the Military Aircraft Department, and you will definitely become my most capable assistant. No, my concubine doesn't want to be a man, and I don't even want to be in charge of the Military Aircraft Department. I just want to be a daughter now, to be able to be by the emperor's side and serve the emperor for the rest of my life. This is my greatest wish!Concubine Zhen raised her curved eyebrows, and looked at Guangxu affectionately with her dark eyes. Obviously, she didn't feel the temptation hidden by him at all. Guangxu was moved by her sincere and frank confession.He felt deeply guilty for the doubts that popped up in a moment, thinking that Emperor Mingming's father is a person who likes to seize power, so he would have such thoughts about Concubine Zhen, and it is really unreasonable for him to think so.While blaming himself in his heart, he stretched out his hand to hug Concubine Zhen into his arms, kissed her face and neck tenderly, and murmured: Maybe God specially gave you to me in order to rejuvenate the Qing Dynasty. No, it was God who favored me and rewarded me with the emperor.Nestled in his arms, concubine Zhen even forgot the courtesy of a monarch and minister, saying that the emperor belonged to her.Guangxu smiled and corrected her slip of the tongue: I should be the emperor of four hundred trillion subjects.Concubine Zhen hugged his neck tightly, her body twisted like a fish in his arms, and whispered in his ear: The emperor is the emperor of Wanmin, but he is also Zhener's man!As she spoke, she kissed him hard on the cheek.When she kissed him proactively, Guangxu, who was already distracted, was ignited like dry wood, and a warm current gushed out of his heart, rushing through his body with the hot blood.He no longer cared about the etiquette of monarchs and ministers, grabbed her waist with both hands, suddenly picked her up, and walked towards the dragon and phoenix bed with gauze curtains slanted behind the screen Sitting alone in the Xinuang Pavilion, Chashuizhang was extremely sleepy, listening to the heavy drumming sound from Xichang Street, wishing he could prop up his upper and lower eyelids with a matchstick.He didn't dare to be sloppy in guarding the night for the Long Live Lord, and he didn't even dare to take a nap on the coffee table, let alone ask his subordinates to come here to replace him at such a time.In order to get rid of drowsiness, he simply left the West Nuan Pavilion and walked back and forth in the dark hall outside the bedroom of the Long Live Lord. The cold outside the hall made him feel much clearer, unlike people who were drowsy in the Nuan Pavilion , looking at the closed palace gate of Dongnuan Pavilion, couldn't help but have many thoughts.He knew very well that Lord Long Live and Master Zhen agreed to cooperate and love each other.Among other things, he has never seen the Long Live Lord summon other concubines since he came here on duty, including Empress Longyu and Master Zhen's sister, the emperor seems to only pretend to be Concubine Zhen in his heart. No, even if he pretended to summon the queen and others, he would not refuse.Not only the queen and other concubines complained about this matter, but Cixi also felt dissatisfied.He didn't understand why the emperor knew that many people were dissatisfied, especially Lafayette, who was very nervous about this, and even wanted to catch Master Zhen on it, but the emperor went his own way without any scruples. As the saying goes: children do not listen to mother orders.I remember that the emperor listened to Lafayette very much when he was a child. She told him to go east and he would never dare to go west. This was not only because he was afraid of her, but also because he respected and trusted her. The intimate mother-child relationship gradually gave birth to a crack.Some people said that their mother and son had different political views, while others said that he made Master Zhen faint.He never dared or wanted to think too much about the former, but he had his own ideas about the latter.He felt that the emperor was only in his late thirties, and Cixi was already heading towards sixty-four. Long live God would like her for a long time. As long as Lafayette is gone, he can like it as much as he wants, hold it in his mouth and hold it in his heart No one can control it.So now the emperor should take it easy, no matter how much he likes Master Zhen, no matter for the sake of the overall situation or Cixi's emotions, he should restrain himself.It can't make people feel that they forget their mother when they have a daughter-in-law.What's more, the emperor wanted to do something wholeheartedly, and it would not work without Cixi's support. This may be called bystander clear.He saw this very clearly, as the most caring servant around the emperor, he wanted to remind the emperor so much, but he couldn't and didn't dare.Once these words come out of his mouth, Lord Long Live and Master Zhen must think that he is speaking for the old Buddha. Before dawn, Cha Shuizhang sent Concubine Zhen away, and just returned to his room to sleep for a while, Xiao Huihui suddenly came quietly, saying that Manager Li had something urgent to wait for him in the manager's duty room.He didn't dare to neglect, drank a bowl of red rice porridge and hurried to the Xitiemen where the head of the inner court was. Li Lianying was very happy to see Chashui Zhang, and hurriedly invited him to a seat. A few days ago, Cixi learned from nowhere that Concubine Zhen disguised herself as an eunuch and went to Guangxu's place to spend the night secretly, but Ping'er, who he specially sent to Concubine Zhen's side, didn't know anything.Cixi scolded him for this.Because Ping'er was recommended by him, and he put her next to Master Zhen just to understand the situation there, but Ping'er didn't even report this kind of thing to him, and even she was kept in the dark.Cixi scolded him, and he scolded Ping'er.But cursing has to be relieved, and there is no reason for scolding. For this reason, he specially asked Xiao Hui to call for Cha Shui Zhang. Brother!I heard that Master Zhen sneaked into the Hall of Mental Cultivation a few nights ago, is there such a thing?While the two were drinking tea, Li Lianying went straight to the point. I haven't heard of it.Cha Shui Zhang was taken aback for a moment, but there was a smile on his face. As the head of the Palace Supervisor, don't you know?Li Lianying was in a hurry. I heard that she disguised herself as a eunuch, went at night and left early in the morning. Uncle!I really do not know.Think about it, although I used to be an old person by Long Live Lord's side, but now I am a newcomer by his side, can I know this kind of thing? Li Lianying touched her bare chin and said nothing.How about I go back and ask the people below?Seeing that he was silent, Cha Shui Zhang asked tentatively as he didn't know what he was thinking. Then there’s no need, you can only inquire about this matter privately, otherwise Long Live will find out, not only will you be unlucky, but I will also be unable to eat. Chashuizhang picked up the hookah on the coffee table, filled a pot of shredded tobacco, and smoked without saying a word. Who sat next to Long Live Lord last night?Li Lianying asked suddenly. This tea chapter pretends to be confused.He slapped his forehead and said that his memory was terrible, the names of these two people were on his lips, why couldn't he call them all at once?Don't worry, I'll go back and check. No need to check.Li Lianying stared at each other and smiled, I have already checked, they are the eunuchs surnamed Chang and Huang, but they were sent away halfway, it was you who took their place.Brother, what's going on here? Chashui Zhang bangs his forehead, and a fine sweat suddenly seeps out from the tip of his forehead and nose. After thinking about it, since he even knows about his sitting at night, the matter of Master Zhen's visit to the Hall of Mental Cultivation last night must not escape him. ear.He lowered his head, avoiding Li Lianying's eyes, and held the hookah in his hands. He didn't want to say it out of his own mouth, even if the other party knew about it, he wouldn't, so he clenched his tongue tightly and kept quiet. Brother, I didn't intend to inquire about your situation. It's because Lafayette watched too closely, so I checked it out. I definitely don't mean to believe you.In fact, Li Lianying didn't know that Master Zhen went there last night.He thought that the honest Chashuizhang was on duty at night for other people to check the truth about Concubine Zhen, and it was absolutely impossible for him to be in collusion with Zhenfei. He was very confident about this latter point, he knew Chashuizhang, and he was unwilling to hurt anyone , I don't want to betray Lafayette, nor do I want to offend the emperor, but I will definitely stand by Lafayette's side at critical moments.He smiled.Don't ask any more questions, because you have already made Cha Shuizhang very embarrassed by telling the truth about the other party's thoughts. The other party didn't get to the bottom of what happened to Master Zhen. Although Cha Shuizhang was greatly relieved, he was even more worried, because Li Lianying could even find out about his own night watch. He found out that if he wanted to hide the truth for the emperor, he might not be able to do it!He left the manager's duty room and went all the way back to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, thinking in his heart who had reported to Li Lianying about him sitting up for someone else at night, and whether he should remind the emperor.If you tell the emperor that if he knows that someone is spying on him and Master Zhen and calls Li Lianying to scold him in a fit of anger, isn't that selling himself? If you don't tell him that Li Lianying's backstage is Lafayette, the relationship here is very delicate, maybe something will happen. Wouldn't being a slave be unfaithful to Long Live God?After much deliberation, he felt that something was wrong, and he couldn't think of a perfect solution. Cixi put Yin'er down to do rough work for a few days, and every time she smoked, she thought about her proficiency. Call back to your side.After a near-death experience, plus Rongqing's hopelessness, in just a few months, she became ten years old, and her words and actions became more prudent and thoughtful.The previous liveliness is gone, but no matter when in front of people, there is a smile that is neither sweet nor light. Her only wish now is to find Rong Qing one day after leaving the palace, and ask him to get back her own strand of black hair, so as to completely end the grievances between the two of them.If it's convenient, she will ask their family about the divorce in person.She thought in her heart more than once, not to ask why, all of this is fate!She didn't blame anyone, she just asked, asked, and then died to show her unswerving love for him, that was enough.She thought about these things night after night, as if this was the only thing she wanted to do and should do in this world, and besides that, she could no longer see what the future meant to her. As a master, you usually don't take a minion's changes to heart.But Cixi, who is so smart, not only felt that she was more comfortable to use than before, but also felt some changes in her.She likes Yin'er's aura, likes her vigor when she kicks the shuttlecock, and even secretly appreciates her loyalty and righteousness.This is the reason why Cixi couldn't bear to kill her when she was crying to worship Xiuzi in the palace, and finally found a reason to spare her. After breakfast in the morning, Cixi is no longer the same as before, she must go to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to meet the prince and courtiers, especially since the emperor is planning to implement some new policies, she simply won't go.In order to pass the time before lunch, she sent Yin'er to wait by her side to smoke.Yin'er could tell that the old lady was in a bad mood, and she smoked significantly more than before.In the past, Cixi smoked at most three or four times a day, two or three bags at a time, and no more than ten bags a day.It's better now, sometimes I smoke seven or eight bags of cigarettes in one morning.Cixi was inseparable from cigarettes, but now because of her upset, cigarettes have become an indispensable thing for her. In the afternoon, she got up after taking a nap, drinking tea while being waited on by Yiner for a smoke.Usually at noon she fell asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow.I didn't sleep well today, I kept dreaming, dreaming that many princes and ministers were kneeling in front of her to complain, and fell asleep several times and woke up from the dream.Yin'er knelt down on the ground to fill the shredded tobacco for her, and passed the long pipe to her mouth. She took a big puff, and then puffed out clouds of blue-gray smoke.Looking at the slowly dissipating smoke, I couldn't help thinking of the scene when King Rui came here to complain in the morning. As soon as King Rui entered the door, he lay on the ground and refused to get up, and kept asking Cixi to make decisions for him.Cixi immediately asked the maids and eunuchs to retreat, leaving only Yin'er to offer cigarettes for her.The more upset she was, the more she couldn't do without cigarettes.While smoking a cigarette, she listened carefully to King Rui talking about the court affairs.King Rui knelt on the ground and said tearfully: Lafayette!The princes and ministers let the slaves come to beg you, don't let the emperor mess around anymore! If you say this, you should go to the vegetable market!As soon as the other party opened his mouth, Cixi knew that what he said was all nonsense, referring to Guangxu's implementation of the New Deal. Although she felt the same in her heart, she lowered her face on the surface and reprimanded the other party sharply. If you want to kill, kill the slave.It seemed that King Rui also made up his mind and looked very excited.Yin'er knelt on the ground with her cigarette bag in her hands, she didn't know what happened to the court, the prince dared to point the finger at the emperor, and even uttered the words of beheading or not. Who are the princes and ministers you mentioned?I want to do you together. There are five princes, six princes, the middle halls on the military plane, and the hall officials of the six departments. Are you all booing?Cixi sneered and glanced at Yin'er.Yin'er immediately understood what he meant, and quickly packed another bag of cigarettes for Cixi, and handed it to her mouth.When she saw Lafayette smoking, the loose flesh on his chin trembled slightly, and she was obviously very angry.I don't know why King Rui is not only not afraid, but he becomes more courageous when he speaks more and more, pointing out the directors of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, Hanlin Academy, Zhanshifu, Taipu Temple and Taichang Temple, etc., and then talking about the emperor If these yamen are to be laid off, they will all starve!Who stopped you from playing the book?If you have something to say, please talk back to the emperor.Cixi said calmly.Yin'er really couldn't tell whether she was speaking for King Rui or Lord Long Live. King Rui said that it is useless to talk.Now the emperor is surrounded by a group of new parties, Kang Youwei's group.Among them were Weng Tonghe and Wen Tingshi. He specifically pointed out that these two were the teachers of Concubine Zhen.Cixi pondered for a moment and asked: What are you going to do?Don't dare to rebel anyway? Everyone begged Lafayette to come out and listen to politics behind the curtain!When King Rui said this, Cixi suddenly burst into laughter, and someone sent Li Lianying in through the curtain. King Rui was lying on the ground, his eyes rolled around, and he couldn't understand the meaning of the other party's laughter for a while.But Yin'er could hear something, it turned out that King Rui wanted to subdue the emperor.Maybe because of Xiuzi's death, Yin'er didn't like this chubby prince from the bottom of his heart, so he couldn't help worrying for the emperor in his heart.Fortunately, Lafayette didn't listen to him, and waved to Li Lianying who came in, and asked him to send Prince Rui back to his mansion, saying that the weather was hot and the sun was poisonous: the prince was full of nonsense.King Rui became anxious, and kept saying that what he played today was heartfelt words.Cixi didn't care what he was doing out of his heart or heart, and immediately passed on her order to let King Rui close the door and recuperate at home for three days.Hearing this, Yin'er couldn't help applauding secretly, although she couldn't tell who was right in the court, but there was one thing, sister Xiuzi died in their house. Lafayette!The emperor has vacated all six hall officials. If you don't care about it, the world will be in chaos!Li Lianying stepped forward and asked Rui Wang to leave.King Rui knelt on the ground and refused to get up, so he shouted at the top of his voice. What?Cixi was shocked, and the pipe she was biting on her mouth suddenly let go, you say it again! All six officials of the Ministry of Rites have been vacated by the emperor!King Rui was weeping, his forehead trembling against the floor tiles. Is the edict issued?Cixi was obviously stunned by the unexpected news.All of a sudden dismissing the six officials in charge of the etiquette department was not a joke. Guangxu dared not greet her for such a big event. Has the emperor issued an edict?King Rui said that the emperor had ordered the military aircraft to draw up an order and stamped the jade seal on it. Cixi didn't speak, and took a few puffs of cigarettes slowly on the pipe that Yin'er handed to her mouth.Seeing her smoking, Yin'er knew that she was not as excited as before, and Yin'er felt that her previous anger was deliberately provoked by Prince Rui. Seeing that Cixi didn't speak, King Rui lay on the ground at a loss, raised his peripheral vision, and glanced at Li Lianying who was standing behind Cixi, trying to find some kind of hint from his face.Usually, Li Lianying's face is the barometer of Lafayette, from his long old donkey face, one can often judge how Cixi is feeling today, whether it should be said or not.But now the signal on his face is gone. Lafayette!The six hall officials are all coming to kowtow to the Lafayette, and they have to beg the Lafayette face to face!King Rui gritted his teeth, thinking that if he didn't speak for them now, it would be too late to speak again. I don't see them.Cixi obviously calmed down, thinking that she had promised Guangxu and supported him to carry out the New Deal, and now the matter has just begun, and she has not seen the clues yet, and it is far from the time for her to speak out.For these vacancies, the thoughtless and outspoken King Rui came to her to intercede, in the final analysis, it was just to protect their red crowns. If Lafayette didn't see them, they would have no way to survive.The servant heard that several of them hanged themselves and wiped their necks when they went back clamoring to die for the country.Seeing that Cixi's tone changed from time to time, King Rui couldn't figure out what she was thinking, but for the sake of those brothers who had vacancies, he knelt there and refused to get up, the slave heard.Waitab even had the coffin ready.I want to enter the palace and come to Lafayette to give a deadly remonstrance! Dead is also stinky!rest assured.I really want to die without shouting.I think you'd better mind your own business, be careful, and don't always let people use you as gunmen!Cixi said disapprovingly that she especially hated those who dared not speak in person and only pointed behind their backs.On the contrary, towards King Rui who was kneeling on the ground, he had a kind of good impression in his heart, thinking that this kind of person was stubborn and could come in handy at critical moments. The disappointed King Rui got up from the ground in frustration, followed Li Lianying and backed sideways to the gate of the palace, and suddenly turned around and threw himself on the ground, crying and begging Cixi: Please be kind to the Lafayette and allow the servant to go home from illness. You want to throw a rake?Talk to the emperor!Can't tell me!Embarrassed by his stubborn temper, Cixi drove him away angrily. In fact, she felt more and more in her heart that he was a rare loyal minister, and he was the kind of person who dared to carry her coffin to the Golden Palace.Not like that Waitab, who was seventy.Tell people everywhere that his coffin is ready.In fact, I am more afraid of death than anyone else.After King Rui left with Li Lianying, Yin'er saw the old man sitting there with a livid face in a daze, and hurriedly filled a bag full of shredded tobacco for her, handed it to her mouth and said, "My servant is offering cigarettes to Lafayette."Just as Cixi was about to smoke, she suddenly stretched out her hand to push the pipe away, stood up from the chair, holding the string of Buddhist beads that she seldom left, and stood in front of the window sullenly, but she gritted her teeth with hatred in her heart.She was angry, and hated Kang Youwei and Weng Tonghe, but she hated Concubine Zhen even more.She decided that the dismissal of the six officials of the Ministry of Rites must have something to do with this little bitch.She knew Guangxu well, if no one gave him advice, he wouldn't and wouldn't dare to issue an imperial edict without discussing with her about such a big matter.Yin'er held the cigarette pouch in both hands and stood at a loss.望著窗邊一言不發的慈禧，她想離開這兒，讓老佛爺一個人獨自清靜一會兒，又怕她等會兒要抽煙，她不在場又會討她罵。想起劉姑姑和李蓮英再三交待，老佛爺不發話千萬別離開，只得硬著頭皮站在那兒聽候吩咐。 她看見慈禧臉色鐵青，面部肌肉因為極度憤怒而顯得非常僵硬，握住佛珠的右手垂在身邊微微顫慄。她自進宮以來從沒見她這樣生氣，甚至上次她在宮中哭秀子，事發後李蓮英將她帶到這兒問話，老佛爺也沒像現在這樣生這麼大氣。大殿裡一片肅靜，只聽見條案上那座洋人造的非常精緻的銅座鐘嘀嘀嗒嗒的響聲。這種肅靜叫她喘不過氣來。過了好一陣子，慈禧才轉過身叫她。 吟兒。 奴才在，奴才待候老佛爺抽煙吧？吟兒慌忙回答。 No.慈禧擺擺手，走到雕茶座椅邊。吟兒連忙上前扶著她坐下，並拿了一件黑底金花斗篷披在對方肩上。慈禧看一眼吟兒，突然問道：你說，瑞王爺這人怎麼樣？ 不知道奴才只是覺得，他今兒不該惹老佛爺生氣。吟兒愣了一會兒，因為老佛爺平時極少跟她們這些奴才議論王爺大臣的事，她不知該說些什麼，只得就事論事說了自己看法。 這不關他的事。那是有人存心氣我。 吟兒知道慈禧說的有人是指皇上和珍主子。宮中就像普通人家一樣。慈禧與珍妃之間的婆媳關係一直不好。儘管在吟兒看來，朝廷的事跟珍主子根本扯不上邊，但這位生性倔強的老人無論遇到什麼事，只要跟萬歲爺沾上邊，一定會遷怒於珍妃的。為了岔開這個話題，吟兒特意接著前面的話往下說：可老佛爺讓瑞王不要再說下去，他偏不聽您的話他要是不說那麼多，您也不會生那麼大的氣。 他跟你一樣，天生的倔脾氣。 奴才可不敢吟兒慌忙為自己辯解。 我可沒說你這脾氣不好啊。慈禧笑笑，意味深長地說，其實你們這些人，比起那些滿嘴抹蜜的人更靠得住。 謝老佛爺誇獎。吟兒嘴上這麼說，心想天下哪有不喜歡聽好話的。李蓮英不就是憑著那張開口生花的嘴巴，哄得老佛爺處處高興，所以誰也比不上他在老佛爺面前得寵，要不宮中怎麼會替他起了個綽號叫佛見喜。她正想著李總管，慈禧突然問起李蓮英送瑞王，怎麼現在還沒回來？ 傳李蓮英。 吟兒慌忙走到門邊，挑起起居室門簾，對站在大殿裡值班太監說老佛爺傳李總管。過了一會兒，李蓮英匆匆走進，一跨進門檻便趴在地下磕頭。 老佛爺吉祥，奴才給老佛爺請大安！李蓮英像往常一樣，見慈禧擺擺手，便從地上爬起走到慈禧身邊，一臉討好地笑著。 又不是送唐僧西天取經，到這會兒才回來？是不是路上又跟瑞王咬耳朵，替他出什麼餿主意？我告訴你，他可是個實心眼兒，不像你們這些人滿肚子花花腸子。 奴才不敢，奴才不敢奴才只是勸王爺回家好好休息幾天。李蓮英連聲辯解。 我問你，這幾天珍妃真的沒去養心殿？慈禧突然換了個話題，問得李蓮英一時懵住。過了好一會兒他才想起今兒一大早，他來替慈禧請早安時，說珍主子這幾天身子不舒服，昨兒前兒都沒去皇上那邊。 奴才可以擔保，這事兒沒錯。李蓮英自信地回答。前一陣子，平兒在珍主子那邊什麼情況也不知道，為此被他狠狠罵了一通，所以平兒最近特別留心。昨晚上她特意跑來向他報告，說珍妃這幾天傷風感冒，晚上早早就上了床，而且是她親自侍候的，連被子都是她鋪的。因此他認定這次一準錯不了。 你敢擔保？慈禧緊逼不放。 奴才要有一句假話，甘心受罰。吟兒，慈禧突然沉下臉，掌他的嘴！李蓮英腦門子嗡得一下，心裡有說不出的慌亂，以為慈禧為了瑞王進宮告皇上的狀，因此遷怒於他。他跪在地下，兩眼瞅著慈禧，心裡說不出的委屈。因為他事先通報了慈禧，是她同意讓瑞王進宮磕頭的，跟他毫無關係。吟兒一聽老佛爺下令要她打李蓮英嘴已，頓時嚇壞了。他是宮裡的大內總管，正二品宮銜，自己不過是個沒品沒銜的宮女，站在那兒一時不知該怎麼辦。 how?還讓我自個兒動手兒嗎？慈禧平和的語氣中透著威嚴。 Back to Lafayette!奴才奴才沒打過人。吟兒看一眼跪在地下的李總管，一碰到他那可憐巴巴的眼神，手伸出去又本能地縮回來。 這回就讓你試試。只管打！ 吟姑娘，求求您打我吧。李蓮英跪在地下，低聲求著吟兒。 吟兒咬咬牙給對方一記耳光。對方疼不疼她不知道，自己手掌心已經疼得不行，麻麻的一片灼熱。愣什麼神？接著打呀！慈禧見她打了一下便不動了，急得起來。就在這一瞬間，吟兒突然想起死去的秀子，想起她嫁瑞王家的事跟這位總管分不開，揮起胳膊，巴掌接二連三地落在他臉頰上。起初李蓮英還咬著牙不吭聲，後來扛不住了，疼得他放開嗓門大叫，慈禧見吟兒越打越狠，李蓮英跪在地下，一邊叫一邊躲閃，畢竟是自己身邊多年的奴才，再說到現在還沒告訴他打他的原因，這才叫吟兒停了手。 你服不服？慈禧問李蓮英。 奴才服，服！李蓮英嘴上這麼說，心裡可是一盆漿糊打翻了，哪兒對哪兒全都懵然不知。反正奴才在主子面前，對也是錯，錯也是錯，先認了這個理，免得皮肉再受苦。 Why hit you? 奴才不知道啊 告訴你，這幾天夜裡那狐狸精肯定去了養心殿那邊。我的兒子我知道。他連打雷都害怕，沒人給他出主意壯膽兒，他決下不了這個狠手，一下子撤了六位禮部堂官，連個招呼都不跟我打。 可可是小回回親眼瞧見珍主子在床上睡覺哪！李蓮英眨巴著眼，覺得不可思議，不但平兒遞了信，昨晚上還特意派小回回去珍主子住的景仁宮打探，總不會小回回也弄錯吧。老佛爺疑心太重，特別一碰到跟珍主子有關的事兒，總是一根筋擰到底，平時那份審時度勢的判斷力全然沒了。 你還頂嘴！正如李蓮英猜想的那樣，她確實沒有任何證據，僅僅是一種直覺，認定光緒一下子撤掉六位閣部朝臣是珍妃的主意。她非常相信自己的直覺，事後往往證明她的直覺很少欺騙過她。沒有珍妃這個小賤人，她兒子絕不會做出這個重大決定。兒子再怎麼也是兒子，無論他推行新政，或是一成不變地按祖宗留下的規矩治理國家，只要她活一天，兒子都會聽她的，珍妃卻不同，她一向有野心。自己活著時她不敢翻天，要是有一天她不在了，誰敢保證這個狐狸精不會利用生性文弱的光緒在背後操縱一切，甚至將來有一天像自己一樣垂簾聽政？ 不，絕不能讓種事發生！ 想起這幾十年腥風血雨的經歷，咸豐皇上在承德匆匆離開人世，肅順等人想篡權，她不得已先發制人除了肅順等人。在兒子同治皇上未成年的特殊情況下，她才成為大清國第一個垂簾聽政的女人。但有一條，幾十年來她一直處在權力頂峰，卻堅守祖訓，兢兢業業，為保住愛新覺羅家族的江山嘔心瀝血。她從來沒有像漢代的呂后和唐朝的武則天那樣，對娘家人封王封侯，甚至恨不能讓娘家人取而代之。她沒有在朝廷內重用過娘家任何人，包括自己親外甥，除了每年送些錢財，葉赫家族的人幾乎沒人沾過她多少光。對這一點，她問心無愧。她經常私下想，如果換其他女人處在她的位置上，她不相信這個女人也會像她一樣絲毫沒有野心，正因為這種擔心，她絕對不能容忍愛新覺羅氏大權旁落，才對珍妃心存疑慮。為此，她非常婉轉地提醒過兒子，要他緊記不能讓宮妃干預朝政的祖訓，雖沒點珍妃的名，光緒心裡應該非常明白，當著她的面，他連連點頭答應，其實心裡不以為然，一轉身便忘了，仍然成天和那小妖精粘在一起。 一想起瑞王狀告光緒撤禮部大臣的事，慈禧心裡就恨得直咬牙，表面上卻不動聲色。她深知生米已經做成熟飯，皇上也有皇上的面子，即便她將他叫來訓斥一通，也不可能立即收回成命，倒不如先裝糊塗。 一天上午早朝過後，光緒來儲秀宮給慈禧請安。娘兒倆坐在正殿談心。慈禧沒跟光緒提任何有關瑞王告狀的事，光緒也不提撤大臣的事兒，互相問對方睡得好不好，天慢慢熱了，要注意身子等等一類生活起居的瑣事。慈禧說兒子臉色不好，要他千萬注意身體，不要太勞累。 光緒坐了一頓飯時間，他正要起身告辭，慈禧突然提出她想下一個月去承德。夏天也快到了。咱們娘倆找個地兒歇伏去吧。眼不見為淨，躲得遠遠兒的，我幫你好好調養調養！你看去哪兒？承德怎麼樣？ 光緒先是一愣，不知對方這時候要自己跟她一塊兒去承德什麼意思。眼下維新詔書剛剛下發，雖說各省對於新政有些舉棋不定，但在江南各省的帶動下，有關辦學堂、修鐵路，都有條陳。相反，北京城裡動靜不大。特別是朝堂各部大臣和滿蒙王公，不是極力反對便袖手旁觀。他要是這種時候離開北京，那下面的事就不好辦了。 光緒說了眼下的難處。慈禧一聽便笑了，說朝廷的事永遠沒個完。前前後後我替你們頂了快三十年，我什麼不清楚？該歇還得歇，歇好了再幹吧。光緒認為眼下正是節骨眼上，以朝廷萬一有事不方便為由，勸慈禧還是像往年那樣到頤和園避暑，說明年他一定陪皇爸爸去承德。 慈禧笑笑，其實她心裡並不想讓光緒跟他一起去承德，但嘴上偏這麼說，這裡頭自有她的考慮，面對光緒即將在朝廷全面推行新政，朝廷上下歧見頗深，元老與新貴，中央與地方各有各的算盤，矛盾極為複雜，以瑞王、恭親王為首的王公大臣們全力反對，紛紛通過各種辦法跑到她跟前來告狀，弄得她理不是不理也不是。所以她想離開這兒躲過這陣風頭，頤和園太近，不像承德離北京遠，大臣們要找她不容易。這樣一來，她將處於某種旁觀者的身分，進退自如。兒子新政搞好了，她自然也有支持他的功勞。萬一搞砸了，她也不會一頭栽進去，到時候再出面收拾殘局。這就是她一心想離開北京的原因。 你知道你這個皇上是怎麼來的？她問光緒。這種話她不知問過多少次，特別他小時候。但此刻再一次問他，卻有另一層意思。因為他一再主張搞新政，說這是唯一富民強國的辦法。慈禧再三思慮，最終同意了，但有一條，萬一搞不好可怎麼辦？ 是皇爸爸讓兒臣承繼同治大行皇帝的，光緒慌忙回答說。 慈禧看一眼從小在身邊長大的光緒，心想你明白這個道理就好，既然我能讓你當皇上，同樣也能將你拉下來。在她離開北京之前，她特別強調這一點，是為了警告他必須為新政承擔後果。為了不讓對方看出她去承德的用心良苦，特意跟光緒說起同治皇上的父親，咸豐皇帝死在承德，所以她一定要去祈祭先皇。 那是你皇爸爸傷心的地兒！我幹嘛要上承德找不痛快？不就是陪陪先皇的在天之靈嗎？ 兒臣明白了。兒臣該死，竟然沒想到這一層。提起咸豐先皇上，光緒多少有些傷感，忍不住眼圈紅了。 你一定記住，你雖然不是先皇親生，可先皇才是你的親爹。慈禧動情地說。 兒臣時刻記在心上。這次皇爸爸去承德，兒臣一定陪奉您去承德祈祭先皇。為了表示對慈禧感恩，光緒毫不猶豫地說。 得了，為政就要勤政，你也有你的道理，你就在北京辦你的新政吧，承德我自個兒去。慈禧這一說，光緒連忙表示他一定要去，說他讓軍機處隨扈承德。慈禧見光緒認真，反倒勸起他來，要他安心留在北京，只要他有這份孝心，她比什麼都高興。 慈禧雖是急性子，對沒想好的事卻一點也不急，一旦深思熟慮認準的事兒，卻是半點也不遲疑。去承德這步棋她想了很久，越想越覺得現在這種情勢下，走得越遠越好，於是她派李蓮英陪瑞王一起去承德打前站，表面上是讓他們去那兒作一些準備工作，實際上，她有心保護瑞王，免得這個炮筒子留在朝廷代人受過，這是其一；瑞王本來督領承德禁軍大營，那兒許多將領是他部下，讓他以此為由去那兒瞭解軍中對新政的態度，這是其二；承德是京城北面的大門，京城一旦出現什麼意外情況，那可是個進退自如的用兵之地啊！這最後一條，也是最重要的一條。