si-mexico Chapter 303 Consort Fucha
Chapter 303 Consort Fucha
After the court session, Hongchang did not rush to let the man leave, but instead asked:
"What's your name? You've been in Japan for so many years, you must have suffered a lot."
The middle-aged man immediately kowtowed and replied in a trembling voice:
"Your Majesty, my name is Li Dahai."
Life in Japan is indeed very difficult for me.
But the thought of being able to do something for the Qing Dynasty made him grit his teeth and persevere.
Hongchang then asked Li Dahai many more questions.
For example, Li Dahai's experiences in Japan, and the customs of the Japanese.
After asking these questions, Hongchang asked, "Li Dahai, during your five years in Japan,..."
Did you see how they specifically trained the samurai?
How do their training methods differ from ours?
Li Dahai thought for a moment and replied, "I have indeed heard of the Japanese samurai spirit."
I heard that their warriors begin their rigorous training from a young age.
Their training methods are very rigorous, emphasizing the combination of swordsmanship, knife skills, and physical techniques.
While emphasizing speed and agility, knife techniques prioritize power and precision.
I've heard that their Bushido emphasizes loyalty and honor; samurai must be absolutely loyal to their lord.
They were even willing to sacrifice their own lives.
Although I haven't personally witnessed their training...
But I've heard their training camp is very tough, with rigorous courses from dawn till dusk.
Hongchang nodded; this information was very important to him.
He continued, "Then what is the difference between their Bushido and our concept of loyalty?"
Li Dahai replied, "In my humble opinion..."
Japanese Bushido emphasizes absolute loyalty to one's master, even to the point of being somewhat blind.
Our concept of loyalty and righteousness places greater emphasis on responsibility to the country and its people.
Our soldiers fight to defend our country and our people.
It's not just about loyalty to a particular master.
After hearing this, Hongchang smiled slightly and said, "What you said makes sense."
Our soldiers fought for our country and our people, and that is our pride.
Then, Hongchang asked, "When you were in Japan, did you see how they prepared their ships and weapons?"
Is their shipbuilding technology very advanced?
Li Dahai replied:
“I have never seen their warships, but I have ridden in their ships at sea.”
Their ship was indeed very large, with a sturdy hull and a deep draft.
It can sail smoothly even in rough seas.
The little man heard that these ships were a design imported from the Red-haired Kingdom.
After improvements, it is more suitable for navigation in shallow and coastal waters.
Hongchang nodded; this information made him even more certain.
Japan's coastal defense capabilities should not be underestimated.
He continued to ask:
"What about their weapons? Have you seen their muskets and cannons?"
Hongchang didn't actually have much hope for Li Dahai.
Some things are not so easy to know.
Li Dahai thought for a moment and replied, "I did have the honor of seeing their muskets once."
Their muskets looked very light and had a high rate of fire.
That musket could kill a person from a great distance.
As for cannons, I have never seen them before.
But I heard that their warships were equipped with large-caliber cannons.
It's very powerful; it can sink our ships from a great distance.
Upon hearing this, Hongchang felt a chill run down his spine.
He realized that the Qing Dynasty's coastal defenses did indeed need to be strengthened, especially in terms of weapons and ships.
After asking a few more questions, Hongchang rewarded Li Dahai with some silver and clothing.
Zhang Hude was tasked with escorting Li Dahai out of the palace and settling him in.
Hongchang said, "Li Dahai, what you said today is of great importance to the safety of the Qing Dynasty."
I will send people to verify everything you have said. If it is true, you will be a meritorious official of the Qing Dynasty.
"Take these silver and clothes and make some arrangements for now. Once the matter is cleared up, I will reward you accordingly."
Li Dahai immediately kowtowed to express his gratitude, tears streaming down his face.
"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty! I have only done what I should do and dare not take credit for it."
I await Your Majesty's summons at any time.
Zhang Hude personally escorted Li Dahai out of the palace gate, while Hongchang was in no mood to even review the memorials.
She went directly to Kunning Palace to find Fucha Peiyun; such a big thing had happened.
He was eager to consult with his mother, the Empress Dowager, because he trusted her more than anyone else.
Because he understood his mother's foresight.
Although he was the emperor of the Qing Dynasty and his mother was Manchu, in his heart, both Han and Manchu people were subjects of his Great Qing.
Although he received instruction from his father, the Emperor, his mother was the one who spent the most time with him.
He was more influenced by his mother and was not as wary of Han Chinese as his father and others.
In his mind, as the emperor of the Qing Dynasty, what he should be more wary of is outside the Qing Dynasty.
Those countries that are relatively unknown
He truly felt that claiming to be a backward and inferior dynasty was not a good decision.
What Li Dahai said today is enough to prove it.
While the development of firearms and cannons in the Qing Dynasty was still stagnant...
Tiny Japan possessed weapons more advanced than those of the Qing Dynasty.
Although he didn't completely trust Li Dahai, he believed that with the ambitions of those Japanese...
With advanced weapons, they didn't think of coming to the Qing Dynasty to plunder its resources.
Hongchang was now eager to know just how powerful the weapons of Japan were.
How much more backward has their Qing Dynasty fallen?
Hongchang entered Kunning Palace and saw Fucha Peiyun diligently writing something under the lamp.
Her expression was focused and calm.
Hongchang called softly, "Empress Mother, have you heard what happened at court today?"
Fucha Peiyun finished writing the last character and put down her pen.
"I understand, please sit down."
Fucha Peiyun took the handkerchief handed to her by Ye'er
She gently wiped her hands, then looked up at Hongchang with a gentle gaze:
You did a great job today.
Those ministers are nothing but frogs in a well, short-sighted and narrow-minded.
Hongchang sighed, walked over and sat down next to Fucha Peiyun.
His tone carried a hint of anxiety:
"Your Majesty, I don't know how much of what Li Dahai said is true and how much is false."
But I had prepared for the worst: what if what Li Dahai said was true?
Then the Qing Dynasty's coastal defenses were far too weak.
We have always kept our country closed off from the world, believing ourselves to be invincible.
Little did they know that the outside world had changed so much.
Those Japanese actually have such advanced weapons and ships!
If they really attack, the people in this coastal area will suffer.
Your son must do something; we cannot wait any longer.
Fucha Peiyun smiled slightly and gently patted Hongchang's hand.
"Don't worry, now that we have news about Li Dahai, we can send someone out to sea to gather information."
It's not just Japan, but other countries as well; knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory in every battle.
We need to understand what changes have occurred in the outside world so that we can respond accordingly.
Fucha Peiyun paused for a moment, then continued,
"The Qing Dynasty cannot continue to close its eyes and ears."
The world outside has changed, and we must keep up with the changes.
Today, you asked Zhang Hude to arrange for someone to verify Li Dahai's words; this is the first step.
At the same time, what we need to do is strengthen our coastal defenses and upgrade our weapons and ships.
Hongchang nodded: "You're right, Mother Empress."
Your son thinks so too, but you lack capable people at your disposal.
These muskets and cannons, as well as the large ships that sail out to sea, all require specialized technical personnel to operate.
Your subject truly does not know who should be entrusted with this matter.
Fucha Peiyun gazed at Hongchang, a faint smile appearing on her lips.
Upon seeing this, Hongchang's heart suddenly stirred, and his eyes lit up:
"Your Majesty, could it be that you were prepared for this all along?"
Fucha Peiyun smiled slightly and nodded gently:
Do you know anyone named Dai Zi?
Upon hearing this, Hongchang was taken aback at first, then after a moment's thought...
Suddenly, a look of surprise appeared on his face, and he tentatively asked:
"Dai Zi... Lord Dai, could he still be alive?"
Looking at Hongchang's anxious appearance, Fucha Peiyun couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing.
But he gently shook his head, shattering Hongchang's illusion.
Upon seeing this, Hongchang's hopes were instantly dashed, and his previously excited expression turned somewhat dejected.
He lowered his head and remained silent, seemingly trying to calm himself down.
Seeing Hongchang's expression turn somewhat dejected in an instant,
Fucha Peiyun couldn't help but chuckle softly:
Although Dai Zi is no longer alive, he still has sons and grandsons.
He left behind two sons, Dai Wen and Dai Wu.
Influenced by Dai Zi from a young age, they possessed a high talent and a strong interest in the manufacture of firearms.
I had already instructed the Fucha family to secretly search for and train them.
Now, both Dai Wen and Dai Wu have achieved considerable success in their studies. Dai Wen is skilled in firearms design.
Dai Wu was an expert in shipbuilding, and they were exactly the kind of talents that our Qing Dynasty desperately needed.
I also arranged for someone to study with them.
They have now mastered most of the skills of Dai Wen and Dai Wu, and have even made some innovations.
You can use them with complete confidence.
Upon hearing this, Hongchang's eyes lit up instantly, and he excitedly grasped Fucha Peiyun's hand:
"Your Majesty, you are truly shrewd and prepared!"
With Dai Wen and Dai Wu, plus their disciples, the Qing Dynasty's coastal defenses will surely improve rapidly!
Fucha Peiyun, you are now the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty, you must learn to deal with things calmly.
While coastal defense is indeed important, it cannot be accomplished overnight.
It takes time and patience.
Although Dai Wen and Dai Wu are talented, they haven't shown their faces for a long time.
You will need to personally investigate and confirm their capabilities.
Hongchang nodded, his eyes gleaming with determination:
"Your Majesty, rest assured, I will arrange for someone to invite Dai Wen and Dai Wu to the palace tomorrow."
To personally assess their abilities.
If they really have the ability,
Your Majesty, I will certainly give them important positions and elevate the Qing Dynasty's coastal defense capabilities to a new level!
Fucha Peiyun said, "Dai Zi was falsely accused by the missionary Ferdinand Verbiest of 'colluding with the Japanese.'"
Ferdinand Verbiest deliberately framed Dai Zi, wanting our Qing Dynasty to lose an outstanding firearms expert.
These missionaries must have had ulterior motives in wanting the Qing Dynasty to forever lag behind other countries.
You'd better investigate what they actually did in the Qing Dynasty all these years.
Another matter is that Dai Zi's name must be cleared; this cannot be delayed any longer.
Dai Zi devoted his life to the development of firearms in the Qing Dynasty, but he met such an end, which is truly heartbreaking.
Although he is no longer alive, his reputation and contributions must be recognized.
This also serves as an encouragement to Dai Wen and Dai Wu.
Hongchang nodded, a resolute glint in his eyes: "Empress Mother, you are right."
Lord Dai Zi was a meritorious official of the Qing Dynasty, and his injustice must be redressed.
I will immediately arrange for someone to investigate the conspiracy of Ferdinand Verbiest and his missionaries.
At the same time, Lord Dai Zi was exonerated.
Dai Wen and Dai Wu are his descendants; they carried on Dai Zi's legacy.
Your Majesty, I will make sure they feel the fairness and importance placed upon them by the court.
Suddenly, Fucha Peiyun thought of something else.
"There's one more thing you should keep in mind: those Manchu bannermen have been idle and lazy all these years."
They've long lost the vigor and fighting spirit they had when they entered the pass, yet they still have to collect a salary.
This was truly a major hidden danger for the Qing Dynasty.
Now that the Qing Dynasty is facing foreign threats, it is really not a good thing to support such a group of people who live off others.
You must find a way to get them back on their feet and make them contribute to the future of the Qing Dynasty.”
Hongchang nodded, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes:
Your Majesty is right. Your son still needs to rely more on your reminders.
The Manchu bannermen would one day have to go to the battlefield; they could not remain in a state of cultural stagnation.
He indulged in pleasure all day long and did nothing.
Your Majesty, I intend to re-establish a rigorous military training system to familiarize them with weapons and the battlefield.
Fucha Peiyun continued:
“Establishing a training system is only one aspect; incentive measures are also necessary.”
For the Eight Banners descendants who trained diligently and performed exceptionally well,
A generous reward should be given, and it would not be excessive to bestow upon him an official title and a noble name.
As for those who are lazy, cunning, and unambitious...
They must be severely punished, with their salaries reduced or even their banner status revoked.
Those useless people shouldn't be kept around anymore.
Hongchang frowned, pondered for a moment, and then said:
“Your Majesty is absolutely right. Your son will certainly formulate detailed reward and punishment regulations.”
Hongchang's mouth was full of disappointment and frustration with these Manchu bannermen.
Fucha Peiyun said, "However, this matter will inevitably affect the interests of some Manchu nobles."
I'm afraid they'll object.
Hongchang's gaze was firm. "I am the Emperor of the Great Qing. My actions are solely for the sake of the Great Qing dynasty and its people."
Don't be afraid of dissenting voices.
If anyone dares to obstruct me, I will naturally display the majesty of the emperor.
Hongchang clenched his fist.
"Your Majesty, rest assured, your son will never allow the Qing Dynasty's coastal defenses to remain so weak."
It will also allow the Eight Banners descendants to regain their former glory and ensure the peace of our Great Qing!
After saying that, his eyes revealed an undeniable determination.
Fucha Peiyun was very satisfied. "You're right, Li Dahai's appearance today is just in time."
We can take this opportunity to find out more about the Eight Banners' descendants.
After listening, Hongchang pondered for a moment.
A glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes, clearly indicating that he had already devised a countermeasure.
He raised his head, looking firmly at Fucha Peiyun, and said:
“Your Majesty, I understand what you mean.”
The appearance of Li Dahai was indeed an opportunity.
We can take this opportunity to properly rectify the behavior of the Manchu bannermen.
Tomorrow I will announce this in court, instructing the Eight Banners army to prepare.
One month from now, I will personally inspect the training results of the Eight Banners Army over the years.
At that time, all Manchu bannermen must undergo rigorous examinations.
The assessment covers various aspects, including martial arts skills, tactics, and physical fitness.
Those who perform exceptionally well will receive substantial rewards and opportunities for promotion.
Those who perform poorly will be severely punished, and may even be stripped of their banner status.
At the same time, I will set up a special oversight team.
To ensure the fairness and impartiality of the assessment, any acts of favoritism or fraud must be eliminated.