RPAGF Chapter 244 Joy Turns to Death
Chapter 244 Joy Turns to Death
"Your Highness, a country cannot be without a ruler for a single day! Now that the Qing Dynasty has fallen, we must announce to the world as soon as possible that we have taken over the government to prevent ambitious individuals from stirring up trouble," Wang Kaiyun said solemnly.
"Alright!" Shen Lian nodded.
You just agreed like that? The other officials' faces turned red with embarrassment; they still had so much to say to persuade him to take the throne! They couldn't say it now; keeping it inside was too painful!
Wasn't it agreed that he would decline three times? (Your Highness, can't you be a little more reserved!)
General, you're not playing by the rules! (Your Highness, have you no shame?)
Shen Lian is unreliable, and Wang Kaiyun can't let that happen. Otherwise, Shen Lian's image in future historical records will be too unpleasant.
Wang Kaiyun immediately stood up and led the officials out. He then began to arrange for them to write their own petitions urging him to ascend the throne.
At the same time, a telegram announced to the world that the Shandong New Army had captured Beijing and taken Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu prisoner.
The telegram, delivered in Shen Lian's tone, announced to the world that the Qing dynasty had been overthrown and a new dynasty was about to be established, demanding that officials and people throughout the land immediately submit.
This telegram sent shockwaves throughout the land! No one expected the Prince of Qi to be so powerful, capturing Beijing in a single day and taking Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu prisoner. It seemed the Qing Dynasty was truly doomed.
As for whether or not to immediately submit to the new dynasty, reactions varied across regions. The vast majority adopted a wait-and-see attitude, after all, the Qing dynasty had ruled for over two hundred years.
As the saying goes, even a centipede with a hundred legs doesn't fall down easily. Shen Lian currently only controls the capital; whether he can maintain his position is still uncertain. Officials throughout the land aren't fools; naturally, they all want to wait and see.
The first province to send a telegram expressing its willingness to submit was Hunan Province. Shen Lian's telegram had barely been sent when the Hunan Provincial New Army, which was already prepared, immediately launched a mutiny and besieged the provincial capital.
They arrested the officials appointed by the Qing Dynasty and declared their allegiance to Shen Lian!
Hunan Province is Shen Lian's hometown, and also the place where Wang Kai has done the most work. Over the years, it has been thoroughly infiltrated by them.
The military power of the province had long been secretly controlled, and many powerful officials had been won over. Their smooth surrender was to be expected.
In other places beyond Shen Lian's influence, undercurrents were also surging. Those conspiring and plotting were as numerous as fish in a river. Military officers and officials in various regions were all starting to make their own calculations.
Amidst the chaos and turmoil of the world, the capital city was naturally even more bustling.
The Qing court had long lost the support of the people, and apart from the Manchu bannermen in the inner city, there were very few who were willing to serve it.
Wang Kaiyun first led the officials in a grand performance of persuading Wang Kaiyun to ascend the throne in the main camp.
Then, some officials in the capital were notified!
Such a good thing? The bribed officials were grinning from ear to ear upon hearing this.
They quickly picked up their pens and wrote thousands of articles urging him to ascend the throne.
Some say it's destiny, with celestial signs and the shining Purple Star. They claim this is Heaven's indication that Shen Lian is destined for greatness, to rule the world! They urge Shen Lian to submit to Heaven's will.
Some say the Qing court was corrupt and incompetent, and deserved to lose its empire.
"The people of the world eagerly await your arrival, and all hearts turn to a wise ruler. Now the people suffer from the lack of a virtuous leader. If you ascend the throne, you will surely relieve their suffering. This is what the people all hope for." This means that everyone expects Shen Lian to become emperor and save the people. Shen Lian's ascension to the throne is for the well-being of the people and is the righteous act that everyone expects.
Many officials also mentioned Shen Lian's "outstanding achievements." They said that he "fought battles in the south and north, pacified the four seas, and made unparalleled contributions. Such great achievements can only be matched by ascending the throne as emperor, so that he can better implement his grand plans and ensure that the country enjoys lasting peace."