After receiving a telegram from the Empire, Sir Walsingham, the British Minister to the Qing Dynasty, immediately summoned Prince Qing, Yi Kuang, and informed him of the British Empire's decision.
“Your Highness, the Empire has decided to mediate the war between the Qing government and the Beiyang Army. If the war can be resolved peacefully, it would be most beneficial for both sides. It would not only reduce casualties among soldiers and civilians, but also end the war in the shortest possible time!” Sir Walsingham said.
Prince Qing, Yi Kuang's expression was not good. This was far from what the Qing Dynasty had initially hoped for.
Regarding the rebellious Li family, the Qing Dynasty naturally hoped to eliminate them completely, to serve as a warning to others.
If they negotiated, wouldn't that be like letting the tiger back into the mountains?
Throughout history, for thousands of years, letting the tiger back into the mountains had always resulted in disastrous consequences.
“Sir, the Qing Dynasty wishes to suppress the rebellion directly and bring the Li family to justice!” Yi Kuang said.
Sir Walsingham shook his head. “Your Highness, this is the Empire's decision. If you are unwilling to accept it, then the Empire will have no choice but to ignore this matter.”
Yi Kuang immediately became anxious upon hearing this.
If the British Empire ignored them and allowed the Beiyang Army to continue attacking the Qing Dynasty, what would they use to resist the ferocious Beiyang Army?
Wouldn't the Qing Dynasty be doomed?
“Sir, the Qing Dynasty is willing to accept mediation. However, the specific terms require me to report to the Empress Dowager, and she will make the final decision!”
Sir Walsingham nodded, understanding his words.
Afterwards, Yi Kuang rushed to inform Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu about the British proposal.
Emperor Guangxu immediately erupted in a tirade, accusing the British of accepting bribes from the Qing Dynasty but refusing to act. He declared that these foreign barbarians were truly despicable.
Empress Dowager Cixi, although equally dissatisfied, didn't voice her displeasure.
She understood that the Qing Dynasty was currently dependent on the British and couldn't afford to offend them.
Therefore, Empress Dowager Cixi instructed Yi Kuang to continue negotiating with the British.
The British wanted to mediate the war, which was acceptable.
However, they must prioritize the Qing Dynasty's interests.
For example, the Beiyang Army must immediately cease its attacks.
The Qing Dynasty could choose not to hold the Li family accountable for their rebellion, even granting them higher official positions. But the Beiyang Army must be disbanded or placed under Qing control.
This was almost the Qing Dynasty's bottom line.
Once the Qing Dynasty controlled the Beiyang Army, the Li family would be like a toothless tiger, powerless and at their mercy.
They could then easily take the lives of Li Hongzhang and Li Jingyuan.
Sir Walsingham was noncommittal about this.
After all, Li Hongzhang and Li Jingyuan were not fools; they would never accept the Qing Dynasty's terms entirely.
The two sides would undoubtedly bargain and haggle until they reached an agreement.
Of course, even if the mediation failed, it wouldn't be a significant loss for the British Empire. They could simply switch to a different approach.
After understanding the Qing Dynasty's demands, Sir Walsingham immediately dispatched someone to Jinan to inform Li Hongzhang and Li Jingyuan about the British Empire's intention to mediate the Qing Dynasty's civil war.
As the Beiyang Minister, Li Hongzhang had frequent interactions with foreign envoys. He had a certain degree of friendship with Sir Walsingham.
Upon learning that the British were mediating the war, Li Hongzhang immediately summoned Li Jingyuan and informed him of the news.
“Third Brother, the British have interfered and expressed their willingness to mediate the conflict between us and the Qing government. What are your thoughts on this?” Li Hongzhang asked.
“Humph! These Manchus are willing to give to foreigners but not to their own countrymen!” Li Jingyuan sneered.
In Li Jingyuan's view, the Qing government had undoubtedly paid a heavy price to secure British intervention. This was a betrayal of the nation and its people.
Of course, perhaps in the eyes of the Qing government's higher-ups, everything belonged to them.
They would rather sell their country's interests to the foreigners than lose everything after being overthrown by the Beiyang Army.
After all, if they sold their national interests and the foreigners helped them suppress the Beiyang Army, their rule could continue.
But if they were overthrown by the Beiyang Army, everything would be lost.
Li Hongzhang nodded. He understood Li Jingyuan's meaning.
“Although I have some friendship with Sir Walsingham, the British are known for their greed, or rather, their willingness to abandon their friends when it benefits them. So, it's almost certain that they are siding with the Qing government!” Li Hongzhang said.
“Father, the key lies in our own military strength. As long as we can defeat the Qing army and all other enemies on the battlefield, we won't have to fear anyone!” Li Jingyuan declared with determination.