Recently, Boxer rebels have been causing mayhem near Beijing, and the violence has spread to Beijing itself. The court has repeatedly ordered their disbandment and has ordered the Beijing garrison and nearby troops to crack down. However, arson, murder, and looting continue to occur. These thugs spread rumors, hate Christians, and terrorize innocent civilians, ignoring the court. They murder and burn, acting with impunity. No dynasty has ever survived such lawlessness! We now know that mercenaries and bandits are among the Boxers, preying on everyone. Yesterday, the court sent Gangyi and Zhao Shuqiao to Liangxiang, Zhuozhou, and other areas to show the Emperor's mercy. Many Boxers, seeing the error of their ways, have surrendered and disbanded. Clearly, most of the violence is the work of these thugs. These thugs must be punished swiftly and severely; no leniency will be shown. Song Qing is to order Ma Yukun to immediately lead his troops to Beijing and capture these rebels. The priority is capturing the leaders and freeing those forced to join. All troops must maintain discipline, avoid abusing their power, and protect the innocent. See that this order is carried out. Dismissed.
Lately, around Beijing, things have been pretty chaotic with these bandits, even reaching the capital. The Emperor has sent out orders a few times to get them to scatter, and has instructed the city and nearby troops to be on full alert. However, the burning, looting, and killing just keeps going. These thugs are spreading lies and misleading people, especially targeting Christians, and dragging innocent folks into it, ignoring the Emperor's orders altogether. They're running around in gangs, killing and robbing, and even when they're disguised as civilians, they won't listen to reason. After all these years, we can't let these thugs ruin the country! And to make things worse, we've found out that loads of thugs and bandits have joined the Boxers, robbing everyone blind.
Yesterday, the Emperor sent Gang Yi and Zhao Shuqiao to Liangxiang, Zhuozhou, and the surrounding areas to explain the court's position. The honest Boxers signed pledges, tore down their camps, and went home. So, it's mostly these thugs who are doing all the burning, killing, and looting. The Emperor wants good guys and bad guys separated. These criminals need to be punished – no ifs, ands, or buts. Tell Song Qing to push Ma Yukun to get his troops to Beijing and arrest those bandits along the way. The main thing is to catch the leaders and let the others go. All troops must follow orders, protect the people, and get rid of these thugs. Spread the word. That's all.
