For over two hundred years, we've been treating foreigners pretty well, showing 'em kindness and all that. Our emperors always went easy on foreigners. During the reigns of Daoguang and Xianfeng, we even let 'em trade and preach. We figured they were doin' some good, so we said okay. At first, they played by the rules, but lately, they've gotten real cocky, grabbin' our land, pushin' us around, and takin' our cash. The more we gave, the bolder they got. They're doin' everything from pickin' on regular folks to disrespectin' the whole government. Folks are furious and want to give 'em a piece of their mind. That's why we've seen folks burnin' down churches and killin' priests. The government didn't want a war, and kept protectin' them, mostly 'cause we didn't want to hurt our own people. So the government put out a decree to protect the embassies, calm everyone down, and clear up the mess. We've been more than fair, but they're ungrateful and keep pushin' us around. Yesterday, some priest had the nerve to tell us to get out of Dagu Fort and hand it over, or they'd take it by force. That's a straight-up threat; they're tryin' to get even bolder and scare the whole area around the capital. We've reached our limit with their threats and intimidation. Yesterday, a priest demanded we hand over Dagu Fort, or else they'd use force. They're pushin' it way too far!
I've always been polite to my neighbors, but they think they're so civilized, yet they are so rude and unreasonable, using their fancy weapons to get themselves killed! I have been emperor for more than twenty years, treating the people like my own children, and my people love and respect me; not to mention Empress Dowager Cixi, who revitalized the country, spreading blessings throughout the land, deeply ingrained in people's hearts. We have the blessings of our ancestors and gods, and everyone is loyal and indignant, an unprecedented surge of national unity and loyalty. I'm crying out to our ancestors, and I swear we'll fight! Rather than live in shame, it is better to openly attack and fight to the death!
Lately, I have summoned all the officials, and everyone is in agreement. In the capital region and provinces such as Shandong, righteous armies have rallied spontaneously, numbering in the hundreds of thousands; even children are taking up arms! They use trickery and deceit; we fight for what's right. They use brute force; we have the people on our side. Not to mention the loyalty and courage of our soldiers, righteous warriors, everyone is willing to die; even if our country has vast lands, with more than twenty provinces and four hundred million loyal subjects, what is there to fear? By defeating them, we will demonstrate the might of our country!
If everyone works together, fighting bravely, or donating money and goods to support the military, the government will handsomely reward you; but if anyone deserts in battle, willing to become a traitor, I will execute any traitor without hesitation! Every official and citizen must be loyal and righteous, to vent our anger together. I believe in you! That's it.
