I started with the Shinsengumi in Bakumatsu

Chapter 104 Determining the mission of the embassy to the Qing Dynasty

"Come in."

Ichimura Tetsunosuke immediately opened the wooden door and extended his hand to signal the two of them to enter.

Zhou Hengjuro and Cai Shantaro arranged their clothes and walked into the room.

As soon as the two entered the office, they saw a tall young man with curly hair wearing a samurai uniform. He was writing at a desk behind a pile of paperwork.

When Yagyu heard the two people coming in, he put down his pen, raised his body and looked at the two people and said, "Are you a little surprised that the prime minister who leads the country's policies is a young man?"

Zhou Hengjuro was the first to react, and he quickly saluted and said: "Prime Minister, you are humble. As the saying goes, those who are successful come first. Talent has nothing to do with age."

Yagyu said with some satisfaction: "Your Excellency has a quick mind and is really suitable for communicating with others. Please introduce yourselves."

Zhou Hengjuro was the first to salute and said: "Hengjuro Zhou, his ancestral home is Fujian, Qing Dynasty. More than 200 years ago, his ancestors were sent by the imperial court to Nagasaki to become the general secretary of the Tang Dynasty. He was mainly responsible for the trade between the Qing Dynasty and Japan. I am proficient in Japanese and Chinese, and I am still learning recently. Proficient in English and familiar with the customs and customs of the Qing Dynasty.”

Zentaro Cai followed nervously: "My ancestral home, Zentaro Cai, is also in the Qing Dynasty, but my family has been living in Nagasaki more than 200 years ago. I am also proficient in Chinese and Japanese, and I am familiar with the customs and customs of the Qing Dynasty."

Yagyu nodded and said: "The talents of both of you are really suitable for being sent to the Qing Dynasty. Then I would like to ask you two, what is the main purpose of establishing diplomatic relations between your country and the Qing Dynasty, and what are the benefits?"

Zhou Hengjuro immediately said: "Since the second war between the Qing Dynasty and Britain and France, many treaties have been signed, several new ports have been added along the coast, and the domestic market has been occupied by Western countries. However, the Qing Dynasty has a vast territory and rich resources, and countries such as Britain, France, Russia, and the United States have not Completely occupy the Qing Dynasty's market.

Nowadays, Japan is undergoing reform under the leadership of the Prime Minister. The goods produced in factories cannot compete with Western countries, but the market of the Qing Dynasty is sufficient to absorb our goods. "

Cai Shantaro then said: "More than that, the Qing Dynasty is rich in resources. Our country can purchase coal, iron and other resources from the Qing Dynasty and reduce costs through gold and silver trade.

If we trade with foreign countries, according to the previously signed treaty, if we buy gold and silver, we will suffer an additional loss of [-]%, but there will be no such problem in trade with the Qing Dynasty. "

Yagyu stood up immediately, walked to the two of them, shook hands and said: "The analysis of the two of you is very accurate. You are worthy of Tang Tongshi who understands the Qing Dynasty and our own country. Your talents are exactly what I need urgently.

I have met many people in these days, but they were influenced by the Mito Domain and Yoshida Shoin, and their tendencies were somewhat radical. Only their insights were suitable for the development of Japan.

I plan to appoint two envoys and deputy envoys to the imperial mission. The two of you will form a mission to the Qing Dynasty to negotiate with the Qing Dynasty court and establish normal and reciprocal diplomatic relations.

I hope Japan can establish a company in the Qing Dynasty to specialize in purchasing coal and iron. Are you two confident? "

Zhou Hengjuro was a little excited. He originally thought that he would be a minor official at most, but he never thought that he would become a general!Cai Shantaro on the side couldn't believe it. This kind of thing was also unthinkable in the Qing Dynasty. Perhaps it could only be encountered in the era of Corporal Li Xian.

Zhou Hengjuro and Cai Shantaro immediately knelt down and saluted and said: "The Prime Minister will not consider me despicable and entrust you with important responsibilities. I can only devote myself to the Prime Minister and die for you, in order to repay the favor of the Prime Minister!"

Yagyu helped the two of them up and said: "Now that the country is in crisis, it urgently needs talents to serve. How can I be delayed by trivial matters such as status and status? You two are talented, so there is no need to belittle yourself, just serve the country with your heart."

Just go ahead and do it, you two, and I will support you from behind. This matter is somewhat urgent, so you should hurry up and do it now. I will ask the navy to escort you to the Qing Dynasty. "They admired Yagyu's resolute speed of action. After the two took over the matter, they immediately began to recruit the needed talents.

Half a month later, Zhou Hengjuro reported the situation of the ambassador to Yagyu.

Zhou Hengjuro said: "Your Excellency Prime Minister, I have recruited officials who are familiar with the affairs of the Qing Dynasty and the situation in various places. The mission is ready to go to the Qing Dynasty."

Yagyu was overjoyed and rushed to the Osaka Naval Base with the envoy himself.

Katsu Kaishu learned that Yagyu had come in person, and immediately brought Shannan Keisuke and others to see him.

Yagyu explained: "Mr. Katsu, I plan to send a mission to the Qing Dynasty to establish diplomatic relations and expand trade between the two countries. This matter is related to national reform, so I want the navy to escort the mission to the Qing Dynasty."

Sheng Haizhou nodded and said: "Since it is the Prime Minister's order, I will naturally obey it. How many warships does the Prime Minister plan to send to accompany you?"

Yagyu pointed at the Koshi and said: "The three largest steam warships in the navy are dispatched, and there are also two steam merchant ships accompanying them as transport ships."

Sheng Haizhou thought for a while, nodded and said: "This is also a good thing to promote our country's prestige. I will make arrangements right now."

Yagyu not only arranged for three warships to accompany the mission, but also arranged a escort team of more than 200 people for the mission. They were elites selected from the Guards Division and were equipped with revolvers and Spencer rifles.

On March 25, Yagyu bid farewell to the ambassador to the Qing Dynasty in Osaka.

Komatsu Daito and Okubo Toshimichi learned the news and immediately sent letters back to Satsuma. They hoped that the navy of the Choshu Domain could stop it.

In addition, Hitotsubashi Yingxi also knew about this and he was very dissatisfied with it.

"Establishing diplomatic relations with other countries is a matter for the shogunate! By doing this, Yagyu Hiken is letting the imperial court replace the shogunate's position, bastard!"

He looked at Matsudaira Yoshiho standing aside and asked: "Aizu Hou, as the deputy prime minister of the cabinet, don't you know that this matter is not good for the shogunate? You should stop it!"

Matsudaira Yongho explained: "However, Mr. Hitotsubashi and Prime Minister Yagyu have explained to me that this move is to solve the financial pressure of the imperial court. Only by trading with the Qing Dynasty can the imperial court earn more money. The restoration requires money."

"Confused!" Ichihashi Keixi said sadly, "One mountain cannot tolerate two tigers. The rise of the imperial court will be more dangerous to the shogunate than the Choshu clan! Will the shogunate follow the imperial court's instructions then?"

Matsudaira Sadaki quickly defended Matsudaira Yongho: "Hitohashi-sama, perhaps Yagyu Kigeon used the name of the emperor to confuse my brother. Please calm down."

Hitotsubashi Yingxi sighed helplessly and said: "The general is about to go to Luo. Marquis Aizu, you must take good care of the cabinet."

Although Matsudaira Yongho was a little unhappy, he still bowed his head and saluted for the responsibility on his shoulders: "Ha, I understand."

(End of this chapter)