I started with the Shinsengumi in Bakumatsu

Chapter 177 Communication at the Banquet
The atmosphere at the ball was very lively. The ambassadors from Britain, France and the United States were chatting with Eto Shinpei and others. The nobles also gathered in front of the ambassadors to establish relationships.

Liu Sheng had no time to pay attention to them. When he saw Qing Ambassador Xu Yongyi coming over, he immediately raised his glass to signal.

Xu Yongyi smiled and had a reserved expression. He walked up to Liu Sheng and said, "Mr. Prime Minister, I have admired you for a long time."

Yagyu nodded slightly and said: "Ambassador Xu said something serious. This time the Qing Dynasty has sent a heavy gift. I will thank Your Majesty the Qing Emperor."

Xu Yongqi's expression stiffened. He secretly complained that Japan was just a small country, but it dared to call him emperor.

However, Xu Yongyi knew that Japan was very powerful and should not be offended.

Although the Westernization Movement began within the Qing Dynasty, it was Zeng Guofan, Li Hongzhang and other Han ministers who presided over the Westernization Movement. The Manchu nobles were quite afraid of it.

You must know that the Taiping Rebellion caused irreparable losses to the Qing Dynasty. The Manchus in the southern provinces were massacred by the Taiping Rebellion, and the Manchus in the north no longer dared to cross the Yellow River.

The Han ministers in Xianghuai went on to conquer the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and already occupied half of the country. If Zeng Guofan dared to rebel, even if Zeng Guofan failed, the Qing Dynasty would be destroyed.

However, such an assumption is impossible. Zeng Guofan is not a fool. He knows the pros and cons. As long as the Qing Dynasty is around, the Zeng family's wealth can last long.

Furthermore, Zeng Guofan slaughtered tens of millions of people and was unpopular. Therefore, the Qing Dynasty breathed a sigh of relief and came to life again.

Beginning in 1865, the Qing Dynasty began its Westernization Movement. It has only been four years since then. Compared with Japan, the Qing Dynasty's pace is too slow.

Although the Qing Dynasty started the Westernization Movement, so far, very few factories have been established, less than one percent of Japan's.

The largest factories were the Anqing Ordnance Institute established by Zeng Guofan, the Fuzhou Shipping Bureau established by Zuo Zongtang, and the Jiangnan Manufacturing Administration established by Li Hongzhang.

The Qing Dynasty hired foreigners from Britain, France, the United States and other countries, imported a large number of machines from their countries, and built new guns, cannons, and ships.

Compared to Japan, which was already catching up with the Western countries, there was a struggle within the Qing Dynasty between central diehards and local Westernizers. The Fuzhou Shipping Bureau was still building its first sailing steam warship, the Wannianqing, even after its establishment. It is a steam battleship for both military and commercial purposes, with a displacement of more than 400 tons and a top speed of [-] knots.

Such warships are naturally inferior to the ironclad ships of the Japanese Navy.

The internal situation in the Qing Dynasty is complicated, and the current results are pretty good.

Yagyu's feelings about the Qing Dynasty are still very complicated, but he has done what he can do. Although Japan has sucked the blood of the Qing Dynasty, the situation now is much better than in history.

He first asked: "I heard that your country has started its reform. I wonder if your country has any ideas to cooperate with Japan?"

Xu Yongyi did not dare to answer easily. He had to think about the consequences of what he said.

He thought about it carefully, and found that there were commercial relations between the imperial court and Japan, and the Queen Mother of the West also supported the reform, so there was no need to reject it directly.

"What did Mr. Prime Minister say? There has always been cooperation between our two countries, right?"

As soon as Liu Sheng heard that what the other party said was just for the occasion, he had no intention of talking any more. These officials were just afraid of taking responsibility.

"Ambassador Xu is right, but I prefer that the two sides can deepen cooperation. Of course, I mentioned it casually, so you don't need to care."

Xu Yongyi nodded slightly and changed the subject: "Mr. Prime Minister, you are taking the lead. I have also heard about the Battle of the Beibu Gulf with France and the Netherlands. I heard that it was because your country sold arms to Vietnam that this happened?"

Liu Sheng glanced at Xu Yongyi, and then he understood the reason why Xu Yongyi came to talk to him. He was worried about Japan's involvement in Vietnam.

Yagyu said directly without any excuse: "Yes, we are still selling arms to Vietnam. When Vietnam has enough weapons, it will resist the French colonization. Ambassador Xu should understand that how can others sleep soundly on the side of the bed?"

Xu Yongyi was a little disbelieving and asked: "Mr. Prime Minister, your country will not replace France, will it?"

"Of course not. We just provide them with arms. As for how far they go, we don't care. After all, Vietnam is a vassal state of the Qing Dynasty, right?"

When Xu Yongyi heard this, he felt relieved. Japan's actions in Vietnam were naturally inseparable from the attention of the Qing Dynasty. Now Liu Sheng also sells arms to the Nguyen Dynasty through Guangxi in exchange for supplies.

He picked up the wine glass and smiled: "Of course, Mr. Prime Minister is indeed Japan's No. 1, he is really awesome."

The two exchanged casual greetings for a few words and then separated.

Xu Yongyi returned to his side, and a middle-aged man asked: "Master Xu, how are you doing?"

Xu Yongyi whispered: "After asking, Prime Minister Yagyu will not get involved in Vietnam, at least not like France."

At this point, he taunted in a low voice: "Hmph, the Japanese emperor dares to call him the emperor? He has no real power at all. The national power is controlled by the Prime Minister Yagyu Nozomi. It's really ridiculous."

Other officials laughed and said: "Zu'er is just a small country. It doesn't know etiquette. Now it has learned from Westerners and has completely turned into a barbarian. The wedding we saw today is really vulgar."

An official who looked like an old scholar said angrily: "Look at it, men and women hugging each other like this, how unbecoming it is? If you want to tell me, you shouldn't learn Western learning."

The way to build a country is to respect etiquette and righteousness rather than power and strategy. The fundamental purpose is not in skills but in people's hearts.Only by using loyalty and trustworthiness as armor and propriety and righteousness as oars can we resist foreign aggression. "

After all, Xu Yongyi was born in the Prime Minister's Office, and reminded: "Okay, it's best to say less about this."

The old scholar woke up instantly and quickly drank to apologize.

Compared with the discussions of Manchu officials, the conversations between Parkes, Roches, Ohara Shigenori and Eto Shinpei were related to the future of Japan.

Van Pols returned to Parkes and described Yagyu's attitude. He added with jealousy: "Mr. Parkes, Yagyu is really ambitious. He covets Southeast Asia and does not take your country and France into consideration at all."

Roches snorted coldly, feeling dissatisfied.

Parkes knew what Van Poles wanted to do. Although he didn't like Yagyu Kigeon either, neither Great Britain nor France wanted to go to war with Japan.

The current domestic opinion is to replace Yagyu Hiyan and support others to take over.

However, this matter is not easy. The end of the Bakumatsu War and the end of the shogunate and the shogunate showed that the success rate of this road was not high.

Parkes somewhat complained that the previous ambassador had helped someone like Yagyu Sheeyan.

"Don't worry. Although Japan is much stronger than before, it is still a small country and cannot stand up in front of Britain and France."

Parkes simply comforted Fanbols and whispered to Roches.

Then the two chatted with Ohara Shigenori and Eto Shinpei.Eto Shinpei complimented: "Mr. Parkes, on behalf of His Majesty and the Cabinet, I would like to offer you a toast. Thank you very much for coming to attend His Majesty's wedding."

With a reserved smile, Parkes said: "Mr. Eto, although I like your attitude very much, I think you said something wrong. I think the only person who can represent your emperor and cabinet is Prime Minister Yagyu. "

Eto Shinpei's face froze, he was quite angry and a little aggrieved, but what Parkel said was right, he could only swallow this bad breath.

He continued to lick his face and said: "What you said is that the Prime Minister is talking to the Qing Ambassador, so I came to talk to you."

Parkes put away his smile and said: "I didn't expect Lord Eto to have such a big heart and let a young man put his head on his head. He is a ronin."

Although Eto Shinpei was groveling, he was not stupid. He had already realized that Parkes seemed to be insulting him and making him angry, but he realized that he was trying to sow discord.

This kind of little trick was nothing new for Eto Shinpei, but it was useful. He understood that Parkes was looking for someone to deal with Yagyu Heigan.

Both Great Britain and France were first-rate powers. Thinking of this possibility, he was instantly excited. He couldn't help but look in the direction of Yagyu, and then quickly lowered his head.

"Mr. Parkes, we don't want to talk about this kind of thing at your majesty's wedding banquet. Prime Minister Yagyu is your majesty's father-in-law, and I can't compare with you.

Of course, I reserve my own opinions on some of Prime Minister Yagyu's actions, but Prime Minister Yagyu has an army in his hands, so I can only let it go. "

Parkes nodded and said, "It's a little inappropriate to say it here. After all, the secret police arranged by Prime Minister Yagyu are everywhere."

When it came to the secret police, Eto Shinpei became a little suspicious. He looked at the maid nearby. He quickly recalled what he said and found that there was no problem, so he was relieved.

Seeing that Yagyu was free, he raised his glass and said, "Then let's find a chance to talk again and celebrate His Majesty's wedding again."

Eto Shinpei finished a glass of wine and immediately left in a hurry with the others to chat with a noble acquaintance.

These conversations were just a sideshow at the ball.

The most important ones are the male and female protagonists, Emperor Meiji and Princess Mary.

There was a Japanese wedding banquet at four o'clock in the afternoon. Emperor Meiji and Princess Mary had other things to prepare. Just in time, Princess Mary was tired, so they ended the dance.

Princess Mary was not opposed to Japanese weddings, but was looking forward to it, especially after seeing Bai Wujin's wedding dress, she became even more interested.

This time the wedding was held at Yuchen Imperial Palace. Those who could attend the ceremony were either rich or noble. The roll call of gifts never stopped from the beginning of the wedding banquet.

Yagyu also put on the attire of a minister, stepped forward to preside over the marriage between Emperor Meiji and Princess Mary, looked at the two of them and exchanged glasses of wine.

After the ceremony was over, Princess Mary returned to the harem under the leadership of the female officer Kotorii. Emperor Meiji had to chat with ambassadors, nobles and ministers from various countries before going to see Queen Mary.

However, everyone could see the emperor's thoughts, and naturally he did not stay long. Emperor Meiji left early, and then Yagyu was a little drunk and went to the side hall to rest, and then the others became active.

As soon as Yagyu left, Fuejima Taneomi from the Saga faction came to Parkes for a chat, and Eto Shinpei and others were nearby to provide cover.

Parkes smiled and asked: "Mr. Soejima, are you a little anxious?"

Soejima Taneomi replied: "There is no need to rush. Nowadays, all power in Japan is controlled by Yagyu Nozomi. The cabinet is like his family. Although we are ministers, we are only his yes-men.

Today's Japan seems to be in bloom, but in fact it is cooking on the fire and is in danger! "

"Oh? Isn't that right? The Dutch envoys are still asking for help from Great Britain these days, and they are worried about being retaliated by Japan."

Parkes asked pretending to be confused.

Soejima Taneomi cooperated and said: "Why should Mr. Parkes be vague? We have already seen the dissatisfaction between your country and France towards our country. We have already advised the Prime Minister not to be an enemy of your country. But he Don't listen.

We all believe that the Qing Dynasty is weakening. At this time, our country should invade North Korea, occupy Taiwan, and cut off the wings of the Qing Dynasty. When our navy is built, we can directly invade the Central Plains. "

When Parkes heard this plan, he was very satisfied. Once Japan entered Korea, it would inevitably arouse the fear of Tsarist Russia. In this way, Britain's arrangements in East Asia were on the right track.

He nodded and said: "Mr. Fuejima said that the Qing Dynasty is just a paper tiger. If we, Great Britain, were not too far away from the Qing Dynasty, we would definitely annex its land.

Prime Minister Yagyu is indeed a bit wanton. I don't like the way he is now. I'm worried that if this continues, Japan will be destroyed. "

Soejima Taneomi said anxiously: "Parkari, give us a chance!"

Parkes smiled secretly, a little embarrassed: "But it seems that you are no match for Yagyu Heiyan."

Soejima Taneomi immediately said: "Mr. Parkes, in Kyoto, we definitely have no chance of winning, but outside of Kyoto, there are people who hate Yagyu Nozomi everywhere.

As long as we have enough weapons and money, we will definitely be able to clear the country and save Japan. "

Parkes smiled slightly, the bait he threw had already bit the hook, it was time to reel in the line.

"That's what it says, but how much will it cost? We can't give it to you for nothing, right?"

Soejima Tanedomi seemed to have anticipated this situation, and said: "This money is considered to be borrowed by us, and we will pay it back with interest when the time comes. Don't worry, Mr. Parkes, Japan has enough gold and silver to repay its debts!"

Parkes certainly knew that the current Japanese government had three major gold mines and countless silver mines. It was definitely worth paying a sum of money for a gold mine.

"Mr. Soejima's patriotism is really touching. It's really hard for me to refuse your request."

Soejima Taneomi was overjoyed and quickly extended his hand and said: "Mr. Parkes, happy cooperation!"

"Happy cooperation!"

As soon as the conversation between the two ended, the Saga party immediately gathered together to inquire about the situation. Soejima Taneomi suppressed his excitement and whispered: "Daei agreed!"

Eto Shinpei's eyes widened and he lowered his voice and said, "Okay, with the help of Da Ying, great things can be expected!"

Shima Giyu immediately said: "Then I will quit the cabinet and return to Saga to mobilize the samurai!"

Eto Shinpei took Shima Giyuu's hand and said, "Giyuu, I leave this matter to you!"

(End of this chapter)