I started with the Shinsengumi in Bakumatsu

Chapter 184: Military expansion scares the Qing Dynasty
Following the cabinet order, Shannan Keisuke began to arrange the task of expanding the army. According to the plan, the army was expanded to 30 men.

At the beginning of the New Year, recruitment notices began to be issued in various places. The junior officials of the Ministry of War went to various states and counties to promote the slogan that serving the country as a soldier would be an honor for the whole family.

Of course, the most important thing is the treatment you receive as a soldier.

Now the monthly salary of an ordinary soldier in the Japanese Army is [-] yen, and the army provides three meals a day, clothes, quilts and other daily necessities.

The three meals a day for soldiers are a main meal of two kilograms of white rice mixed with other grains, a box of canned meat, an egg, a miso soup. During wartime, a small bottle of wine or dessert, and a box of cigarettes will be added.

Cigarette factories are now producing cigarettes, which have a softer taste and better aroma than foreign products. They are loved by the people as soon as they are produced.

Even Yagyu would smoke a post-morning cigarette to relax.

With the current treatment of soldiers, it is a good place for those poor families, so many young people from farmers have signed up to join the army.

In addition to expanding enough soldiers, the War Department also needs to reform the current military establishment.

A division of only 9000 men is too few.

During World War I, the infantry divisions of Britain, France, Germany and other countries totaled 8000 people.

Yagyu discussed with Shannan Keisuke and others, and finally decided to establish a corps based on the organization of divisions, brigades, regiments and battalions.

The infantry division is divided into two infantry brigades and one artillery brigade.

The infantry brigade has three infantry regiments. The infantry regiment has three infantry battalions, one engineer battalion, and one machine gun company.

The artillery brigade has two artillery regiments. The artillery regiment is divided into one howitzer battalion and three field artillery battalions.

An artillery regiment has eighteen howitzers and 54 field guns.

In addition to the approximately 5000 people in the reinforced defense battalion directly under the division headquarters, an infantry division has a total of more than [-] people.

Excluding the Northern Army, the Pioneer Army, and the Guards Army, there are still 30 people left in the 18-strong army.

These 18 people totaled twelve infantry divisions, divided into four legions, namely the Gyeonggi Corps, the Kwantung Corps, the Western Kingdom Corps and the Kyushu Corps.

According to the organization, they are the first, second, third and fourth legions.

These four legions do not have cavalry formations. Only the Guards, the Northern Legion and the Pioneer Legion have cavalry formations.

The four reorganized legions are mainly used to attack the Nanyang region. The role of cavalry is not great, and it is not as effective as Gatling and artillery.

Regarding Yagyu's big move to expand the army, Tokugawa Keiki, Kosu Tadjun, Nagai Naoshi and other shogunate ministers were a little confused. They also didn't know why the Prime Minister would suddenly expand the army.

Only a few people from the Shinsengumi and the Aizu clan, such as Isamu Kondo, knew about this matter.

However, whether they know it or not, everyone supports military expansion, because only by expanding the military can we have the power to expand outward. In other words, Yagyu's military expansion has sent a signal to everyone that Japan is going to expand outward.

Britain, France and the Netherlands were greatly shocked by Japan's military expansion. Parkes immediately contacted Eto Shinpei to inquire about the situation.

Eto Shinpei secretly visited Parkesli and explained to him: "Yagyu Hiken revealed in the cabinet his intention to expand outward. He also mentioned the Ogasawara Islands."

Parkes secretly thought that Yagyu Nobita was really ambitious, and he asked again: "Where are the Ogasawara Islands?"

Eto Shinpei asked about the map, and Parkes immediately realized where the Ogasawara Islands were.

"What! That's not the Ogasawara Islands, it's already our country's territory!"

Eto Shinpei felt a little unhappy and secretly cursed: What a robber. That is our country's Ogasawara Islands. The shogunate has long recorded it, and there are boundary markers on it. It seems that it has been pushed down by the British.

"Mr. Parkes, the Ogasawara Islands incident is probably a smoke bomb launched by Yagyu Hiyan. After all, this military expansion is doubled, so Yagyu Hiyan must be making big moves."

Parkes said angrily: "Of course I know this, no need to remind me, I want to know his true purpose!"

Van Bols, who was accompanying him, immediately reminded him: "Mr. Parkes, Yagyu Heiyan must be eyeing Nanyang, otherwise why would he develop so many armies?"

Eto Shinpei also said: "I'm afraid that's it."

Roches snorted coldly and said: "How courageous he is. Let him be arrogant for a while. If he dares to enter Vietnam, our army will definitely attack him head-on!"

Parkes also felt that this was a plan to attack Nanyang, but he couldn't understand where Yagyu Sheeyan had the courage?

"If Yagyu Heige is really arrogant enough to take action against Vietnam and other places, then Daeyoung will never tolerate it anymore!"

Van Bols was ecstatic in his heart. With his big brother taking action, Japan would definitely be vulnerable!
After Eto Shinpei left, Parkesli said to Roches: "As soon as Baland returned to Japan, Yagyu Yoshigan began to expand the army. I am worried about what plans they have between them.

I will report it to Congress immediately, Mr. Roches, and you must also tell your emperor to be careful of Prussia. "

Roches said with confidence: "Don't worry, Mr. Parkes, we are France, and His Majesty is the nephew of Emperor Napoleon. Prussia was beaten to pieces by the Emperor back then, and now, the result is the same!"

Parkes was a little worried when he saw the proud Roches, but that was all he could do.

In addition to the concerns of Britain, France and the Netherlands, the Qing ambassador Xu Yongyi was also worried after learning about this matter.

In Xu Yongyi's view, the first person to be threatened by Japan's military expansion is North Korea in the north. You know, just over half a year ago, the talk of conquering South Korea was widely spread in Kyoto.

This kind of thing is not groundless for Xu Yongyi. 300 years ago, Japan captured North Korea and tried to enter the customs. Nurhachi, the ancestor of the Qing Dynasty, wanted to serve the imperial court and enter North Korea to fight the Japanese army.

With such a precedent and some people advocating the conquest of Korea, Xu Yongyi was naturally worried.

A group of officials from the Qing Dynasty gathered together to discuss, but no result was reached.

Secretary He Ruzhang said: "Master Xu, this matter cannot be delayed any longer. We must tell the court immediately so that the court can prepare early and send a message to North Korea to let them prepare for war."

Another person shook his head and said: "No, absolutely not! Mr. Xu, if North Korea prepares its troops for war, it will only misunderstand Japan.

Nowadays, Japan is our ally. Moreover, Japan has become powerful after the reform and cannot be easily angered. Once our country and Japan are at odds, it will inevitably be a war.

It has only been a few years since the banditry was suppressed, and the imperial court is still recovering and cannot withstand the ravages of a war. "

"Yes, yes, Master Xu, you must think twice."

"Mr. Xu, I think I only need to tell you the situation, and let the court decide what to do."

"Yes, yes, sir, this is safe."

Xu Yongyi nodded slightly and said: "Forget it, this matter is not clear yet and we have to continue to investigate. However, I still have to write a memorial to report to the imperial court about Japan's military expansion. As for how the imperial court will make a decision, naturally there are the Queen Mother and Prince Gong. Decision." When most officials heard Xu Yongyi's words, they immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

He Ruzhang was worried. There was a vicious wolf beside the Qing Dynasty's bed. How could he sleep peacefully?
But no one cared about this. These officials were already talking about going to Gion in the evening.

Nowadays, Gion has undergone some transformation. In addition to traditional Japanese geishas, ​​some new Western styles have also been added, that is, some wandering girls put on Western skirts to attract customers.

In addition, there are several tourist houses that specially dress up in Han costumes to attract business from Qing people.

Although Japan became a capitalist country, Yagyu did not abolish this system after all, and also improved and developed it.

……

After Xu Yongyi's memorial was delivered to the capital, it caused a storm in the Prime Minister's Yamen.

Prince Gong Yixin looked at ministers Wen Xiang, Chong Lun, and Bao Yun and said, "What do you think about Japan's military expansion?"

Wen Xiang saluted and said: "Your Majesty, this matter cannot be concluded lightly. It requires careful investigation. After all, Japan has not made any other moves."

Chong Lun immediately said: "There have been reports before that some people in Japan are advocating the theory of conquest of Korea. We must be on guard!"

Yi Xin groaned, looked at Bao Yun, and asked, "What do Rui Qing think?"

Baojun was from the faction that supported Westernization in the DPRK, and he was with Yixin. He held up his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I don't think you need to worry too much about this matter."

"Oh? Why?" Yixin asked immediately.

Bao Jun said slowly: "The official believes that Japan's military expansion is to deal with the conflicts with Britain, France and the Netherlands. According to what Mr. Xu reported back from Japan, Japan has many conflicts with Western countries, especially Britain and France.

Britain and France are extremely arrogant. Japan is probably worried that the two countries will invade the country, so it expands its army, strengthens its strength, and deters Britain and France. "

Wen Xiang answered: "It's really possible."

Chonglun also hesitated, while other ministers agreed.

Yi Xin nodded slightly and said: "It is indeed possible. However, this matter is too complicated. We have to ask Zeng Disheng and Li Shaoquan. They have recently become close to foreigners and can know more information."

Baojun replied: "I'll go and ask you now."

Prince Gong stood up and said, "Okay, I will go into the palace to see the Queen Mother to report this matter."

In the palace, the two queen mothers Cixi and Ci'an met with Yixin. After listening to Yixin's report, Cixi immediately asked: "Are you sure that Japan's military expansion is not aimed at the Qing Dynasty?"

Yi Xin quickly replied: "My brother has sent someone to ask Zeng Disheng and the others."

Ci'an said sadly, "It's been such a troubled time."

Cixi immediately comforted her and said, "Sister, don't worry. Even if the small country of Japan expands its army, we, the Qing Dynasty, are not afraid. Prince Gong, if Japan does anything unethical against the Qing Dynasty, let Zeng Disheng and the others attack with thunder to show that the Qing Dynasty is glorious." Tianwei, do you know?"

Yi Xin quickly saluted and said: "I obey the Queen Mother's decree!"

After Yi Xin left the palace, she immediately sent more people to Baoding, where the Governor of Zhili was located.

Two years ago, Zeng Guofan was appointed governor of Zhili and left the position of governor of Liangjiang. However, the Hunan and Huai armies are still powerful in the south of the Yangtze River.

Although the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom in the south had been eliminated by the Xiangjun, there were still other rebels in the Shaanxi-Gansu region, and Zuo Zongtang was ordered to lead his troops to conquer them.

Li Hongzhang served as the governor of Huguang and concurrently served as the governor of Hubei and the governor of Sichuan. Wu Tang was involved in the case, Guizhou military affairs suppressed the Miao uprising, sent troops to aid Shaanxi to suppress the Hui rebels, etc.

In short, the Xianghuai forces were still reused by the Qing court.

Zeng Guofan was the first to know about this inquiry about Japan, but he didn't know much about Japan, so he could only use the excuse of not being clear to shirk the matter.

Li Hongzhang was more tactful and suggested that he ask Hart about this matter.

After receiving the reply, Yixin remembered that there was an Englishman under her command.

Although Robert Hurd was British, he worked for the Qing court. He served as the Customs and Excise Department in Shanghai from 1861. In 1863, he officially took over as the Customs and Excise Department. It was not until he died of illness that the British government replaced him.

Today, Hart is already the second-rank chief envoy of the Qing court. He is not only responsible for customs, but also for some specific foreign affairs, such as expanding the Jiangnan Manufacturing Bureau, moving to a new location, hiring a large number of foreign workers, and purchasing Western-style machines.

In addition, Hart also built shipping facilities, unified the national postal service, supported young children to study abroad, advocated the Qing Dynasty to send envoys abroad, organized participation in the World Expo, etc. Objectively speaking, Hart promoted the modernization of the Qing Dynasty.

Therefore, the matter of Japan's military expansion was finally handed over to Hurd, who not only paid attention to the Qing Dynasty, but also paid attention to the international situation.

He suggested to Yixin: "Your Majesty, this time Japan expands its military, there is no concrete evidence that it is sending troops to North Korea. According to my understanding, Japan's Yagyu cabinet is opposed to the conquest of South Korea. Prime Minister Yagyu is more interested in Nanyang." interest.

I heard that the Nguyen Dynasty of Vietnam was doing arms business with Japan. Because of this, Japan and France, France and the Netherlands broke out in the Gulf of Tonkin naval battle.

I think the imperial court can pay more attention to Nanyang and not worry about North Korea.

However, the lower official still suggested a marriage with the Japanese royal family to deepen the relationship between our country and Japan. "

Yi Xin still had some doubts and asked: "Hurd, do you know that 300 years ago, Japan's Toyotomi Hideyoshi attacked North Korea?"

Hurd saluted and said: "Your Majesty, the lower officials are aware of this matter, but today is different from the past. If Japan expands to Korea and threatens me to move northeast, Tsarist Russia will definitely not be able to sit still.

But now, the relationship between Japan and Tsarist Russia is good, and Prime Minister Yagyu will definitely not offend Tsarist Russia. After all, Japan's strength cannot fight against these powerful countries such as Britain, France, and Russia on two fronts. "

"Oh? There is another reason. Well, I understand. As for the marriage you mentioned, I will ask the Queen Mother for instructions."

Yi Xin relaxed her body and leaned on the Taishi chair, feeling very happy.

He thought it was okay to marry into the Japanese royal family, but the two queen mothers were not keen on it.

Hurd could see that Yi Xin was a little perfunctory, so he had to remind him again: "Your Majesty, Japan's strength cannot be underestimated. Even if Japan does not want North Korea, if it gets involved in Vietnam, it will be a great disadvantage to the court."

"Huh? Hiss!"

Yi Xin thought of the Battle of the Tonkin Gulf that Hurd just mentioned.

"I will definitely make this happen."

(End of this chapter)