I started with the Shinsengumi in Bakumatsu

Chapter 237 The Qing Dynasty in Sandwich Cake

In fact, before Parkes sent someone to notify the Qing ambassador in Japan, he had already sent a telegram to the Qing ambassador in Japan, asking Sir Wytoma to put pressure on the Qing Dynasty.

According to Parkesli, the Qing Dynasty had suffered two defeats in the Opium War, coupled with the Taiping Rebellion, and the Qing Dynasty had already been severely weakened.

Moreover, the Qing Dynasty is now actively carrying out foreign affairs, and the establishment of factories cannot be separated from the help of Britain, France and other countries. Under coercion and inducement, the Qing Dynasty will definitely not follow Japan's footsteps.

After receiving Parkes' telegram, Lord Wytoma immediately notified the Qing Prime Minister's Office.

When Prince Gong saw that it was Sir Wytoma of Great Britain who had important matters to discuss, he immediately arranged a meeting.

This was a private exchange, and Prince Gong placed the banquet in Jinghe Hall in Bada Hutong.

The owner of Jinghetang is Mei Qiaoling, one of the thirteen founders of Peking Opera.

Prince Gong and his people first arrived at Jinghe Hall and sat down to wait. Mei Qiaoling hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, please tell me where to sing today. I will arrange it for you."

Prince Gong looked at his staff, who said: "Your Majesty, today I am meeting Sir Whittama. This man knows something about our culture. I think it is best for this show to be smooth."

Prince Gong looked at Mei Qiaoling and said, "Understood?"

"Young man understands, then let's arrange "Hundred Flower Pavilion". What do you think, Prince?"

Prince Gong nodded slightly and said, "Well, that's okay. It's just love and love. There won't be any trouble. That's it."

Mei Qiaoling immediately arranged the manpower. This time he had to perform on stage in person to avoid any mistakes.

Although Mei Qiaoling has a high reputation in this industry, in the eyes of Prince Gong, she is no different from ordinary people.

As soon as Mei Qiaoling's arrangements were made, Sir Witoma's carriage arrived outside the door. Prince Gong stood up in person and went out to greet him in the courtyard.

"Mr. Witoma, long time no see. How are you?"

Prince Gong looked friendly and waved hello.

Sir Witoma entered the courtyard and said hello: "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am fine."

"please."

Prince Gong took a few steps forward, shook hands with Sir Wade, and invited him to take a seat.

As soon as they took their seats, the show started on the stage.

Sir Witoma listened to Mei Qiaoling's singing, then looked at his figure, nodded slightly and said: "It should be Mr. Mei Qiaoling who can sing with such grace, right?"

Prince Gong agreed: "Yes, today he heard that Mr. Witoma came to the stage to sing in person."

"This opportunity is rare." Sir Witoma was very satisfied. "It seems that I am lucky and came across this opportunity."

Prince Gong smiled and said: "Mr. Witoma, you're welcome. As long as you think about it, there are plenty of opportunities."

Sir Witoma smiled and said: "What His Royal Highness the Prince said is that now there is an opportunity in front of your Qing Dynasty."

"Oh? I'd like to hear the details."

Prince Gong listened attentively.

Sir Wytoma said: "Since Japan achieved some results in its reform, it has become complacent and has angered our Queen. In the near future, our British fleet will definitely go to Japan to show off our British power."

When Prince Gong heard that Daying was going to send troops, he tensed up and became frightened.

You must know that when the British and French allied forces entered Beijing, he was forced by the late emperor to stay in the city to deal with the aftermath, and the sound of gunfire was still in his ears.

He immediately said: "Japan has been quite perverse in recent years. It has grown from a small country to a hegemon. I heard that it even made France lose its military expenses and ceded its territory. This makes the Qing Dynasty worried about it."

Sir Witoma continued, "Yes, Japan has been coveting your country's territory for a long time. I heard that you had a war with Japan many years ago, right?"

Prince Gong knew that this foreign devil had no good intentions, so he quickly changed the subject and said: "That was all a matter of the previous dynasty. The relationship between our dynasty and Japan is not too bad."

Sir Witoma stared at Prince Gong and said: "But I heard that some people in Japan are clamoring to capture the Kingdom of Korea first and then annex the northeastern part of your country."

Prince Gong said vaguely: "We have never heard of this. It is probably a rumor. Without evidence, it cannot be taken as true."

Seeing that Prince Gong was dishonest, Sir Wetoma had no choice but to show off his cards and said: "This time, Japanese Prime Minister Yagyu Nozomi used the Maria Louis incident in Peru to launch an attack on Peru, but Peru is an ally of our country, and Great Britain will never sit idly by. in spite of.

Japan needs a lesson now. I, the Great Britain, will never give up until we achieve our goals. Do you, the Qing Dynasty, want to be our friend or our enemy? "

This is a naked threat.

Prince Gong's expression stiffened for a moment, and he secretly thought that it would be best if neither party was offended in this matter.

You must know that Japan is right next to the Qing Dynasty. If it offends Japan, the Qing Dynasty will definitely be unlucky, but if it offends Great Britain, it will definitely have to sign a treaty to cede territory and pay compensation.

This matter can only be delayed until the British and Japanese parties decide the outcome.

"Sir Witoma, this matter is not something I can decide alone. I will report it to the Queen Mother and the Emperor. I will let you know when I have a decision."

Prince Gong replied.

Sir Witoma also knew the internal situation of the Qing Dynasty, so he nodded and said: "I hope to hear good news soon."

Great Britain was making two-pronged preparations, using the Qing Dynasty to withdraw the charges. Without the perpetrator, Japan would no longer be able to detain the personnel of the Maria Louis.

If this doesn't work, then we can only use our fists to tell Japan that the British Empire is full of martial virtue!

Sir Witoma not only met with Prince Gong, he also sent someone to meet with a minister, Li Hongzhang, a representative of the Westernization faction who made his fortune by suppressing the Taiping Rebellion.

Now it's just a matter of waiting.

After Prince Gong left Bada Hutong, he immediately reported the matter to the court.

As long as something has something to do with Daying, it's a big deal.

All the important officials in the Qing court rushed to the palace for a meeting.

However, the official who controlled almost half of the Qing Dynasty is no longer there.

Zeng Guofan died of illness four months ago.

Zuo Zongtang and Li Hongzhang are still among the three giants of the late Qing Dynasty.

Zuo Zongtang eliminated the main force of the Shaanxi-Gansu Hui Army last year, and now he has his subordinates eliminate the remaining enemies. This year, the focus is on the Westernization Movement.

Li Hongzhang has also been on the rise. A month ago, he was promoted to Chief Military Minister Wuyingdian Grand Bachelor.

When discussing matters regarding Daying, both Zuo Zongtang and Li Hongzhang attended the meeting.

In the hall, Prince Gong took a step forward and said: "Ministers, the Prime Minister's Office has already inquired about this matter. Whether it was contact with the Japanese ambassador or reports from spies in Japan, what happened this time is indeed somewhat related to our Qing Dynasty. relation."

Empress Dowager Ci'an said: "Prince Gong, please be more careful." "Yes, Empress Dowager."

After Prince Gong turned around and saluted, he introduced: "The cause of the matter was that Japan seized a Peruvian ship. There were more than 200 Qing people on the ship. Those people said that they had arrived early for persecution and that they had been deceived. Therefore, Japan The seizure of ships must be handled in accordance with the laws of the country.

However, Japan has dealt with the British before, and Britain has signed a treaty with Japan before. The British should hand over the crimes to the British Embassy for processing.

This time, Peru, whose ship was seized by Japan, was also supported by Great Britain. Japan's actions angered Great Britain, and now Great Britain means to send troops to teach Japan a lesson. "

Li Hongzhang immediately said: "It's just a matter for more than two hundred people, so why make such a fuss? Give those people some money and tell them to shut up, and this matter will be reduced from a big matter to a trivial matter."

Zuo Zongtang raised his eyebrows and said: "That's ridiculous! Those are the people of the Qing Dynasty. Now they are bullied by a small country who knows where. We, the Qing Dynasty, have to give in? Then where is the national prestige of our country!"

When Li Hongzhang saw Zuo Zongtang like that, he felt angry. She was scolding him both inside and outside of her words, but she was also thinking about the Qing Dynasty. If she offended England, the Qing Dynasty would have to cede territory and pay compensation, and there would also be the Westernization Movement. Do it or not? Offended, where can Daying go to buy machines and ask for consultants?

This leftist man thought that just because he defeated the rebels in the northwest, he could fight against Great Britain? What a reckless man!

He was not used to Zuo Zongtang and asked directly: "Master Zuo, what do you want to do?"

Zuo Zongtang snorted coldly, and then said to the superior: "To the Queen Mother, I think that Peru has not signed a treaty with the Qing Dynasty. Since England does not want the Peruvians to be judged by Japan, it is better to have the Peruvians transferred to our country. The Qing Dynasty will handle it.”

When many people heard this, they thought this was a good idea. When the time came, these Peruvians would be severely punished and punished in accordance with the laws of the Qing Dynasty. This would not only ensure the majesty of the Qing Dynasty, not offend the British, but also give Japan a favor.

After all, that is England, and Japan is definitely no match. The Qing Dynasty stepped in to take advantage of it, so why should Japan not be grateful?

"I think Master Zuo's words are reasonable, and I agree with you!"

"My slave also seconded the proposal!"

"I second the proposal!"

Li Hongzhang's face didn't look good. He didn't expect Zuo Manzi to actually think of a way.

The Empress Dowager Ci'an above nodded repeatedly, seeming to agree with this suggestion.

Empress Dowager Cixi said: "Sister, in my opinion, Zuo Zongtang's method is very good, but we still have to see what the British people mean."

Empress Dowager Ci'an nodded and said, "What my sister said makes sense."

"Prince Gong."

"Brother Chen is here."

Prince Gong immediately turned around and bent down to listen.

Empress Dowager Ci'an said: "Zuo Qing's method is very good. You go and test the attitude of the English people."

Prince Gong replied: "Report to the Queen Mother, I'm afraid this matter may not work out."

Empress Dowager Ci'an frowned and said, "What's wrong?"

Prince Gong lowered his head and said: "The Japanese ambassador said, and the Japanese Prime Minister Yagyu Nozomi said that even if I, the Qing Dynasty, don't dare, Japan will stick to this matter to the end."

The Empress Dowager Cixi said displeasedly: "Why does Yagyu Shengxiyan have to be so stubborn!"

There were still some words that she didn't dare to say out loud in her heart.

In Cixi's opinion, there are only more than 200 common people, and they can just pay some compensation. Moreover, these common people are not Japanese. What kind of care does Yagyu Hiyan have here? Now the Qing Dynasty is being roasted on the fire. .

Li Hongzhang immediately said: "To the Queen Mother, I believe that Japan has been too inflated in recent years and has not experienced the power of England, so it is so rampant.

The Qing Dynasty has suffered a lot of misfortunes over the years, and now it is carrying out foreign affairs and recuperating. It really should not be involved in these things.

Besides, Japan is asking for trouble. Therefore, I believe that our court should not interfere in this matter. "

Zuo Zongtang wanted to say more.

Prince Gong immediately said: "To the Queen Mother, I see that the Emperor is a little tired. Why don't we stop here today and discuss it later."

Emperor Tongzhi did sound a little sleepy and said, "I'm tired."

Empress Dowager Ci'an frowned slightly, and Cixi on the side gave her a look.

"Then that's it for today."

"Farewell to the Queen Mother, and congratulations to the Emperor!"

Prince Gong took the lead in kneeling down, and the queen mothers of the two palaces left first. Then the emperor raised his head and strode away.

Zuo Zongtang stood up, sighed, looked at Li Hongzhang, hummed slightly, and left directly.

Li Hongzhang was a little unhappy, but he didn't care too much. He stepped forward and said to Prince Gong who was coming down: "Your Majesty, are you going to drag this matter on?"

"Otherwise? No one in the Qing Dynasty can afford to offend me."

Prince Gong was a little helpless.

Li Hongzhang also knew the national conditions of the Qing Dynasty. If this matter could not offend both sides, it would be a blessing among misfortunes. Unfortunately, Japan actually wanted to fight to the death with Great Britain, and the Qing Dynasty was caught in the middle. It was really a headache.

The Qing Dynasty kept procrastinating and did not give Sir Wytoma a clear answer. Sir Wytoma knew that this answer would not come for a while, so he had to reply a telegram to Parkes.

At this time, two British fleets gathered in Hong Kong, with more than 50 large and small battleships, four battleships, plus more than 30 transport ships, and 5,000 soldiers.

Parkes saw Sir Wytoma's reply and said to the others: "It seems that Great Britain has to handle this matter by itself."

The secretary said: "Mr. Ambassador, now that Germany and Tsarist Russia have come forward, do we really want to go to war?"

Parkes nodded and said: "The rise of Germany is already a fact, but if you want to challenge the status of Great Britain, that is absolutely impossible. This time we will attack Japan, kill the chicken to show the monkeys, and let them know that our fleet is invincible." !”

"Immediately tell the Japanese government and order them to immediately release the crew of the Maria Louis and the recently imprisoned British people. Otherwise, I, the British, will definitely hold them accountable!"

Daiying's tough attitude made Tokugawa Keki panic. He immediately told Okubo Toshimichi, and soon other cabinet ministers also knew about it.

Immediately afterwards, the matter reached the imperial palace, and Emperor Meiji also knew about it.

In addition to Yagyu's die-hard faction, Iwakura Tomomi, Tokugawa Yoshiki and others all gathered together, hoping that Emperor Meiji would come forward to dissuade Yagyu Heiyan who was determined to go his own way.

Emperor Meiji had trouble making a decision, so he could only ask Okubo Toshimichi to send a report to Yagyu in Edo.

Yagyu Shengxiyan looked at the telegram in his hand and was speechless for a long time.

This time the conflict with Great Britain indeed escalated too quickly. He thought that with the platforms of Germany and Tsarist Russia, the two sides could negotiate.

He just wanted the British to abolish extra-legal jurisdiction and restore Japan's national sovereignty.

Now it seems that he underestimated Daying too much.

However, he is not without a chance of winning. A bribed British embassy official has sent intelligence about the British army.

Since Great Britain only dispatched two fleets, the pressure was much less. As long as it hurt Great Britain once and let it know that attacking Japan was costly, the rest would be easy.

(End of this chapter)