I started with the Shinsengumi in Bakumatsu

Chapter 238 War is inevitable!

The British Empire was the undisputed overlord of this era. It occupied most of the world's resources, and its fleet was never defeated.

The combined fleet assembled in Hong Kong was nothing more than a fleet of the Far Eastern Fleet and the East India Company.

This is only part of the British fleet.

If you include the fleets of the British Empire and other places, the number is definitely several times that of Japan.

Moreover, in terms of resources and industrial output, Japan's rate of building warships is not as fast as that of the British Empire.

Therefore, Yagyu Heiyan must return to Kyoto to continue communicating with Germany and Tsarist Russia.

After Yagyu Yoshihide replied to the telegram from Kyoto, he sent a telegram to Hijikata Toshizo and Sakamoto Ryoma in Hokkaido. The main force of the navy needs to go south immediately to deal with the British fleet that may appear at any time.

Then Yagyu Heiyan returned directly to Kyoto on the battleship Fuso.

At this time, foreigners were rarely seen on the streets of Kyoto. After the citizens learned that Great Britain threatened Japan with force, their patriotic sentiments exploded. They were giving passionate speeches on the streets to support the country's war with Great Britain.

But for the passionate citizens, both state officials and members of parliament are complaining that Yagyu Heiyan has offended the British.

Qing Ambassador Doron had submitted the Qing's proposal to the Japanese cabinet. After it was rejected, he said that Japan had rejected the Qing's good intentions.

Now the finger is pointed directly at Yagyu Heiyan.

But the problem is that Kyoto's military power is controlled by Yagyu Heiyan.

All commanders of the Imperial Guards came from the Yagyu Kigeon faction.

Coupled with the prestige of Yagyu Heiyan himself and his die-hard supporters, Iwakura Tomomi, Tokugawa Yoshiki and others can only worry.

However, there is still a breakthrough in this matter, and that is Emperor Meiji.

According to the provisions of the Constitution, the emperor is qualified to declare war or armistice on behalf of the country.

Iwakura Tomoshi wanted to use this to resolve this conflict.

But the problem now is that Emperor Meiji subconsciously asked the question to Yagyu Hien because of the huge pressure.

This time, Yagyu Heiyan took control of the situation again, and they had no chance.

However, Tokugawa Keiki has not given up yet. The old feudal lords gathered around Tokugawa Keiki. They hope that Tokugawa Keiki will come forward and have a good talk with Yagyu Keiki.

Because once a war breaks out with Great Britain, the surrounding areas such as Osaka and Kyoto are likely to become battlefields. When the war rages on, their family business will be destroyed.

Tokugawa Qingxi did not agree to these old ministers. He had his own considerations.

Just last night, Parkes met him secretly.

Tokugawa Yoshiki was worried that the meeting would be discovered by Kondo Isamu's secret police, so he asked straight to the point.

Parkesli replied: "Mr. Tokugawa, we feel that Yagyu Hide is becoming more and more aggressive and taking advantage of the situation.

It is true that Great Britain needs Japan to contain Tsarist Russia, but Yagyu Higen is so unscrupulous and even more hateful than Tsarist Russia.

I, Da Ying, will never accept any form of threats. "

Tokugawa Qingxi looked at Pashali expectantly and said: "If someone thought that Great Britain was trying to contain Tsarist Russia, then that person would be supported by Great Britain?"

Parkes smiled and said: "Of course, Mr. Tokugawa, Great Britain is generous to its friends.

I think one of your plans is very good. If you act according to that plan, Daying can consider letting Japan participate in Qing's business. "

Tokugawa Yingxi immediately understood what the plan that Parkes was talking about was. It was the most important theory in the Edo doctrine, and it was also the origin of the Korean Conquest Party.

There is now trade between Japan and the Qing Dynasty, mainly the import trade of raw materials such as coal and iron. Of course, Japan also exports special products to the Qing Dynasty.

But these businesses are nothing compared to the business that Parkes mentioned.

He understood what Parkesli said. This time the British sent troops, after defeating Yagyu Heigan, they would not occupy Japan, but would support an agent.

Now that Parkes found him and told him about this matter, it was obvious that he was the agent that Daying was looking for.

Even if he doesn't do it himself, Tomomi Iwakura, Takayoshi Kido will be agents, and maybe Toshimichi Okubo.

He does not think that Okubo Toshimichi is a die-hard loyalist of Yagyu Hien.

He was very moved by Parkes' suggestion.

Parkes also saw Tokugawa's joyful expression.

He continued: "Mr. Tokugawa, had it not been for Yagyu Hiden, you would have been the master of this country. Now the opportunity is right in front of you to become the Prime Minister of Japan."

Tokugawa Keki did not agree directly. He said: "I will not betray my country. If the country is in danger by then, I will naturally stand up."

Parkes smiled. Tokugawa Kexi's reply had achieved his goal. He shook hands with Tokugawa Kexi and immediately ended the conversation.

Because of this secret conversation, he also expected the British to send troops to attack Osaka and intimidate Kyoto. As long as the naval fleet was defeated, Yagyu Heiyan's prestige would be greatly reduced.

Coupled with the arrival of British troops in Kyoto, he could take advantage of the situation and unite with other forces opposed to Yagyu Kite to convince the emperor to depose Yagyu Kite as prime minister.

He did not tell the old feudal lords his thoughts, he just persuaded them and sent them away.

The atmosphere in Kyoto became increasingly tense. Radical people had already stormed near the British Embassy. Because war had not been officially declared, Parkes still stayed in Kyoto.

Just when the atmosphere was solemn, Yagyu Heiyan returned to Kyoto.

Now that Great Britain's combined fleet is on the way, Yagyu Heeyan decided to hold a congress to unify everyone's thoughts and fight to the death with Great Britain.

In the evening, all cabinet officials and members of Congress were notified that Congress will be held tomorrow.

Things were a little sudden, but everyone knew what was going on.

The next day, congressmen and officials came by carriage or rickshaw. Most of them had serious faces and gloomy eyes.

The MPs gathered together in twos and threes to discuss.

The literati faction sighed and said: "We have been peaceful for a long time, why do we have to start a war again?"

"Once the war starts, I wonder how many families will be separated from their wives and children, and the yin and yang will be separated?"

"We have to persuade the Prime Minister to prevent the country from being devastated."

The market faction on the other side is worried that things are different.

"Once a war breaks out, Osaka will bear the brunt!"

"What about our industry? Who will take care of it if it's destroyed?"

"If a war starts, business will be difficult."

As for the issues considered by other forces with power, they are different. In short, everyone has different thoughts and is calculating their own interests.

Soon, everyone entered the conference room and sat down.

They sat down for a minute, and the small door on the rear side opened. Yagyu Yoshigan came in with Matsudaira Yongho, Goto Shojiro and Prince Asahiko, and finally Emperor Meiji appeared. After everyone was in their seats, Yagyu Heiyan stood up and said: "Everyone, please come here today. There is nothing else to do. The main thing is the recent conflict between our country and Great Britain."

The member of the Osaka Constitutional Party immediately stood up and said: "Your Majesty, Prime Minister, this is wrong. The conflict between our country and Great Britain is clearly caused by you..."

Yagyu Heeyan looked at the congressman and glared slightly. The congressman seemed to be strangled by the neck and lost his voice instantly.

“What happened this time was mainly related to the previous treaty signed with England. The extraterritorial rights and tariff preferences towards England have seriously damaged our country’s sovereignty.

When it comes to national dignity and sovereignty, I have no intention of making concessions to Britain.

Originally, I wanted to handle the matter through negotiation, but Britain's attitude was tough and unreasonable, trying to force our country to continue to implement the treaty.

But our country is no longer what it used to be, and I feel that we cannot allow this treaty to continue. We must fight this battle, no matter what the cost!

This time we are for the true independence of the country! "

Itagaki Taisuke immediately stood up and shouted: "For the sake of national sovereignty, we are duty-bound!"

"Start the war!"

Liu Shengxiyan said these two words categorically.

Emperor Meiji stood up and said: "This is what Xiangfu means, and it is also what I mean."

With Emperor Meiji's final word, the royal family stood up and agreed.

War is a foregone conclusion.

The resolution of the Diet spread quickly, and citizens held high flags, shouted "Long live Prime Minister Yagyu" and cheered on the streets.

After Parkes learned the news, he dismissed it as saying that the British Empire's fleet would teach Japan how to do things.

However, the German ambassador and the Russian ambassador approached Yagyu Heiyan.

The German ambassador said: "Mr. Yagyu, Prime Minister Bismarck already knows about this matter. I have just received news that Prime Minister Bismarck suggested that Japan temporarily avoid confrontation and not conflict with Great Britain."

Although Germany had defeated France and was showing signs of replacing France's hegemony on the European continent, Bismarck advised Kaiser Wilhelm I not to confront the British and to hide his strength and bide his time for the time being.

Bismarck knew very well that without a powerful naval fleet, Germany would never be a match for Britain.

Yagyu Heiyan also knew that Bismarck's suggestion was correct, but Japan is not Germany.

Japan will enter the second industrial revolution next year at most due to internal combustion engines and generators. By then, Japan will develop rapidly, and Britain, with its unequal treaties, is a mountain weighing on Japan. Most of Japan's efforts will become Britain's. Nutrition, this was the last thing he wanted to see.

Therefore, Liu Shengxi was anxious to abrogate the treaty.

As for Tsarist Russia, they did not say anything. The Tsarist Russian ambassador said: "Mr. Yagyu, we will definitely support you. As long as you are against England, we will definitely help."

Yagyu Heiyan immediately thanked the two ambassadors. He said: "Our navy is absolutely confident to deal with the fleet sent by England this time, but they also know that England is now very powerful. If England attacks with all its strength, Japan will definitely fight in vain.

But I must fight this battle, and our country must be independent. "

The German ambassador frowned and asked: "Mr. Yagyu, do you want us to support the military funds?"

"Need not."

Liu Shengxiyan shook his head slightly.

"What I mean is that no matter how our country wins or loses, we hope that the two countries can come forward to mediate."

"Um…"

The German ambassador groaned, nodded and said, "Okay."

The Russian ambassador also agreed.

Yagyu received the guarantees from both countries and began to arrange the defense of Osaka Bay.

The forts on both sides of Osaka Bay and the Awaji Fort are ready. Once the British navy enters the Seto Inland Sea, the Awaji Fort will be the first to fire a warning.

Now the citizens of Osaka knew that war was coming. They packed up their things and fled to Kyoto for refuge. Some people also hid in Osaka Castle.

Yataro Iwasaki looked at the refugees appearing on the streets of Kyoto and said with some dissatisfaction: "Why is there a war? Grover, you are an Englishman, who do you think will win?"

Glover looked outside, shook his head and said, "Boss, I don't know about this. You know, I have been in Japan for more than ten years, and my impression of England is still ten years ago."

Iwasaki Yataro picked up his cigar and cursed: "Damn it, why did the war start at this time and not stop at all?

I got inside information that Prime Minister Yagyu wanted to collect oil. I got a batch from the Qing Dynasty and planned to sell it at a big price! The goods are all piled up in the warehouse in Osaka, so don't let the British warships destroy them. "

Glover suggested: "Boss, why not transport the oil to Kyoto? It will be much safer this way."

"You should find someone to arrange this matter."

Yataro Iwasaki looked at his pocket watch.

"I have to go see that smoker."

The smoker Yataro Iwasaki wants to see is the Qing ambassador Duo Lung.

He bought all his oil through Dolon.

Yataro Iwasaki only brought an interpreter with him this time and went to the Qing Embassy in person. As for Glover, he would probably be beaten if he took to the streets, so he could only stay at Mitsubishi Company to deal with other matters.

Yataro Iwasaki got on the carriage and arrived at the Qing Embassy. When Duolong heard that Yataro Iwasaki was coming, he immediately came to greet him personally.

He did business with Yataro Iwasaki, but he received a lot of kickbacks. For a barrel of oil, he could get a 1 cent in kickbacks.

They had previously traded 30,000 barrels, which was three thousand taels. This amount of money was enough for him to live comfortably for a long time.

Doron stepped forward and greeted warmly: "Mr. Iwasaki, do you still want to do business at this time?"

Yataro Iwasaki replied: "It's all because of what happened this time. My business is hard to do. Mr. Doron, time is running out!"

Doron invited Iwasaki Yataro to sit down and said: "This incident was all caused by your prime minister. There are only about two hundred untouchables on his left and right. They will die if they die. It's so stupid to cause such a big fight."

Yataro Iwasaki said with an ugly face: "Mr. Doron, do you, the Qing Dynasty, want to see other countries bullying their own people?"

Duolong said indifferently: "What's the point? As long as we can live such a carefree life, what does it matter if the untouchables suffer a little?"

"Aren't you afraid that foreigners will look down on you?"

Yataro Iwasaki asked curiously.

Duolong smiled and said: "What's the point? The people who are being bullied are the common people, what does it have to do with us? If those untouchables dare to talk, I will let them know how powerful the Qing Dynasty is."

Yataro Iwasaki laughed heartily, gave a thumbs up and said, "Mr. Doron, that's awesome, that's awesome!"

(End of this chapter)