I started with the Shinsengumi in Bakumatsu

Chapter 257 Taking advantage of each other and purchasing warships

Although he said that he pulled the Qing Dynasty to join the economic alliance in order to cope with the subsequent economic crisis, and he said that he was seeking help from the Qing Dynasty, the actual situation was that the Qing Dynasty was caught in a dilemma between the British and Japanese forces.

Therefore, when Li Hongzhang was forced, he had to compromise.

Seeing Li Hongzhang's submission, Yagyu Shengxiyan relented and said, "Hey, if Mr. Li hadn't mentioned this, I would have almost forgotten about it.

Well, since the Qing Dynasty has an idea, I will stay here for a few more days to deal with the matter, and I will come forward to solve it in England. "

Li Hongzhang secretly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly said with a smile: "Thank you so much, Prime Minister Yagyu!"

Although it is embarrassing for Li Hongzhang to compromise, it would be a good thing for the Qing Dynasty if Yagyu Shengxiyan came forward to bear the pressure of Great Britain.

It’s nice to enjoy the shade under the big tree.

As for Japan, this was the price of trade in the Qing Dynasty.

And this is also the path Yagyu Hiyan chose.

Yagyu Shengxiyan looked at Li Hongzhang's back, the corners of his mouth were slightly raised, and he was holding his pearls of wisdom.

Li Hongzhang has changed his tone, what else can he say?
"Ambassador Wetoma, I just stood up and said something fair. Don't just send troops to scare people. What if you encounter a hard nut?"

Yagyu Heiyan walked directly into the room and replied: "The Qing Dynasty is ready to sign an alliance with our country. Do you have any questions, Ambassador Witoma?"

But now even if Wetoma sprays saliva on their faces, they can only do it.

The person who cursed was the British Ambassador Wade. The Qing officials tried to explain that the fault was not with the Qing Dynasty, but that Ma Jiali did not inform the Yunnan officials in advance that led to this incident.

Witoma narrowed his eyes, glanced at Prince Gong, Li Hongzhang and others, and instantly understood that Japan was coming to support the Qing Dynasty.

Liu Shengxiyan immediately rushed to the Prime Minister's Yamen with his people.

Li Hongzhang and Prince Gong's expressions changed drastically. What do they mean? Are you planning to send troops again? Can't fight!
Li Hongzhang reacted quickly and said quickly: "Mr. Witoma, you misunderstood. We are an economic alliance. We only talked about trade matters. It has nothing to do with today's events!"

But Yagyu Hide had already broken with Britain and France, and had a conflict with the United States over Hawaii in the Pacific.

But Great Britain did not listen to the Qing's explanation. Since 1840, Great Britain had looked down on the Qing.

"If you want to use Japan, you have to pay a price, Li Zhongtang..."

He shook his head and said, "We can lose money, but we won't be able to sign a treaty!"

Historically, Japan followed Britain's actions, acquired colonies with the support of Britain and the United States, became an enemy of Tsarist Russia, sided with Britain and France in World War I, and gained German interests in Shandong.

"I know that the British Royal Navy is indeed powerful, but how much price can your country pay?"

As soon as he heard about the new treaty, Prince Gong's face turned ugly.

"Prime Minister Yagyu, why are you here!"

Witoma threatened: "Then I can only ask the British Royal Navy fleet to negotiate with you."

His face changed, he slapped the table angrily and said: "Okay, now that the Qing Dynasty has the help of Japan, you won't pay attention to me, the Great Britain, right? Then there is nothing to talk about. Remember what happened today. Repent!”

Yagyu Shengxiyan loudly questioned Weitoma outside the door.

Witoma turned his head and looked, and he naturally recognized who the speaker was, Japanese Prime Minister Yagyu Nobita.

However, Prince Gong and others felt that the Qing Dynasty was not wrong in this matter, so why should they apologize?

The next day, a Qing official hurried to the Japanese Embassy to report the news, and then left in a hurry.

Yagyu Shengxiyan was a little disdainful.

As soon as he reached the yard, he heard a roar coming from inside, speaking in English.

"The British Royal Navy is so powerful. I wonder how it compares to our Japanese Navy?"

Therefore, Yagyu Hee severely suppressed the Korea Conquest Party and the Mito Doctrine. Even though there were many rebellions, he did not change his decision. All of this was for today!
At the beginning, he needed to gain trade qualifications by showing favor to the Qing Dynasty. At that time, Japan had good relations with Britain, Tsarist Russia, and Prussia. Although France was dissatisfied, it did not stop these things.

Witoma mocked: "How come it's such a coincidence? Hard-nosed, do I, Da Ying, know if this Qing Dynasty is a hard-nosed person?"

With these changes, if Japan wanted to use force against the Qing Dynasty, Britain, France, the United States and other countries would not sit idly by. Britain and France would never watch Japan use force to enter the Qing Dynasty and share their interests.

Therefore, Witoma came not to reason with the Prime Minister's Office, nor with the Qing Dynasty. He just wanted the Qing Dynasty to apologize immediately!

When Japan and France completely fell out, Yagyu immediately organized an economic alliance to obtain cheap raw materials from neighboring countries.

Now that Japan and Britain have turned their backs, he has taken the third step, using the international situation to trick the Qing Dynasty into tying himself up.

Li Hongzhang thought that the Qing Dynasty would be much better off after using Japan this time. However, he did not know that this was Yagyu Higen's first step to tie the Qing Dynasty to the war with Japan.

That's what he's here for.

Witoma snorted coldly and said: "Hey, Prime Minister Yagyu, do you think that I, Daying, can't do anything to you and Japan?"

Li Hongzhang signaled Prince Gong with his eyes, intending to delay the arrival of the Japanese Prime Minister.

Good, very good!
Witoma laughed angrily. No wonder the Qing Dynasty dared to reply forcefully. It turned out that he had help.

Witoma did not give in at all: "It's impossible. Hand over the murderer immediately, and we have to sign a new treaty."

Witoma looked at Yagyu Heiyan and asked, "Oh? What did Prime Minister Yagyu say?"

Prince Gong immediately said to Witoma: "Lord Witoma, this matter can be discussed slowly."

Yagyu Shengxi looked at his seriousness and replied forcefully: "Yes, no? What does the matter between our country and the Qing Dynasty have to do with you Yingjili? In addition to threatening people with your battleships, you Yingjili have also done other things. ?”

From the moment he chose to take a different route, he decided that he would not be able to launch a war against the Qing Dynasty like history had done.

Wade was furious. He had never been so angry in the land of the Qing Dynasty. Pashali's incompetence made Japan so arrogant!

"Prime Minister Yagyu, I advise you to take care of yourself. Don't think that you are invincible after a small victory. You know nothing about the strength of the British Empire!"

Witoma gave a final warning and left angrily.

Li Hongzhang hurried forward to catch up and say good things.

Prince Gong and others also looked at each other in shock. Many officials looked at Yagyu Shengxi and were too angry to say anything.

Yagyu Shengxiyan sneered and said: "Your Highness, it seems that I came to help. Is it wrong? You don't look good." Prince Gong is mute at the moment and cannot speak out his sufferings.

This has already offended England, so naturally it is not easy to offend Japan again.

He stepped forward and cupped his hands and said: "Thank you Prime Minister Yagyu for speaking up. It's just that this time I offended the British ambassador. With the British ambassador's temper, I'm afraid it will be difficult to solve the matter."

Liu Shengxi said with a stern smile: "Don't worry, even if Wetoma's harsh words are scary, it won't be that easy if they really want to send troops.

Isn’t Mr. Li going to say good things now? In this way, you agree to sign a new treaty with England and I mediate it, so that you will not suffer too much. "

Upon hearing this, Prince Gong had no choice but to accept the proposal.

Soon, Li Hongzhang came back and saw that Yagyu Heiyan was still there, so he smiled bitterly in a complaining tone: "Prime Minister Yagyu, you have done me a terrible job. If England sends troops to attack, I will be killed."

Yagyu Shengxiyan said indifferently: "Mr. Li, don't worry too much. I just discussed it with your prince. You can take a step back. When the time comes, I will mediate and won't let you suffer too much."

In addition, you have an old saying that you need to be strong to make iron. If your army is not strong, you will naturally be bullied by England, especially since you do not have a decent navy.

Our country’s navy has only been in development for ten years. Last year, it sank an English 7,000-ton battleship in Osaka Bay.

If you want to develop your own warships, our country can sell several warships of three to five thousand tons. "

Li Hongzhang was surprised. You must know that Britain, France, the United States and other countries have blocked the technology of warships. Now the shipyards opened by the Westernization Movement mainly build merchant ships and small gunboats of less than one thousand tons.

He asked in disbelief: "Prime Minister Yagyu is not joking?"

"Of course!"

Yagyu Heeyan said categorically: "As long as the Qing Dynasty joins the East Asia Economic Mutual Assistance Alliance, our country can sell warships to you."

Li Hongzhang was deeply moved.

Originally, the Holy Queen Mother's intention was to gain some benefits and join the East Asia Economic Mutual Assistance Alliance in order to save her face, so that she would not offend Japan.

Now Japan is willing to sell warships to the Qing Dynasty, which naturally meets the requirements of the Queen Mother.

He said excitedly: "Prime Minister Yagyu, please wait a moment. I will go into the palace to ask the emperor for instructions. Don't worry, Prime Minister Yagyu, there will be no big problem in this matter."

Prince Gong followed Li Hongzhang into the palace and told Cixi and Ci'an what happened at the Prime Minister's Office.

Cixi snorted coldly and said: "This Yagyu Shengxiyan is still a little bit evil, you all have fallen into his trap!"

Li Hongzhang and Prince Gong quickly apologized.

Ci'an said: "But what the outsider said is right. To make iron, you need to be strong. It is not easy for our ancestors to conquer the world. We cannot lose it in our hands.

Since Japan is willing to sell warships to our country, let's give him face. I agree to this. "

Cixi didn't speak, but the expression on her face was not very good.

Li Hongzhang and Prince Gong immediately returned to the Prime Minister's Office. He walked into the living room with a happy face and said with a smile: "Prime Minister Yagyu, it's done!"

Yagyu Shengxiyan also showed a smile and said: "Okay, let's sign the alliance now."

After an hour of busy work, Li Hongzhang signed the East Asia Economic Mutual Assistance Covenant with Yagyu Higen on behalf of the Qing Dynasty.

This covenant regulates trade issues between the Allies, similar to the World Trade Organization.

The treaties include: establishing an integrated multilateral trading system, eliminating trade barriers, and gradually lowering tariff and non-tariff trade barriers among members based on the principles of openness, equality, and reciprocity, and eliminating discrimination among members in international trade. Treatment and other provisions.

These regulations seem to be equal, but in fact they are beneficial to Japan. In comparison, Japan has basically achieved industrialization and can dump industrial goods to the Qing Dynasty, use the size of the Qing Dynasty to consume excess production capacity and survive the economic crisis.

And the most important point is that the main currencies of the East Asia Economic Mutual Assistance Alliance are gold and Japanese yen! Or the debts can be repaid according to market prices using materials such as coal, iron, and oil.

Generally speaking, Japan has maintained its dominant position in the East Asian economic circle.

After Li Hongzhang signed the alliance with Yagyu Shengxiyan, he no longer cared about this matter. In his opinion, purchasing warships was the most important thing.

Yagyu Heiyan had already prepared it. He asked Ichimura Tetsunosuke to take out an atlas with pictures and data of various warships and provide it to Li Hongzhang for review.

This time Li Hongzhang called Ding Ruchang to look at the illustrated book together.

This illustration contains warships of various levels from one thousand to five thousand tons, but compared to the Japanese navy's current warships, the warship data here are two versions later.

And there is no main battleship like Mount Fuji on it.

Although Yagyu Heiyan wanted to cause trouble for Britain, he did not want to cultivate the Qing Dynasty as a rival. A warship of about 5,000 tons was enough to support the appearance.

Li Hongzhang and Ding Ruchang looked at the warships in the illustrated book with envy in their eyes.

"Yu Ting, look, this is the strength of Japan. Look at this warship. It is very powerful. If I had a thousand-ton warship back then, I could defeat the bandits."

Li Hongzhang sighed repeatedly and couldn't help but sigh.

Ding Ruchang was also surprised and said: "I didn't expect Japan, a small country, to be so powerful. But students heard that Japan and Britain and France are at odds."

Li Hongzhang nodded and said: "It's true. This morning, the British Ambassador Witoma had a quarrel with Prime Minister Yagyu for a while. Unexpectedly, Witoma actually did nothing to stop Prime Minister Yagyu."

Ding Ruchang clenched his fists and said angrily: "You still have to rely on your fists to speak. I don't know what the Manchus in the court are thinking..."

"Silence!"

Li Hongzhang looked around, but fortunately they were all Japanese and himself, so he breathed a sigh of relief and said: "Yu Ting, let me tell you what you are good at. You are talented, but you don't understand the ways of the world.

Now you and I are both citizens of the Qing Dynasty. We must be loyal to the emperor and the court when doing things. The court has its own difficulties in doing things, so you must not complain. "

Ding Ruchang lowered his head and said, "Yes, the student realized his mistake."

Li Hongzhang taught earnestly: "Let's do this. I ask the court to buy warships. You go to study in England. When you come back from your studies, you will be responsible for the Beiyang Navy. Yu Ting, don't let me down."

Ding Ruchang was very excited and hurriedly held up his hands and said: "Your Excellency, this is a great kindness. Yu Ting will never forget it. I will never let you down!"

Li Hongzhang smiled and nodded, and then said to Yagyu Heiyan: "Prime Minister Yagyu, I believe your country's warships are excellent. Do you know the price?"

Yagyu Heeyan didn't want to be looked down upon, so he opened his mouth and said: "Mr. Li, this warship is not easy to build. Building one requires tens of thousands of workers. This means that our country can only build a few ships a year. The price is very expensive.”

Li Hongzhang naturally knew that Japan would ask for a high price, and he was mentally prepared for it. He asked, "Please Prime Minister Yagyu speak frankly."

(End of this chapter)