I started with the Shinsengumi in Bakumatsu

Chapter 108 Discussion, martial arts competition

The Japanese mission moved into the five-entry courtyard arranged by Xu Yongyi, and the escort team was arranged in the mansion next door.

Zhou Hengjuro sent Xu Yongyi and others away very politely and returned to the main hall. The rest of the delegation were already sitting in their seats waiting for Zhou Hengjuro.

Zhou Hengjuro sat on the main seat and waved his hands: "Don't be polite, everyone. The people from the Qing Dynasty have left. Now we are the only ones left here. Let us all share our views on the Qing Dynasty."

As a soldier, Yataro Imai was the first to say: "I heard before that England, France and other Western countries captured the capital of the Qing Dynasty. I was shocked when I heard about it. But when I saw it today, I saw that the armaments of the great East Asian country were slack. I felt innovative. Japan can then occupy the Qing Dynasty."

A secretary agreed: "Yes, along the way, I saw that the people of the Qing Dynasty were thin and disheveled, and all of them lacked energy and were very numb, like zombies."

"The Qing Dynasty occupies a vast land and has countless people, but when I see it today, I just feel that it is strong on the outside and cadre on the inside, no different from the shogunate."

Zhou Hengjuro nodded slightly, looked at Cai Shantaro and said, "Master Cai, what do you think?"

Cai Shantaro stood up and said: "It is true that everyone has seen the reality of the Qing Dynasty's weakness. The Prime Minister knows these situations better than we do, but the Prime Minister has told us that our task is to establish equal diplomatic relations with the Qing Dynasty, conduct commerce with the Qing Dynasty, and purchase what the country urgently needs. raw materials.

I think the Prime Minister does not advocate war because there are still many domestic problems that need to be solved in Japan. Once a war breaks out, the court will need more money to maintain the war, which is not good for the development of Japan. "

"Then wait until our reforms are completed and our strength is greatly increased before we seek to clear the country."

"Going to war with the Qing Dynasty will only benefit the Western countries!"

"We can't express such thoughts now!"

Zhou Hengjuro raised his hand and said: "I know everyone's thoughts. As Mr. Cai said, our mission on this trip is for the future of Japan. Even if we know the weakness of the Qing Dynasty, we must not express it at this time. Showing covetous thoughts.

I think the Prime Minister already has a long-term plan, and what we have to do is to understand the Qing court, their officials, the army and the people. "

Imai Yataro nodded and said: "Yes, the Prime Minister is far-sighted. We just need to do the tasks assigned by the Prime Minister."

Tsunejuro Tsai continued: "Next, we have to show Japan's strength. Captain Imai, you have to be prepared."

"Understand."

"boom!"

"What's up!"

Outside the door, a guard ran over and said, "Report! We captured two Qing people who came to spy."

Zhou Hengjuro immediately stood up and walked out, followed by Imai Yataro.

The two came to the front yard, where the guards were escorting two Qing people. A young man wore a melon skin hat, a jade on his forehead, and a silk mandarin jacket with various patterns.

The person next to him was a strong man, wearing a warrior's short-fighting uniform, and was being held by two guards. There was a crater on the ground, which was made by the sentry's warning.

The young man being held in custody said with a dissatisfied expression: "Let me go quickly. This is the territory of the Qing Dynasty. Do you know who my father is?"

Although Yataro Imai didn't understand, the young man's unruly expression made him very unhappy, and he wanted to teach this man a lesson.

However, Zhou Hengjuro smiled, waved the guard to let him go, and asked, "I wonder who your father is."

The young man raised his head and said very arrogantly: "Listen, my father is the son-in-law of the iron hat Prince Wang Qing, a second-class Taiji!" Zhou Hengjuro smiled slightly and said: "Your Excellency is indeed distinguished, but you broke into the embassy without permission. This is a bit disrespectful of etiquette, please come and send someone to the Prime Minister’s Yamen.”

The young man was anxious and said quickly: "Wait a minute, it's my fault for this matter today, but your people shot to scare me, so let's forget about it, how about that?"

Zhou Hengjuro shook his head and said, "Not good."

He turned around and said in Japanese: "Watch them and ask people from the Prime Minister's Office to come. They have to give an explanation for this matter. This is the handle that is brought to the door."

"Hey, I understand."

Soon, Xu Yongyi rushed to the residence of the Japanese mission and saw the somewhat embarrassed Mr. Eight Banners. He could only apologize quickly and said: "Mr. Ambassador, I'm sorry, please forgive me for this."

Zhou Hengjuro was a little confused: "I represent Japan, and when this happened, it was the Qing Dynasty that was rude first."

"Yes, yes." Xu Yongyi nodded repeatedly, "The Prime Minister's Yamen will definitely give an explanation to Mr. Ambassador about this matter."

Zhou Hengjuro hesitated for a moment, then waved his hand and said: "Forget it, for the sake of sympathy between our two countries, I will not pursue the case this time."

Xu Yongyi was extremely grateful and hurriedly pulled the young man away.

On the way back, Xu Yongyi scolded: "Master Feng Sheng'e, do you know what you are doing? You almost caused a big disaster. This is the Japanese envoy, and the Queen Mother is watching!"

Feng Sheng'e rubbed his hands and said, "Hey, aren't we curious about these Japanese people? So we climbed over the wall and took a look. These Japanese people are so stingy that they even shoot to scare people. Oh, they fired their guns without seeing any ammunition. .”

Xu Yongyi stopped and asked quickly: "Did they shoot?"

"Well, fortunately Ahu knelt down quickly, otherwise the opponent would have fired a second shot. This shot is very fast, and the second shot can be fired in the blink of an eye." Feng Sheng'e said vividly, imitating the movements of the guard. .

Xu Yongyi immediately pulled Feng Sheng'e to the Prime Minister's Yamen. Feng Sheng'e quickly shouted: "Hey, Mr. Xu, don't pull me, I can walk, I can walk..."

A group of people hurried to the Prime Minister's Yamen. Wen Xiang saw Feng Shengquan and had a severe headache. These little ancestors could not be beaten or scolded. He pointed at Feng Shengquan for a long time, not knowing what to say.

Xu Yongyi said quickly: "Master Prime Minister, Mr. Feng Sheng'e saw the Japanese shooting."

Wen Xiang was stunned for a moment and quickly asked about the specific situation.

Xue Huan on the side said in surprise: "I have never seen a rifle that fires two shots in a short period of time. This must be an advanced Western weapon. We must find a reason to take a closer look."

Wen Xiang walked back and forth and said, "What can I do?"

Xu Yongyi said quickly: "Competition and exchange of ideas?"

Xu Jishe nodded and said: "It's a good idea. If it can suppress Japan, it can also enhance the prestige of the Qing Dynasty."

Wen Xiang shook his head and said, "There is no one available."

Tan Tingxiang immediately recommended: "There must be no shortage of brave people in the Hunan Army."

Wen Xiang thought about it carefully and nodded: "The imperial court plans to send Mr. Zeng north to suppress the enemy, so he can enter Beijing early."

(End of this chapter)