It's broken, and was picked up by a femme fatale

Yukiko's worry made Umekawa Ichiro laugh uncontrollably.

"Don't worry, I'll apply for a job tomorrow.
I promise I won’t let you two go hungry!"

Yukiko thought of the 100 acres of land,

"How about we farm our own fields?"

Umekawa Ichiro shook his head and said:

"The fields near Incheon have already been divided.

Unless you move to a remote county seat far away... But,
Here, going to school and seeing a doctor is almost free.

He can also see the world, which will be of great benefit to Taro's future!"

The head of the family made the final decision, and Yukiko had no choice but to agree.

The next morning, Ichiro Umekawa went to the Honglu Temple and applied to be an interpreter from Japan.

Recently, exchanges between China and Japan have been expanding, and Japanese interpreters are in short supply.

Everything went smoothly and Ichiro Umekawa got the offer.

Working eight days a week, from dawn to dusk, the monthly salary is 15 taels, and overtime pay is doubled.

There are three major festivals every year, and the total statutory paid holidays is 15 days.

Umekawa Ichiro was very satisfied.

The clerk of the government office said to him:
"The probation period is one month, and if there are no problems, you can become a regular employee.
After becoming a regular employee, you will receive a salary based on your years of service, which will increase by about 10%. "

Ichiro Umekawa is not worried about the probation period.
He speaks both Shenling dialect and Goryeo dialect well.

The clerk nodded and said, "That's no problem. Come to work tomorrow morning!"

At this moment, Abe Shigeji and Yamamoto Rokuroku,
When he met the King of China, he encountered a small incident.

Because the officials from the Honglu Temple first took them to the prime minister's office.

Zhou Zhenglong asked the two to sit down, served tea and exchanged greetings.

Then, he got straight to the point and asked:

"I wonder what business Envoy Abe has for this audience with His Majesty?"

Abe Shigeji originally wanted to question the Chinese King in person.
However, the other party was obviously on guard and asked the Prime Minister to act as a filter in advance.

He must explain publicly to Zhou Zhenglong,

Otherwise, questioning the King of China without going through the Prime Minister would definitely cause a diplomatic incident.

He smiled and asked, "May I ask, Your Excellency the Prime Minister,
Shenling Nation's Beiyang Fleet has already reached Edo Castle. Are you aware of this?"

Zhou Zhenglong asked in surprise:

"Huh? They actually counterattacked you so quickly?"

Abe Shigeji asked back:
"Master Prime Minister, do you mean that you are completely unaware of this?"

Zhou Zhenglong smiled and said, "I heard some gossip.
It is said that some ships of the Beiyang Fleet went eastward, but I don’t know the details.”

"So, you are also unaware of the artillery warships that suddenly appeared in the Beiyang?"

Zhou Zhenglong asked: "What does Envoy Abe mean?
Do you think their ships were provided by us?"

Abe Shigeji nodded and said, "As we all know,

The Chinese artillery was powerful, especially the Invincible Fleet, which was far beyond the reach of other countries’ fleets.

If it weren't for your support for Beiyang, I really can't think of anyone else who could have done it."

Zhou Zhenglong hesitated for a moment and said:
"Please wait a moment, envoy. I will ask about the situation...

Someone, go and ask the doctor from the Ministry of War to come over."

Not long after, the doctor from the Ministry of War came to the Prime Minister's desk.

He bowed and said, "Your humble servant greets the Prime Minister!"

"No need to be polite... I want to know whether we have ever funded the Beiyang Fleet's warships?"

The military doctor shook his head like a drum:

"Master Prime Minister, I guarantee with my life that this has never happened!"

Yamamoto Rokuroku said: "I saw it with my own eyes.
The Beiyang new battleship and Commander Mao's flagship are exactly the same, isn't that too much of a coincidence?"

The military officer smiled and said:
"I only said that I never funded the Beiyang Fleet, but I did not say that the Beiyang warships had nothing to do with me."

Ah!
Haha, what a joke!
Abe Shigeji looked at Zhou Zhenglong and was completely speechless.

Listen, is this human language?
Zhou Zhenglong asked again: "Explain to the Japanese envoy what happened."

"As ordered!"

The military officer said:

"A few days ago, the Beiyang Navy sent people to our country.
Requesting the return of the five warships and ten troop transports that had been seized.

After comprehensive consideration, we returned the money to Beiyang in full in the spirit of good neighborliness and friendship.

Because we were in a hurry, the equipment on the ship might not have been completely removed."

Huh?
Why does this sound so familiar?
Uh!
I see... We made similar arguments last time when we asked for 3000 prisoners.

This means that China first gave the prisoners to Japan and let them destroy the Beiyang Fleet.

Looking back, China used the same name again.

Give the artillery and warships to Beiyang and let them fight against Japan...

Oh my god…are you so cool at adding fuel to the fire and passing the knife?

Abe Shigeji was almost suffocated to death.

For a moment, he couldn't find the right words to refute or question the other party.

Yamamoto didn't quite understand, and seeing that Abe was silent, he asked in a low voice.

Abe Shigeji briefly explained the reason, and Yamamoto suddenly understood.

After some discussion between the two, Abe Shigeji asked for help.

"Your country may have good intentions, however,
The Beiyang Fleet relied on its powerful ships and guns to kill innocent people.

They intend to destroy Japan. Could you please mediate?"

Zhou Zhenglong smiled slightly and said, "Is Envoy Abe's visit to the king just for this matter?"

The shogunate's fate was hanging by a thread, and Abe Shigetsugu dared not play tricks.
"Indeed! Please grant my blessing, Prime Minister!"

"Hmm! Well, please wait a moment!"

Abe Shigeji and Yamamoto Rokuroku drank two cups of tea in the lounge.
He was taken into the palace to meet the King of China.

When they met again, they both bowed to each other.

"Foreign Minister Abe Shigetsugu and Foreign Minister Yamamoto Rokugo pay their respects to the King of China!"

Lu Yuan laughed and said:

"It's a pleasure to see Envoy Abe again! Please don't hesitate to take your seats!"

The two Japanese envoys sat down.
This time, they no longer mentioned the issue of "adding fuel to the fire and passing the knife".
Instead, I sincerely beg the King of China,

Mediate the war between Japan and Beiyang.

Lu Yuan smiled and said: "As a friendly country, it is our duty to help you..."

Be obedient, but listen.

Abe Shigeji and Yamamoto Rokuroku listened respectfully.

"But, according to what you said, the Beiyang Fleet is already at the gates of the city.

If you were asked to stop at this time, would you agree?"

Abe Shigetsugu was a close confidant of Tokugawa Iemitsu.
He negotiated with many daimyo and lords in various parts of Japan.

Therefore, I am very familiar with the terms used in diplomatic situations.

The King of China is asking for the price.

This is normal. There is not so much affection between countries. Only interests are eternal.

If there is no benefit, who will bother with you?
So, what bargaining chips can the shogunate bring out?

Money can make all the difference!
Before the mission, Tokugawa Iemitsu told him everything.

When it really comes to the critical moment, you can bleed heavily.

Isn't it just money? Measure the material resources of Japan and win the favor of China!
Abe Shigeji said:

"If we can get your country's full support,

Our country is willing to offer the king 500 million taels of silver!"

Lu Yuan smiled slightly and did not comment.

Abe Shigeji gritted his teeth and said:
"My general can add another 50 taels of gold!"

Add them all together, that's 10 million taels of silver.
This is almost the income of the Japanese shogunate for five years, which is almost the limit.

Lu Yuan's brows relaxed and he said with a smile:
"To thank your general, I can give it a try...

However, I heard that merchants from my country went to your country to do business.

I have been expelled many times. Is there any misunderstanding?"

After Tokugawa Iemitsu came to power, he announced a policy of closing the country to the outside world, with overseas trade being allowed “outward but not inward.”

That is, Japan's foreign trade was monopolized by Fujiya.

Once private foreign trade transactions are discovered among the people,

Japanese merchants would be sentenced to prison, and foreign merchants would have their goods confiscated and be driven out of the country. In fact, the shogunate monopolized the maritime trade, and Tokugawa Iemitsu was the only one who enjoyed the benefits.

Now, Lu Yuan took the opportunity to open up the Japanese trade market.

The steam engine greatly catalyzed the industrial process.
Lu Yuan's factory production has increased significantly, and it is necessary to find a market to absorb it.

Maybe someone has a big question:
Don’t we already have Jeju Free Trade Island? Why do we still need Japan to open its market?

There is a misunderstanding here.
The major chambers of commerce, including Fujiya, do have a lot of purchases.

But, they are basically mid- to high-end products, or to be frank, luxury goods.

They are mainly used to meet the needs of the powerful and wealthy.
Therefore, a large number of low-end products are almost ignored.

Lu Yuan mentioned business issues, which made Abe Shigeji very embarrassed.

Tokugawa Iemitsu declared a "maritime ban" and he had no right to change it.

He then gave Lu Yuan a detailed introduction to the policies and decrees issued by the shogunate.

Lu Yuan smiled and said, "If that's the case, then let's do this.

Read the error-free version at 69shuba! 6=9+shu_ba is the first to publish this novel.

Only in Fukuoka, Kochi, Osaka, Nagoya, and Edo,
How about opening a treaty port?

Seeing that the King of China had made clear port requirements,
Abe Shigeji understood that the other party was determined to win.

This is not a question of how much.

Instead, it sets a precedent, which may cause endless troubles.

Seeing that he was hesitant, Lu Yuan picked up the teacup and said with a smile:
"No hurry! Envoy Abe can take his time to think about it. I am always waiting for your country's reply."

Serving tea to guests is an unwritten rule.

Abe Shigetsugu had no choice but to say goodbye to Yamamoto Rokuroku and leave the palace.

Returning to the inn, Abe Shigetsugu sighed as he failed to accomplish his mission.

Yamamoto Rokuroku naturally knew that opening the ports would conflict with the Shogun's "maritime ban".

However, judging from his strategic vision, the Japanese navy might not be able to hold out for long.

"Lord Abe, please make a quick decision.
Otherwise, Edo Castle might be destroyed..."

Abe Shigeji sighed and said, "How can the general agree to such a loss of power and humiliation of the country?"

Yamamoto said: "If we ask for equality,

Is it feasible to open five ports in China as well? "

Abe Shigeji suddenly came to his senses.

Right!

It is only natural that there should be give and take.

If this proposal can be approved by China,

If we submit it to Nijo Castle, wouldn't the general's face be saved?
So he immediately visited Zhou Zhenglong.
The idea of ​​opening up trading ports between the two countries was proposed.

Zhou Zhenglong was very straightforward and agreed without hesitation.

In fact, Japan's industry and commerce are not well developed.

Moreover, they are not large in size and cannot pose any threat to China's economy.

"We can open five ports, Envoy Abe, is that it?"

Abe Shigeji forced a smile and said:

"Please forgive me, this is just my personal idea.
I immediately asked the country for instructions, and I will get a reply in three to five days."

Zhou Zhenglong smiled slightly:
"Oh, in that case, Zhou will wait for good news from Envoy Abe!"

Abe Shigeki returned to the post house again.
He immediately wrote a tactful memorial and asked the messenger to return to Edo by boat immediately.

At this time, the Beiyang gunboats were being harassed by a large number of Japanese ships.

Nan Yunzhong Er saw that he could not resist the Beiyang Fleet.

They recruited a large number of fishermen to launch a suicide attack on enemy ships.

Although this move could not defeat the Beiyang Fleet,
However, it successfully slowed down the speed of the Beiyang Fleet.

When Tokugawa Iemitsu saw the battle report, he felt ashamed and angry, and was furious with Nanyun Chuuji.

The remaining five confidants knew the truth.

It’s not that Nanyun Chuuji is incapable of fighting, but that the Beiyang Fleet is too cunning.

At present, no matter who takes the field, it will be the same, except that they will be beaten.

Therefore, they all advised the general to calm down and let Commander Nanyun make up for his crime with meritorious service.

The next day, the Beiyang Fleet approached the sea off Edo Castle.

More fishing boats were deployed, and the results were naturally horrific.

In the end, the Beiyang Fleet almost stopped firing and just charged forward.

Anyway, it is difficult to attack the deck of a small fishing boat.

By dusk, the Beiyang Fleet stopped at the entrance of Edo Bay.

In the bay, Japan's main warships gathered together for warmth.

This scene is very similar to the Battle of Tianjin.

However, the situations of both parties have completely reversed.

Nothing can stop the Beiyang Fleet from taking revenge!
At night, a merchant ship quietly sailed into the Edo Wharf.

The messenger ran all the way and rushed into Nijo Castle.

Tokugawa Iemitsu was both happy and worried when he received the memorial from Abe Shigetsugu.

Fortunately, the King of China is willing to mediate.

The worry is that once the ports are opened,
His dignity and income will inevitably be greatly reduced.

Finally, the five confidants did not want the shogunate to fall.

They said in unison,
He persuaded the general earnestly and accepted Abe Shigetsugu's opinion.

"China's pursuit of profit through trade is a minor problem.

The Beiyang government has evil ambitions and is bent on destroying the country. This is a real threat to us.

Please make your decision as soon as possible, General!"

After pondering for a moment, Tokugawa Iemitsu had to hold his nose.

He wrote the word "OK" on the memorial.

After years of maritime ban, Japan is about to usher in the "Five Ports Opening to Trade".

The messenger received the approval and sailed to Incheon overnight.

We must race against time, otherwise, Edo will be doomed.

On the third day, Abe Shigeji received the approval from Tokugawa Iemitsu.
Once again he proposed to meet the King of China.

However, Zhou Zhenglong said with a smile:
"The king is in retreat and has ordered Zhou to receive the Abe envoy!"

The two sides signed the Sino-Japanese Treaty of Friendship and Commerce.
In addition to the five ports for trade, a special agreement was also made:
People from both sides can travel freely to each other's country without a visa.

After signing the agreement, Commander Mao of the Invincible Fleet,
He drove the "Courage" to escort the Japanese delegation back to Edo.

Steam ironclad ships are fast.
The journey was supposed to take more than two days, but we arrived in just over a day.

The appearance of such a huge creature shocked the Japanese fishermen and merchant ships along the way.

They really couldn't understand: Why would an iron ship float on the sea?

Mao Wenlong said to Abe Shigetsugu proudly:

“Technology is the driving force of human progress!”

Abe Shigeji nodded repeatedly: "What Commander Mao said is truly a wise saying!"

I have to nod my head, the reality is right in front of me.
Japan simply cannot build such a huge battleship.

Mao Wenlong laughed and said, "It wasn't me, it was my king who said it."

Abe Shigeji was convinced: "The King of China is truly a god!"

I have to reveal that Yamamoto Rokuroku did not return with the delegation.
Instead, he stayed in Incheon and planned to conduct a comprehensive investigation of China for half a year.

The Warrior entered Edo Bay, only to see the bay filled with smoke.

The Eight Tigers of the Beiyang Army surrounded the Japanese Navy and bombed them indiscriminately.
Every main battleship of Japan could not escape the disaster.

"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu"

The Warrior blew its shrill whistle, announcing the arrival of the Invincible Fleet.

Get aside if you know what’s best for you!
Zhang Hongli was surprised.

Why did Mao Wenlong come here at this time?
To avoid misunderstanding, he immediately ordered a halt to the attack.

Mao Wenlong sailed past the Beiyang Fleet in a swagger and sent the delegation to the dock in a small boat.

The text of the contract signed by both parties must be stamped with the shogunate's national seal, otherwise it will have no legal effect.

Abe Shigeji looked at the devastated Edo Port and felt lucky.

If we had arrived one day later, even Nijo Castle would have been destroyed.

Thanks to the Warrior's speed!
He rushed to Nijo Castle as fast as he could. At the same time,

Zhang Hongli also boarded the Warrior and asked Mao Wenlong why he came.

"Commander Mao, why did you intervene in the dispute between the Beiyang government and the shogunate?" (End of this chapter)