I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

Now that she was his subordinate, her attire could no longer be as shabby as before.

With Qing Deng's financial support, Iwasaki Yataro changed into a majestic outfit.

The old, faded, patched rags were replaced with Sendai-hira's crested haori.

The sword at his waist was replaced with a brand new, fine one.

Her originally messy hair was shaved into a clean and neat top.

Making his first appearance before the Shinsengumi members, even the resolute and strong-willed Yataro Iwasaki couldn't help but feel nervous.

He pursed his lips so tightly that they turned slightly white, and his palms were covered in cold sweat.

After announcing the establishment of the Shinsenshokai and the appointment of Iwasaki Yataro in a loud voice, Aoto paused at the right time, giving everyone time to react and digest the information.

Apart from a very small number of people such as Hijikata Toshizo and Yamanami Keisuke, the others were completely unaware of Seido's grand plan to "promote the military through commerce".

Even Hijikata Toshizo and the others only learned about this a few days ago.

For a moment, the Shinsengumi generals looked at each other, their voices rising and falling in a flurry of discussion.

Harada Sanosuke scratched his head and spoke first to Aoto:

"Mr. Ju, you've confused me... You suddenly announced the formation of a new organization... and then suddenly appointed a stranger as the leader of this new organization... My brain can't keep up."

Compared to Harada Sanosuke's simple complaints, Nagakura Shinpachi's next question was much more professional.

"Mr. Tachibana, since the mission of this Shinsengumi Merchant Guild is to make money to supplement the Shinsengumi's military supplies, is it an organization directly under the Shinsengumi, like the Metropolitan Police Department or the Battōtai?"

Qing Deng smiled slightly and explained:

"Good question!"

"The New Selection Chamber of Commerce and the New Selection Group are on the same level. There is no superior-subordinate relationship between the two. Both are direct agencies of the Zhenfu Prefecture."

"The members of the Shinsengumi should not interfere with the actions of the Shinsengumi Chamber of Commerce."

"The members of the New Election Chamber of Commerce have no right to interfere with any of the activities of the New Election Group."

Zhenfufu—that is, Qingdeng's shogunate.

The Commander of the Capital Region had the power to establish his own office and govern. The office of the Commander of the Capital Region was commonly referred to as the "Capital Region Commander's Office", or simply the "Commander's Office".

All the institutions established by Qingdeng—including the New Selection Group—were subordinate agencies of the Zhenfu Office.

Because there is no immediate need for it, Qingdeng has not yet set up a dedicated office space for the Zhenfu Mansion.

Nagakura Shinpachi blinked thoughtfully, muttering to himself:

"Aren't the Shinsengumi and the Shinsen Chamber of Commerce independent of each other...?"

Just then, someone's voice suddenly broke in:

"...Mr. Tachibana, may I speak?"

Kiyokawa Hachiro turned his head and stared intently at Aoto.

Qingdeng glanced at him, then nodded slightly with a smile.

"Of course! Please feel free to ask any questions you may have!"

"Since that's the case, then I'll be frank."

Having said that, Kiyokawa Hachiro swept his gaze around, giving Iwasaki Yataro a once-over as if he were appraising him.

"Mr. Ju, may I ask where this person comes from? What position has he held before?"

Upon hearing this, Qing Deng turned his head and gave Iwasaki Yataro a look.

Iwasaki Yataro immediately understood and raised his head high, proclaiming in a loud voice:

"I was born in Aki District, Tosa Domain! I am a ronin from the underworld, and have never held any official position before!"

It must be said that Yataro Iwasaki's self-introduction was quite refreshing.

His eyes were firm and his gaze was unwavering; his voice was loud and clear, and his tone conveyed composure and calmness.

However... its content is really not flattering.

As soon as he finished speaking, a quiet commotion erupted both inside and outside the hall.

Most of the people here know what the underground ronin of the Tosa Domain represent.

Kiyokawa Hachiro's brows furrowed instantly:

“…Mr. Tachibana, if Kondo-kun, Yamanami-kun, or Hijikata-kun were to serve as the first president of the Shinsengumi Shokai, I would have no complaints.”

"They are all exceptional talents of our time, one in a million."

"If we entrust the newly elected Chamber of Commerce to them, everyone can rest assured."

"but……"

Qinghe Hachiro cast a sharp arrow-like gaze at Iwasaki Yataro.

"From your description, it appears that the New Selection Chamber of Commerce is an organization dedicated to business activities and is responsible for providing financial support to the New Selection Group."

"In other words, the supply guarantee for the new clan is entirely handled by the president of the new clan chamber of commerce."

"The responsibility is so heavy that it is beyond the capacity of ordinary people."

"And him... please forgive my harsh words—what merit or ability does this man possess to shoulder such a heavy responsibility?"

In an instant, a barrage of scrutinizing or suspicious gazes focused on Iwasaki Yataro.

Qing Deng had watched documentaries about Yataro Iwasaki and Eiichi Shibusawa, so he knew how capable Yataro Iwasaki was and how amazing his achievements would be.

However... others don't have Qing Deng's "God's-eye view".

In their eyes, Yataro Iwasaki was just an ordinary person from a humble background with no qualifications or achievements.

Therefore, Kiyokawa Hachiro's question is entirely reasonable.

Any human being with normal intelligence would question Yataro Iwasaki's abilities.

Qing Deng had naturally anticipated the reactions that would occur after everyone learned about Iwasaki Yataro's background and qualifications.

Therefore, he remained calm and said indifferently:

"I understand your concerns, but please rest assured."

"My promotion of Iwasaki-kun was not without reason."

"He is an outstanding talent who has passed my assessment, and his abilities deserve recognition."

"I assure you, and you can look forward to it—Iwasaki-kun's performance in the future will definitely not disappoint you!"

At this point, Qingdeng paused.

Then, smiling, she added:

Have I ever let you down?

The moment these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the room changed dramatically.

Souji, Nagakura Shinpachi, Saito Hajime... the facial expressions of the "Shieikan faction" members all relaxed.

Serizawa Kamo, Niimi Nishiki, and Kiyokawa Hachiro—these three people who are not familiar with Aoto, let's leave them aside for now.

However, for the members of the "Shiwei Hall faction," every word and action of Qing Deng carried immense weight in their hearts!

In the more than three years since he met Qing Deng, he has proven his ability and the credibility of his words through one powerful action after another.

A simple "Have I ever let you down?" is worth a thousand words.

"...I understand. Lord Tachibana, since you trust this person so much, then I have no objection."

Kiyokawa Hachiro glanced meaningfully at Iwasaki Yataro a few times, then bowed respectfully and gave Aoto a slight salute.

Qingdeng nodded in response, then scanned the room as he asked:

Does anyone else have any questions?

Everyone's eyes darted around in mid-air... They looked at each other, and no one spoke for a long time.

Just when Qing Deng thought that today's emergency meeting could come to an end, a clear, cold female voice suddenly rang out:

"Mr. Tachibana, since it's a trading company, shouldn't it be selling things?"

As soon as Sanako opened her mouth, she immediately drew everyone's attention.

What products does the New Selection Chamber of Commerce plan to sell to make money?

Sanako's question served as a reminder to everyone.

In an instant, Qingdeng was surrounded by curious gazes.

Qingdeng paused for a moment.

A moment later, he patted his forehead and a bitter smile appeared on his lips.

"Oh right, I almost forgot to introduce you to them."

Now that things have come to this, there is no longer any need to hide the existence of the Silver Mirror.

"The products that our newly formed trading company will sell... will sweep the entire Japanese market!"

As he spoke, Qingdeng, with a confident smile on his face, slowly pulled a shiny, newly made silver mirror from his pocket...

……

……

About half an hour later—

Qingdeng's room at the newly established garrison headquarters.

Qingdeng buried himself in his desk, writing furiously and handling official business meticulously.

Suddenly, his pen, which had been moving rapidly across the paper like a snake, came to a halt.

[Note: "Fengshu paper" refers to the highest grade of writing paper.]

The pause is temporary.

About two seconds later, the "swish swish swish" sound of writing rang out again.

At the same time, without turning his head, and without any expression of joy or sorrow, he spoke: