Anti-Qing: Starting from the Jintian Uprising

Chapter 502: The Tang-Japan Friendship and Mutual Assistance Treaty is signed! (9K)

The sunlight pierced through the clouds and shone onto the deck of the Weiyuan battleship.

The sea breeze blew, and the Tang Dynasty's sun, moon and star flags fluttered in the wind.

On the deck, Tang army soldiers in military uniforms stood with guns on their backs, like javelins, with determination reflected in their dark eyes.

On both sides of the long table covered with a silk tablecloth sat representatives from the Tang Dynasty and the Tokugawa Shogunate.

On the table were two treaty texts.

There were many staff members standing around with cameras in their hands.

Waiting to use the camera in hand to record the historic scene before your eyes.

Zhao Xinpei spoke first.

"I declare that the signing ceremony of the Tang-Japan Treaty of Friendship and Mutual Assistance has officially begun!"

After that, Zhao Xinpei began to speak.

In his speech, he first recalled the traditional friendship between the Tang Dynasty and Japan, and then bitterly criticized certain bad elements for destroying the friendship between the Tang and Japan.

Then, he talked about the promising future relationship between Tang Dynasty and Japan, and expressed his willingness to work with Japan to maintain good relations between Tang Dynasty and Japan...

Well, it's mostly empty bullshit.

However, these nonsense still need to be said in today's formal occasions.

After finishing his speech, Zhao Xinpei picked up the pen, signed his name on the Tang-Japan Treaty of Friendship and Mutual Assistance, and stamped it with his seal.

Then he gestured to Tokugawa Iemochi on the opposite side to sign.

Finally, the two sides exchanged the treaty text face to face, and the signing ceremony was officially completed.

At this moment, the sound of camera shutters clicking continued to be heard.

"Congratulations to the Tokugawa Shogunate for making the right choice!"

"From today on, the Tang Dynasty and the Tokugawa Shogunate are the most loyal friends..."

Zhao Xinpei said with a sincere smile on his face.

Anyway, what he said now is not actually bullshit.

With the signing of the Tang-Japan Treaty of Friendship and Mutual Assistance, the Tokugawa Shogunate moved up another level in the diplomatic hierarchy of the Tang Dynasty.

Because, if the shogunate fell, Japan's anti-shogunate faction would not necessarily recognize the "unequal" treaty signed by the Tokugawa shogunate.

In addition, the Tokugawa Shogunate now owes the Tang Dynasty a large amount of black online loan debt.

Therefore, even for its own interests, the Tokugawa Shogunate is the best friend of the Tang Dynasty!

Upon hearing this, Tokugawa Iemochi spoke very politely.

"In the future, please Ambassador Zhao take good care of me."

"The entire shogunate is grateful!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xinpei just nodded.

“Haha, take care of each other, take care of each other!”

With the signing of the Tang-Japan Treaty of Friendship and Mutual Assistance.

Japan has also begun to fulfill its obligations.

The first thing they did was to begin a large-scale arrest and assassination of anti-shogunate factions related to the Tang Dynasty's ambassador to Japan throughout Japan.

Well, to sum it up simply, arrest the anti-Qing faction!
The Tokugawa shogunate made it clear that it was preparing to expand the scope of the incident, taking advantage of the favorable conditions of the Tang Dynasty to deal a good blow to the arrogance of the anti-shogunate faction.

……

On the streets of Kyoto, you can see people walking hurriedly everywhere.

Whether they were merchants, warriors, or civilians, each of them had a solemn and faintly fearful look on their faces.

The entire Kyoto was plunged into a white terror launched by the shogunate, and the overall atmosphere was heavy and depressing.

It’s like dark clouds covering the sky, like the calm before the storm!

Jiro Honda left home with his wife watching him, walked on the street, and prepared to buy rice.

He glanced around vigilantly and walked hurriedly.

After seeing the policemen patrolling and arresting people, Honda Jiro looked obviously evasive.

A team of patrol officers walked past him, but Honda Jiro pretended to remain calm and continued walking.

But after the police left, his back was almost soaked with cold sweat.

Subconsciously, he quickened his pace and walked towards a rice shop on the street not far away.

Their family is almost out of food now. If he can't buy rice today, the whole family will starve.

Although Jiro Honda is a samurai, he is a down-and-out samurai.

The annual salary given by the court was not enough for him to support his family.

On weekdays, he even had to go to the dock to help merchants carry their bags and serve as a bodyguard for them in order to barely make ends meet.

Therefore, Jiro Honda was very resentful towards the shogunate.

In his opinion, if it were not for the rule of the shogunate, his life would have been much better than it was now.

Because of this, Jiro Honda usually behaves very cynically.

Or it can be said that he could actually be considered a potential member of the anti-Qing Dynasty faction.

That's why he felt uneasy when he saw the police on the street.

Honda Jiro walked quickly to the outside of the rice shop, stepped over the threshold and went in, then spoke.

"Help me pack twenty kilograms of rice!"

The clerk in the store heard this and responded.

"Sir, would you like new rice or old rice?"

"The new rice is almost sold out. There are only about 100 kilograms left in the store. Each kilogram costs 2 cents."

"Most of the old rice is from last year, and it costs 7 cents per pound. There is also some from the year before last. The year before last is cheaper, at 5 cents per pound."

Food prices are very high in Japan today.

In order to obtain foreign exchange, Japan exported a large amount of grain to the Tang Dynasty every year, even though its own grain production was not high, without caring about the lives of the local people.

Therefore, the price of food in Japan has almost doubled compared with previous years, and even the price of old rice is rising rapidly.

After hearing this, Jiro hesitated for a while, then said.

"Just the old rice from the year before last. As long as it's edible, don't consider anything else."

Upon hearing this, the waiter took out a cloth bag without hesitation and filled it with twenty kilograms of old rice for Honda Jiro, then said.

"Maeki Ikkaku."

Upon hearing this, Jiro Honda took out a wallet from his pocket.

He opened it, took out a dime and handed it to the guy opposite him.

The guy took the money, checked it against the sunlight outside, and made sure it was not counterfeit before accepting it.

As for the source of these banknotes?

Certainly not the Tokugawa shogunate's own banknotes.

But it’s the paper money of the Tang Dynasty!
As the exchanges between the Tang Dynasty and Japan continue to increase, the Tang Dynasty's penetration into Japan is now very deep and has reached the stage of finance and currency.

Today, Japan basically has two monetary systems running in parallel.

One is Japan’s own precious metal currency system, and the other is the Tang Dynasty’s currency system.

In the vast rural villages and towns, Japan's own monetary system still dominates.

However, in coastal port cities such as Kyoto or Edo, the Tang Dynasty's currency had a market share that was 50-50 with Japan's own currency.

The gold content is quite high!

In the Tang Dynasty's monetary system, paper money also occupied a significant proportion.

In fact, not only in Japan, but also in the entire East Asia and Southeast Asia, the currency of the Tang Dynasty is real hard currency.

Even paper money can still circulate.

With the Tang Dynasty's steel battleships as collateral, not to mention that the Tang Dynasty's currency is truly valuable, it can be used to redeem gold and silver in kind, purchase goods, and pay taxes.

Even if the Tang Dynasty's paper money was waste paper, those small countries still had to recognize it.

The Ming Dynasty's treasure notes were also made in the same way.

Do you really think that Zheng He paid real money to buy things when he sailed to the West?

In fact, most of them are fake treasures!

As for what if the other party does not recognize it?
Zheng He: Why don’t you take a look at the Ming Dynasty’s fleet sailing to the West on the sea first, and then think carefully about whether to recognize it or not?

Baochao was issued by order of the Ming Emperor. If you do not recognize Baochao, you are defying the order.

Someone, come here, kill all these traitors who disobey my order!
The whole family was slaughtered!

Let these barbarians understand what is called the king's army and what is called punishing the criminals and comforting the people!
Of course, Li Yi is more respectable than the Zhu family.

He knows more about the monetary system and the importance of monetary credit.

Therefore, we are not prepared to treat the Tang Dynasty's paper money and treasure notes as waste paper.

Instead, they are really preparing to operate a mature monetary system.

Therefore, the paper currency of the Tang Dynasty was not as bad as the treasure notes of the Ming Dynasty, so there would naturally be less resistance in promoting it.

Jiro Honda picked up the grain bag and walked out.

However, just as he walked out of the store, he felt someone kicked him in the leg.

Jiro Honda lost his balance and fell to the ground.

The grain bag in his hand fell directly to the ground, the bag opened, and the white rice spilled all over the ground.

The next moment, Honda Jiro felt his body sink and he was covered with a big man.

When he came to his senses, he had already been controlled by someone.

Jiro Honda raised his head and was about to yell at who was so blind as to dare to attack him, a samurai master.

But before he could finish his words, the expression on his face froze.

Because the few people holding him down now are all wearing patrol uniforms.

At this moment, Jiro Honda only felt his throat dry.

He opened his mouth and asked with a noticeably hoarse voice.

"You...what are you going to do? Why are you arresting me?"

"I...I was wrongly accused..."

As soon as Honda Jiro finished speaking, the captain of the patrol team couldn't help but sneered and said.

"Haha, I haven't said anything yet, and you already know that you are wronged?"

Instantly, laughter broke out all around.

Suddenly, Jiro Honda saw an acquaintance in the crowd.

He was a businessman in fancy clothes.

The man's name was Higashino Nobuyuki, a famous businessman in Kyoto. Jiro Honda once worked for him.

However, because Higashino Nobuyuki tried to get his hands on Honda Jiro's wife, Honda Jiro fell out with him...

In order to get rid of Higashino Nobuyuki's harassment, Honda Jiro even moved.

Unexpectedly, I met Higashino Nobuyuki again today.

Under the gaze of Honda Jiro, Higashino Nobuyuki bowed slightly beside the patrol captain and spoke.

"Kishida-san, he is Jiro Honda, a clown who is against the shogunate."

"I have heard him speak ill of the shogun and the general more than once!"

"This thief may also be involved in the assassination of the Tang ambassador..."

Upon hearing this, Captain Kishida nodded slightly and waved his hand.

"Take people away!"

Upon hearing this, Jiro Honda couldn't help but widen his eyes and cried out in injustice.

"No, I didn't. I am not a member of the anti-Qing faction, and I did not assassinate the Tang ambassador..."

Although Honda Jiro had many complaints about the shogunate and had some dealings with the anti-shogunate faction, the most they had was a relationship where they went to the dock together to carry bags.

He really did not participate in the assassination of the Tang Dynasty ambassador.

I dare not participate!
But Kishida completely ignored what Honda Jiro said and waved his hand to order his men to take the man away.

After Honda Jiro was taken away, Higashino Nobuyuki took out an envelope from his arms and handed it to Kishida.

"Captain Kishida, please help me."

Upon hearing this, Kishida pinched the thickness of the envelope and nodded with satisfaction.

"Why are you being polite? I want to thank Dongye-kun for helping me dig out a bug from the anti-shogunate faction."

Dongye Xin heard this and even said he didn't dare.

But the corners of his mouth are harder to suppress than AK.

Higashino Nobuyuki had been familiar with the Romance of the Three Kingdoms since childhood and had great ambitions to become Prime Minister Cao.

His preferences are similar to those of Prime Minister Cao!
I have a special interest in young married women.

He had been coveting Honda Jiro's pretty wife for a long time, but because Honda Jiro was around, he had never been able to succeed.

But now it is different. Jiro Honda was sent in by him. In this way, Jiro Honda's wife can do whatever he wants, right?
Hehe, madam, you don’t want your husband to lose his head, do you?

Thinking of this, Higashino Nobuyuki said goodbye to Captain Kishida and others, and immediately led his men towards Honda Jiro's house.

Looking at Higashino Nobuyuki's back, Captain Kishida twitched the corners of his mouth with a meaningful expression.

Of course he knew why Higashino Nobuyuki asked him for help.

He also knew that Jiro Honda had nothing to do with the assassination of the Tang Dynasty's ambassador to Japan.

But what does this have to do with him?
The Tang Dynasty wants to avenge its ambassador to Japan, and the shogunate must give an explanation to the Tang Dynasty. Naturally, Kishida must take advantage of this opportunity to gain some benefits for himself!
Otherwise, wouldn't it be a waste of time for him and his brothers to arrest people everywhere during this period?

……

Kyoto, Imperial Palace!
main hall!

Emperor Komei was dressed in traditional Japanese attire and kneeling on a tatami mat.

In front of him, his adopted son, Prince Komatsu-kun Akihito, knelt on the ground.

On the side, his second son Mutsuhito, the Minister of the Interior Iwakura Tomomi, Sanjo Sanetomi and others stood.

Prince Komatsukan Akihito knelt there, trembling all over, his voice trembling with an obvious tremor.

"My son knows he was wrong, my son knows he was wrong!"

"Please, father, save me..."

As the Tang Dynasty and the shogunate signed a peace treaty, the shogunate began to arrest the anti-shogunate faction who had attempted to assassinate the Tang Dynasty's ambassador to Japan.

A considerable number of these anti-shogunate factions had close ties with Prince Komatsu-kun Akihito.

Seeing his friends and old acquaintances being taken away one by one, Prince Komatsukan Akihito's mentality collapsed.

He didn't dare to stay in his mansion any longer, for fear that one day he would wake up and be thrown into the shogunate's prison.

Therefore, he took refuge in the Imperial Palace, hoping to seek protection from Emperor Komei.

Emperor Komei looked at his adopted son who was kneeling in front of him and kowtowing and begging, and there was some heartache in his eyes.

He asked through gritted teeth.

"So, the assassination of the Tang ambassador is really related to you?"

"Did you really order this?"

Upon hearing this, Prince Komatsukan Akihito glanced at Mutsuhito standing beside him from the corner of his eye.

But he dared not say anything. He just continued to kowtow and beg for mercy.

His head kept hitting the wooden floor, making a loud bang like a drum.

When Xiaoming saw this, how could he not understand!

He originally thought that the rumors in the market that the assassination was related to Prince Komatsu Kan Akihito were just rumors.

Unexpectedly, it is true!

This time, I'm afraid there will be trouble!

Although the shogunate wanted to protect Prince Komatsu-no-Kamiya Akihito because it was unwilling to fall out with Emperor Komei, who was close to the shogunate.

But there is nothing to be done, the anti-Qing Dynasty faction doesn’t want to do that!

In order to intensify the conflict between the shogunate and the emperor, the anti-shogunate faction even took the initiative to spread among the people that the assassination attempt was secretly instigated by Prince Komatsunoki Akihito.

In fact, this matter has now reached the ears of Emperor Komei.

Upon seeing this, Emperor Komei took a deep breath and asked with a serious expression.

"Everyone, tell me, what should I do to save Xiaosong?"

Although Prince Komatsunoki Akihito had gotten into trouble, the Emperor still wanted to try to save him because of their past friendship.

Iwakura Tomomi heard this and spoke.

"Your Majesty, the shogunate is now completely a puppet of the Tang Dynasty. They have completely lost the pride of the military family."

"The shogunate dares not resist the orders of the Tang Dynasty!"

"If the Tang Dynasty wants to capture His Excellency Prince Akihito of Komatsu, I'm afraid it will be difficult for us to protect him."

Upon hearing this, Komatsu Kan Akihito kowtowed even faster.

When Emperor Komei heard this, his expression froze, but he still spoke.

"So what do you think I should do, Mr. Iwakura?"

When Iwakura Tomomi heard this, he first chuckled, and then began to smuggle his own agenda.

"If His Majesty the Emperor wants to save His Excellency the Prince and Japan, he can only place his hopes on the anti-shogunate faction and the powerful southwestern feudal lords."

Seeing this, Sanjo Sanemi also spoke.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

"Today's shogunate has almost become a vicious dog kept by the Tang Dynasty in Japan, only knowing how to tear Japan's flesh to please its master."

"If we allow the shogunate to take power again, it won't be long before Japan will completely become meat in the Tang Dynasty's bowl..."

Even Mutsuhito, who was still very young, spoke up.

"Father, if this continues, Japan will have no future."

“We have to change this!”

Being stared at by several piercing eyes, Emperor Komei couldn't help but reveal a puzzled expression on his face.

"How...how does this happen?"

"The shogunate is in power according to the laws of our ancestors, and the laws of our ancestors cannot be changed..."

The shogunate system of ruling Japan had been in place for more than a thousand years, and the emperor had long since adapted to the role of puppet.

Now, if the emperor wants him to become stronger, it is absolutely impossible for him to do so.

Seeing this, everyone was inevitably disappointed. Everyone felt that Emperor Komei was too weak.

However, at this moment, a servant hurriedly ran in from outside to report.

"Report, Your Majesty, something terrible has happened!"

"The new Tang ambassador to Japan, Zhao Xinpei, and the shogunate's senior councilor Ando Nobumasa have arrived outside the Imperial Palace..."

As soon as the attendant finished speaking, Prince Komatsukan Akihito, who had been kowtowing continuously, suddenly stiffened, and then his body went limp and he fell directly to the ground.

The whole person was frightened to the point of fainting!

Emperor Komei took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind, and spoke.

"Go and invite people in!"

Upon hearing this, the attendant turned and left.

Soon, Zhao Xinpei, Ando Nobumasa and others were brought in.

It is worth mentioning that Zhao Xinpei was followed by several armed guards.

These guards all wore black uniforms, had pistols on their waists, and had stern expressions.

Inspired by the last assassination of Chai Zhixin, these guards were sent from the Tang Dynasty!

Even when Zhao Xinpei entered the Imperial Palace of Japan, these guards still followed closely without even unloading their guns.

Zhao Xinpei and Ando Nobumasa walked into the main hall of the Imperial Palace one after another.

After entering the main hall, Ando Nobuo knelt on the ground and bowed politely.

Zhao Xinpei just bowed slightly and let it go.

"Zhao Xinpei, the Tang Dynasty's ambassador to Japan, greets the Japanese king!"

When Xiaoming saw this, he did not get angry although he was a soft-hearted person, but just asked.

"I wonder why the Ambassador came to the Imperial Palace?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xinpei took out a bright yellow scroll from his arms and said.

"I am here today on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty to convey the order to the King of Japan!"

As he spoke, Zhao Xinpei's expression became serious and he began to speak.

"Everyone, kneel down and accept my order!"

As soon as Zhao Xinpei said this, Mutsuhito, Iwakura Tomomi, Sanjo Sanemi and others in the venue all looked indignant.

However, before they could say anything, Emperor Komei stood up from the tatami and knelt down.

Komei understood that his status as emperor might have some weight in the hearts of the Japanese.

But in front of the Tang Dynasty, it’s nothing!
If he offended the Tang Dynasty, it was very likely that the Tang Dynasty would instruct the shogunate to kill him.

For the sake of his own life, Xiaoming simply chose to give in.

Seeing this scene, Mu Ren and others felt aggrieved.

We, your Majesty, are willing to fight to the death, why did you surrender first?

But there was nothing they could do. Emperor Komei had already knelt down, so they had no choice but to kneel.

Ando Nobumasa has not stood up since he knelt down to salute the emperor.

Seeing that everyone had knelt down, Zhao Xinpei slowly unfolded the scroll and spoke loudly.

"The emperor is destined to be carried by heaven, and the edict says:"

"Japan is a corner of the East China Sea. The ruler of the country followed the posthumous title of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty and called himself the emperor. This is a heinous act."

"However, His Majesty the Emperor considers that Japan is respectful and obedient, and that those who are ignorant are not guilty, so he does not criticize them harshly."

"From now on, the ruler of Japan shall announce to the world that he will give up the title of Emperor and take on the role of ruler of the country, and shall not overstep his authority."

"Appreciate this!"

After reading the imperial edict, Zhao Xinpei stared at the people in front of him expressionlessly, and then said.

"Lord, please accept my order!"

"Don't make it difficult for me!"

When Emperor Komei heard this, his face twitched, but he finally took a deep breath and spoke.

"Xiao...Xiaoming accepts the order!"

As he said this, he knocked his head heavily to the ground again, with an unusually respectful attitude.

When Zhao Xinpei saw this, he could no longer hide the smile on his face.

"Haha, please stand up quickly, Lord."

"Please get up quickly!"

Zhao Xinpei personally helped Xiaoming up, and Xiaoming said with a grim expression.

"I am really terrified, really terrified!"

Zhao Xinpei comforted him with gentle words.

"Your Majesty, do not be afraid. His Majesty the Emperor said that considering Japan's obedience, the previous usurpation of the Tang Dynasty will not be investigated further."

"As long as Japan is careful in what it says and does and fulfills its duties as a vassal, it will remain a close vassal of the Tang Dynasty, and the annual rewards from the Tang Dynasty will not be less..."

Xiaoming heard this and thought it was not bad.

As long as the Tang Dynasty is not prepared to abolish the throne of the emperor, then suffering a little grievance is nothing.

In his opinion, although the Tang Dynasty ordered him to abdicate the throne, as long as he did not deliberately publicize it, he could continue to be called whatever he wanted in Japan.

It's no big deal!
Thinking of this, Xiaoming said in a slightly flattering tone.

"I wonder if Ambassador Zhao has anything else to do here today?"

"If there is, I will definitely cooperate with you fully!"

Xiaoming was very sensible and even changed the way he called himself.

Zhao Xinpei smiled and then said.

"And one more thing."

"Prince Komatsu-no-Kami Akihito is suspected of assassinating the former Tang ambassador to Japan. The Tang needs to take him away for investigation."

"I hope the Lord will cooperate with me!"

When Xiaoming saw this, he looked conflicted, but in the end he couldn't help but plead for mercy.

"Xiaosong is a good boy."

"He was just deceived this time. Sir Zhao, please give him another chance to reform."

"I will definitely discipline him!"

When Zhao Xinpei heard this, the smile on his face suddenly disappeared and he spoke expressionlessly.

"no!"

"The Tang Dynasty's ambassador to Japan must not die in vain. The murderer must pay the price with blood!"

When he said this, there was obvious murderous intent in Zhao Xinpei's eyes.

His emotions were not fake.

But it comes from the heart!

Because the person who was assassinated was his predecessor.

If the real murderer who assassinated his predecessor could not be brought to justice, Zhao Xinpei was afraid that he would wake up from his sleep and find his head chopped off.

Once this kind of thing happens, we must investigate it thoroughly to make an example of it!
There is absolutely no room for negotiation!

Xiaoming was embarrassed in public and looked unhappy, but in the end he did not dare to explode directly.

His expression showed visibly aggrieved.

Seeing this, Ando Nobumasa, who had just been kneeling on the ground, got up from the ground and whispered in Emperor Komei's ear.

"Your Majesty, the peace treaty has been signed."

"But the Tang Dynasty's fleet is still drifting off the coast of Jiangwai."

"It's not that far from Kyoto..."

When Xiaoming heard this, his expression darkened, but he finally spoke.

"All right!"

"All right!"

"Then please take Xiaosong to investigate!"

"However, I hope that if Xiaosong is innocent, you can send him back in good health."

"Okay?"

Of course, Xiaoming knew that Prince Komatsu-kun Akihito was not innocent.

The reason why I say this even though I know this is to save face.

Seeing that Xiaoming gave him face, Zhao Xinpei naturally responded with dignity.

"can!"

"I can assure the king that if Prince Komatsu-kun Akihito is truly innocent."

"Then Datang will definitely guarantee his safety!"

"But if he is really the real culprit behind this, then I hope the king will stop getting entangled with the Tang Dynasty on this matter!"

Xiaoming gave a bitter smile, his mouth twitching, but he finally nodded in agreement.

……

After doing all this, Zhao Xinpei and Ando Nobumasa left the Imperial Palace together.

Prince Komatsunoki Akihito was also taken away by them.

After the group left, Mutsuhito finally couldn't help but speak.

"Father, the shogunate and the Tang Dynasty are really going too far."

"This is a humiliation to Japan and to you."

Iwakura Tomomi and Sanjo Sanemi also spoke indignantly.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty, if the Tang Dynasty can force you to give up your title of emperor today, it will be able to forcibly annex Japan in the future."

"We can't just sit there and wait for death!"

"..."

Upon hearing this, Xiaoming did not make any expression, but just curled his lips and spoke.

"maybe!"

"But, given the current situation and the threat from the Tang Dynasty, what else can we do except obey orders?"

"Just now, the shogunate's elder councilor Ando Nobumasa whispered in my ear that the Tang fleet is still drifting off the coast of Japan. Do you know how desperate I was after hearing this?"

Everyone was speechless when they heard this, and a faint sadness filled everyone's heart.

Suddenly, Mutsuhito spoke.

"Father, I do have a solution that may help solve Japan's current predicament."

When Xiaoming heard this, he looked quite interested.

"Tell me!"

Mutsuhito took a deep breath and then spoke.

"In today's world, the only country that can compete with the Tang Dynasty is Britain in the West."

"If Japan wants to become stronger and more independent, seeking help from Britain may be the best choice."

"We can contact the powerful vassal states in the southwest and jointly send students to Britain to learn from the advanced aspects of Britain, and then promote reforms in our own country in order to achieve self-reliance and self-strengthening."

"I am willing to go to the UK to study and set an example for other international students."

Mutsuhito was afraid that his involvement in instigating Prince Komatsukan Akihito to assassinate the Tang Dynasty's ambassador to Japan would be exposed, so he wanted to hide in England to avoid falling into the hands of the Tang Dynasty.

He knew that if he fell into the hands of the Tang Dynasty, the Tang Dynasty would never let him go!

When Xiaoming heard this, his expression was somewhat moved.

Iwakura Tomomi and Sanjo Sanemi on the side also tried to persuade them.

After a moment, Xiaoming finally moved and nodded.

"Okay, let's do it."

"You can send someone to contact the British ambassador later..."

Mu Ren was obviously relieved when he heard this.

Iwakura Tomomi and Sanjo Sanemi took their leave. Seeing this, Mutsuto was about to leave as well, but was stopped by Takaaki.

Mutsuhito stopped and Xiaoming waved his hand to dismiss everyone.

In the main hall, only Xiaoming and his son Muren were left.

Xiaoming looked around and asked.

"Muren, tell me honestly, is the assassination of the Tang ambassador to Japan also related to you?"

Obviously, Prince Komatsukan Akihito's sneak glance at Mutsuhito just now was discovered by Xiaoming.

When Mu Ren heard this, the expression on his face changed for a while, but he finally spoke stubbornly.

"Father, I didn't!"

The reason why Prince Komatsu Kan Akihito sent people to assassinate the Tang Dynasty's ambassador to Japan was not only instigated by the anti-shogunate faction.

Mutsuhito also instigated a lot and even provided a lot of conveniences to Prince Komatsu Kan Akihito.

Now that Prince Komatsunoki Akihito has been taken away by the Tang Dynasty, Mutsuhito is really worried that he will be implicated.

Hearing this, Xiaoming smiled bitterly, then nodded and said.

"That's right. Remember to say this to everyone in the future."

"As for your study abroad in the UK, your father will arrange it as soon as possible. I believe that the powerful vassal states in the southwest should be interested in making this happen."

Mutsuhito saw this and opened his mouth, knowing that Xiaoming had understood everything, he knelt down, kowtowed and said.

"Thank you, Father..."

Upon hearing this, Xiaoming just smiled bitterly.

Now, his eldest son has died, and he only has Mu Ren as his son.

Even if he got into trouble, Xiaoming could only do everything he could to protect him.

Mu Ren took his leave, and Xiao Ming looked at his gradually receding back, his eyes full of reluctance.

But now he doesn't have more choices!

If Mu Ren was not sent away, and once it was discovered that Mu Ren was involved in the assassination of the Tang Dynasty's ambassador to Japan, he would not be able to protect Mu Ren even if there was no evidence.

Just like he couldn't protect Prince Komatsu-kun Akihito!
……

Crimean Peninsula!

The roar of heavy artillery echoed across the plain.

One shell after another whizzed towards the fortress ahead.

Explosions continue to sound!
On the ground, the sound of artillery shells exploding continued to ring out, and beautiful sparks bloomed.

The next moment, deafening shouts of killing rang out.

The British lobster soldiers in red uniforms rushed towards the Kerch Fortress in front of them like a tide.

Dada! Dada!

Amid the sound of machine gun fire, the charging British troops were immediately killed and wounded.

However, in the end, they still rushed to the Russian position under the cover of artillery fire.

"kill!"

"Long live the British Empire, long live Her Majesty the Queen!"

"Surround the Tsar and fight to the death!"

"..."

As soon as the two sides engaged in fierce hand-to-hand combat!

Soon, the battlefield was filled with corpses.

The fighting became fierce. After a long battle, the British army still failed to break through the Russian defense line. Instead, Russian reinforcements rushed up.

In desperation, the British army finally retreated.

The place was left with densely packed corpses, piled up like a mountain, and blood flowing like a river.

On the battlefield in Crimea, human life became the least valuable thing.

Since the British army took the initiative to provoke and send troops to the middle of last year, the Second Crimean War broke out, and the British army's progress has been quite smooth.

Although Tsarist Russia obtained a batch of arms from the Tang Dynasty, Britain now has the production capacity to independently produce and develop breech-loading weapons.

At the beginning of the war, Tsarist Russia could barely hold on, but as time passed, it inevitably began to decline.

Under the attack of the British army's large-caliber naval guns, the Sevastopol fortress finally ran out of ammunition and food, and its weapons were completely consumed after holding out for three months.

It eventually fell into the hands of the British.

Afterwards, the British army continued to launch attacks, successively conquering important Russian cities such as Yalta and Sudak, and marched all the way to Kerch.

The Russian army is retreating step by step!

The balance of victory in the Second Crimean War once again tilted towards the British army.

If the war continues like this, it won't be long before the British army can enter the Russian mainland.

Fighting in the heart of Tsarist Russia, on the great plains of East Europe.

Lord Palmerston, commander of the British army, stood on the deck of a steam ironclad ship, looking at the city of Kerch engulfed in flames in the distance and the retreating British troops, and he spoke.

"Kerch is just around the corner, and victory is just around the corner."

"Tell the boys that Her Majesty the Queen is waiting for their triumphal return in London!"

"Pass the order and continue the attack!"

After Britain was defeated in the Battle of the Bay of Bengal and asked for peace with the Tang Dynasty, Palmerston was forced to resign as prime minister under tremendous pressure from public opinion.

Palmerston then actively worked to promote the outbreak of the Second Crimean War.

He hoped that he could reverse the huge impact of Britain's failure in the war with the Tang Dynasty through victory in the Second Crimean War.

Furthermore, he can gain bargaining chips for himself to return to politics!
He also asked the Queen for the position of commander-in-chief of the British army.

The Queen did not refuse because she needed Palmerston to take the blame for the defeat in the Battle of the Bay of Bengal.

Anyway, there were special officers in charge of the front-line command, and Palmerston was just here to hold a position and gild his resume.

Nothing will happen!
……

PS: I owe you the update because I took leave yesterday!

(End of this chapter)